Of Dreams and Desires

by Huredhiel

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. Follow everyone's story and see what path they take.

62. Chapter 62

Title: Of Dreams and Desires
Pairings: Smoker x Ace, Sanji x Zoro, and other pairings
Ratings: T - NC-17
Chapter: 62 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 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: It's been a while! If you are still on this crazy train with me, then please enjoy this chapter.
Beta Reader: descriptionsalive21, thank you so much!

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Monkey D. Luffy

Rayleigh stood over Charlos's unconscious form embedded into the auction house stairs, grinning at the fist print Straw Hat left on the Celestial's face. The building shook violently, and debris from the damaged ceiling began to cascade to the ground below, prompting him to hasten in his efforts to take the coin purse off the unconscious man. He exited the abandoned establishment through the back, and continued around the building, careful of the Marines engaged in battle with Luffy and other pirates as he slipped into the forest. Today's auction was the most eventful one he had ever attended, and he'd broken his record for total loot he had ever gotten away with too. Although, he did not suspect that Disco wouldn't notice the few missing beli compared to the damage being wreaked upon his slave business.

Marines swarmed Grove One following the confrontation between Luffy and Charlos, arresting any criminal they could restrain–including attendees of the human auction. Since the initial disruption of the event, a few rookies from the worst generation milling about the mangroves had started giving the Marines a hard time, forcing them to call HQ and send another request for an admiral to assist in controlling the situation. Despite everything that was happening, Rayleigh couldn't help but feel elated. The confusion on the island gave him the perfect opportunity to give Izzati her payment and make it back home, all whilst staying under the radar. He reached Grove Seven and followed the familiar path through the trees to Izzati's tent. After being pat down by the guard out front, Rayleigh entered the candlelit tent and removed the opal from his pockets. "One rare treasure: delivered," he said, placing it at her feet.

"It's beautiful!" Izzati squealed, "Du Field will love this!" She picked up the mineral, hiding it away in a chest before running to grab a nearby tome, flipping through the pages until she found his entry. With a needle she pricked her finger, placing her bloody print onto the yellowed page before turning to Rayleigh. "Come and complete the transaction."

Silvers held out his hand and Izzati pressed the needle into his thumb, using his blood to draw a check mark next to her fingerprint. He then stamped his bleeding finger on top of his name, ending their contract. He was almost too late in pulling his hand away from the book before Izzati slammed it shut. "So," she started, "would you like to take out another loan? We've lowered the interest rate to sixty-three percent."

"A whole four percent reduction from the old rate," Rayleigh scoffed as he pushed aside the flap of the tent. "Thanks, but no. Shakuyaku would kill me." He parted ways with those words, Izzatis' cackling following him until he reached the main road. Rayleigh took the alleyways and hid behind mangroves to avoid the Marines scouring the island. He had almost made it to the Rip-Off Bar when he encountered a platoon of Marines, who had a group of individuals cornered near the entrance to his home.

"Get against the wall! Against the fucking wall!" a Marine said, shoving one of the men into the establishment.

"What are you doing, man? We live on Grove Fourteen!"

The patrolmen shoved the teens against the wall so they could pat them down. "You say you live here? Then show me identification!"

I know those men. Rayleigh thought as he continued to observe the scene unfolding before him. He had coated the younger one's father's boat just last week and their family had treated him to lunch as repayment. He continued to watch the Marines manhandle the group for a moment before he noticed Shakuyaku peeking out the bar's front window. When their eyes met, he gestured towards the door and she nodded in return.

"We didn't do anything!" one of them yelled as he struggled in the Marine's grasp.

"Don't say another word or I'll–"

The teens looked on in astonishment as the Marines fell to the ground unconscious. Rayleigh revealed himself from his hiding spot as he cautioned the group, "Get home and stay inside until the admiral leaves the island. It's not safe out." He stepped over the unconscious forms by his feet and into the Rip-Off Bar.

Shakuyaku snuffed out her cigarette as she locked the door behind her husband. She walked to the kitchen to grab a plate of food, placing the hot dish on the counter in front of him. A smile graced her features when she looked him over and she grabbed his favorite liquor to make him a drink. "Did you get what Izzati wanted?"

Rayleigh nodded as he flopped down onto the stool at the bar. "Got us some nice treasure too."

Shakuyaku slid the drink to him, lighting another smoke. "What kind?"

Silvers emptied his pockets onto the counter with a grin. "These beautiful pearls for my beautiful pearl," he smiled, "and enough beli to complete some of those renovation projects you've had in mind."

"You've been thoughtful lately," Shakuyaku said. "Why?"

Rayleigh gathered the loot back into the pouch. "I don't know what you mean, dear."

"Sure you don't," Shakuyaku cooed. "Are you sure you aren't trying to make up for the thousands of pounds in beli you've blown through gambling? A problem that you swore to me you'd stop?" She eyed the lump under the front of his robe and questioned, "What's that on your chest?"

Silvers patted himself down, grinning when his fingers brushed across the scroll. "This is the real treasure from Disco's vault."

Shakuyaku leaned over and gasped when Rayleigh opened the scroll. "Is that what I think it is?"

"It is," Rayleigh said with a huge smile on his face. "I don't know how or why Disco has the location of Pluton, but this is worth billions."

Shakuyaku studied the map, trying to understand the location. "Do you have any idea where this is?"

"None, unfortunately," Rayleigh muttered as he started to eat, "but I know someone who does,"

Shakuyaku shook her head, "You shouldn't deal with that man."

"Why not?"

"Seriously? Getting caught up with him is nothing but trouble. He's dangerous."

Rayleigh wiggled his eyebrows and smiled around a mouth full of food. "I'm dangerous."

Shakuyaku scoffed. "People who get involved with the Revolutionary Army disappear, never to be seen again. Having information such as this," she gestured to the map, "will have the government after you–and I'm not talking about Marines."

"Yes, I am aware of the dangers that come with the map and contacting Dragon; but hon, think about how the world will change if this is the real location of Pluton."

"Exactly! Rayleigh, this isn't an adventure to casually take with your nakama. I could lose you and never know what happened."

Silvers regarded the seriousness in his wife's eyes and held out his hand. She initially glared at him, but then took it in her own. He smiled, "I'll only check to see if it's real. If it is, then I'll pass it off to someone else." When she didn't reply, he changed topic. "Have you seen the new Play House?"

"That disgusting place shouldn't be on these mangroves," Shakuyaku huffed.

"You know who owns it, don't you?"

"Who?"

"The Donquixote Pirates."

Shakuyaku curled her lips. "That creep and his crew are the worst thing that's happened to Sabaody."

"I don't know..." Rayleigh said, "I'm sure it's helping those who couldn't get work anywhere else."

Shakuyaku shot a glare at Silvers. "You know damn well it's just a place for perverts to go."

"Hey, perverts need employment too."

"I don't have a response to that, Rayleigh."

Silvers let out a hearty laugh, and before he could retort, a knock came at the front door. Shakuyaku quickly rolled up the map and placed it under the bar while Rayleigh went to look through the peephole. "It's Mugiwara and his crew."

"Why are they here?"

"The kid punched a Celestial Dragon at the auction earlier."

Shakuyaku's eyes grew twice their size and she harshly whispered, "Why would he punch a noble?! And why would he come here?!"

"Long story, but I may have told him to come here." Rayleigh took off the chain and unlocked the door. "We good to let him in?"

She nodded and Silvers opened the door, allowing Luffy and crew to enter his home. "Why is there a squad of Marines passed out in front of your home?" Chopper questioned.

"I'm more interested," Rayleigh began, "in hearing about the story behind why you," he pointed to Luffy, "punched a noble. Come tell my wife about what you've done and in exchange, I'll tell you my story."

A noise of excitement came from Usopp and Luffy jumped into his explanation, eager to share his side so he could hear a tale from Rogers' first mate.

M.D.L

"Remember, we move as a unit. The feeders will enter the cells while the shepherds keep watch. Inmates on level six are bloodthirsty killers who will not hesitate to exploit your weaknesses. If you let your guard down for one moment, it'll be your last." The squad leader looked over his shoulder at the dismayed faces of the group, saying, "I know what everyone's thinking… this is the fifth team assigned to feeding rounds this week, and it's only Wednesday, but we must fulfill the duties given to us."

"Are your men ready to go?" Hannyabal asked. He had been impatiently waiting next to the lift for ten minutes while they gave each other words of encouragement and prepared themselves for what they were about to face.

"Sir, once we've secured the cart then we can move out."

Hannyabal pulled on the lever and the elevator shuddered as the chains begin to rotate. While waiting on their ride, the vice warden watched on as the group stashed guns and daggers next to the prisoners' food and he snorted. A waste of good weaponry. These cowards will be dead before they can even get to them. Those monsters down there are ruthless.

