One Piece Nine Tails

Loguetown is situated in the weakest of the Four Seas, the East Blue, and not in the Grand Line.

The Four Seas and the first half of the Grand Line were mainly under the control of the Marines, but Roger didn't care about such things anymore.

He found a tavern and sat down across from "The Backwater."

"I wonder how the drinks of our era compare to those of yours?" Roger poured himself a drink, downed it in one gulp, and looked at The Backwater with a satisfied, happy expression.

The Backwater sincerely poured himself a drink and looked nostalgically at his glass. "The one who loved drinking the most was Earth, but he would just waste it."

"He doesn't sound like a good person," Roger muttered. "Anyone who wastes drinks doesn't have much class or taste."

The Backwater smiled a rare sight on his usually stern face.

Roger didn't know The Backwater well, but from his appearance, he could tell he was the severe and stoic type, someone Roger wasn't good at dealing with.

But now, it didn't matter who it was.

The Backwater sipped and said, "The curse of the kings is hard to break, but it's not impossible."

"Oh? Why are you telling me this?" Roger was about to take another sip, paused momentarily, then laughed and poured himself another drink. "I'm not particularly obsessed with survival."

"I can tell. You're the kind who seeks freedom, living without restraint. Your personality reminds me of the people from an enemy nation in my country's history."

The Backwater said, "However, in other aspects, you surpass them by far."

"In the era of demons, were there also opposing human nations?"

"Of course. Uniting humanity is harder than defeating demons." The Backwater continued, "The only lesson I've learned from history is that humanity learns nothing from history."

"That sounds philosophical," Roger scratched his face, impressed. "I think I get what you mean, but you're a bit extreme."

"Perhaps… may the mercy of the Holy Mother mitigate all severe punishments." The Backwater seemed to be praying.

Roger propped his head on his hand, slightly tilting it, and asked, "Besides you, will the others of the God's Right Seat awaken in this era?"

The Backwater said, "Maybe, maybe not. The God's Right Seat isn't a very binding organization; we all have our own agendas."

"The Four Great Kings, are they Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind?" Roger asked again.

"...Yes." The Backwater nodded. "I learned that the original Four Great Kings have become the Eight Great Demons."

"Earth, Fire, Water, Wind, Karma, Apocalypse, Annihilation, and Redemption, these are the symbols of the Eight Great Demons," Roger added.

"I've heard a bit about it." The Backwater said, "Actually, you might understand more after you die."

Roger smiled wryly. "Are you talking about Hueco Mundo?"

He remembered Byakuya Kuchiki. After his battle with Aatrox, he was essentially killed by the demon lord.

At that time, he entered Hueco Mundo.

Hueco Mundo was part of Hell. According to Byakuya Kuchiki, it was where those killed by demons ended up.

Those killed by demons fell into Hell, their souls trapped without release.

In that world of endless white sands, their 'hearts' were eroded, turning them into 'Hollows,' living in a chaotic state burdened by sin. But Byakuya used his abilities to let him retain his heart and survive.

It was then that he split into two, creating An.

But this time…

He might not be as lucky as last time.

"You know about Hueco Mundo?" The Backwater was surprised, then composed himself. "Well, it makes sense since you've used the power of the Shinigami. It's not strange you know about Hueco Mundo."

"However, if your soul falls into Hueco Mundo and you have the chance, could you do me a favor?"

Roger, curious, asked, "Favor? What can I do?"

Even dead, would his soul be tasked with something in Hell?

But with just a soul, where would he get power?

His power came from Haki in his body, from the fragments of the Shikon Jewel, demon cells, and the Devil Fruit. Not to mention, in Hueco Mundo, his heart would gradually erode, turning him into a mindless Hollow.

Just thinking about that…

It was a bit unsettling.

"I can't help you maintain your heart, but I can help you join an organization in Hueco Mundo. Someone there might help you." The Backwater said softly. "This would be a deal between us."

"I help you join an organization that might help you retain yourself in Hueco Mundo, and you… help me find a place in Hueco Mundo or even in Hell."

"What place?" Roger asked.

The Backwater said solemnly, his voice turning deep and resonant, "If you can't leave Hueco Mundo, then confirm if Hollows are gathering and if they have the ability to break their masks. But if you can leave Hueco Mundo and enter Hell, find the 'Star of Bethlehem' for me."

"…" Roger frowned, memorising the Backwater's words. He asked, "What is the Star of Bethlehem?"

"It's an artifact created by a former companion. Once completed, it can restore the world's distortions, making all demons vanish."

!

Roger's eyes widened. "Something like that exists?!"

To think it could instantly wipe out all demons? That's incredible!

Even in the Backwater era, there were four demon lords!

"Yes, but its immense power made the Four Great Kings fight the God's Right Seat. After that battle, the Star of Bethlehem vanished. I suspect it was taken to Hell."

"…" Roger was speechless. That kind of thing was overwhelming.

Then the Backwater added, "If the Star of Bethlehem's ritual is altered, instead of correcting distortions, it could replace reality with distortion, turning the target from demons to humans. You understand what I mean."

Roger nodded slowly, fully grasping the gravity of the situation.