Chapter 5: Power.
Unknown Line
1 Week Earlier...
Unlike Luffy's absurd experience, nothing about the area that Shanks went through was particularly odd, a plain blue sea...but it was filled with colossal battleships constantly at war with one another, giant sea animals, and raging storms complete with rains, maelstroms, massive tidal waves, and tornadoes at random.
Shanks and others were covered in black spots and very sickly as a large and stout man wearing a Straw Hat with an anchor symbol in the center looked down on them.
"If ye don't have a Daemon Vegetable, then Ye will suffer HIS fate and there be no Paw-Paw to extract the disease onto yourself to be a martyr like him. Unless ye be willing to die in an unknown sea.," said the man.
"HIS...You mean Roger-," said Shanks.
"Don't ye have a promise to keep?" asked the man before Shanks could argue.
"Will it render me unable to swim? I won't do it for that kind of tradeoff." asked the redhead.
"Nay, it be allowing you to be the sea's friend but land's foe but ye can wear this footwear to go onto islands. It's how people here and other Lines operate on these waters lad.," said the man.
"Ye can have Locker and Houdini. The latter has run from home and the other wants to see the Grand Line with a native crew. A fair trade.," he added as he placed an unusual vegetable near Shanks as he gestured to the aforementioned duo.
"Who are you?" asked Shanks.
"I be the master of these seas. But there are 18 more like me.," he said.
"And there be others like you who visit here but more ulterior and less free-spirited in nature...so ye be best to deal with them in your homeland.," he added.
Shanks then reluctantly ate the vegetable.
Elbaf
The crew was confused at the sight of the arrivals.
What is with her Haki...it feels alien and sinister...is this what you meant...Ahab.., thought Shanks.
I don't think my body's adjusted to the Vegetable yet likely others too..and we can't use our Haki for this reason as well...who knew it would be this complicated compared to Devil Fruits...I'll need to do anything to ward her off..., he added.
"Wait...isn't that Z? The Black Arm Zephyr He was the teacher of a lot of top brass Marines! What's he doing here with that lady?," asked Rockstar.
"This place seems familiar. I've seen it on the maps.," the woman remarked as she looked around.
Locker and Houdini seemed especially terrified of Rora in particular.
"Kahahaha. This is Elbaf, my ladyship.," said Bullet as he knelt before her.
"Those are Shanks and his crew. They are an Emperor's crew," said Z as he knelt before her.
"Bullet? What're you doing here?" asked Shanks.
"Bullet? Not THAT Bullet!," shouted Rockstar.
Shanks then marched forward as he asked-
"What're you doing Bullet? You never even bowed to Roger. Why are you bowing to her?" asked Shanks.
"The answer is simple. Her Power is so beyond me- even more so than Roger...that I have no choice but to submit.," said the man.
"What?" asked Shanks as he stared at the woman.
"It seems like the other knights are back in Vira. Now that I remember...your bounties are very high.," said the woman as she reached to the back of her neck. From it, a bony hilt emerged from her spine as she slowly pulled it out.
To force Bullet is one thing but Z was a man who turned on the Marines for a sense of moral pride...to be able to make them both obey her without question...his words do have merit..., thought Shanks.
"Yuck.," said Rockstar.
"She's not in pain. Guess she's a Devil Fruit user.," said Roux.
"That sword...," said Beckerman.
"The Shodai Kiketsu.," said Hongo.
"I thought the Elder with the glasses had it.," said Lime Juice.
It was a massive claymore with a skeletal ribcage with a skull in the center with two long ones on the side forming a crossguard with an extended skeletal handle that she held with ease in her right hand.
"The Meito project was a joint project between Wano and Vira back in their heyday before the Void Century. 12 swords were forged via the lost technology. They say that one of the Elders has this one in particular but it's a forgery.," said the woman as she posed her sword for battle.
However, Shanks sat down to her disappointment.
"Can we resolve this over sake?" he asked with a serious face.
"The weak negotiate, the strong answer with their weapons or fists.," said the woman.
"Do you mean me or them?" asked Shanks.
Suddenly, a large sword of colossal size got between the two of them. The woman looked to see its wielder alongside its nine other companions-
A pitch-black, featureless yet muscular humanoid with two red, round eyes stood the tallest of the ten there.
Thor- God of Thunder- Guardian of the Asgard Section of Elbaf/Commander in Chief of the Nine Realm Guardians.
A lean yet muscular male tan-skinned giant with a white-feathered headdress like some native plain tribe, long swept-back neck-length ginger hair very prominent pointed nose that gives him a bird-like appearance. He is shirtless with eagle-shaped yellow runs on his upper torso, looped bronze armbands, baggy brown pants, and golden talon-like shoes. He was the smallest of the male giants of the group but still was taller than most Elbaf giants. He gave the impression he was indifferent yet confident.
Hraesvelgr-The Sky Eagle- Guardian of the Álfheim Section of Elbaf/Scouting Party Leader.
