The silent atmosphere was shattered by the desperate cries of the pirates, calling out to the hero who had been abruptly pulled into another realm by the woman who had just regained consciousness after days in a coma.
"What just happened?" Franky expressed his confusion, unable to comprehend how Yagi had been drawn through the surface as if submerged in liquid.
"WHAT WAS THAT?" Nami questioned bewildered.
"OI, SHAGGY, ARE YOU ALL RIGHT?!" Luffy's concerned voice echoed as he rushed to the spot where they vanished, placing his hands in the same manner, attempting to breach or break across the mysterious surface. "ÑÑÑÑÑÑñññññññ"
"AAAAAAHHH, I CAN'T GET THROUGH! HEY YOU! RETURN TO SHAGGY!" Luffy ordered in desperation, repeatedly pounding the surface.
"HEY RAT THING! WHAT DID SHE JUST DO?" Zoro pointed accusingly at the creature, who, unsure of how to communicate, morphed into the form of the captain, mimicking his attempt to brake through the surface
"How can we get over there?" Chopper asked kindly, directing his question to Luffy's doppelganger, who simply shrugged, imitating the captain's movements.
Toshinori witnessed how the pirates gathered at a single point attempting to call him out, but their voices were unable to reach his side. Nevertheless, their figures were visible, sharply contrasting the complete darkness of his realm. The only illumination came from the gentle touches and steps of the pirates, causing it to conceal the anemones and allowing the light to penetrate.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING? THEY ARE ALLIES!" Toshinori shouted, kneeling on the ground, as he watched the captain, attempting to grasp his hands and bring him back with them.
The girl ignored his words, sitting in silence after the exertion, panting tiredly.
"BRING US BACK TO THE OTHER SIDE," the blond sternly ordered. To whom she responded with a cold look, still filling her lungs with air before exhaling more calmly.
"... They are dangerous,"
"THEY BROUGHT US HERE!" Yagi yelled, pointing with both hands at the departing group, while the serious captain stood alone, watching the argument unfold.
"It can't care less; they are my contemporaries... I don't know exactly how long it's been, but they were dangerous enough in my time. I don't even want to imagine the reputation they have now," she remarked as he watched Luffy pound the ground with his reinforced arms in Haki, attempting to break through the barrier, but only succeeding in illuminating the fantastical, dark realm they were in.
"Just look how wild the captain is"
"HE'S CONCERNED... LUFFY JUST WANTS ME TO STAY SAFE," he calmly explained to the vigilant woman.
Yagi gestured toward the pirates, indicating how his nakamas were trying to soothe the captain by speaking gently. Then both the hero and Luffy placed their hands in the same position, as if separated by an unseen barrier on the floor, providing an upside-down perspective from both.
"LISTEN, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT HAS HAPPENED THESE PAST FEW DAYS SINCE YOU LOST CONSCIOUSNESS... THEY WERE OUR ONLY OPTION TO FIND A WAY TO WAKE YOU UP. IF WE DIDN'T SUCCEED IN LESS THAN A WEEK, YOU WOULD HAVE DIED..."
The white-haired woman opened her eyes after hearing the explanation, observing how the captain and the hero maintained a connection with their hands, both expressing trust in each other.
"For how long was I in limbo?"
"FOUR DAYS"
"Four days..." Yue let out a long sigh, moving her arms, focusing on the lightness of her body that she hadn't experienced in years… She closed her eyes frowning in sadness, but her lips contradicted with a smile. Strangely she only managed to feel anger.
Everything was so confusing; all the emotional build-up of the past six years was ready to burst out. Her mind was a chaotic jumble of thoughts, an unstable whirlwind of ideas and memories, causing her to start babbling nonstop, leaving young Midoriya looking like a novice in comparison.
The trance she had induced herself into was interrupted by All Might's soft, barely perceptible pats on her back.
"I need to be alone for a moment..." She said in a low tone with a brittle voice.
"I CAN'T LEAVE YOU ALONE."
"I won't run away, I promise... Please, I still have a lot to get out." She asked crestfallen, hugging her legs and hiding her face. "You'll have to trust me, even if I have no way to prove to you that I won't run away this time."
Toshinori reached into his pocket, pulling out his home keys, showing off a key ring with the blue gem she gave him the day she disappeared.
"GIVE IT BACK WHEN YOU FULFILL YOUR PROMISE." He said calmly, causing surprise in the young woman who only wiped her tears.
"You still have it..." She expressed, not giving credit to what she saw, receiving the gem after six years of having given it to him.
"OF COURSE, IT IS SOMETHING PRECIOUS TO ME." He answered with a smile.
"Heh..." She couldn't help but let out a nasal laugh, wiping away her tears. "For anyone… It's worth millions... I should have kept it and sell it to avoid living on the streets..." She mocked herself as the hero looked at her with concern. "ON THE STREETS?!"
The pirates on the other side observed as All Might comforted the woman through a peaceful conversation.
