Chapter 79: Chapter 79: Please Be a Human Being!
Lucas stood in the Shogun castle of Wano, arms crossed, staring down at Kaido of the Beasts, who lay bound and motionless before him. The once invincible Emperor, feared across the seas, was now nothing more than a sealed experiment waiting for his fate.
His gaze flickered with intrigue as he opened the chat group interface.
Lucas: "@Howard Stark, can you send me your scientific research strength?"
A moment later, the brilliant scientist of the Marvel Universe responded.
Howard Stark: "Scientific research strength? No problem!"
A notification popped up.
Ding! Howard Stark sent an exclusive red envelope (Scientific Research Strength – Low Level) to the group owner Lucas.
Lucas stared at the "Low Level" label with mild disbelief.
Howard Stark was an absolute genius, one of the greatest minds in his world. His work in energy sources, weapon technology, and AI rivaled even the modern advancements of his son, Tony Stark.
Yet his scientific research strength was only low-level?
Something clicked in Lucas' mind.
Wait… is it because of the time period?
Lucas narrowed his eyes, quickly realizing the truth.
Howard Stark had been limited by the era in which he lived. If he had modern tools and knowledge, he would have undoubtedly surpassed his own limits and revolutionized technology even further.
It wasn't his talent that was the issue. It was the time he was born into.
Lucas smirked.
Golden Lion Shiki couldn't help but mock the situation.
Golden Lion Shiki: "What's this? I thought that this Howard Stark was supposed to be as brilliant as Vegapunk? Turns out he's not so special after all!Shihahahaha"
Whitebeard: "Gurararara! Seems like scientific research strength isn't just about intelligence. It must also depend on the level of technology available in the user's world."
Pirate King Roger: "So if Vegapunk joined this chat group, would his scientific research strength be low-level too?"
Howard Stark went silent for a moment before replying.
Howard Stark: "…I don't know, but I suddenly feel very underappreciated."
Lucas chuckled.
Lucas: "Don't be discouraged. Give me your scientific talent instead."
Howard perked up.
Howard Stark: "Scientific talent? Now that's a different story!"
Ding! Howard Stark sent an exclusive red envelope (Scientific Research Talent – Top) to the group owner Lucas.
Lucas accepted the red envelope, his mind instantly buzzing with newfound scientific comprehension.
The knowledge clicked instantly.
"So that's how it is…" Lucas muttered.
With Howard's scientific talent, he could now analyze, improve, and create technology at a level far beyond what this world had ever seen.
Lucas turned back to the chat group.
Whitebeard: "How is scientific talent different from scientific research strength?"
Lucas smirked.
Lucas: "Scientific talent is the potential to innovate and understand concepts. Scientific research strength is how much knowledge and resources you already have access to."
He continued explaining.
Lucas: "For example, Howard Stark's talent is top-level, but his research strength was limited by his time period. If he had access to modern or alien technology, he'd be unstoppable."
Howard chuckled in amusement.
Howard Stark: "I like the sound of that!"
Lucas' smirk widened.
Lucas: "Put it this way—if Howard Stark had enough resources, he could easily destroy this entire world."
The chat fell silent.
Then—
Golden Lion Shiki: "…Are you serious?!"
Lucas: "Dead serious. The three Ancient Weapons of this world? Nothing compared to what Howard could build."
Pirate King Roger: "Then… what's the point of Raftel's treasure?! If technology can wipe out entire civilizations, does the One Piece even matter?"
Lucas laughed.
Lucas: "That's the thing. When I arrived in this world, everything lost its meaning."
Marco approached, bowing slightly before Lucas.
"Lord Lucas," he said respectfully, "We've found Shimotsuki Yasuie. He has personally requested to meet with you. However…"
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "However?"
Margao hesitated before continuing.
"He does not wish to be Wano's next Shogun."
Lucas chuckled. "Well, let's hear him out."
Not long after, Shimotsuki Yasuie arrived.
The elderly daimyo was small in stature, his frail frame resembling that of a child rather than a leader. His face, wrinkled with deep lines, carried an ever-present smile—but beneath it lay decades of hardship.
His presence alone commanded respect.
In the chat group, Sword God Ryuma was stunned.
Sword God Ryuma: "This is Shimotsuki Yasuie?"
The legendary swordsman had expected a great warrior, not a man who looked worn down by suffering.
Whitebeard: "Why does he look like that?"
Pirate King Roger: "Did the Kurozumi clan do this to him?"
Lucas sighed.
Lucas: "Just like the villagers of Ebisu Town, Shimotsuki Yasuie suffered greatly under Orochi's rule. Twenty years of oppression left him looking like this."
Shimotsuki Yasuie bowed politely.
"Lord Lucas," he said with a smile, "I am honored by your kindness, but I must decline. I am not the right person to be Wano's next Shogun."
Lucas tilted his head. "Then who do you think is?"
Shimotsuki Yasuie's smile widened.
"Kozuki Oden's daughter, Kozuki Hiyori," he said.
Lucas was stunned.
"The Kozuki family still has a living heir?"
Shimotsuki Yasuie nodded.
"Kozuki Hiyori is alive and well. She has remained hidden within the Flower Capital all these years, waiting for the right moment."
Lucas frowned. "But… isn't Wano a male-dominated society? Would they even accept a female Shogun?"
Shimotsuki Yasuie chuckled.
"They will—if she proves herself."
In the chat group, Whitebeard's eyes widened.
Whitebeard: "I almost forgot! Oden had a son and a daughter! What happened to her?"
Lucas smirked.
Lucas: "She's been hiding as the most famous oiran in the Flower Capital."
