Given Yamato's and Hancock's astonishing, once-in-a-generation talent, mastering that technique was only a matter of time.
At present, whether for Tenma personally or for Wano as a whole, the most abundant resource they possessed was precisely time.
Just like now—Tenma could clearly feel that his combat strength was already approaching the very peak of this world. With no opponent capable of matching him head-on, the pace of his growth was inevitably slowing.
Since raw power and foundation were no longer issues, his strategic focus naturally shifted.
He preferred to wait patiently, allowing the forces under his command to sink their roots deep into the world like an ancient tree.
At the same time, he would exploit a transmigrator's foreknowledge to intercept those great opportunities and legendary events that originally belonged to others.
The current Tenma perfectly embodied that classic line:
"I've fought wars my whole life—can't I enjoy some music and dancing now?"
Thus, aside from his daily, unwavering routine of instructing the two women in batches on Conqueror's Haki coating, and occasionally giving Kuina pointers on swordsmanship, the rest of his time was spent indulging himself.
Especially once night fell—that was when revelry of every meaning truly began.
Aside from Lady Toki, whose lingering charm and gentle warmth never faded, Natasha—who had eaten the Slip-Slip Fruit—had become Tenma's newest favorite.
To be honest, the extreme tactile sensation brought by that fruit was something he found hard to put down—almost addictive.
While it hadn't yet reached the debauched excess of wine lakes and meat forests, it still radiated a level of luxury that made people gasp.
The only difference was that Tenma never worried about drowning in pleasure.
With his current terrifying physique, even battling through several nights in a row wouldn't cause the slightest hint of exhaustion.
In fact, the "senzu bean"–like recovery item he kept as a trump card hadn't been used even once.
On the other hand, several of the possessive women—unwilling to share their man—had privately gone to Mansherry more than once to ask for that item to replenish themselves.
And it was precisely because of this overwhelming disparity in "combat power" that the steward, who once thought the Shogun's conduct should be restrained, was rendered completely speechless.
After all, Tenma wasn't some pleasure-seeking waste like Kurozumi Orochi, nor was he an incompetent ruler like the former Kozuki clan.
In an environment where Wano's national strength was steadily soaring, even if Tenma were to frequent pleasure quarters all day like Orochi, the people wouldn't utter a single complaint.
They might even think the Shogun was traveling incognito—boosting local GDP and population flow while he was at it.
Aside from nightly explorations into the origins of life, his days were equally rich.
From poolside wet parties and grand banquets with his retainers,
to sailing out to sea for leisure, relaxed fishing,
or lying on Maria Fang's lap while Hiyori played newly composed melodies—
All of it was Tenma's way of rewarding himself during this waiting period before the right moment arrived.
A few months after the Fire Festival, as the calendar was about to turn to Year 1507 of the Sea Circle Calendar,
the Revolutionary Army's mysterious leader—Dragon—chose to visit Wano in complete secrecy.
Relying on the uncanny powers of the Wind-Wind Fruit, he effortlessly crossed the raging whirlpool seas of the outer waters.
Even the heavy weapons bastions built around the colossal waterfalls failed to stop his wind-born passage.
However, the moment his feet touched land near Kuri's harbor, a sharp killing intent instantly locked onto him.
Dragon's heart skipped. He instinctively sidestepped, confusion surging within him.
He had pushed his Observation Haki to the limit, perfectly avoiding every life-detection system on the defenses—
so how had he been exposed the instant he landed?
But he didn't dwell on it. Raising both hands at once, he signaled that he meant no harm.
"Don't misunderstand. I have no hostile intent. I merely wish to visit Skyborne General Tenma."
As he spoke, Dragon lifted his gaze—and upon seeing the figure who had attacked him, his breathing stalled.
"Master Kōshirō?! Why are you here?"
The man opposite him had clearly recognized the cloaked visitor as well, and his face showed equal astonishment.
"Mr. Dragon?"
Back in the East Blue, the two had held several in-depth discussions and were actually on quite good terms.
Seeing that the intruder was an acquaintance, Kōshirō relaxed and slowly sheathed his weapon.
Dragon's expression turned solemn.
"I was drawn here by the Fire Festival issue of the newspaper… for the ideal we once discussed."
…
Meanwhile, inside the luxurious stronghold of the Flower Capital.
Tenma held an exquisite wineglass, while the room echoed with a new piece jointly composed by Maria Fang and Hiyori—an auditory feast.
Before the wine even reached his lips, Lira Blackveil hurried in from outside, clearly bearing urgent news.
She leaned close and whispered a brief report.
A playful expression immediately appeared on Tenma's face.
"Since he's here, let him come and see me."
The moment he spoke, the flowing music stopped abruptly, leaving behind a trace of regret in the air.