"It seems like the bag of bones is getting through to her." Sanji said
"She's scared, so everyone behave." Nami ordered. "Specially you." She added, pointing at Luffy, Sanji, and Brook.
The white-haired held the hero's hand and pressed it against the surface, successfully breaking through to the pirate's side. The captain swiftly took the hero's hand, who let go of the girl's hand, which submerged again into the dark realm.
Luffy grabbed his friend's arm, managing to pierce his translucent silhouette through the floor. Everyone looked in awe how as he crossed completely, his body regained color and solidity, losing that ghostly appearance.
"The hell was that?" Zoro grumbled
"Ah, she let go!" Luffy pointed out, trying to reach the long-gone arm.
"IT'S FINE... SHE JUST WANTS SOME PRIVACY," Yagi explained as he saw how her distressed cries and screams were inaudible from the other realm.
"You shouldn't have left her alone," the cook complained.
Nami, moved by empathy, witnessed the woman sat upside-down incessantly striking the surface, then wiping her face. The pirate, kneeled down and extended her hand in an attempt to comfort her.
The group observed the desolate Oracle as she curled up, embracing her legs. However, her stance attracted the attention of a pair of pirates, not driven by malicious intentions but misguided desires. Sanji and Brook worried expressions unwittingly transformed into lecherous looks, as they were able to see the other side as crystal clear. Their gaze revealed an explicit interest in the lower part of the woman, eliciting a discreet nosebleed from the duo.
All Might, disgusted by the pair's behavior, turned irritably toward them, covering the blond's gaze and inserting his fingers into Brook's skull eye holes, as if manipulating a bowling ball, to redirect his attention, as he did not quite understand how exactly Brook's eyesight worked.
"AHHH my eyes!... Wait a sec... I don't have any, Yohohohoho, Skull Joke!"
"What's wrong with you, you sack of bones! Do you want to fight?" The hero's gaze was defiant before the cook, not refusing his challenge.
"COULD YOU NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SITUATION FOR YOUR TRIVIAL DESIRES?"
"Oi, pervert cook..." Zoro called in a serious tone
"Huh," he replied, pushing Toshinori away from his sight; noticing the impassive swordsman directing his gaze towards the woman, whose wrists were soaked with tears she couldn't hold back.
The Oracle felt observed, realizing that the group was waiting for her to come over. Blushing slightly, she stood up and began moving in the same direction they had been heading from the beginning, attempting to calm down with each step.
"Where is she going?"
"Escaping?" Brook questioned, observing how she stopped and waited for them to follow the same route. They all resumed their pace, each on their own side of the surface.
The creature transformed into various animals along the way, attempting to lift her spirits until it returned to its base form of a Fennec fox. It sat down and waited for her friend, as an identical body started to emerge from the surface imitating the translucent silhouette of the woman and mimicking her movements as the realm mirrored the world above.
As the solid hand crossed the liquid-like floor, the ghostly silhouette grabbed the wrist of its real body, exchanging positions. Now, the solid one stood next to the pirates, while the liquid one remained in the gloomy realm.
"SUGOOOOII I WANT TO TRY IT!" Joyfully exclaimed the captain, as his eyes sparkled with excitement.
Yue couldn't help but react to the captain's exclamation by hiding behind the large white beast, who looked at her with confusion. The creature bit her head and tossed her in front of the group of pirates, falling next to the skeleton.
"Miss, would you be so kind as to show me your panties?" The musician's words were abruptly interrupted by a kick from the navigator, with Sanji assisting her.
"HOW A SEVERE YOHOHOHOHO!"
"She has no panties Brook, she's all bandaged up." Usopp remarked making Sanji and Brook bleed from the nose, being finished off by Nami.
"Ow, she's even more perverted than me!" Commented the dancing cyborg.
"Franky-kun!" Jinbei scolded, as the Oracle was even more intimidated by the bizarre welcome from the group.
"Wait, why don't we start with our introductions? My name is Sanji, beautiful lady, with whom do I have the pleasure?" The blond knelt down with a swollen face.
The white-haired woman took a long sigh, closing her eyes while maintaining her characteristic upright and proud pose. "No one..."
"WHAT KIND OF INTRODUCTION IS THAT?!" Zoro demanded with sharp teeth.
"Any name we can call you by?" Requested Robin
"Hmmm... Here they call me Nee-san"
"Is she an idiot...? She doesn't know her name." The captain pouted in disappointment.
"YOUNG LUFFY!"
"Baka," said Luffy.
"Baka-nee san" Usopp continued.
"Bakanee," joined Chopper.
"Yosh, we'll call you Bakanee!"
"DON'T CALL HER SO HORRIBLE!"
"Suddenly I don't want to be named anymore." She replied crestfallen.
"Shaggy, your friend is an idiot." The captain said in a silly tone, eliciting a subtle snicker from the woman.
"THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FOR GIVING THEM THE FREEDOM TO NAME YOU... NOW LIVE WITH IT." The hero scolded.
