Justice
Chapter 10: The Prince of the Sea
With the discovery of the attempted assassination plot on the commodore, Joseph discovered that there was a traitor in the ranks. After putting the clues together, Joseph discovered that the Poisoner was in fact Pandora the entire time. Thus the young marine took it upon himself to get the answers from the one whom he considered his friend. Someone he ate with and fought with. Confronting the young woman alone in the streets of Triburn Island, Joseph demanded the truth. Though he received an arrow instead. The two fought each other in a duel to the death, one full of emotion. The mask of Pandora would break and she revealed in the end that she only did the things she did because of Kai and their friendship. She played both sides in a way and paid for it. Joseph saw the genuine look of sincerity on her face. While he could not forgive her heinous actions against the innocents of the Kalani Islands, he would forgive her for what she did to him and remember her as his first friend in the cruel world he has since entered. Now with Victor, John, Gordon and Pandora gone Joseph turned his attention to Kai. Now his mission is to bring Kai down himself, for the people of the Kalani Islands and the marines that fell during his conquest.
[Triburn Island, Kurosai Town]
(Joseph's point of view)
"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!" screamed Joseph and the voice.
Joseph held Pandora's corpse close as he cried.
"Not like this, not this." said Joseph miserably.
"We need to leave this place." the voice said trying to hide his own sadness.
"I'm going to incinerate that bastard!" Joseph seethed.
"Get Pandora back the ship first. Then we'll deal with him next. Please..." the voice reasoned
Joseph remained silent to the voice's comment, though followed through with his suggestion. It would be better to know that Pandora's body is protected. The now silent marine carried the girl with a heavy heart knowing he will have to reveal the truth of her demise to his remaining friends.
Soon the depressed young man returned to Kurosai Port with the body of the poisoner. All the surrounding marines stopped and stared at the sight of Joseph.
"Oh my god is that Pandora?" said a random marine
"Is she? Okay?" another marine wondered
"Are we being attacked!?" said one marine worried.
"Officer Joseph looks like hell. I wonder what happened?" said a large marine
The petty officer kept his head down as he walked on to the deck of the frigate. The marines on deck scrambled to grab a one of the tables. Placing Pandora's body gently on one of the wooden tables, Joseph turned to see Landon and Julia behind him with wide eyes.
"What happened!?" Landon yelled hysterically.
"P-Pandora..." Julia said holding her hands to her mouth.
"I-I tried to, she wouldn't, I couldn't." Joseph spoke, unable to think of the correct response.
Julia ran up to Joseph and grabbed him by his collar.
"JOSEPH! WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED!?" Julia screamed, repeatedly slapping Joseph across the face.
Joseph stood firm and took everything Julia threw at him, looking only at the ground as he was being hit.
"Julia that's enough!" Landon said pulling the enraged woman off of Joseph.
"What did you do!? Why?" said Julia angrily trying to free herself from Landon's grasp.
"I-I didn't, I hadn't meant to I..." said Joseph dejectedly.
"Joseph I can't hold on to her for long. I'd start talking if I were you." Landon said holding on to Julia.
"Enough is enough. I will explain soon, but please I need your help. I can't..." Joseph asked looking into their eyes.
The two looked in deep thought as they saw the sadness in Joseph's eyes. Julia calmed slightly from the sight of seeing Joseph like that.
"Did Kai do this?" Julia asked dangerously, shaking Landon off her.
"He contributed to her death, in time I shall tell you all that transpired. For now I need your help." Joseph said seriously.
"I'm going to carve him to pieces." Landon said clenching his fists.
"I am with you. I'll cut his balls off." Julia said outraged.
"Get one of the sailing boats. We do this alone, right now." said Joseph quietly.
Landon and Julia complied and went to retrieve one of the smaller sailing vessels from the port. Joseph turned to look at Pandora's body, he gave a quick prayer and left with the others. The gang secured a small fishing boat and set the sails loose. To make haste, Joseph held his had to the back of the boat and with a blast of fire they were off. Now moving towards Ouran Island at a blitzing pace, the remaining members of the Kalani Four are now on a mission to end the prince of the sea and his reign.
"Joseph, What happened?" Julia demanded
"Pandora was the poisoner." said Joseph adjusting his flame.
"What? No fucking way." Landon said disbelievingly.
"Impossible!" Julia said grinding her teeth.
