Good day everyone. It is time for the eighth installment of the story. Let's hope I can reach as many as possible to complete the story.

I won't lie, I originally thought the story would be around 50 or so chapters, but now I wonder if it'll reach into the hundred mark or more. Who knows.

Also have no idea how to delete these stupid bot reviews, seriously. They SUCK. When will it end?…

I know this is mostly just me rambling to myself since barely anybody reads this story, but to the one or two viewers who may or may not occasionally check in, I truly do appreciate it. Thanks! Just gotta keep at it until I reach the double digit marks. I'd reckon at 20 or 25 chapters, I'll have at least one or two loyal viewers. Hopefully. With real reviews lol.

Anyways, here's the dates for the chapter fellas.

Chapter 7: Uploaded on 12/8/2024

Chapter 8: Started on 12/9/2024

Enjoy readers!

Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece. One Piece belongs to Eiichiro Oda.

"So…what will your order be, sir?," the waiter asked longingly. Rimbert raised an eyebrow, now what was with the impatience with this young man here?

"I've…I'm still eyeing your menu."

"Ah."

Looking around, the waiter clears his throat before responding, "Well sir, I can give you more time if you'd like. I can make my rounds with the other customers. Please, take your time." Smiling a false smile, he left him and Adam to their lonesome, near the entrance of the small bakery.

"Rimbert, what's off with you? You've been staring off into space for a while now, you know the waiter waited a whole two minutes before questioning you, right?"

"Eh?"

Sighing, Adam pulls his seat across the table next to his, sitting right next to him. "What's troubling you friend? Can't be the meeting, right? We already prepared what we'll say and present to any unconvinced councilmen or officials."

Pondering silently, Rimbert thinks to himself before replying. "You know, it's just the fact that, before I left, a young apprentice of mine told me something shall we say… troubling."

"Oh?"

Rimbert nodded. "Well…not quite an apprentice, more like an…I suppose a son-like figure. Raised him for a while after his father's departure. I'm positive he sees me as his father in that regard. Anyways, he told me that he sensed a 'hidden intent' behind Unni's facade. And I believe we may bear witness to it later today."

Adam listened to the rest of his explanation. By the end, he motioned to him that the waiter was returning. "Ah, good timing. I'll take the scrambled fruit egg breakfast with a side of well done chub please."

Afterwards, they ate in silence. Quietly calculating their means of making their audience to Unni and convincing him or whoever was delaying support for their settlements.

"I see, and do you have an appointment?," asked the woman at the front desk.

"Yes, we both do," Rimbert responded, pointing to Adam and himself. "We're here seeking an audience with the Councilman Unni. If he cannot, then another councilman will also do. The Holy Elder is obviously unavailable."

"Of course, our Elder is often busy nowadays. I'll go ahead and notify the councilman of your arrival. Please stand by."

After a couple minutes of idle standing, they were allowed to his office, on the upper floors.

"Let's see, floor number five and room number 5I. Where are we now?"

"Floor number four, don't worry. We'll be there soon enough."

Upon reaching the room, Rimbert knocked. Hearing a voice that was Unni's affirm their entry, they entered.

Sitting behind a middle desk, the man was reading through some papers and a few folders strewn out, waiting to be organized. Putting them down, Unni got up and stretched his hands, bowing with a smirk. "Well well well, I didn't expect you two. It's a pleasure being able to meet with you both. I welcome you to my humble-"

"Cut the theatrics councilman. You know why we're here." Adam interrupted Unni with a harsh but resolute tone. Eyes promising a strict reprimanding, arms and elbows crossed. 'He's in no festive mood,' Unni thought to himself. 'All the more to have fun.'

Clearing his throat, Rimbert spoke. "Councilman Unni."

"Yes, how may I help, Monk Rimbert?"

"May we…please take a seat?"

…

His smile fading slightly, arms letting themselves down for a quick second, as if he was caught off guard by the simple question. "Y-yes, of course! Please do so. I'll sit down too."

