Chapitre 73: [73] Times of Disorder

[2340 words]

Both Chapters 72 and 73 were released together, make sure you did not accidentally skip the latter.

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[Four Months Later]

[An Island in the Grand Line]

"They're here! Get the goods ready!"

"Roger!"

Dozens of people scrambled at the port of a suspicious island. They each looked both distinguished and wily. Donning black suits as if a code to appear elegant.

"Ward-sama will kill us if even a single package goes missing, at least with the new channel, it's practically impossible to happen."

A man by the side also chimed in, "Yorororo! The Styx Passage has brought us so many options that we are hardly even satisfying the demands in time!"

"Seirahaha! Even the World Government looks jealous of our business!"

…

A man overlooked the entire exchange.

Tall stature with a full-black suit and tie to match his dark hair and stubble. He was an Underworld Emperor: The King of Loans—Aizen Ward!

"Business is really good… too good," he thought to himself.

"Raawr!"

A giant Sea King soon appeared at the port, boasting a giant backpack-like crate strapped to its back.

The men quickly ran around, filling the beast's inventory with their goods. Five other Sea Kings also appeared, each with the same device to their back.

"Controlling these weaker Sea Kings to transport contraband through the Calm Belts, I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it with my eyes."

Ward's dark eyes scanned the beasts readying to swim away.

"I wonder how the Government will respond…"

…

[Unso Island]

The once glorious Fish Tank had been destroyed; a new building taking its place.

Not only that, the entire island that was once littered with filth and disease had been entirely terraformed.

The once proud Fish Tank had been demolished only for a new grand structure to be built.

Nearby land was set to match the overall design, all under the massive white pyramid where the main headquarters of the Shipping Magnate stood.

It was both grand and gargantuan; white, polished stone was imported from some shady channels for its outer, sleek look. A circular door that spanned at least fifty meters in diameter was built to welcome any guests.

The structure was given the name of the "Tomb of Storms".

[Pyramid Image (in Discord)]

It had been over half a year since the death of Barro, and the rise of the new King of Shipping—Fulcrum.

The profit count had exploded under the new Emperor's rule to the point where it was enough to warrant the attention of some special characters.

The terraforming of Unso Island was an indicator of the success that had been achieved, much to the envy of the nobles around the seas.

…

[Hell's Peak]

At the very top of the pyramid was a room with huge windows spanning dozens of meters across, wide enough to observe the entire island.

The contrast between the shady Underworld and such a majestic stronghold was uncanny.

The interior was incredibly pure and majestic. It had white marble flooring with equally white walls that formed the triangular tip of the Tomb of Storms.

A semicircular staircase of a few steps led up to the seat that controlled the Empire of Unso Island.

[Peak Image (in Discord)]

A single, dark figure looked down past the spanning glass pane at the masses of people scrambling to fulfill their quota.

The lithe figure belonged to that of a woman, standing nearly ten feet in height. The reflective mask wholly hid her face, further accentuating the mystery of who was within.

Though under the majesty of the grand hall was a tense atmosphere, all due to the uninvited guests present.

They donned a full-white attire, poise and distinguished. The classy and formal clothing came with their masks of various designs.

Naturally, they were Cipher Pol 'Aigis' Zero!

"Fulcrum, we simply come bearing the words of the World Government," the head agent reported. "We were sent to investigate the rather interesting method of transporting your goods through the Calm Belt."

"I'm sure you've come to understand that such a revolutionary route is beyond your abilities. It is in your best interest to share your methods with us."

The calm voice hid the underlying warning that came from the masked man. The five other agents beside him were just as tranquil.

"..."

Fulcrum slowly turned away from the giant window and onto the bold guests. The agents' reflections peered back at them through the black mask.

Months of residing in the shady waters of the Underworld had skyrocketed the woman's confidence in dealing with such things.

"Are you threatening me?"

The head agent exhaled a deep sigh as he felt the waves of pressure ripple through the illustrious halls.

"Conqueror's Haki," he muttered under his breath. "As expected of the one who brought such change to the Underworld."

"However, you must surely know that the New World, especially in these times of disorder, is swamped with dozens of Conquerors. Can you survive their onslaught?"

