Night had fallen on Sabaody, wrapping the pirate-infested groves in a temporary, deceptive quiet. Leo sat deep within the shadow of a massive Yarukiman root in Grove 13, far from the chaotic sprawl of the auction houses and the Marines. He had his treasure—the Tenseiryū—and he was finally safe enough to check the damage report.
He gently placed the katana beside him, its indigo scabbard a deep splash of color against the dark earth. He then brought up the interface.
DING!
Battle Report: Grove 1, Black Market Raid
ENEMY XP GAINED
Bounty Hunter Leader 400 XP
Supernova: Scratchman Apoo 2000 XP
Leo's Current System Status
Host: Leo (Level 16)
XP: 0/4000 (0% to Level 17)
Authority Points: 1000.
Core Attributes
Health: 100/100 (Max)
Stamina: 60/100.
Attack: 110
Defense: 70
Leo let out a long, slow breath, a mixture of disbelief and relief washing over him. "Wow. So, defeating a strong enemy really gives you more XP."
He knew it was mostly luck. I was able to defeat Apoo because I knew his weakness. If I hadn't remembered Killer's line, I would have been slashed to ribbons just like the other bounty hunters.
He also knew the true value was the sword. He ran his hand over the scabbard of the Tenseiryū. This sword is too good. It's too powerful to be used just as a sacrifice.
He scrolled to the Summon menu, which now showed the requirements filled.
Summon Requirements Met!
Unique Item (Tier 1) Acquired: Tenseiryū (Heavenly Star Dragon)
Would you like to start the Character Summoning now?
Leo stared at the screen, a fierce internal debate raging. Should I keep the sword or summon the character? The sword was a direct, massive power boost, giving him the ability to wound Strong enemies. But the character would be an asset, a tool, a crewmate, and a necessary shield.
Don't be greedy, Leo lectured himself. I have made too many enemies, especially Akainu, who is currently being promoted as Fleet Admiral, Leo thought. Man, I wish Kuzan had won the fight. That old hound will not let me live now, and I need to form a strong group.
He looked up at the moon filtering through the massive leaves. If this system is real, it will give me someone strong.
He took the Tenseiryū, holding it reverently. With a deep sense of commitment, he tapped the screen.
[ YES ]
SYSTEM WARNING: UNIQUE ITEM TENSEIRYŪ WILL BE CONSUMED. CHARACTER SUMMONING INITIATING.
The ground immediately trembled. It wasn't the chaotic seismic shift of Whitebeard's power, but a low, sustained vibration that seemed to come from the core of the earth. A faint ringing, like the distant toll of a war bell from a bygone era, echoed only in Leo's ears.
The Tenseiryū began to float upwards, a brilliant silver light suddenly erupting from its blade. The light intensified, swirling around the katana as it spun, faster and faster, until the sword itself seemed to shimmer and scatter into countless luminous particles.
"My beautiful sword!" Leo cried out, a genuine pang of loss hitting him even as he knew it was necessary.
SUMMONING: THE WOLF
Then, from within the seal, a figure solidified.
The floor trembled one final time. The light dissolved, revealing a man—lean, wiry, and weathered by years of battle. His entire right arm was gone, replaced by a complex construct of steel and ancient craftsmanship—a prosthetic that looked dangerous and vital. His hair was tied loosely behind him, dark and wild, streaked with the faint silver of hardship rather than age. His clothing was simple but rugged, layered in faded reds and browns—like the garments of a wandering warrior who had crossed mountains, rivers, and battlefields without stopping to rest.
But it was his eyes that made Leo go completely still.
Cold—not from cruelty, but from a patience forged through suffering. Eyes that had seen death too many times to be moved by it. Eyes that did not flinch at the unknown. They were the eyes of someone who had only one reason to live, and would chase that purpose to the ends of the earth.
Leo was fully shocked, gasping for air. "No way... no way..."
DING!
SUMMON COMPLETE
"I summoned the warrior from Ashina... Sekiro, The Wolf," Leo whispered, his voice trembling with a disbelief that surpassed even Marineford.
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