[2865 words]
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Solomon was now dead asleep with a good chance never to wake up—a pool of deep red blood had formed around him, stretching for three meters in all directions.
The cut Indra left behind was intense, even cutting through his rib cage and slicing and kissing the lungs.
"The toughness of a Mythical Zoan never ceases to surprise me. That attack should have at least opened up his heart," Indra commented, unsheathing his sword once more.
Indra raised the blade over the spurting chest of Solomon, aiming its tip at the heart of the injury. A light hum later, and he lowered the katana to barely touch the core of the gash.
*Crackle* White lightning burst around the blade once more, gracing the charred region with its sacred light.
The living corpse trembled under boiling heat and the blinding light before things began to settle, unveiling a Solomon with a cauterized chest and a huge scar.
The scar snaked across his chest like a bolt of lightning frozen in time, jagged and erratic. It stretched from just below his left shoulder, crackling toward the center of his chest, where it struck deepest, right over his heart and down to his right hip.
The tissue had been violently torn apart, as though the lightning itself had ripped through his body, leaving deep, uneven grooves that were forced to close.
The scar would serve as a permanent reminder of the immense force that had struck him down, both chaotic and deliberate in its devastation.
[Scar Image (in Discord)]
.
Damien nodded in satisfaction. Solomon would surely remember this day, waking up to the indicator of his weakness.
"I'll leave him under you for no– hmm?"
"!!!" The Division Commander felt a disturbance coming toward him as he looked to the sky, his eyes flashing red.
"Let me take care of this, Indra," he sighed, calming the swordsman to the side.
Boom!
An overwhelming presence arrived, floating in the air, bringing turbulence alongside him.
"Jihahahaha! So all that ruckus was your doing, Damien!"
The Sin Incarnate glared at the floating enemy. He was right at the center of the warm sun, making it difficult for most to make out his identity.
"What do you want, Shiki?"
The Golden Lion grinned, his eyes vicious. "I'm bored and felt like playing around."
He then directed his hand toward the younger pirate, almost as if he were extending an invitation.
.
"Universal Pull!"
.
Damien's eyes widened as he felt an arm grab around his body. Then came the howling winds as his 11.5-foot frame was hauled to the sky.
Shiki laughed at the sight, licking his lips. "Jihahaha, let's see what you got!"
*Fwooo!* Damien ignored the shrieking winds echoing in his ears. He flexed his left hand as he neared the floating enemy.
"That's a dangerous weapon!" Shiki leaned into the chaos, grinning at the sight of Damien directing Ryushi. The clawed blade was at most one meter away from ripping his chest open!
.
"Almighty Push!"
.
Damien clicked his tongue as his body was once again shot through the sky, though this time away from Shiki.
Boom!
The momentum suddenly ended as the Sin Incarnate paused midair, his legs turning into crimson particles. He scanned the surroundings before glaring at the Golden Lion.
"Your Float-Float Fruit doesn't apply to living things, bar yourself… in other words, this is your Awakening."
Shiki laughed once more, "Jihahaha! That's right! I can control the air molecules near me… So get over here!"
.
"Universal Pull!"
.
Damien embraced the attraction force, using it to boost his momentum.
"Ryushi Combat Arts…"
The Golden Lion felt a crushing Haki divert into the bubbling blade and felt like playing it off.
He pointed his palm toward the incoming pirate, hoping to shove him back again.
"!!!" For some reason, he couldn't push Damien away as he had done just moments ago. The man gave a vicious grin in realization, "Hehe, you crushed my air; looks like you've Awakened too!"
Shing!
He unsheathed his two blades, meeting the attack without hesitation.
.
"Lion Two Sword Style: Tornado Strike!"
.
"Crimson Comet!"
.
Black lightning crackled along their weapons, giving birth to island-rattling shocks.
The sky rumbled as the morning sun disappeared under their clash, bringing about a red and golden spectacle!
Booom!
The explosion arrived with cataclysmic shocks, rippling through the sky and seeping into the island's core.
The ground shook uncontrollably, cracking buildings and forcing the pirate to cower. A giant gash appeared in the sky above their collision, leaving it in shambles.
Yet even under all that force, the two had to actually touch!
Damien smirked under the weight of the heavy attack and had no intention of falling short. Shiki cackled from above, and his blades swarmed with dense Haki.
BOOOM!
…
Dust rained from the ruined streets of Hachinosu.
Men were buried under the broken hell, trying to claw out from the debris before suffocating. Blood dripped from unpredictable collapses of nearby terrain, leaving the pirates in a wreck.
