Island Zou

[Ichimonji]

Zou Invasion Arc - #19
(@Larsi)​

To fight a comrade. To kill the bond. La Spada had put the Zou warriors in a perilous situation simply for her amusement. This was not just a battle of strength, it was a battle of mental fortitude. Revived. Infused with a hate that too their bodies, The bodies of Keith and Milky advanced on the minks, tears streaming down their face. Their bodies moved on their own, yet their mind tried to fight. The soul revived and trapped in a body dead, the torture was palatable. Their voices shrieked as Pedro and Shishilian were ordered to meet the two advancing minks.

Voices cut through the mist.

[Milky] “Watch out! I’m coming down with a electric bomb!”​

​

[Keith] “Shishilian, put your sword up! It’s coming from left to right!”​

The duo’s screams were scared and desperate. La Spada, savoring them, smiled with pleasure. As if the mental torture soothed her soul. While Anubis was released and dashed his way to Nekomamushi, seeking his revenge, the fated battle for Zou arrived. The leader of the reinforces, named Inaurashi, commanded the rest to mount the final offensive. Behind him, the minks transformed. The transformation came in the chorus of the Sonata La Spada had been playing. A Sonata to damage eardrum and lower their reaction speed by -8, with the Fear induced.

With the scene set, La Spada slowly drew her sword and spoke sarcastically.

[La Spada] “Do be gentle with mah’. These old bones are brittle. I am like a flower, yah’ know..”​

​

With a wicked grin, La Spada took a small vault forward to land a few meters from the group, bringing her sword down, filled with soul power. The target was the ground. The impact would cause the earth, of Zou, to shake - a mini earthquake. In addition, the ground would freeze. Ice took the groudn and spread outward, turning the area into an ice rink, along with more mist. As if one movement, La Spada flung her sword forward after the impact, creating a lattice of air blasts that flew forward, seeking the group. Each attack was the size of a head, and they aimed to riddle the minks with holes, using the destabilizing and frozen ground. Each attack would freeze the area it hits.

The Grim’s eyes still shouted to play, but her killing intent was there. If the monks had not noticed, La Spada had been tak8ng over the area. Ice, mist, and souls were everywhere, with much water vapor.

Spoiler: OCC/Techniques

I’ll defer to you, naturally, but I would prefer we leave the controlled NPC fights to be off-screen. You can take the win on those. On the Neko/Anubis fight, I’d also do that off-screen, I think a draw is fair given Neko’s wounds. Anubis dead anyway.

Soul Parade: Ice Burn - Combing Swallow Bond en Avant with the Chill of the Underworld, the user jumps towards the opponent and performs a very swift vertical downward slash that cuts and freezes them. The freezing effect is such that it even freezes the ground and anyone on it.
Requirements: 41 Strength, 31 Fencing, 61 Devil Fruit
Rank: B

Spada DPS: 120: 5. Town Level (Stength) +3 (CoA) +2 (B Rank) = 10. Large Country Level

Polka Remise ("Polka Continuation"): The user delivers several thrusts against an opponent. Visually, due to the user's speed, it looks as if they are thrusting with several swords. Utilizing this technique, the user can make various Abade Coup Droit.​

Requirements: 51 Strength, 41 Fencing​

Rank: B​

​

 

[Larsi]

Zou Defense #20 @Ichimonji

The last hope beneath the Moon.​

Twisted figures reflected the moon's power, striding forth across the barren wasteland that once had been their beloved forests.

Inuarashi put thoughts of the minks that were about to clash against each other against their will out of his mind. He needed his wits about him for this foe, as did the other three that accompanied him. He hoped Carrot would be able to keep her minds off of her friends, but it was nothing he could afford to worry about now. It may be as a play to the puppetmaster that disturbed their peace, but to the Minks who had no choice but to partake in her games, it was the end of the line.

Even as he dashed across the wasteland, sword in his hand, the giant mink felt the hair straighten on his back as fear washed over him. Due to this it was almost too late that he noticed the rapidly expanding circle of frost spreading outwards from his foe. Watch your feet! He shouted as electricity surged out through his blade that he stabbed into the ground, sending waves of electro(B rank = equal to DF mastery damage so cancels out) up against the cold. Although the frost was stopped directly in front of him, Inuarashi noticed it spread around him on either side, leaving a small gap in its path. He also noticed the electro surging outwards into the air around him, as the air was filled with water vapor.

Behind him, his fellow minks hurried to copy the duke's move, saving themselves from a quick death. Even Carrot was able to react in time, if only barely. Following their initial counter attack, all four minks stood still and coated in white fur, as if frozen in place after all. The follow up attack came immediately, shooting forwards at incredible speeds, cutting through and freezing anything it touched. Although their fear of the monster was making the minks instinctively hold themselves back, the senses that Sulong gave them made up for the difference.

