Timeline: 10 years before the original.
In these seas, the handling of the dead followed a largely established custom. While burial practices differed from land to land according to faith – be it interment or cremation – at sea, tradition dictated that the departed were placed in coffins and returned to the ocean's embrace.
Practicalities necessitated this; refrigeration aboard ships was costly, and storing corpses until landfall was unfeasible, risking decay and disease. Thus, only keepsakes or locks of hair were typically retained. Regardless of birthplace, all eventually returned to the sea – pirate and Marine alike.
***
Within the Twilight Pirates, the established protocol was to deliver belongings and locks of hair to the deceased's family. For those without kin, valuables were set aside, and the rest ritually burned. Given the inherent dangers of their lives, fatalities from accidents at sea were unavoidable, despite precautions. Nothing in life was absolute.
Recognizing this, Kanata had established a memorial monument on a hill overlooking the sea when they first made Hachinosu their base.
The perennial problem of graveyard space, especially on a limited landmass, had weighed on her mind. Thus, the custom arose: whether death occurred on land or sea, the body was committed to the waves. Only keepsakes and hair were brought before the monument for burning. Carving names onto the stone itself was deemed impractical – the list would be endless. The monument served purely as a place for remembrance.
...However, Kanata's personal habit of visiting the monument annually in summer with offerings of flowers and sake had unexpectedly morphed into a new tradition, much to her own surprise.
"Alright! Has everyone got their drinks!? To the contributions of all those who've fallen! Cheers!!"
"CHEERS!!!"
Even more unexpected was how her casual remark, "We ought to remember the dead now and then," combined with her annual visit, had somehow blossomed into an event where "those who could, gathered to drink and remember the departed."
Aren't they just looking for an excuse to drink? Kanata often thought, yet the sentiment itself wasn't entirely bad. If they must remember, better it be with fond memories than sad ones. Drinking while doing so hardly matters, she had reasoned, granting her permission.
"And this is the result..." Kanata sighed.
Looking down from her office window, the square below bustled with noisy crowds. In the fifteen-plus years since they had established their base on Hachinosu, various customs had taken root, but this particular one hadn't been intentionally cultivated by Kanata. It had simply emerged when she resumed a long-standing personal habit, one she hadn't been able to maintain while constantly traveling.
More people had gathered than the mess hall could possibly hold, their conversations audible even from afar as they mingled, drinks in hand. The invitation had been for "anyone who wants to come," and the vast majority had turned up. Those unable to attend due to work commitments were apparently quite disappointed. She certainly hadn't intended for it to become such a festival.
"Well, can't be helped. You're the boss of Twilight, after all. Ambitious types probably want to drink with you at least once, get their faces recognized."
Scotch who had shaved his head because he was worried about his receding hairline, laughed. Next to him, George's slicked-back hair also showed streaks of white, an undeniable sign of aging.
"Even the branch chiefs make a point of coming around this time," George added. "South and East Blue are far, but they say it'd be disrespectful not to show their faces once a year."
"We meet via Visual Den Den Mushi. I don't think they need to force themselves to come when they're busy..." Kanata thought.
"Ships are way faster than they used to be, and crossing the Red Line is easy with me around. They probably just want to show up in person once a year," George reasoned.
Seeing the logic in George's words, Kanata sighed lightly and took a swig of her drink.
It was true that showing up in person was better if it didn't interfere with work. Visual Den Den Mushi couldn't reveal if someone had been replaced or had a change of heart leading to strange behavior. Regular face-to-face meetings made it easier to spot changes. Even stationing Valkyrie or Einherjar members as guards didn't guarantee detection.
Swirling the amply filled glass, Kanata gazed at the liquor within and murmured softly.
"...Every year, around this time, I feel my age."
"Been eight years since David and Kuro died... Time flies," Scotch reminisced.
"It really does. Feels like yesterday Kuro just joined, got dragged into the sea while fishing," George chuckled.
"Oh yeah, that happened! He yelled 'Help me, Kurouzu' at Kanata and pulled her in with him! Both almost drowned!"
"Even though Kanata can freeze the sea with her powers and shouldn't drown, she went right in with him that time."
