Ren and Toki moved quietly through the ravaged lands of Wano, their presence hidden beneath cloaks and subtle illusion. News spread like wildfire across villages—Kozuki Oden had been captured by Kaido after his defeat. In just a few days, he would be executed publicly.
Ren's expression remained indifferent as whispers filled the streets.
"I warned him," Ren said calmly. "I told him I would return in ten years. If even after that he lost to Kaido, then Oden wasn't thinking straight."
Toki glanced at him but did not argue. She understood that Ren operated differently from most men. He didn't move by emotion alone—he moved by calculation.
They passed through villages where Orochi's men harassed civilians without consequence. Factories loomed in the distance, thick smoke poisoning the skies. Rivers once clear now carried black waste from weapon production, corrupting both water and soil.
Ren sighed deeply. "Oden really was something… but even with every samurai behind him, he let Kaido and Orochi turn Wano into this."
Toki clenched her fists. "Ren… we are going to save this country, right?"
Her voice was steady, but the pain beneath it was obvious. This was her homeland, no matter how much time had passed.
Ren reached out and ruffled her hair gently. "Don't worry. As I said before, I want to make Wano an empire where all races can live together."
Toki gave him a small smile. "You say it so casually."
"Because I intend to make it reality," he replied.
They continued their walk through the capital outskirts. Rumors of Oden's execution echoed everywhere—it would be held in two days.
Ren stopped and looked at Toki seriously. "You can stay in the Flower Capital. With your strength, no one can touch you. Only Kaido could defeat you, and he won't be here."
Toki crossed her arms. "Where are you going?"
"Onigashima. I want to check on someone. Kaido must be in the Shogun's castle with Orochi."
Toki hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. After seeing all this… I want to rest. I'll be sleeping in the room."
Ren nodded once before turning away.
They had purchased a modest house with gold to avoid suspicion. Once Toki entered to rest, Ren moved toward the shore.
---
When he reached the coastline, he stepped onto the sea without hesitation.
Ice formed beneath his feet instantly, spreading outward in elegant patterns. His Fox Ice ability froze the waters with every step, creating a gleaming path across the waves.
Wind whipped against him as he walked calmly toward Onigashima.
A thin illusion covered his form, bending light and perception around him. Guards saw nothing but drifting wind as he entered the island freely.
The massive skull-shaped fortress loomed ahead.
He wandered through corridors until he saw her.
Yamato sat near the edge of the island, staring out toward the endless sea. She looked small against the vast ocean—no more than eight or nine years old.
Ren approached casually. "Looking at the sea?"
Yamato jumped violently and spun around. "You bastard! Don't you know you shouldn't speak out of nowhere behind people?"
Ren laughed lightly. "Sorry. I'm new here. I was just curious what you were doing."
Yamato studied him suspiciously, then looked back at the sea. "I'm watching freedom."
Ren raised a brow. "Freedom?"
She nodded. "The world outside. I want to see it."
Her eyes suddenly lit up. "Do you know the world outside?"
Ren smiled faintly. "I do."
He began telling her stories—about the Grand Line's unpredictable weather, Sky Islands floating above the clouds, the strange creatures of the Boin Archipelago, the shining lights of Sabaody Archipelago's amusement park, and the deep mysteries of Fish-Man Island.
Yamato's eyes sparkled brighter with every word.
"The world is so big…" she whispered. "I want to see it all. But that stupid father of mine won't allow it."
She huffed angrily.
Ren chuckled. "So you want me to ask your father to let you go?"
Yamato stared at him like he was insane. "My father is Kaido. You wanna die by asking that?"
Ren laughed openly. "Your father isn't strong enough to kill me, Yamato."
Her eyes narrowed in disbelief. "You're full of shit."
"Maybe," Ren replied lightly.
She crossed her arms. "So what's your name?"
"You can call me Ren."
He snapped his fingers.
Illusion spread instantly.
The cold stone around them transformed into a lush green forest filled with colorful flowers. Butterflies fluttered lazily through warm sunlight. Birds sang overhead. Rabbits hopped across soft grass while a waterfall glowed beneath a bright rainbow.
Yamato gasped.
Her eyes widened in awe as she ran forward.
She immediately crashed into the invisible stone wall.
The illusion shattered.
She rubbed her forehead and glared at Ren furiously.
Ren burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. "I was going to warn you!"
Yamato's face turned red. "You bastard! Are you treating me like a kid? You think I can't tell you're acting strong?"
Ren wiped tears from his eyes. "Okay, okay. Sorry. I should've warned you."
She puffed her cheeks. "Idiot."
"As an apology," Ren continued, "how about I show you something better?"
Yamato perked up instantly. "Fine."
Ren snapped his fingers again.
A theater-like illusion formed in the air, displaying moving images.
The first episode of Pokémon began to play.
Yamato stared in shock. "What is this?!"
"Another world's story," Ren said casually.
They sat side by side as Ash began his journey. Yamato leaned forward intensely.
"Wait—he overslept?" she said.
Ren laughed. "He's not very disciplined."
When Pikachu shocked Ash, Yamato burst into laughter. "Serves him right!"
Ren used telekinesis casually to bring food from the kitchen stores nearby. Plates floated toward them, settling gently between them.
Yamato didn't even question it.
They watched ten episodes.
When Ren stopped the illusion, Yamato immediately protested. "Hey! Why did you stop?! Ash just captured Bulbasaur! I want to see what happens next!"
Ren smiled. "It's getting late. I'll come back tomorrow."
Yamato glanced outside and realized it was already night.
She huffed. "Fine. But you better come back."
Ren stood. "I will."
She turned away slightly. "And… don't tell anyone you were here."
Ren grinned. "Your secret's safe."
---
He left Onigashima the same way he entered.
Once near the sea, he transformed into his Lunar Kitsune hybrid form. Silver markings glowed faintly as he shot forward, the ocean freezing beneath each step.
In minutes, he returned to the house.
Toki was in the backyard, practicing swordsmanship beneath moonlight. Her blade cut through the air with clean precision.
She had already sensed him.
Ren dropped his illusion and returned to human form.
Toki turned slowly, noticing the unmistakable expression on his face.
Her mouth twitched. "Bath first."
Ren's smile only widened.
Toki narrowed her eyes. "Don't you dare use speed—"
He vanished with Soru.
She gasped as he reappeared, lifting her in a princess carry. "We can take one together."
"Ren!"
Their laughter echoed through the house as the door shut behind them.
The bath lasted until morning.
Outside, Wano remained trapped beneath tyranny.
Inside, plans were quietly unfolding.