Moses waved his hand, interrupting what she was about to say, and said with a smile:
"Of course, these are often just the words of losers on the high seas."
"Typical sour grapes."
"Although weapons can be temperamental, demon blades are often the very best of their kind."
"A true swordsman would never be deterred by such gimmicks. Just as a man chooses his weapon, so too does the weapon choose its wielder."
"Oden's failure wasn't caused by his two swords—he died from his own stupidity. It was simply a case of skill falling short."
Moses reached out and grasped Enma's hilt. With a metallic ring, he drew the blade—its long, slightly curved surface adorned with flame-like patterns along the edge that seemed to "burn."
His left hand glided over the blade.
Suddenly, a dark red energy surged along the sword. Moses felt an intense suction force from the hilt, uncontrollably drawing out the Armament Haki from his body. It flowed from his palm and rapidly gathered along Enma's blade.
The dark red Armament Haki condensed swiftly on the sword. Moses watched with interest as his right arm withered before his eyes, drained of vitality like a desiccated mummy's limb. Unable to contain himself, he burst into laughter:
"What a ferocious blade. What a vicious Enma."
But it didn't stop there—the suction continued spreading throughout his entire body.
Meanwhile, Enma's blade had accumulated a terrifying sword aura—Flowing Sakura, an advanced application of Armament Haki capable of internal destruction or being unleashed as a slashing attack.
At this moment, Kozuki Hiyori gasped, her eyes filled with deep concern as she looked at Moses:
"Your right hand... Enma is too dangerous. Perhaps you should take Ama no Habakiri instead."
Ushiwakamaru's gaze remained fixed on Moses, his hands clenched tightly into fists at his sides, revealing his inner turmoil.
Kawamatsu subtly positioned himself in front of Hiyori, shielding her, wary that Moses might lose himself to Enma's influence.
[Detected legendary-tier item.]
Item Rating: B+
This message had appeared in Moses' mind the moment he grasped Enma.
He paid it no mind.
His eyes now sparkled with fascination as he thought to himself:
"So this is what Flowing Sakura feels like."
His Armament Haki surged like a turbulent current, growing increasingly refined and active in its frequency—almost as if compressed to the point of overload.
Like being on stimulants.
His breathing deepened as his will-infused Armament Haki flowed and compressed rapidly within Enma's blade. Moses perceived Enma's existence with intimate clarity.
The rhythm of Enma's Breath.
Its physical form and Spirit Body were one.
Enma's Spirit Body was woven into the blade's structure like veins, perfectly unified.
Moses' eyes half-lidded.
He released all restraint on his Haki, allowing Enma to freely drain his Armament Haki. In response, the blade's frequency spiked wildly—like a shark scenting blood.
Seizing the opportunity, Moses delved deeper into sensing Enma's construction.
Meticulously analyzing the structure and existence of Enma, the fundamental composition of its materials, and the forging techniques—every action leaves traces, let alone a weapon forged by human hands.
These past forging marks appeared vividly in Moses' Spirit Sight.
"Using Haki as a guide, 'grasping' the already-formed weapon's spirit and rapidly circulating it within the blade's body, repeatedly hammering and fusing until the spirit permeates every vein of the weapon, merging with it completely."
It was another form of Spirit-Flesh Convergence.
This was the forging technique of a Great Grade Blade.
This was what made a weapon brimming with ample spirituality.
As for Enma's characteristic of absorbing and refining Armament Haki or life force—that was a matter of "materials, perhaps?"
Moses sensed a unique fluctuation of energy. "Some special iron ore capable of absorbing and storing life force?"
Slowly, Moses opened his eyes. At this moment, he saw the anxious expressions of Bear Cub, Ushiwakamaru, and the others—he understood why.
His entire body now appeared withered and drained.
Looking at Enma in his hand, the blade's surface rippled with a deep crimson Flowing Sakura Haki—this was the majority of his Armament Haki.
If he were to swing this blade now, Moses was certain he wouldn't die, but he would at least suffer severe exhaustion. Who knew how much meat he'd have to eat to convert back the lost vitality through Spirit-Flesh Convergence?
"Alright, enough mischief."