"I know it's hard to understand now, but it is true. Polemon and I found out that there was a traitor amongst us. I killed him and Pandora revealed herself to me as the poisoner. We fought and I won, she lost. I didn't kill her, she more or less killed herself. She was in pain, to choose between Kai and us. Make no mistake about what she was, she helped cause misery here. She was remorseful and tried to work against Kai. She was the reason we made it this far. I'm conflicted as to where I stand in this, but all I can tell you now is that Kai is a big cunt and I'm going to strangle him." Joseph explained
"Fuck me, she betrayed us? Fuck man. I don't know what to think man. All I can think about is when I get my hands around that prick's throat." Landon growled
"You guys don't blame me for what happened?" Joseph asked, concerned at their potential thoughts.
"In truth Joseph, no I don't. Pandora Loved you, she loved us all. If she showed remorse like you say, than she cared in the end. I can't absolve her sins against our home and people, but at least I can know that she died as a friend sort of." Julia said
"Thank you Julia." Joseph said sincerely.
"No problem. You may not see it, but we're in this to the very end. I can see it in your eyes. You didn't want her to die. I don't blame you, I blame Kai." said Julia checking her dagger.
"Yeah same with me brother, but I have to ask. I know we're on a revenge mission, though what is the plan?" Landon asked while loading his pistol.
"An all out assault, take no prisoners. All pirates we find will be executed. When we clear the place out, we will look for this prick and I'll deal with him." explained Joseph
"Alone?" Landon said, holding on to the boat.
"Yeah, I need you two to get the any civilians to safety and kill any of Kai's reinforcements." said Joseph
"We can do it." said Julia moving the sail.
"Same here!" Landon yelled
"Now onwards!" Joseph said, blasting more fire behind him.
[Ouran Coast]
(Joseph's point of view)
The trio came closer to Ouran Island, the place where this war started over six months ago. Joseph could only think about what he would do when he stepped on shore. While he didn't know exactly what he would do, he knew that all the pirates on the island would die. This war would end, with his death or Kai's defeat.
"Here we are." said Julia
"Julia, take this." Joseph said tossing one of his pistols to her.
"Thanks." Julia responded
"Are you guys ready? For today could be our last." Joseph asked readying himself.
"To the end my brother." said Landon full of vigor.
"And for our fallen sister." said Julia containing her rage.
Joseph nodded at their responses. Though as he moved ahead Julia grabbed his arm and pulled him towards her.
"Joseph, I'm sorry for before. I-I just want you to know that I..." Julia started
"It's okay Julia. I understand. I'd be upset if you hadn't acted that way to be honest." said Joseph sincerely.
"It's time we make a grand entrance, both of you move behind me!" Joseph ordered
Julia and Landon complied and swapped positions with Joseph. The elemental marine took in a deep breath as the boat slowed down close to a pirate frigate. Releasing his breath, Joseph shifted the waves as his arms moved. The frigate began to move with the current as Joseph willed it to move. Raising his arms together, the large ship started to tip over to the port.
"What the..." said Landon in awe.
"AAAAAAAAAHHH!" Joseph screamed
With a final push the frigate capsized onto the dock crushing anyone in it's way. The pirate's on board tried to escape, but fell into the water below.
"It's time we show these pirates what it's like on the hopeless side." said Joseph, pushing the sails with air bending.
The boat made it to the ruined dock as the other pirates we're screaming and panicking. Joseph took full advantage to leap into the air with his air bending, landing on the dock with a gentle step he turned to his friends.
"I'll clear a path, you guys take care of the stragglers. Oh and disable the other ships to prevent an escape!" Joseph ordered
"You got it!" said Landon climbing on to the dock.
Joseph ran ahead and started clear a path to find Kai.
"Who the fuck are you!?" yelled one pirate, as a horde came running to him.
Now surrounded by dozens of pirates, Joseph could feel the tension and potential doom linger over him. Though in this very moment that mattered very little to him.
"Waste these motherfuckers!" the voice yelled
"I am death incarnate!" Joseph declared, launching himself in the air with his fire bending.
"What the f-fuck! Shoot him!" one of the pirates screamed.
As he was airborne, Joseph sent multiple large blasts of blue fire into the crowd. The pirates caught in the blast radius screamed in agony as they burned to death. Landing back on the ground, Joseph raised his arms and willed several large pieces of earth that attached to his body. Now in a thick rocky suit of armor, the bullets that would've hit him before are now barely penetrating through the thick earth. Despite the weight of the armor, it made no difference as Joseph used earth bending to glide across ground.
