The Thousand Sunny had docked at a quiet island covered in lush green hills and towering palm trees. The Straw Hats scattered to enjoy the peace, restocking supplies, and stretching their legs. Kikidori, fully recovered from the virus, took a long walk through the bustling town. The air was warm, and the streets were lined with vendors calling out to sell exotic goods.
Kikidori's hands were stuffed into his pockets, his sword swaying at his side. The recent events still weighed on his mind—his parents, the virus, and the identity he now despised. His once-cherished name, "Diamond D. Kikidori," felt like a chain he couldn't break free from.
As he walked past a small tavern, a group of scruffy pirates loitering outside suddenly stiffened. One of them dropped his bottle of rum, which shattered on the cobblestones.
"It… It's him," one of the pirates stammered, pointing with a shaky finger. "Diamond D. Kikidori… The Serpent King."
The words hit Kikidori like a punch. He stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing as he slowly turned to face them. His glare could pierce steel, and the weight of his presence alone sent a chill through the group.
"Don't call me that," Kikidori said, his voice low but laced with venom.
The pirate who had spoken tried to back away, his hands trembling. "W-We didn't mean anything by it! It's just… you're famous! Your bounty—"
"I don't care," Kikidori interrupted, his hand moving to the hilt of his sword. His knuckles whitened as his grip tightened.
The leader of the group, a burly man with a jagged scar across his face, stepped forward, trying to mask his fear with a cocky grin. "What's the big deal? You're Diamond D. Kikidori, aren't you? You should be proud of the name."
Kikidori's eyes flashed dangerously. "I said… don't call me that."
The tension in the air was palpable, and bystanders began to clear the area, sensing an imminent explosion.
The scarred pirate sneered, taking a step closer. "Or what? You gonna—"
The pirate didn't get to finish. In a single, fluid motion, Kikidori unsheathed his sword, the blade gleaming menacingly in the sunlight. He swung it with such force that the resulting shockwave tore through the air like a cannon blast. The ground cracked beneath him, and the sheer power of the strike sent a hurricane-like gust roaring through the street.
The pirates were thrown backward like ragdolls, slamming into walls and crates. Dust and debris filled the air as the shockwave rippled outward, visible even from miles away. Birds fled the trees, and townsfolk ducked for cover, their ears ringing from the explosion of sound.
When the dust settled, Kikidori stood in the center of the devastation, his sword still drawn. The pirates lay scattered around him, groaning in pain and too terrified to move. The scarred leader managed to lift his head, his face pale.
"I-I'm sorry…" he croaked.
Kikidori stepped closer, his blade pointed at the man's throat. "I don't care about your apologies. Remember this: I'm Kikidori. Just Kikidori."
The man nodded frantically, his head scraping against the cobblestones. "Y-Yes, just Kikidori! I swear!"
Kikidori sheathed his sword with a sharp *click* and turned his back on the defeated pirates. He walked away, his bare feet crunching softly against the rubble. The townspeople peeked out from their hiding spots, whispering in awe and fear.
As Kikidori returned to the ship, he could see the rest of the Straw Hats gathered on the deck, looking toward the island with wide eyes.
"What the hell was that?" Zoro asked, his hand on one of his swords.
"Looked like an explosion," Sanji muttered, lighting a cigarette.
"That wasn't an explosion," Nami said, her voice uneasy. "That was… something else."
When Kikidori reached the Sunny, he climbed aboard without a word. Luffy approached him, grinning ear to ear.
"Wow, Kikidori! That was awesome! What did you do?"
Kikidori walked past him, shaking his head. "Nothing worth cheering about."
Luffy tilted his head in confusion but didn't press further. As Kikidori disappeared below deck, Ere'ana followed him, her expression concerned.
In the quiet of the infirmary, Kikidori sat down heavily on a stool, staring at the floor.
"You okay?" Ere'ana asked softly, sitting beside him.
Kikidori didn't look up. "I don't know. I'm starting to feel like I'll never escape that name."
Ere'ana placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're not defined by your name, Kikidori. You're defined by your actions. And today, you showed those pirates exactly who you are."
He glanced at her, a small, grateful smile tugging at his lips. "Thanks, Ere'ana."
As the ship prepared to set sail again, Kikidori stood on the deck, staring at the horizon. The name "Diamond D." might haunt him, but he was determined to carve out his own identity—one step at a time.
The End of Chapter 84