"Whatever, Shaggy" She playfully used the nickname and moved away from him to stand in front of everyone, bowing in appreciation.
"Thank you all sincerely for your assistance," she expressed with genuine gratitude and politeness.
"Oh, Oracle... You who sees all and knows all..." Sanji approached the girl with anticipation, eagerly awaiting an answer.
"Finally, we will have the answer to get out of here."
"Nami swan and I, will have a child?"
"What?!" The pirates shouted in surprise at the blond's question.
"What?!" Nami was the most affected by his idiocy.
"O-Oracle?" She muttered nervously. "What exactly did you tell them Shaggy?! Why did he call me Oracle?" The woman complained annoyed to the hero who was scratching the back of his head not knowing what to answer.
"Bakanee, could you explain to us what's going on?" inquired the raven-haired woman, prompting her to glance at them with a hint of fear.
"WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER, WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON. COULD YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN IT TO US?"
"You should already know... If not, how did you manage to get here?"
Robin, Nami, and Toshinori took on the responsibility of explaining how they followed her investigations regarding a lost continent, the connections between the past and present, and the accuracy of their findings. However, what surprised her was the revelation of life in Lemuria, harboring races she believed were extinct.
The news left her captivated, and tears of happiness flowed as she learned that the various races were still alive and free from the threat posed by humans.
"I initially thought we had traveled back to the past, but it seems that's not the case," She said in shock, leaning back against the fennec. "Demon child... Were you able to read the Poneglyphs?"
The archaeologist provided a detailed explanation of both texts, discussing the desire for a new order led by a leader capable of maintaining peace among the banished and the incomprehensible message about the king of chaos and the soul reaper. This left the white-haired thoughtful and unable to fully understand what the ancient texts were trying to convey.
"We need to know their version of history..."
"The Minks and Fish-men didn't want to give us details." Nami added, leaving the girl at a loss.
"There's no other choice then..." The Oracle concluded, turning to resume her pace, pointing to the horizon. "Let's go straight to the source with the one who possesses the knowledge of everything..."
"Hades," affirmed the archaeologist with certainty.
"Do you mean the main consciousness?" The white-haired asked a little surprised that she mentioned a current reference, to which Robin only looked with interest with sweat sliding down her forehead waiting for an answer.
"We're going to see the King?!" questioned the frightened trio. "The-the-The King of the Underworld?!"
"It is not a king… We are in Hades, all that exists around is 'his' life... We only have to find the epicenter of its consciousness... Once in it, we will be able to search among the memories of the deceased... It will be useful to locate the guardian we need. " She explained, seeing how the men tilted their heads, not being able to understand what she was trying to explain.
"YOU HAVE TO EXPLAIN THEM WITH CRAYON DRAWINGS." The hero murmured, making the oracle to drop a bead of sweat out of shame.
The woman, feeling embarrassed, uttered, "I think I should start from scratch... Right?" She received affirming nods from the boys. *Sigh*
"Basically, we're in the Underworld... Hell, Hades, Mictlan, Yomi, Duat, Helheim... depends on the culture and the realm, It's the name they give it. But in reality, is just as its Latin meaning: Underneath the world... In this case, its interior." She explained, reaching down to touch the ground, which then revealed her reflection, releasing numerous bubbles of memories. These bubbles popped, turning into small lights that merged with the overall illumination; all heading towards the main star.
"The core must be kept alive for the earth to be kept alive as well. That's why all life eventually returns to the ground...To nourish the underworld. Without it, the earth would decay," She explained with a glint in her eyes, relieved to share her knowledge with those who were witnessing the same phenomenon. However, she failed to notice the concerned gestures of Nami, Robin, Yagi, Sanji, and Jinbei. "That's why we can't use Haki in this place. It's impossible to see individual energy when everything here is energy,"
"How is that?" Aasked the doctor in confusion.
"Oh, I see you haven't learned it yet?" she said, lowering herself to his level to provide an answer.
"Imagine looking at a light... It dazzles you, but you can see it. A couple of them wouldn't be complicated either. But if there were thousands? You wouldn't be able to distinguish them, and forcing your sight would only ruin your sense... That's why it's too dangerous; it could damage your brain," she finished with a light touch on the reindeer's small blue nose.
"I recommend you not to try it... Although it is actually possible to use it, it's too complicated to separate all the elements. By the time you manage it, your brain might suffer from a stroke. So, for your health, I would suggest not to try it."
"Mhm...Mhm... So we can't use haki because the roots rot with brain lights." Said the straw hat boy with full confidence.
"I see you made much use of it... I'm sorry I couldn't warn you earlier. She expressed concern as she saw how her leader had been brain-fried."
"No... He is naturally stupid," They all said in unison, including the hero.
"I see... My condolences," She replied with sweat running down her white hair.
"How do you know all that?" Asked the Fish-man.
"She's a Kizuna," The archaeologist's response left their guide frozen, gazing at her own reflection.
