This story is completed and available for free on p@reon. And There will be A Mega release of 10 chapters every 2 days.
[email protected]/Heroicverse
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Auguro gave a cold laugh. "Indeed! He concealed it well, but the first reaction never lies!"
The moment he saw Auguro, a brief flash of surprise and subtle joy crossed Perov's eyes. This was not the expression of someone who didn't recognize him.
"But it's not surprising," Auguro said calmly.
"The War of the Best was broadcast worldwide. My face has been seen by countless people, so recognizing me is not strange."
"However, he insisted on pretending not to recognize me. That is what makes it interesting."
"Let's see what kind of scheme this Minister of Agriculture is planning."
Since the houses on the barren land weren't finished, Auguro and his group checked into a hotel in the city. Nothing happened until nightfall. Auguro told the women to stay vigilant and then went to sleep.
Late at night, Auguro had a long dream. After years of hard struggle, the world of One Piece was finally close to unification. His Divine Kingdom became the supreme leading power, and countless people worshipped him as the Soul King.
Once the world was stabilized, he took his ladies and found a secluded paradise to retire. He spent his days tending flowers and fishing, and his nights having deep discussions on the meaning of life—a truly joyous existence.
Just as Auguro was preparing to expand his hidden estate in the dream, he suddenly noticed a cluster of gray energy slowly gathering over his body!
"What audacity! You dare to strike against me!" Auguro instantly woke up.
Savage Spiritual Pressure (Reiatsu) mixed with Conqueror's Haki (Haoshoku Haki) erupted like a mountain collapsing into a sea, spreading in all directions. The invisible, surging wave was like a giant stone mill, grinding the dreamscape into fragments. The gray energy hidden behind the dream instantly vanished.
Auguro opened his eyes and sat up in the hotel bed, his face terrifyingly grim. Good heavens, he'd been affected at some point without knowing!
"Soul King-sama!" Soi Fon and the others noticed the anomaly and rushed into Auguro's room. Seeing Auguro unharmed, they breathed a sigh of relief.
Auguro waved his hand, indicating he was fine. He then stood by the window and looked out. A gray energy, like a massive net, enveloped the streets outside, covering the entire city!
The city's residents were all asleep, enveloped in this gray energy!
"It seems Jabra also fell victim!" Auguro swept his Observation Haki.
Sure enough, Jabra and his men, who were staying on the floor below, all had a beam of gray energy connected to their heads! Judging by their expressions, they seemed to be having a good dream!
Auguro was about to wake him when he noticed Jabra and the others standing up, their eyes vacant, and walking out of the room. Simultaneously, doors across the city opened, and residents walked out in the same manner as Jabra.
Soi Fon asked worriedly, "Soul King-sama, should we leave first?"
The scene was too bizarre. For Auguro's safety, Soi Fon suggested they depart immediately.
"It's fine! This gray energy doesn't seem to be limitless. We should follow them and see what's going on."
Auguro followed Jabra, blending into the crowd. Soon, the crowd converged on the city's central plaza.
The plaza was spacious enough to hold every resident in the city. When everyone was gathered, the gray energy that had been scattered throughout the city also gathered in the plaza.
The next moment, the crowd began to hold hands and sing.
"Beautiful homeland, hand in hand, we welcome guests from afar, henceforth to become one of us! We love each other, and in the light of the Lord, we are forever undivided."
The lyrics were simple, almost nonsensical. But clearly, the song wasn't the important part!
As the song continued, the gathered gray energy poured into everyone's brains. Every person's movement became increasingly synchronized.
"I finally understand why I felt something was wrong with this city!" Auguro's expression turned gloomy.
"Despite being a nation of actual slavery, the residents' emotions should be despair, rage, or even numbness—but definitely not blissful contentment!"
This was not some mythical country where even the lowest Class willingly accepted the Class system! Therefore, the only explanation was that these people had been controlled for a long time!
Undoubtedly, a Devil Fruit User was manipulating all of this from behind!
This current scene was the person's means of controlling everyone! Furthermore, this guy had even tried to control him as well!
"I want to see who is audacious enough to plot against me!" Auguro aggressively expanded his Observation Haki, swiftly enveloping the entire city.
Soon, he located the source of the gray energy!
Inside a massive mansion next to the Royal Palace, wisps of gray energy flowed out of a room. Perov, whom Auguro had just met that day, had a smug look on his face.
"In a few more days, I'll be able to completely control all of them! At that point, the throne will be mine!"
"And with so many servants working for me, I can easily gather enough Heavenly Tribute (Tenryūkin) to join the World Government!"
This had been Perov's long-planned scheme, and he was now within a hair's breadth of success!
Then, Perov suddenly smiled.
"I didn't expect that Auguro would show up here, too! If I can control him, the Holy Spirit Empire will be mine as well! What a pleasant surprise!"
"With the strength he displayed at the War of the Best, he might be able to conquer vast territories for me!"
Just as Perov was reveling in his future success, the door was violently kicked open. The smile on his face instantly froze.
Auguro walked in, a cold smirk on his face.
"Quite ambitious, aren't you! You want me to work for you!"
"Let me guess! You must have set a trap for me when we shook hands earlier today?" The gray energy enveloped the entire city, but the effect on himself was distinctly stronger than on Soi Fon and the others. This indicated that he was specifically targeted!
Perov's eyes widened. He stammered, "How is this possible? You actually managed to break free from my ability?"
Auguro scoffed dismissively.
"Devil Fruit abilities are amazing! But they are not invincible!"
"You dared to plot against me. Are you prepared to die?"
Perov rose, intending to flee, but Auguro's body moved, vanishing from his spot.
BANG!
Perov's body flew up, slamming violently against the wall, spitting out a large mouthful of blood. Auguro held his Zanpakutō against Perov's neck, his gaze chillingly sharp.
"Release your ability immediately! Free all the residents!"
"I just finished eliminating a bunch of slave traders at the Sabaody Archipelago, and here you are trying to run a slave state! It seems fate itself wants me to clean up your mess!"
Suddenly, a cold killing intent radiated from behind Auguro!