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45.55% One Piece: Path to Power / Chapter 78: [78] A Dangerous Game

บท 78: [78] A Dangerous Game

[2560 words]

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[Twenty-six Days Later]

The Remote Reverie, the first of its kind, had been successfully held and concluded. The World News Agency had released a simple summary of the events that had unfolded in the World Summit:

- Worries regarding the plundered Heavenly Tributes.

- Rampant pirate sieges throughout the Grand Line.

- High mortality rate of Marines in recent years.

- Updating the World Threat Index.

- Changes within the Underworld.

There were many unknown variables in the latest Reverie, leaving people around the world perplexed and worried about the times to come.

Yet many found comfort in these troubled seas, most with ill intent.

...

[Tomb of Storms, Unso Island]

Fulcrum's brilliant pyramid had caused quite the storm after being unveiled.

Though at the current moment, at the very top, Hell's Peak, a purple flash lit up the room.

Near the white marble floor was a purple imprint, most would see it as a decoration, but now, it had begun warping with energy. 

The flash went off for a good thirty seconds before two humanoid silhouettes were apparent, one male and the other female.

"Your Aether Anchors are even more convenient than I remember," the young man stated.

The almost-entirely cloaked woman shook her head, "Unfortunately, I can't seem to place more than five anchors, no matter how far my fruit progresses."

"Ha, if you could keep bumping that number then I'd get jealous."

.

The man then scanned the area, breathing in the surroundings.

Huge area with a triangular structure held up with pristine support. Giant windows on all sides of the main seat to view the Empire below while inviting the warmth of the skies. Primarily white, polished and well-kept. 

"I see your taste in décor is still fancy," he casually commented. 

The girl seemed a little embarrassed, "Well, you said to make it fit for a king."

Damien shrugged, "I didn't say it was bad. It simply looks different from what I'd expect from an assassin."

The marble pillars, sleek architecture, and expensive décor were all there. Indeed, fit for a king. 

.

Aurora then walked to the left side of the room behind the throne, looking out the giant window that overlooked the island. 

"I remodelled the island to be fit for defense against naval attacks. The walls are lined with cannons and watchtowers. Transponder snail jammers litter the roads, blocking enemy chatter when needed."

She pointed at different buildings, introducing them to Damien. 

"After the huge influx of wealth from the Styx Passages, it did get a little turbulent. Many masked attacks hit the shores, hoping to get a hint of how the Sea Kings were controlled—it bore them no fruits."

"From what we could understand, these attacks were either from smaller pirates or ambitious mafias, nothing directly linked to other Emperors."

Damien smirked, hiding a scoff under his breath, "They probably want to test the waters using proxy forces."

Aurora nodded in agreement, "They don't fear the forces of the island, but they fear the one behind the Sea Kings' subservience."

Damien hummed, "They are right to fear."

.

He then turned to the side, looking at the Main Docks where the entire Sea King depot stood. It was where they came to rest and receive orders, even now a few beasts had left with such orders.

Naturally, all these Beasts were of the lower kind. Damien's Haki and connection to nature allowed him to control the lower-level Sea Kings into his bidding, and they fulfilled it with great desire. 

"It seems that your deputy has put things under control," Damien mentioned, his eyes shining in Observation.

He noted the rather inconspicuous humanoids that moved the goods while keeping a strong watch on the premises.

The guards were essentially robotic—wholly focused on their duty to an unnatural extent.

Aurora walked next to Damien with silent footsteps and followed his gaze.

"His Devil Fruit ability is as you said: powerful in its ability to control the unruly."

.

The next few moments were silent as the duo gazed at the empire before them.

"…"

Damien's ears perked; he glanced to the far back of the chamber and onto the solid steel gates reinforced to hold up against explosives.

"We have company."

As if on cue, dull knocks echoed through.

Three gong-like rumbles to announce their presence, while also patiently waiting for permission to enter.

.

Aurora waved her hands across her face, materializing her mask and hood.

"Should I allow him in?"

