The dojo was a sanctuary of calm, the faint scent of incense lingering in the air. The sliding shoji doors were partially open, allowing the gentle breeze to carry in the faint fragrance of wisteria blossoms from the garden outside. The late afternoon sun filtered through the paper screens, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. Marya sat cross-legged on the tatami mat, her posture straight and composed, before her, the shogi board was set up, its pieces arranged neatly in their starting positions.
Across from her, Master Gaius settled onto the floor with a relaxed grace, his weathered kiseru pipe resting between his fingers. "Ready to lose again, Marya?" he teased, his voice rich with amusement as he set his pipe aside.
Marya raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a small, confident smile. "We'll see about that, Master Gaius. I've been practicing."
Master Gaius chuckled, the sound deep and resonant. "Confidence is good. But let's see if it's backed by skill."
They began the game, their moves deliberate and thoughtful. The clack of shogi pieces against the wooden board punctuated the quiet of the dojo, the rhythm of their play steady and measured. Marya scanned the board, her mind calculating strategies and countermoves. Master Gaius, meanwhile, maintained his usual air of relaxed confidence, his movements unhurried but precise.
As the game progressed, Master Gaius broke the silence with a casual remark. "So, how are you finding the festival preparations? Harper's been running himself ragged trying to make everything perfect."
Marya moved a piece on the board, her expression thoughtful. "He's certainly dedicated. The wisteria viewing was... enjoyable. It was good to relax with everyone before the chaos begins."
Master Gaius nodded, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Peaceful, you say? With that group?"
Marya's lips twitched in amusement. "Well, as peaceful as it can be with Nao lecturing everyone on the history of wisteria."
Master Gaius laughed, the sound warm and rich. "Ah, Nao. He means well, but he does have a way of making everything about himself, doesn't he?"
Marya moved another piece, her gaze flickering to the open doors of the dojo, where the wisteria blossoms swayed gently in the breeze. "He does. But it was a good day. Aurélie even shared one of her poems."
Master Gaius raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. "Did she now? And how did that go?"
Marya hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "It was... unique. She's very proud of it."
Master Gaius chuckled, clearly understanding the subtext. "Ah, yes. Aurélie's poetry is... an acquired taste. But it's good that she's expressing herself. Not everyone has the courage to share their art."
Marya nodded, her attention returning to the board. "The festival starts tonight. The lantern lighting ceremony is supposed to be spectacular this year."
The room fell quiet as Marya studied the board, her mind drifted back to the fierce battle with the Vice Admiral, the moment her guard faltered, and the sharp pain as the blade cut deep. The mention of her father, had caught her off guard, rendering her vulnerable and unable to defend herself. The memory of that critical injury lingered, a constant reminder of her shortcomings.
Finally, Marya broke the silence, her voice steady but tinged with frustration. "I lost focus," she admitted, her gaze fixed on the floor. "The Vice Admiral... she mentioned my father. And I... I wasn't prepared for it."
Master Gaius nodded slowly, his expression understanding but probing. "And that's when she wounded you?"
Marya's jaw tightened, her hands curling into fists on her knees. "Yes. I let my emotions get the better of me. I didn't expect... I didn't think I would react that way. I've trained to stay focused, to keep my mind clear. But when she said his name, it was like everything else faded away. I couldn't think. I became emotional. And she took advantage of that."
Master Gaius exhaled a slow stream of smoke from his pipe, his eyes never leaving hers. "Emotions are a powerful thing, Marya. They can be your greatest strength or your greatest weakness. It's not a failure to feel. It's a failure to let those feelings control you."
Marya's eyes flickered up to meet his, her frustration giving way to a flicker of curiosity. "What should I have done? How do I stop it from happening again?"
Master Gaius leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "You can't stop the emotions from coming, Marya. But you can learn to acknowledge them without letting them consume you. When the Vice Admiral mentioned your father, you felt something—anger, sadness, longing. That's natural. But instead of letting that feeling dominate you, you need to use it. Channel it. Turn it into something that fuels you, not something that holds you back."
Marya frowned, her brow furrowing as she considered his words. "How?"
Master Gaius smiled, his tone gentle but firm. "Next time, when those feelings rise, don't fight them. Acknowledge them. Let them exist, but don't let them control you. Take a breath. Ground yourself. And then use that energy to sharpen your focus, not cloud it. Your father is a part of you, Marya. You can't erase that, nor should you try. But you can decide how much power that part of you holds."
Marya's gaze dropped to the floor again, her expression pensive. "I didn't expect it to affect me so much," she said quietly. "I thought I was past all that. I thought I had moved on."
