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The Strongest Frost Loli (68)
🕑 Added 2024-06-19 17:08:38 +0000 UTCChapter 68 - Wano Country
They had accomplished everything they needed to in Dressrosa. They had retrieved their weapons from the dwarves, resupplied, and acquired an Eternal Pose for Wano Country. All that was left was to set sail, but they weren’t in a hurry.
They decided to enjoy the local cuisine for a day before heading to Wano Country, leaving before the Marines could find them.
Just before they were about to depart, Zen approached Kanata with two pieces of paper in hand.
“…These are them?”
“Yes. Vivre cards for you and Kuro,” Zen replied.
He had collected pieces of their fingernails beforehand and had them made into vivre cards in the New World.
If either of the two ships following them got separated, they could use the cards to reunite.
They had made one for Kuro because he had a tendency to get lost.
“Thanks. This will make it easier to find him if he gets lost.”
“Eh? I don’t remember getting lost that often.”
“You almost became a slave in Sabaody Archipelago.”
“Hehehe, but those handcuffs and collars weren’t made of Seastone. It might be a problem if the Marines catch us and put us in Seastone restraints,” Kuro chuckled.
Kuro was a Logia Devil Fruit user. He should be capable of keeping up with them, but he was either clumsy or lacked combat sense. He was one of their weakest fighters, despite his ability.
Kanata wished he would improve, but… it was up to him.
“…Well, even if I get caught, you’ll save me, right, Kanata?”
“I can’t keep bailing you out.”
“But that’s what’s so great about you! You always come to the rescue! You’re such a tsundere!”
A dull thud echoed as Kuro received a knock on the head.
He quickly left, and Kanata sighed, summoning the navigators from the two accompanying ships and handing them her vivre card.
She instructed them to follow it if they got lost.
They were faithfully following her as her subordinates, but they were surprisingly obedient.
It was a leader’s duty to reward loyalty. Neglecting it would lead to betrayal and defection.
She didn’t care if they had unreasonable expectations and were disappointed, but she had to reward them for their hard work. She would need to consider rewarding her veteran crew members as well.
“…For now, I should just focus on Wano Country.”
She’d think about it later. Their priority was Wano Country. It was their best chance to gather information about the Road Poneglyphs. She also wanted to acquire some high-quality weapons – and then she realized something.
“…Hey, Zen.”
“Heehin. What is it?”
“What’s… the… currency… in… Wano… Country?”
Wano Country wasn’t affiliated with the World Government and was isolated from the outside world. It had no trade with other nations. In other words, it wouldn’t be surprising if they had their own currency.
“Ah… right… their own currency…”
“…We need to sell something to get the funds we need.”
“It’s not completely isolated… but their currency is unique, so it’s the same either way,” Zen explained.
“Is that so?”
Apparently, there was a place in Wano Country called Hakumai, where they conducted limited trade with the outside world.
But that wouldn’t be enough to satisfy the needs of the entire country. Zen had never exchanged currency, so he wasn’t sure if it would work. Still, it was better to trade if they could.
“What should we trade?”
“Hmm…”
They needed something that was difficult to obtain in Wano Country, considering their self-sufficiency.
Something they could easily acquire in large quantities in Dressrosa, something that was in demand but scarce in Wano Country – spices. Gold and silver were also universally valuable.
It was good that they had realized this before setting sail.
They loaded their ships with as many spices as they could carry and finally set sail. Spices were useful for trade, they wouldn’t spoil, and they could even use them themselves. It was a versatile commodity.
After regaining their composure, they set their course for Wano Country.
***
The seas near Wano Country.
Constant storms, treacherous reefs, powerful currents, and a massive waterfall guarded the entrance to the country. Shipwrecks littered the coastline. One wrong move, and they would suffer the same fate. Their navigation had to be precise.
Choosing the wrong current would lead to disaster. It was a test of a navigator’s skill – Kanata, reading the currents flawlessly, guided their ships through the treacherous waters, reaching the waterfall.
“…How do we climb this?”
“I clung to a carp the first time I came here, but we’ll be using a different method this time,” Zen said.
She was going to split the waterfall.
Normally, entering the country this way required permission from Shimotsuki Yasuie, the daimyo of Hakumai, but… Kanata was here.
She froze the waterfall, shattering it with a punch, creating a path. She shielded herself from the cascading water with an umbrella of ice and reached their destination – Mogura Port, hidden behind the waterfall.