Fulcrum remained silent for a few moments. Even leading the agents to believe that their words had quite an impact.

Though under their false beliefs, they simply heard a light chuckle.

"Hmm?" the head agent frowned under his mask, trying to decrypt the situation.

*Thump* *Thump* *Thump*

Fulcrum calmly walked to the main throne-like seat that sat under the grand window overlooking the island.

"Perhaps it is the World Government who is overreaching their hand," the distorted voice resounded.

"From what I know, your entire structure has been hit quite hard since hell broke loose in the New World from the death of two Overlords, further amplified by the mayhem at Amethyst Kingdom."

"The Reverie which had been postponed for over three months now has finally been finalized," the mocking voice stated.

"Now it is a 'Remote Reverie', one that is conducted through transponder snails linking every one of the fifty members."

The information caught the agents off-guard. Their breathing hitched momentarily, naturally, it was quite the confidential news that had yet to be sent out.

The visor-like mask remained as indifferent as before, echoing out the slightly robotic woman's voice.

"You think you can come here and make demands when your very own summit of stability has to be thrown aside? You have no resources to waste on me."

Some senior members under Fulcrum were also present, watching from the side. Revelling in the glaring pause of the menacing CP Agency.

The masked agent sighed, reining in his previous demeanour.

"..."

"Very well then. Perhaps we can reach a profitable agreement."

Fulcrum did not respond as if telling the man to continue.

The CP-0 Agent went on to say, "The Five Elders would like to impose tariffs on the goods being brought into any nation under the World Government. Your route has led to an influx of arms, drugs and blood money that is throwing the economy of many kingdoms into chaos, it cannot continue," he finished.

"What do you propose?" Fulcrum questioned.

The agent cleared his throat and answered.

"We want you to bring the other Underworld Emperors into an agreement. We, the Government, will legally allow their goods to arrive in aligned countries, within certain bounds. In return, we receive a portion of the profits."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "Beyond that, the Navy will be given access to your Styx Passages to transport resources and materials."

The Underworld existed by bringing in all the goods through smuggling routes. They paid a huge sum of money and time to illegally bring in all the materials, but with the Styx Passage, this was no longer a problem.

If anything, the increasingly strict measures being imposed by the countries had been a nuisance, and the recent spike in wealth would surely soon plateau.

"I can agree to your tax but there is no way I will allow for the latter condition."

The agent hesitated for a moment, opting to think.

"I'm afraid the Five Elders are adamant of both conditions."

The man raised his hands as if to show a helpless expression, one that Fulcrum paid no mind to.

"Then that brings our discussion to a close."

The agent seemed uncertain and defeatedly uttered, "We will take your words to our superiors."

"..."

Fulcrum watched in silence as the six figures disappeared from the hall in an instant.

"Boss, their words weren't bad, it will surely bring in more profits!"

Fulcrum looked to the side and saw the bald man approach her.

She shook her head, "It's not enough."

Though her tone became slightly annoyed, "I told you not to stand in front of the window, your head reflects too much light, it's unsettling."

The man grasped his hairless dome and gave a wry smile.

"I can't help it, I was born with no hair…"

[A/N: Keep my wife's name…]

However, he stopped speaking as Fulcrum gave a quick statement that wholly diverted his attention.

"Ebi, you've worked quite well these past months."

Fulcrum reached to the side and brought out a piece of treasure from the darkness of her armrests.

The man gawked as he saw the item fly through the sky and into his hands—a dark-coloured peach with swirls.

"Boss, this…!?"

"Consider this a reward, now go."

Ebi gulped, clenching the Devil Fruit tightly, he bowed his head and ran off and the room was emptied momentarily.

…

Fulcrum sat in the bright sun's rays. Her dark attire left quite the contrast with the shining white architecture.

"Puru," "Puru," "Puru."

"Katcha~!"

"Yo, Aurora."

The girl removed her mask and hood, allowing her silky hair to cascade down. The purple eyes gleaming at the figure mimicked by the snail.

"Damien, they came as you thought. Cipher Pol is very interested in the Styx Passages."

