13 13. Samurai

Hammer.

The word kept echoing through my head. People who ate devil fruits. People who can't swim. People hated by the sea. People who'll sink. I was one of them. I blame Oden. Though I do owe him. My dark magic is back.

No. It's not exactly dark magic anymore, it's a lot more. But that's a story for another time. Right now, I was standing in front of a remorseful old man. I thought I'd cheer him up as a sign of gratitude, but it's too much of a hassle so he'll have to be satisfied with a 'thanks'.

I wasn't all that bothered that I couldn't swim anymore. I never really needed that to begin with. Not in my first life, not in this life. And if push came to shove, I'd just surpass my limits and start swimming like there's no tomorrow.

I don't really have any intention of Wano either. It's peaceful here and I have a lot family. So there's really no need to get out unless Wano turns into a captive country under the rule of a giant flying lizard who's also the strongest creature in the world, has all the good people in hiding or in jail and keeping a corrupt snake on the throne. But then again, what're the chances of that happening?

What could ever go wrong?

I had a lot of questions at the moment. Oden had just finished telling me what happens to devil fruit eaters, but I still don't know what the concept of devil fruit is. So...

*Timeskip strikes back*

"And that's what devil fruits are," finished the old coot.

"Gotta say it's pretty interesting".

"Of course it is. If you had seen Newgate using his power, you'd be surprised at just how much potential the fruits have".

"This Newgate guy a friend of yours?"

"One that I'd give my life for. For Roger too. They're both great men".

"They sound powerful".

"Believe me they are... "

"Even more than you?"

"I don't compare to those monsters! GYAHAHAHAHA!!"

It was evening now and I had to get home fast. So. I'll finish what I came here to do.

"Hey, Oden," I began.

"Hmm? What is it?"

"You don't actually... " I trailed.

"I don't actually? He questioned.

"... Know my name right?" I finished.

...

"GAAAAAAAAHHHH I FORGOT TO ASK YOUR NAME!!! I JUST THOUGHT YOU WERE THE SON OF KARASAWA AND DIDN'T REALLY- I - I GOT CAUGHT UP IN OUR TOPICS OF DISCUSSION!!!"

Thought so.

"I'm Yami".

"Hmm. Then let me introduce myself again," he took a stance, "I AM KO-"

"No thanks old man, I've had enough of that crap for a day, I'm getting late so drop me off at home free of charge will ya?"

"Eh?"

"You're the one who fed me the stupid fruit in the first place, so you need to give mom an explanation".

"Eh?"

Great, it's at times like these that I wanna crush someone's head.

"Well I did give you the fruit so!! I'll take responsibility for it!! Onward to your house kiddo!!!"

He then picked me up and placed me over the shoulder like a rice sack. And then. Well. He dashed. At an entirely different level of speed than what I had ever felt. I couldn't even see things clearly anymore, the surroundings were a blur.

(A/N: Like this)

It didn't take us more than fifteen minutes to reach home. Mom was standing outside, looking kind of worried.

"MIRAI SAAAANN!!!" shouted the obnoxious old man carrying me.

"Young Lord? And Yami?"

*An old man, a kid, and a mom later*

"I'll be taking my leave then!"

Finally. He was finally leaving. I could now get some sleep.

"So Yami," Mom started, "you met the Young Lord. What do you think about him?"

Oden huh?

"He... He's like a 'Samurai'".

"That's a vague answer. It's good enough for the time being".

I can't tell what she meant by that.

"Yami".

"Yea?"

"Remember. Everything in this world is prone to impermanence. Nothing lasts forever. Wano... It won't last forever either. When the time comes, please be prepared".

This was straight out of the blue. Well with that rat Orochi on the throne Wano won't get very far.

Though I really do need to be prepared. Nothing wrong with being unquestionably powerful right?

In any case I'm way too tired right now. I'll just head to sleep, I'll eat dinner in the morning. Ahhh... After a long hard day full of struggle a bed is the best place you can hope for. Though the toilet is more peaceful.

I lied down, and as soon as I did...

*Fade to black*

...

Morning. It's morning now. I thought I would have dinner now but I was eating breakfast instead. Oh well, food is food.

Once breakfast was over I immediately changed and ran to the door.

"MOM, DAD, I'M GOING TO THE SEA!!!"

*haruka mirai starts playing*

That's right. I'm heading off to the sea again today. In hope of seeing an obnoxious old man telling stories.

*On the beach*

"Huff Huff Huff*

The sea was in sight, endless as ever. And there he was. Right where I knew I would find him.

"Oh hey kid, you came again!"

Damn hell I did. I need the rest of my questions answered. What are the celestial dragons? Who are minks? Who are fishmen? What are poneglyphs? Where can I get some ciga- never mind.

I had left all my questions to Answer Yami all this time, but now that I had someone to answer them for Answer Yami, I wasn't gonna turn down the offer.

The loooooong Saturday was gonna be ending in a year or two and I need to get used to this...feeling. I feel like I became a teenager again, like I used to be with Nacht. Dumb and reckless pulling all kinds of crap around the country.

I'm not a teenager now but I feel like nothing could ever go wrong no matter what. It's been so long since I felt like this. No responsibilities and yet the liberty to try all kinds of bullshit. I wasn't gonna let 'a new beginning' go to waste.

"ODEN!!!"

He looked at me, surprised and expecting what I was gonna say next.

"TEACH ME HAKI!!!"

He looked like someone had interrupted his lunch and his mouth was hanging open. I knew it seemed kinda unreasonable to just ask him, but I still did. I knew I didn't want to let go of the feeling I have right now. This feeling...

...Of freedom.

End of Chapter.

End of First Arc!!!

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