Once they all sat down, Unni cleared some of his papers from his desk, but left a few to his side. "I'll need these for later, councilman work and all."

Nodding, Rimbert brought some files of his own to the desk. Unni raised an eyebrow.

"For later," Rimbert responded coolly.

"Yes…for later. And you, my dear grumpy monk? Any papers to present forth?"

Adam narrowed his eyes, opened his mouth to retort, but said something different instead. "Yes, I've one or two here with me." Taking out some folded papers, he placed them next to Rimbert's.

"Well then, we're all acquainted and in order, would you both…care for some tea?"

The offer caught them both off guard, but Rimbert quickly replied. "No thank you, we've just gotten done eating before arriving actually. The offer is appreciated." Adam grunted in agreement.

"Very well. In that case, I'll have some for myself. I'm simply parched here." Clicking an odd looking button on his desk, he continued. "So then, how truly, may I help you both today?"

Looking at each other and back again, they began their explanation.

"Councilman Unni," Rimbert began. "It has come to my attention that as of the early days of the summer season, a series of events have come to take place in both Sigtuna and Hovgården alike. Some other settlements nearby, much smaller ones like towns have faced a similar consequence, though not as severe. The events in question: the delays in Vassal placements. Specifically, to my knowledge, in the north coast of Birka. Our Birkan Warriors and their commander, the Sky Knight, are among the strongest individual combatants within this entire Imperial Cumulus. As such, their strength and by consequence, their protection is invaluable."

"The Sky Knight," continued Adam, "-is usually housed in the capital of Birka. Whether in the old coastal capital, or the city here in our modern times. That is understandable. But we're a large nation, in need of reasonably decent forces stationed around our island. In the case of any outside attacks, but our inland entities of a usually hostile nature. Not to mention the monsters that roam the sea clouds around us. Birka simply happens to house more dangerous wildlife than the other sky islands, not to mention that we don't have an overabundance of dials like Skypiea, so we've got to use ours sparingly. Munsö only provides so much."

"Of course. I'm following," the councilman replies respectfully. "Birka all around needs all the Vassals we can train up, all year round."

"Correct, and this brings us to the current crisis we're facing. An insufficiency of Warrior Vassals. Unni, we've received delay after delay. Excuses after excuses. And then some, with a side of more nonsense, added with but a touch of excuse sprinkles."

Pushing the papers he took out on the desk to Unni, he said, "These, councilman, are the strings of incidents which have befallen our homes. As you can tell, the lack of protection has made our village lives harder than normal."

Also pushing his papers forward to Unni, Adam voiced his agreement with his fellow monk. "Yeah, I've had expeditions to our usual fishing routes called back because we lack the Warriors necessary to protect them. Sky Sharks almost tore our best vessel in half, only managed to kill it through pure luck. We can only spare so many workers out to make their rounds across the other coastal settlements. Hungry canines and bloodthirsty, carnage loving three-length birds in the forests."

"Riiight…, your point being?"

"My point is, we are struggling under these current conditions. It helps not that we've been essentially forced to make our own deliveries of food shipments, and scavengers as well. Not just to neighboring villages, but others as well. Others which are too small to merit their own messengers, small towns as you know."

Unni waved his hands as if to say, so and so. "My colleagues, they'd know, more so than I. But I see what you mean."

"And," Rimbert emphasized further, "-a fellow collector from my settlement, he's aided us with extol donations from his personal savings. He's made rounds over on Skypiea and he's even acquainted himself with Gan Fall."

At that statement, Unni's mind froze. 'Gan Fall…The Gan Fall!?' As he processed the casual reveal of a simple villager making their rounds with the God of Skypiea, his mind switched back on track and began to formulate plans. 'A collector from Sigtuna…has relations with Gan Fall. Hmm, perhaps…there is merit to this? I wonder if…'

Clearing his throat, Rimbert noted how absentminded Unni appeared and tried to get his attention. "Hm? Oh, yes. I'm following, monk. I'm simply listening."

