One Piece: The Strongest Creature

Kahn had no interest in becoming the Pirate King.

His offer to Monkey D. Dragon was merely to dangle hope that the three sworn brothers could be saved.

If not for the potential fusion of the artificial Mythical Zoan Nika Form and the artificial Paramecia Op-Op Fruit, Kahn would've simply scoffed at Dragon's arrogance and ended the call immediately.

Even before capturing Luffy, Ace, and Sabo, the Cross Family's Perfect Work and Seraphim projects had reached a formidable level.

Against the Marines, the World Government's strongest military arm, the Cross Family held no fear; in fact, their forces, even at the lower levels, could overpower Marine troops with ease.

Yet, with the three brothers now in his grasp, the potential to combine Nika's Mythical Zoan powers with the Op-Op Fruit took the Perfect Work and Seraphim projects to a new level.

Kahn now saw a path for his creations to evolve from powerful "complete bodies" to something far beyond—"ultimate bodies" capable of world-shaking power.

This progression would elevate him from vice-admiral level, a mere "silver medalist," to one of the true heavyweights at the world's peak, achieving a power akin to an admiral like Aramaki (Green Bull), marking a new level of supremacy.

With a superpower-level masterpiece or Seraphim at his command, the Cross Family would be unshakable—even against the combined forces of the world.

However, bringing this vision to life would take time. During that period, Kahn needed a distraction—someone to draw the World Government's focus.

The fame of the three sworn brothers had already put them squarely on the Marine's radar and especially on the World Government's watchlist.

With two members of the D Clan among them, they represented a profound threat to the Celestial Dragons, who saw the D Clan as the gods' natural enemies.

For now, with the brothers captured, the Five Elders were likely relieved.

If Kahn truly eliminated them, attention would shift back to the Revolutionary Army and the Five Emperors, placing the enigmatic Cross Family back in the World Government's sights.

Kahn, holding the hearts of the three sworn brothers, no longer feared any so-called "children of destiny."

Should they rebel, he needed only to crush their hearts to end them. His plan was to let the Son of Destiny continue to stir up trouble on the seas, challenging the World Government and drawing out the mysterious Im and Pangaea Castle's hidden trump cards.

Then, when the time was ripe, the Cross Family would step in to reap the rewards.

Just as Kahn and Monkey D. Dragon ended their conversation, Kuina, who had been away on missions in other seas, finally returned to the waters of Wano.

Upon hearing the news, Robin and Hancock quickly set aside their work and gathered the other "sisters" to welcome her back.

This level of reception was reserved only for the highest-ranking cadres.

Yes, after all these years, Kuina had become another top officer within the Cross Family.

Unlike Robin, Carina, and Granose, who became top cadres of the Cross Family by assisting with specialized skills, Kuina earned her position through sheer strength.

Her power within the Cross Family ranks just below Hancock and Sonia, making her one of the organization's most formidable fighters.

Even Yamato, who has mastered Conqueror's infusion and possesses a powerful Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, can only match Kuina in strength.

If it weren't for Sonia's unique ability, which drains a target's lifespan upon physical contact, Kuina, Sonia, and Yamato would all sit comfortably within the Cross Family's second echelon.

At the pinnacle, however, are Kahn and Hancock, who have mastered advanced Conqueror's Haki and pushed their Devil Fruit abilities to the ultimate level.

Sonia, Kuina, and Yamato are strong, but they remain "silver medalists" with limitations.

Sonia and Kuina lack Conqueror's Haki, which keeps them from achieving the highest level, while Yamato has yet to master the most advanced forms of Armament and Observation Haki, despite her Conqueror's Haki proficiency. 

Still, each has powerful Devil Fruits: Kuina and Yamato wield two Mythical Zoans, while Sonia's Paramecia-type Lion Fruit rivals even the destructive Paramecia Shock Fruit.

Within the Cross Family's "Big Three" elites, their strength is likely matched only by the Marines' admirals.

Above the Big Three are the "gold medalists" Kahn and Hancock, whose power compares to legends like Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Garp.

Beyond these giants, every maid in the Cross Family is an extraordinary and powerful fighter, wielding rare abilities.

The Perfect Work and Seraphim series alone give them a level of combat strength that surpasses Marine Headquarters, leaving only the World Government itself as a true threat.

Returning to the story…

After reuniting with her sisters, Kuina flew to Amazon Lily, reporting her mission details to Kahn at the underground base.

When she emerged, her face bore a new radiance—her features more refined, cheeks flushed, and her gaze carrying a trace of fascination.

Once her mind was clear again, Kuina returned to Wano, using her Lion Fruit ability to carry a floating box of sake, and headed to a prison cell in the Flower Capital.

"Yo… Zoro, long time no see."

Inside the cell sat Zoro, unrestrained but missing his three swords, showing no attempt to escape. Kuina chuckled, teasing him. "I never expected we'd meet again like this."

"Ku... Kuina?!" 

Half-asleep, Zoro jolted awake, immediately recognizing her. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of Kuina, now dressed in a black and white maid outfit. "Why… are you here?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Kuina rolled her eyes. "I'm Master's maid, of course I'd be here."

With a flick of her hand, she floated a bottle of sake through the bars and set it before Zoro. "I may not have a bounty, but my reputation in the New World is nothing to scoff at. Before you came to Wano, why didn't you check on the Cross Family first?"

She crossed her arms, smirking. "The person I left with back then, my Master, is none other than Cross Kahn, the 'World's Strongest Creature.' Didn't my father tell you?"

Zoro fell silent. He hadn't expected that the enemies he'd be facing were aligned with Kuina's loyalties. Shame began to creep over him—not from regret, but from feeling unworthy.

He hadn't even gotten the chance to face Kuina before ending up here as a prisoner. How could he claim to be worthy of challenging her now?

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