Valley of Peace is an Island that were located in the middle of calm bet and very close to red line on the New world sides. People who wants to go from the new world to paradise usually coats their ship in this island, similar to Sabaody Archipelago. But on this island, there's a certain one man who can make a ship floats in the air through his coating. Rakesh Archipelago was used to be a place of Dragon worshipers. In the past, centuries ago, all of the civilianson this archipelago believes that there's a realm where the mighty dragons lives. But none of them have actually seen those dragons, except one man. And that one man has kept it a secret and only passed down this secret into his eldest son, and this continued until present day. But in present days, none of it civilians believe in dragons anymore except the descendant of that certain man.
A commercial ship docked onto the port of Valley of Peace, typically as an island from the Calm Belt region – it would be difficult to traverse with the normal ships, yet a ship outfitted with self-propelling technology is capable of doing so. Some ships have grown and adapted to those technologies. And this particular ship has been paid by a boy to make their way here – past the calm seas, wind and the sea kings. It would take several days to a week before they would finally see land. Akira, the Shadow of the Grim Reaper – would take a few steps through the plank laid for disembarking. A small port. Wearing his assassin clothing – his standard attire for the most part now without the bandages covering his face, it would allow him to at least look less of someone suspicious from the get-go – his weapon the Myoho Muramasa, a blade stained permanently in blood kept in its seemly rotten wooden scabbard fittingly with its hilt. The boy did not come here as the Shadow of the Grim Reaper, no indeed his objectives are far more personal.
Ever since chancing upon Myoho Muramasa, the boy has looked into the origins of the sword. For one stained in blood – its sharpness was never dulled, a blade as sharp as any other named swords, if not sharper. Muramasa’s origins have never been understood by Akira – for the boy’s whimsical curiosity got the better of him, there is no history – no one knew of it. Even of those in Wano Kuni their records have none of it, perhaps thanks to Kaido’s tyrannical rule that would remove such histories. With what little he learns from, it more of a lost item than anything. The blade held significance, then it disappeared – yet to where? His curiosity brought him to this place. Not only that but the sword seems to resonate with Akira quite a bit. For a boy whom took the lives of many from the mere whim of a powerful being, such weapon of unholy nature and history would seem to fit right in for him. Yet something feels… off. There is a weight to the sword, unexplained. Subtle. The breadcrumbs have led him here; the last place this sword was seen anecdotally – Valley of Peace. An irony considering the nature of his sword. With a lug of his left hand, the boy would carry a small bag over his shoulder, its contents carrying his raid suit capsule, as well as other necessities in regards to travelling along.
The Dock
Enter the Valley of Peace. In the Calm Belt, most closes to the Red Line and the New World, it acts as an impasse to the great ocean. Like Saboday Archipelago, many go to the Valley of Peace to enter the New World. It is known that a select few are able to find the one to coat their ships. Unlike Saboday, the coating makes the ship fly. Everything else was shrouded in mystery. A dock took ships, but the docking reasons were singular. In the Calm Belt, it was not often they had visitors - most opting out for the easier Saboday Archipelago. Those who braved the Sea King waters would find soil generally untouched by nations... until recently.
The commercial ship made its way to the dock. In the entrance was a tall lighthouse that spawned a bridge towards the sandy beach that turned into the dock. Inland was a Visitor's Center surrounded by rocky roads. There were a few houses along the dock, but they were worn out. A path of bamboo led inwards to the town, though that was largely out of view.
Outside the visitor’s center, a man was standing on a makeshift podium.
[Town Pariah] “Don’t ignore the call! It is happening right beneath our noses! The prison will fall! The inner turmoil of Jade Palace demands it! We need to search for the key! Or else, we’re all doomed! The lighthouse has not shined in weeks! Heed it’s call!”
[Town Pariah] “I saw it in a vision! A vision with lights and little green men! They have come to take us again!”
The man proclaimed. All around him grumbled - not believing a word he said. Murmurs could be heard of how the man had lost his family and was unable to cope, making the story of “little green men”. The employees from the visitors center threw newspapers at him to shoo him away, but the man was determined.
It was day, but the lighthouse was not on as the man said. As Akira stepped off the dock, his sword would him. The aura it was pungent with receded into its sheathe, as if reacting to the very ground Akira stepped on. A blade of much blood finding familiar footing in a place of peace, at the Valley of Peace.