Damien pondered for a second before reaching back onto his Regal Coat and grabbing a magically-appearing hood. He pulled it up and over his head.

Aurora did not ask any further, willing her Aether powers to unlock the gate.

The heavy gates bellowed a dull tune, opening the path for the person outside.

The man outside entered with his head lowered to showcase his subservience; however, what awaited him was an odd sight.

"Uhhh..." The surprise in his eyes was apparent as his gaze fell on the two people standing before the white throne.

Aurora, now Fulcrum, broke the silence.

"This is Ebi, though after gaining his newfound power, he took on the name of 'Nekrós'."

She gestured at the bald man donning the dark clothing. He stood around six feet tall with a bright bald head, donning a brown shirt over a black turtleneck.

.

Nekros, previously Ebi, came out from his reverie. His eyes bounced from his boss to the person next to her.

"Boss… Big Boss!?"

He looked like a lost pup, unable to distinguish his master.

"..."

Nekros took a deep breath and matched the gaze of his boss' boss.

"Umm, I, I apologize for barging in!"

The shaky voice alongside the quivering eyes was more than enough to show the deep-rooted fear in the man's eyes.

"You've worked under Fulcrum for around nine months now. She has relayed your loyalty to the Empire to me, keep up the good work," Damien answered, amused.

Nekrós gulped, swallowing his fear and quickly bowed his head.

"O-Of course!"

A part of Nekrós told him that the man in front of him was also responsible for the Devil Fruit that was given to him, furthering both his admiration, gratitude and fear.

.

Though at that very moment, the humble assistant recalled what he came here for, "Bosses! It's the Government!" he exclaimed. "They sent agents to negotiate…"

Fulcrum unconsciously looked toward Damien while Nekrós also made an audible gulp.

A while ago, they had thrown the Government's "mercy" back at their faces. With the Reverie now over, the Navy finally had resources available to put stricter measures into place.

.

Damien whose face was hidden under the hood smirked, having an idea of what was to come.

He turned to Fulcrum and gave her a quick answer, "You're the Underworld Emperor here, do as you wish."

The hooded pirate then took a few steps to the left side, casually leaning on a marble pillar.

"..." Fulcrum heaved a dull exhale. It was obvious to her that this was the final test.

Within seconds, the reticent nature of Aurora was locked away, replaced by the Underworld Emperor who had moulded an Empire in the past eight and a half months.

.

*Thump* *Thump* *Thump*

Quiet steps went off as the King of Shipping took her place on the silvery throne. The halls of the Tomb of Storms gave off a brilliant luster, dawning quite the contrast with Fulcrum's dark and mysterious attire.

Nekrós watched it all happen, his eyes brightened as he felt the calm air in the room.

'If things go wrong then the entire island could be destroyed... but I know she can do some impossible things!' the main thought, clenching his fists.

"I'll call for them."

The three waited for a moment until a few rhythmic steps echoed through the halls.

Six figures slowly arrived, oddly enough, they travelled at the same pace, even though there were six of them, the sound of their footsteps made it seem as if it was a single person.

Nekrós moved to the throne's right side, standing in wait as the head agent leading the white-clothed squad gave a curt bow.

"Fulcrum, we meet again."

Though the man subconsciously turned to his left before falling back onto Fulcrum.

"I hope you returned with a more profitable exchange."

The head agent nodded, though instead of answering with words, he did so with his actions—the man gestured to an agent by the side, giving way to a few tools.

...

It took barely ten seconds before CP-0 had set up a projector and its screen in front of the white throne. To top it off, a large projector snail was placed on a stool facing the screen, and one camera snail toward the throne.

"The Elder will speak to you directly."

The agent then flicked on the snail as it shot out a projection from its eyes.

"…"

Nekrós felt a little tense once more, after all, the screen soon became that of a bald, bespeckled old man in a white robe carrying a stern look. 

"I take it that you are the new King of Shipping who appeared out of the blue and brought forth the turbulence in the Underworld."

The man had a calm yet icy voice that was laced with authority.