Dropping low and rolling out of the way, Inuarashi avoided the strikes without too much effort, once more charging up his electro, his entire body surging with power. Behind him Giovanni and Concelot barely danced out of the way, however Carrot's luck seemed to have run out. She didn't cry out once struck, as the entire left shoulder froze upon impact, her arm falling to the ground next to her. She followed her limb right after, another strike taking out her knee. Confused at what had happened, she looked to her legs. Letting out a scream of horror as her white fur retreated.

While Carrot was falling victim to Spada's attacks Inuarashi unleashed his own counter attack. Having noticed the air responding so well to his Electro, he realized he should make use of this before his foe did. And so, the moment his roll came to a stop he extended his free hand and unleashed an intense surge of Electro(S rank) carrying his spirit(+1) towards the vile intruder. Using the arena that she had created, ripe with conductivity, his attack would wash towards her in an attempt to burn, shock and incapacitate her.

Spoiler

Electro mastery is 120, so I'm just gonna go off that pure electricity damage scales off of that.

Inuarashi's attack: 120: 5. Town Level + S(+4) + haki(+1) = 11. Small Continent Level

That's fine by me. Preferable even. I also think i meant to say Wanda or Concelot or Giovanni, not Pedro. Let's just go by the assumption I said Wanda, I mixed up the different minks. Pedro is out of commission.

Just fyi, you can only use invisible haki on ranged attacks, not the +2(+3 if 120 haki)

 

[Ichimonji]

Zou Invasion Arc - #20
(@Larsi)​

Do be gentle with mah’. La Spada’s sarcastic words came with a malicious grin, as the screams of the two in control accompanied the chorus of the music that filled the air with grim. The scene had been set. With the area now iced, heavy mist and water vapor in the air, the trio in opposition retaliated. The leader used the vapor to his advantage, using electricity to coarse through the air, advancing towards the Grim. The act of electricity through the air, with the vapor, left the Grim with no time to dodge. A brilliant move from the mink. The Grim could only raise her left hooked hand at the oncoming blast, her sword sheathed.

The electricity coarsed through the skeleton after passing by the hook. Luckily, the Aegis Shield was imbued in the hook, absorbing the oncoming haki. The remaining met La Spada’s bones, blackended with Haki. Small cracks appeared through the Grim’s ribcage, damaged. The Titan fell to one knee, seemingly panting, soul leaking from her wound like blood, yet with that mischievous grin on her face. The real purpose behind the electricity, to stun, had no effect. Being all bones, with no tissue or nervous system, made her invulnerable to the side effects. A normal person with tissue may have been paralyzed; The Grim was not normal.

La Spada spoke loud enough for them to hear, anger rising.

[La Spada] “That stung… how deliciously surprising! Perhaps I will have some use for yah’ all after all.”​

​

Suddenly, the Grim disappeared. The woman used that infallible speed, her lightweight, combined with using her boney feet to skate and jump above the trio, inside the mist. The music would still affect their reaction speed. Cocking her right fist back, Awareness active to aim, La Spada summoned the Chill of the Underworld to form a giant fist diagonally above her in moments, encasing her own hand. Normally she would be unable to make such from the air, but the permeating water vapor in the air gave her aid. With thunderous speed and strength, La Spada brought the giant fist down, covering the whole area where the three were standing in the ice. The fist, blackened and brimming with will, would explode in a torrent of ice, haki explosion, and soul. To lay waste.

La Spada landed shortly after in the lattice of ice, eyes brimming.

Edit: Added a phrase to make it clear created the ice on her actual fist.

Spoiler: OCC/Techniques

Inarushi DPS: 11. Small Continent Level - 1 (Aegis Shield) = 10. Large Country Level
Spada Vit: 101-119: 6. City Level + 3 (CoA) = 9. Small Continent Level

= quite effective​

Spada DPS: 120: 5. Town Level (Stength) +3 (CoA) +4 (S Rank) = 12. Large Continent Level

​

Puño del Diablo (literally meaning “The Devil’s Punch”): By collecting a large amount of souls into her palm, La Spada uses the Chill of the Underworld to create a giant fist of ice. La Spada then thrusts it towards the target, delivering terrible impact power along with an explosion of ice and soul. Instead of a fist, the user can make other weapons. Unlike the Hie, this attack does not freeze.​

Requirements: 120 Devil Fruit, 100 Strength​

Rank: S​

 

[Larsi]

Zou Defense #21 @Ichimonji

Inuarashi thought for a split moment his attack was successful, seeing that the foe faltered. Yet his hope was shattered as Spada moved at nearly blinding speeds. Even in his current state it was nearly impossible for the duke to see her rising into the air. For the two musketeers it would be even more difficult, he knew. And so he did what he could to warn them, shouting as he channeled his electro in preparation for an attack. Prepare charge!

The other two musketeers immediately started channeling their electro, even as Spada appeared in the air above them. Inuarashi felt as if he was already frozen in place, feeling sluggish as he turned to face their foe's new location, high in the air. Even as he turned, his hands started to crackle with Electro, as did that of the other two musketeers, all three of them focusing their haki into their limbs as well.