The next moment, dense, branching arcs of black-red lightning erupted from Moses' grip on the hilt. Conqueror's Haki surged violently, coiling around Enma's blade.
Accompanied by Moses' domineering will, it bombarded and disciplined Enma's Spirit Body.
CRACK!
The blade's edge flickered menacingly.
Enma seemed to resist, even attempting to reverse its influence on Moses. Sensing its defiance, Moses curled his lips into a cold smirk.
The Conqueror's Haki emanating from his body grew increasingly terrifying, forcefully assaulting the spirit within Enma.
As time passed, a trace of naive spirituality began to retreat and submit.
Yet Moses showed no mercy, continuing to suppress it with the same intensity.
Like taming a hawk.
Twenty minutes later.
Looking at the now "docile" Enma in his hand, Moses willed it—the Haki on the blade flowed back into him. With each Breath, his body returned to its original state.
Observing the obedient Enma, Moses released his Haki, wrapping it around the blade. The sword turned pitch-black, with dark red Haki rippling across its surface.
With a casual swing—
WHOOSH!
A crescent-shaped, dark red Flying Slash suddenly shot forth.
SHING!
A satisfying cutting sound rang out as a withered tree—five meters in diameter—a hundred meters ahead was cleanly severed at the waist.
BOOM!
The tree crashed heavily to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.
"He actually suppressed Enma... No, he gained Enma's recognition. Unbelievable—this was something only Lord Oden could achieve."
Kawamatsu stared at Moses in awe, disbelief flickering in his eyes. This was the same Enma even he couldn't wield.
Kozuki Hiyori let out a relieved sigh, her tense expression softening. If anything had happened to Moses because of Enma, she would have carried that guilt for the rest of her life.
Bear Cub puffed out his chest proudly.
Ushiwakamaru exhaled quietly in relief.
Even Onimaru, standing nearby, unclenched his tightly gritted teeth.
Moses gazed at Enma, his heart stirring slightly as he plundered its merits.
[Merit Points +10,000]
An imperceptible ripple vanished from Enma. Moses' eyes flickered with tension, but upon seeing that the sword's spiritual essence hadn't dissipated, he exhaled in relief.
Moreover, he could sense an almost undetectable accumulation of merit beginning to gather on Enma once more.
He mused inwardly:
"As expected. Enma, widely renowned across the seas, is incomparable to lesser-known Good Skillful Blades. Though its aura has indeed weakened considerably...
No matter.
The sword's fundamental essence remains unharmed."
Shifting his attention, Moses turned to the other blade.
After sheathing Enma, he allowed it to begin its gradual recovery over time.
Kozuki Hiyori watched him with confusion. "My lord, do you not favor Enma? Perhaps you'd examine Ama no Habakiri instead?"
Then I'll gladly oblige.
Moments later.
[Merit Points +10,000]
Observing Ama no Habakiri's similarly diminished aura, Moses returned it to its scabbard.
Hiyori stared blankly at Moses, her disappointment evident. "You... dislike them both?"
Chuckling, Moses patted her head gently. "While I could claim these are your father's heirlooms and thus refuse them...
Truthfully, as a swordsmith, I've already gained what I needed from these blades. They hold little value for me now. To be blunt, I'm now capable of forging Great Grade Blades to my own preference.
These swords serve me no further purpose. You should keep them for yourself."
"Is that so?"
Hiyori's expression shifted to awestruck admiration—"So that's how it is, how remarkable!"—though inwardly she believed Moses was simply being kind, unwilling to take her father's legacy from her.
He'd only humored her by briefly examining them.
Her eyes glistened with touched emotion at his perceived generosity.
Baffled by her reaction, Moses couldn't fathom what fanciful notions she'd conjured. He dismissed the thought.
This expedition had proven extraordinarily fruitful—acquiring a Devil Fruit, Great Grade Blades, and Flowing Sakura Haki techniques.
His lips curled into an irrepressible smile of satisfaction.
Noticing his joy, Ushiwakamaru mirrored his happiness with a gentle smile of her own.
When Moses regained his focus, she spoke warmly, "Moses, since your business here concludes, shall we depart?"
