As the people reveled in the victory over Kaido…
"Ugh…" X Drake groaned.
"Hang tight, Drake. We'll get you to our medical professionals." Zexi said.
"Uhhh…so…you were a marine…Drake?" a voice asked as they saw Hawkins approaching.
"Hawkins. Surprised to see you here." Mayumi said.
"I'm not answering your question. Though…you look like hell." X Drake said. "I thought your cards said you'd be fine as long as you didn't betray Kaido."
"I sank to working with Kaido because I sensed death from that monster while Kidd and Killer faced the threat bravely…and even continued to resist. Even if I predicted them winning, how could I possibly turn back and suck up to Kidd?" Hawkins said.
"So you clung to a dim hope, entrusting your future to the cards." Rime said.
"Cards…" X Drake said as he realized. "So…the man with the one percent chance to survive…"
"It…was me…" Hawkins said as he collapsed.
"Whoa. He really is out of it." Mayumi said as she caught him.
"Curada." Rime said, healing any wounds he had but didn't see them healing. "It's not working…"
"His injuries are too severe. We need to get him actual medical help mixed with magic. Plus the fact he's missing an arm too." Mayumi said.
"Yeah, that arm might've been my fault." Bassam said. "Still, not much can be done about his missing arm."
"Well, prosthetics are always an option." Mayumi said.
"Yes, though it could take time for him to get accustomed to it." Rime said.
"You sure you wanna try and save this guy? He did try and kill us." Storm said.
"He did help us against Galdera." Al said.
"I guess we still kind of owe him some sort of debt." Mayumi said.
"Right now though, he needs medical attention." Adora said.
The days were slowly ticking by as the events of what occurred had leaked beyond Wano to…certain purveyors.
At the location of the Multiversal Economic Journal…
"Well well, those kids did it again!" Morgans laughed. "Taking on two emperors, a demon lord, and a mysterious shadow knight? This is good stuff! Nothing like live entertainment. I never want this to end! And we got so many newcomers in this too along with faces we rarely ever see."
"Uh sir…the World Government keeps calling." Ichiko said. "It's about Straw Hat Luffy's new poster."
"What about it?" Morgans asked.
"They want a different picture. They also want the D to be removed from his name." Ichiko said.
"Hmm…afraid that's gonna be a problem. Because…" Morgans said, opening a window as the printed posters were sent flying out the window. "We just sent them out."
"You sure this is a good idea?" Ichiko asked.
"I'm sure about everything!" Morgans said. "Oh, that reminds me." he said, handing her a list.
"What's this?" Ichiko asked.
"A list of all the notables who debuted during that battle. Just those who defeated major players. The government also requested they have bounties and posters printed as well. First the Levely, now this…and to top it off, they already picked replacements in the Four Emperors." Morgans said.
"Oh I don't believe you'll be doing any of that." A mature female voice said, as a magical woman walked into the room, complete in business suit and suitcase as she did not look pleased.
"Okay…uh…can I ask what this is all about?" Morgans asked.
"Some of those you have on bounty posters." The woman said. "First, pleasantries. I am Lady Magina, the major overseer of the one group known as The Future Seekers, some of which you have on those bounty posters. And I am here to tell you that by doing so you are infringing on various laws of dimensional stature."
"What? That's ridiculous. What's the harm in publishing the truth?" Morgans asked.
"Hm." Magina said as she set her briefcase on a magical table and opened it up, bringing out a large series of papers as she magically flipped through a set of laws, which the title was shown "Dimensional Conjunction Law". "Ah, yes, ahem. According to the Dimensional Conjunction Law, Section 37, Subsection D, Part III, paragraph 4: 'Any and all bounty posters posted within a dimension must be of beings that dwell within the dimensional boundaries of said dimension. Failure to comply with these laws enact the right of the assailed dimension to take the assailants before any high court of dimensional law, be it earthly, divinity, or of other stature. Failure to comply will result in the termination of the world of which the bounty posters originated from, and can and will be done without any notice of warning.'" Magina promptly explained.
"Termination of the world? That-that cannot be real." Morgans said.