"Rahaha! Of course, they are. Though with their resources spread thin, there isn't a single thing they can do to challenge the Underworld," the voice on the other end of the phone replied.

Aurora nodded.

"Aside from that, are you sure about giving away that Devil Fruit? It's a very rare power."

"It is indeed rare, but right now you also need some decent personnel to hold the Underworld in chains," the snail responded. "Plus, the ability isn't all that powerful but it'll go a long way in controlling the unruly ones of your Empire."

The fruit was sent on behalf of all the other Underworld Emperors as a token of gratitude to ensure better future relations between each faction.

The snail conveyed the grin of the person on the other side of the phone.

"You're worth more than just doing these mundane tasks, as for that Ebi, what was given can also be taken away..."

Aurora smiled. Though paying no mind to the latter words but rather to Damien acknowledging her worth.

She then turned to the matter at hand, "Cipher Pol will probably return with a new deal and less patience."

The snail made a nodding gesture as it continued to speak, "I'm sure they will, alongside many spies and rats from other nations; be careful."

"As for the Government? I need you to add some more fuel to the fire." The snail's expression turned disdainful as it uttered, "Make them beg."

Aurora narrowed her eyes as she heard the words.

"Use the contact I connected you with, she will make things a lot easier. I'll see you soon."

Aurora nodded and bid farewell to the voice, dialling another number.

She thought over her new order and reached an idea.

"Puru," "Puru," "Puru."

"Katcha~!"

The snail woke up once again, linking the two people on either side.

"Ara~! I didn't think I would get a call from you so soon," The snail took the shape of a woman with a tuft of short black hair, smoking a cigar.

"I'm always amazed by the connections Damien-chan manages, it seems he's quite close to you, young Underworld Empress."

"Tell me, what do I owe this pleasure?"

Aurora lightly cleared her throat and addressed the person on the other side of the call, "I have information that may interest your Rocks Pirates."

"Oh? Go on."

Aurora leaned toward the transponder and answered, "It's the latest route of the Heavenly Tributes from ten Kingdoms under the World Government."

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[Pirate Paradise of Hachinosu]

"Katcha~!"

The call ended as the snail went to sleep in the hands of the black-haired woman.

Shakky, the Black Death, stood up from her seat and walked out of the room, a thin smile on her face.

As she walked by, the nearby pirates all moved out of the way. It was apparent that she had made quite a few examples of some scum to achieve such notoriety.

The woman made her way through the humid street that had turned red from blood, reaching a large mess hall.

*Gurrup* Sounds of munching and devouring foods echoed through the area as a massive hulking body sat at the center of the room.

His mouth was like a vacuum that sucked up all the food before him while drinking tens of liters of saké in the process.

The pirate who seemed quite grumpy looked to the door and saw Shakky walk in, "Hmm, what do you want, woman?"

"Are you still annoyed that Linlin and Shiki didn't take you to the Angelic War?"

The beast of a pirate humphed, not amused with the subject.

Shakky cheekily smiled, waving a piece of paper, "I found something for you to do ~"

Kaido, who was naturally the sulking giant, was attracted to the intel and reached out. His massive hand pinched the paper by its corner, barely able to read tiny letters.

"Sink each of these targets and retrieve their goods and you can be granted the position of the Seventh Division Commander."

Kaido shot up from his seat, his hands clenched into fists.

"WORORO! Damien has been headlining everything for a long time, now it's my time to turn the world upside down!"

He picked up his trusty spiked club and ran out from the hall, leaving dull tremors in his wake.

To Be Continued…

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Author's Corner.

Well, big things keep happening while Damien is in Wano. Some people don't like the political side but in my opinion, it adds depth to the world. It helps with revealing the complexities of governance, piracy, and trade in a world where might, wit, and the capacity for schemes determine who gets to dictate terms.

Images are available on Discord alongside other niche details: https://discord.gg/aJHHHPvb6q

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Chapitre 74: [74] The Old World

[2395 words]

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[Flower Capital, Wano]

Four months had passed since the awe-inspiring birth of a new Supreme Weapon. Damien and Toki had been in the country of Samurai for seven months now.

Clang! Bang!

Metal slammed into metal as the shrieking noise bellowed out.

