It has been more than a year since Elegia was completely destroyed in the "destruction of the country" incident. The city lay in ruins, and the people were gone. It was a night of fire and disaster. As king, Gordon still vividly remembered the horrors of that night.
After the incident, Gordon and Shanks chose to lie, hoping to protect Uta's young heart from the painful truth. However, this deception could not be kept from the World Government. The World Government knew the demons sealed on the island had been released. Due to Gordon's lie, the World Government believed the person responsible was dead, and thus, they did not pursue the matter further. To control the narrative, they shifted the blame onto Shanks.
The World Government went further, erasing Elegia's location from maps and banning any ships from entering its waters. Sea Kings were placed in the area to deter any travelers, with rumors of sea monsters spreading far and wide. No one wanted to visit Elegia anymore—the risk and danger were simply too great.
But today, something had changed. A fleet had arrived at Elegia, disturbing the long-standing silence. At its helm stood a young man, Leno, boldly declaring his intent to rebuild Elegia. The news was met with shock, surprise, and worry by those who remembered the island's tragic past.
Gordon, the former king of Elegia, desperately wished to see his kingdom restored. Yet, he was apprehensive, fearing these new arrivals could bring further destruction or awaken the sleeping demons. Despite his worries, he invited Leno into the reception room, offering coffee and the hope of a detailed conversation.
Opposite Leno sat Uta, her two-toned hair—red on one side and light pink on the other—framing her vigilant eyes. She wore headphones, a yellow knee-length skirt with a bow, and short boots that swung gently as she sat. Though she appeared innocent and cute, hidden within her was the terrifying power of ot Musica. A being made from the collective sorrows of mankind and musical souls, it possessed the power to destroy the world.
Leno was reminded of the legend surrounding Devil Fruits. It was said that within every Devil Fruit was a hidden devil, and those who consumed them would be cursed, spurned by the sea. Could these legends be true? Were Devil Fruits more than mere sources of power, but instead, channels for demonic influence?
Leno's thoughts wandered as he considered whether each Devil Fruit represented a fragment of a demon's power manifesting in reality. The advent of artificial Devil Fruits, created by Vegapunk and others through bloodline factor technology, showed that the power of these demons could be replicated and stolen. Perhaps these demons, like Tot Musica, slumbered in a separate realm, reaching into reality through the Devil Fruits.
He pondered further: were those who consumed the fruits marked by these demons, their souls claimed upon death? Could the awakening of Devil Fruits, which altered the environment, be a state in which the eater became "half-demon"? This theory aligned with the behavioral changes seen in some users—the violent tendencies of Logia users like those with lava or fire abilities seemed to reflect the devil's nature within.
If true, this meant Uta's destruction of Elegia wasn't just a tragic event but part of a broader, sinister pattern—Devil Fruits connecting their users to the hidden demons.
Turning his thoughts back to the present, Leno discussed his proposal with Gordon. He presented a contract that outlined his plan: to lease Elegia rather than conquer it, allowing Gordon to remain king and avoid conflict with the World Government. This approach was crucial, as forcibly seizing a World Government member's territory would provoke military intervention, unlike internal political shifts which the World Government would not contest.
Gordon, however, needed time to consider. After reading the agreement, he asked Uta to leave the room, intending to have a private conversation with Leno. Once alone, Gordon revealed the truth: Elegia had always been cursed by a demon sealed within it—a demon that could only be pacified by happiness, and once awakened, would bring devastation.
Leno listened intently and responded, "I've heard of it. I've met Shanks, and I'm aware of Tot Musica."
"Shanks? Did he send you here?" Gordon asked, visibly moved. It all began to make sense.
Gordon understood immediately.
In his mind, a self-congratulatory thought formed.
Shanks still couldn't let go of Uta, so he let Leno come to Elegia to rebuild the island.
Leno didn't say anything, and Gordon filled in the gaps himself, constructing a story that tied everything together.
Leno knows what happened to Elegia, right? Shanks must have told him.