They would use gondolas to transport the cargo and crew members. Of course, their sudden appearance alarmed the guards.
“Who are you?!”
“Halt! How did you find this place?!”
“Heehin. I apologize for startling you. Is Shimotsuki Yasuie-sama present?”
“What?!”
Zen, having disembarked near the guards, spoke politely, inquiring about Yasuie’s whereabouts.
The samurai eyed him suspiciously. They were the strongest warriors in Wano Country, their composure unshaken. They probably thought he was some kind of monster.
“If you tell him that ‘Zen is here to see him’, he’ll understand.”
“What’s your relationship with Yasuie-sama?!”
“He once invited me to a feast. I have no intention of causing trouble. Please inform him of my arrival.”
The samurai, intimidated by Zen’s Haki, stepped back, drawing their swords. One of them rushed towards a gondola, heading for Yasuie.
They waited for over ten minutes. Zen and the samurai were watching each other’s every move, then the gondola returned.
The samurai who had gone to inform Yasuie and a dignified man with a hairstyle resembling a hedgehog – Shimotsuki Yasuie – rushed towards them.
“Zen-dono! I thought it might be you when I heard the message… and it truly is you!”
“Yasuie-sama! It’s been a while. I’m glad to see you’re well!”
They shook hands, laughing, and Yasuie shouted at the guards, “He’s my friend! Treat him with respect!”
The samurai straightened and bowed their heads apologetically.
“It’s been a long time since I left Wano Country. Few would remember me now.”
“…True. It’s been over ten years since you left. Even Oden is now the daimyo of Kuri… Time flies.”
“What?! Oden-sama is the daimyo of Kuri?!” Zen was astonished.
Yasuie chuckled. “Indeed! It happened last year. He united the ruffians of Kuri and transformed that ‘hellhole’ into a thriving ‘village’!”
“Oden-sama… he’s become such a fine man…”
They seemed eager to continue catching up, but Kanata called out from the ship. They would run out of daylight if they lingered here.
“Zen. You’re here to negotiate our entry, right? Save the long stories for later.”
“Right. Let’s prioritize this.”
“…Who’s that?” Yasuie asked, looking at Kanata.
“Heehin. She’s the captain of the ship I’m currently sailing with. We came to Mogura Port because we wanted to trade… and we need to exchange currency,” Zen explained.
“I see… but such a young girl is the captain of these three ships?”
“Yes. She’s a formidable individual. I wouldn’t hesitate to let her ride on my back,” Zen’s confidence in Kanata was absolute.
“Formidable enough for you to say that… I understand. I approve the trade.”
They could trade.
It would take some time, but Yasuie agreed to provide accommodation in Hakumai while they inspected the goods and arranged payment.
Theft was rare in Wano Country, but they were advised to carry any valuables with them. The samurai were watching them intently, determined to not let anyone disrespect Yasuie.
They locked away any valuables that couldn’t be used in Wano Country. The Road Poneglyph they had brought from Fishman Island was too large to carry. Kanata strapped the Supreme Grade blade, Muramasa, to her waist, and they boarded the gondola, heading for Hakumai.
“So… this is Wano Country.”
The landscape was unlike any island they had seen before.
The architecture, the culture, the civilization… Isolated from the outside world, it had developed its own unique character, far different from the rumors they had heard.
“This is Hakumai, the land ruled by my Shimotsuki Family. Make yourselves at home, guests,” Yasuie said, welcoming them with a smile.
***
Finalizing the payment for the trade would take some time.
They couldn’t just arrive, deliver the goods, and demand immediate payment. Considering the volume of their trade, it would take at least two or three days.
Yasuie offered to exchange a small amount of their currency, giving the crew some spending money. They were allowed to explore the surrounding towns, as long as they didn’t cause any trouble.
Meanwhile, Kanata, Zen, and Dragon headed towards the heart of Wano Country – the Flower Capital, where the shogun resided.
They were here to fulfill their primary objective – to meet Kozuki Sukiyaki, Zen’s benefactor, and to gather information about the Road Poneglyphs.
“I’ve sent a message to the Flower Capital. We should be expected,” Zen said.
“…Don’t they have any communication devices?” Dragon asked.
“No. But the arrows in Wano Country can travel for miles. Important messages are delivered quickly,” Zen explained.
The journey to the Flower Capital was too far to walk, so they were given two horses. Zen and Kanata rode side by side, while Dragon followed on foot.
