Island Wano Kuni

[Ichimonji]

A Grim Punishment - #28
@Sea @God_Usopun
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Ancient Wano - Samurai Temple

[Page One] "YOU CAN GO TO HELL WITH ME!!!”- screamed the Spinosaurus, the bullets piercing his hacked body, blood splattering​

A last ditch attack, the damage fro the bullets ensured certain death for the Spinasaorus. However, he promised to take X to hell with him. Like a meteor, the Spinosaurus came forward with his most devastating technique, fire roaring on his fists. The Beast Pirates’ hope rested on his shoulders. His sister’s livelihood, whom he once thought had betrayed him for the people of Wano, burned white-hot on his fists. An extinction event.

The next moments were a blur. Page One tunnel vision only saw the shadow of X and the fire raging around his heart. That heavy heart shrunk as his vision turned upside down. Those blood-raged eyes widened as he felt his face hit the ground. When those eyes widened, they only saw one-third of the room.

[Page One] “Why… why is my head w-w-wet?”- Page One whispered, his body slowly transforming back to human​

The camera widened. Page One was laying on his left side. The right half of his face was gone, his cranium nestled on a rock behind him. The shock hid the pain. The man tried to make sense of what had happened. Suddenly, blood began to pour over his face. A shrilling scream would echo. A scream that settled into a whimper.

[Page One] “Ulti-chan. P-p-lease don’t leave me. D-D-on’t leave me behind. I-I-I never told you this but.,, I can’t do this without you. W-w-without you, I-I-“ - the fallen man said, his voice trailing off​

A slow bass line accompanied Page One’s final words. He’d remain in that trance, that trauma, for what seemed to be an eternity, his life slowly leaving him. Would X be merciful and end it quick?


The Shadow would find himself without a chaperone. Kikunojo was nowhere to be found. However, he’d not need to look far. At the end of the stairs was another large chamber, this one deep underground. This one had torches lighting the dark room, the flames showing a set of pyramid-shaped stairs holding a large glowing red object at the top.

On top of the Rio Poneglyph was Shinobu, staring straight at Akira. Nestled under her feet was Kikunjo, still unconscious, revealing where the kunoichi had been all this time. However, Akira would gaze on a hostile sight.

Sacred Ground. Shinobu had her sword drawn.

Spoiler: DPS/Techniques

@God_Usopun Brilliant move! I really went at your neck and you did incredible!

Next post should be the last one for me!

 

[Sea]

Wano #26
@God_Usopun @Ichimonji ​

Akira did not manage to locate Kikunojo, but either way for the boy – his decision has been set as he made his way deeper underground from the stairs. With no response in regards to his questions, it would appear that at the very least his guide wasn’t around him, or perhaps unwilling to respond. But no matter the case, the boy continues to his journey deeper underground – as with him out of the combat area Akira would revert back to his original human form, donning the same cloak and mask he would wear from Udon’s prison.

As Akira approached the end of the stairs, what would be the most prized possession now lies ahead of him. A red coloured Poneglyph. This would be what La Spada is looking for no doubt about it, as Akira himself knows of the Poneglyphs after entering Big Mom’s treasure room, at least physically speaking. Though the contents of the stone could not be deciphered by Akira back then, it would be presumed that this would be the same as before, undecipherable contents. Akira would not need to step any further to make such assumptions. But even if he would – Shinobu whom now appears before him, with Kikunojo – unconscious stood her ground with her weapon drawn, her face seen to be anything but friendly. Akira would not allow Shinobu to prevent him from accomplishing his job, but he has no desire to kill a citizen of Wano Kuni.

While he would not sheathe his weapon, a sign of caution – Akira instead focused on what is more important. Hera or not, given that the Poneglyph in Big Mom’s treasure room supposedly held secrets of La Spada, Akira would need to know if something similar may be held by the stone itself. Here the boy would quickly ask his question, perhaps before anyone else especially Hera may follow, though the question seems to be posed in a much neutral way that would not give up his intentions easily.

“What does the red stone says?”

 

[God_Usopun]

Wano - Samurai Temple #27
@Ichimonji @Sea ​

X stood over the fallen form of Page One, his cold gaze fixed on the once-mighty Tobiroppo now lying in a pool of his own blood. The air was thick with the scent of battle, and the distant sounds of Akira's footsteps faded as he ventured deeper into the temple. X's right arm throbbed with searing pain, the bones fractured from the brutal clash, but he paid it no mind. His mission was at hand.