"EH!? OUR BULLETS ARE NOT WORKING!" said a random pirate in horror as their bullets were absorbed by the thick earthen armour.
"RUN, RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!" said another pirate terrified as Joseph punched him into a building.
Most of the pirates began to scatter as Joseph went around punching his way through the horde. One after the other, each pirate fell to the sheer force of Joseph's attacks. Joseph stomped on the ground and ensnared the remaining pirates. The horde struggled against the earth, failing to escape. Joseph shed his armour and casually walked up to each pirate as he held his left hand in front of their faces. Proceeding then to burn their faces with a quick, but potent blast of azure fire.
"This is the life you all live, one of freedom and debauchery. This is the cost of your plunder you insects." Joseph said to the horde as he mercilessly executed each one by melting their faces off.
More pirates had arrived with large cannons and even larger numbers. Joseph huffed as he disregarded their attempt by whipping up a tailwind behind him. Now fully concentrating on the reinforcements, Joseph looked at all of them with dead eyes.
"I don't know what you are demon, but you will not leave this island alive." declared a scrawny pirate.
"Hahahahahahaha!" Joseph laughed as the pirates looked on with confusion.
"Eh? Why are you laughing bastard!" yelled an angry pirate.
"Oh? I'm laughing at the fact that you think I am going to die because of one of you. I believe you'll find it will be the other way around." Joseph said smirking.
Joseph blasted the pirates with fire and used his air bending to spread the fire around the remaining fighters. Joseph played with the pirates like a set of toys. Some had their heads crushed, others had their entire bodies set on fire and certain pirates had their throats cut by the young officer.
To the pirates who were still alive, they saw the flames behind Joseph spread and grow. The marine's shadow covered the remaining horde. The last of the pirates looked on with absolute horror as they watched their comrades die in brutal fashion.
Joseph kept an amused expression as he strolled over to the last pirate not either dead or unconscious, he decided to question him about Kai's location.
"Get away from me demon!" yelled the pirate attempting to crawl away.
Joseph raised an earth wall in front of the pirate to prevent him from leaving.
"Look at me worm!" Joseph ordered
The pirate turned to see Joseph standing in front of a scene of fire and craters. The pirate was horrified to see what had befallen his former brethren. Joseph looked down to the pirate in disgust and asked him a simple question.
"Where is Kai? Tell me and I might spare you." Joseph demanded
"He's at the church in the western courtyard, It is only a few streets away. Now are you going to let me go?" said the pirate shivering in fear.
Joseph responded by pulling out his pistol and shooting the man in the chest twice.
"Y-You said you'd let me live..." said the pirate shocked.
"No I said I'd 'maybe' spare you. Now die and be done with it." said Joseph walking over the dying pirates body.
Leaving the pirate to die and for his friends to secure the area, the young petty officer marched onwards to the local holy site.
[Ouran Town, Ouran Island]
(Joseph's point of view)
Joseph marched his way through the streets of the town incinerating all pirates who both opposed and ran from him. Though shortly after entering the main town, he entered a courtyard full of beautiful violets and to his left he could see a war orchid amongst the violets.
"A war orchid, an ill omen. Be wary, this may just be our greatest challenge yet.
"I know." said Joseph as he stopped in front of the large stone church.
"Remember, If we enter this church we won't be able to turn back. Now, are you ready?" said the voice
"At this point I'm ready for almost anything." Joseph thought to himself.
"Focus and stay calm." said the voice
Joseph entered the church. Only the sound of a single of voice could be heard as he walking in to the surprisingly well decorated holy site.
"May god and all those in heaven hear my call. I seek what I desire, yet I find myself remiss if I did not say I was surprised at these developments. Maybe I was wrong, no matter." spoke Kai
Kai stood to face Joseph as the young marine walked to the centre of the church.
"So in the end even Pandora was no match for you. A shame." said Kai with a hint of sadness in his voice.
"I never took you for a holy man." said Joseph plainly.
"Most never do. Though I find the concept of faith to be comforting in times of strife." said Kai
"Even if said strife was caused by you?" questioned Joseph
"Hmph. Do you consider yourself to be a holy man?" Kai asked
"I guess I take comfort in the idea of faith or hope as you will. I see it's benefits, but if followed blindly it causes others to forget what is true." said Joseph
"I see..." said Kai looking up to the stained glass window above Joseph.