"A Kizaru?" Inquired the captain, who habitually consulted his nakama whenever he was confused.
"Kizuna. Inhabitants of the underworld... The Poneglyph at the entrance provided some information about them, but I couldn't read it entirely due to the darkness."
Robin's words quickened Bakanee's heart, who observed her with concern. She swallowed nervously and placed her hands on the surface, preparing to make another rapid realm change. However, All Might intervened, reaching out to grab her jacket and lifting her, just as a mother dog kift it puppies; all while she looked at him with a pout of contempt.
"MISS YUE, PLEASE COOPERATE."
"No"
"Does that have anything to do with the scars you had?" Nami's question prompted the white-haired woman to avert her gaze, biting her lower lip in response.
"HELP US TO UNDERSTAND," he kindly requested, but the girl seemed to ignore him. "REMEMBER, NOTHING HAPPENS BY MERE COINCIDENCE." The hero's words finally caught her attention.
"Don't! Don't do that! Don't use my words against me," she demanded of the hero, who maintained a steadfast gaze on her, refusing to relent.
"Aaaargh, okay... But let go of me."
"Aren't you going to escape?" Jinbei asked.
"Escape?... I got caught by the anemic old man. What chance do I have with all of you?" She snorted reluctantly, taking a deep breath and inviting them to sit down to begin her story.
Everyone settled onto the anemones, which hid themselves as soon as their bodies descended, unveiling a vast, mirrored expanse that reflected their bodies in the depths of the other realm.
"Thousands of years ago, I don't know exactly how many... Humans offered sacrifices by tossing them into the entrance of the underworld, seeking their wishes granted from a 'God.' Unbeknownst to them, the 'sacrifices' not only survived their journey... But that dying in this domain is practically impossible." Bakanee started to playfully manipulate the light spheres of the surroundings.
"They didn't need to eat nor drink; all this abundant energy sustained them completely… Preventing aging and granting them immortality."
"So, the people who live here, the Kizunas... They are the sacrifices offered by other people." Sanji inferred at the explanation, receiving an affirmative nod from the girl in response.
The Kizuna gestured to her surroundings, using her eyes to indicate all the elements of the environment: The tiny fireflies that sprouted wherever they stepped, the glow in the roots, even the small drops that formed and levitated toward the great star that served as a core.
"This energy, everything you see around you... It has no ears, sight, touch, or emotions... This is the origin of the Guardians." She explained, looking attentively at the Fennec, which wagged its tail as both exchanged glances.
"The only way they can sense their surroundings is through the life in everything. They perceive it in a manner similar to how we do when using Observation Haki. That would be the most accurate comparison."
"Every life being has its specific vibration and frequency. When we speak, our voices and soul emit vibrations that distort how they perceive us. Those soul waves are the way they can understand us: Pitch, tone, vibration, frequency… All of those factors, plays an important part to communicate a message."
"So, when his body initially vibrated, it was attempting to convey a message," Jinbei remarked.
"Yes... It tried to communicate."
"IF YOU WANT TO FIND THE SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE, THINK IN TERMS OF ENERGY, FREQUENCY AND VIBRATION." All Might's words resonated in a hushed tone, drawing the group's attention. that reacted with wide-eyed surprise and cartoonish expressions, except for Robin, who remained contemplative at his words.
"ETO... I WAS QUOTING NICOLA TESLA... A RENOWNED PHYSICIST..." He said a little embarrassed by the stares that were dedicated to him.
"So that's why he was able to perceive the song?" the skeleton inquired, and the white-haired woman nodded nervously, swallowing saliva after his comment.
"THE CHEMIST DONALD H. ANDREWS SAID THAT: 'THE UNIVERSE IS MORE MUSIC THAN MATTER,'" the blond added to Brook's conjecture. "DR. ANDREWS HYPOTHESIZES THAT ALL MATTER IS MUSIC SINCE ALL MATTER IN THE UNIVERSE VIBRATES, AND TONES AND HARMONIES ARE MADE BY VIBRATIONS."
"THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING IT CONTAINS, IS IN CONSTANT VIBRATION, NOTHING IS AT REST... IT MOVES, VIBRATES AND CIRCULATES IN DIFFERENT FREQUENCIES THAT COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER."
"What are you getting at, old man?" Zoro inquired
"THAT SOUND IS NOTHING MORE THAN A SERIES OF WAVES GENERATED BY VIBRATION MADE UP OF DIFFERENT FREQUENCIES. THIS BEING MANAGES TO PERCEIVE THE VIBRATIONS AND FREQUENCIES OF THE ENVIRONMENT, LIKE OUR WORDS, INTERPRETING THEM AS MESSAGES... SINCE THEY CAN'T SPEAK, THEY COMMUNICATE IN THEIR OWN WAY, BUT WE PERCEIVE IT AS MUSIC."
"Wow Yagi... I'm speechless..." Said the white-haired, still surprised...
"I LIKE TO READ IN MY FREE TIME..."
