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The morning sun rose lazily over the outskirts of Wano, casting long shadows across the dense bamboo forests. Xpovac woke up feeling refreshed, a pleasant contrast to the weight of his usual responsibilities. Today, he planned to head into town and explore. But first, a bit of preparation was in order. He opened up the system menu, navigating through various options until he found the section he was looking for: masks.
Scrolling through the vast selection, Xpovac noticed a wide range of designs, from simple cloth coverings to elaborate masks adorned with jewels and feathers. Some resembled traditional Oni masks, with fierce expressions and curved tusks, while others took on the shape of animals like foxes and dragons.
"Hmm," he murmured, tapping his chin as he continued browsing. The selection was impressive, but he wanted something that stood out yet wasn't too flashy—something that suited his style but also blended into Wano's aesthetic.
Eventually, he stumbled upon a mask that caught his eye. It was a deep, rich purple color with swirling black patterns that ran across the surface, giving it an almost ethereal look. The mask's design was sleek, covering the upper half of his face, leaving his mouth visible but obscuring his eyes. The edges were outlined in a faint silver trim that shimmered in the light. There were no exaggerated features; it was simple yet mysterious.
"Perfect," Xpovac said, selecting the mask and finalizing the purchase. As the mask materialized in his hands, he slipped it on, adjusting it until it sat comfortably on his face. It felt light and breathable, and when he glanced in a nearby stream, he saw that it added an air of intrigue to his appearance. Satisfied, he turned back to the system menu.
His next order of business was finding a device to disguise Swampert. The massive blue Pokémon was hardly inconspicuous, and in Wano, it was best not to attract unnecessary attention. He scrolled through the section labeled "Disguise Devices" until he found exactly what he needed: a perception-altering device that could make Swampert appear as an ordinary horse to anyone who wasn't aware of the illusion.
With a few more taps, Xpovac purchased the device. It materialized in his hand, a small, silver collar lined with intricate runes. He approached Swampert, who was already awake and eager for the day's adventure.
"Here you go, buddy," Xpovac said as he placed the collar around Swampert's neck. The runes glowed faintly for a moment before fading, and almost instantly, the image of Swampert shifted. To Xpovac, he was still the same Swampert he had always known, but to anyone else, he would now appear as a sturdy, strong horse with a deep blue coat and a black mane.
"Perfect," Xpovac said, patting Swampert's head. "Now, let's go explore the town."
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With Xpovac riding atop Swampert, they made their way down the dirt path that led toward Wano's bustling town center. The closer they got, the more lively the area became. The streets were lined with stalls selling all sorts of wares—fresh produce, handcrafted pottery, and intricately designed kimonos. The air was filled with the sounds of chatter, laughter, and the occasional clang of a blacksmith's hammer from a nearby forge.
As they entered the main square, Xpovac kept a firm grip on Swampert's reins, guiding his disguised companion through the bustling crowd. The townsfolk barely gave them a second glance, seeing only a masked man riding a strong-looking horse.
Xpovac's first stop was a small tea shop. The smell of freshly brewed tea wafted from the open entrance, drawing him in. Dismounting, he patted Swampert on the neck before stepping inside. The shop was quaint and cozy, with paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling and wooden tables scattered throughout.
"Welcome," an elderly woman behind the counter greeted him warmly. "What can I get for you today?"
"Two cups of your finest green tea, please," Xpovac replied, his voice slightly muffled by the mask.
The woman busied herself behind the counter, and soon enough, she placed two steaming cups of tea on the table. Xpovac took one for himself and carried the other outside for Swampert. The Pokémon gratefully lapped up the tea, enjoying the warm beverage.
After finishing his tea, Xpovac wandered further down the street, leading Swampert as he browsed the various shops. He stopped at a blacksmith's stall, where swords and armor were displayed. Though he wasn't in need of a weapon, he admired the craftsmanship and purchased a small decorative dagger as a souvenir.
Further along, he found a stall selling local treats. The vendor was offering samples of a sweet rice cake filled with red bean paste. Xpovac tried one, and its sweetness burst in his mouth, perfectly balanced with the slight chewiness of the rice. He ended up buying several for later, as well as a few other snacks he thought Swampert might enjoy.
At another stall, Xpovac found beautifully hand-painted fans. The artist, a middle-aged man with an eye for detail, was finishing up a new piece as Xpovac approached.
"These are quite impressive," Xpovac said, admiring the intricate patterns and images of cranes and cherry blossoms.
"Thank you," the artist replied with a bow. "Would you like one? I can personalize it for you."
Xpovac nodded and picked a fan with a dark purple background. "Could you add a small design of a thunder dragon on it?" he asked, recalling the motif from his own Zanpakutō.
The artist's eyes gleamed with interest. "An excellent choice." He quickly got to work, using fine brushes and delicate strokes to bring the design to life. In minutes, the fan was completed, featuring a coiled thunder dragon amidst swirling clouds. Xpovac paid the artist, tucking the fan into his belt for safekeeping.
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After spending several hours wandering the town and collecting various gifts and souvenirs, Xpovac and Swampert began making their way back to their base on the outskirts. By the time they arrived, the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the landscape.
Xpovac dismounted and patted Swampert on the shoulder. "Good job today, buddy. Let's get some food and relax."
Using the system, Xpovac purchased a spread of delicious foods for their dinner. For himself, he selected a hearty portion of grilled meat and rice, accompanied by a side of fresh vegetables. For Swampert, he bought a large, roasted fish and some Pokémon-friendly snacks to go along with it.
They sat down on the porch of their newly built house, enjoying the cool evening air as they dug into their meal. The food tasted even better after a day of exploring and interacting with the people of Wano. Xpovac savored each bite, appreciating the flavors and textures. Swampert devoured his fish with gusto, crunching through the bones and scales effortlessly.
As they ate, Xpovac took a moment to examine the items he had gathered throughout the day. The decorative dagger gleamed in the fading light, the hand-painted fan rested nearby, and the sweet rice cakes waited for dessert. It was a successful day, and the gifts would serve as reminders of their first day in Wano.
After finishing their meal, Xpovac leaned back, stretching his arms. "I think we've earned a good rest tonight," he said, glancing over at Swampert, who was already lying down, his eyes half-closed.
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As night fell, the peaceful sounds of nature filled the air around them. The chirping of crickets and the rustling of leaves were the only sounds that broke the stillness. Xpovac felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him. It wasn't every day that he got to experience a calm, ordinary day like this.
He gazed up at the night sky, stars beginning to twinkle overhead. Tomorrow would bring new challenges and adventures, but for now, he was content just enjoying the present moment. Xpovac leaned back on the porch, hands behind his head, and closed his eyes.
"Goodnight, Swampert," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper.
Swampert let out a soft, contented rumble in response, already drifting off to sleep.
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