"There's something you should see brother." Sabo said. He took swiftly the notecards from Luffy's hand placing them in his pocket. The high councilor accepted delivering speeches wasn't his forte day in and day out to the masses, settling for his council members ghost writing the spoken material being a vocal mouthpiece.

"What's going on?" Luffy asked coming down from the high of the roaring crowds shouting below.

"Princess Rebecca sent these back." Luffy snatched the return stamped letters. "I would say we don't have time. I know how you feel about the circumstances."

Luffy shook his head, "it's still early, we have a few hours before our sendoff meeting." He secured the letters in his coat pocket, "are the prisoners prepped for transportation?"

Sabo nodded, "just like we planned."

"Good see you at the meeting."

The emperor tipped his hat watching his younger brother disappear into the palace stepping onto the stage greeting the capital citizens.

Rebecca smiled opening the door wider permitting Luffy entrance to their high-rise apartment, "nice of you to stop by stranger." She said embracing the taller man.

"It's good to see you as well." He said returning the embrace.

"Rebecca," a voice called coming from the other room, "you didn't tell me you invited a guest? H-high councilor?!" Kyros kneeled bundling the dampened cloth.

"It's alright, no need for pleasantries." Luffy wore a grin rubbing the back of his neck, "the apron is a nice touch."

Kyros coughed in fist, "well yes we were about to eat lunch, we'd be honored to have you."

Luffy held up a hand silently earning permission to take a seat on the sofa, "you're too kind Kyros, another day when I'm not intruding, I'm staying for a few minutes." He spoke removing the letters from his coat.

Kyro's eyes widened at Rebecca's reaction to the letters, "what are those Rebecca?" He questioned.

Rebecca took the letters from the high councilor's outstretched hand, "they're payments of an undisclosed amount of money—"

"twenty five thousand each month, two hundred eighty five thousand a year."

Kyros turned to his daughter unable to believe the amount of free money, "why would you turn it down? You could use it, better yet save it for the future."

"I don't need the money." Rebecca replied.

"Why send these back?" There has to be another reason everyone needed money even royals. "I entrusted these to you." He said opening one of the letters revealing the money inside.

"I know you did." Rebecca smiled folding her hands in her lap. "I can't accept it. The money would be better served for others that have it much harder than me. You could give it to the orphanage you're fond of."

Luffy furrowed his brows, "the orphanage has plenty Rebecca I make sure of it," he releases an exhale resting against the cushions, "I understand if you still blame me responsible for what happened..." He calmed feeling her hand settle on his shoulder.

"I don't blame you." She said. The princess averted her gaze to the open letter, "I could never really blame you Luffy, not after everything you've done for us and our country."

Kyros nodded in agreement, "ridding us from the oppression of the heavenly demon in Dressrosa and reuniting me with my family. Without you, it would only be a pipeline dream."

"My father's right," Rebecca chuckled, "without you we wouldn't have much of anything left and never met Coby." Luffy eyes dropped to his feet unable to meet Rebecca's eyes. It only reminded him of his failures for not saving her happiness.

Luffy mustered a smile at the pair sitting across from the table, "He was a good man, the best out of us. He didn't need to be the strongest fighter or have devil fruit powers to be heard. Coby's strength was turning everyone around him into allies. He was far better at it then I am." There were few leaders in the world possessing a charismatic power to draw allies from all walks of life to fight for a singular cause—Coby was perhaps better than Sabo and him in that regard.

Rebecca giggled wiping at her eye, "even when he was your enemy in the Navy he considered you a close friend admiring you till that day." Luffy finally met her eyes, "I don't blame you Lucy."

Kyros and Rebecca's smiles grew at his rare laugh at the use of the coliseum nickname, "that means a lot Rebecca please take these, it'll make me feel better leaving here today."

Rebecca took the stack of letters in her hand, "I will, thank you." There wasn't a need for money with Coby's pension and life benefits provided by the them but it didn't stop him from taking extra care of his fallen comrade's family in some small way.

"There's something else I need to know." Luffy said folding his hands.

"Hm? What is it?" Rebecca asked.

"Have you seen Violet? Neighbors in Dressrosa haven't seen her following the funeral services."

"I haven't seen her since that day." She answered.

"Did she say anything about where she was going?"

"No," Rebecca shook her head, "she didn't tell me much, she was going home like usual."

With all due respect high councilor," Kyros cut in clearing his throat, "I must ask why the government is after my sister-in-law."

Luffy's glance flickered across Rebecca's features causing him to slightly frown, "Violet, your aunt, is a person of interest on a list of potential accomplices to the bombings. My people believes she traded inside trade routes to the Insurgency."

"You're lying!" Rebecca shouted breaking Kyros from his stupor, "you have to be..."

Luffy turned away, he caused her enough pain when she had enough to deal with, "If I was lying I wouldn't be here."

"He's telling the truth Rebecca," Kyro said. The former gladiator crossed his arms, "she's always had a disdain for the politics you've created...Still I wouldn't think—"

"You didn't think anything would manifest out of her beliefs did you?"

Kyros denied it to himself placing a hand over his forehead, "I hope you know what you're implying." He said. Luffy nodded fully aware of the impending charges brought forth, "Rebecca..." Kyros trailed off unsure of his daughter's feelings about the new revelation. If the high councilor's words were true Violet was indirectly responsible for the deaths of Coby and Bartolommeo wether she knew or not.

Rebecca sighed softly, "I know you're going to war against the Insurgents. I fully understand that and as a warrior would do the same in your shoes." Her hands crumpled the hem of her dress, "I hate to ask more of you—"

Luffy placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder mirroring her gesture from earlier meeting her gaze, "ask me anything, I'll make it happen."