"Do not believe me? Validate my documents yourselves then." Magina smiled as she slid the documents over. Not a single document was forged or fake. Every document was legitimate, to the point, no spelling mistakes. There was even the letter enclosed in parentheses on Therefore so that no judge could possibly invalidate the documentation from such a little dispute. "These documents are quite real, as you can see, and they are approved by beings higher than you could even comprehend. I just so happen to be the governing being of my dimension that was handed a copy." Magina sternly said.
"Oh god…huh…even a little slide show of the consequences. But we…" Morgans said as Ichiko covered his beak.
"So uh…which bounties did you want rescinded?" Ichiko asked.
"I will be sending you the full list of the entire population of my dimension so you do not make the mistake. At the top you will find the names of Siege, Rinkah, Pyra, Mythra, and the various others that partook in the Raid of Onigashima from my dimension. I am merciful, so I will allow you a 20 day grace period to stop the printing and spreading of the bounty posters. Failure to comply and I will take legal action." Magina said. "I didn't want to do this, but I have enough paperwork headaches of my own, not to mention those who work under me also have headaches of their own. As such, I'm sure we both don't want the mind-splitting headache of having both received write ups of improper dimensional interaction." Magina sweetly said.
"Say, how many people were there in total?" Ichiko asked.
"Depends on if you're referring to those only in the physical plane of existence, spiritual plane of existence, or both." Magina specified.
"Hmm… Based on the rosters of the participating factions, I'd say around… in the thousands or so. I'm sure they won't mind if a few of them get rescinded." Ichiko said.
"What? But we aren't printing for all of…" Morgans said as he still had his beak shut.
"Zip it, bird." Ichiko whispered.
"Regardless, that will be quite the number posters of the large force you will be looking at rescinding. Again, you have 20 days to do so. Please do not disappoint, I'd like not to be in a court room again." Magina huffed as she collected her things back into her briefcase.
"Okay…so that's Siege, Mythra, Pyra, Mio, Noah, Sam and Rinkah who will not be getting bounties." Ichiko said.
"Do not forget Allison, Rutega, Majorita and Usalia. As well as my own Richard and the armada he brought with him." Magina informed.
"Uh…those four were not on the list. But Richard and Taiga were." Ichiko said.
"Please remove them as well, they are also of my dimension." Magina sweetly smiled.
"Noted." Ichiko said.
"Thank you for your time, ladies and gentlemen. Now I will be on my way~" Magina smiled as she left as quick as she came.
"...That was surprisingly scary." Morgans said.
"Yeah, I could tell." Ichiko said. "Underneath that smile she was a demon in disguise."
"Well…we can't print for the Unmei Force or Soldiers of Fortune. But we can get the rest." Morgans said.
"So should I…" Ichiko said.
"Shred theirs. Please." Morgans shook as Ichiko started shredding the posters for the noted members of Future Seekers and Unmei Force.
The news that Big Mom and Kaido of the Four Emperors were defeated, quickly made their way across all the universes. Both defeated in a single night. Among the number of names released, three pirate captains: Monkey D. Luffy, Eustass 'Captain' Kidd, and Trafalgar D. Water Law, were all issued bounties of 3,000,000,000.
A week after the raid…
"Thank goodness…they're already waking up." Rebecca said.
"Meat!" Luffy declared.
"Booze!" Zoro declared.
"How are you guys already this loud… dammit." Connor said as he also stirred, disturbed by Luffy and Zoro's yelling.
"Connor, you're awake!" Happy-2 said.
"Yeah, I was out for longer than I thought…" Connor said, sitting up.
"We're just relieved you're okay." Homura added.
"No joke." Weisz said before looking at Connor's major difference in his now white hair. "Wait, what happened to your hair?!"
"All I can remember was that I got zapped by the Unversed Sentibug summoned and I was hit so hard I blacked out. I did have some weird dreams though…. Well, not really dreams, but more like, flashes of stuff, while I was out." Connor said. "Rest of it's a blur."
"You were forcing yourself to borrow power from an unknown source before you passed out." Darkrai said.
"Though for some strange reason, I could hear singing from your location." Simon said.
"Probably the angels about to take him to heaven." Ty said.
"Hey, I'm not dead yet!" Connor said.
"Well, at least Trigger Happy still has his personality intact." Hapi said. "The hair color though…not really sure how to feel about it."
"Hmm…" Connor said looking in a mirror and checking the color out. "Don't care, I'm keepin it."
"Huh? Why would you wanna have white hair for the rest of your life?" ZS said.