"You are indeed interesting. When I heard about you from Pandora I couldn't believe it. A strange man appearing out of nowhere with no allegiance with either the marines or myself. Quite strange indeed, but what made things more interesting was when only a few days after speaking with Victor he turns up missing when he was supposed to be meeting Gordon. Then I try contacting John, but I was told he was found dead alongside Victor. Gordon, well I only assume he perished as well in the end. Now Pandora. She is or was a great ally and friend." said Kai saddened.
"Don't you say a damn thing about her you cunt." Joseph growled
Kai's eyes snapped back to Joseph's in anger and annoyance.
"Funny, very funny. Coming from the man that butchered her!" said Kai raising his voice.
"It wasn't my intention Kai! Things got out of hand, I didn't want her to die. She forced my hand and it all just happened." said Joseph matching Kai's voice level.
"Enough you liar!" Kai screamed furiously.
"Fuck you! You slimy prick. We're finishing this today!" Joseph growled
"Oh I have been waiting for this since the day I heard of Victor's disappearance but after everything you've done I shall be the one who kills you." Kai yelled shaking his fist.
The two men looked at each other, eyes full of hate and ready to pounce at any moment.
"Get ready." said the voice.
"Soru!"
Kai disappeared from Joseph's sight and appeared in front of him in a matter of seconds. The pirate captain shoulder tackled Joseph through the church doors and into the courtyard.
"H-he knows soru..." Joseph coughed
"Fuck, Fuck, Fuck! Get up now hurry!" the voice screamed
"Come on get up. Victor and Pandora couldn't best you so now it is my turn to put you in your place." said Kai standing across from Joseph.
"Fine so be it! Aaaaaaahhhhh!" Joseph yelled, swiping his hand across launching a wave of blue fire at Kai.
Kai crossed his arms in an attempt to block the attack, though he was still pushed back regardless.
"Hmmm? Something's up, be vigilant." said the voice slightly concerned.
"Soru!"
Kai sprang forward and delivered a strong punch to Joseph's stomach, sending the marine rolling backwards to the courtyard fountain.
"Jesus this is worse than Victor." Joseph thought in pain.
Joseph forced himself to stand. Kai appeared in front of him and the two began their exchange of punches. Joseph could feel himself slipping as more of Kai's punches landed. His hands wavered as Kai kicked him back into the fountain.
"Take this you bastard!" Kai yelled pouncing on to Joseph.
The pirate prince wasted no time beating Joseph's face into a red mess.
"Come on! Fight!" yelled Kai
"Fine!" Joseph yelled
The young elemental flexed his hands, causing two rock gloves to form. Joseph managed to block Kai's last punch and counter with his own.
Joseph rolled Kai over and started to beat him mercilessly.
"You want a fight!? Here you go." Joseph said, knocking out two of Kai's teeth.
Kai bent his leg and kicked Joseph off of him. He jumped up and grabbed Joseph from behind. The pirate held Joseph in a choke hold refusing to give him a chance to escape.
Joseph struggled to escape as Kai's strength was proving almost as great as Victor's was.
"Can't breathe..." Joseph squeaked
"Die." Kai said simply.
The young officer started to elbow Kai in his ribs. The prince's grip faltered as Joseph shook the pirate off of him.
"Damn you to hell you pirate scum!" said Joseph standing up.
The young marine ran to the prince and kicked him in the head as he was rising. Kai retaliated by grabbing Joseph and throwing him across the concrete floor.
"Fuck the town. You have to go all out now. He's faster and will kill us so get to it!" yelled the voice
"Fine then you wish to play it like that? Then let's not hold back then..." said Joseph standing up, looking the slick pirate in the eyes.
"About time." said Kai cracking his neck.
Kai clenched his fist and started to change color. His hair grew, his muscles increasing by the second. Soon as he stopped transforming, the pirate prince stood tall over the young petty officer. He now sported a well kept mane and sharp claws and with a powerful roar he shattered all the windows in the surrounding courtyard.
"I-I can't believe it..." the voice started
"I know I can't believe it either." said Joseph in awe.
"A true devil fruit user..." said Joseph and the voice simultaneously.