"We're ready, sir," the squad leader said simultaneously to the platform arriving.

Four feeders, two shepherds, and one vice-warden entered the caged elevator and waited for the gate to close so they could begin their descent to the perilous level six. The cabin jerked as the chains locked and Hannyabal slammed his fist into the down button, spurring the machine back to life. The passengers continued their journey to level six, shaking from the cold, but also from the fear of what was waiting for them.

"Um, sir?"

Hannyabal glanced over at one of the feeders. "What?"

"Why are we feeding the inmates? We've never done this before."

A chorus of "Yeah" sounded throughout the enclosed space and Hannyabal sighed. "Because we've been paid a lot of beli to ensure our V.I.P is kept fed."

"But sir, we've not been successful in getting a cart of food to the prisoner."

"V.I.P," Hannyabal corrected.

"V.I.P?" one of them questioned.

"Very Important Prisoner."

The group stared incredulously at Hannyabal. "Right… but we've lost many men already."

"Look, the first group didn't heed my warnings and got too close to Sanjuan Wolf and got eaten," Hannyabal started as he turned to face the group. "The second group let that crazy bitch, Catarina Devon, get ahold of one of their guns and she shot all of them. The third group wanted to have a "meet and greet" with Shiryu and he choked two of the feeders to death."

When Hannyabal didn't continue, a shepherd asked in a quiet voice, "What happened to the fourth group?"

"Honestly? I don't know. It was too dark. What I do know is that there was a tremendous quake and then I was all by myself. Who knows what happened to them. But you shouldn't worry," he stressed, "this time we have a larger team and more torches to avoid being blindsided. They won't get the slip on us this time."

The feeders shook their heads as they listened to Hannyabal, one whispering, "Animals… they're all animals…"

Hannyabal nodded. "Yes, I agree. Just stick together and we'll be back on the first floor before you know it." They were the same words the vice warden had confidently voiced to the other four groups, but he wouldn't let them know that.

The elevator stuttered to a halt on the sixth floor and the group stepped off the platform, positioning themselves around the cart. "Close formation," one of the shepherds whispered as they shuffled through the dimly lit room. The sounds of their footsteps reverberated off the walls and throughout the cells, alerting the inmates of their presence.

Their own breaths sounded too loud to their ears as they moved as quickly as they could. A slurping noise came from one of the cells, and a shiver shook up the spines of the shepherd. "Move quicker," Hannyabal stressed in a low voice as he started to jog alongside the cart.

The group's heavy breathing excited the inmates. It encouraged their harassment as the men attempted to make their way to the cell of the 'Very Important Prisoner'. The sound of nails scrapping against the walls of the cells filled the once-quiet room. One of the feeders tripped over his feet, sliding on his stomach, stopping in front of a nearby cell. A deep chuckle came from the prisoner inside, and the feeder looked up in terror before screeching as a large hand reached out to him from the darkness. Sanjuan Wolf lifted the screaming man by his hair, tugging him against the bars of the cage until multiple loud snaps echoed throughout the halls of level six. Sanjuan Wolf manically laughed as he successfully pulled the feeder through the cell bars.

"Pick up the pace!" Hannyabal shouted as he ran ahead of his underlings.

The frantic air surrounding the prison staff rallied the inmates, spurring some of them to offer false words of encouragement.

"What's the rush, Vice Warden?" Shiryu asked when the feeding team hustled by his cell.

Three feeders, two shepherds, and a vice warden raced through the stygian halls of level six. Fear and dread gripped them as they neared the midway point of the horrible nightmare they'd found themselves in. If they could make it to the prisoner's cell, it would be farther than any group had gotten before; of course, they would also have to make it back to the elevator for it to be a successful mission. The remaining feeders held on tightly to the cart, trying to keep it steady as they moved it across the cobblestone floors. A wheel caught on the jagged end of a stone, causing the cart to topple over and the meal to spill onto the ground.

"The food!" one yelled, making the inmates to howl with laughter.

Hannyabal cursed, pulling out his mushi to request for back up. "Get Sadi down here." He hung up the call and looked back at the group. "Pick it up and get it on the cart. We're almost there."

They could hear Sanjuan crunching on the bones of the fallen, and it motivated them to quicken in their effort to gather the food off the floor. It wasn't long before they were back on track to their original daunting task of delivering food. A soft "pst" floated to the group and a shepherd waved his torch around, trying to identify from where the sound had come.

"Childish," one of the inmates said, making the shepherd jump.

"Oh, come on, Crocodile. You know you want to join in on the fun," Vasco chided. "Unless, of course, you've had your fill from killing all of your cellmates a few weeks ago."

"I simply don't see where the fun is in tormenting these gutless idiots.

Another "pst" sounded at the group, and when the shepherd waved his torch again, pieces of burning tinder fell onto his shoulders. The cotton-based coat he'd wore to shield him from the cold instantly caught fire. He yelped, yelling out for help as he attempted to pat the spreading flames out. The voices from the shadows were giddy with glee as they watched the shepherd's form burn under the fire.

The remainder of the team attempted to smother the flames but everything they did only caused them to burn brighter. Hannyabal grabbed the drinking bottle from the cart and threw its contents onto the man. A shrill sound came from the man ablaze as the liquid angered the flames. Hannyabal's mouth dropped opened and he looked down at the "water".

"What the hell is this?"

"We got it from Cheri Guard Saldeath! He said it was for the prisoner!"

"The hell is he trying to do?" Hannyabal asked over the man's screams.

The brightness of his burning flesh illuminated the darkness that lived in level six and for a brief moment, the squad was able to see the inmates who'd been antagonizing them. A feeder screamed at the sight of the blood-soaked face of Sanjuan Wolf as he shoved the last of their colleague's foot into his mouth, all while smiling down at them. Rancid was the smell that came from the now-deceased man, his screams had stopped but his body continued to smolder as it withered to the ground. Footstep drew the attention of Hannyabal and he peered through the now dimming light.

"Who are you?"

"Agent Laran is the name. Sadi sent me in her place; she said you requested her assistance."

"Agent? Who are you here for?"

"The prisoner Portgas D. Ace. Where is his cell?"

"A little ways down this hall. Can you take this food with you? The men and I have had enough for today," Hannyabal asked as he pushed the cart towards the agent with the white painted face.

"It's a tragedy that such an esteemed establishment as Impel Down is allowing its prisoners to act freely without discipline," Laran said as he directed the cart away from the group of men who had now successfully put out their burning comrade.

Rather than respond, Hannyabal watched Laran until he disappeared into the darkness. Once he was out of sight, the vice warden turned to direct what remained of his team back towards the elevator to return to level one.

Laran whistled as he continued down the corridor to Ace's cell. He dug into his pocket and took out the key Sadi had given him, unlocking the cell and entering it. He glanced over at the inmate inside and smiled. "Well, if it isn't the notorious fishman Jinbe. How the hell you end up here?"

"None of your business, Laran."

"Frosty," Laran said. "Lucky I'm not here for you." He picked up the mess of food off the cart and approached the other man in the cell. "Portgas D. Ace?"

Ace slowly lifted his head so he could see the man in front of him. "What?"

"Did you know over ten men have died trying to bring this to you?" Laran asked as he held up the plate.

When Ace shrugged his shoulders, the chains clasped around his wrist jingled. "I didn't ask for it. Wouldn't eat nothing from this place anyways."

Laran squatted in front of Ace to look him in the eye. "I can tell that you and I are going to have a good chat."

Ace's eyebrows furrowed. "Cha–"

A white cloth found its way around Ace's nose and mouth, cutting off his words. He struggled as he felt consciousness slip away from him; the last thing he saw was Laran's wild mismatched eyes.

M.D.L

Vegapunk sat hunched over piles of documents, scribbling notes furiously into the green journal he kept with him at all times. He was ignorant to the group conversing around the round table at which he was seated. The government had signed an agreement with him saying that he would be able to work on as many projects as he liked–fully funded–with the catch being that he had to attend these gatherings of intellectual minds to "brainstorm" future projects.

"The pacifista was an amazing accomplishment; wouldn't you agree, Vegapunk?"

The question went unanswered and those at the table stared over at the man lost in his own world. "Seems our colleague isn't interested in participating in this meeting today. Isn't that right, Vegapunk? Seems you have more interesting things to focus on."

Vegapunk furiously erased what he'd written and sighed. "Is there anything else we're going to be discussing today or are we just patting ourselves on the back for a job well-done?"

"The government has a new joint assignment they would like us to work on. It's in regards to the protection of Celestial Dragons due to the recent increase in activity from pirates."

