Their business in Dressrosa was concluded. They had reclaimed the crew's weapons from the dwarves, restocked their supplies, and secured an Eternal Pose to Wano Country.
They weren't in such a desperate hurry that they had to leave immediately, so Kanata decided to spend one final day enjoying the local delicacies of the "Kingdom of Love and Passion." After a full day of sampling the island's famous cuisine, they made a quiet exit before the Navy could catch wind of their location.
Just before they set sail, Zen approached Kanata with two small scraps of paper.
"So, these are the ones?" Kanata asked.
"Yes. These are the Vivre Cards for you and Kuro."
By providing fingernail clippings to specialized shops in the New World, one could have these "Life Papers" manufactured. If any of the three ships in their fleet were to become separated during the journey, they could simply follow the pull of the paper to reunite. Kuro, in particular, was notorious for wandering off, so his was a necessary precaution.
"This helps," Kanata noted. "It'll be much easier to track you down when you get lost."
"Hey! I don't get lost that often!" Kuro protested.
"You almost ended up as a slave at Sabaody because you wandered off," Kanata countered. "Don't tempt fate."
"Heh, well, back then the shackles weren't made of Prism Stone. If the Navy catches me and slaps the real stuff on me, I might actually be in trouble."
Kuro was a Logia user, and in theory, he should have been one of the most untouchable members of the crew. However, whether it was due to a lack of focus or a simple absence of combat instinct, his actual fighting ability was among the lowest of her combat officers. It was a frustrating bottleneck, but one only Kuro himself could overcome.
"Well, if I get caught, the Boss will just come save me again, right?" Kuro grinned.
"I'd prefer if you didn't make a habit of relying on that," Kanata sighed.
"See? That's why I like you! You say that, but you always show up. You're such a softie!"
A dull thwack echoed across the deck as Kanata planted a fresh lump on Kuro's head. As the man beat a hasty retreat, Kanata handed her own Vivre Card to the navigators of the two subordinate ships, instructing them to follow its pull if they ever lost sight of the Sombrero.
They were loyal subordinates who followed her lead without question. Kanata knew that a leader must reward such loyalty; to neglect the needs of those under you was to invite betrayal. She made a mental note to consider a more formal system of rewards and ranks for the veterans of the crew once they were settled.
"For now, I just need to focus on Wano," she murmured.
Wano was her best chance to find the truth behind the Poneglyphs. And, if she was lucky, she might find a legendary blacksmith to provide the crew with some truly high-quality steel.
"Hey, Zen."
"Yes, Captain?"
"What kind of currency do they use in Wano?"
Wano was not a member of the World Government. As a hermit nation with no outside trade, it stood to reason they wouldn't accept Beli.
"Ah... they use their own local currency," Zen confirmed.
"Which means we need something to trade for their money once we arrive," Kanata mused.
Zen explained that while the region of Hakumai conducted a very small amount of external trade, it wasn't enough to sustain the whole country. They needed a commodity that was easy to transport, high in demand, and rare in a closed-off nation.
"Spices," Kanata decided. "And precious metals. Gold and silver hold value everywhere."
Before leaving Dressrosa, they bought every ounce of spice they could find, packing the hold to its limit. Spices were non-perishable, universally wanted, and incredibly valuable in isolated cultures.
With their holds full and their heading set, the fleet finally hoisted their sails for Wano.
***
The seas surrounding Wano were a nightmare. Constant storms, jagged reefs, and a crushing current were topped off by a gargantuan waterfall that acted as a final gatekeeper. Wrecks of countless ships littered the coastline below.
To navigate these waters required a master's touch. Kanata read the currents with cold precision, guiding the ship through the rapids until they reached the base of the massive falls.
"How are we supposed to get up there?" George asked, staring at the wall of water.
"I used to climb it by grabbing onto the giant carp," Zen said. "But this time, we have a different way."
Kanata stepped to the prow. "I'm splitting the falls."
Normally, no ship could enter Wano through the hidden Mogura Port without the express permission of the Lord of Hakumai, Shimotsuki Yasuie. But Kanata wasn't normal.
She froze the rushing water into solid pillars of ice, shattering the falls to reveal the hidden cave entrance behind them. Using an ice canopy to shield the ship from the remaining spray, they sailed into the Mogura Port.
The hidden port used massive gondolas to haul cargo and ships up to the mainland. Naturally, the sudden appearance of three unknown vessels put the guards on high alert.
"Who goes there?!" a samurai barked, drawing his blade. "How did you find this place?!"