Only as the attack was coming down did the other two realize what was happening, seeing the explosion of ice coming down on them. Knowing there would be no escape, the three of them raised their arms in unison as if cooperating. Their white fingers, claws extended outwards, resembled the spikes of death bearing down on them, raised in defiance of the pirate's onslaught. As one they let out a challenging roar at Spada's attack, unleashing their spiritually infused sparking counterattack(S + haki), aiming to divert or weaken the volley aimed at them.

Enveloped by the barrage of piercing ice, the three faded from view for a split second, before the mist was repelled by the impact. As the three minks came into view again, they were far worse off than before, even though the attacks had been diverted from their vital spots. Concelot had collapsed to the ground, his left leg having nearly been torn free below the knee. Giovanni still remained standing, though right hand was nowhere to be seen, only a stump remaining just above what had been his wrist. Inuarashi still stood firm, his body largely intact, but deep gouges cut into him several places, from which red stained his white fur. All three of them retained their Sulong, though it was not easy for the two musketeers.

Spoiler

Shouldn't electro burn you too? It doesnt just paralyze. Or are you immune to burning effects too?

Attack by all three is same as before, which is one below your attack.
If one attack is 1 DPR higher: Overwhelms the weaker attack but loses 5 DPR
Meaning they are hit by a level 7. Inuarashi is level 6, musketeers are level 5 durability

 

[Ichimonji]

Zou Invasion Arc - #21
(@Larsi)​

The legendary minks fought against La Spada. In her anger, wounded by the group of pups, the captain came downward with a giant attack, devastating the area to a significant degree. When the dust cleared, The Grim was seen a few meters from Inaruashi, the leader. The Guardian of the Day was a monster, guided by the moon. Even La Spada seemed shocked. Those wide eyes in surprise to him and others surviving turned to anger. This was embarrassing. These pups were not just holding their own, they had wounded La a Spada and brushed off her attack. Such, that La Spada was panting, her bones with small cracks. Two Plagues down, one dead. Yet, the island was not theirs.

La Spada barked in anger, losing her composure.

[La Spada] “YOU INSOLENT BEASTS! HOW DARE YOU CHALLENGE ME THIS WAY?! WHAT ARE YOU EVEN FIGHTING FOR?!”​

​

That anger was palpable. So palpable, it seems to take form in spirit. From La Spada’s right arm, marron-red lightning began to crackle. The air would shift. As the Grim unsheathed her blade, the latter began to brim. Souls were called to the blade, a few of the strongest at La Spada’s disposal: Primordials. The souls were so thick, hardened and compacted with terrible haki, they took form. The souls formed a red dragon that coiled around the Shodai Kitetsu blade, forcing the very earth to shake. From the blade, that terrifying marron-red lightning spawned: Conqueror’s Haki coating.

The clouds above the area parted, a sign of things to come.

[La Spada] “Enough.…! No more holding back. Time for yah’ to see true terror.”​

With that show of anger and will came another pedantic orchestra. Her tail strumming the chords on her blade, infused with soul, the air was fluttered with soundwaves. So loud, after La Spada spoke, on could not hear their own voice - theoretically making the mink’s communication suffer. Inayarushi would not warn and save the remaining now. La Spada had been pushed to the brink by the Minks of Zou island. The powerful and infamous monks lived up to more than their name. They lived up to their promise to Zunesha. The minks fallen could rest in peace in recognition of what had occurred here. The monks had cornered La Spada.

Out come the claws.

Spoiler: OCC/Techniques

Yep! Also burning. Bones have a melting point of 1,670 Celsius, plus I’m a Lunarian. We’ve seen Brook get shocked with no visible damage, notably when Nami made him an lightning rod when fighting Oars. The biggest pro of the Yomi, imo.

De-Buffs (+2 turns if used with Yomi)
Dissonance: A pedantic piece of music that is identified with a low downtrodden base line. Gives a martial arts and devil fruit de-buff in battle. De-Buff is mastery/10. This also decreases attack speed and damage (if mastery is what determines the damage). AoE is 20 meters (65 feet).
Requirement: 81 musicianship

Note: This would be -8 MA debuff starting next turn, if successful.​

Dragon of the Mortal Flame: A more tame version of the Dragon of Hades. The user calls the souls of the primordials, the first humans, to the palm of her hand, roaring with anger and the Chill of the Underworld. The force can be used to coat the user’s fists or blade in battle, increasing its power. Once released, a red dragon made of souls comes forth, freezing and shattering upon impact, creating a sizable explosion.
Requirements: 100 Devil Fruit, 100 Strength, 100 Haki
Rank: S+

Note: Have not used the tech yet. This turn was just a charge-up post.​

 

[Larsi]

Zou Defense #22 @Ichimonji​

Nekomanushi was shaken awake by the destruction caused by the clash of his fellow minks and Spada. Groaning from pain in his body, he forced his eyes open, taking in the light from the moon above. Immediately he felt his body energized once more, his pain subsiding slightly, his body growing again.

