A.N: This is exactly what I'm talking about, folks. Life has simply gotten in the way a ton recently. Thankfully, when you're trapped in a car for a total of 16 hours over the course of two days, you have plenty of time to work. So, here's chapter 2.
Chapter 2: Sail Back to the Beginning
Roronoa Zoro and Sanji both stared at their captain in disbelief as he related the story of how his ten-day sparring match with Naruto Uzumaki ended, with him challenging Chitsujo, the Lord of Order. They only had one thing to say about the matter. "You're an idiot." They said in unison.
Luffy laughed at Zoro and Sanji's statement. "Yeah, I guess I kinda bit off more than I can chew that time." He admitted. "But still, it was awesome to see how strong Chitsujo was."
Luffy held up a single finger. "He got me with one finger, you guys, one finger." He noted. "We definitely can't beat a guy like him."
"That means we can't beat someone like Konton yet." Sanji lit a cigarette and took a long drag. "That is troublesome, we thought we had done enough when we trained for the New World, only to realize that there's an even bigger challenge ahead of us."
Zoro could only nod. Luffy grinned. "That's okay," he said, "we'll just work harder, get stronger and then kick Konton's ass. After all, like Chitsujo said, limits are just a mind of state."
"I think the phrase you're looking for is 'state of mind,' Luffy." Sanji deadpanned, unable to comprehend his captain mixing up the placement of words.
"He's right though," Zoro noted, "those who become the greatest cannot accept they've gone as far as they can. If I'm going to be the Universe's Greatest Swordsman, if Luffy is going to become King of the Pirates, then we just have to keep working for it."
"Anyway," Sanji continued, "this place is going to be kept safe, right? After all the work you guys put into freeing it from that bastard, Doflamingo, I'd hate for Kaido and Big Mom to come after it."
"It'll be fine," Luffy assured his two strongest shipmates, "Chitsujo's got these really two strong guys and their armies defending Dressroba."
"It's Dressrosa," Sanji corrected instinctively, "but they better be able to defend the place. This is my darling Viola's home. I'd hate for it to be ruined."
"You know she's not the only person who lives here, right Romeo?" Zoro frowned.
"I know that, Moss Head!" Sanji yelled.
"Anyway, while we're on the subjects of beautiful ladies," Sanji continued before embracing Luffy, "thank you for bringing Flare onto this crew, Luffy! You're the best captain ever!"
"Flare is great, isn't she?" Luffy chuckled.
"She's definitely fitting in with the crew pretty well." Zoro noted. "Chopper seems to like her a lot, and the feeling is mutual."
Sanji grinned as he let go of Luffy. "Unlike Nami, who is purely sexy, and Robin, who has a mature beauty for her charm, Flare's charm comes from the fact that she is incredibly demure." He noted before exclaiming with hearts in his eyes. "We've got the trifecta of amazing ladies! Sexiness! Cuteness! And maturity! Praise be our captain! He's an idiot but he's somehow created the ultimate trifecta of beautiful women!"
Zoro sighed. "Nice going Luffy, you sent him further down the path of crazy, stupid love." He told his captain.
"Love may be crazy sometimes, but it is never stupid! You take that back you damn Moss Head!" Sanji yelled, ready to kick Zoro.
"Make me, you perverted cook!" Zoro shot back, drawing two of his swords.
"Aww, you guys look so happy." Flare Corona suddenly arrived two talk to some of her new favorite people in the world, some of her shipmates and her captain.
"I'm even happier now that you're here, Flare my sweet!" Sanji went full "Love Cook" mode.
Flare giggled, innocently brushing off Sanji's flirting. "I'm so glad so many of my new friends are in the 2nd Fleet with me." She said. "It's like Lord Chitsujo knew that I should socialize with my new crew and decided to do me a little favor."
"Well, I'm happy that he decided to pair you with the 2nd Fleet as well!" Sanji cheered. "It's like we were destined to be together!"
"Ease up, Romeo, don't make her feel uncomfortable." Zoro frowned at Sanji.
Flare smiled. "Well, if you mean destined to be friends and shipmates than I am all for it." She said gleefully.
And with that, Sanji deflated comically. "Friendzoned already…" he lamented, much to the amusement of Zoro.
"Luffy!" Luffy smiled at the familiar voice.
"Sabo!" Luffy was quick to embrace his adopted older brother, who returned the embrace with just as much affection.
"Nice to have you back from Green Bit." Sabo told him. "Lord Chitsujo wants to set sail soon. Especially now that we've officially placed everyone in different fleets. It's gonna be an adjustment, but we think it'll be good for the Alliance in the long run."
"Of course it will," Marco the Phoenix suddenly swooped down to join Sabo and the Straw Hats, "Lord Chitsujo may not be a sailor himself, but he does understand the implications of island-hopping mixed with warfare. We need soldiers from all divisions to maximize our success on each island."
Marco had a grim expression on his face. "This could very well be the campaign with the most casualties, considering the situation."
"It'll be fine," Luffy brushed off the situation, "as long as we all stick together and protect each other, we can keep our friends safe, right?"
"Luffy, we did that back in Fiore, and we still lost a lot of good people." Marco pointed out. "We can't protect everyone."
"But does that mean we shouldn't try?" Luffy asked Marco, looking at him in a mixture of confusion and hurt.
Marco's mouth dropped open, realizing he did not have a good way of answering that. Marco then gave a small smile. "No," he said, "no, we shouldn't."
Sabo grinned proudly. "My little brother is such an adorable, adorable optimist." He said, pulling Luffy into another embrace.
"Cut it out, you're embarrassing me!" Luffy demanded.
I didn't think Luffy got embarrassed. Zoro and Sanji thought to themselves in unison.
"Geez, you all are as lively as always." Renji Abarai arrived. "I guess this is going to be a long cruise with the 2nd Fleet, huh?"
Renji then turned his attention to Flare and blushed. "Uh…hey, Flare," he said, unable to look her in the face.
Flare blushed as well. "Umm…hi, Renji," she was unable to look at him as well.
Sanji felt his heart shatter even more at the sight. His beloved Flare clearly had eyes for another man. Zoro looked at Renji and Flare in interest, knowing what those blushes entailed. Interesting, so our new shipmate has a boy she's interested in.
Zoro then looked at the visibly depressed Sanji, who was oddly being comforted by Luffy. Meh, it's no big deal, the fact that it seems to bug the cook to no end makes it more beneficial then harmful. Came that surprisingly dark and sadistic thought from the Pirate Hunter.
As the Straw Hats and Renji continued their strange bonding rituals, a shy Hinata Hyūga watched them all from afar. What is wrong with me? She thought. I was sure I had kicked this habit. What happened?
"Whatcha looking at?" Mashirō Kuna suddenly appeared behind Hinata, making the poor girl leap into the air.
"Oh…you're, Mashirō Kuna, right?" Hinata had met her a few times in Dressrosa. This multi-month break had allowed her the luxury to do so.
"Hi there, Hina!" Mashirō playfully greeted her. "So, whatcha looking at?"
"Sorry about that," Kensei Muguruma appeared at Mashirō's side, "I let her out of my sight for 1 second and she goes and bugs you. You will have to get used to her if you're going to be part of the same fleet though, Hyūga."
Hinata regained her composure. "I know that," she said. "Mashirō is just very energetic, I hold nothing against her for that."
Kensei sighed. "Laxus keeps saying the same thing, but I can tell Freed and Bickslow are one wacky comment away from trying to wring Mashirō's neck out of frustration."
Kensei could not help but grin. "Freaking dumb asses," he said, "I put up with Mashirō for a century and they can't even do it for a few months. They're never going to survive this trip with the 2nd Fleet."
"Hina!" Mashirō whined. "Stop making me repeat myself! What are you looking at? What are you looking at? WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?"