"Forgive the intrusion," Zen said, stepping off the ship with his hands raised. "Is Lord Shimotsuki Yasuie present?"
The samurai blinked, staring at Zen. Even in Wano, Zen was an unusual sight—likely regarded as some sort of yokai or spirit. But these were the elite guards of Hakumai, and they didn't flinch.
"Tell him that Zen has come to visit. He will know the name."
"What is your relationship with Lord Yasuie?!"
"We shared the bond of a banquet in the past," Zen said, a subtle flare of Haki underscoring his words. "I have no wish for violence. Please, announce our arrival."
The guards, sensing the sheer weight of Zen's presence, took a step back. One of them sprinted for the gondola to deliver the message.
Ten minutes later, the gondola descended. Out stepped a man with a shock of hair like a hedgehog and a dignified, commanding air. It was Shimotsuki Yasuie himself.
"Zen! I heard the report and wondered... it really is you!"
"Lord Yasuie! It's been too long. You look as healthy as ever!"
The two laughed and shook hands. Yasuie turned to his men, his voice booming. "This man is my friend! Treat him and his companions with the utmost respect!"
The samurai immediately bowed their heads in apology.
"It's fine," Zen said. "I've been away for over ten years. I expect few people remember me."
"Ten years..." Yasuie sighed. "Time flies. That brat Oden is the Lord of Kuri now. Can you believe it?"
"Oden-sama is the Lord of Kuri?!" Zen's eyes went wide.
Yasuie laughed. "Indeed! Just last year, he finally rounded up those outlaws and turned that hellhole into a proper home for the people!"
"To think Oden-sama has become so respectable..."
Kanata called out from the ship, cutting through the reunion. "Zen, we have business to discuss. Save the nostalgia for the sake."
"Of course, Captain. Lord Yasuie, this is the Captain of my crew. We came to Mogura Port specifically because we wish to conduct trade and exchange currency."
"I see..." Yasuie looked at Kanata, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Such a young woman is the commander of three ships?"
"She is a warrior beyond compare," Zen said proudly. "A woman I would gladly carry on my own back."
"If you say so, Zen, then I believe it. I accept your trade."
Yasuie arranged for the crew to stay in Hakumai while their goods were appraised and exchanged. Kanata instructed her crew to keep their valuables close; while the samurai were honorable, she didn't want to tempt any local "outlaws."
She kept the Supreme Grade Blade, Muramasa, at her hip as they boarded the gondola to ascend to the mainland.
***
The scenery of Wano was unlike anything they had ever seen. The architecture, the culture, the very atmosphere had developed in total isolation for centuries.
"Welcome to Hakumai," Yasuie said, gesturing to the landscape. "The land of the Shimotsuki clan. Make yourselves at home."
While the crew began their sightseeing in Hakumai, Kanata, Zen, and Dragon headed toward the heart of the country: the Flower Capital.
They were going to meet the Shogun, Kozuki Sukiyaki.
"I sent a message by arrow," Zen explained as they rode on horseback toward the capital. "The Shogun should be expecting us."
"They don't have Transponder Snails here?" Dragon asked.
"No. But a Wano arrow can fly a thousand miles. If it's urgent, the word travels fast."
The ride was long, and Kanata found herself regretting the choice of a horse over her own two feet—her pride as a captain was the only thing keeping her from complaining about her sore backside.
Upon reaching the capital, they were escorted through the bustling streets to the Shogun's castle. The city was far more advanced than Hakumai, protected by samurai and watched by hidden ninjas.
"The level of discipline here is impressive," Dragon noted. "They say the World Government won't touch Wano because of the strength of its samurai."
"Hakumai has the strongest warriors," Zen added, "because they are the ones who face the outside world. But the capital has its share of legends. Have you heard of the yakuza boss, Hyogoro of the Flower?"
"The guide mentioned him," Kanata said. "I have no interest in underworld politics. I'm here for the history."
They were led into a grand hall. Ninjas watched from the rafters, and elite samurai stood guard as they reached the inner sanctum. There sat the Shogun of Wano, Kozuki Sukiyaki.
"Zen!" Sukiyaki cried, his dignified face breaking into a smile. "I heard you had returned! My heart is gladdened to see you!"
"Lord Sukiyaki! It is an honor to see you in such high spirits!"
While the two old friends caught up, Kanata and Dragon waited patiently. Finally, Sukiyaki turned his attention to them.
"And who are these two who travel with you, Zen?"