Fulcrum ignored the man's scorn and replied, "One of the Five Elders—The Warrior God of Finance: Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro."

[Image (in Discord)]

.

The Elder narrowed his eyes but did not immediately reply.

"Our agents relayed your reluctance to cooperate with the World Government. You took advantage of the Reverie but now it has passed, tell me, what reason do I have to grant you any further mercy considering your ability to manipulate Sea Kings?"

Fulcrum gestured to Nekrós instead of answering the Elder.

The man knew what to do and spoke to his transponder snail, "Kaiser, bring them in."

"..."

Nusjuro frowned at their actions while the CP-0 agents stood ready in wait.

*Clink* *Clack*

The atmosphere grew more tense as a pale man walked in, holding heavy chains.

Their rattling was the only sound resounding the area, pulling two dozen men with them. The men were dressed in rags, their faces hollow of emotion.

The single chainkeeper walked on ahead and plopped the prisons in a row before the Elder's snail.

.

"What is the meaning of this?" Nusjuro thundered.

Fulcrum shrugged, "A few rats under your intelligence agency that we caught snooping around. Though not as stealthy as those of Aigis Zero, they were sent by your Government."

"You should know of my policy on spies."

"You!" the Elder scowled at her impudence, though the next actions took things to a new level.

Kaiser, the man holding the chains, moved. He pointed both his arms out, straining the muscles.

*Shaaa* *Krrr*

Grizzly sounds erupted from the man as his arms buckled and exploded with sharp, white bones, resembling think blades.

Before the agents could respond, the man slashed forth, sending a white spike of bony mass followed by red.

*Splatter* Fresh blood burst out from the two dozen agents in a fountain of crimson glory. The heads slammed onto the pristine floors, dyeing them with a new coat of paint.

"How dare you!"

Nusjuro's voice was laced with anger, reaching the ears of CP-0.

The six men took place—some reached for their weapons while others were wrapped in dense Haki and masterful Rokushiki.

"!!!"

An agent was about to move until a shadow fell on him like a blanket.

He turned back to see a monstrous creature standing before him. The other agents too were alerted as they gazed at the beast before themselves.

It was humanoid, reaching a height eclipsing them all; five meters (16' 5").

The creature donned Egyptian clothing, leaving his brown-coloured upper chest bare. He had pointed ears, with the face of a jackal. 

A staff was held in his left hand with a black ball of energy hovering at its tip.

.

"Arise!"

.

The crude words bellowed out from the creature as they echoed the halls.

They did not seem to carry any power to the living, yet were compelling commands to the dead.

What followed brought shock to the agents as they saw the dead two dozen people get up with an ominous blue coat of energy.

It did not take long before the Agents were surrounded by their dead colleagues.

"The intel was true," an Aigis Zero agent murmured. "Fulcrum's top deputy got his hands on a rare Zoan Fruit."

"Dog-Dog Fruit – Mythical Model: Anubis."

[Image (in Discord)]

.

Nekrós, now in his Zoan form, gave a menacing grin. He waved his staff, delivering a commandment to the fallen.

One of them shot ahead, attacking an Agent.

Boom!

However, it was easily repelled by a swift kick of the white-clothed man.

Though even with a kick that could shatter his spine, the arisen got up without difficulty, rushing at the agent once more.

"They have vast stamina and endurance!"

A brawl broke out as the two dozen arisen, each swarming with blue energy, began an attack and pushed hard onto the six agents.

The continued resilience of the enemies was damning; every time they were thrown back, they would get up without difficulty and rush back once more.

.

"What an evil power," the Head Agent muttered, raising his right leg.

*Fururu*

With a spasm, the leg was wrapped with torrents of air, almost like a sock.

.

"Tempest Ki-!"

.

The man's battle-ready demeanour froze midair.

Though his face was hidden behind the mask, the eyes were still visible; some say the eyes were the windows to the soul, and the head agent's eyes were filled with trepidation.

He hesitantly turned his head to the side with a look of dread and saw the hooded figure glaring at him. 

