Back under the castle, around the same time the battle with Richard and the Admiral had taken place…
"So this is where the Road Poneglyph and Pluton were hidden?" Trafalgar Law pondered.
"Yes. I was certain Kaido would not find anything here but I had no idea he would have Jack, a fishman, at his side." Sukiyaki said.
"Wait…why would being a fishman factor in?" Twilight asked.
"Look out there." Sukiyaki said as the curious ones looked out to see an entire city preserved in water.
"A city underwater." Mari said.
"That is Wano…or more precise, what used to be Wano 800 years ago." Sukiyaki said. "Our ancestors created this large stone wall due to the Ancient Weapon hidden here. However without any way of release, rain water gathered and filled the country, leading us to rebuild higher up the Fuji Mountain, leading to what is Wano today." Sukiyaki said.
"So…opening the borders…would mean literally breaking down these walls and showing the ancient weapon." Rimuru said.
"That's a risk too high to take." Elisabeth said.
"Momonosuke made the right choice to not open up Wano to the world." Raine said.
They soon stopped at the Road Poneglyph.
"This is the Poneglyph. Down further below is the Ancient Weapon Pluton. However, I will not be showing you the weapon as you must understand." Sukiyaki said.
"Of course." Robin said as she looked at the Poneglyph. "This is the 3rd one. One more…and we can reach Laugh Tale." Robin said.
Days Later…
"Hey…you guys around?" Momonosuke asked as he opened the doors to not see a single member of the alliance inside. "Anyone?"
"Oh…brother." Hiyori said. "Sorry to bring this up but…everyone is already preparing to leave."
"What?!" he said.
At the port, a number of ships were being prepped as departures were going to begin.
"Looks like we're just about ready to go. Has everyone already done what they wanted to do?" Zamazenta asked.
"Yes, though it is such a shame to leave a recently restored country." Constance said as she held a parasol over her head. "But even so we must sally forth."
David however was looking at Lionel, Milo, Ezana and Trish as they stood before him.
"As requested by Lord Serenoa, he is putting the four of us in your service for the time being." Milo said.
"You guys are certain about this?" David asked.
"Tis not about the request you sent. Lord Serenoa greatly wishes to continue relations with the mercenaries who saved the country." Lionel said.
"In short, he wants to keep himself in your good graces." Trish said.
"Hope you do not mind." Ezana said.
"We look forward to working with you." they said.
"As do I." David said, placing a hand to his palm and bows. "Speaking of…what is the lord planning to do now?"
"Lord Serenoa is already establishing diplomatic ties with Tempest, the Sorcerer Kingdom, the Adrestian Empire, the Kingdom of Faerghus and the Leicester Alliance." Milo said.
"Yes…all six nations intend to have relations with one another in order to share resources and perhaps stay in reserve for future conflicts like this one." Lionel said.
"That's pretty genius of him." Adora said before looking to the Shadow Knights. "What about you guys? Since you're all now free from Tormal's control, you can do whatever you want."
"Baril, I'd wager you'd still like to explore the worlds with us, right?" Glimmer asked.
"Yes, even though it's only been a short time since the Sakura Cosmos, I still want to keep traveling with you all." Baril said.
"With Tormal still out there, and possibly forming an alliance with Zenos Road, some of us will return to Devaloka." Pedrol said.
"So you'll be splitting up then. Some of you back to Devaloka to keep it safe with Mastemon, and the rest coming with us." Ichiro said.
"Yes." Adrebil said.
"Myself, Nitez, Edira, Adrebil, and Ajakil shall return to Devaloka." Pedrol said.
"So that means Rugul, Rime, Nedris and Natyal will be joining us." Hyde said. "Well, technically Spirit Force."
"I was planning to join you all anyway, where Spade goes, I follow." Rime said.
"And seeing as how he and I both lead the Shadow Knights and are equal in strength, I thought it meaningful to come as well." Rugul said. "And of course, Natyal has traveled with you for a short while as well, and Nedris has personal ties with Tanjiro."
"Yeah, and besides, I don't think it would feel right not having you with us, Naty." Hapi said.
"It would be nice to have a safety net for whenever Hapi sighs and unleashes a Demon Beast on the ship unintentionally." Yuri mentioned, looking to Hapi.
"Well it's like B said, we're a deadly combination." Hapi said.
"Well, guess we should be heading off." Theo said. "Guild's been empty long enough."
"Yeah." Ethox said.
"It's a shame we couldn't finish things with Zenos here and now." Rimuru said.