A feral-looking male giant with wild, gray hair that reached his upper back, he wore a wolf pelt complete with a head over his right shoulder, an open gray fur jacket, fur pants with a wolf tail, and was barefoot with long nails on both his hands/feet. He stood the second smallest of the giants. His yellow iris eyes looked hungrily at Chopper with a wild grin before Thor glared at him to back off.
Fenrir- The Famed Wolf- Guardian of the Nidavellir Section of Elbaf/Hunting Party Leader.
A rather lean and effeminate-looking male Giant with aquamarine short hair, a vaguely serpentine, and closed narrowed slit eyes. He wore an olive-green, snakeskin robe with long sleeves and wore snakeskin sandals. In spite of his rather waif-like appearance, he was the second tallest with Thor being taller. He waved hello to Robin as his forked tongue flickered out.
Jörmungandr- The World Serpent- Guardian of the Midgard Section of Elbaf/Head Historian.
A teenage-looking, purple-iris-eyed, brown-skinned girl with a toned body, with purple-colored chin-length hair with straight fringe and bangs as well as two long locks on each side in the back. She wore a maroon crop top with furred lining with heavy weights on her legs, brown sandals with wing extensions, maroon armbands, and maroon short shorts. In spite of her youthful looks, she was the third tallest of the nine. She had an outgoing and affable nature compared to the more serious members of the group.
Sleipnir- The Slipper- Guardian of the Jötunheimr Section of Elbaf/Head Botanist.
A round-red-nosed male giant with a thick, stout body, large arms with big hands, relatively tiny legs with copper-colored sandals, closed slit eyes, and a round face. He wore a sleeveless tunic that was designed to resemble baleen whale throat grooves with the back being a dull blue, light-grayish blue pants, and a trident worn in a sheath on his back. He was the fourth tallest of the group. He had a half-asleep look to him as he yawned constantly.
Gymir- The Engulfer - Guardian of Vanaheim/Head Fisherman.
He was a male giant with a well-proportioned body with a herculean muscular physique in spite of being the third smallest of the nine. He wore a greenish Viking Mask styled to look like a luchador mask, he wears a golden wrestler belt with a round buckle with the symbol of the World Government in the center, and matching green fingerless gloves and boots. He was otherwise shirtless with green wrestler shorts and a green cape with white furred lining. He had visible large lips poking out of the mask and exaggerated large eyes with tiny pupils. He struck poses while looking intense, which made Sanji look at the giant with annoyance.
Horik Ironhead- Guardian of the Niflheim Section of Elbaf/Head Festival Organizer/80-Year World Champ in Mix Martial Arts.
A thick-necked, well-proportioned elderly man with a surprisingly stocky and muscular body. He wears a regal dark-red, multi-jewel-covered coat draped over his shirtless upper torso with black fur lining, golden wristbands, short sleeves, and three black fur stripes running along the bottom. He wears a belt with the symbol of a Jolly Roger with a beard and a single eye with the other being covered by an eyepatch. He has a white handlebar mustache and wild white hair. He stands the fifth tallest of the group. Oddly, he had visible red-scaled wings with beige leathery membranes and a draconic tail.
Fafnir- The Avaricious Dragon- Guardian of the Muspelheim Section of Elbaf/Head Treasurer.
And lastly, the fourth-smallest of the group, a pale-skinned, large-eyed with solid purple-pupils with a pie-cut light, very attractive, well-proportioned giantess of young teenage age, with ankle-length black hair with a hime-cut, black rings under her eyes, purple lipstick on her lower lip, and a well-endowed bust. She wore a black crop top with a white skull in the center with a long skirt with three skulls placed vertically in the center with no shoes. She wore black elbow-length fingerless gloves. She overall gave off a goth appearance. She smiled with a morbid look.
Hel- The Necropolis Maiden- Guardian of the Helheim Section of Elbaf/Head Shaman/Head Fortune Teller.
And a tall humanoid monstrosity that had a black jagged maw with large eyes that had red sclera with yellow irises with a rippled pattern, but his body was a chimera of elements. His right arm was magma, his right was ice, his left leg was made of pure light, his right leg was made of pure shadow, the right side of his head was comprised of lighting and his right was pure liquid metal. But that was for a moment as his body parts shifted elements constantly, with sections of his body morphing into different elements like tar, cotton, gas, mud, plant, snow, etc. He was leaning back in his ornate chair when he saw Luffy. If he were amongst the nine, he would easier be the second tallest, outstretching Jörmungandr by several feet, but still shorter than Odin. He wore a platinum belt with the Elbaf symbol in the center and platinum wristbands with platinum curved boots. He leaned on his chair with his hands crossed against the back of his head.
Surtr- The Elemental Halbringer of Doom- Honorary Member of the Nine Realm Guardians/Protector of Yggdrasil.
"What's wrong Mr. Shanks? These fellas bothering you?," asked Gymir.
