Chapter 10: Ahmtaire, Cycle of Seven

Upon their long-awaited reunion, the crew received an intriguing message from the azure system, inviting them to explore the nearby Ahmtaire Kingdom Archipelago. This archipelago was a vast expanse, comprising exactly 8,000 islands, divided into seven distinct regions: Druania, Clijan, Caduceus, Calidum et Frigidum, Plain Glesh, Xoprary, and Thraldom Bloc. Eager to investigate, the crew set sail and soon found themselves amidst a vibrant festival. The Ahmtairans were in high spirits, celebrating in the Core, the central town where citizens from all regions gathered for their annual festivities. 

Rius, ever the curious one, snatched a free newspaper from a nearby stall and began to peruse the headlines. As they took in the lively atmosphere, their eyes were drawn to a towering castle in the distance. However, their excitement was quickly overshadowed by a grim revelation: the giants from Hao Coliseum were being held as slaves, alongside the Gelid Reaver, who, to their shock, was still alive.

In a distant corner of the world, as events unfolded elsewhere, a shadowy group known as the 'Global Government' scrutinized a bounty poster featuring the notorious Aristocrat, the mastermind behind the People Power Revolution. The figure depicted was emaciated and haggard, his piercing red eyes glinting with a predatory intensity. His elongated, wolfish snout added to his menacing appearance, while a thick layer of hair peeked from beneath a flowing black cloak. His fingers were long and spindly, each nail sharp and reminiscent of talons, hinting at a creature both formidable and cunning.

Upon their return to Ahmtaire, the crew is introduced to the formidable figure known as Big Bertha, the reigning matriarch of the land. At the remarkable age of 78, she towers at an astonishing height of 13 feet and 7 inches. Her ample frame is both imposing and rotund, a testament to her years of indulgence. Big Bertha possesses a strikingly unusual appearance, with one eye a deep shade of purple and the other a rich navy green, creating an unsettling contrast that complements her sinister grin, lined with sharp, glistening teeth.

Endowed with the extraordinary ability to crystallize her limbs, she harnesses this power to enhance her strength and resilience. As one of the four Shiganshizos, her influence is profound, and she commands a legion of 66 children, each a commander in their own right. Among them, the most notorious are the seven Warlords: Akuma Kurogane, Weather Wybie, Foxxenstash, Amadeus, Chopin, Klaverjas, and Christoffel, whose names echo through the annals of Ahmtaire's history.

The crew journeyed to the castle, where they came across numerous offspring of Big Bertha.

The crew had just wrapped up their brief exploration of Ahmtaire Castle when an unexpected encounter changed the course of their day. Kanji, lost in thought, collided with a formidable figure known as the 'Prophesied Nobody'—the warlord Akuma Kurogane. With his spiky purple hair and piercing brown eyes, Akuma exuded an aura of danger. A scarf obscured his mouth, adding to his menacing appearance, while his rock-inspired attire—a leather gilet paired with a silver fur shirt—only heightened his fierce presence. A long purple tail swayed behind him, and his legs resembled those of an onocentaur, a striking blend of human and beast. He stood at an astonishing height of 9 feet and 7 and a half inches, casting a long shadow over the rest of the crew.

Akuma's ability to manipulate shadows was legendary, and it was clear that he was not pleased with the sudden intrusion. Tension crackled in the air, and before long, a skirmish broke out. In the heat of battle, Akuma transformed into a shadow, retreating to his dark domain, Druania. Leo, quick to adapt, morphed into a shadow wolf, his instincts guiding him through the oppressive gloom of the region. The darkness was thick, making it a challenge to fight, but Leo's Wolf Wolf Fruit granted him the gift of night vision, illuminating the shadows that surrounded him.

For five grueling hours, the clash continued, each combatant pushing their limits. At last, Akuma collapsed, his body drained of energy, shadows slipping away from him like smoke. In that moment of defeat, something shifted. Leo had not only triumphed but had also earned the respect of the warlord. In a gesture of acknowledgment, Akuma bowed his head, a rare sign of honor bestowed upon Leo.

Leo shared with Akuma the details of his quest, a journey that would take him across the seven regions of Ahmtaire. His goal was to gather the scattered fragments of the Mirage Orb, a legendary artifact known for its extraordinary power to awaken a user's latent abilities and amplify their strengths.

"A genuine heart is the only one capable of traversing a hallowed path. Do you desire to venture into the seven realms, all by yourself? It is the courageous souls who embark on treacherous quests alone, which means you must part ways with your companions. Only then will you find your way back to them."

Akuma spoke to Leo, just as Kunis Dante was unveiled as his devoted servant, having just poured him a cup of tea. With a solemn gesture, Akuma presented Leo with a fragment of the Mirage Orb. Leo, filled with gratitude, expressed his sincere appreciation to the benevolent warlord.

Fueled by a newfound spirit of exploration, Leo bid farewell to his comrades stationed on the ramparts of Ahmtaire, his heart racing at the thought of returning to them once again.