SWNOVELXO Chapter 176: Chapter 176
The last implosion echoed into a sudden, ringing silence. The unnatural darkness bled away as if washed clean, revealing a sky stained with the bruised purples and fiery oranges of a true sunset. The oppressive cold lifted, replaced by the damp, earthy chill of a forest drenched in warm rain and melting ice. Below Marya, the devastation was stark – shattered bamboo littered the ground like broken spears, deep craters pocked the earth, and the sacred canopy gaped with ragged wounds where colossal ice had torn through. But the falling had stopped.
Marya landed back amidst the Heart Pirates' camp with a soft crunch of pulverized ice. The obsidian length of Eternal Eclipse slid into its sheath with a final, satisfied hum, the beetle mark on her brow fading like a dying ember. The air still crackled with residual energy and the wet-dog scent of soaked fur.
Silence. Thick, stunned silence, broken only by the steady drip-drip-drip of meltwater and Zunesha's returning, albeit pained, low hum.
Penguin was the first to find his voice, pointing a trembling finger at Marya, his eyes wide as saucers. "H-how the hell did you—"
"Did you see the size of that slash?!" Shachi interrupted, practically vibrating, his earlier terror replaced by manic awe. "It just... poof! Like a bad dream!"
Jean Bart simply stared, his usual stoicism shattered. He gave a single, slow nod of profound respect, his harpoon resting forgotten on the wet ground. Ikkaku scrambled to her feet, ignoring the mud staining her overalls. "The Haki... the pressure... Marya, are your arms okay? That recoil must have been—" She reached out instinctively, then paused, remembering Marya's boundaries.
Uni was frantically sketching on a miraculously dry page, muttering, "Impossible trajectory... energy conversion ratio... gotta get this down..." Clione and Hakuga exchanged a look of deep, professional astonishment, overwhelmed.
Bepo shuffled forward, water dripping from his white fur, his dark eyes shining with pure reverence. "Marya..." he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. "You... you saved everyone." He looked like he wanted to hug her but settled for wringing his paws, radiating fluffy admiration.
Marya took a slow, deliberate breath. Her hands, hidden in her jacket pockets, trembled slightly – the only outward sign of the immense Haki expenditure. Her golden eyes scanned her crewmates, registering their shock, their awe. It was... inconvenient. She preferred the usual rhythm of teasing and practicality. "It needed doing," she stated simply, her voice cool and level, though a flicker of exhaustion might have touched her eyes. "Is everyone safe?"
Before the Heart Pirates could fully process this understatement, two figures materialized at the edge of the clearing. Wanda and Raizo, her fur damp but composed, approached with respectful nods. Wanda's canine ears twitched with residual adrenaline, her gaze fixed on Marya with newfound intensity. Raizo's ninja poise was intact, but his eyes held a similar, deep-seated respect.
"Marya," Wanda began, her voice clear and carrying. "On behalf of Zou and its Guardians, we offer our deepest gratitude. Your intervention was... extraordinary."
Raizo gave a curt bow. "Lord Inuarashi, the Dog-Storm, requests your presence at the palace grove. Immediately." His tone held the weight of command, softened only by the genuine appreciation in his eyes.
Marya suppressed a sigh. The adrenaline was fading, leaving behind bone-deep weariness and a strong desire to just sit near the fire with her crew, maybe poke fun at Bepo's soaked state. "Now?" she asked, a hint of reluctance coloring her usually flat tone.
Bepo puffed up beside her, suddenly looking scandalized. "Marya! You have to go! It's Lord Inuarashi! It's an honor!" He nudged her leg gently, his big, dark eyes wide and earnest. "A huge honor!"
Marya looked at the earnest polar bear. The fluffy, waterlogged sincerity was... potent. She knew resisting would cause more fuss than complying. "I just would rather..." she started, trailing off as Pedro emerged from the dripping foliage, lighting a cigarette with a casual flick of his claw. The flame briefly illuminated his weathered face.
"Bepo's right, girl," Pedro said, exhaling a plume of smoke that curled into the cool, damp air. "Dog-Storm won't wait long when he's impressed. And," he added with a dry chuckle, "get ready for the other one. Nekomamushi will want to meet you too, once he hears. Guaranteed."
Marya's eyebrow arched. "Who?"
Wanda stepped forward smoothly. "Lord Nekomamushi, the Cat Viper. Co-ruler of Zou alongside Lord Inuarashi. We will explain on the way." Her tone brooked no argument.
Bloop! Jelly materialized beside Marya's boot, bouncing excitedly. "Meeting time? Bloop! Do they have snacks? Shiny snacks?"