A sharp katana slashed onto the clawed edge of Ryushi, evoking a thundering explosion. The ground trembled under the collision as the Haki collided.

BOOM!

A short shadow flew across the area, landing on his feet.

"Pah! Growing old is annoying!"

The senior samurai twirled his treasured sword and shuttled through the air, slashing his weapon into the massive shadow of his opponent.

Boom!

The metal clashed once more, sending out waves of wind that swept up the nearby loose terrain; the already damaged land was further hurt.

Raizen's eyes sharpened as he saw his halted blade.

He used his tiny frame to jump around, using the dust and loose materials to create openings to drive his weapon forth.

The man was beyond impressive: jumping and spinning in the air, displaying the agility of a person many decades younger!

Clang!

Damien slashed down the weapon with his left hand and was deflected. Using the momentum behind the parry, he let go of the handle, grabbed it with his open right hand in a reverse grip and stabbed forth.

The old enemy saw it coming and used the very tip of his blade to essentially bounce off the pincered edge of Ryushi, effectively using it as a boost to lunge ahead.

*Shhhh!* The air howled under the shaped katana that was all but inches from its adversary's throat.

Yet there was no collision.

"!!!" Raizen's eyes widened as he felt Damien disappear and reappear above, swinging the mighty weapon down.

BOOM!

The clawed edge of the blade acted like a hammer, crashing onto the floor and sending out spanning ravines and torn lands under its weight.

"You're awfully fast yourself," the pirate muttered, noticing that his enemy had flickered to the distance.

"Your power is well beyond me even with your observation senses turned off," the old man muttered. "Try this strike!"

Raizen jumped into the air as petals of Ryuo shuttled down from his arms and into his blade in a blue bubble.

"Old Man One-Sword Style: Crescent Moon Senior Slash!"

The geezer brought down the blade onto his opponent with everything he could muster. What met him was the odd-shaped weapon's body that resembled that of a great sword, working in defense.

BOOM!

The Ryuo failed to do anything significant, falling apart against the integrity of the opponent's weapon.

Raizen grunted, clicking his tongue from the failure.

"Haaah, I'm tired," he murmured, sheathing his katana in acceptance of his failure.

"Rahaha! You're a lively old man, Raizen-sensei. That Ryuo of yours blocks my ability to change Ryushi's shape mid-battle."

The dust cleared as the towering body of the young opponent was unveiled.

Damien twirled Ryushi, leaving crimson arcs in the air.

*Fwooo* The blade howled as it was shattered into pieces, soon reforming around Damien's finger as a ring.

"You've mastered that weapon beyond what I can teach, I'm afraid any further mastery will come from true combats with your life on the line."

Damien nodded as he traced a finger over the red ring.

"This should mark my time to leave Wano, old man, thank you for everything," he said with some nostalgia over the past months.

Raizen smiled, his wrinkly face looking at Damien as a grandpa.

"I'm glad to have trained a user of a Supreme Blade, I hope you can show the world its might!"

Damien smirked, nodded, and left after bidding farewell.

…

'I've mastered Emission Haki to quite a high level, but it leaves another power to be desired,' Damien thought.

He was naturally talking about the Infusion of Conqueror's Haki!

Something only the very top of the top could ever use.

"Unfortunately Conqueror's Haki can't be trained by my usual methods, I'll need to grasp the power under another Supreme King," he muttered.

"I died a little too early but I'm sure with Kaido as his teacher, Luffy would have learned it well."

Damien recalled the feeling of Ryuo.

Emission was the gentle flow of Armament Haki, while Infusion was raging rapids of Conqueror's Haki; opposite in nature.

…

[Shogun's Estate]

"Toki, you're here too," Damien said as he sat next to the green-haired girl sitting before the Shogun.

She just beamed a gentle smile at him, the distance between them had grown very close.

Across the couple was Sukiyaki, playing with his mustache and slowly nodding. "Hmm, reminds me of my time with my late wife, how youthful," he murmured.

However, his expression turned somewhat sour, "The maids and guards during the night have told me of many dull cries they hear through the wooden boards, it can't truly be ghosts... I hope your rest hasn't been too disrupted."

