DXD: The Awakening Of Phenex

"Can you fetch Nojiko?"

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

---

Syrup Village

In Kaya's room, the atmosphere was filled with a mix of anticipation and slight anxiety. The night was quiet, broken only by the soft glow of the moonlight streaming through the large windows. Merlin stood in the corner of the room, her serene expression watching Kaya, who seemed ready to leave. The young woman, once frail and confined by illness, now radiated vigor and determination. The vampire blood offered by Riser had irreversibly transformed her life.

"Kaya, it's time to go," Merlin said, her voice calm yet firm. She observed Kaya closely, noting the lack of hesitation in the young woman. The transformation hadn't just changed Kaya's body but her spirit as well. Kaya smiled softly, her eyes shining with a mix of gratitude and courage.

"I heard Riser-sama's words through the hologram, and I'm ready," Kaya replied, adjusting her dress and picking up a small bag she had prepared. "I don't have enough words to express my gratitude to Riser-sama. He gave me a second chance at life. Before, I could barely get out of bed, and now… I feel more alive than ever."

Merlin nodded, a faint smile appearing on her lips. "Riser-sama is indeed someone who offers opportunities beyond the ordinary. Now, let's move to the next phase of this journey."

Kaya followed Merlin to the center of the room, where a magical circle began forming beneath their feet. The circle's light glowed intensely, and a gentle wind rose around them.

FWOOOSH!

In an instant, the two vanished from the room, leaving behind only the fleeting shimmer of magic.

---

Cocoyasi Village - Arlong Park

In Arlong Park, Nojiko waited patiently, her posture a blend of vigilance and serenity. The place, once a symbol of pain and oppression, was now deserted, overtaken by silence. Nojiko awaited Merlin's arrival, her heart divided between curiosity and subtle anxiety.

Suddenly, a magical circle appeared before her, glowing in a bluish hue as Merlin and Kaya materialized.

FWOOOSH!

The circle's light slowly faded, revealing the two figures. Kaya looked around, taking in the sight of the park as Nojiko approached with a welcoming smile.

Merlin noticed the curiosity in Nojiko's gaze and decided to introduce them before any questions arose. "Nojiko, this is Kaya, a new ally who will join us on our journey." Merlin turned to Kaya and gestured toward Nojiko. "Kaya, this is Nojiko, who has also been touched by the opportunities Riser-sama has given."

Nojiko smiled, extending her hand to Kaya. "You must be Kaya," Nojiko said warmly. "I'm Nojiko. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Kaya returned the smile, her eyes still curious as she took in her surroundings. "The pleasure is mine, Nojiko. I've heard so much about you. It's good to finally meet someone who also shares gratitude for Riser-sama."

The two shook hands firmly and respectfully, sealing the beginning of an alliance they both knew would be significant. Merlin watched their interaction with satisfaction, aware that Riser's plans were in motion and that these two young women were now essential to them.

"Let's go now," Merlin said, her voice soft but filled with determination. "Riser-sama has asked us to head to a special location. Our next stop is Amazon Lily, the Island of Women. There's much to do, and each of you has an important role to play."

Nojiko and Kaya nodded, standing side by side, ready to follow Merlin toward an uncertain but opportunity-filled future. In unison, a new magical circle formed around them, glowing brightly before disappearing.

FWOOOSH!

The three figures vanished, leaving behind the emptiness of Arlong Park as a silent witness to their departure.

---

Going Merry

On the deck of the Going Merry, the day was calm, and the sea breeze gently brushed the crew's faces. A seagull, wearing a small hat, flew toward the ship, carrying a copy of the News Coo newspaper. Nami approached, taking a few coins from her pocket and trading them with the seagull for the newspaper.

She opened the paper as she walked toward a table on the deck, her eyes quickly scanning the headlines. "Buggy now with a bounty of 50 million Berries…" she murmured, her voice filled with curiosity and a touch of concern.

