Disclaimer: Gum Gum no First Chapter

Backstory of The Strongest Man

"It's been a week since the incident and I still can't believe what I saw. It's just unbelievable."

"Well believe it Hermione, you've just witnessed the power of one of the Emperors of the Sea. Although I'll level with you in saying that it's hard to believe that we were able to beat her. She was our first real opponent we had to face and by far one of the toughest, and believe me that is saying something."

"I'm trying to sleep here you two, keep it down." I sit up and see Reila and Hermione chatting at the edge of my bed, it takes me a second to realize that I was in the Hospital Wing of the castle as I remember passing through here when me and the men explored the castle in case we ever actually used it as more than a doormat. "How long have I been out?"

"Glad to see you finally awake boss, you've been out for a week now, the others already woke up a day or two ago, and Rose and Pez have returned home and I think he stole our rum."

"Let a pirate on my ship and he steals my rum. At least he doesn't know where I keep the real stuff." To prove my point I summon one of my special mugs and drink from it surprising Hermione and getting a laugh Reila. "So my Mink friend what have you to report?"

"Plan went off without a hitch. No casualties on our side, our guests are somewhere on the island, full casualties for the opposing invasion force oh and turns out the alliance finally got that battle training. Apparently during the fight there were about two or so dozen marines who snuck off to invade the castle, using intel no doubt from our good friend Captain Chikyu. Hermione lead the alliance and they fended them off with only a few cuts here and there, apparently they sent all the gunners our way."

"Good job Hermione, were we in any other world I'd offer you a job."

"Thanks but I'll stick to what I do best. I was able to get a pot shot on that captain though before the strange purple haired man showed up." We both laugh at that. He is one of the strongest people we know but we all agree he can be a bit eccentric.

"What, what'd I say?"

"Nothing to worry about Hermione. Get all the leaders prepped for a meeting in our usual spot after dinner. Now then you probably have a lot of questions, so let's hear them."

"Well just one for the moment really. What was that technique you used at the beginning of your fight? Leviathan I think it was." I knew she'd bring that up, no way her inquisitive mind could resist not dishing into a detail like that.

"Should we Reila?"

"Eh, it was bound to come out sooner or later, might as well get it out of the way now."

"You're right. All right Hermione get prepared, this'll take awhile. This is the story of how I became an Emperor and became known as the strongest man in the world. It all started the day I challenged the strongest woman in the world to a duel to the death in her own territory."

On a random island somewhere in the New World the Monkey family were having a heated argument as result of the recent news announcement which has hit the world by storm in only two days.

"Son are you serious about this? I mean I support you but this is absolutely insane. No one has ever beaten her. She's not known as the strongest woman in the world for nothing." Said Monkey D. Luffy the current Pirate King who was trying to stop his son from his suicidal goal but all his protests just fell on deaf ears.

"Dad we've been over this already, nothing you or mom say or do will stop me doing what I want. It's not like what you did was any different than what I'm doing now. You set out to be Pirate King when you were barely older than me, I'm not going to keep on going around being known only as the son of the Pirate King. I want to make more of a name for myself. Messing with Akainu and the marines is just not enough."

"Beloved we knew this was gonna happen eventually, we just have to let him go. I know you're worried, so am I but we can't keep babying him forever, we've prepared both of our kids as best we can to survive in the New World so I'm sure they'll be fine." said Boa Hancock soothing her husband as best she could nothing how stubborn he is.

"Thanks mom. Look dad with or without your permission I'm going. I've traveled through several dimensions gathering up countless allies and crew members. I've gained several techniques and abilities so I stand a chance. Me and my crew will take on the Big Mom Pirates when we dock in the Totto Land Archipelago. We will fight and win. Let's go Ralix, Reila, Nana." I say to my two best friends First Mate Ralix and White Tiger Mink Reila." We head towards the ship which was separate from the hideout which we hid at the bottom of the sea to protect it. I don't have to worry about any possible damage since using a Poseidon rune it's surrounded by an impenetrable bubble, from the outside at least, if anyone does something stupid which causes them to leave the bubble they'll be able to reenter.