Master Gaius chuckled softly, his tone warm. "Moving on doesn't mean forgetting, Marya. It means learning to carry those memories without letting them weigh you down. You're human, not a machine. Emotions are part of what makes you strong. But you have to learn to wield them, just like you wield your sword."
Marya nodded slowly, reflecting a newfound determination. "I understand. I'll do better next time."
Master Gaius smiled, proudly. "I know you will. And remember, Marya, even the greatest swordsmen have moments of weakness. What matters is how you rise from them."
As the game continued, the conversation shifted to lighter topics—the upcoming sparring session with Aurélie, the festival's food stalls, and the antics of Dalton, Master Gaius's spirited grandson. The atmosphere was relaxed, the bond between mentor and student evident in their easy banter and mutual respect. Finally, Master Gaius made a decisive move, his smile turning triumphant. "Checkmate," he declared, leaning back with a satisfied grin.
Marya studied the board with grudging admiration. "Well played," she conceded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "But next time, I'll win."
Master Gaius chuckled, picking up his pipe and relighting it. "I look forward to it, Marya. You're getting better. But remember, shogi isn't just about strategy. It's about patience, adaptability, and knowing when to take risks. We have time. Another game?"
Marya nodded, "Yeah."
"Your move, Marya," Master Gaius said, his tone teasing. "Don't overthink it now."
Marya's lips twitched in a small smile, though her focus didn't waver. "I'm not overthinking. I'm strategizing."
Master Gaius chuckled, the sound warm and rich. "Strategizing, overthinking—it's a fine line."
Just as Marya reached for a piece, the sound of footsteps echoed through the dojo. Both she and Master Gaius looked up to see Aurélie standing in the doorway. Her black attire contrasted sharply with the soft glow of the blossoms outside, and her katana rested at her side. Her big gray eyes scanned the room with their usual stoic intensity, though there was a flicker of curiosity in her gaze.
"Aurélie," Marya greeted, her tone respectful but with a hint of warmth. "We're just finishing up."
Aurélie stepped inside, her movements graceful and deliberate. "I see," she said, her voice calm but carrying a subtle edge of amusement. "Who's winning?"
Master Gaius grinned, puffing on his pipe. "I am, of course. But Marya's putting up a good fight."
Marya rolled her eyes, though her smile betrayed her amusement. "We'll see about that."
Aurélie settled onto the floor beside them, her posture straight and composed. She watched the board intently, following the remaining pieces. "You've improved, Marya," she said after a moment, her tone matter-of-fact. "But you're still too predictable in your openings."
Marya raised a brow. "Predictable, huh? Maybe you should join the next game and show me how it's done."
Aurélie's lips curved into a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Perhaps I will. But first, finish this one. I'd like to see if you can turn it around."
Master Gaius chuckled, clearly enjoying the dynamic. "Careful, Marya. Aurélie's not one to back down."
Marya's eyes gleamed with determination as she moved a piece on the board. "Neither am I."
The game continued, the tension rising as Marya made a series of calculated moves that forced Master Gaius to rethink his strategy. Aurélie watched silently, missing nothing. Finally, Marya made a decisive move, her expression one of quiet triumph.
"Checkmate," she declared, leaning back with a satisfied smile.
Master Gaius studied the board for a moment, then laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Well played, Marya. You've earned this one."
Aurélie nodded, her tone approving. "Not bad. But you still left your left flank open midway through. A more aggressive opponent would have exploited that."
Marya's smile didn't waver. "Noted. But I won, didn't I?"
Aurélie's lips twitched in what might have been a smile. "This time."
*****
The sea stretched endlessly in all directions, its surface shimmering under the pale light of the setting sun. Shanks and Yasopp floated adrift, their bodies weary from hours of battling the waves. The storm had long since passed, leaving behind an eerie calm. Both men were silent, their energy spent, but their spirits unbroken.
"Yasopp," Shanks said suddenly, his voice cutting through the quiet. "Do you see that?"
Yasopp squinted, following Shanks' gaze. In the distance, a dark shape loomed on the horizon—an island. But it wasn't like any island they'd seen before. At its center rose a massive, mountain-sized tree stump, its jagged edges cutting into the sky like the remains of some ancient titan. The rest of the island was a dense tapestry of jungle, forests, and crumbling ruins that peeked through the greenery. And along the cliffs, cascading down like a waterfall of color, were wisteria blossoms—vivid purple flowers that seemed to glow in the fading light.
"That's... not normal," Yasopp muttered, as he took in the sight. "What kind of tree grows that big? And what could've cut it down?"
Shanks grinned, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "Only one way to find out. Let's get to shore before the sea decides to throw us another curveball."
