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- Mark Christoper Somera, and
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—OoOoO—
Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami
One Piece by Eichiiro Oda
Genre: Adventure, Action, Friendship, and NO ROMANCE
Summary: Destiny always has a unique way of leading each person to reach the peak, but not all humans can reach that peak even though fate has shown the way. Zen'in Maki never thought she would be thrown into another world when she felt death would come to her. However, is it just a coincidence? Or is it the Destiny of the Universe that will guide her?
Chapter 7: Afterward.
—OoOoO—
A day has passed after the battle against Enel. Many people were still in the process of healing themselves after losing so much due to Enel's cruelty. However, many could move on quickly and clean up the remnants of the battle.
The Straw Hat crew was also busy with their own things. Like Robin, accompanied by Maki, who decoded the poneglyph under the golden bell stage. Robin had changed her clothes into a leather jacket and black trousers. Meanwhile, Maki returned to her default outfit, her favourite jujutsu uniform. Only, this time, she didn't wear glasses.
"The ancient weapon with the power so strong that it was named after the God, Poseidon," said Robin as she closed her notebook, "That's what is written on this tablet."
Robin sighed. There was a hint of disappointment on her face. No one noticed the change except Maki, who was standing beside her. However, without needing to ask, Maki knew it was an expression when she didn't get what she was looking for. But there was one thing that caught Maki's attention.
"Poseidon, you say?"
"You know something?" Robin asked.
Maki shook her head slowly while closing her eyes.
"In my world, there's also a belief that Poseidon is one of their gods."
"Not only language, but it seems like we also have some similar cultures," replied Robin.
"Is there anything else written?" It wasn't Maki but the Shandian Chief who asked.
"Nothing. The rest is just the author's comments."
Robin considered whether she should say the rest. Apart from the name and background, she has nothing important to say. However, as soon as she saw Maki, she immediately breathed softly.
'Right, information that I thought was useless might just be a clue for her."
With that resolution, Robin said the remains of the text.
"They always make a fuss about powerful weapons. However, allocating energy to make a telescope that can see far into space would be better. I want to observe extraordinary objects and phenomena. I want to see the black hole she once told me about."
Robin took a deep breath after saying everything.
"That was the complete content."
The woman with long black hair watched the sky people to see their reactions. As she thought, they only reacted flatly to the author's comments. And then she looked at Maki.
"Is there something that strikes your mind?"
"Lots. I once said that my world is much more modern, right? But I think I should take back my words."
Maki's reply made Robin curious. However, before she asked, Maki preceded her.
"Say, do you know anything about a black hole? Have you ever heard that term?"
Robin shook her head at the question. The only black hole she knew about was an ability from the Yami-Yami fruit she had once read about in the encyclopaedia. However, Robin doubted that it was the same thing Maki had meant. As such, Robin just kept quiet and waited for Maki to finish what she was saying.
"A black hole is an object that only exists in space, with a high mass and gravitational field. Honestly, I've never seen a black hole directly. But my point is, whoever wrote this seems to have come from an era with modern civilisation. "
The only depiction of a black hole that was closest to its original form that Maki had ever seen was from the film Interstellar. But she couldn't tell the film-based experience to other people researching the reality.
"But here, the author says he knew about black holes from a woman's story. It seems that the author of this poneglyph wasn't a scientist, but the person who accompanied him was an insightful woman," said Robin.
"Speaking of poneglyphs, are only certain people like kings allowed to write them?" Maki asked.
Robin shook her head and replied, "I don't know. As far as I understand, there were no special patterns on the poneglyphs, so it's difficult to say whether the inscriptions were written by only one person or a dynasty. However, from the poneglyphs I found, they were written using similar writing and literary styles."
Maki's mind was still busy analysing what Robin had translated word for word. Although there was nothing else that could be dissected, she hoped that there were clues in it. However, her reverie was interrupted when someone shouted from under the bell stage.
"Hey, there's something similar here too. Have you seen it?"
Robin looked at the source of the sound and immediately went down to check it, likewise with Maki, who followed her. Because the writing was short, Robin didn't need to write each sentence individually to make it easier to decipher.