I stop for a second and without looking back I address my parents one last time before we set sail. "I know you're just concerned but I have to do this, if I don't I'll never be able to prove myself. Don't worry about me. I'll make sure we all make it back. And to keep Nana away from the battle as much as possible."

"Set sail for Totto Land." I yell to my men and they respond in kind. I agree with my parents that this is insane but it has to be done.

"Boss we've reached Totto Land. Making landfalls preparations now."

"Good. I want all fighters ready to land in ten. We are not treading lightly on this. This is the most dangerous mission we've undertaken and I am not taking any chances. No holds barred."

"It was a gruesome battle, lasted about five days total, we were surrounded on all sides, surprisingly we got out of this without any casualties. It was completely insane but luckily with the use of a particularly pesky Devil Fruit which we stole from some ruins we were able to come up with a few strategies to keep things on our side. Anyways back to the story. It was towards the end of the battle. Despite all the chaos Big Mom had remained out of the whole thing, but we had finally broken through the blockade she'd set up of her men and we were heading to the center of the island which is where her base was and where she'd holed herself up at. There stood between us her strongest children. If we wanted to end this once and for all we'd have to give it our all to get through them."

"Move aside unless you wanna die."

"Insolent brat I was about to tell you the same thing." I said as we stood against the Sweet Generals, Big Mom's strongest. Make sense she'd keep them with her in case something like this occurred. After we'd taken down the rest of their forces we'd split up to try and divide their remaining forces. Clearly evident by the numerous explosions ringing throughout the island, looks like they called for reinforcements. I was facing the generals with my commanders at my side. They knew they probably didn't stand a chance with them as even with our training they still had a big advantage over us.

There are certain elements about this dimension that until we figure a way to adapt to it then we can't use our powers to their full potential. This whole fight we've only been fighting at about 45 percent of our full capability.

"Big deal assholes. You may be big shots here in the New World but that's why we're here. Too long we've stayed in the dark but once we're finished here today the legacy of the Big Mom Pirates will be over." As I said that both sides started to collide with each others and the final stage of the battle began.

in all the chaos I was able to slip away and as some of her homies tried to block my way I drew my Lux and cut them down and vaulted myself up to the roof and into the top floor where she was waiting.

"Looks like it's all down to you and me. Let's make this quick shall we, I've got a bet to win." She sends Zeus and Prometheus after me so using my Lupin ability which allows me to copy and steal the abilities of others I used Arata's cancellation ability and destroyed them by firing plasma energy enhanced by the spell at them.

I put up a strong barrier as she began to wail in anger, with it barely keeping it at bay as I could still feel the effects I began chanting my spell. Seeing what I was trying to do she summoned more homies to distract me and I saw I was screwed as their was no way I could get to phase two before they broke through my shield. So rushing it I finished phase one and dropped my barrier.

I use my devil fruit to make small stone dragons out of the floor and sent them at the homies and quickly block a punch from her which still sent me flying into the wall even though I had my armament Haki up. Picking myself up from the crater I made in the wall I roll out of the way of another punch which destroyed the entire wall not just on the floor we were on sending countless debris to the ongoing battle below. As she was about to come at me again she was sent flying back from a bullet. I look out of the hole and spot Lilith and the others on the ship.

"Seems like they all made it out. Time to get the heck out of dodge." I activate my Lux and focusing all my mana and my will into my next attack I sent the Death Sleep spell at her. It's a combination of the Thanatos and Hypnos runes. Since I couldn't use the full power of it it'll only put her in a comatose state and won't kill her but it'll put her in a halfway state. She'll be in a coma but it'll be a close enough state to death that she won't be waking up for an indiscriminate amount of time no matter what they may try.

