With the affairs in Misty Water City temporarily settled, Makoto brought Crocodile and the Straw Hat crew back to Konoha.
At Konoha's main gate, the former pirates underwent a blood registration process, their DNA recorded by the Tower of Solarity.
With this in place, any thoughts of causing trouble or escaping were nothing more than wishful thinking—with their current strength, it was simply impossible.
Makoto casually had lodgings arranged for the Straw Hats.
These people might prove useful in the future, so instead of treating them as prisoners, he allowed them to move freely within Konoha.
—---
Inside the Imperial Palace
Kakashi and Hakumen reported back to Makoto regarding their encounters with Whitebeard and Red-Haired Shanks.
Makoto suddenly asked Kakashi, "Between Whitebeard and Red-Haired, who do you think is stronger?"
Kakashi pondered for a moment before replying, "We weren't fighting to the death, so it's hard to judge… But Whitebeard gave me a greater sense of oppression."
Makoto chuckled lightly. "They were once dominant rulers in their own right, so it's natural they wouldn't submit easily. However, in this world, things don't go the way you want just because you wish it. As outsiders, they must bow before the Empire."
His gaze then shifted to the man standing nearby. "Crocodile, you should have no problem managing the Four Emperors, right?"
Crocodile remained calm. "No problem."
He understood that he was merely a puppet, but given his current circumstances, submission was the only choice.
Just as Makoto had said—he had stolen the Tenseigan weapon and was still alive.
That alone was already beyond his expectations.
Crocodile was a proud man, but he also knew who he was dealing with.
During his fight with Shisui, he hadn't even been able to resist—he had been completely overwhelmed in an instant.
The gap between their power was as vast as heaven and earth.
And if Shisui alone was that strong, then the power possessed by this Emperor of the Sun Empire was beyond imagination.
Ruling over the Four Emperors… Whitebeard… Whitebeard…
A massive figure flashed through Crocodile's mind, and he couldn't help but clench his right fist.
Makoto rested his chin on his hand and said, "Then let's make an announcement. The Empire has already been tolerant enough of these pirates."
—---
One Day Later
A massive projection of Crocodile appeared above the endless ocean, his image towering like a mountain, making sure that everyone across the seas could see him.
"I am Crocodile."
He wore a long coat draped over his shoulders, a cigar clenched between his teeth.
In his left hand was his signature golden scorpion hook, and in his right hand—a straw hat.
His voice, like rolling thunder, echoed across the entire ocean, delivering a message that sent shockwaves through the pirate world.
"One Piece—its secrets… I have obtained them."
"If you want to learn the truth, then come to the island marked by the beacon—one month from now!"
The moment Crocodile's projection faded, a silver-white pillar of light descended from the sky like a glowing waterfall.
This was a coordinate marker—a location pinpointed by the Golden Tenseigan on the Moon, directing all eyes to an island in the offshore waters of the Province of Water.
Crocodile's illusion had also been created by the Golden Tenseigan on the Moon, ensuring that every person across the sea could witness it.
This announcement sent shockwaves of excitement and disbelief through the world.
One Piece—the great treasure left behind by Pirate King Roger, the symbol of ultimate power, the very reason countless pirates set sail.
Now, every pirate fleet began altering their course, rushing toward the marked location.
—---
Of course, not everyone was blindly swept up in the frenzy.
Some began to question the mysterious force orchestrating these events.
On a distant shore, the Red-Haired Pirates, who had been preparing to dock, stood frozen as they watched Crocodile's illusion fade.
Shanks' face was grim.
"That straw hat…" Beckman murmured.
"He showed it to us on purpose." Shanks said in a low voice.
"Not just us," Beckman replied.
"Did you forget? There's also someone close to Luffy over at Whitebeard's side."
"…What's meant to come will always come."
Shanks gazed into the distant horizon, where the silver waterfall cascaded like a celestial river, concealing countless mysteries within.
................
Biological Science Research Institute
"This is the first batch of mass-produced 'Nichirin'."
In front of Kabuto and Makoto, several wooden sword racks stood, each holding twenty jet-black katanas.
A mysterious aura seemed to flow around the blades, their surfaces shimmering with an ethereal glow.
These Nichirin possessed an innate ability—when placed under direct sunlight, they would automatically conceal their presence.
The current supply was extremely limited.
Right now, Nichirin Blades were entirely reliant on donations from the Soul Society, and even then, Konoha had to purify and modify them before they could use it.
For the blade to truly transform into a Nichirin Blade, it required the wielder's own development and attunement.
Because of this, Makoto only planned to bestow these weapons upon a select few gifted young individuals.
Meanwhile, the Solarity Tower in Seireitei was nearing completion, and Makoto's plans were progressing smoothly.
