Author's Note: Happy One Piece Day, everyone! You know what that means: time to update! It's gonna be a big one! Prepare yourselves for anything! So, as always,

Read, Review, & Enjoy!

A hop, skip, and a jump away from the epicenter of the upcoming momentous battle, there lies the Sabaody Archipelago, nearly desolate and inactive. Many of its citizens had taken refuge on other more stable islands far from Marineford in fear of the aftershocks of the war. However, there were still people on these groves. Reporters from newspapers worldwide were in attendance as the Marines broadcasted the event live here for their safety. The convenience of video Transponder Snails allowed for viewing the war without the danger. As the biggest event of the year, no news company would want to miss a chance to share information that would, most likely, change the current world order.

Unknowingly, others were watching as well. They were the people who sought to ride the tide of change and take control of the shifting era, a group of people unafraid by the old and current legends gathering to wage war. The Super Rookies, the "Supernovas," peered from their hidden spots around the display to see where fate would land. For Eustass "Captain" Kid, he was eager to see the chaos unfold and the targets he would, one day, defeat. The "Surgeon of Death" Trafalgar Law was more calculating and patient; he would analyze everything finely. Others were more nervous, like "Song of the Sea" Scratchman Apoo and "Big Eater" Jewelry Bonney. Still, the rest were more stoic as they waited for it all to begin.

And, it would seem that it was just about to happen with the arrival of not only Whitebeard but a flying Marine battleship as well.

PART 1

"Let Slip the Dogs of War"

All the Marine soldiers and officers were flabbergasted at what had occurred seconds ago. One of their own battleships, now flying, had arrived and halted the announcement their leader, Fleet Admiral Sengoku, was giving. Soon after, a fleet of Whitebeard's allies from the New World arrived like ghosts in the fog. Finally, Whitebeard and his main crew arrived, ascending from the sea itself and into the bay's center. All the Marines' enemies had appeared all at once, and far too soon and sudden.

"Garp!" shouted the leader of the Marines, Fleet Admiral Sengoku, angrily. "It's your family again!"

Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp, Luffy's grandfather, was absolutely stunned by the turn of events as he stood below the platform. Besides him, Vice Admiral Tsuru had placed her hand onto her face as she became annoyed with both the situation and the man himself.

Back to Sengoku, the man began surveying the problem at hand. "If it weren't enough to have that upstart bring so many prisoners from Impel Down..."

The man looked out across the bay with a severe gaze as he looked at another problem he spied on the Moby Dick, Newgate's flagship. "I didn't think Whitebeard would ask for his help..."

Garp, now recovered, took notice of the same and grimaced. "We may need to join in early, Sengoku…"

On the side of Whitebeard, all the pirate crews were amazed at the sight of a flying battleship. Concern was initially their first thought, but seeing how it floated just near their dear captain showed that it was not an enemy. At the same time, those aboard the Moby Dick and its convoys were also surprised by the floating vessel. Even Edward Newgate, Whitebeard, and Rayleigh did not expect such a sight.

"Doesn't appear to be the Marines' work," Newgate commented observantly.

Rayleigh, his eyes glowing a faint red, was both impressed and puzzled as he noticed all aboard the ship. "That kid is really something…" he commented aloud.

"Hmm?" questioned Whitebeard curiously.

Meanwhile, aboard the Marine Battleship, the many convicts and pirates were taking a survey of the situation. Most of the no-name men saw not only the Marines' forces but the impressive fleet the legendary Whitebeard had on his side. "Intimidating" could barely describe the two powers. However, it could represent the number of figures on their own ship as they stood unfazed around and on their vessel's railing.

"Ace!" shouted the young pirate captain, Monkey D. Luffy. "I'm coming!"

"Oh my!" Ivankov shouted in amazement from further behind the group. "There's a lot of big names here!"

Next to him, the former Warlord of the Sea Crocodile eyed the ship below. "There's that old fool…" he commented gruffly.

"You will leave Pops alone!" Jinbe threatened immediately. "If you try anything…"

Crocodile replied unintimidated, "You'll do what?"

"Ji-ha-ha-ha!" laughed the old legend Shiki "the Golden Lion" floating on the other side of Crocodile.