"The Nine Guardians of Yggdrasil...and another...it seems like GOD has created a guardian to accompany its holy protectors to protect the tree that leads to the Bifrost to Vahalla.," said the woman.
"GOD? No way. it seems like one of Vegapunk's more successful experiments on this Island of Fable that's over a few miles yonder on replicating THAT species.," said Bullet.
"What the fuck are you fuckin' babbling about you damn bitch?!," shouted Surtr.
"Language.," said Sleipnir with annoyance.
"What does that mean?," asked Rockstar.
"Means that there's a lot going on behind the scenes. It seems like HIS antics.," said Houdini.
"That woman...she be one of the biggest threats that come from the Grand Line.," said Locker.
Suddenly, she was sinking along with her associates into the sand.
She then placed her free hand on the ground as large bony spines impaled her hand, causing the image to dissipate.
She's a Bone-Bone user and an awakened one at that...a fight like this would destroy the island..., thought Shanks as the ground proceeded to rise into large skeletal hands.
"There are 206 bones in the human body and I'm able to manipulate them as I please. I also have awakened to WHAT this power truly is over THERE. Now, let's battle.," said the woman said before suddenly the crew and giants dissipated like fog.
An Illusion-Illusion Fruit user...and the Observation Killer...now then...where are you?., thought the woman as she closed her eyes.
Suddenly, she heard a Transponder Snail as Z picked it up.
"We have to Vira to deal with the Supernovas.," said the man as Rora sighed.
"Let me take care of something first.," she replied as she heard a "voice" nearby.
Shanks' crew hid behind a rock.
"Thanks. The Nine and that one are currently guarding the interior of Yggdrasil to prevent anyone from taking THEM out.," said Shanks to a currently unseen figure who soon revealed themselves to be a party of two.
"Anything for the one who has protected us in HIS steed. None of the five senses let alone Observation Haki can see past these illusions.," said a voice soon revealing itself to be an average Giant-sized middle-aged well-proportioned giant that looked mild-featured with square glasses, swept-back purple hair with a single strand of hair in the front, whisker-like markings on his cheeks, a small pencil mustache, and piercing intimidating pink iris eyes. He wore long maroon pants with two yellow buttons in front, a white tunic with red polka dots, curved yellow boots, and a fur collar cape made of giant gray rat fur.
Farbuit- The Illusionist- Advisor to the Elbaf King.
"That lady...she's dangerous but she's definitely not gonna be able to see past this..," said a round slightly-above average-sized giant who had long curly light-purple hair, blue five-a-clock shadow, tiny beady eyes, a piggish nose, and a mouth of rounded teeth. He wears a tall gold crown on his head, a green tunic, brown pants, boots, and a red cape. His arms were bulky and large in comparison to his tiny legs.
Loki- the Razorback- Prince of the Elbaf Giants.
"She's definitely an Awakened but I doubt she's more than...," said Beckerman before he looked to the right in irritation.
Rora was staring with wide eyes and a grin at them with her Haki manifesting in a pink flame covered in wailing skull faces.
"I heard you. That voice of your soul.," she said.
Does she have the same power as Roger and Oden? thought Roux with a rare frown on his face.
"She figured it out that quickly?," asked Farbuit.
Suddenly, she stopped mid-swing as she sensed something.
"So he's returned.," she said as she disengaged her attack inches from Shanks' neck and went back with her subordinates.
"Running away?," asked Rockstar.
"I see in a possible future...the Fey and Giants will be engaged in combat and I will participate in that conflict.," said the woman.
"Fey...they exist on Vira...I thought they were extinct outside of HER and her lackeys and the ones on Dressrosa.," said Juice.
With that she placed her free hand on the ground, generating a bone bridge that reached Vira as she ran along with her subordinates to their location.
Shanks sweated as Beckerman asked-
"If you and she went all out...which one would succeed?"
He then looked at his First Mate and replied-
"To ask that instead of saying it's obvious...she really must've been a dangerous one to go under my radar for so long. Makes me think of what other monsters are lurking in the shadows."
"Captain...," said Rockstar.
Supernovas...Luffy...you became an Emperor...this is going to be your first hurdle being one...hopefully things don't escalate to that level..., thought the redhead.
He then sensed something at Vira as he said-
"They're going to be in Vira?"
"What do we do now?" asked Houdini as Shanks grimaced.
Vira
30 Minutes Later...
A brightly colored ship, which imitates a circus feel arrived at the port. It has many circus tent designs on it, furthering its captain's theme. Its figurehead is an elephant with a trunk as a cannon. The prow also has two massive cannons on the sides.
"That's the Big Top. They must be here for those Supernovas to gain even more infamy.," said a guard as a platform dropped.
"I think it's just for petty reasons.," said the second guard.
