The seventeenth floor of the Battle Pyramid rose 3,400 meters above the ground, housing one of the most important halls on Parage Island. Each level of the massive structure contained similarly vast halls that connected arenas, key facilities, and various districts throughout the City.
However, this particular floor was reserved for individuals of status and strength. Those without both simply could not set foot here, and even the luxuries enjoyed by royal families paled in comparison.
More importantly, this hall served as a central defensive hub for the Nightfall Pirates. To be precise, it was one of the core points guarding the Battle Pyramid itself.
At present, the hall was quiet yet imposing. Besides Marshall D. Teach, Redyat, and Ares, only carefully trained guards and maids moved about with disciplined precision.
Two distinguished guests had already arrived.
"Red The Aloof" Patrick Redfield sat leisurely with his legs crossed, dressed in his signature blood-red noble attire. A vivid blue rose bloomed against his chest, while his bat-shaped umbrella rested beside him. In his hand, he gently swirled a glass of crimson wine, its color nearly indistinguishable from fresh blood.
What stood out most was his appearance. He looked no older than twenty-five, his youthful features making him seem more like Redyat's younger brother than a man from a bygone era.
"When they see you, their expressions will be worth watching," Teach said with a grin.
Redfield only smiled faintly. He was thoroughly enjoying his restored youth, the vitality flowing through his body, and the sheer power granted by his Devil Fruit. Compared to the past, he was not merely restored, he had surpassed himself.
Even so, Teach no longer regarded him as an unfathomable figure.
Redfield's gaze shifted toward the other guest.
An old man sat quietly, savoring a cup of clear fruit wine. The fragrance drifted through the hall, rich and layered, carrying a depth that only time could produce.
Yet beneath that calm exterior lay something terrifying.
To Redfield's senses, the man resembled a dormant volcano, one that could erupt at any moment and incinerate everything in its path. Their brief exchange earlier had revealed a vast sea of flames, overwhelming and absolute.
"I never expected someone of your caliber to remain hidden in the world," Redfield remarked. "Genryusai Shigekuni… I had heard of you, but you disappeared long ago."
The old man chuckled softly.
"I am nothing more than a retired relic," Genryusai Shigekuni replied. "To witness such a grand gathering in my later years is already an honor."
Redfield gave a small nod. Swordsmanship tournaments were not rare, but they were usually confined to a single island or region, their influence limited. This event, however, was different.
It was global.
The scale alone was unprecedented. Countless swordsmen had gathered, and among them were dozens of Great Swordsmen. The addition of Wano Country's samurai only raised the stakes further.
Originally, Teach had worried that Genryusai would decline the invitation. Instead, the old man accepted without hesitation.
In hindsight, the reason was obvious. A man of his strength had long since settled his past grievances. Few dared to provoke him, not even the World Government or the Marines. Moreover, being one of only three witnesses to such a historic event held undeniable appeal.
There was also the matter of the wine.
"What excellent flavor," Genryusai praised, lifting his cup.
Redfield agreed. Monkey King Wine was a treasure.
As a Devil Fruit user sensitive to life force, he could clearly feel the vitality contained within it. It nourished the body, slowed aging, and even repaired hidden injuries over time. For most, it was priceless.
For Genryusai, it was irresistible.
For Redfield, however, its effect was minimal now. His vampire-like abilities preserved his youth indefinitely. Even so, he appreciated its quality, though he still preferred red wine.
At that moment, Teach's expression shifted.
A glint of anticipation appeared in his eyes.
Redfield noticed immediately.
"The third witness is about to arrive," Teach said.
Both men understood at once.
Kozuki Oden.
"Ah… Oden," Genryusai murmured, a trace of nostalgia in his gaze. "When I visited Wano years ago, he was just a troublesome child known throughout the country. Who would have thought he would grow into such a figure so quickly?"
Redfield, on the other hand, knew Oden only through reputation. A former division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, later a member of the Roger Pirates, and now the shogun of Wano Country. His title as the "Legendary Samurai" spoke for itself.