"I like your spunk, youngster." Shiki then stated more sinisterly with a glare to warn, "I don't care what bad blood you have with Newgate, but you will save it for afterward."

Crocodile did not reply; he only gave a sneer as he looked back out on the battlefield.

"Oi! BRAT!" A mighty bellow gained the attention of the group on the flying ship. It appeared that Whitebeard had something to say and specifically to Luffy of all people. So, when the young man glanced down to see the man and meet his stern gaze.

Newgate then stated, "You better not get in my way."

And Luffy responded back defiantly, "Same! I'm gonna be the one to save Ace!"

From behind the group, Bon Clay was frightened and worried by his friend's unyielding attitude. "St-St-Straw Hat!"

It was a sentiment shared among many of the outlaws aboard the floating ship. They never seen such a young man ever talk back to Whitebeard, basically a living legend. Even the Marines, on the other side, could not believe what they were hearing. On Sabaody, every news reporter had their jaw dropped in disbelief. No man could be so audacious, a shared feeling among many.

Though impudent, the man known as Whitebeard was smirking amusedly.

"Kinda familiar, that attitude." Rayleigh, smirking as well, then walked forward a bit to show himself easier.

Luffy instantly recognized the man. "Rayleigh?! You're—"

A cannon fired, and its ball struck the side of the lightweight vessel, exploding. The Marines had begun the war by taking the opportunity to strike. More cannons stationed in the bay fired their ammunition aimed either at Whitebeard's ships or Luffy's boat. Many missed but several made impacts though done little damage. The attacks had more significance on the floating battleship as it rocked it furiously.

The shaking soon caused Luffy to slip off, much to a few of his allies' shock; Bon Clay especially. Luffy was mortified as he fell towards the deep waters of the bay. He began screaming as it looked like he had failed before even beginning. The water was getting closer, and Luffy prepared before what was to come. Before hitting the sea, however, something grabbed onto him. It kept him above the saltwater but carried him towards the scaffold. Luffy, surprised, peered up, and received a bigger surprise.

"Biri?!"

Immediately, the yellow bird gave a cheerful reply to his captain in his claw. From his back, another peered down to greet the man.

"Captain Luffy!" shouted Akio tearful, but overjoyed.

A gasp escaped from Luffy. "Akio?! You're here too!"

Before an explanation could be given, cannonballs began splashing and exploding around the Straw Hat Pirates. The Marines were not going to let an opportunity go to vanquish a three-hundred million bounty. Biri was capable of maneuvering and dodging the cannon fire quickly but unable to move forward.

"Fire!" commanded a Marine officer. "Don't let Monkey D. Luffy reach the platform!"

While cannon fire was being drawn away, Whitebeard made his own move. After placing his naginata – Murakumogiri – into the Moby's figurehead, the old pirate clenched his fists and brought his arms in. He then threw his fists back and made literal cracks within the air. From the fissures, vibrations penetrated through the air then the land surrounding the bay. It seemed to distort everything this force went through but did not harm any Marine or the structures. However, once it reached the other side, something like an explosion resonated within the ocean. Marines familiar with Whitebeard and his power were already bracing themselves for what was to come next.

Newgate's action also helped stopped the cannons from further firing upon Luffy, Biri, and Akio. Thus, Luffy safely climbed atop his animal companion and was ready to make his move.

"Biri, head—"

"GET OUT OF HERE, LUFFY!" Ace's shout from the scaffold stopped the young man from finishing his sentence. The imprisoned pirate then continued shouting so desperately towards all who came here.

"ALL OF YOU! GET OUT OF HERE! THIS IS MY FAULT! I IGNORED POP'S WARNING! LEAVE ME TO MY FATE!"

"Ace…" Luffy said softly, taken aback by his older brother's attitude.

Whitebeard, however, responded back, "What are you talking about? I sent you on that mission, my son."

Ace was shocked. "THAT'S NOT TRUE!"

"Yeah it is. Ain't that right, Marco."

Standing with the other commanders and crewmates, Marco smiled and agreed. He then added on, "But everybody in these waters should know better than to mess with one of our crewmates."

