Chapter 20: The Gods of the Sea

(The ruins of Tamatoa's Horde)

As the sun set, all traces of the earth-shaking fight were crumbling into the sea. Only one bit of earth had endured enough to peak over the tide. And on that piece of earth, something was coming up.

To the unfamiliar eye, it would look like a plant sprouting from bare earth. And to a certain extent, that was true. The form looked like a massive and closed Venus flytrap. Eventually, it was the size of a man. Then, it opened.

A humanoid figure sat in the middle. He was a ghostly white, with earthy green hair and yellow eyes.

"Wow…I can't believe such a pretty lady beat Hidan and Kakuzu singlehandedly. Still, I wish I could've gotten footage of that fight against Cipactli. Lady Tiamat would've liked that," White Zetsu mused.

At that point, another White Zetsu popped up.

"I sensed two more presences still here. Go and check them out. I need to get back to Lady Tiamat immediately," the original said as he retreated back beneath the ground.

The clone nodded and went to one. However, the first presence had left before the Clone reached her. All that was left was an empty puppet. "Oh…that's one of Sasori's puppets. My, my, this day is full of surprises." He made a mental note of that.

Then, the Zetsu clone started swimming, heading toward the last presence. The blonde creature was on the brink of death, so the Zetsu figured he'd be easy pickings.

"Exploding Spiral!" Somehow, Jackal found the strength to fire off one attack.

The Clone only had time to yell "AHH!", before he was blasted into oblivion.

Jackal tried to tread water, but he was at the limit. He began to sink.

Suddenly, a new voice called out to him from above. "Oh…there's a survivor, hmm."

OoOoOoO

(A nearby desert island)

The speedboat finally made landfall. With a 'THUMP', Lucci and Youpi lifted the chest, setting it down on the beach. The Seer Grimm idly floated behind them. As it did so, the red smoke within its bulbous head began to swirl and change color.

The obscured image of Cipactli spoke through the Grimm, his green slit eyes glowing. "Well…where are you?"

"A day's journey north-northwest from Tamatoa's Horde," Lucci informed his Lord.

"And Youpi…You smell strange," Cipactli commented.

The Chimera Ant knelt. "Forgive me, but I took action in the event the chest couldn't be obtained." His chest began to mold, pushing out a clenched fist that he absorbed after Sanji had kicked it off. The fingers unfolded, revealing a golden medallion with a skull on both sides. "I shall return it with my blood immediately."

"Stay your hand for now," Cipactli ordered. "At the very least, I must praise you for your caution."

"Thank you, My Lord." Youpi bowed even deeper.

"Now, open the chest. I want to see it," Cipactli's eyes seemed to lean forward.

Without another word, Lucci kicked the lid off. A yellow shine reflected the setting sun. Despite that, the Cipher Pol agent narrowed his eyes. "Youpi, I need a closer look at your medallion." At the same time, he picked up one of the medallions in the chest.

Once Youpi tossed it to him, Lucci's eyes shifted back and forth. As realization struck him, he gulped and began to sweat. His eyes widened in fear. The one he just picked up was rougher and paler. Worse, it was beginning to tarnish…and no Gold tarnished.

"This is Iron Pyrite," Lucci's hands shook as he dropped the medallion back in the chest.

"What?" Youpi didn't grasp the implication, due to a lack of mineral knowledge.

"Fool's Gold," Lucci kicked the whole chest over with enough force that it cracked. "This chest is a fake."

The second Lucci said that, an absolutely massive burst of Wa-Ay erupted from the Seer Grimm. The creature's body was barely holding together. Cipactli's eyes seemed to flicker, but he had enough presence of mind to restrain himself long enough to relay orders.

"I will send my Tzitzimimeh to rendezvous with you before the night is out," Cipactli was barely restraining yourself, before taking a breath.

"Youpi, you will return to Miquiztli so we can secure the medallion. At the very least, none of our enemies can take any major action until all 882 pieces are reunited. Your foresight has bought us precious time. I thank you. I will remember your valuable loyalty if King Meruem ever comes to this sea."

The Chimera Ant bowed, grateful to have brought a silver lining to this situation.

"Lucci…you will join the Tzitzimimeh and pursue the chest. And if you don't retrieve it in a timely manner…there will be judgment. You're already on thin ice for wasting your time against that Hollow. More mistakes will lead to punishment of you and the rest of your CP9 companions. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir," Lucci kept his head down, his wounded pigeon doing the same from his pocket.