"We haven't tested the pacifista in the field yet. Anything could go wrong and it would be meaningless to start a new project when the possibility of having to revisit the pacifista exists," Vegapunk said, closing the journal before him. "Does anyone else have anything to discuss about the pacifista?"

"No," another scientist started, "but we would like your input on the next assignment."

Vegapunk stood and gathered his belongings. "There's no reason for me to be here if we aren't going to be discussing the pacifista. If any problem arises with our current project, please inform me. Until then, I have my own business to deal with."

Despite protest, Vegapunk marched out of the room and through the waiting area. His presence alerted Sentomaru, who rushed to accompany him on his way out of the conference hall and back to the stairwell. "Leaving early, Vegapunk?"

Vegapunk ignored the question, hastening his steps to put as much distance between him and his shadow as possible. When the Elder Stars had found out about his pacifista project in its early stages, they assigned Sentomaru to be his "bodyguard" once they'd taken over funding for the project. They also assigned a group of inventors to "help" him with his project–though he knew they were really only there to monitor him. Project PX surpassed the elders' expectations in both the speed with which it was completed and the power which it possessed. Pacifista were like walking warships. They gave the government an advantage over the growing pirate epidemic. Once tested, the pacifista would allow the Marines to deploy a humanoid powerhouse at their behest, no longer needing to assign an admiral whenever a situation got too difficult for the foot soldiers to handle.

"Where are you going, Doctor?"

The question pulled Vegapunk from his musings, and he looked around only to realize that he had walked past the hall leading to his office. He huffed and doubled back saying, "I know where I'm going," as he passed by Sentomaru. When they reached his chambers, Vegapunk questioned, "Weren't you called in for Marine duty?"

"I was ordered to stand by," Sentomaru answered as he followed Vegapunk into his office.

"You can stand in your quarters then. I have no need for you at the moment. I have important research to commence."

As the words left Vegapunk's mouth, Sentomaru's mushi began to ring and the sumo-built bodyguard answered the call. "Make way to Sabaody and bring six of the completed pacifista with you. When you anchor, pursue Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hats. The crew may be captured dead or alive, but Mugiwara is to be captured alive."

Once the snail finished relaying its message, it returned to slumber and Sentomaru departed from Vegapunk's chambers. Without a moment to lose, Vegapunk entered his lab and slipped away into a small room. He turned on a machine sat near the room's entrance before sitting on a chair in the center of the room. The projector hummed to life as holograms of people began to appear in front of him.

"Sorry for my lateness, gentlemen and my lovely lady. I hope you all didn't cover too much without me."

"Dr. Vegapunk! You sure took your precious time."

"Settle down, Nocturne. Surely you're aware of the conditions I have to endure. I got here as soon as I could."

"Since you're here, why don't you give us your insight on something. I proposed that we use the formula that Dr. Natalya and I created to reanimate the organs during the next trial."

"But Nocturne's proposal would require fresh organs," Dr. Blackbeard interjected.

"That's true, Doctor; but the serum works best with organs fresh out of the body. Without them the entire formula would fail," Dr. Natalya added. "So, what do you think, Vega?"

Said man rubbed his chin, looking at the holograms around him and through to the equation-riddled chalkboard across from him. "Is the serum compatible with other methods?"

"Elaborate please," Nocturne said.

"How did you successfully implement your treatment on Corazon?"

"One third of a full syringe was injected directly into to the heart. The remaining amount was given slowly via the transfusion machine as we cycled new blood into the body."

"So, the serum is able to be used in multiple ways. Say we use a machine to recreate a being down to a cellular level. It'll solve our problem of having to obtain organs and will minimize damages caused by any human error that may occur during the process."

"What do you have?" Natalya questioned.

"Exos. A machine I've created that specializes in genetic and bioengineering. It can recreate any being from just a small sample of the original cells. It is able to manufacture the brain, lungs, heart, nervous system, and even bones of the individual."

"It sounds like you've used the data from your previous studies of the Lineage Factor to create this machine. Are you saying we could use any tissue from the individual to manufacture their clone?"

"That is correct, Blackbeard. As long as we have the DNA of the individual in question, then we can recreate every part of that person."

"Has this been tested?" Nocturne asked.

"Yes. Please give me a moment." Vegapunk rose from his chair and walked to a cage sitting in the corner of the room. He opened it, picking up the creature inside before returning to his seat. "This is Manju. He is a snow ape from the island of Paraikuro. I found him deceased in the forest and decided to test Exos on him." He stroked the lifeless creature before setting him on the table.

Those in the hologram leaned forward to get a closer look at the ape. "Amazing," Natalya gasped. "This creature was completely rebuilt from just its cells?"

"The corpse had decomposed, but there was enough DNA within the bones and brain to recreate the ape. With your serum, Nocturne, I would like to bring life into these cells. If we can accomplish that on an animal, then it'll move us into phase two of Exos."

"What is phase two?" Blackbeard inquired.

"Human testing. I found the monkey buried under the snow just like your first subject had been. However, since hearing of your success, I've wondered what would happen if a subject was not preserved. How would your serum function if the subject were to've received damage greater than Corazon? Exos allows us not to be limited in the scope of what condition the subject is to be in."

"We should meet and run tests to verify if the serum can work with Exos; but access to the Holy Lands is not permitted to outsiders. How do you suggest we continue our research?" Dr. Nocturne asked.

"I have a secondary lab deep within the uncharted territories of the New World. Shortly, you all will receive an enteral log pose. I expect each of you to arrive within the next few weeks so we can begin our testing."

"It's settled then. We will all meet in the New World for Exos testing. However, before we conclude this meeting there's a situation that I believe we should all be made aware of."

"What's going on, Blackbeard?"

"There's been an increase in the production of artificial devil fruits. I saw a merchant boat loading a cargo of fruit bearing abnormal patterns."

"Yes, Corazon said he picked up a fruit identical to his," Natalya said.

"I would like to study the fruit he has. I would also like him to escort me to Vegapunk's lab."

"Why?"

"Apparently the pirate with a name similar to mine has enemies. Yesterday I was attacked again by a group of men looking for him. If it weren't for the help of the town folk I wouldn't have survived the encounter." Blackbeard's hologram frizzed for a moment before becoming clear again. "I'd like to bring some of my lab equipment with me to further study these manufactured fruit."

"The fruit are called SMILE. I've been gathering information about them. You can review my findings when you arrive," Vegapunk said.

"I'll ensure Corazon will not take issue in being your escort. Stay safe until he arrives, Doctor."

"Well said, Natalya," Nocturne said, "we look forward to seeing you both."

Dr. Nocturne and Natalya's holograms disconnected, leaving Vega and Blackbeard. "Since when do you practice botany?"

"Since a few months ago. A woman made an appointment with me for back pains. When I saw her, I asked if she had done any rigorous activities prior to her ailment, since she had never complained of back aches before. She stated that her pain began after she'd eaten from the basket of fruit one of the merchants gave her." Blackbeard grabbed a clipboard and flipped through the papers attached. "She has a large lump protruding from her back which appears to be composed of bones."

"Does she still have the fruit?"

Blackbeard waved a small black biohazard bag. "She delivered it this morning."

"I'm eager to read your findings. Travel safely, Doctor. I'll see you in a few weeks." Vegapunk bid farewell before turning off his feed.

He stared down at the ape on the table in front of him, tapping his fingers against the metal surface. The success of Exos marked a milestone in his studies. His partnership with the other doctors would test the limits of his creation. He would need to leave while Sentomaru was gone to avoid any question, or worse–a tail. He put Manju back in his cage and quickly began packing away the documents sprawled around his study. His important research was already on the island, but he would need his travel papers to get through the New World checkpoint. Excitement boiled through him as he exited his study, marching towards his ship.

M.D.L

"Ready the bow chaser cannons," Kizaru ordered and the sailors around him gave an affirmative, starting their preparations. The admiral stared through his yellow-tinted glasses at Sabaody Archipelago, observing the pirates attempting to flee. He extended his pointer finger, calling upon Pika to shoot balls of light at them.

I hope that this will not be a lengthy engagement—we have troops to train.

Kizaru cringed at Pika's words. I would rather do this than that.

He felt a rumble inside himself as Pika chuckled. Some sensei you are.

I'm sure Akuna has it handled.

"Sir, the cannons are loaded."

Kizaru nodded. "Weigh anchor near the port and ensure no pirate ship passes you. Send a battalion ashore and arrest as many of them you can–leave the supernovas to me." He stood on the side rail above the cannons. "Fire."