As the rest of the Whitebeard Pirates shouted their shared sentiments of unity, their captain's previous action was now taking full effect. Thanks to the Tremor-Tremor Fruit's power that Edward Newgate consumed, he was a Tremor Human capable of creating quakes of great intensity and precision. Thus, the man's earlier feat produced two massive tsunamis about to bear down upon the island and Marineford itself.

While amazed for a moment, Luffy quickly returned to his previous thought. "Biri! Take us back to that boat!" he then pointed to the battleship.

Biri nodded and obeyed. He changed course and flew up to the floating boat.

From beneath the platform, one of the admirals took action. "Aokiji" Kuzan quickly took care of the enormous waves. He took to the air and stuck both tidal waves with his Devil Fruit ability. Using the Ice-Ice Fruit's power, making him an Ice Human, the admiral froze the swells entirely. After him, Admiral "Kizaru" Borsalino decided to move as well. With his Glint-Glint Fruit, being a Light Human, the Marine flashed over into the air near his fellow officer, and both prepared to strike with long-range attacks. They were aiming wide as to include also the retreating Monkey D. Luffy and his companion.

Neither, however, had time to strike as two air slashes stuck both of them. Both were unharmed, as they were like living elements thanks to their logia-type Devil Fruits, but they had been impaired. The two Marines looked down to see that the "Dark King" Rayleigh Silvers, with his sword out, had taken action.

The two admirals fell to the bay, but fortunately for them, Kuzan reached it first. Like Whitebeard's attack, the man froze the bay, trapping their enemies and providing footing for himself and Borsalino. The only drawback was that it gave the pirates the same advantage as well. From their trapped ships, the Whitebeard Pirates advanced on foot. Likewise, the Marine soldiers around the cove took the same action and meet to repel them. Outside the ice, Whitebeard's allies charged in as well. They would have to face the many Marine Battleships stationed around the island along with many vice-admirals. All cannons fired wherever they were placed to hit both ship and foe alike.

The war had begun.

Meanwhile, Luffy and Akio were carried back up to the floating warship. The ship's cannons were returning fire upon the Marines below while the haul repealed its attackers. Biri was quick and careful to avoid being hit before finally landing on the stolen Marine vessel's deck. They were immediately met by Bon Clay.

"Straw Hat boy!" cried out the okama joyously. "You were almost a goner!"

As Luffy dismounted, Akio could now be clearly seen, who gained Bon Clay's interest. "Um, Straw boy, who is that young boy? I thought you only had a little girl."

Luffy replied, "This is Akio, my cabin boy, and Biri's my crew's pet."

"A cabin boy and a pet on top of also having a daughter," the former Baroque Works' agent stated with astonishment.

None of the group realized, however, how loud they were speaking. Luffy's allies, many of whom his enemies, also took a keen note of the new information. Shiki had already known about it, so he paid more attention to the battle below. Crocodile appeared uninterested but would not forget. Jinbe was bewildered, Ivankov was speechless, and the duo Buggy-Galdino was mortified.

"D-Straw Hat has a daughter?!"

However, the Straw Hat Pirates captain did not notice the others. He turned to Akio looking both confused and concerned. He asked, "What are you doing here, Akio?"

Akio replied, "I, and Biri, kinda got caught up in Mr. Silvers business and joined him on Whitebeard's ship."

Overhearing the boy, Shiki let out a laugh. "The 'Dark King' is here too? I can't believe I get to see all my old friends in this war," the man said gleefully with a wicked grin.

The boy recognized the man instantly and became scared. "Sh-Shi-Shiki?!" he yelped before taking shelter behind his captain.

While the old pirate laughed with amusement, Luffy glared at the man while assuring his cabin boy firmly. "Don't worry, he's not going to do anything to you."

"Of course," Shiki said, keeping his sinister smile. "There are bigger fish to fry, after all."

Using his Float-Float powers, Shiki lifted himself off the ship and began floating off the boat. Many of the pirates and criminals onboard were astounded. The man, once in the sky, then descended towards the Moby Dick and Whitebeard and Rayleigh. A concerned Buggy and Galdino (Mr. 3) wondered what their savior was heading off to.

"Hey! Where's he going?"

Then, a bright red light grabbed theirs and everyone's attention back to the backlines on the Marines' side. A large column of magma shaped like a fist was soaring right towards them. It was an attack from the Marines' third admiral, "Akainu" Sakazuki, who was a Magma Human thanks to eating the Mag-Mag Fruit.

