Title: Of Dreams and Desires
Pairings: Smoker x Ace, Sanji x Zoro, and other pairings
Ratings: T - NC-17
Chapter: 61 of ?
Summary: The road to One Piece is a dangerous one and each individual begins at different times and places. Some paths cross for a fleeting moment but the encounter could be so great that it can alter the initial direction. Every meeting is important and is planned by the souls long before the bodies see each other.
Disclaimer: I do not make any profit from this story; all props go to Eiichiro Oda.
Author Note: You guys are amazing! I want to thank everyone for sticking by me over these last few years. As the years goes by I grow as a writer; so I'm going back through and editing prior chapters. If the chapter has a title to it, then I've edited it. There are only a few minor sentence changes, dialogue edits, and a bit more detail in some places to better pull the story together. I've also given Tashigi a last name–Chūjitsuna Tashigi is her full name within the story now.
Shout Outs: Thank you to jjrefinnej10 for adding ODD to your favorites list! Thank you izthmuz, fantasylovermagi, Sehri, SakuraKoi, and KamiiKatzee for adding ODD to your alert list! Thank you ame kazashite, LustfulAvarices, Echo of Zwei, Cassiopeia Merlin, Cami0023, Caliope Jones, and Arin Nakaze for adding ODD to both your favorites and alert list!
Reviews: Green271 – Heya! I'm happy you're diggin' the story so far and all the point of views that are in here. I feel like sticking close to the main story lets readers know where in the timeline we are, but veering off from it allows story growth with the not-so-main characters. Again I'm excited you like it as much as I do. Enjoy this next chapter!
Cami0023 – I might have to break your heart and some fans, but not for long! Ace's portion of the story will be unveiled soon and I hope it lives up to what you are expecting.
Sehri – If you look at the devils as having "souls" then it opens greater opportunity to explain a main character actions and allows a deeper look behind the why of the decisions they make. I'm glad you like it! I don't have a schedule for the story, unfortunately, but I do plan on finishing the story. Real life just tends to kick my ass some times and it takes longer to update, but never fear, ODD will be completed!
Beta Reader: descriptionsalive21, thank you so much!
Borsalino Kizaru
There were few clouds in the sky to hinder the sun's brilliant rays from shinning down on the Sunny as she traveled just a few hours out from the ocean's largest mangrove forest. The Straw Hats were eager to reach Sabaody Archipelago–it was their last stop in Paradise before they entered the New World and their excitement buzzed all throughout the ship. Luffy sat on the rail with Chopper watching the doctor fish while he talked animatedly with Franky, who would occasionally chuckle at the younger male's comments. Brook swayed to and fro from his perch on the swing as beautiful melodies streamed through his violin and only when he ended the last line in the sonata did he hear a voice call out to him.
"Oi."
He looked up at the kitchen window where he noticed Sanji waving at him and he excused himself from the group to climb the stairs leading to the galley. He entered the dining area, spotting the cook chopping carrots at the counter.
"Sanji-san?"
"Can I get you to stir the soup for a second? I gotta run to the loo." Sanji used the spoon in his hand to gesture towards the stovetop and then to the timer. "Turn the burner off when it's done."
"No problem! I'll try not to burn the food, Sanji-san. Take your time!"
Sanji gave his thanks before leaving the kitchen and circling around to the garden. He moved towards the rail and unzipped his pants but a soft voice interrupted him. "Cook-san?"
Sanji rushed to re-zip his pants before turning bashfully to face Robin. "My swan, I didn't see you there," he sang.
Robin flipped a page in her book and said, "You can relieve yourself if that's what you were going to do." She lowered the book to look at him with a twinkle in her eye, "Unless you were about to do something else?"
"Ah, no," Sanji forced out a chuckle as he started back the way he came. "Is there anything I can get for you?"
"No, I know lunch will be wonderful," she responded.
Sanji bowed in gratitude then briskly walked away, peeking through the kitchen window to check on Brook as he passed by. He'd made his way down the stairs but was stopped once again, this time by Luffy's voice, "Sanji! When's lunch going to be ready?"
"As soon as I say it is," he retorted as he rushed to the restroom under the stairwell.
"Hey, wait!" Luffy yelled as he ran over to the cook.
The pain in Sanji's bladder reminded him of his need to relieve himself as he spun around to face his captain. "What's up, Lu?" he asked impatiently.
"What happened to Zoro when I was out back at Thriller Bark?"
The inquiry didn't surprise Sanji at all. Luffy had been trying to ask him the same question for days, but each time Sanji would come up with an excuse about cooking before hurrying away. It wasn't that he didn't want to tell Luffy, but doing so would betray Zoro's trust. "He did his duty as first-mate and protected us against the warlord. I don't know any details," Sanji answered.
Luffy took off his straw hat and scratched his head, saying, "He won't talk to me about it."
Sanji shrugged and shifted his weight from foot to foot. "You know how he is; he'll talk when he's ready."
"Yeah, you're right. I'm glad he's starting to feel better, he really worried m-"
"I think I got something!"
A squeal drew Luffy's attention back towards the deck just as Chopper was yanked from his seat and over the railing. Franky leapt forward and grabbed the reindeer before he was thrown into the water then tossed him back to the safety of the ship's deck. Luffy's stomach growled at the possibility of food and drool ran down his chin as he said, "Sounds like he's got a catch! Wanna see?"
"Nah, you go ahead." Sanji watched his captain run across the grassy deck before he hastily continued on to his original objective. When he reached the door of the restroom he tried to turn the handle, but it didn't budge. He groaned in frustration and banged on the only obstruction standing between him and relief. "Hey!"
A strained "go to the other one" came from inside and Sanji threw his hand into the air before stalking around to the restroom on the other side of the stairwell. On the door was a large "Out of Order" sign and Sanji growled out loud. "What's wrong with this one?"
"I have to fix the sewage line. There's nowhere for waste to go," Franky answered as he dragged the octopus Chopper caught to the aquarium for reserve, occasionally swatting Luffy away as he tried to bite at the creature.