"We arrived on this island, found the text, and followed the instructions. Gol D. Roger," said Robin, who read the text, "So, the pirate king also stopped here. Moreover, he also knew ancient languages."
"What does it mean?" asked the Chief.
"Well, there are three types of poneglyphs. Stones that contain information, stones that show the location of other stones, and stones that show the coordinates of a place. Meanwhile, the poneglyphs in this place... are stones that contain information," said Robin.
"So?"
Robin stared at the Chief for a few moments. Her mind tried to combine the words into sentences that were easier to digest.
"Collecting all the poneglyphs will complete a document that explains the truth of what happened in the Void Century. The pirate king was once here and followed its guidance. He also had everything, and it wasn't surprising that he knew of Void Century. The fact he followed its instructions and reached the promised land means he has sent this entire text to that place."
"So…, we don't need to fight anymore?" asked the Chief, as Robin nodded.
When they got that confirmation, bursts of joy exploded instantly. Amid the euphoria, Maki wanted to convey something to the Shandian people. However, she couldn't find the right time and didn't want to spoil the room.
'Well, whatever. I accidentally killed one of them before we docked at Skypiea. If they don't bring it up, I don't think I need to talk to them.'
—OoOoO—
Maki and Robin walked back to their ship. Behind them was a group of people carrying large golden pillars wrapped in shabby-looking cloth.
"The past can also be a curse for future generations, huh? Because of their ancestral heritage, these people can't stop fighting to protect it."
Robin glanced at Maki, who was suddenly discussing the contents of the poneglyph just now. She understood what the girl meant because she also felt sympathy when she saw the Shandian people's relieved expressions when they found out they no longer had to fight.
"Well, history records that wars occur mostly for irrational reasons. If everyone could think rationally, war would never happen."
Robin said that in as low a voice as possible so as not to be heard by others and so that no one would be offended by her words. However, she was sure Maki would still listen to her, considering that the girl had extraordinary hearing.
"Yeah. But these people continue to fight for their freedom even though their homeland has been taken away and they have been labelled a terrorist group. They are strong and amazing," replied Maki.
Thanks to Robin's wisdom, Maki already knew what freedom was and what 'fullness is emptiness' meant. She had been blinded by her ambition all this time, even though in front of her lay endless other options. However, Shandian people were different. They weren't blinded by their desires but weren't allowed to choose from the start.
However, with all the limitations they have and the freedom that has been taken from them, these people still continue to fight. And Maki really respected these people. No words could describe them other than they were strong, amazing, and tough people.
"How about you? Did you get anything from the two poneglyphs we found here?" Robin asked.
"Rather than a hint, perhaps it would be more appropriate to call it a hope. Well, I don't like pinning my hopes on things, but I can't think of anything else now."
Maki paused for a moment before continuing her words. Meanwhile, Robin patiently waited for the girl.
"If this world were in another galaxy but still in the same universe, the applicable laws of physics should remain the same. However, Nami said each island on the Grand Line has a magnetic field. That alone is very different from the laws of physics in my world. The existence of sky islands also completely defies the laws of physics. And the bodies of the people in this world are also huge. So, I can conclude that this world is in another universe."
The Earth and all outer space objects could be compared to something inside a bubble. That was the simplification of the universe that Maki knew. And that was what people have been calling the observable universe. No human-made technology could see what lay outside the bubble. However, many believe that there were also an infinite number of bubbles outside the observable universe. Which meant the potential for other life out there was equally unlimited.
To reduce the many conspiracy theories about aliens shaped like humans, scientists said that life out there wasn't necessarily the same as human life. They could just be micro bacteria or other single-celled creatures. And they also agree that physics in other universes may have different laws.
With all the differences and things that she thought were strange, Maki came to the conclusion that this world was in another universe.
"The science in your world is really developing, huh, to the point where you can even know about the existence of other worlds?" Robin commented.
"Actually, all theories about other universes can't be proven. That's why it's all just theoretical physics in my world. I initially thought it was just science fiction before I experienced it myself."
Robin nodded at her explanation. However, she didn't want the conversation to go any further. Likewise, Maki intended to return it to the topic of conversation.
"The point is, this world has experienced a post-apocalypse. And seeing how ancient people had known of black holes and could create weapons of mass destruction, it wasn't surprising that they had more advanced technology than in my world. If so, maybe these ancient people had technology or something related to travel between universes."
