Ceruledge, the Fire Blades Pokémon, is a branched evolution of Charcadet, evolving in the game by relying on Malicious Armor.
Its body is entirely encased in futuristic purple armor, with ghostly blue flames burning on the back of its head and the blades on its arms. According to legend, the fiery blades on Ceruledge’s arms burn with the resentment of a swordsman who fell before accomplishing their goal.
However, Ceruledge itself is not a swordsman. To it, swords are merely tools for battle. For the sake of victory, Ceruledge will use any means necessary, whether ambushes or underhanded tricks—whatever it takes to win.
Its specialty lies in using its speed to approach enemies and then striking from their blind spots.
The demonic flames unleashed by Shichiseiken are nothing more than nourishment to Ceruledge, just as the Demon King of Songs is to Darkrai.
“Sister Misu, are you really okay with this?”
Even though Misu had already completed her transformation, Tiger remained unconvinced. After all, Tiger had never seen her fight before.
“Didn’t we already discuss this on the way? I can handle an opponent of this level. Besides, how can a servant of the Lord not be able to fight? I have to at least give it a try.”
Misu and Tiger assessed the enemy’s strength based on the strength of the Marine Dojo members they encountered earlier. By assessing the strength of the officer, one could generally deduce the strength of the leader of a force—except for Buggy, of course.
Earlier, the Marine Dojo members were effortlessly defeated by Tiger in an instant, leading to the conclusion that the enemy leader likely isn’t particularly strong. The main concern was determining the extent of Shichiseiken’s capabilities.
After confirming that her ability can counter the enemy, Misu gained more confidence.
“And the way this sword is being wielded… it seems quite familiar, somewhat resembling the techniques of the Shimotsuki family.”
The church had never taught Misu swordsmanship, but later, during her time in Wano Country, she had learned some sword techniques at the local dojo, including those of the Shimotsuki family.
In a way, Saga and Misu happen to be disciples of the same school.
Years ago, Shimotsuki Kozaburo, a renowned swordsmith from Wano Country, who forged Enma and Wado Ichimonji, violated the country’s ban and left Wano with 24 members of his clan to live in the outside world. Among them was Shimotsuki Ushimaru’s sister, Shimotsuki Furiko.
Upon reaching East Blue, they clashed with mountain bandits who were attacking a village and easily secured victory. Subsequently, ten of them settled there, founding Shimotsuki Village.
Kozaburo married a woman from the village and had a son named Koushirou. After taking charge of the Isshin Dojo, Koushirou accepted a disciple named Saga.
He grew up alongside Zoro and vowed to become the sword of justice.
While fighting alongside Zoro against a group of pirates, Saga’s arm was bound by chains. Shortly after, the ship exploded, causing him to lose his right arm. After many twists and turns, he eventually arrived at Asuka Island.
There, he fell in love with Maya. In an earlier effort to protect Maya, he accidentally touched Shichiseiken, which subsequently took control of him and implanted in him the desire to free Shichiseiken.
“Shimotsuki…”
This surname seemed to trigger some memories in Saga, but the demonic green light from Shichiseiken flared up again, and his eyes were filled with a crimson, bloodthirsty glow.
“You are the most suitable sacrifice…”
Saga’s voice became extraordinarily eerie, as if entangled by countless restless souls, exuding an air of deathly silence.
Water counters fire; however, fire can dry up water. While Ceruledge’s abilities inherently counter Shichiseiken, if Shichiseiken were to devour Ceruledge, its own power would transform qualitatively. With this strength, even without the red moon, it could be reborn.
Thus, it controlled Saga, desiring to feast on Misu’s blood.
Once a Holy Sword, now a Cursed Sword, Shichiseiken had seen countless battles. However, compared to the powers personally bestowed by Arceus, it fell far short.
Moreover, Shichiseiken’s blade itself served as another layer of its seal. Though Saga had rich combat experience, Misu was able to handle the fight with ease thanks to the enhancements from Ceruledge. Tiger, watching from the sidelines, wasn’t sure how to assess the battle.
Neither Misu nor Saga could be considered weak. Their strength was enough to hold their own in the first half of the Grand Line.
However, Tiger was someone who could hold his own in the New World. From his perspective, stripping away the bizarre powers of Shichiseiken and Ceruledge, the two of them were merely weaklings pecking at each other.
This reassured him somewhat. Even if something went awry, he was confident he could intervene in time to stop it.
“I heard you’re someone who wields your sword for justice? If that’s truly the case, then why are you allowing yourself to be controlled by this Cursed Sword?”
“Justice… What determines justice? It’s not law or order—it’s power! Only the strong can become omnipotent gods!”
“Offer up your strength, and in the world to come, you can have everything!”
A strange power erupted from within Shichiseiken, seemingly attempting to take control of Misu’s mind. However, as Misu’s twin swords swept through the air, several cracks appeared on Shichiseiken’s blade.
Staring at the now crumbling Shichiseiken, Misu was momentarily stunned. She hadn’t expected the sword to be so easily damaged.
Logically, with Shichiseiken destroyed, her mission should have been completed.
But Ceruledge’s ability made her realize that things were far from over. That strange power still lingered and had already entered Saga’s body. The green, sword-shaped mark on his chest was proof of this new development.
“The day of the red moon has yet to arrive. Your power… is worth the risk…”
Saga’s voice was entirely different from before. It wasn’t him speaking anymore but the eerie will of Shichiseiken. Furthermore, a blade made of green demonic flames replaced Saga’s left arm, as if it were mimicking Ceruledge.
“Sister, do you have any new moves up your sleeve? I feel like there’s something off about this guy…”
“Tiger, do you know why the Lord granted me this power?”
“Huh?”
“Because I can use this move perfectly and unleash its full power.”
Some abilities were granted randomly to individuals, such as those of most lower-ranked members of the Beasts Pirates. However, the new generation who were specially raised had abilities tailored to their physical characteristics. Misu’s compatibility with Ceruledge was incredibly high, especially with its signature move, Bitter Blade.
Bitter Blade is a special attack that gathers one’s attachment to the world at the tip of the sword to slash the opponent. To fully unleash its power, one must abandon all attachments to the world. Only by doing so can the attack unleash its peak strength.
The more attachments one has, the harder it is to bring out the full potential of this attack. It is a fire sword that can only be wielded by those who have renounced the world.
As a survivor of Flevance, Misu often faced the world with a smile. Yet beneath that smile lay a despair known only to herself.
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