The first prototype Cyclops couldn't be used in actual combat. It couldn't distinguish between friend and foe, lacked sufficient destructive power, and consumed too much energy. These were all its flaws.
Although the researchers had successfully managed to harness the electricity from those lightning gems, their efficiency was not very high. However, this didn't mean that this farming machine was a "failure."
Compared to its practical applications, the significance of its creation was far more important, and some of its technologies could also be applied to daily life.
The lifestyle in Wano Country was very primitive, but this phenomenon was gradually changing. The first sign was the appearance of a genuine farming machine. Originally, the large farmlands of Kuri relied on samurai and beasts, but now this manual and animal labor was beginning to be phased out.
Even samurai would grow tired, but machines would not. Moreover, whether it was plowing or harvesting, all it took was setting up a simple program to complete the task. Ordinary residents couldn't afford these machines, but the vast official fields had now been completely replaced by them.
Along with these changes came improvements to other basic infrastructure. Energy pipelines and lines were buried underground, and even the streets were fitted with street lights. It couldn't be called modern, but it was at least much better than before.
These changes left the people of Kuri in awe. The roads became increasingly flat and spacious, and the electric lights that wouldn't extinguish in wind and rain amazed them. However, in ordinary homes, people still used oil lamps or candles; their houses weren't wired for electricity.
These changes could only begin with the basic infrastructure, as well as the buildings and lands belonging to the Daimyo's estate. At first, the common people wouldn't immediately try to adopt them, but gradually, they would begin to adapt to the constantly changing environment.
Besides the Daimyo's estate, the area that had changed the most was actually the Pleasure District.
In Kuri, the entire Pleasure District industry was completely under Ren's control. Now, it was filled with a large number of foreign decorations, giving it a completely different feel to those who had lived in Wano Country for generations.
Coupled with neon lights, countless people were drawn to this place every day, losing track of time.
Recently, Ren had also become busy. The overseas situation was turbulent, and he wanted to get a piece of the action. Although his main base was indeed in Wano Country, this didn't stop him from developing his influence overseas.
Moreover, the New World was more chaotic than ever before, and it would be difficult to cope with relying only on Kurozumi Higurashi and Shutenmaru.
After the original Rocks remnants split up, they all began to gather their own forces. Ren hadn't forgotten that both Golden Lion and Big Mom still harbored a deep grudge against him. With Big Mom's intelligence network, she had probably already found out about the name "Inazuma."
In the past year, this newly emerged nation of "Inazuma" had been flourishing in trade.
However, even if Golden Lion and the others had now stabilized their forces, compared to seeking revenge for that sword strike back then, establishing a foothold in the New World was the priority. After Rocks died, their former "partners" had become enemies, and constant warfare was commonplace.
This chaotic situation would continue for many years until the various forces in the New World reached a balance and stabilized.
However, although Ren wanted to participate, he didn't intend to dive deep into the center of the struggle. This was a war of attrition that would last for years. After a few more years, the Great Pirate Era would begin, and by then, the situation at sea would be even more complex, with countless lives and fortunes being consumed.
What Ren wanted more was development rather than futile consumption. Therefore, he had only occupied a few small islands, far from Wano Country, which could be considered a territory of Wano Country.
Or perhaps calling it the Inazuma territory would be more appropriate.
"Lord Ren, Shimotsuki Ushimaru has arrived," Yukiko said, walking over and kneeling beside him.
Not long ago, he had received a letter from Ringo. The Daimyo of Ringo, Shimotsuki Ushimaru, planned to visit, and the date was today.
Ever since Ren became the Daimyo of Kuri, he had had little interaction with the other region's Daimyo. He had only met Shimotsuki Yasuie that one time, so he never expected to be the one visited first by another Daimyo.
He didn't know Shimotsuki Ushimaru well, but there was something about the man's appearance that made Ren feel a sense of familiarity. After all, Ren had always been quite fond of the character Zoro.
Furthermore, based on the depiction of Shimotsuki Ushimaru in the manga, the man was said to have a strong sense of integrity.
Ren didn't dislike people with integrity.
"Let him in."
Soon, a man in a green haori entered, carrying a box.
"You must be the Daimyo of Kuri. As the rumors say, you are as handsome as a deity," Shimotsuki Ushimaru said with a respectful bow as he entered. It wasn't exactly a lie, though.
"The Daimyo of Ringo, please have a seat."
"Just call me Shimotsuki Ushimaru," he said, taking a seat. He wasn't an arrogant man and didn't place much importance on formal titles. "I apologize for the unannounced visit. It's a small token of my respect. Please accept it, Daimyo of Kuri."
He handed the box to his attendant, who stood up and presented it to Ren.
"What is this...?"
"It's merely a sword I forged myself, nothing particularly precious," Shimotsuki Ushimaru said humbly.
When the attendant opened the box, two swords were revealed before Ren's eyes. One was entirely purple, while the other was predominantly red.
Under Ren's gaze, the two swords seemed to come alive, constantly calling out to him.
"These are... Oowazamono!"
Even Ren was surprised that Shimotsuki Ushimaru would give such a grand gift—two Supreme Grade Swords! He couldn't help but walk over and pick up one of the swords from the box.
The red sword he held emitted a much stronger aura than the purple one, as if it were thirsting for blood!
"This is a Cursed Sword. If someone with insufficient strength were to wield it, they would be consumed by its power. I never imagined it would be so well-behaved in your hands," Shimotsuki Ushimaru remarked in admiration. Though he had forged the sword himself, even he found it difficult to control.
"I once owned a Cursed Sword as well."
He was referring to the Sandai Kitetsu, but it had been destroyed by his full-power Muso Ittoryu.
"Is the Hamon 'Kasai'?" His gaze swept across the blade. The entire surface looked like chaotic flying flames, a mix of silver and deep crimson.
Then, he picked up the other sword. Though it wasn't a Cursed Sword, it was also of the Supreme Grade. The blade was extremely sharp, the overall weight was light, and the curve of the blade was in the Kyuha style. The Hamon was "Gomote Jiji," making it an Uchigatana.
"Neither of these swords has a name. I would be honored if the Daimyo would grace them with your own."
"Then I shall name them Kago Tsurube Isshin and Shimotsuki Kageuchi."
If you're enjoying this story, consider supporting on Patreon. You'll get 30 advance chapters immediately, plus monthly updates and bonus content. Every subscription keeps the chapters coming.
Patreon: patreon.com/anish_44
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/anish_44