If Teach had chosen him as a witness, then his strength needed no further explanation.
What surprised Redfield more was something else entirely.
Teach's Observation Haki.
Despite his own formidable perception, he had sensed nothing. Yet Teach had already detected Oden's approach.
"Still, it will take about two more hours," Teach added casually.
The implication was staggering.
Given the speed of ships in the New World, this meant Teach's Observation Haki covered a radius exceeding two hundred kilometers. Even more frightening was the fact that its growth had not slowed in the slightest.
If anything, it had accelerated.
Such control over an entire sea area was not just about range. It was about absolute awareness.
No wonder people feared him.
Far out at sea, the fleet of Wano Country finally approached its destination.
From the deck, the samurai caught sight of it.
The Battle Pyramid.
A colossal structure that pierced the sky, majestic beyond imagination. Even seasoned warriors could not hide their astonishment.
Wano had been isolated for generations. Its shipbuilding techniques lagged behind the outside world, making navigation in the New World especially difficult. The vessels they now sailed were acquired through trade with the Whitebeard Pirates, then modified to reflect Wano's own craftsmanship.
High above them, the Kozuki crest fluttered proudly.
At the port of Parage Island, a crowd had already gathered. News of Kozuki Oden's arrival had spread quickly, drawing swordsmen and onlookers alike.
"The Wano fleet is here!"
Onboard, Oden stood at the bow, grinning widely.
"So this is Parage Island!"
Despite his status as shogun, his behavior remained as unrestrained as ever. The samurai behind him were long accustomed to it. In truth, it was precisely this spirit, combined with his overwhelming strength, that earned him their unwavering respect.
The port itself was enormous, capable of accommodating thousands of ships. Even so, it felt crowded under the sheer influx of vessels. The Wano fleet, though modest in size, immediately drew attention.
At the center lay a reserved docking area for major powers. Ordinary pirate ships were relegated to the outskirts.
Even with such measures, the strain was evident. The Nightfall Pirates had underestimated the appeal of an event that combined a global swordsmanship tournament with the gathering of the Four Emperors.
To compensate, two additional ports were under construction. Though smaller, they would soon ease the burden. Completion was expected just days before the tournament began.
One by one, the Wano ships docked.
Oden stepped ashore first.
He wore a dark, patterned robe, his presence commanding and unyielding. Behind him followed the samurai of Wano, their collective aura sharp and cohesive.
Sword intent surged.
Nearly ten Great Swordsmen stood among them, with the rest consisting mostly of seasoned swordsmen. Only a handful were younger, likely brought for experience.
Even so, the display was overwhelming.
Across the port, countless swordsmen reacted instinctively. Their own sword intent flared in response, rising to meet the challenge.
Two worlds collided.
The samurai of Wano.
The swordsmen of the sea.
Though their techniques might overlap, their styles and philosophies differed, shaped by entirely different environments.
For a brief moment, the air itself seemed to split.
Then it stopped.
Because the true figures of authority had arrived.
"Oden. Long time no see."
Teach walked forward, his presence parting the crowd effortlessly. Behind him followed the core members of the Nightfall Pirates.
Oden's eyes lit up.
"Teach! Hahaha, it really has been a while!"
The years had passed, yet their familiarity remained.
The conflict between the Nightfall Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates had not severed their bond. Oden had matured, learning to balance personal ties with the responsibilities of a ruler.
From Wano's perspective, the Nightfall Pirates were valuable allies. There was no conflict of interest, only opportunity.
"Come," Teach said, patting Oden's back. "The other two are waiting. Your men will be taken care of. If they're interested, they can explore the island first."
Oden nodded, then turned.
"Oden-sama, go ahead," Shimotsuki Ushimaru said, already scanning the surroundings with keen interest. "We'd like to test ourselves against these swordsmen."
The others shared the same intent.
For many of them, this was their first true encounter with the outside world's swordsmen.
The brief clash earlier had already ignited their fighting spirit.
Now, they were eager to see just how sharp the blades of the sea truly were.