The sun was dipping low, casting long golden rays across the land of Kuri as Oden's home came into view. For Mamoru, it was the first time he had laid eyes upon the bustling domain where so many stories about Oden were born. Compared to the snowy stillness of Ringo, Kuri felt alive, almost humming with energy.
Oden strode ahead proudly, Onimaru trotting at Mamoru's side, tail swishing with curiosity. The fox sniffed the air with interest—smoke from cooking fires, the scent of wood, the faint murmur of voices. Mamoru clutched Yoriichi close, his small hands tightening on the long blade.There were alot of moving people, his eyes gleamed with curiosity.
However they soon left the bustling town as they made their way to Oden catsle which was on a hilltop overlooking the Kuri
As they entered the castle, several heads turned. Oden's booming voice carried through the halls as he announced:
"Everyone! We've a guest tonight!"
The first to appear were the retainers . Denjiro, Kawamatsu, Ashura Dōji, Kin'emon, Kanjuro, and Raizo, each drawn by Oden's boundless voice. Their eyes immediately shifted to the boy at his side.
"This is Mamoru," Oden said proudly, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "The son of Ushimaru of Ringo! He's traveled here with me, eager to learn more about the world , isnt this great !"
Mamoru was a bit nervous under so many eyes. Onimaru barked once as his greeting .
Oden pointed at each of the retainers who were present and introduced them all . "Mamoru these are my retainers , Denjiro, Kawamatsu, Ashura Dōji, Kin'emon, Kanjuro, and Raizo . The others must be somewhere within the castle "
Mamoru smiled " My name is Shimotsuki Mamoru , nice to meet you all"
"Nice to meet you to young Mamoru, you father and the land of Ringo helped us greatly when we needed it , thank you " Kinemon said with a smile remembering all those times when they needed money and Ringo was the 1st place they'd go.
"Yes indeed , we welcome you with open hands Mamoru "Raizo said
"The guest is the one who usually brings a gift of sorts but in this case we should be the one giving you ,as thanks for all the help . I shall paint you the greatest painting "Kanjuro said with determination in his eyes as he lifted his paint brush .
"You paint the greatest painting "Ashura and Kinemon scoffed at the thought of that
"You say that because you my friends don't understand what true art is "Kanjuro said with a proud look in his eyes.
Denjiro's expression softened into a smile. He stepped forward. "Mamoru. It's good to see you again. You've grown since the last time I visited Ringo."
Mamoru's shoulders loosened slightly, a small smile creeping onto his lips. "Denjiro-san… it's been a while."
Kawamatsu's eyes, however, were fixed not on the boy—but on the sword he carried. "That blade…" His voice was filled with reverence. He crouched low to inspect it, his fins twitching in awe. "Such craftsmanship surely its an heirloom of your clan."
Denjiro, too, leaned closer. His eyes widened slightly. "Yoriichi the supreme grade blade . Its of higher quality than lord Oden's enma and Ame no habakiri . It rests in your hands now, Mamoru?"
Mamoru looked down at the sword with pride. "Yes, As per the traditions of Ringo ,this is the blade i was given at birth and also the one that will be my grave marker. My father entrusted it to me to protect those close to me and Ringo. I will not fail him."
The retainers exchanged impressed looks. Ashura Dōji scratched his chin, muttering, "Your conviction is admirable , reminds me Lord Oden when he 1st came to kuri"
Oden barked a laugh. "Oi, oi, don't scare the boy with my stories , he views me in a positive light after all !"
But Mamoru didn't look frightened. Instead, his grip on the sword tightened, and his eyes burned with determination. The retainers noted the determination in his eyes and took note of it in silence
Then, from behind them, a soft, lilting voice called out.
"Oden? Who have you brought home with you this time?"
Mamoru turned—and froze.
At the end of the corridor stood a beautiful woman with flowing hair, her eyes kind yet sharp. She moved gracefully, holding a small child in her arms while another toddled at her side.
"This is Lady Toki," Oden said with a wide grin. "My wife. And these are my children—Momonosuke and little Hiyori."
Mamoru's eyes widened further. Children…? Oden has a family like this?
Toki approached, curiosity in her gaze as she looked down at the boy. "And who might you be?"