"Can't really say. It's just a feeling I have that it's…Hey!" he said seeing most of everyone not paying much attention.
"Yeah…we stopped caring as soon as you started talking about hair." Catra said.
"Heh… figures." Connor accepted as Luffy and Zoro were eating and drinking a storm as everyone gathered.
"Luffy! Zoro. I'm so glad you two are alright." said a young man with flowing black hair as he entered as most just continued doing what they were doing. "Hey! It's me! Momonosuke!"
"Say what?" Bow asked.
"Shinobu used her Ripe Ripe powers to age him into an adult. Pretty wild, right?" Peacock asked.
"It's true." Ajna added.
"Am I really that unrecognizable just by age? Nami, they're being mean to me!" Momonosuke said getting close to Nami.
"Get off!" Nami said kicking him and sending him to the ground.
"But…I'm only 8." he groaned. "Doesn't really hurt though…"
"Mentally yes." Ajna said.
"Hahahaha! Welcome to the world of adultery, Momo!" Sanji said.
"Your special privileges are a thing of the past." Brook said.
"Not even gonna ask." Connor veered away from asking questions.
"Yeah, he's tougher." Luffy and Zoro said.
"If you say so." A2 said.
"He's Momo on the inside…but Oden on the out." Yamato said, putting a tray on his head.
"Will you quit putting a tray on my head everytime you see me?" Momonosuke complained.
"Hey, we heard about your rightful induction as Shogun of Wano, congrats!" Koenig said.
"I'm sure you'll do great at ruling Wano. With you at the lead, this countries gonna be rebuilt from the ground up." Ethox said.
"Thank you, I suppose." Momonosuke said.
"So we are victorious." Constance said.
"Yes. Now we can enjoy the festival happening tonight." Yamato said.
"I suppose so." Spade said, crossing his arms as the other Shadow Knights gathered with him and the others.
"Hey you guys. Glad you're all well rested and recovered, and that we could free you all." Hope said.
"Our thanks goes out to you for saving us from Tormal's clutches." Rugul said.
"It's back to the drawing board for Tormal and Zenos Road. It's going to take them a while to recover." Alphamon said.
"Indeed. With all of us liberated, Tormal has lost a significant trump card in his forces." Pedrol said.
"But he probably won't stop with trying to destroy our dimension." Hope said.
"But we'll be ready, if he and Zenos Road have formed an alliance, we must be at our best when the time comes." Nedris said.
"Speaking of Zenos, is it really okay to let him go? Probably would've been better to finish him off when we had a chance, right?" Legolia asked.
"Nah… it doesn't feel right taking him out when he's so weakened." Ethox said. "The point of an adventure is to fight the last boss at his full strength. I want Zenos to be beaten at his best."
"Hehehe. Taking a page from me, huh?" Goku asked.
"That's dumb." Seiya said bluntly. "If there was a chance during this whole thing, I would've killed him. But since there were so many people in the way, we'll have to chase him down later."
"Excuse me." A voice said as the group saw Empress approach
"Oh hey, it's you! The dragon-arm girl Travis and Trish saved." Yuzuriha said.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all, I go by Empress, due to having forgone my name for so long." Empress said. "I owe you all a debt of gratitude for helping me. Though I do not know where to go on from here."
"Why not jump on the bandwagon with us then? You did say you owed us." DW typed.
"If you are certain." Empress said.
"We are, and you picked the perfect time to join. We're gonna be having the party to end all parties tonight because we won the battle." Zephyr said.
"I see." Empress said.
"But first…let's hit the baths." Hapi said.
"Huh…I don't seem that dirty." Zoro said.
"That's cause I cleaned you and Luffy while you slept." Hiyori said.
"Moss head…we need to talk…" Sanji growled.
"Oh yeah…I remember now." Zoro said, grabbing his swords as he and Sanji clashed. "I came back from the depths of hell to kill you!"
"Should we stop this?" Ezana asked.
"Ah, let them have their fun. It's kind of their way of showing that they care." David said. "Trust me, I would know."
"Speaking of joining, the four of us would like to extend our invitations." Yuri said.
"Yeah…with the war over, not like we're gonna have much to do." Balthus said.
"Indeed." Constance said.
"Yeah, especially since we're considered outcasts in Fodlan." Hapi added.