"Touching him nullifies powers," Kanata explained dryly. "That time, I seriously considered killing him."
The Yami Yami no Mi had the peculiar property of nullifying Devil Fruit abilities upon direct, active contact by the user. Since Kuro hadn't fully understood his own ability's properties back then, both had ended up in the water, nearly drowning. It was a funny story now, but at the time, having narrowly escaped death, she had been absolutely furious. Scotch and George roared with laughter at Kanata's stoic recollection.
"Now that we're all ability users, we can't even save each other if we fall in!" Scotch guffawed.
"Well, with a little trick, I might be able to help..." George added thoughtfully.
The Fuwa Fuwa no Mi could affect even the sea. If someone fell in, he could potentially lift the seawater itself, rescuing them, provided it happened quickly. Doing so in the middle of a battle, however, would require a leeway he likely wouldn't have. He hadn't fought seriously in some time; although he could still use Haki, he felt considerably rusty. He needed to retrain somewhat, lest he set a poor example.
***
A knock sounded at the office door. After a polite pause, Kaie entered, followed by the Kuja contingent. Gloriosa was among them. Seeing Gloriosa, whom she met only once a year, Kanata's lips softened into a smile.
"It's been too long, Gloriosa!"
"Indeed. It has been a while, Kanata."
Having retired from Twilight and returned to her homeland of Amazon Lily, Gloriosa now served as an advisor to the Kuja Pirates and trained new recruits. Though her body had weakened considerably, her mastery of Haki remained ingrained. Teaching was not difficult. Kaie, having been raised by Gloriosa as a surrogate parent, occasionally visited Amazon Lily to assist with training the next generation. This time, she had brought promising warriors to meet Kanata. Among them were familiar faces.
"Hmm... some of the children from before are here too. You've grown strong."
As expected of those deemed promising by Kaie and Gloriosa, the warriors were well-trained in both Haki and physique. The most eye-catching among them was likely Hancock, whom Gloriosa had brought once several years prior.
"I heard she possesses Haoshoku Haki. Is it true?"
"Y-Yes!"
"I see... Those with Haoshoku often resist serving under others. If you believe yourself stronger, I will accept your challenge anytime."
"S-Such a thing..."
"Stop it, Kanata. You just want to pass off your paperwork because you don't want to do it," Gloriosa interjected teasingly.
The shipping business was demanding. It wasn't just about moving goods; demand and supply had to be considered, and ship schedules adjusted accordingly. The meticulous calculations required, combined with Kanata's own precise nature, resulted in mountains of paperwork.
It was so overwhelming that no one wanted to take over. Recently, thanks to training efforts, some tasks could be delegated, but documents still required her final review, meaning the total workload hadn't significantly decreased. Despite her cool demeanor, Kanata was undoubtedly a superhuman in this field as well.
"It's not that I don't want to work," Kanata countered. "I'm looking for someone capable of handling the paperwork to eliminate reliance on specific individuals. To focus on shipping, I need someone who can command the troops."
"That requires training specialists. It's too early for these girls," Gloriosa pointed out.
"...You're right. I was being hasty."
Sinking deep into her office sofa, Kanata tilted her cup and took a drink. There was plenty of manpower for transporting goods, but personnel for coordination needed training.
Since the beginning of the Great Pirate Era, many had lacked proper education. Since settling in Hachinosu, Kanata had gradually educated the children she had taken in from various places and motivated youths, but they were only recently starting to take shape. She estimated it would take at least another ten years, including practical experience, for the system to run smoothly.
"Kaie has gained sufficient knowledge and strength. I could entrust various things to you now... How about it? Would you like to try being a branch chief?"
Kaie smiled wryly at the offer.
"Please spare me. All I'm good for is fighting. I'll handle the combat, so please choose someone capable of managing the shipping for the branch chief position."
"Hmm... So specialization is the only way."
Times being what they were, choosing someone weak posed risks in emergencies, but if constant protection by multiple guards was possible, that might be more efficient.
"...Well, let's give that more thought later."
"Let me introduce the warriors one by one. Twilight might look after them in the future," Gloriosa suggested.
"Azami will complain if I poach too many..."