Inuarashi stood firm, his eyes focused on the danger ahead, barely taking note of the other minks, injured as they were. Wanda's body lay unmoving a short distance away, she had not stirred since the attack before. To his surprise, he would now witness the intruder lose her temper on those she herself had assaulted. The words had burst forth were unbelievable to the duke, the self righteousness of someone assaulting a nation in the middle of the night, now faces with more resistance than she had expected.

[La Spada] “YOU INSOLENT BEASTS! HOW DARE YOU CHALLENGE ME THIS WAY?! WHAT ARE YOU EVEN FIGHTING FOR?!”

What are we fighting for? He spat the words out, fear giving way to rage. How dare she utter such callous words after bringing death and destruction to their homes? What are you fighting for? You care not for your allies, you care not for your own life, you clearly have abandoned that long ago! Whatever devil that drags your carcass across the earth and sea, leaving dead in its wake, clearly cares for nothing beyond a shallow greed that will never bring life back to its bones!

Someone like you can never understand to fight for something other than your own power! Inuarashi's voice grew more and more angry as he spoke, each word carrying a primal rage of an animal pushed into a corner. His body crackled once more with electro, pointing a clawed finger towards the pirate as she unsteathed her blade, the air seemingly warping around her blade. Why not allow us to put your tired bones to rest, you wretched fiend!

As he spoke his words, the clouds above parted, a terrifying hint at what was to come. Yet it was beyond the minds of the minks, even the duke. He could only watch as Spada played her strings, sounds filling the air and bearing down on all three, nay four minks around him. As one, the minks fell under the spell of the moon proper, their control lost due to the spell put on them. If one were able to hear their voices, one would hear guttural growling, followed by roars and howls. Inuarashi, Giovanni and Concelot, even Nekomamushi cried out in feral rage, rushing forward. Even though all but Inuarashi were severely injured, they seemed not to notice, even using stumps to propel themselves towards Spada from all sides. Teeth bared and claws sparking in the moonlight, the four minks had lost themselves to their transformations, rushing as if headless towards the intruder.

​

 

[Ichimonji]

Zou Invasion Arc - #22
(@Larsi)​

Out come the claws. Wounded, plans delayed, pushed to the brink, and embarrassed, the minks had cornered the one they called the Grim. An anger palpable, turned into ire. Ire turned to claws. Out come the claws. The minks had found newfound will for the decisive clash, speaking with derision of La Spada’s own purpose. They had something to fight for, not destroy. But happens when destruction is the way to fight for what you love, blind? The clouds had parted as the red lightning overtook the area, an aura of Kings so permeating it would be suffocating. Purposes on the line.

Four minks surrounded La Spada, three on their last leg. La Spada had charged, at the ready. In an illustrious spin on the icey ground, La Spada used a circular Abade Coup Droit infused with invisible haki and the Chill of the Underworld. A great gale of freezing wind was released, set to hit everyone at the same time. The attack would pierce and freeze their target, who were headless. That was but part one. That bought La Spada a second of time - all she needed. At the end of the spin, in one fluid motion on her bone ankle on ice ground, La Spada pushed off, using an iai technique to pass by one of the four, Inuarashi, the terrible compacted haki dragon on the Shodai Kitetsu blade.

A Queen stood up from the throne.

[La Spada] “SWORD OF THE DRAGON OF THE MORTAL FLAAAAAAAAMMMMMMEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!”​

​

La Spada passed by Inurashi’s side, attempting to cut the mink from his right upper thigh to his left shoulder, laying waste to all in the middle. The souls in the form of the dragon would aim to envelop the mink, exploding violently in a burst of ice and haki explosion. The cutting power and attack was so terrible, it would lay ruin to the area around them for a large area. La Spada appeared 5 meters behind Inurashi, eyes brimming. More so, if Inurashi would try to dodge or parry, the Elephant Zou would pay the price. And so, La Spada did the terrible, had the mink choose between his own body and the land he hailed from. Choose.

​

Death Comes.

Spoiler: OCC/Techniques

Spada DPS: 120: 5. Town Level +2 (B Rank) + 1 (CoA) = 8. Island Level

Soul Parade: Blizzard - The user combines Aubade Coup Droit with the Chill of the Underworld. This creates a piercing wind that carries the Chill of the Underworld, overtaking the target. The attack pierces and freeze anything it touches.
Requirements: 51 Strength, 41 Fencing, 61 Devil Fruit
Rank: B

Spada DPS: 120: 5. Town Level +5 (S+ Rank) + 3 (CoA) + 1 (CoC) = 14. Planet Level

Dragon of the Mortal Flame: A more tame version of the Dragon of Hades. The user calls the souls of the primordials, the first humans, to the palm of her hand, roaring with anger and the Chill of the Underworld. The force can be used to coat the user’s fists or blade in battle, increasing its power. Once released, a red dragon made of souls comes forth, freezing and shattering upon impact, creating a sizable explosion.
Requirements: 100 Devil Fruit, 100 Strength, 100 Haki
Rank: S+

 

[Larsi]

Zou Defense #23 @Ichimonji​

Beasts with their minds foregone rushed toward certain death, their breath expelling clouds of vapor in the chill air. Yet the chill that they felt was nothing compared to what was to come. As they had not even come close to her Spada raised her blade and swung. He blade cut horizontally, around her and outwards, sending a wave of deadly chill outwards. In their current state none of the minks were of sound mind and able to react to the attack. Instead they took the attack head on, electro sparking the air as they struck their hands out towards the incoming attack. Lighting and frost clashed, overwhelming Giovanni and Concelot, the two minks falling to the ground frozen in place. Nekomamushi emerged better, yet he fell to the ground, his fur returning to its normal yellow. His arms remained white however, covered in ice.