Sanji groaned as he jogged down to the men's sleeping quarters. He burst into the room, rushed to a bucket near the bunk-hammocks and relieved himself with a long sigh.
"That's my piss bucket," uttered a gravelly voice.
Blue eyes glanced over at the bandaged-wrapped first-mate and Sanji scoffed, "What are you, three?" Zoro weakly laughed, but it made him groan in discomfort and Sanji situated himself back in the confines of his pants before approaching the hammocks. "How's the pain?"
"Not too bad."
The cook lit a cigarette and poked Zoro in the chest, eliciting a sharp inhale from him. "Liar," he chuckled as the recovering man shooed his hand away. "Luffy asked about Thriller Bark again."
Zoro reached out and toyed with the button on Sanji's suit. "What did you tell him?"
"Same thing I have been–that you'd talk about it when you're ready," he said while running his fingers through Zoro's hair.
"The sooner I get better, the fewer questions he'll ask," Zoro remarked as he shifted uncomfortably in his bed. "I need some fresh air, help me to the deck," he said, slowly sitting up.
Sanji grabbed his legs, swinging them over the side of the hammock as Zoro pushed himself forward, holding on to Sanji's shoulders for support. Once his feet were planted on the ground, Zoro stood and stretched, wincing at the sting of the stitches torturously pulling at his skin. Sanji threw one of Zoro's arms around his shoulders and together they shuffled out of the room. Sanji kissed his lover's cheek before they crossed the threshold to the deck and Zoro sighed, relishing in the feeling of the sun's rays on his body. He gestured towards the guardrail away from the noisy fishing group, "Just sit me over there."
Sanji did as told and helped Zoro get comfortable before he pulled back and took a drag of nicotine. "I'm going to get done with lunch," he said but Zoro didn't respond as he was already fast asleep. Sanji grinned around the cigarette as he started back towards the kitchen, slapping Usopp across the head when he passed by. "For hogging the bathroom."
Usopp rubbed his head and muttered, "Sorry." His stomach had been bubbly since he'd woken up and it was only getting worse as the day went on. The night before, Nami had crept into the men's quarters when everyone was asleep and demanded they have a conversation before lunch the next day. He knew she wanted to talk about his word vomit back on Thriller Bark and to this very moment he had no clue what he was going to say to her. Usopp nervously walked over to the main mast and wiped his sweaty palms on his overalls before climbing the ladder up to the crow's nest. He pushed the hatch open and hoisted himself into the training room. "Hey, is now a good time?" he asked the navigator as he closed the hatch behind himself.
Nami looked up from her notepad, responding with a "yeah" as she neatened the pile of messy papers on the cushion next to her.
Usopp sat beside her, looking into her brown eyes as he asked, "What's on your mind?"
"You are," Nami answered. "Talk to me about what was going through your head on Thriller Bark."
Called it. Usopp thought before responding, "You were spied on while showering, kidnapped by that creep Absalom, and almost forced into a marriage within a nine hour time frame. I shouldn't have said anything regarding my feelings for you, but I did before I knew what I was doing. I just thought you were going to reject me or laugh me off, so I panicked and got away before you could say anything."
"Do you think I'm shallow, Usopp?" she asked.
"Not at all!" he exclaimed, "I just know you had a lot going on and honestly… I just don't think that highly of myself."
Remembering her watch duties, Nami glanced out the window to make sure nothing had changed on the water, asking, "Why?"
A pregnant silence developed between the two before Usopp finally whispered, "Because I don't think I'm your type."
"Seems you've been doing a lot of thinking on my behalf," she replied, annoyance lacing her tone, "so go ahead and tell me why you're not my type."
Usopp tried to think up an answer that wouldn't further inflame the situation. "Because I'm not strong enough to protect you."
Nami's raised eyebrow indicated that his answer wasn't the right one. "I didn't know I needed protecting," she said tersely.
"No, you don't!" he blurted out before turning to face the window and muttering, "I don't know what I'm trying to say."
Nami studied his face–how his thick brows furrowed as he chewed on his bottom lip in thought. Truthfully, his words had been affecting her since that day; she hadn't been able to properly draw any nautical charts with the memory of them running through her head. The idea that he liked her gave her those butterflies she hadn't felt in far too long, but it was his lack of confidence in himself that kept her at a distance; although, it wasn't enough for her to completely reject the offer he'd presented. "How about this," Nami started, "when you know what it is you're trying to say, ask me out again." Usopp's lips parted but she held up a finger to them. "Not now, but later."
The Sunny rocked horribly launching both of them from their seats. Usopp caught himself on the backrest of the couch just before he tumbled on top of Nami and when his eyes caught hers, he asked, "Are you ok?"
"Yeah," Nami replied. Usopp leaned in a bit and when he moved a piece of orange hair away from her forehead she blushed because she'd seen that look many times. "You want to kiss me?"
His pupils dilated and he whispered, "May I?"
Her nod was the only thing Usopp needed to see before he started to close the distance between them. His long nose brushed across her cheek and just as he was about to press his lips against hers, the Sunny jolted as if they'd collided with something, throwing the pair away from each other.
"What the hell is going on down there?" Nami asked.
Having been thrown to the floor, Usopp crawled over to the hatch and poked his head out once it was opened, squealing at what he saw on deck. "Nami, it's a mermaid!"
"A what?" she questioned, crawling over to Usopp to see for herself. A loud gasp escaped her and she shook Usopp's shoulder. "Let's get down there!"
Usopp agreed and together, the sharpshooter and the navigator made their way down from the crow's nest to join the crew.
B.K
Giles sat on the edge of Mt. Hanji's steepest precipice, eyes shut as he attempted to meditate while he waited for his guest to arrive. The clouds folded around him as if he was their creator and he breathed in deeply to calm his racing heart. He often climbed to the very top so that he could speak to his devil; but, unfortunately for Easton, his spirit only spoke to him when he was in a place of zen–a state that he was struggling to find with his brain running into overdrive. His thoughts were plagued with the knowledge of his crumbling aristocracy and those responsible for it.
