My recent days could be summarized as a descent into comfortable decay. I had a running log in my mind: chilling, enjoying the service of my maids, more chilling. A fleeting thought to practice my swordsmanship was quickly buried under the weight of sheer laziness. Suzu, my usually cool and aloof maid, looked adorable when she blushed, and Sakura's hands were incredibly soft. My life had become a flat, featureless plain of indulgence.
Early morning sunlight streamed into the room through massive floor-to-ceiling windows. As usual, my two young maids, Sakura and Suzu, had everything prepared.
On my left, Sakura handed me a cup of red tea, brewed to the perfect temperature. On my right, Suzu held a plate of exquisite, freshly baked pastries that were still steaming. Behind me, soft cushions were constantly being fluffed and adjusted to provide the most comfortable angle for my lounging.
I squinted, feeling my ambition and drive melting away under the gentle morning sun. If this continued, I doubted I would ever have the desire to draw my sword again. I probably wouldn't even want to get out of this lounge chair.
"Sigh..."
A long, heavy sigh escaped my lips, filled with a deep sense of regret for my own degeneracy.
"Lord Kyle, are the snacks not to your liking today?" Suzu tilted her head, a hint of concern clouding her usually cool expression.
"No, the snacks are delicious," I waved a hand weakly. "The problem is with me."
My mind drifted back to my days on the Oro Jackson. Back then, I was either deep in conversation with Rayleigh, being dragged off by Roger to drink and cause some trouble, or sparring with Gaban. Life was anything but dull. Now, I felt like a decadent feudal lord, my spirit completely hollowed out by comfort and excess.
This had to stop.
My eyes snapped open, and I sat up abruptly. The sudden movement startled Sakura and Suzu, who both flinched.
"My lord?" Sakura asked timidly.
"I need to go out for a while." I stood up, stretching my stiff muscles. "I'm leaving things here in your care, and Caron's."
A memory surfaced, a crucial piece of information from the timeline I held in my head. Around this time, Gecko Moriah was about to face the greatest defeat of his life in Wano Country. Right now, he was likely still a high-spirited pirate captain1, brimming with confidence in his own strength and the power of his crew. He was probably preparing to challenge Kaido of the Beasts, the Yonko 2 who had entrenched himself in Wano.
Soon, Kaido would completely annihilate Moriah's crew, dealing him a brutal, soul-crushing blow. From that point on, Moriah would never recover. He would become a gloomy, reclusive shell of his former self, hiding away in Thriller Bark to build a zombie army with stolen shadows. He was the perfect example of how not to live.
I stroked my chin, considering the possibilities. Caron was a genius when it came to managing internal affairs and building our organization, but he wasn't a fighter. If I wanted to expand my influence, I needed a few powerful and resilient individuals to act as the face of my power. Rescuing Moriah before his spirit was completely broken seemed like a promising opportunity. It would also be a chance to see if he had any skilled crewmates worth recruiting.
And there was another reason...
My gaze darkened. Wano Country. Kozuki Oden.
I wondered how the man I once drank and adventured with on Roger's ship was doing. When we parted ways, I had warned him that the political waters of Wano were far deeper and more dangerous than he could imagine. I could only hope that the naive samurai had listened to at least some of my advice.
"Caron."
My voice wasn't loud, but it echoed clearly throughout the villa. Less than ten seconds later, Caron rushed in like a gust of wind and performed a perfect ninety-degree bow.
"Lord Kyle! What are your orders?"
"I'll be gone for some time," I said concisely. "It could be a few months, or it could be longer. You'll continue to handle things here as usual. And take care of those two."
"Yes! Please rest assured, my lord! I will dedicate my entire being to my duties until death! I swear on my life to protect the foundation you have built!" Caron's reply was as loud and full of ceremony as ever.
I didn't waste time with further pleasantries. After giving my instructions, I walked out onto the balcony. A faint shockwave trembled under my feet, and I shot into the sky like a streak of light, disappearing over the horizon in an instant.
