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The Strongest Frost Loli (125)
🕑 Added 2024-09-16 17:00:06 +0000 UTCChapter 125 - Bearing the Unalterable Past
Two weeks had passed since the battle on Skypiea. Kuro and David's funerals had been held, the medical team was still bustling about tending to Kanata's injuries, and a minor commotion had occurred when Octavia's body was cremated when she was mistaken for Kanata. But those were the only issues that had arisen.
The other executives had mostly recovered and returned to their duties, and the uninjured subordinates were busy with their work.
Kuro had never married and had severed ties with his home island, so he had no blood relatives. However, Kaie mentioned that he had been quite close to a sister who lived on an island in Nawabari.
Kanata decided that she should deliver the news personally, so once her injuries had somewhat healed, she would set off.
The silver-haired sister was naturally surprised, but when Kanata informed her of Kuro's passing, she simply nodded quietly, saying, "I see."
"You’re not angry or sad?" Kanata observed.
"He was content, wasn't he? Then, there is no need for me to interject. His feelings are his own. The living shouldn't speak for the dead."
"I see. You're quite pragmatic."
"It’s the nature of this world. It's not uncommon for those close to us to die," the sister replied, looking down.
Her expression was unreadable, but Kanata simply took out a piece of paper.
Though unusual for a pirate, Kanata had instructed all her crew members to leave a will. Kuro, albeit reluctantly, had done as she asked.
"This is Kuro's will. He had accumulated quite a bit of wealth as a Twilight executive. It simply states, 'Use it as you see fit.' I have more than enough money, and since I hear you two were close, I’d like to donate it to this church. What do you say?"
"A charitable donation? That would be wonderful. I gratefully accept."
The church lived a simple life, but it seemed they had been struggling since the Great Pirate Era began, with an influx of orphans.
Though she didn't show it, the sister seemed relieved. The church itself was quite old, and they hadn't had the funds to repair it, so this donation was a godsend.
…Perhaps it would be best to offer them some work as well.
"However… I see. He will never return here again," the sister said wistfully, looking at the organ in the corner of the church.
***
Kanata's next visit was to David's family.
The funeral had already been held, so his wife and children knew of his passing, and according to his will, all his assets would be transferred to them.
George had already taken care of the legal procedures, but Kanata felt she should visit them personally.
If they had any complaints, she would listen. If they wanted to hurl insults, she would accept that as well.
Being a pirate meant living with the constant threat of death. But even then, as the leader of Twilight, she couldn't ignore the family of a comrade who had fought alongside her for so long.
She had to ensure David's family wouldn't starve, and besides, she still had the Bomu Bomu no Mi.
“Kanata-san," David's wife greeted her.
“It's been a while. I haven't had many opportunities to visit, but… I think the last time we met was when your son was born,” Kanata replied.
She hadn't met every member of her crew, but she remembered David's wife and son.
His son, a young boy with a hairstyle similar to his father’s, was named Gem.
"Um, what brings you here today…?" his wife asked cautiously.
"It’s about the Bomu Bomu no Mi."
Normally, she would keep the Devil Fruits and simply compensate the family financially. But David was different.
He had been an executive, and Kanata had decided to make an exception for him.
“David wanted to pass the Devil Fruit on to his son. I'm willing to allow that, but if you don't want it, I’ll buy it from you.”
“Give it to Gem…? But he’s only six years old.”
"Yes, that’s why I’m willing to wait a few years.”
They wouldn't struggle financially with David’s inheritance. Gem could decide for himself when he was older.
It would be dormant until then, but Twilight wouldn’t lose much strength without it.
David, frankly speaking, hadn't been that strong. There were plenty of potential replacements.
She had plenty of time to decide.
"I see… I understand. Thank you."
"You don’t need to thank me.”
David wouldn't have died if she hadn't been so weak. She couldn't ignore his family after what he had done for her.
She wanted to offer them the best possible options.
After a brief chat, she left.
She had survived because of David's sacrifice. She couldn't look him in the eye if she mistreated his family.
***
Kanata had returned to her office. Still covered in bandages, she had summoned several people, including the executives, to decide what to do with the recovered Devil Fruits.
Teach, naturally, was also present.