Kaido, a Yonko who was constantly at the forefront of his mind for his apparent inability to die, had taken center stage in the New World with the assistance of a broker named Joker. He was beginning to expand his reach deeper into the unexplored territories of the New World, successfully managing to take hold of the underground market in just four short months. Meanwhile, Easton had been trying hard to do the same for years but there were too many variables that he couldn't control. It grated on his nerves to know that an unsophisticated fool like Kaido was able to do what he couldn't.
Speaking of things he couldn't regulate, his soldiers had faced a crushing defeat to the Revolutionary Army at the Battle of Qoaht, resulting in the loss of three thousand men and two footholds along the southern border of the Red Line. With that loss, the chemical weapon racket he'd secured had dissembled, and it was only a matter of time until buyers began to get uneasy and look for other suppliers. He couldn't pull forces from any fronts because of Gekko Moriah; the defeat of that Shichibukai resulted in the loss of his undead army–an undead army that was used to hold back the R.A on the eastern front, which maintained dominance over entry points into the New World.
The black mushi on his wrist rang and Giles breathed a heavy sigh through his nose before pulling up his sleeve to answer the call. "What?"
"You're at the top?"
"Yes," Easton said, returning the snail to its dormant state. He desperately needed to reach his devil, but alas, there was not a peaceful place in his mind that day.
The upcoming war, the R.A, and the black market were all minuscule in comparison to the infamous Marine elections. It was the only time that Easton could manipulate the ballots and appoint those who could cultivate his agenda. This year was for the ranks, which meant the admiral, vice admiral, and fleet admiral positions were all up for grabs, and there was a certain individual to whom he wanted to draw focus. Garp had been the two decade nuisance he couldn't get rid of no matter what method he tried. The man was a war hero, seemingly untouchable within the Marine community–but his disloyalty to justice would be his downfall. Easton had been building a case against Garp, and election time would be the perfect opportunity to release the damaging information in a way which would harm Garp's political standing.
"Yo, Easton."
Giles opened his eyes to see an angry red tribal mask in front of his face. "Put some respect on my name when you speak it, fool," he said as he smooshed his hand into the mask, pushing the man away from his personal space. "I don't see why you all wear such fatuous things."
Maher straightened from his bent position to stand at his full thirteen foot height and stepped back to join the others as he said, "I need to disguise myself while at work so I can be me during my days off."
Laran blinked his white eye then his black as he looked at the masked man next to him, his face donning confusion. "We get days off?"
Oro gave a flat stare to Laran in response and as soon as Easton was on his feet, he handed him a thin yellow envelope.
"What's this?" Easton asked.
"That's everything that we could find on Blackbeard," Maher replied.
"I told you to bring him to me," Giles said as he opened the catalog and skimmed through its contents, grunting when he saw Yami Yami no Mi on Blackbeard's profile.
"We would've, but we ran into some complications that required your consent. The status of the target has changed." Laran answered.
Easton rubbed his eyes as a headache crept upon him. "Speak plainly; CP-0 has never needed my approval to complete an assignment."
"That's right, sir; but Blackbeard has recently obtained the title of Shichibukai. We understand that removing a Shichibukai can be detrimental to the balance of the world, so we need to know how to proceed," Oro said.
Giles turned his back to the trio so they wouldn't see his astonished face. Who the hell acted without authorization?! He cleared his throat before facing the men again, speaking hastily, "Suspend all further action. I'll inform you on how to move when I have more information. For now, continue all efforts in locating the headquarters of the Revolutionary Army."
The three men bowed and, as silently as they came, they left, leaving Easton alone on the mountain top.
Nālī.
There was silence for a moment before she answered. Yes, Easton?
A small smile graced his face when he felt her warming presence wash over him. You have given me life well beyond my years, and have allowed me to fulfil desires and accomplish goals I would not have been able to with an ordinary human lifespan. In return, I have done as you have asked and have obtained the whereabouts of the devil you have been searching for.
You've located Yami? Nālī asked.
I have, but he's already been possessed by another.
For the first time since their union, Easton felt distress from Nālī. That's dangerous, Easton. We must find and kill the one who hosts Yami.
You haven't told me why I'm committing resources to this nobody. Blackbeard isn't a threat, and I doubt having a devil will turn him into one.
Yami is the threat. He's an evil spirit that contorts the will of his host to his own. He can make Blackbeard the greatest man alive, or the most feared being on the planet. You're worried about Shichibukai and elections when your concern should be focused on Yami. His aptitude to consume other spirits and feed their abilities to his host is dangerous. Everything you've worked for will be destroyed through Yami's influence if you don't surcease his schemes now.
Giles hummed softly. If what you say is true, then I will devote myself to putting an end to Blackbeard. Killing him will end Yami's existence.
There is no death for Yami; but once you destroy his host, he'll be forced to retreat to his idle state. His physical fruit form appears only once every century. Handling him now will ensure our success in the future.
Don't worry, Nālī. I will handle everything. Easton said as he began walking the rocky path that lead to the bottom of the mountain. He needed answers to his pirate problem, and there were only five men who he could turn to.
B.K
Grove Seven–also known as Alkhasir–was a place where even the richest man could find his pockets empty after an hour at the gaming table. The noises from the inner city hummed on in the background as Rayleigh pulled the hood of his silver cloak over his head and hunched his shoulders as he proceeded into the small hut tucked between two large mangroves. He elbowed his way through the crammed studio home to the backyard where Sabaodians and tourists alike gathered around in a circle, shoving at one another and yelling at the gamecocks sparring in the pit below. Silvers passed different fighting rings, going deeper into the dense forest until he reached a cluster of tents near a rooster weighing station. He shuffled to the largest tent and approached the man posted in front, whispering into his ear. The guard stood and patted Rayleigh down before he pulled back the tarp, granting him access to the woman who'd been a pain in his side for weeks now.
"Izzati."
At hearing her name, Izzati's head shot up and she clapped her hands upon recognizing the man. "Ray Ray!"