The sailor enacted the command and Kizaru leapt off the ship, landing on a speeding cannonball. As he neared the inner city, Kizaru pressed down on the cannonball with his foot, directing it downward to the surface. Just before its impact to the ground, Pika morphed Kizaru into a wisp of light, safely landing him in front of a group of pirates. Kizaru lifted the black mushi on his wrist as he took in his surroundings.

"This is Kizaru. I have arrived. Please respond." The snail remained dormant. "Hello? This is Kizaru." Again, there was no response and Kizaru hummed. "How odd… can you read me?" He tried again.

The sound of a pistol firing rang out from the alley beside him and two holes appeared suddenly in the wall to his right. All pirates standing in his path scattered and Kizaru glanced over his shoulder to see two men running away down the alley. He phased out, reappearing in front of the pirates.

"I'm looking for a man named Sentomaru. He's a subordinate of mines, you see." The frightened pirates scrambled to get away from him and Kizaru sighed, "Jeez, all I did was ask a question." Pika's light surrounded his leg, and when he kicked, an immense beam soared over the fleeing men into the Yarukima Mangrove bearing the Grove Twenty-Seven marking. He let out a small laugh as the massive tree crashed to the ground. "I might've over done things a tad."

An "eep" caught his ear and his attention focused on the group of men wearing bizarre robes nearby. Behind them sat a sullen man on the reservoir of a fountain.

Basil Hawkins, Pika recognized.

"Sir, we should go. That's Kizaru," one of the robed man said.

"The fates have already spoken," Hawkins replied.

Kizaru stuffed his hands into his pockets, keeping his eyes on the supernova. "I'm wondering if you could help me."

Hawkins looked up at the admiral with a solemn expression. "Do not panic. I will not die today," he said, allaying the fears of his monks as he pulled out a deck of cards from his jacket pocket. Sticks grew from Hawkins and he stuck the cards onto them to read his fortune.

Cartomancy. Really? Pika sighed. Are you seriously going to wait to attack until he's done?

Kizaru chuckled at Pika's impatience but did not offer a reply.

"Chance of successful escape: twelve percent. Chance of evasive defense: seventy-six percent," Hawkins read.

"So, have you seen Sentomaru?"

You know he has no idea who that is, right? Pika asked at the same time Hawkins answered.

"I know no such man. Ask someone else."

Told you.

Kizaru shrugged his shoulders. "Well, if I can't find him, then I'm left with a lot of spare time. I can't let a wanted man go, especially when that man has a two hundred and forty-nine million bounty, "Magician" Basil Hawkins."

Hawkins continued to place and pluck cards off the straw and Kizaru asked, "Have you ever been kicked at the speed of light?"

Another unanswered question prompted Kizaru to stand at full height, gathering Pika's light into his leg. He swiftly kicked Hawkins into a distant building, firing a single light beam in the same direction. A large cloud of dust erupted upon Hawkins' impact and when it settled, the supernova stepped out of the rubble.

A surprised "Ooh" passed Kizaru's lips. "Impressive. You've far surpassed what I'd imagined."

There are no wounds.

"Now that is odd…" Kizaru commented as voodoo dolls grew out of Hawkins' arms before falling to the ground.

"To think two would be destroyed already," Hawkins started, "I'd have to store more than ten to fight against you securely."

A quake shook the ground and a crater suddenly appeared between the two men. Kizaru was only able to catch a glimpse of the cause before its impact. He and Hawkins patiently waited as the person climbed his way out of the ground.

"Mad Monk" Urouge, Kizaru thought just as a pacifista dropped from the sky.

"Bartholomew Kuma!" Hawkins' monks yelled.

It took Kizaru a moment to remember that the Elders had ordered the dispatching of the pacifists onto the island. If this PX is here, then Sentomaru shouldn't be far.

"Dammit," Urouge groaned as he rested. "That Shichibukai is strong."

Hawkins' eyes never left the pacifista as he pointed to Kizaru. "That's not your only problem."

It was then that Urouge noticed the other supernova. His gaze followed the path of the extended finger and he cursed again. "What the hell. You can't be serious. Kizaru too?" He stumbled to his feet, saying, "What a tragic fate! To be caught between an admiral, Shichibukai, and another supernova!"

"The shadow of death is not upon you," Hawkins commented.

While the supernovas exchanged conversation, Pika prodded at Kizaru. Urouge is one of the sky people.

Pika felt Kizaru's internal shrug. Sengoku assigned the research of the sky civilization to Kuzan. It's not my problem.

The admiral's attention turned back to the battlefield as the pacifista reared its fist back, ready to strike Urouge; but before he could attack, another man arrived at the scene, kicking the pacifista into a nearby building.

Diez Drake. Pika stated. You have some work cut out for you, Kizaru. Speaking of work, when was the last time you saw Kuzan?

Kizaru ignored his devil's words as he approached the former Marine. "Rear Admiral."

Drake jerked his head in the direction of the voice. "Crap, I didn't plan on running into you, Kizaru."

While the pacifista was down, Urouge flexed his muscles, increasing his body mass as he grew to a size larger than that of the Shichibukai. PX stood up and walked back to the small group. Urouge started on his attack once more, punching the pacifista through another building.

"Rear Admiral," Kizaru called out again. "Oh, I mean Former Rear Admiral... No, no excuse me, Captain Drake," he corrected himself, "Your inside knowledge can't help you out of this situation. If anything, it should fuel your despair."

Confusion befell Drake before he glanced over at PX and comprehension graced his features.

Kizaru grinned. "I'm sure none of you were happy to encounter me, but let me just say I am so glad to see you." His address to the supernovas distracted them from the pacifista.

A laser beam aimed at Drake restored their attention to the threat at hand. While they were preoccupied, Kizaru decided to join in on the fight, delivering a swift kick to Urouge's side hat sent him into the distance.

One down, Kizaru thought as he heard the sound of crackling. He turned to see Hawkins covering himself in straw, transforming into a voodoo doll-like creature twice his size.

Gotta hand it to the kid, he's got an interesting devil.

Kizaru raised an eyebrow. You devils don't all know each other?

I do not bother with devils that are unassociated with me. I know whom I need to know, Kizaru. Don't try and tell me you know every Marine by name.

Touché, Kizaru thought. "All you people worth over one hundred million beli are monstrous and so scary," he said in a singsong voice.

Not liking the tone Kizaru used, Hawkins charged at him brandishing the sharp nails at the end of his straw-like fingers. The admiral dodged the attacks for a while before he disappeared, leaving behind a bewildered Hawkins. Kizaru suddenly reappeared in front of Hawkins, holding two fingers up to the supernova's eyes and releasing Pika's bright light into them. Hawkins stumbled around blinded, and Kizaru took the opportunity to use a finger to shoot more beams of light into the voodoo man.

"It doesn't matter what your devil's powers are," Kizaru said, "I know you have a physical form wrapped in this straw. You're definitely not a logia type."

Many dolls fell from Hawkins' body and Kizaru said, "You'll be the second to go."

He used Pika's speed of light to materialize in front of Hawkins. The pirate could feel the heat from the light gathering at Kizaru's foot; but before the admiral could deliver the final blow, a clashing of cymbals caught them both off guard. Kizaru looked to the source of the sound, finding it to be another man standing atop a nearby roof. As Kizaru was momentarily distracted by the music, Hawkins distanced himself and watched as another supernova joined the battle.

Appo… To think his devil's power would be this annoying, Kizaru thought, so engrossed in his musings that he didn't notice a quarter of his left arm had been severed from his body. His eyes widened as he watched the limb fall to the ground. Quicker than he could react, a blast of sound severed his body in half, and three parts of the admiral lay out on the grass.

Pika chuckled, Why are you so absentminded during this fight?

This is not a fight, Kizaru thought as the bottom half of his body stood. This is entertainment.

The remainder of his body glowed as he became whole again. Kizaru formed his hands to create a circle, gathering Pika's light into a ball while he tracked the fleeing pirate. He honed in on Appo's location and ejected the energy, watching as the light to bounced off the surrounding buildings. It wasn't until the light shone upon Appo did Kizaru merge into it, appearing above the pirate captain. With a quick spin through the air, Kizaru landed a devastating kick to Appo, sending him crashing into the ground.

Two down.

In an instant, he beamed himself to the ancient beast Drake. Sometime during his takedown of the other supernovas, Drake had transformed into a tyrannosaurus rex. The new form, however, did not faze Kizaru. He lifted his foot, driving it forward to connect it with the creature's face. Kizaru smiled at the sound of breaking bones when the force of his kick flung Drake away.

Three down.

