Grabbing Swords

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"Eight years old!"

"So, Kozuki Oden should be just eight years old now."

"But still…"

Joey mulled over the current state of Wano Country. After a brief moment of contemplation, he gave up.

Wano, as it stood, had no cornerstone of support.

Kozuki Sukiyaki might be a kind and benevolent ruler, but he was far from an effective one.

While his kindness was admirable, his abilities as a leader were insufficient.

The state of Wano was dire. Aside from the Flower Capital, the other five regions were in shambles.

Among them, only Ringo had positive income—barely enough for its people to survive.

As for the rest?

Whether the inhabitants could even manage to live was a pressing concern.

"Hmm…" Joey shifted his focus to a different matter.

This visit to Wano might be his only one for a long time. Who knew when he'd come here again?

Thus, ensuring ample gains from this trip was non-negotiable.

Prometheus, observing Joey in deep thought, remarked, "Thank goodness the young master is so capable!"

Zeus chimed in, "Indeed! Otherwise, who knows when Mama's dream of Totto Land would be realized?"

"…"

The two homies then turned their gaze toward Linlin, who was Joyfully indulging in sweets.

They sighed inwardly.

When it came to sheer strength, Linlin was undoubtedly top-tier.

But in other areas?

Letting her focus on eating was probably for the best.

Clap!

Joey clapped his hands together, standing up with determination.

"Alright, next on the agenda is collecting Wano's famous Swords. Since we're here, not grabbing a batch of renowned swords would be downright foolish!"

"Let's set sail!"

"Yes!"

Prometheus and Zeus immediately followed Joey's lead, while Linlin, still savoring her treats, quickly joined in.

Though, to no one's surprise, Linlin remained blissfully unaware of their plans.

Thanks to the reconnaissance from the fly-like Homies, the situation in Wano was clear.

The only formidable force left was the 5,000 elite samurai led by Ushimaru Shimotsuki in Ringo.

Beyond that, no significant threats remained.

Linlin, Joey, and their entourage had little to fear.

---

Clang! Clang! Clang!

In the Flower Capital of Wano, a city known for its grandeur and tightly guarded secrets, the Kozuki clan's treasures lay hidden amidst the opulence and power.

Joey and Linlin moved like shadows through the bustling streets, their Haki concealing their presence from the guards. The moonlight illuminated their path as they approached the Shogun's residence, a palace adorned with the symbols of Wano's rich history.

"This is the place," Joey whispered, his porcelain-like face calm and focused.

Linlin, her massive frame somehow moving silently, leaned in. "Joey, my little Joey, why here of all places?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity.

Joey smirked. "The three legendary swords are stored here—Nidai Kitetsu, Sandai Kitetsu, and Ame no Habakiri. It'd be a waste to leave Wano without them."

Linlin's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Oh, swords, you say?."

Using Haki, they evaded the patrols and slipped into the inner sanctum of the palace. Every step was precise, their movements untraceable even to the most vigilant guards. Also Linlin spread chaos outside so they can sneak in with no problem.

Inside a heavily fortified chamber adorned with intricate carvings and ancient relics, Joey spotted what they were after: three swords resting on a ceremonial rack. Each blade exuded a menacing aura, their craftsmanship unmistakably legendary.

"There they are," Joey said, his voice barely above a whisper.

As they approached, Linlin gripped Napoleon tightly, her eyes scanning the room. "No traps?" she asked.

"None that matter," Joey replied confidently. His Haki-enhanced senses had already mapped out the area.

With practiced efficiency, Joey and Linlin dismantled the protective barriers surrounding the swords. The Nidai Kitetsu, Sandai Kitetsu, and Ame no Habakiri were soon in their hands. Joey examined each blade with an approving nod.

"These will do nicely," he said, tying the swords together and handing them to Zeus, who had quietly floated into the room. "Take these back to the ship."

As Zeus departed, Linlin chuckled. "Joey, my sweet Joey, you're so clever. Now can we leave? This place is dreadfully dull, and there are no sweets!"

Joey sighed. "Fine. Let's get out of here before the lack of dessert becomes a crisis."

Together, they vanished into the night, leaving no trace of their intrusion. The Flower Capital would awaken to the shocking realization that three of Wano's most treasured swords had disappeared without a sound after dealing with the current chaos.

---

Satisfied with his gains, Joey nodded. "Not bad! Three down. Now, let's collect the rest of Wano's famous swords."

Over the next ten days, Joey and Linlin combed through Wano Country.

Their efforts yielded a bounty of legendary weapons:

Ame no Habakiri, Enma, and Nidai Kitetsu, from the Great Grade 21 swords. Over 30 grand blades, including Sandai Kitetsu.

The ranks were from best to worst:

12 Supreme Grade Blades ~ Saijō Ōwazamono

21 Great Grade Blades ~ Ōwazamono 

50 Skillful Grade Blades ~ Ryōwazamono

Grade Blades ~ Wazamono

Finally unranked blades, then trash.

Grand blades were just below the Ryōwazamono grade, and only 50 swords earned that distinction. Those outside this elite circle were simply categorized as Grand blades, even if their quality approached that of Ryōwazamono.

Unless, of course, a Grand blade could prove itself by cutting through an existing Ryōwazamono sword, thereby earning the title.

Zeus ferried the collected blades back to their ship, and Joey nodded in approval.

"The haul is impressive! Wano lives up to its reputation as a treasure trove of legendary swords. Honestly, coming here without taking these would've been a waste!" Joey was thoroughly pleased.

These swords would undoubtedly find their place in the hands of his younger siblings who aspired to master the way of the sword.

Linlin, on the other hand, pouted as she clung to Joey. "Joey! my little Joey! When are we leaving? Wano is so boring, and we're out of sweets!"

"…"

Joey's expression froze.

"Tonight, we'll deal with those two old geezers, and then we're leaving immediately! No sweets? That's unacceptable!"

Sweets were the lifeblood of the Charlotte family. No water or food was fine but no Sweets? Hell no.

Joey silently pondered whether to groom a confectionery master within the family or outright kidnap one.

"I think there's a clan leader in the family system ranked 'S' for confectionery skills…He was from a famous name I know, Nakiri. I wonder if he will sell his family members."

"Maybe I should talk to him—or her—about it later. I just have someone in mind."

Joey smirked, already planning his next steps.

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