"M-Mamoru, ma'am," he said quickly, nearly dropping Yoriichi in his haste. "Son of Shimotsuki Ushimaru, from Ringo."
Toki smiled warmly. "So polite. You honor your family well." She glanced at Oden knowingly. "And I suppose my husband has been filling your head with his wild stories?"
Mamoru flushed slightly. "Yes, Lady Toki. But… they're amazing."
Oden roared with laughter, throwing his head back.
"Mamoru came with me of his own will," Oden explained proudly. "He wanted to hear more of my tales. I told him I'd begin his training when next I go to Ringo, so I could explain it to his father properly."
Mamoru nodded eagerly, though a little disappointed that they couldnt start now. "I'll take my leave then… I shouldn't intrude."
But Toki shook her head firmly. "Nonsense. You've come all this way. You and your companion will stay the night."
Mamoru blinked. "really? I wouldn't want to impose "
"I insist," Toki said gently but firmly, leaving no room for refusal. Her eyes softened. "Besides, you look tired from the journey."
Mamoru hesitated, then bowed again. "thank you, Lady Toki. I'll accept your kindness."
Onimaru barked happily, tail wagging, as if agreeing.
That night, the castle's hall was alive with warmth. For once, the retainers, Oden's family, and their guest gathered around a great pot bubbling at the center of the room. The rich aroma of broth filled the air.
"Mamoru if you ever leave wano the 1st place you must visit must be Zou , my home , it's on the back of a giant elephant " Cat Viper said to Mamoru, Mamoru had met the rest of the remaining retainers shortly after being invited by Toki .
Dogstorm, Cat Viper and kiku received him with warmth and smiles . What great people Mamoru thought .
"So you and Dogstorm went with Lord Oden on his travels to sea ?" Mamoru asked Cat Viper who was seated next to him .
"Yes , Izo went along as well although she didn't decided to stay with the Whitebeard pirates for the time being "Cat Viper said
"I see , are there really lands far above in the sky ?" Mamoru asked
"Yes you gara , it sounds like a tale out of kids story but its true , the land of gold rests far above in the sky islands " Dogstorm said with his tongue hanging out his mouth as he looked at the pot with anticipation . He was sitting next to Cat Viper . But before they continue with their talk of adventures .
Oden stood proudly over the pot , ladling out generous portions into bowls. "Tonight calls for a special meal! My famous stew, oden!"
The retainers exchanged looks of rare excitement. It had been a while .
Denjiro smirked. "Lord Oden's pride is what fills the bowl."
The bowls were passed around. Mamoru took his carefully, steam rising against his face. He breathed in the scent—it was strong, almost overwhelming, but his stomach growled in anticipation.
Cat Viper, however, scooped up a large piece of reddish immediately, tossing it into his mouth without hesitation. A second later, his fur puffed up, his eyes bulging. He spat it out dramatically, fanning his tongue with both paws.
"Too hot! " he wailed.
"I told you gara to be careful"Duke Dogstorm said in exasperation
The room erupted into laughter.
"Cats have sensitive tongues you know "
But Oden, utterly unfazed, declared proudly as he struck a pose with a imaginarywater frame behind him . "Heat is the spice of life! And Oden was born to boil!"
Mamoru couldn't hold it in—he burst out laughing, his young voice ringing through the hall. Onimaru barked in delight, wagging his tail at the sound.
The stew was shared, and slowly, the room filled with a warmth that went beyond the broth. Mamoru felt it deep in his chest ,this laughter, this joy. He hadn't felt it often in much Ringo , where the cold winds carried silence more than merriment.
At one point, Momonosuke, emboldened by the atmosphere, stood on a low bench and began singing his father's famous tune the one Oden would shout while dancing naked through the streets.
"ODEN! WOULDN'T BE ODEN—" he sang, waving his little arms.
"IF IT WASN'T BOILED!" the entire hall roared back, clapping in unison.
Even Hiyori giggled and clapped her tiny hands.
Mamoru laughed until his sides hurt, joining in the chant. For the first time in a long while, his worries, his training,everything . It all felt lighter.
The night stretched on with stories, laughter, and camaraderie. And for Mamoru, it became a memory etched deep into his heart ,the night he found a second home among Oden's family and retainers.