"Jihahaha! Looks like you've arrived at the big stage."
The pirate in question seemed relaxed. He waved his hand as his weapon dissolved into the air and reformed around his finger.
"That blade of yours makes me jealous," Shiki snickered. His envious eyes were locked onto the draconic ring around Damien's left index finger.
"It's too bad you'll never be able to realize its true power…"
The words brought a frown to Damien's face. He subconsciously rubbed the ring with his thumb, 'I would pass it off as Shiki's rambling, but he is one of the three greatest swordsmen alive… But what does he know of Ryushi?'
The Golden Lion quickly lost interest in the prized weapon and brought up another matter. "Since you're the last one here, you'll have to go get the Captain back."
"Why don't you send one of your useless commanders?" The younger pirate made a face of recalling distant memories, and he said, "Oh wait, they're dead."
The Golden Lion scoffed, "Respect your elders, brat!"
He then zipped away, flying to god knows where, leaving behind an annoyed Damien.
>=-=----[]---<>---[]---=-=<
[Shiki]
[Age: 40 years, 7 months, 12 days]
[Height: 10.5' ] (3.2 m)
[Status: Thriving]
[Devil Fruit: Float-Float Fruit (Grandmastery (I))]
[Weapon: Oto and Kogarashi of the Great Grade Series]
[Skills: Great Talent for Swordsmanship, Conqueror's Heart, True Pirate]
[Haki: Intermediate Mastery of Observation Haki, Grandmastery (I) of Armament Haki, Conqueror's Haki (Grandmastery (I))]
[Strength: Top Tier Yonko]
-----
[Conqueror's Heart: Nothing will ever faze the user's heart, granting them endless confidence and patience.]
[True Pirate: Convert greed and envy into Conqueror's Haki.]
(A/N: I will make a glossary for these unique skills in Discord.)
>=-=----[]---<>---[]---=-=<
"He must be a late bloomer, considering his Conqueror's Haki and Fruit Mastery haven't reached their potential," the Sin Incarnate surmised.
Shiki was quite old already.
Although the strength of a Top Tier Yonko put him near the top of the list, Damien estimated that he would go even further. After all, he was one of the few touted as equals to prime Roger and Whitebeard!
"Gurarara!" A laugh broke Damien from his thoughts.
"You put on quite the show."
The Fourth Division Commander turned to the side and met the mighty guest. "Do we really gotta go out of our way to call back the Captain?"
Newgate shrugged, paying no mind to the carnage. "Kaido went to get him a week ago but got caught by Zephyr. Lucky for that brat, Linlin broke him before reaching Impel Down."
Damien smirked in deja vu, amused by the intel. "Which island did Rocks even go to visit?"
"Seigi Island." Whitebeard saw the curious glint in Damien's eyes, "What, you want to check it out?"
The younger pirate cupped his chin in thought.
"I kind of want to see what might interest our humble Captain." He looked to the far North and said, "North Blue is pretty close; I know a shortcut."
"Indra, make sure Solomon wakes up—get some Forsaken to clean up the mess too."
…
Damien transformed into red particles, crackling through the air with his weightless body that defied gravity. A crimson trail of broken air followed in his wake as he headed to the Calm Belt.
It only took a day to reach the edge of the New World and into the Calm Belt that led straight to the North Blue.
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"Xahahaha! What a nice smell."
The feral voice erupted from a towering man standing tall across a ruined island, smoke and dust filling the air.
Blood stained the earth for great distances, leaving a look of a field of war. Plumes of smoke littered the skies from devastated buildings and homes; they were thick enough to leave the entire island in darkness.
Lightning crackled from the sheer heat, bringing about an apocalyptic sight.
.
Under a shadow of despair and misery in his eyes, Rocks glanced to the side.
A dashing pirate had arrived with a light thud, donning a red shirt and dark pants.
Damien's crimson pupils examined the surroundings, feeling a shadow of death cast across its broken remains.
He then saw his Captain standing tall, his hair as wild and thick as ever. The stench of inhumanity around Xebec was as assaulting as always.
Rocks sported a manic grin, though his attention was currently somewhere else.
"A kid?" Damien muttered at the sight of Xebec picking up a young boy by his throat, lifting him far above the ground.
"That's a nice fire in your eyes, boy, Xahahaha!"
The lad was tossed aside like a sack of potatoes, bouncing across the floor with bruises and broken bones lining his body.
He happened to land at the Sin Incarnate's feet, broken and hollow in all ways.
'Such hatred,' Damien thought, seeing the fiery eyes lock onto his own.
The young victim had dark hair, a stern look and a battered-up body. He looked a few years older than Kuzan.