He knelt beside Page One, the spinosaurus's breaths shallow and ragged. X's expression remained emotionless, his eyes reflecting a chilling indifference.

"You fought bravely," he said in a low, detached voice. "But bravery without foresight leads only to ruin."

X retrieved a small, ornate dagger by reaching into his coat with his uninjured hand. The blade glinted ominously in the dim light of the temple. He had always intended to claim Page One's Devil Fruit power, a crucial step in his own ascent. The opportunity had presented itself sooner than expected, but X was nothing if not adaptable.

"I thought Kage might spare me the trouble," X continued, his tone devoid of empathy. "But it seems fate had other plans for you."

He glanced momentarily toward the shadows, ensuring they were alone. Satisfied, he turned his full attention back to Page One.

"Your strength will serve a new purpose now," X said, his words icy. "One far greater than you could have achieved."

With calculated precision, X proceeded to perform the grim task necessary to extract the essence of the Devil Fruit. He was meticulous, his movements practiced and efficient, leaving nothing to chance. The process was shrouded in secrecy and required a cold detachment, qualities X possessed in abundance.

As he worked, his mind was already shifting to the next phase of his mission. La Spada had given him orders, which he intended to fulfill to the letter. Obtaining the Devil Fruit was a personal objective, but completing his assignment would solidify his standing.

Once the deed was done, X rose to his feet, slipping the dagger back into his coat. He cast one final glance at Page One's lifeless form.

"Rest now," he uttered quietly, though his words carried no kindness. "Your chapter ends here."

Without another word, X turned and began making his way deeper into the temple. Each step echoed softly against the ancient stone, the shadows seeming to embrace him as he moved forward. The pain in his arm was a constant reminder of the sacrifices he was willing to make, a testament to his unwavering dedication.

His thoughts briefly touched on Kage. The swordsman's decision to leave had been unexpected, but it had worked in X's favor. Less interference meant a clearer path to his goals.

"La Spada will have what she desires," X mused silently. "And I will have what is rightfully mine."

He pressed onward, his expression resolute. The secrets of the Poneglyph awaited, and with Page One's power now within his grasp, X felt a dark confidence swelling inside him.

Nothing would stand in his way.

 

[Ichimonji]

A Grim Punishment - #29
@Sea @God_Usopun
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Ancient Wano - Sacred Room
Sacred ground. Shinobu bared her teeth, her resolve unshaken. She sprang down in front of the Poneglyph, her movement as fierce and deliberate as a statement carved in stone. Her resolve was clear—she would protect it at all costs.

The room where Akira stood wasn’t just any room—it was Lord Oden’s treasure, the beating heart of Wano’s legacy. Memories of Kikunjo flooded the kunoichi’s mind, a stark reminder of the pirates who had once meddled with her proud homeland. The Poneglyph writers. The last hope for a shattered world. Her grip tightened around the hilt of her sword as The Shadow’s gaze locked onto hers. An insurmountable challenge stood before her, yet Shinobu's stance was unwavering, ready to defend her Lord’s legacy with her life if necessary.

This wasn’t just about Wano—it was about the future of the world. And the kunoichi answered, the air thickened with her samurai spirit.

[Shinobu] "Those words perished with Lord Oden."- Shinobu declared, her voice edged with solemnity. Only Lord Oden had the power to read them, "But Oden-sama left behind a message for the generations to come. The Poneglyph... it’s the only hope against the certain ruin awaiting this world."- each word she spoke was charged with growing intensity, the retainer of the Kozuki family standing firm​

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[Shinobu] "I will never let our last hope fall into the wrong hands!" the woman roared, her blade crackling with the power of Ryo haki. "Let Lord Oden's—" Her words were abruptly cut short. "W-W-hat?" Shinobu gasped in shock, caught off guard mid-sentence.​

In an instant, the torches flickered and died, snuffed out as if a sudden gust had swept through the room. Total darkness. The intense aura that once radiated from Shinobu and Akira vanished without a trace. It wasn’t replaced by an overwhelming force or a sinister presence. No, it was the exact opposite. A chilling calmness filled the void, unsettling in its serenity, seeping into the bones of even the bravest souls. The stillness was suffocating, broken only by the ragged breaths of Shinobu and the slow, deliberate echo of X’s footsteps as he approached the blackened silence.

