13

Ryō, now playing as Pain, completely dominated the Baroque Works with overwhelming strength, taking control of the entire Kingdom of Alabasta, where the Akatsuki Organization had now fully established itself.

The massive Outer Path Golem stood in the heart of Alabasta, with Ryō standing atop it, surveying the entire kingdom. Using the power of the Six Paths of Pain, Ryō had control over the winds throughout the land. If any outsider entered Alabasta, Ryō would be able to detect their presence through the shifting winds.

"Lord Pain," Robin, now the Divine Messenger of the Akatsuki Organization, approached respectfully. "Princess Vivi and the people of Alabasta have come seeking rain for their kingdom."

"Hmm... I know. Tomorrow at ten noon, rain will fall over Alabasta," Ryō calmly responded. The desert kingdom of Alabasta, suffering from severe drought, depended on water as its most precious resource. Even though they had tried using dance powder to make rain, it was never enough. Now, they had to rely on the god-like power of the Akatsuki.

Robin, curious, asked cautiously, "Lord Pain, are there other members of the Akatsuki Organization?" Since joining, she had only seen Ryō, though the organization was rumored to be vast.

"The other members are not for you to meet yet," Ryō replied, giving Robin little explanation. While there were indeed more members, Ryō hadn't yet summoned them using the system.

Accepting his answer, Robin remained silent, finding the mysterious Akatsuki Organization even more intriguing. After the conquest of Alabasta, Ryō's progress in the role-playing system had skyrocketed, reaching 90%.

"Ding! Congratulations, Host, for surpassing 90% progress. You have earned a new character draw!" The system's voice echoed in Ryō's mind, bringing a smile to his face.

The prospect of unlocking a new character was exciting. "Ding! Associated character extraction unlocked. Would you like to extract a new character from the Akatsuki Organization?"

"Associated character extraction?" Ryō pondered, but the system quickly explained: since Ryō had established the Akatsuki Organization, he could now specifically draw members from the group. "Draw Akatsuki members? Excellent!"

The Akatsuki was known for its powerful members, and now Ryō had a chance to summon one of them. "Begin the extraction!" he commanded.

The system flashed with rapid information before settling on a new character.

"Ding! Congratulations, Host, for summoning a new character: Kakuzu of the Akatsuki Organization!"

Ryō now found himself in possession of Kakuzu, the immortal member of the Akatsuki known for his ability to steal hearts and control five different powers through his Earth Grudge technique.

[Kakuzu – Akatsuki member and part of the Immortal Duo. Capable of stealing hearts and using their elemental powers. Can possess up to five hearts, granting him five lives and multiple elemental abilities.]

"This is incredible," Ryō thought, excited about Kakuzu's potential. The idea of Kakuzu stealing hearts, especially in a world filled with Devil Fruit users, made Ryō wonder—could Kakuzu absorb five Devil Fruit abilities at once?

Without hesitation, Ryō activated the transformation ability. "Play as Kakuzu!" he declared. In a puff of smoke, he took on Kakuzu's appearance, and his system panel updated.

[Strongest Role-Playing System]

[Host: Ryō]

[Current Role: Akatsuki Organization – Kakuzu]

[Progress: 10%]

[Abilities: Earth Grudge, Fire Heart, Thunder Heart, Earth Heart, Wind Heart, Water Heart]

Meanwhile, in the Grand Line, on Sabaody Archipelago, a fairly ordinary island was home to the G16 branch of the Navy. The presence of the Navy kept most pirates in hiding, but the island had become a hub for pirate hunters who sought bounties by hunting down wanted criminals.

Today, a man in a black cloak with red clouds, holding several severed heads, arrived on the island. His mere presence radiated bloodlust, drawing immediate attention from everyone nearby.