Inuarashi stood his ground, but as with his fellow duke the white fur faded back to its regular color. His arms were coated in frost as well, but he was barely able to move them. Yet before the realization of what had happened dawned on him fully, Spada appeared before him. Sword already swinging, she brought with her the full might of her fury. Although barely any time passed, time seemed to slow for the dog mink. His body felt slow too, he knew he could barely react to the strike, but he also was able to sense the power it was emanating. He knew that whatever was struck by this attack would be decimated, and there was nothing else to shield Zunisha from the blast.

Inuarashi found himself smiling, his stomach blackening as he strengthened his skin for the inevitable carnage that was about to ensue. He knew he would die giving his life to the country and creature that had protected and carried him through most of his life. His arms extended outwards as if to act even more as a barrier, standing firm in his decision. As Spada's blade struck Inuarashi found himself happy, his smile widening. His last thoughts to Zunisha herself. Thank you.

Then he was hit, his entire torso obliterated by the attack. Yet his sacrifice would not be entirely in vain, as although the blast carried on, it was far weaker than if it had not been impeded. Scattered pieces of his body were strewn behind him as the blast carried on, freezing and devastating the area beyond. As the remains of his body fell to the ground and darkness claimed the aging mink, Inuarashi thought he heard an ancient voice speak into his own mind. Thank you. I will... do what I... can.

A roar of pain and anger shattered the night. The entire land they stood on shook and moved abruptly. For unless they had forgotten, what they walked was not dead ground, but an ancient beast of lore. Zunisha stuck her trunk into the cold and dark ocean below, sucking up massive amounts of water, far more than she usually did. Then, with a swift move she raised it up in the air and expelled water over her back. The torrent of water that washed across her back and surged throughout the forest aimed to cleanse Zou of its enemies. The strength of the current was so that even more trees were uprooted and boulders were carried along. There would not be many nooks and crannies to hide from the tsunami that was headed Spada's way. Inuarashi lay still, a smile still plastered on his face, even in death. Nekomamushi pushed himself up, anger at his old friend's death and fear of the water battling for domination.

 

[Ichimonji]

Zou Invasion Arc - #23
(@Larsi)​

Death comes. The cornered fox bore her fangs, pushed to using Color of the K8ngs, wrapping around her blade like a snake. A shriek of the Underworld was unleashed as La Spada careened past Inaurashi. The mink was given a choice, a Spada specialty of mental games. Either try to evade or parry, and let his homeland take the brunt of the attack, or sacrifice himself. The honorable mink chose the latter, his mouth ending in that smile of a satisfied man. The shriek ended, severing the mink. Finally, the mink forces had fallen.

La Spada fell to one knee, sheathing her sword. The woman panted, though she had no lungs (Yohohohoho!). Suddenly, the sound of rushing water made La Spada turn. Before her was a massive tsunami.

[La Spada] “What the hell is th-?!”​

​

La Spada quickly stood up, bringing her shield to block by raising her left hand. Soul power exploded, intent on freezing the water that came to her. The two forces collided, before La Spada‘s left elbow snapped audibly. The water overtook the woman and the minks on the battlefields, washed away. The land had awakened. One imprisoned centuries ago, waiting for the Drums that never came. Wash away the thought.

As the water rushed over the back and to the sides of the elephant, and the waters would lower, La Spada found herself in a different part of the elephant, the edge, her blade stabbed into the elephant ground to stop her from going overboard. Her body, hair and clothes soaked, slowly lifted herself up. La Spada had no left hand, cut from the elbow. She’s have to find it and re-attach it. Skeletons would be around her, notably Anubis, though unmoving in the watery grave. The woman chuckled as she got up, cracks all over her skeleton, admirably wounded, yet her absolute stamina and will kept her going. The signal was given, and, from the ship, fodder came up.

[La Spada] “Whoever thought they’d push me like this. It’s over. With those animals gone, it’s time to claim tha’ land and it’s secrets.”​

 

[Larsi]

Zou Defense #24 @Ichimonji​

Across the different parts of what was or had been a battlefield during the night several minks stirred, sensing the onslaught of water surging across their home, bringing destruction in its path.