Rayleigh stepped further into the room, ignoring the glares he received from those around him. "Remove the kill order."
A woman next to Izzati handed her a featherless cock and she flipped the bird over so its claws were in the air. "Do you have my money?"
Silvers shrugged nonchalantly and said, "No."
"Well, then, the hit's still active," Izzati grunted out as she used a pair of pliers to remove the bird's spurs, curling her lip at the blood spraying on her shirt as it squawked and twisted in her grasp. "You got long overdue debts to pay, Ray, and the God of Fortune will always get what's due."
"Du Feld? Is that who's been riding my ass?" Rayleigh asked, watching her take some heated wax to attach razors in place of the rooster's spurs. It screeched horribly until Izzati taped its beak shut. "Having a hit on me is a waste of lives and energy, your men are no match for me."
Those in the room grumbled at the pirate's words and Izzati cackled. "You're right, but what about that pretty wife of yours?"
Distant yelling and the buzzing of horseflies were the only sounds audible in the tent when Rayleigh glowered at Izzati, releasing a pulse of his energy through the air that rendered the weaker men unconscious. "Then I'll just kill you now."
Rayleigh's words spurred the remaining men into action and they grabbed their weapons, pointing them at him. Izzati smiled at the rise she'd managed to get out of the coating craftsman. "Whether I die or not, your name will still be on the books. As long as there's not a check mark next to your name, we will hunt you down. There're no exceptions to the rules of gambling, even for the Pirate King's former right hand." She put the bird down and it kicked its legs as it walked, adjusting its strut to the weight of the razors. "I'll tell you what," Izzati started, "I have a job for you–word around the groves is that you're the only man to have been captured by those slave hunters and escape. There's a relic Disco's keeping off the market, it's said to be the last item from the forgotten century. You bring me that, and I'll consider your debt paid in full."
"Didn't know you were high enough up on the chain to be making decisions for Du."
"Don't be cute," Izzati replied as she snapped her fingers. "I took the liberty of fetching the handlers for you." One of her men hesitantly approached Rayleigh, holding an explosive collar which he quickly clasped tight around the former pirate's neck before taking a large step back from him. She gestured for another man holding shackles, who fastened a pair each to Rayleigh's wrists and ankles.
"Now, run along. The auction starts in thirty minutes."
One of the transporters nudged Silvers's shoulder and he galumphed out of the tent. The trio journeyed through the forest and, when they arrived on the main road, the two men loaded Rayleigh into their wagon. He sat back, ignoring the stares and whispers of those passing by while he pulled a flask from his inner robe pocket and swished its contents.
Forty-five minutes.
That's all the time Rayleigh would take for this mission; he'd promised Shakuyaku he'd be home before dinner.
B.K
Worker bees.
That's what those swarming the halls of Pangaea Castle reminded Kizaru of. It gave Mariejois a very hectic feel to see people racing around, carrying large stacks of paper all while yelling at others to get out of their way. The admiral quickly walked over to the staircase and started his ascent to the Gorosei's office. In his hands he held the final defense strategy for the upcoming war; the Marines needed for it and the budget to be approved before they could relay orders to other rank and file.
Over the last week, the coastguard ships had no sightings of Whitebeard or his armada, and that was making everyone nervous. Kizaru knew they would come for their second division commander, but was curious as to why there hadn't been any reported activity on their end. There was no way they'd just give up the reigns to the Marines for a chance to write history as they wished. Climbing the final stair to the top floor, Borsalino approached the elders' chamber when he heard a gelid voice coming from inside.
"Who is Moriah's replacement?"
Kizaru crept up to the room, glancing through the crack in the door, only able to see the back of a slim man in white robes. There was a long pause before Ansell cleared his throat and spoke first, "We haven't found one yet, sir." When the man blocking his view stepped to the side, Kizaru could see the elder nervously fixing his kimono's sash.
Who is this man who brings about such anxiety to the Elder Stars? Kizaru thought as the stranger moved to the other side of the room, giving him a perfect view of the five elders. A shiver went up Borsalino's spine when he caught the man's cold silver eyes as they regarded those in the room.
"Why not?" he asked.
"We have decided not to replace him," Oenus answered, stroking his long white beard.
The Gorosei shifted uncomfortably under the intense glare the man gave. "Whose decision was this?"
"It was unanimously determined."
The man walked over to the window and gazed down at the town below. "Tell me, Nicol, how the decision was unanimous if I wasn't involved?"
Nicol's cheeks colored and he stamped his cane against the floor. "It was unanimous amongst the Gorosei."
The elegant man spun around, snarling, "And who was it that gave you the title of Gorosei?!"
"We have angered you, Sir Giles," Letholdus spoke, holding up his hand to silence his flustered comrade, "but that was not our intention." He pulled at the ends of his mustache, choosing his next words carefully, "We thought that due to the upcoming war, it would be best to revoke his Shichibukai status after we've gained victory."
"No one knows of Gekko's defeat on Thriller Bark, and his reputation can still be used, as well as his devil," Bernardus added.
"In that case, he is to be dealt with as soon as we've defeated Whitebeard," said Easton exasperatedly. "While we're on the topic, whose bright idea was it to reward Marshall D. Teach with the Shichibukai title?"
"That would be Kong, sir," Ansell replied. "Blackbeard upheld his end of the bargain. We've approved Kong's request and are writing in the pirate as we speak. We are waiting for an admiral with the documents for us to sign."
Figuring he'd only get caught if he continued to sneak around, Kizaru knocked on the door before entering. He kneeled, saying, "Sirs, I have urgent orders in need of your signatures."
Giles walked over to Kizaru and held his hand out. "Well?"
Borsalino stood, presented the papers, and then crossed his arms behind his back, awaiting his next orders. Easton walked around the room as he read, shaking his head when he saw something he didn't agree with. "Who formulated this strategy?"
"It was a joint effort amongst top ranked Marines, sir," Kizaru answered.