"Then you can come with us, we'd be happy to have you aboard on the Edens Zero and the Galaxy King." Ace smiled.
"No shame in it. Their ride's pretty sweet." Hapi encouraged her fellow Ashen Wolves.
"Well, I'm sure we'll get many requests for joining and returning. But for now, let's clean up and get ready to party." Hope said.
"You can bathe too, right Yamato? Now that Luffy and Zoro are better, you can call off your Prayer." Nami said.
"Prayer?" Connor asked.
"Basically she swore never to eat or bathe until everybody was recovered." Hope said.
"Just a fair warning… If any men try to sneak a peak at us… Us cats will shred you where you stand. Am I making myself clear?" Esmeralda asked.
"Don't worry, they're separated by gender and on different levels." Hope said.
It wasn't long before they were in the baths…
"Ah…this is nice." Jexi said as he relaxed in the mens bath.
"I agree, this beats the Sauna at Garreg Mach, any day." Yuri said.
"Yes…this is incredible!" Yamato said.
"GAHHH!" Weisz screamed as his eyes comically bugged out.
"Wh-Yamato, the heck are you doing in here?!" Rangna asked.
"I have said it before but I am Oden!" Yamato said proudly.
"*Sigh* I am so glad I have a boyfriend." Simon said, unfazed.
"Yes…this is a dream come true." Mineta said.
"Mineta… Don't you dare." Valfor said.
"Uh…little late." Theo said as Mineta was climbing the dividing wall.
"Well, Esmeralda warned him. We declare ourselves not responsible for anything that happens." Kareem said.
Fortunately, Mineta was able to keep his life, as the women's bath was a floor above them and the wall was blocking nothing.
"Ha-Ha."
"Don't see why you're laughing…I got plenty of women action here." Mineta said while watching Yamato.
"Then why did you climb the wall?" Meitenkun asked.
"I only did it cause the werewolf dared me." Mineta said.
"I did not!" Valfor said.
"So the wolf is secretly into that stuff. Huh." Yuri said.
"Grrr…next time, grape juice, you'll be grape jelly." Valfor said.
"Just ignore them. They're just trying to get a rise out of you." Zacian said.
Up in the women's bath…
"Sounds pretty lively down there." Gemini said.
"If I had to guess… Mineta is at it again." Mayumi said.
"Who cares. This is nice." Nami said.
"I would often bathe like this with Oden and the others. But it was a bit awkward to be with all those men." Kiku said.
"Aren't you a- ah, never mind." Hapi said.
"Try not to wrap your head around it. You'll just wear yourself out." Crusadermon said.
"Yeah. Societal definitions of beauty are total crap, anyway." Glacius said.
"It's been a while since I had this kind of moment to myself…" Weiss remarked, soaking her body with the waters of the hot-spring. "I feel as if I'm truly warm in a snug manner."
"Hey Peacock, 2B, A2, get in here!" Frosta called to the three outside.
"Nah, I'm good. I don't want my arms to rust anyway, I got metal noodles here!" Peacock said.
"Your loss." Sectonia said.
"I'd be lyin' if I said I wasn't havin' the time of my life right now. I missed this." Peacock said. "No disrespect to Barry, but life in the Coalition base is boring." she groaned. "It's half the reason I signed up to help out. I'm thinkin' of coming back with you guys."
"Worry about all that after the party, kay?" Hapi asked.
"Hey Rinkah, this feel good or what?" Yuzuriha asked.
Rinkah, however, hadn't joined them. Not any of those from Siege's world had, they weren't present in the room at all.
"Um, Yuzu, they're not here." Roxy said.
"Like I said, their loss. If they don't want in, we can't force them." Sectonia said.
"I suppose not." 2B said.
With Siege's group…
"Everything's pretty much wrapped up boss. Though… why are only Lucia and I here with you?" Sam asked.
"Rinkah and the others went to get Ulti and Page One. Rinkah said something about taking them in to train with the people she's training under." Siege said.
"You never told us who they were, Commandant." Lucia said.
"One you would probably believe. The other… well, not so much." Siege chuckled as he looked over the pendant, as well as photos of him and Geina, him and his younger sister, as well as various other memoirs from various fallen allies. Memoirs that reminded him they were with him… Yet painful to look at still.
"Not really in the mood to join the fun?" a voice asked as Hope appeared before the three.