"Ah, well then. As I was saying, we've been able to get support from individual donations and aid from others' charity every now and then, but that is not enough. It is unsustainable."

"Yeah, and to our final point, councilman. Rimbert here has said that any inquiries as to why Vassal support has been delayed or outright rejected has only resulted in blocks, unknowns, and the more concerning belief that an official is behind this. One of a high status, I'm sure you see this leads us to."

"Yes, I can very clearly. Though I ponder why you believe I specifically chose to meet with me, there are others on the council you know."

Adam shrugged while Rimbert nodded, but even his nod seemed forced. "Well, wouldn't it be you?"

"Hn!?," Unni asked and coughed.

The sudden yet casual question of Rimbert questioning Unni's intentions caught him off guard. "Are you…questioning my heart's intent, Monk Rimbert?"

Shaking his head, Rimbert explained. "I am not accusing you of malice, intentionally wanting your people to suffer, Unni. What I asked was a result of putting two and two together. You very clearly want us, my and Adam's village among others, to shift our workers towards your project between our homes and the capital. Displaying a, shall I say, clear dislike for our village life. This isn't a stretch, that you plan to allocate your resources to your own ends, as a means of punishing us for refusing your requests. This is me, us, here, asking you if you are the one responsible for this mess."

Seconds passed as Unni remained silent. Hands stapled together, elbows atop his desk as if he were a judge facing a guilty amongst a jury.

…

Finally, he spoke. "Well…that was certainly something to say, don't you think. Fear not, I've an answer for all your inquiries and concerns."

Clearing his throat, he began. "You see, all these events tie together quite neatly. The one who has been rejecting your requests for Birkan Warrior aid has indeed been me".

At that declaration, Adam looked about ready to jump up and say something but Unni raised a hand, saying, "Monk Adam, I said I have an answer to all your worries. Once I finish explaining, it will all make sense, this I promise." He didn't show it, far from it. Though he relented and made to cross his arms and close his eyes.

"As I said, it was I who rejected your requests on behalf of your villages. But it was not me personally." Watching their slightly concealed confused expressions, no doubt attempting to present a serious front, Unni smirked inwardly.

"I placed restrictions on the Vassals specifically because, as you both know, the Maxim Festival will take place soon. As such, we needed as many workers on hand for the stadium, Circus Maximus', refurbishing. We're expecting more attendees than ever before. The Vassals were needed to begin the process of heavy lifting and performing high risk tasks."

"Naturally, we would have had the workers I employed in the current Gräns settlement as I had planned, but an unexpected wrench in the plans took me off course. That was you."

Exchanging looks, Adam and Rimbert gave the man a quizzical look. "Us?"

"Yes, you two," Unni affirmed. "Your villagers would have provided the manpower for my expansion project, freeing up the workforce to complete the refurbishing in the Circus Maximus. The coasts would have been cleared for Warrior Vassals to make their usual lookouts on ordinary time. I admit, perhaps I was too…hasty…in my initial assumptions. Truly, I didn't think your settlements would have any contention with my plans and time has told me otherwise. That is the truth of the matter."

…

A few seconds ticked by as the answer they sought was given at last.

"So…," Adam began and stopped.

"That was…," added Rimbert.

…

"So," began Unni, voice confident and cocksure. "I'm not the grand archenemy you believed me to be, eh? As I've often learned, there's always some nuance to these sorts of things."

"I…I find this hard to believe, forgive me Unni," Rimbert replied. The months of rejected requests in the face of his village going through difficulties had given the monk an edge to grate. Not to mention the fact that Unni had just admitted to being responsible for it all.

"I understand monk, but this is the truth. There was no intentional malice behind my actions. I'm sorry this crisis has befallen a settlement under my jurisdiction as a loyal councilman of the realm, but I can't stop now. The work is nearing completion and the Vassals should be placed back on their usual schedules after the Festival."