Out from it, came a group that was mostly following a theme but was very different as well-
A red-nosed slim yet now yet slightly more muscular man currently wearing a long-sleeved purple shirt covered in blue polka dots, a white frilled collar around his neck, white baggy pants with red stripes, yellow and orange striped socks, brown curved shoes, a red captain coat draped over his shoulders with white furred lining. He was also slightly taller than he used to be. He had green star-shaped markings over his eyes.
Buggy the Galactic Clown- One of the Four Emperors/"Leader" of Cross Guild- Former Warlord- Fleet Admiral of the Buggy Fleet- Former Cabinboy of the Roger Pirates.
"He's a big deal...let's not fight him...," said the first one.
"You high? He's not a big deal...but his allies...I agree with not fighting them.," said the second one as they disembarked.
The Poneglyph's here right...let's just steal it get someone to read it and then scram..., he thought before sensing the aura of his very annoyed associate.
The first was a tall man with a wide chest, broad shoulders, muscular arms and legs, and a thick neck. He has grayish skin and nape-length black hair which is kept neatly slicked back. He has various battle wounds, most notably a long stitched scar at the bridge of his nose that stretches across his face and a large hook made from a tough gold alloy in place of his left hand. His eyes are deep-set and heavy-lidded, and his thin eyebrows are characteristically drawn upward in the middle. He had a perpetually scowling look with a cigar in his mouth. He wore a purple vest over a plain green shirt, a blue scarf around his neck, suit black pants, elegant back shoes, and a black fur coat draped around his shoulders.
"Desert King"- Crocodile- Vice Leader of Cross Guild/Former Warlord/Former Head of Baroque Works.
"What're you doing "Leader"? You're supposed to set an example of bravery to the organization.," said the man as he smoked his cigar and kicked Buggy to the ground.
He was accompanied by a tanned man with long, thin limbs and fingers. He is tall and very muscular and his head is shaven. His most striking feature is probably the black unibrow, right over his round eyes. He has big lips and the archaic Japanese symbol of the number "1" tattooed on his torso. He wore a dark suit over a plain open shirt, with a tie kept loose around his neck.
The Killer" Daz Bonez- Top 10 Member of the Cross Guild/Former Bounty Hunter/Former Mr 1 of Baroque Works.
"I never thought I'd come back here.," said a tall lean man with black hair, a short beard, mustache, and sideburns that point upwards. His nickname comes from his strangely colored golden ripple iris eyes, which resemble a hawk's eyes. He wore black and red ornate clothing with a crucifix pendant that hides a little dagger. His attire consists of a wide-brimmed black hat decorated with a large plume, and a long, open black coat with no shirt underneath, with red, flower-patterned sleeves and collar. He wears light-purple pants held up by a decorated belt and tucked inside overly large boots in comparison to his leg size. He wears a kogatana around his neck, appearing as a golden cross-shaped necklace, and carries his sword Yoru on his back when he is not using it. On his back was a curved, single-edged black blade in the shape of a Latin cross, with a golden crossguard decorated by blue/green cabochons, and a hilt wrapped in bandages.
"Strongest Swordsman in the World/Hawk-Eye"- Dracule Mihawk- Vice Leader of Cross Guild/Former Warlord.
"Eh? You know this place?" asked a lean yet muscular man with a long head with a 3-shaped topknot and a mustache, he also wears blue glasses and has neatly combed black hair. He wears a fears a white shirt with suspenders and a red bowtie.
"Loan Shark"- Galdino- Fiancecer of Buggy's Crew/Former Mr. 3 of Baroque Works.
"I bet he hated it. Seems very backward and primitive if you ask me..," snarked a slim, well-endowed woman with dark-green iris eyes, long wavy black hair, and a white color hat. She wore a pearl necklace, a bikini top, and tight Capri-length pants. She has a purple coat draped over her shoulders. She wore a pair of sandals.
"Iron Mace" Alvida- Information Gatherer of Buggy's Crew.
"Grr (I hope this doesn't lead to us being in a dilemma again).," telepathically said a massive, muscular green lion with a pink mane. He wore a one-piece garment with white and orange rhombuses and a white frill collar. His eyes alternated between the intimidating red sclera and comical white sclera depending on how serious or not serious he was. For some reason, he seemed much more sapient than he was previously and unable to swim like he used to do.
"Thinking Lion"- Riche- Pet of Buggy's Crew.
"Is he hungry?" asked a tall slender man with a unique hairstyle that covers half of his face. His hair is light green where it is shaved and dark green where it is longer. He is usually seen wearing a large blue and white checkered scarf that covers the lower portion of his face, a sleeveless purple coat reaching down to his knees, white pants larger near the end, held up by a light-blue sash, and white shoes. His hair is particularly interesting in its design, long on one side and a parallel shaved design on the other.
"The Acrobat"- Cabaji- Chief of Staff of Buggy's Crew.
"No. No. I think he says we might be screwed.," replied a plump man with large pink lips, wearing a dark blue fur suit, and his hairstyle resembles a panda.