Nekomamushi cried out in agony as his old friend was torn asunder. Because yes, although they had hated each other for years, their love and respect for each other and their country were still stronger. Inuarashi had proved this in his final moments, shielding Zunesha herself against the attack that would have dealt a severe blow to the ancient creature. Yet despite the sadness permeating the old mink, Nekomamushi soon was shown that their love for the old elephant was mutual, as he sensed the waves of destruction washing across Zou to cleanse itself of the scourge.

Sensing it before it became audible, Nekomamushi would have more time to react than the pirate. Pushing himself forward, he shook off the ice that coated his arms, grabbing Concelot and Giovanni off the ground and breaking the ice that had frozen them against the surface. With all his might and speed that the remaining duke still held, he rushed to the forest, hoping to pull them to safety. Leaping into one of the trees, he managed to latch onto its trunk just before the water struck.

Through some miracle Nekomamushi managed to hold onto the tree, however it was not enough. After a short moment the tree itself was ripped free from the ground, roots and all. The duke lost track of the two other minks, having dropped them in the chaos. Then salvation came as two hands grabbed onto him and pulled him out of the water and onto a tree that still stood. Giovanni and Concelot had saved him in return. He tried to thank them, but ended up just coughing up water.

Wanda and Sicilian both paused, as did their respective opponents, as they sensed the imminent stream of water sent towards them by Zunesha herself. As Spada herself was weakened and preoccupied the tsunami, Keith and Milky were able to break through the control, enough to at least stop their bodies from moving. A smile came upon their faces one last time, both of them nodding to their opponent. Sicilian bowed his respect and Wanda felt tears running down her face as they both retreated. The last they saw of their fellow minks was them standing proud as the flood swallowed them whole, washing them away towards the ocean, giving them a burial at sea. Both Wanda and Sicilian landed in one of the larger, sturdier trees, which were not torn away by the stream. Standing there, neither of the two spoke, instead a third voice broke the silence, speaking from higher up among the leaves.

That monster is still alive, I can feel it. Pedro growled, his body seemingly struggling to keep steady.

 

[Ichimonji]

Zou Invasion Arc - #24
(@Larsi)
​

The Grim lifted herself up. She walked over to the pile of bones from Anubis and attached an arm to replace hers. A green line of spirit connected the two. La Spada had lost her hook and shield - she’d have to find it when this was all over. La Spada regained her breath as she walked through the shoddy ground, now muddied. She had given the signal for the ones manning the ship to come up. Anubis had been left behind, even his soul, now forever gone. La Spada had survived. She had been wounded, but her stamina and durability was vast - Yonko level.

The woman looked to the distance at the destruction caused by the tsunami. The forest had been uprooted, city in ruins. Only one thing remained stalwart.

The Whale Tree.

[La Spada] “Tha’ is the only thing left unscathed. A better view of my land shall it offer.”​

​

La Spada talked to herself as she made the trek towards the Whale Tree, the highest non-structure point. As she walked, slower than normal as she still recovered, the Grim began to tofu her chest. Wrapped tight around one of her ribs was Nemesis, the leech. The leech shuddered, lay protected under Spada’s bones. The leech, a medic, had been healing all this time. The leech squirmed asleep as La Spada barked orders.

[La Spada] “Wake up, yah’ sniveling parasite! Yah‘ rested long enough! Tell me who still lives!”​

Orders that fell on deaf ears, only squirms. The leech had sensory capabilities of vibrations inhuman. La Spada activated her Awareness as she continued to the Whale Tree. Alone, for now. The land would soon be hers.

 

[Larsi]

Zou Defense #25 @Ichimonji​

Alone she walked, a harbinger of death, a bastion of loneliness. La Spada started the ascension, climbing the great whale tree in the center of the ancient land. Each step she climbed represented the dead foes and allies she had laid before her as a path to carry her here. The dread that she dragged behind her sent a chill throughout the Whale Forest, the voices of the wilds quiet for once. It was an eerie sensation for the minks that paid attention, and likely very few of them would dare to step outside for fear of what would happen.

You bastard! Nekomamushi's voice cut through the veil of silence, pain and anger heavy on his words. The great mink emerged from the foliage of the trees, landing on the path behind La Spada. He stumbled, his injuries apparent. Behind him a small group of minks appeared, several of them injured to different degrees. Shishilian, Concelot, Giovanni, Wanda and Pedro all held weapons ready, eyeing their foe. Nekomamushi however held up a hand, signaling that they should hold back. What is even your goal? What do you expect to find here?

Careful, Pedro growled. She attacked us without even negotiating when she first arrived. She cannot be- Nekomamushi silenced the jaguar mink with a wave of his hand, his eyes awaiting the answer or action of the pirate known as La Spada. Would she finish what she had started, or had even the Grim had enough death for one day?

 

[Ichimonji]

Zou Invasion Arc - #25
(@Larsi)
​

The Grim trudged up towards the great Whale Tree. The woman was not done. Her wounds were great, but so was her might. A Yonko would call that might home. Yet, she trudged. Before the minks touched down, La Spada turned. Her Awareness felt the incoming. Nekomamushi, wounded as a fighting dog on the streets, demanded the reason why she invaded. The others were quick to the blade, but the lion was smart beyond their years. La Spada was still able to silence them. In addition, the leech on her cold dead bones began to screech lowly, as if fumbling sleep.

