Chapter 261: Reality and Dream: The Dark Room

The Demonic Blade Evil Spirit was much shorter than a regular sword, so short that it could be considered a dagger.

Though this sword possessed the ability to damage souls, and its flashy effects when swung made it seem quite impressive, for someone like Takumi, who preferred a laid-back lifestyle, its flashy aura was too conspicuous for him.

Moreover, this sword had a second form that could evolve into dual blades, making it perfect for a dual-wielding swordsman like Kaku.

This was why Takumi decided to gift the sword to Kaku. After all, he didn't think he'd ever truly use it, so it would be better off in the hands of someone more suited to wielding it.

More importantly, Kaku had fully committed to the crew. There was still a long journey ahead, with many stronger opponents to face. Relying solely on the Silent-Silent Fruit's supporting abilities wouldn't be enough. But with the addition of this demonic sword, Kaku's combat power could improve significantly.

Kaku stared at the sword on the table, its entire length a dark black that emitted a faint black mist. The skull on the guard exuded an eerie chill that Kaku could feel even without touching it.

"Is this… a cursed sword?" Kaku asked in surprise.

Takumi replied calmly, "You could say that. This sword can evolve into two blades, which suits you well."

Kaku was shocked. "Evolve into two blades? Really? Can a sword this extraordinary even exist? That's amazing! Will I be able to handle it?"

"Idiot," Enel interjected with irritation. "Stop being so modest. If he's giving it to you, just take it. What's with all the nonsense? I've been on this ship for so long, and Takumi hasn't given me anything. Be grateful."

"You're right," Kaku laughed. He reached out and took hold of the Demonic Blade Evil Spirit. As the blade moved, it left behind a trail of black mist tinged with red and blue. Besides the special effects, Kaku could feel two powerful, bone-chilling forces emanating from the blade as he gripped the hilt.

"It does seem a bit difficult to handle," Kaku said as he swung the sword twice. "But I'll get used to it quickly."

"Joke around all you want, but don't use this sword on your allies," Takumi said after taking a sip of wine. "It can harm souls."

"Harm souls?" Kaku was stunned. "I've never heard of a sword that can damage someone's soul… Captain, where did you even get this blade?"

Takumi, not interested in explaining further, simply remained silent.

Realizing he was asking too much, Kaku laughed awkwardly. "Haha, it doesn't matter where it came from. Thank you, Captain, for this gift. I'll master this sword as soon as possible and live up to your expectations."

Takumi: "..."

He didn't respond to Kaku's formal gratitude. After finishing the last bit of food in his bowl, Takumi stood up, ready to leave the cabin.

"Wait a moment," Kaku quickly called out. "Have another bowl of soup."

With that, Kaku poured Takumi another bowl of soup, packed with meat.

"I'm full," Takumi said casually as he prepared to head out.

Kaku continued, "That won't do. When I was fifteen, I was already 1.75 meters tall. Captain, you're too short. You need to eat more and drink less."

Takumi: "..."

"For once, I agree with Long Nose," Enel chimed in lazily. "When I was fifteen, I was already 2.2 meters tall. You're only 1.5 meters. Aren't you embarrassed?"

Takumi abruptly stopped in his tracks. Turning to face Enel, he didn't hesitate to slap the back of Enel's head.

With a loud "thud," Enel's head smacked into the table, leaving a large bump on his forehead.

"Damn it! Why did you hit me again for no reason?" Enel yelled, glaring at Takumi.

Ignoring him, Takumi grabbed the bowl of meat soup that Kaku had offered, quickly finished it, and left the cabin without a word.

"Damn it! Hitting someone for no reason and then leaving like it's nothing… Only you would pull that off," Enel grumbled at the now-empty doorway.

Kaku chuckled. "You still haven't realized this is your own doing? You're always causing trouble… If I have time later, I'll teach you how to speak properly."

"Damn you, Long Nose!" Half of Enel's face was shrouded in shadow as he glared at Kaku. "You think you can act this cocky just because Takumi has your back?"

"I wouldn't say I'm cocky," Kaku replied, unfazed. "I've told you so many times: if you don't control your temper, you'll suffer for it. If it were anyone else, I wouldn't even bother saying anything."

On the deck, Takumi set up his personal lounge chair, stretched out comfortably, and basked in the warm afternoon sunlight for his midday nap.

Since coming to the One Piece world, Takumi had developed the habit of taking naps. His naps usually lasted one or two hours, following a well-established routine.

However, this time, it felt like he had been asleep for a long, long time.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps, accompanied by dust and wood chips falling around him, startled Takumi awake.

Before him was pitch-black darkness.

The damp air was filled with the strong smell of rotting wood.

This long-forgotten, familiar sensation left Takumi's mind blank for a few seconds.

Once he regained his senses, he immediately reached out for the familiar switch he remembered.

The moment he flicked the switch, a dim, yellowish light from a hanging lamp illuminated the space. Though the light wasn't very strong, it was still somewhat harsh in the sudden brightness.

As Takumi's eyes adjusted, he realized he was in a small, narrow room under a staircase.

It was a cramped, two-story house with nothing but a worn-out mat covered by a tattered blanket.

Next to the small, one-meter-high wooden door, there was an old cloth bag filled with books.

Takumi paused for a moment before getting up and grabbing the cloth bag. He took out one of the books and looked at it.

It was his high school textbook from his second year.

What was going on?

Had he... returned?

Takumi immediately pinched himself, and the sharp pain made him realize he wasn't dreaming.

So, everything he experienced in the world of One Piece... was that all just a dream?

"No… That's impossible…" Takumi, in disbelief, threw the book aside.

At that moment, a loud knock came from outside the small wooden door.

A voice, all too familiar to Takumi, called out, "Hey, hurry up and iron the dress I'm going to wear today! Don't drag your feet, or I'll make sure you don't get to eat!"

The speaker was none other than Gu Qianqian, the spoiled daughter of Takumi's aunt, who he had lived with in his past life. She was two years younger than him.

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