"I don't like the terms good person or bad person because it's impossible to be entirely good to everyone, or entirely bad to everyone. To some, you are a good person, while to others you are a bad person." —Armin Arlert
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Consciousness returned to Wano slowly, like a tide creeping back to shore.
The first to wake were the strongerguards, samurai, those with trained bodies and disciplined minds. They groaned, pushing themselves up from the stone plaza, hands moving to weapons on instinct before confusion set in.
What had happened?
One moment they'd been standing watch during the hospital inauguration. The next... nothing. A blank space in memory, like someone had cut frames from a film.
Then they saw the destruction.
The wooden barriers—gone. Reduced to splinters and ash. The hospital's windows—shattered, every single one, glass carpeting the ground in glittering fragments. The stone plaza itself bore a massive crater, spiderweb cracks radiating outward from a central point.
And the sky...
Even now, hours after the event, faint distortions remained visible. Scars in reality itself, slowly knitting back together but not quite healed.
"What in the hells..." one guard whispered.
Then they saw the two figures at the crater's center.
Sachiko lay unconscious, positioned as if gently laid down by careful hands. Her kimono was pristine despite the devastation around her, not a single tear or stain marring the expensive silk.
And beside her, kneeling with one small hand holding hers, was Arlo.
The five-year-old boy looked untouched. His clothes were clean. His expression was calm, almost serene. Blue eyes still filled with tears stared at his sister's face with an intensity that made grown men uncomfortable.
"Young Master!" A guard rushed forward, then stopped abruptly as something invisible pushed against him. A barrier? No, it was something more. A presence that made his instincts scream warnings. "Are you—are you alright?"
Arlo didn't look up. "Sachiko-nee was attacked. The assailant has been dealt with."
His voice was quiet. But something about it made the guard's blood run cold.
"Attacked? But—" The guard looked around frantically. "Where is the attacker? Did they escape? We need to secure the—"
"I said he's been dealt with." This time Arlo did look up, and for just a fraction of a second, his eyes flashed crimson. "There is no body. There is no threat. It's over."
The guard stepped back involuntarily. Something about the boy's gaze made him want to kneel, to bow, to acknowledge a superior presence despite the absurdity of feeling that way about a five-year-old child.
"I... understood, Young Master."
Around them, more people were waking. Commoners sat up groggily, nobles clutched their heads in pain, children cried in confusion and fear. The plaza that had been filled with celebration minutes ago now resembled a battlefield's aftermath.
But no blood. No bodies. No evidence of violence beyond the structural damage.
Just unconscious people and one very calm little boy.
Sachiko's eyes fluttered open.
The first thing she saw was Arlo's face hovering above hers, eyes still brimmed with tears, expression tight with worry that he was trying very hard to hide but was not doing a good job at.
"Arlo-kun?" Her voice was hoarse. "What... what happened?"
Relief flooded his features so obviously that it broke through his composure. "You're awake. Are you hurt? Does anything feel wrong?"
"I'm..." She sat up slowly, Arlo's small hands supporting her with surprising strength. "I'm fine. I think. But I remember... there was a man. A knife. He—" Her hand moved to her arm where the blade had cut her.
Nothing.
Not even a scar. The skin was smooth, perfect, as if the injury had never existed.
"You were hurt," Arlo said quietly. "But you're okay now. I made sure of it."
Sachiko looked at him, really looked at him, and something in his eyes made her breath catch. He looked the same—still her adorable little brother with his innocent face and small stature.
But his eyes...
For just a moment, they carried a pain and regret.
"Arlo-kun," she said softly, cupping his face with both hands. "What did you do?"
"What I had to." He didn't look away. Didn't flinch. "He tried to kill you, Sachiko-nee. I couldn't let that stand."
"Where is he now?"
"Gone. Completely. He won't hurt anyone ever again."
The way he said it—so matter-of-fact, so final—made Sachiko's heart twist. She pulled him into a hug, and this time felt him tense before slowly relaxing into the embrace.