Mohji the Beast Tamer- First Mate of Buggy Crew.
Suddenly, hands began to grab them but Mihawk immediately threw knives onto them- the others quickly retreating except for one who screamed as he leaped out of Buggy's shadow- Spandam.
Buggy had a disguised look as he saw the man rolling on the ground.
"He's pathetic.," said the man as Galdino had a deadpan look as he muttered-
"The kettle calling the pot black."
The figures emerged as the CP0 members- Rob Lucci's group, Namae, and Mugen.
"Some tough guys showed up!" shouted Buggy.
"As expected of the "strongest" but also of one of HIS Knights.," said the pink-haired man.
"It's not wise to bring up that subject.," said the man.
"What are you talking about?," asked Lucci.
"Zehahahahahaha.," laughed a familiar voice as a massive black thing appeared in the sky.
The others turned to see from this black thing emerge various ships modeled with a log motif at their base. Additionally, there was an island being pulled by a large version of the log ships with a saber-shaped figurehead with a skull at the base land in the port of Vira much to the shock of the guards.
A relatively small-to-mid-sized island whose foundation consists of dark-gray rock. Centrally on it are constructions made of yellowish rock, most prominently a large, skull-fashioned formation in its center, towering over all else. A city of many smaller buildings that were all square, crudely brick-built ones that surround said skull, as does a series of proportionally huge palm trees.
The skull's inside is carved into what appears to be a fortress where the current Emperor resided, with the "nose" hole being a giant glass window with additional, smaller windows dotting the skull here and there, and both "eye" holes going right through the whole structure. On the outside, the skull is carved to look like it is wearing a bandana, including a rocky protrusion on the left side shaped like the ends of a knot.
"What? An island repositioned like a ship? That's insane!," shouted Galdino.
"That's the kid...to think he screwed up like this.," said Alvida.
Mugen had an expression of surprise, more so towards the young man with them than the arriving pirates as Namae looked at his senior with concern.
Standing in front of the ship were the main leaders of the crew and their associates.
An extremely tall man with dark skin. He has a massive build as his body is round with relatively thin limbs. He has a big mouth with several broken or missing teeth, a pronounced crooked nose, and a very large and hairy chest and torso. Long, thick, woolly black hair falls down the back of his neck. He has a long beard that he has split into multiple sections. He also wears golden hoop earrings and a black tricorn with a yellow bandana with red polka dots. He wears a light purple shirt with a black captain's coat with red linings. He has a red and white feather with a purple flower on the side of his tricorn. He has an orange plume alongside his coat. He now wears dark blue pants with light blue floral designs on them. He also dons a pair of sunglasses.
"Blackbeard"- Marshall D. Teach- Admiral of the Blackbeard Pirates/One of the Four Emperors.
On the right and left sides were his crew and current associates.
An unusually big, tall, broad, broad-chested, broad-shouldered, muscular, tan-skinned, muscular man, with a broad upper body and a thin lower body in comparison. He has curly violet hair reaching down to his shoulders and always wears a dark brown mask with orange decorations on it, which covers the upper part of his face but reveals his eyes and his nose. He has an unkempt beard and wears a vertically striped black and white sleeveless shirt that has the same orange symbol as his luchador mask and he now wears a pair of brown gloves. He is wearing a championship belt around his waist and white pants with dark shoes.
"Champion"- Jesus Burgess- Helmsman/Martial Artist- First Ship Captain- One of the Ten Titanic Captains.
A grayish tan man that was similar to his Admiral in height. a long face with a wide-bridged nose, a full-lipped mouth seen perpetually smoking a big cigar, and a wide, jutting, flat-ended chin. He wears a peaked cap with a dark-blue crown and black, low-set visor, plus a red cap band holding a frontal badge of the winged, crowned Jolly Roger insignia. Below, he wore what resembled a white aviator cap, the earflaps containing built-in hearing aids of sorts, consisting of perforated rings surrounding diaphragms. Below he donned a dark-blue, double-breasted trench coat that was below knee-length, ten-buttoned in gold, and with a buttoned collar bearing a red patch of the Impel Down insignia, but only the symbol on each wing all gold-trimmed. On each upper arm was a red brassard with, again, said insignia, which was further borne as a buckle by the light-brown belt present for the coat. Additionally, he wore brown, color-matching gloves and boots, below the elbow and knee-length respectively, and dark-green pants tucked into the latter. Further part of his uniform draped on his shoulders like a cape, was a light gray overcoat with white trim with a generic Jolly Roger emblazoned on the back. It had fringeless epaulets consisting of red, gold-bordered rectangles with additional golden fringes marked by golden X's next to single gold buttons. The coat's sleeves were plain, lacking turned-out cuffs.
Shiryu of the Rain- Ex-Head Jailer of Impel Down- Combatant Swordsman- Second Ship Captain- One of the Ten Titanic Captains.