Maki didn't really like pinning her hopes on other people because, in the end, they were still humans who had limitations. However, she also couldn't live without having any hope. It would be disappointing if those hopes betrayed her, but she would regret it for the rest of her life if she didn't pursue that hope.
"So, are you going to join us?" Robin asked.
Maki's determination was made, and she knew what she had to do to achieve it. However, before she gave her answer, they heard a loud scream.
"Ah, Maki-san! There you are!"
Maki looked to the side and saw Conis running towards her. She and Robin stopped to greet the girl. Seeing the two women stop, the men carrying the golden pillar stopped.
"I've been looking everywhere for you, Maki-san," said the blonde girl.
Maki just raised an eyebrow in curiosity. She didn't respond and let the girl convey her intentions.
"I heard that your glasses were destroyed when you fought Enel, no?" said Conis while opening the box she brought, "We've several models of glasses. These are examples of frames, and you can choose freely. Later, we'll install the lens according to your needs."
"They have glass installed?"
"Yes, but it's made from polycarbonate, but the lens isn't installed yet."
"Well, I actually don't have problems with my eyes. So, all my glasses never have lenses," replied Maki.
Robin and Conis looked at Maki silently at the same time.
"If there's no problem, why are you wearing glasses, then?" Conis asked.
This question also represents what was on Robin's mind. Maki has very sharp eyes, so it's surprising that she needed glasses to help her vision.
Meanwhile, Maki found it difficult to explain. Her glasses were just a cursed tool that she used to help her see cursed spirits. She no longer needed the glasses in a world where cursed energy didn't exist. In fact, she was confident that with her zero-cursed energy body, she could see cursed spirits without any tools.
However, Maki didn't think she could tell the curse's secrets to other people, especially outsiders.
"Well, let's say I like that style. Doesn't it look cool to see a girl wearing glasses who is good at fighting?"
Maki said that while taking out glasses with round frames like the ones she had in her first year. There was no particular reason behind it. She just felt like choosing it.
"If you want, you can have it all, Maki-san," Conis said.
"Are you sure?"
Conis nodded enthusiastically at the question.
"Initially, we can only give you one pair of glasses because matching and fitting the lenses takes some time. But since you said that ordinary glasses are fine, you can have them all."
Conis said that while closing the city containing the glasses and handing them to Maki. The dark green-haired girl in a ponytail was a little hesitant, but in the end, she accepted the favour.
"Thanks."
—OoOoO—
The Straw Hat Pirates have sailed away from Skypiea. However, there were no songs from the Sky Island residents to accompany their departure due to limited vehicles.
"Aaahh... what an extraordinary adventure," said Luffy.
Everyone was busy chatting and exchanging stories about the exciting events they experienced while in Skypiea. However, not for Nami, who opened all their cloth packages and counted the gold they had stolen.
"This way, we should get 300 to 500 Berries. Oh, life really feels colourful when we have lots of money."
Nami continued to rub the gold on her cheek.
"Who would have thought that a lot of treasure would be hidden in the snake's stomach," Robin commented.
However, that little happiness was disturbed when Maki suddenly chattered.
"If you don't run away, you should be able to get a lot more gold, though."
That simple sentence made those present, except Robin, freeze when they heard what Maki said. Nami even subconsciously dropped the treasures she held and immediately rushed towards Maki.
"What do you mean?" she said while gripping Maki's shoulder.
Maki became nervous when she was stared at by that pair of crazy-looking eyes. She never thought that Nami would be that crazy about money.
"Well, if you look at the people following me and Robin-san, they carry giant golden pillars wrapped in cloth."
Not only Nami, but they all showed shocked faces. Nami's head even spun, and she just collapsed, luckily Maki immediately caught her.
"Wait, what? Golden pillar? You mean the one used to support the golden bell?" asked Ussop, still having difficulty believing what he had just heard.
"Fufufu… that's how it is."
Robin answered with a sweet smile, in sharp contrast to the reactions of the people she was talking to.
"Then why didn't you tell us about it earlier?" Nami screamed hysterically right after she regained consciousness, "Go back. We must return to Skypiea right now and collect what we owe!"