Easton threw several of the stapled papers onto the table in front of the Gorosei and continued to flip through the remaining pages in his hands. When he came across Ace's profile, he tucked the paper inside his pocket and said, "I've seen all I need to." He tossed the last of the documents down all while glaring at the elders. "You are all becoming very obsolete. The results of this war had better be in our favor or each of you will see how dispensable you really are."
The admiral remained bowed as Giles brushed past him and out the room, slamming the door shut behind him. He could hear his heart beating in his chest as he waited for the Gorosei to say something. Never before in his years of service had he heard anyone speak to the five men in front of him as that man had. He hadn't known who Sir Giles was before but the man was certainly now on his radar. "Sirs, if I may continue my report?"
Letholdus stood from his seat and made his way to the bar to pour himself a drink. "You're not to speak of anything you witnessed here today, that understood?"
Kizaru nodded and said, "We no longer have the current whereabouts of the Whitebeard Pirates. Our cryptanalysts haven't detected any communication between their allies, and the surveillance mushis aren't showing movement at sea. Right now, we're in the dark, sirs."
Ansell approached Kizaru and handed him a black scroll. "Alert the watchdogs to scout the waters and give this to Sengoku. Portgas's execution is to follow a strict schedule. There are to be no delays and if Whitebeard comes, you are to use the full force of our army. We'll send these documents back via courier."
Kizaru tucked the scroll under his arm and saluted before leaving the elders' chamber. "Oou that was tense," he exhaled loudly once he was back in the hall. He headed for the stairs and before he reached the bottom, the baby snail in his pocket rang and those around him stopped and stared. Borsalino ducked off into a storage room and answered the call. "Yellow Monkey speaks."
"The Seagull has landed and is requesting an audience," the voice on the line stated.
"Copy," Borsalino confirmed, slipping out of the closet and quickening his steps towards his ship, wondering if the Seagull knew Giles Easton and how high up the brass chain he was.
B.K
"Bartholomew Kuma, Tyrant of Sorbet Kingdom; to what do I owe this pleasure?"
Kuma stood on the balcony of Dr. Vegapunk's waiting room, staring down at the mushi nestled in the palm of his hand with a frown. This was a bad idea.
He slid his thumb across its shell to disconnect the call, but before he could, Nikyu let out a stern, don't.
A scowl settled on the snail's face and it spat, "Stop calling if you aren't going to say anything."
"I've met him... Monkey D. Luffy," Kuma started, "he has an ambitious pirate crew whose blind loyalty to one another has upset the hierarchy of society. Although his intentions towards his comrades are notable, he doesn't use foresight to predict the lasting outcomes of his actions. The Five Elders have turned their sights on him after of the fall of Enies Lobby, and the defeat of another Shichibukai." Kuma paused, waiting on the other's response and when none came, he continued, "After assessing his capabilities, I've found he is not yet ready to enter the New World and face the powerful foes awaiting him."
The snail let out a grunt before it asked, "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because the capture of your son will mean your downfall."
The snail sucked its teeth in displeasure. "If you're that concerned about it, you train him."
I do not have the luxury of time to do such a thing. Kuma thought before saying, "You treat me as if I'm your enemy, Dragon; I have and always will be on your side of this war."
"You betrayed me when you accepted the Shichibukai status from the enemy. You betrayed the R.A when you traded the location of our arsenal for your title; and you betrayed the cause when you willingly made yourself their weapon. Actions speak louder than words, Kuma, and you've turned on us, on your people."
"But –"
"Mr. Bartholomew? The doctor would like to see you now."
Kuma put the mushi to rest and turned to Vegapunk's assistant, following her down a white hall. He would have to repair the burnt bridges with Dragon another time. They continued down the winding hall before coming upon Vegapunk's consultation room. The nurse pushed the door open, gesturing for him to enter before closing it behind him. A look of surprise crossed his face when he saw who was waiting for him inside.
"Come on in. We have a lot to discuss."
Bartholomew took a seat in front of the large desk, staring at the two men on the other side. "I didn't expect for you to be here."
Kong smirked as he watched Kuma's every move. "I wanted to check in and make sure we were still on schedule."
"Yes, he has requested to sit in on this appointment, if that's alright."
Kuma looked at the doctor and nodded. "We can proceed."
"Good! Have you given any thought to our last conversation?" Vegapunk asked as he tapped his near-empty pack of cigarettes on the desk until one fell out. He lit it before saying, "Because if you haven't, I'll be disappointed."
Kuma removed and folded his shades, placing them on top of the Bible in his lap. "Kong, since you are present, I wish to ask what you'll be using me for."
The Commander-in-Chief's gaze studied Kuma so intently that it caused Vegapunk to shift uncomfortably in his chair. "Since it's your face we're using, I suppose you have the right to know," he said after some time. "We have used you as a prototype and are building other cyborgs based off your blueprints. We'll soon give those a field test and, if they work up to par, then we expect to utilize them–you, in the upcoming pirate war."
"You say war as if you know Whitebeard will come."
"Do you really think he wouldn't?" Kong countered.
Kuma's thoughts wandered to his reasons for being in the presence of the men before him and he asked, "What do you gentlemen fear?"
Vegapunk pulled from the cancer stick and gave a shit eating grin. "Time."
"I'd have to say getting old, as cliché as it sounds," Kong answered.
"For me, it's the unknown… I…" Kuma trailed off, looking at the cat clock on the wall over Kong's head, watching its eyes swing back and forth. "I'm having trouble accepting a fate that I can't control–even if it is something I initially agreed to–so, I have a favor to ask of you."
Vegapunk glanced up from the files he'd been reading with an inquisitive look on his face. "What would that be?"
Bartholomew clenched the leather-bound book in his hands, drawing on the Bible's strength to say his next words. "I wish to remain conscious enough to program my first mission. I don't know what it will be yet, but I wish to have the option available before I am no longer me."
"I don't see why not, but then again, I'm not a specialist," Kong said as he glanced over to Vegapunk. "Is that something we can do?"
"I'll try my best."
"Good," Kong said before asking Kuma, "Is that all you're concerned about?"