"Witness the strength of a true king of the animal kingdom. Witness the magnificence that is the neko neko no mi, model: lion." Kai boasted, flexing his muscles.
For the first time since arriving in the world Joseph looked on to see with his own eyes, a true zoan transformation.
"I'm going to make sure your dead by nightfall." Kai spoke with arrogance.
"Your arrogance will be you downfall." Joseph said, launching four large boulders at Kai.
The lion man made no effort to dodge the projectiles. The pirate prince instead charged forward, smashing three of the boulders. Kai caught the last boulder and threw it back at Joseph.
"Motherfucker..." Joseph said
Joseph stopped the boulder from hitting him, causing it to drop to the ground. Deciding that boulders were not the viable option for this opponent, Joseph tried a different strategy.
"Take him down from the sky!" the voice said
The young elemental propelled himself into the sky, intent on raining hell fire on his enemy. Though Kai was not most enemies.
"Not so fast!" said Kai
"Geppo!"
The pirate prince kicked his way up to Joseph and grabbed him by the throat. Joseph struggled as he tried to avoid Kai's sharp claws.
"Kawhahahaha! Can't you get it through that thick skull of yours? My strength surpasses Victor's and yours. Your power alone cannot defeat me!" Kai laughed as he mercilessly punched Joseph in the face.
"Geppo!"
As he was coming in and out of consciousness, Joseph swore for a second that he could see Victor glaring down on him as Kai kicked him to the ground. Joseph's body formed a crater where he landed.
The voice started to panic whilst trying to find a solution to their dilemma as a dust cloud picked up around them.
"For fuck sake, stay awake!" the voice yelled
"He's too strong for me take down physically. Joseph thought in pain.
"You need to think outside the box. He's not like John and Victor, he will kill us." said the voice urgently.
"Suggestion, mister tactical genius?" Joseph thought
"Genius? Wait no that's it genius!" the voice said excitedly.
"What?" Joseph thought confused
"Think like a genius, a 'mad' genius." said the voice.
"Bumi..." Joseph whispered to himself.
Kai landed on the ground and casually walked to the crater Joseph had landed in. As the dust cleared to his surprise, Joseph had disappeared. His smirk had fallen as he could not see the petty officer anywhere.
"What the? Where did you go coward!?" said Kai raising his voice.
From behind, Joseph sprung from the earth below and blasted Kai with a powerful air blast. The pirate was sent flying into a local café across the street from the church. Seeing his enemy down, Joseph set fire to the building and launched boulders at it to further weaken it's structure.
"LION PAW STRIKE!"
A powerful blast of air smashed open an exit for Kai as he walked out of the burning building. He was not completely unharmed as Joseph observed him. His clothes were burned and ripped. His mane was singed down his left side and as he was looking on to Joseph with the eyes of pure anger. The young marine watched as Kai pulled out a long, but thin metal bar that was lodged inside his left leg.
"Sneaky little bastard, should've known someone like you would resort to such tricks." said Kai venomously.
"If I can't overpower you then I'll have to think a little differently." Joseph said smirking.
"Soru"
Kai disappeared from sight and reappeared behind of Joseph. The lion human grabbed Joseph from behind and threw him into the church. The front of the building collapsed as Joseph received the same treatment as Kai had endured.
"Arrghn! My leg! Damn rod, fucked my leg up." Kai grunted in pain from his use of soru.
Though as with Kai, Joseph himself did not stay down for long. An eruption of bricks rained down on Kai as Joseph propelled himself out of the rubble. Using his fire to gain speed, Joseph crashed into Kai knocking him into the fountain.
The fountain broke as the sheer weight of Kai's hybrid form crushed the finely crafted landmark. Joseph landed on top of Kai and with a set of rock gloves equipped he began to wail on Kai like a training dummy.
"Come on Kai! Is this the best the lion has in him. If so then you'll be no tougher than John or Victor." Joseph said hoping Kai would take the bait.
"RRRRAARARRARRARARAAAAAAAAH!"
Kai roared so loud the buildings surrounding the pair shook if only slightly. Kai grabbed Joseph's leg and flipped him over into the concrete. As the prince of the sea was starting to feel the annoyance, Joseph smirked as he tunneled his way back into the earth.
Joseph erupted behind Kai in a pillar of flames that severely burned Kai's back. So bad that it showed the burned pink skin that was underneath his fur.
"AARGH! YOU LITTLE BASTARD, ENOUGH!" Kai screamed
"LION PALM STRIKE!"