"...Not exactly." Siege sighed as he put away his personal belongings.
"Look, I get it. You're pretty crestfallen over your friends being gone. I saw how emotional you were when their time was up." Hope said. "But you shouldn't give up. With proper training, there might be away for them to stay in the living world forever so you don't have to wait so long."
"...Hope. I appreciate the optimism you all have." Siege said. "But Rinkah told me how David approached her when she saw Zoro. We all know it's possible to bring people back. But every life you bring back, death requires a fair trade no matter how long you postpone. I love optimism… but we can't live in that optimism forever, Hope. We have to be reminded that we aren't indestructible."
"Yeah, I get it. We've seen people die for real too. Ace, Pedro, plenty. Heck, we couldn't even make it out of the raid all in one piece because we lost Ashura and Izo. But do you know why I'm optimistic? Because I always cherish the lives of my friends so much, that it helps me protect them. Plus, its in my nature to be optimistic. As long as there's hope for a better outcome, I won't stop fighting to get it. Just like Jexi did a week ago." Hope said. "So stop feeling so gloomy and try to look for a better way to live life instead of mourning so much. Besides… I know you're already doing it. That pendant of yours… it's meant to find a way to bring back someone from your world, right?"
Siege looked at the pendant, nodding his head. "I can't help but shake the fact it has something to do with revival. Whether it be in my dimension or this one… I only wish my Azura had given me more insight." Siege said before he looked to Hope. "But I'll keep your words in mind… And by the way…" Siege said before he pulled something else from his pocket and tossed it at Hope.
As Hope caught the object, he would be greeted by a golden necklace with a bright red and blue centerpiece.
"That's one of our very own instant portal devices. One push of that centerpiece and we'll have instant access to your location to come right to you. No waiting time, no hesitation." Siege smiled.
"I'll keep it on hand, in case I ever need some help." Hope smiled. "Now c'mon, let's get ready to party. I can't have you leaving our world again without ending the visit on a high note."
"Heh, well sure why-" Siege was about to say before another portal opened up, as Siege turned around to see a tan skinned woman with an eye patch on her left eye, being Samira from League of Legends.
"Samira!?" Siege exclaimed. "What the hell are you-"
"No time to talk, I suggest you bring your best weapons. We found it… we found a way we could bring back allies." Samira said as Siege's eyes widened, before he chuckled and looked back at Hope.
"I knew it was unintentional but damn you're a master at foreshadowing sometimes." Siege laughed. "You best share a few drinks in my honor at the party now." Siege joked to Hope.
"Sorry you can't stay. Hey, when Nia, Camilla, Hana and Geina are brought back, tell them we said hi." Hope said.
"You got it brother." Siege smirked.
"Lucia, thank you for your help too, hope you get cured." Hope said.
"It was nothing, it was the Commandant's wishes." Lucia nodded. "And I know Siege will cure me and my sister."
"I'm betting on it. And Sam?" Hope asked.
"Hm?" Sam asked Hope.
"You stay yourself out there. And… I owe you one, for convincing Page One and Ulti to change sides. Look after 'em." Hope smiled in a similar fashion to Sam.
Sam only smiled back, his blade ready. "Heh, I never was good at babysitting." He clearly joked as Siege pulled out a Super Shotgun.
"Well, in the words of a famous man from a distant time and place…" Siege said as his group was about to jump through to their next adventure… "I'll be back." He said in his best Arnold Schwarzennegger impression, before the four of them jumped through, on their quest for ways to undo death itself.
It was a little later that Hope joined some of the others at Tokage Port to observe the finishing repairs on all naval vessels sailed in the raid, including the KANSEN girls.
"Okay…all ships have been repaired." Usopp said.
"And the General Franky is looking SUPER!" Franky said.
"I'm thankful for all of the help." Little Bel remarked, as her smaller rigging was easily given maintenance. "I never thought that the shipwrights here would be this… talented."
"That's Franky for you." Weisz said.
"How are you doing, Myoukou? You took some pretty bad hits when Kanjuro let loose that Ink Shower." Glimmer said.
"It is my duty to guard Lady Amagi." Myoukou answered back, as she inspected her own rigging. "Do not worry about me. That blow did not do enough to take me out. My resolve refuses to let me fall easily. But still… It cost me several injuries. Regardless, I am merely glad that this war has ended."