A step off the plank and onto the very ground of the Valley, the boy would immediately feel something off about Muramasa. A powerful feeling would resonate through the blade even for a split second as the boy glanced at his own blade, yet it quickly hides away as quickly as it reveals itself – a strong aura that it would emanate without Akira’s own, much like a killer’s instinct. This is a feeling that Akira has never felt before, or at least of such intensity. But it has given him a single conclusion. He must be at the right place or at the right trail. This place, despite its name holds the mystery of Muramasa’s origin to a certain extent. The boy, he wasn’t acting as pirate but more of an adventurer, thus there is no need to cause chaos – not yet anyway. He would prefer to act like a normal person as much as he could. In front of him are several buildings though most of them are something that is well expected to have. But what is definitely more interesting is the Visitor’s Centre, not that the boy knew of its purpose – yet the building is large but never did the boy seen such a building in docks – it does not even look remotely like a warehouse for cargo. Amongst all the buildings around, it seems to be the only ‘functioning’ one aside from the lighthouse.
Outside of the building however, a crowd surrounded a man standing upon a podium. The crowd mumbles and grumbles, talking amongst themselves. Akira wasn’t able to hear the topic of discussion, yet curiosity would prompt him to at least listen into the local’s conversations and news. Gathering information is of upmost importance for someone like Akira, as an Assassin he would need to understand the lay of the land, as well as its happenings. Even if he is not doing so, it is one of a habit and tendency to understand his environs. As he would approach the crowd, a few key words would be heard, but not of complete information to understand the situation. Little green men, vision, doom, lighthouse. Those are the only few words that Akira is able to catch easily. Yet he understood nothing. A newspaper or two is left on the ground however. Yet none picked it up. Maneuvering his way into the crowd, the boy attempt to pick up the newspaper to give it a read, keeping his own bag and weapon close and safe. Perhaps more information can be gleaned. Be it rumors or facts. Any information can be useful. As he would attempt to do so, the boy continues to listen into the conversations of the crowd.
The Dock
In the kingdom barring entrance to the New World, one of two, a man proclaimed terror. He tied the lighthouse with the cataclysm to befall the land. The crowd, however, would jeer him. Newspapers were thrown, and the newcomer would pick one up. The crowd began to thin as the man quieted down, now starting to pack his things. The man looked downtrodden, looking at the lighthouse.
The newspaper had headlines to grab.
[Newspaper] “JADE PALACE IN TURMOIL! INSIDE THE INTERNAL STRUGGLE TO REPLACE MASTER OOGWAY.”
[Newspaper] “GORH-GOM PRISON DENIES ALLEGATIONS THE SEAL IS WEAKENING, PROMISES LOCKS REMAIN STALWART.”
[Newspapee] “NEW FOSSILS GIVE LIFE TO THE MYTH OF DRAGONS. PALACE KEEPING LIPS SHUT WHERE THEY WERE FOUND.”
If Akira opened up the newspaper, he’s read small pieces of each of the topics, all centered around the main headline. Along with the headlines, the newspaper told of declining trade. However, tourism had gone up significantly, partly because of the allegation that Dragons once lives on the island. Many flocked to it, and the Visitor’s Center was born to temper the market. More information on the Palace alleged it had martial arts masters, and the prison the worst of them all.
The lighthouse remained without light. The people dispersed, some looking at it from the distance. The door to the lighthouse was open, but barren. Visitors flocked to the Visitors Center, most with archaeology gear. Some citizens went up the bamboo trail, where the signs signaled the palace and the prison were inward. One pirate ship, staying away from the merchants, had pirates which asked for a “Master Coater”.
The crowd has slowly dispersed, quickly dismissing the man’s proclamation to be absolute bull. Forcing the man’s words to fall on deaf ears, he would pack up. Perhaps another day gone where no one believed him. Akira would pick up upon the newspaper, one of them thrown on the ground as he reads the headlines of today. Three headlines were as follow, a succession for a master in a palace, a prison problem and a secret kept by the palace. Not counting the prison problem, it seems that the Jade Palace itself is something of interest. A palace must have archives and documents – and that thought by itself is important enough for Akira to consider searching the Jade Palace. However, Akira isn’t here for any trouble, which he tends to be the focal point of troubles – being a Pirate at that. This time, trying to sneak in would not be ideal, even if he could. The Jade Palace, being a place for royalty just means that gaining access is most likely impossible, especially to search for whatever documents they have. Perhaps he should find some way to gain such permission instead, it would be ultimately less troublesome.
