A Hero and the Straw Hat

by Spartan of Chaos

In order to prevent Maltruant from remaking the universe in his own image, Ben 10,000 is forced to take drastic measures. Now, thrust into an unfamiliar world Ben must learn to adapt to this strange new environment. For ill or good, Ben's presence will bring about an enormous change within a world plagued by pirates and a corrupt government.

10. Unlikely Alliance and Dark Collaboration

The Null Void

One building within the Null Void, called the Vault, had been constructed to hold only one prisoner. He was one of the most dangerous, sadistic, and downright evil beings in the entire universe; his prison-within-a-prison was built accordingly. Nothing short of an army could get through, and even that was debatable.

Still, it had one weakness, overlooked due to the hasty nature of its construction; if someone could actually get inside, it was possible that they could shut off the security and simply walk out with the prisoner.

Which, of course, is exactly what was about to happen. A swirling vortex appeared deep within the prison, and Eon stepped through. The time walker looked around, as if to get their bearings, before walking towards an energy-cage, projected by a half-dome below.

"So this is your prison," Eon mused, "As much as I despise you, your aid is needed in order to succeed in our plan. So I have come to release you from your bonds."

The massive being within the cage glared at the time walker with red eyes.

"It should have taken no time for you to accomplish this task." The prisoner let the accusation go unspoken.

Eon sneered, "The technology to enter the Null Void while avoiding the sensors of both the Plumbers and the Galvans was difficult even for me to obtain."

After a moment, the prisoner nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer.

"Very well; release me."

Eon opened a gloved hand to reveal a black sphere, which he dropped near the projector. After a moment, the sphere released a torrent of red lightning, which overloaded and then destroyed the projector. The prisoner fell to the ground, landing on his feet.

"Now, what has been going on during my absence?"

"Tennyson has managed to find himself in another universe that parallels our own. However, there is still a chance that he can find his way back."

"Another universe, you say?" The prisoner clenched a massive hand. "Interesting, I will travel to this other world and finally exact my vengeance on Tennyson, once and for all."

With a dark laugh, the prisoner and the time walker strode through the vortex, their minds focused on two things.

The destruction of the universe, and the death of Ben Tennyson.

---

Impel Down

Apparently the people who were watching over Luffy were surprised and shocked by his rapid recovery as they began to feed him a never ending supply of food.

Luffy ate at a rate that Ben had never seen before. He ate so fast and for so long that his body no longer appeared human. It was the shape of a blob, but he still kept eating, not even bothering to chew most of his food.

Still, Luffy's current state was much more preferable over the half dead state he had been in not that long ago.

"How long has he been eating?" Bon Clay asked. He was getting a stomach-ache from watching Luffy inhale his food.

"I lost track after thirty minutes," Ben said almost dryly as he watched Luffy eat. A part of him was grossed out, but given how close Luffy had come to dying, he was happy to see his friend trying to regain his strength.

Luffy finally stopped eating and walked out of the room, still in his blob form. He could barely fit through the door and had to duck to keep himself from hitting the doorframe, since his enlarged gut caused him to be so high off the ground.

After a second, Luffy reconfigured his body back into its proper shape. Color returned to his skin and Luffy looked as healthy as he did when he first came to Impel Down; although he still had some dried blood on himself.

"I'm back!" Luffy shouted to the heavens as he pumped his arms up.

"You're unbelievable! You're not human!" someone from the crowd watching Luffy shouted.

"There's no way you could have survived Magellan's poison!" someone else yelled.

"He beat the poison in only twenty hours!" a man shouted. "It's an unbelievable miracle!"

"A miracle? This is more than a miracle!" Iva yelled in complete shock. He stared at Luffy like he was some kind of risen spirit.

The group of New Kamas ran towards Luffy and started to throw him into the air as they celebrated his victory over death. He went to the jaws of abyss and lived to tell the tale.

Through the cheering, Luffy finally took notice of Ben and Bon Clay. The former was smirking in triumph while the latter was crying. At least they were still alive.

"Ben, Bon Clay, you guys are alright after all!" Luffy yelled happily.

"Stupid, quit joking around!" Bon Clay yelled angrily through his tears. "I'm the one who should be saying..." Before he could finish the sentence, he suddenly collapsed.

Luffy gasped in shock and dropped himself from the cheering crowd.

"Bon Clay, hey!" Luffy yelled in a panic as he patted his friend's cheek. "You okay!? Hang on! What's wrong!?"

Bon Clay was completely knocked out. There was blood coming out of his mouth and his eyes were rolled into the back of his head.

"He just overexerted himself," Iva assured. "His injures have nothing to do with it."

"Oh, Iva," Luffy said, surprising the people with how casual he was toward the Okama Queen. Only friends called Ivankov by his nickname. "We survived! Thanks a lot for everything you've done for us!"

Iva stared at Luffy before his eyes moved to Bon Clay. "It's Ben Boy and Mr. 2 Bon Boy you should be thanking. I just used my ability and lent you some strength. But he...he kept shouting for hours on end until his throat was dry and he was coughing up blood. He stayed here all along, sharing in your pain, constantly shouting for you to hang in there and live on!"

Luffy was taken back by what his friends did for him. He was so lost in his own anguish that he was aware of nothing else.

Luffy looked down at Bon Clay and then up at Ben with gratitude in his eyes. "I see. You guys, thank you. I owe you my life," he said in a gentle voice as he bowed before his saviors.

"Don't mention it," Ben replied with a smile as he put a hand on Luffy's shoulder, "I was just looking out for a friend."

Inazuma took this time to walk in with Luffy's clothes in his hand. His straw hat was there, but Inazuma provided him with a different shirt. This vest was a bright yellow color.

"Here is your hat and some clothes. You have survived, but that is all," Inazuma said in a firm voice as Luffy took the offered garments. "You will not make a full recovery until you have rested for two days."

Luffy, naturally, protested. "I don't have time for that! Me and Ben have wasted enough time already! Sorry, but can you guys take care of Bon Clay?" he asked as he put his vest and hat on. "Me and Ben will be back for him later."

He attempted to run, but found himself barely able to walk or stand. He eventually collapsed from exhaustion and the memory went hazy for a second.

"Whoa, what are you nuts?" asked one of the New Kama boys.

"Yeah! You're in still in pretty bad shape!" said another.

Luffy sat slowly up and reached for his hat. He removed Ace's Vivre Card and stared at it for a moment. "That paper is still pointing down. Ace is down there..." He looked around in confusion. "Come to think of it, where are we?"

"What's that?" A New Kama asked as he knelt beside Luffy.

"Isn't that a Vivre Card?" Iva asked, gaining Luffy's attention. "This is the space between Levels 5 and 6. Now that you're recovered, I suppose you don't care about anything other than saving your brother, right?"

"Well, it's none of my business what you do with your life," Iva said almost dismissively.

"Iva, aren't you going to escape?" Luffy asked. "I mean, Bon Clay came down here hoping to save your ass, you know."

Ben fought to hold back a chuckle as he listened to the shocked reactions from the people in the room.

"Mind telling me where Ace is while you're escaping?" Luffy asked in his trademark blunt manner.

"What are you saying? Bon-boy came to save me? So, that's how it is, huh?" Iva mused with a chuckle. "Well, isn't that cute. It's the thought that counts, I guess. But it's not the time for me to break out yet!"

Luffy looked at him in surprise.

"I understand the balance of power in the world. The marines and the Whitebeard Pirates are both trying to shift the world in their favor," Iva said as he folded his arms. "But that man has yet to make his move. The man who oversees all the revolutionaries in the world, my companion, the Revolutionary Dragon!"

"Ah, you mean Dad," Luffy commented offhandedly like he was expecting Iva to mention someone important.

'Wait...Dad?' Ben said in confusion.

Iva didn't seem to realize what Luffy just said and kept talking about Dragon, the Revolutionaries, and why he couldn't escape at the moment. After a few seconds, it sunk in. "YOUR DAD!?"

"Did he say 'Dad'!?" everyone in the room screamed in shock.

"Dragon is...your dad!?" Iva shouted in disbelief.

Luffy looked around in confusion. He didn't seem to realize the giant bomb he had just dropped.

"Y...y...you've got to be kidding me!" Iva stuttered as he attempted to recompose himself. "You're Dragon's son!? He has a son!?"

"Ah, I wasn't supposed to tell anyone," Luffy said casually as he stood up.

"Probably for good reason," Ben pointed out, 'Considering this Dragon guy's supposed to be the most wanted man in this world.'

"Well, whatever. Grandpa told me," Luffy said. "I don't know him myself. To be honest, I don't even know what he looks like."

Iva continued to be in shock and was speechless for several seconds. "Where is your hometown?"

"In East Blue," Luffy answered.

Iva's eyes widened as if he was hit by some kind of revelation.

---

Flashback

Somewhere in Baltigo, the base of the Revolutionary Army, a younger Ivankov, who wore no crowns, yet, was standing behind his leader: Monkey D. Dragon, Luffy's father, who, for some reason, was facing the East.

"Dragon," said Ivankov. "You always stare off in that direction, for some reason whenever you come outside."

"I do?" Dragon asked. "How odd. I wasn't even aware of it."

"It's like you have gotten some animal's honing instinct or something," said Ivankov. "Does your homeland lie in that direction? Do you happen to have a family back in the East Blue? Well?"

Dragon simply smirked and said, "Mind your own damn business, Iva."

"Mm-hmm-hmm," Ivankov chortled. "My apologies."

---

"Inazuma, go find out when Ace-boy is being taken to be executed!"

"Right away," Inazuma said with a slight bow as he left to do his task.

