Clang! Clang!
The rhythmic hammering of hot iron resonated through the small workshop. A middle-aged man with auburn hair, streaked with grey, focused his sharp gaze on the glowing metal. He quenched the now-shaped iron in water, and seemingly satisfied with its form, nodded once and began meticulously sharpening the blade. A large figure appeared at the entrance.
"Excuse me," the newcomer said.
"…What do you want?"
The newcomer was twice the size of the smith, his long, cherry-blossom pink hair partially tied back in a topknot. He had to stoop to peer inside the small workshop. It was Ashura Doji, one of the retainers who had once served Kozuki Oden.
"I have some blades that need sharpening. And I'd like a new sword, if you have any."
"I see. Leave them there, and I'll get to them when I'm finished. The new ones are over there… though, I suppose you can't fit inside, can you?"
The smith scratched the back of his neck, stood up, and gathered a bundle of recently forged swords, handing them to Ashura Doji, who was far too large to enter the cramped workshop. Ashura Doji examined each blade, drawing them from their sheaths, then nodded in approval and sheathed them again.
"Excellent craftsmanship, as always."
"Save the flattery. Did you bring payment?"
"Of course. I'm not Orochi."
Ashura Doji retrieved a small bag of coins from his knapsack and placed it at the entrance. The smith checked its contents, then added a bundle of food to the pile, his brow furrowed as he looked at Ashura Doji. Safe food was a rare commodity in Wano, unavailable outside of Orochi's direct control. He wanted to know how Ashura Doji had acquired it.
"Orochi isn't the only one who can trade with the outside world. I told you before, I have my connections."
Ashura Doji subtly gestured towards the Den Den Mushi tucked inside his robe, and the smith nodded, a knowing "I see."
While Wano was an isolated island, surrounded by treacherous cliffs and violent storms, it wasn't entirely inaccessible. Though the ports were controlled by the Beasts Pirates, and the interior by Orochi's spies, it was possible, with considerable effort, to slip past their surveillance. Such incursions were rare, however, due to their inherent difficulty. Fortunately, Kaido and the majority of the Beasts Pirates had recently left the island.
With the surveillance significantly reduced, Ashura Doji had contacted his allies on the outside – the Twilight Pirates – and replenished their supplies.
"Those people who are sheltering that princess? They're pirates, right? Are they trustworthy?"
"That's a bit late to be asking. If I didn't trust them, I would have already cut them down."
"That's true… The repairs will take some time. Please wait."
"Alright."
Ashura Doji left his swords, his metaphorical extensions of himself, in the smith's care and left the workshop. The smith lived in what was once known as Amigasa Village. Nearly two years ago, a famine had swept through the village, claiming the lives of its inhabitants one by one until none remained.
While the entire Wano Country had suffered a poor harvest that year, the situation had been exacerbated by the Big Mom Pirates' unexpected attendance at the annual Fire Festival, depleting their already dwindling food reserves faster than anticipated. The villagers had prioritized the children, but even they had succumbed, their bodies reduced to skin and bones.
The smith, hiding from Orochi, had wandered from place to place, arriving in Amigasa Village shortly after its demise, burying the deceased. Ashura Doji, each time he visited, paid his respects at the graves, leaving offerings.
He stood in silence before the graves. Eighteen years had passed since Oden's defeat, since the collapse of their rebellion. A long time. There was no guarantee that Momonosuke and Kin'emon would return in two years, as Toki had foretold. Many of his comrades had fallen, others had lost hope along the way. Yet, Ashura Doji continued his fight against Orochi and Kaido, driven not by hatred or revenge, but by a lingering ember of hope.
"There you are," a voice said.
Ashura Doji was lost in his thoughts. He was sitting in front of the graves, praying for those who had died, and the swordsmith sat next to him.
"A country where children starve isn't a good country. Can you change this country?" the smith asked.
"I will. Not alone. With my comrades."
Ashura Doji answered without hesitation.
"Is it because of that princess you brought here before?"
"Yes."