"Well," began Adam, "Why are you so insistent on completing the Gräns settlement expansion? Why the rush? Surely it could've waited until after the festival, right?"

Exhaling, Unni nodded and said, "Perhaps, but I was elected by the citizens for my actions. My boldness. I'm sure the archetypal politician would delay their promises until they were completely irrelevant, but I, unlike so many, actually care about what I want and say. I refused to delay my plans for any reason, no matter who got in my way. Even…at the slight cost of other villages in our country. I will stand by it, even if it has detriments, that I concede to you two."

Grunting, Adam closed his eyes for a moment and contemplated. 'At least he isn't cowering behind his actions. A leader is not simply empathetic, but bold. One who leads his subjects, but has a will to exercise his vision.' Only muttering, "Conviction huh, that's something at least, city man…" Opening his eyes, he let go of his frown he'd been maintaining for the duration of the meeting and simply kept a straight expression.

Taking a moment to collect himself, he reached down into a drawer of his desk. Hesitating for a second, Unni shook his head and pulled out an envelope of sorts.

"This is…I believe a better coming together is in order. Our first meeting, it did not go as well as it should have. Trust me, for when I say I regret how they ended, I mean it. Truly, it left a sour flavor in my mouth when I returned to the city here." Handing the envelope to Rimbert, Unni pulled out another for Adam who took it with a confused but reserved expression on him.

"This is my offer. To you both. I'm inviting you two, and, within reason, a small number of accompaniments with you to watch the Maxim Festival. With me, in the council's own high row in the stadium. It is only fitting, after all, for us and for your people to witness what the Vassals have been working for. This,-" he said as he placed his hand on his heart, "-it comes from a place of genuine care, monks."

…

"Everything I've done, It is truly because I wholly believe it is for the betterment of Birka and its children. I really do believe we are the ones fit to rule. Blessings ought to be used, no? Our natural and physical advantages are blessings unto us, this I affirm and maintain. I want everyone else to see my vision. That is why I wish to give my opposition, from my fellow Birkans, a chance to see my vision. To share it."

"..." Rimbert looked to his side, Adam still staring at the envelope he'd been handed. Gripping it, he put it away and turned to Rimbert. He made to speak, but stopped himself.

"Hm?," Unni hummed in an inquisitive tone.

"This-I…," Adam turned to Rimbert, sharing a silent moment with him. Narrowed eyes, a sharp gaze, and finally, one quick nod. "I believe we shall review this, this generous offer by you, Councilman Unni," Rimbert responded.

Smiling, Unni nodded. "Thank you, I implore you both to consider it. I want nothing more than for there to be only the best of relations between our homes."

"One last question for you, Councilman."

"Yes, Monk Adam?"

Looking into his eyes, Adam asked why he simply didn't pull favors from the Mälaren tribe. Unni snorted and shook his head. Rimbert, clearing his throat, replied for him. "Adam, if you haven't worked with…or at the very least interacted with the Mälaren, then you haven't a clue of how, shall I say, disagreeable they can be."

Nodding, Unni added, "Yes, I was just about to say the same. They are effective in combat, but are less loyal to the Birkans, their own people, nonetheless. They are the most berserk tribe in the skies. Including the Shandian warriors as well. It's why we usually let them keep to themselves, only meeting with them to discuss offers in their profession."

"And-," Rimbert finished off, "to actually command the Mälaren in any capacity, you must best them in pure battle. They speak no other language, unless they entertain it for whatever reason. To pull favors from them, they must be indebted to you in some way, shape, or form. Again, solely in the realm of combat."

"Yes indeed…" Unni added wistfully at the end.

Thanking him curtly, the two monks made to leave, but not before Unni called out to them. "You know, your original settlements, Hamburg and Bremen are still around in some capacity. They're doing well, last I've heard. I could…I can give you both the opportunity to visit them sometime. If you'd like."

"Thanks" "Thank you", Adam and Rimbert replied as they headed towards the door.

