Chapter 16: The Dragon Breaks the Prison
The Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi was originally a divine artifact said to have been obtained from the tail of the Yamata no Orochi in ancient mythology.
In the world of pirates, however, there was also a Devil Fruit ability that could manifest a similar technique—used by Kizaru, one of the future Three Admirals of the Marines. That said, the two were fundamentally different.
Kizaru's Ama no Murakumo was most likely nothing more than a light-forged sword given a name by its wielder. Ren's blade, by contrast, truly possessed extraordinary power.
The legendary Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi was said to surpass even the Totsuka-no-Tsurugi, the Sword of the Gods. With a single swing, Ren could release devastating sword energy, freely controlling its output. If unleashed at full strength, its power would currently be no weaker than Kaido's Boro Breath 40 years later.
Once Ren's Haki improved further, the blade's power would only continue to rise.
Beyond raw sword energy, the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi could also manipulate clouds and mist. To a certain extent, this mist could interfere with an opponent's Observation Haki, though its effect was limited against those with highly developed perception.
Ren's Devil Fruit ability had already reached the awakened stage, but unlike Kaido, he did not possess a wide variety of direct elemental attacks.
At present, the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi was his strongest offensive method. Aside from that, he could also fight in a style reminiscent of Orochimaru, wield dark purple energy resembling a demonic aura, and control plagues.
These formed his primary means of offense. In addition, he possessed Ama no Murakumo for flight, the Serpent's Seal to control hearts, and the ability to devour desires. The stronger a person's desire, the easier it was for him to exert control, especially when combined with the Serpent's Seal.
As for his recovery ability, that went without saying.
Now, Ren drew the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi. A powerful force erupted instantly, producing thick white mist that spread outward and enveloped the entirety of Head Mountain. To an uninformed observer, it would have looked as though he were battling a foe from the heavens.
Shutenmaru stood amid the clouds and mist, his lower body submerged, as if trapped in a quagmire.
Ren did not use the mist to obscure his opponent's vision. Since he intended to demonstrate his strength, he wanted Shutenmaru to see everything clearly.
At that moment, Shutenmaru did not dare move. He felt like prey locked onto by a wild beast, fear and hesitation filling his heart as cold sweat soaked his body.
He already sensed that he had been completely targeted. Each time he raised his head, darkness seemed to swallow his vision. Ren's figure vanished, replaced by eight colossal dragon-serpent heads.
Those dragon-serpents towered like mountains, their dull yellow pupils shining like moons in the sky. Their cold, vertical gazes pierced straight into his deepest fear.
I can't block it…
The thought surfaced uncontrollably, urging him to dodge. Yet every time the impulse arose, he saw a vision of himself being torn apart, eight gaping maws ripping his body to shreds as blood erupted like fountains.
"The power of this technique is immense," Ren said calmly. "It wouldn't be good if Head Mountain were destroyed. I still intend to build my palace here."
The spreading mist was not only for intimidation—it was also meant to reduce the damage.
"How about it?" Ren continued. "Why not surrender now? I can't guarantee you'll come out unscathed if this technique is fully unleashed."
Those words ignited Shutenmaru's fury. To him, they sounded unbearably arrogant, as if he were nothing more than an insect to be crushed at will.
The fear in his heart was drowned out by rage.
"Don't look down on me!" Shutenmaru roared.
With that shout, the stiffness left his body. He gripped his sword with both hands, pushed his Haki to its current limit, and charged straight toward Ren.
Seeing this, Ren's expression cooled slightly.
He had no intention of going all out. If he did, even with the mist protecting Head Mountain, Shutenmaru would certainly die.
This man still had value. In the future, he would possess strength comparable to Jack of the Three Disasters. On the seas, that level of combat power was already more than sufficient—an ordinary Marine Vice Admiral would not be his match.
Unless it was someone like Garp, or a candidate for Admiral.
With such potential, Ren had no reason not to want him.
Beyond Shutenmaru, the future Mink Tribe warriors and Kawamatsu—who would later become Oden's retainers—were also within Ren's sights. Among them, the Mink Tribe were especially valuable.
They did not merely represent individuals, but nearly the entirety of the Mink Tribe of Zou.
The Mink Tribe had long regarded Wano as a brother nation. Yet after becoming Oden's retainers, their status had subtly declined, almost as if they were subordinates of the Kozuki.
To protect Raizo, Zou had nearly been destroyed, a testament to the Minks' loyalty and sense of righteousness. Though not numerous, they were a rare and powerful race, and most of them were kind and upright.
If such a force could be brought under his command, Ren would welcome it.
The difficulty, however, lay in Zou itself. Aside from the Minks, almost no one could locate the island upon the back of the giant elephant.
"Lord Ren!"
Yukiko's cry snapped Ren back to the present. In that instant, Shutenmaru was already upon him, his blade nearly reaching Ren's body.
Ren calmly swung the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi.
Sword energy erupted, stirring the air into violent wind and waves. The white mist spun rapidly, forming a vortex that tore Shutenmaru from his path and dragged him inward.
Immediately after, razor-sharp energy ripped through the vortex, like a black storm formed from countless serpent fangs. The roaring phantom of the Great Serpent loomed over the mountains.
"Prison Dragon Break."
Ren softly spoke the name of the technique.