2 New Life

Disoriented, it took me awhile to regain my bearings. Scanning my eyes, I took in my situation. I was curled up against a tree, freezing in the snow, in the middle of what seemed to be a forest. Half an orange strawberry was settled in my lap. Guess that takes care of the devil fruit situation. I was freezing, snow caked my clothes, a thick purple kimono and a great grey fur cloak with fluffy fur boots. Tear stains coated my cheeks, frosting over in the cold air. I struggled to stand, having trouble with my new height.

I searched my memories for everything about my new past, shocking myself in the process. My new name is Yukimura Kurozumi, bastard son of the new Shogun of Wano, Orochi Kurozumi, current heir to the Shogunate and heir to the Daimyo of Ringo. Until Orochi (I refuse to call him Father) gained a wife and proper heir that is. Ignored by Orochi as if I didn't exist, I was raised at Kurozumi Castle in Ringo by my mother, an ex geisha and my grandfather, Nobuhiro Kurozumi. My mother Yugao was a kind lady, who loved with everything she had, while my grandfather Nobuhiro is a hard man, he wants nothing but perfection, which the previous Yukimura couldn't give him. The reason why Yukimura was in the forest, freezing to death when I completed my reincarnation, was that Orochi had decided to have my new mother murdered to tie up loose ends now that he'd consolidated his rule as Shogun. I was to be left alive though, he needed me as a spare to continue his line.

Centering myself after these shocking revelations I thought of my plans. I couldn't stay in Wano. This country has become a cess pit. Kaidos' men ravage the country with pollution and poverty, and being a bastard son of Orochi, that paranoid fool, meant every day could be my last. But I couldn't just leave either. I was in the New World, where the seas are deadly, and the strength level of people is monstrous. I needed to milk my status as heir for everything it has. Learn as much as I can in the way of martial arts and the way of the world. I need to master my devil fruit abilities as quickly as possible. Starting with Telepaphy and Teleportation. I'll need to master reading minds and manipulation. The castle guards should be helpful test subjects. With my Healing factor, training like a madman should be helpful to strengthen my body aswell.. I estimate I have a few years before Orochi decides to off me. By that time, I'll learn as much as I can, then escape Ringo. I'll then wander or something until I'm strong enough to leave Wano. Gain power on the seas. Return, and off Orochi and Kaido. I'll work out a plan later.

I should probably get rid of these devil fruit leftovers though. Destroy any evidence. I'm going to have to eat them aren't I? I brought the orange, swirly patterned strawberry to my nose and gave it a quick sniff. It smelled pretty normal. I threw the remaining half straight into my mouth and chewed as fast as I could. It tasted like rancid fish guts, like rotting lettuce leaves, like milk that had been left a week too long. Holy shit, I wanted to puke but I couldn't as if the fruit refused to leave my mouth. What a nightmare.

Following my new memories, I made my way back towards the castle. It wasn't that far away, only just past the tree line.

Seeing the castle with my own eyes, rather than through my memory shocked me greatly, a great six story japanese style castle, it reminded me of what little I'd seen of Matsumoto Castle. The Gate guards seem to have seen me in the distance, as one came running forth while another ran to inform my grandfather most likely.

"Young Master! Come hurry!" He yelled while running. "The Lord has been worried! Come quick you mustn't keep him waiting!" Sure thing, it's not like I'm freezing to death here, I'm only five for god sakes. Without waiting for a reply he scooped me up like a sack of potatoes and began running back to the castle.

Nobuhiro was tall, atleast 8'5", old and muscular. He had a bald head and a large purple beard. His face was set in a permanent scowl. A man who showed little emotions.

"Why did you run away? You look like you're about to freeze to death. Foolish boy. As expected of a bastard. You let your emotions rule you. Your whore mother is dead. Move past it. You're currently heir. You should be better. You'll be whipped for punishment as usual. Tomorrow you'll begin your lessons. I expect you to heal properly" He waved his hand, gesturing me to leave, my further precence unwanted. My little fists scrunched hard into my palms. I want to bite this bastard to death. Memories of all the times the previous Yukimura had been whipped ran through my head. What a cold man. I need to bide my time. Let him teach me to swing the sword, I thought, and I'll take his head with it before I leave.

"Yes, Grandfather." I bowed and turned to leave. I could see his face scrunch up in my peripherals, he hates to be reminded of his relation to his sons shame.

"GUARD!" He bellowed, "Take Yukimura to the courtyard and whip him three times. Just hard enough to break skin." I flinched, this'll hurt, atleast it'll let me check my healing factor though.

"Yes Lord." A guard replied. He dragged me by the hand to the courtyard, though he looked reluctant, not strange I suppose, I wouldn't want to whip a ten yeard old.

"Sorry Young Master" He whispered as he tied my hands to a pole, removed my cloak and bared my back to the elements.

"Hurry up." I replied. "Do them quickly. Like pulling a nose hair." Ah, I shouldn't know what that feels like at the moment, not that he seems to be paying attention.

I heard the whip before I felt it. A meaty whap. The pain came soon after. The burning, stinging pain. my back felt like it was on fire by the time he finished. I could feel blood trickling down my back. It felt like a rubber band slap times one thousand. As soon as my hands were untied I slipped my kimono sleeves and cloak on and ran for my room. I could feel my flesh knitting back together. Despite my pain I couldn't help but grin. Regeneration this strong will help immensely in my plans. Everyday, I could train my muscles untill they tear, repeatedly, and be fine within minutes, maybe seconds if it strengthens. I may need an enormous amount of protein though.

My room was located at the very top of the Castle, as far away as possible from the main areas. Out of sight, out of mind, I suppose. I used to share the room with my mother, though it's all mine now sadly. The room contained tatami floors, a large folded futon, a set of drawers, a charcoal kotatsu, a large cushion, and a bookcase packed with books. Feeling especially tired, I worked my body to exhaustion doing basic push-ups, situps, planks and squats until I couldn't feel my limbs, unfolded my futon and let my dreams take me.