Tenma waved his hand casually.
"No need to stop. Keep playing—it's just a potential partner."
He glanced at the women around him.
"As my retainers, there's no need for you to withdraw. Do whatever you like."
The two women exchanged smiles filled with reassurance, and the lively, beautiful notes once again danced through the room.
At the grand gates of the Shogun's residence in the Flower Capital.
Dragon, clad in his iconic green cloak, no longer sneaked in using his Devil Fruit.
After Kōshirō reported his arrival, a dedicated attendant respectfully led him up this seat of power.
At the entrance, he noticed a tall, coldly elegant figure already waiting at the gates leading to the inner court.
It was Gion—the former Marine vice admiral who had now joined Tenma's camp.
Dragon recognized his former colleague instantly.
She still wore the same bold, sensual style of dress as he remembered. The only difference was that the Marine cape symbolizing justice was long gone.
Dragon looked at Gion, his gaze complicated, and broke the silence first.
"Ever since you decided to leave the Marines and follow the Skyborne General, I've wanted to find a chance to talk with you."
Gion raised an eyebrow slightly, her tone calm.
"What did you want to talk about?"
As a former Marine Headquarters vice admiral—and the son of the Marine hero Garp—Dragon's sudden defection had always been a mystery to her.
Dragon's eyes grew deep and earnest, as if trying to see into her heart.
"Was your true reason for leaving the Marines the Flevance incident—the one the World Government tried so hard to cover up?"
"Yes. That's right."
Gion nodded without hesitation, pain flickering in her eyes.
"The hellish sight of Flevance completely woke me up."
She took a deep breath, her voice firm.
"This world is already terminally ill. It needs radical change. Especially the decaying rule of the World Government—it can never bring true justice or peace to the four seas."
Hearing this, Dragon's face lit up with the joy of finding a kindred spirit.
"You're right. It seems that leaving that cesspool means you've seen through the darkness hidden behind 'justice.'"
His emotions rose, his speech quickening.
"That was exactly why I left the Marines as well."
"Oppression exists everywhere in this world—starting with the Celestial Dragons high above the clouds, layer upon layer of exploitation, from nobles to commoners."
"So-called justice is nothing more than a hypocritical lie built upon the corpses of countless innocent people."
"The Celestial Dragons—the root of all evil—and the cruel World Government must be eradicated if the seas are ever to know true peace."
Dragon looked at Gion, eyes blazing.
"That's why I founded the Revolutionary Army—to liberate the nations groaning under tyranny and sever the true chains binding this sea!"
The intent to recruit was unmistakable.
Yet Gion gently shook her head.
"Although our overall ideals align, I won't join the Revolutionary Army."
Her eyes held an unshakable resolve.
"My purpose now is singular—to support Tenma with everything I have, and realize the justice I believe in."
"I understand. And I respect that."
Dragon nodded. Though regret lingered, he didn't press further.
He knew exactly how formidable the woman before him was—someone even Vice Admiral Tsuru had valued deeply. If she joined the Revolutionaries, she'd be a tremendous asset.
But he hadn't expected much anyway.
After all, next to the conspicuous black spider tattoo on Gion's thigh were two striking letters: "M·D."
They were Wano's new mark—representing Tenma, and her allegiance.
Both were traitors to the old era, having left behind a place that once embodied their sense of justice.
After a brief exchange, their convictions only solidified further.
Gion turned and departed. A waiting maid then guided Dragon toward the man he had come to see.
Passing through layered corridors, until he reached a chamber filled with flowing silk-and-bamboo melodies, Dragon finally laid eyes on his ultimate target.
The Skyborne General—Tenma.
Yet the scene before him left him momentarily stunned.
The legendary man was lounging lazily in the embrace of a peerless beauty over six meters tall.
Eyes closed, he savored the music. Gentle, meticulous massages were being administered across his body, and peeled fruit was occasionally brought to his lips.
Dragon froze in place.
This image was worlds apart from the diligent, tireless ruler who had led an ancient nation to prosperity in his imagination.
But years of traveling the world quickly steadied his mind, brushing away any impolite thoughts.
Whatever Tenma was like in private, everything Dragon had seen from Kuri to the Flower Capital—the prosperity, the vitality—were undeniable achievements.
"You must be Dragon."
Still nestled comfortably in Maria Fang's warm embrace, Tenma opened his eyes slightly, appraising the man before him.
"I've heard much about you. Leader of the Revolutionary Army."
"You know of the Revolutionary Army?"
Dragon was genuinely shocked. The movement was still in its dormant phase—it shouldn't have made waves worldwide yet.
"Of course. You and Gion are both rebels from the Marines."
Tenma smiled faintly.
