256. Return

Kaido's death was like a wild fire as it spread through Wano. When people heard of it some cried, some laughed foolishly, a mix of emotions ran through the people.

The battle at Onigashima came at the cost of many warriors. They were honoured as heroes and will be remembered for years to come.

The Beast Pirates lost all of their top level fighters as well as their supreme commander, Kaido. Overnight they lost their backing and was destroyed by the combined might of warriors from Wano and the minks.

The aftermath of war couldn't be handled in a day or two. Kinemon and the other vassals were busy for two days, they hardly had any time to sleep as reports were coming in from every part of Wano. Mountains of paperwork had to he sorted out.

Luckily Yasuei was still alive and healed well enough to move about. As a former Daimyo of Wano he was well versed in many areas. With his help they were able to quickly go through the paperwork.

While Kinemon and the rest were bringing Wano back on track Leo and the rest were having a party.

There were plenty of booze and food to go around.

"How does it feel to stand on top of this world?"

Marco chugged on a large beer mug and asked.

Leo who was drinking with him shrugged, "It's alright."

Marco laughed, "Haha, you know what the people of Wano are calling you now?"

"What?"

"Sword God. They think you are the incarnation of their Sword God."

Leo smiled when he heard him.

Both of the were seated on a branch high above the ground. They looked down and saw the rest drinking and eating their fill.

Tama and Toko were all smiles surrounded by merry people.

"Those girls will never have to run again."

"Yeah...

Marco downed the rest of the mug and said, "You know, when I first met you I never thought you would make such mighty waves out in the sea."

Leo leaned on the tree's trunk and replied, "Me neither. The future is unpredictable, it led me to this path, and I'll see it through."

"I'll leave tomorrow."

Marco replied, "Same here. Since we are going to be parting soon let's have our fill. Cheers!"

He refilled the mug till it overflowed and handed it to Leo.

"Cheers!"

...

The next day.

Leo was prepared for departure. He looked at the strawhats who were all sleeping apart from Robin, Zoro, Nami and Jimbe.

"Good luck on your remaining journey."

Everyone nodded. They had immense respect for this man.

Hitetsu walked out at this moment with a small box in his hand.

"You have my heartfelt gratitude for saving Wano."

Leo waved his hand when he saw the old man bowing to him.

"Dispense with the politeness Hitetsu-san. We are no longer strangers."

Hitetsu laughed, "Haha, very well. Here."

He handed the small box to Leo.

Leo opened it and saw a small crude stone about the size of his fist. He sensed a peculiar aura from the stone. His eyes narrowed as he thought of something.

"Is this...

Hitetsu nodded, "This is a piece of spiritual ore my ancestors found two hundred years ago. As his smithing couldn't guarantee the creation of a Supreme Grade weapon he never used it. I want you to have it, this is all I can give you for what you have done for us."

Leo didn't reject it and accepted. He asked, "Then why don't you help me reforge my sword?"

Hitetsu shook his head, "The best sword for a swordman is one he made himself. Though your smithing isn't on par with me, I have confidence that you will reach my level, or even surpass me."

Leo smiled, "You have very high expectations for me."

Hitetsu laughed, "Haha, your foundations are solid and you have in-depth understanding of forging materials and techniques. Also, I have an eye for talent."

"Then I won't disappoint you."

Hitetsu nodded.

At this moment Tama walked out while dragging a big sack.

Leo went forward and picked her up in one hand and took the sack in the other.

"All ready?"

Tama nodded happily, "I packed a lot of fruits for everyone."

Leo once again looked at everyone and smiled, "Take care."

He walked out. Flare was already waiting for him.

"Let's go."

Flare nodded. A strange ripple spread out from his body and enveloped the three of them.

Swish.

In an instant they vanished.

...

Dragon - Tiger Island.

The space behind the villa blurred as three people emerged out of thin air.

Flare was slightly sweaty when they reappeared. Leo faintly looked at him and said.

"Train a bit more."

Flare bitterly smiled. If I train any harder I might really die.

Leo walked to the villa and opened the door.

He saw Shinobu sitting on the couch writing on her notebook. She already sensed when they appeared in the backyard.

When she looked up her eyes immediately focused on Tama. She got up and walked to her before taking her in her arms.

"Uwaa... big sister is so pretty."

Shinobu smiled sweetly when she heard her, "You are a little cutie as well."

Leo smiled and said, "I expected a warm hug from my wife."

Shinobu rolled her eyes at him.

Leo laughed and pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly for a few seconds before letting her go.

"This is Otama, just call her Tama. She is from Wano. I took her our for some sightseeing."

Shinobu smiled at Tama, "Nice to meet you, Tama. My name is Shinobu."

Tama smiled happily and said, "Nice to meet you, big sister."

She suddenly thought of something and pointed her short arms at Leo.

"I brought a lot of fruits for big sister."

"Is that so?"

Tama excited opened the sack and gave Shinobu everything she grabbed.

Leo smiled when he saw this.

Shinobu was still focused on Tama as she said, "They are waiting for you."

Leo nodded. Before he left he asked.

"You coming?"

Shinobu shook her head, "You go on. I'll be doing some shopping with her at Sabaody."

Leo smiled, "Have fun."