"Have a wonderful rest of your day, monks of Sigtuna and Hovgården," Unni said as he waved them goodbye from his desk.

"You as well," Rimbert said as he closed the door behind him, waving goodbye as well.

"Well, that was something."

"Care to share there, Rimbert?"

The two sat on a small bench, just outside the building. Electing to collect their thoughts, remaining in the councilman's vicinity, just in case they needed to, share some more words. 'Though,' Rimbert thought, '-he basically admitted to being the one responsible for our Vassal shortage. But…it feels somewhat unresolved. Like, he was in the wrong, but there was some merit to his explanation.'

"Well?," Adam asked again, interrupting his thought process.

"Yes, yes. We got some answers at last, but at the same time, it feels as though it wasn't the, eh…personal satisfaction of watching his smug grin fade as I, or perhaps we, were expecting and waiting to savor. Do you feel the same, Adam?"

"You got that right. I won't deny I was waiting for that moment too. But regardless, he says he'll lift the restrictions after the Festival. What's say you? Think the man will keep true to his word?"

"I…hmm," Rimbert couldn't give a definitive assurance. After all, if Unni had acted in a more shadowed, hidden manner to get his ends in order with his means, he'd already demonstrated a willingness to do things in that way. Why say he couldn't or rather, wouldn't do so again, later down the line. "It's tough to say. Though I feel more inclined to say he shouldn't have a reason to, not that he wouldn't do it again if he felt he had to."

Turning to face Adam, sitting in a cross-legged position, he explained. "The thing is, Unni's path is a seemingly reasonable one at first glance, but it's more dangerous than one realizes. That being, the ends justify the means. One may believe that is what a leader must be. On one hand, it is true a leader must be more than empathy, that he must have a will to do what is necessary for his subjects and stand by his decisions. But we have codes to follow. A man cannot cross the seas without morals. Such is impossible. There are lines we must restrain ourselves to. His ends may be beneficial, but at what cost? We are more than meat with bones, more than our physical bodies and material consequences. Sharper men than him have known this, and we must apply this knowledge accordingly."

"Based on my interactions with him, he rejects this, instead proclaiming our right to rule the Sky Islands by virtue of our material advantages. That since Birkans are more physically advantaged than Skypieans or Shandians, clearly we must be the ones in control. How he'll achieve that, it remains to be seen. Favoring nature in a more organic sense than the philosophical sense."

"Yeah," laughed Adam. "He won't be ruling Skypiea anytime soon. But you raise a fair point. Are we to…simply allow nature to take its course. See what becomes of the Councilman?"

"Perhaps," Rimbert replied. Scratching his chin, his eyes glossed over the building where they'd just been. "But for now, let's contemplate the offer he gave us. It may do us good to keep and attend, we'll be able to meet up with him during the festival right next to him. Who knows, we could bring a guest should we feel the need to."

"I suppose you're right." Sighing, they got up and began to make their way to their villages, a long journey ahead.

"In addition, we do not want to meddle in political forces we can't even begin to control or comprehend. Never underestimate it my friend. After all, it's what swallowed Bremen and Hamburg, our old settlements."

As the afternoon sun shone brightly up above, the orange hues painted the skies in a heavenly orange and pink cloud swirl.

A Few Days Later…

"So they want to invite any accomplice of yours to attend the Maxim Festival?"

Entle asked with less interest and more doubt. Rimbert sighed. Ever since he'd returned, he'd heard the news of their lead scavenger, Fuza, having been injured in battle during a hunt. Kura had been inconsolable for a time but had accepted he'd done what he could with his limited knowledge of Sigtuna during his time away.

"A shame I couldn't hear of this tragedy. Rest assured, I'd have made this known to him. And yes, according to Unni himself. I have physical documentation to prove it too, should I accept and bring anyone with me, of course."

"Hmm…"

"Anyways, how's old Fuza? Is he set to recover soon?"

