章節 28: Return

While inspecting the tomb cautiously, one of Bege's subordinates accidentally moved the heavy lid of the golden coffin. To their surprise, the lid flew off, crashing into the wall and knocking over another man.

"Damn it!" exclaimed Bege, alarmed by the incident. Approaching with firm steps, he peered into the sarcophagus, expecting to find Kaido's legendary treasure.

However, what he saw left him perplexed. Instead of the coveted loot, there was an imposing wooden statue, at least three meters tall, emanating a strange sacred energy. A chill ran down Bege's spine as he observed the figure, whose presence was overwhelming.

"What the hell is this?" he muttered through clenched teeth, feeling sweat drench his clothes. Something about that statue warned him of danger, as if its mere existence could surpass even the power of Big Mom.

Beside the wooden figure, Bege noticed over ninety dried and shriveled fruits, as if they had been squeezed dry.

"Oh, what does this mean?" exclaimed one of the subordinates, staring in astonishment at the coffin's contents.

Bege remained silent for a few moments, his expression somber and perplexed. He never imagined that instead of the desired treasure, they would find a simple wooden statue and some withered fruits.

"This must be a trap by Kaido," growled Bege, clenching his fists in frustration. "Search again! Even if you have to dig a meter underground, find the real treasure!"

The subordinates, fearful of their captain's wrath, scattered immediately, beginning an exhaustive search. Bege, for his part, fixed his icy gaze on the enigmatic wooden statue, wondering what it concealed.

Just as Bege was about to pounce on the statue, his Haki sensed something that made him turn his gaze to the entrance of the crypt. Seeing the imposing figure standing there, a chill ran down his spine and a cold sweat drenched his body.

"How... is it possible?... What are you doing here?!" murmured Bege, his voice slightly trembling.

His subordinates, hearing their captain's voice, turned around, only to be paralyzed by the sight before them.

At the entrance of the crypt stood a giant wrapped in dark clothing, covered by a mask that completely concealed his face, revealing only sharp, penetrating eyes that seemed to pierce the souls of those present.

His black wings, so intense they absorbed light, cast an imposing shadow over the place, while a crackling flame behind him illuminated his sinister figure.

The mere presence of that being was overwhelming, radiating an aura of power and danger that made Bege's subordinates tremble, unable to react to such a threat.

"Capone Bege, what are you doing here?" asked King with a cold voice, his gaze fixed on the captain of the Fire Tank.

In fact, before the Fire Festival celebration in Wano, Kaido seemed to have a premonition and separately summoned King to entrust him with a mission.

He told him something about a hidden treasure in the West Blue and its exact location. He also asked him to offer these five Devil Fruits to the 'Ninja God,' so that he could resurrect.

Upon hearing this revelation, King's mind went blank for a moment. As one of Kaido's closest subordinates, he knew the legend of the enigmatic "Ninja God" named Hashirama, but he never imagined that his leader would be behind such an ambitious plan.

'I see, so that's why Kaido-san would have reserved those Fruits instead of investing them in strengthening the Beast Pirates,' King reflected, not caring about Bege's presence, he carefully took the five Fruits from the sack on his back.

Without wasting any more time, the imposing King took the five Fruits and placed them with utmost care and respect in front of the giant golden coffin.

Bege watched the scene in silence, a growing look of greed in his eyes. Perhaps, if he managed to seize those Fruits, he could find a way to profit from them. However, just as he was about to order his men to attack, something unexpected happened.

One by one, the Devil Fruits placed in front of the enormous golden coffin began to shrivel and wither, as if all their energy had been drained by an invisible force.

Bege felt a chill run down his spine as he witnessed the scene. "What the hell is this place?" he wondered, uneasy. Clearly, the power emanating from that coffin was beyond what he or his men could face.

Thump! Thump!

As soon as the Devil Fruits turned into mere husks, a thunderous heartbeat sound began to emanate from the interior of the golden coffin.

This ancient rhythm made King's face show a pleased expression, while Bege and his men seemed horrified by what they were witnessing.

Zzmmm!

In the next instant, the solid wooden statue suddenly showed a subtle movement at its feet, where the crude wooden shoes began to transform, turning into fine leather footwear.

Gradually, the blood-red samurai armor covering the torso of the statue started to come to life, the details becoming sharper, and the folds of the outfit moving with a supernatural grace. The change continued upward, and the wooden hands flexed, giving way to delicate and expressive fingers.

Finally, the carved face adopted softer and angular features, with shiny eyelashes and lips that seemed to gain color.

As soon as the metamorphosis was complete, the entire island began to shake and vibrate violently, as if a cataclysm were shaking the place.

Inside the crypt, some of Bege's subordinates fell to the ground due to the instability, while parts of the ceiling crumbled. Just when it seemed everything was going to collapse, it all stopped, as if nothing had happened.

At that moment, the sleeper in the coffin finally opened his eyes, serene yet imposing, and whispered a phrase that sent chills to everyone present:

"...I have returned."

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