A rather thin man, with light brown hair that hangs down to his lower neck. He is extremely tall, standing at around the same height as Blackbeard. He appears calm all the time, even in battles, and his typical expression is generally emotionless. His eyebrows are almost always furrowed in what looks like a saddened expression, and he rarely smiles. The left lens of the black glasses he wears is a normal, rectangular eyepiece, but the right side is circular and holds what appears to be a crosshair. He sports a large black hat, protruding out to both sides. Its shape bears an uncanny resemblance to an upturned boat's hull. Van Augur is constantly wearing a long black cape, under which he wears a button-up, pale lavender shirt with loose sleeves, and simple black pants, with a maroon belt with an aqua outline that goes over a small portion of his shirt. He also wears black shoes. Due to the size of his rifle Senriku, he carries it leaning against his shoulder.
"The Supersonic"- Van Augur- Combatant-Sniper- Third Ship Captain- One of the Ten Titanic Captains.
A large, stout man dressed in regal attire, consisting of a long, white, and dark brown patterned fur coat and light-purple necklaces. He has many cat-like characteristics: his eyes are slit like a cat's and his cyan hair is a wild mane, with white horns attached to his head via black metal plates underneath. His mustache is a lighter blue than the rest of his hair, very large and droopy, sticking out about the same length as his shoulders; they resemble a cat's whiskers, fitting in with his feline-like appearance. He has a beard ending in three points and an ornate crown on his head. He also has no eyebrows. Since his debut, his arms so far have always been somewhat obscured, but it can be seen at one point that he has black vambraces with a spiral design; in the anime, it was revealed that he was wearing black and dark bronze metallic gloves. It is also revealed that some of his upper teeth are missing from his jaw.
"Corrupt King"- Avalo Pizarro- Diplomat/Shipwright- Fourth Ship Captain- One of the Ten Titantic Captains.
An incredibly pale man that was as tall as his teammates, while being slim in comparison. He wears an off-white collared long-sleeve shirt patterned with yellow crosses and navy jumper pants. His most distinguishing accessories are his classic black top hat and red wooden cane, with which he also wears a pair of gold hoop earrings. His lips are abnormally dark red. He wears a white cape with a feathered collar draped over his outfit.
"Demon Sheriff"- Laffitte- Navigator-Chief of Staff-Fifth Ship Captain- One of the Ten Titanic Captains.
An extremely tall, pale-skinned, and well-endowed woman with her black hair worn in a set of girlish pigtails. Her face has wrinkles, a sloping forehead, a long witch-like nose, a devilish grin, and a square jaw. She wears a bicorn hat decorated with a single rose and feathers on one side and a plume on the other, as well as the Blackbeard Pirates' Jolly Roger printed on the front, a corset that's longer on the back and extends all the way down to her knee area, a striped dress shirt, a cravat and heels that are slightly different from her previous ones. Her pants now have a pair of belts closing their hems. She also carries a sword on her right hip
"Crescent Moon Hunter"- Catarina Devon- Historian- Sixth Ship Captain- One of the Ten Titanic Captains.
A huge Giant, even by the races' standards, with the shape of his head and the disposition of his brown beard resembling a chestnut, making his spiky, round, and beige hair resemble a chestnut shell. His facial features include round eyes with dark lines around them, along with eyelash-like marks, similar to those found on Franky's face, that point downward. He dresses in typical pirate attire with a white/blue striped t-shirt with brown pants and tiny black shoes.
"Colossal Battleship"- Sanjuan Wolf- Martial Artist- Seventh Ship Captain- One of the Ten Titanic Captains.
A huge man, three times a normal man's height, of the Blackbeard Pirates' core members, his size is second only to Sanjuan Wolf's. He is stocky, overly top-heavy in build with thick arms, proportionate to his torso, that reach knee level, looking massive compared to his disproportionally shorter, thinner legs. He has light skin with a red undertone, an extremely wide neck, and on top, an unattractive face that is set most apart by his big, bulbous nose: uniform in its thickness, protruding down over his mouth and slightly frontward, with small, nearly unseen nose wings and a strange placement: its bridge starting higher than his eyes are set. The latter are widely spaced beside his nose, drooping, with purplish-gray irises underlined by black lines that jut upward from the outer eye corners like lashes, and are topped by what seem to be thin, short brows always drawn downward, touching the nose's upper edge. Otherwise, he is seen with a perpetual, drunken smile, his mouth gaping wide, exposing his big, rounded teeth, with his tongue sticking out, salivating, thickening the apples of his cheeks marked by blush marks, and forming prominent chin folds. His tall, rounded forehead is furrowed, with a black jester's hat above whose two cones bend over, and are tipped by white pompoms. Behind, his black, waved hair comes out to go down his back, and placed upon the sides of his neck, three on each, are large, golden ring piercings. He has a braided goatee, which he has grown since his time outside of Impel Down. He is always seen chugging on a large, yellowish gourd of liquor strapped on his back by a brown cord, which has the kanji "sake" on its bottom section. Clothes-wise, beside his hat, he wears a tall chef's hat, a chef uniform splattered with blood, a red ascot, and a white apron.