"Thank you," she whispered into his hair. "Thank you for protecting me. But Arlo-kun... you don't have to carry everything alone. You're still so young. Let me help. Let me—"
"I'm not as young as I look," he murmured, so quietly she almost didn't hear. Then louder: "But you're right. I should have been faster. Should have stopped him before he even got close."
"You saved my life." Sachiko pulled back to look at him seriously. "Don't you dare blame yourself for not being perfect. You're only five years old, Arlo-kun. What you did—whatever you did—was already more than anyone could expect."
If only she knew.
Around them, guards were organizing the evacuation of civilians. Calling for physicians. Trying to establish what had happened and whether there were more threats.
But none of them approached the two figures at the crater's center. Some unconscious instinct kept them away, made them give a wide berth to the small boy who somehow radiated more danger than a drawn blade.
<
Raphael was right. They needed to leave.
"Sachiko-nee," Arlo said, standing and offering his hand. "Let's go home. We can deal with everything else later."
She nodded, taking his hand and letting him help her up. Her legs were shaky—the aftereffect of being unconscious and exposed to that overwhelming Haki—but she managed.
Together, they walked through the crater toward the estate's carriage. Guards parted before them without being asked. Civilians stared but didn't approach. The crowd that had been so excited and celebratory earlier now watched in confused silence as the two nobles departed.
Only when they were inside the carriage, doors closed and wheels beginning to turn, did Sachiko speak again.
"Arlo-kun... did you cause all this?" She gestured vaguely at the destruction visible through the window.
He was quiet for a long moment. Then: "Yes."
"How?"
"I awakened something. Conqueror's Haki, it's called. The will to stand above all others, made manifest." He looked at his small hands. "When I saw you hurt, I... lost control. Just for a moment. But it was enough."
Sachiko absorbed this information. She'd heard of Haki, of course—every noble in Wano knew the legends of warriors who could manifest their will as tangible force. But this...
"Conqueror's Haki is supposed to be incredibly rare," she said carefully. "One in several million people are possession of it. And you're... you're five years old, Arlo-kun. How is this possible?"
"I don't know." It wasn't entirely a lie. He didn't know why the Codex had responded to his rage the way it did, amplifying his awakening Conqueror's Haki to reality-breaking levels. "But it happened. And now I need to learn to control it. Make sure it never happens like that again."
Sachiko was quiet for the rest of the ride home, one hand holding his, expression troubled.
Later That Night - Arlo's Room
Arlo sat cross-legged on his futon, staring at nothing.
The adrenaline had faded. The rage had cooled. Now he was left with the aftermath—the knowledge of what he'd done, what he'd become.
He'd killed eighteen people. Brutally. Without hesitation.
And he felt... nothing.
No guilt. No remorse. They'd threatened Sachiko, conspired to murder her, and paid the price for that decision.
The only thing he felt was frustration that he hadn't been faster. That she'd been hurt at all, even superficially.
Is this what I am now? A monster who can slaughter without feeling?
<
Raphael's voice in his mind was different now. A bit more fluent. Still logical, but with an undertone of something almost like... warmth?
"When did you start calling me Master instead of User?"
<
<>
Arlo felt something warm in his chest. "So you're basically saying you've developed loyalty? Maybe even affection?"
<<...That assessment is not entirely inaccurate. Though I prefer to frame it as optimal partnership evolution.>>
Despite everything, Arlo smiled. "Thank you, Raphael. For being here. For helping me."
<
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment. Then Arlo's mind turned to more practical matters.
"Raphael, I need a better way to track my abilities. With everything I've acquired—Ultimate Skills, Haki, swordsmanship techniques, species traits—it's getting difficult to maintain a complete mental inventory."
<
"Can you design it?"
<
"Yes. Make it comprehensive. I want to see everything—Ultimate Skills with full subskill breakdowns that can be viewed by a dropdown arrow, Haki types and advanced applications, combat techniques, swordsmanship styles, physical parameters, everything."