Damien nodded, "Our room is further away but perhaps you should exorcize the estate before it gets out of hand."

Toki poked Damien with her elbow, maintaining her smile while trying to hide her burning face.

Sukiyaki broke out into a hearty laugh.

"So you have come to bid farewell? All of Wano will miss both of your presences," Sukiyaki said with some regret.

"After all, we owe you quite a lot."

Sukiyaki then unfurled a scroll, giving a summary, "News came from Kuri, it seems that troublesome boy, Oden, actually did as he said. He transformed the war-waged Kuri into a fully-fledged region!"

His face was covered with a wide smile, evidently quite glad.

"You seem very proud of him, Sukiyaki-san," Toki said as she heard the news.

The Shogun coughed, clearing his expression, returning to that of an esteemed noble.

"He even reached out to the other Daimyos, I suppose the boy has woken up from his foolish desire to run out of Wano."

Damien thought it was funny that Oden was probably hastening everything so that he could leave Wano soon.

Sukiyaki raised his hands into the air and exclaimed, "I've granted him the title of Kuri's Daimyo! I sincerely hope that boy can come around to become the next Shogun!"

The proud father then looked down and expressed his thanks in a way Damien approved.

He took out a small box containing some goodies and presented them.

"I wasn't sure how to thank you for all your help, but I hope this is at least the first toward repaying our debt to you."

He took out a bright red apple with yellow swirls and placed it on the table.

"I have heard of your sorcery coming from these fruits, my Ninja found this some months back, I hope this can come in use to you."

Damien raised an eyebrow at the sight of the Devil Fruit.

He inspected it and recalled the ability from his past studies, "Human-Human Fruit – Mythical Model: Adam."

Toki tilted her head in confusion, "Like the first man in the stories?"

"That's right," Damien answered, "the fruit can bring its user to their greatest potential: sharpening their instincts, bodily systems, and overall learning capabilities. If anything, it can turn a worthless man into an alpha male."

Damien nodded to the Shogun, "I accept your gift."

Sukiyaki twirled his beard with a smile, "Very good! Aside from that, I hear the young Amatsuki heir is quite interested in Wano's history, so I have something that may interest you as well."

He then stood up and began walking to the corridor, gesturing for them both to follow.

…

"I didn't know this area existed," Damien murmured as he arrived at the basement of the castle.

Toki nodded while examining the area.

"It's only natural, this area is strictly for those of the Kozuki Clan."

Sukiyaki said as the three were introduced to the large room made with brick walls.

A single pillar stood at the side, bearing most of the weight.

Toki walked over to a stand and admired the things on top of it.

"These are Kokeshi Dolls! You have quite the collection," she said while looking at the human-faced totems.

Sukiyaki smiled proudly, "It is a secret hobby of mine, these majestic dolls hide a lot of our history."

[Image (in Discord)]

Damien, however, was entranced by another object.

A giant blue cube, naturally, a Poneglyph!

Sukiyaki turned to the side and seemed quite shocked, "Can you read the text?"

"I can't read it," Damien replied, still glaring at the stele. "But I can hear it."

The Shogun blinked and recalled a thought, "Is it the Voice of the Universe?"

"Partly. The Voice of the Poneglyph comes from the one who carved in the message. I'm quite attuned with nature, allowing me to hear the contents even more vividly than other users of the same power."

[Image of the Area (in Discord)]

"..."

Toki and Sukiyaki waited as Damien spanned his hearing, taking in the voice.

"What is it, Damien-san?" Toki asked with some curiosity as she saw the pirate's frown.

Damien turned to the Shogun with a questioning look.

"Sukiyaki, this records the past of Wano. The Old Wano. Alongside the terrifying weapon hidden away under this very castle."

The Samurai slowly nodded.

"Well, I was going to read you the Poneglyph anyways so it is alright for you to know."

He then looked at both of them and explained.

"You see, more than seven and a half centuries ago, Wano was quite different. I don't know much, but I know that our land was near sea level; near the bottom of the very falls you climbed up to reach here."

Damien's eyes widened as he heard the news.

Sukiyaki did not stop, rather he opened up a small hatch in the ground, revealing a staircase.