I see!
Gordon looked at Leno as if he were looking at himself.
He said with a relaxed tone, "If that's the case, you understand the dangers of Elegia, and you're still willing to come here?"
Leno smiled, "I know a little about music, and I can't bear to see the Island of Music disappear from the world."
"Music can soothe the soul, it's a delightful condiment for those who chase dreams."
"That's wonderful, truly!"
Gordon was overjoyed.
He clapped his hands, "It's been so long since I heard words like that. Elegia needs new life!"
Leno smiled, extended his hand, and said, "Then, let's hope for a fruitful partnership!"
Leno and Gordon signed the Hunter Guild agreement to lease Elegia.
Time: 99 years
Conditions: The Hunter Guild is responsible for rebuilding Elegia and pays 50 million Belly to the royal family every year for expenses, including the heavenly gold.
This agreement needed to be reported to the World Government for record.
The World Government stipulates that it won't interfere in the internal affairs of member states, but major events must be reported.
Leno brought out the Den Den Mushi, and Gordon dialed the number that had been unused for a long time, connecting to the World Government.
As the king of a member state, he had the privilege of direct communication with the top officials of the World Government.
Word quickly reached the Five Elders.
Mary Geoise.
The Five Elders, who were discussing Kuzan's resignation and his replacement, were stunned when they received the news from Elegia.
"Elegia? Where is that?"
"Ah, the country that was destroyed! It kept its status as a member nation to avoid alarming others."
"But wasn't the country's means of external communication destroyed?"
"It's Leno, and his Hunter's Guild!"
"That guy!"
The Five Elders frowned, their expressions darkening.
Leno's defeat of Kuzan had a profoundly negative impact on the Marines and the World Government.
Now, to mitigate the damage, they could only place the blame on Kuzan, criticizing him for losing his way, and so on.
But this influence was only on the surface. What troubled the Marines and the Five Elders even more was Kuzan's resignation.
It really irked the Five Elders.
Naturally, they were not pleased with the instigator.
Luckily, Leno wasn't a pirate and hadn't committed any major offenses like destroying countries or looting. After some discussion with the World Government, they decided to conduct an investigation.
Moreover, within the World Government, many were quite interested in the activities of the Hunter Guild.
Some believed that introducing new forces could help solve the problem of rampant piracy.
"Elegia, do they have that thing?"
"The ancient monster that has been sealed forever, the incarnation of disaster, the devil!"
"In my opinion, a Hunter Guild with a fixed base is safer than one that spreads like wildfire."
"Pirates who roam freely cause more harm than the Four Emperors, who have fixed territories."
"That's why the Seven Warlords of the Sea system was established—to confine powerful pirates to certain areas to deal with other pirates."
"It's easier to control and monitor. If they pose a threat, they can be eliminated immediately, unlike Roger, who was always on the move."
"Well then, let the Hunter Guild settle in Elegia. If that thing emerges, they can handle it."
"However, we can't let the Hunter Guild operate in secrecy any longer, we need to monitor their movements more closely."
The Five Elders unanimously agreed to send an undercover agent to the Hunter Guild.
"Who will go?"
"I've heard that CP has some skilled operatives. Let them handle it! They haven't been exposed publicly yet, so it's safer."
"Lucci?"
"Agreed."
World Economic News Headquarters.
A massive ship.
News birds perched on the masts and sides of the ship, messengers of the Pirate World, spreading information and news.
Inside the ship, a printing factory and a series of equipment were housed.
Since the ship was mobile, it could move at any time.
The World Government had always wanted to capture Morgans, but they had never succeeded.
Inside the captain's quarters.
Morgans smiled as he held the secret information obtained by bribing high-ranking officials within the World Government.
"Elegia!"
"I thought the Hunter Guild would use this opportunity to enter the Grand Line, but I didn't expect..."
"What a patient, intriguing man!"
"Well, tomorrow's front-page news—again, Hunter's Guild settles in Elegia!"