<
<
"Status Display."
The air before Arlo shimmered. Then a translucent screen materialized, hovering at eye level, filled with glowing text organized in neat categories.
═══════════════════════════════════STATUS INTERFACE═══════════════════════════════════
Name: Arlo Mikoto
Age: 5 Years Old (Chronological) | Adult (Mental)
Species: Ascendant (Unique - First of Kind)
Titles: Demon King of Gluttony | The One Who Tore The Sky | Future Destroyer
═══ ULTIMATE SKILLS ═══
◆ Raphael, Lord of Wisdom ├─ Thought Acceleration (10,000x processing speed- currently being utilized) ├─ Analytical Appraisal (Complete analysis of all phenomena) ├─ Parallel Calculation (Millions of simultaneous processes) ├─ Chant Annulment (Skill activation without requirement) ├─ All of Creation (Understanding and recreation of analyzed phenomena) ├─ Synthesize/Separate (Fusion and division of skills and materials) ├─ Alteration (Modification/evolution of existing skills and creation of new ones) └─ Future Attack Prediction (Combat precognition beyond standard Future Sight)
◆ Beelzebuth, Lord of Gluttony ├─ Predation (Absorption of anything into Imaginary Space) ├─ Stomach (Decomposition and analysis of absorbed targets) ├─ Mimicry (Reproduction of absorbed targets' appearance and abilities) ├─ Isolation (Imprisonment in infinite Imaginary Space) ├─ Rot (Decomposition and corrosion of all matter) ├─ Soul Consumption (Absorption and permanent storage of souls) ├─ Food Chain (Power distribution network between master and subordinates) └─ Universal Shapeshift (Transformation exceeding analyzed targets' capabilities)
◆ Uriel, Lord of Vows ├─ Infinity Prison (Eternal imprisonment in Imaginary Space - Skills sealed) ├─ Law Manipulation (Direct control over world's fundamental laws) ├─ Universal Barrier (Perfect automatic defense via spatial severing) └─ Spatial Domination (Complete mastery of spatial element and teleportation)
═══ UNIQUE SKILLS ═══
◆ Craftsman ├─ Omni Analysis (Complete understanding of materials and crafting methods) ├─ Spatial Storage (Dimensional storage for materials and equipment) └─ Transmutation (Molecular-level matter conversion and refinement)
◆ Skill Creation └─ Custom skill design and manifestation based on analyzed data ├─> Evolved to ◆ Creator └─ Its nature is that of a pure and unrestricted power, allowing the user to freely use and configure their soul energy to produce whatever ability they desire. Using this ability it is possible to create almost anything without limit, including unique skills and "Artificial Humans", these humans can possess skills.
When the user comes into contact with another person they can instantly detect and analyze all their skills, including unique skills, and use that information to make copies as they please skills are usually etched into the soul. "Creator" allows the user to reshape their own soul or energy to mimic those patterns. If the user is unable to analyze an ability, then it is at minimum a rather powerful unique skill and at worst an ultimate skill. It works by detecting
═══ INTRINSIC SKILLS ═══
◆ Species: Ascendant ├─ Size Manipulation (Height adjustment: 0.5m to 250m) ├─ Superhuman strength ├─ Superhuman speed ├─ Superhuman agility ├─ Superhuman endurance ├─ Superhuman reflexes ├─ Superhuman durability ├─ Superhuman stamina ├─ Superhuman regeneration ├─ Superhuman Mental processing ├─ Superhuman senses ├─ Ageless Longevity ├─ Extreme Haki reserve and manipulation talent
═══ HAKI MASTERY ═══
◆ Conqueror's Haki (Haoshoku) - AWAKENED ├─ Basic Application: Will projection, weak-willed suppression ├─ Advanced Infusion: Coating attacks without physical contact ├─ Enhancing Armament haki attacks├─ Physical damage- Haki affects the physical matter├─ Supreme Domination: Reality-affecting willpower projection ├─ Power Negation: Nullification of abilities through superior will ├─ Dimensional tear : Magnitude sufficient to tear dimensional barriers Capacity: Immeasurable (Enhanced by Ancient Giant + Davy Clan physiology) Control: Developing (73% mastery)
