Different Paths

Sea Calendar (1466)

Time waits on no one. It has been almost 15 years since Nature's family held the Competition of Combat, and as always in Nature's Family, the transformation continued. 

New inventions would pop up from time to time, new heroes, new out worldly games, but for the Jarilo couple, and their son, these things were for the enjoyment of the Triangle, Ephon, Diana and Hercule spent most of their time isolated on Jarilo.

And it was on Hercules 15th birthday that a change occurred in Ephon's body. He realized that he became more connected to nature than before. He started to feel like he was truly a part of the plants and trees that his senses covered.

And after experimenting, he realized that he had accidentally obtained a new ability. He called it 'Eutierria', or rather it felt that that was the name for his new ability.

The ability allowed him to basically teleport using the trees as a marker to whatever distance another tree is instantly. 

It is very similar to Kimimaro's 'Dance of the Seedling Fern' in which he can appear out of any bone he created, except that Eutierria's speed of transmission is comparable to Minato's Flying thunder god jutsu, and it's only requirement for transmission is trees and plants within his sensing range, whether he created them or not. 

It has been about a year since that discovery and now Ephon, Diana, and Hercule were sitting in the living room of their house on Jarilo watching the History channel on their television.

Yes, a television, it was only time before this was introduced to the people of Nature's triangle, it was introduced to the triangle about 10 years ago, although there are still only three channels available.

"..this time period is known as the Blank Century, it is said that some parts of the history of this period is recorded on what is known as the Poneglyphs. Although we are pretty sure that anyone that tries to research this will become the enemy of the World Government so.." 

Listening to the woman's words, as she discussed the history of the Blank Century, Hercule couldn't help but become curious.

Although he was only 16 years old, he was already 7 feet tall, in fact he looked a lot like his father.

"Why haven't you tried to uncover the blank century father? with your power and influence you definitely could." Hercule, who was seated on the couch closest to the television, asked his father curiously. 

Ephon, who was cuddling with his wife on the back sofa in the room, completely ignoring the television program as he and Diana were in their own world.

"Tch.. it's too troublesome." Ephon replied nonchalantly.

But looking at Hercule's annoyed expression, it seemed that he wasn't satisfied with such an answer.

"What do you mean troublesome, I know the history of NF, you guys were the overlords of the sea in your era, some pirates were even calling you the King of the Seas" 

Hearing Hercule's words, Ephon put away his playful expression as he looked over at his son.

"Sigh.. the thing is Hercule, if I walked down that path, we would have fought against the WG which would have resulted in the loss of countless lives, not to mention the advanced ancient weapons held by the WG, and their secret manpower. It just wasn't worth it, I would rather settle down and have a family, while spending the rest of my life with your mother peacefully" Ephon replied seriously.

"Is there really someone stronger than you, why haven't I.. but what about the innocent people dying, what a.."

"I honestly don't believe that there's an individual stronger than me in this World, but there's a thing called technology that seems to have no limit. Before I left Jarilo as a kid, I knew about some of the WG's hidden powers, and that is why I chose this path. Now almost 100 million people can live in peace in my territory" Ephon explained.

"Then Why don't you make your territory bigger, Father? That way less people will have to suffer" it seemed that Hercule was still having a hard time understanding his dad's decision.

"Because the more people under my rule, the harder it will be to maintain the Paradise they have come to love. It is in human nature to want more, to want what their neighbors have, but with the help of laws and rulers, those emotions are suppressed, but if there's too many people under that governments rule, there's bound to be crimes and violations that pass under the radar, and such a place cannot be called Paradise" Ephon informed his son patiently, whiles returning back to cuddle with Diana.

"Think about it this way Hercule, if E did what you wanted, he wouldn't have met me, and that means you wouldn't be born" Diana added nonchalantly as she rubbed her head against Ephon's chest.

Hercule ignored his parents antics as he was deep in thought after hearing Ephon's words, 

But after a while his expression turned from one of confusion to one of resoluteness.

"Dad!?" Hercule called out.

"What now Hercule?" Ephon replied.

"I want to join the Marines." Hercule replied.

"What! Are you feeling okay honey, what did you do to him E!?" It was Diana who replied, obviously shocked by her sons words.

"I'm sure Mom, the only way for me to help everyone live peacefully with peace and justice is to join the marines" Hercule answered.

"I know you're not that naive to believe that the Navy can grant true justice to the seas right? Not to mention that they are simply the lackey of the WG, and don't even think that by raising in the hierarchy you can change that, in fact, the higher you raise, the more restrictions you'll have" 

Ephon wasn't upset by Hercule's words, but instead try to understand his son's reasoning.

"I know Dad, but if I build my reputation in the navy to a high enough level, then the WG's commands would have no power over the Marines" Hercule responded.

" Let's say you somehow managed to do that, you do know that by then you'll be declaring war on the Navy?" Ephon pointed out.

"I'm aware of that, but.. You'll never sit back and watch your son being hunted down by the WG now would you?" Hercule said as he cracked a sly smile.

"Ha..you're definitely Diana's son, do whatever you want, but just know that your decision involves many factors" Ephon could only laugh.

"Thank you Father" 

"What about me, I, the one who birthed didn't allow you to go" Diana chimed in.

"I know my lovely mother will always support me" Hercule immediately sucked up to his mother, and it seemed to be working as Diana responded with a proud nod.

"I'll go with you, I haven't left the Triangle in decades, and I need to give the World Government a little warning" Ephon suddenly spoke.

"What! Well then I'm coming along, he's my son too" Diana added not to be outdone.

Seeing his parents behavior, Hercule could only feel thankful, he knew from the newspapers that a lot of children are born into environments that can only be described as hell, but he was lucky enough to be born to two of the most loving parents he could ever asked for.

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