"What's your name?"
Dark eyes glared at Damien, hiding away the pain through the hatred in his eyes. "Sakazuki," he replied in a dead tone. "I will kill all you pirates one day!"
The Sin Incarnate hummed at his words, recalling a figure in the future. He shook his head, pitying the boy.
"If only it were that easy."
Damien then walked away, leaving behind the teenager to stare into the ashy clouds.
He ignored the broken ribs and arm, simply breathing in the hell around him. A sea of corpses littered the surroundings—the once peaceful home was left in ruins.
Sakazuki's eyes grew colder and dull, lost in the flames of vengeance. A guttural roar echoed across the broken land, filling in seething rage.
…
"Are you that bored to go around destroying islands?"
Rocks dryly chuckled in his hoarse voice, guzzling some rotten saké. "I was curious about something…"
Damien eyed the casual villain with a hint of scrutiny, "And it happened to be at Admiral Basara's home island?"
A heavy glare fell upon the Sin Incarnate, followed by a laugh. "Xahaha! I've visited quite a few places that gave birth to powerful men…"
However, the conversation dissipated as Damien's transponder snail woke up: "Puru," "Puru," "Puru."
He looked at his captain's crazed eyes before answering the call: "Katcha~!" "This is Damien."
"Ma-Ma-Mam-Ma!"
The young male pirate rolled his eyes, looking at the snail, which had taken the form of the voluptuous woman, beaming a seductive grin.
"Who gave you my number, Linlin?"
Unfortunately, his question was left ignored.
"Hehe, the newspaper just announced a huge thing at God Valley. Did you find Rocks?"
Damien glanced at the insane man not too far away and answered, "He's here with me."
Xebec's scarred and weathered face stretched with a hungry smile. Malice flashed through his hollow eyes: "God Valley?"
Shrieking black Haki exploded out, singing a deathly tune to the weeping Seigi Island. It was a roar of pure hatred and viciousness.
"Gather everyone at Hachinosu, Linlin!"
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[Another Day Later]
[Hachinosu]
Rocks and Damien had promptly returned to the Den of Scum. It was evident by the large fleet on standby that the other top dogs were back as well.
The Four Titans and the Five Tragedies were seated before their Captain at Skull Rock. Something demanded their attention, spelling doom for any hint of peace in the seas.
"Ma-Ma-Mam-Ma! That little bird guy is interesting. He actually leaked everything!"
The giant, curvy woman snacked on a cake with one hand and held a newspaper with the other.
"It will be held on the first day of the second month, the same day the First Twenty came together to form the World Government 762 years ago!"
"I even received a hidden transmission that the Dragons will have two powerful Devil Fruits to give out as a prize for their little Hunting Competition!"
Silver Axe was usually quite reserved, yet he spoke up with his gentle voice this time. "All to take place at the Isle of Deities: God Valley. A land blessed with natural reserves and serenity."
His silver eyes shone through the thick armour, conveying his interest in the topic. "From what I have heard, the Triennial Hunt will be the appetizer to their celebration. Consisting of a hunt for rabbits in the form of slaves as a game to earn points."
"WORORORO! I say we kill them all!" came a loud resounding exclaim.
Meanwhile, Shiki grinned from the side, liking where this was going. However, Newgate was the only one who seemed visibly solemn about the grant event.
.
"Xahahahaha!" a feral laugh exploded.
It carried great ambition and yearning as the sound echoed through the halls, leaking out the windows. The laugh boomed across Hachinosu, laced with Conqueror's Haki, sending chills up the pirates' spines.
All the ten big names glanced at their maniacal Captain and saw the crazed glint in his eyes.
It was beyond what they had ever seen.
The scarred-up face was etched with a grin that ran from one end to the other, flowing in tandem with the bloodthirst.
The air grew sickly and a withering mess, plunging the surrounding area with its unsettling odour.
"The World Government stole something from me… God Valley is our next destination! I can't wait to massacre those golden pigs and bathe the seas in their divine blood!!!"
…
An array of orders were dropped all across the board. They came straight from the Big Boss himself!
Rocks had decided to bring an army with him, but they differed from his past choices.
After Shakuyaku's departure, there was a change in the Rocks Pirates Grand Fleet:
1) The Supreme Leader of the Rocks Pirates – Rocks D. Xebec.
2) The Four Titans – Whitebeard, Shiki, Charlotte Linlin, Einar D. Damien.
3) The Five Tragedies – Captain John, Silver Axe, Kaido, Zenora Indra, Wang Zhi.