Spoiler: IC Reveal

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[La Spada] "Kuhahahahaha...."- a low thick laugh permeated the room​

A chilling cackle sliced through the darkness, echoing ominously. Behind Shinobu, a blue light flickered and grew, casting an eerie glow over the Red Poneglyph. From the depths of that unsettling light, a black cloak emerged, rising like a specter to loom over the kunoichi. The light flared, spreading like wildfire, and soon, a towering skeleton, as immense as the Rio Poneglyph itself, took form. All four commander homies, including Hera, merged with La Spada, forging an otherworldly armor—the Grim Reaper incarnate. The unsettling calm was violently torn apart as crimson lightning cracked through the air, the very ground beneath it rotting in its wake. The cave trembled under the suffocating weight of an aura so thick, it could only be the unbearable Haoshoku Haki of an Emperor.

Enter one of the four Yonko, La Spada.

The once-proud kunoichi Shinobu collapsed to her knees, her face sinking into the sacred ground, a portrait of defeat. The skeleton's cold, yellow, slit-like eyes met Akira's with a chill stare, a reminder that his greatest challenge was yet to come. A new form to overcome. Without a word, the Yonko turned. The skeletal hand of the Grim Reaper extended toward the red stone, its bony fingers brushing against the Poneglyph. A soft blue light began to envelop it, swirling like an omen.

[La Spada] "Awaken, mah' dear."- a deep dark voice took to the air like a whisper​

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[Wano Rio Poneglyph] "M-M-M-MAMA!!!!!"-the Rio Poneglyph stirred as stone shift as a mouth, eyes, and nose wiithin its form, the ancient relic itself coming to life.​

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And so the night fell. By morning, the Wano Rio Poneglyph had been transported to Onigashima, where it now served as the throne of the Yonko. The Spada Pirates had claimed three of the four Rio Poneglyphs—just one stone away from unlocking the secret of the One Piece. The world waited with bated breath, uncertain of what La Spada intended to do with the red stones that held the key to survival.

Without so much as a glance, the Yonko departed, leaving Akira and X behind without a word or acknowledgment. Shinobu and Kukonji, left discarded like worms beneath a boot, remained as discarded relics. The Shadow would decide their fate. Colt and Beretta were left to X, not merely as prizes, but perhaps as stalking eyes. Only the marksman could truly deduce their purpose.

Back in Onigashima, X encountered Prometheus, bandaged yet resolute. It was from his fiery mouth that the news spread through the Spada Pirates: X had been named the new Mayhem. Hydra had been demoted to a Plague. X was granted control over Zou and entrusted with the location of the Red Poneglyph hidden within the Whale Tree. The notorious Firebringer, Prometheus, would now serve as X’s subordinate, alongside their choice of Plagues and members. Yet, lingering questions clouded the air—Uvogin's true purpose remained a mystery, as did the tangled web of relationships within the crew. One truth, however, was undeniable: betrayal was always just a heartbeat away.

High in the humid skies of Wano, the wind carried the sharp whisper of a lone blade. Hera, cradling it in a tight embrace, presented the swordsman with Yugure, Twilight's Edge. The Yonko had honored her side of the bargain. But the realization struck swift as fury—Yugure’s soul was incomplete, severed. The Shadow could sense it. A part of Yugure remained tethered to the Yonko, a means of control, an invisible chain. The First Mate was now free to come and go as he pleased, yet the threat to his mother loomed ever-present, like a dark shadow cast over his path. It would remain until the day he shattered those ancient bonds and fulfilled the prophecy.

Spoiler: OCC/Techniques

The Grim Reaper
La Spada’s final form. The Empress combines Hera, Nephythys, Apollo, and Vulcan to form Misery+. Thanks to Spada’s unique skeletal Lunarian structure and Haki, Misery+ is able to envelop Spada without damage to her. La Spada thus wears Misery like an armor, able to move and act as one. It’s size rivals Enel’s Amaru. Spada can the use all her techniques while in this form with their AoE increased, while adding burning from Vulcan, soundwaves from Apollo, and wind from Hera. Misery+ is demonized by La Spada’s foul aura from Yomi’s chill, turning her into the likeness of the Grim Reaper, hence it’s name. When infused with Color of Kings, the ground itself rots.
Rank: S+ (supplemental)
Requirements: 120 Soru, 120 Durability, 100 Haki, 100 Yomi

Great IC guys! Hope yah' enjoyed it as I did!

