286 286. Reason

Green Emperor was dumbstruck. Five Emperors! Those were five Emperors not some useless cabbage to be thrown out. All five Emperors known throughout this realm fell! What kind of terrifying news was this. Even if other experts joined him he wasn't sure whether he could kill any of the latter.

Ryu looked at the teleportation array and showed a thoughtful expression. He touched it, seconds later a playful smile crept onto his face. Putting some strength into his palm he easily shattered the array.

At the same time...

Far away, tens of thousands of miles away from them several figures spat out blood. All of them paled and fell down.

Dusting his hand Ryu looked at the remaining Emperor. The latter was imprisoned by Law, when he saw his companions fall he didn't have the heart to fight and tried to escape. Law with the help of Green Emperor imprisoned him.

Ryu walked towards Devil Hei and asked.

" I can understand Saint Church but... what's your problem? Why are Hells Gate after us? "

Devil Hei stared at Ryu coldly and looked at Madara and Esdeath. Fury was burning within his eyes as he looked at them. Keen as Ryu was, he asked Madara.

" Did you guys cross them? "

Madara was too lazy to explain. Esdeath showed a thoughtful expression and seemed to have thought of something.

" Aah... it must be because of that guy."

" What guy? "

Ryu was confused.

" Some guy from Hells Gate tried to catch me and make me his concubine or something."

" Then...

" I killed all of his men and cut off his thing."

She gave Ryu the ' You know ' look. A chill ran up Ryu's spine, subconsciously he tightened his legs.

" Do you know who you messed with!? "

" Shut it."

Devil Hei roared at Esdeath when he heard her words. Ryu kicked his chest making him cough out blood. He was about to kill him when Green Emperor along with two other people approached him.

" Thanks for you help."

Green Emperor said straight away. Ryu waved his hand and replied in kind.

" They attacked my disciple and we retaliated, it's that simple. There is no need for gratitude."

" Is that so? Then you guys definitely can't reject my invitation for a meal. Not as gratitude, that is."

" Haha, of course! "

Ryu like these kind of people. Frank and straight to the point.

" Yeah. What do you want to do with him? "

Green Emperor asked.

" Hmm? Kill him of course."

Devil Hei paled when he heard how casual he said those words.

" If you don't mind, woul you hand him over to me? "

" I don't mind."

Green Emperor was ready to give something in return for asking such a thing but he didn't expect the other party to agree immediately. His impression of Ryu went higher.

" Men, take him to the interrogation chamber. I will oblige him later, personally."

Locked with energy suppressing chains Devil Hei was powerless and was dragged away.

Green Emperor brought Ryu and the rest towards the resting area provided by their sect and arranged for food to be delivered immediately.

Sitting together Ryu grinned. This time they went into the spotlight in a grand way. An Emperor is valued by every power and yet five fell to them.

Stretching himself Ryu pulled out Mael from the pocket dimension. His wounds were mostly healed. Seeing Ryu he bowed immediately and did the same towards Madara and the rest.

" Boy, not bad."

Madara simply said those words and went quiet. Esdeath sat next to him and tried to inch closer, Madara glared at her making her obedient.

" He better. He ranks second to this idiot for the most number of pills consumed by a person."

Law pointed at Zoro. Surprisingly, that beautiful lady was still beside him.

" Don't start Law, this guy gulps down pills like roasted beans."

Shockingly that lady spoke calmly to Law. This however didn't surprise any of them.

" Shut up."

Zoro snapped at the lady.

" Huh? Am I wrong? Chicken."

" Say that again! "

" Chicken! Scary cat! Weakling! I will call you what I want, what are you gonna do about it? "

" Che... crazy woman."

Both of them started to bicker. Ryu showed a faint smile, somehow seeing all of these guys warmed his heart.

" Kuina, how long can you stay in that form? "

Yes, the beautiful lady was none other than Kuina. Zoro's second sword release was her, when unleashed, his power, agility and defence, especially his defence would show an exponential spike. To a Swordsman this was the best kind of boost during a fight.

Ryu's words broke their fight. Kuina pondered for a second.

" I guess three to four days. The timing isn't perfect, it's somewhere between the third and fourth day."

" Hmm...

Zoro looked at Ryu and showed a solemn expression.

" Can it be done? "

Looking at Zoro Ryu helplessly sighed.

" It's not that easy Zoro."

" So it can be done? "

Hope lit up in his eyes. Kuina sitting next to him felt an inexplicable feeling hearing the sincerity in his words.

" In the mortal realm, when certain conditions are met I can bring back someone from death, but... the conditions are extremely harsh."

He looked at Kuina and said.

" She died years ago, her body is completely gone, so even if we have her soul, that is your second sword, without her body it's impossible for rebirth.

Suppose we did find a way to bring her back, Zoro... her soul is fused with the second sword, along with yours, which also include your abilities. Once I extract her soul the abilities it hold will disappear. You will lose your powers. Are you okay with that? "

Ryu waited. Kuina wanted to say something but refrained from doing so.

Zoro looked at Ryu and spoke without hesitation.

" I was a Swordsman before I got this power, I am still one after. It doesn't matter to me whether this power leaves me or not. The moment I embarked on this journey I was determined to become the best their is.

With or without I will stand above others... With or without it I am still what I promised to become...

A Swordsman! "