4) The Pillars – Shiki's new commanders, Mr. Noir, Buckingham Stussy, Ifrit, Goose.
5) The Fiends – Elite Infantry.
6) The Forsaken – Mid-Level Foot-soldiers.
7) The Condemned – Low-Level Foot-soldiers.
.
After the Scorched Sea War went down, there was a complete rehaul in the Fleet, alongside a few new additions and changes.
Whitebeard's D-1 had 800.
Shiki's D-2 had 11,600.
Charlotte Linlin's D-3 had 5,400.
Damien's D-4 had 9.
Silver Axe's D-5 had 3,300.
Wang Zhi's newly commanded D-6 had 4,200.
Kaido's D-7 had 4,400.
Captain John's D-8 has 5,300.
Damned D-9 had 9,800.
…
Unlike in previous wars, the fleet readying departure would not have every division setting sail to God Valley.
"I wouldn't have expected Captain Rocks to leave behind such firepower," Indra spoke on his way back to the Fourth Division's headquarters.
Damien hummed, recalling the final order that graced the unholy halls of Skull Rock: "Division Three and Seven will remain at Hachinosu."
"He wants them dead, every single Celestial Dragon," he surmised. This was evident from the black strands of hatred that swirled around Rocks at the thought of God Valley.
Indra nodded in agreement.
"The Government will do everything in its power to escort the World Nobles to safety in the case of an enemy attack," the swordsman mused with narrowed eyes.
At the end of the day, Charlotte Linlin and Kaido were to remain at Hachinosu alongside 10,000 pirates!
However, the beehive island was situated relatively close to Calm Belt with direct entry to the West Blue...
Indra quickly picked up the true intention behind the order: "He's leaving behind a sizable enough force to hunt down the Celestial Dragons who escape God Valley through the Calm Belt!"
"That's right," Damien nodded, continuing his return back to base. "This is a once-in-a-century chance to cut off every generation of the 'gods.' A force of Linlin, Kaido and ten thousand scum is enough to take down any Admiral…"
The pirate broke out in a chuckle, "Rahaha! It's so risky but so bold! Xebec has deemed God Valley to be the climax of this era."
They returned as the sun set behind the broken headquarters, spreading somber warmth. Damien stood at the building's entrance, staring at the orange skies.
"Either the Rocks Pirates or the World Government…" he murmured, his eyes flickering with cold determination.
"...only one shall remain."
To Be Continued…
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Author's Corner.
In this story, Seigi Island is home to Basara and also Sakazuki. The proceedings at God Valley will naturally differ from the manga, but I've tried to keep some overlap. The Hunting Competition is an example.
Kaido and Linlin were temporarily left behind. Hachinosu is close to the Calm Belt, which leads into the West Blue, allowing them to ambush any escaping prey—provided things go according to Rocks' plan.
What do you think of Shiki's Awakening?
There will be around a one-week break before kickstarting the next arc.
Images are available on Discord alongside other niche details: https://discord.gg/aJHHHPvb6q
[3700 words]
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[Briefing Room, Marineford]
[New Year's Day of 1486]
It was a prestigious gathering; the highest available level of the Navy was present.
The dozens of top dogs and their penchant for cigars had created a small cloud of smoke at the ceiling. However, the smoke didn't take away from the authority in the room—a U-shaped seating to accommodate those of Vice Admiral rank and higher.
"Usually, a new year marks a time for celebration, for the future to come," a deep voice mumbled in disappointment.
It came from a highly muscular man with a mountainous hairstyle and freshly shaven face to appear more youthful.
His voice turned solemn and heavy: "Yet now a cloud of war and mayhem has taken over the New World. I'm afraid what's to come will determine the next era."
Naturally, the man talking was Kong, the Fleet Admiral of the Navy Headquarters.
The next man to speak had white hair and a stylish goatee of matching colour. "We attained a new row of intel from our agents at Hachinosu," Asahi, the Director of the MCIS, informed.
"Rocks D. Xebec has exercised the majority of his firepower: 35,000 pirates in total."
Such words were disputed by the only admiral present—Sengoku's eyes scanned the intelligence report through his glasses with furrowed brows. "Rocks isn't the type to leave behind top officers, let alone one of his Titans."
Another voice, this time female, added to the conversation: "His particular distaste for the World Government must converge toward the Celestial Dragons. He must be after every single one of them."
It was the Great Advisor Tsuru. She placed aside the information while the purple-haired man to her right aired his thoughts.
"He's willing to give up a Titan to ensure the massacre of the World Nobles," Zephyr mused, crossing his muscular arms in solemnity. "That leaves three Titans and four Tragedies, led by their Supreme Commander… Such a force can easily overturn nations, let alone the entire New World!"