Kizaru turned to Hawkins and let fly a beam at him, "ooh-ing" when it hit to Hawkins' real body. He walked over to the fallen man as he charged Pika to deliver the final blow, but the ring of a mushi halted him. Kizaru watched on as Hawkins slip into unconsciousness and as the pacifista went into standby mode. Kizaru lifted his wrist to speak into the mushi attached, "Hello?" He said, but the ringing continued. Kizaru dug around his coat pockets for his other mushi. When his fingers brushed against it, he pulled the snail out, "This is Borsalino."

"What the hell, Ojii-san?! You have a transponder snail! Why haven't you contacted me?" the snail yelled.

"Ohh! Sentomaru-kun!"

"Don't 'oh' me! What are you doing? You are on Sabaody, right?"

"Yes, yes. I just couldn't find a way to contact you."

There was a moment of dead air before Sentomaru exhaustedly said, "You were talking into the black mushi, weren't you?"

Kizaru didn't respond and the snail sighed. "Whatever! Just get to work! The culprits have split up–we're searching for Straw Hat Luffy, Trafalgar Law, and Captain Kid."

The call ended and Kizaru prodded at Pika. What made you bring up Aokiji earlier?

He has been absent from all the recent preparations. I'm curious as to where he's been. There has been an air of surreptitiousness about him.

Kuzan has always been like that. Now, let us hunt down Mugiwara, he concluded as he strolled towards the distant sounds of fighting, leaving behind the beaten men for his subordinates to collect.

M.D.L

Laran huffed as he shifted Ace's weight on his shoulder, tightening his grip on the black suitcase handle. I should have kept the cart, he thought as he rounded the bend, traversing deeper into the labyrinth of level six. When he arrived at his destination, he entered the small chamber and set Ace on the rotten wood chair before lighting a torch. The small flame illuminated only the corner of the room where Ace sat. Satisfied with the lighting, Laran went to the suitcase he'd placed on the table. He flipped open the latches and removed a blowtorch, a fire extinguisher, and a container of gel. Once he had arranged the items on the table nearby, Laran eyed the sleeping pirate.

"Any second now…" he muttered while checking his watch. Just as predicted, his captive's head began to loll about as he regained consciousness. When he heard the change in the pace of Ace's breathing, Laran walked over to him and tapped him on the cheek. "Rise and shine."

Ace groggily glanced up at Laran, blinking to clear the drowsiness in his eyes. "Who are you?"

"Who I am isn't as important as what you know."

Ace's brows furrowed in confusion. "What I know?"

"Yes. In exactly six days, nineteen hours, and thirty-two minutes, you will be executed. In that time, it is my sole purpose to extract as much information from you as possible."

Fully awake, Ace attempted to peer through the veil of darkness shrouding the dimly lit room in an effort to catch sight of his captor. The weight of the sea stone strapped to his wrists and ankles drained his energy, making it hard for him to concentrate. Despite the lack of lighting, Ace was able to make out the table and its contents beside the man. "My death is imminent. What makes you think I'll share information with the government?"

Laran pushed himself off the table he'd been leaning against and grabbed the lighter gel. "Over the next few days I have planned many ways to extract the information I need out of you." He popped off the top of the can as he approached Ace, moving to slather some of it onto his chest.

The pungent smell infiltrated Ace's nose, making him gag. "You can do whatever you want to me, but I'm not talking."

"We'll see," Laran said as he walked back to the table to grab the blowtorch. "I've always been curious about you logia types. The devil you consumed gives you the ability to recover from any flesh wound, no matter how great. But, when you're shackled like this..."

The Cipher Pol agent ignited the torch before holding it to Ace's chest. The gel instantly took fire and he checked the time on his watch then studied Ace's face with anticipation. The pirate gritted his teeth as he tried to withstand the heat burning his flesh. Forty-five seconds was as long as Ace could hold out before a howl of pain slipped past his clenched jaw. When he begin to struggle against his confines, Laran put out the fire with the extinguisher.

"Took you a bit longer to react than a non-devil user, but you didn't hold out nearly what I thought you would. That said, your skin only maintained first degree burns despite the gel. Impressive."

The sound of Ace's labored breathing filled the chamber and Laran clapped his hands. "Well, now that you know that I'm serious, let us really begin. We will review three topics during our time together: Marshall D. Teach, Whitebeard, and Vice Admiral Garp. You can choose to not be cooperative, but understand that I am authorized and willing to torture you to the brink of death to get the answers that I need. I will ask direct questions, and in turn, you will give me direct answers. Nod if you understand."

No nod came.

Laran gathered more gel, smearing it on Ace's shoulder and setting it aflame. He watched on as Ace bit his lip to try and draw his attention away from the searing heat charring his body. "Nod if you understand and I'll put the fire out."

The heat became too much and Ace vigorously nodded his head. True to his word, Laran extinguished the flame. "Excellent. Let's start with you, Portgas D. Ace. Your actual name is Gol D. Ace, is it not?"

"You hit your head or something?" Ace asked in a shaky voice. "Trying to say I'm related to the famous pirate king? You're giving me more credit than I deserve."

"I've seen your files. Are you denying that he's your father?"

"I'm saying my name is Portgas D. Ace."

"Interesting," Laran hummed. "Many a pirate would kill to have the surname of Gol. I'm curious how the son of a felon survived the worldwide manhunt."

"Dunno," Ace shrugged. "Do you remember when you left your mom's pussy?"

There was a sudden high-pitch ringing in Ace's right ear and when he adjusted his jaw, a molar fell out. "Don't get snarky with me, boy," Laran started, cracking his knuckles. "Your file says your mother birthed you and left you in a pile of garbage. It states a group of bandits found and raised you, but I find myself wondering why bandits would take on such a burdensome task."

Where in the hell did the government cook up that story?

"Do you have no response?"

It has to be Gramps' doing, Ace thought before replying, "What do you want me to say? I'm loveable?"

Laran chuckled. "Maybe so. After all, you do have an entire warlord pirate crew working around the clock trying to rescue you."

The humor on Ace's face disappeared and he whispered, "I didn't ask them to come."

"Maybe not, but that doesn't change what's to happen." There was a beat of silence. "What was the name of the group of bandits that raised you?" Laran asked.

Ace's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Why?"

"By law, they are wanted felons for harboring a fugitive. Not to mention their other crimes as bandits."

"Well, in that case, they are the 'Fuck You' bandits who can be found on the island of 'Kiss My Ass'."

Laran blinked twice, then he clicked his tongue and lathered Ace's entire torso in gel. Without a second thought, the Cipher Pol agent ignited the substance, lighting Ace ablaze as he watched on blankly. He waited for Ace's shrills of pain–his gurgles of agony. He waited until the old confinement chair began to rock erratically as Ace tried to break free of his bonds. It wasn't until the door burst open did Laran peel his gaze away from Ace, lazily glancing to an angry Magellan.

"What the hell is going on here?" he shouted.

"Interrogation, Warden."

"Of which prisoner?" Magellan questioned as he extinguished the flames.

Ace's skin gave off a sizzling sound and the smell of cooked flesh intruded Magellan's senses. "Are you fucking insane? Portgas is to be executed! Do you know what they'll do if he dies before then?" He lamented as he released Ace from the sea stone binds, grunting in dissatisfaction when the binds weakened him.

A crackle like fire came from Ace before Mera burst forth and surrounded him. Magellan and Laran watched on as the flames wove around Ace's body before subsiding back into him. True to the spirit of the logia-type, the wounds on Ace's body had healed.

"Who are you?" Magellan asked the interrogator.

"CP-0 Agent Laran. You're interfering with my official duties."

"Typical. Cipher Pol always thinking they can do whatever they want–but not in my house," muttered Magellan as he lifted Ace from the chair and hoisted him over his shoulder.

"I plan to spend the remainder of his time in custody obtaining as much information from him as possible. I won't let even you interfere with that."

"One hour a day. That is all you'll get with him. If you cannot get what you need by the day of his execution then too bad. At the end of every session you'll release his devil so he can heal or you'll take him to Dr. Muchana in the medical ward." Magellan paused at the door to glance back at the government operative, "Is that clear?"

Laran took off the gel-covered gloves and re-situated his bowler hat on his head. "We shall see who has the higher authority, Magellan. Until then, you can take the prisoner back to his cell." He waved his hand in a flippant motion, "Go now, shoo."

Magellan narrowed his eyes at the agent, his agitation level rising. He'd been planning on taking Ace back to his cell anyway, but to have Laran tell him to do so, and in such a haughty manner, ticked a nerve. Doku clawed to be released upon the agent, but Magellan quited the devil and departed from the room, muttering curses the entire way back to Ace's cell.