"You will hunt down and slaughter every single man, woman, and child on the Queen Anne's Revenge. And as for the other crew…" Cipactli gave an inhuman growl at the mere idea of those three sharks.

"As much as I desire to take personal action, that likely won't be possible in the coming days. So, I'll send Yee Naaldlooshii to pursue them. If your paths cross, Do NOT get in its way, and obey whatever order it gives you as if it were my own."

"Understood," both Lucci and Youpi quickly replied, clearly unnerved at the mere mention of Cipactli's most feared agent.

With that, the connection was cut.

OoOoOoO

(The Queen Anne's Revenge)

Captain Barbossa looked at the disheveled crewmates, still recovering from the ordeal on Tamatoa's Horde. "Well, John?"

The cyborg Silver leaned against the wall. "To be frank, we were incredibly lucky just to get out of that. I ne'er thought Cipactli was that desperate to get the chest."

Emerald looked similarly shaken. "And that's not even getting into just how strong the other people on the island were. Why didn't you warn us we would be dealing with those freaks of nature?"

Silver glared at Emerald. "I took an incredible risk sending the one message I did. Anymore would've blown my cover instantly. Even then, I get the feeling some of them might've been onto me."

"Now, now," Mr. Compress got up. "There's no need for such tension…after all…"

The magician removed his mask while pushing into his stomach. With a small retching sound, a glowing blue marble appeared on his tongue. He grabbed the marble with his undamaged hand, and flung it onto the middle of the deck.

With a snap of his finger, his Quirk undid itself. The Aztec Chest sat there in all its morbid glory. Mr. Compress took a theatrical bow.

"I must apologize, Emerald, but keeping you in the dark was the only way to convince everyone that forgery was genuine. Still, I must admit, I didn't foresee things spiraling so out of control that the decoy would be needed," the former stage magician admitted.

Emerald's expression softened just a bit, having not expected the genuine apology.

Barbossa walked over to the genuine article, years of agony coming back to him. Even giving the details needed to create a duplicate had been trying enough on his sanity. His bandaged Jack climbed onto his shoulder, screeching to comfort him as it held its own medallion.

"Well done, I'll count them later," Barbossa simply said to the four. With that, he went to the kitchen, for a ripe apple.

OoOoOoO

(Far to the West, on the Jungle Island of Miquiztli)

While the vast majority of the island was covered in a lush forest, with rich rivers and swamplands flowing through, a single cave-entrance stuck out along the shoreline.

And from that entrance…

"RRAAAHHHH!"

An absolutely bellowing roar echoed throughout the island. Almost every enhanced animal was knocked out. Only the strongest could even maintain consciousness, and still were driven to their knees.

A Pteranodon with fire spewing from his back fell to the ground. He reverted to his tall humanoid form, still completely covered in black leather, and feathered wings to match protruding from his back.

"That damn Cipher Pol failed, didn't he?" King growled in discomfort as a knee slammed to the hard earth.

A little ways away, a feminine Chimera Ant with catlike features fought to raise their head. "I hope Youpi isn't on the end of that," Neferpitou muttered in worry.

Suddenly, amidst the ungodly roar of anger, a mighty BOOM emanated from the island. King looked up. While the island itself hadn't been damaged, he could see tsunamis tumble away from the epicenter. At the same time, such thick Wa-Ay was spreading into the sky, giving it an unnatural sickly green color. The very air seemed tainted. All of this was a mere side effect of the rage felt by a God of the Sea.

King realized one thing for sure. "Lord Cipactli is going to be on the warpath, very soon."

OoOoOoO

(The Cutty Sark)

On the deck, Jinbe, Kisame Hoshigaki, and Tia Halibel watched as the sky was completely covered that dark green Wa-Ay. None of them said a word as looks of trepidation grew. They all knew who was responsible, and the idea of one day fighting such strength filled them with a dread unlike anything they'd felt in their time together.

OoOoOoO

(Fiddler's Green)

Poseidon got up, tightly gripping his trident. He watched as the sunset sky was overtaken by that sickly green Wa-Ay. It was only his own Mageia that kept the air above Fiddler's Green clean.

A smoky presence manifested beside him. "Sire?" it asked in a worried tone.

"Calm yourself Hecate," Poseidon spoke in a genuinely calming tone. "While Cipactli's rage truly is a sight to behold, keep in mind that it isn't directed at us. Nevertheless, send word to all our territories to go in lock-down. The mere fallout from this could possibly be catastrophic."