"Mashirō," Kensei said tiredly, "leave the poor girl alone. She clearly doesn't have time for your nonsense."
Even if what she does is a bit creepy, the poor girl does deserve some measure of privacy. Kensei noted, having seen what Hinata was doing. That being said, she should give Straw Hat some privacy as well, jeez. Well, maybe this will get her to stop.
I have to say though, I'm surprised she's looking at Straw Hat of all people like that. He continued. And here was me thinking nobles wouldn't even look at guys like him like that.
What is wrong with me? Hinata thought to herself. I can't be developing feelings for Luffy! I love Naruto! Naruto Uzumaki! Please, heart, stop beating faster whenever you see him!
Considering that Samui of the Hidden Cloud was also falling for Luffy, this could be troublesome.
Meanwhile, Kagura Mikazuchi took several practice swings with the newly reforged Archenemy. The 2nd Fleet, with Roronoa and several members of his crew. Kagura thought to herself. Does Lord Chitsujo believe that my placement with him continues to push me further in strength? Roronoa is incredibly strong. Well, I suppose it at least makes more sense then for me to be placed in Jellal's fleet.
Even if Kagura had managed to let go of her grudge against Jellal, she still felt incredibly uncomfortable around the man. It would definitely take her awhile for her to grow comfortable enough to be in the same fleet as the man.
Meanwhile, Uryū Ishida pushed up his glasses as he finished his inspection of each ship in the 2nd Fleet. No, Uryū was not an expert on sailing and as such was no authority on inspecting ships. He just wanted to make sure there were enough perches for him to snipe from. His final ship had been the Thousand Sunny, the Straw Hat Pirates' ship. "Super ship, right Uryū?"
Uryū looked over his shoulder to see the Straw Hats' Shipwright, Cyborg Franky. Uryū looked out at the lion figurehead's sunflower mane and instinctively grimaced, making sure Franky did not see that. "Well, I have a couple of ideas on how to improve it aesthetically." Uryū said without thinking. "But yeah, it is a nice ship. A super ship in fact. I'm starting to see how Usopp and Nami managed to last all the way to the New World with a ship like this."
Franky laughed. "Yeah, those two get so flustered, it's a wonder they lasted as long as they did before all our training. So, what's got you so interested in all the ships?"
"I was just looking for sniping spots." Uryū admitted. "Regardless of the ship I end up stationed on, I'm not going to be much use to my comrades if I can't snipe effectively, as an archer."
"Mad respect, bro." Franky grinned. "I've got nothing but respect for men who take preparation seriously. It's the same with us shipwrights, everything's gotta be perfect, done with gusto, as my old mentor, Tom, used to say to me."
Uryū nodded. "If you end up stationed on the Sunny," Franky continued, "let me offer some advice. Usopp almost always snipes from the rear of the ship and the crow's nest."
"Those are pretty distant sniping positions," Uryū pointed out, "and you trust him that much not to hit you or the ship on accident?"
Franky laughed. "Brother," he said, "I get that it's hard to take Usopp seriously, but he's a damn good sniper. He's arguably one of the best in the entire Alliance. That guy makes shots you have to see to believe."
Uryū gazed at the rear of the Sunny, and then the crow's nest. "Challenge accepted." He said simply.
"SUPER!" Franky exclaimed. "I'm really hoping you get stationed on the Sunny now! This is gonna be off the hook, Brother!"
Franky offered his fist to Uryū for a fist bump, not knowing that Uryū was not the fist bump type. Uryū looked at the fist in confusion, then at Franky, who was gazing at him expectantly. Deciding to do a friend a favor, Uryū gave him a small smile and fist bumped the cyborg. "Yeah," he said before adding awkwardly, "it will be, ahem, off the hook."
Franky grinned. He knew Uryū was not the type who would normally get along with Franky's type. However, he appreciated the man's efforts, all the same.
Meanwhile, in Dressrosa, Riku Dold III, Princess Viola, and former Princess Rebecca and her father, Kyros, all had one last family meal together before Kyros and Rebecca sailed away with the 2nd Fleet. "Both of you," Riku spoke up, "come back safely."
Kyros and Rebecca both nodded. "Of course, Grandfather." Rebecca smiled. "We'll be fine. After all, Lucy is in the same fleet as us."
Lucy being Monkey D. Luffy and not Lucy Heartfilia; thank goodness those two were not in the same fleet, or things would just get confusing.
Speaking of which, let's take a look at some of the soldiers of the 3rd Fleet and see what they are up to, starting with the "other" Lucy of the Allied Forces. The blonde Celestial Wizard gazed at the familiar key in front of her, sitting on one of Dressrosa's many docks. She could still remember when Chitsujo came to her with this key…
"Is…that what I think it is, Lord Chitsujo?" Lucy had asked in shock.
Chitsujo smiled and nodded. "It is," he said, "someone's looking out for you, Lucy. They wanted you to have this key once again."
Lucy looked at in disbelief before bringing it close to her chest. "Aquarius's key," she said, looking down at the key to the Gate of the Water Bearer, "I didn't think I'd see it again."
Chitsujo shook his head. "Even if the key of a Celestial Spirit is broken, they eventually return into circulation and appear in Fiore at random. Your guardian angel came across it during her travels and delivered it to me."
"And just who is my guardian angel, sir?" Lucy asked curiously.
Chitsujo smiled sheepishly. "Trust me, you wouldn't believe me if I told you." He said. "Just take the gift and be happy that you and Aquarius will be together again."
Lucy then surprised Chitsujo by throwing her arms around him and pulling him into a deep, grateful embrace. "Thank you so much, Milord." She said. "I'm in your debt. And make sure you tell my 'guardian angel' thanks as well."
Chitsujo smiled and patted Lucy on the back. "You're very welcome, Lucy. Never forget that we all were watching you that day. You showed incredible courage to make such a sacrifice for your friends. Never believe that the sacrifices you make for others aren't recognized and appreciated."
Lucy heaved a sigh. After getting the key back, she suddenly found herself unable to summon Aquarius to create a new contract with her. It was mainly guilt. She still felt bad about what happened with Tartaros to this day.
Lord Chitsujo is wrong, I am a coward. She thought. Aquarius was the one who pushed me into doing it in the first place. But I can't bring myself to reform our contract.
Lucy took a deep breath. I can't put this off any longer. She thought. We're about to go on a campaign across the seas. Having Aquarius would be a huge boon to the Alliance. No matter my guilt, no matter my shame, I am still a proud soldier of the Alliance. I will help my friends with all of my strength.
"HEY LUCY!" Natsu Dragneel and Happy both yelled in her ear as they greeted her.
The poor girl almost leapt off the docks in shock, shrieking in fear. "Whatcha looking at, Lucy?" Happy asked
"YOU JERKS!" Lucy screamed with a demonic look on her face. "DON'T SNEAK UP ON ME LIKE THAT!"
Natsu and Happy just laughed in amusement, not caring that they probably took a decade off Lucy's life with that scare. Natsu then recognized the key. "Hey, is that Aquarius's key?" He asked.
Lucy gasped. Natsu of all people recognized the key? Natsu smiled widely. "Nice! You got it back! I was worried you weren't going to, after I heard what happened."
Lucy could not help but smile. Natsu may have been an idiot, but he definitely cared, and he knew how to show it. Why am I hesitating? About anything for that matter? Lucy wondered. My friends are right behind me, always.
Lucy then leaned down and placed the key into the water. After reciting the chant to call a spirit to form a contact, she called out. "Open, Gate of the Water Bearer!" Lucy exclaimed. "Aquarius!"
The water moved about as a blue-haired mermaid appeared in front of Lucy. "FISH!" Happy exclaimed with glee.
Aquarius looked at the person who summoned her, and immediately adopted an impassive look on her face. Lucy almost teared up at the sight of the spirit. "Umm…hey, Aquarius," she said, "I…got your key again."
