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The morning sun hung lazily over Wano as Xpovac and Swampert returned to their small home on the outskirts, the previous week's fight still a fresh memory. Xpovac felt a sense of accomplishment; Kaidou had been a formidable challenge, but it was time to wrap up loose ends. He had decided they would leave Wano soon, but first, there were personal matters to attend to.
As Xpovac and Swampert entered the house, the familiar ding of the system notification sounded in his mind. He stopped for a moment, listening as the quest rewards materialized before him.
Quest Complete: Fight Kaidou**
Rewards: "Country Maker" and "Goods and Resources for the Country."
"Interesting," Xpovac murmured, raising an eyebrow as he reviewed the rewards. The "Country Maker" appeared to be an ability that would allow him to instantly establish a nation, complete with infrastructure and a governing system. The "Goods and Resources for the Country" would stockpile essential supplies—food, weapons, building materials, and more. He grinned; this would be useful in his plans for PokeIsland.
Swampert, noticing Xpovac's amused expression, gave a curious glance. "Don't worry, buddy," Xpovac said, patting his friend. "We're almost done here."
As Swampert wandered off to relax, Xpovac pulled out his Den Den Mushi, dialing Black Maria's number. It didn't take long before the snail's eyes lit up, and her voice came through. "Xpovac? What's up?"
"I was wondering what your decision was," he asked directly, his tone carrying a hint of playfulness. "About what I said to you."
Maria paused, a slight blush coloring her cheeks even through the snail-transmitted image. "Could we meet up?" she asked, her voice softer than usual.
"Sure thing. How about tomorrow at 5 PM on Onigashima?" Xpovac replied without hesitation.
"Sounds good," Maria agreed, and the call ended shortly after.
Feeling energized by the call, Xpovac made his way outside and found Swampert resting under a tree. He rushed over, unable to contain his excitement. "Hey, buddy! It looks like things are about to get even more interesting," Xpovac said, sharing the details of the call. Swampert growled enthusiastically, his tail thumping against the ground in approval.
---
The next day arrived quickly, and the hours seemed to fly by as Xpovac prepared. He decided to wear a blue and gold kimono, letting his dreadlocks fall loosely over his shoulders instead of keeping them tied back. His silver eyes glistened with anticipation, a rare mixture of happiness and excitement radiating from him. Turning to Swampert, who stood beside him, Xpovac asked, "So, how do I look, buddy? Good enough to impress?"
Swampert let out a cheerful bark in response, earning a laugh from Xpovac. "Thanks, pal. Now let's go."
---
The island's rocky terrain was unmistakable as Xpovac flew over the sea and touched down on Onigashima. As he landed, he saw Black Maria and Kaidou waiting together near one of the larger structures. With a casual wave, he greeted them. "Wassup?"
Maria waved back, while Kaidou, arms crossed and looking down at Xpovac, said, "So, Xpovac, I hear you want one of my 'Flying Six.'" His tone was a mixture of amusement and curiosity.
Xpovac raised an eyebrow and laughed, "Oh, damn! I forgot she was one of them!" He glanced at Maria, who looked mildly surprised at the remark.
Kaidou continued, "The strong decide what and how things go. But even if you take her, I expect something in return—especially if I don't get a replacement."
The air around Xpovac suddenly shifted. His aura flared, expanding outward and causing the ground to tremble. Even the sky seemed to darken under the weight of his unleashed power. "You dare demand compensation from me?" His voice echoed like thunder, startling both Kaidou and Maria. For a moment, a sense of dread washed over the area.
Then, just as quickly as it had come, Xpovac suppressed his aura and let out a casual laugh. "Relax, I'm kidding," he said, waving a hand dismissively. "How about this—I'll give you a legendary mythical Zoan Devil Fruit and establish trade relations with my soon-to-be country?"
Kaidou's interest was piqued. "A country, huh? I thought you only had a small island. And what is this Devil Fruit you speak of?"
Xpovac grinned, enjoying the change in Kaidou's demeanor. "Well, the country isn't established yet, but it will be within the next month. As for the fruit, it's called the 'Saru Saru no Mi, Model: Sun Wukong.' It grants the user the abilities of the legendary Monkey King, with immense strength, speed, shape-shifting abilities, and even control over elements. But…" he added with a serious tone, "it can only be eaten by someone with a strong enough soul. Anyone else will die instantly."
Kaidou pondered for a moment, weighing the offer in his mind. "Fine," he said, finally agreeing to the terms. He handed Xpovac a Den Den Mushi. "Contact me when your country is ready, and have that Devil Fruit prepared."
With the deal sealed, Kaidou turned and made his way back toward his base, leaving Xpovac and Maria alone.
---
Maria had been silent through the entire exchange, quietly observing. As Kaidou disappeared from sight, Xpovac turned to her, his gaze direct and unwavering. "So," he said, "I'm guessing from that conversation, you've decided to come with me?"
Maria took a deep breath before nodding. "Yes," she said softly. "I've made up my mind."
A grin spread across Xpovac's face, genuine excitement lighting up his eyes. "Great! Gather your stuff and say your goodbyes. Meet me at the outskirts north of Wano once you're done."
Maria nodded again, a determined look in her eye as she turned to make preparations. Xpovac watched her leave, then flew back to his home, eager to share the news with Swampert.
---
Back at the house, Xpovac found Swampert lounging as usual. "Guess what, buddy? Maria's coming with us!" he said, clapping his hands together. Swampert gave an approving growl, understanding that this meant they would soon be on the move.
"Start packing," Xpovac instructed. "We're heading home as soon as she gets here."
---
Three hours later, Xpovac spotted Maria approaching from the distance. She carried a bag over her shoulder, but otherwise traveled light. Xpovac walked up to her, taking the bag from her hands and effortlessly storing it in his inventory space. Maria's eyes widened slightly at the sight, but she refrained from questioning his strange abilities.
"Okay, let's get going," Xpovac said. He reached out with his mind, sending a telepathic message to Mew, who had been lying low ever since arriving in Wano.
"Mew, teleport to our location and bring us back to PokeIsland."
A few seconds later, a bright flash of light appeared before them, and Mew emerged, its tiny body glowing with energy. The pink Pokémon floated in front of Xpovac, Swampert, and Maria, who looked utterly stunned by its appearance.
Before she could fully comprehend what was happening, Mew enveloped the group in a brilliant aura of light. In an instant, they vanished from Wano, reappearing halfway across the world on PokeIsland. The tropical landscape spread out before them, and the familiar warm breeze greeted Xpovac and Swampert.
Maria glanced around, her mouth slightly agape as she took in the sight of the island. "Teleportation…?" she murmured, still coming to grips with what had just happened.
Xpovac chuckled at her reaction. "Welcome to PokeIsland," he said with a confident smile.
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