"Understood, Sire," Hecate's projection gave a low bow.

"And, on the small chance Cipactli does move against us…I will personally beat that abomination back from whence it came," Poseidon gave a dark look to the east.

"That is a reassuring thought," Hecate conceded before dissipating.

After the Goddess of Magic departed, Poseidon felt a mental tug.

"Oh…now this is interesting," the God chuckled.

OoOoOoO

(The Flying Dutchman)

Even beneath the waves, Davy Jones could clearly see the changing sky.

"Haa-ha-ha-ha!" The good captain chuckled as he kept the wheel steady. Most of his crew were staring in awe at the change, while being incredibly unnerved at Jones' laughter.

"Captain, is that really what a 'God of the Sea' is capable of?" Torafuzar leaned on his replacement leg.

"Oh yes," Jones' tone took on an air of amusement. "And this merely from loosing his temper. My, my, they're such a tumultuous lot. Something very interesting must have happened up above. When those Ninjas wake up, I'll be eager to see who drove Cipactli to wits' end."

Unnoticed by the others, Jones raised an eyebrow as he felt a mental tug. "Speak of the Devil. Torafuzar, mind the crew."

"Captain?" The mutated Demon turned in confusion.

"It seems that Cipactli is calling all of us. Not since the Sea of Second Chances was created have we all been together," Jones mused as he made his way to the Captains' Quarters.

"We?" Sung-Sun questioned.

"Why yes, the last time all 6 of us were together, was when we created this plane of existence. And because of that, we all became 'Gods of the Sea'," Jones spat at the 'title' before closing the door behind him, leaving a stunned crew to contemplate that.

OoOoOoO

(The Passage of Scylla and Charybdis)

Under the eyes of the two 'gatekeepers', as the sky turned green, something massive made its way past them. Even though the six-headed monster and all-consuming whirlpool had usually crushed anyone not affiliated with Poseidon, they dared not make a move. For this, was the strongest creature in the Sea of Second Chances…at least when it came to sheer physical strength and endurance, without accounting for any 'tricks' or special powers.

The two monsters of Greek legend had watched as MILES of a long, slithering body made its way past them. It had been over an hour since the head of this creature had passed them on its journey east. Finally, the pure white scales vanished as the tail flicked past.

Both could only wonder why HE was on the move, now of all times.

At the same time, the gargantuan serpent spotted an empty island. He hissed at the mental tug. In an instant, the creature had transformed into a human, so that he could at least fit on the island enough to take a seat. Specifically, he took the form of a broad, muscular man, with shoulder-length blonde hair and blue eyes. On his newly formed belt, a war hammer hung from its hilt. Now whether this serpent was mocking or paying respect to the only being that had ever matched him in his old world, no one knew.

Regardless, Jormungandr, the World Serpent and a Bringer of Ragnarok, had heard the call of Cipactli.

OoOoOoO

(Taibhse Island)

"Double, Double, Toil and Trouble

Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble."

On the island of eternal night, a young-looking woman danced around a boiling cauldron. Figures completely covered in black cloaks circled around her, chanting in tune with her singing. On top of that, a conspiracy of ravens circled and cawed in tune as well.

The woman had wild, black hair, with raven feathers situated in the back as a sort of headdress. Around her eyes was matching war paint, bringing an even greater intensity to her stare. Underneath a black cape, she wore red leather armor. Her weapon of choice, a spear, was strapped onto her back.

"In the cauldron boil and bake

Fillet of a fenny snake"

The woman threw in the relevant ingredients, each one splashing and changing the color of the concoction.

"Eye of newt and toe of frog

Wool of bat and tongue of dog

Adder's fork and blind-worm's sting

Lizard's leg and owlet's wing!"

Suddenly, the woman stopped, smirking at the familiar feeling in her head. "By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes." She raised her voice. "Seems we'll have to put a pause in the ritual. My dear Count!"

A swarm of bats coalesced into a man. He was tall, with short, slicked-back black hair. He wore red armor dating back to the 1400s, along with a black cape. "Yes?"

"I must speak with the other 'Gods'. Could you please watch over the island while I'm in my personal quarters?" she asked.

"Of course, my dear." The man bowed his head before dispersing into bats again, spreading himself so that he could indeed watch the whole island at once.

The woman stepped into her castle. She went by many names. The Phantom Queen, the Lady of Black Magic, the Goddess of War. But her true name was The Morrigan.