"The Kuja Pirates are now under the Twilight Pirates' umbrella. She's in no position to complain—besides, Hancock is stronger than Azami now."
The stronger Twilight's name resonated, the more security Amazon Lily enjoyed under its protection.
Gloriosa understood this well; she wasn't just an advisor for show. After introducing the nervous Hancock and the others, who exchanged a few words with Kanata, they took their leave.
***
Another knock at the door. This time, it sounded like someone intended to break it down. Permission granted, Teach burst in, bottle in hand. Behind him was Tiger, who had just recently joined Twilight. —Or perhaps, more accurately, returned.
"Yo, Sis! Drinkin'?"
"Another noisy one has arrived..." Kanata sighed.
"You're too loud! Sit further away!" Scotch grumbled.
"Hey, hey, don't be so harsh, Scotch!"
Teach plopped down on the same sofa as Scotch and the others, followed by a hesitant-looking Tiger. Kanata patted the seat next to her, gesturing for Tiger to sit. He glanced briefly at Scotch and George before settling beside Kanata. Looking slightly uncomfortable, his face was tense. In contrast, Kanata appeared relaxed as she picked up a sake bottle.
"So, getting used to it?"
"Well, I'm trying..."
After everything that had happened, distrust towards humans lingered. Yet, it was Tiger's own choice to be with Twilight. It would take time to reconcile his feelings, but there was no need to rush, Kanata assured him.
She tilted the bottle and poured sake into Tiger's cup. Tiger reciprocated, filling Kanata's cup, then downed his drink in one gulp. The burning sensation of alcohol slid down his throat. Tiger tilted his head back, savoring the aftertaste, then spoke.
"Ran into the Kuja warriors earlier."
"Ah, I was just meeting with the promising ones. Do you remember Gloriosa?"
"Couldn't forget her if I tried. That woman is a strong warrior."
The time Tiger and Gloriosa spent on the same ship was incredibly brief. Kaie might not even remember that period. But for Tiger, combined with the chaos on Sabaody Archipelago, the memory was indelible. A vivid journey he would likely never forget until the day he died.
"One of them caught up to me afterwards... After hesitating quite a bit, she just said, 'Thank you.'"
"..."
"I don't recognize her... but I must have done something."
Kanata narrowed her eyes at his words, then glanced at the three men opposite her. They were drinking and laughing boisterously. Judging they wouldn't overhear the conversation, she beckoned Tiger closer. He frowned slightly but leaned in as Kanata lowered her voice.
"That girl is a former slave."
"...!!" Tiger's eyes widened, his expression conveying disbelief.
"She had the brand on her back. It's covered by the Sun mark now... but I've told her to avoid showing it to people as much as possible."
"...That's probably for the best."
The Sun mark Tiger created signified the Sun Pirates, but it also served to hide the mark of Celestial Dragon slavery. While common among Fish-Men and Merfolk, seeing it on a Kuja warrior, who should have no connection, would likely lead others to deduce her past.
While some humans bore the mark, they were exceedingly rare. Yet, branding the Sun mark over the original was necessary because the proof of slavery constantly ate away at the heart.
"Still, I see..."
"Think positively, Tiger. You saved many former slaves. Worrying about your standing or Queen Otohime's dream can come later."
"Talking about heavy stuff? Just relax today! It's a day for drinking and having fun!!" Teach interrupted loudly.
"It's a festival to remember the dead, you idiot!" Scotch retorted.
"Zehahahaha!! Sometimes it's better to forget the past cheerfully than dwell on it negatively!!"
Teach laughed heartily while his face was flushed from drinking.
Perhaps disarmed by the man's infectious cheer, Tiger managed a small smile and reached for his drink again, only to find his cup empty. Kanata grinned, holding the bottle, and generously refilled his empty cup.
"I say remember the dead, but there's no need to force it. Just sharing drinks and stupid stories about the old days is fine too. No one will complain."
"...Didn't you start this festival?"
"I never forced anyone. The ones who wanted to drink just molded it into this shape over time."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Hachinosu was a summer island. Summers there were hot, encouraging drinking. Snacks had been prepared in advance, and Tiger joined in, downing drinks rapidly while eating. For this moment, just like in their past travels, he laughed without reservation. Well, his rapid pace meant Tiger passed out quite quickly.