Two red pupils and a crimson mist leaked out from the darkness of the hood. A foreboding feeling eclipsed his instincts; the glare of an apex predator.

[Image (in Discord)]

...

The brawl continued as the agents were slowly overpowered, forcing Cipher Pol onto the defense.

Nekrós smirked, this time he fuelled in some basic Haki to his staff, causing the black ball at its helm to swirl.

The two dozen arose and gave out a dull growl.

*Fwwm!*

Their blue energy coat changed colour to that of a deep black shade. Their bodies grew faster, stronger and tougher, rejuvenating their spirit.

"Augh!" an agent cried out as he was lifted to the sky.

A white bone blade protruded from his chest, now red in colour. His entire body was held up above by the very attack.

Kaiser, who was now covered in sharp spikes of his own bones, joined in as well. 

.

It was not long before another agent fell dead, much to the Elder's dismay.

"Enough of this farce."

Fulcrum never broke eye contact with the aged man, finding joy in the old man's anger.

Nusjuro's eyes were sharp enough to cut the air.

"I am all but mere moments away from ordering a Buster Call led by an Admiral to reduce your meager empire to dust and lock you up in Impel Down for the rest of your natural life!"

As if to cement his threat, the old man raised a golden transponder snail to the screen, one with the power to essentially erase any island out of existence.

To Be Continued…

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Author's Corner.

The Anubis Fruit here can at most raise the recently-deceased to life but that's all there is, give or take, 5 stars in rating. Hence, a gift from the other Emperors to Fulcrum as mentioned a few chapters ago.

Images are available on Discord alongside other niche details: https://discord.gg/aJHHHPvb6q


บท 79: [79] Saints and Sinners

I started publishing the rewrite heading into a gruelling semester... I've made it through and we're back!

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The "Buster Call" was the strongest Marine military action possible, performed only under special circumstances.

Its simplicity of bombarding its target with a salvo of cannons and continuing till nothing remains was frightening. Ten warships, twice the size of normal giants, usually led by five Vice Admirals and thousands of troops. 

If needed, an Admiral could naturally lead the charge as well, though that would only further cement the inevitable destruction of the target. 

.

Fulcrum gave no visible reaction to the ultimatum and simply responded, "That would be a mistake."

"The Reverie may have passed and yet your grasp on the world has changed not one bit," she bluntly stated. "The Heavenly Tributes that fund your operations are running dry while thousands of Marines are killed in action by the monsters of the New World."

These words alone brought a scowl to the Elder's face.

Fulcrum went on to say, "We both know that things have only gotten worse for the very balance you try so hard to maintain; It would be in your best interest to put away your threats and compromise with me."

The calm and collected words echoed throughout Hell's Peak, bringing a cease-fire to Aigis Zero, Nekrós and his arisen, and Kaiser.

"…"

A brief silence pervaded the chamber as the Elder's expression returned to that of indifference.

His sharp eyes scanned Fulcrum for any little twitch, looking for a single weakness to exploit.

.

Alas, it resulted in a light sigh.

"You play a dangerous game," the man calmly stated. "Very well, let us talk."

The man lowered the golden snail, meanwhile, the CP-0 agents returned to the screen's side, uncaring of any wounds or their fallen comrades.

.

Finally, the Warrior God of Finance leaned into his seat and gave a quick run-down of the matter at hand.

"The New World is in a constant state of flux; the balance we had procured with the Order of the Three Overlords has been ripped apart, leaving Sol and Rocks as the Rulers of the Seas."

The Elder's voice turned spiteful as he spat out, "We of the World Government have taken a hit due to the latter's reckless attitude and habit of breaking taboos."

"So you need a safer way to transport your resources and goods," Fulcrum finished the Elder's words.

Nusjuro nodded slightly with a hum. 

"With access to the Calm Belts, we can achieve a reliable route for said transportation, something in your hands."

The old man could not help but narrow his eyes at the masked figure of Fulcrum.