Gaining control over Seireitei wasn't the difficult part—the real issue lay in the shadow lurking behind the Soul Society.
The Omniscient… the Almighty…
—
"What about the progress on Devil Fruit research?" Makoto asked.
Kabuto hesitated before replying, "The analysis of the fruits is proceeding smoothly, but… as for the ability to suppress them, as you requested, we still have no leads."
This world lacked Seastone, and Devil Fruit users here weren't hindered by the sea, which meant their abilities had become significantly stronger.
—
As Makoto stepped out of the research facility, his gaze lifted—and there, looming in the distance, was the Brutal Justice.
He let out a long breath.
"What's the rush? You clearly have plenty of time, don't you?"
Makoto consoled himself inwardly before making a stop at the Mechanical Science Research Institute.
Only after that did he finally return home.
—
In the living room, only Hyuga Natsu was there, watching TV while snacking.
"Where are the others?" Makoto asked.
Natsu replied, "They all went out. Ayano said the timing was right, so they went to the shrine to pray."
Makoto chuckled. "Why didn't you go?"
Natsu pouted. "They're all praying for their kids. I don't have one."
Makoto immediately understood the implication behind her words.
He sat down on the sofa, wrapping an arm around her.
"There are already enough kids in this house. They make such a racket every day—it's exhausting."
Natsu looked up at him with her big eyes, pouting slightly.
"But they all have kids, and I don't. When they chat about their kids, I don't even know how to join the conversation."
Makoto felt a headache coming on.
He really had no desire to have another child, but seeing Natsu's expression, it was clear she felt he was being unfair.
—
"If it's like this, then what about when Rin moves in? Will I have to have another kid with her too?"
Makoto sighed softly and said, "Let's wait until Neji and the others grow up a bit. Then we'll consider having one."
Hearing this, Natsu's face lit up with joy. "You said it! You can't go back on your word."
Makoto sighed helplessly. "Yeah, yeah."
Overjoyed, Natsu threw her arms around his neck, kissing him repeatedly before leaning in to whisper playfully in his ear,
"I'm in my safe period today. The others aren't back yet..."
Makoto remained unmoved, pinching her nose lightly. "Since when did you start acting like Ayano? What if Ayari catches you sneaking around?"
Natsu immediately lost interest.
Ever since getting together with Makoto, she had developed a deep craving for intimacy, hoping every night that he would come to her room.
But unfortunately, with five women in the house and only seven days in a week, everyone had a tacit agreement on whose turn it was each night—except for Ayano, who was always scheming to get Makoto into her room more often.
Natsu, looking unbothered, said, "So what if we get caught? Ayari-nee is so good to me, she wouldn't say anything."
As she spoke, her hands had already started unbuttoning Makoto's clothes.
Makoto couldn't help but find it amusing.
Thankfully, his body was strong enough, or else playing newlywed every night would have been impossible for any man.
—
"We're back!"
At that moment, several figures suddenly appeared at the open doorway.
Natsu's hands froze mid-action, and she quickly jumped off Makoto, hurriedly fixing her appearance.
Standing at the door, Ayari, Ayano, Mikoto, and Kushina each carried shopping bags in their hands, their expressions a mix of amusement and suspicion as they looked at Makoto and Natsu.
Ayano, smirking, teased, "Looks like we came back at the wrong time."
Makoto, however, remained completely calm and said casually, "You're back? Good timing—I'm hungry. Go make dinner."
Makoto noticed Ayari shooting him a glare.
Natsu, both embarrassed and flustered, quickly escaped to the kitchen.
"I-I'll go make dinner!" she stammered.
Ayari and the others had stopped by a shrine for prayers before doing some shopping.
Mikoto handed a bag to Kushina and smiled. "I'll go help in the kitchen."
Ayari, expressionless, said, "I bought you some clothes. Come to the bedroom and try them on."
Makoto cleared his throat and got up to follow her into the master bedroom.
Kushina and Ayano exchanged amused glances, barely holding back their laughter.
—
"Hiss—! You crazy woman! Is biting me the only thing you know how to do?!"
As soon as they shut the bedroom door, Ayari grabbed Makoto's hand and bit down hard.
Makoto winced and cursed.
"Serves you right!" Ayari glared at him.
"Teaching Natsu all those bad things—have you no shame? And doing that in the living room of all places! What if the kids walked in?!"
Makoto quickly defended himself. "Hey, would you believe me if I said it wasn't my idea?"
Ayari snorted. "Tch! Like hell I would! Natsu was so innocent before, and now look at her—it's all your fault!"
Makoto sighed dramatically. "I swear, I only taught her bedroom things. I never said anything about the couch."
"Shameless!"