"We’ll decide what to do with David’s Bomu Bomu no Mi when his son is older. It wasn't essential to our defense, so it should be fine.”
"Yeah, I agree. The problem is…”
The Yami Yami no Mi and the Goro Goro no Mi – two of the most powerful Logia Devil Fruits.
Teach wanted the Yami Yami no Mi, but they hadn't decided who should eat the Goro Goro no Mi. They had to find a suitable candidate quickly to prevent it from being stolen.
"What about the Yami Yami no Mi? Are you going to give it to Teach?"
George glanced at Teach with a skeptical expression.
Teach had admitted that he had been planning to betray them, so he was under suspicion.
Teach, however, simply laughed, unconcerned, and Kanata picked up the Yami Yami no Mi, examining it.
“One Devil Fruit per person. That’s the basic rule. Teach, are you sure this is what you want?”
“Yes! I want the Yami Yami no Mi!”
Kuro, due to his own lack of strength, hadn't been able to fully utilize the fruit’s power. But its potential was undeniable.
It would be even more powerful in Teach's hands. They needed to strengthen their forces with Linlin and Kaido allied and the possibility of their withdrawal from the Seven Warlords looming.
George and Scotch, who were present, seemed opposed to giving it to Teach. Zen and Junshi, however, had no objections.
Feiyun was leaning towards opposition, but she said that Teach didn't seem like he was planning to betray them again, so she didn't care either way.
As long as Teach wasn't planning to betray them again, they wouldn't object to him inheriting Kuro's will.
"I heard you were planning to betray us. But I assume that’s no longer the case?"
“Yes, I have no intention of betraying you. We’ll conquer the world together, you and I!"
"I have no interest in conquering the world, but… very well. It's yours."
Kanata tossed the Yami Yami no Mi to Teach, and he caught it with one hand, grinning. He took a bite of the fruit and, grimacing, swallowed it whole, muttering, “This tastes awful!”
"There were objections, but you can earn back our trust through your actions."
“Zehahahaha! I will!”
The fruit’s power would manifest soon.
Teach, seemingly eager to test his newfound strength, left the room, saying, “I’m going to get some exercise."
The remaining five executives looked at the other Devil Fruit on the table.
“The Yami Yami no Mi is settled. Now, the problem is this."
The Goro Goro no Mi – Octavia’s legacy.
They hadn’t decided what to do with it. Kanata looked at Zen and Junshi, hoping for suggestions, but they both shook their heads.
“Hinhin, it would be best to give it to a promising youngster. It's not suitable for an old soldier, especially with the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates allied."
“I agree. Besides, we don’t want a Devil Fruit.”
They had honed their skills and Haki. They didn't need a Devil Fruit to become stronger. They had said this countless times, and Kanata understood their decision.
The question was, who should eat it?
“George and Scotch are already Devil Fruit users. Are there any executives who want it?"
“Gloriosa might be interested, but she doesn't want a Devil Fruit either. Perhaps we should look for a promising candidate among our subordinates or affiliated crews."
“We should find someone loyal, then.”
“Can’t Kanata eat it?”
“What do you think I am?"
Eating two Devil Fruits would lead to death. It was a crucial fact for all Devil Fruit users.
Kanata was no exception. Greed would only lead to one’s downfall.
They discussed the matter further, but ultimately, they decided to postpone the decision.
They needed to find a suitable candidate. It was a decision that required careful consideration.
And with that, the meeting concluded.
***
That night, Kanata lay in her hospital bed, gazing at the moon. Sukura had insisted she remained hospitalized, so she was bored. It wasn't long after sunset, and many people were still out and about.
Hachinosu didn’t offer much in terms of entertainment, so she was restless.
A knock came at her door.
She granted permission, and Hiyori entered. Two others waited outside, but they didn't seem to be coming in.
"What brings you here at this hour? This is unusual,” Kanata remarked.
“I’m sorry for visiting so late. But I heard you were busy with work, so… is it okay if I stay for a little while?"
Hiyori explained that she had waited until after dinner to avoid interrupting Kanata’s work.
She sat down in the chair beside the bed, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. Kanata waited patiently, and finally, Hiyori spoke.
“Um… I love Wano Country.”
“I see. It’s good to love your home.”
"So, I… want to save it. Orochi and Kaido killed my father, but even then…”
Kuro had taught her something.
