The sunset slowly descended to the west, casting an orange-red glow over the deck of the Endgame.
The crew members formed a circle, observing with interest the prizes displayed on the long table in the center.
There were a total of four items.
A long sword with an icy blue blade and a sheath engraved with cherry blossom patterns;
And three crystal boxes studded with gemstones. Inside the boxes, resting on purple velvet, were three exotic-looking Devil Fruits.
"Is this all?"
Shano glanced over and asked.
"You could say that, there's one more thing not here, sir."
Victor bowed slightly and explained, "But the last item is the royal triplet girls with unique lineage and eternal youth. They have been placed with the medical squad, currently being treated by Dr. Chopper. Once healed, they'll decide for themselves whether to stay or leave."
"Hmm, well done."
Shano nodded slightly, his gaze returning to the spoils on the table.
First, he picked up the icy blue long sword and gently unsheathed it.
Clang!
With a clear ringing sound, a pink-white cold light flickered, the blade was mirror-like and sharp.
With a casual swing, the blade trembled softly, faintly akin to the sound of snow falling.
"One of the Twelve Supreme Great Blades, 'Sakura Yuki'."
Victor cheerfully introduced, "Forged by the legendary female swordsmith Shimotsuki Anko from two hundred years ago in Wano Country. It is said that the blade has a unique mineral melded into it, rendering it indestructible. In terms of quality, it's undoubtedly a rare treasure in this world."
"A fine sword."
Shano praised aloud, turning his head towards Kuina and tossing the sword to her, "Just right for you since your Wado Ichimonji has been used for a long time and might not match your strength anymore. This Sakura Yuki shall be yours to wield."
The Wado Ichimonji is also a renowned blade of the Twenty-One Great Grade Blades level, but compared to the Supreme Great Blade, it falls short.
"For me?"
Kuina was visibly surprised, looking up dumbfounded, "This is a Supreme Great Blade, sir. Are you... not keeping it for yourself?"
"Me?"
Shano shook his head slightly, giving a carefree smile in the sunset, "My swordsmanship has long surpassed the reliance on weapons. Giving it to you will allow it to display greater value."
After all, it's just an accessory for him. He could use a simple stick just as easily. What's the point of having such an exquisite sword?
Kuina carefully accepted the Sakura Yuki, affectionately caressing the blade, feeling an inexplicable thrill at its cold touch.
This sword seemed to resonate with her in a way she couldn't explain.
Even though it was the first time she held it, she felt reluctant to part with it!
"Thank you, sir!"
With growing joy, she earnestly held the sword with both hands and gave Shano a deep bow.
As a swordsman herself, she understood more than anyone else how remarkable it was for Shano to readily bestow such a rare Supreme Great Blade upon another.
Shimotsuki Anko...
Kuina murmured to herself.
Speaking of which, her full name should actually be "Shimotsuki Kuina".
Was the master who forged this sword perhaps her own ancestor?
Among the crew, there were quite a few specialized in the Sword Dao, who couldn't help but cast envious glances at Kuina, but none voiced any objections.
Whether as the deputy captain of the Endgame or as the Great Sword Master only second to Shano, no one could challenge Kuina for this honor.
"Such great luck."
Only Zoro mumbled sourly.
He thought, after all, wasn't it simply because she'd boarded a year earlier due to her age?
Back when Brother Shano was brought to Shimotsuki Village by Brother Junichi, he was the first to meet him, much earlier than Kuina!
If he were a few years older, this Supreme Great Blade and position of deputy captain...
Would surely be his!
"Enough with the jealousy."
Sanji lit a cigarette, snorting disdainfully, "It's unbearable. If someone didn't know better, they'd think a vinegar bottle was knocked over in my kitchen."
He's a swordsman too!
Darn it, talking of the first person to know Brother Shano among them, it should have been him!
Though he was knocked out when the ship hit him and only woke up a few days later...
"Next, we have three Devil Fruits."
Victor glanced at the suddenly scuffling Green Algae Head and Curly Eyebrow, saw that Shano wasn't minding them, and continued:
"I know most of you here are already Devil Fruit Ability Users, but don't underestimate these three fruits; each has quite a background."
He pointed to the first crystal box.
"This one, Bird-Bird Fruit: Mythical: Nue Form!"
Nue?
Including Shano, everyone displayed expressions of confusion.
What on earth is this?
So obscure, never heard of it.
Fortunately, Victor promptly began to explain:
"The nue is an ugly mythical bird from ancient legends of Wano Country, possessing a monkey's head, a tanuki's body, a tiger's limbs, and a snake-like tail."
"Although it naturally lacks wings, it can freely soar across the skies, its cry is haunting, and it's long regarded as an omen of ill fortune in Wano Country."
"In legends, the nue abhors evil and has the unique ability to discern good from evil. Once it identifies a target as evil, it will relentlessly eradicate it."
"According to these legends, our Intelligence Department deduced that."
Victor stated solemnly, "Once someone eats this fruit, not only will they gain the physical enhancements typical of Zoan-type fruits, but they'll also develop the ability to fly and discern the good and evil in people's hearts. Highly practical, though the downside is that the transformed appearance will undoubtedly be quite ugly..."