***
Yet again, a knock sounded at the office door. This time, it was a rhythmic, precise knock. With the passed-out Tiger having been carried off by Teach, Scotch, and George, only Kanata remained in the office.
"Excuse me."
The woman who entered had long, emerald-blue hair tied back: Komurasaki. Behind her were Chiyo, Izo, Kawamatsu... and Zen.
"The Wano group this time? Come in."
"Kanata-san! I am overjoyed! To think the day would come when I would have sake poured for me by Hiyori-sama, Oden-sama's precious keepsake... Neigh!! I'm moved to tears!!"
Zen already seemed quite intoxicated. His face was flushed, and his footing was slightly unsteady, requiring support from Izo and Kawamatsu. Kanata looked at Zen with exasperation.
"Haven't you had too much to drink...?"
"What are you saying! Today is a day for remembering the departed, is it not!? If so, how can I, who has lived so long, not share what I know!!"
"My apologies. This happened because I asked him to tell me stories about my father and grandfather..."
Kanata understood as Komurasaki shrank back bashfully. Zen was a vassal who had served during the era of Komurasaki's grandfather, Kozuki Sukiyaki. Though various twists of fate had led him away from Wano and to travel with Kanata after meeting her in the West Blue... he likely hadn't lost his loyalty to Sukiyaki. That said, Zen should only have known Oden during his childhood. When Kanata voiced this doubt, Izo answered.
"He knows of Lord Oden's wild childhood exploits, so we were asking mainly about that. There are hardly any people who know everything."
"Lord Yasuie might, perhaps... but even he wouldn't know what Lord Oden was doing while out at sea," Kawamatsu added.
"You wish to know Oden's journey, even if it's pieced together..."
Well, Komurasaki was still an infant during the time Oden sailed with Roger, and Izo knew details like how Oden and Toki met, so he could speak of those things. They had apparently come to ask Kanata about Oden as well, but Kanata made a face of clear distaste.
"Why do you look so displeased?" Komurasaki asked, tilting her head.
"Because I dislike that man," Kanata stated bluntly.
"You don't have to be so blunt..." Izo couldn't help but retort at Kanata's sharp reply to the puzzled Komurasaki.
She disliked Oden, but she didn't dislike Komurasaki nearly as much. She owed a debt of gratitude and obligation to Lord Sukiyaki, so she could talk a little, but regarding Oden, only complaints came to mind. Therefore, it was better not to ask, Kanata thought, taking a drink of her sake. She glanced at Chiyo, who was sitting on the sofa opposite her, munching on snacks; she too seemed uninterested in Oden.
"I'm not particularly a Kozuki Oden fan or anything... Sure, some vassals died fighting Kaido, but the only ones I can talk to are the vassals who came with me."
"Weren't you Kozuki Momonosuke's fiancée?" Kanata asked.
"Ah, I think there was some promise like that. But seriously, marrying someone who isn't even here is impossible."
If he had truly leaped through time, Momonosuke would still be eight years old. By the time he returned twelve years later, Chiyo would be twenty-eight. Even for an age-gap marriage, that was quite a difference. Chiyo waved her hands dismissively, guzzling the juice she had brought instead of sake. It had likely been an arrangement between children of the same age, considering Oden and Yasuie's relationship, but given the circumstances, giving up was the wiser choice.
"Besides, I don't plan on staying in Wano."
"Eh, Chiyo-chan, you won't go back even after we retake Wano?" Komurasaki asked, surprised.
"Being here suits my personality better than staying in that country."
"Ehh..."
"Do as you please. If you wish to remain with us, there is a suitable position for you."
"Even if I go back to Wano, Hiyori will be Shogun, right? Maybe acting shogun. Well, either way, I'll probably just inherit my father's daimyo title. If I can't be at the very top there, doesn't aiming for the top in Twilight seem better?"