Kong heaved a dull sigh, his eyes narrowing in thought.
The collective bounty of the Fleet leaving Hachinosu was around the twenty billion mark!
"..."
The silence continued in the large room and across the round table. Dim light peaked through the shut windows, reflecting off half the people present.
"Let's focus on the Titans."
Asahi lightly coughed, showcasing his mastery over the subject.
"I have been in touch with CP-0's findings and corroborated it with SWORD," the man informed. Bringing up another sheet of paper. "We found the weaknesses of Titans other than the Golden Lion."
The Director of the Intelligence Service went on to list:
"Edward Newgate, aka Whitebeard. He has a strong connection to his homeland of Sphinx Island, frequently sending back ship's worth of resources. He even struck dead a fellow countryman and former Overlord, Esso Borealis, for betraying Sphinx."
"Charlotte Linlin tends to become lost in her hunger pangs, leaving her in a berserk state that may be exploited to take her down. Outside of that, her children are young, and some of them can be used against her."
"Einar D. Damien… Originated from the West Blue. One of my oldest agents, Raiden, the Commander of the 111th Branch Base, confirmed the young pirate's first movements at Greta Island five years ago."
Asahi finished with a solemn declaration: "Although Raiden is no longer an active agent and has chosen to exile himself, I can vouch for his word—Einar D. Damien's first sighting was at Greta Island!"
A nearby Vice Admiral was the first to react with a hurried question, "Are you saying you can track his home island!?"
"We should hold the island hostage, demand his leave from Rocks, or even use it to get him to backstab his Captain!" One of the youngest top marines roared, smashing his fist on the table.
"I agree! It would go well with the Protocol!"
…
The fresh intel took the briefing by storm as a vast array of havoc-inducing suggestions were thrown out.
'The Fleet Admiral would have acted on this already, which means there are obstacles,' a thoughtful Zephyr mused.
He ran his left hand through the cold, metal right limb, recalling the young pirate who had disarmed him.
"Our outposts are most barren in the West Blue due to the Four Mafia Families. It makes it difficult to send agents to investigate the dozens of islands neighbouring Greta and confirm the origin of the Sin Incarnate," Asahi added, shutting down any further discussion.
Kong leaned into his seat and took a loud sip of his tea before giving further orders.
"We lack the time and resources to narrow down a location...for now."
He addressed Asahi again: "What of the Fourth Division in general?"
The White Swan took a breath to put together an answer.
He recalled the recent addition to Damien's Division alongside other surges.
"There is a Solomon who the Sin Incarnate brought along. He has no past for us to trace. Unfortunately, before any intel regarding his abilities could be sent, the agent was forced to end the call and go dark till the storm settles."
"As for the Hellspawn, the only thing we've confirmed is an ability that allows him to generate electricity—there are too many such fruits to narrow down."
Further talks regarding the Fourth Division were quickly ended; it was only one piece of incoming threat to consider.
.
Suddenly, Sengoku, who usually only spoke on essential matters, audibly cleared his throat. "Can we address the elephants in the room, or missing from it in this case?"
The others all drew their attention to the two empty seats of the remaining two Admirals.
"You already know about Basara. Rocks left his home island in flames; thankfully, his sole pupil was spared," Kong answered with little emotion. "I believe he even left the young lad a Devil Fruit."
"If Basara sees value in a young lad, then I'm sure he can help maintain the peace of the seas," Zephyr commented; he felt great sympathy toward the mountain maker.
"And what of Kurowa-I mean, Kurojū?"
This time, it was Kong who went quiet.
Hesitation flashed in his eyes, only for him to reluctantly sigh.
"His task is to transport the World Nobles to God Valley." However, Kong paused with uncertainty and breathed out, "But I'm afraid he won't stay for the inevitable battle."
"!!!"
"An Admiral missing such an event is unfound!" Tsuru exclaimed, her raised voice conveying her disbelief. "Let alone his Devil Fruit can bolster the morale of our armies!"
"I know he has been lost in his rage, but he is still an admiral; his presence is necessary!" Zephyr expressed his thoughts as well.
Kong huffed, tapping his finger on the glass table.
*Crack* Spider web-like cracks spread across by the sheer force, conveying the man's frustration.
"In his current state, Masao's Devil Fruit ability has no use; he has lost his 'Dazzling Justice' and can no longer help in that sense."
Kong clenched his fist, gnashing his teeth. "I'm just as frustrated as the rest of you. I raised that boy, and now he actually dares to flaunt his 'Miserable Justice!'"