Iva's change in attitude caught Ben off-guard.

"It will be a race against time," Iva said to his men. "If the Vivre Card is still pointing down, then he hasn't been taken away yet. I will be heading to Level 6 alongside Strawhat-boy here."

"You're going to show me the way?" Luffy asked happily. "But...Level 6? I thought it was Level 5?"

"Like he said, this is Level 5.5," one of the people said.

"Well, whatever. I'm counting on you, so let's go!" Luffy yelled.

Iva turned and gave Luffy a peculiar look, but said nothing.

Luffy walked over to Bon Clay and patted his back. "Well then, Bon Clay, we'll come back to pick you up later."

Iva suddenly shoved his face right into Luffy, nearly suffocating him. "Strawhat-boy, in the future, you must not let slip such information about your origins!"

Luffy managed to pry his face away from Iva. "Yeah, you're probably right..."

"I'm your father's companion, one of the leaders of the Revolutionary Army," Iva said. "That's the reason why I was locked away. I might be acting of my own accord, but I have a duty to protect you. I will not let a friend's son die while I'm around to see it."

"Give the message to all inhabitants of Newkama Land!" Iva yelled. "We will hereby attempt to save Ace-boy and break out of Impel Down!"

The crowd started to mutter among themselves. None of them were prepared to leave on such short notice.

"Important decisions are always made suddenly! Those who want to come along, prepare yourselves for the worst and gather here, ready to fight!" Iva continued yelling, rallying the troops.

"Right! Let's go!" Inazuma shouted as he held up his wine glass.

Everyone cheered in agreement, ready for battle.

"Right!" Luffy yelled as he lifted his arms. "Wait for me, Ace! I'll be right there!" His mind was ready, but his body wasn't. He immediately collapsed again, causing everyone in Newkama Land to panic.

Iva picked Luffy up by his arm after he had finished checking his pulse. "You can't see it, but his body is exhausted." The spikes on his hand returned.

"What're you going to do now?" Ben asked as he watched Iva stick Luffy in his side again. He proceeded to pump something into Luffy's body.

Iva gently put Luffy down and the rubberman fell to his knees. He was shivering, but it wasn't from the cold.

"It's adrenaline," Iva explained as Luffy's body shook with energy. "You will be able to ignore you fatigue for one day. You will suffer some major aftereffects in exchange for it, but I assume you don't mind?"

---

Inside the elevator Level 6...

"You're late, sir!" Domino said to Magellan.

"You're too strict, Domino," said Magellan, who had just gotten through his diarrhea attack.

"From now on, please empty your empty bowls more quickly, sir!" said Domino.

"What you're asking me to do is impossible," said Magellan.

"We are meant to hand over the prisoner at exactly 0900, this morning," said Domino. "Failure to do so would ruin Impel Down's reputation as we know it."

The elevator starts going down…towards Level 6.

---

At Impel Down's entrance, Vice Admiral Onigumo is waiting with his convoy, smoking a cigarette.

"Until we have Portgas D. Ace in our custody and deliver him to Marine HQ in Marineford," Onigumo ordered his fleet, "we will remain on high alert! Is that understood, sailors?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Be ready for whatever comes!" Onigumo ordered. "We're working with five battleships under the command of five Vice Admirals! This escort must maintain tight security! Do your duty with all you've got!"

"Yes, sir!"

Outside the entrance, there are indeed five battleships at the ready.

---

On Level 5, Luffy, Ben who had now transformed into Blitzwolfer, Ivankov, and Inazuma are running through the wolves' den.

"Oh wow, I'm overflowing with energy!" Luffy yelled as he ran.

"Let's hurry," Inazuma said, still holding his wine glass. "Even the slightest delay could change the outcome of our actions."

They kept running and easily defeated the wolves that attempted to attack them. Iva took care of the majority of the wolves with his wink. While Blitzwolfer took them out with his ultrasonic howl.

Inazuma opened the main wooden door with a key he undoubtedly stole at some point.

"There are surveillance cameras past this point," Inazuma warned.

"Hey,why wasn't there any security in Level 5?" Blitzwolfer asked.

"Transponder snails don't do well in the cold," Iva answered.

"It really wouldn't make a difference. Most prisoners would be half-dead and frozen, even if they did attempt to escape," Inazuma said.

"Still, it seems pretty careless," Blitzwolfer said. "For the sake of torturing people, they gave up on security."

The quartet kept running down the stairs and managed to beat any trap they came across. They also ran into several guards, but they were defeated easily as well.

"I'm coming now, Ace!" Luffy screamed to his brother.

---

Inside the monitor room, the baffled guards stared at the monitor screens in disbelief.

"We've located some suspicious persons!" proclaimed one. "There are people and what look like an animal in the passage between Level 5 and Level 6!" He then gasped in shock. "No way! It's…! It's Ivankov the King of the Queens! But he disappeared years ago! What the hell's going on here? How did he survive all this time?"

"And look!" said another guard. "The intruders, 'Straw Hat' Luffy and his shapeshifter ally are with him! How could Straw Hat still be alive? He was hit with all of the Warden's poisons!"

"Look there!" cried one more guard. "There's another Level 5 prisoner who had disappeared! It's Inazuma, the Revolutionary of the South Blue!"

"What is going? They're all heading for Level 6!"

"They must be on their way to rescue 'Fire Fist' Ace!"

At that moment, Hannyabal came to look at the monitors, and needless to say, he was in great shock.

"Right now, Domino and Warden Magellan are on their way to get 'Fire Fist'. They're on a collision course."

"So, they're alive, after all, eh?" asked Hannyabal. "Turn on all the traps in the passage, right now!" he ordered the jailers. "Contact the guard room on Level 6! Put them on red alert! Have the guards hold them off until Sadie and the Jailer Beasts arrive! And report this to Warden Magellan and to all staff on all floors, at once! That is all!"

The guards were indeed shocked.

'Vice Warden Hannyabal is being unusually serious, thought one. Is this REALLY him?'

---

In Level 6, Magellan, Domino, and several other jailers arrived in front of Ace and Jimbei's cell.

"And now, Portgas D. Ace," said Magellan, "it's time for you to be taken to Marineford…where the gallows await you."

All Ace could do was heave a sigh…and hang his head in defeat.

'I'm sorry, Luffy,' he thought.

---

After mowing down several more rows of guards and jailers, Iva took one of the guards with them to show them the way to Ace's cell.

Finally, Luffy reached the end of the long stairway. The entire place was silent and had none of the over-the-top environmental tortures of the previous Levels. It was just quiet. It was almost like a tomb.

"This is the place where the most legendary criminals are held. Eternal Hell," Iva stated. Even the miracle-worker seemed frightened of this place.

"Where are you, Ace!?" Luffy shouted for his brother. "I'm here to save you! Ace, where are you!?"

Only Luffy's own echoes were heard.

"Just shouting won't get you anywhere," Iva said as he looked at the guard he had brought along. The guard was terrified of Iva. "Would you be so kind as to tell us?"

"Never!" the guard stuttered in defiance.

Iva smiled at him. "What a dilemma."

Iva dropped him. "You have to be a more honest individual!" The spikes in his hands came out and he stabbed the man on his sides.

Blitzwolfer who had now turned back into Ben, watched in amazement as the guard slowly changed into a woman. A fairly hot woman, to boot.

"What did you do?" Ben asked in horror.

To the surprise of the alien hero, however, the guard was happy about the change. He, or she, was so grateful that she led Luffy and the others right to Ace's cell.

When they reached the cell that held Ace, there was no one in it. It was obvious that someone was there recently, judging by the fresh bloodstains on the wall that were near a group of chains.

"Ace!" Luffy called to his brother as he looked desperately around the cell. It was obvious that he was too late.

"No…" Ben said, "He's gone! We're too late!"

Ben felt for his friend. Luffy had sacrificed so much and he still didn't make it in time. His trip to Impel Down was a failure.

What made things even more bitter was that he and Luffy could have made it in time if he had only had taken down Magellan a lot faster.

"Hey, are you Strawhat Luffy?" a man in the cell asked. He was so hidden by the shadows that all the Strawhats failed to notice him.

Luffy turned towards the sound and saw Jimbei chained against the wall. He was bloody and bruises covered his body. It was clear to see that he had been tortured, but the fishman didn't seem bothered by his injuries.

"Yeah," Luffy replied to Jimbei's question.

"They've just taken him. Chase after them!" Jimbei yelled. He pulled hard on his chains. "Ace was being escorted to the lift! Go, you can still make it if you hurry!"

"Old man, who are you?" Luffy asked.

"He's another big shot!" Iva exclaimed, shocked to see Jimbei.

Jimbei didn't answer, but a sense of understanding passed between the two men.

"Right, I got it!" Luffy exclaimed. "Thanks, whoever you are!"

Luffy, Ben, Iva, and Inazuma ran towards the lift.

"They left the gate open to the lift!" Inazuma exclaimed as Iva attempted to pull the lever.

"The mechanisms are locked, it's no use!" Iva yelled in vain as he pulled on the jammed lever.

"We can't use it? But if we climb this, we can probably make it," Luffy said as he ran to look up the lift. The second he put his head into the lift, he was nearly beheaded by a row of spikes that suddenly fell, destroying the lift.

"It's to be expected," Iva said somberly. "It's not like they would let us climb up." He turned to face his companions. "The lift is useless! They're watching our every move. Let's use the stairs we climbed down!"

They ran back towards the stairway, but it was quickly sealed off by a steel gate that descended on them.

"Figures that they wouldn't make it that easy," Ben muttered.

"Hey, they blocked the stairs!" Luffy yelled in frustration.