"Bring Violet back to me, I want to hear it from her."

"Count on me, I'll bring her back."

"Even in all this? If she's on their side there's a chance something could happen to her."

Luffy shook his head, "nothing will happen to her she'll be fine. We will bring her to you first."

"I look forward to you keeping your word." Kyros offered his hand to shake, "I wish you good fortune in the wars to come high councilor." The former gladiator bid Luffy farewell leaving the pair behind.

"Thanks again Luffy—" Rebecca said stopping him at the door.

"Of course." Luffy embraces the shorter woman tightly, he would always consider her apart of his family.

Rebecca pulled back placing a hand over her abdomen. "If it's boy we wanted to name him after you, Luffy."

Luffy smiled fondly imagining a child in her arms one day, "I hope it's a girl." He offered taking his leave back to the palace where his brothers waited.

XXX

Ace and Sabo waited patiently outside of the entrance to the sub-level holding cells. "Took your time, the transports are set to go at the ready." Ace said. The band of brothers descended the steps passing by the key keeper guards responsible for prisoner lockup.

"One more loose end to tie up before the sendoff meeting." Luffy said keeping his eyes trained on the helmet armor. Sabo signaled a guard to open the magnetic doors leading into the dungeon juggling the sorcerer's helmet.

The trio passed by Brook's cage being surrounded by Regime soldiers wanting to meet a celebrity. They danced reciting the hymns and verses better than the soul king himself.

"You don't want to check on your old crew mate?" Sabo asked.

Luffy glanced at the retreating cell before deciding against it, "he's got nothing to say to me, let him have his fanfare." He said simply reaching their destination at the far end of the hall.

The guard opens the doors letting the trio inside the cell promptly locking it behind them. Doctor Marlo struggled in the metal chains wrapped around his wrists gluing him to the wall. "You three...? What do you want?"

Ace and Luffy stepped back turning to their brother as he stepped forward, "this helmet," Sabo slammed the steel onto the table stilling Marlo's movements, "is said by the science division to have guarded the realms of men for thousands of years."

Ace bellowed a laugh elbowing Luffy, "hear that brother, this bastard should be high councilor then."

"Damn magic." Luffy grumbled.

"Simpleton!" Marlo screamed. "Its sorcery far beyond mortal wizard mag—"

Sabo grinned placing his glove on his hand after the vicious backhand. "Let's get one thing straight Dr. Marlo, you're a prisoner loyally serving the Insurgency. You don't speak unless spoken to and especially never speak to him." He said gesturing with a thumb to his leader.

The pair of brothers watched Sabo work in his element in slight awe. "Now, about this pickle we find ourselves in," his grin grew removing the top hat, "this helmet is an ancient relic containing a deity by the name of Abnu, worshipping the old gods."

"Old gods?" Luffy questioned raising a brow.

"The Old Gods were called Titans. The new ones we fought overthrew them thousands of years ago. That helmet is proof of the ancient civilizations." Ace exclaimed pushing up the brim of his hat.

"He's right as you know too well. The helmet is passed down different hosts it deems worthy to dawn it's power. In other words doctor you're simply a host for this parasite to bend you to it's will." Sabo said.

"That's not true in the slightest!" Marlo shouted, "the helmet hand selects it's successors training them to control their impulses...Given more time I'll master the power and become one with Abnu."

Sabo's eyes emerged beneath his bangs glaring at the prisoner before him, "that's nonsense. The power can't be tamed no matter how much it tries to seduce you it might be. It will drain your life force away while driving you insane believing the earth can't be saved."

Marlo shook his head furiously, "That won't happen! I won't allow it! Out of all the previous owners I'm the chosen one to carry out our will."

Luffy ignored the prisoner turning to Ace, "this deity doesn't have anything to do with the new gods or the religion the celestials established?"

"No, this religion is thousands of years older than the 'Lord of the Heavens.' The old gods have existed to mortals since we illustrated stories through cave art. Think whatever you want about the holy religion, it was a whole lot better than this. The first men believed the old gods sent them fire resulting to burning their own children for sacrificial offerings. The celestials are scum but even they thought the practices were too barbaric—If you ask me, any god that requires you to burn good, kind kids is evil." Ace said staring at the helmet on the table.

"I don't disagree with you, something like that has no place here." Luffy said striding over to the helmet examining it. Pearl wings decorated both sides with a top one dwarfing the others. The armor couldn't be broken down further or reforged by any means, it was still shrouded in mystery. Luffy's eyes narrowed pointing to the front side of the helmet, "this symbol resembles the holy cross." He observed.

"It's known as an ankh representing life—a variant of the cross. It manifested over his armor surrounding his essence when I located you."

Sabo's ears perked, "so that's the source of it huh? I was wondering how the powers worked." Sabo held back a laugh, "spell

casting, flight, superhuman strength, near invulnerability, telekinesis, pyrokinesis, and lightning manipulation yet hear you are chained up as a prisoner of war."

Ace smirked, "even my powers aren't a match for his; the true conversion of energy into matter and matter into energy. Able to see in the past, present, and future."

Marlo didn't appreciate his powers being mocked by the high councilor's brothers. His interests were in the former pirate that changed the history of the world forever. "I may not hear the voices of the 'Lords or Order' but even I know you walk the wrong path."

Sabo was torn between backhanding the prisoner for speaking out of turn again and asking about hearing more to his revelation. "Lords of Order? Voices? What do you mean by th-"

"Hold on Sabo," Luffy inquires placing a hand on his shoulder stepping to the front, "in a minute."

"What did you say to me? Speak up doc."

"I said...You walk the wrong path!"

"The world has changed since Mariejois."

"It has cost you your soul."

Luffy tightened his fists, he would make every sacrifice and kill to walk the same path all over again, "I'm necessary, this world needs me."