"Let's keep in touch about his movements. If he and Tormal are working together, we'll let you know." Hope said.
"Same with us." Pikachu said.
"Yeah, the guy threatened me with violence." Meowth said. "The knight, not the talking demon head."
"Indeed. We should keep a close network." Ainz said as he remembered the message Meowth relayed. "And we will see all his forces annihilated."
"Indeed, safe travels to you all." Spade said.
Mythos Hearts, the Fatebreakers, and Ginhana Sky soon boarded their ships.
"Well…this raid wasn't a total waste besides someone's want to fight the enemy at full power." Ainz said as he displayed two fruits, each with swirls on them.
"Wait…are those…" Kazuma said.
"The Brush Brush Fruit and the Snake Snake Fruit: Yamata no Orochi Model." Ainz said.
"How did you manage to salvage the Snake Snake Fruit, anyway? Cheetah and Sachiko killed Orochi and the whole place was burning up." Ultra asked.
"I guess you don't know. When a Devil Fruit user dies, their fruit reincarnates back into the cycle." Ainz said.
"But shouldn't it… I dunno… grow again someplace else? I don't get these things…" G. Aqua said.
"All it needs is to reincarnate in some already existing fruit. We found both of these in the castle Orochi used to live in." Aura said.
"If you don't mind me asking, what are you gonna do with two Devil Fruits?" Le Kraken inquired.
"Experimentation. There is still so little known about what Devil Fruits actually are. How did they appear? How does the user gain powers? These things spark endless curiosity in others." Ainz said. "Besides, best to keep these from the mouths of others who could end up accidentally gaining powers."
"Right, good call." Kazuma said. "These things are cool and everything, but I'd rather not give up swimming."
More groups slowly departed as some others talked.
"What do you mean you're leaving?" Sonic asked.
"Sorry…but the dukes are staying in Wano and asked me to lead the Minks." Carrot said.
"Wow. that's huge for ya Carrot. Leadin' the entire kingdom on Zou?" Gemini asked. "Honestly, I think it's pretty amazing."
"It's still sad you're leaving the team, though. We had some good times." Vashyron said.
"It won't be the same without you, but just as a reminder…" Ace said, walking over to her and handing her a pendant.
"Thanks." Carrot said as she took it.
"Unfortunately, when it comes to things like these, there will also be departures." Jexi sighed. "Though…you guys sure you wanna join with us?" he said looking to Dorothea, Linhardt, Petra M, Caspar, Byleth and Shamir.
"I don't really have any obligations to the church anymore." Shamir said. "I was forced back into it because Shez was controlling all the armies, and the church hired me on. Joining you guys seems like the best option."
"After seeing how strong you guys are, how could I not refuse the chance to join up?" Caspar asked.
"My grandfather is still strong enough to rule Brigid. Besides, I am thinking it would be best to broaden my line of sight." Petra M said.
"As a mercenary…I have no obligations." Byleth said.
"Same here. Might be nice to go with a friend." Dorothea said, looking to Petra M.
"And…I really just want a place to be away and study in peace." Linhardt said.
"Okay then. Welcome." Jexi said.
Meanwhile, Peacock was talking with Barry.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell ya all the details about why I signed up for the raid, Bar." Peacock said. "But seriously, just from this alone, I'm totally missin' out on everything!"
"I understand, Peacock." Barry responded. "The Cross-World Coalition just doesn't get enough action. If you want to go find adventure out there, you have my full support. Just take care of yourself out there, okay?"
"Ah, don't worry about me. I'll be goin back to where I'll be most likely to have the most fun!" Peacock said, looking back at the six alliance groups. "Although, I ain't too sure I'll be welcomed back into the team I left before with open arms. So I talked with the one guy that has the one group that totally screams me in a nutshell."
That's when Dark Water walked up into view.
"Now this guy? He totally gets my sense of style!" Peacock smiled, bumping the bioweapons body and getting some in on her glove, to which she nervously shook off.
"She's cartoon violence at its most deadly. How can I say no to that?" DW typed. "Welcome to the crazy train, Peacock!"
"So this is where we say goodbye." Shez said to the groups.
"He's right. We three house leaders still need to clean up the mess he caused in Fodlan." Claude said.
"Though we do hope we meet again someday." Dimitri said.
"Be it our world or somewhere else." Edelgard said. "Hmm…I haven't seen Bernadetta arrive onboard yet."