"We will grant you the choice to be our liaison for the Underworld. You will give us free transportation through your Styx Passages, allowing us to move both resources and Heavenly Tributes safely and securely."

The Elder then went ahead to put in a final condition, "Though you must disallow all transportation of goods to any criminal ranked at the top of the World Threat Index!"

.

Fulcrum shook her head, the light shining off her visor quite brightly, "Breaking all agreements with those monsters is akin to poking a bear. They don't mind attacking your Heavenly Tributes, what chance do we have?"

"…" Nusjuro did not respond, but instead took a sip of his tea. 

He then looked at an angle where his eyes were hidden from the flash of his spectacles as he laid a new idea.

"In that matter, we grant you full support in taking over the Underworld."

A brief silence arrived before the man continued.

"With the power of the World Government at your side, I'm sure you can fulfill your little conquest. Any goods moved under your name will be exempt from any checking or patrols. No Kingdom under our banner will pay you any trouble nor attention to your actions, granting you free reign over the Underworld."

.

The deal echoed through the glorious chamber and even brought a grin to the likes of Nekros.

Going from working at the side of Barro to making a deal with the Supreme Authority of the World was truly incredible.

One would say it was the highest honour of a sinner of the seas.

"Rocks."

The name uttered by Fulcrum drew everyone's attention. Nekrós audibly gulped while even the well-trained Cipher Pol Agents felt the need to take a deep breath.

Hell's Peak was quickly plunged with cold air while the endless sunlight dulled away—the ghost of Rocks was ever-haunting the world!

.

Meanwhile, the eyes of Fulcrum, under her blank mask, trailed to the far left of the room and fell upon a spectator.

Seeing a nod, she elaborated, "The Styx Passages will be closed for only the Rocks Pirates, allowing goods to be moved to all other pirate crews."

"You want us to aid you in strengthening our enemies?" Nusjuro scoffed in return.

The woman shrugged, "Your true enemy is the Rocks Pirates. By cutting deals with them, I am already standing at the edge of the plank."

"Trade agreements with other pirates like Pryde D. Sol will remain."

The Elder glared at the masked person, imposing another pin-drop silence onto the room.

Slowly but surely, he spoke up, "Very well."

"The deal stands as long as you keep the Underworld in control and your route away from Rocks, we do not need any more disruptions outside the mess in the New World."

.

Damien, who casually stood at the side, felt a little amused.

The deal had a striking resemblance with that of the Seven Warlords that would take place in the future—the Government granted certain privileges in hopes of maintaining some form of balance.

Though, unlike the Warlords, this time they were a bit more desperate.

.

Fulcrum brought her hands together, evoking a resounding clap, "It was good doing business with you, Mister Nusjuro."

The Elder remained stoic as the screen flickered into darkness, bringing the call to an end.

"Katcha~!"

The Head Agent from Aigis Zero took away the transponder snail and slightly bowed his head, "Then we will take our leave."

Nekrós blinked as he felt the tension disappear, feeling somewhat confused.

.

At the same time, Fulcrum got up from her seat, walked down from her seat and stood eye-to-eye with the shrouded Damien.

Before speaking, she glared in the direction of the two other men.

Nekrós quickly nodded and left with Kaiser, leaving the two alone.

*Sss* A soft hiss went off as Fulcrum removed her hood and mask, dissolving it into purple light and allowing her hair to cascade down.

The unveiled young woman lightly smiled, "You wanted the Underworld at your beck and call, now you have it. With the Government's support, it's only a matter of time."

Damien also removed his hood and studied the girl's eyes.

The purple gem-like pupils carried a mix of excitement and fulfilment but were missing some the Sin Incarnate wanted to see.

"YOU have the Underworld at your beck and call, I'm just the hand behind the curtain."

Aurora froze for a second and saw the crimson gleam of her companion's eyes. 

A few memories flashed through her mind: arrival at Unso Island, taking down Barro and grabbing his Empire followed by nine months of growth in the shady sea of the Underworld.

The girl leaked a smile before lightly nodding toward the pirate.

.