Aquarius heaved a sigh. "Gimme a break," she said, "I've got you as my master again?"
Natsu narrowed his eyes. He almost instinctively spoke up in defense of his dear friend, only to catch onto something in the tone of Aquarius's voice. With that, he fell silent. Lucy, meanwhile, looked down in shame.
"You're loudmouthed and annoying," Aquarius noted, "you whine about everything. You're still just the wide-eyed, happy-go-lucky brat I used to play with. And most importantly, you're never going to get a boyfriend, and even if by some miracle you do, he will never be as great as my Scorpio."
Lucy remained silent, unable to look at Aquarius. She then gasped in surprise as she felt Aquarius throw her arms around her, pulling her into an embrace. "And there is no one I'd rather have as my master." She said, smiling warmly, clearly trying to stop herself from crying tears of joy at their reunion.
Lucy got over her surprise and hugged Aquarius back. "I'm so happy to see you again." She said.
Aquarius sighed. "You idiot," she said, "what were you thinking, forming a contract with me in the middle of a war, huh?"
"I'm sorry," Lucy said, "we're kinda going on a naval campaign. We need you."
"Damn right you do." Aquarius said as she broke the embrace. "Lucy, call me whenever you need me. Just remember to give me some time off whenever Scorpio and I are on a date."
Lucy nodded. "Yeah," she said as Aquarius started to fade back into the Celestial Spirit World, "don't worry, I'll give you guys plenty of time to go on your dates. I'll…try to be a better master this time, Aquarius. I promise."
Aquarius chuckled. "Just for the record, Lucy, you weren't that bad. Just try to work on that attitude."
Lucy shook her head as Aquarius faded away completely. "She never changes." Lucy muttered. "I'm so happy she's back."
Natsu and Happy could only smile at Lucy's big victory. She got her dear friend and spirit back with her. Natsu could not help but let out a celebratory cheer. "Alright! Now the whole guild is back together!"
"What do you mean?" Lucy asked.
"Well, Aquarius was part of the guild too, right? If she wasn't around, then it wouldn't be the same without her."
Lucy could only smile at Natsu's statement. "Yeah, you're right." She said. "The guild is together again."
Meanwhile, Might Guy took the opportunity to confront his longtime rival and friend. "Kakashi!" He yelled to the leader of the 3rd Fleet. "My rival! It appears we've finally had the chance to catch up! Face me, Kakashi, let's settle things!"
Kakashi, who barely looked up from his book, addressed Guy. "Huh? Did you say something, Guy?" He inquired.
Guy flipped out at the sight. "Gah!" He yelled. "You are as hip as always, my rival!"
Kakashi held his hand out. "Guy," he said, "we can't afford to hurt ourselves too much, because we're about to set sail, so why don't we settle things with rock-paper-scissors?"
"I accept, Kakashi!" Guy exclaimed, as dramatic as always. "The loser must take a lap around Dressrosa!"
"Yeah, yeah, sure," Kakashi said dismissively, barely looking up, "you ready?"
"Always!" Guy declared.
"One, two, three, shoot!" Kakashi and Guy both yelled in unison, making their decision on what to play.
Guy yelled in frustration as his scissors were crushed by Kakashi's rock. "You win this round, my amazing, hip rival. Very well! I will be back in an hour!"
"Guy-Sensei!" Rock Lee, having watched this whole display on the sidelines. "Allow me to join you on your run!"
"Of course Lee!" Guy declared. "It has certainly been awhile since we've undergone these exercises! Come and join me, Lee! Join me on this youthful endeavor!"
"Let's do this lap on our hands instead, Guy-Sensei!" Lee suggested.
"Not this time, my boy." Guy told him. "We are setting sail soon, so we can't afford to be caught up in our youthful exercises. Because it is just as youthful to be punctual and on-time."
"Yes, you are absolutely right as always, Guy-Sensei!" Lee exclaimed.
With that, the two began running their lap around Dressrosa. Jūshirō Ukitake suddenly appeared next to Kakashi. "And I thought having Shunsui as a best friend was exhausting." Ukitake noted. "He is…something else."
"You have no idea." Kakashi said, sounding exasperated. "But, he's a nice guy once you get to know him…and get used to his quirks."
"Do you realize I'm still not used to Shunsui's behavior and I've known him for about a millennium and I'm still not used to his alcoholism? His womanizing? Literally everything about him? But, he's my best friend, and even if I don't like the way he acts, I love him like a brother."
"Yeah, it's the same with Guy." Kakashi admitted. "At least these activities keep him energized and focused on the task ahead…oddly enough."
"You don't say," Ukitake muttered, "well, you've definitely known him longer than I have, Kakashi, so I'll defer to you on how to deal with him."
"But, do you really think he'll be back in time to set sail?"
"Are you kidding? He's not doing it on his hands." Kakashi replied with a smirk behind his mask. "Knowing Guy, he'll be back with an hour to spare."
Meanwhile, Mirajane Strauss took the opportunity to embrace her two beloved siblings, who would be joining her in the 3rd Fleet. "I want you both to stay safe." Mirajane told them.
"We know, Sis." Lisanna Strauss replied.
"Seriously," Mirajane told them, "I'm going to be able to protect you both, since we're all in the same fleet, but you two have grown strong too. So, try to keep yourselves safe as well. That way, we can all go home together."
"We will, Sis, that's a man's promise." Elfman grinned.
Finally, Ichiya Vandalay Kotobuki took some time to talk with Eve Tilm, who had been avoiding him since coming to Dressrosa. "Are you nervous, Eve?" He inquired.
"Perhaps…just a little." Eve admitted, finally taking some time to open up to his mentor.
Ichiya sighed. "You're worried." He noted. "Worried that I'm going to die just like Ren did in the Aster Mountains."
"I don't want to, Master." Eve said. "But, this war has been an eye-opener for all of us. We're guild wizards, not soldiers, and certainly not killers. We were not prepared for this. And we lost Ren as a result."
Ichiya sighed. "I understand, my boy." He said. "And that's why, I promise you, I'm not going to die."
"You can't promise that, Master, none of us can." Eve said in a depressed tone.
"That is where you're wrong, Eve." Ichiya told him. "People die all the time, that is true. However, if their memory is kept in your heart, they live on within you forever and ever. Even now, Ren still lives. He simply lives within us, Hibiki and Sherry."
"Know this, Eve," Ichiya continued, "even if I were to fall at the hands of an enemy I would still live on as long as you kept me in your heart. And vice versa; even if you died, I would keep you alive in my heart as well. That is how people live forever. That is how people shine forever, even after their flames go out."
Eve could not help but gape at his master's wisdom. At that moment, he wondered why he even avoided Ichiya these past few months. The man, while goofy—and yes, he recognized that, having a military background as an ex Rune Knight gave him the ability to know who was goofy and who was prim and proper—was still very wise. That wisdom that surpassed even a Rune Knight Captain was what drew Eve to him.
"Thank you for the lesson, Master." Eve bowed in respect. "It appears I had lost sight of that in these past few months."
"War is a cruel business, Eve, but that doesn't mean we lose sight of universal truths like that." Ichiya told him. "Understanding those universal truths and morals is what separates men from monsters."
"Of course," Eve said, "but all the same master, I like having you and the others here with me, alive in the flesh."
"So I'm going to do all I can to keep you, and everyone else safe."
Ichiya smiled in approval at Eve's resolve. "And I promise to do the same for your sake, my boy." Ichiya promised. "We are not just master and student, we're guild mates. And most importantly, we are family."
Eve nodded in appreciation. "Thank you, Master Ichiya." He said gratefully. "Thank you for the lesson."