Nami immediately headed to the steering wheel without waiting for anyone's reply. However, Zoro and Ussop immediately grabbed the girl's arms.
"Are you crazy? At least think about our dignity if you shamelessly return just to collect gold."
"Zoro's right. Even if I really want it too, it would be very embarrassing if we charged them after they let us go like a group of heroes," Ussop added.
"The dignity won't fill your wallet."
Nami continued walking, dragging her feet despite two men holding her from both sides. However, she was no match compared to their physical strength. As such, Nami turned to Luffy, who was eating the fish Sanji served him.
"Luffy, we're going back, aren't we? You said earlier that you still wanted to play with clouds, right?" Said Nami, who coaxed Luffy like she was coaxing a baby.
"No! We're pirates. And pirates won't return to the same island any time soon! That's what being a pirate's all about!"
"You stupid! The meaning of a pirate is to get as much treasure as possible!" shouted Nami, frustrated with her friends' behaviour.
Meanwhile, Maki just sat leaning against the wooden wall. She observed their haphazardness in silence. Only Robin was standing and leaning against the wall, accompanying her.
"They are so loud and stupid," Maki commented softly.
"But that's what makes the atmosphere of this ship livelier. Of the many groups I've joined, this group is the best," replied Robin with a smile.
Maki didn't just reply to those words. She etched the scene into her brain. Images of how noisy her original group was flashed through her mind. They might not be as noisy as this group. But still, Maki couldn't help remembering how her group behaved. In fact, it never crossed her mind that she would miss Satoru's stupid jokes.
"Yeah, I can't deny it," Maki replied.
The girl adjusted the new glasses she got from Conis. She then stood up and patted her butt to clean off the dust. Taking a deep breath of air, Maki stepped into the commotion.
"Hey, Luffy."
The call made Luffy turn towards Maki even though his cheeks were stretched from being pinched by Nami. They and the other members were silent and waiting for Maki to say something.
"I've thought about it. There's a lot I need to learn about this world, and travelling alone isn't a smart choice. Robin-san told me I might find clues to return to my world if I followed you looking for One Piece."
Maki glanced at Robin behind her momentarily and then turned her gaze back to them. Maki mentioned simplifying all her talks about poneglyphs, Void Century, One Piece, and many more. Only Zoro was with Maki and Robin at that time. So, maybe only Zoro knew everything if he had yet to tell everyone.
However, Maki didn't care if they found out. But explaining it in the first place would have been too long. Therefore, this time, she would summarise it so that the context of what she wanted to convey could be conveyed well.
"As long as you stay consistent on finding One Piece, I don't mind following you. No, since I don't know anything about this world, I'd be grateful if you would give me a ride. I don't know much about shipping, but I can help you in the fight."
Maki paused for a moment to take a breath.
"However, I'll emphasise here. My goals will never change. I'll always find a way to return home. Therefore, the moment you stop with your goal of looking for One Piece, the moment you're too lustful for power or just looking for a stupid fight, I'll leave this group."
Maki needed to emphasise that from the start so everyone knew clearly where she stood. She didn't hesitate to fight if necessary, just like when they were together against Enel's group. However, that would be meaningless if the group she joined renounced their initial goal and only sought the thrill of fighting.
Maki was sure that she'd eventually become strong. No, she'd take advantage of this opportunity to train to become even stronger. However, she had seen many cases where people were swallowed by their power and became arrogant idiots. If this group ended up being such people, Maki wouldn't hesitate to leave them and start her search.
"Sure! I don't understand what you're saying, but you'll be my friend as long as I remain myself, right?" asked Luffy.
"Well, I guess you could put it that way."
Luffy smiled broadly and immediately wrapped Maki in his rubber arm. The straw hat guy forcibly pulled Maki closer to the group, with Robin walking casually following from behind.
"This wasn't something I planned, but welcome to Straw Hat Pirate!"
Along with this declaration, Namu and Chopper hugged Maki tightly with happy smiles.
"I knew you would join us!" said Nami enthusiastically.
"I'm also thrilled. Please tell me about your animal friend who can also talk."
Maki was a little nervous about the welcome. And before she could give a response, she heard Luffy screaming.