"Ow—stop biting! That actually hurts!"
Makoto winced, rubbing his wrist where her teeth marks were, grimacing in pain.
Ayari huffed angrily and sat back down on the bed, shooting Makoto a fierce glare before patting the shopping bag beside her.
"Clothes. Try them on."
As Makoto changed, he brought up the topic of Natsu wanting a child.
"You agreed?" Ayari asked.
"I told her we'd consider it once Neji and the others are older."
Ayari fell into deep thought.
Among the women in the household, only Natsu didn't have a child.
It was understandable that she'd feel a little unbalanced.
Thankfully, Natsu was mature and considerate—she wouldn't show such feelings openly to them.
—
In the kitchen.
Natsu was focused on chopping vegetables, while Mikoto, helping out, leaned in and whispered, "I saw when I walked in just now—were you on top?"
Natsu's face instantly turned bright red. "Mikoto-san!" she exclaimed.
"So you were the one who took the initiative?"
"…"
"Why not take it to the bedroom? You prefer the thrill of the couch?"
"…"
Faced with Mikoto's teasing, Natsu's face grew so red it looked like she might start dripping blood.
She simply lowered her head, too embarrassed to respond.
If it had been anyone else who got caught, no one would even comment—it was just normal at this point.
But Natsu was different.
She had only recently transitioned into this relationship.
Whenever the others openly discussed their bedroom experiences, she would remain completely silent.
Her innocence made it amusing for everyone—none of them had expected her to have such a bold side.
Natsu had always been thoughtful and perceptive—not exactly naïve—but in this area, she was clearly inexperienced compared to the others.
Just then, Makoto walked into the kitchen. "What are you two talking about?"
Mikoto smirked slightly. "Nothing much. Just busy cooking."
Seeing Natsu's flushed face and Mikoto's amused expression, Makoto instantly knew Mikoto had been teasing her.
He patted Mikoto's butt, motioning for her to step out.
Mikoto gave them a strange look—were they really about to… in the kitchen?
After Mikoto left, Makoto wrapped his arms around Natsu from behind.
"Now you're feeling shy? Weren't you quite eager when you were pulling off my clothes just now?"
Natsu's face was still red, and she turned to glare at him. "It's all your fault!"
"How is it my fault?"
"Because… because you didn't refuse me!"
Makoto chuckled, clearly amused. "Alright, alright, it's my fault. I'll make it up to you tonight."
Natsu froze for a moment. "Tonight… isn't it Ayari-nee turn?"
Makoto pressed his forehead against hers and said, "Come to the master bedroom tonight."
Natsu stared blankly for a second before realizing what he meant.
Her face turned even redder, and she started stammering.
"I… You… You want me to…"
Makoto added, "Come quietly. Otherwise, Mikoto and Ayano will tease you about this all day tomorrow."
Natsu finally pieced her words together, still looking a bit dazed. "Did… Ayari-nee agree to this?"
"No, I didn't tell her."
"…Then I'm not going." Natsu pouted, gazing at him with a mix of shyness and annoyance.
"You scheming bastard."
Makoto smirked. "If you don't come, I'll tell them exactly how you were pulling my clothes off just now."
"You!"
"So, are you coming or not?"
"I…"
Natsu's frustration quickly turned into a pitiful expression, her eyes watery as she murmured, "You're bullying me."
Makoto chuckled. "I'm giving you an opportunity. Even Mikoto and Kushina don't get this treatment. You should take advantage of it."
Natsu felt even more flustered, her words coming out hesitantly.
"But… you didn't even tell Ayari-nee… She wouldn't agree to this…"
Makoto smirked, gently stroking her chin. "You're different. Ayari spoils you. If you come, she'll definitely accept it."
With that, Makoto let go of her and turned to leave the kitchen.
At the door, Mikoto had her ear pressed against the wall.
When she saw Makoto walk out, she jumped in surprise.
"What are you eavesdropping on?"
"Nothing… I was just going back in to help with cooking."
Mikoto quickly slipped back into the kitchen, where she saw Natsu standing there in a daze.
"What's wrong? What did he say to you?"
Natsu snapped out of it, her face slightly flushed. "N-nothing."
Then, she suddenly remembered—Mikoto and Kushina had gone through the same thing before.
Did they… just get used to it over time and stop feeling awkward?
Mikoto casually added, "Oh, by the way, when we went shopping today, Ayari also bought something for you."
"Ah, I see." Natsu felt a warmth in her heart and nodded gently.
Ayari-nee was always so good to her.
After all, it was Ayari who had been the first to welcome her into this family.
Ayari-nee…
But then, Makoto's words from earlier resurfaced in her mind, making her blush all over again.
That bad guy!
--------------
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