Chapter 127: Code Name 'Hitsujii', At Your Service!
Looking at the man holding his sword in a reverse grip like a cane, the Sheep Mask man shrugged with a smile.
"Oh my, what is this—I just wanted to ask for directions. You don't need to be so tense, sir."
He said, a subtle expression in his tone and the eyes behind the mask.
Clearly, he recognized the man.
That iconic appearance, that iconic ability.
And the voice of the Fruit Encyclopedia ringing in his ears.
[Devil Fruit User 'Issho' discovered]
[Confirmed Devil Fruit: 'Paramecia · Thud-Thud Fruit' (Zushi Zushi no Mi / Press-Press Fruit), analyzing...]
[Fruit Ability: Can manipulate gravity in the vicinity.]
[Effects by Level]
[LV3: Gain full fruit effect. Can manipulate the strength and direction of gravity nearby, causing objects and living beings to fall faster or float weightlessly. Range and intensity vary, consuming different amounts of stamina. Requires 1.9 Billion Berries for Unlock.]
[LV4: Deep-Dive Development. Can attach gravity to weapons or objects, enhancing attack power. Can manipulate gravity to form 'Attraction' and 'Repulsion' to deal with various attacks and situations. Requires 3.8 Billion Berries for Unlock.]
[LV5: Fruit Awakening · Gravity World. Ability can affect the surrounding environment on a larger scale. Can swap gravity within an area, pull down meteors from the sky, or create bottomless pits. Requires 12.7 Billion Berries for Permanent Unlock.]
[Analysis Progress: 0%]
Yes—the opponent possessed the 'Thud-Thud Fruit', one of the Paramecia fruits with theoretically the highest ceiling.
And the sword in his hand was one of the 12 Supreme Grade Swords, the 'Gambler's Line'.
He was the future Marine Admiral, 'Fujitora' Issho.
"That won't do."
But clearly, the future Admiral didn't trust him. "This old man isn't one who likes treating guests roughly, nor do I like meddling in others' business, but..."
His voice turned stern.
"The mask on your head has been causing quite a stir on the seas lately."
He gripped his sword tighter.
"You are... a member of 'The Zodiac', aren't you?"
"Ah, yes."
Hearing this, the Sheep Mask man didn't deny it.
He patted the dust off his white clothes. "Thanks to the Leader's favor, I serve as one of the Top Executives of The Zodiac."
His tone remained gentle.
"Code name 'Hitsujii' (The Sheep), at your service."
"Then I'm not mistaken."
Hearing this, Issho's voice grew heavier. "Recently caused chaos on Sabaody Archipelago, kidnapped a World Noble, and even pierced the Red Line—a powerful criminal organization... Seeing someone like you on this island, this old man cannot ignore it."
Well, it wasn't hard to imagine.
Although The Zodiac weren't pirates, in the reports of the World Government and the World Economic News Paper, they certainly weren't portrayed positively—at least the label 'Criminal Organization' was inescapable.
"This old man swore to protect the people on this island until the very end."
With those words, he swung his sword abruptly toward the girl beside him.
The next moment, a repulsive force pushed the girl away gently, landing her safely at a distance.
Simultaneously, the bag on Issho's left shoulder flew to her hands, spilling some contents—food, water, and medicine.
His intention was clear—if a fight broke out, he wanted the girl as far away as possible.
"This is somewhat confusing."
Seeing this, Hitsujii shook his head.
"If my information is correct, and my eyes don't deceive me—your stance seems a bit strange, sir."
He pointed at the uniform on Issho and the badge on it.
"That badge you're wearing belongs to the Addi Kingdom's Royal Guard, doesn't it?"
He said softly, his meaning clear.
The Addi Kingdom was the source of this island's tragedy, an accomplice to the Celestial Dragons.
Issho wearing the uniform of the Addi Royal Guard... his identity was self-evident. His stance seemed strange indeed.
Of course, although he asked, Hitsujii had some guesses.
