Chapter 9: Guided by Destiny

In the midst of the swirling darkness, Ryo stood alongside Lady Death, who had revealed her true name to be Zoe. The air hummed with an electric anticipation as they embarked on a conversation about the journey that lay ahead.

"So, Zoe," Ryo began, testing the sound of her name on his lips, "how exactly are you planning to guide me through all of this?"

Zoe's eyes sparkled with mischief as she considered his question. "Ah, my dear Ryo," she replied, her voice a melodious whisper, "that is a journey we shall embark upon together. But first, let us delve into the mysteries of the devil fruit you consumed before your untimely demise."

Ryo nodded, his curiosity piqued. "You mean the one Kaido forced upon me?"

Zoe nodded in affirmation. "Yes, precisely," she confirmed, her tone laced with intrigue. "This devil fruit is no ordinary fruit, my dear. It is a zoan type with powers beyond your wildest imagination."

As Ryo absorbed her words, Zoe continued to unravel the enigma surrounding the fruit. "You see, this fruit's power was never fully recorded," she explained, her voice tinged with a hint of solemnity. "The last owner perished before they could unlock its full potential."

Intrigued, Ryo pressed for more details. "How did the previous owner meet their end?" he inquired, his gaze locked on Zoe's captivating eyes.

Zoe's expression softened as she recounted the tale of the fruit's origins. "The previous owner lived during the Lost Century, 800 years ago," she began, her words carrying a weight of ancient wisdom. "They were among the first to partake of a devil fruit, bestowed with a vision of their own demise at the hands of the founders of the World Government."

A solemn silence enveloped them as Ryo processed the gravity of Zoe's words. "But the vision did not end there," Zoe continued, her voice low and measured. "It foretold of a pure-hearted individual who would inherit the fruit and fulfill the unfinished mission of their predecessor."

As the weight of destiny settled upon them, Zoe revealed the final revelation of the vision – the necessity of a vessel to navigate the treacherous seas of fate. "And so," Zoe concluded, her hand sweeping through the darkness, "the remaining members of the group crafted a ship imbued with the spirit of their fallen comrade."

With a wave of her hand, a ship materialized before them, its form small and unassuming. "It may appear humble now," Zoe remarked, a playful glint dancing in her eyes, "but fear not, my dear Ryo. It shall grow in size and stature when you return to the land of the living."

As a knowing smile came from her, all Ryo did was blush. How can someone so alluring and mysterious like Lady Death herself be such a hidden pervert.

Nevertheless as Ryo processed the enormity of his newfound destiny, Zoe's playful demeanor resurfaced, teasing him with affectionate banter. "You truly believed I would let you die without a fight?" she quipped, her voice laced with amusement. "You're far too handsome to let such a prophecy go to waste."

A soft chuckle escaped Ryo's lips as he gazed upon Zoe, his heart stirred by her playful charm. "You may be right," he conceded, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "But what other prophecies do you have in store for me, Zoe?"

Zoe's eyes twinkled mischievously as she leaned closer, her breath warm against his ear. "Ah, my dear Ryo," she whispered, her voice a tantalizing melody, "that, my handsome fool, is a secret for another time. Just remember this. When the time is right I will come to you."

With those words, Ryo's vision began to darken once more, leaving him to ponder the mysteries of fate and the allure of Lady Death, now known as Zoe.