The man, looked downtrodden. Perhaps looking into this lighthouse might yield some results. Prison would be out of question as he is without authority anyway. The man’s rambling would likely not make sense but for the time being he should entertain this ‘problem’ with green men. The boy would approach the man, whom looks upon the lighthouse. He could check the lighthouse, but perhaps actually getting some information before doing so would be crucial. As such a question is posed, the boy asked coldly.
The Dock
The local crazy. The man with the loudest voice took the plaza. Akira, fresh off the boat, was spectating conspiracy theories. The Newspaper gave some context, but the clues to the truth were there. In all lies, some truth lies inside them. The crowd thinned, and the man was left to his devices, now looking down in defeat - another day without anyone to believe him. The man was picking up his soap box, when a man approached.
This man seemed to believe him, somewhat. Akira.
[Reo] “Oh! A lot, my good sir! P-p-please, call me Reo. You ask about the lighthouse? Why, it once shined for miles, a true beacon of our island! It guided ships and brought much tourism.”
[Reo] “Now, however, it stands idle. You see, the light of the Lighthouse comes not from electricity, but from a seal. A seal tied to this island’s balance. The balance between what’s good and evil. The balance between the Palace and the Prison.”
Confusing words, to be sure. The man stepped into the light, revealing himself to be a blond man with spiky hair and a large scar over his left eye. He had a strong upper body hidden beneath his blue suit. A relative young man, though the scars of battle were there. Reo, he called himself. A man lost to many, now in secret. His words were many, but the soon trailed off into conspiracy theories, or so it would seem.
[Reo] “It all started with those green men from the Sky! No one believes me, but it’s true! Listen, stranger. The seals will lead the way, but no one dare to hear the truth! Soon, the whole island will crumble!”
[Reo] “The fight between good and evil within oneself. That is what this island is mirroring! The evil is winning in the Valley of Peace!”
To those words, Muramasa would squirm. Indeed, the fabled sword had many imprints, many tatooss, almost seeming like seals. To those words, they pulsated, only such that Akira would feel. A conspiracy? How should Akira investigate these claims?
(Note: Does not have officer coat) Reo Description: A former Marine who vanished. Now he is a member of the special unit of marines called “Sword” who works undercover.
Reo. The name of the downtrodden man. He would respond rather meekly towards Akira’s question. His words are confusing to say the least, though the boy didn’t really need the man’s definition of a lighthouse and its impact. And soon afterwards, he would… sort of get to the crux of the matter? The lighthouse’s powers do not come from electricity, but rather a seal of balance, between good and evil. Reo would quite specifically mention the balance between the Palace and the Prison. An even stranger choice of words that the man has used. The boy understood quite literally nothing. Is there some kind of aura or magic at work? Evil and good? Morality wise the boy could understand, but this cryptic talk of something beyond a physical sense did not sound normal. Perhaps the man is crazy as most would believe? Regardless of the man’s sanity, there must be some truth to it if his words shouldn’t be completely taken as truth.
The boy quietly observed the man’s physical appearance, he is not a normal person. Scars and a strong physicality. Having fought strong people, the physique of the man isn’t exactly one would consider a normal citizen would have even though one cannot really see what’s underneath the suit, yet the man’s size coupled with his scars is indeed something. But regardless, perhaps the man been through a lot yet it is not one that the boy would concern about – at least for the time being. Reo would started to speak about the green men appearing from the sky that no one except for Akira would otherwise believe. He would emphasize the seals, the guiding truth for the island that if words are not heed will have wrought destruction and that evil would win.
Evil huh. The boy mumbled under his breath. His mind immediately captures his past. No matter how long it has been, the image is rather clear, except for its end. The face of La Spada. Village burning. These are what that gave the succinctly clear image of his definition of Evil. Yet the strangely squirmish attitude that Muramasa has shown once more would jolt the boy back to reality. It would have been ironic a place called the Valley of Peace, to fall prey to evil. No matter what the lighthouse secret holds, the connection between the sword and this island is showing. To Reo, this sword whilst sheathed, looks like a katana not maintained for an incredibly long period of time – its sheathe almost rotten-wood, damaged. Which perhaps speaks much of its wielder.