"For all of the bluster this war put up… I thought that we would have much more use." Washington huffed. "But then again, after seeing the chaos from near the ports, this was a land war to start with, we're just in the landing phase. Just know that if you need any naval battles tipped to your favor, the United KANSEN Navy are glad to lend aid."
"Don't be too cushy. We're all enemies once we leave this country." Kidd said.
"C'mon Kidd, after everything we've been through?" Mark asked.
"Don't be stupid! There can only be one King of the Pirates." Kidd rebuked.
"Remember Mark, he did say he and Killer were only gonna be on the team until Kaido goes down." Hope said.
"Speaking of which, there's something I gotta do before we go." David said.
"Yes…we all will be going our separate ways." Trafalgar Law said.
"You too, Law?" Glimmer asked.
"He was on the team for as long as he was 'cause he and Luffy were in an alliance." Peacock mentioned.
"And the alliance is over since Kaido has been beaten." Trafalgar Law said.
"We're gonna miss having you around, you know." Zelos said.
"...There were some enjoyable moments." Trafalgar Law agreed. "But we all have to go our own ways sooner or later."
"And we'll be on our guard." Kidd added. "Somehow, somewhere, intels gonna leak, and the papers all over the Multiverse are gonna hear about it. People are gonna be after us more than likely because some of us may have become Emperors in Kaido and Big Mom's places."
"Nobody can see us from inside this closed nation, but we can't see what anyone's up to either." Ty said. "Though I can probably imagine some of us will be getting a bounty or two. Hey David, wasn't your bounty 500 mil? It's probably gonna go up."
"I wouldn't be surprised if it did, after all the fights I ended up in." David said. "I wouldn't be surprised if I hit the 2 billion mark."
"Well why don't you check it out, hot shot?" a voice said as Apoo was arriving by being carried by Inbi.
"You? Wait a minute…were you…" Tokoyami said.
"Yep…I'm the one who leaked all that happened here to the outside world!" Apoo said.
"Why am I not surprised….?" Sakura said.
"Anyway… take a look!" Apoo said, putting a newspaper in the center.
David then looked at his bounty.
Wanted
"Ice Devil" David
Dead or Alive
1,235,000,000
"Eh, not quite as high as I expected, but… It's still a big jump." David said.
"And it's not just you! Appapapa! Check this, blue boy." he said, showing one to Hope.
Wanted
Dead Or Alive
"Azure" Hope
2,500,000,000
"Im worth 2.5 billion?!" Hope asked in shock.
"What did you expect? You took on an emperor and won." Apoo said.
"Yee-Haw, Hopey! You're hittin the big time!" Gemini said.
"Oh you think that's big…take a look at the new Four Emperors." Apoo said.
"Huh?" they said looking at the pictures. "Let's see…Blackbeard and Shanks are still up there. Whoa! Luffy made it. Cool, we're an Emperors crew now. And last is…now this has got to be a mistake." Jexi said seeing Buggy's picture among the four emperors.
"Wait the clown guy? How the heck is he an emperor?" Ace asked.
"Heard of Cross Guild? It's a new venture he started up where they hunt down high ranking Marines. He's already got Crocodile and Mihawk bent to his side." Apoo said.
"Wait, so not even the Marines are immune to bounties now?" David asked.
"Not anymore." Apoo said.
"Oh, I can tell a few higher ups in the Marines are shaking in their boots right now." David said.
"Now let's look at the…" Hope said as Kidd grabbed the paper. "Hey, we weren't done…" he said as Kidd ran to the capital.
"Oh…Kidd…is pissed." Killer said.
Sometime later, David was in the kitchen making Flying Fish Sashimi…
"Okay let's see… Just add this, a pinch of that and… Voila!" David said as he made a dish of Flying Fish Sashimi. "This is my first time making this, so… I'm not sure how it's going to taste."
"Is that for King?" Shionne asked as she and Team Arise walked in.
"Yeah. I heard that this was his favorite, so I wanted to make this so he would know that there are no hard feelings. And that…the offer's still open if he changes his mind." David said.
"I highly doubt it." Law said.
"Yeah, you may have a point. But it's the thought that counts. Anyway, what about you guys? What's next for you?" David asked.