She could have easily outrun the horses, but she didn’t want to refuse their hospitality. Her only regret was the soreness in her backside from the unfamiliar riding experience.
She made a mental note to avoid activities she wasn’t accustomed to. They reached the entrance of the capital, and a samurai guided them towards the castle at its center, where the shogun resided.
“It’s quite developed for a capital.”
“There are samurai with swords everywhere. I’ve heard the World Government fears the strength of Wano Country’s warriors.”
The term ‘samurai’ was used to refer to all warriors in Wano Country.
According to Zen, there were also ninjas, but they were considered part of the samurai class.
Their average strength was high, but within the range of Kanata’s Observation Haki, she could only sense a few individuals who were as strong as Dragon or Junshi.
“The samurai of Hakumai are considered the strongest in Wano Country. They’re the only ones who have contact with the outside world, so they have to be constantly vigilant and prepared,” Zen explained.
“That makes sense… They were quite strong as a unit,” Kanata agreed.
“There are a few strong ones in the capital too, but are they… guards or something?” Dragon asked.
“Heehin. Perhaps they’re… yakuza? There was a famous one when I was here,” Zen replied.
They asked their guide, who told them that the most famous yakuza in Wano Country was Hyogoro of the Flower.
They were warned to avoid him, but they had no intention of causing trouble. Dealing with yakuza was a nuisance.
“We’re quite conspicuous.”
“I think you’re the most conspicuous one here.”
“Minks and the Kozuki Family are sworn brothers, right? Was there no interaction between Zou and Wano Country?” Dragon asked.
“No. If there was, they wouldn’t have been so worried about me.”
That made sense.
They might have a deep bond, but any interaction was a thing of the past. But they had a vow, a promise to help each other in times of need, a vow heavier than life itself.
Zen had come to Wano Country relying on this bond, so the promise had been fulfilled, at least to some extent.
They reached the castle, climbing the stairs to the shogun’s audience chamber. Several skilled samurai stood guard. Ninjas watched from the rafters, ensuring there were no suspicious movements. And at the end of the room – sat Kozuki Sukiyaki, the shogun of Wano Country.
“It’s been a while, Zen! I was overjoyed to hear you had returned!”
“Heehin. It’s been a long time, Sukiyaki-sama! I’m glad to see you’re well!”
Sukiyaki seemed older than Zen remembered, his face lined with wrinkles, but it was natural for humans to age.
Kanata and Dragon stood quietly while they reminisced, and once they had finished catching up, Sukiyaki addressed them.
“…And who are these two? What is your relationship with Zen?”
“She’s the captain of the ship I’m currently sailing with, and he’s her advisor,” Zen explained.
“Is that so?! You’re living on a ship? Are you merchants now?”
“Something like that… but things happened, and we’re currently being pursued.”
“What?! You’re being pursued?!”
Sukiyaki seemed sheltered from the world. It was understandable, considering Wano Country was isolated from the outside world. He probably didn’t even know the World Government existed.
Some ventured beyond Wano Country’s borders, but leaving the country was generally illegal.
“I’m indebted to you. Stay as long as you like.”
“Thank you… I have a confidential matter to discuss with you, if possible.”
“Hmm?”
Sukiyaki’s eyebrows twitched at Zen’s request for privacy. He ordered the samurai to leave the room.
They protested.
Kanata and her crew were foreigners, untrustworthy in their eyes. Leaving the room without guards, even for a confidential discussion, was unacceptable. Even with the ninjas guarding them from the shadows.
“Dismiss the Oniwabanshu as well. That’s an order.”
“…Understood.”
The samurai reluctantly left the room.
Kanata scanned the room with her Observation Haki. Even the Oniwabanshu, the ninjas, seemed to be gone. She exchanged a glance with Dragon and retrieved several pieces of paper from her bag.
“We’d like you to see these.”
“T-This is…?!”
Two Road Poneglyph rubbings and two Road History Poneglyph rubbings.
Sukiyaki’s eyes widened in shock. “Where did you get these…? These are… secret codes passed down through the Kozuki Family!”
“We obtained them outside Wano Country. These are rubbings of the Road Poneglyphs.”
“…You obtained them outside Wano Country?”
“Yes. We’re currently investigating the mysteries they hold.”
Sukiyaki, overwhelmed, shifted his gaze from Zen to Kanata.