M.D.L

Luffy blinked away the sweat from his eyes as he leaned back on his elbows to catch his breath. After speaking with Rayleigh, the Straw Hats had decided to stay on a low profile while they waited for him to finish coating their ship. The process would take three days to ensure it would last until they reached the New World. However, being inconspicuous was no easy task for the Straw Hats. Not moments after departing from the Rip-Off bar did they engage in conflict with Bartholomew Kuma. Only, after exchanging a few blows, "Kuma" was defeated suspiciously easily.

"Guys," Luffy huffed, "something's not right."

"Yeah," Usopp gasped from his spot on the ground beside Luffy. "That," he started, hiking his finger up to gesture at the immobile cyborg, "couldn't've been the real Shichibukai."

Sanji hummed in agreement as he lit a smoke. "The Kuma we fought didn't shoot beams from his hands or mouth."

"Either way, we shouldn't stay here too long. There are still marines around."

"I agree with Nami," Robin said as she used the tree that she'd been leaning against to stand to her feet. "The sooner we change locations, the more likely we'll be able to slip by in the confusion."

"Alright everyone, let's–"

A loud boom interrupted Luffy and the ground tremble, throwing them off balance. As the dust settled, dread filled the Straw Hats as they looked up to find another artificial Kuma, along with a heavyset man with a rounded belly. The man visually scanned the field, his gaze landing on the battered pacifista on the ground.

"I'm surprised at the damage you guys managed to inflict on PX-4. The doctor will not be too pleased knowing his work was easily beaten. However," he trailed off, observing the worn pirate group, "it seems maybe its defeat was by luck?" He shook his head, saying, "It doesn't matter. PX-1 and I, Sentomaru, will eliminate you."

As if those words were a command, the cyborg came to life, opening its mouth to shoot a beam at the weary crew. They dispersed, landing in different directions around the cyborg.

This is not good.

Luffy agreed with the words of Gomu's words. His crew had not been able to recover from their previous adventure on Thriller Bark, and they'd barely made it through their fight against the fake Kuma. The word "Heaven" written on the man's oversized shirt indicated that he was a marine, and there was no way they could fight another cyborg plus a marine. They really only had one option left.

"Everyone!" Luffy's shout grabbed the Straw Hats' attentions, and he continued, "We can't fight in the condition that we're in. Focus on getting away and we'll meet back up in three days!" With that, he turned and ran, only looking over his shoulder to see that his crew had done the same.

"Smoky star!" Usopp yelled as he shot the ammo. Smoke filled the area, covering the Straw Hats' escape.

Sanji, Nami, and Franky made their way towards the bridge that connected the mangroves, while Brook and Usopp rushed to Zoro to help him limp away. Robin and Chopper followed their captain back the way they came. A gale force wind blew through the mangrove, stopping the Straw Hats in their tracks as they saw the fake Kuma leaping into the air and firing a beam from its mouth. Sanji yanked Nami back just in time as debris from the demolished bridge–as well as the pacifista–fell from the sky, blocking their path.

A ray of light whizzed past Luffy, Robin, and Chopper, startling them; but they weren't able to ponder on its origin for too long, as Sentomaru rushed up behind them. The man easily struck down Chopper and Robin before he began his attack on Luffy, using an open-palm strike to send him hurling into a nearby mangrove.

Simultaneous to Luffy's impact with the tree, another boom resonated throughout the battlefield and Chopper's screams filled the air. Despite having the wind knocked from his lungs, the captain lifted his gaze in time to see Zoro's body being chucked to the side violently. His crew's caterwauling gave Luffy the strength to pull himself out of the impression his body had made in the tree. The thought of helping his friends sat at the forefront of his mind, but Sentomaru's persistent attacks kept him separated.

"Guys, get Zoro out of here!" Luffy said while dodging a palm strike from Sentomaru.

Zoro's abrupt assault had left Brook and Usopp frozen, unsure how to proceed; but their captain's words had snapped them from their stupor, and they scrambled their way to Zoro's now-prone body. However, before they could reach their first mate a large ray of light barreled past and illuminated the battlefield. Everyone stopped to stare in awe of the sun-like brightness shining before them.

"Seems like I arrived just in time," came a voice from the light.

When the luminosity finally dimmed and everyone could blink the black spots from their eyes, a shocked Robin identified the speaker towering over Zoro. "Admiral Kizaru!"

The man's title and the shaking fear in Robin's voice when she said his name disturbed the Straw Hat crew. There was no way they could take on an admiral, not when they were already struggling against the Pacifica. "Take Nami to safety!" Sanji called out to Franky as he ran from the broken bridge to assist Brook in dealing with Zoro. A low humming sound caught Sanji's attention, pulling his gaze over his shoulder. His eyes widened at the large beam gathering in the Pacifista's mouth. He leapt away just as the beam shot out and gouged the earth, cursing under his breath at the distance his escape had put between him and Zoro.

As the Pacifista continued to blast lasers at the Straw Hats, Luffy dodged another attack aimed at him by Sentomaru–but the large sumo-build man was light on his feet. Just as Luffy tried to alter his route to Zoro, Sentomaru slammed his chest into him, sending him flying off into the debris of the bridge the Pacifica had destroyed only moments ago.

Seeing that they wouldn't be getting any help from Luffy, Usopp and Brook rallied together to draw the attention away from the injured swordsman. Together, they attacked the admiral, trying to goad him into stepping away from Zoro, but Kizaru never moved from his position.

"I always wanted to meet you, one-hundred million beli pirate hunter Roronoa Zoro. I've heard stories of your prowess, so I'm very disappointed to see you go down in one hit." Kizaru flipped the immobile Zoro over with the tip of his shoe, sucking his teeth at the sight of the battered man. "I'll give you the benefit of doubt and blame your weakness on exhaustion. Unfortunately, there won't be a next time to see how great you really are."

Kizaru gathered Pika's energy into his foot, posing himself to strike down on Zoro. Frantic to save their first mate, Usopp and Brook attacked Kizaru with everything they had, but every strike of a sword and shot of a pellet phased through the admiral. He was so unhindered by their actions that he never acknowledged their presence, instead keeping his attention on Zoro.

Luffy gathered himself from the rubble in time to witness the light engulf the admiral and his friend. "Zoro!" Luffy yelled out, because it was all he could do from his position. The enemy had flanked and surrounded them. No one would be able to reach Zoro before the devastating blow would hit its mark. Luffy struggled to his feet as he tried to stretch Gomu towards Zoro. A gust of wind ruffled Luffy's hair, and before Gomu could reach Zoro, the deadly incandescence diverted from its target, annihilating a nearby mangrove instead. After the illumination from the explosion had faded, a small smile graced Luffy's face and he recalled his arm as a feeling of relief swelled inside of him.

"There were reports that you had taken refuge on this island, 'Dark King' Rayleigh, but I didn't think you'd appear here today," Kizaru sighed out.

"Well, I can't very well let you take out these youngsters; especially not when their era is only beginning."

"Pops!" Luffy called out and Rayleigh glanced to him to nod his head.

Feeling the tide of the battle had changed, Kizaru lowered his foot onto Zoro's back, pushing the teen deeper into the earth. "Seeing that you're helping out these brats, you must still be involved in pirate activity." Kizaru tsked as he stepped on Zoro, closing the distance between himself and Rayleigh. "At your age, Rayleigh-san? You should be ashamed of yourself."

"If you Marines would take the bounty off my head, I'd be able to retire in peace."

"A pirate's sins won't disappear, especially not those of a Roger Pirate. Although, I'll admit, with the resources we have right now, any attempt to capture you would prove unsuccessful."

"There's no way you'll let them leave, is there, Kizaru?"

"Give me a break here! With all the man power we're diverting to this situation, not capturing these kids would mean Navy HQ won't be able to face the Celestial Dragons in Mary Geoise."

While the men conversed, Robin took the opportunity to use Hana Hana no Mi to roll Zoro as far away from the admiral as possible without them realizing. She had managed to get him to Usopp and Brook, but both men had their attentions captured by the argument before them. Robin used one of her many hands to tug at Brook's tattered pant leg, but her efforts were in vain.

"Luffy!" Robin called out, watching him rise from the rubble that buried him. When he looked her way, she jerked her head towards Zoro.

Why are they just standing there? he thought as he stumbled back onto the battlefield. "Usopp! Brook! What are you waiting for?"

"So, that's the Dark King, huh?" Sentomaru muttered as he watched two Straw Hats pick up their fallen comrade and proceed to flee the scene. He turned his attention to Luffy, who was struggling to stand to his feet.

As he did, he commanded his crew. "Everyone! Only think of how to escape! We can't beat these guys in the condition we're in!"