"This world is better without you." Marlo retorted.

The high councilor's eyes flashed briefly, "is that so?"

Marlo let out an inaudible sigh, "yes...You once brought hope."

"Now I bring justice."

Marlo gritted his teeth staring at the stone floor, "justice is blind, not heartless."

Luffy let his gaze sensing no fear of death exerting from him, it garnered respect. "Your magic doesn't frighten me."

"My vision of your fate should."

"I wouldn't threaten me doctor. Messing with my memories is already going to cost you enough." Luffy said. He couldn't help be amused by the vessel for the ancient power.

"You're not what you think Straw Hat Luffy."

"And what do you think I am?"

"A threat to all worlds! If you're not stopped here you'll continue to spread your chaos."

Luffy uncrosses his arms picking up Mr. Fate's helmet "you're trusted with protecting the realm, we both knew it would come to this." A guard unlocked the cell allowing the trio to leave.

"Fate will not spare you Straw Hat!"

Luffy stopped in his tracks grinning over his shoulder, "you'll wish you had."

"Do you think Law will come after him?" Ace asked. The band of brothers strode past the soldiers huddled around Brook's cell.

"No he'll come after this." Luffy handed the helmet to Sabo, "we keep it away from him at any cost."

"Should we interrogate your crewmate?" Sabo questioned studying his brother's gaze.

"There's isn't a need to." He said tearing his eyes away from the rowdy crowd leaving the dungeons behind heading to the final meeting.

XXX

Law was the first one in the war room. He was going to finish what the Regime started. They planned to kill him or send him to Impel down in exchange for the safety of Dr. Marlo and Brook. It would be the hardest damn thing he'd ever done but he had a plan to He met with Sengoku gathering the Insurgent leaders Kid, Apoo, Urouge, Hawkins, and Killer. The full alliance from every corner of the sea were present at the meeting in their headquarters.

Cavendish, Sai, Ideo, Hajrudin, Bellamy, and Orlumbus conversed with the straw hats bewildered to see old and new members alike. Perhaps none more than straw hat Luffy himself who'd been absent to the world for nearly three worlds until days earlier. Pirates in exile rallied to the captain like he was a beacon of hope to claim what was taken away by the government.

"So you guys lost my vivre card?" Luffy asked scratching the straw hat.

"We didn't lose it, the card burnt away." Cavendish replied.

"Doesn't that only happen when someone dies?"

"That's right straw hat," Sai interjected, "there were rumors you died more than a few times, we didn't dare believe it until the card burst into flames two years ago."

"Have you already met the forces were up against? Ideo asked turning his attention to the young captain.

Luffy threw a fist into a palm, "yeah I have. It's going to be even harder than Dressrosa but we're winning this fight, I'm not stopping until we do."

"That's the spirit." Bellamy chuckled, "we're all in this together, when shit goes down we'll have one another's backs."

A new group emerged greeting the straw hats gathered around their captain, "I knew I'd find you here!"

"Who are you?" Luffy asked cocking his head to the side.

The purple haired man's eyes burst out their sockets glaring daggers at the straw hat captain, "y-you don't remember me?"

"You don't look familiar."

"I'm Don Krieg you fool! 'Foul Play Krieg?!"

Luffy dug a pinky in his ear, "doesn't ring a bell."

Don Krieg took a step back in awe at the audacity, "Oi is that you Gin? Good to see again." Sanji said standing next to his captain, "Krieg."

"Same to you Black-leg Sanji." Gin smirks catching up with the old ally.

"Black-leg... Roronora..." Krieg growled still steaming from the disrespect

"Oi Don Krieg from the Baratie! Why didn't you say anything earlier?"

"Why you smug little—" Krieg charged at Luffy only to be stopped Pearl 'The Iron Wall.' The others bellowed laughter at the display committing to fighting alongside the pirate dedicated to making their world truly free again.

"Pirates are nothing but a bunch of idiots." Nami huffed scanning her gaze across the room. "What do you think Usopp?"

Usopp remained silent and vigilant like a hunter stalking it's prey, his eyes never leaving the target. "Usopp is something bothering you?"

"What the hell's he doing here?" The sniper glared at Captain Kuro the former leader of the Black Cat pirates who nearly killed Kaya stealing her wealth after deceiving her—something he couldn't forgive.

"Usopp..." Nami said never seeing the deadly look from him previously.

"Gather around! It's nearly time." Law said summoning everyone to the roundtable. Law glanced at Hancock beside him, "Thank you all for coming today to fight for yourselves, the Insurgency. We have a few others from the old world that vowed to help us despite once being enemies—they're allies now, one of us." Law said causing chatter amongst the room full of Insurgency leaders. The surgeon of death nodded permitting the guards to open the doors welcoming the late comers to the meeting.

Zoro's katana clashed against Fujitora's cane sword electrifying the atmosphere in the room. "No way...I read in the paper you died two years ago, you're supposed to be dead!" He growled sidestepping the blind man to continue the assault only for Fujitora to block his path again.

"Don't believe everything you hear Roronora Zoro." Fujitora said keeping his features neutral.

Sanji kicked to Zoro's position intending to finish what the swordsman started. He nearly bit his cigarette in half at the iron grip that caught his foot managing to stop his attack with ease. The straw hats were stunned seeing Admiral Ryokugyu appear tightening the grip on Insurgent Sanji's foot securing him in place. "What the hell? You're an admiral? What the hells going on, move outta the way!" He yelled trying to no avail to escape the clutch.

The Insurgent straw hats charged through the crowd causing the room to shift. Law and Hancock halted their movements as they drew the line defending their new allies. Zoro's eyes widened in disbelief, "don't tell me Law...That your allying yourself with him."