Before Marya could formulate a suitably sardonic response, two more figures dropped lightly from the canopy. Carrot landed with barely a sound, her fluffy white tail a sodden pom-pom, her eyes wide with stars. "That was AMAZING!" she squealed, bouncing on the balls of her feet, completely ignoring the mud splattering her legs. "Like WHOOSH and KABLOOEY! With a sword! Can you teach me? Can you?!"
Atlas landed beside her with considerably more feline grace, his rust-red fur slicked down. He crossed his arms, affecting his usual cool smirk, but his sapphire eyes held a sharp, calculating light as they scanned Marya. "Yeah," he drawled, trying for nonchalance and missing by a mile. The lingering awe was palpable. "Saw that. Big flashy move. Not bad... for a pirate." He couldn't quite keep the grudging respect out of his voice.
Marya looked from the bouncing rabbit to the posturing lynx, to the expectant Wanda and Raizo, to the still-awestruck Heart Pirates, and finally to Pedro's knowing, smoky grin. The setting sun painted the wrecked clearing in gold and shadow. The weight of expectation pressed in, another obstacle in her path. But the alternative – arguing with a fluffy polar bear and enduring Carrot's boundless enthusiasm – seemed infinitely more draining.
She adjusted the collar of her damp leather jacket, the Heart Pirate insignia glinting dully. A flicker of resignation, swiftly masked by her usual stoic calm, crossed her face. "Fine," she stated, her voice flat but carrying. "Lead the way." She spared one last glance at her crew – Penguin and Shachi still gaping, Ikkaku worriedly checking her tools, Jean Bart stoic, Uni sketching furiously, Clione and Hakuga recovering their composure, and Bepo beaming with pride. Jelly wobbled beside her, already humming a nonsensical tune about shiny meetings.
As she turned to follow Wanda and Raizo into the dripping, sunset-lit jungle, leaving the stunned camp behind, Marya couldn't help the faintest shake of her head. Pirates, Minks, ancient elephants, and sky-shattering hail. Just another detour on the path to Fishman Island. At least the rabbit was cute.
The path to Inuarashi's audience chamber wound through living architecture – bridges of woven vines spanning between colossal trees, their bark etched with generations of Mink history. Sunset painted the jungle in molten gold, the air thick with the scent of wet earth, crushed herbs, and distant woodsmoke. Raizo led the way with silent grace, Wanda beside him, while Atlas prowled slightly behind Marya, his sapphire eyes watchful. Carrot bounced alongside Marya, seemingly incapable of walking normally, her fluffy tail a beacon of white.
"Almost there!" Carrot chirped, pointing ahead. "See the big tree with the sun carving?"
Standing guard before a grand archway woven from living branches and polished amber wood was Shishilian. The lion Mink leader stood tall, his magnificent mane catching the dying light like spun copper. As they approached, his keen eyes fixed on Marya, widening perceptibly. He straightened, a paw resting on the hilt of his ornate sword.
"Is this her?" Shishilian rumbled, his voice resonant with disbelief and burgeoning respect. "The one who shattered the sky's wrath?"
Wanda offered a serene smile. "Yes, Shishilian. This is Marya, our unexpected savior.
Marya's brow furrowed instantly. "Savior is excessive," she stated flatly, adjusting the collar of her damp leather jacket. "I dealt with falling ice. Basic hazard removal."
Shishilian, however, dropped into a deep, formal bow, mane brushing the mossy ground. "Hazard removal that spared our sacred groves and people untold devastation. Zou owes you a debt, Marya. Your strength and swift action honor the Dawn."
Marya shifted uncomfortably. The earnest gratitude felt like an ill-fitting coat. "It wasn't a big deal. Something needed doing, so I did it." Her tone was pragmatic, almost dismissive.
Shishilian rose, his expression grave. "Honor demands acknowledging such deeds, regardless of—"
"Enter!" A powerful, slightly impatient voice boomed from within the chamber beyond the archway, cutting Shishilian off. It was unmistakably Inuarashi.
Wanda gestured gracefully. "This way." She led them through the arch into a spacious, open-air chamber built into the heart of the massive tree. Polished wood platforms glowed warmly, illuminated by hanging gourds filled with softly pulsing bioluminescent fungi. Inuarashi, the Dog-Storm, stood near the center, silhouetted against the deepening twilight sky visible through the open canopy roof. His imposing frame radiated authority, his blue tunic and cloak immaculate despite the earlier chaos.
As they entered, Inuarashi turned. His sharp gaze swept over the group and locked onto Marya. He took a step forward, his eyes narrowing, scrutinizing her features – the sharp line of her jaw, the set of her shoulders, the piercing golden eyes ringed like a hawk's. He blinked, once, a flicker of profound shock crossing his regal canine features.
"Is this her?" Inuarashi asked Wanda, though his eyes never left Marya.
"It is, Lord Inuarashi," Wanda confirmed.
