"Empty rhetoric is easy to spout, and they say it better than you. Do you have any exceptional talents?"
The motivational declaration couldn't sway Greninja, because if words could change his mind, the people of Wano Kuni could talk for three days straight without repeating a single word.
The ninjutsu learned from Greninja isn't just the mere use of tools, but rather the real and tangible Shadow Clone Technique, Substitution Technique, or special Instant Body Technique like Quick Attack.
Due to the isolationist influence, Wano Kuni has special names for many things, and terms like Demon Mage and Ryuo haven't completely disappeared with the introduction of foreign culture; they've just become informal terms.
Only the core members of Hundred Beasts can receive the powers bestowed by Arceus. In the native land of Wano Kuni, apart from a few special personnel, only the ninja legion under Greninja and a few members of Shinsengumi are eligible, among whom ninjas are the majority.
Compared to those who hide machine guns in lutes or smoke bombs in bags, the abilities granted by Arceus are the real meaning of "ninjutsu."
To obtain such abilities, there is no way around winning Greninja's approval.
"Talent... this... I think it should be alright..."
"Then do you have a strong background or exceptional luck?"
"This..."
"Clearly, you have none of these. Come back and talk to me when you can run around the palace in five minutes."
Greninja shattered Otama's hopes of taking a shortcut with a very realistic reason; having nothing, she needed to at least show the spirit of effort.
The Palace of Flower Capital is not small, and for a girl less than eight years old, running around it in five minutes is a very difficult task. If she can break through and achieve this, Greninja wouldn't mind teaching her a bit more.
"But..."
"There are no buts. Shortcuts exist, but they are not easy to traverse. If you want to walk this path, you need to present sufficient proof."
Saying this, Greninja's fingers turned black as his body secreted a type of bubble with high oil content.
His fingers covered in Haki became incredibly hard, and with a snap, he produced quite a few sparks, igniting the oil on them and demonstrating how a Water-type Pokemon could play with fire.
To the people of New World, producing sparks upon mastering Haki isn't difficult, but such small tricks are enough to awe children.
"If you can do this, I'll accept you as my disciple immediately. If not, go and train your physique, then come find me once you can."
"Yes!"
Compared to the previous cold refusals, Greninja at least left her with a condition this time.
She didn't realize that Greninja not driving her away several times and willing to speak so much was a test in itself.
Compared to other peers within the palace, Otama was more resilient and determined, which piqued Greninja's interest, as his usual life was rather dull.
After sending Otama away, Greninja casually picked up a newspaper that had just been delivered, although it was the domestic edition of Wano Kuni, the main news hadn't changed.
[The Decline of Human Civilization, Genius Scientist Vegapunk Has Fallen]
As time passed, the events at Aeghede were reported upwards; after Kizaru left Zeraora's magnetic field range, the news reached Navy Headquarters.
The Navy and the World Government's CP Department in the nearby sea collectively mobilized, eventually finding the sea region where Punk Record crashed and confirming Vegapunk's death.
Morgans was bound to sensationalize such big news; the World Government's control over public opinion was extremely weak. Even the news they wanted to hide, Morgans would directly expose, let alone such news that was intended for external release.
Vegapunk was recognized worldwide as a great scientist, and his murder could further showcase the infamous reputation of Hundred Beasts, though this effect was only effective outside Hundred Beasts' territory; within their domain, it would not be as effective.
The only one with a different perspective on this matter was Dr. Clover from Little Sky Island.
...
"Doctor, what's wrong?"
"I'm wondering, what exactly did Vegapunk do..."
Clover's face was full of worry; he was considered an old friend of Vegapunk, having had quite some ties with him during his explorations of The Sea when he was younger.
According to Hundred Beasts' style in recent years, Clover believed Hundred Beasts didn't act recklessly just to destroy; what they did was more like developing something, and the most important thing in Ohara was the documents in the library.
After taking away all the documents, Hundred Beasts likewise took away these scholars and provided them with a space to study history. Although this was for mutual benefit, it also meant that Hundred Beasts wouldn't kill a valuable person without cause.
[All is lost, years of research burned in flames.]
"They left absolutely nothing behind, seemingly wanting to erase any trace of Vegapunk's existence, something that a mere vendetta couldn't accomplish."
Morgans liked to exaggerate in his reports, and Clover understood this; however, from the photographs, it appeared nothing was left in Aeghede, which had completely turned into an icefield.
Only a few remnants were floating on the sea in the distance.
"Such a pity... such a pity..."
Clover sighed deeply, then brought some items to the edge of Sky Island, beginning to mourn for this old friend. They had a certain relationship, but it wasn't enough to risk his life for him.
...
Not only did Clover feel sentimental about this matter, although he was slightly closer to Vegapunk, the more troubled ones were Navy Headquarters.
Originally G-1 Branch, now Navy Headquarters, Kizaru had returned here, and the news he brought caused quite a stir at Navy Headquarters.
"Borsalino, are you really certain?"
The cigar in Akainu's mouth burned rapidly until the burning part touched his lips, but Akainu didn't react; being made of magma, he didn't fear such a bit of heat.
Kuzan's defection to Hundred Beasts wasn't announced by the Navy, and there were Ice Type ability users within Hundred Beasts; an island being frozen over wasn't conclusive proof.
"I saw it with my own eyes, experienced it personally; there's no way this was faked. Kuzan has indeed joined Hundred Beasts."
Kizaru's face was covered with two band-aids, but his clothes hadn't been changed, the damaged outfit sufficient to demonstrate how intense the previous battle was.
"He did go all out, I'd say. The power of Blazing Angels was quite good, but still not enough; Kuzan had the ability to deal with them."
"That bastard..."
Akainu slammed his fist onto the table, soon emitting a scorched odor. Currently, he felt some regret over his past restraint.