"Hell's Cook"- Vasco Shot- Cook- Eighth Ship Captain- One of the Ten Titanic Captains.
a large man with a nose slightly longer than normal, his face appears always unshaven, and there are straight purple tattoos coming from his hairline to the corners of his eyes. He has long ash blonde braided hair, and constantly has a pallid look about him acting as though he is on the verge of death. He wears a black fur coat, a wide-brimmed, black beaten hat, and what appears to be a dark white hangman's noose around his neck. He would appear to wear a green turtleneck, and from under his coat sprouts what looks to be a brown robe, under which his hairy legs are visible. He has black, large-buckled shoes. On his back, he carries a long, cylindrical bag, in which he keeps his scythe. He is riding on the back of his horse Stronger, who is, similarly, an unusually large horse with pale blue skin, very long legs, a white mane that covers his eyes, ears also stick up out of the unruly mane and he wears a thin brown bridle.
"Death God"- Doctor Q- Doctor- Ninth Ship Captain- One of the Ten Titanic Captains.
A seemingly teenage Mink of average size with golden cat-like slit irises white cat ears, a snaggletooth, and a white cat tail. She wore a midriff exposing corset with a short pink cat paw-spotted gray jacket and gray short shorts with knee-length silver boots with cat paws on the front of the boots. She has a short shaggy silver, bob-cut hairstyle.
"Black Tiger"- Anne Wilder- Tenth Ship Captain- Apprentice- One of the Ten Titanic Captains.
An incredibly tall, slim, yet muscular man with black, curly hair cut to chin length that fans out at the tips, tanned skin, and an altogether lean, long build. He wears a blue bandana that covers most of his hair, leaving only the tips which fan out. He wears a white V-neck shirt with black trousers, as well as an open dark blue-green trenchcoat that extends past his knees. He also now wears black cowboy boots and travels with a knapsack carrying his belongings, along with his old pair of green round sunglasses. He also has grown facial hair, namely, a thin mustache and a beard. Due to a fight a while back, he received several burn scars spanning from the right side of his neck down to his entire right shoulder and onto his torso. His right hand is also heavily scarred and he lost part of his left leg, for which he now wears a prosthesis made of ice formed by his Devil Fruit ability.
"Blue Pheasant" Former Admiral/Ally of the Blackbeard Pirates/Honorary Informant- Aokiji/Kuzan.
A huge man who was 22'8 feet tall. He had two horns protruding from the sides of his forehead and stitches running vertically from the top of his face and down his neck, which is rather long and thick in comparison to his body. His ears and teeth are both pointed, while his lower body is relatively fat and stubby in comparison. His flame-like hair is purple-red, and his skin is a pale white blue with full lavender lips Overall, he had the appearance of a demonic clown. He wore a red tie with a print of a purple crucifix on it. His black coat had a jagged appearance, and he wear a regular gray buttoned shirt with chain-like ornaments in it. He wears a long fur-laced cape.
"Shadow Devil"- Gecko Moria- Former Gecko Pirates Captain/Former Thriller Bark Captain/Former Warlord/Ally of the Blackbeard Pirates/Honorary
A round middle-aged man with a large nose and a thick, blond, fluffy beard that looks like cotton candy. He wears a bandana, a dark vest, and pants held by suspenders.
"Sly Fly"- Kikipatsu- Blackbeard Pirates' Lookout.
A young woman with shoulder-length purple hair. She wears an orange cowboy hat with a light green plume, a pink tank top, a white mini-skirt, and black high heels.
"Stampede"- Maki- Blackbeard Pirates' Chronologer.
And a young woman with long blond hair. She wears a white dress and a red knit cap with sunglasses on it.
"Dusk Rooster- Tori- Blackbeard Pirates' Diplomat.
Both she and Maki had infants in their arms
And several others kept in the shadows.
He was held in chains behind Kikipatsu, an incredibly tall young man with shaggy pink hair, a green bandana over the cross-shaped-scar over his right eye, a pair of round blue glasses over his banda, wearing a blue scarf, a Vice Admiral officer's Marine coat with the word "justice" on it, a merit badge on his standard Marine Jacket, white pants, a neckerchief, and a large sword sheathed on his back.
"Youthful Knight"- Koby- Member of SWORD/Captain.
"Who knew Shadows of Humility and your Shadow-Shadow operated on similar principles.," said Teach as Moria scowled.
Blackbeard then noticed the Thousand Sunny as he disembarked with Buggy standing frozen in dread.
"Straw Hat is here. He's probably not aware of the full situation in Vira but once he is- He'll wreck everything and whatever plans these villains have.," said the Pirate Admiral.
"Besides Croc and Hawk. An actual bigshot finally showed up.," said Jabra.
