One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

The situation in Wano Country was incredibly complex.

The people here, after years of isolationist policies, harbored both curiosity and wariness toward the outside world.

Without a trustworthy local guide of sufficient influence, even basic intelligence work was nearly impossible, let alone launching a military campaign.

"Which means… this 'righteous cause' will have to wait!"

Wright explained the current circumstances to Shimotsuki Yasuie:

"Outside of Wano, the balance of power among the Navy Headquarters, the three 'Sea Emperors,' and other notorious pirates hasn't fully solidified yet."

"Trying to mobilize the Navy's forces to take down Kaido in Wano is completely unrealistic right now."

"In fact, I just had a fight with Kaido a few days ago…"

"You fought Kaido?!"

Shimotsuki Yasuie was stunned, his jaw practically hitting the floor. "That guy is even capable of being injured?!"

"Oden managed to wound him, didn't he?"

Wright grinned. "I cut him too… but killing him? That's something I can't do yet."

"…"

It was only now that Shimotsuki Yasuie fully grasped the sheer strength of the man before him—a man who was nominally his "junior."

"I understand. What do you need me to do?"

At this point, the people of Ebisu Town, including Shimotsuki Yasuie, had not yet fallen victim to the artificial SMILE fruits and still retained the full spectrum of human emotions.

From Wright, Yasuie had learned a few critical pieces of information—though their veracity couldn't be confirmed, they still offered far more hope than the despair he had been living with.

With this renewed hope, almost tangible now, Shimotsuki Yasuie's entire demeanor changed—this was the man who had once been the Daimyo of Hakumai!

Seeing him regain his vigor, Wright smiled knowingly. Someone like Yasuie, who later sacrificed himself willingly after losing even his ability to express emotions, would undoubtedly be willing to risk everything for a sliver of hope in his current state.

"In a little while, I'll send an intelligence operative to Wano. Please help them integrate into the local environment."

"Afterward, I'll head to the Flower Capital to visit someone influential… I doubt they've realized you're still alive."

"There are people in the Flower Capital opposing Orochi?!"

Shimotsuki Yasuie had lost count of how many times he'd been shocked today. Just where was this "junior" of his getting all this information?!

"The specifics depend on their consent. It's best if they explain things to you directly," Wright said, spreading his hands. "A lack of coordination could lead to unnecessary risks, and we can't afford that."

"I understand…"

Shimotsuki Yasuie suppressed his excitement. Just knowing that resistance still existed was enough to satisfy him for now.

"Eternal Flame!"

Wright summoned a wisp of golden fire, faintly shimmering with an ethereal glow. As Shimotsuki Yasuie watched in astonishment, Wright explained,

"Your body has accumulated numerous hidden ailments over the years. My ability can help heal them."

With a gentle push of his hand, the Eternal Flame floated toward Yasuie and merged into his body.

"This feeling…"

Shimotsuki Yasuie felt a soothing warmth coursing through his withered frame. Years of hunger, exhaustion, and the effects of consuming tainted food had left him riddled with illnesses and injuries—all of which were now healing!

"What kind of… sorcery is this?!"

"Sorcery…" Wright's mouth twitched. "This is an ability granted by a 'Devil Fruit,' something from the outside world that can produce all sorts of extraordinary effects."

"Orochi is a Devil Fruit user too!"

"So that's it… That bastard Orochi!"

Yasuie clenched his fists, his face contorted with anger. He still hadn't forgiven himself for misjudging Orochi and taking him in, setting off the chain of disasters that followed.

"Now then, I'll set out for the Flower Capital."

Wright gave a respectful bow, prompting Yasuie to hastily stand. "Don't! I don't see you as a mere junior!"

"Oh, right!"

Wright smacked his forehead and pulled out a Lightforged Beacon Crystal, handing it to Yasuie.

"This is a token of trust between allies. When you meet someone else holding one of these crystals, it will resonate, revealing your identities to each other. Keep it with you at all times."

"Now, I'll take my leave. Take care of Toko… and next time I visit, I'll bring my master's daughter—my junior sister—along with 'Wado Ichimonji' to pay respects!"

"You…"

Before Shimotsuki Yasuie could react, the golden crystal in his hand gleamed brilliantly—but Wright was already gone.

"This feels like… a dream."

Shimotsuki Yasuie tightened his grip on the crystal as if holding on to his destiny itself.

"The Flower Capital… truly a rare and beautiful sight!"

After parting with Shimotsuki Yasuie, Wright reached the Flower Capital without issue. However, he still needed to wait a little longer.

Finding an inn, Wright decided to rest briefly. The night was the time for his rendezvous.

"With Yasuie and this contact working together, Rosinante's undercover mission here should proceed much more smoothly."

Wright lay on the bed, deep in thought. "As for Drake… I can't even tell Yasuie about him right now."

"That kid still lacks experience. If he learns too much too soon, he might slip up."

"Still… this person, who can even influence Kaido's subordinates to some extent, might be a good liaison for Drake."

"The next step is to meet this individual—someone I respect deeply among the Nine Red Scabbards. Though he seems to have some… misunderstandings about Kin'emon, the old pervert."

"Should I clear things up for him? And what about that mole…"

"Better not. Revealing too much at once might shake his resolve, and that would be counterproductive."

As night fell, the lively sounds of the Flower Capital gradually faded, leaving behind a serene quiet. The crescent moon hung brightly in the sky. From Wano's elevated vantage point, the moon seemed larger than ever.

In the stillness, a tall figure, wrapped in a headscarf, darted silently across rooftops.

"Orochi executed another batch of civilians today."

"And more are dying from consuming tainted food."

"Knowing it will make them sick, knowing it will kill them… they still have no choice but to eat."

"Orochi, Kaido, what have you turned this beautiful country into…"

The figure clenched his teeth, his long, narrow eyes filled with barely restrained fury.

"Damn it… Orochi, Kaido… Eight more years, just eight more years…"

"Swish!"

The figure came to a halt outside a grand estate.

"One of Orochi's lackeys… Just how many innocent lives paid for this blood-stained wealth!"

Clink!

A small stone rolled to his feet.

"Who's there?!"

The figure turned sharply, catching a glimpse of faint golden light vanishing into a nearby alley.

That light…

"A Shimotsuki family crest?!"

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