He nodded in agreement. Nothing remained to claim here.
Hiyori's anxious voice interjected, "You're leaving already?" Her gaze darted between Moses and Ushiwakamaru. "Will we... meet again?"
Ushiwakamaru glanced at her. Having provided Moses with weapons that benefited him, the girl no longer warranted coldness. She replied evenly,
"Again?"
Hiyori murmured softly, head bowed,
"Though Orochi is dead, we still share Kaido as a common enemy. United, we'd stand greater chance against him."
"You?"
Ushiwakamaru retorted coldly with biting sarcasm:
"Sorry, but you're so weak. A single light punch from me would have you crying for ages. If you stick with us, are you planning to be the cheerleader type of support?"
At these words, Kozuki Hiyori stiffened abruptly, instantly recalling how Kawamatsu had always taken care of her—giving her the prey he caught and the food he begged for while barely scraping by himself, growing thinner by the day.
And she? She couldn't do a thing to help, just leeching off him like a useless burden.
Without her, Kawamatsu, strong as he was, could have lived much better.
With that thought, the resolve she'd long harbored solidified—she would leave Kawamatsu and stop being a burden. Suddenly, Hiyori lifted her head to look at Moses, her delicate face brimming with stubborn determination:
"Your name is Moses, right? Do you still need servants in your household? Our common enemy is Kaido. Though I have no strength, I can help with daily chores.
Whether it's laundry, cooking, or anything else, I'm willing to learn.
If you're leaving, could you take me with you?"
Moses was strong—she could see that. Even Kawamatsu might not win against him. And since Ushiwakamaru was following him, their goals must align: to eventually overthrow Kaido.
Moreover, Moses didn't seem like someone who'd lack food or clothing, and Ushiwakamaru's expression alone showed just how much trust he placed in him.
Ushiwakamaru had always been clever and capable since childhood—his judgment couldn't be wrong.
And after their brief interaction, Hiyori also trusted Moses's character.
Hence, this self-recommendation.
For her, this was the best solution right now.
First, she'd no longer be a burden to Kawamatsu.
Second, by joining Moses's group and handling their daily needs, she could free them from trivial worries, letting them focus on training—at least she'd be of some use.
Third, working for them would also sustain her, giving her a way forward.
If she served him, Moses surely wouldn't begrudge her a full stomach.
Meanwhile, Kawamatsu stared at Hiyori in stunned disbelief. Why would a noble lady like Hiyori-sama stoop to such menial tasks?
He could handle all the rough work—she just needed to live well.
"I object, Hiyori-sama! You are Oden-sama's daughter—how could you demean yourself like this?"
Hiyori shook her head silently. "Now, with both my parents gone, even my vengeance was avenged by Moses-sama.
My status?
Sorry, Kawamatsu, I've never thought of myself as noble.
I've made up my mind.
Kawamatsu, you're free. I've grown up—you don't need to follow me anymore. You can do whatever you want."
Kawamatsu stood frozen, utterly lost. How had things suddenly come to this?
Why did Hiyori seem so unfamiliar now? Just moments ago, she was the same girl who'd burst into tears at the slightest thing, needing his River Imp dance to cheer her up.
True, a girl changes as she grows—but shouldn't that take eighteen years?
Moses watched her with amused interest, then corrected her:
"I think you've misunderstood something. There's no deep-seated hatred between me and Kaido. In fact, I owe him a personal favor."
"The matters between Oden and him, the grudges between you all—these are essentially none of my concern." His meaningful gaze settled on her. "If you want revenge, you can only rely on yourself."
With that, he turned to look at Ushiwakamaru, who smiled and took over the conversation:
"Moses is right. My grudge is only with Orochi. As for Kaido, I don't hate him, but I will strive to grow stronger on the open seas and eventually defeat him completely, to restore my father Ushimaru's honor."
"Perhaps even revive the glory of my ancestor who slayed the dragon."
As he spoke,
A surge of ambition welled up in Ushiwakamaru. Slaying a dragon? What could be more fitting than slaying a true Mythical Zoan dragon?
If he could achieve that, he would surely surpass his ancestor Ryuma.
The Dragon Slayer Swordsman.