"No," Entle replied, sighing. "It seems the wounds he sustained will take a month or more to heal. Our local caretaker in these parts has told Kura who told the rest of us, the best options would be to either consult the center kingdom for superior medicine. We aren't bad off here in the settlement, but the city is better equipped with resources."

"I see." Scratching his chin, he recalled an old text of advice he remembered during his studies in his monk training. Allegedly, the Shandians were somewhat known for their healing practices. Unorthodox apparently, but he heard they'd once traded techniques with some old wizard from Birka. The details eluded him though. It was definitely before the wizard Haredas and his colleagues, as it'd taken place centuries ago.

"Well then, what's say you Entle? Or your family? Think it'll be worth attending?," Rimbert asked with a patient gaze.

"I'll…I will consider it, Rimbert. If Councilman Unni will be with us, it presents an opportunity for dialogue with him. Probe and experiment, to say."

Bowing, he bidded Entle a good day as Rimbert decided to head towards the village center and the shores. 'Recalling those I must care for and where we come from should help clear my mind from any imprudent or indecisive actions or temptations. It isn't just me I'm concerned about.'

'Though,' he wondered. 'If I can get Entle, or maybe Kura to attend, they'd have harsh but necessary words for our councilman. Hopefully not in public, that would only serve to humiliate him and may worsen relations even more than they already are.'

Author's Notes

Alrighty, it's been a good LONG while! You know, I think I finally got it. Of course, I wasn't going to let this story die out, some anticlimactic, unfinished ending. Never, never in a million years.

But I think I finally get it, when authors here return and wake up their readers with a nice good morning kiss to their foreheads in the form of another update to a beloved story. This one still isn't really well known, but still, I get it. The truth of the matter is, I've been busy.

Trust me, hard work, real effort, and intense focus on my IRL work pulled me away big time. And I'm still focused on my private, real life duties. Probably will be until the end of next week. Got some things I need to wrap up and the school life is still keeping me preoccupied.

I just needed to give you readers something, I felt bad staying away for so long. I assure you that not a single day has passed since the last update where I don't think of my inconsistency for my story. I will improve, and I WILL NOT let this precious story die out in irrelevancy.

It WILL Continue!

Anyways, to make up for the lost time and to fill out the word numbers here, enjoy an Omake here.

Omake

"Evening Chief. It's Aust, I'm here with the supply trade from Birka."

"Ah, evening to you as well young man. Please, this way."

The orders were nothing new, it had been rather simple lately. Though things seemed to be changing back home in Birka. From what he'd heard, some villages and individual towns folks were beginning to feel uneasy at the new slightly more prevalent surveillance from Enel, their latest leader. He technically wasn't a Holy Elder, it would be a title he'd have to gain through the coming decades, but he hadn't been a bad leader so far.

He was known as the saviour of Birka some time back for rescuing the coasts from a massive thunderstorm which had spawned from unknown reasons, as thunderstorms literally didn't naturally form by themselves on the White-White sea. But that was neither here nor there.

After working some time ago as a Birkan Vassal, he'd decided to step down from the army after Anund's rebellion not too long ago. It did a number on him and his village had been sadly caught in the crossfire. It had a need for aid and while Enel could provide some support from New Björka, he couldn't help every village. Only giving some supplies to small towns by the perimeter of the country and prioritizing the isles nearby under Birka's jurisdiction.

Aust had volunteered as a temporary aid worker in the transfer of supplies and eventually, landed himself a small time position in a trade office with a few other Birkans. It had been led by one named Sahatori, but he'd apparently bit the dust during the attacks of the rebellion or caught between battles during the large siege of the capital against Enel. Now they were just fragmented traders who did a bit of everything such as fishing, trading, and scavenging.

"This way Aust," the elder said as they walked to the center of the Shandian village hidden in the clouds.

Though he'd met with the folks here once before, it was just a passing moment. But since he had a little joint 'business venture' with them, him trading Dials and them giving good medicinal recipes and a few seeds for plants that he'd grown back in the forests of Birka, they got along.