Meanwhile, Naruto Uzumaki was still nursing a nasty bump on his head, courtesy of Chitsujo. "Stop being stubborn and heal me, Kurama." Naruto complained.
"Naruto, we've been over this, I don't heal dumb injuries, as do the rest of the Tailed Beasts." Kurama firmly told him. "What happened between you, Luffy, and that Chitsujo was your own damn fault."
Naruto pouted. "You are mean, Kurama." He said.
Luckily, Naruto had some comfort in the form of Erza Scarlet, who had arrived with Jellal Fernandes. Both of them had sympathetic looks on their face. "Are you okay, Naruto?" Jellal inquired curiously.
"I'm doing better." Naruto said, holding an ice pack on his head. "Kurama's being a bit stubborn and is refusing to heal me."
Jellal gave Naruto a deadpan expression. "I know you're not going to like hearing this, but I kinda agree with Kurama."
"Huh?" Naruto looked at Jellal like had just betrayed him in the worst way possible. "You are mean, Jellal."
"I'm also right." Jellal told him. "You're the one who let yourself get pulled into a fight with Luffy for one of the dumbest reasons possible. And then, you didn't even notice Lord Chitsujo arrive, forcing him to step in and stop you. Your injuries were because of your own stupidity, so I don't blame Kurama for not healing you this time."
Erza, surprisingly, had a more sympathetic side to her. "Even so, Jellal, Naruto can't be dealing with such an injury before we set sail. It could become a detriment to the 5th Fleet." She pointed out to Jellal.
Jellal sighed. "That's true as well," he admitted, "alright, I'll go get a doctor to perform some treatment on his head."
"Nonsense," Erza suddenly said, surprising both Naruto and Jellal, "we shouldn't trouble the doctors, I will treat Naruto."
Jellal gave Erza a deadpan expression. "Erza, you are not a doctor." He said. "You're not even a nurse."
"Nonsense, you do not need medical training in order to heal an injury this simple." Erza sounded delusional. "All you need is a can-do spirit!"
"Erza, were it that easy, everyone would become doctors." Jellal told her, unable to understand her logic.
Before Jellal could say anything to dissuade Erza, she suddenly re-quipped out of her normal outfit into the nurse's outfit she used on Tenrou Island. Naruto blushed slightly, it looked like something out of Jiraiya's despicably perverted books.
Erza then took out some bandages. "Now then, boy," she said, "let us begin with your examination. I promise to be very thorough."
Jellal blushed as well. "Err…Erza."
Erza ignored Jellal and began to advance on Naruto. "Just relax and let my hands take care of everything. As a professional, my hands are…magic."
Naruto turned even redder at Erza's words. "Do you…not hear yourself right now?" He inquired. "Everything you say sounds-"
Naruto was suddenly cut off by Erza pouncing on him like a lioness. She was wrapping bandages around his head, missing the spot where he was punched in the first place mind you. "Owowowowowow! Too tight! Too tight! Too tight!" Naruto complained.
"Please don't struggle so much," Erza said, "you're only making this harder."
Jellal was now beet red. Yep, she definitely doesn't realize how…dirty she sounds when she talks like that.
"Yo ho ho ho ho!" 'Soul King' Brook suddenly appeared, laughing like a maniac. "Nurse Erza, could you examine me next? I feel like I'm about to die!"
"WHERE DID YOU EVEN COME FROM?" Jellal surprisingly face-faulted at Brook's entrance.
"Oh, wait a minute," Brook suddenly gasped, "I don't feel like I'm going to die! I'm already dead! Yo ho ho ho ho! It's a skull joke!"
Erza paused in her treatment to gaze at Brook in disbelief of how bad his joke actually was. Jellal and Naruto were doing the same. "Anyway," Brook said, changing the subject quickly, "I just wanted to take this opportunity to say hello to my new commanding officer. I look forward to working with you, Commander Fernandes."
Jellal shook his head out of his stupor and nodded. "Umm, yeah," he said, "thank you for the greeting, Brook, I look forward to working with you as well."
"I hope you don't mind, but as a musician, it is important to me that I constantly play and perform, and perfect my craft." Brook told Jellal. "Perhaps I can play for the soldiers when we're all sailing, like I did for the 1st Division back in Fiore. I promise you, my music will keep everyone happy and ready for battle."
Jellal smiled at the kind offer. "That's very generous of you, Brook," Jellal nodded, "a little music would go a long way to keeping everyone's morale up."
Erza glared at Brook, surprising the skeleton. "This bloodlust is so…" Brook trailed off, shivering in fear.
"Are you challenging me, skeleton man?" Erza demanded.
"Challenging you?" Brook went pale from Erza's threatening nature.
"Do you think me incapable of keeping the morale of the troops raised through the act of song?" Erza demanded.
"Umm…no," Brook said, "if you can rouse our morale through singing, then by all means, give it a try. It would be nice to have some female vocals. It would add to the performance."
At that moment, Erza immediately began her vocal exercises. Brook's mouth dropped open in disbelief. She sounded…fine. Hopefully she never actually got on stage though. Naruto, meanwhile, subtly moved Erza's poorly tied bandages to the bump on his head. I'll just let her live with the illusion that she actually helped me. He decided.
Eustass Kidd could only look on in shock at the behavior of his fellow fleet mates. These are the people I'm sailing with. Kidd thought to himself. These are the people I'm sailing with. My sanity might not survive this trip.
"Captain, are you alright?" Kidd's first mate, Killer, sounded surprisingly concerned for his captain. "You don't look good. You look sick in fact."
"Killer, I'm going to be completely honest with you." Kidd said in a calm tone. "I am not okay at all."
"…I see." Killer said. "Is there anything I can do?"
"The only thing I can think of is something that would get us in serious trouble, so no, there is nothing you can do for me." Kidd said in a surprisingly calm tone. "Yeah, there's nothing you can do to help me. And honestly, I'd actually feel bad if we did do anything to any of them. Isn't that weird?"
"A bit," Killer shrugged, "I guess that means the big bad pirates are actually learning a bit of empathy."
"I know, right," Kidd shuddered, "it's so weird. Kinda gross too. How the hell should we respond to this?"
"We could just go with it." Killer said. "I mean, hanging out with these guys might be a bit annoying, but you know, it's actually not that bad. Maybe there is something to be said about this whole…bonding thing."
Killer and Kidd both looked at each other. "Nah," they said in unison.
Meanwhile, at a nearby beach, Lyon Vastia walked away from a frozen part of the water, courtesy of him practicing his Maker Magic. "A few more practice rounds never hurt anyone." He noted. "Especially now; it's only going to get harder from here."
Lyon found himself thinking about Gray Fullbuster, his fellow student of the great wizard, Ur. Gray's been distancing himself more and more from people ever since Tenrou Island. He noted. I still can't say I know all the details of what happened…but it must be bothering him immensely if it's even distancing him from his fellow guild mates.
Lyon sighed. I wish I was better with dealing with people. I'd be able to help him through what's bothering him so much. We studied under the same master, so we're virtually brothers. I owe it to him to try and find out what's bothering him so I can help him.
Something then hit Lyon. The same master…the only time Gray's ever looked so bothered by something was when Deliora was involved. Gray…why are you still thinking about Deliora? What is going on with you?
"Hey jerk!" Lyon was suddenly cut from his thoughts by angry beachgoers.
"Umm, excuse me?" Lyon looked at the beachgoers in confusion.
The angry civilians all gestured to the frozen spot on the beach in unison. "You gonna apologize for turning our beach into a cold bath or not?"
Lyon face-faulted. I only froze a small portion of it.
"Well, come on, ice man!" A particularly buff and angry Dressrosan citizen yelled. "Are you going to fix this or not!"
Lyon looked at the icy spot—courtesy of his training—and then at the angry mob of tanned, barely dressed, beachgoers. I…honestly did not realize people took their beaches seriously. Lyon noted, being someone who was not normally fond of the beach.