Receiving Chiyo's ambition-filled gaze, Kanata's lips curved slightly upwards. Such impudent ones had become rare lately. Few possessed the spirit not to break even after witnessing Kanata's strength up close. Komurasaki and Chiyo, in particular, having been trained directly by Kanata, were intimately familiar with that strength. Yet, Chiyo still aimed for the top. She undoubtedly possessed the qualities of a conqueror.
"Then I shall leave things to you after my retirement."
"Are you serious!?" Komurasaki exclaimed.
"Ooh, lucky! Worth asking, wasn't it! Uwahahahaha!!"
Everyone except Zen stared at Kanata, aghast, while Chiyo laughed. In reality, Kanata's retirement was likely still a long way off... but having a successor versus not having one changed how involved parties would act.
"I have no particular attachment to status," Kanata stated. "The only issue is that Chiyo isn't that strong."
Kanata didn't believe the leader of an organization needed to be the absolute strongest. But in this era, strength was paramount. A weak leader attracted only the weak and would inevitably be devoured by the strong. Therefore, absolute strength capable of repelling enemies was necessary. That said, having a symbol of absolute strength and the charisma to command it could also work. Kanata believed the crucial element was the charisma to unite the organization.
"There are many promising young ones. If they continue training, they will become a sufficient force. If you become capable of commanding them, I wouldn't mind handing things over to you."
"Hoh, you said it? Then I'd better step up!"
"Honestly, Chiyo-chan, asking for the impossible..." Komurasaki sighed.
"This concerns you too," Kanata warned Komurasaki. "Even if you return to Wano, that country's samurai and Oniwabanshu are Kaido's allies. Reinstating those who betrayed once carries high risks. Even if you execute them and prepare new retainers, raising them from scratch is difficult."
"We have considered that," Izo interjected. "For the Princess's sake, we would like permission to possess our own independent forces."
"Forces stationed in Wano are essential, not just us and the Minks like Inuarashi and Nekomamushi. Please," Kawamatsu pleaded.
Izo and Kawamatsu bowed their heads, while Komurasaki looked flustered, darting her eyes around. They must have just discussed this. Countless samurai who defied Orochi had been executed. If Komurasaki returned as things stood, there was a risk they would lack the necessary forces to defend against external threats. Considering their forward-thinking proposal, Kanata pondered and concluded that experience in commanding others was necessary regardless.
"...Very well. I permit you to possess your own forces, not under my direct command."
"Then—"
"However, special treatment requires a suitable reason. Komurasaki's current strength does not yet warrant it."
"...Then, what do you intend for her to do?" Izo asked.
"Komurasaki herself must become strong enough that such special treatment is seen as unavoidable. Until then, I will only lend you units that operate provisionally under my command."
Either way, experience was lacking. The experience of leading people wasn't gained overnight; it had to be cultivated through regular training and occasional practical application. Of course, in terms of pure combat, there might be situations where Komurasaki acting alone would be faster, but that wouldn't suffice for a ruler.
"Chiyo might have more talent in that regard. If you had subordinates capable of fighting even against a Yonko, then I would likely be unnecessary..."
"There's no one like that..." Chiyo muttered.
"...Cooperation might allow you to become comparable. At the very least, as long as Feiyun is an ally, you won't be easily overthrown."
The lifespan of giants was long. Even after Kanata was gone, Feiyun would remain as a colossal military force for some time. While not ensuring complete security, it certainly made them a difficult target. She couldn't think beyond that, however.
"Well, what will be, will be. They say speaking of the future makes the oni laugh."
"Indeed. What will be, will be," Chiyo agreed.
"That's so irresponsible..." Komurasaki sighed, scratching her cheek in exasperation at Kanata and Chiyo's dismissive attitude.
***
Having started drinking in the afternoon, the sun had long set, and darkness had fallen.
Komurasaki and her group had dragged the sleeping Zen away sometime after their conversation fell silent, leaving Kanata alone in the dimly lit office. Looking out the window, the night was still young, the sounds of revelry continuing outside. Although it was a somewhat somber festival for remembering the deceased, as long as people could laugh, it wasn't so bad.
As she was thinking this, another knock came at the door.
"It's me."
Junshi entered. His hair was already mixed with white, and deep wrinkles etched his face, stark reminders of his age. Yet, his body remained constantly trained, hiding strength capable of easily defeating mediocre opponents.