A few days ago, he had a long talk with Masao. It was then that he learned of his newfound 'justice through misery' —a code that sought to make people yearn for the Navy's peace by forcing them into suffering and pain.
*Huuuu* The Fleet Admiral loudly exhaled helplessly, shaking his head away from the aggravating thoughts.
With a softer tone, he continued, "Though it's not all bad news. With the Evil Spirit and the Hundred-Beast staying at Hachinosu, his existence is an asset." The top marine went on to set his point in cement, "Enough about Masao; we have more important topics."
His voice grew resolute and authoritative, and his face wrinkles were stretched to the fullest.
"The Five Elders have shared their thoughts for the coming war. I will echo their orders to you all…"
Dozens of veteran marines straightened in their seats; a direct command from the Overseers of the World was even above that of the Commander-in-Chief!
And it was as short and sweet as it was daming: "The Rocks Pirates will no longer exist beyond this sacred event."
The words plunged the room into dead silence. Such a thought was unfounded, but it wasn't unexpected considering the grave taboo they were en route to commit.
"Cipher Pol, under Xerxes, will aid us in our efforts. Everything will work out fine. This gathering will be our greatest chance to remove the scourge of the pirates!"
*Click* Kong then reached for his Transponder Snail and dialled a number, leaving the room in suspense.
"Puru," "Puru," "Puru."
"Katcha~!"
"Are you finally done with your little vacation, brat? I want you at God Valley to spearhead the assault on the Rocks Pirates."
The snail conveyed its caller's lax nature, matching a person lying at the beach. "You want me to go way out to the boonies to fight? What's the point?"
Kong sighed, massaging his forehead.
"I can't say, Garp. But we need you there! Our reports haven't been verified, but if the danger is real, it'll be a disaster for the World Government!"
The man on the snail proceeded to pick his nose, waving off the emergency.
"This is about the Celestial Dragons' little field trip, isn't it?" the man asked. "Why should I care if they're in trouble? I always said it'd come back to bite you if you messed with Hachinosu. It's their fault for poking the hive!"
The other top marines zipped up their mouths in the hope of not pissing Kong off anymore, allowing the conversation to go on.
"What did they expect? You don't just swipe the crown jewel of Pirate Island! Of course, Rocks would come to take it back!"
"!!!" Kong's eyes widened in shock. "Where in the world did you hear about that!?" he thundered.
Garp continued, ignoring the question, "You must've assigned them extra protection for their stupidity, right? So what's got you so flustered that you need me there too?"
Kong sighed once again, putting his daily sigh count into the hundreds.
"Well, there's something we didn't account for… it seems Roger's on the move there too!"
"!!!" This time, it was Garp who was left in shock, "Lead with that next time! I'm on my way!"
"Katcha~!"
…
Kong then leaned into his chair and spoke to everyone present.
"Our enemy is the most fearsome pirate crew to have sailed the seas in centuries," he solemnly stated.
"Rocks D. Xebec holds the reins to the pirates of the New World. Therefore, his death will not only end this damned pirate era but also pirating itself for good. Failure is not an option; the entire Navy will be put into action, and no matter what, justice will prevail!"
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[The Titanic]
The Fleet had prepared to depart.
Damien now stood at the magnificent ship, walking out from the Captain's Quarters—just now, he had a little chat with Rocks himself.
He recalled the meeting: "Xahahaha! This is a little special; the Government will be in full swing since they wanted to mess with me…"
"Guess I missed the whole stealing of the crown jewel thing," the Sin Incarnate commented.
"Hehe, Xerxes, that wily fox has some stealthy agents. But it's fine. I can drive those golden bastards to extinction while retrieving it!"
Damien narrowed his eyes, wondering about his captain's confidence. "You think they'll crumple that easily?"
"Xahaha! I have a secret weapon that the Government stands no chance against!"
…
'Maybe it's from his Awakening?' Damien thought on his way back.
The pirate shook his head, unable to fully decipher the meaning behind Rocks' words.
Now, he could examine his surroundings, which were similar to those of the Scorched Sea War. But this time, they had 35,000 troops spanning over a hundred ships.
'So much evil intent, but that has nothing to do with me.'
Damien's Empathy skill naturally decoded the emotions around him; all seven deadly sins were present.
"!!!" The young pirate suddenly felt a vile and snake-like stare from the side.
Matching the eye level, he found a familiar face. A man with long pink hair, a coat and a wild grin.
'This guy still feels odd, but I can never sense anything truly out of place from him with my Haki,' Damien thought to himself.