Damien hummed at the newfound look in Aurora's eyes before turning to the spanning window once more and staring at the horizon.

"As long as the threat of Rocks exists, the Government will favour you. Just be ready for when that threat is eliminated."

Aurora's eyes widened as she heard the words.

"Do you think that Rocks will fall? Even a man as strong as him?"

Damien sighed and turned to the girl, "Though the pirates control the New World, the rest of the seas have always had one master: The World Government. Rocks is just the first true threat they faced in a long, long time."

The thought brought a frown to the girl's face, her thoughts easily readable.

The pirate smirked and waved aside her concerns, "I'll be fine. For now, just concern yourself with the mess of the Underworld."

"After all, with the support of the saints, the sinners thrive."

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[Room of Authority, Pangaea Castle]

Bright halls, fresh breeze, elegant architecture.

Such words could describe this very room that commanded the entire world. The air alone was soaked under a coat of authority.

.

"Nusjuro, don't you think you gave too many incentives to that Fulcrum?"

The Bald Elder glanced to the side and met his colleague's gaze.

The one who spoke was Saint Jay Garcia Saturn, the Warrior God of Science and Defense.

"Perhaps that was true in our previous chat with the new Underworld Emperor... but now we face too many shortcomings in terms of funding and resources."

He tapped his sword on the ground with some frustration, "The constant wars in the New World demand a great increase in Marine's Forces, which, when added to the stolen Heavenly Tributes, has created many problems."

"The power we grant Fulcrum can always be rescinded, but the problems that plague us will only exacerbate; now we can gain an edge by placing a tighter lid around Rocks' resources."

Markus Mars, the Elder with the long beard, chimed in as well.

"Yes, it has been around a year and a half since the Rocks Pirates began their assault on the Heavenly Tributes, month after month… those insufferable scum!"

Shing!

Nusjuro unsheathed a part of his treasure blade, his face reflecting off the lustrous weapon.

"Beyond that, we need more intel on the Styx Passage. From what we know thus far, Fulcrum has a close aide with the ability to control Sea Kings to transport goods across the Calm Belts."

The visibly youngest of the Five, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, shared his worry, "Indeed, it is quite resemblant to the Ancient Weapon—Poseidon!"

"..." The name drop summoned a deafening silence in the room. 

.

Mars traced his hand through his beard, not fully agreeing, "Poseidon should not have awakened yet, it is far too early."

"Rather, it should be the doing of a Devil Fruit instead."

Ju Peter nodded at the thought, "An ability or not, it can influence the game of thrones. We should use the agreement to uncover the secrets to the Calm Belts as soon as possible."

Nusjuro agreed, as shown by his action of sheathing his blade.

*Clank!*

"I concur. Leave it to Xerxes to handle, we should return to the matter of Rocks."

The final Elder yet to speak, the one with the bushy mustache, Saint Topman Warcury, spoke up, "Rocks himself has disappeared, yet the likes of Golden Lion, Evil Spirit, Whitebeard and the Sin Incarnate continue to display their chaotic tendencies."

"Even that apprentice, Kaido, has made his name during the Reverie, a total of nine Ships carrying the Heavenly Tributes were laid waste by him! To break such taboos at the time of the World Summit is akin to challenging our authority!"

Saturn heaved a sigh, "At least the remaining transport should be secure, that is, as long as that man doesn't act up now…"

"He bears the name of 'D.' and is unruly by nature," Ju Peter said. "I hope Kong can straighten him out lest he disappears under the fog of war."

The scornful words were laced with threat and opposition. The same thoughts were shared by the other Elders as well, bringing their tense discussion to a conclusion.

To Be Continued…

----------------------------------------------

Author's Corner. 

Simply put, Fulcrum gets free reign in the Underworld while the World Government gains entry to the Styx Passages.

Meanwhile, the Rocks Pirates are barred from any shortcuts through the Calm Belt, effectively cutting off all external supply.

Images are available on Discord alongside other niche details: https://discord.gg/aJHHHPvb6q


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