"This guy's power...if it's what I think it is...then oh boy are we in trouble...but I hope the kid doesn't put two and two together.," Mugen complained.
"What are you talking about?," asked Blueno.
"Issues.," said Namae as deadpan as possible with a comically deadpanned look.
"Yo, Bug Guy. What sort of scheme did you concoct to worm your way into being one of us? If you're not able to bite...I'm gonna kill ya and take your territory.," he said to the clown as the latter whimpered in fear as the former looked down on him
"The man who begged his "father" not to kill him shouldn't be such a braggart.," said Crocodile as Blackbeard glared at him.
Suddenly, Rora arrived as Mihawk gave a shocked look.
"Sir Rora...you've returned...taken a detour due to your lack of direction?," asked Mugen.
"Lack of direction...oh no...," said Kaku.
"Bullet?!," shouted Buggy.
"You know him?!," shouted Galdino.
"He was on Roger's crew like me!" the clown replied.
"Wha?!," shouted the former Mr. 3.
"That's Z the former Marine Admiral who taught everything the current generation knows...but it's strange that he and Bullet of all people are working together.," said Bonez.
"Because I conquered them and made them my squires.," said the green-haired woman.
"Ehh?!," shouted Buggy.
"Zehahahahaha. That green hair...are you like Roronoa Zoro's sister or something?" asked Blackbeard as her confidence gave rise to confusion.
"Zoro...he's alive?" asked Rora.
"Wait...they're siblings?!," shouted the less serious parties.
"You...," said the man as he looked at the woman.
"It's been a while...Mentor...," she said.
"Mentor?!," shouted the weaker members of the parties.
Suddenly, the three "leaders" sensed a powerful Haki coming from the massive tree of Mimameith directed at one of them in particular.
"So you're here...Luffy.," said Blackbeard.
"Luffy here...Eheheheheheheheheh...I'm gonna die.," Buggy laughed pathetically.
"Luffy...could it be...," said Rora.
"D-Room.," said a familiar voice as the staircase began to wobble and distort as it opened to reveal Luffy and the Supernovas standing to face the incoming parties.
"It's a risky gamble. And the little witch said going through the forest without protection has consequences. I hope this doesn't backfire.," said Law.
"Buggy...," said Kid as he and Killer glared angrily at the clown.
It's not even my fault I'm an Emperor! It's Crocodile and the press!, thought Buggy.
"Straw Hat...," said Crocodile.
"Luffy! What're you doing here?" shouted Coby.
"Luffy. He's got an ally that can traverse.," said Blackbeard.
"All of the Supernovas?," asked Bullet.
"Oh no!" Buggy shouted.
"Zoro...," said Mihawk.
"Guess they've stopped hiding.," said Mugen.
Rora had a stunned reaction as she said-
"Impossible..."
"Yo, what're you-," he said before he noticed Rora and started to freeze up.
"Who are you? Why do you look a little like me?," asked Zoro.
"It's been ages...my little brother.," she said.
"Brother?," asked Zoro.
"So it is true. Then he's an heir to essentially a dynasty," said Kaku.
"What dynasty?," asked Law.
"He's essentially a Prince. And the son of someone with immense Conqueror's Haki.," said Lucci.
"Huh?," asked Zoro.
She then noticed Luffy as she said-
"That's odd...you died here 18 years ago alongside Zoro..."
"Straw Hat was here 18 years ago?," asked Bonney.
"What kind of crap are you going on about, Zoro sissy? He's clearly alive...there's no way he's died before.," asked Nami.
"And Zoro's too stupid to die!," shouted Sanji.
"Wha?," asked Luffy.
Suddenly, more figures began to rise from the shadows.
"Guess this isn't a private affair...," said Mugen.
The crews then noticed that it was a mix of various parties-
Marines, Cipher Pol Agents, weird dark-skinned versions of the Warlords with black wings, knights of various body types with a tree insignia, etc- but the most alarming thing was the white lights in the sky with vaguely humanoid shapes...and five individuals leading the charge.
"Impossible...the Five Elders...," said Robin.
Luffy after being bombarded with the sight of Koby in danger, Blackbeard in front of him, the woman accusing him of a dark past, and finally...
Seeing Ace's killer...
Next Chapter: Justice.
Author Notes: This chapter was essentially about introducing the four factions- the Maxamillion Faction with Kraken, the Knights of the Sacred Tree, and Carling working the World Government as the villains of the arc; the Blackbeard Pirates and the Cross Guild as dual wild cards who work against both sides while not being specifically on both sides; and the Straw Hats and their current allies facing the forces of Vira and the World Government. Shanks may or may not get involved but it looks very likely that Dragon might get involved once he finds out his coupe was a blunder.
Rora is written to be strong just by having Z, the former mentor of the Marines and a terrorist who planned to take over the world due to how jaded he became, and Bullet, the loose cannon of the Roger Pirates into her obedient and loyal subordinates says a lot of how powerful she might be.