Bartholomew shook his head. "Also, there is something I must do before we complete the transformation. I ask for five hours, then I'll be back."
Vegapunk ashed his cigarette before pointing it at Kuma. "If you're not back in five hours, I'm going to send a search party for you."
"Understood," the Shichibukai replied as he stood from his seat. "I'll take my leave now."
Kong and Vegapunk watched him until he left the room, then Kong said, "I want a tracking device put into him... just him, not the other Pacifista. Also, is it possible to have a 'safety switch' put in?"
"A 'safety switch'?"
"Yeah. Once the modifications are made to his body, the elders want you to perform a lobotomy; but I want you to give me a way to bring him back."
Vegapunk raised an eyebrow, "I don't think you understand what a lobotomy is. Once the connections to the prefrontal cortex and the anterior part of the frontal lobe are severed, there's no going back. The procedure will limit his responsiveness, and it would be inhumane to allow him to retain awareness but give him no control over his body."
"Yes, but he's part machine. Is there not a way to keep the enhancements to his body and perform a partial lobotomy?"
"I'm not God, Kong."
"What do you suggest then?"
"Well, there are cases where the brain heals itself and the patient is able to interact and learn as if they hadn't had the procedure. However, the probability of that happening is very low—four point thirty-five percent, to be exact. There might be a way to create new neural activity, but it's just theory, nothing has been clinically proven."
Kong sighed, occasionally squeezing the stress ball he'd picked off of the desk. "Kuma fights for moral justice, and I didn't want to lose him to the other side. He's a strong ally and it'll weaken moral amongst his comrades once they become aware of his decision."
Vegapunk studied the commander before asking, "What's your real objective, Kong?"
"My objective is to ensure moral justice reigns over absolute. I have few soldiers on my side in this fight and the upgrades done to his body along with his devil's powers make him the best solider I have right now."
The chuckling doctor shook his head as he jotted notes down on Kuma's file. "There seems to be more at play than what I had originally expected. You're fighting a shadow war and I must admit, it's thrilling to know there's a power struggle happening within the Marines."
"Thrilling? Interesting word choice. Regardless, can I count on you to aid me when needed?"
"As long as I can do my research, Kong, you Marines can fight until there's no one left for all I care. I must follow the elders' order, but I'll see what I can do for Bear to further your cause," Vegapunk said as he stood, gathering the documents before him. Kong followed his lead and together they left the room, shaking hands before going their separate ways.
B.K
In ten minutes, the guards would switch shifts and that's when Silvers would make his move. He glimpsed at the merchandise lined up for today's auction with little interest. I really have to stop getting myself into these situations, he thought to himself as he patted his pockets down for his flask. Finding it, he took a swig and sighed, tugging at the heavy bomb strapped around his neck. Hopefully this'll be an "in and out" kinda thing. Izzati didn't give much description as to what the relic looked like, other than that he'd know it when he saw it.
The clock clanged, signaling the top of the hour and Rayleigh smirked as the guard outside of the cell stepped away. Taking the opportunity, he went to the door, ignoring the looks he received from the other prisoners as he began picking the lock on the other side. It wasn't long before he pushed the cell door open and walked through, leaving it cracked behind him as he carried on down the corridor. He ducked through narrow passages to hide from patrol, keeping an eye out for the passing time. After a while of sneaking around, Rayleigh came across a large door with a multicolored disco ball on it.
He advanced on the door, stopping short when he heard a whirring noise. Silvers glanced to his left at the self-propelled mushi slowly coming around the corner. He crouched down, hiding behind a pillar in the hall as the snail paused, moving its eyes left and right before creeping on. Silvers noted the time on the wall as he picked the lock, hastily making his way into the room and closing the door behind himself with a soft click. He looked around the office, taking in the dull garbs and piles of discarded items that littered the floor.
There had to have been another room that contained off-the-books market items Disco didn't want auctioned off, Rayleigh just had to locate it. He advanced to the bookcase, lightly pulling at different books hoping to find a trigger. Finding none, Silvers went to Disco's desk, running his hand underneath the bottom and along the sides, huffing when he didn't find a switch. His black eyes moved around the office, landing on the large aquarium set in the wall beside him. He observed the way the fish swam, noticing they never met in the middle, each fish sticking to a certain side of the tank, but he couldn't ponder on the thought long as the knob on the office door turned.
Rayleigh dove behind an armor suit just as the door swung open and Disco stalked in, grumbling angrily under his breath as he flopped down in the worn leather chair behind his desk. He yanked open a drawer and snatched out a baby white mushi before attaching it atop the shell of the den den mushi on his desk. Disco punched in a number before leaning back and kicking up his feet on the desk. The snail rang once before its face spread into a beaming smile. "Thanks for calling House of Cards! How can I direct your call?"
"Get me Joker," he said, wiping the mud on his shoes off onto the desk.
There was a brief pause before the mushi responded, "Joker is unavailable. Connecting you to Queen of Hearts."
The line rang until a feminine voice flowed through the speakers. "I'm busy," it said before the snail went to sleep.
Disco stared at the phone in disbelief before he threw the speaker at the snail on his desk. The creature let out a pained noise and Disco slapped it on its head. "Shut up! I get no respect from those fucking pirates!" He punched in another code and the same bright smile lit the snail's face.
"Thank you for calling House of Car–"
"I need trash taken out, get me someone who can do that."
"Transferring you to King of Spades."
The mushi beeped and a gruff voice answered, "Gladius here."
"I need garbage removed. Send a clean-up crew."
"Who do you think you're talking to? Clean up your own mess; we work for Joker, not you."
The call ended and Disco growled, slamming the receiver down and pushing himself away from the desk and up from his chair. As he paced lividly around the room muttering to himself, Rayleigh changed hiding spots to get a better view of the auctioneer. Disco stomped over to the aquarium and yanked on the cord attached to the curtains nearby. Silvers smirked when the tank separated, revealing a dimly lit room that held all sorts of treasures inside. Disco grabbed a gun laying on one of the islands in the middle of the room and aimed it at a plant some ways away from him. When he pulled the trigger, a laser beam shot out from the barrel and disintegrated the plant upon contact, drawing an evil cackle from Disco. "I don't need their help. I can handle my own problems!"