With Bernadetta, she was hidden safely in a closet as she sighed before it suddenly opened. "Hey…knock it off!" she said in a panic before seeing the one opening it was Mark as the two of them fell over before accidentally locking lips.
Down below, the two groups heard the sound of two simultaneous screams.
"...Sounds like Mark found her." Eddy said.
A few moments later, Mark and Bernadetta came walking down to the others, neither of them looking each other in the eye as the boy walked up to Hope.
"You." Mark said in an even tone and neutral expression. "Ira said something to you and Siege that jinxed this. I blame all three of you for this, and I will one day have revenge on all of you."
"What happened- oh." Simon said in realization before smirking, and doing a wolf whistle.
"Well, I'll be looking over my shoulders for a while." Hope smiled. "On the bright side, I think this means we have someone else coming aboard, even if it is by accident."
Mark just stood there, eye twitching for a few moments before he gave up and sighed. "Welcome aboard, Bern…"
"Hold on, I never agreed to any of this!" Bernadetta nervously flailed.
"You pretty much did when Mark found you." ZS said.
"Is this what…an engagement is like? Oh, why did I pick his closet?" Bernadetta said. "Wait, maybe…" she said before seeing the house leaders and merc already taking off.
"Have fun, Bernadetta!" Monica called out.
"Oh…" Bernadetta said as she accepted her new membership into Team Chronicle.
"Well, I suppose it's about time we left too." Aslana said.
"Negativity will be expecting a full report on what's happened here." Neferu said.
"Of course. Hopefully we can work together again someday." Glacius said.
"Same here. Don't be a stranger, okay?" Roxy asked.
"Promise." Cheetah said as the members of Dark Garden and Reformed Society took off.
More and more groups continued to leave until only the Alliance, Unmei Force and the two crews remained.
"Hmm…looks like the nearest islands are northeast, east and southeast." Trafalgar Law said.
"Middle!" Kidd said.
"Middle!" Luffy said.
"Northeast." Trafalgar Law said. "Did you both really pick the middle? So childish."
The two captains then played rock paper scissors, which resulted in Kidd going east.
"Still…can't believe this idiot is an emperor. What pisses me off most…is this." Kidd said, showing the poster for Cross Guild.
"I still find it hard to believe that a clown who we fought for a long time became an Emperor." Odd said.
"Hey, he became a Warlord of the Sea because they misinterpreted his relation to Shanks." David said.
"He must've gotten really lucky when Crocodile and Hawkeye showed up, and they gave him the Emperor spot because of this poster." Hope said. "Oh, and I dunno if this is wrong or what… but they raised his bounty to 3.189 billion."
"That's gotta be a mistake." Titanica said. "And there's no way Mihawk and Crocodile are actually following Buggy as his two top commanders as the paper says."
"For Crocodile, I hear Buggy actually borrowed a lot of money from him at some point." UI said. "This company was likely his idea and Buggy was misinterpreted as the mastermind."
"He's probably getting put through the wringer right now between those two. And I bet his crew put him there." Hope said.
"I never gave the guy much thought because it's hard to take him seriously at all." Baozhai said. "But now he's started all this…"
"That's classic Buggy. Dumb luck backed up by the spectacular ability to go with the flow and pull ideas out of his butt." Scarlet said. "Then again, he was a member of Gold Roger's crew, so I guess it's not that surprising he can survive, even thrive on the seas."
"And a former member of the Universal Villains." Aelita said. "And that group had tons of setbacks."
"With where he is now, I don't expect the New Universal Villains to try and make a move to get him back into the team game. I don't even think Crocodile or Hawkeye will even consider it." Hope said.
"Likely not. I don't think they're foolish enough to align with them." BA Petra said.
"Plus, I doubt Techno would fully be willing to trust those two." Mark said. "Too flippant for his taste, too much risk of going off the chain."
"Yeah…anyway…we best be ready to shove off." Jexi said.
"Any reason we got the Galaxy King in aqua ship mode?" Ajna asked.
"Nothing wrong with sailing out in style." Jexi said.
"Oh, I hear that." Leonora said.
"Makes you wonder where our next adventure will take us." Ace said.
"Y'know, I've stopped asking that a long time ago." Hope said. "Doesn't really matter where we go. We'll just continue to do as we do."
"Doesn't hurt to be curious." Ace said.
"So, there's no objections to our respective courses?" Kidd asked. "Once we're outta here we're enemies."
"Yeah, we know." Jexi said.