OoOoOoO

(Tiamat)

The final God of the Sea was utterly fuming thanks to White Zetsu's news. Her fingers twitched over her dual sickle swords hanging on her side. She was a very tall woman, nearly 7 foot in fact. Her muscled body was covered in old scars. Her wrinkles and sprinkling of gray in her otherwise black hair gave the appearance of late middle-age. Golden Babylonian armor that was usually shining in the setting sun's gaze, became more subdued as the sky turned green. A stern face surveyed her island.

It was a desolate wasteland. What trees she had grown had already been torn down and used as fuel for the massive forges underneath the earth. Said forges were letting off an endless stream of smoke and smog. Thousands of screams echoed throughout the day as Samebitos were 'processed'. Countless other abominations and monsters toiled alongside them. At the same time, banging and hammering droned endlessly as weapons for her soldiers were manufactured. To aid in this process, Tiamat had created a volcano. The sheer heat did wonders in melting down and forging on an absolutely massive scale.

"That filthy animal dares to call me after striking down one of my children," Tiamat growled as she took a seat. To put it bluntly, she would make her displeasure known to the lowly Aztec creature. She closed her eyes.

OoOoOoO

(Miquiztli)

Cipactli took a deep breath to compose himself. At the same time, he took on his human form for the purpose of this gathering. Now, he was barely 5 foot. His skin turned into a darker tan, much like those who had worshipped those who defeated him. His forehead and green hair were mostly covered by an elaborate feathered headpiece. Red and dark green war paint accentuated his slit eyes, while also elaborately curling around his bare chest. The only other item of clothing was a loincloth.

As Cipactli concentrated, the first mirage formed.

Davy Jones' image removed its hat and gave a deep bow. "Lord Cipactli, you honor me with your call."

Cipactli gave an annoyed growl. "Your act of meekness is quickly growing tiresome."

Jones' eyes hardened, but the next presence manifested before he could retort.

"Oh my. It's been a long time since I've seen such rage emanating from you," The Morrigan chuckled at the Aztec deity's irritation. "What happened to put you in such a state?"

A third form appeared before he deigned to reply. "Cipactli," he gave a slight bow of the head.

"Jormungandr," Cipactli matched the movement, a show of respect.

"Hahaha! It's been centuries you old snake!" Morrigan gleefully laughed. "What's so special about this occasion that even you would come?"

Jormungandr shrugged. "To be fair, it's usually Tiamat or Poseidon wanting to assemble us, and I grew tired of their incessant posturing."

The Morrigan laughed at that insult, while even Jones and Cipactli smirked.

Still, whatever humor Cipactli was feeling died instantly at the next manifested figure.

"You filthy creature," Tiamat had a look of utter fury as she glared at Cipactli.

"You have the arrogance to throw petty insults at me, after your actions," Cipactli let out an inhuman growl.

"My actions?" Tiamat sounded indignant. "You insinuate wrongdoing on my part, after destroying MY SON?!"

"His foolish greed resulted in the death of one of my pack! Do you let all your children just act however they please?"

"I will not be lectured by a lowly animal who can't even sway a single human to his cause!"

As the argument escalated, The Morrigan had a look of utter glee. If she knew what popcorn was, she'd be munching down.

Davy Jones did his best to keep a neutral expression.

Jormungandr simply raised an eyebrow, a slightly disapproving look directed towards Tiamat for talking down to someone who proved himself in battle.

"That's enough," the final projection appeared. He spoke with enough power to at least quell the argument.

Poseidon gazed at all the others. "Cipactli, what has happened to convince you to call us?"

"To remind all of us of our agreement," Cipactli looked Poseidon right in the eye. "The agreement made long ago when we split your brother's power to seize control and create this sea."

The Greek God narrowed his eyes. "I don't need reminding."

"But she does," Cipactli pointed a clawed finger at Tiamat. "Before going our separate ways, we agreed to leave each other alone and relinquish that which hailed from our pantheons. Remember that it's because of this contract between us that I gave the Golden Fleece to you, Poseidon."

The Aztec monstrosity raised his voice. "Tiamat had hidden away that which belonged to me. A chest imbued with the blood of the Gods from my world. It was stowed away on Tamatoa's Horde. Her son refused to give it up peacefully, so I'm led to believe that she knew exactly what she had."

"Is this true?" Jormungandr turned to Tiamat.

"Even if it was," the Mesopotamian mother-goddess huffed, "I was not the one who struck down a fellow 'God of the Sea's' child. Cipactli has spilt my family's blood. I will not allow that to go unanswered."