Rayleigh pressed himself against the wall to make himself less noticeable to Disco as the man hustled out of the office, slamming the door shut behind him. Silvers walked into the once-hidden room, gawking at all the unique objects that laid about, including the piles of beli and gold covering every inch of the spacious room. He took a swig from his flask and sighed. How the hell am I supposed to find what Izzati's wanting? She didn't even tell me what exactly it was I needed to bring back. A shimmer out of the corner of his eye brought Rayleigh's attention to a rotating stand in the corner of the room. He walked over to it, mesmerized by the way the light reflected off the object at its center. A mineral the size of a softball gleamed at Silvers, beckoning him to come closer.
"A black opal?"
Not long before the void century, the planet's rarest gems and minerals were unearthed by the World Government and given to the nobles in Mariejois. Perhaps this was the object Izzati was talking about. Rayleigh thought as he plucked the gem from its stand. Almost immediately, an alarm blared, forcing him to place the mineral back onto its platform. He rubbed the hairs on his chin as he searched around the room, hoping to find something similar in weight to replace the opal with. He snatched a cannon ball sitting not far from the base of the stand and quickly swapped it for the opal, letting out his bated breath when the alarm didn't sound again. Rayleigh stashed the mineraloid inside his pant pocket, his piercing eyes darting around the room to see what else he could grab. He made his way over to a desk overloaded with beli and shoveled some into a pouch he'd found, smirking at the weight of the purse. An old scroll next to a silver-plated crown drew Silvers's attention. The parchment was yellowed from time and the seal binding it together was one he recognized as used prior to the void century.
"Isn't this the symbol of the rebel army?" Rayleigh questioned aloud as he plucked the scroll from the crown and broke its seal. The paper unrolled and the pirate gasped, running his fingers across the page; it was a treasure map for the location of Pluton, but that was... Impossible, he thought as his eyes absorbed every piece of information given. He carefully rolled the parchment up, tucking it into the inner pocket of his robe and exiting the hidden chambers in time for the doors to slide shut, displaying the aquarium once more.
Silvers checked the clock on Disco's desk and cursed under his breath–he'd been away too long and it had been well over ten minutes. Moving at incredible speed, Rayleigh left Disco's office and raced through the halls until he arrived back at the merchandise holding cell. A guard was inside with a clipboard in hand, his back turned from the cell door. The former pirate slipped into the room and back to his seat, just as the guard looked his way. Now to wait for the auction and steal my new "owners" beli then I can return to Izzati. He thought as he leaned back against the wall, grinning at weight of the treasure in his pockets.
B.K
Garp locked the door to his office, stuffing the key into his pocket and pivoting on his heel to march to Sengoku's office. He hadn't attended any meetings or completed any official duties since he'd learned of the capture of his grandson. His headspace had been completely warped by the news, and the memories of his last conversation with Roger and Rogue continued to replay over in his mind... they had entrusted their child to him and he'd failed them horribly. He didn't have the clout to shield Ace from his fate, all he could do was stand on the sidelines and watch his execution play out. The thought alone left his gut sinking to his feet.
A bump to his person pulled Garp from his musings and his eyes focused on the Marine laid out at his feet. "Solider, keep aware of your surroundings."
The woman stood to her feet and saluted. "My apologies, sir, but you're just the person I was looking for."
"Why's that?" Garp questioned as the Marine handed him a slip of paper.
"Intel suggests Silvers Rayleigh is being sold at the upcoming human auction. What are we to do with this information, sir?"
Garp rubbed his eyes and let out a tired sigh. "Don't tell anyone–not even Sengoku. The military is already stretched thin and we can't handle two legendaries at once. For now, just observe the situation and report back to me if things get out of hand." He returned the report to the Marine and continued on his way.
Silvers Rayleigh... former right hand to the late Pirate King Gol D. Roger. Garp and the Pirate King had their fair share of encounters, but by no means was he familiar with the man; and yet, when it was asked of him, Garp took on the responsibility of caring for the pirate's family. After watching Roger's execution, Garp heart was set on fulfilling his promise and he sailed to the South Blue, traveling all the way to the small island of Baterilla, which was home to Roger's unborn child. Portgas D. Rogue was already two months past her due date when they'd met, and every second she held Roger's child inside her showed Garp her strength and resolve. She suffered with a smile and on the day she finally gave birth, her last breath was spent telling Ace how much his parents had loved him, even though he'd never met them.
As Ace grew older, Garp continued to reassure him of the familial love he'd never been able to experience. It wasn't long before Garp loved Ace as if he had Monkey blood flowing through his veins. When he'd introduced Ace to Luffy, the boys fought for his attention until he sat them down and explained their connection of being family; how, no matter what, from then on out they were to protect each other because he wouldn't always be around to do so. He made them swear to him at a young age to always be each other's shield. That was why he feared not only for Ace's life, but for Luffy's as well. Hopefully, his youngest grandson would be too preoccupied with some adventure to notice Ace's unfortunate fate. He simply didn't have the energy to handle Luffy if the boy were to join those wanting to aid in Ace's rescue. He didn't want to have to choose, once again, his job over loved ones.
Garp reached Sengoku's office and entered the spacious receptionist area. A man behind a desk in the center of the room gestured towards the lounge chair. "I'll let the admiral know you're here."
Taking his seat, Garp studied the coral chandelier hanging above with a frown on his tired face. He felt deep inside that he wasn't doing enough to help his adoptive grandson. Yes, the boy strayed from the Marine teachings Garp had tried to instill into him and instead took his own path in life to become a pirate; and yes, Ace was well of the age to make decisions for himself and to own up to the outcomes of his actions, but that did not mean Garp didn't feel as though he should use all the resources at his disposal to save him. If he could trade himself in place of Ace, he would; but now that the brass knew of his sire, it would be impossible for Garp to act in Ace's favor. So, against his title, he hoped the Whitebeard Pirates would show, and he prayed that they would be successful in rescuing Ace with minimal casualties to either side.
