I Need You

Three days later. Wilberus Island, North Blue.

Dawn landed on the summit of a barren mountain at the back of the island.

Jagged rocks rose all around him. The harsh terrain was hemmed in by weathered boulders, making it impossible even to see the land below.

Deep within the summit, a natural barrier of overlapping boulders sheltered a massive structure resembling an ancient shrine.

The rocks were plastered with dense rows of sealing talismans covered in strange Runes. At a glance, there were more than a thousand of them.

A vast sealing array had been drawn on the ground in dark red pigment. Its intricate, ancient lines gave off an ominous air. At its center, a long sword hung motionless in midair.

The sword measured over two meters from end to end. Its design was old-fashioned, even eerie, with several twisted crosses carved into the scabbard and coils of blood-red cord wrapped tightly around it.

It was one of Dawn's targets on this trip—Kikoku.

Dawn strode forward, ignoring the unsettling power of the seal around him. He reached out and easily undid the crimson knots that had looked so secure.

Then flowing Armament Haki covered his arm, and he seized Kikoku's hilt.

The instant he gripped it, Kikoku shuddered violently, letting out a hum that sounded almost jubilant.

With a pull of his wrist, Dawn drew the heavily sealed Cursed Sword from its sheath with ease.

Its blade was long and slender, with a graceful curve and a cold gleam. The hum grew clearer and more pleasing to the ear.

"Looks like you're eager to leave this damned place too."

Dawn smiled faintly, sheathed Kikoku, and put it into his Storage Space.

Finally, he brought out a chart of the North Blue and carefully checked the direction of his next