"This is my Captain, and her primary lieutenant."
"A captain? Are you merchants, then?"
"Something like that," Zen said. "But to be honest... we are currently fugitives from the world."
"Fugitives?" Sukiyaki blinked. He was clearly out of touch with world politics; the concept of the World Government was likely a myth to him.
"Zen has done me great service in the past," Sukiyaki said. "You may stay as long as you like."
"Thank you," Zen said. "But Lord Sukiyaki... I have a private matter to discuss with you. One for your ears only."
Sukiyaki signaled for his guards and the hidden ninjas of the Oniwabanshu to withdraw. The samurai hesitated, wary of the foreigners, but the Shogun's word was absolute. Once the room was empty, Kanata pulled several rubbings from her bag.
"We would like you to look at these."
Sukiyaki's eyes nearly bulged out of his head. "T-This is...!!"
He stared at the rubbings of the two standard Poneglyphs and the two Road Poneglyphs.
"Where did you get these?! This is the secret cipher passed down through the Kozuki family!"
"We found them across the sea," Kanata said. "We are currently chasing the truth behind the mystery they represent."
Sukiyaki looked from Zen to Kanata. "You are the ones gathering these? Zen is a warrior; I never thought he'd take an interest in such things."
"We are looking for someone who can read them," Kanata explained. "Zen said you were our best hope."
"I see..." Sukiyaki traced the ancient characters. "There are rumors that these stones record a lost history... even ancient weapons. But no one knows for sure."
He picked up the rubbing from Fish-Man Island. "This one... it is a letter of apology from a man named Joy Boy to a Mermaid Princess. It doesn't seem to be history so much as a personal regret."
"An apology..." Kanata whispered.
Sukiyaki picked up the second rubbing, the one from Fullalead. His expression darkened as he read the translation.
"This one... it mentions the Dark Moon Knights... no, the reading is slightly different... the Angetsu Knights. It speaks of their existence and a sacred covenant with the Clan of D."
Kanata's heart skipped a beat. She remembered her mother's final words.
Find the Clan of D. We are the knights who fight alongside them.
"So... I really am part of that legacy," she murmured to herself.
Octavia had found Rocks D. Xebec and fought by his side. Now, Kanata found herself standing next to Dragon. She didn't care about "destiny" or "bloodlines," but she couldn't deny the pull. If she was fated to walk this path, she wouldn't run from it.
"It says to wait," Sukiyaki continued. "To wait for the time when 'He' appears again. It's a message of enduring patience. That's all I can gather from this one."
Sukiyaki sighed, taking a long sip of tea to settle his nerves. To have an old friend return only to show him the secret script of his ancestors was almost too much for one day. He picked up the last two rubbings—the Road Poneglyphs.
"These two... they describe coordinates. It's a very archaic way of giving directions."
Kanata meticulously noted down everything he translated. Sukiyaki knew the language but lacked the navigational expertise to pinpoint the locations. Kanata, however, could use this information to draw a new chart.
"Four points that intersect to reveal a hidden island," she summarized.
"An island where no one has ever stepped foot?" Sukiyaki asked.
"Perhaps. I still need to find the final two stones."
"If it is a red stone you seek," Sukiyaki said, standing up, "then follow me. There is one here in this country."
Kanata realized she had hit a goldmine. They followed Sukiyaki into a hidden vault deep within the castle. There, bathed in shadow, sat a massive, blood-red Road Poneglyph.
"That's three," Kanata said. "Only one left."
"I have no leads on the final stone," Sukiyaki admitted. "You will have to search the world for it."
Kanata kept her thoughts to herself. She had a hazy memory of where the fourth stone might be, but it was better to keep that secret for now.
They returned to the hall for tea.
"How long do you plan to stay in Wano?" Sukiyaki asked.
"At least a week or two," Kanata said. "We need time to process this information, and my crew is interested in the local craftsmanship."
"Very well. I will arrange a room for you in the capital."
Kanata used a Baby Transponder Snail to let George know they wouldn't be returning to the ship that night. Zen had plenty to discuss with his old friend, and Kanata wanted to experience the culture of Wano firsthand.
But the next morning, the peace was shattered.
Word had spread that a ship from the outside had arrived. A man burst into the hall, his presence like a raging storm. It was Kozuki Oden.
He looked at Kanata, pointed a finger at her, and roared:
"HEY! YOU'RE THE CAPTAIN, RIGHT?! TAKE ME TO SEA WITH YOU!"
***
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