Though only one particular person, only her.

His Isa.

"Here we are, please, let us divide the goods."

"Right, I've got a treat for Isa this time around," he said as he smiled, pondering his reaction.

"Oh?," questioned the Shandian Chief. "And your dear young one, what about her, young man?"

Aust laughed as he shook his head. "No, sadly I didn't have anything for her. But I definitely will, next trip chief!"

"Maybe so…"

Dropping off the goods, he made small talk with the men by the campfire and eventually saw his wife and child making their way to them. He smiled brightly.

Aisa smiled brightest. "Papa!"

Running up to him and hugging him as hard as she could, being only three years old. "My little warrior, I've missed you, how have you been?"

Taking a spot in his lap, she nestled in his arms and excitedly talked about what she'd done since his last visit. "Yes, I've been good for Mama, Papa. Did you-". Taking a look at the trade he'd delivered, she frowned.

"Papa! You said I'd get something this time!"

Chuckling, he shuffled her small hat she wore and kissed her forehead. "My apologies princess, things have been…not easy in your father's homeland."

She frowned and took his arms and wrapped them around herself like a makeshift shield. "Oh".

He clarified. "But, once this gets fixed in Birka, I can finally move here and stay with you and mama! How's that for a treat? Will that be good enough?".

Her ears perked up and yelped a yelp of pure joy. "Really! Yes, it's the best papa! More than the candies you give me sometimes!"

"I'm glad, my little Aisa. Now run along, your mama and I will talk a bit. I can't stay long this time, alright?"

"Okay, bye papa."

Running off, Isa took a seat next to him and they shared a moment of comfort. "So…what's this about Birka?"

Sighing, he explained in a quick summary, not wanting her to worry about the brutal aftermath of the rebellion. "And Anund was killed, Enel seems to be getting more uptight and stricter. We've heard dissidents among his ranks, allegedly, even the general of his elites, Urouge, is defecting. Though all mere rumours at the moment."

"Mmm…"

"But don't worry dear, things will get better, things could get so much worse, and the rebuilding is already happening. It's just…tense at the moment. Politically speaking, Enel is the sole authority right now, anything he says, goes, for us Birkans."

Isa leaned her head on his shoulder as she contemplated his words. "Well, things could get worse. You…are you sure? That you can make your way here for permanent residence, for me? And Aisa?"

Nodding, he reassured her. "Yes, my dear. This I promise. My dream, to live a life with the family I've made. I promise."

When night came, Aust had prepared for his journey back. Isa, Aisa, and the chief accompanied him to the shore just when he'd departed.

"Don't worry, I'll be gone for a month or two at the absolute longest. Enel ordered all of the Birkans to return to Birka. This was just a last minute visit until the deadline he gave us to return."

"Until next time! Aisa, we will meet again soon, your papa's promise!"

They waved back at him as his small vessel rode on the cloud waves back home, hopefully for the last time until he moved in with them.

Aisa felt so delighted. Papa was finally coming to move to the village! She hugged her mother as Isa said a prayer for her husband's safety. The Chief did too, wishing him peace.

It was the last time they would ever see him again.

Is this canon to my story? Comment below on the review section. Go on, don't be shy! Since Aisa's father and Conis' mother are ambiguous in the story, I can maybe do something with that. Also, Aisa's mother is named Isa in canon One Piece. So Aust and Isa can make an Aisa, name wise. Thoughts? Her mantra affinity and lack of a father can be explained this way! Clever amirite?

And rest assure, I still hate bots. I will NEVER EVER collaborate with anyone. Unless I personally seek out help.

Anyways, here's the ol' dates at the bottom, see below.

Chapter 8: Uploaded on 2/23/2025

Hope you all enjoyed reading this chapter, again, I apologize for the unannounced hiatus. I will do my best to juggle this story with my outside life responsibilities at a prudent and balanced level. See you all in the next one.

The Error Destroyer, out. :)