The Dog-Storm took another step, his gaze intense, almost searching. "You... do you bear any connection to Dracule Mihawk? Or perhaps..." He hesitated, the name seeming to catch in his throat. "...Elisabeta?"
Marya suppressed a sigh. It was always the parents. "Yes," she replied, her voice cool and level. "They are my parents. My full name is Dracule Marya Zaleska."
A collective gasp echoed in the chamber. Wanda's hand flew to her mouth. Raizo's usually impassive ninja facade cracked, his eyes widening behind his headband. Shishilian, still near the entrance, stiffened, his mane seeming to bristle with surprise.
"The Warlord?" Wanda breathed, verifying the near-impossible connection between the stoic young woman and the world's greatest swordsman.
Inuarashi's initial shock smoothed into a look of dawning understanding, then deep respect. He nodded slowly, a low rumble escaping him. "That... certainly explains the sheer control. The devastating precision of that strike." He gestured vaguely upwards, towards the clearing sky. "To channel such power... you are undoubtedly his offspring. And Elisabeta's spirit shines through your resolve." His expression softened slightly, a hint of old memory in his eyes. "What brings Mihawk and Elisabeta's daughter to Zou? And how long will Zou have the honor of your presence?"
Marya shrugged, the motion barely perceptible. "Chance. A giant elephant decided to take a shower with my submarine. We'll leave once Ikkaku," she nodded towards the distant Whale Forest, "and Jean Bart hammers the dent out of our hull. We have business at Fishman Island."
As she spoke, the last sliver of the sun dipped below the horizon, plunging the chamber into deeper twilight. The bioluminescent gourds glowed brighter, casting long, dancing shadows.
Wanda suddenly stepped forward, her tone becoming gently insistent. "Lord Inuarashi, with the sun set, perhaps we should conclude and allow Marya to meet with Lord Nekomamushi?"
Inuarashi opened his mouth to respond, perhaps to ask another question... but instead, his eyes slowly drifted shut. His imposing frame remained utterly upright, rigid as a statue. A soft, rhythmic snore began to emanate from him. He was asleep. Standing up.
Marya blinked. Once. Twice. Her usually stoic expression dissolved into pure, unadulterated bafflement. She stared at the peacefully slumbering king of Zou. "What...?"
Carrot couldn't contain a giggle, muffling it with her palms. She darted forward, grabbing Marya's arm with surprising strength. "Come on! Come on!" she chirped, her earlier awe replaced by giddy excitement. "Lord Dog-Storm is the King of the Day! Now the sun's gone to bed, so it's time for Lord Cat Viper, the King of the Night! They take turns! He falls asleep instantly! Isn't it great?"
Marya looked from the gently snoring Inuarashi to the bouncing rabbit clinging to her arm, then to Wanda and Raizo, who were also suppressing amused smiles. "Is this... normal?" she asked, the sheer absurdity cutting through her usual reserve.
Wanda stepped forward, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Perfectly normal for Zou's rulers, Marya Zaleska," she said, her voice warm. "Come. I'll explain the intricacies of our sovereigns'... scheduling... on the way to meet Lord Nekomamushi. His palace is more lively at this hour anyway." She gestured towards a different archway, one leading deeper into the shadowed jungle, now alive with the chirps of nocturnal insects and the promise of a very different kind of king. Marya allowed herself to be gently tugged along by Carrot, shaking her head slowly, a rare, faint smirk touching her lips despite herself. Zou just kept getting weirder.
The path to Nekomamushi's domain felt like stepping into another world. Gone were the serene, sun-dappled groves of Inuarashi's realm. As twilight deepened into true night, the jungle came alive with a different energy. Bioluminescent vines pulsed with soft blues and greens like submerged constellations, casting shifting patterns on the path. The air hummed with the rhythmic throb of distant drums and the raucous chirps of nocturnal insects, mingling with the enticing scent of roasting spices, woodsmoke, and something suspiciously like… tomato sauce?
Carrot, practically vibrating beside Marya, pointed ahead. Through a break in the dense foliage, warm light spilled out. "Look! See the lights? Hear the music? It's a party!" she squealed, bouncing on her toes.
Atlas, walking with forced nonchalance, snorted. "Calm down, furball. It's just Cat Viper being loud. Again."
"You're just jealous you can't party as hard as Lord Nekomamushi!" Carrot retorted, sticking her tongue out.
"Jealous? Of that oversized housecat's noise tolerance? Hardly," Atlas drawled, though a flicker of a smirk betrayed him.
Wanda sighed, a fond exasperation in her voice. "Children, please. We have a guest."
"He started it!" Carrot declared, pointing dramatically at Atlas.
Before Wanda could mediate, a familiar plume of cigarette smoke drifted from a shadowed alcove. Pedro materialized, leaning against a glowing vine. "Save the squabbling for the dance floor, kits," he rumbled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "The Heart Pirates beat you here. The party's already in full swing."