La Spada lifted her head in defiance. Her aura of killing returned. She would let them know she was far from done. With that infamous dark and cut tone, she spoke.

[La Spada] “The Void Century.”​

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[La Spada] “Tha’ Government hides tha’ Void Century like old fingers clutching their pearl necklaces. I intend to pry those cold bones open. Call it… tearing down tha’ heavens.”​

​

La Spada revealed her true intent. 700 years ago. A land 1,000 years old. The math would be simple. Here, in the middle of the ocean, La Spada encountered few of the race alive and segregated from the Great War. An opportunity like no other. If the minks knew her better, they’d find the next words shocking. La Spada didn’t just seek their death - she offered a parlay.

A parlay amidst a threatening aura.

​

[La Spada] “Yah’ land is worthless to me. Yah’ people are worthless to me. Yet, 1,000 years of history, must accord clues. So. I’ll stay mah’ blade and let yah’ keep this land… for the truth.”​

The other side of the decision, La Spada did not codify into words. Instead, she drew her blade and licked it. The leech, Nemesis, squirmed louder, almost awoken. In truth, La Spada’s parlay had nothing to do with compassion, mercy, or weakness. Any semblance of Awareness could tell her intent was to kill, with confidence to do so. It had to do with strategic military might. A race to push her to this point… would be a well-worth guardian to the secrets of the Void Century. Zou would keep its life and it’s autonomy. For if corpses were to stand guard, others could take advantage.

Take it or leave it.

 

[Larsi]

Zou Defense #26 @Ichimonji​

Nekomamushi's eyes widened at the words. The Void Century? A thousand years? The others were more confused, but the duke started realizing the implications of the words spoken. However at this point there was one part of the conversation that drew his attention more than others. The offer of the end of violence, a cease fire. It felt almost wrong to take this woman at her words at this point, but he was tired. He was tired of fighting, tired of the injuries. Tired of dead friends. The imagery of Inuarashi torn to shreds flashed before his eyes. Keith and Milky fighting against their comrades. No, they stood no chance, she would have what she desired, sooner or later.

I will help you to what you seek. Nekomamushi spoke, slow and full of regret. You will be searching for ages without assistance. If you promise to spare my remaining minks, I will lead you there now.

The other minks started to protest, but Nekomamushi turned on them, anger flaring for a moment. Do you not see? We have suffered enough, we can do nothing! Go see if any others need medical assistance. No, not you Pedro. You come with us.

The minks quieted and walking off, other than Pedro who fell in beside Nekomamushi. The last duke turned toward the pirate, speaking again. Your word?

Should Spada promise to leave the rest of them untouched, Nekomamushi would walk past her, starting the climb up the great Whale Tree. The walk would take several minutes, nearly half an hour due to the injuries and fatigue, the minks speaking not a single word. At the end they would reach a spot just like any other on the tree. Touching a specific spot on the wood, a door would swing open.

 

[Ichimonji]

Zou Invasion Arc - #26
(@Larsi)
​

The Grim trudged towards the horizon. After decimating the country, leaving her battered, she looked upon the destruction with relative glee. Yet, her purpose was not to defile the land. A land 1,000 years old, past the Void Century, was prime for secrets. The infamy of the elephant who never stopped was worldwide. The group, headed up by Nekomamushi, stopped them. Expecting a fight, the lion first preferred words. La Spada revealed what she truly wished upon his land. As a true leader, the man pondered. The secrets for the lives. A choice many would not accept or understand unless they’re bore the burden of a leader.

La Spada nodded, and the two were off. Nekomamushi asked La Spada to give him her word.

[La Spada] “Mah’ word? Do I look like a Girl Scout to yah’…? Just get mah’ there and no one will touch yah’ precious people. You can trust that to mah’ yah’ people‘s lives mean less than nothing.”​

​

A answer fitting for that which was called The Grim. La Spada was no nun. She was no Girl Scout. Her word? Would the lion even believe her if she gave it to him? Instead, La Spada gave him something he should believe more: she never cared about minks. That much was true, seen as how she did not flinch when Anubis fell. La Spada did give the lion his word, but also gave him a reason to believe her: what she sought was paramount. Why would he care for the guardians?

Soon, the two would be upon the whale tree. La Spada’s eye socket would widen as the tree opened up: it was true. She would have spent ages finding it. As Nemesis squirmed awake, La Spada walked with the lion inside. A real human chill down her inhuman spine.

 

[Larsi]

Zou Defense #27 @Ichimonji​

The door opened to reveal a cave inside the tree. Nekomamushi stepped inside after La Spada, followed by Pedro. Large enough to contain a crowd of people, the space was mostly empty except for the object centered straight ahead of the doorway. Red stone of some sort, it was eetched with strange markings that could not be interpreted by the average person. The poneglyph were relics of a bygone era, left as a message to those who came later, warning them or informing them. Even now the duke felt a sense of reverence as he approached the ancient cube, almost as large as himself.

