Chapter 36: C-Level Talent: Life Return!

Glass Ball Island - East Street, Night

After the intense battle, East Street was in ruins, with fires still raging among the devastated houses. Leno exhaled in relief after dispatching the white-robed man from CP0.

Ding! You defeated your opponent and scanned the following talents: Shigan (S-level), Tekkai (S-level), Observation Haki (A-level), Kami-e (A-level), Geppo (B-level), Rankyaku (B-level), Espionage (B-level), Armament Haki (C-level), Soru (C-level), Life Return (C-level), Gambling (D-level), Cooking (D-level), Singing (E-level).

Leno was astonished at the array of talents displayed before him. "This CP0 agent is quite versatile," he thought, realizing the strength and skills honed by those serving directly under the Celestial Dragons.

Despite the tempting high-level talents like Shigan and Tekkai, Leno wasn't particularly interested. The Rokushiki techniques, while formidable, were limited against opponents with strong Haki. Especially Tekkai, which was often seen as a vulnerability rather than a strength against such foes.

Leno's focus was on mastering both swordsmanship and Haki. Unarmed combat techniques like Rokushiki, though valuable, wouldn't add much to his growth.

Please choose a talent as soon as possible!

After some consideration, Leno decided on Life Return, a C-level talent that intrigued him. It aligned well with his existing Lord of Gluttony talent. When no suitable high-level talents are available, it's better to choose one that can be combined or integrated with the existing ones.

Ding! Congratulations on duplicating the talent: Life Return!

Talent Introduction: With concentrated consciousness, you can control your body, hair, and internal organs freely.

Leno felt a tingling sensation in his body as the talent took effect.

Ding! The Host has similar talents: Lord of Gluttony and Life Return. Look for more similar talents to fuse and upgrade!

These two talents indeed had similarities. Lord of Gluttony already allowed him to manipulate his body, and now with Life Return, he could refine and improve it further.

Leno experimented by channeling his consciousness into his hair. With a brush of energy, his disheveled hair stood up, forming an afro. "This is pretty fun," he mused, returning his hair to its original style. Then he wondered if he could extend his control beyond his own body.

He attempted to manipulate a piece of gravel on the ground but found it unresponsive. "Maybe the talent's intensity isn't strong enough for that," he concluded, shelving the idea for now.

Sheathing the Dragon Sparrow, Leno approached the faintly glowing Scarlet blade. As he grasped its hilt, he didn't sense the usual will of the sword, just an empty shell—a body without a soul.

"Death in the ashes, recasting a new life!"

"As expected of you, Kaze. You found a way to neutralize the demon sword!"

Kaze had sacrificed his blood and soul to destroy the will of the demon sword, an act of profound resolve.

"No wonder the demon sword feared fire so much," Leno murmured, impressed. Kaze had used the disastrous Dragon Gold to forge a sword that does not kill—a weapon both unique and rare.

"It's likely that CP0 discovered Kaze's intent to create such a sword and attempted to seize it. In his resistance, he must have taken his own life, leading to the events that followed."

Leno turned his attention to the unconscious CP0 agent. "What should I do with him?" He glanced at the Scarlet blade.

"Yes!" A thought struck him. "I should test my new talent, Infection."

Leno walked over to the white-robed agent. "An artifact infected with Kaze's blood became a demon sword. I wonder, could I implant this power into a living body?"

Leno slashed the white-robed man with the demon sword, letting a drop of his blood drip onto the wound. The blood seeped into the agent's body, and the talent of Infection activated. Simultaneously, the demon sword's wound healed rapidly, establishing an invisible connection between Leno and the agent.

Infection Success!

While Infection carried risks, Leno's will was stronger, allowing him to maintain control.

"Leno!" A familiar voice called out. He turned to see Kuina, Luwell, and Kuro rushing towards him.

"Are you okay?" Kuina asked with concern.

"Yeah. How about you guys?"

"We're fine. The people attacking us suddenly started bleeding and dropped one by one," Luwell reported.

Kuro, adjusting his glasses, remarked, "It seems you took care of things."

Leno nodded. "It's settled."

"Great! I knew you could handle it," Luwell said with a relieved smile.

Leno noticed a faint demonic aura emanating from Kuro. Kuro had managed to free himself from the demon sword's control, likely gaining some benefits in the process.

Kuro explained how he had broken free and even managed to partially control the demon sword's power. 

The events had diverged from the original story. In the original plot, Kuro might have fallen out with Ruen, fled to the sea, and eventually formed the Black Cat Pirates, only to be defeated by Luffy. Luwell might have continued wandering the streets, while Kaze would have been left to sell swords without ever obtaining Dragon Gold.

"This is getting interesting," Leno thought with a grin.

He looked out to sea. "It's time. I'm going after the strong ones out there. Are you all coming with me?" he asked, turning back to his companions.

Luwell was surprised. Kuina nodded without hesitation—wherever Leno went, she would follow. Kuro, too, adjusted his glasses and smirked. "I don't like owing favors, but I do owe you my life."

Luwell, grinning, added, "Is this an invitation? The sea's a dangerous place. You'll need a skilled scholar!"

Kuina shot her a glare.

Luwell defended herself, "Hey, I really am a scholar! My father is the famous East Blue adventurer, K Rogge!"

Leno and Kuro both paused. "K Rogge?" Leno asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, why?" Luwell looked puzzled.

Kuro spoke up, "The same Rogge who went missing ten years ago and was wanted by the Ojkot royal family for treason?"

Luwell nodded. "That's him, but he didn't commit treason!"

Leno said, "He got caught in a storm and died."

"What?!" Luwell exclaimed.

"I have his logbook," Leno replied, recounting the bandits' tale to Luwell. She was moved, having been on the run ever since her father was branded a traitor.

"Can we find those bandits? I need to know the truth!" Luwell pleaded.

"It should be possible," Leno agreed. He, too, wanted to revisit the site.

With the demon sword's curse lifted, those who had been under its control started to awaken. The island of Glass Ball began to stir back to life. Fires were being extinguished, and people were rescued.

Leno and his group made their way back to the Spider Casino.

"Honored guests, Lady Carl welcomes you!" A maid greeted them with a warm smile and a bow.

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