◆ Observation Haki (Kenbunshoku) - MASTERED ├─ Presence Detection (Range: 10 kilometers) ├─ Intent Reading (Emotional and thought perception) ├─ Future Sight (6.7 seconds precognition)├─ Voice of All Things (Communication with all existence) Capacity: Immeasurable Control: 94.3% mastery
◆ Armament Haki (Busoshoku) - ADVANCED ├─ Basic Hardening (Full-body coating) ├─ Imbuement (Weapon and object coating) ├─ Emission (Projection beyond physical contact) ├─ Internal Destruction (Bypassing external defenses) └─ Advanced Hardening (Diamond-tier durability) Capacity: Immeasurable Control: 89.1% mastery
═══ COMBAT TECHNIQUES ═══
◆ Swordsmanship ├─ Supreme Grade Mastery (Synthesis of legendary techniques) ├─ Rocks D. Xebec Style (847 forms, 2,341 variants - Wild Adaptation) ├─ King Harald Style (623 forms, 1,847 variants - Overwhelming Power) ├─ Shimotsuki Ryuma Style (Traditional Wano techniques - Precision) ├─ Battle Sense (Instinctive combat prediction and counter) └─ Battle Art (Systematic fighting methodology) Classification: Supreme Grade Swordsman Efficiency: 97.8%
◆ Unarmed Combat ├─ Ancient Giant Combat Style (Overwhelming force techniques) ├─ Adaptive Fighting (Real-time style evolution) └─ Pressure Point Mastery (Anatomical weak point exploitation)
═══ PHYSIOLOGY ═══
◆ Genetic Templates Integrated: ├─ Ancient Giant Royal Bloodline (King Harald lineage) │ ├─ Height Potential: 250 meters at maturity │ ├─ Strength: 16,900% above human baseline │ ├─ Durability: Crystalline bone structure reinforcement │ ├─ Lifespan: 2000+ years │ └─ Dormant Trait: "Right of the Hero" (Conditions unknown) │ └─ Davy Clan Human Bloodline (Rocks D. Xebec lineage) ├─ Natural Conqueror's Haki aptitude ├─ King's Domination (6.7x Haki amplification) ├─ Voice of All Things (Communication with all existence) └─ Resistance to suppression and mental interference
◆ Current Physical Parameters (Age 5): ├─ Strength: Building-destroying capability (dormant potential: nation-shattering) ├─ Speed: FTE movement capability ├─ Durability: Supernatural resistance ├─ Stamina: Effectively unlimited └─ Regeneration: High-speed cellular reconstruction
═══ EQUIPMENT ═══
◆ Venuzdonoa ├─ Classification: Supreme Grade Sword (Unique Grade - Tensura scaling) ├─ Type: Dark Longsword (110-120cm) ├─ Status: Permanent Black Blade ├─ Properties: Unlimited Haki channeling, reality-cutting edge ├─ Special: Pseudo-consciousness, responds to wielder's intent └─ Growth Potential: Evolvable to Destroyer Grade
◆ Ame no Ohabari ├─ Classification: Top-Tier Supreme Grade Sword ├─ Type: Long Katana (slight curve, near-straight) ├─ Status: Permanent Black Blade ├─ Properties: Precision cutting, enhanced speed projection ├─ Power Output: 73% of Venuzdonoa, superior speed/precision └─ Growth Potential: Evolvable to god Grade
═══ SPECIAL ABILITIES ═══
◆ Codex Integration └─ Reality manipulation through desire manifestation └─ Direct interface with fundamental laws of existence └─ Unlimited potential for ability creation └─ Source of all power and growth
◆ Magicule System ├─ Current Capacity: 1,000,000 Existence points (exponentially increasing) ├─ Generation: Automatic from life force conversion ├─ Efficiency: 99.7% utilization rate └─ Recovery: Instantaneous
◆ Imaginary Space ├─ Infinite dimensional storage ├─ Time dilation capability (1 day = centuries inside) adjustable ├─ Complete environmental control └─ Soul isolation chambers
◆ Far Sight ├─ Planetary-range observation ├─ Undetectable by any means ├─ Real-time analysis integration └─ Simultaneous multi-target tracking
═══ UNIQUE TRAITS ═══
◆ Essence of Overcoming Limitations └─ All limitations have eroded and disappeared, template setting of reincarnation in different verses.