"They're trying to close us in," Iva said as he folded his arms. "If we can't break this, there will be no way out!"

"Alright!" Luffy exclaimed as he got ready to break the bars.

That was when a loud hissing sound filled their ears. Soon, a greenish gas descended on them.

"It is a massive gas cloud!" Inazuma exclaimed as he covered his mouth. "Don't tell me it's poisonous!?"

"I don't care if it's poisonous!" Luffy yelled as he charged towards the steel gate but then immediately collapsed.

---

Meanwhile, on Level 1, near the big elevator, Ace had found out about Luffy being on Level 6, and had attempted to fight the guards off and go back in an attempt to save Luffy, to no avail, for Magellan had roughly pinned him down to the floor by his head.

"LUFFY!" Ace cried.

"You heard the report," said Magellan. "Quit resisting. You and your brother are both pirates. Neither of you have a prayer here!"

Dammit! Ace cursed in thought. I was really hoping it wasn't true! Why in the HELL did you come here, Luffy?

"How did Straw Hat manage to survive my poison?" Magellan questioned.

---

Acting quickly, Ben transformed into Terraspin and used his wind blasts to clear away the gas.

Luffy was now awake, looking worse for wear. The staircase was somehow blocked with strips cut off from the floor, keeping anymore gas from getting to them.

Luffy was still drowsy, but managed to keep himself from falling back to sleep. His eyes widened when he saw that the stairway was completely blocked off.

"Hey, I want to keep moving. We can't catch up to Ace now that you closed off the stairs!" Luffy complained, now fully awake.

"Sealing the stairs was the only way to stop the gas," Inazuma said neutrally. "It will be impossible to rescue him if you are unconscious."

"He's got a point Luffy," Ben pointed out, "After what you went through after you got poisoned, do you really want to risk your life even further?"

"I'm going to rescue him even if I am unconscious!" Luffy proclaimed in frustration as he flailed his arms. It looked like he was having a tantrum by the way he was acting. "Do you realize that Ace is going to be executed!?"

"Do not be rash," Inazuma said calmly. "The enemy's plan was simple, but we fell right into it. Now, we are all stuck on Level 6. In this situation, there is no way to escape."

"It's a shame, but all we can do is this," Iva said as he took out the transponder snails that was watching them with his Winks. "If we think logically, we can't make it on time. Ace-boy is already being escorted to the meeting place. We, on the other hand, have to deal with all the enemies standing in our way. The military convoy is quite fast. Observe the Vivre Card."

Luffy took out Ace's Vivre Card and it was pointing straight up. Luffy knew by seeing the paper like this that Iva's words were true. They were truly too late.

"He's probably being handed to the marines as we speak," Iva said. "Right now we need to change our attitude. I will do everything in my power to help you escape this prison safely."

Luffy was no longer listening to Iva. He was instead staring straight up, past the stone ceiling. His expression was blank, but Ben knew by his demeanor that there was only one course of action left to him. The action that would lead him to Ace and both of their destinies.

Luffy closed his hand around the shrunken Vivre Card as he steeled himself. "Ben and I are going too."

Iva stopped talking when he heard Luffy speak. "Huh?"

"We're going to Marine Headquarters!" Luffy proclaimed.

The sentence was like a thunderbolt had struck the room. Even Ben felt the weight of the statement.

"Are you stupid!?" Iva snapped.

"This is a battle between the world's greatest powers!" Iva yelled. "What can you and Ben Boy do if you go there!? Do you not realize Whitebeard's true strength!? Do you not realize the marines' strength with their admirals, vice-admirals, and Warlords!? Did you forget that you fought Magellan one-on-one and almost died!? How many lives do you think you have left to spare!?"

Hearing Iva rant really put into perspective what Luffy was about to do to the Omnitrix wielder. Luffy was going up against the best in his entire world. He would be an ant in the middle of a raging storm. He would be torn apart.

Worse yet, Ben could tell by the look in his eyes that he was fully aware that if he took this course of action that he might not come back.

"What is it?" Iva asked as he saw that same expression in Luffy's face.

"If I give up now, I'll regret it forever," Luffy said as he stared Iva right in his eyes.

"Then we're in agreement," Ben stated. His expression turned serious, "But first, we need to find another way up this floor."

As Luffy spoke, a visage of Ace flashed across his memory.

---

Flashback

"But we're still alive after having made an oath with him. So listen, Luffy. We have to live a life with no regrets. One day, we're going to sail the seas and live our lives as we want! No one will be freer than us!" Ace proclaimed.

---

Luffy's eyes seemed to flash as he remembered his vow to his brother. He would lead a life of no regrets, even if it took him to the grave. He wouldn't let history repeat itself. He wouldn't let the world take his final brother.

Iva was startled and nearly fell backwards. He was overwhelmed by Luffy's words and conviction. He began to look at Luffy differently as he stepped away from the boy captain. Iva regarded Luffy now like he wasn't some stupid child who understood nothing, but as a man who was willing to spit destiny in the eye and take his own path no matter the outcome. Whether Iva helped him or not, Luffy's path was set.

"Before all that, we cannot even escape from this floor," Inazuma said, calming the heated atmosphere.

A dry chuckle suddenly filled the room. Luffy and the others looked at the cell right next to them.

"If you want to escape from here, set me free," the snide voice of the former Warlord and former president of Baroque Works Crocodile said from the shadows of his cell. He was now sporting a prison uniform, but he kept his hook for some reason. The former Warlord looked well, not showing any signs of torture or discomfort. He gave Luffy a cocky smile. "I can open a hole in the ceiling. So, how about it?"

Luffy's eyes widened when he saw his former enemy. Unlike many of Luffy's other foes, he could never forget Crocodile.

"Crocodile!" Luffy exclaimed as hatred and anger rose in his voice. He was close to growling.

"You mean that psychopath who tried to take over your friend's country you told me about?" Ben questioned, "You were right, he is ugly!"

Crocodile ignored Ben as he laughed at Luffy. "Long time no see, Strawhat!"

The two pirates glared at each other for a moment. Despite Crocodile having his dreams and ambitions crushed by Luffy, he didn't seem to hold any ill will towards the rubberman. In fact, one could say he almost seemed happy to see Luffy again.

"I had been thinking that even if I were on the outside, there would be nothing going on that interest me," Crocodile said. "Now, however, I hear the Whitebeard Pirates and the marines are going to war. I never thought I would get the chance to take that old man's head."

"He makes it sounds like he's on vacation or something," Ben said as he narrowed his eyes.

"I am interested in this war," Crocodile stated. "With my powers, we can all escape from here. It is not a bad deal, is it? We both have something to gain."

"Screw you!" Luffy yelled at Crocodile. "You're the one who made a mess of Vivi's country!"

"That is all in the past," Crocodile said dismissively. "I no longer have any interest in that country."

"Jeez, Are you kidding me!? You sound like you broke up with a bad date or something," Ben said.

"Let's release him, Strawhat-boy," Iva said, surprising Luffy and Ben. "He would make a powerful ally."

"Iva, that guy..." Luffy started to argue as he pointed at Crocodile.

"You're not stopping here. If you're going to Marine Headquarters you will need him even more," Iva cut off.

"As much as I hate to admit it, which I really can't," Ben said, "But we need all the help we can get."

"Ivankov!" Crocodile growled, getting Ben's attention.

Crocodile was literally shaking in rage and he clenched his teeth so tightly that his jaw must undoubtedly hurt.

"Long time no see, Croco-boy," Iva greeted with a cheeky grin. There was almost sadistic pleasure in his voice.

"What, you know him?" Luffy asked as he looked between the two.

"We've met back when he was still a rookie," Iva said, pissing off Crocodile even more. "It will be alright. Even if he tries to betray us, I can hold him back." His smile got even more vicious as he leaned closer to the cell. "You can't completely trust him, but I have a firm grasp on this guy's weakness."

"Hey, if you say anything uncalled for..." Crocodile started to yell, losing all of his previous cool demeanor.

"Oh my, you really think it's a good idea to give me that tone?" Iva asked mockingly. It sounded like he was scolding a naughty child. "I don't mind telling everyone right now about your past."

Crocodile growled at the Okama Queen.

"As long as you're a good boy and help us out, I won't say anything," Iva said in a sweet, sing-song voice.

"Why you..." Crocodile snarled, but could do nothing.

"Man, now I want to know what this big secret is," Ben said.

Some of the other prisoners who were listening started to demand to be released, too, so they could take Whitebeard's head. Iva responded by Death Winking them in the face.

"I beg you, please, take me with you! I will definitely help you!" Jimbei yelled from his cell, causing everyone to turn towards him. "I have known Ace since he joined the Whitebeard Pirates! He told me everything about you, his little brother! I am here because I opposed this war! I wish to save Ace! Please, let me chose the place of my death!"

Iva's eyes widened, shock that Jimbei would offer his assistance.

Luffy stared at Jimbei, as if judging the sincerity of his words. Before long, he came up with his answer. "Sure."

"Hey, is it really okay?" Inazuma asked in concern. "We know nothing of this guy's personality or how dangerous he might be."

"It's fine. Let him out," Luffy said.

"Like I said before," Ben said, "We need all the help we can get."

Jimbei nodded at Luffy. "I am most grateful."

Iva also nodded his head in agreement towards Inazuma.

With all the arrangements made, Inazuma went to work and freed Jimbei and Crocodile from their shackles. In that moment, a powerful and very unlikely team was formed.

---

The guards quickly rushed down the stairs, masks on their faces and rifles in their hands, prepared to apprehend the criminals that they had trapped on Level 6...or so they think.