"All of you!" a voice called out as they saw Momonosuke running to shore with a shaded face. "This is an order from your shogun…" he said before he started crying. "Please don't leave me! I want you to stay forever…"
"I'm sorry, Momonosuke, but we can't." David said.
"But just remember, we're always right here." Ace said, putting a fist to where his heart is with a smile.
"But...if you're ever in trouble…" Jexi said as he tossed two flags. The Straw Hat Jolly Roger and the emblem for the Hero Alliance. "If you guys are ever in trouble…raise them high and we'll come running." he said.
"You guys… really think of me as a comrade?" Momonosuke asked as he was joined by Kin'emon and Yamato.
"You three…you guys were amazing. We'll welcome you with open arms at anytime." Jexi said.
"Wait, really?" Caspar asked. "I thought Yamato was ready to jump on board from the way she was talking."
"I was but…I need to figure out my own dream. So I will travel Wano for a while before going out to sea, just like Oden." Yamato said. "But man, I really did wanna join you guys!"
"No worries…we'll be waiting for a lot of people to come back someday." Jexi said.
"Okay…if we take Hakuma Port…there's a lift that will take us down safely." Nami said.
"Thank goodness. No risking the falls like the first time." Brook said.
"Oh…going for a proper port huh? Safe and secure, that's the path that's just right…for a couple of losers." Kidd said.
"Uh oh…" Hope said, looking to Luffy and Trafalgar Law.
"Please…nothing is gonna…" Eddy said as they soon saw Luffy gone. "Where'd he go?"
"Hey, let go of that!" Jet called from the bridge as the ship was heading for the falls.
"You gotta be kidding me!" Jesmon said.
"Aaaaaaah! Somebody stop him, I don't wanna die!" Bernadetta cried out.
"If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times…here we go again." Mark said.
"Don't tell me, we're about to fall off a huge waterfall?" Hope asked.
"Yep. Again." David said.
"Sharp rocks at the bottom?" Ace said.
"Most likely." DW typed.
"...All together, everyone." Jexi said as the group braced themselves and, as one, yelled:
"BRING IT ON!"
"I LOVE YOU GUYS SO DANG MUCH!" Peacock laughed as the three ships jumped off the falls and down to the sea below, lots of members screaming, some in euphoria, others in absolute terror.
"What in the world did we just sign up on?!" Rinwell said in shock as Hootle held on for dear life.
"The crazy joyride of a lifetime. And you got front row seats." Piccolo said.
As the ships went down, Gus watched from the Unmei Force ship as he smiled.
"Ah, those guys. Always a bunch of crazy bastards." Gus said. "But that's what I like about them… they are really the ones who kept this multiverse in order…"
"So what now?" Velouria asked back. "That's about all we can do here. And considering what just happened… We're likely going to be having trouble with the World Government. But I say let them come. Those bastards are ripe for a beating to remind them that they're no longer the biggest child in the sandbox."
"I… I don't think they would dare." Koyomi stated, as she nursed her wound gently. "With what Magina, that goddess watching over the other Richard… that message he sent… is something that would not make them act rashly."
"I do wonder what was written on the message…." Reisen stated. "I doubt that even in his anger, that other Richard would not send a letter of pure obscenities right to the Gorosei."
In the Holy Land of Mary Geoise…
The Gorosei were seated within their chambers, as there was an uneasy silence between them all, after hearing about the latest events that had occurred across their own world.
"... How can we let this not go unnoticed?" One of the elders remarked, cradling his head in his hands.
"No use ignoring it…Nika has descended once more. This follows the Levely…what is the world coming to now?" Another elder clicked his tongue in frustration.
"Also…there is this." The third of the elders remarked.
The same elder then produced a wadded up message.
"Admiral Ryokugyu brought this with him when he returned." the same elder said. "It's a threatening message. Directed at us…and to Master Im."
The other four Elder Stars froze upon hearing that last part, slowly turning their heads to him.
"...What…what does it say?" the youngest Elder Star asked, his tone betraying the fear he felt.
The elder then uncrumpled the piece of paper and started to read it slowly
Dear Gorosei, leaders of the World Government
I would like to first make it known that you have seen the mess stirred up recently. Two Emperors of the Sea lay broken for the public to watch, and the ones who have done it are three crews part of the Worst Generation, as well as the renowned Hero Alliance.
Must be a real mess, hm? Makes you want to come around and try to 'fix' things around here?
Unfortunately for you, stuck in the old generation, the new era is already underway. You can jam your fingers in the moving gears as much as you want, but all you will achieve is breaking yourself, helpless to watch the future proceed.