"Huh…seems your evading of the question confirms it," Jones pointed out, hiding his utter enjoyment at this breakdown of their brittle coalition.

"Nobody asked for the opinion of a lowly human," Tiamat snarled at Jones.

"Aww, don't be so hard on him," Morrigan gave a fake-pout. "After all, he still made this wonderful war-ridden world of ours possible."

"Regardless," Jormungandr got the conversation back on track. "Your lack of answer is enough for me. It was only your actions that pushed Cipactli in this situation. Tiamat, you are an Oath-Breaker," the Norse deity gave a look of utter disdain. To him, that was one of the gravest sins to be committed.

"Poseidon, I appeal to you as a fellow parent," Tiamat pushed her anger down, so as not to lash out at him. "He killed my child. That goes far beyond any justification he may or may not have had."

The Greek God seemed in deep thought. "Both of your minds are set, seems nothing will convince you to pull back."

After a moment of silence, Poseidon tapped his trident onto the ground. Cipactli drummed his fingers on Macuahuitl. Tiamat's hands rested on her twin sickle swords. Jormungandr fiddled with the strap on his war-hammer. The Morrigan ran a finger along the end of her spear. Jones's tentacle wrapped around his cutlass' handle.

"Tiamat, Cipactli…I will not interfere with your quarrel," Poseidon proclaimed. "You two can resolve this on the battlefield. There, the fates will smile upon whoever is in the right."

Cipactli huffed, but he didn't protest. Poseidon's neutrality was honestly the best-case scenario for him…at least the most realistic one.

Tiamat was visibly displeased, feeling she was justified in calling on Poseidon's aid, but she would settle for this outcome as well.

"I vow that neither of you nor your armies will be impeded by my storms or my forces," the Greek God gave his oath.

"However," his look darkened considerably. "That only applies as long as both of you keep out of my territories. And you two must settle this without any help outside of you or your subjects."

The Morrigan visibly deflated at that, but still assented.

"Guess even the great and mighty Poseidon wants to batten the hatches when two near-equals are in the same place," Jones derisively thought as he gave his own nod. "Still…smart of him to keep others out of the conflict. That'll make the victor all the weaker afterwards."

Jormungandr had a small smile as he nodded.

Cipactli looked Poseidon in the eye. "I accept."

Once Tiamat gave a very reluctant nod, Poseidon's projection dissipated.

"Go ahead and bring your entire army of mongrels," Tiamat dared Cipactli. "I will still put you down like the rabid animal you are."

With that, she vanished as well.

"That arrogance will be the end of her. Still a fair decision on Poseidon's part," Jormungandr nodded. "While I would like to offer my aid to you, I get the feeling you'd refuse it…even without his ultimatum hanging over your head."

"You're right, old friend," Cipactli hummed. "While I do appreciate you taking my side, this is something I must settle."

"Then…May the Norns foresee your victory."

With that, the World Serpent took his leave.

Cipactli narrowed his eyes at his last two 'guests'. "I'm surprised, you two have been quieter than usual."

"Are you kidding?" The Morrigan laughed. "I'm the Goddess of War, why would I get in the way of such a glorious conflict about to take place?"

Cipactli rolled his eyes.

"Shame that Poseidon told me to stay out of it. Still, when you and Tiamat come to blows, I'm not going to miss a second of it!" The Morrigan promised before leaving.

"Jones, wait a moment," Cipactli turned to the man-turned-monster. "You were there. You had every chance to take the chest and do what you will…so why didn't you?"

The good captain seemed momentarily shocked, but he quickly regained his composure. "It's not my place to interfere with what a God desires. It was yours to take."

"Enough with the self-deprecation. What are you really after?" Cipactli asked the question that he'd been wondering ever since the Sea of Second Chances was created.

Jones laughed it off. "I simply have taken an interest in that crew, and wished to observe them."

Cipactli growled at the reminder. "Those damn sharks."

"Mark me," the Aztec deity proclaimed. "I'm sending the Yee Naaldlooshii to deal with them. If you interfere with its task, I WILL come after you once I'm done with Tiamat. That crew is MINE!"

Jones did his utmost to hide his chuckle. "With that reaction, that crew must've beaten a projection of Cipactli's. They just grow more interesting every day. Still, to have that creature personally sent to them. This can only mean that they have the chest, or at least a Medallion."

"Ha-ha-ha-ha," Jones gave a bow. "If you've truly sent it, I don't think there'll be anything left to interest me."