"Umm…sorry?" Lyon said carefully, trying to calm everyone down.
He did not, and Lyon would eventually have to carefully back away and leave, praying that the ice would melt soon. It was summer, so it should not take too long to melt, right? Right?
Meanwhile, Don Sai gazed at the ring that would have been placed on Baby 5's finger at the wedding ceremony that never happened thanks to the war. I really would've married you, baby. He thought to himself. I…I would've made you happy.
"Bro? Are you okay?" Boo asked, concerned for his older brother. "You're…staring at the ring again."
Sai chuckled humorlessly. "The leader of the Happo Fleet shouldn't be letting stuff like this get the better of him, and hear I am."
"Well, the Happo Fleet's head is still human, Bro." Boo pointed out in a surprisingly wise tone. "And besides, I totally wanted to welcome her into the family as much as you did."
"I know you did, Boo." Sai said. "We're going to get her back. Rakuen is going to pay for making an enemy out of the Happo Navy."
Boo heaved a sigh, changing the subject. "You know, this is going to officially make us enemies of the World Government, right?" He inquired. "After all, now that we're here, this is basically a declaration of war on the World Government."
"And I say, so what?" Sai inquired. "We've all seen it for years now. They just keep getting worse and worse the more influence they get. For the longest time, Dragon and the Revolutionaries were the only guys who had the balls to try to fight them."
"You can't blame people for being scared, Sai." Darui of the Storm Style arrived, having overheard the conversation.
"I don't, Darui." Sai promised. "I get it, fighting Doflamingo was a tall order, and that guy is a wuss compared to the monsters that run the Navy. Sakazuki, Kizaru, Fujitora, Ryokugyu, those guys all make Doflamingo look like a ten year old waving his arms around like windmills. So yeah, I get why people are scared."
Darui looked around Dressrosa for a moment. "I'm not well-versed in this world." He stated the obvious. "But, there is a tension in the air. People are excited to see the Alliance, but they're also scared, scared of the World Government."
Darui shook his head. "And they're not scared because their king has allied them with the Alliance and put them at risk. No, it's not that at all. In fact, they're proud to be allied with us." He paused before continuing. "They're scared because they know their government is pure evil. They're scared because they know that even if they hadn't allied with us, if they stepped out of line even the slightest, they'd have been punished severely."
Darui narrowed his eyes. "That is just wrong," he said, "innocent civilians should not have a reason to be scared of their own government. And yet they're scared because they know what the World Government does to anyone who doesn't march in total harmony with them."
"Look, the Cloud has done things that I'm not particularly fond of." Darui admitted. "Hell, every Ninja Village has. But we always did it to other people, people we didn't know. But never to our own, especially when they did nothing wrong. Government's shouldn't make their people live in fear of disappointing them like they're some sort of god."
Darui sighed. "This world is just messed up, its government is rotten to the core. I'm not normally some 'warrior of justice' looking out for the little guy, but I say we change things anyway, since we've got the chance to do it."
Darui grinned. "And you know what? I'd say this is the best bunch of guys to do it, we're going to take down the World Government. We're going to beat Blackbeard, Madara, and Yhwach, just like we did with Zeref. And after all that's done, we're going to take down Rakuen and win this war. Does it sound more simple than it really does? Hell yeah, but after everything we've been through, I have to admit, I've begun buying into the whole 'rah rah, we can do anything as long as we work together' stuff."
Sai and Boo grinned. "Hell yeah," Sai said, "you know how to fire people up, Darui."
Darui laughed. "Do I?" He inquired. "Geez, don't let the boss hear you say that. He's going to push for me to become the 5th Raikage."
"Don't knock the leadership position until you try it, Darui." Sai told him. "It's actually a lot of fun being the man in charge."
Meanwhile, Ichigo Kurosaki returned to the 1st Fleet and was greeted by his good friend, Chad. "Ichigo," the burly man said curtly.
Ichigo grinned and clapped Chad on the shoulder. "How you doing, Chad?" He asked.
Chad shrugged. "I'm fine, considering we're about to march off to fight again." He said. "Well, I guess 'sail' would be the more appropriate word in this case."
"Yeah, I've never been to sea. Dad used to talk about how his honeymoon with Mom involved a cruise. I never did find out how he managed to afford it. Although, I'm betting old Hat and Clogs paid for it."
Chad grunted. "I only got to look at the sea when mi abuelo sent me to live in Japan." He admitted. "I saw it looking outside the window of the plane."
"He sent you to live there?" Ichigo asked in surprise.
Chad sighed. "Abuelo was…getting old. I don't think he wanted me to watch him die."
Ichigo looked uncomfortable. "Sorry, man." He said. "I didn't mean to…"
Chad shook his head. "People die, Ichigo, we know this by now." He pointed out the obvious to his friend, who was a God of Death. "I'm reminded of how mortal we are every single day we fight now."
Ichigo looked saddened at this. "Chad, I'm sorry you had to get involved in this. If it were up to me, I would've rather left you, Uryū and Orihime in the World of the Living. Karakura needs someone to keep it safe while I was gone."
"And that would've meant leaving you to do this on your own." Chad pointed out to him. "And I think you know none of us would've agreed to that."
Chad gave Ichigo a small smile. "Remember, we both promised to use our fists to fight for each other's sake. You believe in putting your own life on the line for these other worlds, and everyone else. So I'm going to do the same. I'm with you, Ichigo, until the very end."
Ichigo smiled back. "You know," he said, "I'm not normally one for sentimentality, but Chad…I don't think you'll ever know how much it's always meant to me that you've had my back."
Ichigo patted Chad on the back. "It's like having a big tough bodyguard." He joked.
Chad nodded. "If I'm the bodyguard, then you're one tough mob boss." He noted.
"So," Ichigo said, "any word on where our fleet's stopping first?"
Chad shrugged. "I'd talk to our fleet navigator if you want to learn about that." He suggested.
Ichigo looked to see a long, flowing mane of orange hair reaching the back of a girl. "Check it out," Chad continued, "orange hair, you two could be long-lost twins, Ichigo."
"Hardy har har," Ichigo laughed sarcastically, "Real freaking funny, Chad."
Curious about their first destination, Ichigo strode up to the girl with orange hair. He took notice of her tangerine-tattoo on her arm. That's an odd choice. He noted.
"Excuse me," he said, "my friend Chad told me you're our navigator?"
"One of them, I'm also a soldier." The woman turned around. "The name's Nami, and not to brag, but I'm definitely the best navigator. The 1st Fleet is lucky to have me."
Ichigo would have responded to that, if he had not been caught off guard by a certain fact: Nami apparently did not believe in wearing a shirt. Her hair had concealed enough that he had believed he was just wearing a top that showed off her midriff. What he did not expect was a blue and gold bikini that was concealing a very well developed chest.
Also, as soon as Nami turned around, Ichigo was treated to a bounce that would have been a delightful sight to anyone else. Ichigo, however, was different. The prudish Soul Reaper blushed hotly, caught off guard by Nami's outfit.
Nami noticed this and gazed at him in concern. "What's wrong, are you sick?" She asked. "I know a great doctor, you know."
She was so used to dressing like this around her crew, she did not see what was wrong with this situation. "Could you please put a shirt on?" Ichigo shyly asked.
Nami could only look at Ichigo in disbelief…
Juvia Loxar, meanwhile, was in a mood of her own. When she had heard the divisions would be rejiggered into well-balanced fleets, she had hoped this would be her chance to fight by her beloved Gray's side. Unfortunately, fate had other plans for Juvia and she was placed in the 1st Fleet, while Gray was placed in the 4th.
"What's up, Juvia?" Meldy asked her former enemy turned friend, also currently a part of the 1st Fleet.