Law hid his eyes under his hat, "I am."

The Insurgent straw hats stopped the moment those words left Law's mouth. Hancock's eyes narrowed witnessing Robin's arms secure Law's sword in it's sheath. The empress pulled a heart bow aiming it directly at Robin letting slight pressure off her index finger threatening to fire anytime. "Don't test us lady, drop it." Franky said prepping a strong right while the others braces themselves.

"It's not like he begged on his knees for my help." Akainu spoke appearing behind the admirals revealing himself to the room earning gasps from many. "I came here sharing a common goal, to wipe out the Regime."

"Not if I kill you first." Zoro shouted raising his voice above the other's chattering.

Robin held in a gasp feeling Law drop his sheathed sword in her grip grabbing the mob rushing the potential combatants. "Stop! Stop!" He yelled snatching the nearest persons' collars. Law was losing control of the escalating dissension among the alliance. The situation could spell disaster if an all out battle broke out before they stepped foot into the war.

Ignoring protests from his friends Luffy stood between the mob blasting a wave of conquerors haki through the war room. The battle ready Insurgents weakened withdrawing their attacks while others were on the verge of collapsing. "Traffie is right. There isn't time to squabble or worry about any past we had with one another. I've seen what we're up against, I fought them, and I'm telling you it doesn't matter! We need everyone for this war if we're going to survive." The room stilled to dead silence as they stared at the flag bearer of their front line forces.

"Straw Hat Luffy is absolutely correct!" Sengoku shouted gripping everyone's attention, "I once ordered the eradication of the bloodlines of Gold Roger and Monkey D. Dragon because I thought it would make the world safer. It only threw the world into more chaos. It's something I regret...Today we have a chance to right our wrongs—all of us!"

"He's right Roronora Zoro," Fujitora spoke withdrawing the cane sword, "we share a common enemy now."

"Speak for yourself, I'm going to kill him when I get the chance, we all will." The captain of the straw hats said sheathing Wado refusing to take his eyes off Akainu.

Akainu smirked, "get in line, I'll be long dead before you get the chance. I left everything I had behind in pursuit of revenge—revenge is a fool's game."

Greenbull bellows a laugh releasing Sanji's leg. "Make no mistake we'll be seeing you again. If the war doesn't kill you, we will." The cook said tearing his eyes from the former Navy admirals.

Law averted Robin's hawking gaze and Chopper's one of disappointment, "...I wanted to tell you guys, I'm sor—" Franky shoves his sword in his chest shutting him up walking away with the others.

"And I thought you were taking it too far against Doflamingo." Sanji exhaled smoke through his nostrils. "Is revenge more important than losing what you already have?" He asked rhetorically moving past the crowd to find his family.

"Guess I found my answer after three years. You never gave a shit about us, you were just using us as a means for your own need for revenge—we were never friends." Zoro said.

Law shook his head, "I consider you my friends. We have to band together in order to win this war."

"Your war, not ours. When Brook is with us again you're on your own. We don't have any other stake in this—"

"Yes you do! Walking away while innocent people die—"

Zoro arched a brow, "you changed Law. I never cared for innocents all that much, and neither did you. Pirates doing good deeds disgusted you at one point."

"We all changed when the world changed after Mariejois."

Zoro snorted, "Alright then, live with your decision." He said disappearing in the settling crowd.

Law grimaced slightly turning around in the opposite direction. He clasped a hand on Sengoku's shoulder heading toward Luffy and the admirals. "Thanks for the assistance everything almost went to shit."

"That's a sad truth for every alliance such as this."

"With three admirals here we're starting to look like the winning side." Law states gripping his sword tightly.

"If there's even a one percent chance to win this war than we have to take full advantage of it." Sengoku replied. The retired fleet admiral's gaze landed on Luffy knowing he was their best bet at winning.

"Its good to see you all in one piece," Law smirked greeting the admirals, "for the most part." The doctor's eyes landed on Sakazuki's titanium hands.

"Trafalgar Law, I was supposed to take you and straw hat's head two years ago." Fujitora growled.

Law couldn't stop his growing smirk, "I heard you tried taking straw hat ya's and got killed for it."

Fujitora remained unmoved staring at the duo, "I thought they would finish me off after I lost consciousness but they had plans to relocate us to start new lives under the Regime."

"Apparently they didn't feel the same about Rob Lucci, his subordinate Kaku, and Spandam. They were killed without mercy essentially eliminating 'dark justice' from the world's lexicon." Sakazuki said.

"I heard they also spared Stussy sending her to the Summer Isles, a known haven in the world." Sengoku added.

"I was almost right alongside those CP0 bastards. While you my blind friend were choked out I got this threw my forehead!" Ryokugyu yelled lifting up his front bangs revealing the scarred flesh. "That son of bitch Marco the Phoenix left this mark in my head! I swear I'm going to make him pay before I die."

"Your atom fruit saved your ass again, being able to move your consciousness to different parts of your body is a intriguing last ditch survival tactic." Sakazuki said lighting the cigar in his metallic hand.

Luffy hadn't taken his eyes off the steel components decorating Akainu's body. Even with a suit it was obvious he'd been altered in a irreversible way. "So it's true. I really did this to you." He spoke staring at the former Navy fleet admiral.

Sakazuki smirked puffing smoke in the air, "I suppose you did, you placed this mark on my face forcing me to wear the crimes I've committed, I cannot hide wherever I go in the world." The others winced at the burnt flesh wondering how he could've survived such trauma.

"The battle between you two changed history," Sengoku said folding his arms, "both of you lost what you loved most in the world and gaining nothing in the process."

