Skill Tree Chronicles: One Piece

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After dealing with the Ashura boy, the two hurried toward their next destination, finally arriving at Bianli Village before sunset.

"Hey, Enel, why are you so obsessed with apple pie?"

Shen Yuan glanced sideways at Enel, voice filled with mild curiosity. Then he added with a sigh, "Do you have any idea how much of my money you've spent on them?"

Enel looked a bit embarrassed, his face flushing red.

"S-sorry, Master. I just think... apple pie is really tasty."

Shen Yuan folded his arms, narrowing his eyes.

"No, no, no. Personally, I still think Dashiqi's cooking is better."

Enel didn't argue, but the corners of his mouth twitched upward in amusement.

As soon as the two stepped into the outskirts of Bakasa Village, a group of malnourished samurai intercepted them, weapons trembling in their hands.

Shen Yuan gave them a sideways glance. His gaze was cold, unfazed.

Each samurai was gaunt, their faces yellowed from starvation—more ghosts than men.

"Try not to kill them," Shen Yuan muttered, stepping back to give Enel space.

Enel grinned and drove his golden halberd into the ground with a resonant clang. Sparks crackled between his knuckles as he brought his fists together with a thunderous snap.

A brief flicker of Mantra (Observation Haki) passed through his pupils.

In an instant, it was over.

The two walked into the village as if strolling through a garden. Behind them, the fallen warriors coughed blood, collapsing in a half-kneel, barely clinging to life.

"Enel, I told you about Kozuki Oden's swords, didn't I?"

Enel rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah… Master, don't tell me you're planning to steal them?"

Shen Yuan waved it off.

"No, no. Those swords should belong to real warriors. Leaving them with cowards is just a waste."

Enel stayed silent, eyes flickering with thought.

As they entered the heart of the village, a figure slowly approached them from the shadows.

"You there... are you planning to pillage this village?"

A man in a traditional Tengu mask and feathered robes that mimicked the mythical creature's form blocked their path. His arms crossed, his tone stern.

"Not quite, Senior Tengu," Shen Yuan said with a respectful nod. "We came to pay respects to the Second Generation Kitetsu."

The masked man—Tenguyama Hitetsu—stiffened, his gaze sharpening.

"How do you know about the Second Generation Kitetsu?" His tone was cold and cautious. Years of hiding and silent resistance had made him wary of strangers.

"I've killed Kurozumi Orochi and gravely wounded Kaido of the Beasts. Do you think someone like me is unworthy to see the blade?"

Tenguyama Hitetsu was visibly shaken behind the mask.

This youth… barely in his teens… seriously injured Kaido? And he killed Orochi?

"No… That can't be."

Without a word, Shen Yuan reached into his cloak and handed over a rolled-up newspaper.

Hitetsu took it solemnly. At first glance, the headline struck him like lightning.

"You... you're the God of Death?" His voice cracked in disbelief.

"Yes, that's me."

"This… is really you?"

"Yup. That's how I used to look."

Hitetsu's hands trembled slightly as he kept reading. The deeper he read, the more serious his expression became.

"A man of such power... do you seek to claim the legacy of the Kitetsu?"

"I'm just here to take a look," Shen Yuan replied with a casual smile.

"And this one?"

"My beloved disciple—Enel."

Hitetsu nodded, a faint trace of acceptance in the gesture.

"Very well. Follow me."

—

They soon arrived at a hidden chamber nestled within the mountain's interior.

Inside, a small girl peeked up at them with innocent curiosity.

She had a delicate, round face, short stature, and wide purple eyes that shimmered like starlight. Her mid-length lavender hair framed her face, and though her kimono was clean, it was patched with mending stitches.

Shen Yuan's heart instantly softened.

Who could stay cold in front of a cute, harmless little girl?

"Hey, kid. What's your name?"

The girl glanced at Hitetsu, who gave a small nod.

"My name is Tama, but everyone calls me Ayu."

"You've probably never had anything truly tasty, right?"

Without waiting for a reply, Shen Yuan reached into Enel's pack and pulled out a warm apple pie.

Ayu's eyes widened with disbelief.

"R-really? I can eat this?"

Shen Yuan's chest tightened with guilt. Just moments ago, he had even considered silencing the girl to preserve secrecy.

How vile of me…

"Of course," he said gently.

But he didn't stop there—he laid out jerky, dried fruit, and other snacks in front of her like a feast.

Ayu's eyes gleamed gold as she looked up at him as though he were a celestial being.

"Thank you, big brother! You're so kind!"

Shen Yuan picked her up, gently stroking her hair, his face soft with affection.

"Senior… life's been rough for you, hasn't it?"

Hitetsu sighed deeply, his voice heavy.

"The bamboo hats haven't been selling well. We've… struggled."

"What a fate," Shen Yuan muttered.

With Ayu in his arms, Shen Yuan stepped deeper into the room. Enel followed closely.

Watching this scene, Enel was reminded of his own past. A year ago, on Skypiea, he too was helpless. Then Shen Yuan appeared—his life changed.

He had gained not only power through the Awakening System but also a teacher stronger than a father.

A true master.

And for the first time in a long time, Enel smiled.

The four sat around a small table, Ayu gleefully devouring the snacks.

"Big brother, where are you from?"

Shen Yuan leaned back and replied:

"We're adventurers. Wandering across the world. My homeland is the East Blue."

"Is East Blue fun?" Ayu asked eagerly.

"Of course! There's everything you could imagine there."

"Then… can you take me and Master out to sea someday?"

Shen Yuan hesitated.

Bringing Kozuki Sukiyaki, the former shogun of Wano, back with him… it might finally offer closure for the old man on the ship.

But the thought vanished as soon as it appeared.

"Senior, may I have a word with you outside?"

Hitetsu gave a slow nod.

"Of course, Mr. Death. Let's leave the kids to talk."

They exited and made their way up the back mountain path.

Once alone, Shen Yuan stopped and turned.

"Kozuki Sukiyaki-senpai… May I call you that?"

Sukiyaki stiffened. He nearly reached for a blade instinctively, eyes flaring behind the mask.

"Don't be alarmed," Shen Yuan said calmly. "I won't harm you. For Ayu's sake, if nothing else."

After a long silence, Sukiyaki relaxed slightly and removed his mask, revealing an older, weathered face etched with sorrow.

"What do you think of Kozuki Oden?" Shen Yuan asked.

Sukiyaki closed his eyes, pain clouding his expression.

"He died a warrior's death… though his stubbornness was a curse."

"Exactly," Shen Yuan agreed. "He deserved to die. The man was born reckless—he should've been hurled against a wall at birth."

Sukiyaki: "…"

JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCED 30+ CHAPTERS.

Currently at CHAPTER 100 on Patreon.

Two members on my patreon get a free book each month. A lucky draw,it can be you.

Five chapters every two days on Patreon.

One chapter everyday on webnovel.

patreon.com/FrancisMW

"I look forward to welcoming you as member"

ENJOY THE BENEFITS.