"Does Lord Chitsujo not believe in love, Meldy?" Juvia wondered out loud.
Meldy was taken aback by Juvia's question. "Juvia…I'm sure he does. I mean, he loves his kingdom. He loves his subjects. He loves his comrades. If anything, I'm sure the only thing he doesn't love is all this fighting."
"Then why has he separated me from my darling Gray?" Juvia wondered.
Meldy paused. "I can't answer that for certain." She said. "Maybe…he didn't want you two getting all lovey-dovey and distracting yourselves from the fight? I mean, you've gotta think strategically, right?"
I think I'll avoid telling Juvia that Ul is in the 1st Fleet with me. Lord Chitsujo wanted her to be in the same fleet with someone she's familiar with, and it certainly wasn't going to be Jellal. They would just argue all the time. Meldy thought. He was right to do that. I just need my daily Mama Ul hug and I'll be fine. We're not a distraction either. Not like Gray and Juvia making out would be.
Meldy loved her adopted mother dearly, and apparently had the same delusions of Gray and Juvia's relationship that Juvia did.
Meanwhile, Gajeel Redfox shivered, having finished a training session with Tōshirō Hitsugaya. "Are you finished, Gajeel?" Hitsugaya inquired.
"No, not yet." Gajeel shivered. "I can keep going."
"You'll make yourself sick, or worse, if you keep this up." Hitsugaya pointed out.
"Yeah, and it's all making me stronger." Gajeel reminded the diminutive captain. "Now keep going. You're going to toughen me up with your ice until the stress forces me to enter Dragon Force at will. That was our agreement, and there is no way in hell you're going to back out now!"
Hitsugaya nodded. He could not refuse a man with such resolve. "Alright, we'll keep going." Besides, he felt a kinship with Gajeel. His Zanpakutō spirit was an ice dragon, after all.
Levy McGarden heaved an irritated sigh. "Once again, Gajeel just does not know when to stop and rest. He's not going to do himself any favors if he keeps this up."
Rangiku Matsumoto laughed. "So why do you let him keep this up, hmm?"
Levy sighed. "Because the results he's aiming for are important to him." Levy replied. "And if he does actually hurt himself, I get to tell him how much of an idiot he was as much as I want. It's a win-win situation."
Rangiku looked at Levy, surprised by her answer at first, before she squealed, making Levy leap into the air. Before the diminutive girl could react, Rangiku embraced Levy into her incredible chest, which when you actually stop to compare, are pretty much as tall as a third of Levy's body. How Rangiku does not have back problems, we will never know.
"You are so cute!" Rangiku squealed. "You fret over Gajeel like you two are already married!"
Levy ignored Rangiku's embarrassing statements, and focused on the two massive breasts she had been squished into; as a result, her insecurities sprung forth. H-huge, she could only think.
Meanwhile, with the 4th Fleet, Wendy Marvell excitedly ran towards her commanding officer with a basket filled with cookies. Her Exceed and best friend, Carla, followed close behind. "Commander! Commander!" Wendy called out to Byakuya Kuchiki, 4th Fleet commander.
Byakuya looked to the side, away from his meeting with his proxy and chief strategist, Shikamaru Nara and instinctively let a small, almost invisible, smile curl at the sight of the perpetually happy and sweet Dragon Slayer. "Hello, Wendy," Byakuya greeted the girl, "and what brings you here?"
"Carla and I made cookies for the 4th Fleet."
"We specifically had help from many of Dressrosa's bakeries, and that Sanji fellow." Carla added.
"And I made a special batch for you, Commander." Wendy told the man, placing the basket between him and Shikamaru. "See? I remember how much you like that Seaweed Ambassador character, so I asked them to make the cookies in his shape."
Shikamaru looked at the cookies in disbelief. No freaking way, the commander likes that kind of thing? Learn something new every day.
Byakuya nodded, gazing at the cookies. "Thank you, Wendy, that was very kind of you."
Wendy giggled. "It was no trouble, Commander. Seeing everyone smile at the sight of these cookies made it all worth it. And the people at all the bakeries were more than happy to make some for Alliance soldiers."
"I'll see you on the ship, Commander; same to you, Shikamaru." Wendy addressed the proxy.
Shikamaru smiled. "Thanks, I'll see you there too, Wendy." Shikamaru said to her.
Wendy excitedly ran off with Carla in tow. Shikamaru then turned to Byakuya, only to see the man had already begun to dig into the cookies Wendy had brought him. "You can have some too, Shikamaru, I couldn't possibly eat them all." Byakuya offered.
Shikamaru looked at the cookies and shrugged. "Ah, what the hell," he muttered, taking a cookie and then munching on Seaweed Ambassador's head. "Whoa, these are good."
"I'm not…interrupting anything, am I?" Byakuya and Shikamaru turned to see a face familiar to Shikamaru. He instinctively glared at him.
"Sasuke," Shikamaru said, managing to disguise the hostility he wanted to voice. Even if Sasuke Uchiha had changed for the better, Shikamaru sometimes still found it hard to forgive him for all the pain he put Naruto through.
Next to Chōji and Ino, Naruto was Shikamaru's best friend. Normally, someone who did half the things Sasuke did to one of Shikamaru's best friends would get him permanently placed on his short "hate-list." But, Naruto insisted Sasuke had changed for the better, and Sasuke had gotten nothing but good reports from Kakashi. So, Shikamaru would believe in him for now.
"You wanted to see me, Commander?" Sasuke inquired.
Byakuya nodded. He then turned to Shikamaru. "My apologies, Shikamaru, when I found out Sasuke had been placed in our fleet I wanted to meet him personally as soon as I could to get an understanding of one of the Alliance's more…infamous troops."
Shikamaru nodded in understanding. Byakuya then turned his attention to Sasuke. "Forgive me for my bluntness, Sasuke Uchiha," he said, "but in spite of Kakashi's positive reports regarding you, those mean nothing to me. You have given me no personal reasons to trust you."
Sasuke nodded in understanding. "You have a very infamous reputation. The man who betrayed everyone who cared for him for power. The man who took an extended hand from Naruto Uzumaki and spat in it multiple times."
Sasuke nodded again. "Now tell me, Sasuke Uchiha," Byakuya said, "I demand a lot from my troops. One thing I demand from them is that they give me reason to trust them and not question Lord Chitsujo's wisdom of placing them under my command."
"So give me one good reason I should trust you."
Sasuke shook his head. "I can't, sir." He said. "You're right. I did all of those things my reputation stated, and even if Naruto himself has forgiven me, the universe itself can't be expected to forgive me."
"I see," Byakuya said.
"So…rather than try to give you a reason right now, I would like to ask for the chance to fight alongside you and your men so that I may show you my trustworthiness, and give you a reason then." Sasuke explained. "Actions speak louder than words, after all. So let my actions show you that I can be trusted."
"A good argument," Byakuya noted.
"Sir," Sasuke continued, "technically, I am the Last Uchiha. The last of a clan that has lost its honor because of its own greed, avarice, and hatred. It's up to me to restore that honor. I can assure you, I take that honor seriously, and I am well aware that the only way to do so is to conduct myself like a Leaf Ninja, as well as a soldier in the Allied Forces."
"Let me show you how much my honor means to me."
Byakuya looked at Shikamaru. He could tell the man was trying his best not to say anything to and about Sasuke. He then looked back at Sasuke. "You do indeed make a compelling argument, Sasuke Uchiha." Byakuya complimented.
"Very well, show me how much your clan's honor means to you." Byakuya told him. "Show me that you can be trusted."
Sasuke nodded. "Thank you sir," he said gratefully, "I assure you, there will be no trouble from me."
"Dismissed, Sasuke." Byakuya said to the young man.