◆ Essence of Adaptive Evolution └─ Continuous evolution stored in existence/origin
◆ Essence of the Blank └─ Limitless learning potential, infinite skill mastery
═══════════════════════════════════ASSESSMENT: CURRENT POWER LEVEL═══════════════════════════════════
One Piece World Scaling: └─ Tier: Yonko first Commander Level (Current) └─ Potential: No limits
Tensura World Scaling: └─ Tier: Demon Lord Seed (Current) by magicule count └─ Potential: No limits
Growth Rate: Exponential (No upper limit detected) Threat Level: Catastrophic (World-ending + potential)
═══════════════════════════════════
Arlo stared at the display for a long moment.
Seeing it all laid out like this... it was overwhelming. He'd accumulated so much in such a short time. Powers that would take others lifetimes to master, he'd acquired in weeks.
And yet...
"Raphael, according to this, I'm only at Yonko first Commander level? After everything?"
<
<
<
Arlo nodded slowly. It made sense. He had the tools, but hadn't truly learned to use them yet.
"Then I need to train. Really train. Not just practice in Imaginary Space, but real experience."
<
"You're right." Arlo dismissed the status screen with a thought. "I need to be smarter about this. Train in secret. Build my strength. And when I'm ready—truly ready—then I can start making the moves that matter."
<
"Good idea. I'll talk to Sachiko about it tomorrow. For now..."
He lay back on his futon, staring at the ceiling.
So much had happened today. The hospital inauguration. The assassination attempt. His Conqueror's Haki awakening with reality-breaking force. The massacre of Orochi and his conspirators. Acquiring Uriel.
And through it all, one image kept replaying in his mind.
That thin line of red on Sachiko's arm.
Her blood.
The thing that had triggered everything.
<
"I know. But Raphael... what if next time I'm not there? What if the barrier fails? What if—"
<
<
Arlo closed his eyes. "You're getting philosophical again."
<>
"Maybe we're both changing, Raphael. Becoming something more than we were."
<
They fell into comfortable silence. Outside, night had fully claimed Wano. The Flower Capital was quiet, citizens still recovering from the day's inexplicable events.
But in a small room in a noble estate, a five-year-old boy with the power to reshape reality simply rested.
Tomorrow would bring questions. Explanations. Planning for the future.
But tonight...
Tonight he would simply be grateful that Sachiko was safe.
Everything else could wait.
Far Away - Mary Geoise
Imu stood in the garden between flowers, one hand still raised toward where the disturbance had originated.
"Wano," the immortal ruler whispered.
That country had always been special. Isolated. Protected. Full of secrets that even centuries of World Government rule hadn't fully uncovered.
And now something new had awakened there.
Something that had torn through reality itself with the force of its rage.
Imu's expression was a little strange, his circled pupils were dilating.
"We should watch this one," Imu said to the empty garden. "They may become relevant. Or they may need to be eliminated. Time will tell."
The hand lowered.
The garden returned to perfect stillness.
And in Wano, completely unaware of the attention he'd drawn, Arlo Mikoto slept peacefully.
Dreaming of a future where those he loved were safe.
Where he could finally rest without fear.
A nice dream.
But reality as always, would prove to be more complicated.
End of Chapter 10