Kizaru rubbed the inner part of his ear with his pinky, sighing in exasperation. "Great, now they've rallied. How annoying." Using Pika, the admiral quickly repositioned himself in front of Zoro's rescue group and released a ray of light from his foot. Usopp flinched, clenching his eyes shut as he expected excruciating pain, but when it never happened, he peeked one open and sighed in relief. The shaft of light that was headed straight for them had veered away to the sidelines. Kizaru tried to attack the group again, but Rayleigh unsheathed his sword, slicing the stream of light in half.

"I won't let you have your way, Kizaru! It's been a long time since I've used my sword, so make it worth my while."

Under the cover of Rayleigh, Brook and Usopp started to carry Zoro away again, but another beam halted their path. "What now?" Brook questioned as he glanced over his shoulder. The Pacifista that was blocking the bridge had fired an attack at Nami, but a kick to its side from Sanji had caused the cyborg to miss its target.

Sanji grabbed Nami's hand and began dragging her along. "This is no way to treat a lady, but we have to get out of here!" He looked back over to see Franky facing off against the cyborg. "Franky! What are you doing?!"

"It'll just catch up to us. You two go ahead! I'll use the last of my cola to send him flying!" With a yell of "Coup de Vent", Franky unleashed a powerful carbonated blast at the Pacifista. PX-1 threw its arms open in an attempt to catch and release the attack, but the momentum was too great; even after digging its heels into the ground, the Pacifista was overpowered and was flung into the massive roots of a nearby mangrove. Franky brought up his hand to shield his eyes from the sun as he watched the other cyborg soar through the sky. "Super!" he said as he clasped his forearms together, posing in victory before running to catch up with Sanji and Nami.

Even in his pommeled state, Luffy let out a joyful noise at the sight of the pacifista sailing over the trees. All there was to their escape was to bypass the sumo-marine, while Rayleigh kept hold of the admiral's attention. Luffy took a step forward, but like a newborn calf his knees buckled beneath him. He chuckled at himself, throwing one last place to his crew's savior. "Thanks, pops!"

Said man countered an attack from Kizaru before smiling over at Luffy. "No problem! I'll pray for your safety!"

Sentomaru sucked his teeth when the dust from Franky's earlier attack settled and PX-1 was no longer on the battlefield. He noted the location of each Straw Hat, wondering to which one he should give chase. His eyes honed in on Luffy stumbling towards his crew and he "humph"ed. Why is the escape of this boy a priority to the Dark King? Who is Mugiwara Luffy? Moreover, how is he able to move after taking direct impact from two of my attacks? He glanced over at the Straw Hats' first mate. We are one step away from capturing Roronoa. Even if Straw Hat manages to evade our grasp, having Pirate Hunter Zoro in custody will deal a blow to the crew. Out of the corner of his eye, Sentomaru witnessed the Pacifista rise to its feet and he nodded as a strategy formulated in his head. "PX-1!" he yelled in the direction of the cyborg, "Take the half-dead Roronoa Zoro out!"

The earth quaked below the feet of those on the battlefield as the sound of hissing gears approached as the massive pacifista sprinted to its target. The gust of wind that PX-1 left in its wake as it dashed past Sanji's group almost knocked them off their feet. Sanji cursed and chased after the cyborg, yelling, "Franky! Take care of Nami!"

Usopp saw the massive machine headed their way and his grip on Zoro tightened. "Come on, Brook! We gotta move faster!"

"Let me down and you guys escape… Leave me behind," came Zoro's anguished voice.

"Like hell!" Usopp countered.

"We're all equally useless in this situation, Zoro-san," Brook said, "we must run together!"

"That's what Luffy wants us to do, Zoro! Are you saying we should ignore captain's orders?" Usopp asked as he and Brook adjusted their hold on the swordsman's clothes. His question went unanswered as PX-1 neared, the ground trembling violently from the force with which his feet hit the ground. The jolting earth caused them to bounce as they ran and they could feel the heat from the hand extended toward them as an energy beam gathered in the pacifista's palm. "We're not going to make it!" Usopp shouted, trying desperately to ignore the searing pain in his thighs and move faster to put as much distance between them and the Pacifista as possible.

Coming up on the Pacifista's rear, Sanji gathered the last bit of his energy to deliver an unexpected kick to the cyborg's head. The impact tilted PX-1 to the side, causing the beam he fired to barely skim the top of Brook's afro. The bionic man quickly recovered from the blow, reaching out for the one who assaulted him. When he captured Sanji by the leg, he squeezed until the bones crunched between his fingers before slamming the pirate to the ground.

Sanji's cries of agony jolted Chopper out of his stupor. He and Robin could have fled by now, but when they had neared the forest, Robin turned to run back into battle. She had told Chopper that they couldn't leave, not when the rest of their crew was still fighting for their lives. She had acknowledged that there wasn't much they could do in the fight between cyborgs and legends. Where she could, Robin would use Hina to lift Zoro's feet off the ground making it easier for Brook and Usopp to carry him.

Understanding that Robin was doing everything that she could to help the crew, Chopper felt a rush of responsibility to his nakama as he left his hiding spot and ran into the fray. He hastily made his way to the injured Sanji, taking some bandages from his backpack and wrapping them around his shin. "Don't move, Sanji; he shattered your leg."

"Usopp! Brook! Look out!" Sanji yelled as he pushed Chopper away from him, desperately trying to stand.

Chopper looked around Sanji in time to witness the explosion before his feet were taken from under him by the blast. He smacked his head against a rock when he collided with it, dazing him for a moment. The doctor blinked his eyes to rid them of the blurriness and when his vision returned, he noticed Usopp running towards Zoro; Brook was now facing off against the Pacifista, and Sanji laid unmoving on the ground some ways away from him.

Chopper's face heated as he tried to fight back the tears welling up in his eyes. Damn it! Why am I so weak? What can I do? He cried to himself as he roughly tugged his hat down over his face. Suddenly, a thought popped into his head. He dug his hooves into his pockets and pulled out four rumble balls, staring at them with uncertainty before throwing caution to the wind and popping them into his mouth...

Meanwhile, Luffy had finally managed to get his legs to work and was advancing on Zoro's rescue crew. He climbed over a tree root, sucking in a short breath when he felt pain fill his chest as he slid down the other side. The attacks by the marine earlier had really taken their toll on him. Every smack of the palm or bump of the chest felt like it had damaged him to the core, injuring not only himself but Gomu as well. He could just barely see Brook's afro over the other roots, but before he could celebrate, Sentomaru appeared before him.

Using that unnatural speed that Luffy still couldn't keep up with, Sentomaru smashed into him with his belly, then smacked the back of his head. A small crater formed from the force of the blow under Luffy, who lay crushed within. Sentomaru stood over the edge, looking down on the pitiful sight. "You don't have time to worry about your friends, Monkey D. Luffy. If you don't worry about yourself, how can you help them?"

Luffy curled in on himself as he struggled to pull air into his lungs. The burning sensation in his chest was so great it brought tears to his eyes as he tried to force his body to remember how to breathe. It wasn't until he caught his breath that he was able to glance through watery eyes at the ongoing battle.

This situation isn't good, Luffy.

He heard Gomu say, but his response died on his lips when a bloodthirsty roar vibrated throughout the battlefield. The once small adorable reindeer doctor had grown to a size that rivaled the mangrove trees they fought under and was destroying everything in his path with no concern as to who was friend or foe.

"Chopper!" Luffy yelled, finding his voice again.

A sensation that Luffy was not acquainted with settled over him and his body to leadened under the pressure. He wanted to command his crew, but he had said all there was to say. He wanted to help them escape, but he couldn't reach them. Even with the assistance from Rayleigh, his crew couldn't slip away from the grasp of the Marines. They hadn't fully recovered from their encounter with Gekko Moriah, and they barely defeated the fake Kuma when they were suddenly thrusted back into battle. The weight he felt was associated with a word that collapsed on Luffy like an anvil.

Despair.

M.D.L

Kuma sealed the envelope on his desk and stored it in the letter carrier draped around the coos' neck. He gathered the bird gently in his hands and released it through the only window in the small office, watching the bird until it disappeared from view. He walked outside to the main deck, approaching the captain of the ship.

"How close are we to Sabaody?"

"We'll be there in thirty minutes."

Kuma leapt onto the figurehead of the ship and gripped the bible in his hands. "It'll be faster if I run the rest of the way. Thank you for bringing me this far," he said, jumping off the ship. His feet moved at an inhumane speed, allowing him to glide across the water towards the island in the distance. He ran past the warships docked at the port, using their cannons to leap from water to land before stopping to assess the situation.

The marines in the area were rounding up pirates, putting shackles on their wrist and escorting them onto their ships. After a moment of observation, not seeing Straw Hat or any of his crew amongst the arrested, Kuma traveled further into the city. A thunderous roar stopped him in his tracks, drawing his attention to a large creature in the distance as it destroyed everything in its surroundings.

