DXD: The Awakening Of Phenex

Cocoyasi Village at Night

Riser picked up a tree branch beside him and raised it as if it were a sword. He smiled at Zoro, his eyes gleaming with a mix of challenge and curiosity.

"I'm not here to fight you, Zoro. I'm here to teach you."

Zoro frowned, surprised by Riser's change in tone. "What can you teach me?"

Riser lifted the branch and positioned it like a sword, his eyes fixed on the high moon in the sky. He took a deep breath, concentrating as an aura formed around the branch.

"Rankyaku!"

With a swift movement, Riser swung the branch toward the moon. A blade of wind was generated by the motion, slicing through the air and illuminating the night with a bluish glow. The released energy was intense, causing Zoro's eyes to widen in surprise.

The branch Riser held broke in half due to the force of the strike. He looked at the pieces of wood in his hands and dropped the broken branch.

'I need to learn Armament Haki.'

Zoro watched the wind blade traverse the sky until it disappeared on the horizon. He felt the power of that technique, the precision, and the destruction it could cause. His eyes widened even more when he realized that if the attack had been directed at the forest, all the trees would have been instantly cut down.

"How did you do that?" Zoro asked, his voice filled with curiosity and admiration. "I've never seen anything like it before."

Riser looked at Zoro, an enigmatic smile on his face. "The Rankyaku technique is based on two things: arm strength and high-speed movement. You need to generate a quick enough impulse for the energy to be released as a blade. It's not easy to master, but with training, anyone can learn."

Zoro frowned, absorbing Riser's words. "Strength and speed... It sounds simple, but clearly it's not. Why are you teaching me this?"

Riser shrugged, maintaining his smile. "Nothing in particular. I also intend to teach something useful to the other Straw Hat members. You were just the first."

Zoro remained silent for a moment, assessing Riser. He was still suspicious of the man's intentions but couldn't deny the usefulness of what he was learning.

Riser then reached into the inner pocket of his suit and pulled out a bundle of money. He handed it to Zoro without ceremony. "Here, one million Berries."

Zoro took the money, clearly confused. "Why are you giving me this?"

"You stink; take the money and buy new clothes," Riser replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Zoro felt his blood boil at the comment about his smell. His face contorted in anger, and he clenched the money tightly.

"Are you implying I don't take care of myself?" Zoro shouted, irritated. "I don't need you to tell me what to do!"

Zoro walked away from Riser, the anger evident in each step he took. He quickly distanced himself, eager to leave the presence of that provocative man.

As Zoro walked away, Riser raised his voice, still smiling. "Don't get lost, Zoro."

Zoro, already distant, turned and shouted back, "Mind your own business!"

Riser left the clearing where he had confronted Zoro and, after a brief moment of concentration, a magic circle began to form under his feet.

FWOOOSH!

....

The night was cold, and the biting sea wind blew against the marines on the ship's deck.

"It's too cold out here," said one of the marines, shivering and rubbing his arms. "I hope we arrive soon."

The navigator looked at the sea ahead and sighed. "We're almost there. The 16th Division is just ahead. Just a little longer."

Suddenly, a terrifying presence took over the deck. A dark energy enveloped the environment, and all the marines tensed, their eyes wide with fear.

"So you're cold? I thought I could warm you up."

The icy and sarcastic voice made everyone turn toward the sound. Riser was there, appearing out of nowhere, with a cruel smile on his lips. His hands were engulfed in flames, and the reddish glow illuminated his face in a frightening way.

The marines screamed, retreating as they watched the flames intensify in Riser's hands.

"How... how did you get here?! We're in the open sea!" shouted one of the marines, his voice trembling with pure terror.

Riser took a step forward, his cold gaze piercing the marines. "It doesn't matter where you are. There's no place in this sea where I can't be. Now, let's see if the navigator has fulfilled his orders."

Riser looked directly at the navigator, who cowered in fear. Riser raised his hand toward the man's head, and an oppressive energy began to emanate from his fingers. The navigator felt his mind being invaded, and memories began to surface against his will.

