Although the Land of Wano remains a feudal country, entering it wasn't as difficult as the legends claimed. The entire island wasn't guarded, and the borders were only selectively secure.

So, Rhett Vane and his crew landed discreetly on one of its lesser-patrolled coasts.

When in Wano, one must follow Wano's customs. Wearing traditional attire was essential to avoid being labeled an outsider and hunted by the Shogun's soldiers. The outfits, however, were far from appealing. Wano's fashion—both in clothing and hairstyles—was outdated and stiff.

Of course, Vane and the others only adopted the clothes, refusing to imitate the traditional Wano hairstyles.

Night had fallen over the Capital of Flowers, Wano's central city. It housed nobles and the wealthy elite and stood as the most luxurious district in an otherwise impoverished land. The contrast was striking. While the Capital glowed with light and celebration, the rest of Wano suffered in silence, its people struggling to survive.

Wano was a nation in decline. Though it held power in the New World thanks to its force of arms, its economy and living standards were no match for even mid-tier kingdoms like Dressrosa. It was a country of tradition—but also of stagnation.

Vane and his group found temporary lodging in the Capital. Later, Vane stepped out on his own.

The night was lively, the streets illuminated by lanterns and bustling with music and laughter. The Flower Capital, untouched by the hardship of the outlands, had its own vibrant beauty. Entertainment venues dotted the streets, catering to the whims of the upper class.

"The lives of the wealthy always seem extravagant," Vane muttered to himself, "but this place is still stuck in the past."

The outdated feudal system and Wano's refusal to embrace the outside world had stunted its progress. Still, it was one of the few countries untouched by the Celestial Dragons.

Vane's real reason for coming to Wano was clear—Kaido. He didn't come to make an alliance or stir chaos. He came to challenge the Emperor of the Sea. Though in the back of his mind, he once entertained the idea of a rivalry, like the one he had with the Golden Lion. But Kaido was different. Kaido didn't need rivals, only domination.

His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Wait for me!"

Gion's soft call reached him from behind.

Vane turned to see her. Dressed in a flowing kimono, Gion exuded an elegant, mature beauty—completely unlike the heavily made-up women of Wano.

"What are you doing here?" Vane asked, surprised.

"I was worried," she replied, walking beside him. "I thought you might wander into… inappropriate places."

"I'm not a kid."

"Well, this place has plenty of those 'inappropriate' venues," she teased. "You've heard of the most beautiful woman in Wano, right? The oiran—Komurasaki, I think. She's basically a courtesan, but with celebrity status."

"Oiran."

"Right," Gion nodded. "They say she's almost as beautiful as Boa Hancock."

"Seen her," Vane said casually.

Gion's eyes widened. "You've seen Hancock? The Pirate Empress?"

"Yeah."

"What was she like?"

"She's alright… just overly obsessed with someone."

"Obsessed? That can't be right. Everyone knows how much she detests men."

"There's more to her than people know," Vane replied, smiling faintly.

"Tell me."

But Vane stayed quiet, letting his silence say more than words.

"You're impossible," she muttered, giving him a look of playful frustration. Still, she felt oddly protective of Vane. Despite his status, something about him drew her in.

"Vane," she said softly, "how many people have you killed?"

"I've lost count. Four Celestial Dragons, at least. Dozens of pirate crews. Civilians? None."

That last part mattered. Unlike many pirates, he didn't massacre innocents. He had a line, however faint.

"I'm afraid one day you'll be executed," Gion confessed. "The world government doesn't just want you imprisoned. They want you sent straight to Mariejois. Do you know what that means? Facing the Celestial Dragons directly. It'll be worse than Impel Down."

They entered a crowded ramen shop, quiet and tucked into a corner booth. It was one benefit of Wano's isolation—the outside world didn't reach here easily. Even the News Coo birds avoided the island.

"Execution?" Vane scoffed. "Won't happen."

"If you're caught, it'll be worse than what Gol D. Roger endured. Do you really believe you're untouchable?"

"I won't be caught," he replied firmly. "And they can't kill me."

Gion studied him, searching for a crack in his confidence. "You've made too many enemies. The World Government sees you as more dangerous than even Dragon. And you know who he is, right? The Revolutionary Army's leader. He's toppling nations to fight the Celestial Dragons."

"They won't succeed," Vane said, sipping his tea. "The Revolutionary Army is all talk. They have a few strong fighters, but that's it. The World Government has ruled for 800 years. You don't maintain that kind of grip without deep roots—and brutal power."

Gion listened in stunned silence as he continued.

"They've shaped the world. Fed Devil Fruits to slaves for entertainment. Controlled ancient weapons. Even the balance in the New World? Probably engineered to keep power from shifting too far. It's imperial rule, maintained through balance and blood."

"You know a lot…" she whispered, clearly impressed.

Two bowls of steaming ramen arrived.

Gion frowned slightly, still digesting his words. "Just promise me you won't get caught. What they'd do to you… I can't even imagine."

She didn't know how to guide him, but she couldn't help wanting to protect him. There was something between them—something unspoken.

"How many people are with you?" she asked. "Are you really planning to take on the whole world? Become King of the World?"

Vane looked at her, eyes calm.

"Pirate King? That title's leftover from someone else's story," he said. "And it ended with his execution. What did it achieve? A new era of pirates, sure. But also a new era of suffering for the innocent."

They ate in silence for a while, but the conversation lingered. A single bowl of ramen turned into an hour of shared words, drifting between truth and dreams.

---

I've held up my end.....so, where are my power stones?