About a year ago, during a brief skirmish between the Beasts Pirates and the Twilight Pirates, when surveillance had been relaxed, Komurasaki had returned to Wano. Her purpose was singular: to deliver Oden's memento, the sword Enma, entrusted to the smith, to Hiyori, as per Oden's final wishes.
Ame no Habakiri and Enma – both ranked among the 21 Great Grade swords, bequeathed to Momonosuke and Hiyori respectively. Enma, however, wasn't a blade for ordinary swordsmen. It could drain the Haki of its wielder, leaving them withered and lifeless. Only Oden had been able to control it.
"Kanata-dono, her master, deemed Hiyori-sama ready. You'll see. Her strength rivals even Oden-sama in his prime."
"I'm not a samurai. I don't understand such things, but if you say so…"
--I've kept you waiting for seventeen years.
--From this day forward, I will inherit Oden's will, with this blade.
--Whether my brother returns or not, in three years… on the twentieth anniversary of my father's death, I will reclaim Wano.
--Will you help me, Ashura Doji?
"While I feel a pang of shame that our princess had to make such a request… I was also overjoyed. Oden's will… lives on!"
Hiyori shouldn't have had to fight. As the shogun's daughter, she should have lived a life of comfort and privilege, her only concern choosing a suitable suitor. Even if she had left Wano, she could have entrusted the fighting to Izo, Kawamatsu, Ashura Doji, and the other retainers. Yet, she had chosen to fight, her resolve unwavering.
"We need to prepare for that day," Ashura Doji said.
"Indeed. Then I should prepare myself as well."
Even with the distant goal, having hope was enough to endure. Ashura Doji, his resolve renewed, returned to his quiet preparations, moving in the shadows of Wano.
***
Mariejois, the Holy Land.
After repelling the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates alliance, the Warlords and high-ranking Marine officers gathered in a room within Pangaea Castle. It was a rare occurrence, having so many powerful individuals in one place. It was an opportunity for a formal introduction, to reacquaint themselves with each other.
Even excluding Crocodile, recently stripped of his Warlord title, the remaining members were a formidable group.
Jinbe, the "Knight of the Sea" – former bounty of 250 million berries.
Bartholomew Kuma, the "Tyrant" – former bounty of 296 million berries.
Gecko Moria, the "Shadow Ruler" – former bounty of 315 million berries.
Donquixote Doflamingo, the "Heavenly Yaksha" – former bounty of 340 million berries.
Dracule Mihawk, "Hawkeye" – former bounty of 1.039 billion berries.
Kanata, the "Twilight Witch" – former bounty of 2.89 billion berries.
"It's been a while, Jinbe. I heard about Arlong from Tiger," Kanata said.
"You seem well, Kanata-san… I'm ashamed of Arlong's actions. If I had acted sooner, some things could have been avoided…"
"What's done is done. We'll talk later."
"Indeed."
While the Warlords rarely interacted, Kanata and Jinbe, having known each other for years, often exchanged pleasantries and updates. Along with Kuma, who sat quietly reading a book until Sengoku arrived, these three were the most regular attendees of the Warlord meetings. Kanata sometimes sent a representative in her stead.
Moria, idly leaning on the table, stifling a yawn. Doflamingo, his feet propped up on the table, a sullen expression on his face. Mihawk, requesting another cup of tea from a nearby attendant. These three rarely attended unless summoned, like now.
Three admirals, also rarely seen together, were present. Most of those gathered bore some injury from the recent battles. Only Kanata and Jinbe, who had arrived later, were unscathed.
"It's unusual to see all of you here. Are you bored?" Kanata asked.
"Of course not. We were summoned by Sengoku-san," Mihawk replied.
"A matter important enough to summon the admirals…?"
It was peculiar, Kanata thought. If it was an internal Marine matter, there was no need to discuss it now, nor to include the Warlords. She glanced around the room. An unusually high number of Vice Admirals were present. Tsuru's presence was expected, but others, usually stationed at various branches, were lined up near the windows. It was as if they were preventing anyone from leaving. While the Warlords' attendance was rare, this level of security was excessive.