Fujitora grunted recalling the immense shock finding out the same Luffy that took it easy on him for being blind and saved Dressrosa from imminent destruction became one of the world's most notorious killers while establishing a government that protected the common people. "I always knew the world government was right to fear your existence, but I didn't think you were capable of killing hundred thousands of civilians." Ryokugyu said chewing on his signature tobacco.

"I'm not!" Luffy snapped surprising the group for a moment, "no matter what happens I wouldn't do that! We're nothing alike. I'm not a hero but I'm not a killer either."

"We know that, it's why I brought you here to begin with." Law said. "Let's talk after the meeting concludes there will be time when we disembark." The alliance spread throughout the hall getting their official meeting underway. Two years anticipation led to the upcoming war giving an anxiety to most participants involved—It was all or nothing.

XXX

"Everything should be settled by the time we reach Barrington Rock. The stationed soldiers reinforced the tunnels, dungeons, storerooms, barracks, stables, walls, main gates, and watchtowers; most importantly we've set up a blockade around the sea carved caverns guarding hundreds of mine shafts in the depths of the rocks as yet untouched gold veins." Sabo explained making sure the entirety of the council and wartime commanders were all on the same page.

Barrington Rock nicknamed 'The Rock' is a castle and seat of the extinct House Barrington. A regional capital of the at the farthest western coast of the Red Line continent. It is carved out of a great stone hill colossal rock overlooking the harbor of Barrinport resting beside the Sunset Sea. The location was strategically integral and superior to anything the Insurgency could create countermeasures for when the time came.

"Anything else we need addressed?" Raleigh asked gauging the room. Raliegh arched a brow glaring past Hannyabal at Magellan clutching his growling stomach. "Go ahead warden, we're going to dismiss soon." With a quick nod he left pushing past the Whole Cake Island, and former Whitebeard commanders.

"There is something actually," Garp said. The senior war advisor crunched on rice crackers drawing all eyes to him, "its time we elect new council members."

Dragon nods in agreement, "The two that are selected will have a vote in all future council meetings."

"Right I completely forgot about that..." Luffy said running a hand through his hair. "Kuzan you're on the council." The room full of militants cheered congratulating him on the promotion the highest honor in the government. Kuzan waved placing his hands in his pockets cooly. Luffy's gaze again surveyed the room pointing to a particular person of interest, "Buggy."

Buggy perked up uncrossing his arms meeting Luffy's gaze, "congrats your on the council as a war chief." More shouts broke out as Buggy's selected captains stormed their leader.

"You did it captain Buggy!"

"Do you hear that? Soon you'll be an emperor than high councilor!"

"The high councilor is preparing you to be his successor!"

Buggy placed a hand under his chin imagining what it'd be like to be world's king, it made him drool thinking of the wealth and power. 'Heh I shouldn't be surprised, this promotion was overdue. It wouldn't have taken this long had I started out with the Regime. Soon I'll be an emperor then ease into command of the government.' Buggy cackled loudly holding his hands triumphantly in the air.

"What the hell are you going on about?" Kuzan yawned in a fist scratching his cap, "they selected you because Crocodile turned down the position."

"T-t-thats not true is it?" He questioned to the sand logia user.

"He ain't lying." Crocodile said lighting a cigar to smoke. Buggy fell over in a daze slumping against the wall.

"CAPTAIN BUGGY!"

Dragon scanned the room making sure everyone was motivated, the campaign ahead would be difficult. Just because the wore the Regime armor and rallied behind it's sigil didn't mean they would win a battle automatically for showing up. The former leader of the Revolutinary had more than enough experience to know the Wano campaigns were a warmup. It was time to establish themselves all over again proving they were the absolute power in the world. "I hope you all prepared well, in hours you'll be leading men under your command into war. Kiss your loved ones goodbye, it may be the last time they see you and you them. Meeting dispersed!" Dragon said officially disbanding the meeting.

The Regime leaders descended the high palace entrance steps hugging the people closest to them. Vivi hugged Marco as he left with the remnants of the Whitebeard pirates. He gave a rare smile watching her approach Luffy before joining Ace on the walk to his vessel.

"Don't knock the place down while I'm gone." Luffy said embracing his grandpa.

"Eh with these two old bastards by my side we'll manage." Garp laughed patting his grandson on the back.

"Grandpas right Luffy, we have a lot to prep for in the coming days if we want to stick to our schedule." Dragon added.

Raleigh nodded in agreement, "we will handle welcoming the forces arriving this evening and prep the dreadnought."

"We couldn't function without you guys." Luffy said wearing a relieved smile.

"Yeah yeah better get going or Sabo or Ace will come lookin." Garp ruffled Luffy's hair patting his back.

Raleigh chuckled heading into the palace, "nothing to see here folks. See you when you get back Luffy."

The elder monkeys grinned leaving their legacy behind wishing him well. Luffy froze in his tracks upon turning around, "Vivi." He said softly meeting her eyes.

"Hello Luffy." Vivi averts her gaze for a moment tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "it's good to see you again you look strong."

"Y-yeah it's been awhile, you look good... Great actually." Luffy said shocked at how ridiculous he sounded. From where he stood Vivi didn't seem to mind, she looked amused.

Vivi chuckled holding a hand to her lips, "I came from Rebecca's she told me about what you did for her earlier today."

"It wasn't much besides I promised to look out for her and her family."

"I know." Vivi said placing a hand over a forearm where the 'x' mark from Alabasta was drawn, "she told me about Violet, you said you'd bring her back."

Luffy stepped closer standing just out of arm's reach, "I'm going to make sure nothing happens to her, I'm going to bring her to Rebecca at any cost."

"You already know this but it's going to be really...Be careful okay?" She said placing her fingertips on his cheek.

Luffy grinned placing a hand on her, "you worry too much Vivi, everything will be fine I promise." The high councilor nearly lost his balance from her tight embrace.