"Oh no!" shouted Buggy and Galdino in fright.

Shiki noticed the attack as well while floating down but was not worried. He threw his hand up towards the battleship before making a comment, "Can't be having some valuable assets go down so soon in this fight."

The man then pointed his finger down; instantly, the floating battleship lowered down. It was able to avoid most of the magma. Unfortunately, Shiki's action had been a moment too slow as the attack was able to hit the two tallest masts. It set the wood and sails on fire as well as deposit some molten rock below. Fiery rock rained down on the deck, sending many of the crew in a panic. Buggy and Galdino were mostly so. Before any of it could damage the deck, Crocodile was able to use his Sand-Sand powers to deflect most of it away.

"Damn that Akainu," commented Crocodile annoyedly.

Jinbe made a quick observation. "This ship is too big a target. We'll be easy marks for attacks like that one."

"Agreed," Ivankov said with a nod. He then turned to the crew, mostly those a part of Newkama Land.

"Everyone prepare to disembark and back up Straw Hat boy."

"Yeah!" replied the Newkamas confidently.

Luffy, however, was busy with his own thing at the moment. "Bon, can you stay with Akio and get him far away from here?" he asked of his friend.

"Of course, Straw boy!" Bentham said dutifully and readily. "I would be honored to take care of your young ward."

The rubber man smiled. "Awesome, thanks! Take Biri and—"

"But captain!" Akio interrupted immediately, confused and worried. "With Biri, you can get to Mr. Ace faster."

"I'll get to Ace, don't worry," Luffy said assuredly, still smiling though now confident. "I gotta protect my crewmates too."

Unable to argue, Akio nodded in affirmation.

"Take care of both of them, Biri," said Luffy to his bird friend. "Head back to Sabaody. Nami and Mika should be there too."

Biri dutifully responded with a caw and salute. As soon as Akio and Bentham were on his back, the big bird took off, heading for the sea. All the smoke and dust from the fighting would give him the perfect cover to leave.

Meanwhile, and firstly, Shiki arrived at his destination. The man landed on the figurehead of the Moby Dick where Marco and Izo, two of Whitebeard's division commanders, stood between him and their captain. All of them on guard in case the "Flying Pirate" had sinister motives. Despite being outnumbered, Shiki was grinning and looking congenial towards the giant of a man.

"Yo, Newgate! Been a while," Shiki greeted casually.

Whitebeard, on the other hand, was far less friendly and extremely annoyed. "You bastard. If you're here to start trouble for me…"

"Of course not!" Shiki said quickly while remaining casual. "I'm here to offer my support for you. I even brought a whole battleship of fighters to aid your endeavor."

Marco entered the conversation. "From what we've heard, it's thanks to Straw Hat Luffy that you are even here."

"And you'd be right! That little scamp is quite the tenacious one, and all for his brother. I'd be sickened if that wasn't the reason he let me out. I guess sentimentality has its use, eh?"

The man's cold attitude was not garnering him much leeway with the group.

Shiki's mood then became a bit darker. "But, I'll gladly help out my old crewmate if it means revenge on those Marine bastards."

While not liking his attitude, Whitebeard yielded his concern. He gave both Marco and Izo the go-ahead to help their crewmates and allies on the battlefield. Both obliged their captain but warned Shiki not to try anything dubious, or it would be his death. Shiki was unconcerned but told them he had no such plan. Once the two division commanders left, Shiki joined by Whitebeard's side but also made another comment.

"I have to wonder, though," Shiki eyed over to Rayleigh, "why would one of Roger's old crewmates come to a battle over one of Newgate's crewmates."

Rayleigh replied harshly, "Mind your own business."

"Fine, fine," relented Shiki lightheartedly.

Soon, with a loud thud, the once-floating Marine battleship was finally on the ice. However, the sheer mass of frozen water was too thick for even such a large boat to breakthrough. Fortunately, with Shiki's power, no one aboard had to worry about the ship falling over.

Shiki then announced, "Alright, you bilge rats! Any of you brave enough to fight should come ashore now! The rest of you are coming with me to cause some chaos!"