"You seem busy, Kanata."
"Well, yes. It seems quite a few people want to see me."
After Komurasaki's group left, the branch chiefs had come by to pay respects, Sukura had dropped in to warn her against drinking too much, and Feiyun had called out directly from outside. It had been a busy day, but not a bad one.
"Haha. Being admired isn't a bad thing."
"True. It's far better than constantly being targeted for assassination."
Junshi sat opposite Kanata, picked up a bottle, and filled her cup. Kanata returned the gesture, filling his. They lightly tapped their cups together, took a sip, and listened to the distant clamor from outside. After a comfortable silence, one of them spoke.
"Many comrades and friends have died."
"Yes. And more will die."
"...You're getting old too. Don't you ever think of retiring?"
"Haha. I'll be active until I die. I've decided, if I'm to die, it will be in battle."
Junshi smiled quietly. Kanata turned her gaze to him, her expression serious.
"Completing all preparations will likely take another ten years. It will be a long plan... Will you still follow me then?"
"What are you saying now? I have no intention of raising my fist for anyone but you."
"...I see."
Linlin and Kaido continued to expand their power. Cooperation with the Navy was essential to stop them, and the situation would change depending on Newgate's actions.
"Roger is dead, but his will likely remains somewhere. If what he said was true, a child might come to me someday... but well, knowing that boy, he likely wouldn't submit to my command."
"There was no man as free as him. He wasn't your type to begin with."
"That's fine. The debt I owe him is lifelong, but if I can do nothing, I'll just have to listen to his complaints from the depths of hell."
"Haha, he wasn't the type to whine endlessly. Though he could be a clingy drunk."
They laughed together, drinking their sake. It had been a noisy day, but Kanata herself preferred drinking quietly like this; it suited her personality better.
"...Junshi. I am considering the complete annihilation of the Rocks Pirates."
Despite the considerable amount she must have consumed, only a slight flush colored her cheeks. Therefore, Junshi reasoned, these words likely weren't spoken merely due to intoxication. He looked into Kanata's eyes, his expression serious. Her eyes were earnest. In the dimly lit room, only her crimson irises stood out sharply.
"Captain John is dead. Shiki and Octavia, I killed. Gloriosa surrendered to me. Kaido, Linlin, Newgate – I know their locations, so I will kill them eventually. Wang Zhi and Silver Axe – I will kill them as soon as I find them. Buckingham Stussy apparently made some deal with Vegapunk, but I will kill her when the time is right."
Once, there was a pirate crew led by a man named Rocks D. Xebec. Its members were all monsters whose names still echoed today. It was almost unbelievable that the Navy had defeated Rocks and destroyed the crew back then. She held no grudge against Garp and Roger for killing her father. He deserved to die. Kanata was fundamentally a woman who valued order. What Rocks had sought was the world's upheaval. It was fortunate he was stopped; the consequences otherwise were terrifying to contemplate.
"Pirates are nothing but trouble. Us included... Even if we destroy those called Emperors of the Sea, others will likely spring up like weeds after rain, vying for their position."
"A cleanup is necessary, then."
"Roger really did cause unnecessary trouble."
Kanata sighed. Whatever his reasons, Roger's final words had undoubtedly birthed many pirates. However, while he sometimes acted without thinking, going so far as to turn himself into the Navy to make such a declaration meant it must have been necessary for him. The seeds of the next generation were gradually sprouting.
Oden's talk of "twenty years later" was part of it, but the Roger Pirates had learned something crucial on Laugh Tale. That's why they had spoken, looking far into the future.
"...They saw something on that final island."
"Something we don't know."
"Whatever happened, what we must do remains unchanged."
"True. Raising fists suits us better than difficult thoughts."
Whatever Roger's crew saw was irrelevant to Kanata and Junshi. If they had asked directly, perhaps, but they hadn't said anything, so there was nothing to be done. Meddling unnecessarily was just that – meddling.
"The real rampage is still some time away... but I'm counting on you to watch my back, Junshi."
"Haha. Leave it to me."
Remembering the past, acknowledging the present, and looking towards the future. The two shared small smiles, quietly drinking together.