Using it's ability to cut space I was able to charge the attack with my magic. So in last ditch attempt I went for a close combat strike so I dashed forward and used the ability of the Lux to cut through her strong Haki.

As I landed on my feet exhausted from the attack I stabbed it into the ground to get my bearings and looked back at her. She turned towards me and for a second I was scared it didn't work and then she ended up falling forward and caused the building to collapse. Seeing what was about to happen I flew out of the hole I made earlier and ended up losing consciousness as taking the brunt of the attacks and that spell completely wore me out.

"Someone get the number on the bark that rammed into me?"

"Welcome back to the land of the living captain. You had us worried there for a second." I look up into the eyes of my first mate and see I was on the deck of my ship.

"So I take it that the plan went off without a hitch then?"

"What do you expect boss, it was your plan after all. You brilliant strategies never fail us. It was kinda touch and go for awhile there but we managed to pull through in the end. Seeing Big Mom in a catatonic state like that sent her crew running. You did it captain, Totto Land is now yours. After taking her down the citizens declared you there new ruler."

"Not what I set out to do but I'll except it. How long have I been out."

"About six days. But like you said there's still a chance that it might arrive."

"Let's hope so. Speak of the devil." They turn to see what I was speaking of something flew right into Ralix's face getting a laugh from the crew who were all gathered on the ship as we left the island in a secret location in the New World. "I'm too tired from all this resting to read it, tell me what it says."

Peeling the bat from his face he took out the letter. Which was promptly snatched by Nana. "I'll do the honors. You left me out of the entire battle. It's been boring being stuck on this ship for three days before the pirates finally left and I was able to leave to help restock. Now let's see." Quickly scanning the letter she gained a look of surprise before rereading the letter again for confirmation.

"Well baby sis what does it say?"

"Looks like you did it big brother. It says right here that in response to the defeat of 'Big Mom' Charlotte Linlin and comatose state her title as Emperor has been revoked and because of past and exploits and this accomplishment 'Space Man' Monkey D. Harry has hereby been given her place among the Four Emperors."

That caused everyone to yell in excitement. This was the main reason why I wanted to do this. For so long the New World has lived in fear of Big Mom and the power she holds and her position so I wanted to prove myself and beat her, freeing people of her terror. And show people that I am not using the fame of my father to get by. That I can prove myself as a real pirate.

"Alright ye scurvy dogs enough celebrating. I know we're all excited but we need to head back to the island. There we can celebrate all we want. Are all preparations ready?"

"Yes sir. We finished the last of the checks while you were out. We're ready to go on your command."

"And within three days the whole world had heard of a new Emperor being crowned and Big Mom being near death. Her allies had been sent running and those who'd pledged fealty to her had been rounded up by the marines who'd finally gained a spine. Needless to say that the higher ups were pissed. Both Pirate and World Government alike didn't like the idea of a teenager taking down one of their biggest threats and taking a position only meant for experienced adults."

"I find it all hard to believe. Then again considering all that's recently happened maybe it's not so far fetched. But I have a question if you guys were able to beat them so relatively easily then why were you all so afraid of them?"

"Well you see, despite our tough exterior that's all more or less an act. We look tough and brave but we're scared on the inside. Really beating them both times was really just a lot of luck." I awkwardly laugh as I scratch the back of my head with Hermione dejectedly sighing.

"It's official you are the strangest person I've ever met."

"No I think that's Luna."

"You called captain?" She scared the three of us a bit as we didn't notice she was there as we were so caught up in our conversation.

"How's the men?"

"Everyone's fine they went hunting on Little Garden and I went along with. It was quite amazing, Hermione went too for all of three seconds before I had to send her away."

"Looks like you've gotten a hand of your Devil Fruit then. Having an experienced sadistic trainer in your division must really be helpful. How pathetic Hermione you're supposed to be smart."