"Uh oh..." said the voice
"I can't dodge it." Joseph thought horrified as Kai turned around to face him in near a second.
Kai struck Joseph with a powerful strike that caused him to go flying. The ground was carved and uplifted by the attack.
"AARAAAAAAAAAAGH!" Joseph screamed as he was launched into the air.
"Geppo!"
The pirate prince leaped into the air and caught Joseph by his collar. As he kicked the air to float, he looked at Joseph with a satisfied look. Kai let go of Joseph's collar and watched in bliss as the young marine fell to the ruined town below.
Joseph hit the ground hard, but made almost no noise. He struggled to lift his hand, though when he raised it in front of his eyes he could only see the blood covering it.
"Is this it? Am I to die here? Even with my powers? Is it not enough?" Joseph wondered to himself as the image of his friends entered his mind.
"Kawhahahaha! My physical strength is unmatched, no man nor beast can best me!" Kai laughed from the sky.
"No, I cannot die. I refuse..." Joseph whispered
"Now I believe it is time to end this." Kai smiled as he landed on the scorched earth.
"King's slash!"
Kai slashed the air with his claws, causing four blades of wind to race through to Joseph. Expecting to hear the satisfying sound of Joseph dying he turned around and walked away transforming back into his human form.
As he was walking away the ground shook violently beneath Kai. The pirate spun around, eyes wide as Joseph stood up. Bleeding from his mouth, but alive none the less.
"What? How?" Kai said in slight amazement.
"There is no denying your power prince of the sea, but it takes more than brute force to win a war." Joseph said standing as tall as ever.
The wind picked up around Kai as heard the loud screeching noise of the wind hit his eardrums. The earth shook heavily around him as fire engulfed the buildings behind Joseph as he walked to up to the lion human.
"I want to kill you, but I have changed my mind. I'm going to make sure you get the special treatment from Magellan when I dump you in Impel Down." Joseph said with a serious expression.
Kai looked shocked as Joseph declared his intentions. Scowling the lion man looked on with eyes of hatred.
"I will not be condemned to hell so easy marine!" Kai spoke venomously.
Joseph retorted by falling backwards into the earth, entering it as he hit the surface. He tunneled around until he reached Kai. Erupting from the ground beside him and punching him in the face. The young elemental started to unleash a flurry of punches on Kai with newly formed rock gloves. The prince was now caught in a hailstorm of punches. No longer caring, Joseph kicked Kai in the groin. As the lion man bent over in agony, Joseph tackled him to the ground and wailed on him harder.
"This is for Landon!" said Joseph smashing his fist in Kai's face.
Kai lifted his arm in defense, though Joseph grabbed it and smashed it into the earth.
"This is for Julia!" said Joseph hitting Kai again.
"For Polemon!"
"For Chamberlain!"
"The marines!"
"Pandora!"
"For the people of the Kalani Islands!" said the voice joining in.
"And this one is for me!" said Joseph smashing his rocky fist into Kai's jaw.
Kai was unable to speak as blood filled his mouth. Joseph stood up and walked to one of the ruined stores. He leaned on the wall to catch his breath.
"It's over!" Joseph said exhausted.
"Y-You fucking cretin! I refuse to lose!" screamed the bloodied pirate.
"Will you not stay the fuck down? Ugh..." said the voice tiredly.
With a loud roar, Kai transformed back into his zoan form.
Charging towards Joseph on all fours, the young marine charged lightning from his fingertips. Narrowing his eyes, Joseph timed Kai's attack and fired a bolt of blue lightning into the devil fruit users body.
Kai fell as the bolt of lightning passed through his body. Joseph relaxed slightly when the prince seemed to stay on the ruined ground.
"That has to be enough." the voice said
"I hope so..." Joseph responded
The moment of calm would not last as the body of the pirate prince started twitching
"Ugh..." groaned Kai
"No fucking way..." the voice said shocked.
"I-I will not g-give up!" stuttered Kai as he struggled to stand.
Kai shrank back to his human form, barely able to stand. He looks to Joseph in a stance of defiance.
"Even Ace couldn't do something like that to me. Yet you did..." Kai coughed
"I won't quit." said Joseph readying himself.
"N-Neither will I." spoke Kai clenching his left fist.