Sasuke bowed to Byakuya, gave Shikamaru a curt nod, and then walked away. When Sasuke was out of earshot, Byakuya addressed his proxy. "I hope there will be no issues from you either, Shikamaru." Byakuya said to him. "Even if you have every reason to despise the man, I will not have you hurting the fleet with your grudge."
Shikamaru shook his head. "Don't worry, Commander." He said. "I'm a professional, you know that."
Shikamaru sighed. "I really wish it was easy to hate the guy though. He is definitely sincere about reforming. And I know it's immature and petty, but I sometimes wish he wasn't. After everything he's done, it'd be a lot easier to just hate the guy and not give him a chance."
Byakuya sighed. "Believe me, I know exactly how you feel." He tiredly admitted. "There is someone I wish I could hate, but I can't, no matter how hard I try. The damn peasant…"
Byakuya trailed off for a moment. "Now then," He got back to their conversation before all of their interruptions, "why don't we return to discussing strategy?"
"Yes, sir." Shikamaru said obediently.
Meanwhile, Gray Fullbuster walked the harbors of Dressrosa alone. He heard the sound of a woman crying and turned, recognizing it to be Boa Hancock, being consoled by her two sisters. She was a part of his fleet, right? Yeah, she was also part of the 4th Fleet. What was she crying about?
"Why can't I travel with Luffy for once?!" Hancock wailed like a spoiled child.
Gray sweat-dropped. "Not getting involved in that." He muttered as he continued his walk.
Gray then gazed at his arm. Still no tattoo to show his power of Devil Slayer Magic. I just don't get it, what does he hope to accomplish by keeping this sealed away? Gray wondered.
Zeref may be gone, but E.N.D. is still out there. E.N.D…as long as E.N.D. still exists, Zeref's legacy remains. I have to eradicate that legacy. So that Mom and Dad can rest in peace. Lord Chitsujo knows that E.N.D. is an enemy. So why is he not giving us all of the advantages we can take?
"Gray," Chitsujo had recently said to him in Dressrosa, "one day you will understand why I do this. Being the master of your power, and letting your power master you are two completely different things."
I know that…right? Gray wondered.
At that moment, an announcement rang out all across Dressrosa. "All troops, please report to your assigned ships. All fleets will depart in two hours. I repeat, all troops, please report to your assigned ships. All fleets will depart in two hours."
Gray sighed. Looks like I'm going to have to table these thoughts for another time. He mused. I have a job to do. I'll fight with my friends like I always have…but one day, I need to know the truth. I need to know why Lord Chitsujo worries about me so much. Lord Chitsujo, no more riddles. You better have the answers when I want them.
And so, two hours later, the entirety of the Fighting Divisions of the Allied Forces, now divided up and moved around into five new fleets with five different paths, were now on their assigned ships. Predictably, the Dragon Slayers were already having a very bad time.
But enough about them, they got on the ship after all. It was time for Monkey D. Dragon's second big speech of encouragement to the troops. Using a transponder snail hooked up to a loudspeaker, Dragon amplified his voice to the five fleets.
"Comrades," he said, "you did well in Fiore, and you had every right to spend the amount of time you did celebrating. That was a big win for all of us."
"However, now is not the time to become complacent, nor is it the time to relax. We still have other worlds to travel to, and take back from our foes, the Conquerors Coalition."
"And I'm going to level with every last one of you. This will undoubtably be more difficult than the last campaign."
"Many of us have never been to sea, or have any experience sailing." Dragon pointed out. "On that note, I hope those who do show patience and the ability to mentor anyone who has questions on the matter."
"But anyway," Dragon continued, "as a resident of this world, let me tell you, yes, this will be much more difficult than the last campaign. This world is vast, and filled with many great dangers. There will be danger around every corner in the form of either our enemies or sea kings, or even the hellish weather that has sent many brave sailors to a watery grave."
"However, to that I say, so what?" Dragon inquired, surprising everyone.
"We should not brush off danger. Only fools are never afraid. But let me ask you this: what is more frightening, the dangers of this world, or the inevitable future of us not continuing to act for the sake of our worlds?"
"The answer is obvious!" Dragon continued. "It takes a bigger fool not to recognize that the latter is far more frightening. And even if the former itself can seem scary, remember that you have allies you can rely on to make things less intimidating, that is what it means to be in an alliance in the first place!"
"So take heart, steel yourselves, and prepare to endure the trials ahead. Because comrades, the seas are rough and dangerous, but our shared goal is worth nothing if we aren't willing to brave all of that and fight for it!"
"So I ask you, comrades, all those who are ready to brave these dangers for the sake of peace, shout out your resolve to me!"
At that moment, cheers rang out from all of the ships. Dragon smirked. "Now that is music to my ears." He said. "Cast off, and best of luck."
With that, the many ships began to cast off from the docks. The campaign to take back the Pirate World had officially begun.
Meanwhile, at Dressrosa's palace, Chitsujo gazed out at the distant harbor, smiling in satisfaction. "It's begun," he noted.
"That Dragon is quite the orator." Riku Dold III mused to Chitsujo.
Chitsujo chuckled. "That he is. I feel like it's a requirement to be a revolutionary. Or perhaps he took lessons from a certain revolutionary commander?"
Chitsujo then gave Riku a serious gaze. "I'm sorry about this, Riku." He said. "Our alliance puts you in the World Government's crosshairs."
Riku shook his head. "I chose to ally my kingdom with you, Lord Chitsujo. I am a king who would rather die for peace than go to war, but even I can see when war is inevitable. I can also see…that I cannot entrust my country's future to Rakuen, and I certainly can no longer entrust it to the World Government either."
"Many of the kings whom have allied with you," Riku continued, "we have all been in discussion, and we have all come to the same conclusion: it is time for the World Government to end."
Riku then gave Chitsujo a small smile. "Besides, I could never forgive myself if I did not ally with the boy who saved my kingdom. I am forever in Monkey D. Luffy's debt. I know my people feel the same way. We will gladly risk everything to repay our hero. Otherwise, we are nothing more than worthless animals; the same way Doflamingo viewed us all."
Chitsujo nodded in satisfaction. "You are a good man, Riku." He said. "As are the other kings. I promise you, we will take this world back. When we do, you all will be allowed to live in peace, away from the World Government's influence."
Suddenly, a messenger barged into the room. "Lord Chitsujo, King Riku!" She yelled frantically.
"Calm yourself, child." Chitsujo said to her. "What is wrong?"
"The harbormaster to the west has allowed a ship to dock." The messenger said. "They arrived shortly after the other ships cast off."
Chitsujo narrowed his eyes. "The harbormaster allowed another ship to dock without permission?" He was suspicious of the matter.
"He didn't mean any harm, sir." The messenger said. "I was told he panicked as soon as he saw the colors being flown."
"What flag did this ship sail under?" Chitsujo demanded.
The messenger shuddered. "The Big Mom Pirates, sir," she said, "they are currently surrounded by General Suiken, General Fūgetsu and some of their troops. With all of the fanfare of the Fighting Divisions going off to sea, they must've taken advantage of the chaos. However, the two men who have stepped off the ship have not made any other moves. They said they are awaiting…you."
Chitsujo nodded. "I see," he said, "very well, inform Suiken and Fūgetsu to escort them here."
"Y-yes Milord," the messenger said, running off to contact the Defense Division.
"The Big Mom Pirates, here?" Riku was shocked. "I don't understand, why would they make a move now?"
Chitsujo sighed. "So, they've decided to make their move now?" He noted. "And I thought we had more time. My apologies, Riku, it appears the Big Mom Pirates are far more impatient than I realized."
"I do have an idea of why they are here though." Chitsujo continued. "A single ship, two men stepping off the boat. It appears they've sent an envoy. Thankfully, they don't seem to be planning an attack just yet."
Chitsujo then gave Riku a reassuring smile. "Everything's going to be alright." He promised. "As long as I am here, Linlin will not lay one finger on your country."
