The Strongest Lunarian in One Piece

Time passed.

After a brief conversation, Shimotsuki Kozaburo gradually realized that the mysterious visitor, El, harbored no ill intentions. Lowering his guard, he began discussing smithing techniques with him.

Before long, his initial skepticism transformed into shock, then into admiration. El's mastery of the craft was far beyond his own.

Meanwhile, Shimotsuki Furiko stood nearby, mouth slightly agape, her gaze fixed on El in awe. Her wide eyes sparkled with admiration as she stared at the handsome young man who had not only surpassed her expectations but also bested Kozaburo—someone she had believed to be Wano's greatest smith.

"You're incredible, El-sama!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining like stars, voice filled with awe. To her, this young, articulate, and immensely skilled man seemed to radiate a divine brilliance.

"Indeed, El-sama's skill far surpasses my own. I am utterly impressed!" Kozaburo added with sincere respect.

"Not at all," El replied with a humble smile. "I've merely stood on the shoulders of those who came before me, learning from their experiences and techniques."

In truth, El's smithing skills had already been on par with Kozaburo's even before their encounter. Now, having gained access to Kozaburo's memories of swordsmanship and forging, he had absorbed a wealth of new knowledge. Challenges that had once puzzled him suddenly became clear, allowing him to resolve long-standing issues with ease.

"I couldn't help but overhear your earlier conversation…"

Turning his gaze to Kozaburo and Furiko, El smiled faintly.

"I heard that Wano is a nation that has long been isolated, with strict laws against leaving its borders. Are you planning to secretly leave the country?"

"Yes, we plan to leave this country and explore the outside world!" Furiko blurted out eagerly, speaking before Kozaburo could respond.

"Wait, Furiko-sama! I haven't agreed to let you come along!" Kozaburo reminded her, his lips twitching anxiously.

While El seemed trustworthy, admitting plans to leave Wano—a serious crime—was not something to reveal so casually, especially to someone they had just met an hour ago.

"What? How could you say that?" Furiko protested, glaring at Kozaburo in frustration.

"If I may be blunt, the climate of the Grand Line is far more treacherous than you may imagine," El said plainly. "Wano has been isolated for generations. Even the most skilled navigators here lack the experience and knowledge required for such a journey. Venturing into the New World's dangerous seas could easily end in tragedy, with your ship and crew lost to the ocean."

Kozaburo fell silent for a moment, yet his gaze remained resolute.

"That may be true, but we have made our decision," he said firmly. "Even if it means risking death at sea, I refuse to remain confined to this small, stifling country. I want to see the vast world with my own eyes."

"Exactly!" Furiko clenched her small fists, her expression earnest and determined. Though her naivety was evident, her resolve was genuine.

"I haven't even agreed to let you join us!" Kozaburo reminded her, rolling his eyes in exasperation.

"What difference does it make? We're from the same clan!" Furiko retorted, unwilling to back down. Clinging to Kozaburo's arm, she pleaded, "Come on, Kozaburo, don't be so stingy!"

"This isn't about being stingy…" Kozaburo sighed.

"If you truly wish to leave Wano, I could take you with me," El interjected with a smile. Crossing his arms, he continued, "Coincidentally, I've recently founded a nation of my own, and someone with your skills, Kozaburo, would be a valuable asset."

For someone as skilled and versatile as Kozaburo—a warrior and master smith—El was more than willing to make such an offer. Anyone else would never have received such an opportunity.

Shimotsuki Kozaburo hesitated. Though having an experienced guide would greatly improve their chances of leaving Wano safely, he couldn't fully trust someone he had just met. Entrusting his life and the lives of his companions to a stranger was risky.

Meanwhile, Shimotsuki Furiko's eyes widened in disbelief. "El-sama, are you really the ruler of a nation?" To think that someone so young had founded a country—not merely inherited one—seemed unimaginable.