"YOU DIDN'T TELL ME YOU HAD DINOSAURS! WHAT'D YOU EXPECT NO NORMAL PERSON WOULD BE ABLE TO HANDLE SEEING SOMETHING LIKE THAT."

"You forget we are pirates after all. Besides surviving on Little Garden is a necessity for all recruits. Most likely the men wanted to use this as a way to get a jump start on Luna's training as well as prepare for dinner. With a crew as large as ours we need at least three dinosaurs for everyone. Are you alright." Hermione was sitting at the edge of the bed with a gloomy look about her muttering something ineligible.

"Captain should we do something to help her?"

"Let's just leave. The nurse said you could leave when you woke up so let's head back to the ship so you can prepare for tonight's meeting with the council."

"Oh, that's right, I hate going to those meetings. The council's full of freaks and weirdos."

"You're their leader so what does that say about you?" Muttered Hermione who I decide to break her out of her funk by kicking her off the bed causing her to splutter in rage.

"Let's go gang. Since I've been out for a week that mean's I've missed 35 meals. Time to go hunt some savages. From what I've been told our chefs have found a spell which make their cores edible." Shaking their heads they followed me out with the forgotten Hermione following behind.

"What's happened to my ship?" I step outside to see a huge mess. The Pagoda's in complete ruins. Normally I'd expect this from the men after dinner but considering the success of the hunting trip and the recent battle they'd never cause a mess like this and even if they did they'd clean it up.

"Oh hey boss glad to see you're finally awake." I look to see my commanders come into the entrance hall and they are as surprised as I am.

"Whoa what happened here?"

"I was about to ask you lot the same question."

"We don't know boss honestly. Everyone was busy on the other islands with the house island being on temporary lock down until you woke up as standard procedure."

"Maybe it was the new recruits. They must've done something to slip past our barrier."

"Wait a minute what new recruits. I didn't authorize any new recruits. Luna did you have something to do with this?"

"No. I was with the others training and I wanted to wait until the nargles had left your brain to try find some others so they didn't get infected."

Pretending for a minute I turned to my commanders and our guests from the other dimensions who I summoned during the battle who'd just now entered the room. "Okay so which one of you brought outsiders onboard the ship. Aside from Luna all rookies must be brought to me before they're aloud anywhere near the ship and since you're aware of their presence then that means that someone let them on board."

"Well you see captain they were these two girls. One of them I think is the younger sister of those twins you're always talking with and another girl named Romilda Vane I think it was. They said you gave them permission before the battle. No one's seen them since."

Now it all makes sense. They used what I told to her to gain access and twisted around to try and gain leverage. If it wasn't so annoying I'd almost be impressed. "Summon." I cast and a magic circle appears on the ground and as it disappears out popped the two in question.

"Well, well, well look who we have here. Sneaking on board a pirate ship is not a bright idea. Why'd you two trash my ship?" I discreetly cast a truth spell on the two of them as I sensed them about to lie their way out of the situation.

"We wanted to prove that as pure bloods that you held no authority over us. We trashed the place trying to find those weird things you gave Loonie."

"But we've been lost for five days now and have had no such luck."

"Now it all makes sense. You two are jealous because I didn't extend the same courtesy to you as I did Luna so you decided to try and sabotage my ship and steal from my collection of Devil Fruits. I told you that if you wanted to join then you'd have to speak to Luna as I wanted her to gain experience as a leader. I gave her full authority with recruitment as I didn't want to deal with you people. But now I'm pissed." I made a strange gesture with my hand and suddenly they were trapped with a cage. "That cage is impenetrable from both inside and out. As punishment for wrecking my ship I'm sending you to the middle of a savage nest without any weapons or guards. Have fun." They screamed as they were sent away without another word. I clapped my hands and the room automatically fixed itself.

"Dumb stick wavers. Now that you're all here let's head to meeting room at the top of the tower. Men bring all the meat." They all groan at the crazy request but they're used to it by now.