Kozuki Hiyori stared blankly at Moses and Ushiwakamaru.
So she was the fool all along.
Yet confusion lingered in her eyes.
"On the open seas? What do you mean?"
Ushiwakamaru glanced at Moses and, seeing no objection, softly explained:
"I'll set sail with Moses, leave Wano Country, and venture onto the open seas to grow stronger. One day, I'll return to defeat Kaido."
Hiyori fell silent.
Then she turned to Moses with determination flashing in her eyes. "Could you take me with you? And... can women become strong too? Can I become strong?"
"Whether you can grow stronger, I don't know. But women can certainly become strong."
"There are plenty of powerful women in the New World. One even rivals Kaido—the great pirate Big Mom, Charlotte Linlin."
"Big Mom?" Hiyori murmured. "I see..."
Her gaze burned as she looked at Moses. "Then will you teach me how to become strong? I'm willing to pay any price."
"Lady Hiyori—"
Kawamatsu called out anxiously beside her.
Hiyori gently shook her head at him.
Kawamatsu could only fall silent.
Seeing this, Moses smiled. "If you want to grow stronger, Kawamatsu here is no weaker than me—perhaps even stronger. Why not ask him to teach you?"
At this, Kawamatsu looked embarrassed. "Allow me to explain. While my skills aren't lacking, they rely heavily on my racial traits. I have nothing suitable to teach Lady Hiyori—even the basics are quite different from ordinary techniques."
Hiyori shook her head, comforting him. "It's not your fault, Kawamatsu. I'm just too slow to learn your techniques."
She had tried learning from him before but couldn't even grasp the most basic moisture sensing.
Turning back to Moses with hopeful eyes, she saw him smile.
"You're a good kid, and I'm just a kid too, so I'll refuse. But I can take you out of Wano Country along the way. I know a good place to learn swordsmanship—I can take you there. Would you like that?"
Moses thought to himself: sending her there would be compensation enough for the 20,000 merit points he'd gained from her.
Hiyori froze momentarily, then nodded firmly and bowed deeply in gratitude.
"Thank you. Thank you for taking me away from here. I will never forget your kindness."
Kawamatsu listened silently to their words, thinking that perhaps this wasn't such a bad idea. Rather than staying here in aimless days, unable to properly care for Hiyori amidst the constant pursuit, it would be better to find a good place where she could have a fresh start and grow properly.
With this in mind, Kawamatsu pleaded with Moses: "Then could you take me along as well? I wish to go to sea with Lady Hiyori. I want to protect her properly."
"Very well. Wait here for my instructions then."
One sheep or two made no difference when herding - he might as well see this through to the end.
As he spoke, Moses turned to Ushiwakamaru and smiled:
"Plans change, Ushiwakamaru. You stay here too. I'll come for you when the time comes.
With Orochi just dead, people might grow suspicious if strangers suddenly appear by my side."
Hearing Moses' reasoning, Ushiwakamaru also found it sensible, though she couldn't help feeling reluctant:
"Then be careful, Moses. I'll be waiting here for you, waiting for you to come take me away from this place."
Moses nodded, though he couldn't shake a strange feeling. Was it just his imagination?
He glanced at Bear Cub, who understood immediately, trotting over and swallowing Moses whole in one big gulp.
The next second—transformation.
Panda Person, now present.
Moses looked at them and said, "You all stay safe too."
His body shifted again, this time into a white-headed eagle. With a powerful flap of his wings, Moses soared swiftly into the sky.
Kawamatsu and Hiyori watched in astonishment. A few seconds later, Ushiwakamaru glanced at them with an indifferent expression.
"Don't be so easily impressed. Moses is incredible," he said, clearly directing the remark at Hiyori.
Unfazed, Hiyori pressed on eagerly, "Brother Ushiwakamaru, how did you and Lord Moses meet? Can you tell me?"
Ushiwakamaru scowled.
"We'll talk tomorrow. It's late—aren't you tired? Where am I supposed to sleep tonight? Onimaru and I need a place."
"Ugh, why are you so mean? Just wait till I get stronger—I'll show you," Hiyori muttered under her breath.
Then, she led Ushiwakamaru inside.