chapter 4: keys
Kratos began walking, his focus on the system as he checked its updates.
“System, did you say the weapons you provide are the key?”
“Yes, host. The Blade of Chaos is now yours because someone has unlocked it for you. You currently possess two weapons.”
“What’s the other one?”
“It’s the Leviathan Axe. It was unlocked just hours ago in Drum Kingdom. Those who activated the stone tablet there gain its power.”
“Who unlocked the stone tablet?”
“The Pirate Empress Boa Hancock, wielding the power of Athena, and Chopper, who now holds the power of a Frost Giant. However, you’ll need to channel your own energy into these weapons because the power they’ve gained can't fully keep up with their physiques.”
“Do you have any map of the stone tablets?”
“Yes, host.”
“Show it.”
Kratos studied the map and noticed a stone tablet near Bellmere’s grave. A smile crept across his face as he looked at Nojiko.
“Hey, Nojiko, have you seen any stone tablets or ancient statues around here? I’m curious about what kind of weapon might be on this island.”
“How did you know?” Nojiko asked, eyes widening. “Yeah, there’s a stone tablet with two figures on it: one bald man and another with white skin and red tattoos. Wait… don’t tell me it’s you?”
She pointed at Kratos with a mixture of fear, shock, and… hope.
Kratos blinked in surprise. “A stone tablet that shows me? It’s a prophecy, then? That I would come?” He shrugged it off and turned back to the system. “Forget it. I’m just a guy who gives others a second chance at life.”
He glanced at Nojiko, still stunned, and asked another question.
“I sense a divine energy nearby. Is there something there?”
Nojiko nodded. “Actually, there’s a statue we call Zeus. It’s of an old man holding a gauntlet, his hand outstretched. The statue is covered in mold, but it gives off a majestic feeling.”
Kratos raised an eyebrow. “The Zeus Gauntlet…”
Now understanding the weapon’s significance, Kratos explained, “The Zeus Gauntlet was used in the Titanomachy to imprison the Titans in Tartarus. It channels immense power—capable of even killing immortals. It sends out shockwaves, stunning enemies and knocking them back. It can also charge for a larger, more devastating effect—similar to Conqueror's Haki.”
Without hesitation, Kratos retrieved the key to the Zeus Gauntlet and tossed it to Luffy.
“Here. It’s a key for something valuable, but it’s no use to me,” Kratos said. “I already have two weapons, and the Zeus Gauntlet would just sit in my inventory.”
Luffy poked the ball, causing an electric shock to spread through everyone. “What’s this, red tattoo guy?” he asked, surprised.
“Don’t poke it!” Kratos snapped, scolding Luffy. After a few more attempts, Luffy finally stopped.
“It’s a welcome gift for you. Consider it a token,” Kratos said, grinning.
“A welcome gift? Why?” Everyone looked at him, confused.
“I’m joining your crew,” Kratos declared casually.
“WHAT?!” The crew shouted in unison, stunned.
Kratos smiled, looking at them with calm determination. “I’ve got something I need your help with.”
The crew exchanged uneasy glances. Why should they trust someone who’d fallen from the sky and wrecked their benefactor’s backyard?
Luffy, however, was ecstatic. “I got my fifth nakama!” he shouted, his face beaming with joy.
Zoro, ever suspicious, kept his distance. His hand hovered near his sword hilt, and he eyed Kratos warily. “Hey, you green-haired guy. There’s something off about you.”
Kratos gave Zoro a serious look. “You look like you’re a little too eager to fight,” he said, smiling slightly. Zoro’s grip tightened around his blade, sweat dripping from his brow. The air grew heavy.
“Is that so?” Kratos said, tilting his head. “You look like you might be… into men.”
The comment caught everyone off guard. Zoro froze, his face turning red, as the rest of the crew collapsed in laughter. Even Kratos couldn't hold back a chuckle.
Zoro, embarrassed and furious, drew his blade and marched toward Kratos. “I’m going to cut you down!”
Kratos just shrugged, watching the confrontation with amusement.
Nojiko, watching the exchange, couldn’t help but feel reassured about Nami’s future. But she was still watching Kratos, her face flushed. She had a strange look in her eyes as she glanced at him.
Noticing her gaze, Kratos smirked and slowed his pace to walk alongside her. Leaning down, he whispered in her ear, “You want to eat me or something?”
Nojiko’s face turned bright red. She pushed Kratos away and shouted, “Pervert!” But her voice was so soft, it was barely a whisper.
Kratos grinned. The 100% charm effect of his power was undeniable—it captivated everyone around him, especially women. And he knew it was his greatest weapon.
Luffy, with an eager look in his eyes, suddenly perked up. “Hey Kratos, can you tell me more about Olympus?”
The rest of the crew listened intently, curiosity lighting up their faces.
“Hmmm… Let’s start with the gods.”
“The gods are real?!” Luffy exclaimed.
Kratos smiled and raised a hand, silencing the group. “Alright, alright. Let me explain.”
“The three strongest gods of Olympus are Zeus, king of the Olympian gods and god of the sky and thunder. The second is Poseidon, the king of the seas, storms, earthquakes, and horses. And the third is Hades, god of the underworld and ruler of the dead. These three are the pillars of Olympus…”
To be continued…