"..."
Hearing Hitsujii's pointed words, Issho fell silent for a moment. "This uniform isn't my wish. I wear it only out of obligation due to a debt of gratitude. Once the debt is repaid and ties are cut, I will tear it off."
"But protecting the people on this island is my true wish—"
As he spoke, Haki surged from him.
"So, please leave."
But just then...
"Wait, Uncle Issho!"
The girl in the distance finally spoke.
Hearing her voice, Hitsujii was stunned.
Because the girl was not only physically disabled but her voice was extremely hoarse, as if her vocal cords had been intentionally torn. Speaking seemed difficult for her.
But she struggled to stand up with her staff. "You said he... he kidnapped a Celestial Dragon?"
Her voice carried a hint of anticipation.
Then, without waiting for Issho's answer, she looked at Hitsujii. "You just said you were looking for someone named Kori?"
"Exactly."
Hitsujii nodded. "In fact, the incident caused by my colleague is related to Miss Kori. The Celestial Dragon named 'Saint Anbokamu' he took away was the one who knew."
He waved his hand. "By the way, the word 'kidnap' isn't accurate—we just wanted to ask him some questions, not demand ransom or anything."
Hearing the name Anbokamu, the girl became extremely agitated.
Her body trembled uncontrollably, her face and even her single eye turning red. "Anbokamu..."
She gritted her teeth. "What happened to him?"
"Dead—oh, more accurately, he was 'scattered'."
Seeing her reaction, Hitsujii realized the truth. "Looks like my luck isn't bad—young lady, you must be Miss Kori, right?"
Hearing this, Issho stopped his battle stance.
Especially upon hearing the Celestial Dragon's name and his death.
The future Admiral's expression turned solemn, showing a hint of satisfaction and respect.
"...I... I am."
Hearing Hitsujii's question, Kori paused.
Then, she nodded gently.
Her face, which had been strong and unmoved since arriving on Plague Island, showed uncontrollable nervousness and anticipation for the first time.
Yes.
Although she had almost no news from the outside world on Plague Island.
Issho brought supplies weekly, but that was it—no newspapers.
She had never heard of 'The Zodiac'.
But she wasn't stupid. She understood one thing—the other party must be an extremely powerful organization.
For such an organization to kill a Celestial Dragon and reportedly pierce the Red Line for her sake... there must be a reason.
And that reason... Kori almost dared not imagine. It was a possibility too beautiful, too dreamlike to be real.
But she couldn't help but think about it.
People trapped in darkness for too long would hold immense hope for even a faint glimmer of light.
Even if fire burned beneath that light, they would pursue it regardless of burns.
Fortunately—what the man named 'Hitsujii' brought wasn't scorching fire, but true light.
"Miss Kori."
His voice softened.
He took something out of his pocket.
It was a doll.
Not exquisite, even shabby. Faintly, it resembled a pair of siblings, a boy and a girl.
"..."
Seeing it, Kori felt her breathing stop.
Because she would never forget it—it was a gift from her brother in the past.
"I made this myself, Kori."
In that small fishing village, the boy named Alan couldn't give his sister an exquisite doll.
"Wherever you go, it will stay by your side and protect you for me!"
"Really? Alan? If bad guys take me away, will you come save me too?"
"Of course! You're my sister!"
"What if the bad guys are scary?"
"Then I'll become scary too—even if I die a hundred times, I'll bring you back."
All he could give was a promise and love.
That was the reason the girl named Kori could persist until today.
She couldn't bring the doll with her, but she believed in her brother.
And now, facts proved it.
Her belief had an answer.
"Your brother Alan asked me to bring you home."
As Hitsujii's voice fell.
The girl burst into tears.
Amidst the sobbing...
Click.
Issho slowly sheathed his sword.
He looked up at the sky.
He was blind, but he knew the sky over Plague Island was always gloomy and depressing.
But why did he feel warmth on his eyes today?
"Truly... a good day."
☆☆☆
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