"Very well then," Cipactli growled, deciding he'd have to be satisfied with that answer.

Davy Jones's image vanished.

"Your majesty," an echoing voice rang out in the cave. A figure knelt before Cipactli. It had the feathery wings of a hummingbird, the tail of a scorpion, the talon feet of a hawk, the arms of a bobcat, a scaled torso of a lizard, and the head of a coyote. It had taken on the features of various animals native to its old world.

"Ah, Yee Naaldlooshii."

At this point, it'd be relevant to explain the history of this creature. The name itself is Navajo for 'it goes on all fours'. Or, to put it simply, the Navajo have never revealed the real name of this creature to outsiders. And there was a very good reason for that. This creature had become so feared that simply discussing the creature was STRONGLY discouraged. Plus, half the time, it'd be the creature itself asking for information, so as to either strike fear or dispose of any medicine man that knew about it.

"What do you require of me?" the creature asked.

"Find the Cutty Sark and retrieve one woman. She carries something of great value. Bring her to me alive, and unspoiled. Kill the others," the God of the Sea commanded.

"It will be my pleasure," the nightmare of the Navajo hissed.

I will grant you a look into my mind," Cipactli stated.

The creature smiled. Suddenly, it began to change. Its scales, feathers, and claws all faded away. Bare skin turned white. Two breasts spontaneously grew out, and were covered by skin-turned-cloth in the shape of a bikini. Long, orange hair curled over the now-clean back. A pinwheel tattoo with tangerines appeared on the left shoulder. Now, the creature had become a perfect copy of Nami. This special ability was how it got its most common nickname.

The Navajo Skin-Walker.

"This is the girl?" the creature asked.

"Precisely," Cipactli nodded. "Now go."

The false Nami grew wings, gave a disconcertingly bloodthirsty look that didn't belong on her face at all, and flew off.

Cipactli then summoned something else. It was a pack of what appeared to be women. Or at least, they used to be. Now, half of their bones were visible. While it varied with each individual, all of them had bare skulls. Wings had grown out of their backs. And between their legs, rattlesnakes had replaced their genitalia. These were the Tzitzimimeh, women who had become the stars of the Aztec Pantheon.

"Meet up with Lucci and Youpi. Bring the Chimera Ant back,"

One creature nodded at their fellow Aztec deity.

"The rest of you will take Lucci and bring down the Queen Anne's Revenge."

All the monstrous females hollered as their wings lifted them off. The flock quickly flew west.

"To all my other forces," Cipactli spoke to every single one of his animals throughout the world. "Return to Miquiztli immediately. We're going to war."

Roars, hollers, cries, shrieks, and all manner of cacophonous noises emanated all over the Sea of Second Chances. Throughout the world, every kind of creature imaginable began migrating back.

Before he completely cut the mental connection, Cipactli focused on three minds.

"Yes, my Lord," King noticed being brought aside.

"I have some questions to you three about your worlds."

"That so?" asked a large, brutish looking man with a ridged head, black ponytail and sideburns, red markings under his eyes, and an open white jacket. Still, his most distinctive feature the remnants of a mask, a white lower jawbone to be exact, and a hole in the center of his chest.

"What about?" a large purple snake asked impatiently.

"Yammy, Manda…if you two would stop asking inane questions, Lord Cipactli would answer," King snapped at them.

The Tenth Espada and the Ninja Summon glowered at King's image, but didn't protest.

Cipactli gave the three a long look. "I want you three to tell me everything you know about a Whale Shark Fishman, a Ninja who can summon a Megalodon, and a Hollow with the #3 tattooed on her breast."

OoOoOoO

(Tiamat)

"RAH!" The Goddess grabbed the nearest thing (an oak tree in case you were wondering) and flung it with all her might. She threw so hard that it became a twinkle in the sky, so it wouldn't come down for miles.

"Get to work!" She roared at the Samebitos toiling away.

Tiamat sat back down, breathing in and out. Once calmed, she called up one of her sons. He was humanoid, but with leathery black skin, and the wings to match. Red eyes glowed in the obscured twilight.

"Hsi Wu," Tiamat stood up. "Take the Stymphalian Birds and find me that chest. The only reason Cipactli would be reacting this way would be if he didn't have it yet."

The Demon Sorcerer of the Sky nodded. "As you wish, Mother." He then flapped away.

With that done, Tiamat called White Zetsu.

"Yes, my Lady?" the plant-man asked.