For some, the decision was obvious. Luffy was the first to jump off and immediately head straight into the fray. No sooner after, Ivankov and his Newkama group followed after him. Both former Warlords of the Sea disembarked as well, with Daz Bonez behind Crocodile. Neither Warlord had much interest in the other, so they parted ways while heading into battle. Some Impel Down escapees left as well, but most stayed aboard. Among them was Buggy and Galdino, the latter of whom many former prisoners were backing due to false feats, delusions, and coincidental accomplishments they believed in.

Feeling enough time had passed, Shiki left his old comrade's side and flew back onto the ship. As he surveyed his troops, he instantly recognized Buggy. He was somewhat peeved that one of his former rival's crewmates was still aboard and that he was pretty weak compared to Luffy. He did take notice of the relation between the red-nose fool and the former prisoners. He would need a workforce, after all.

"So, Roger's brat," Shiki said with a friendly grin. "Your captain once refused my offer of an alliance, so I wonder if you…"

"Yes!" Buggy said instantly, both panicked and scared. "I'd be happy to form an alliance with the great Shiki 'the Golden Lion!'"

Shiki grinned, expecting as much. "Very good! Then let's show these Marine bastards how strong our alliance can be!"

No one objected, not even Galdino, despite some misgivings. As Shiki planned, since the former pirate apprentice to Gold Roger agreed to work with him, the Impel Down escapees would follow his commands. With his rise to power almost assured, Shiki began his battle against the Marines on the side of Whitebeard. Combining the massive firepower of Marine battleship with Shiki's floating power, nowhere was safe for the Marines. Once they were in the air again, a new bombardment commenced on Marineford itself.

As Shiki stood by on front cannons, grinning cunningly, he soon noticed something in the air. It was a black cloud, hanging pretty low as they were only just below the top of the highest point on Marineford. It was unusual, but none more so than when Shiki identified.

"What's a perm doing all the way up here?"

Both Buggy and Galdino overheard the man, saw what he meant, and reacted accordingly. "That's a storm cloud!" they both shouted.

Besides Shiki, no one else noticed the numerous dark rainclouds floating low in the air. The sky further above and around Marineford was covered entirely in darkening clouds, so it made sense why. However, the lower-hanging condensed water vapor was not natural; it was being produced. Somewhere in Marineford town, left of the execution scaffold, far back behind the Marines' forces' lines, these clouds were floating up one after the other. Here, out of sight, were two Marine soldier ladies with one literally making them using pipes producing blue and red spheres of energy and combining them. The other lady was keeping an eye out as well as listening to Marine communication.

"You almost done, Nami?" asked the darker orange-haired woman.

After making another cloud, the other woman replied back, "I need as many of my clouds as possible. It's a warzone out there! And I need to be prepared for when and if I need to fight."

The woman understood and returned to her duty. Explosions and battle cries could be heard in the distance, but the woman was only interested in the actions nearby. There was not much action behind the lines, but the soldiers' panic, not realizing they were being spied on, would allow for information leaks. She wanted to know what the Marines were planning. The men and woman in uniform were busy preparing something, shouting out orders left and right. No one had said much of what they were getting ready, but it was obviously big and meant for the pirates.

"I can't take this!"

Hearing someone, both women quickly hid. A Marine soldier was running from the battle, having lost his nerve. Neither woman cared much for reasoning, only that he did not see them and regain it. It appeared the man would be able to make his escape and live another day.

"Soldier!" Then came a shout, a gruff and stern one. It nearly scared Nami, but the other woman quickly covered her mouth and hid in the shadows. Neither could see the men.

"It's Admiral Akainu," the woman whispered to Nami.

"Where do you think you're going. There is a battle to fight."

"I'm sorry, sir!" replied the soldier, sounding scared. "I can't do this! I don't want to die! I have a wife and child back home! I need to take care of them!"

"Well then…"

A red glow shined on the wall opposite the women. An intense heat soon followed that was nothing like what Nami felt before. Simultaneously, the woman immediately strengthened her hold on Nami. The Straw Hat pirate looked up to see an expression of fear and anger on the woman's face, a shock to her. It was clear Nami's ally knew what was going on and that it was dangerous.

"If you care about your family, die an honorable death."

"AAAAH!"