"Well…some of us were thinking about joining you guys." Law said. "Well, we can't all go with you guys though. Dohalim has to stay."
"Law's correct. I have to be a leader for all the people in Lenegis after all." Dohalim said.
"I hope things work out for you back home, Dohalim." David said.
"I will be by his side every step of the way." Kisara added.
"And the four of you have no objections?" David asked.
"We've got no plans. So we'll be coming along." Law said. "Besides, it's not like I've got anywhere else to go back home. Me and Rinwell both."
"In that case, welcome aboard." David said. "I want to extend my offer to a few members of House Wolffort, but… I don't know how they'll receive it. I believe I sent them to Ezana, Milo, Lionel and Trish."
"I'm sure they'll get back to you before we leave." Alphen said. "Either way, it's great to be aboard with you guys."
"Same here, Alphen." David said with a smile.
"Now, you'd better send out that sashimi to wherever King is before it spoils." Shionne said.
"I've got a pretty good idea where he has ended up." David said. "The mines."
"Okay, we've just about got everything set up." Pearl said as various members of the army were taking the time to both fix up the worst of the damage and prepare for the celebration party happening later.
"Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!" Ed said in excitement. "Celebration!"
"Heh, yeah, it's gonna be a big one." Mark chuckled before he noticed Richard staring into the distance. "Hey Richard, you good? You seem a little distracted."
"Hm? Oh." Richard remarked, before turning around. "Sorry, just thinking about a few things. Don't mind me. I'm just considering what I should do for the celebration, although there are a few things in my mind. Some things that I rather not share at the moment."
"If you say so." Mark said. "Well, I guess I'll leave you to it. Gotta keep helping out. See you at the party dude!" the half-angel waved as he walked off to keep helping.
Richard watched as Mark walked away, before he then decided to discreetly warp himself outside the castle, making sure that there were no prying eyes or eavesdropping ears nearby. After he was sure that he was not being surveilled, he immediately drew out a spell card of his own.
"Declare Spell Card: Moon-Wood Sign 'Gemini Soul'." Richard calmly stated, before the spell triggered, creating an exact replica of Richard himself, who seemed to be indistinguishable to the physical eye.
"...You need me?" The clone asked the original.
"You know what to do." The original Richard answered back, before he then turned to leave. "Try to not be an exact copy of me when it comes to words. Ad-lib a little, that should keep them guessing for a while. Your main priority is to keep them with the wool over their eyes."
"...You sure you want to do this?" The clone asked, crossing his arms. "I know that you gotta do something to ensure that everything works well… But, this…? You really are that desperate, huh?"
"It's the only way that the World Government won't ever dare to interfere with the Hero Alliance. Even if it costs the tranquility of our forces… we cannot allow them to do as they please… not as long as the Gorosei, and HE remain in power." The original declared.
"HE…" The clone stated, humming the word. "You're really going that high, aren't you? Fine by me, that's not my issue to dispute with you about. Just know that the alternate self here… he might not be so happy when you literally picked a fight with HIM."
"He'll continue it, if I know him well enough." The original stated. "He wouldn't let this kind of matter slide. In fact, this is already moderate. At this point, if he and I were in swapped places… he would have went for Sakazuki's head, consequences be damned."
"Heh." The clone dryly chuckled. "Alright, we're done talking. I'll keep the masquerade up."
"Thank you." Richard answered back, before he then turned to leave, before another portal appeared before him.
"Who's-" Richard was about to say, before Magina appeared before him. "...Oh, I thought that you would have come here."
"Richard… May I ask what you are going to do?" Magina asked with a very unamused tone.
"...What is right? You and I both know that." Richard answered back. "...It was you who rescinded the bounties of both me and Siege, as well as those within the Unmei Force… I would have expected that you would cover us that well."
"Then why are you ruining that!? Are you really going to risk your safety just for that!?" Magina exclaimed, her calm ruptured with a sense of anger. "You don't just go fighting the World Government, just because they're going to try and annex Wano, or that they'll bother the Hero Alliance. The Hero Alliance will charge through such obstacles without error. They can-"
"And how many innocent lives have to suffer for that, Magina?" The original Richard stated, as the clone realized this was the very moment to get going, before things went ugly. "HOW MANY!?"
"Richard, I know there's a Navy Admiral on this island." Magina said. "And I will not permit you to attack them. Understand?"