Sword God Ryuma: "…Oden's daughter is a courtesan?"
Lucas grinned.
Lucas: "Don't get it twisted—Hiyori isn't weak. Unlike her useless brother, she learned how to manipulate Orochi's men into giving money to the poor. She's been fighting in her own way."
Sword God Ryuma hummed in thought.
Sword God Ryuma: "Now that you say that, it makes Momonosuke seem even more pathetic."
Lucas laughed.
Lucas: "That's exactly why I won't be making her Shogun. I'm still choosing Shimotsuki Yasuie."
Outside, Lucas regarded Shimotsuki Yasuie with calm yet piercing eyes.
"I understand your reasoning for suggesting Kozuki Hiyori," Lucas said, his voice steady. "But unfortunately for her—and for you—you are the better choice to be Wano's shogun right now."
Shimotsuki Yasuie's brows furrowed in confusion. "Why? Princess Hiyori has done so much during Kurozumi Orochi's reign. Surely, she's more suited—"
Lucas raised a hand, cutting him off. "You're talking about how she helped the poor? Useless."
Yasuie blinked, taken aback.
"For the majority of Wano's people," Lucas continued, "she may have aided some in secret, but her life under Orochi's rule was still one of comfort and glamour. While they drank sewage, she wore silks. While they starved, she dined on banquets. To them, she will always be an outsider."
He fixed Yasuie with a knowing smile. "And you? You suffered as they did. You drank the same foul water, endured the same torments, and look at you now—your very appearance reflects their pain. That makes you someone they can trust, someone they can rally behind."
Yasuie fell silent, his mind working through Lucas' words.
After a moment, he nodded slowly, his shoulders sagging as he accepted the truth.
"You're right," Yasuie admitted. "The people would trust someone who has suffered alongside them."
But an idea struck him. His eyes brightened as he asked, "Then… after I abdicate, can Princess Hiyori become shogun?"
Lucas chuckled. "I don't care. Once Wano's freedom is complete, you can step down and hand over the reins to her. I have no objections."
Yasuie's expression lit with gratitude. "Thank you!"
"Don't thank me yet," Lucas said, his tone turning serious. "I promised someone I would help Wano rebuild, but I'm not interested in wasting my time here. You're the quickest way to stabilize the country. Finish the job, and I won't interfere after that."
In the chat group, the banter resumed as Sword God Ryoma sighed in disappointment.
Sword God Ryuma: "Lucas, you've wasted my feelings."
Lucas: "Don't be like that. We made a deal. No need to talk about feelings—I'm not marrying Wano, am I?"
Sword God Ryuma: "You…!"
Whitebeard: "Gurararara! Calm down, Ryoma! Lucas has already done more than enough. Kaido is captured, Orochi is dead, and Wano will soon rebuild. What else could you want?"
Sword God Ryuma: "I didn't want anything in particular. I just feel like he's getting away with being too smug."
Lucas: "Huh? Do you still need me to protect Wano after all this?"
Ryoma grumbled but conceded.
In truth, he knew Wano still needed Lucas' protection, so he swallowed his pride and continued.
Sword God Ryuma: "I'll acknowledge that your fighting philosophy is exceptional. And for the record, Wano owes you much—far more than I'd like to admit."
Lucas smirked. "Now that's what I like to hear. You should make a habit of saying more truths like that. Simple, unpolished, but honest."
Sword God Ryuma: "…Definitely. I'll do my best."
Not long after Yasuie left, a figure entered the room, moving with elegance and grace.
Dressed in a stunning kimono, Kozuki Hiyori—or Komurasaki, as she was known in the capital—approached Lucas.
Her every movement carried a sense of refined beauty, and her eyes held a curiosity that Lucas found almost amusing.
"You're Kozuki Hiyori?" Lucas asked, raising an eyebrow.
She smiled softly, her voice like silk. "I prefer it when people call me Komurasaki or just Hiyori."
Lucas studied her for a moment.
It wasn't hard to guess what she was thinking. The way her gaze flickered to Kaido, bound and defeated at his feet, spoke volumes.
Kaido had ruled Wano like an immovable mountain, an undefeatable force of nature. Even her father, Kozuki Oden, had fallen before him.
And now, here he was—broken and bound—because of Lucas.
Lucas could see the admiration stirring in her eyes.
"Princess Hiyori," he said, his tone casual, "you should know that Kaido's defeat doesn't mean Wano's problems are over. The country is still scarred from decades of oppression. The road ahead will be full of challenges."
Hiyori nodded, her expression serious. "I understand. Wano will face endless obstacles, but with your protection, we can rebuild."
Lucas raised an eyebrow.
"Protection, huh? Did Yasuie put that idea in your head?"
Hiyori blushed, looking down shyly.
"Yes," she admitted softly. "He suggested that if I could win your favor, Wano would truly be safe."
In the chat group, Pirate King Roger let out a loud laugh.
Pirate King Roger: "Huh? Did the screen just go black? What's happening?"
Whitebeard: "Lucas must be doing something he doesn't want us to see."
Sword God Ryuma: "What are you up to, Lucas?"
Lucas smirked.
Lucas: "It's not me. It's her. Don't you see? She's here to… how should I put this… borrow a seed. And who am I to refuse such a beautiful woman?"
Chat Group: "…!"
Lucas: "Relax, I'm just kidding. But she's intriguing, so I decided to talk to her seriously. She thinks Wano needs my protection, and I'll admit… I might just humor her."
Whitebeard: "I've never seen someone so shameless."
Lucas: "Call it what you want. Consider it compensation for the failure of her brother, Momonosuke. At least she's capable of making decisions."
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