The man's mortifying scream sent shivers through Nami's very being. A fear she only had an inkling of now became far more real and overwhelming. An admiral of the Marines, soldiers of justice and peace, had done something horrible. It was evident without having to see it. Tears began to spill from her eyes as she realized just how much danger there was here. Her only comfort was she had an ally here with her and that her most precious treasure was far from this terrifying scene.

"Admiral, sir!" A new voice entered, but one Nami recognized. It was the rear-admiral she met last night. Would he say something about this horrendous action?

"We're nearly finished with preparations. The Pacifistas are already on their way."

"Good," replied Sakazuki. "Do we have a location on the pirate Squard?"

"Yes, sir."

"Lead me to him then."

"Of course, sir. I would also like to inform you that I had my new recruit join the battlefield. He'll be going after Monkey D. Luffy and tear him to shreds."

"Hmm. Let's hope your hybrid beast will be able to end that evil bloodline."

"With all the special training I've given him, sir, Straw Hat is as good as buried."

The two men then left to continue their duties. Once they were clear, Nami's ally could finally ease off Nami. The navigator stumbled forward as her mind was frazzled by everything she heard. Nami's partner seemed more or less okay but positively mad and frustrated.

"I can't believe…" the woman muttered before stopping herself.

"They told me Admiral Akainu was strict about justice, but that…!" She could barely bring herself to even utter the atrocity she heard. "How can anyone call themselves an 'ally of justice' and kill someone without even…"

Her ranting was stopped as she noticed Nami begin to move coherently again. She had grabbed the two pieces of her Perfect Clima-Tact and restarted her task of making more rainclouds. An action was both concerning and confusing for the woman.

"Hypocrisy aside, there's nothing I can do about it." Despite appearing frazzled, Nami began to smile with determination as she sent up her first new cloud to join the rest. "What I can do is make sure that I can help Luffy rescue Ace and spit in the face of it!"

A little amazed, the woman cooled her head and agreed. "You're right!"

After digging into her pocket, Nami's ally pulled out a mini Transponder Snail. She started to smirk cunningly, "Then, I think there are some people who might be interested in the information we acquired…"

Finally, on the other side of Marineford, the right side of the platform, there was one lone little girl in the streets of the empty town. It was, of course, Monkey D. Mika, who was trying to help rescue her uncle just like every pirate here. However, the child appeared to have some difficulties; she was struggling to move forward.

Clenching her head with her hands, Mika was suffering from a powerful headache. Since the battle began, Mika started hearing hundreds of voices sounding angry, pained, or both echoing through her mind. All of it coming at the same time, and the little girl could not understand why. She was struggling to block it out, but it was too loud. Little did Mika know that it was her Observation Haki, overwhelmed by the emotions of nearly everyone fighting right now.

"Daddy…!" she tried crying out, but the pain was toning her volume down.

Among the near-countless voices, Mika's need for her father allowed her to automatically focus on his alone through it all. Unfortunately, she was quickly overwhelmed. Her father was surrounded by people in chaos whose voices rung louder, if not more so than before.

In such an instance, Mika turned to the other person she could always count on. "Mama…!"

When Mika's Observation Haki instinctually targeted her mother's presence a distance away, it was much quieter and subdued than the battlefield. The voices were still loud, but her mother was, at least, on the fringes of the chaos. It was unfortunate, however, that Nami's feelings were uncomfortable for the little girl. Fear was prevalent on the woman's mind, along with frustration and anger. Mika did not like it one bit.

Mika was now left with seemingly no other options. Having been a strong connection to her parents, her Observation Haki was left in a juxtaposition between chaos and fear. Neither was satisfactory. Regardless, Mika, despite her pain, tried to push forward. She, like half people here, wanted to rescue her uncle.

"Uncle Ace…!" said Mika, pained but determined.

Her resolve was firm, which resonated with Mika's innate Haki ability. Through the voices pained and angry, one voice nearly separate from all the others was found. A sad and hopeless tone that grew despairingly by the moment. It was also the quietest of the voices despite the negative emotions. Though she was unsure why Mika understood that it was her uncle. And he needed help more than ever.

Fighting through the headache, Mika got back to running, now lead by that instinct for the moment.

"I'm coming, Uncle Ace!"