Further down, a headline caught her attention even more: Extermination of the 16th Marine Division. The words seemed to echo in her mind, and her expression quickly tensed. "Extermination? Who could have…"

Suddenly, a less prominent headline caught her eye: Riser – Bounty of 15 million Berries, dead or alive. Beside it was a detail that made her stomach drop: Riser listed as a member of Buggy's crew.

Nami paused for a moment, absorbing the information. Her mind swirled with conflicting thoughts. Riser was part of their crew, though he had never claimed any loyalty or desire to officially belong to the Straw Hats. "Why is he listed with Buggy…?" she thought, feeling a mix of anger and concern.

Luffy, in the distance, was sitting near the makeshift kitchen on the deck, calling for Sanji.

"Sanji, I want meat! More meat!" Luffy shouted, waving his arms while Sanji, already accustomed to the captain's insistent requests, shook his head in resignation.

Zoro was training the technique Riser had shown him the night before. He stood in the middle of the deck, focused, trying to generate a wind blade similar to the one Riser had demonstrated. "Rankyaku!" Zoro exclaimed as he swung his sword with force and speed. The wind shifted slightly, but it was still far from the devastating slash he desired. He huffed, clearly frustrated but determined to keep trying.

On the other side of the deck, Usopp watched Riser from afar, his eyes cautious and distrustful. 'That guy… he's dangerous. We never know what he's thinking,' Usopp muttered to himself, continuing to keep an eye on Riser, who was sitting in the corner of the deck, seemingly oblivious to everything, but with an enigmatic smile on his face, finding it all quite amusing.

Nami approached Riser, still holding the newspaper. Her expression was one of concern, and her gaze locked onto the man sitting silently. "Riser, have you seen the news? You're being hunted… and for some reason, they're saying you're a member of Buggy's crew."

Riser looked up at Nami, his expression remaining unfazed. "That's nothing to worry about, Nami. What matters is that I'm here, and I'm on your side. Buggy is just a convenient distraction for the Marines." He leaned slightly forward, his calm gaze meeting Nami's.

"Besides, 15 million is hardly worth worrying about. They haven't seen anything of my true power yet."

Nami sighed, still visibly nervous, but Riser's words brought her some comfort. "I just… don't want you getting involved in something that might harm us," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.

Luffy, who had overheard part of the conversation, approached with a disappointed look. "And me? I don't have a bounty at all? I fought the Fish-Men too!" Luffy complained, pouting.

Riser let out a low chuckle and looked at Luffy. "Don't worry, Luffy. Soon, everyone will know who you are. The bounties will come, and they'll be much bigger than you can imagine."

Luffy immediately smiled, his disappointment vanishing. "Really? Then that's fine! I just need to fight more, right?" Luffy exclaimed, full of enthusiasm.

Sanji, who had finished preparing a meat dish, finally appeared with a tray full of food, handing it to Luffy. "Here you go, Luffy. Now eat and calm down before you get even more annoying."

Luffy took the plate with a sparkle in his eyes. "Meat! Thanks, Sanji!" he shouted before devouring the food with childlike joy.

Riser, observing Sanji from afar, commented casually. "Sanji, you're not just a good cook. Your fight in Arlong Park showed that you have real talent for combat, especially with your legs."

Sanji, hearing the comment, turned slightly, not hiding his irritation. "I'm not interested in compliments or lessons, especially from someone like you."

Riser smiled, unfazed by Sanji's rude response. "Are you sure you don't want to become stronger to protect Nami-swan?"

Sanji remained silent for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he considered Riser's words.

Then, shaking his head, he replied, "I'll do it my way. I don't need your help to protect Nami-swan."

Riser shrugged, his smile unchanged. "Suit yourself, cook." He then leaned back in the corner of the deck, his gaze returning to the horizon, as if the matter no longer interested him.

Sanji, still somewhat irritated, returned to the kitchen, but he couldn't help thinking about what Riser had said. He knew that to protect Nami and his friends, he needed to get stronger—and as much as he hated to admit it, Riser had a point.

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