That is where we need to go, Bartholomew.

Following the advice of Nikyu, Kuma sped over to the raging beast, positioning himself behind a fallen branch for cover while he took stock of the players remaining. Upon closer inspection, Kuma noted that the creature looming over the mangroves was the once tiny doctor of the Straw Hat crew, and that the majority of the others had been totally defeated, leaving only the reindeer to defend.

Whom is Kizaru fighting?

Kuma's eyes darted to the grand battle taking place between the admiral and an older man. That would be Silvers Rayleigh–Gol D. Rogers' right hand.

Why would the Pirate King's first mate assist Mugiwara?

Boom!

A gust of wind rocked the trees, drawing Kuma's attention. When the cloud of dust dissipated, a man standing in the treetops came into view. Head of the scientist bodyguard unit, Sentomaru, is also present.

There is a Pacifista as well. We should do something. Otherwise, Straw Hat and his crew that you are trying to protect will meet their demise. Nikyu's curiosity bubbled inside of Kuma. Why are you interested in him anyways?

He is important to the future. The Monkey family and those connected to them will propel the world into an era without the constraints of the World Nobles and that man who controls them, Kuma replied.

That's a lot of faith you are putting into them... What will you do?

That question gave Kuma pause. With the current position he was in, he knew that his words held no weight to the admiral, and that he could not assist the pirates without raising suspicion. His last encounter with the Straw Hats, understandably, had caused them to be weary of him. Not to mention his time was expiring–only an hour and forty-five minutes remained before he had to return to Vegapunk's lab for his final transformation.

Maybe protection is not what he needs. Like his father, Monkey D. Luffy has gotten this far by surrounding himself with reliable people who hold the same will and conviction as he does. Perhaps he needs training instead.

Nikyu pondered on Kuma's words. In that case, we should use our special technique. It will release them from their current predicament, sending them to a place where they can gain and hone new skills.

Where to? We have to have a place in mind before we implement the technique, Kuma mentioned as he watched Sentomaru batter Luffy with rapid offensive attacks, keeping him away from his struggling crew. When the monstrous reindeer hurled a chunk of earth towards his location, Kuma stepped to the side, allowing the boulder to graze by him.

Each Straw Hat has their own unique ability. We should think more along the lines of not only where, but who can prepare them for the New World. So, with that in mind, who is the greatest swordsman?

Hawk-Eyes Mihawk.

Where does one go to master the inconsistent weather of the New World?

Weatheria.

What location houses the world's greatest cooks whose food could rejuvenate even a man on death's door?

The Kamabakka Kingdom on Momoiro Island.

Which of Vegapunk's laboratories has the most intel on cyborg enhancements?

His first lab on the island of Karakuri where he made modifications to the native animals.

Our last mission in the R.A was to free the slaves in a labor camp and hinder further production of Devil's Bridge.

Tequila Wolf.

There is an island located at the cusp of South Blue where the animals' intelligence surpass that of man.

Torino Kingdom. What of the skeleton?

Do you remember when we encountered that indigenous tribe that was waiting for Satan to return to them? Their leader, Pekkori, offered to make us their deity.

Harahettania Kingdom on the Namakura Island. All of those are perfect ideas for his crew, and I know exactly what to do for Luffy.

If we are going to use that technique, it is best we do so now. I do not think they will survive another minute.

Pulling himself from Nikyu's inner domain, Kuma stepped out from his hiding place. "Stand down, PX-1," he commanded softly and the Pacifica halted its movements, disengaging the beam that had been growing in the palm of its hand.

Kuma's voice drew the attention of those on the battlefield, sending mixed emotions throughout.

"Is... is that the real one?" Brook hesitantly asked.

Usopp maneuvered himself to stand in front of the battle-worn Zoro, his quivering legs barely able to keep him upright as he used himself as a shield. "There's no fucking way we can deal with him right now!"

Deflecting another attack from Rayleigh, Kizaru glanced over at the newcomer. "Bartholomew Kuma, why have you come here?"

Instead of answering his question, Kuma leapt into a sprint, seemingly teleporting his way to Zoro. The gust of wind his action produced was enough to knock the already unsteady Usopp to the ground, leaving a defenseless Zoro before the Shichibukai. "I'm surprised you're still alive, Roronoa Zoro. Your will to live may be the only reason you're conscious right now."

Zoro's tired eyes glanced up at Kuma. "I'm only alive because of your mercy."

Kuma regarded the swordsman and pulled off his gloves showing the paw pads, asking, "If you could go on a trip, where would you go?" Without giving him a moment to respond, Kuma reared his hand back before bringing it down on the teen's chest, erasing his presence from the battlefield.

"Zoro!" The Straw Hats screamed, but Kuma did not heed them as he quickly made his way around the area, whisking off each crew member one by one.

"No, stop!" Three seconds was all it took for Luffy's crew mates to disappear before his eyes. "What are you doing to them?" he cried out as Kuma tapped monster Chopper off into the distance. "Where have you taken them?" Soon there were only five people remaining on the battlefield, only one of whom was a Straw Hat. "Answer me!" Luffy yelled, pulling at his hair in frustration. "What have you done with my crew?"

"Will you stop yelling?" Sentomaru calmly asked before explaining, "If a person is touched by Kuma's paw, they will fly for three days; but where they end up is uncertain."

It took a moment for Luffy to process the words, but once he grasped the meaning he threw his head against the ground, wailing for his nakama. Rayleigh sheathed his sword upon seeing the distraught teen and tried to approach him, but a shot of light scorched the earth in front of him, blocking his path. He jumped out of the way before the ray could touch his feet, but his back pressed against something solid where there was supposed to be air. His eyes widened in alarm as he spun around, holding up his arms in preparation for an attack, but instead Kuma leaned down and whispered in his ear.

"Do not be alarmed. I work for the Revolutionary Army. We have a connection to the boy and I want to help him escape."

Rayleigh's body froze at those words; unfortunately, he didn't have time to respond as Kuma was already on the other side of the field, towering over Luffy.

"We will not be seeing one another again… Farewell," he heard Kuma say before he sent Luffy flying. A small pop sound was the last noise to settle over the mangrove. An awkward silence engulfed the remaining men, only the distant sounds of skirmish from other groves filling the air. Kizaru shook his head at Kuma's audacity.

"I'd like to know what it is you think you're doing, Bartholomew Kuma."

"We Shichibukai have no obligation to cooperate with the Marines, save from where the government is directly involved. Your question shall remain unanswered," Kuma responded before fleeing through the mangrove trees.

Noting that his business had concluded, Rayleigh pursued Kuma, following him until they reached the Straw Hats' ship. He watched the bionic man examine the vessel, running his hands along the hull and swiping bits of moss from the bow. Rayleigh allowed the silence to sit between them. He knew the man only responded to what he wanted–only shared what he thought was necessary–which prompted his question.

"Why are you interested in Monkey D. Luffy?"

"Why did you help him?" Kuma countered.

More silence was the answer to his question. Rayleigh's brows narrowed in thought as he rubbed his chin. His reasons for assisting Straw Hat were vague in his own mind. His encounter with Luffy renewed the flame that had burned out with the death of his own captain. The way the boy declared his aspirations to the world and the stupid smile that never left his face had Rayleigh unintentionally assisting him. He saw too much of Roger in Luffy when they spoke. Unable to repeat his reasons aloud, Rayleigh shrugged instead.

"The kid decked a noble. Anyone who does that gets in my good books."

Rayleigh heard beeping from Kuma before the Shichibukai spoke again, "Can I trust you?"

"Depends. With what?"

"I have sent Luffy and his crew to various locations within the world. They are not yet strong enough to be successful in the New World. Paradise has put them in peril and if they are not properly trained then they will die. As you've seen, Monkey D. Luffy has potential, along with a rare talent for turning uninterested parties into crewmen. I believe that he and his father can change this world for the better."

"His father?"

Kuma nodded but didn't expound on the statement. "Will you train Luffy?"

"I can't make any promises."

Blurp. Blurp. Blurp. Blurp. Blurp. Blurp.

Kuma let the snail ring out, "You will see Luffy again. I hope you'll have made your decision by then."

There was a shift in the wind and Rayleigh stood alone in the field. He pulled at the hair on his chin as he looked upon the Sunny Go. Bartholomew Kuma didn't make requests often and normally the former pirate wouldn't give an option, just a demand. Rayleigh couldn't deny that there was something about Luffy, but if Kuma saw a future in the boy, then maybe he would invest in it too.

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Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed! Stay tuned for the next chapter: Sabo