"Sengoku will see you now," the receptionist said as the sliding door to Sengoku's office opened.
Inside, Garp found Sengoku feeding his pet goat documents while reading the newspaper on his desk. Garp sprawled out on the futon in the corner of the room and the men shared the silence for a moment before Sengoku put down the paper and looked over at his brother in arms. "I know saying sorry doesn't help anything, but–"
"Don't worry about it," Garp dismissed. "I neither want nor need your pity."
"Understood," Sengoku said as the door to his office opened and Akainu strutted through with a booklet in his hand.
"Sir, I've assigned everyone their taskmaster, but I noticed Admiral Kuzan and Vice Admiral Garp have no assigned duties or soldiers."
"Admiral Kuzan will have his orders. He will stand at the base of the execution podium with you and adjust his actions as need," Sengoku said. "As for Vice Admiral Garp–"
"I won't be participating in the defense plan. My only goal is to see my grandson safely escorted to the podium for a clean execution."
Akainu turned to face the man on the futon, sending a heated glare his way. "You have subordinates who look for your guidance during these hard times. Pirates will be assaulting our shores and you do not wish to defend the place you call home? What kind of example are you setting as a leader?"
Fury lit in Garp's eyes as he rose from his position and marched over to Akainu, hoicking the taller man down to his eye level. "You may have the rank, but you do not have the age or experience to question my actions. Unlike you, this is not my first war and I know where my place is. You best recognize yours and stay the hell out of my business."
Magu oozed from Akainu's hand and the floor hissed as the magma ate through the tile. "You and your family will cost the Marines many lives. Don't be full of yourself, ojīsan; your business is all of our business."
Before Garp could retaliate, Sengoku slammed his fist against the desk, drawing the attention of the two men to him. "You will not dustup in my office! Get a hold of yourselves!"
At that moment, the door opened and Kizaru stepped into the room, glancing around at the angry men and letting out an uncomfortable chuckle. "I seem to be finding myself in a lot of tense situations today." He eyeballed the charred spot on the floor and raised an eyebrow as he hesitantly asked, "What's going on in here?"
Garp shoved Akainu away from him and stormed back to the futon, flopping down on it then covering his eyes with his arm. Sengoku remitted Borsalino's question as he beckoned him closer. "What did the elders say?"
Kizaru thought back to the man in white with his stern glare and the hairs on his neck raised. "Not much. They agree with the defense plan and have green lighted the operation." He handed the black scroll tucked underneath his arm to Sengoku. "All that is left is for execution day to arrive."
Sengoku glanced at Garp and when no reaction came he sighed heavily. "One of you three admirals needs to take on the responsibility of confronting Whitebeard."
Kizaru looked over at Akainu and grinned. "Flip a coin?"
The Red Dog scoffed at his colleague's words. "I think we both know I'm a better fit for combat against him–he'd probably swat you away like the fly you are. You should focus your talents on controlling Marco the Phoenix."
Borsalino made a face, pouting a little as he said, "That's not fair; I'm just as good a fighter as you are."
The pair heard a snort come from Garp and they glared at him, but before Akainu could reply, the door burst open for a third time and the receptionist entered the room in a flurry. He bowed before saying, "Sir, we have reports of a disturbance on Sabaody Archipelago. Monkey D. Luffy has taken some World Nobles attending the auction hostage."
Sengoku quickly rose from his chair and marched over to Garp, yanking the pillow he was laying on from under him and started to hit him with it as he said, "It's your boy again! What is wrong with your family?!"
Garp covered his head as the assault continued and he asked, "Is it just Luffy?"
"According to our information, it's not just the Straw Hat crew, but Eustass "Captain" Kidd and his crew as well as Trafalgar Law and his men," the Marine said. "In all, thirteen bounty-heads have been spotted. Five of them are rookies with bounties over one hundred million. Of course, our priority is Monkey D. Luffy, who intentionally attacked a Celestial Dragon, but we can't get in contact with anyone from the human shop…" Sengoku halted his assault on Garp and glared at his receptionist for his use of words and the man tried to walk it back. "Um, the 'employment stability office', so we assume they've all probably been beaten."
Sengoku hit Garp one last time before throwing the pillow away with a huff. "Taking three Celestial Dragons as hostage is an unprecedented act of hostility. Do they have any demands?"
"No, they haven't made any yet."
Kizaru walked over to the tea station and made himself a cup, swallowing it with one gulp before he said, "Well, in any case, they did hurt one of the World Nobles. There's no way we can't take action against them, right, Sengoku-san?"
Sengoku nodded. "Kuzan isn't here, so it's between you two to determine who's going to go handle the rookies."
Kizaru gave a grin to Akainu and said, "Janken pon?"
Akainu growled under his breath and held out his fist. Together the men bounced their fists in the air a few times before changing their hand formation. Kizaru extended his fingers with his palm flat and Akainu kept his hand balled into a fist causing Kizaru to chuckle. "Paper beats rock. I guess I'll go. Don't worry, I'll be right back."
Three sets of eyes followed Kizaru until he closed the office door and Sengoku let out a defeated sigh. "Garp, your family makes my job difficult."
Said man waved his hand dismissively. "My family makes my job difficult." He peeked out of the corner of his eye at Akainu before saying, "I heard the speech you gave... it was good."
Akainu nodded in thanks. "The men took it well. They'll need all the encouragement they can get. Most of them have never even seen war..."
Sengoku shook his head as he walked over to the window and he stared at the ocean with tired eyes. "It's been ten years since Shiki came upon Marineford and picked a fight. Garp and myself made sure others weren't involved, but that's not something we can do this time. We must all play our parts perfectly to ensure victory–" he looked over at Garp and stressed, "all of us."
I think I've said this before, but my heart really goes out to Garp during times such as this. I mean, could you imagine having to choose between your family or your job/country? Geez, that's a tall order! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Stay tune for the next one: Monkey D. Luffy - Huredhiel