If you wanted to save something, it shouldn't be out of obligation. You should follow your heart.
No one could deny her desire to save her beloved home.
"I want to reclaim the country my father loved, the Wano Country I love," Hiyori declared with conviction.
“…I see. So you came to ask for my help?"
“Yes, partly. But I also want to do it myself.”
Her father, Oden, had failed, but his will lived on. She, Hiyori, would reclaim and protect the country Oden had tried to save.
Kanata smiled softly, stroking Hiyori’s head.
“…Like father, like daughter.”
“…Kanata-san?"
Hiyori tilted her head, confused, but Kanata simply brushed it off.
"Wano is currently ruled by Kaido, Orochi, and Linlin. It won’t be easy. Are you still determined to fight?”
"Yes, I want to save the people of Wano – And I want to protect Izo and Kawamatsu! They’ve been serving me!"
Izo and Kawamatsu were strong enough to protect themselves, but it would be rude to point that out.
It would be a difficult task. Very few individuals in the world could face Kaido and Linlin.
Kanata could potentially defeat them both, but the combined forces of the two allied crews were equal to or greater than Twilight’s. The Big Mom Pirates, in particular, had strong executives. It wouldn't be an easy victory.
They needed both quantity and quality.
Training Hiyori wasn't a bad idea.
"Very well. We’ll see how far your talent takes you, but be warned, my training is harsh."
“Y-yes! Thank you!”
Kanata was usually busy, so Zen, Junshi, and Gloriosa handled most of the training. It was rare for her to personally train anyone, even veteran members of her crew.
She had high hopes for Hiyori's potential. And she saw a glimmer of Oden and Kuro's will in her eyes.
They were gone, but their souls would live on. That was a good thing.
“Oh, and… Izo! Kawamatsu!”
“Yes!”
“What is it?!”
Kanata called out to them, and they entered the room, seemingly emotional. Perhaps they had overheard Hiyori’s declaration.
That aside.
“This child wants to become stronger. I assume you two have no objections?”
“To be honest, we’d prefer it if Hiyori-sama lived a peaceful life…”
“But if that is her wish, then we have no objections!”
They wouldn't deny Hiyori’s decision.
She couldn't survive in this world without some strength. Weakness meant losing everything.
Kanata retrieved something from her safe and placed it before Hiyori.
A Devil Fruit with an eerie pattern – the Goro Goro no Mi.
“Eat this, and you’ll become stronger. But once you take a bite, there’s no turning back.”
“Kanata-dono! That fruit…!”
“I was the one who obtained it. I’ll decide who eats it."
It was the Devil Fruit she had obtained after killing Octavia. It was a bittersweet feeling, but Hiyori would put it to good use.
It was ironic that the Devil Fruit obtained from the woman who killed Kuro would be given to the girl who inherited his will.
Hiyori stared at the Devil Fruit.
“…If I eat this, I’ll become stronger?”
“It’ll make you stronger. But as I said, there’s no turning back. Once you take a bite, you’re a Devil Fruit user.”
She would be unable to swim, and she might be weakened by Seastone. But it would grant her immense power. Especially the Goro Goro no Mi. Its strength was undeniable.
But if she was hesitant, she shouldn’t eat it. It was a life-altering decision.
“If you need time to think–”
“No, I’m ready.”
Hiyori opened her mouth wide and took a bite. Her face contorted in disgust at the unimaginable taste, but she opened her mouth again, ready to finish it, when Kanata stopped her.
“One bite is enough. After that, it’s just an awful-tasting fruit.”
“I-is that so…? Thank goodness,” Hiyori sighed in relieved.
She was now a Devil Fruit user. The changes would take some time to manifest. Kanata instructed Izo and Kawamatsu to stay with her for a while.
Devil Fruit users often struggled to control their abilities after eating the fruit. It should be fine if she didn't actively try to use it, but it was best to be cautious.
Kanata was still under strict orders to rest, so she couldn’t fight, but she could at least teach Hiyori.
It was late. Kanata sent them back to their rooms, promising to begin training tomorrow.
Her busy days would continue.
***
As a side note, the next day, when they began training, Chiyo, who had been watching them, declared, “That’s not fair! I want to train too!” So Kanata ended up training both of them.