"But, we agreed to explain with crayon drawings, remember?" She demanded, knocking gently with her knuckles on the hero's forehead. "Make it easier to understand"
"We definitely didn't expect that." Commented the cyborg, impressed.
"I'M BEGINNING TO THINK THAT YOU THOUGHT OF ME LIKE SOME KIND OF IDIOT..."
"Mostly that you have free time on his hands," added Jinbei.
"It's because the old man is retired." said Usopp.
"And here I thought you were just another stupid musclehead like the Marimo."
"What did you say you perverted cook?!"
"That, maybe when you're dying like this old man, you can make better use of that scouring you have for a brain?"
The swordsman was on the verge of drawing his sword, but the navigator intervened, delivering a decisive blow to both of them and leaving them sprawled on the ground.
"STOP FIGHTING, YOU TWO!"
"If guardians are emotionless energy and that's a guardian… Then why does he understand our emotions and show concern?" The archaeologist appeared genuinely perplexed. "It doesn't make sense. "
"It's kind of complex... They developed consciousness through humans..." The Oracle rubbed her temple, attempting to find the right words to convey the origin.
"The first guardian was born by the linking 'life' with a human... In order for the sacrifices to live here, they needed to absorb the energy of this place until their body was compatible with it... Over time, the energy that passed through their bodies ended up becoming part of them, managing to bond with the sacrifices and living through their lives."
"That first energy managed to experience the same as us, but it wasn't enough… Every being is different… Different desires, perspectives, feelings… And it wished to feel all of it. So instead of change a body, it divided itself to become part of several consciousnesses simultaneously This way, it could explore the diverse aspects of humanity, including concepts from its memories that didn't exist in this realm—fire, water, animals, weapons, love, desire, hate, war, heat, cold… It was a whole new world."
"By bonding with people, although they are not able to control the bodies... They are able to feel the same as us."
"That's how Terk explained it!"
"Could you enlighten me with your knowledge, Miss Cat Burglar?
"Doctor Terk mentioned to us that, the demons live through the bodies of Akuma no mi users..."
"And that's correct."
"So, it was true?" Muttered the sniper
"That's what I just say"
"But... What about the powers?" Stammered Usopp
"You see... The Kizuna population continued to grow not only because it was easy for them to reproduce and not die from old age, but primarily because the babies couldn't grow and develop. This became one of the reasons why they needed to reach the outside world… That's when the guardians took the opportunity to experience in life, what they had only witnessed in the memories of the Sacrifices."
"After finally experiencing sensations, they had previously only seen as memories, the energy could materialize into the wishes they the wishes people sought in exchange for the sacrifices... In a peculiar twist of fate, the power, instead of being delivered to the one who offered the sacrifice, ended up in the hands of the offering..." Bakanee remained silent for a couple of seconds and suddenly blushed, with a gentle smile. "Isn't that poetic?"
"WAIT, YOU MEAN?" Usopp interrupted startled.
"They were the first bearers of abilities."
"WHAT THEEEEEEEEEEEEE?!"
"Wait, so..."
"Franky, let her continue."
"The Kizunas, possessing abilities beyond those of other humans, were perceived as demons, becoming victims of society's envy. Driven by fear and ignorance, their race faced annihilation. However, the energy within them needed to return to the underworld because it would simply dissipate outside. It required a connection to a living being to survive, yet every living being they entered perished within a few years due to the exhaustive strain of harboring it."
"Due to the abundance of life in the underworld, the Kizuna failed to recognize that outside of it, life expectancy differed significantly. As a result, they aged slowly, granting us extended lifespans but not true immortality. This allowed the guardians to be preserved inside their bodies working as vessels for many years before succumbing to old age or meeting their demise."
"In order for the guardians to return, they had to inhabit another living being... But these hosts died after a couple of years due to "Unsuccessful link".
"In a state of desperation and requiring new hosts, they turned to inhabiting animals, exposing themselves to the risk of being trapped or killed due to their mythical forms."
"Mythical forms?" The archaeologist asked intrigued.
"The guardian of fire inhabited a bird, transforming it into a phoenix. The guardian of the bird inhabited a horse, turning it into a Pegasus. These are just a few examples. However, this process resulted in them retaining the memories of those beings and later replicating their powers, thus creating more variations."
"So that's why those mythical creatures don't exist anymore," the skeleton said. "The guardians became extinct because they couldn't find a proper host."
"As the bindings had a short life expectancy, they resorted to living inside fruits. These fruits, being part of a living being connected directly to the earth, allowed them to control their power without rotting and kept them alive for extended periods of time"
"STOP FOR A SECOND BAKANEE, ARE YOU IMPLYING THAT'S HOW THE DEVIL FRUITS WERE BORN?!" Nami interrupted the explanation due to her surprise.
"I thought I was pretty clear... You're correct"
The group was stunned by the revelation about the origin of one of the best-preserved mysteries of both their times, while the Oracle observed that no one was able to even ask questions, so she continued with her story.
