A/N- So it's been forever since I've posted a story on here and to those that have enjoyed my work in the past or followed me I apologize. Sometimes life hits you with unexpected hardships. But, I am very excited to be back and as an apology, I offer my first multichapter fic. Enjoy. - SF
Note: I do not own One Piece or its characters and I did not make any money off of this story.
Prologue: Secret Meeting
Heavy footsteps thudded down the hallway. The man making them was in stark contrast to the hall; while it was decorated lavishly with dark wood and fancy pictures, he dressed in pants and a plain shirt. Under one arm was tucked a stack of papers and folders. His other hand rested on a sheathed sword, the tip of which was almost dragging along the ground as he walked. He stopped in front of a thick, wooden door and knocked once, the sound echoing in the deserted hallway. "Enter," said a voice from within.
The man did so and he was immediately greeted by a warm glow from a cracking fireplace. He paused for a moment to look around the room. The walls were lined with bookshelves. A quick glance to the ceiling revealed to most stunning feature of the room, a huge map of the world, painstakingly painted on by hand. "What is it you want, Jain?" The voice came from the large, black leather chair in the center of the room, the face of its occupant obscured by shadows.
Jain stepped forward, his heavy footsteps masked by the plush carpet beneath his feet. "I have some information from Shannan. There's a group of pirates on the way, some big names in this group." He stopped before the chair and dropped the stack of information and a table. Silence was the response, he paused, unsure, then continued. "I think several of them could be the one you've been waiting for, one in particular is..."
"You expect me to keep waiting Jain? Many of our guest are getting quite impatient. You know how much I dislike that."
"I am well aware of that sir." Jain replied sharply. "The decision, as always, is yours." He stood there, waiting for a response. When one did not come, he turned, making his way to the door. The voice once again rang out from the shadows as his hand landed on the knob.
"We will wait. Arrange some entertainment for our guests in the meantime. Make it good, we have to satisfy their lust for the time being." Jain nodded, and left quickly to begin the preparations. The mysterious man remained in his chair but shifted slightly to look at the information he had been given. Reaching out, he opened the folder on the top and was greeting by smiling face. He looked at the bounty poster and smiled.