Back in the villa, three people were left staring at the empty sky. Sakura and Suzu's eyes were filled with adoring stars, while Caron clenched his fists and shouted to the heavens once more.
"Farewell, Lord Kyle!"
The New World, the treacherous latter half of the Grand Line.
A pirate ship flying a fanged skull flag sailed smoothly across the waves. On deck, a group of pirates were drinking and bragging loudly, their laughter filling the air.
"Captain, we really struck it rich this time! After robbing that small kingdom, we've got enough gold to live like kings for years!"
"Hahaha! You got that right! When we reach the next island, I'm gonna find the most beautiful women and drink the best booze they've got!"
Just then, a figure descended from the sky without warning, landing softly on the railing of the ship's bow.
Thud.
The soft sound silenced the entire crew. Every eye turned towards the newcomer.
"Who are you?!" the burly captain shouted, jumping to his feet.
I ignored him, my eyes scanning the ship's design. It looked sturdy enough. It would serve its purpose.
"Hey! Kid! How did you get on board?!" The captain drew a scimitar from his belt and pointed it at me.
I finally turned my gaze to him and slowly raised a single finger.
The captain didn't even have time to react. An irresistible force slammed into his chest, and he was sent flying backward like a kite with a snapped string. He soared over the entire length of the deck and landed precisely in the sea dozens of meters away, making barely a splash.
The deck fell completely silent. The pirates froze, their liquor bottles and weapons clattering to the wooden planks.
I clapped my hands together, as if I had just swatted a fly.
"Alright, we're heading in the right direction now," I said, turning to face the terrified crew. I gave them a benevolent smile. "Our destination is Wano Country. Any objections, gentlemen?"
The pirates shook their heads frantically, their movements comically fast.
"Very good. Set sail."
A few days later, the ship docked in a secluded harbor. I had no further use for my temporary pirate crew, so I stepped onto the isolated land of Wano alone.
The culture here was certainly unique. The architecture was distinct, samurai in kimonos with long swords at their waists walked the streets, and an ancient, oppressive atmosphere hung in the air.
I found a small town and walked into a roadside noodle shop.
"Boss, a bowl of tempura soba."
"Coming right up! Please have a seat!"
The shop wasn't crowded. At the next table, two men dressed as ronin were drinking and chatting. I ate my noodles, their conversation easily reaching my ears.
"Did you hear? Tomorrow is that idiotic lord's dancing day again," one of them said, his tone dripping with disdain.
"Ha! Of course I heard! It's been two years, right? Once a week, every single week. It's the biggest joke in all of Wano!" the other samurai burst out laughing, and a few others at surrounding tables chuckled along.
"Shh! Keep your voice down! You don't want the Red Scabbards to hear you!"
"What's there to be afraid of? They're just a bunch of masterless dogs now! Following that idiot around all day has cost them all their samurai pride!"
"It's true. Lord Oden was once such a hero, but now... sigh. He's ruined the Kozuki family's reputation all by himself."
"You can say that again! He claims he's doing it to protect us common folk... What a load of crap! I think he's just a coward who's afraid to die!"
"Oden, remember this. Sometimes, constant compromise won't bring you peace. It will only make your enemy more arrogant. Some people can't be reasoned with."
"Hahaha! Kyle, you worry too much! As long as I'm strong enough, I can protect everything! I am Kozuki Oden!"
A wave of frustration washed over me. The sheer idiocy of it all was staggering.
The pitiable often have a hateful side. Oden had returned to Wano, discovered Kaido's presence, and could have dealt with him immediately. He held all the cards, a winning hand, and yet he somehow managed to lose everything. If he was truly overwhelmed, he could have just made a call. What were the Roger Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates for? He had allies. But no, he had to become a legendary fool, dancing in the streets while his country suffered.
Forget it. It was pointless to dwell on. I had done my part and offered my warning. Oden had made his own choices.
I had to let go of this desire to save everyone. I had to respect their fate.
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