"Stay on your toes! Remember that Straw Hat, Ivankov, and Inazuma all have Devil Fruit powers! Be sure to arm yourselves with prison bullets!"

The guards broke the shields that Inazuma had made.

"We've reached Level 6!" said one of the guards.

"Be careful! The enemy is waiting there!"

As the dust cleared, the guards gasped in shock and surprise. There, in front of them, is a huge stone spiral, going right through the ceiling!

"Who made that?"

"There's this giant hole in the ceiling!"

"Where are those four? Find them!"

The guards disperse, searching the room for Luffy, Ben, Ivankov, and Inazuma, when suddenly…

"What kind of idiots would stick around after making an escape route?" asked a voice.

The guards turned and saw the owner of the voice: the Ex-Head Jailer, Shiryu.

"Head Jailer Shiryu!" said one of the girls.

"Just look at you all," said Shiryu with a toothy smirk. "You're totally and completely ineffectual without me. You can't do anything right. This is definitely a failure of epic proportions, a stain on the reputation of Impel Down. The four that you're looking for freed Crocodile and Jimbei…"

"What?"

"And went through to Level 5 through that hole," Shiryu said.

He then grinned wider.

"Tell Magellan," he begins, "that I'm willing to help!"

"W-what?" questioned the guard. "B-but-"

---

Crocodile was true to his word and used his powers to make a hole in the ceiling, using the spiral staircase that Inazuma made with his ability. Once free from Level 6, they returned to Level 5.5 to get the remaining troops and for Crocodile to change his clothes into something more fitting of his style.

Bon Clay, who had regained consciousness, insisted on having an adrenaline shot too. He wanted to be able to help Luffy despite everything he had already done.

With Bon Clay being taken care of and Inazuma getting the remaining Newkama Land people ready for a massive uproar, Jimbei, Crocodile, Ben, and Luffy left the safety of Level 5.5 first and ran to escape from Hell.

As the four powerhouses ran towards the staircase that led to Level 4, Crocodile turned his head towards Luffy and gave him particular stare. "I have to say, Strawhat, I never thought you would go this far. I knew you were a thoughtless fool who recklessly throws his life away for others, but I never expected that you would break into Hell for the sake of one person. Now, you actually want to go into a war zone with the greatest in the world. Do you see your life as that meaningless, or are you just stupid?"

Luffy glared at Crocodile. "What I do is my business."

Crocodile chuckled. "Still have not changed, Strawhat Luffy. Your brother means that much to you? To the point that you abandoned your own crew to save him?"

Luffy said nothing.

"How about your own desires? Were you not the one spouting about how you would become the Pirate King? Has hearing about your brother's execution made you give up your own ambition?" Crocodile continued to inquiry.

Ben started to get angry. This guy was really getting on his nerves.

Jimbei gave the fellow Warlord a hard stare.

Luffy said nothing for several seconds. "I will do anything I can to save Ace."

"Even risking Hell?" Crocodile questioned.

"He's worth more than Hell," Luffy answered in absolution. "I'll follow him to the end of the world."

Crocodile smirked. "And what if you fail? Will you also follow him in death?"

The question made Ben cringe. He was about ready to go Rath on Crocodile.

"Crocodile," Jimbei growled in disapproval.

"I won't let Ace die," Luffy said, stopping Jimbei from saying anything more. "I'll die before I let them kill him."

Crocodile stared at Luffy for a moment longer before he turned his eyes back in front of him. He seemed strangely satisfied.

Ben gave Luffy a worried look, but chose to stay silent.

It took only a few seconds after the conversation had ended for the quartet to reach the exit to Level 5.

"It is almost ten in the morning right now!" Jimbei yelled as they ran up the flight of stairs to Level 4. "The execution will take place at three this afternoon. They are certain to carry out the execution at that exact moment! If Whitebeard intends to stop them, he should attack several hours before the execution! Ace is already being taken across the sea! The battle could break out any minute now!"

"They won't kill him before three o'clock, right!?" Luffy asked. "Then we still have a chance!"

Crocodile floated ahead of the group and used his ability to dissolve the door that was blocking their path. They were greeted on the other side by dozens of jailers who stupidly attempted to shoot Crocodile. Naturally, it didn't work.

Crocodile dried the idiot jailors to near dust, while the other jailers attempted to attack Luffy. They were smart enough to shoot him with seastone nets, but Luffy easily evaded them and took to the air.

"Gum Gum Rain!" Luffy screamed as he unleashed rain punches upon the jailers.

In a green flash, Ben turned into Swampfire. He then unleashed a massive stream of fire that engulfed and burned many of the jailors.

Jimbei took out his jailers by using his Fishman Karate to hit them without even physically touching them. It looked like they were hit by as gust of wind, although they Strawhats knew it was Jimbei manipulating the water inside the jailers' body.

"Whoa!" cried one of the guards. "What kind of a punch was that? How are we supposed to fight something like that?"

"We're up against a pirate that is worth 300,000,00 Berries, someone who transform into a variety of monsters, plus two Warlords!" exclaimed another jailer.

"Stand you ground!" said one more. "We have to hold them off as best we can until reinforcements arrive!"

To say that the jailers stood no chance would have been an understatement. Somewhere during the one-sided beat down, Crocodile suddenly left the group and floated towards one of the holding areas.

Despite easily out-matching all of the jailers, the guards of Impel Down were succeeding in slowing Luffy, Ben, and Jimbei's progress. That was until their backup arrived.

Iva, Inazuma, Bon Clay, and the others from Newkama Land came charging up the stairs like soldiers of war. They were fewer in numbers, but they all easily overran the jailers, pushing them back.

"We finally made it!" Iva screamed as he pumped his arms.

"Straw-Boy! Ben Boy!" Bon Clay yelled happily as he spun around.

At that moment, Crocodile returned and he brought someone with him.

The man wasn't wearing a shirt, but he had the pants of the prison uniform. He had dark skin and clean-cut gray hair. On his chest was kanji that spelt the number one. Much like Crocodile, he had a no-nonsense demeanor.

"Mr. 1, why are you here!?" Bon Clay exclaimed in surprise.

Mr. 1 barely acknowledged Bon Clay.

"Who's this guy?" Luffy asked.

"He's the guy who was beaten by Waistband back in Alabasta!" Bon Clay exclaimed.

"Oh, someone I don't know then," Luffy said casually.

With all their forces gathered, the makeshift army started to move, ready to take on the demons of Impel Down. Somewhere during the charge, Iva made his head grow and his face now towered over the rest of the group as they ran.

Regardless of how ridiculous it looked, Iva's Death Wink destroyed the barricade that the jailers set up. Luffy and the others handled the remaining jailors as they ran through the guards like they were cardboard cutouts.

As they ran by the cells, the people of Newkama Land used the keys that they had stolen to release any prisoner they could find to increase their numbers. The prisoners were more than happy to not only attempt an escape, but to get even with their tormentors.

---

The waves lapped against the hull of the battleships as they begin to sail away from Impel Down.

"There appears to be an unprecedented riot on Impel Down," said Vice-Admiral Onigumo. "And the ring leaders behind it is Monkey D. Luffy and a man with an unknown power that allows him to shapeshift into powerful creatures."

On board one of them, Onigumo turned away from Ace, who sat on a chair, locked in chains.

"Take a good, long look at the sky, Fire Fist," said Onigumo, "because once we get you on the execution platform in Marineford and your shackles have been locked…it's the last thing you'll ever see."

Ace stared up at the sky, watching three seagulls fly away, before he looked down in defeat.

So this is it. It appeared that Ace has accepted his fate.

---

Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters…

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"

"Did you find him?!"

"No! We can't find him, anywhere!"

There is quite a commotion going on in Sengoku's office as a panicked Vice-Admiral came storming into the room.

"'Fire Fist' Ace is going to be executed in just over five hours from now!" said the Vice-Admiral. "Whitebeard could attack at any moment! Meanwhile, the Warlord Blackbeard…BLACKBEARD IS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND!"

Sengoku gasped.

"And that's not all, sir! A battleship that wasn't given clearance to embark…arrived just now, at Impel Down!"

Sengoku froze.

"We don't think that this is related, sir, but…"

---

Back at Impel Down, at the Main Entrance, the guards suddenly came to the pier and readied their weapons as a group of mysterious figures made their way towards the prison from one of the battleships…that has just arrived…?

"W-wait! Hold on, please! He haven't requested reinforcements!"

"We have an emergency going on, right now! We can't be held responsible for this!"

"We'll request confirmation from headquarters right away!"

"I don't care," said a familiar grisly voice. "After all, aren't we supposed to be on the same side, here?"

"But it is strictly forbidden for any pirate to go near the prison…what the?!"

The guards suddenly felt themselves sinking…into the pier- or rather into a dark void as the figures walked passed them.

"AAAAAAAAH!" they screamed before they were completely engulfed.

The figures are revealed to be…the Blackbeard Pirates.

"It's all right," said Blackbeard. "I'm with the Government now, am I right?"

"Man, what a gloomy place this is! WEE-HA-HA!" laughed Burgess.

"Zehahaha…!" Blackbeard laughed.

"Reporting, sir!" said one of the staff. "The Marine crew of Blackbeard's battleship…has been annihilated!"

At that moment, a troop of Marines appeared the Blackbeard crew and pointed their rifles at them.

"Stop right there!" said one of the Marines. "All of you!"

Blackbeard turned to face the Marines with a sick grin and snicker.

"LIBERATION!"

Blackbeard released all the things that he had engulfed upon the Marines, including the guards. They are all bloody…and looked absolutely terrified.

"Look! It's the guards that he swallowed!" said a Marine.

"Hey, are you all right? Hang in there!"