"Since you're dissatisfied with the World Government behind the Marines, I naturally paid attention to your movements."
With that explanation, Dragon no longer doubted him.
After all, this man was the uncrowned king of the New World, commanding vast resources and intelligence networks. Gathering such information would be trivial.
Since Tenma had been so direct, Dragon chose to be equally frank.
"I came this time on behalf of the Revolutionary Army, hoping to establish some substantive cooperation with your forces."
Whether it was Wano's mountain-like stockpiles of grain, or the refined weapons and rare seastone circulating in the underworld—
all were lifelines to the fledgling Revolutionary Army.
"As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend."
Tenma didn't agree immediately. Instead, he analyzed calmly:
"Opening a secret supply route for food, weapons, or seastone is no problem at all. I can even offer a 'friendship price.'"
Then his tone sharpened.
"But even among friends, you should understand—returns require contributions. There's no such thing as a free lunch."
He did want to use the Revolutionary Army to harass the World Government—but that didn't mean he'd bankroll them for free.
"Then what kind of return does the General want?" Dragon asked gravely.
Just opening a secret route would already be a huge favor. Given the Revolutionaries' current financial strain, he could only throw the ball back and hear Tenma's terms.
"Very simple."
Tenma straightened up, his tone turning serious.
"Our shared goal is to drag the World Government down from its lofty perch. But this is a world ruled by fists—absolute peace does not exist."
"Necessary governance is indispensable. Otherwise, once the government falls, what awaits is endless riots and chaos—that would be the true end of the seas."
He locked eyes with Dragon, laying bare the blade at last.
"If the Celestial Dragons and the World Government are brought down, I want to be the new administrator."
Dragon fell into deathly silence.
His ultimate ideal was to eliminate oppression and liberate all humanity.
Like his homeland, the Goa Kingdom—praised as the East Blue's most beautiful yet also its filthiest—it was a microcosm of the world itself.
Who could guarantee that Tenma wouldn't become an even more terrifying oppressor once in power?
Yet he had to admit—Tenma's words made sense.
On this sea of survival of the fittest, a powerful administrator was indeed crucial.
Tenma didn't rush him, patiently waiting for Dragon's thoughts.
Only Hiyori's gentle, rain-like melody flowed through the room.
After a long while, Dragon raised his head, his gaze blazing.
"If you became the ruler of the world… what would you do?"
This was no longer business—it was a discussion of ideals and the future of the world.
Tenma met Dragon's probing eyes calmly, then gestured grandly toward the window.
"Isn't today's Wano the best answer already?"
…
After the talks concluded, Dragon left behind a dedicated direct-line Den Den Mushi and departed the Shogun's residence in haste.
Because of Tenma's words, he decided to stay in Wano for a while longer—to personally experience the country's true state under Tenma's rule, down at the grassroots.
As for paying in money for the trade—given that overthrowing the World Government was still a distant dream—Tenma made no concessions.
Though power could crush all, the opponent was a behemoth that had stood for eight hundred years.
With Tenma's greedy yet cautious nature, he would naturally squeeze every last bit of profit.
Anything usable, anything beneficial—he would not let a single piece slip by.
Whether they were revolutionaries of the present, or the historic opportunities of the future.
Sensing Dragon's presence vanish completely, Hiyori finally stopped playing.
She puffed out her soft pink cheeks in displeasure.
"That guy actually needed time to think? Tenma-sama becoming the administrator is only natural!"
"Indeed. Looking across the entire world, no one is more suited to rule than Lord Tenma."
Maria Fang echoed her sentiment, stretching her alluring body and adjusting her posture so Tenma lay even more comfortably.
Though she hadn't witnessed his earlier imposing demeanor firsthand, the shift in aura alone made her even more enamored.
"Everyone has different ideals. Since he aims high, of course he'll be cautious."
Feeling the cloud-soft sensation behind him, Tenma leaned back comfortably and looked into Maria Fang's eyes.
"In any case, gaining the Revolutionary Army just adds another brick to my future plans."
He gently stroked Maria Fang's cheek.
"Speaking of which—you've been growing steadily too, Maria Fang."
Maria Fang activated her ability, making her body even softer and more snug, responding happily:
"Being able to satisfy you is the greatest reward for me."
—Meh-lo! Meh-lo!
A very distinctive cackle suddenly sounded from outside the door.
The next moment, Perona didn't even use the front entrance—she floated straight through the wall like a ghost.
"Lord Tenma! I came to play with you—… Uwah! Broad daylight! Maria Fang, what shameless thing are you doing?!"
Having deliberately woken early after finishing a full day of hellish training at the military base, Perona had been in high spirits.
Only to walk in on this blush-inducing scene, eyes going wide as she shouted in shock.
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