There are eyes on you, as much as you have eyes on us. Your actions are no longer as tolerated as before. The Revolutionaries are emboldened with the fact that the once-invincible can be defeated, and that Wano has stayed independent, with no little contribution from myself, as I sent one of your Admirals packing.
But fret not, all you have to do is a simple matter: Stay away from the matters of other worlds, where you have no right to interfere.
We are both civil beings on the outside, but serpents who devour those weaker, and spread venom among those who are powerful enough to oppose you. So let us agree that there is no point in trying to engage in full war with each other. We both know that both sides stand to lose. But I will make sure you pay far more dearly than my side will, and that is a promise.
So… Will you take my olive branch, that comes with no obvious caveats that could threaten that status quo you call order, or will I have to remind you that there are powers beyond your world that can very easily send your entire lineage into oblivion.
I simply am waiting to see your answers, Gorosei. The very existence of the Celestial Dragons depends on it. Maybe if you are less impulsive… there might actually be survivors that will keep that title alive.
And now, let me offer two post-scripts, in case two certain individuals are reading this letter.
To Fleet Admiral Sakazuki:
As much as I sincerely wish you burn in hell, where the flames of sin are powerful enough to turn your magma into nothing but pure vapor, I have other business than to waste my time with you. You can send all the Marines all you like to try and get any of us, and you can fail as many times as you like.
Let me put something in your head that you should have learned a long time ago:
Learn to deal with your own problems before you poke your snout into others.
You're hard-pressed trying to stop the Revolutionaries, and you think you can beat the Hero Alliance?
A futile dream, one I pity. If we ever meet, you will suffer the same fate as Ryokugyu: Humiliated and broken before the world's eyes.
To the man above, the one whose word is spoken in one breath:
Let me make something VERY clear:
I know what you have, and I know what you can do. So I'm going to be very clear with you, and I don't care what reasons you have.
If you even think of trying to attack my people with what you have in possession, if I see a single crater-mark where a city is…
MARY GEOISE WILL BURN.
You're not the only one who can play god. That orb that obliterated Ryokugyu? I can do far bigger. Just like you could destroy countries on a whim, so can I.
There are two gods with the nuclear option. If you want to play the game of Mutual Assured Destruction, know that I'm willing to play the game, and win.
And you know what happens when you lose? Your entire history, wiped from the face of existence, a nihil.
So go ahead, if you think you have what it takes to take me on.
There will be no Empty Throne when I'm done, just as there is no World Government, if you cross me.
The Gorosei were left completely speechless, unable to process for a moment what they just heard.
One man challenged the entire World Government. Not just them and the Marines… but the mysterious man on the Empty Throne. And furthermore…not one of them held the slightest doubt that he could back up his claims, especially when the threat was written in blood-red letters.
"This…is troubling. He not only knows of Master Im, but also what we've done to the Lulusia Kingdom recently." one of them said.
"What do we do?" another asked.
"We have no choice. Put out an edict. Government and Marine business with other worlds is hereby prohibited without bringing it through us first." another said.
"And what about Master Im? You know that if he wants something done, it must be done. If this reaches him…" the third perished the thought.
"Then we will not tell him. So long as we keep this from reaching him, there will be no need for retaliation." the fourth elder said.
"Still… with the Flame Emperor Sabo allied with the Shining Hope Squad, I doubt what happened in Lulusia won't reach the ears of the alliance." the second elder said.
"Though if he is alive or not is still to be determined, especially when we're pretending the island never existed." the last of them said.
"So then, unless they're here in this world, we cannot touch the Hero Alliance. It pains any of us to not take action, but with this threat, we can't act. His conditions are very specific. If broken, we could see destruction to Mary Geoise the likes we've never seen." the third said.
"We have no choice but to agree to his terms. And make sure no info reaches this alliance's ears. Besides…news of the Lulusia Kingdom will never reach the alliance…because it is as if it never existed." the last one said.
And with that, the Five Elders silently agreed to everything. Not to act against the Hero Alliance outside the New World, or to tell any of this to the mysterious ruler who sits in the Empty Throne, Im.
This day to them would go down in history as the day when their authority was challenged and threatened to such a degree, that even they couldn't act to stop it.
And so, news of the alliance's victory in Wano reached far and wide, surprising many organizations, especially when one of the alliance's members was an Emperor.
As for where our heroes would venture next…well…that's a story for another day…
The End.