"D…darkness…!" gasped one of the guards. "M…make it stop!"

"It's Marshall D. Teach, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea! It's Blackbeard and his crew! He's entering the prison with clearly malicious intentions, and WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT HE WANTS HERE! AWAITING ORDERS, SIR- AAAAH!"

The line went dead…

---

Inside the prison, Hannyabal is foaming at the mouth, beside himself with panic.

That's it! That's IT! Hannyabal thought. It's over! My life is over! Oh, wait! It's just the beginning! It's only the beginning of a life of frustration at never being able to attain my dream! I'll never be the Warden at this rate!"

The Vice-Warden started to reel backwards.

"Vice-Warden!"

"Get a hold of yourself, sir!"

"How can I?!" Hannyabal shouted. "Straw Hat Luffy and that shapeshifter are on Level 4, Buggy the Clown is on Level 2, and Blackbeard's at the main entrance! WHERE AM I SUPPOSED TO START?!"

He suddenly faced one of the guards.

"I know!" he said. "Let's go back to the monitor room and eat some yummy rice cakes!"

"ARE YOU MAD, VICE-WARDEN?!" asked the guard. "PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER, SIR! YOU MUST PROTECT IMPEL DOWN!"

"THAT'S EASY FOR YOU TO SAY!" Hannyabal argued. "YOUR HEAD ISN'T ON THE LINE, UNLIKE MINE!"

One of the Mini Transponder Snail rang and the guard picked it up.

"Hannyabal! Can you hear me?"

"Oh! Warden Magellan, sir!" the guard said. "Where are you right now?!"

---

On his way from Level 2, Magellan is there with Domino and another guard, his hands dripping with poison, and all around him, the prisoners were drenched in it, as well as suffocating from the Poison Spider Cloud.

"I've dealt with these rioting fools on Level 2," spoke Magellan into the Transponder Snail.

"WHAT?!" Hannyabal cried on the other line.

"I've sealed off all the exits from that floor," Magellan explained. "They'll all be immobilized, soon."

---

On Level 2, Buggy and Mr. 3, as well the riot that they've been leading, have found, to their horror, that one of the ways out of the floor has been blocked off by an oozing wall of poison.

"Captain Buggy!" cried one of the prisoners. "This passage has been cut off by poison, too!"

"Damn that Magellan!" Buggy cursed. "That cheater!"

"This is terrible! Just terrible!" Mr. 3 cried.

---

"I have no idea why Blackbeard would want to attack us," Magellan began, "but I've already taken a measure against him and his crew, even though it pained me to do so. We can't ask for reinforcements from Marine Headquarters, so we'll have to deal with the situation ourselves. Do what you can to suppress the riot at Level 4! I will be heading there soon, myself."

---

"Until then, try to hold out!"

Hannyabal is in tears as a…rather ironic sense of relief overcomes him.

"YEAH, WARDEN~! WARDEN, WARDEN, WARDEN!" he suddenly cheers as he starts to spin his arm around and around.

"Sir! Let's go, already!" said one of the guards.

---

Meanwhile, on Level 6, one prisoner has been let out of his cell by the guards: Shiryu of the Rain.

Shiryu is revealed to be a rather large man, as tall as Blackbeard in height. He has a black officer's cap with a red stripe that has white ear-flips on the sides, and maroon gloves. The bill of his hat seemed to be kept rather low, slightly obscuring his eyes. He also possesses a prominent chin. Unlike the other prisoners, however, he is wearing the uniform worn by most of the staff of Impel Down. He did not have his devil-like wings to go with the outfit, like Magellan's and Hannyabal's, but now, he wears a long white, yellow, and black jacket draped over the uniform, like a cape, and on the back of the jacket is the kanji for prison.

Shiryu flicked on his lighter and lit his cigar.

"I learned my lesson, all right," said Shiryu. "Endless boredom is worse than death. But let's get one thing straight here: you're not going to make me work, and then send me right back into my cell, right…Magellan?"

"You're on a reprieve from death row," said Magellan from the other end of the Transponder Snail. "There won't be a next time."

"Right," said Shiryu. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Here is your sword, sir," said one of the guards as he hands Shiryu a long-bladed katana with a square guard and a sheath that is white on the top half and red on the bottom half.

"I'm leaving Blackbeard to you, Shiryu," said Magellan.

"Understood," said Shiryu.

The Transponder Snail fell asleep as Magellan fell asleep.

Shiryu snickered as he held up his katana and started to slowly unsheathe it.

"My sword," he said to himself. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

The guards seemed confused at first, but then, Shiryu lunges at them, quick as a flash, and cuts them all down!

"AAAAAAAGH!" the guards screamed until they fell to the floor.

"Sorry about that," Shiryu said, nonchalantly.

---

Luffy and the others were almost off the narrow bridge when the four Demon Guards confronted them.

"Luffy-kun, Ben-kun! let's go! I will help you," Jimbei said as he ran beside Luffy. "Though, I am not very good fighting on land."

"Really? You're pretty tough," Luffy said, mildly surprised.

"Get them, Demon Guard!" Sadie yelled as the three demons charged forward.

Crocodile floated in to assist Swampfire, Jimbei and Luffy just as the Strawhat captain activated his Third Gear.

Crocodile took out the rhino beast with a sand tornado that flung it into the air and Jimbei easily defeated the zebra demon with one punch from his Fishman Karate, Swampfire formed two whip like vines with fire at the tips and with one forward motion, the Minotaurus was down for the count with an x-shaped gash on it's chest. Leaving Luffy with the teddy bear-looking demon. With one Giant Pistol, the Demon Guard went down and didn't stand back up.

The ringleader of the Demon Guards fought the army of Newkama Land and was easily defeating them. All the while, Sadie was moaning as she enjoyed their pain and encouraged them to scream louder.

Luffy moved in to fight the sadistic woman, but he was pushed aside by Iva.

"Didn't I tell you to keep moving forward!?" Iva scolded as he faced the vicious Head Jailor. "I will be your opponent." After he said that, Iva injected himself with hormones and transformed himself into a woman much to Ben's disbelief.

While Iva fought, Luffy and the others ran towards the exit of Level 4. Their escape, however, was blocked by the Vice-Warden, Hannyabal. He twirled his halberd around as he prepared for battle.

"This is the fortress of Hell!" Hannyabal proclaimed as he stared defiantly at the escapees. "You shall not pass!"

"Who is this guy, barging in like he's so big?" Luffy asked in annoyance.

"Hannyabal, the Assistant-Warden of this prison," Inazuma stated.

Some of the prisoners attempted to rush Hannyabal, but they were quickly shot down by guns that had nets in them, pinning them to the floor.

"Behold, I've got a thousand men guarding the stairs to Level 3 all wielding bazookas loaded with special prison ammunition!" Hannyabal exclaimed proudly. "There's no escape for you!"

Luffy growled as he slowly approached the Vice-Warden. Both of their eyes were hardened in determination.

Hannyabal got into position. "To protect the bright future of the defenseless civilians, Strawhat, the infamous, world-renowned pirate, I will carry out your sentence on the Warden's behalf!"

"Move it!" Luffy demanded.

"No way!" Hannyabal shouted.

Suddenly, Hannyabal found himself getting knocked back by a vicious uppercut from Swampfire.

"AGH!" the Vice-Warden cried as he was sent flying back.

"You had better not get in our way," Swampfire said.

"Ben, what are you doing?!" Luffy asked his friend.

"It looks like he's trying to fight off Hannyabal for us," Inazuma answered.

Hannyabal suddenly stood up.

"So," he said, "you think you can actually go toe-to-toe with me, do you, shapeshifter?!"

"I don't think, pal," Swampfire replied, "I know. Time to go Ultimate!"

Luffy's eyes widened. Meanwhile Iva, Inazuma, Jimbei, and Crocodile gave Swampfire confused looks.

Swampfire slammed the Omnitrix dial. His body suddenly became more wood-like in appearance, making him look more like some kind of tree. Three huge blue shells of some sort stuck out of his back, making his upper torso, except for his arms, to appear a bit roundish.

"ULTIMATE SWAMPFIRE!" he roared.

Iva, Inazuma, Jimbei, and Crocodile's eyes widened. None of them had ever seen a power like this. While Luffy had stars in his eyes.

"So cool!" He yelled.

Ultimate Swampfire grinned at Hannyabal while cracking his knuckles. "So, you ready for a beating?" he asked.

"Don't underestimate me!" Hannyabal yelled as he spun his halberd, making it catch on fire.

He jumped forward and began to ruthlessly attack Ultimate Swampfire with the flaming weapon.

"If you don't move, I'll be forced to hurt you," Ultimate Swampfire yelled as his anger built. "We will save Ace!"

"Don't make me laugh! If you could defeat me so easily, I wouldn't be worthy of being the Vice-Warden!" Hannyabal shouted as he attempted to impale the evolved Methanosian.

Ultimate Swampfire backed away from Hannyabal and got into a fighting stance. He didn't waste another moment as he raised his hands. Blue fire erupted through the holes in his hands and went straight at Hannyabal's shocked face. This blue fire was many times bigger than Swampfire's flames. The Vice-Warden screamed in pain as the flames scorched his body. sending him spiraling towards the floor in a burned heap.

Hannyabal lay still on the floor and appeared to be unconscious. Ultimate Swampfire then proceeded to walk past the seemingly-defeated man. He was taken off-guard when Hannyabal suddenly grabbed him by the leg and began to stand up with much effort.

"Let go of me!" Ultimate Swampfire yelled as he kicked Hannyabal away from him.

"I will not...let you pass!" Hannyabal screamed as he attempted to slash Ultimate Swampfire. His attacks were not as fast as before and the man was barely holding on to consciousness.