"Do your best to keep everyone safe out there."

"I will Vivi, I'll keep them all safe."

Vivi refused to let go believing in his words wholeheartedly, "Luffy..." she said softly wrapping her arms around him kissing the unassuming rubber man. She stepped back shaking her head, "I-I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that."

Luffy pulled Vivi to him clutching her arms kissing her with everything he felt for the bluenette snaking his arms around her.

"Mm Luffy?" Vivi asked breaking the kiss planting her forehead on his meeting his gaze.

"Vivi, you're the only one that truly knows me connecting me to my past, you're all I have left."

"You're all I have left of those days too. They were the best days of my life and I'll cherish those memories forever."

"Me too." Luffy said smiling solemnly. He refused to let the Queen of Alabasta out of his grasp, "I missed you, I'm glad you came to see me off."

Vivi stifled a giggle, "I missed you too. Of course I would, I still worry about you."

"Even after all I've done? I'm not a good man Vivi, not like I was before."

"And I'm not asking you to be. I trust you to do what you think is right." Vivi rightfully understood the harsh realities and hurdles of ruling, she was better suited at it than anyone he knew. Immense pressure had been put on her since the day she was born in order to become the Queen of her home country of Alabasta.

"I have to go, it will be awhile before I am able to come back. I'm not sure how long I'll be gone—"

The bluenette held a finger to his lips silencing him, "I'll wait for you then." She placed her hands behind her back taking a step away, "stay safe out there."

Luffy nodded, "make yourself at home." He said latching both hands onto the stairway railing stretching his arms.

"Taking the old fashioned way?" Vivi chuckled matching his grin.

"I don't get tired of flying but this never gets old." Luffy gum gum rockets for the first time in years leaving Vivi speechless in stunned nostalgia.

"Where the hell is he? We are setting sail soon." Sabo said pacing the bridge of the mothership ignoring the transponder snail.

"It's about time, we setting sail already." Luffy grinned jumping off the railing.

I won't ask what held you up," the emperor arched a brow, "whats with the stupid grin on your face for?" Now his interested was piqued.

"High councilor, your grace," the lead navigator yelled out the command center drawing their attention, "we just received confirmation from the Armada command, we should rendezvous within three hours."

"Good, set sail already we don't want to be late."

"Yessir right away sir."

"Your old comrades are reliable, they've outdone themselves with their scouting." Luffy said joining his brother watching sailors preparing for their daily duties. Ivankov and Bartolommeo were sent to unite Belo Betty, Korasu, Lindinburgh, and Morley former commanders working in the Revolutionary Army. They weren't apart of the council instead being appointed by Sabo himself as headquarter's masters residing in each of the four major seas. Two years prior Sabo tasked the four with various scouting mission in other worlds. Sabo understood their strengths and weaknesses; they were far better suited to remain in the shadow of the government as covert officers, battles weren't their strongest attribute. Luffy put all his faith in Sabo's comrades going as far to name them alternates to manage major Regime operations alongside Carina and the small council in case of a worse case scenario emergencies.

"You'd be right to do so, they're the best of the best—true professionals."

"I can't argue with that they have my full trust after a single meeting."

Sabo grinned widely, "like I said they're professionals, they'll get a job done. It won't be long until we receive our fleet the Armada."

"We can end this early before the real work begins." Luffy replied. Sabo studies Luffy deciphering what was occupying his mind.

"I know you're not prepared to kill the straw hats even when we declared we don't make exceptions."

Luffy met his brother's tiger like gaze, "when this is over they'll return home like nothing happened. After you placed the permanent ban on media broadcasting battles to the world, we can protect them if we choose."

Sabo grimaced slightly, "we're walking a thin line brother...Potentially aiding the enemy."

Luffy laughed earning a bewildered stare from Sabo, "it can't always be that black and white. Did you think I didn't know you plan on protecting Koala."

Sabo remained stoic for a moment before a small smile etched across his features, "you know me too damn well brother." The memories of letting her walk away that day in his office after establishing the Regime had been his lowest point. He would always be on her side even if she hated him or considered him an enemy. "So is that your plan? Kill or imprison Law, destroy the Insurgency, and help your friends escape with their hands clean."

"Sounds good to me." Luffy states.

Sabo placed a hand over his face hiding a pleased smirk, "you realize we'll have to play off that wormy bastard 'Big News' Morgan, he'll notice when covering the battle—that type of controversial shit is what feeds his miserable existence."

"We'll talk to him with Ace when we reach the rock. By the way, have the citizens of Barrinport evacuated already?"

"Everyone except the mayor should be gone by the time we arrive."

"The citizens' destination is still Wintercity right?"

Sabo nodded, "we made it more than accommodating for the next three days."

"Good." Luffy releases a sigh of relief. Wanting to protect citizens at all costs the Regime ordered a mandatory evacuation of Barrinport to Wintercity some miles north. Luffy never heard the moderate sized city located a few miles in land on the red continent. He was informed by Dragon the city was abandoned during the spring, summer, and autumn seasons. The town was abundant with boarded up buildings, barren streets, only having a lone tavern being the sole attraction for passerby's. When the land was covered in snow during the winter seasons the city became a bustling epicenter of merriment to travelers and vagabonds alike.

"You got nothing to worry about brother, get some shut eye, we'll be there when you wake up." Sabo said heading toward the command center up top. Immediately Luffy collapsed on the deck giving into exhaustion snoring away loudly throwing the weight of the world off his shoulders.

War ships sailed from Headquarters across the every region of sea gathering at the capital's the harbors. Two hundred thousand soldiers distributed to the main convoy confronting the Insurgency.