“I see.”
The boy quietly responded to the information he acquired from Reo. Looking towards the lighthouse just off the shores of the island, connected by a path from the corner. With a single wave of his hand, likely to end the conversation for the time being, believing the man doesn’t seem to have all the information. The boy’s interest greatly shifts to the lighthouse. Whether the man’s words hold truth has yet to be seen. Green men from the skies, the only men from the skies that the boy could conclude are Skypieans. But he has yet to see a green Skypiean, thus they are unlikely to be what Reo has spoken of. Making his journey to the lighthouse, the boy would likely reach his target destination should Reo has nothing else to talk, or did not attempt to stop him.
It’s time to see what the seal that the man spoke of entails.
The Dock
The town buffoon, or so it would seem, prattled on. The blond-haired scarred man, in more ways than physical, ended with the story of the green aliens from the sky. A baffling thought. In fact, Akira was the only one around - everyone else had left. Reo words became a joke. And so, the Ma continued to cry wild. The Assassin took on the words, leaving towards the lighthouse. He’s find no resistance from Reo - the man just kept shouting incoherent words as Akira left the town center.
The lighthouse was old, tall, but sturdy. Beautiful architecture plastered the outside. A large wooden door paved the way inside. Old brick held by hard cement showed a ten meter in diameter circular base. The base went up in a spiral staircase to the top. Directly in front of the front door, next to the entrance of the staircase, was a large painting that was thrice the size of a human. If Akira would investigate, he’s recognize something important.
The oil painting showed two figures with their swords against each other, in a clash. They stood on top of the Red Line, with all manner of animals in the background watching the battle. Dangling in the air were rosy petals, dancing on the wind. Around the figures was a symbol, equally filled in both sides - in perfect balance. The sword of the right had an unrecognizable design. The sword on the left, however, was a most familiar design: it was Muramasa.
Suddenly, a voice came from the top floor.
[Voice] “Come on... come on… We don’t have much time!”
Sparks flew down from the top of the lighthouse. The beacon was spinning, but it had no light. An old voice quivered in haste.
The boy ventured towards the light house, walking briskly to quickly reached his destination. Reo continued rambling away, like a crazed person on the streets preaching the end of the world. It might have been an exaggeration yet the impression Reo has given so far has been nothing but cryptic. Once Akira has reached his destination, an old lighthouse stood before him. Architecture plastered the outer walls of the light house while the lighthouse is closed by the wooden door. Aside from that, the lighthouse is structurally as to what one would consider to be, for the most part. Outside of that, the lighthouse is seemly not managed by anyone, in the sense that there the building doesn’t seem to be currently inhabited.
CREEEEAK
Pushing the wooden door, a creaking sound would be heard as the door pushed inwards, showing the interior of the lighthouse. The first couple of things that came into the boy’s eyes were the spiral staircase that would lead up to the top of the lighthouse, and the large painting which quite effectively a few times larger than himself. The painting, prompts the boy to investigate further – as Akira walked closer to the painting. He would notice the contents of the painting. 2 figures clashing in what seems to be a sword. Animals filled the background surrounding the figures, but what the figures stood on, wasn’t very clear, it was a range of mountainous pass that the boy could only correlate to the Red Line. Around them, hour-glass like symbols filled the painting.
….!
Muramasa started to squirm once more, a similar reaction as to before. Prompting the boy to take a step back from the painting. But then, he noticed the two figures and their weapons.
“T-That’s…”
Akira mumbled softly. One of the weapons is not recognisable. But the other one, the blade itself is red. Just like Muramasa. The boy has yet to see another blade that is red. But given the weapon’s reactions ever since the boy stepped onto the island – the boy is assuredly sure that the weapon in the painting is the same as the one he is holding on to. But what is the other weapon in relation to Muramasa? A piece of history in this Valley, unknown. The boy would have to research this further, or at least the boy has to speak to someone whom knew the history of this Valley. Yet, before the boy could think this further, a sound came from above.
“….”