“You’re collecting them? Zen is a warrior. I can’t imagine him being interested in such things.”
“That’s right. We’re looking for someone who can read these glyphs, and Zen said you might know someone, so we came to Wano Country.”
“I see… What is your objective?”
“We don’t know. There are rumors that they contain historical records and information about lost weapons, but the truth is… unknown.”
“I see…”
Sukiyaki picked up one of the rubbings.
He had shown Zen the secret codes in the past, and had told him about the existence of the ‘indestructible stones’ created by the Kozuki Family.
It made sense that they would seek him out for information.
However… all Sukiyaki knew was the existence of the ancient glyphs and the ‘indestructible stones’. He knew his ancestors had created them, but he had no idea where they were located or what they contained.
He picked up the rubbing from Fishman Island first.
“This one contains an apology from someone called ‘Joy Boy’ to someone called ‘Mermaid Princess’. It doesn’t seem to be a historical record…”
“I see… an apology…”
They had no way of confirming if he was telling the truth, but there was no reason for him to lie. They had to trust Zen’s judgment and Sukiyaki’s sincerity.
Sukiyaki picked up another rubbing, studying its contents. This one was from Hachinosu, Pirate Island.
“…This one describes a pact between the ‘D Clan’ and a knight… No, that’s not quite right… a samurai called ‘Dark Moon’.”
“‘Dark Moon’…”
A clan of knights.
The D Clan.
The words resonated with her. Octavia’s words echoed in her mind.
– Find the D Clan. We are the knights who fight alongside them. It’s our destiny.
“…Do you think I should also become ‘one of them’?” Kanata muttered.
Octavia had discovered Rocks D. Xebec and fought alongside him.
What should she do?
She was currently traveling with Dragon, fighting alongside him. She didn’t know what the future held, but she couldn't abandon him.
She wasn’t interested in lineage or bloodlines, but… perhaps there was a force drawing them together. She wouldn't resist if it was fate.
“Wait. Wait for the time when ‘he’ appears… This one also mentions someone they’re waiting for. That’s all I can decipher from this,” Sukiyaki said.
He sighed, overwhelmed by the revelations.
His old friend had visited, bringing with him rubbings of the secret codes passed down through his family. He was intrigued, curious about what other secrets the Road Poneglyphs held.
He couldn’t call Oden a prodigal son now, he thought, sipping his tea. He picked up the remaining two rubbings, studying them carefully. These were the Road History Poneglyphs from Fishman Island and Zou.
“Do these indicate locations? The wording is vague…”
Kanata meticulously noted down everything Sukiyaki read, deciphering the text.
He could read the ancient glyphs, but he had no knowledge of navigation. He couldn’t pinpoint the locations.
Kanata, having analyzed the information, declared, “I can draw a map based on this.”
“Four locations, and an unknown island at their center…”
“There’s an uncharted island there?” Dragon asked.
“Yes. We need to find the remaining two Road History Poneglyphs, but…”
“…If you’re looking for the red stone, then follow me. We have one here.”
Kanata vaguely recalled that there was one in Wano Country.
They followed Sukiyaki to the castle’s warehouse, gazing up at the red stone standing there.
“This is going surprisingly well.”
“We have no leads on the last one. We’ll have to search for it.”
That wasn’t entirely true, but… no one would believe her. She kept her knowledge to herself. Besides, her memories were vague. It was better to search for it properly.
They returned to the audience chamber, exhausted from their efforts, sipping tea.
“How long are you planning to stay in Wano Country?” Sukiyaki asked.
“Well, that depends on her,” Zen replied, gesturing towards Kanata.
“We’d like to stay for at least a week or two. We’re interested in the high-quality weapons of this country, and we need time to analyze the information we’ve gathered.”
“I see. Stay here tonight. I’ll arrange accommodation in the capital.”
“Heehin. Thank you. But I need to contact Yasuie-sama.”
“You’re staying with Yasuie?”
“We entered through Mogura Port.”
Sukiyaki would send a message to Yasuie.
Kanata contacted George using a Baby Den Den Mushi, informing him that they wouldn’t be returning tonight.
Zen probably had a lot to talk about with Sukiyaki. Kanata and Dragon decided to explore the capital, experiencing Wano Country’s culture firsthand, despite their conspicuous appearance.
– The next day, Kozuki Oden, having heard about the arrival of foreigners, challenged Kanata, demanding to join her crew.
