Chapter 16: Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi

The Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi (Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven) is, in mythology, a divine weapon obtained from the tail of the Yamata no Orochi.

However, in this world of pirates, there is another Devil Fruit ability that can also unleash this technique—belonging to one of the future three Admirals of the Navy, Kizaru.

That said, the Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi used by the two is fundamentally not the same thing.

Kizaru's Ame no Murakumo is most likely just a simple light sword, merely named as such by him. In contrast, Dan's sword genuinely possesses this unique ability.

The legendary Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi is said to wield power even greater than that of the Totsuka no Tsurugi (Sword of the Gods). With a single swing of his blade, Dan can unleash powerful sword energy, the intensity of which he can control at will. At full power, its destructive force is currently no weaker than Kaido's Boro Breath forty years later.

If Dan's Haki level improves in the future, the sword's power will undoubtedly grow even stronger.

Beyond this sword energy, the blade also has the ability to manipulate clouds and mist. These clouds can, to some extent, obstruct an enemy's Observation Haki, though the effect is minimal against those with exceptionally strong Observation Haki.

Dan's Devil Fruit ability has already reached the level of awakening, but unlike Kaido, he hasn't gained a variety of elemental attacks.

The power of the Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi is currently his strongest offensive tool. However, aside from this, he can also employ combat techniques similar to Orochimaru's, wield a dark purple energy akin to demonic aura, and even manipulate plagues.

These are his offensive capabilities. Beyond these, he possesses the ability to fly using the "Heavenly Clouds," control minds with the "Serpent Mark," and devour desires—a power that synergizes with the Serpent Mark. The stronger the desire, the easier it is for him to control. As for his regenerative abilities, those go without saying.

Now, as Dan drew the Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi, its immense power immediately formed thick white mist that spread out, enveloping the entirety of Mount Atama. To an outsider, it might seem as though he was standing high in the heavens, battling his enemy.

Shutenmaru stood on the clouds, which reached up to his lower body, making him feel as though he were trapped in quicksand.

Dan didn't use the dense clouds to block Shutenmaru's vision. Since he wanted to display his strength, it was only natural to let his opponent see clearly.

At this moment, Shutenmaru didn't dare to move, feeling like prey caught in the gaze of a predator. His heart was filled with nothing but fear and doubt. He stood frozen, drenched in cold sweat.

Shutenmaru felt as though he had already been locked onto by his opponent. Every time he looked up, he was met with an illusion of darkness. The figure of Dan, who didn't appear particularly tall, vanished, replaced by eight enormous dragon-serpent heads!

These dragon-serpents were larger than mountains, their glowing yellow eyes like moons in the sky, their cold vertical pupils staring straight into the depths of his fear.

'I can't block this...' The thought crossed Shutenmaru's mind, making him consider retreat.

But every time the idea of dodging entered his mind, he would see a vision of himself being struck down. The eight dragon-serpents opened their gaping maws, their sharp fangs tearing his body apart!

In the illusion, the blood gushing from his body was like a fountain.

"The power of this move is immense. It would be a shame to destroy Mount Atama. I still want to build my palace here," Dan said. In truth, the reason he released the mist to envelop the mountain was also to minimize collateral damage.

"So, how about it? Why not surrender now? I can't guarantee you'll come out unscathed if I unleash this attack."

Dan's words reached Shutenmaru's ears, instantly igniting his anger. Such arrogance! It was as if Shutenmaru were nothing more than a small fry who could be killed with a flick of the wrist. This made him forget his fear, leaving only rage in his heart.

Originally, he had been wavering, but now, Shutenmaru refused to surrender so meekly.

"Stop looking down on me!" Shutenmaru roared. With this shout, his body seemed to break free from its frozen state. Gripping his sword with both hands, he pushed his Haki to its absolute limit and charged at Dan.

Seeing this, Dan said nothing more, though his expression turned slightly colder.

Of course, he wouldn't go all out. Even if Mount Atama could be protected by the mist, Shutenmaru would undoubtedly die.

This man had some strength, after all. In the future, he would be on par with the so-called "Ship-Reliant King." In the grand scheme of the seas, he was a capable fighter.

Jack the Drought might not seem all that impressive, but the fact that he became one of the All-Stars is proof enough of his strength. At the very least, most Vice Admirals in the Navy wouldn't be a match for him.

Unless it was someone like Garp or a candidate for Admiral.

Given that level of combat power, Dan had no reason not to recruit him.

Besides Shutenmaru, others like the future retainers of Oden—Nekomamushi, Inuarashi, and Kawamatsu—were also on Dan's recruitment list.

Especially Nekomamushi and Inuarashi. These two didn't just represent themselves; they essentially brought the entire Mink Tribe of Zou along with them.

Originally, the Mink Tribe living on Zou had a brotherly relationship with the people of Wano. However, because Nekomamushi and Inuarashi became Oden's retainers, the status of the Minks seemed to diminish, almost turning them into subordinates of the Kozuki Clan.

To protect Raizo, Zou was nearly destroyed, showing just how deeply the Minks valued loyalty and brotherhood with the people of Wano.

But on the flip side, Raizo watched as Zou was slaughtered by Jack, yet he hid like a coward. This proves that, in his heart, the Minks had become mere tools for the revival of the Kozuki Clan. Just because Nekomamushi and Inuarashi were Oden's retainers, their entire tribe became expendable sacrifices for the Kozuki's cause.

"Dan-sama!"

Yukiko's exclamation snapped Dan out of his thoughts. In that brief moment, Shutenmaru had closed the distance, his blade almost striking Dan.

Seeing this, Dan calmly swung the Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi.

A powerful surge of sword energy instantly stirred the air, creating a whirlwind. The white mist swirled into a vortex, pulling Shutenmaru, who had been so close, into its center! Then, the sharp sword energy began to tear through everything, forming a black storm of countless serpent fangs. The phantom of a roaring serpent loomed over the mountains.

"Gokuryūha (Prison Dragon Blast)."

Dan softly uttered these three words.