Here it is, our duty and honor. Nekomamushi muttered, stopping halfway from the door. Pedro halted by his side, not saying a word. I only ask that you leave it with us afterwards, and we shall honor it as we have before.

Even if he had forsaken the sanctity of the stone, the duke hoped he would be able to protect it as the minks had for centuries.

 

[Ichimonji]

Zou Invasion Arc - #27
(@Larsi)
​

The Great Whale Tree. After battles, negotiations, and hikes, the Grim was finally where she wanted to be. The tree opened like a door, allowing the four to step inside, Nekomamushi leading the way. The minks revered the tablet like a god, sword as guardians. La Spada was different, yet equally enthralled. The infamous killing apathetic aura was replaced by sheer surprise, excitement, and curiosity. The aura was totally alien. La Spada slowly approached the slab as the monks spoke. Nemesis, finally waking up, perched on her shoulder, peering at the minks - on guard. The would-be Queen touched the stone, her bones shaking lightly. For a moment, La Spada stepped back, her eyes scanning the Poneglyph.

The Grim did what the guardians likely thought impossible. La Spada read it to herself.

[La Spada] “Mah’ mah’ mah’. Four of them, eh? Four of them to find the True History. What this says... it can change the world.”​

​

​

The camera zoomed into La Spada’s mischievous grin. It would take a few minutes, but La Spada took out parchment from her robes, a inked pen used to copy what was written on paper. Those words were infused by soul, frozen and disappearing from paper, to be unlocked by powers of Grim. After the moment of history, La a Spada stood up. She had heard Nekomamushi’s request of leaving the Rio Poneglyph on the island. He had earned his people’s safety. The tension still remained. La Spada took a deep puff of her cigar and exhaled. Would she keep her ”word”?

La Spada spoke convincingly.

[La Spada] “I’ll honor our deal. With one condition. Spada ships shall station around tha’ elephant, acting as protection. A Spada Mayhem will lead tha’ fleets. They won’t enter tha’ land or interfere. You’ll receive monthly packages to help yah’ reconstruct and strengthen yah’ land. Yah’ independence is yah’ own.”​

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[La Spada] “Consider yah’self protected by mah’ name: La Spada. Yah’ say your duty is to guard tha’ Poneglyph. Nothing would delight mah’ more.”​

La Spada declared the land protected under her name. She would not interfere or set foor on the land, but-for resource packages. The woman needed to supplement their abled hand in protecting the Poneglyph. Independence in government and society would make that run smoothly.

If nothing else came to, La Spada would leave Zou the same way she came, leaving behind the corpses of her nakama to rot. In the mist, The Styx would dissapear.

​

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​

 

[Larsi]

Zou Defense #28 @Ichimonji​

Nekomamushi felt both a sense of shame and relief as the Grim accepted his proposal. Shame that he had welcomed someone who had brought them so much suffering and death, yet relief that it would be over now. The sun was rising over the horizon, and he was almost expecting Spada to turn to dust when the rays hit her, yet she remained standing as she left the cave, bathed in the sunlight.

Nekomamushi looked toward the light, realizing that it had only been a single night, yet they had lost so much. It felt unreal, unfair. Looking over the forest, even from here he could see the damage caused, the forests scorched.

He left Pedro to deal with Spada and her preparation, slowly walking back toward where the battle had taken place. It took him nearly an hour to reach now, the exhaustion fully taking hold as the adrenaline had left him. Once he reached the newly created clearing, he saw that the minks he had sent there earlier had already gathered up and tended to the wounded, and now they gathered the dead. Approaching the bodies laid nicely in a row, he passed both Milky and Keith, whispering his apologies to them.

He stopped before the last corpse, larger than the rest. A blanket covered the center of Inuarashi's torso where he knew there was a large hole. The late duke had a smile on his face, even in death. Nekomamushi knelt down and wrapped the blanket tightly around his old friend to hold the two parts together, so that when he lifted him up, he stayed together. The other minks didn't speak up as he walked back toward the whale tree.

__________________________________________________​

The midday sun was burning down on Nekomamushi from straight above as he finished covering up the hole he had placed Inuarashi in, among the roots of the Whale Tree. Concelot approached carrying Inuarashi's sword, held in both hands with great reverence. Nekomamushi grabbed the sword and stuck it, sheath and all, into the freshly dug soil. To either side, other smaller graves had been dug by other minks, mementos of the dead ornamenting their resting places.

May you find peace, old friend. Nekomamushi said, sitting down before the grave. I will guard Zou in your absence.

Nekomamushi grabbed two full sake bowls, drinking one in one go, the other he poured over the grave. Drink up, you mutt.

He chuckled, though he felt tears running down his cheeks. Around him other minks approached, kneeling toward the row of graves. Others imitated Nekomamushi, pouring out a drink to the deceased. It was a day of mourning, but they were a strong people, they would survive as they always had.