"The dormant power of the demon in the fruit makes it easy for it to be compatible with its consumer... Thus, the user's ability can gradually mature over time, not affecting his body in an aggressive way and living both as one... Its user can make use of their powers while they, in turn, live through their experiences.
"WAIT YUE SAN, WHAT ABOUT THE QUIRKS?"
"I don't know... The cycle has repeated, but I don't know why. In order to inhabit humans nowadays, they had to give small doses of their power instead of their full presence... That's why their powers are so limited, and that would also explain how they can be inherited... People are born with bodies compatible with their demons."
"That's why they are affected by the Kairoseki..." Said the carpenter quietly.
"That's right."
"Do you know why the kairoseki and water affect us?" Chopper inquired
"As you understand, the guardians still desire to return to the underworld, so whenever they are in a body of water they take control, striving to descend into the depths of the ocean in a desperate bid to return... The Kairoseki emits the same frequency as the sea, destabilizing them and causing confusion, as their focus shifts to leaving rather than being part of the user.
"THAT EXPLAINS THE KAIROSEKI, BUT NOT THE WATER."
"I don't know the reason... Perhaps because the Kairoseki is obtained from the depths, marking the last layer between the surface and the inner world. However, it's purely speculative. "
"What happened to the Kizunas?" Inquired the swordsman, who kept his demeanor subdued yet attentive, casting a palpable effect on the girl who, in response, began to tremble while clutching her legs.
"The Kizunas possess a distinctive feature," She explained, gently running her fingers through her long hair. "Our white hair, is the result of the absence of melanin, as it starts to turn gray as we reach a century. This unique trait made us easily recognizable, leading to a hunt for the Kizuna."
"Those bastards, simply fearing what they can't comprehend!" Exclaimed Franky.
"And now, they're hypocritically wielding devil fruit powers," complained Sanji.
"That's not the reason..."
"Huh?"
"In this life, there's only one certainty: We will inevitably depart from it someday. The kings and high command desire something that only we possess..."
"Old Grey hair." Said Zoro with total certainty.
"No…" She replied with a bead of sweat running down her forehead. "Longevity"
"For centuries, every young human with white hair vanished, captured for government experimentation in pursuit of the longevity gene," explained the white-haired woman.
Her words left Robin with a lump in her throat, and nervous sweat began to bead on her skin.
"Bakanee-san, did you... were you alive during the void century?" Inquired the archaeologist, to which the girl simply shook her head in response.
"No, I come from a breeding program. Most of them perished due to experimentation, so before their demise, the remaining Kizunas were used for reproductive purposes to continue the experiments with us... Actually, I don't even know my age because I spent the majority of my life within that facility."
"I see... That's why you bear those markings like a livestock."
"ZORO!" They all exclaimed, reprimanding the swordsman.
"I had no idea the government harbored intentions of seeking immortality," Nami commented sorrowfully.
"The government and the Tenryuubitos; that's why they covet the Ope Ope no Mi," clarified Robin.
"Oi, Robin... Torao's fruit is the Ope Ope no Mi?" The archaeologist nodded to her captain, who had been ignoring the explanation until the mention of the Tenryuubitos.
"Torao?" The unfamiliar name alarmed the white-haired, causing a cold sweat to break out. "Trafalgar is dead?"
"Are they after him too?! We've got to go back!" Luffy sprang to his feet, ready to charge into action without a plan, as usual.
"CALM DOWN YOUNG LUFFY; YOUNG TRAFALGAR IS A PIRATE... HE'S ALREADY A TARGET FOR THE GOVERNMENT, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER HE POSSESSES THE FRUIT OR NOT."
"Oh, you're right... But if he gets in trouble, we should lend a hand."
"Yes!" Chopper cheered,
"No... Luffy! remember that we are enemies." Zoro recalled
"Yes, I know... But we're friends Shishishi."
"He doesn't grasp the concept of 'enemies'..." Bakanee thought embarrassed. "Are you certain he didn't harm his brain using Kenbunshoku?" The woman asked anxiously, expressing concern for the captain.
"Absolutely," they all responded in unison. Bakanee turned to the hero, who nervously swallowed saliva with a bead of sweat running down his hair, confirming the group's assertion.
"Immortality... That's why you bore the mark of the world government. You were their subject of experimentation," the archaeologist remarked thoughtfully, resting her hand on her chin.
"Oi, Robin, say it more delicately."
"It's not necessary, Cyborg... It's the truth."
"I BELIEVE WE'VE COVERED ENOUGH INFORMATION... WE CAN PUT A HALT TO THIS," the hero insisted, raising his hand to signal a pause, reluctant to revisit painful memories triggered by the mention of the 'world government'.
"Did they succeed in acquiring the gene?" inquired the reindeer.
"I BELIEVE WE'VE GRASPED WHAT WE NEEDED, MISS YUE, YOU CAN STOP."
"I know there was a successful experiment, but it could only be given to six people..."
"Tenryuubitos..." The cook said, annoyed.