"You were almost at the 16th Division, weren't you?" Riser murmured, a sinister smile forming on his lips. He closed his eyes for a moment, and an expression of pure disdain appeared on his face.

"You don't know yet, but the 16th Division no longer exists."

The marines were shocked, despair overtaking them as they looked at Riser. "What...? What do you mean?!"

Riser didn't bother to answer. He simply raised both hands, the flames growing with overwhelming intensity. The fear on the marines' faces was palpable, and the navigator began to sob, realizing his fate was sealed.

"You're all fools," said Riser, his voice cold and cruel. "You should have understood there's no escape for those who cross my path. Now, sink with this ship and behold the end you've chosen."

Riser extended his hands toward the ship's deck, and the flames exploded, spreading across the wood. The heat was unbearable, and the marines' screams echoed across the open sea as the fire slowly consumed the ship.

"Riser, please! We were almost there!" pleaded one of the marines, his tears mixing with the sweat and soot on his face.

Riser ignored him, his eyes cold as he watched the ship being consumed. He took a step back and began to float slightly, a magic circle appearing under his feet.

"Remember... there's no mercy for those who defy my will."

FWOOOSH!

With an intense glow, Riser disappeared, leaving the marines behind as the ship slowly sank into the dark sea, its flames illuminating the silent and cold night.

...

The Next Day - Cocoyasi Village

The morning sun illuminated Cocoyasi Village, casting a gentle glow over the villagers gathered in the main square. The atmosphere was bittersweet as the Straw Hat Pirates prepared to depart. The villagers felt a combination of gratitude and sadness seeing their liberators say goodbye.

Nami was at the center of attention, receiving hugs from various villagers, all visibly emotional. She smiled, but there were tears in her eyes as she bid farewell to the people she grew up with, those who could now live free from the terror imposed by Arlong.

"Nami, you'll always be welcome here. Don't forget this is your home," said Genzo, his voice choked as he held her hands. "No matter what happens, this village will always be waiting for you."

Nami nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you, Genzo. I promise I'll return. Now that we're all free, this village will be even more special to me."

Meanwhile, Luffy and Usopp waved enthusiastically to the villagers, their voices echoing through the square. "Goodbye, everyone! See you next time!" shouted Luffy, while an excited Usopp added, "Don't forget to tell everyone how the great Captain Usopp helped save this village!"

Sanji, on the other hand, wore a scowl. He observed Riser, who remained silent at the edge of the square, his eyes distant. Sanji approached Zoro, who was leaning against a barrel, resting with his arms crossed.

"Hey, marimo, aren't you the least bit suspicious of that guy?" Sanji asked, his voice full of suspicion. "You act like you don't care about anything."

Zoro opened one eye, glancing sideways at Sanji, then shrugged. "I don't trust anyone easily, but I don't see a reason to cause trouble now. If he does something, I'll be ready to face him. Until then, I'd rather not waste energy."

Sanji huffed, clearly dissatisfied with the response. "You're as lazy as ever, second-rate swordsman."

Meanwhile, Nami approached Nojiko, and the two sisters embraced tightly, tears streaming down their faces. "Take care, Nojiko. Now that it's all over, live your life the way you've always wanted," Nami said, her voice choked.

Nojiko smiled, wiping away the tears as she looked into her sister's eyes. "I'll take care of our home, Nami. And I'll eagerly await your return. No matter what happens, I'll be here."

After a long hug, Nami finally pulled away, turning and running to the ship. Once aboard, she turned to the villagers and, with a mischievous smile, raised a pile of wallets she had stolen from them during the farewell. "Thank you for everything, folks! I'll make good use of this!"

The villagers were stunned for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Nami, you thief!" shouted one of them, laughing, while the others applauded.

Riser was aboard the ship, keeping away from the rest of the crew. He stood in an isolated corner, far from the bustle of the farewell. His expression was serene, almost cold, as he gazed at the horizon. Beside him, a bluish magical projection flickered, displaying the figure of Merlin, who listened attentively.

"You may fetch Nojiko."

Merlin nodded respectfully through the projection before disappearing in a gentle glow.

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