"Every raiding party is to return at once. Send the word out," she commanded.

"Right," White Zetsu retreated back into the ground, and the seafloor beneath.

Tiamat unleashed a pulse of energy.

Now, the entire island began to move east. The volcano rumbled as thousands of trees grew instantaneously to fuel her fires of war. For Tiamat wasn't just a woman, she was the island itself.

OoOoOoO

(The Flying Dutchman)

Davy Jones gave an unhinged laugh now that he was finally out of earshot of the other Gods. To think, one of his 'fellows' would be facing their end so soon. It was almost too good to be true. For now though, he would build up his strength, and swoop in only when the time was right.

"Captain," a tentative knock on his door.

"Yes?"

"They're awake," Sung-Sun's voice rang out.

"Good."

Down below deck, in the brig, the two injured Akatsuki had been given the bare minimum of treatment.

"What the hell is this place?! HEY KAKUZU, where's that Hollow bitch?!"

"Shut Up, Hidan!"

"You can't tell me to shut up…not after the piss-poor job you did in fighting Hoshigaki's damn harlot!"

"I'm going to…"

"CLUNK, CLUNK, CLUNK, CLUNK…"

Hidan and Kakuzu froze. The noise got closer.

"CLUNK, CLUNK, CLUNK!"

Davy Jones stepped in front of the bars. Just the mere sight and feel of him sent Kakuzu's 'Danger' signals screaming.

Acting on instinct, Kakuzu instantly shot out threads. Oddly enough, Jones didn't react, merely chuckling.

The threads dove into the Pirate's chest. And that's where things didn't go as planned. Kakuzu's threads went for the heart, but it wasn't there.

"What?! That's impossible!" Kakuzu exclaimed in shock.

Jones simply pinched all the threads with his claw, and pulled with enough force to slam Kakuzu against the bars.

"How? How do you have no heart?" the old Akatsuki asked. Hidan's eyes widened at that particular bit of info.

"A story for another time," Jones stepped into the cell. "But now, I want to talk about you two."

There was a moment of silence.

"What do you want?" Hidan bit out as he struggled through the agonizingly slow regeneration.

"Some fine crewmates, of course," Jones said with a disconcerting amount of cheer. "I must say, you two impressed me by just surviving whatever happened up there. With my help, you might be able to surpass those who put you in this state."

The pirate officially had the Ninjas' attention.

"And…what happens if we join? What do YOU specifically think you'll get from this?" Kakuzu cautiously asked.

Jones chuckled, deciding that a bit of the truth wouldn't hurt. "Well…I'd probably gain a significant pool of Chakra at my disposal."

"You can take the energy of your crew?" Hidan asked incredulously.

"Only a small portion from each crewmate," Jones admitted. "But with you two, on top of all the other Ninjas that joined, I'll finally be able to use it in significant quantities."

"It's not that simple," Kakuzu stated. "Although, this does lead me to a counteroffer."

"Oh?" Jones raised an eyebrow.

"I'll join, but only if you keep that magic of yours out of my head. In exchange for your generosity, I can teach you how to use Chakra," Kakuzu offered.

Jones was quiet for a minute. Then, he burst out laughing. "Haa-ha-ha-ha! Such audacity, trying to haggle with someone you know far surpasses you. I commend you. Very well…"

The captain extended his hand, tentacle writhing. "Those terms are acceptable."

Tentatively, Kakuzu shook his hand. He instantly felt the fatigue wash away, and stood up. His threads began closing up his wounds far more quickly with the added energy.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" Hidan asked, fairly irritated at being ignored. "I don't need any deal with a Jashin-damned devil! I'm gonna…"

Hidan never finished, because Jones had backhanded the Ninja's head so hard with his claw, that it popped right off his neck. Although, the point of separation had been Hidan's jaw, with the lower half still attached to his neck.

"I'll ask again," Jones' pointer-tentacle had wrapped around Hidan's forehead, his voice far more threatening. "Will you join my crew? I offer the chance to be stronger than those that put you in this pathetic state. Blink once for yes."

Seeing no other choice but to bide his time, Hidan deliberately blinked.

When he did, the Ninja felt that same reinvigoration.

On Jones' end, he could feel ample amounts of Chakra entering his body. He was surprised, to think this was a small portion of all they could potentially have.

Satisfied, he tossed Hidan's mutilated head back to Kakuzu, who duly began to sew it back on.

"One more thing," Kakuzu spoke up. "I need the hearts of strong fighters to get back to full strength. This time…I want the heart of a Hollow. A STRONG Hollow."