The only things that flared were his instincts, something he had grown up never to ignore.
Captain John smirked from afar before walking away.
"Speaking of snakes...it's time to cut a few loose ends…"
…
Damien eventually made his way to his ship with eight other men on board. They each stood across the deck, breathing in the salty sea air, watching as the dozens of ships came together into a formation.
"Kuhuhuhu! It's quite the spectacle," came a dull laugh from the towering Solomon.
He wore his usual get-up, simple trousers that showcased his tattooed and muscular body. This time, he also sported the spanning scar he acquired from Indra alongside the pulsating stamp of the sacred lightning.
Kaen poked Solomon with his elbow, joining his admiration for the line of ships covered with thick smoke. "Hehe, I like this guy. He can appreciate my taste in art!"
The much smaller Pablo said, through his smokey breath, "This advent feels quite somber. I hope to see you all on the other side, mi amigos!"
"Arai hopes everyone well."
"Majajaja! Let's destroy the Navy and the World Nobles!"
"I, too, wish to see the despair in the faces of those Celestial Dragons; I hope to carve their fear into my memory," Hensō commented, boasting an indifferent mask.
"I'll ready the drinks after we're done with this mission. It's all on me, or in me, I should say!" Voyd Nomu laughed, chuckling at his saké fruit power.
Damien smirked at their enthusiasm, though his eyes hid a sharp gleam.
"Unfortunately, not all of us will return alive."
"..."
The pirates blanked, staring at their boss.
Their Commander ignored their questioning gazes and dropped a few words: "The two things I find the most despicable are liars...and traitors."
The words were laced with a solemn air, bouncing across the ship as if silencing the rowdy pirate fleet gathering around them.
The Suicidal Rambo, who had seen much war, was swamped with grim topics; the boisterous atmosphere quickly dissolved into panic.
"And well, when those two come in a package, then I can't help but want to eradicate it."
The crimson eyes fell onto a single pirate amongst the others. The rest of the Division Mates followed Damien's gaze and began to space out subconsciously.
The one under the Commander's cold eyes had long, nicely-combed white hair.
"Ehh, w-what do you mean by this, Bossman?" The dark-skinned man audibly gulped, "T-The joke is going too far…"
Damien's gaze conveyed nothing but silent disappointment, forcing the man to take a few shaky steps back.
Sweat ran down his facial markings, but his confused expression quickly warped into pain: "Auugh!"
He was quickly lifted off the wooden deck nearly ten feet into the air, a sharp blade protruding from his chest. Miserable grunts spat from his mouth as his quivering hands grasped the katana responsible for his pain.
"Voyd Nomu," Indra's collected voice broke out. He stood 11 feet tall, his arm extended to hold the enemy in the air, with Tenmei piercing through a lung.
"A new generation pirate hailed as a Supernova when the World News Agency was still in power," the swordsman recounted. "All your feats were awfully loud, yet no one actually knew of your existence even after boasting a bounty of two hundred million."
"You claimed to be born in a Cult of West Blue, yet your home island exists only on paper."
Nomu, who was leaking copious amounts of blood, grasped at the white blade with both hands, desperately clinging on to life.
"I-I-I am no traitor…!"
Indra narrowed his eyes, lacking even a hint of pity.
"Don't insult my intelligence. You've been desperately trying to unearth my Devil Fruit ability to report to your superiors. Do you really think I wouldn't notice?"
Nomu gulped; his breathing spiked.
He painfully looked around, hoping to find an anchor to latch on to to save himself. Yet Nomu saw disgust in the other's eyes and felt his life slipping away.
.
Damien finally spoke, this time with a smile, "You wanted to know what power I granted my right-hand man?"
"Well, it happens to be the invincible Rumble-Rumble Fruit."
Shockingly enough, even after Indra's thirst for battling top opponents in the past year, he never let the extent of his powers show. And when he clashed with Kaido and Big Mom, none remained conscious long enough from the thunderous battles.
Nomu heard the news, feeling despair cloud his vision.
"Twenty-four calls," Indra spat. "That's how many times you rang up your leader at SWORD. A marine agency that has left the Navy, existing as a secret force."
The revelation brought shock to the dying pirate's face, feeling wholly seen through.
Indra pulled back his blade, forcing the man to collapse to the floor in a pool of his own blood.
"I heard every word your transponder snail conveyed. The only things you leaked were things I wanted you to leak."
"Haaa, Huuuh, Haaah…" Nomu clawed across the ground, his bloodied fingers digging into the floorboards. He looked up and saw the eyes locking onto his body and knew his time was up.
