(Relax, everyone—this is a brand-new story. Any sense of déjà vu is purely an illusion.)
This was a small, unremarkable island along the Grand Line—Aska Island.
The people here were simple and kind, hardworking and peaceful.
By all rights, their lives should have been tranquil and prosperous.
But reality was the opposite.
Because of a rumor—one that had never been confirmed—pirates visited the island one after another, bringing wave after wave of disaster.
The houses on the island were built tightly together, a defensive measure against sudden pirate raids. Yet, from the sky, one could still see a lone treehouse standing deep within the forest—completely isolated from the rest of the village.
Several skinny figures appeared under the large tree, pushing and shoving each other, none willing to go closer. At last, an older child mustered some courage and shouted toward the treehouse:
"Eren! The High Priest is looking for you!"
Footsteps echoed from within the quiet forest.
A beautiful little boy peeked out from the treehouse—and instantly, the kids below scattered like startled beasts, their terrified cries echoing through the woods.
"Run! The monster is coming out!"
"He looked at me—I'm dead! He must've found out I stole beast meat!"
"You bastard! You stole meat! How could you—how could you NOT tell me!?"
Eren's expression remained calm. He had long been used to their fear and rejection.
He simply turned back toward the house and called softly:
"Demi, big brother has to go out. Stay home and be good, okay?"
A tiny girl with doll-like features poked her head out, smiling sweetly.
"Demi won't run around! Demi is always good!"
Relieved, Eren closed the door and windows and leaped directly from the nearly ten-meter-high treehouse.
Before long, he arrived at the village shrine.
The High Priest appeared, leaning on his staff—so old he looked ready to crumble.
"Eren, I called you here today because our tribe faces a matter of life and death… and I need your help."
The High Priest looked ashamed.
"High Priest, please don't say it like that. Just tell me what to do,"
Eren replied, earnest seriousness written across his young face.
The High Priest hesitated, but soon something hardened in his eyes.
"All of this… begins thousands of years ago.
Eren, do you know the legend? The legend of the Cursed Sacred Sword?"
"I know it. I heard the pirates come here because of that vague rumor."
Eren didn't know why the High Priest brought it up, but answered honestly.
"Vague? No—this is no mere rumor. It is real."
"Th… that's impossible…"
Shock painted Eren's small face.
"It's said that thousands of years ago, a red full moon appeared over Aska.
Our ancestors believed that crimson moon—symbol of blood and evil—would bring calamity.
Thus, it was called the Ill-Omened Moon.
To protect the people from disaster, the Gods of Aska gifted the Aska King three sacred jewels as a shield—and one Seven-Star Sword as a spear."
"But over the long passage of time, the Seven-Star Sword was tainted by darkness.
It became a cursed sacred sword.
Our tribe's mission is to guard and suppress it—to prevent evildoers from using it, and to keep its darkness from spreading across the world."
Eren didn't fully understand, but waited quietly for more explanation.
"Every hundred years, when the Red Moon appears, the seal becomes weakest.
A priestess' bloodline and the three sacred jewels must be used to renew the seal.
But the next priestess is still too young, and I… am far too old.
No one in the tribe can complete the sealing ritual.
If the Seven-Star Sword resurfaces, this entire sea will drown in darkness!"
"So your meaning is…"
Eren's voice grew quiet—he already knew.
"Only the perfect offering can appease the Gods and strengthen the seal anew.
And you, Eren… your talent makes you a child touched by the Gods."
Eren was kind—too kind.
Kind enough to sacrifice himself for the villagers who feared him.
But he couldn't die.
If he died… who would care for his young sister?
Because pirates frequently raided the island, life was harsh.
No one wanted an extra mouth to feed.
That was why Eren revealed his abilities early—to prove his worth, so the village would spare some rations for Demi.
Seeing Eren's hesitation, the High Priest spoke again:
"You need not worry about Demi. As compensation, I contacted a noble couple with no children. They are more than willing to adopt her.
After you're gone… Demi will live better than anyone."
That struck Eren deeply.
He didn't mind people fearing him—but he never wanted Demi to experience the same loneliness.
He wanted her to live a life where she ate well and slept warmly—like a dream.
"…High Priest, I'll do it."
"Good child. Forgive me for the burden."
The High Priest's promise was fulfilled quickly.
Though Demi's heartbreaking cries nearly made Eren turn back, he hardened his resolve and left without looking back.
She was still young.
After a few years, she might forget her "useless" big brother… and live the happy life he wished for her.
Under the looming crimson moonlight, Eren followed the High Priest into the shrine.
Everything around him radiated ancient age—as though the past itself had come alive.
On the shrine's lower level lay a crude stone coffin.
A hexagram drawn in fresh blood covered the floor.
Eren stood in the center.
The High Priest warned him not to move and fled the moment after.
Despite the eerie surroundings, Eren wasn't afraid—just curious.
Suddenly, in the silent, dark chamber, a faint hum echoed—like cicadas singing in the forest.
A thin black mist seeped into his skin, and a seductive voice whispered in his mind:
"Open… the coffin.
Take up the sacred sword.
You will gain supreme power…"
Eren remained still.
The black mist increased.
"…Power, wealth, fame…
Take the sword, and everything will be yours!"
Eren only muttered softly:
"So this is the Gods' test?
It's not really that hard, is it?"
The Seven-Star Sword's trembling ceased.
It did not possess full consciousness—only a faint sentience like many cursed blades.
Of course, its awareness far surpassed something like the Sandai Kitetsu.
If it had true intelligence, it would be baffled:
How… could someone's heart be so pure?
Completely devoid of darkness?