 

[Sea]

Wano #27 (Final)
@God_Usopun @Ichimonji ​

Akira quickly posed his question, hoping to glean even a glimmer of hope to accomplish his goal – something in which Akira himself could hope to use. But alas, Shinobu’s answer only dashed those hopes as his answer lies in someone that is no longer around. At that point, there would be no way for Akira to find out anything more about those Poneglyph and in regards to La Spada. But before Shinobu could finish her sentence, just as she would hang on to the legacy of Wano – the irony would allow La Spada to reappear as the room’s light is snuffed out by a gust of wind as her laughter fills the room.

Soon, the ghastly figure of La Spada would appear behind Shinobu, though for Akira this is hardly a shock with Hera following him throughout, and he is aware that she will appear relatively soon, thus the need to quickly ask his question before she would appear. Within a few moments, La Spada would embed part of her soul into the Poneglyph though not before her gaze would met with the same intense stare from Akira himself. No words were exchanged. But the feelings are more than likely mutual. Shinobu would not be able to do much to prevent La Spada from taking it away, and Akira made sure of that, verbally-speaking. In any case, La Spada has gotten what she wants, even if the legacy of Wano is taken from Shinobu’s watchful eyes, it is more than likely that La Spada would more than likely stop turning the island upside down any longer.

Whether this would mean that life is easier or not is hard to say, but at the very least – the people can continue to live longer. For Akira, he has no reason to kill either Shinobu or Kikunojo. Thus with his task complete he would return. Eventually, Akira will meet with Hera once more – atop somewhere high in the skies. Twilight’s Edge is returned to him by Hera, but something is wrong, that his blade felt much more empty. Akira did not know exactly what happen, but the boy understands that La Spada must have done something to her which led to this strange and empty feeling that differs from the past Twilight's Edge and current.

“…..”

The boy is quiet, but blood drips from his clenched fist – held tightly. While Akira is now free to go, punishment is yet to be done. The boy quiet in hiding away more of his feelings, can be seen under his mask by his grimace from what happened to Yugure. But here, a new order… no…. new orders are now given to him. Much like the Labours of Hercules, punishment cannot be considered done until the labours of Akira is done, and with what happened with Yugure, the boy can only play along with her games, that the connection with Yugure may or may not even be restored. But regardless, choice is not what Akira really had. And thus the road of completing several dangerous tasks has been set forth ahead, a long road for young Akira to battle against.

 

[God_Usopun]

Wano(Finale)#28
@Ichimonji @Sea ​

Ancient Wano - Sacred Room

X stood silently in the dimly lit chamber, the weight of everything that had transpired pressing on him. The cold, sharp air filled the room as La Spada's presence disappeared, leaving behind an eerie calm. He fought, survived, and ensured his rise within the Spada Pirates. But his journey was far from over. The shadows and schemes that governed their world never slept. His mission was clear. Page One had fallen, and the road ahead required precision and bold moves.

His gaze swept over the room, lingering briefly on Shinobu and Kukonjo, discarded like relics. Their fates held no interest for him. They were meaningless now, and casualties in a game were much more significant than their lives. With a cold indifference, X's hand rested on Colt and Beretta, the guns that had served him well. They were tied to La Spada in ways he didn't yet understand, but that connection no longer concerned him. He had what he needed, power and opportunity.

As he turned toward the exit, his mind had already plotted his next steps miles ahead. He had long desired an audience with La Spada, and now that desire was about to be fulfilled.

Onigashima - Throne Room

X's journey to Onigashima had been filled with thoughts about what would come. Before all the events in Wano, X had long harbored a desire for a meeting with La Spada herself, a chance to stand before the Grim Reaper and carve his place in her chaotic world. Now, after the events in Wano and Page One's defeat, that audience was within his grasp.

The island loomed dark and oppressive, fitting for the seat of power that the Grim Reaper called home. As X made his way through the halls of Onigashima, the weight of his rise within the crew was evident. His actions had not gone unnoticed. Page One's demise, the retrieval of the Rio Poneglyph, everything had brought him here. But in the Spada Pirates, power was a fragile thing, constantly shifting.

X entered the Throne Room, and Prometheus, the Firebringer, stood bandaged but unbowed. His fiery presence filled the room, and his glowing eyes regarded X with a mix of respect and caution. Prometheus delivered the news, his deep voice echoing the weight of change.