Perhaps there is someone managing the lighthouse after all. Sparks flew down from the top, the beacon spun yet no light could be seen emitting from it. The sounds that Akira heard wasn’t really clear in the sense, in a lighthouse with walls around, echoes made it unclear. But from what the boy could hear, it is spoken in haste. Yet Akira did not respond, and perhaps curious. After all, Reo has mentioned the problems with the lighthouse, taking soft steps – the boy moved to the spiral stairs that would lead him to the top.
The Lighthouse
The painting. Two warriors battling with swords, one of which Muramasa, over a symbol equal. The many animals watched the fight, as if at peace for their plight. The Lighthouse was special. Before Akira could take more in, a voice broke in from the top. A stairway led to the top, where sparks seemed to fly down. A desperate voice, a deep voice, called out with plight. A race against time, so the voice echoed. As Akira got closer, the voice got louder and more desperate.
Until the third to the end step. Suddenly, the voice disappeared. With one step up, Akira could feel a thick aura. This one was calm, at peace, in balance. An aura akin to nature. An aura not evil, not good, just deliberate. There was no telling the power - it was like a well that one could never see the bottom. Either powerful or with none at all. The light in the lighthouse was shut off, no longer spinning. There was a symbol similar to the one in the painting in the lightbear.
Akira would come across a turtle. A sweet gentle voice came.
[Voice] “Wonder what you heard. Wonder what the steps showed, Takeuchi.”
Sitting in a small olden chair was an old tortoise, an old turtle. The skin was bark green, thick and old. The shell was polished and brittle, as brittle as staff he held. The eyes were heavy and long, them shut, adorned was a gentle smile. The aura was intoxicating, calming.
The boy walked up the spiralling steps in the light house – for every step he would take however the voice would call out in desperation, echoing throughout the inside of the buildings, the wall enclosed in this circular building means echoes are not just louder but also reverberating. Creating a truly loud sound. His heart raced. The boy wasn’t physically tired from climbing the stairs, no – but he could felt something is wrong. A sort of… fear. Dreadful. It has been a long while since the boy has felt anything like it and his automated responses wasn’t exactly fight or flight but rather to face it. Just like he overcome it before. His hands gripped the sheathe of Muramasa tightly. Clenched as his finger nails would claw and sink a little into the wooden scabbard, his thumb laid on the cusp of Muramasa’s guard as the other hand move slightly closer towards the hilt of the katana as he went up step by step – almost an Iai stance that the boy has positioned himself in. The voice became an echoing chamber inside his mind and ears, loud. Pain struck his head as a result. Double vision and blurry it is almost as if the boy is losing conscious to an extent. Muramasa squirmed but the boy continued through the pain, though he started to use the free hand to support himself instead as he climbed the last few sets of stairs slowly. What are the noises? The sounds of desperation would confuse the boy yet….
[Voice] “Wonder what you heard. Wonder what the steps showed, Takeuchi.”
The desperate voice disappeared, replaced by another. The negative emotions of desperation, the pain – all gone. Replaced by a warmer aura, calming. In front of him, as he took a step – a turtle smiling upon the peak of the light house, wielding a staff.
What the…
The boy’s confusion hit its peak momentarily. Then he would shake his head – no longer the voice reverberating in his mind and ears. He would close his eyes as he placed his palm against his head for a moment, his body and face has sweated rather heavily - was Akira hallucinating? Or did the turtle did something? Very uncharacteristic for the Assassin. Yet the boy quickly regained composure as he opened his eyes to face the peculiar situation. The turtle spoke, but it wasn’t unsurprising. After all he lives in a world with Minks and Reptilias. Talking turtles aren’t a problem. Only that the elder turtle being here. Not only that, the turtle knew his name. A dangerous situation for the boy.
“W-Who.. are you? Are you the one that spoke with such desperation...? Something about not having much time.”
The boy, rather than answering the turtle’s questions, he instead responded with his own set of questions though with erratic breaths. Whatever he has experienced, the boy did not particularly deal with it properly. Though he did not seem to ask about the nature of the turtle’s knowledge about him. To him, such secrecy can be kept. Between him and the turtle – there are no witness at the moment.
The Lighthouse
The painting showed balance. That balance was striking and ameliorated the prescence of the lighthouse. The aura was like a dome one could feel and enter. One most unlike the one felt while coming up, one which Master Oogway suggested was not his own. Nah, the steps had a power of their own. What did Akira hear? Was was he shown? The young man acted not like himself. Somehow, someway, he felt something within himself. Something about this land, this painting, this aura, was strikingly familiar.