.
"G-Golden Supernova!"
.
Like a grape, his body exploded into a spectacle that reached the ship's crow's nest.
The others watched as a few droplets from across the ship and toward the sea suddenly shook.
Voyd Nomu's body splashed into the familiar liquid, reforming from the few droplets away from the Suicidal Rambo.
'No matter what, I need to report this to the Captain!' the man told himself in deep panic.
Nomu willed his body to turn fluid, dancing across the sky and toward a random ship nearby.
By now, the other pirates had naturally noticed the Fourth Division's antics, watching in great interest.
Damien sighed in disappointment, not faltering by the turn of events.
"Kaen."
The man in question moved immediately and pointed a hand toward the distant stream of saké.
A vicious grin appeared on the red-haired man, "Hehe, I enjoyed billowing flames with your ability, Nomu! So I'll give you the privilege of going out in a blazing glory!"
*Snap!*
Instantly, the steam of saké ignited in the air, sending out a massive plume of fire.
Boom!
It burst so sweltering that it began to melt a few ships nearby while burning dozens of sails as well.
"Auuughh! Uuguh! Ahhhh!"
Miserable cries echoed from the conflagration, voicing out the mind-numbing pain of being burnt to death. It was mixed with a hundred other pirates and celebrated by thirty-five thousand others.
.
Indra ran a stream of Haki, burning away the blood on his sacred blade.
Turning to Damien, he said, "His final call was to both the Captain of SWORD and Hakuchō, the Director of MCIS. I know every detail of their plan…"
The next few minutes left the Sin Incarnate privy to the fine details the Navy relied upon—a long list of enemies, plans and backup plans.
One such protocol would cement the death of thousands within seconds.
Indra then expressed his last remaining thought, "Should I alert the other Division Commanders of their plan?"
"..."
"No."
Damien lightly chuckled, his eyes locked onto the distant horizon, no longer caring about the dead Nomu.
Indra paused momentarily, examining the look in his Commander's eyes, "As you wish."
----------------------------------------------
The fateful day approached while both sides were preparing for the storm. The tremors affected even the Holy Land. While the Celestial Dragons were more than excited to let loose, their overseers had one final box to tick...
----------------------------------------------
[Pangaea Castle, Mariejois]
Five elderly men slowly walked across a dimly lit hall. Each looked solemn as they continued, slowly arriving at their destination.
*Creak*
The giant doors to the Throne Room opened, allowing the five old men inside. They were the Five Elders, also known as the Five Elder Planets!
They stopped to kneel across the long red carpet, bowing their heads to the throne far above—the Overseers of the World were submitting! Such an act that would leave every living soul in shambles!
The Empty Throne symbolized that a single figure did not rule the world—it sent a message of peace by making all royals equal before it, with none greater or lesser than the other.
Even the First Twenty plunged their swords at the side of the seat, showcasing their unanimous agreement for the throne to remain vacant.
Yet the Five Elders waited in patience and deep reverence.
[Empty Throne Image (in Discord)]
*Thump* *Thump* *Thump*
Light, rhythmic steps echoed as an elusive figure appeared, slowly scaling the staircase to the throne of the world.
"!!!"
The person took the seat, draping their arms over the gold armrests designed to look like lion head statues. Instantly, the Throne Room was plunged with the sanctity of gods!
.
"Balance has been shaken as you prophesied," Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro calmly stated.
Shepherd Ju Peter continued their unanimous thoughts, "We will carry across your words to bring the world back into its orbit."
Marcus Mars spoke next, "Have you decided which 'light' needs to be extinguished…"
"...from history this time?" Jaygarcia Saturn finished the sentence.
Topman Warcury concluded the thoughts of each of the Five Elders: "If so, share the name with us."
"..."
A deafening silence pervaded the fresh air of the throne room. The Elders no longer spoke and continued to kneel for however long it may take.
After what felt like an eternity, a sole piece of paper flew down from the throne above. It fluttered in the divine air of the spanning hall, slowly falling before the loyal servants under the throne.
The Five Elders peered at the paper and examined the figure in the picture. It was the bounty poster of Rocks D. Xebec, spelling his doom.
To Be Continued…
----------------------------------------------
Author's Corner.
Linlin, Kaido, and Kuroju will not be present at God Valley, but they will surely get involved in some way or another. The traitor Nomu has also been vanquished. Damien hopes the same for the Rocks Pirates but has little control over what's to come.
What do you think Rocks' secret weapon is against the World Government?
Images are available on Discord alongside other niche details: https://discord.gg/aJHHHPvb6q
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