"Sanji!"
The man who was called seemed to have arrived with a trolley containing lots of food and drinks.
"I know, I know. I had guessed from the start that Maki-chan would join us. That's why I prepared all this for the welcoming party."
"PARTY!"
Luffy, Ussop, and Chopper screamed the loudest at the word. Even the quietest Zoro seemed unable to hide his happy expression at the welcoming party, who knew what it would be like. Meanwhile, Nami had handed him a large glass full of beer.
Maki accepted it, and she stared at it for a while.
"This is alcohol, isn't it? I'm not old enough to drink alcohol," said the bespectacled girl.
"You're used to killing people, but you still think about your age? Isn't that lame?" Zoro commented after downing a glass of beer.
"Hey, Marimo, watch your words! Maki-chan is just a virtuous girl, so she must consider her cultural values," Sanji replied.
"Virtuous? That barbarian girl?"
"Who do you think you are calling her a barbarian, you useless swordsman?"
"Are your ears deaf, you perverted chef?"
Ignoring the two people's stupid bickering, Luffy approached Maki curiously.
"Hey, how old are you?"
"16, but I'll be 17 in a few months."
"Oh, that means I'm much older than you? Maybe I should start acting like a good senior," Luffy replied.
Maki was initially a little hesitant about the rubber boy's words. From any angle, the words 'much older' clearly did not suit Luffy.
"What about you?" Maki asked.
"Seventeen."
"One year apart isn't that big, you know?" Maki replied with a sigh.
"What do you mean? Don't you know, if you don't eat for a year, you'll die. That's why one year is so long apart."
Maki was silent when she heard the explanation. For some reason, she felt like she'd only become dumber if she continued the conversation.
"Well, you're not wrong, but your perception of time's really messed up."
Before Luffy had time to respond further, Nami had already pulled Maki closer to her until several drops of beer from the glass she was holding spilt.
"Don't overthink about that idiot. By the way, I'm eighteen. Which means I'm really older than you."
Nami paused for a moment, but she didn't give Maki a chance to comment.
"I always dreamed of having a younger sister, you know? Maybe this is God's way of making it happen because I'm a good girl, polite and diligent in saving money."
Luffy, Zoro, and Ussop immediately put on sour faces when they heard Nami's last statement. However, the orange-haired girl ignored them.
"I always wanted to dress up my little sister if I had one. Get ready, Maki, I'll dress you up!"
Somehow, Maki felt goosebumps hearing that. From what she saw, Nami was the type of person who liked wearing dresses that looked cute and sexy. Unfortunately, that was not her taste because she, with her tomboyish nature, preferred cool clothes.
While the girls were talking, Luffy enthusiastically approached Maki again with a glass of alcohol.
"Maki, let's have a toast. We can't be friends if we don't have a toast."
Maki was just dumbfounded when she heard that statement. However, Luffy didn't pay any attention to it.
"Let's toast to our dreams!"
Luffy shouted as he raised his glass in the air. For the umpteenth time, he declared his ideals.
"To become the pirate king!"
Everyone who saw it smiled. Following his captain, Zoro stepped forward, banging his glass.
"To become the greatest swordsman in the world."
"Become the first person to be able to draw an accurate map of the world!" Nami followed them excitedly.
"To be a brave warrior across the seas!"
Hearing his friends who had preceded him, Sanji just smiled faintly as he put the cigarette away from his mouth. He then came forward carrying his drink and toasted his friends.
"To find All Blue!"
"To become a doctor who can cure all diseases!"
"Well, I don't have any passionate dreams, but I want to read all the stories hidden in history."
After everyone toasted, they turned to Maki with enthusiastic gazes. Their broad smiles and warm welcome warmed Maki's heart, and she felt like she wouldn't be alone in this entirely foreign world. All in all, their sincerity had touched the deepest recesses of Maki's heart.
'Those under the age of twenty can't drink alcohol, but that doesn't apply here, right? When in Rome, do as Romans do.'
Maki stood up and came forward. She collided her glass with theirs and toasted joyfully. However, a reality emerged that awaited her in the future. Even if she managed to return, she was sure there would be a lot of trouble waiting for her. Even so, what she had to do was still the same.