The two men swam toward the island, their movements slow but determined. As they drew closer, the sheer scale of the tree stump became even more awe-inspiring. It towered over the island like a monolith, its surface gnarled and weathered by time. Vines and moss clung to its sides, and the faint sound of wildlife echoed from the jungle below. The wisteria blossoms on the cliffs swayed gently in the breeze, their sweet fragrance carried on the wind.
When they finally reached the shore, Shanks and Yasopp collapsed onto the sand, their bodies aching but relieved to be on solid ground. Shanks pushed himself up onto his elbows, scanning the island. "This place... it feels old," he said, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Those ruins—they're not from any civilization I've heard of."
Yasopp sat up, wringing water from his shirt. "Yeah, and that tree stump... it's like something out of a legend. You think the crew will believe us when we tell them about this place?"
Shanks laughed, his voice echoing across the beach. "If we make it back to tell them, they'll probably think we're making it up. But first, we need to figure out where we are and how to get off this rock."
The two men stood, their eyes drawn to the cliffs adorned with wisteria blossoms. The flowers seemed to beckon them, their vibrant purple hues standing out against the lush greenery. Shanks pointed toward the cliffs. "Let's head that way. If there's anything—or anyone—on this island, they might be near those cliffs."
Yasopp nodded, his usual smirk returning. "And if not, at least we'll have a good view. Assuming we don't get eaten by whatever lives in that jungle."
Shanks clapped Yasopp on the shoulder, his grin widening. "That's the spirit. Come on, let's see what this island has to offer."
As they ventured inland, the jungle grew denser, the air thick with the scent of earth and vegetation. The ruins became more pronounced—ancient stone structures covered in vines, their carvings worn away by time. The distant calls of unknown creatures echoed through the trees, but the two men pressed on, their footsteps steady.
The cliffs with the wisteria blossoms grew closer, their beauty even more striking up close. The flowers cascaded down the rock face like a waterfall, their petals shimmering in the fading light. Shanks paused at the base of the cliffs, "This place... it feels old, like it has ancient secrets" he said, his voice low.
Yasopp raised an eyebrow. "Ancient secrets? You think this island has a mind of its own?"
Shanks chuckled. "Stranger things have happened. Let's keep our guard up."
The two men began to climb the cliffs, their movements careful but determined. The wisteria blossoms brushed against them as they ascended, their sweet fragrance filling the air. As they reached the top, they were greeted by a breathtaking sight—a vast plateau covered in more wisteria trees, their branches intertwining to form a natural canopy. The ground was carpeted with fallen petals, and the air was alive with the hum of insects and the chirping of birds.
In the center of the plateau stood a stone altar, its surface covered in intricate carvings that seemed to tell a story. Shanks approached it, studying the symbols. "These carvings... they look like they're depicting a structure," he said, his voice filled with awe. "And something... or someone... destroying it."
Yasopp joined him, his expression thoughtful. "You think this island has a history? Maybe even a curse?"
Shanks grinned. "Maybe. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that every island has a story."
*****
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the dojo's training grounds. The soft rustle of leaves in the breeze provided a soothing backdrop to the scene. Marya and Aurélie stood facing each other, their blades drawn and gleaming in the fading light. Master Gaius leaned against the wooden frame of the dojo's entrance, with his weathered kiseru pipe, a trail of smoke curling lazily into the air.
Aurélie's katana rested lightly in her hand, her big gray eyes fixed on Marya with their usual stoic intensity. "Remember," she said, her voice calm but firm, "this isn't just about technique. It's about focus. Control. Don't let your emotions dictate your movements."
Marya nodded, Eternal Night felt familiar in her grip, its weight a comforting presence. Her golden eyes met Aurélie's, her expression one of determination. "I understand."
Aurélie's lips curved into a small, almost imperceptible smile. "We'll see."
Without warning, Aurélie moved, her speed breathtaking as she closed the distance between them in an instant. Her katana flashed in the sunlight, a blur of silver as she aimed a precise strike at Marya's shoulder. Marya reacted quickly, her Observation Haki flaring as she sensed the attack before it landed. She sidestepped, her blade meeting Aurélie's with a sharp clang that echoed through the garden.
Master Gaius watched intently, his pipe resting between his fingers. "Good reflexes, Marya," he called out, his tone encouraging. "But don't just react—anticipate."
Marya's eyes narrowed as she focused, her Armament Haki coating her blade in a faint, shimmering hue. She pressed forward, her strikes deliberate and calculated, aiming to test Aurélie's defenses. But Aurélie was a master, her movements fluid and precise. She parried each strike with ease, her own blade glowing with the same dark sheen of Armament Haki.
"You're too predictable," Aurélie said, her voice calm but carrying a hint of challenge. "You're thinking too much. Let your instincts guide you."