"Yes," El responded with a smile. "Wano may be isolated from the outside world, but as descendants of Shimotsuki Ryuma, the legendary Sword God, you must have at least heard of the World Government and the Celestial Dragons."

"The Celestial Dragons?" Furiko and Kozaburo blinked in surprise. Furiko was first to speak, her voice filled with righteous indignation.

"Of course, we've heard of them! Our ancestor, the Sword God Ryuma, became a legend by repelling their attempts to invade Wano alongside a band of pirates. He protected our nation from those wicked Celestial Dragons!"

"Does your country have something to do with those awful people?" Furiko asked, eyes narrowed.

El gave a faint smile. "In a way. My people, the Lunarians, once lived atop the Red Line. Centuries ago, we were invaded by the World Government. Over time, the Lunarians were hunted down, persecuted, and nearly driven to extinction. My parents were also killed by them."

His tone remained calm, but a subtle undercurrent of grief was present.

"And the Lunarians aren't the only ones. Many races have been enslaved and brutalized by the tyrannical Celestial Dragons. They see anyone different from themselves as disposable tools or toys—lesser beings."

"How horrible!" Furiko gasped, her fists clenched in anger. Sympathy filled her eyes as she looked at El, her voice shaking with emotion. "The World Government is truly despicable!"

Kozaburo remained silent, puffing on his pipe, absorbing El's words in quiet contemplation.

El continued, "Not long ago, I led a group of like-minded allies, individuals from various oppressed races, to fight back against the World Government. After countless struggles, we succeeded in establishing a nation in the New World."

He smiled faintly. "This nation, Totto Land, was founded with the dream of creating a place where all races could coexist peacefully—free from slavery, persecution, and discrimination. A haven where everyone can live harmoniously, regardless of race or belief."

"Totto Land?" Kozaburo murmured, narrowing his eyes. He could imagine the monumental effort and sacrifices required to achieve such a feat, especially against the mighty World Government.

Furiko's eyes sparkled with admiration as she gazed at El. "El-sama, you're incredible!"

Creating a utopian nation where no one is oppressed and all races live together in harmony was a noble, awe-inspiring goal. To Furiko, El was the embodiment of greatness, far surpassing any suitor her family might have arranged for her.

"If you truly wish to leave Wano, you could consider coming to Totto Land," El suggested, turning to Kozaburo. "Our nation doesn't restrict exploration or sea travel. Totto Land has a well-established trade network, with merchant ships traveling to various regions every month."

"Should you decide to join, you could accompany our merchant fleets as guards, exploring the world at your own pace while ensuring your safety."

Kozaburo, though tempted, remained cautious. "As you must understand, trust cannot be built overnight. I still need time to consider."

El nodded. "Of course. I plan to stay in Wano a while longer to forge a weapon that satisfies me before I leave. You'll have plenty of time to decide."

His tone was calm and unpressured. If Kozaburo agreed to join, it would be a bonus; if not, it wouldn't be a loss.

"Wait, El-sama! I'm ready to join you!" Furiko's eyes lit up. She eagerly grabbed El's coat, looking at him with hope and determination. "Please take me with you! I want to leave Wano!"

"Hey, Furiko…" Kozaburo tried to interject.

"What else am I supposed to do when you're so stingy and refuse to take me along?" Furiko stuck out her tongue at Kozaburo playfully before turning back to El, her expression earnest and hopeful.

"No need to rush. You have plenty of time to think it over," El replied with a smile.

Though Furiko's enthusiasm amused him, he had already deduced her identity. She was none other than Shimotsuki Ushimaru's elder sister—the same woman who, in another timeline, would become the grandmother of Roronoa Zoro. Had El not appeared, Furiko likely would have left Wano with Kozaburo and his companions.

Now, looking at her stunning features, her youthful naivety, and the admiration glowing in her eyes, El couldn't help but consider his own responsibility to restore the Lunarian race. If things went as planned, he wouldn't mind one day seeing "Roronoa Zoro" rebranded as "Kukulkan Zoro."

~~~

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