"No... They were unaware of it. The craving for immortality originated from the highest echelons of the government... The six individuals in charge of directing the world order... The Gorosei."
"The Gorosei?" Half of the group and the hero tilted their heads in confusion.
"What's that, Robin?"
"The five elders... The most influential nobles; leaders of the world government, and the ultimate authority."
"Those bastards! Are they the ones who sent people to capture you?!" Luffy shouted in frustration, turning to Robin who only nodded slightly.
"They were also responsible for erasing history," the white-haired added.
"But that happened eight hundred years ago, which means... Those who caused the void century..." Jinbei interjected, reluctant to accept the information.
"That's correct... They were involved in that event and are still alive thanks to somehow achieving longevity."
"Hold on... You mentioned six!" Franky objected.
"The other one is the individual who orchestrated the operation... The unidentified figure who genuinely controls the world."
"Impossible!"
"Is there anyone of higher rank than the Gorosei?" Robin stood up, disturbed by the disclosure.
"I don't know its name or identity... But there's no doubt about it… Those five presences, always seem to follow its lead."
"How do you possess this knowledge?!" the archaeologist inquired, agitated and desperate for the source.
The rush of memories caused the Kizuna to curl into a fetal position, hiding her face between her knees, trembling as she finally shared the source of her traumas.
"THAT'S ENOUGH," the blond ordered, putting an end to the pirates' questions with a raised palm, then placing it gently on the girl's back. "Are you all right?" he asked calmly, modulating his voice, prompting the woman to raise her face without fixing her gaze on anything.
"Many of the offspring succumbed to pain... Consequently, they asked the possessor of the Nikyu Nikyu no Mi to deprive us of our five senses, leaving us physically alive but mentally… Mentally adrift." Her voice began to falter. "I have no idea how many years I remained in that state, and I'm uncertain about what they subjected us to..." The delicate tone was cut off by the cook, while the captain rose and moved away from the group.
"Yue-san... You can stop telling..."
"It's okay, Bakanee, you don't need to continue," Usopp added, shaking his hands.
"Why do they have to be like that?!" Chopper exclaimed through tears, unable to comprehend the cruel nature of the world leaders.
"Those government bastards, they won't stop hurting others!" Franky growled angrily, expressing his frustration toward those responsible for the demise of his mentor and father figure.
A shout accompanied by a roar and a brilliant burst of light emanated from not far away. The young straw hat, with no means to vent his anger against the now non-existent organization, unleashed his fury on the roots, eliciting small fireflies that filled the surroundings.
The girl's gaze shifted entirely to the captain, who violently expressed his rage from a distance. Ignoring the words of the group, she concluded her response to the archeologist's question.
"I managed to perceive the 'voice' of the people," she said without any emotion or light in her eyes.
"YUE..."
"With my senses stripped away, I awakened Kenbunshoku, enabling me to perceive the voices of all beings around me. That's when I grasped the concept of time as the routines became consistent. No longer trapped in eternal darkness, I could distinguish days and auras. Some auras, just like mine, remained immobilized all the time, making me realize we were of the same kind… The only time those 'voices' shut… They never came back… It took me years to understand that when the life of fellow Kizuna neared its end, they offered their bodies as tribute to the guardians in a limbo state, hoping to keep them alive them by consuming the remaining life of the dying vessels."
Yue wiped away her remaining tears, running her hands over her eyes. "Occasionally, the nobles, accompanied by the wielder of the Nikyu, would visit us. They heightened our senses to make us experience the pain and sorrow of others, using it as a form of torture for their own entertainment."
"To enhance the senses for their enjoyment was both my curse and blessing simultaneously..." The woman rested her hands on the surface, that at contact created a series of black bubbles that allowed everyone to witness various screams and sobs, accompanied by sadistic laughter. However, for those attentive enough, conversations could be discerned in the background.
"Those days when I could hear everything happening in Pangea were etched in my memories... Although I didn't comprehend them at the time due to a lack of education to understand the language. Existing in a Limbo state all this time has allowed me to relive those memories, hear them more clearly, and, above all, finally understand them." She confessed hopelessly.
Robin came over to the side of the woman, sitting down and resting her head on her shoulder, offering comfort with gentle strokes through the long hair. "Thank you, Kizuna-san... That's enough; we appreciate the information… It was very helpful"
"It didn't help us at all," Zoro grumbled, earning a hit from Nami.
"Could you stop being so insensitive?" She scolded him for broaching a sensitive topic that the woman didn't want to discuss.
"It's fortunate that you managed to escape from there," Jinbei commended.
"Yeah..."
"How did you get out, Bakanee san?
"Chopper don't ask her more questions!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH SORRY!"
"Well..."
"DON'T ANSWER HIM!" Yelled the long-nosed with his sharp teeth.
"They gave my body to a guardian to consume my remaining years of life," she replied with a smile as the guardian playfully knocked both women to the ground.