Kanata narrowed her eyes, sensing Sengoku's intentions. Jinbe, noticing her expression, looked at her questioningly. Sengoku finally arrived, and all eyes turned to him.
"Sorry I'm late."
"Get on with it. I don't have time for these meetings," Doflamingo spoke with impatience.
Kanata ignored him and addressed Sengoku.
"The topic of discussion is Crocodile's replacement, I presume?"
"Yes. But there will be two vacant seats."
Sengoku nodded, then gave a subtle signal. Two Vice Admirals lunged at Doflamingo from behind. Doflamingo, though surprised, reacted instantly, restraining them with his strings. He glared at Sengoku.
"What's the meaning of this, Sengoku?!"
"Usurping the throne of Dressrosa, smuggling weapons and other illicit goods through the underworld market, creating artificial Devil Fruits known as SMILE and supplying them to the Beasts Pirates – care to explain yourself, Joker?"
Sengoku's words, cold and accusatory, confirmed Doflamingo's suspicions. They knew everything. He realized the futility of fighting three admirals, so he acted decisively. He manipulated the two Vice Admirals he had restrained, sending them towards the admirals, and leaped towards the window.
"Don't let him escape, Kizaru!"
Before Sengoku could finish, Kizaru's laser beam struck Doflamingo's side. Borsalino and Sakazuki swiftly subdued the controlled Vice Admirals and pursued Doflamingo, attempting to intercept him before he reached the window. However, Doflamingo was faster.
"Ever White!"
He transformed the wall into strings, creating an escape route while simultaneously forming a shield to block the admirals. He was certain he would escape, but Kizaru, moving even faster than the shifting strings, was already standing before him.
"You–"
"I'm afraid I can't let you go."
Doflamingo blocked Kizaru's lightspeed kick with his Haki-coated arms, but the force of the blow sent him sprawling back into the room. His string shield was sliced and burned away, and the other two admirals blocked his escape route.
"Your ability has awakened, I see. Not unexpected."
"Are you going to surrender quietly, Heavenly Yaksha?"
As the three admirals cornered Doflamingo, the other Warlords observed with varying degrees of interest.
"Kishishishi! Things are getting interesting!"
"How boring…"
"Should we help, Kanata-san?" Jinbe asked.
"No. This isn't our fight."
"With three admirals present, letting him escape would be a major embarrassment for the Marines. We won't be needed."
The five uninvolved Warlords seemed content to remain spectators. Sengoku glanced at Kanata, then returned his attention to Doflamingo.
While Doflamingo possessed strength comparable to a Yonko commander, he couldn't defeat three admirals. His lack of motivation during the recent battle with the Big Mom Pirates had been noted, and Sengoku had also received reports of his criminal activities.
After consulting with the Five Elders, they had deemed Doflamingo expendable. Public opinion was volatile after the Crocodile incident. Removing Doflamingo would be a show of good faith, restoring public trust in the government.
"You're a cautious one. Your absence from these meetings was likely due to suspicions like this… but this incident was an unexpected boon."
"Damn it…!"
Doflamingo had blood seeping from his wound as he glared at Sengoku defiantly. He hadn't given up. While this ambush would likely cast a shadow over future Warlord meetings, the other five didn't seem particularly concerned.
"Give up and surrender, Doflamingo."
"Like hell, Sengoku! I'm not going down that easily!"
Doflamingo, using his awakened ability, searched for an escape route. Sengoku simply rolled up his sleeves. Doflamingo couldn't win. Three admirals were present, along with Tsuru, the "Great Staff Officer," and Sengoku, the "Fleet Admiral." He had no chance.
***
The ensuing battle was a chaotic maelstrom of destruction, culminating in the complete demolition of the meeting room. Doflamingo, though severely injured, was captured alive. The remaining Warlords, in a separate meeting, offered no candidates for Doflamingo's replacement. The decision, as usual, was left to the Marines and the World Government.