"Move it!" Ultimate Swampfire yelled as he punched Hannyabal, sending the Vice-Warden crashing into the floor again.

Hannyabal, however, quickly stood back up. "That was nothing! I can still fight!" He set his halberd back on fire attempted to attack Ultimate Swampfire.

"Get out of my way!" Ultimate Swampfire screamed as he punched him again, sending him into the floor for the third time.

Hannyabal got back up, regardless of numerous burns and bruises covering his body. He was also breathing hard and was very unsteady on his feet.

"I...I will not let you pass!" Hannyabal yelled with fire in his eyes.

Before he could move, Ultimate Swampfire reached into the one of the blue shells in his back and scooped some of the substance. "Take this!"

The next thing Hannyabal knew was an explosion right in his face. He was blasted backwards and landed on his back. He tried to get up but was blasted by a roaring, blue inferno. Hannyabal roared in pain as he felt his body being baked.

"Stay down!" Ultimate Swampfire told the Vice-Warden.

Hannyabal got back to his feet. "Never," he said.

Ultimate Swampfire sighed. "Will you just give up? We need to get out of this prison right now."

"I'm not letting you pass!" Hannyabal interrupted as he got his halberd ready for another round.

The fight went on, although it was more of a one-sided beat down than an actual battle. Ben completely dominated Hannyabal, burning him mercilessly into a crisp. Still, Hannyabal refused to stay down and kept getting up no matter how many times Ben burned him.

His powerful allies stood by as they waited for Ben to finish Hannyabal. Most of them looked annoyed by the distraction, while both Luffy and Jimbei looked grimly understanding.

The guards and jailers in the area begged Hannyabal to stay down before Ben killed him.

Hannyabal went flying into the floor so hard that he left a crater in the stone.

"We're going to save Luffy's brother no matter what!" Ultimate Swampfire yelled, tried of Hannyabal standing in his way.

Hannyabal was still able to stand by leaning on his halberd for support. He was bleeding badly and looked only half conscious. "What do you mean you're going to save your brother!? Don't try to glorify the trash of society!"

Luffy's eye twitched at Hannyabal calling Ace trash while Ultimate Swampfire glared angrily at the Vice-Warden.

"You pirates and rebels gained your reputations outside by committing crimes!" Hannyabal shouted as he glared accursedly at everyone within the area. Everyone could see the righteous fury in his eyes. "Civilians can't sleep at night fearing that their loved ones will lose their lives, and it's all because you scum sail the seas! It's why we imprison the most dangerous criminals around the world; to make sure that the defenseless civilians can rest easy!" He took several deep breaths. "This is the fortress of Hell! If it were to fall, the whole world would descend into the depths of fear!"

"Yeah, most pirates are criminals who probably do deserve to go to prison. I certainly met some monsters in my lifetime," Ben growled, narrowing his eyes and clenching his wooden fists. "But, given the atrocities I've heard about what your Government has committed in the name of so-called 'justice,' your point falls really flat."

Luffy heard the alien hero's words, and he grinned.

"Well said, Ben," he said. "You sure told him."

"You damn monster," Hannyabal as he stood back up, once more.

"Listen, pal! Ace is important to me, so move it!" Luffy screamed, not affected at all by Hannyabal's words.

"I can't reason with a couple of fools!" Hannyabal yelled.

Before Ultimate Swampfire and Hannyabal could engage each other again, there were some kind of commotion behind the Vice-Warden, and the guards that were there began screaming as if they were in pain. A black mist was swallowing the jailers.

"What in the world is that!?" Ultimate Swampfire exclaimed.

"Just give it up!" a familiar voice yelled as darkness engulfed Hannyabal. "Don't go spouting that crap about justice and evil! You can look all over the world, but you'll never find an answer!" The mist formed into a man and Hannyabal was ruthlessly kicked in the face, putting him down for good.

Blackbeard removed his foot from Hannyabal's face and gave a sadistic grin.

"He's the guy I met in Jaya!" Luffy exclaimed as he immediately recognized the man.

Blackbeard scanned over the group with an amused expression. "Well, this is an impressive group. We walked in on a pretty major incident, huh?"

The rest of Blackbeard's crew walked down the stairs to join their captain.

"Teach, what are you doing here!?" Jimbei demanded. "Or, I suppose it's Blackbeard now."

Luffy's eyes widened when he heard the name.

"I guess this is the Blackbeard that old woman mentioned back in Amazon Lily," Ultimate Swampfire mused.

"Jimbei, hey, hey, no need to be so violent. Mind loosening that fist of yours?" Blackbeard asked in a friendly voice. "Oh yeah, I heard Ace and you were good friends. But I'm not the one you should be blaming here." He began to laugh.

"Blackbeard!?" Luffy exclaimed as rage overtook him. "So you're...Blackbeard!?" He walked over to the other pirate until he was standing right in front of him. Ben could really see how Blackbeard towered over their captain. Luffy looked like small child compared to the treasonous pirate.

"Huh, I never introduced myself, did I?" Blackbeard asked in an amused tone. "Long time no see, Strawhat! I sure was surprised when I heard that you were Commander Ace's little brother. Shouldn't you be there? They're going to start soon, you know? Your brother's execution, that is!" He laughed again.

Luffy glared at Blackbeard, looking ready to punch the man across the room.

Blackbeard pointed at Crocodile. "From what I've heard, you're the one who took down the ex-Warlord Crocodile over there, Strawhat Luffy. Back then, when I was still trying to become a Warlord, I thought the best idea was to kill you and use that to prove my strength to the World Government."

Luffy narrowed his eyes at Blackbeard.

"But it seems fate was in your favor! Ace, who had been chasing me even since I broke the law of Whitebeard's ship, just happened to be your brother!" Blackbeard exclaimed. "Once he realized that we were planning on killing his little brother, he just had to fight us himself!"

Luffy's eyes widened at the revelation and all the color drained from his face.

Ben was equally as shocked.

"If he had let us go, not only would he have disgraced Whitebeard, but his brother would had been killed too!" Blackbeard continued with a wide grin on his face.

"There is no such thing as coincidence in one's fate," Van Augur, one of Blackbeard's men with a rifle on his back said. "Meaning..."

"You got lucky!" Doc Q, the sickly old man of the group finished.

"Now that the captain has become a Warlord, he has no need to take your life," Laffitte, a man in a top hat said.

"Your brother put up an admirable fight!" Jesus Burgess, one of the larger members of Blackbeard crew yelled.

"You should be thankful for Ace's interference," Blackbeard said almost cruelly, his grin never leaving his face. "If he hadn't interfered, the one dying today would be you, Strawhat!" He pointed right at Luffy, who was trembling in both rage and grief.

All this information was too much for Luffy and he immediately went into his Second Gear. His skin matched the burning rage within his heart.

"In that case...WHY DON'T YOU TRY KILLING ME NOW!" Luffy screamed in pure fury.

Apparently, Blackbeard was not expecting this strong of a reaction.

"Gum Gum Jet Pistol!" Luffy shouted as he slammed his fist into Blackbeard's stomach, sending the man flying across the room and into a nearby wall. The Warlord didn't know what hit him.

"Captain!" the Blackbeard Pirates yelled in dismay as their captain grabbed his head and screamed in anguish as he rolled across the floor.

"I'm not letting Ace die!" Luffy shouted as Blackbeard stood back up.

Blackbeard started to form a black mist as he readied himself for Luffy's next attack.

Luffy charged forward and prepared another punch.

Before he could make his move, Blackbeard sucked Luffy into what looked like a black hole in his hand. Luffy couldn't fight against the pull and he was now trapped in Blackbeard's grip.

When Blackbeard grabbed him, Luffy immediately lost his Second Gear. Blackbeard smiled viciously as he rammed Luffy into the floor, causing blood to fly out of the rubberman's mouth. Ben actually heard bones crack from the impact.

Now Luffy was the one rolling on the floor. He was screaming at the top of his lungs about how much it hurt.

Luffy eventually recovered and jumped away from Blackbeard. He looked baffled at what just happened as his Second Gear returned. The side of his head was bleeding badly.

"Blood?" Luffy whispered as he wiped his face.

Blackbeard laughed. "I can tell by your face that you have no idea what just happened. Your brother Ace had the same expression and that's how I won against him. You get it yet? Devil Fruit powers are useless against me!"

Before his tirade could continue, a blue fireball hit him in his chest.

"You want a challenge?" Ultimate Swampfire demanded, "Well, you've got one now!" in a flash of green light, he transformed back into Swampfire, then transformed again into Humungousaur and then another flash, "ULTIMATE HUMUNGOUSAUR!"

Before Blackbeard could respond, he was intercepted when Ultimate Humongosaur spun around, bringing his spiked tail in contact with the Warlord's face. The blow stunned him long enough for Ultimate Humongosaur to spin around again and deliver a wicked uppercut.

"Captain!" the other Blackbeard pirates shouted out, "Who the hell is that supposed to be?!"

"That's for Ace!" he yelled, before turning back into Humongosaur, then transforming again into Kickin' Hawk.

Blackbeard tried to punch him, but the bird-like alien nimbly dodge and kicked him in the stomach.

"That was for Luffy!" another flash, this time transforming into Gravattack.

The orange, rocky alien changed Blackbeard's gravity, sending him hurtling upwards to the ceiling, then increased the gravity a hundred-fold, smashing the General against the ground. Another flash, this time into NRG

Before Blackbeard could get up, NRG sent a concentrated beam of radiation right into his chest, making him scream in agony.