"That's terrible"
"It's okay... It did not react... It remained petrified in its state of limbo, so it was neither alive nor dead. That way, it can stay in the outside world without disappearing but cannot wake up on its own... They need to link with a life to do so," she said, caressing the animal's nose.
"By both of us being on that thin line between life and death, we achieved our first and only successful link. It could live through me, feel and see what I... And I could make use of his ability and experience the memories of its first bonding. It didn't need to take my life; we were once the same being, just like the first generation of Kizunas. If I survived, so did he.
"With his ability, getting out was simple... The problem was hiding from everyone." She ended her speech
"If the guardian is the power of the devil fruit, then... What is its ability?" Franky asked curiously.
"Boost"
"Huh?"
"Its power is to Boost and awaken the other abilities. She said turning to Toshinori. "Remember? You were chosen by a guardian." Yue recalled her words.
"THAT'S WHAT YOU SAID BACK THEN." She merely nodded in acknowledgment.
"I'm unsure about the purpose of the time Guardian, but witnessing everything fall into place like gears, connecting with the right people to obtain the necessary information and reaching us... It made me feel the need to intervene," she admitted, pointing towards the guardian who was entertaining itself by mimicking Robin's appearance and abilities, growing hands on its body.
"I needed to link with him once again to access its memories, which could help find a way to reach the underworld and locate the Guardian of Time in the past... If we were both on the brink of death, I knew I would make it."
"What I didn't expect was that a small trace of that same Guardian remained with you during your journey. My intention to link with it to access the memories accidentally resulted in offering my vitality to utilize its ability to boost the last trace of life of your guardian and return us to your present."
"Without Trafalgar's help, who could assist my body and restore my blood, this little guy had to improvise, replacing it to keep me alive... But it was not enough. During these six years, it made my organs work in a conscious way, always keeping the same rhythm..." Bakanee let out a deep sigh. "Any desynchronization in my heart rate due to my emotions ruined the uniform rhythm it maintained, causing me to lose consciousness. That way, it could start from scratch at its own pace." She gave a grateful smile to the creature who tried to smile back. "We both help each other stay alive."
"Yes, we already knew that." Said the swordsman arms crossed.
"Stop downplaying her emotions." Chopper objected biting his leg.
"Oi!"
"You fucking Marimo!"
"What did you just call me, four?"
"Calm down, all three of you!"
The white-haired observed the lively interaction of the unruly group, blushing and shedding some tears.
"That's it... After so many years, I finally managed to bring it back to where it belongs. It's free now... And so am I..." She concluded by placing her hand on her chest. "I can die in peace now." She joyfully celebrated with a gentle smile.
"OI!" Everyone exclaimed simultaneously, concluding with a blow from the guardian who reprimanded her by hitting her head.
"Aaah, that hurts! Why are you hitting me?" Bakanee complained to the creature, which only distorted its body, conveying a message.
¿"Die? Did I say it out loud?"
"You said it!" Yelled the pirates with sharp teeth.
"My mistake..."
"We still have to go back our time, so don't even think about it!" The navigator pulled the Kizuna's cheek.
"You do know how to get back, don't you?" Brook asked worriedly.
"To the surface or to the past?"
"BOTH OF THEM."
"Yes."
"If the answer was yes to both, why are you giving us a choice?!" Reprimanded the sniper.
"Curiosity…" She expressed with a drop of sweat running down her hair. analyzing the surroundings. "We need to look for the guardian of time... But it's strange..."
"What's wrong?" Nami asked.
"There is none... There are no guardians here... They must all be on the surface."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes... This place used to be dangerous... Extremely dangerous."
"Luffyyyyyyy! Let's retreat!" Usopp and Chopper cried out loud.
"Why?" The captain inquired.
"The guardians absorbed human experiences, corrupting their energy and making them territorial. This was a key reason why the Kizunas left. The human emotions of hatred, resentment, and the thirst for power infected the guardians, who, as embodiments of power, would kill anyone entering their territories.
"Are we going to die?" whimpered the cowardly trio in terror.
"Hopefully"
"WHAT?!" Chopper and Usopp's scream took on a slightly guttural tone.
"I meant probably... if we come across one..."
"But well... Let's go look for them," She declared, rising and moving forward with a cheerful and determined demeanor.
"YOSH! LET'S GO!"
"EEEEEH!"
Sundancer here:
Hello everyone, sorry for the delay. I hadn't had the time and patience to translate u.u
I hope this chapter is understandable. It was challenging to convey the idea in the original version, and now it was even more complicated.
Similarly, on Wattpad, you can find the Spanish version with two reference drawings to understand more or less how works both realms and the upperworld / underworld.
Also a brief explanation: When energy wanders with some ability without inhabiting a body, they are called guardians. But when this same entity resides within a body, it's considered demons, which is why fruits that grant powers are called devil fruits.
If you have any doubts, I will gladly clarify them in the next chapter, which will have a bit more explanation.
Enjoy your vacations, Sundancer wish you happy holidays. ^u^