"If the opportunity arises, you'll have your chance. Now…your end of the bargain," Jones gave an expectant look.

"Alright, first lesson is sticking your Chakra onto other surfaces," Kakuzu explained. "Concentrate your energy at the bottom of your feet, but only enough to keep you there. That wall should serve as good practice."

Jones lifted his crab leg, and put what he felt was just a little bit of energy to the tip.

The wall was completely blasted apart for a few feet around it.

Kakuzu's eyes widened. "He has THAT MUCH energy to use? Still, he's got a long way to go in terms of control. No wonder he couldn't use any Jutsu yet."

Before the Ninjas' eyes, the ship repaired itself. Wood, moss, and all. Even Hidan was shocked into silence.

"Hmm," Kakuzu cleared his throat. "Reduce your Chakra some more. When you have the right amount, you'll be able to walk on the wall without leaving a single splinter."

Jones tried again. This time, the blasted hole was smaller by a few inches.

And so they continued.

Omake: An Unexpected Award.

As the Cutty Sark sailed out of Tamatoa's Horde, Nami was currently bugging Sasori.

"For the last time…my Magnet Style doesn't work on precious metals," the puppet groaned out.

"But…but, all my GOLD! My silver! My jewels!"

"Oh God…would you just shut up about it?" Apacci covered her ears.

"I will NOT!" Nami protested. "It's not like another mother-load is just gonna bump into this ship."

THUNK!

The few crewmates above deck scrambled to look over the railing. Two giant crab legs and a claw were now floating by the ship. The real eye-catcher was that the upper half of the limbs were studded in gold.

"YA-HOO!" Nami gave off an earsplitting cheer. "Alright…I'm just going to reel up these crab legs, and…"

She didn't get to finish, on account of a certain duo hearing the word, 'crab legs'.

Nami blinked…and the legs were gone. "What the…how…but…why…"

At the brink of her greed-driven insanity, Nami jumped onto the gold-studded claw, and clung to it like an animal. "NO…the crab claw is MINE!"

She blinked, and saw Halibel lifting up the claw on one end. Behind her, Kisame lifted in sync. Before she could question it, Nami was already in the kitchen. A giant pot of boiling water bubbled ominously. Incidentally, she found the crab legs.

Halibel gave a cold look. "Remove yourself from our dinner."

Kisame tapped Samehada impatiently.

Nami got hold of her senses, or rather, lack thereof. "NO! It's MINE! My Own! MY PRECIOUS!" She tried wrapping herself around the claw.

Both Ninja and Hollow looked absolutely murderous at the prospect of even a slight delay to their jumbo-sized crab legs.

Thankfully, a large blue hand gently removed Nami, holding her up like an angry kitten.

Jinbe slowly backed away from the two. "The gold can wait. Why don't you two just enjoy your dinner together?"

"Much appreciated," Kisame slammed the door in front of the Straw Hats.

A.N. Alrighty, this took longer than I thought it would. Fun fact, my job is considered essential, so I'm actually getting MORE hours thanks to the Corona. Oh the Irony!

Anyways, I felt it was finally time to give a face and general picture of all the Gods of the Sea. Let me know your impressions of them and their dynamic.

And the reveal of more of Cipactli's minions. The Skin-Walker, which managed to actually achieve 'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named' status among the Navajo, even to this day. The Tzitzimimeh are basically what the Aztecs thought the Stars were…and an eclipse was those abominations attacking the God of the Sun. We've also got King (the anime got me hyped for him), Yammy (of course Cipactli would have an Espada), Manda (I really wish we'd gotten more of him with Orochimaru), and Neferpitou. Also the name of his base, Miquiztli, is the Aztec word for death…I know, real imaginative.

Plus, we've got White Zetsu as Tiamat's spy. For now, I will say that Black Zetsu is NOT in the SoSC. If I do decide to include him, it'll be a big deal.

As for Davy Jones, I wanted to illustrate that it's going to take him a LOT of work to start getting the other worlds' techniques down. But, he'll get there.

And yes, Captain Barbossa and the Queen Anne's Revenge have the chest…thanks to Mr. Compress. Remember, his Quirk only undoes his 'Compression' whenever he wants it to. Plus, Barbossa is the only person in the world with the knowledge to create a good forgery, hence his inclusion under this unknown faction.

Hope you all enjoyed this little break from our main crew. Stay safe everyone! Til Next Time…Have Fun!