"Don't be so tense; we don't want to start any conflict. We just have something that must be done. If destroying it is not an option, could you perhaps hold onto it and keep it away from this island temporarily?
I swear by the name of the god I worship, ensuring your safety for just one hour."
According to Lu Xun's theory from the ancient tomes, Misu thought they would readily agree to this request. After all, it wasn't a difficult task, but Maya kept shaking her head, looking towards her grandmother.
"By the name of the God... are you also a Witch who worships the god?"
Izaya, who was a Witch on this island in her youth, took Misu's solemn oath seriously.
For someone in religious orders, there's no vow heavier than this.
"I am merely a lamb in the service of the Lord, striving for His goal. Your understanding is correct, so could you consider our terms?"
"First, swear that you have no relations with those at the Navy Dojo; otherwise, even if you kill all of us, you won't get any information."
"No problem, not just the Navy Dojo; we are not allied with the Navy at all, nor do we want to harm you."
"Alright, but we still can't agree to your request..."
"Old woman, are you playing with us?"
Hearing these words from those in front of him, Tiger's face darkened. They had offered goodwill just to avoid tarnishing their religion's name, and the inclusion of the hot-tempered into the Punishment Knight Order was part of this.
But this didn't mean they were to be trifled with. This was practically mocking them.
"No, let me explain. If you also are believers, you should have heard about the legend of Ascension Island, correct?"
"I know a bit, and I've heard of the Seven-Star Sword, but that's not our target. It's just a sword, and we have no interest in it."
"But that's the problem. The Seven-Star Sword is a Demon Blade, a blade that's already alive and constantly seeking to resurrect itself. These three sapphires are not ordinary things; they are what's sealing the blade.
If they are gone, the Demon Blade will resurrect, and calamity will come upon The Sea again.
So, you cannot destroy them, nor can they leave this island.
Our mission is to protect them, at any cost."
Listening to Izaya's explanation, Misu suddenly felt nostalgic. Back then, she was so naive, believing everything was beautiful, so she believed the Soldier's promise.
Although her current vow was true, the old lady before her was too naive, not doubting she was lying.
In fact, Izaya only wanted to see the other party's reaction. According to what she knew about those from the Navy Dojo, if Tiger and Misu really were related to them, they would have come to seize it long ago; such power wouldn't need negotiation.
Seeing the other party willing to talk, she believed these people truly had other motives.
Then she proceeded to explain what had happened earlier.
"The Instructor of the Navy Dojo is named Saka. He was a good man who drifted onto our island by accident. A few months ago, a group of pirates attacked us, and to protect Maya, Saka unintentionally picked up the Seven-Star Sword.
Afterwards, he was beguiled by the sword and turned into what he is now. He also, using the sword's power, beguiled a large number of Navy.
To resurrect, the Seven-Star Sword must destroy these three sapphires. However, those beguiled cannot touch them; they must rely on outsiders' strength.
The Navy you defeated earlier, accompanied by some pirates, were the ones Saka coerced to seize the sapphires. In the end, they would all be sacrificed to the sword..."
"So, you're saying, if we handle the Seven-Star Sword problem, the existence of the sapphires becomes meaningless, right?"
"Uh... saying so isn't problematic..."
"In that case, I understand. We'll go destroy the sword. If we succeed, let us destroy the sapphires. Is that acceptable?"
"No, that sword is dangerous. The previous Witch sacrificed herself, and then, using the power of the Ascension Seven Gods, it was sealed. It's beyond the capabilities of mere mortals!"
"Although I've heard this legend, Granny, I think there's a lot of fabrication. If the Ascension Gods really intervened, they would have destroyed it. I think this is covering up something else.
Of course, it could be true, but what the Ascension Seven Gods couldn't handle doesn't mean we can't deal with it. If we can, would you mind having one more faith?"
"???"
Izaya's face was filled with bewilderment; it was the first time she'd heard such a request.
And this was one of Misu's goals. They were not like the Crusaders of old, who would eliminate anyone not believing in their God.
Having encountered a few "professionals," Misu wanted to see if they could develop something.
"If you don't accept, it's fine, but our agreement holds. Please wait a moment."
After Misu and the others left, Maya looked hesitantly at Izaya: "Granny, is it really okay to let them go like this?"
"It's still a year before the once-in-a-century red moon, and the Demon Blade can't exert its full strength. With their skills, they should be able to retreat safely.
If they can handle the problem, it would be a great thing.
That sword... it should have disappeared from the world long ago."
Years bring wisdom, and those who live through them always have unique insights.
Some can sail on the Grand Line without a Navigator, following the elders' guidance, while others, reminiscing about their grandmothers' words, wreak havoc in Ionia. These elders always play extraordinarily magical roles in mysterious ways.
...
At the Navy Dojo, a one-armed man heard his subordinates had failed their mission and were instantly killed, naturally surprised.
"Instantly killed?"
"It was a red Merman. He just threw a punch, and everyone..."
"A Merman? How could there be a Merman here?"
The one-armed man, who had been controlled by the Seven-Star Sword, showed signs of confusion. The sword only manipulated his mind; his original memory and intelligence were intact.
Suddenly, his eyes glowed red, and his left arm drew a long sword emitting a ghostly green light, sending a slash to the side.
"Demon Fire Slash!"
The green flame got absorbed into the Sword Qi; the eerie Demonic Fire slashed coldly at its enemy, but in the end, the flame mysteriously disappeared.
Two black-purple blades, wrapped in ethereal blue fire, had absorbed all the Demon Fire Slash released by the Seven-Star Sword.
"Flames of hatred and discontent, it really is a Demon Blade..."
If you look closely, black-purple aren't blades but arms, whose owner has transformed into Ceruledge, Misu.