Another flash, into Spitter who was a green alien with a small body and a large head had opened its mouth and covered Blackbeard in disgusting goo, then transformed again into Ampfibian.

Ampfibian then sent a wave of electricity at Blackbeard; however, the goo from Spitter was extremely conductive, so the effect of the attack was greatly enhanced.

As Blackbeard fell to his knees, smoke rising from his body, Ampfibian transformed again into Rath and then another green flash, "ULTIMATE RATH!"

"Let me tell ya something, Blackbeard," Ultimate Rath shouted, "This is because I don't like you!"

Ultimate Rath grabbed Blackbeard's wrist and spun in a circle, building momentum before launching the Warlord into the air, then launched his missile-claws, sending Blackbeard even higher and then crashing back into the unforgiving ground. Ultimate Rath turned back into Rath and transformed one more time into Diamondhead.

"Hell yeah, Ben! So what if this bastard can stop Devil Fruits from working!? I'm still gonna kick his ass!" Luffy shouted at Blackbeard who sported many cuts, bruises, and burns from Ben's assault. He ran in to attack Blackbeard again, but was stopped by Jimbei intercepting him.

"Wait, Luffy-kun, stop! You too Ben-kun!" Jimbei yelled.

"Let me go!" Luffy screamed as he struggled to get free.

"I'm not letting this guy get away with what he's done!" Diamondhead shouted.

"This is not the time, just endure it!" Jimbei yelled reason to the hotheaded rubberman and shapeshifter. "What is more important here!? Ever since he was on Whitebeard's ship no has ever known his true nature. I do not know what tricks he used, but he certainly possesses the power to defeat even Ace! We cannot afford to waste time and energy here! If you two get carried away and fight him here, we will not have time to save Ace!"

This cooled Luffy down as he took several deep breaths. He allowed his Second Gear to dissipate. Right now, his brother's life meant more than vengeance.

After a few moments, Diamondhead nodded in agreement. They had bigger priorities right now.

Blackbeard despite his injuries, laughed again. "You're even stronger than I had imagined. Your Haki has increased too. As for you, that's a rather impressive ability you got there, is that supposed to be a type of Zoan Devil Fruit power or something else entirely?"

"If I told you, you probably wouldn't get it," Diamondhead replied.

"You said you are Blackbeard, right?" Crocodile asked with his arms crossed. "I have heard some no-name pirate from the Whitebeard's crew had taken my place among the Seven Warlords. It is not odd, however. Why would you, who have been called to Marine Headquarters, be down here now? You are pretty much throwing away the Warlord rank you wanted so badly."

Blackbeard laughed. "It's all a part of my plan. It's not like I'm obligated to tell you anything, Mister Crocodile."

"That is true and to be honest, I do not really care," Crocodile said in a bored voice.

"Pretty touchy, aren't you?" Blackbeard mused.

An explosion behind the two groups returned everyone to the fact that they were inside Impel Down.

"What's that!?" Bon Clay exclaimed.

"Magellan is here!" someone from the back yelled.

Everyone knew that they were in trouble.

"This is not good," Iva said, still in his female form. "Strawhat-boy, Ben-Boy, hurry up and go! If you're hit by any more of Magellan's poison, I won't be able to bring you back to life again!"

No one had to be told twice to run as the prisoners and the people of Newkama Land ran up the now cleared stairway.

Before Luffy joined them, he glared one last time at Blackbeard, who was still grinning cockily.

"You took out the guards blocking the staircase. That made things easier for us," Jimbei observed.

Blackbeard naturally laughed. "Well, you guys helped us out too. All this panic is a real convenience for us."

"I'm definitely going to save Ace!" Luffy yelled defiantly at Blackbeard.

Blackbeard laughed, but it wasn't a mocking laugh. "Sure, I won't say it's useless. After all, there's no such thing as impossible in this world."

Luffy began to walk passed Blackbeard, trying to control his temper.

"Sky Island did exist, didn't it?" Blackbeard suddenly asked, stopping Luffy. "One Piece is the same. It definitely exists!" He laughed one last time before walking away. "Look forward to seeing it too, you guys! In just a few hours, we will give you a show that will shake the world to its core!"

"What's with up with this guy?" Ben asked. "One minute he's mocking Luffy about his brother and the next he's encouraging him?"

"Do not bother with him, Luffy-kun, Ben-kun," Jimbei said in a gentle voice as he walked up the stairs. He too had to swallow his need for revenge.

Luffy and Ben eventually followed Jimbei as Blackbeard's laugh reverberated through the stone walls.

---

Ben's Universe

A lone planet hung in orbit.

It sat there, slowly rotating around the star that serves as the source of light for the planet and the solar system it lies within. From afar, it was a beautiful sight; a stark contrast from the cold, dark void of outer space with its teal-like color that would make those who were fortunate enough witness it gaze in awe at its beauty.

Taking a closer look onto the planet's surface, one would be amazed at what they find. The planet was teeming with rich organic life inhabiting the various mountain ranges, the large oceans and scattered inland seas, and the majestic architect of the cities that the planet's citizenry lived in.

But for all its beauty, the planet was feared by the warlord that ruled it.

Though many centuries have passed since then, no one, not even the Plumbers or the Galvan will deny the horrors that the warlord ruling the planet has wrought onto thousands of planets his lifetime of conquest. The warlord was one of the most dangerous beings in the universe, feared by all for his dangerously short temper, brutal war tactics, and his vast array of military resources. He conquered nearly a hundred solar systems on his own, destroyed thousands of planets with a single command, and even achieved godhood at one point.

The warlord was a massive, hulking, green skinned behemoth with a beard of what appeared to be squid-tentacles. He wore a large dark red armored suit that covered most of his body save for his muscular arms, while also baring a large sword on his back. He also had gas-mask-like device covering his face with glowing red eyes that just burnt with pure hatred and malice. The name of this deadly warlord… was Vilgax the Conqueror, the most dangerous being in Ben's home universe.

Currently, the Chimera Sui Generis warrior was sitting at the far end of a long table, its surface dark and smooth of the richest marble from space in a rather calm manner. Both hands were clasped together, and placed on top of the table's surface while his blood-red eyes scoured the other occupants sitting at the table in a cold, detached demeanor with the time traveler Eon and Time War mastermind, Maltruant by his side.

The other beings sitting at the table were some that was also renowned for their brutality, but not on Vilgax's level. However, that didn't make them any less dangerous. These beings consisted of criminals, monsters, and bounty hunters; the most ruthless of their kind. They got the job done no matter the cost, no matter the stakes, and no matter whatever armies or fleets that their targets threw at them. Though, they all had one thing in common, the single hatred of one man.

From left to right there was: Khyber the Huntsman with a male Anubian Baskarr as the new user of the Nemetrix, The psychotic Galvanic Mechamorph Malware, the mutated Cerebrocrustacean, Dr. Psychobos, Albedo who had now permanently returned to his Galvan form, The Sotoraggian mercenaries Sixsix, Sevenseven, and Eighteight, Kraab, Ultimate Aggregor and some of his Aggrebots, Darkstar, Highbreed Commander and some DNAliens, Dr. Animo, Zs'Skayr and his minions Dr. Viktor, The Mummy, The Yenaldooshi, Sunder the Retriever, Proctor Servantis and the Rooters, Vulkanus with some of his pickaxe aliens, Exo-Skull, Inspector 13, Driscoll now donning another Forever King power suit and his Forever Ninja, Bubble Helmet, Liam, Fistina, and finally an army of Synthroids.

"Gentlemen," Vilgax's deep and gargling voice rasped from behind his voice respirator. "I thank you for responding to my message and coming here. Truly, you are men who fears nothing as demonstrated by how you entered into my territories with little hesitation. But you probably care little for that, no? Yes, you're all wondering as to why I've called you to here, right?"

"Enough with the preamble, Vilgax," Khyber growled, not one for monologues or villainous speeches. He was a man of action. "You promised to show us something special and so far, all I've seen is your own people groveling under your heel and your pitiful drone soldiers attempting to contain my pet. In all honesty, I've seen better."

Kraab nodded stiffly, clenching his massive claw-hand. "Yeah, what's this all about? Don't tell me that you brought me here for another wild chase like the last one you sent me out on?"

"And why should we even bother listening to filth like you at all?" Highbreed Commander said.

Vilgax's eyes narrowed, but his demeanor did not change. "It would be wise for you three to keep your mouth shut. It would be a shame if this room was covered in some unnecessary… garbage," The threat was obvious in his tone, and the three intergalactic criminals didn't try to provoke the warlord any further. "As to why I have summoned you all here, I have recently developed a proposition for any willing to accept."

"What kind of proposition?" Sunder asked, acting calm on the outside, while he was sweating bullets on in the inside. Honestly, he wasn't expecting be in an audience with the actual Vilgax and the reputation that follows his name is not one that is exaggerated lightly.

If they could see his mouth behind his mask, they would've seen Vilgax's charred lips grow into what one would call a grotesque ghost of a smile. "Tell me, are any of you familiar with the concept of parallel universes?"

Silence... and then-

Sixsix, in a rare moment of anger, slammed his fist on the table, cracking its rich surface while spewing out various curses in his native language toward Vilgax.

"Can't believe I'm saying it, but for once, I agree with the motormouth over there!" Vulkanus exclaimed. "Like seriously? That's only some bogus theory, nothing's ever been proven."

"I assure you Herr Vulkanus, that they are quite real," Maltruant chimed in, "I am living proof that such a concept exists."

"Indeed, now if there aren't any further interruptions," Vilgax state. "We can begin."