Marya gritted her teeth, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface. She launched a series of rapid strikes, each one aimed to break through Aurélie's defenses. But Aurélie countered effortlessly, her movements almost lazy in their precision. "You're letting your emotions take over," she said, her tone sharp. "Focus, Marya. Breathe."
Marya stepped back, her chest rising and falling as she took a deep breath. She closed her eyes for a moment, centering herself, a memory of her father came to mind. The day he had first shown her how to wield a blade, his piercing golden gaze watching her every move with calculated precision. "A sword is an extension of yourself," he had said, his voice a deep rumble, "Master it, and you master yourself." His words had stayed with her as a guiding light. When she opened her eyes, her gaze was steady. "Again," she said, her voice firm.
Aurélie nodded, approvingly. "Better."
This time, Marya moved first, her blade a blur as she aimed a swift strike at Aurélie's side. Aurélie blocked it, but Marya followed up with a feint, her Observation Haki allowing her to predict Aurélie's counter. She shifted her weight, her blade slicing through the air in a precise arc. Aurélie's eyes widened slightly, and she was forced to step back, her own blade coming up to deflect the attack.
"Good," Aurélie said, her tone genuine. "But don't get cocky."
The garden was alive with the clash of steel and the hum of Haki, the air crackling with energy as Marya and Aurélie sparred. Their blades met in a shower of sparks, the force of their strikes sending ripples through the air. Marya's hair whipped around her face as she pressed forward, Eternal Night glowing faintly with Armament Haki. Aurélie countered with effortless precision, her silver hair flowing like moonlight as she parried each strike, her own blade shimmering with the same dark sheen.
"Focus, Marya," Aurélie said, her voice calm but firm. "Don't let your guard down."
Marya's eyes narrowed, her breath steady as she channeled her Observation Haki, anticipating Aurélie's next move. She shifted her weight, preparing to strike, when suddenly, a ripple of unease passed through her. Her senses prickled, her Haki flaring as she detected something—something out of place, something wrong.
She froze mid-strike, her blade hovering in the air as her eyes widened. "Aurélie," she said, her voice low but urgent. "Do you feel that?"
Aurélie's expression shifted, her usual stoic demeanor giving way to a flicker of concern. She lowered her blade, her big gray eyes scanning the horizon. "I do," she said, her tone grim. "Something's not right."
The two stood in silence for a moment, their Haki reaching out like tendrils, probing the island for the source of the disturbance. The sensation was faint but unmistakable—a presence that didn't belong. It was distant, but it was there.
Marya's grip tightened on her hilt, her golden eyes narrowing. "We should go."
Aurélie nodded, her expression resolute. "Agreed."
Without another word, they sheathed their blades and turned toward the edge of the garden. Master Gaius, who had been watching from the dojo's entrance, stepped forward, his weathered kiseru pipe clenched between his teeth. He studied them with quiet understanding. "Trouble?" he asked, his voice calm but carrying a note of concern.
"Something's off," Marya said, her tone serious. "We're going to check it out."
As they moved toward the edge of the garden, Marya glanced at Aurélie. "We'll need to move quickly."
Aurélie's lips curved into a small, almost imperceptible smile.
In unison, they activated their powers. Marya's body dissolved into a swirling mist, her form becoming one with the air as she floated effortlessly above the ground. Aurélie, meanwhile, summoned the wings of her Locust-Locust Fruit, their iridescent sheen catching the fading light as they unfurled from her back. With a powerful beat, she took to the sky, her movements swift and precise.
The two soared above the island, their senses sharp and their focus unwavering. The wisteria blossoms below swayed gently in the breeze, their beauty a stark contrast to the tension in the air. As they flew, Marya's mist form swirled around Aurélie, their silent communication a testament to their tactical agreement.
"Do you sense it?" Marya's voice echoed faintly, carried by the wind.
"Yes," Aurélie replied, grimly. "It's coming from the northern cliffs. Let's move."
They sped toward the source of the disturbance, their powers carrying them swiftly across the island. The sun had nearly set, casting long shadows over the landscape, but the two moved with purpose, their Haki guiding them. As they approached the cliffs, the sensation grew stronger.
Marya's mist form coalesced into her human shape as she landed on the rocky outcrop, her sword drawn and her eyes sharp. Aurélie touched down beside her, her wings folding neatly against her back as her hand rested on the hilt of her katana.
The two moved forward, their steps silent and their senses alert. The wisteria blossoms swayed in the distance, their delicate petals a reminder of the beauty they were fighting to protect. As they ventured deeper into the cliffs, the air grew colder, the presence ahead growing stronger.