"X," Prometheus began, his voice a low, resonating rumble. "You've been named the new Mayhem. La Spada has granted you control over Zou and entrusted you with the Poneglyph hidden within the Whale Tree."

X's face remained unreadable, but he felt the satisfaction of seeing his plans unfold inside. He had risen to power, surpassing Hydra, who had been demoted. But this was no mere promotion. It was a test. Power in the Spada Pirates was fleeting, and he knew betrayal could come from anywhere, at any time.

"The Firebringer now serves under you," Prometheus continued, his form crackling with flames. "You'll have your choice of Plagues and members."

X nodded. His ascension was secure, for now. But he understood the actual game. The rise in rank was just the beginning. The real challenge would be maintaining that power and staying ahead of the dangerous web of alliances and treachery surrounding him.

Onigashima - Private Audience with La Spada

X had long awaited this moment, a private audience with La Spada, the Grim Reaper herself. The Throne Room was as oppressive as ever, the air thick with overwhelming darkness, the shadows seeming to writhe and twist under her immense power. She sat atop her throne, her towering skeletal form casting an all-encompassing shadow over the room. Her presence suffocated the air itself, a testament to her iron grip on the Spada Pirates and the world they sought to control.

Yet, X moved forward with purpose. This was not the moment to falter.

For months, his ambitions had driven him toward this moment. This wasn't just an audience. This was a reckoning of his place in the grand design. He knelt before La Spada, but the act wasn't out of submission. It was born from respect for the unrivaled power she wielded, the empire she had built from the ashes of her enemies.

"Kuhahahahaha… X," La Spada rasped, her voice crawling through the chamber like a deathly whisper laced with power and amusement. "You've proven useful. Zou is yours to command. The Poneglyph... its secret lies with you. But remember, boy... failure is not an option."

X met her gaze without flinching, his boldness defiant even in the face of her suffocating aura. He had waited too long to be here and stand before the Grim Reaper and claim his place. He knew better than to be reckless in his words, but submission was never an option.

"La Spada," he began, his voice steady, deliberate, a nasty edge creeping into his tone. "I plan to ensure you get what you desire. I've learned one truth, power belongs to those who seize it... and like you, I always get what I want."

Her slit-like yellow eyes locked onto his, studying him as the room fell into a tense silence. It was a silent challenge, one that demanded more than words. X wasn't here to be just another pawn in her game; he was determined to be more and needed her to know it.

"If you want the One Piece, I'll make sure you get it," he continued, his words laden with calculated ambition. "And in return... I expect the same from you."

The air between them thickened, the boldness of his words hanging dangerously. It was a bold offer, but X didn't flinch. This was what he had fought for, power, control, and the unshakable resolve to ensure that his will was carried out, no matter the cost.

"Kuhuhuhuhuhahaha!" La Spada's laughter filled the chamber, her voice a twisted melody of malice and amusement, each note crawling into the room's bones like the final toll of a death knell. Her fingers curled slightly as if testing the weight of X's offer. "A deal with me? No, boy," she rasped, her voice dripping with sinister delight, "you've made a deal with death itself."

Her grin twisted into something even darker, her voice lowering to a chilling whisper, the atmosphere growing heavier. "You may dance at my side for now... but don't ever forget, you're not untouchable. Even the strongest, even those who think they control their fate, can be snuffed out like nothing."

X's smirk was cold and unyielding as if her words had only fueled the fire burning inside him. He took a step closer, defiant, his gaze like ice.

"I've been staring death in the face my whole life," he said, his voice low, his words cutting like a blade. "The difference between me and the others is simple... I don't run."

The shadows flickered as La Spada's eyes glinted with twisted amusement, her smile grimacing. "Kuhuhuhuha... Good. I like your fire," she hissed. "But let's see if it burns as long as you think."

With that, she waved her hand, dismissing him like a specter would a fleeting soul. X turned, the smirk creeping back onto his face as he left the chamber, the weight of the encounter solidifying the path ahead.

Behind him, La Spada's voice, now a vicious whisper, lingered in the room, chilling as the grave.

"Remember this...when you fall, and you will fall, I will be the one to drag your soul into the abyss. Kuhuhuhuhu…”

X's smirk remained as he walked away, but her words echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of the dangerous game he had just chosen to play.

And he intended to win. No matter the cost.

Spoiler: Note

My post has something similar to an easter egg. I wonder if you can find it. But it is also insignificant, so you can ignore it if you miss it after a read.