The boy answered Master Oogway with more questions.
[Oogway] “Master Oogway, my pupils call me. Just an old fool.”
With a gentle smile, the turtle turned to Akira. The eyes were heavy and old, yet they had a piercing gaze, almost undressing Akira whole. Yet, no I’ll will nor good vibes could be found here. The balance was more striking than pure hate, more striking than La Spada. With a small breath, almost as if he finished reading the young man, the turtle spoke again.
[Oogway] “A mirror unto one’s self, the stairs show one’s soul. One’s true plight. Thy saw your self.”
Declaration. The stairs showed a plight. One desperate, stating they didn’t have enough time. A plight of the self, of Akira, begging analysis. Master Oogway looked out through the panel of windows to the sea as he finished with words sagacious. Only Akira could truly answer the questions.
[Oogway] “Your mind is like the sea, my friend. When it is agitated, it becomes difficult to see. But if you allow it to settle, the answer becomes clear.”
The tortoise would refer to himself as Master Oogway, as his ‘students’ would refer him to. But his introduction would not end there. The tortoise started to speak once more, but similarly to the last it is very obscure in terms of what the boy could actually understand. To him, the tortoise words, no matter how sagaciously or wise his words are. The boy does not understand – to him it is not just cryptic but also purely mumble-jumbo. That is not to say the tortoise’s words are worthless, but to him, he does not understand the wise words of Oogway. The advice from Oogway was calm his mind, referring to Akira’s mind as a sea – that a violent storm has brought his mind into a state of chaos and uncertainty. The boy couldn’t tell what the tortoise meant and that much would be logical for someone from Akira’s environment. The boy is known for his cold demeanour, and has the mental fortitude of an assassin regardless of the situation. Yet that mental fortitude is twisted by the Spada Pirates.
All he knew was the raging violent storm, never the calming sea. Akira is a young adult, he has yet to go through all there is in the woes of life to be mature. Being a part of a pirate crew that is cares only for themselves, an environment that seeks death and destruction. There is almost no one person that anyone could pinpoint in Spada Pirates that is sane. La Spada? Evil would be an understatement. Kyria? Only insanity and death follows his path. Sour? Perhaps she too, is finding her own ways of surviving inside the crew. Felty? Who knows what’s her goal for joining the crew. Perhaps much like Akira, only Sour and herself could been someone considered ‘normal’ as compared to the rest. Yet their path is full of thorns, and perhaps only death would be at their end.
Calmness of a mind, that itself is a foreign concept.
“… I do not understand what you are saying. But never mind that… Mr… Oogway. What do you know of the green men in the lighthouse?”
Akira spoke, quickly trying to get into the meat of the matter. The voices are no longer echoing throughout the mind of the boy, allowing reprieve as his quickly regained his composure. He would allude to those voice... perhaps him simply hallucinating or he must have been out of it, after all despite what Oogway spoke of, he couldn't understand the concept, not that education is a problem.
But rather he never once felt it. The calmness of the sea.
The Lighthouse
Still your mind. Sagacious, but certainly critic, the words would wash over Akira not hitting bottom. Words that may become unassailable along this trek. Words that could lead him to the truth. The young man must have seen like an open book, and Oogway read him quick. The aura that the Assassin possessed was one strong, powerful, imposing, but most of all, foul. Now with the stairs mirage gone, the two settled. Akira would question the old tortoise, asking about the words of the local crazy man.
Master Oogway poured himself some sake in a small cup. He poured a second one, almost inviting Akira to sit with him as they looked at the raging sea hitting the lighthouse shores. After a sip and a sigh, the old tortoise spoke.
[Oogway] “Listening to young Reo, I see. Many folly his words as crazy. Not so. His vision, his raging sea, simply distorts the images. What Reo calls green men, some may call aura. Some call it paintings.”
Oogway chuckled when he said that last word: painting. Referencing the humongous painting at the bottom of the lighthouse where the two figures fought, one with Muramasa. The perfectly balances symbol, and the animals watching in calm.
Oogway would continue, almost predicting Akira’s next question about the painting.
[Oogway] “Centuries ago, back when these bones were sturdy, I came to this land from the Galapagos. Here, nature taught me kung fu, and it was birthed into the world. It is then the painting, the prophecy, appeared.”