Roughly three quarters of the forces were commanded to stand idle for the pending invasion. Having people gathered from around the world joining in the capital was a festival. The leaders figured morale improved in their absence. The soldiers treated the day like the goddamn Reverie, partying away before the Invasion spending the most of their last days alive.

The council gathered the commanders on the deck of the mothership gathering around the map of the disbanded castle miles away from Red Port. "We set up the line here," Sabo said directing to the chief navigator of the fleet, "wait for further instructions.

"Got it." He replied signaling to the nearby vessels beginning their routes.

XXX

The Insurgents prepared their vessels and sky rafts to sail. Law stopped straw hat Luffy placing a hand on his shoulder, "straw ya, you're with us." He gestures toward the Insurgency leadership heading to their vessel.

"Oi oi oi we need captain to sail." Usopp said.

"Its crucial he's on the front lines, your captain needs to know our move when we decide to make it."

"No!" Nami said stepping toward the Law. "We're not sailing without our captain now find someone else got it?"

"I'm going too then. " Zoro interjected.

"Not you too mosshead, we should stick together."

"Forget that," Zoro spat turning to Law, "lets go already we're wasting time."

Franky scratched his head with a finger, "would about us? Why are we not on the frontlines?"

"You're with the other straw hats in the rear flank position. When the Regime makes their move you guys are the first line of defense." Law explained throwing his sword over a shoulder.

Robin smiled warmly placing a hand under her chin, "I see we're the reinforcements then."

"We're not anyone's reinforcements we should be on the frontlines together." Sanji said smoking on a cigarette.

Usopp screamed jumping in front of Law "H-he's just joking around we're fine with wherever you put us."

"I made the decision." The straw hats turn their attention to their captain, "we don't know what they're planning. I can't afford anything to happen to you guys."

"A FLEET APPROACHING! IT'S GERMA 66! THE WARMONGERS ARE COMING!"

Law strides past scrambling officers and workers prepping ships to sail threatening to leave the others behind. He settled between Hancock and Kid as the Germa royals were escorted out of the harbor directly to the base.

"Friends of yours?" Kid asked crossing his arms skeptically.

"I hate Germa." Law replied.

"Who doesn't?" Hancock added.

"Get outta my way we're here as allies." Vinsmoke Judge shoves the guard away roughly reaching his destination. "The rumors are true then, you really plan to do the impossible."

"Nothing's impossible, it'll come at a cost but the Regime isn't untouchable as much as they like to believe." Law's eyes burned at the three brothers ogling the empress.

Judge laughs loudly, "heh I can't fault you for the confidence it makes sense how the people that follow you do so willingly even if it means their death."

Law smirked hiding his eyes beneath his hat, "It isn't me they're willing to follow to their deaths," he moved aside revealing straw hat Luffy and crew, "he's their reason."

The Germa group stilled witnessing the Insurgent's savior, "I didn't dare believe it..." Judge said approaching the young captain, "you've come to overthrow the government even with their superior forces?"

Luffy nods, "that's the sole reason I was brought here, the sooner we get started the sooner we can go home."

Judge grinned, "good, Germa pledges to your service, we will fight alongside of you."

Luffy glanced toward the Insurgency leadership before returning to Germa, "it isn't up to me, this is Law's alliance."

"What does the leader of the Insurgency have to say about the matter?" She asked glaring at him. Hancock didn't Germa due to their loyalty to the Regime and their peace treaty with Totto Land which would be voided after this.

"We need every man we can get." Law said walking past Germa towards the ship harbor, "Straw hat-ya, Zoro ya lets leave."

Nami grabbed onto Luffy's sleeve halting their tracks, "what is it Nami?"

"Are you guys really going to head off by yourselves—"

"We'll be fine, watch each other's backs out there." Zoro followed Law and the Insurgency brass to the mothership.

"Luffy," Nami said drawing his gaze, "we both seen their forces, the frontlines is asking to be bait, the enemy will expect it. You know as I do our army isn't enough we need more—"

"We fight with the army we have." He said pulling away away doing his best not to get left behind. Robin narrowed her gaze at the navigator's disappointment it was not a mystery why.

"You're defiantly the fuckup in our family but not our fuckup." Ichiji said patting Sanji on the back.

"Yeah where is our failure of a brother?" Niji asked unable to contain a toothy grin.

Sanji exhaled smoke through his nostrils glaring at the trio, "so you're here to support the other me," Sanji wore his own grin through the cigarette, "I'm almost touched."

"Why you idiot?" Yonji folded his arms, "its admirable he stepped up but we'd be here regardless."

The cook could care less about their real reasonings for being here, "you're still a failure even so your my son."

Sanji returned the disdainful glare, "If I'm a then so are you as a father." Judge gritted his teeth walking the opposite direction unwilling to escalate things any further.

The trio held in their laughs enjoying Sanji putting their father in his place, "heh you grew a backbone finally huh?" Niji laughs elbowing his brother, "you put that raid suit I gave you to good use or just using it to spy on the ladies' bathrooms."

"Don't be stupid! I'd never do something so low." He said as a trail of blood leaks out a nostril. Nami and Robin coughed awkwardly into their fists causing Sanji to swear uncontrollably.

Ichiji rolls his eyes, "haha, those hotties in your crew says otherwise—" the brother's laughs halted recognizing the orangette noting her absence last time the straw hats were on Whole Cake Island.

"I-its her..." Yonji took a slight step back regaining his balance. None were more surprised about Germa's reactions to seeing Nami than Nami herself.

"What about me?" Nami caught the trio off guard looking anywhere but her.

"You were the one he grieved over even after his victory against Big Mom." Ichiji said meeting the navigator gaze recalling when they'd met the high councilor after the battle finding him humbly working on a tangerine garden he considered a tribute to her. "We always wondered what drove the high councilor to what he is now. We understood his grieving over you but he's done things that put monsters like us to shame."