That was all the encouragement needed. "Last one there licks the cooking pot!" Carrot yelled, already a white blur shooting down the path.
"Cheater!" Atlas roared, transforming into a streak of rust-red lightning as he gave chase.
Bloop! "Race! Bloop!" Jelly wobbled frantically, morphing his lower half into cartoonish legs that pumped furiously (if ineffectively) as he bounced after them, leaving a faintly glittery trail in the dim light.
Marya watched the chaotic departure, shaking her head slowly, that faint smirk returning.
Raizo remained stoic, but Wanda chuckled. "They keep things lively. This way."
The path opened into a wide, torch-lit clearing dominated by a structure that seemed less a palace and more a gigantic, chaotic treehouse fortress. Lanterns shaped like grinning cats and crescent moons swung from ropes strung between massive branches. Music – a lively blend of drums, stringed instruments Marya didn't recognize, and exuberant singing – spilled out from open platforms where Minks of all kinds danced, feasted, and chatted. The scent of rich, cheesy, meaty lasagna was now unmistakable, making Marya's stomach rumble despite herself.
Near the entrance, Shachi spotted them, waving a tankard sloshing with frothy liquid. "Marya! Over here! Welcome to the real party!" Beside him, Clione offered a rare, small smile and a respectful nod.
Bepo came barreling through the crowd, his fur slightly ruffled, eyes wide with anxiety. "Marya! There you are! Lord Nekomamushi is waiting! He knows you're here! It's serious!" He wrung his paws, looking genuinely stressed.
Marya reached out and gently patted the top of his fluffy head. "Relax, Bepo. It's a party. How serious can a giant cat king be?" Her chuckle was low and warm, surprising even herself.
Before Bepo could stammer a reply, a shadow detached itself from the highest platform of the treehouse fortress. With a booming laugh and a cry of "Meow meow! Let's see the hero!", Nekomamushi, the Cat Viper, launched himself into the air. He landed before them with a ground-shaking thud that somehow radiated pure feline grace despite his immense size, his vibrant mane and tail flaring dramatically in the torchlight.
Marya froze. Her golden eyes widened, her breath catching. The sheer cuteness factor of the massive, powerful, yet undeniably cat-like Mink ruler hit her like a physical force. Her lips parted, a barely suppressed squeal of pure animal-adoring delight trembling on the tip of her tongue. Her hand twitched, yearning to bury itself in that magnificent mane.
Nekomamushi leaned forward, peering at her with intense, intelligent eyes, completely oblivious to her internal meltdown. "So," he rumbled, his voice a gravelly purr, "this is the one? The Savior of the Dawn, meow meow? The sky-splitter?"
Marya snapped her jaw shut with an audible click. Composure slammed back into place like a vault door. She straightened her leather jacket, the Heart insignia gleaming. "I am Marya," she began, her voice carefully level.
Before she could continue, Carrot, who had reappeared breathless from her race, blurted out, "She's Marya! And her dad is Mihawk! The super strong Warlord guy! Garchu!"
Nekomamushi straightened up, his eyes widening slightly. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, the gesture exaggeratedly feline. "Mihawk's cub, meow meow? The swordsman?" He leaned in again, sniffing the air near her shoulder, his whiskers twitching. "Hmm… you certainly have the look in the eyes, meow. Sharp. Like a good claw."
He was just about to say something else, his expression turning more serious, when a powerful, mouth-watering aroma washed over them. A group of Mink cooks emerged from a side entrance, straining under the weight of an enormous, steaming pan of lasagna. The scent of rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and herbs was overpowering.
Nekomamushi's head whipped around, his eyes locking onto the lasagna like a predator sighting prey. All seriousness vanished in an instant. "FOOD!" he roared, his earlier inquiry forgotten. "Meow meow! Time to celebrate properly! Forget talk, it's feast time!" He spun back to Marya, throwing a massive, furry arm around her shoulders (nearly lifting her off her feet) in a gesture of boisterous camaraderie. "You! Guest of Honor! Sit by me, meow! Everyone! Drink up! Eat! Make merry for our sky-saving guest! MEOW MEOW!"
Bloop! Jelly materialized, bouncing excitedly beside the giant cat's leg. "Party time! Bloop! Lasagna time! Shiny cheese time!"
As Nekomamushi practically dragged her towards the head table, the music swelled, and the cheers of the Minks and Heart Pirates redoubled, Marya allowed herself to be swept along, shaking her head once more. From frozen annihilation to being adopted by a giant, lasagna-obsessed cat king at a raucous jungle party. Zou wasn't just weird. It was gloriously, chaotically, perfectly absurd. And the Cat Viper was definitely, undeniably, catastrophically cute.