[Oogway] “The island was much different then, lorded over by my first two apprentices, ever at war. It took the calmness of the sea, of their minds, to reach balance. Do you know the name of one of them?”
Master Oogway curled a gentle smile as he left the cliffhanger. He placed his free hand on his knee and pushed. The old tortoise struggled to stand, shaking and barely standing on two legs. Oogway walked to the window, his back to Akira, and took another sip. Slowly, Oogway turned his head gently. A balanced tone came forth.
[Oogway] “Kurai Takeuchi.”
Note: Kurai means “dark” in Japanese, but can also be interpreted as “shadow”.
The boy posed his question, it was back to the problem at hand – not that Akira doesn’t have a problem. But the boy concentrates on his ‘task’ at hand. He did decide to see what the green men is all about. Upon hearing the question, Oogway started to pour two cups, an implication that he would invite Akira to take a sit, or at the very least to drink from the cup in which he would pour from the teapot. A sip of tea and a sigh, Oogway started to reminiscence, giving his response to the boy’s question.
The boy, confused at the pouring of the tea would not take a sit. No matter how seemly warm the tortoise is, dropping his guard can be disastrous. First of all, he isn’t any normal person, he is a pirate from the Spada Pirates and though his identity hidden, one can never be too careful. Especially considering the nature of his affiliation and his role. Secondly, the boy does not ‘like’ Oogway. Not in the sense of being enemies or whatsoever, but this friendly feeling that Oogway exudes is not something that felt right to him. Despite that he would listen to the words of Oogway closely.
The tortoise talked about aura, which is what is being referred to the green men that Reo saw. Perhaps the voices are what Akira sees, rather than green men. It is not a sound logic, but given Oogway’s words it seems to make sense in that context, given what he has experience and what little he understood of the whole mind being the sea deal. What was probably much more relatable to Akira is Oogway referring to the painting. Pictorial memories of the painting would flash through the boy’s mind. And Muramasa in particular, or at least that would be what he would conclude the red sword to be in the paintings. The tortoise would then speak on this island’s history vaguely, though he would talk about his apprentices which used to rule over the valley though in opposing sides. But he would stop for a brief moment when he asked if Akira knew the name of one of his apprentice, a rhetorical question of course.
....
Then Oogway would slowly stood up, struggling to do so which would be expected of his age. Looking out to the window, the boy slightly squints his eyes. Cautiously looking at Oogway. And soon after a brief moment of pause Oogway would finally finish what he would say. Kurai Takeuchi. A similar family name for Akira. His name. He is but an orphan. His name did not mean much beyond the fact that the family that adopted him gave him the name, though they reasoned with him since young that Takeuchi is the family name of his biological parents. However, there are many people in this world that likely have the same family names to be connected in anyway, thus the boy quickly dismisses that notion without another thought to it. Yet there must be reason for speaking about his apprentice, and that curiosity would kill the cat. And it would seem that Oogway himself likely is waiting for a response from Akira.
“This… Kurai person. What’s special about him? Compared to the other apprentice of yours?”
The Lighthouse
Sone call it paintings. The painting at the lighthouse drew the words of the famous Master Oogway. Two apprentices, both rulers of the land centuries ago, found balance. One fittingly called Kurai Takeuchi. Ancestor. The Shadow quickly rejected the notion in his mind, yet the painting and the sword were an eerie coincidence; so was the feeling deep within him as Akira walked up those stairs. A mind like a whirlpool. There was no calm. The boy’s mind had been washed away by the insanity of a group, etched into hate.
Oogway smiled as he heard the young man’s question - he felt his doubt. What was so special about Kurai?
[Oogway] “Malice. Driven to err by base desires, Kurai was much an Assassin as he was a ruler. Anyone who stood in his way was dispatched. The people came to follow him... out of fear.”
[Oogway] “Yet, the land was not so. The land, it’s inhabitants, could not survive. Too much evil. Too much good. The ”green men” could not survive.”
Oogway spoke more bluntly, making descriptions of Kurai. Akira was an Assassin extraordinare. His identity and actions were hidden, even from the World Government and its unlimited resources. Was this a coincidence, or was the old turtle speaking the truth? How would he know? Was this a gambit? Many thoughts must run through Kurai’s mind. He would feel Muramasa squirming, as if the tale made her remember.