"To find a way home… and learn many things from this world."
—OoOoO—
"Stussy-sama, there's a ship falling from the sky."
The person called Stussy was an adult woman with a tall, slender, and fantastic body. The woman with wavy blonde hair relaxed in the sun, wearing only a bikini. When she found the report from a subordinate, she had been tasked with observing the surroundings, and she had no choice but to check it herself.
The subordinate, who was also a woman, handed the latest model of binoculars to Stussy.
"Oh, you're right. And is it an octopus that they made a parachute into?" Stussy said.
She continued to observe the ship. She couldn't see the flag because it was covered by the octopus's tentacles. Meanwhile, the sail was also rolled up, so there was nothing that could be used as a clue.
"If it's around here, wouldn't that mean it's from Skypiea?" Stussy asked.
None of her subordinates answered because the question seemed directed at herself. However, not responding when the boss asked wasn't part of their culture and education.
"As you said. The only sky island in this area is Skypiea."
Sky Island might sound like a fantasy to other people. However, for elite officers who work directly under the orders of the World Government, information about Sky Island was just one part of their diet during their education. In fact, they know that there were other sky islands besides the famous Skypiea and Birka in this world.
However, that didn't mean they had ever set foot on the island in the sky. In fact, only specific agents have done it. However, that wasn't the main topic Stussy wanted to discuss.
"Skypiea was supposedly ruled by someone named Enel for the past six years. And since then, no sailor from here has ever been seen leaving Skypiea."
Skypiea may be a country that was exceptionally closed and difficult to reach because of its location high above. However, for the World Government, there wasn't a single piece of information they didn't know. Even though Sky Island wasn't a topic that attracted the attention of world rulers because it had little fertile land, the existence of Skypiea was of little concern to them. More precisely, it was about the ruler of that sky island.
As a Goro-Goro Fruit eater, Enel was considered a figure with the potential to cause major chaos. He even eliminated Birka himself.
"Enel is a cruel tyrant. The agent who was last sent there several months ago died without providing concrete information," said one of Stussy's subordinates.
The blonde woman nodded slowly at the information she heard, which she already knew. However, Stussy didn't mind that as she was busy analysing something, specifically when parts of the ship began to become visible.
'A ship with a sheep's head? The Jolly Roger is still invisible, but the features match what I received.'
"We're going," Stussy said suddenly.
Her subordinates were shocked by this decision and confused because the instructions were not clear. Knowing the questions in their heads, Stussy continued her words.
"Staying here will get us nowhere. Therefore, we'll go to Skypiea and check it out directly."
The confused expression on their faces turned into worry after hearing their boss's decision.
"But Stussy-sama, what about Spandam-sama's request to help him capture the Devil Child, Nico Robin? Shouldn't we immediately go to Water Seven to prepare a plan to capture her?"
Stussy just smiled faintly at the question.
"Well, if my guess is correct, this might help Spandam's work a little."
One of her subordinates seemed about to give her opinion again. It was natural for them to worry. This time, Nico Robin joined the group that had defeated Crocodile, a Sichibukai whose strength had been recognised by the World Government. However, Stussy didn't care about that.
"Spandam should actually thank me because I wanted to help him. He went through bureaucratic steps just to ask for help from CP0, and I'm here to help him. So, he has no right to claim anything about any assistance we'll provide."
Stussy looked back at the ship, which was skydiving. Meanwhile, the ship turned around and took a course towards Skypiea.
There were many reasons for Stussy to help Spandam. There was also a background to why she wanted to investigate Skypiea. However, she also needed to pay attention to the mission given to her by the World Government.
"Well, about that. We're just going to stop by Skypiea for a moment. After that, we'll go straight to Water Seven—no, we'll go to Enies Lobby first to meet that loser."
—To Be Continued—
Author Note: Hello. This is just an afterward, so there's not much I want to discuss. I just hope you enjoy the story.
That's all from me. Please support me by subscribing me to "patre0n.-com-/-akadaka" (please replace "0" to "o", and remove the "-".) I won't force you and I'm still continuing the story, although you don't subscribe to me. But it'll help me a lot. Anyway, see you and stay safe.
You can find chapters 8, 9 and 10 on my patre0n.