Usopp's curiosity drew him to want to want to know more, "you mean you guys fought alongside the other Luffy, the high councilor?"

Niji nodded, "after Mariejois burned he began conquered territories refusing to kneel to the new government." He turned to Sanji, "meanwhile you were leading a mission of your own with your friends to save your other self's wife."

"We were more than happy to help, you became one of us that day," Ichiji laughs, "however to say we were surprised would be an understatement. We took Big Mom's chateau proceeding to the battlefield. Despite protecting citizens he didn't show mercy to those that surrendered."

The straw hats were shocked finding Germa's tale far fetched. It still was near impossible imagining a ruthless Luffy willing to slaughter people refusing to follow him. "Well they were enemies, surely Luffy himself maybe it was his followers that committed the acts."

"No, he did it himself." Yonji replied. "He was at the forefront of the killings. Tell me, have you ever seen a man's head explode into paste by a foot? Or a man get cut in half? It's a strange thing when you realize we're nothing but sacks of meat and bone underneath. That's the kind of brutality the high councilor possesses, your captain could easily—"

"Shut your damn mouths!" Nami shouted having enough of their story, "stop talking like you know our captain, he wouldn't become that no matter what happens!"

"I wouldn't be so sure," Ichiji said putting his shades back on, "there's good reason he put you guys as a last resort."

"And that is?" Robin asked glaring at the trio.

"He's scared at the possibility of what he can become if he lost you guys. Maybe he knows it's true...Maybe not." Niji said trailing off as they took their leave.

"See ya on the battlefield loser!" Yonji waved.

"Wait! Where's Reiju?!" Sanji yelled only receiving the cold shoulder, "tch fuck those guys."

The straw hats walked in relative silence to the base's center finding the Thousand Sunny with their other selves and Brook playing music for them. "Yohoho! Come my crew let us sing songs together."

Straw hat Franky groaned, "really not in the mood for singing we got important things goin on."

"Ah the calm before the storm, I'll be sure to sing something upbeat then!"

"Hey other me? Is there something I can do? Driving is kinda my specialty." Franky asked his older counterpart.

"No I don't need your help pal just chill out somewhere." He replied causing him to seethe in anger at the dismissal.

"Reiju!" Sanji jumped in the air embracing his sister tightly pissing off the Insurgent Sanji. The straw hats merged with the Insurgents coming together again. A loud horn blared across the harbor signaling it was time to depart.

"Franky let's set sail!" Zoro commanded standing atop the Sunny figurehead only focusing on retrieving their Brook.

"On it boss!" Franky yelled driving the ship past the others getting into formation.

"Hey Robin," Nami said pulling the raven haired woman aside.

Robin smiled warmly, "is there something I can do for you Nami?"

Nami stood taller exhaling deeply, "I want to know everything that happened before I..."

Robin places a hand on her shoulder, "of course Nami, we should sit somewhere it will take awhile."

"Its alright I don't mind at all." Nami smiles gesturing her Robin to join them.

"Sanji dear would you mind making some drinks for us?" Robin asked sweetly.

"Of course Robin my darling—" The pair of Sanji's butted heads arguing the whole way to the kitchen.

Usopp scratched a cheek with a finger, "uh...They realize they're fighting over who gets to be a servant right?" Straw Hat Usopp asked to his counterpart who shrugged in response.

"Let em fight it out, it will be less to deal with during the trip."

"Yeah good point."

At the front of the Insurgency formation the leaders surrounded the war table on deck listening to Koala and Violet's explanation about Barrington Rock's geography mentioning their advantages as well as disadvantages—The latter seemed more abundant frustrating Law.

Law went over the plan one more time before disbanding the meeting leaving everyone to converse as he buried himself in his office surveying every minute detail before their arrival.

"Where are you going Luffy?" Zoro asked not appreciating being ignored.

"You." The gruff voice spoke staring up at the approaching captain.

Luffy's fists balled at his sides staring at the man responsible for killing Ace, he promised himself if he ever saw him again he'd make him pay. "I saved your life back there when I shouldn't have."

Akainu smirked, "you should have let them do it, I deserve to die."

"I'm not a killer."

"What do you want straw hat?"

"Tell me everything that happened to you, I want to hear it."

Sakazuki's grin grew wider as he pushed himself off the wall towering over Luffy, "very well straw hat, I'll tell you."

XXX

A portion of the Regime's army docked at Barrinport harbor. The council greeted the mayor thanking him for his hospitality. "Of course anyway we could help out the government." The mayor said receiving the briefcase full of beli as compensation. "By the way your graces, that 'Big News' Morgan is waiting at the bar down Main Street.

"Thank you again Mr. Royce." Luffy said signaling the forces to start their ascent up the steep hill to the rock fortress. "Let's go Ace, Sabo."

The band of brothers reached the empty bar finding Morgan rummaging through bottles, "they got to be keeping the good stuff around here somewhere..."

"Check the floorboard near the cabinets."

Morgan smirked finding the hidden bottle exactly where the deadman told him. "Just under two hundred years old, they'll miss this." Morgan places the bottle on the bar pouring for four glasses.

Luffy held a hand over three glasses halting his actions, "its business Morgan."

He laughed shaking his head, "of course it is, you have a battle to win, more for me I guess."

"We're here to strike a deal." Sabo said causing the tall bird to stop his pouring, it wasn't everyday the Regime's top brass sought a lowly underworld lord like him.

Morgan downs the glass of rum grinning at the brothers, "I'm all ears gentlemen."

XXX

A/N: Next: The calm before the storm, one more chapter before the long battle starts.