Master Oogway leaned out the window, looking at the coastline. If Akira looked over, he’s see dark lines begetting the shore, as if contaminating the land.
[Oogway] “Centuries later, the land is dying again. The light no longer beams. Will history repeat itself, or will it take a different path, one of ruin for all?“
[Oogway] “You see, my boy, not just the island’s fate stands, but the whole ocean. Ancient Malice. Will you balance her out?”
Words heavy. Her. Master Oogway seemed to be at the end of his soliloquy. The man began to glow from the feet, his aura slowly dissipating. Rapidly approaching was a strong aura. One with killing intent. Words had to be quick. Questions important. Only one would be answered. Time was running out.
His question answered, this time with a clearer response that the tortoise’s words make more sense to the boy. Malice. Assassin. These words struck the boy’s mind. Just like Akira, this man known as Kurai is also an Assassin, though he would seem to be a King as an actual lordship. Though Oogway may be referring to another form of Ruler – the foregone conclusion of what the tortoise has previously said. But soon, Oogway would slowly drift off from a clearer response back into vagueness. Evil and Good, described by the master as an aura – too much of either side destroys the delicate balance in which the land and its inhabitants could endure. But no matter, the description of Kurai that Akira asked were vividly clear. Coincidences after coincidences. The boy could felt the direction in which Oogway is heading with his narrative. But the writhing attitude of Muramasa did not help. All these should point a headway for Akira, yet the boy merely denies that notion further. And his facial expression, surprised to say the least. Oogway would finally looked out towards the coastline. Dark lines emerged from the horizons stretching across from the shores into the land, strange happenings ever since he set foot upon the Valley, and what the boy witness only adds down to that list. Oogway spoke. This time it became a lot more personal. The land is dying, as per Oogway’s words. But his vagueness did not help to clear up his own speech. But then, Oogway mentioned about an ancient malice. And finally. Her. His facial expression became even more obvious. Shocked beyond words that the boy could bring to barely recompose himself. His thoughts came into one conclusion. La Spada. Whether or not Oogway and Akira think of the same person is debatable. But what comes across his mind is…. The Evil known as La Spada. Oogway wasn’t just talking about his home, the Valley where La Spada have no connection to as far as he is concerned. But the world as a whole? That is a different story. His emotions raged across his mind and thoughts. He has doubts, skepticism but he also couldn't toss away such thoughts easily. But such thoughts would only centre about the Grim Reaper.
One such as Oogway could easily see the doubt in his mind, his conflicting emotions expressed subtly, unconscious that he has already lowered his guards. Err to his ‘teachings’. And for once, Akira felt fear. Not for the fear of his life. No. Akira is exposed. Oogway read through Akira’s minds and thoughts clearly. He knew about La Spada don’t he? Akira has known very little to no fear, fit as an Assassin. The last time he felt fear – it was with La Spada back when she and her crew would destroy what would’ve been his normal life. His islands destroyed, forced upon by the Spadas to their pleasures that he would murder the people from his place of birth – a chance for his survival. That memory hazed through the boy’s mind. It was the darkest period of his life, taken by the pirates – the boy learnt to shield his emotions and thoughts, it is the only way to survive in such a treacherous environment filled with hatred and death. It is the only way that Akira learn to conquer his own fear, the fear that is La Spada. Even with the might and power of Emperor Kaido did Akira not falter. A fearless Assassin.
Yet Oogway, without even as much as presenting himself as a threat, shattered that shield. His thoughts and emotion laid bare. Mere words, naught of terrible words but wisdom to share. Not even an hour would have gone by – Oogway seen through Akira. That frightens the boy more than anything. If a mere tortoise from nowhere could see through him, La Spada would have seen through him as clear as day. It is his greatest weapon, his greatest strength against her. His heart beat wildly, the boy sweated. Soon afterwards, a powerful aura started to approach. Oogway would start to glow, dissipating as he commented about his short time, prompting the boy to quickly garner whatever his thoughts and feelings at that point. The boy still conflicted. He is unsure. Balance her out? He does not understand. Confusion would arise. If Oogway truly meant what he believes to be, or perhaps it is all that is a misunderstanding, would quickly question the tortoise, hurriedly as he approaches Oogway even closer to grab onto the old creature’s shell.
“Balance her? What are you trying to say? Hey wait a minute!”
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