The two men prepared for their last exchange, both of them unable to stand straight. The youngsters charged each other with all they had left with no regard for safety. Kai and Joseph. Pirate and marine. This war ends here with them.
"KAI!"
"JOSEPH!"
Both young men roared as they both went for one last punch. The two men stopped as their attacks landed. Blood pouring from their mouths as they both refused to move. Kai's left fist dug into the side of Joseph's head, while Joseph's right fist landed on Kai's jaw.
"Urghgh!"
"Arrcgh!"
A moment passes and Kai dropped to ground first, unable to even move. Joseph himself fell to his knees a moment after, now looking to the setting sun.
"Pandora I-I..." Joseph whispered.
Finally collapsing to the ground proper, Joseph stared at the sky as his mind drifted in and out of consciousness.
As Joseph's body had temporarily shut down on him from his prior exhaustion. The young man felt weightless in his mind or what he perceived as his mind.
"Have I truly failed? Was this sacrifice of blood not enough?" Joseph thought.
"This is not the end like it would have been for so many others." said the voice ominously.
"Have I not won?" Joseph asked
"Not yet. Get up and finish this. Whether he lives or dies today is up to you. Now stop moping around and drag this arrogant pussy cat back to the docks." The voice said loudly.
Joseph with a gasp of air awoke in a sweat next to the very pirate in question.
"You bastard..." said Joseph standing up.
Stumbling slightly Joseph stepped over to Kai and lifted the unconscious devil fruit user up.
"I'm going to make sure you are in chains by the end of today. Then have you put in level six at Impel down before the week ends." Joseph said to the unconscious pirate.
Tired and bloody, Joseph carried the wounded pirate to the docks. Though to his pleasure he did not see any pirates remaining which calmed him a bit. Though he was instead greeted with the sight of a frigate flying the sails of the marines.
"OI EVERYONE LOOK IT'S PETTY OFFICER JOSEPH AND HE'S CAPTURED THE PRINCE OF THE SEA!" yelled a random marine scout.
The scout had alerted the ship and the crew of the frigate came running out in droves.
"Holy shit! It's him..." said a large marine.
"He did it, he actually fucking did it." said another marine.
"Aye boys the young lad is back!" yelled a random marine.
"JOSEPH!"
"JOSEPH!"
"JOSEPH!"
Joseph hauled his quarry to the gangplank as the surrounding marines cheered around him as he threw the prince of the sea down on to the deck of the frigate.
"Joseph!" said a familiar voice.
Though he could barely even stand. Joseph turned to see Chamberlain, Polemon, Landon and Julia run to him.
"Joseph!" Landon said holding Joseph up.
"Dear God, look at you!" Julia yelled worried, looking over Joseph's wounds.
"Christ lad, you look terrible there boy..." the old sniper said worriedly.
Julia and Polemon looked at Joseph and could only feel worry as their friend had returned bloodied and bruised.
"Get a chair for him will you! After that chain the filthy maggot bleeding on my deck!" Chamberlain ordered.
"Here sir! I'll quickly get the chains." said a tall marine, placing a seat down for the wounded officer.
Landon helped the young officer sit down. The commodore looked panicked as Joseph struggled to keep his eyes open.
"Commodore..." Joseph whispered
"You foolish boy! Why did you not wait! Why did you go by yourself?" said Chamberlain holding onto Joseph's arm.
"I-I did what I had to do. For m-my friends, the men and the c-civilians. As a marine, we fight for j-justice no?" said Joseph quietly.
"Aye son, that we do." said Chamberlain with a tear in his eye.
"Did we win?" Joseph asked in a quick breath.
"Yes we did son, yes we did..." said Chamberlain wiping the tear from his eye.
Joseph gave a final smile as he passed out in his chair.
Next Chapter: Dilemma in the West Blue
Hey guys this is the end for this arc in Joseph's long journey and his victory of the main villain Kai, now it's time to open a new adventure into the West. I will also try (Keyword being 'try'.) and make each arc shorter so it won't go as long as this one. I just can't help it when a idea pops into my head and I start typing it down. So I have to try and control that habit. Also I have been pretty slow with the uploads in the last few months, but I hope dropping these chapters can make up for it ;)
Quick question. Do you guys want me to make names for his elemental attacks to make it more like one piece or keep things the way they are? I was thinking of doing it to make it easier, but I wanted to know if some of you guys were okay with that.
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter of Justice and I hope to see you all next time :)