Richard could only seethe silently, before he then took a deep breath.
"...Why not?" Richard asked back with a tone that showed the limit of his restraint.
"Because this one is not Fujitora or Kizaru…." Magina said, looking towards the horizon. "Its Ryokugyu. And you know what that means."
"...Of course I do. I don't care if it's Sakazuki deciding to scorch Wano into a molten hell, or Ryokugyu…" Richard growled. "...I will stop them before they even have a chance to step before Wano. The festival… it will not be interrupted. 20 years of agony and despair are about to be dispelled, and I will suffer not a single Marine who intends to return them to that same status quo of suffering."
"...I know that you can fight them to a stand-still… but what will it cost for you to do such a thing. To even be able to do actual harm once he decides to stop mucking about… You would need to devote your own lifeforce to do that." Magina stated. "...The history that I have peered into, has shown that Wano will remain safe, because Momonosuke and his retainers would beat back Ryokugyu despite all odds."
"...But does it send the same message as I intend it to?" Richard answered back. "What do you think happens if Momonosuke only manages to barely push Ryokugyu back?"
"Are you really set on sending that great a message to the World Government?" Magina asked. "You know what will happen if you manage to pull it off. Do you really want the entire World Government to be your enemy? Can you really fight them all off, you and Unmei Force? I can't let you have something like that follow you home. I forbid it!"
"Then would you rather let them suffer the same fate as the other me?" Richard answered back, with a pained tone in his voice. "...Stripped of all hope, stripped of all happiness, husks that can only await death to release them? Because that's what you're consigning so many people to. I know you don't want this as much as I do, and that you think the best for all of us. But what is best for us, is not the best for everyone."
"Damn your selfless heart!" Magina shouted, as her shout shook the ground a little. "This is the same thing that consigned the other self to such agony. This is why he is in a coma right now, because he sacrificed himself and his own friends to ensure the worlds would not be in danger!"
"And the guilt of having done nothing when he could do something is what broke him, what turned him into a monster that had to be sealed, had to be put down for the greater good." Richard stated, as his own anger fizzled away, to reveal the sorrow behind it. "...Magina, please. You have to let me do this. The Unmei Force were prepared for this eventuality. Even Gus knew that the World Government would be on us, bounty or no bounty. We can't sit on our hands and allow them to do as they please. We have to take the first strike, or else countless people will suffer… and my conscious cannot allow that."
Magina sighed. "Even if I had to use all my power to keep you here, I couldn't very well stop you if I tried. It would harm you and bring me strife that I cannot allow. And your reasons… I cannot deny them fully either." she turned to the horizon. "But I'll be going with you at least to make sure you don't suffer too much damage… and to figure out just why exactly an Admiral like him is here."
"...Thank you." Richard stated, as a shadow of a smile appeared on his lips. "You just need to make sure that the damage is limited to our battleground."
"After all of this, you better back your words." Magina stated. "And don't think I did not see the piece of paper in your pocket. That's your TRUE message to the World Government, isn't it?"
"And Ryokugyu will be the one to send it." Richard answered back, before the both of them departed.
The former site of Udon….
Lush greenery was abound as a lone man walked away from the prison, leaving many of the captured Beasts Pirates and wardens trapped by tree roots with some of them drained of some nutrients.
"Can't be beaten by some pirate subs. I gotta keep up my rep." he said as one of the tree roots dug into a keg of beer. "Ugh…terrible. Should have let it age more." he said before going to his Transponder Snail. "Hey…it's me. Send me a battleship."
"Oh…it's you. Admiral Ryokug-" a voice said.
"Shut it. No one is to know I'm here." the man said. "Especially Sakazuki, got it? Later."
The man was revealed as a tall figure with lengthy, thick dark hair and sunglasses, sporting a tattoo that said "Suicide by the River of Death" in kanji. He wore a pair of dark-colored pants with light flower designs on the left leg, whereas the right leg has a few small tears, and the standard marine coat.
Marine Admiral
Ryokugyu(Aramaki)
"Kinda like his no cut corners approach. But what I really wanna hear…is him singing my praises when I bring him the head of the guy who started all this." he said holding Luffy's wanted poster. "Rahahahaha!" he said as he continued on. "Oh…those fools inside…they have no idea how bad the worlds gotten outside."