"The Kozuki Clan were the ones who carved those stones in the Void Century. Since you can hear their voices, it isn't wrong to show you the entire truth that I am aware of."

He then walked down the mouldy staircase, the other two following behind once more.

…

"Here it is, the other stone of Wano."

Damien sighed as he looked at the familiar cube.

"This one is red?" Toki said with some curiosity.

[Image (in Discord)]

"A Road Poneglyph," Damien muttered.

Meanwhile, the Shogun spoke up, "I'm aware that you are aiding Oden so that he can one day aid you. I believe it won't be a mistake to reveal it all to you."

He then looked at the giant stone and continued.

"For whatever reason, Wano was eventually wholly encased in towering walls in the Void Century; the Old Wano remains intact as the rainwater created the sea surrounding today's Wano. I know not why, but these walls are also what hide the very weapon you brought up."

"The Ancient Weapon—Pluton!"

A tense atmosphere suddenly arrived, one born from the older man's many years of combat experience. The once giddy Sukiyaki turned dignified, meeting the bold pirate's eyes with great speculation, "Do you wish for it, the weapon of mass destruction?"

Damien smirked at the Shogun and shook his head.

"The Void Century is full of unexplained truths. If Pluton was locked behind Wano's walls, it wouldn't be easy to bring out. Beyond that, even if I got the weapon, I don't have the power to keep it."

Sukiyaki nodded with a sigh of relief.

"Indeed, to remove Pluton would come at the cost of our walls, shredding our greatest defenses against the outside world. To unleash an Ancient Weapon is akin to starting a world war."

Damien tapped on the red stone, "I'm going to keep a copy of the Road Poneglyph."

The Shogun nodded, "Of course."

...

Damien pocketed a folded piece of paper, content with the day's discovery.

The three of them made their way back to the main office, seating themselves down.

"I have readied the first batch of Seastone for you, Damien-dono," the man stated. "It will be ready for you when you leave."

The pirate returned a nod.

"Sukiyaki, if possible, I would like to begin a channel to export the ore."

The Shogun seemed interested, though also wary, "If it is as much of a treasure as you state, I fear it may attract unsettling attention."

Damien waved his hand, "Don't worry, it will be a secure channel."

"You see, I have a certain connection to the Underworld. I guarantee that the buyers will remain oblivious to the source of the goods."

"Though Wano is self-sufficient, I'm sure there are many things in the outside world that can further help you develop both your economy and defenses."

Toki, who was quietly listening, connected the dots as the figure of a young assassin came to mind.

Sukiyaki slowly nodded, "In that case, I'm sure we can reach an agreement. Do contact me with one of those magical snails you talked about."

Damien nodded, leaving with Toki for the time being.

…

[Later that Night]

The two had returned to their room as night fell.

"So we leave tomorrow?" Toki's soft voice questioned.

"Yeah, it's about time." He then smiled at the girl, "Are you going to be homesick?"

Toki shook her head and reached for Damien's hand.

"I'm ready to go with you, Damien-san. I'll be by your side."

Damien took the green-haired girl into his arms as the familiar night dusked the horizon.

"You know, Aurora said something similar to me a while back, I didn't know how to accept it then, but I do now."

Toki leaned into Damien's chest, embracing the warmth.

"Hmm, Aurora-san deserves happiness too, I'm sure she can find it with you."

Damien was a little surprised by her comments, "You know, most girls would be against the idea of sharing their partner."

Toki looked up, her bright eyes smiling at her lover.

"I was raised in the ancient traditions of Wano, it wasn't odd to see a man with multiple spouses." Though her face warped into slight unease, "Well, there is a limit to it."

Damien heard the sharp tone in her voice and returned a wry smile, "Don't worry, I don't have any plans to go picking up every girl around the block."

He kissed her forehead to reassure her as the darkness crept in from the open windows, a quiet night fell and surely tomorrow would be eventful.

To Be Continued…

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Author's Corner.

Wrapping up Wano with Ryuo, Ryushi, Road Poneglyph reading, knowledge on Pluton, and seastone trade in tow.

Images are available on Discord alongside other niche details: https://discord.gg/aJHHHPvb6q

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