A/N: A treat…so read on!
A Dangerous Individual
The reaction was less then most would expect, even with the name of such an infamous pirate announced to the room. In fact, the marines on duty showed more shock then the gathered pirates, who had good reason not to be surprised or stunned. As with Juracule, some of them had guessed or discovered the purpose of the meeting beforehand, the others simply didn't know who the man behind then name was. The only person who showed any kind of different reaction was Rasputin, who raised an eyebrow.
"Fleet Admiral, please continue." The man with the sword said, gesturing the other man to follow him as they took up position on two comfy chairs that had somehow appeared in the corner of the room. The man with the beard and suit sat down with a straight back, and crossed his legs; the man with the sword slouched down onto the chair and tucked one leg up under his other before resting his sword on his shoulder.
Kuzan nodded to the two individuals before turning back to the others, stepping down and up to the table. He pulled out a scrap of paper and placed it on the table, showing off Kai's face and bounty. "This is Kai D Velure. For those of you familiar with the name, you will understand why this is an issue that needs addressing. For those of you, who do not know him, he is one of the most dangerous individuals sailing the seas."
"Wait…" Rasputin said, frowning. "…I certainly haven't heard anything about this man recently, how many years ago did he cause trouble?"
"20 years ago, an Ex-Shichibukai engaged him in a vicious battle, which was presumed won. He reported that he had killed Kai as well as the rest of his crew before relinquishing his Shichibukai title and disappearing. Due to the fact that there were no bodies to present, his bounty was never officially rescinded."
"20 years? Why do you think he is still so dangerous?" Susumu asked, crossing his arms. "That's a long time ago."
"It is not so long ago for some people. If I tally off his repertoire, you will understand; during his time as a pirate, he has managed to kill off 2 Admirals, 6 Shichibukai, innumerable Marine Officers, hundreds of rival pirate crews, a Yonkou and he managed to beat the Fleet Admiral to a bloody pulp."
"That's a pretty audacious record." Sea Wasp put in.
"More importantly, I never heard any of this back then." Rasputin said.
"That's because it was covered up, for obvious reasons." Kuzan replied, clasping his hands behind his back. "20 years ago, the Fleet Admiral gave the order that no-one except Admirals and Shichibukai were to engage with this pirate, in fear that we would lose more people."
"Ok, but he is still just one man." Susumu said, still frowning.
"That is unconfirmed at present. Although he has been gathering new crew mates, they are too weak to be a threat with him around, we are not certain of his old crew. If Velure escaped death, there is every possibility that his crew did as well."
"Who was his crew?" Abekket said politely.
"His crew was thousands of people, but his original crew consisted of just 9. By the time Kai was killing Admirals, these people were just as dangerous. They are…Abekket?"
Kuzan had stopped because the marine-loving Abekket Quasar and suddenly stood up. As the other Shichibukai and Admirals looked at him in surprise, Abekket's face was also one of surprise. "Fleet Admiral, it is not me." He managed to say as his hand reached behind his back and grasped one of the handles on the wheel he had strapped there. With a sharp tug, he revealed it to be a long stiletto-like dagger, as he turned to Rasputin and thrust forward with an attack.
Rasputin himself hardly moved, he simply lifted a hand up and allowed the blade to pierce him through the palm, before clenching his fingers around Abekket's hand. "It seems you really do hate me, now I'm going to have to kill you." Rasputin moved to stand up but suddenly froze in place as a laugh echoed from one of the windows.
"Fuffuffuffuffu!"
The rest of the people, with the exception of Mihawk, all turned to the window where the laugh had come from and saw a tall, gangly figure sat in the frame. His short blonde hair moved in the wind, along with the massively pluming pick coat he wore. His eyes were hidden behind dark sunglasses, pointed at the outer edges, and the smile on his face was wicked.
"Doflamingo, I did not expect you to attend." Kuzan said, aiming a lazy look towards the Shichibukai. "Now release them. I should think even you would have trouble with two Admirals." He said this because both Admiral Aokiji and Kizaru had stood up, Aokiji's fingers literally dug into the back of his chair.
"Fuffuffuff, it's no fun if they would fight each other anyway." Doflamingo laughed before closing his hands, jerking both Abekket and Rasputin free of their bonds. Immediately, Abekket pulled his blade free, cleaned it, and replaced it into his wheel. Rasputin frowned and lifted his hand up, watching as the small hole filled itself in a disappeared.
"Now he's had his fun, I shall continue." Kuazan said, reaching into his jacket and pulling out sheaves of paper. "Kai Velure's crew consisted of 9 other people apart from himself. These are their bounty posters, and bounties that are still in effect." He placed the papers on the tables, and spread them out, showing 8 pictures.
"First up is Razor Herald, the First Mate…" Mihawk cracked an eye open, where he had had them closed before. "…who is also an extremely accomplished swordsman." He pointed to the poster that showed Razor's face. "Second is Jigan Homiston, the navigator and possessor of the Gai Gai No Mi. Following on from him is Lisa Kolsetti, the musician, but also the holder of the mythical zoan, Jita Jita No Mi. Then it is Mojaye Yindier, the cook as well as a skilled marksman." As he spoke their names, he pointed to the matching picture. "Ruther Polinski, the shipwright and a master of Haki. Finally, Riku Tiverman, a man who called himself the lookout but held the immense power of the Raiden Raiden No Mi. These…"
"Uh, one second." Sea wasp said, his head leant in his hand. "That's eight, where is the ninth?"
"Well done, you can count." Susumu said, his smile having slipped of his face. Sea Wasp frowned, probably, but Kuzan continued to stop them fighting.
"Zion, the ninth person, is of no threat." He said before continuing with his previous conversation.
"These individuals form a powerful crew which was dubbed the 'Golden Age' of all pirates. Due to this I am issuing the order that no marine below the rank of Vice-Admiral is to directly confront any of these individuals and any Shichibukai who comes into contact with him is to contact the Marines as soon as possible; regardless of any plans you may have." Kuzan had added the last bit in because it had looked like some of the Shichibukai were about to object.
"What about the new pirates he is gathering?" Susumu asked.
"They are of no major threat at the moment and as such can be engaged by anyone in any way." Kuzan replied
"Fuffuffuff, this is boring. I thought it might be exciting to hear about the 'Golden Age' since back then, but this isn't fun at all." Doflamingo said, standing crouched on the windowsill "Just remember, I'm not a dog that will run when called." He laughed his distinct laugh again and launched himself out of the window.
Mihawk stood up and moved swiftly towards the exit, straightening his hat as he did so. "I have no further interest in this meeting." Was all he said before disappearing through the doorway. At the same time, the two old men stood up and left through a smaller doorway in the back of the room.
"Now, there are still some points we need to discuss…" Kuzan continued, facing the remaining Shichibukai as the Admiral's also left.
A/N: Slightly shorter then a normal chapter but I've recently discovered there's no point in waffling on. Anyway, back to our awesome crew next chapter and they finally make their way into the Grand Line; but all is not as they would expect. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the next chapter heading your way soon! But beware, things shall soon come to a close...sort of.
