243 243. An Unexpected Surprise

Momonosuke's face was pale, he fell on his butt and looked down in shame.

Inuarashi grabbed Leo's collar and growled, "That's too much, Leo. Lord Oden was a great man, he ruled the land of Wano and it prospered. The people were happy and content under his rule!!"

Leo glanced at him and sneered, "A ruler is still a failure if he isn't even the least bit aware of danger. It doesn't matter whether he could rule and make his country prosper, it only counts when he can protect what he brought up. In that he failed miserably."

He then pushed aside Inuarashi. Their size difference didn't matter, Inuarashi took a few steps back and nearly stumbled.

"Leo, you...

"Big brother, don't be angry."

Before Inuarashi could speak Tama who was sleeping inside woke up, she peeked outside and said softly.

Leo turned back. His ice cold expression immediately melted away, he smiled lightly and said, "I am not angry Tama. Ah, since you are up let's go outside. You told me before that you wanted to fly?"

Tama's eyes lit up. Leo chuckled and picked her up before taking his leave.

No one spoke a word as he walked out.

After a while Nekomamushi sighed, "Let it be. Our focus should be on the upcoming battle. Since Yasuei-dono is safe we should proceed with out plans."

"Kinemon has some good news. Ashura is with us, he even has several ships to carry our men to Onigashima."

Nami asked, "What about the captured men?"

"Raizo is on it. It won't be too long now."

She let out a sigh of relief before asking again, "And Luffy?"

Inuarashi and Nekomamushi went silent for a moment before Nekomamushi spoke up, "Luffy-dono is still held at Udon. Raizo is already on his way but it will take time. Don't worry, before the fire festival we will get him out."

As he finished Inuarashi looked at Momonosuke and wanted to speak a few words but in the end he didn't. He sighed and shook his head.

...

Leo was walking through the sky with Tama in his arms. Every step he took made a very faint popping sound.

"Uwaaa...

Tama exclaimed as she looked down at Wano from above.

Leo laughed and went even higher. When he felt Tama's breathing get a bit rough he stopped ascending and maintained that height.

Wano looked tiny from up above. A part of it was covered in smoke while some was filled with lush green colour with sakura trees dotting several mountains. It was very beautiful.

"There! There! That's Amigasa village!"

Tama pointed down and spoke excitedly.

Leo also saw Amigasa village and asked, "Do you want to go down? It's been a few days since we left your master, he must be worried."

Tama nodded. She was very happy at this moment. Once in her life there was someone who gave her everything she asked for. She was very happy.

Leo descended at a moderate pace towards Amigasa village. Tama giggled as the wind blew past her face. Soon they reached the sky above the Amigasa village. They brushed through the thick branches of the tall trees and landed infront of Tama's house.

Hitestsu was sitting outside in meditation when he sensed someone approaching. He opened his eyes and saw Leo and Tama landing from the sky.

He wasn't that surprised since he had seen Leo walk through the air before.

"You are back."

Leo nodded.

Tama ran to Hitetsu and hugged him. She excitedly said, "Master, I flew! I was high up in the sky, like those birds."

Hitetsu's expression couldn't be seen but from his eyes one would know that he was smiling.

After patiently listening to Tama he asked Leo, "How is everything going?"

"Normal. There was a slight hiccup but it's resolved now."

Hearing him Hitetsu nodded, he didn't ask any more details and went inside with them.

"How long are you staying for?"

Leo thought for a moment, he looked at Tama and said, "Don't know. There is nothing urgent at the moment so we might be here for a while. You okay with that?"

"This is her house to begin with. It's fine as long as she agrees. And looking at her, I don't think she would disagree."

Hitetsu watched Tama who was happily humming as she got some water for herself and Leo.

Since it was nearing lunch time Leo went out to get something to eat. After a while he came back with a bunch of fruits.

Hitestsu also prepared some rice he got over the few days. The meal wasn't sumptuous but it was fulfilling.

After they were done Tama pulled Leo and said, "Big brother, let's go around the village."

"Sure."

He had nothing to do so he agreed.

Amigasa village was abandoned a while ago. However it was located right in the midst of a large cluster of massive trees. Though it was abandoned the vague rays of sunlight that fell through the leafs gave a peculiar sense of beauty to the place.

Tama took him around the place. There wasn't a lot to see but walking around the village was kind of relaxing.

"This is the shrine. We used to make offerings every week."

Tama pointed to a small building and said.

The place was a bit run down and a large part of it's east wall was destroyed. There was a small statue of a buddha inside.

When his eyes fell on the buddha Leo's eyes slightly narrowed.

Hm?

He walked in. Tama was confused and followed after.

Leo stood infront of the buddha and rubbed his chin.

Interesting. Who placed this thing here?

He stretched out his hand but paused mid way. Taking a step back he slightly bowed.

"Forgive me for what I am about to do."

He stood back up and lightly knocked on the buddha statue. Tama covered her mouth and exclaimed.

Cracks spread through the buddha's body. After a second it crashed with a thud.

Among the crushed pieces was a peculiar green fruit. It had swirl patterns all around it's body.