Putting down the intelligence.
Morgans lit a cigar, exhaled a puff of smoke, and suddenly thought of something. He picked up the Transponder Snail and dialed a number.
"Hello?"
A slightly lazy expression appeared on the Den Den Mushi, which mimicked the face and demeanor of the person on the other end of the line.
"Kuzan, where are you?" Morgans asked.
"On an island, on vacation!"
"Huh? You bastard, the world is in chaos because of you, and you're on vacation?"
"Is that a problem?"
Morgans grumbled, "One day, I'll quit this job and go on a retirement vacation."
He shook his head, knowing his own nature—he would never retire. He said, "Think it over again. Join us?"
"No."
On the beach, Kuzan, lying under an ice umbrella, flatly refused.
"Okay! I have some news you might find interesting. It's about the Hunter Guild!" Morgans said.
"Oh? What's the condition?"
Kuzan knew how Morgans operated.
His intelligence was sometimes more accurate than that of the Marines, and he always required an exchange of information.
"The condition is that if you decide to join that organization, let me know first and give me an exclusive interview!"
Morgans grinned.
Trading outdated news for something more valuable—that's the mark of a true journalist!
East Blue.
Kingdom of Oiket.
As soon as Kuro and Luwell's ships landed, they were surrounded by a group of soldiers.
The leader of the soldiers glanced at the blood-red black dragon flag flying on the ship and the Hunter Guild emblem on the sail.
Yes!
That's them!
His eyes were cold and stern as he ordered, "Capture them alive!"
The news of the island's acrobatics had spread, and the Scarlet Fleet's crushing defeat caused an uproar among Oiket's upper echelons.
They clamored for revenge.
Upon hearing that a Hunter Guild ship was in the area, they immediately dispatched troops to arrest it.
As the most powerful nation in East Blue, the king and nobility of Oiket were quite arrogant.
Of course, this arrogance wasn't exclusive to Oiket, even the future king of the Goa Kingdom wanted Garp to kneel before him!
The soldiers charged forward.
Kuro adjusted his glasses slightly, his palm transforming into a beastly claw. He no longer needed cat claws—his hands could now become sharp talons.
These claws were more flexible than any cat's.
Perfect for testing out new powers!
"Wait!"
Luwell stopped him.
She looked at the leader of the soldiers and said, "Uncle Norn!"
"Huh?"
The leader of the soldiers was surprised. He looked closely at Luwell, found her familiar, then studied her more carefully, astonished.
"You... you are..."
"It's me, Luwell!" she said.
The soldier's impression of her gradually merged with the little girl in his memory. He quickly stopped the soldiers and stepped forward, excited.
"Luwell! You've grown so much!"
Kuro was curious.
"He's my mother's younger brother," Luwell explained.
Kuro pondered for a moment.
It seemed that Luwell had some influence in Oiket.
But Kuro quickly dismissed the thought.
It wasn't just that Luwell had some influence—she had quite a bit of power.
Her mother's family turned out to be a great noble house controlling Oiket's education system, known as the "family of scholars."
The tense atmosphere quickly shifted into a scene of family reunion between Luwell and Uncle Norn.
Hearing that Luwell's mother had passed away from illness, Norn sighed deeply.
They had been helpless when Luwell's family had to flee. Kirog had pushed things too far, making a fool of the king.
"Father has always missed you, but we had no way to find you."
Norn warmly invited Kuro and Luwell to the family estate.
Luwell coughed lightly and said, "Well, let's meet the king first."
Norn slapped his forehead, realizing he was supposed to arrest them. He frowned and asked, "What business do you have with the king?"
Luwell hesitated.
It was hard to admit they were back to extort them, right?
Kuro spoke up, "We apprehended some individuals who slandered the Kingdom of Oiket and were involved in illegal arms trading and the private slave market.
"Our president believes that Oiket is a noble nation, incapable of such vile acts, so he sent us to seek clarification to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings with the World Government, which wouldn't
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