He leaned forward to push several buttons on a console imbedded into the table, and a small holographic image of the planet Earth appeared in the center of the table. Small and insignificant to some, but in Vilgax's eyes, it was a gold mine. "Behold, a parallel Earth; The current location of our most hated enemy, Ben Tennyson and also tw of the most powerful weapons ever forged. Weapons that most of you are already familiar with, the Anihilaarg and the Dwarf Star."

That caught Khyber's attention. "Ben Tennyson, you say?" he rumbled, tapping one clawed finger on the table, musing to himself. "I've heard that he's gotten even more powerful since my last encounter with him over a decade ago."

"I concur, Huntsman, Even after having all of his alien form's moves programmed into my DNA, he still found a way to defeat me."

"And the destructive capabilities that both the Dwarf Star and the Anihilaarg possess is just too worthwhile to ignore," Dr. Psychobos mused, an ever present grin on his face.

"Okay, so what the hell's the job? Another hunt for that fleshbag again, cause let me tell you, it won't be easy." Kraab warned Vilgax. "The first time I fought against him, he shut down my entire nervous system and it took me weeks to break out of the prison that Tetrax imprisoned me and Sixisix in." Sixsix snarled in agreement.

"No, gentlemen, I have not contacted you to undertake in another fruitless hunt," Vilgax raised one fist and clenched it tightly. "Today, I have brought you all together to discuss about one particular topic…

"War."

"War?" Aggregor said slowly after an awkward moment of silence.

"That's right," Vilgax slowly sat up from his chair, his body's servos make a low whirring sound, as he locked eyes with every being before him. "Imagine it; Glorious, unadulterated carnage. The screams of countless innocents being silenced in a single instance, the sounds of entire armies trampling over the corpses of their fallen enemies, and wealth and power beyond your wildest dreams."

"By conquering a single planet that's not even in our universe?" Malware questioned.

"It may be just a planet, but it is also our first step into a larger world," Vilgax said. "Into a universe of epic proportions, into an entire multiverse primed for the taking."

The villains paused at that statement, mulling over the warlord's grandiose words. While the logical portion of their brains were telling them what Vilgax really meant – subjugating the entire universe under his rule. That part of their brain was ruled out by several other domineering portions; Greed, bloodlust, and desire for power. Normally, had someone of lesser power approached them with the same offer, they would've laughed at them before putting a blaster bolt through their skull or ripped them in half.

But this was Vilgax, the man who practically held the Alliance by the throat before they were a twinkle in their father's eye.

"If we agree to your proposition," Khyber slowly said. "What's in it for us after you acquire the Omnitrix?"

Vilgax's eyes crinkled at that question. "You will each hold a position in my army, and shall become warlords of your own kingdoms as I carve my way through to the heart of the Nexus. Think of it, entire worlds bending over to your whim, a never-ending cycle of death and destruction to entertain you for all eternity."

He placed an open palm out toward them. "All I need is your cooperation."

...

"Probability of success with someone of your tactical prowess holds the probability of a calculated 98 percent chance of success." Inspector 13, in a moment of surprise, was the first to speak up. "Little to no chance of failure is possible. Proposal is accepted."

Others like Aggregor, Albedo, Zs'skayr, and Khyber quietly nodded, an unreadable expression on each of their faces.

Sunder chucked aloud, leaning back on his chair and placing his feet on the table. "Ah, what the hell? I could use a good challenge. Sign me up, oh great master of the universe."

The Sotoraggian mercenaries growled in their native tongue, but stopped mid-way and then managed to hiss out in obvious strain. "…We accept." in English.

Vulkanus was one of those who were more reluctant of this offer, but he then decided that he would rather have his brains inside his head then out.

Despite his hatred for all aliens, there was one man that Driscoll despised even more, "You'll will have my aid in this conquest, Vilgax."

Malware chuckled darkly, "Yes, a chance to finally put the bane of my very existence in his place."

Servantis thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to finally be rid of Tennyson once and for all, even if it meant allying himself with vicious scum like Vilgax. Though he knew better than to say it out loud.

The Highbreed Commander would rather die than ally himself with inferior life forms but it was because of Tennyson's efforts that his entire race became contaminated and their plans for conquest foiled. So, if tolerating these disgusting vermin meant he could enact his revenge on the one responsible for the collapse of the Highbreed empire, then so be it.

Kraab looked unsure for his part, and for a moment, Vilgax mused to himself if he had to kill the cyborg for being foolish enough to deny his offer.

"…fine, I'm in." He reluctantly conceded.

"Good, good," Vilgax couldn't keep the satisfaction out of his voice. "You should be honored, gentlemen. It's not every day that someone of your caliber gets picked up to take on the responsibilities of a mission like this."

The villains, for their part, said nothing else. They were just waiting for the word to leave the room whenever.

A sudden beeping noise broke the tense atmosphere in the room, and Vilgax leaned forward to stab down on a button with one of his talons. Almost immediately, the holographic image of a skeletal alien in black robes appeared before him. "What is it?"

"The final preparations for departure goes well, master." Psyphon, second-in-command and Vilgax's loyal servant, bowed his horned head obediently to the warlord. "The Chimerian Hammer Mark V's captain reports that all is ready for takeoff and the drones are being rounded up into their designated warships. They're just waiting for your word, milord."

"Good," Vilgax purred in pleasure. "Open up a channel link to the entire armada. I would like to take this time to share a few words before we begin our exodus."

Psyphon bowed again, before his image disappeared.

"Come," Vilgax commanded, turning to walk out without waiting for the villains' approval. The villains glanced at one another in wariness, before stepping out of their chairs and deciding to follow the warlord wherever he was taking them.

It wasn't a long walk that took them to the planet's outskirts or anything like that. In fact, they stayed right inside the palace as they explored its halls, taking the time to analyze their surroundings and note the various decors placed all over the place, each piece obviously a prize claimed by Vilgax after conquering planets. After what seemed like minutes, Vilgax came to a halt before a door and pushed in a code before the door slid open and a bright light filled the room.

Once the light died down, the villains saw that Vilgax had walked through the entrance and was now standing on a balcony of some kind. They stopped behind the warlord, who placed both hands on the balcony's railing to peer down at whatever was below with a look that one could closely identify as pride. Curious, the villains strode forward and was impressed at what they saw. Tens of thousands of humanoid war drones stood at attention, while others marched onto the large brown-and-orange ships that carried them, along with gigantic versions of the standard drone soldier, flying drones, insectoid drones, and sleek hover-tanks.

Sunder whistled lowly. "Wow. That's a lot of robots."

"One does not take war lightly," Vilgax mused, mostly to himself. "A simple error, be it tactical or in numbers of an army, could cost us the war before the first shot is let off."

Vilgax lifted a hand to touch the communicator imbedded into his right wrist. "Psyphon, is it ready?"

"Yes, master," Psyphon's voice crackled into existence. "All ships have been linked up with your communicator and the dimensional gateway that Maltruant provided is now ready to be activated. The floor is all yours."

Vilgax paused for a moment, staring at the device, before he started to speak…

"My loyal subordinates... today, we stand on the brink of greatness. For years, the universe has trembled before the sheer mention of my name, and yet, there are those who dare to oppose me. Millions of light years away from here lies a planet that you've all studied about for the past twenty years. This planet has seen many of my most embarrassing defeats and the destruction of a great number of our forces thanks to one of its many champions; one man who has secured the most ultimate power in the universe, and has chosen to use it as a mere plaything for his pathetic desires to do good. These atrocities cannot go without repent! I have spent too long and have sacrificed too much in trying to unite all under a single banner, my banner, and I refuse to admit defeat to a pathetic human who has no idea of the power that I possess. Today, we will change this. Today marks the day that my great crusade begins! Today marks the day that all worlds bend to my will, whether they be the Plumbers or the Galvan. All will submit itself to my will! Today is the day that all of existence will burn, that all its people will die, and all who dare oppose me... will fall."

Vilgax paused for a moment before resuming with a loud booming voice, "... FINALLY, BEN TENNYSON WILL DIE AND THE OMNITRIX WILL RETURN TO ITS RIGHTFUL OWNER! I, VILGAX THE CONQUEROR, SHALL EMERGE VICTORIOUS ON THIS DAY ONCE AND FOR ALL!"

From where he stood, Vilgax could hear the monotone chants of the machines created to do his bidding who were onboard his warships. They repeated the same words, over and over, as it had been programmed into each of their memory cores since their creation.

"ALL HAIL LORD VILGAX! ALL HAIL LORD VILGAX! ALL HAIL LORD VILGAX!"

"Say what you will about him," Eon murmured to the others. "But he knows how to motivate the crowd."

Kraab shook his head in bemusement. "I'd hate to be whatever this parallel Earth is right about now. Nothing's more threatening than a hunter that has been denied its prey for too long."

Satisfied by the response given to him by his minions, Vilgax turned to face his newly-assembled hired help and barked out, "If any of you has a form of transportation on-planet right now, it would be wise to get into orbit soon… or else."

The villains left, not daring to call Vilgax out on his threat.

Turning back to face the warships that were beginning to lift off of the ground and take off to the stars above, Vilgax took in a deep breath through his respirator and smirked to himself.

'Prepare yourself, Ben Tennyson, for I am coming for you...'

---

AN: Okay, that's all for now. This is the longest chapter so far as I want to get to Marineford as soon as possible I hope you liked Ben and Luffy's battle with Blackbeard. Also, That's quite a cabal of villains we've got here, they're going need all the manpower they can get if Vilgax wants take on the One Piece world. Speaking of Vilgax, his appearance is the exactly the same as it was in the original series but he has the same powers that his future counterpart does plus the same sword and weapons from AF/UA. Expect things to go a little differently than canon in the next arc. So see you next time.