Riku nodded, immediately reassured by Chitsujo's statement.
Nearly an hour later, Fūgetsu and Suiken arrived in the throne room with two individuals. One was a lion-like man with sunglasses, the other an egg-shaped gentleman with a cane.
The two men stood at attention while Suiken and Fūgetsu both kneeled in respect to their king. Chitsujo then surprisingly glared at them both, showing his more "professional" side. "You two are envoys of Charlotte Linlin." He pointed out to them. "I believe it is custom for envoys to kneel in the presence of the royalty they are visiting."
Both men immediately knelt. The egg-shaped man spoke up first. "Bonjour, Lord Chitsujo, King of Menou, and bonjour to you as well, King Riku Dold III; I congratulate you on your reascension to the throne."
Riku nodded. "Allow me to introduce myself," the man continued, "Je suis Baron Tamago, Knight of the Big Mom Pirates."
Tamago then gestured to the lion man next to him. "And this is my partner, Pekoms."
Pekoms nodded respectfully to Chitsujo. "I know who you both are," Chitsujo said, "you both are well-trusted, seeing Linlin trusts you to collect candy payments from her protectorates."
"Oui, Your Majesty." Tamago nodded. "I apologize if we frightened anyone in Dressrosa. I assure you, we wouldn't have come to Dressrosa were it not important. After all, we came here to meet you, the King of Menou."
"Well, you've met me, now, do you intend to leave before you make anyone else nervous with your presence?" Chitsujo demanded.
"Not yet, I'm afraid, Your Majesty. You see, we come here bearing something that may interest you."
"Pekoms," Tamago addressed his partner, "take it out."
Pekoms nodded and removed an elegant piece of paper from his pocket. He then cleared his throat. "Lord Chitsujo, King of Menou," Pekoms read, "you, along with Kaido, King of Beasts, are cordially invited to a tea party hosted by Mama on June 4th."
Riku's eyes widened, understanding the implications of being invited to one of Big Mom's tea parties. Chitsujo narrowed his eyes. "Tamago, Pekoms," he said, "today is June 4th."
"Oh my," Tamago gasped, "you are right, Lord Chitsujo, it is."
"This is very short notice." Chitsujo frowned. "You do realize I'm a very busy man, right? I can't just go to a tea party when I have a war to conduct with my comrades."
"We understand you are a very busy man, Lord Chitsujo, but I believe you need to understand something, since you clearly don't understand how things work here." Tamago said. "Even the demons of Hell come to Mama's tea parties when they are invited."
"I am aware of the implications of being invited to Linlin's tea parties." Chitsujo said calmly. "However, you simply cannot just invite someone to a tea party on the day of the tea party."
"That is just…bad manners, don't you think, Tamago?"
Tamago and Pekoms both fell silent at Chitsujo's statement. The man was incredibly intimidating. As intimidating as they could infer from reading Capone Bege's reports on the man. "I thought you might say that, Lord Chitsujo," Tamago regained his composure, "which is why it is my pleasure to inform you that Mama has decided to make things simple."
Chitsujo narrowed his eyes. "And just what do you mean by that, Tamago?"
"Mama will be arriving off the coast of Dressrosa on her flagship soon." Tamagi gave Chitsujo a smile. "You can make the tea party that way."
Riku's eyes widened in horror. "Big Mom is coming here? Thee Big Mom?" Riku began to panic.
Chitsujo held his hand up to calm Riku. He then glared at Tamago and Pekoms. "Do you boys think me a fool?" He demanded.
Pekoms and Tamago both stayed silent. "Do you honestly think I don't see what is going on here?" Chitsujo inquired of them. "How deliberate this was? You are not as subtle as you think, gentlemen."
"Here's how I see things," Chitsujo continued, "Linlin sent an invitation to a tea party meant to specifically arrive on this very day, knowing I would not be able to make said party unless she arrived at my location. Of course, that location happens to be Alliance HQ and heavily populated with innocent civilians."
"And since I know some of my own troops have been passing information to Linlin, she knows that I care deeply for the civilians under my protection. And that means she knew that if she brought herself and her flagship to the area, putting all of the civilians under my protection at risk and thus forcing me to attend a tea party where I will be speaking with her on her terms."
Tamago and Pekoms paled, knowing that was exactly what Mama had been planning. "If I had to guess," Chitsujo smiled knowingly, "Kaido received his invitation much earlier than I did, giving him time to arrive at this tea party on time. In fact, I think I'm pretty sure his flagship will be arriving soon enough."
Riku paled even further. Oh yeah, Kaido was showing up too. Two of the Four Emperors, stationed right outside of his country. "Well, would you say that's accurate, Tamago, Pekoms?" Chitsujo inquired.
Tamago and Pekoms could not bring themselves to answer. Suiken and Fūgetsu both smirked from behind. They loved it when their boss was in "king mode" and made scumbags like these two squirm.
"Tell me, Pekoms," Chitsujo addressed the Mink next, "you've been silent for the most part. Do you agree with these methods?"
Pekoms remained silent. "Whether Pekoms agrees or not matters little. We are Mama's soldiers. Our orders are absolute." Tamago spoke for his partner.
"Then your existence is truly tragic." Chitsujo said with a twinge of sympathy.
"Now, let me make something perfectly clear," Chitsujo said to them, "I will not be intimidated by Linlin, and I certainly will not allow her to use the innocent people of Dressrosa to get to me."
"So I will play your game for now." Chitsujo told them. "I will attend Linlin's tea party. I've always wanted to personally meet two of the Four Emperors."
"Go back to your 'Mama' and tell her that I will see her and Kaido soon on her flagship. Also, tell her that I look forward to her little tea party. You both are dismissed."
Tamago and Pekoms both gaped at Chitsujo in disbelief. King or not, this man should not be so unintimidated by Big Mom and Kaido. "His Majesty gave you your orders." Fūgetsu nudged Tamago with the butt end of her naginata.
"Now leave," Suiken added. "I trust you both can find your way back."
Tamago and Pekoms both trudged out of Chitsujo's office, visibly intimidated by the man. The messenger from before suddenly arrived. "We have something new," she said, "the flagships of Big Mom and Kaido!"
"God…" Riku muttered. "Two emperors…here…"
Chitsujo then turned his attention back to Riku. "Everything's going to be fine." He promised. "I'm going to take care of this."
Chitsujo then walked up to Suiken and Fūgetsu and addressed his two Arch Generals. "Gather your Gold, Silver and Bronze Gates, bring them to any ships in the West harbor that are available. Keep them mobilized. If you see anything that looks like an act of aggression from either side, you have my permission to set sail and engage both crews."
"Yes, sir," Suiken and Fūgetsu both said in unison.
"And tell the harbormaster to prepare me a small vessel to bring me a small ship…and have some gifts prepared for this party. You know which ones I'm talking about"
On the flagship of the Big Mom Pirates, a hulking behemoth of a woman cackled madly. "Mamamamama!" Charlotte Linlin cackled. "It will begin soon! It will begin soon! The tea party of royalty!"
Linlin continued to laugh as the preparations for a great party were laid out before her.
Meanwhile, Chitsujo arrived near the harbor, amidst the panicking crowds who were looking out at the flagships of both the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates. Chitsujo narrowed his eyes in frustration in anger.
Damn, this infuriates me. He thought. It's one thing to go after me, but to go after innocents to get to me. That is just low. How dare they scare these poor people?
Chitsujo took a deep breath, calming himself. A king is a symbol of peace and hope. He reminded himself. Right now, that is what these people need.
"People of Dressrosa!" Chitsujo called out to the panicking masses, amplifying his voice with a spell. "Remain calm!"
At that moment, silence. The masses were dead silent. "Everything is going to be okay, I promise!" Chitsujo declared.