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"One Piece." – Speaking

'One Piece.' – Thinking

One Piece. – Flashbacks

One Piece. – Devil Fruits and Techniques

Deadly Drinking Pirate

Secrets Within the Verath

Previously on Deadly Drunken Pirate,

"Koshi o Yaku (Burn Around the Waist)!" Nojiko saw something that she hadn't in over eight years, a person brutally and mercilessly slain in front of her eyes. The first that happened with her own mother, taking a bullet for both her and Nami. And now it was the mocking rice ball of a priest who knew it was coming but didn't have the stuff to dodge it.

"I am getting half a year on the couch for this." Nojiko heard Luffy's voice but was still body numb from the whole experience. "I can't apologize enough for putting you in such danger, Nojiko. I can only bring you to your sister. Come on."

XXXXX

"I will get you back from earlier but you better get lost. This land was stolen from us and we are getting it back." Wiper announced to the Strawhats.

"We also are getting back what was stolen from us so we will stay out of your way if you do the same. Ta!" Luffy waved as their ship eventually moved out of sight from the strange Indians. Thankfully, they were too re-occupied to follow the Strawhats. They had other plans and no time to waste on anyone else.

XXXXX

"And what are you fools going to do about…!" Shura couldn't say another word when pain surged throughout his body. Then he felt hot, a streak of searing heat had cut through his torso and fired his nerves, as well as scorching his heart. It was too much for him and he feel to the clouds below.

All the while, Luffy stayed on the giant bird in still-flight, with its wings as the only thing on it moving. Down below, eyes from the clearing and from the colossal trees watched such a swift, brutal kill. Luffy looked like the new predator in town as he looked down on the bird still flying. "What to do with you?"

"I see." Luffy spoke with his chin scratched by his right hand while Chopper looked over the large bird. "A flame dial attached to the top of her throat in order to spew flames which burned the Going Merry." All the while, the large-than-life bird tried to avoid Luffy's gaze out of fear and shame. "Just make sure she doesn't burn anything else unless I say so. I am going to see about dinner tonight from Sanji."

"Luffy?" The Straw Hat wearing captain knew that voice and turned to his lover. "Sorry, I had to make sure you were still here. It was just so scary." Nami had a little tear in her eyes as she gently tackled her boyfriend. "And thanks again for looking after my sister."

"Not a problem, especially for you Nami." Luffy comforted her. "Now how about we find out when dinner is ready. We can set by the fire and relax for a bit." Nami nodded and so they did. "You still surprised me when you found out where this entire forest came from. I haven't seen you so excited like that in a while."

"Crazy huh? To think that this was half of the island of Jaya that connects to the other half by the house where the old man lives." Nami mumbled, enjoying the embrace of her boyfriend very much. "If we find the city of gold then Noland was telling the truth all along."

Later,

"I still say you should try it. At least have some protein to help those muscles grow." Luffy told Nami, sitting while munching on what seemed to be cooked 'cloud shark' meat. His girlfriend just shook her head at the slowest pace.

"Nah, I will rather watch these grow…" Luffy actually stopped in mid-bite and fought the urge to roll his eyes, whether Nami will see that or not. He just twitched his eyebrow and went back to his food.

"Whatever." Luffy practically grumbled while food was still in his mouth. "So, what do we have so far, you guys?"

"First things…" Usopp spoke with a teacher's baton in hand and somehow a blackboard right behind him. He was trying to look like a leader briefing his team. "We know that among the dozens of soldiers in 'God's Army', there were four officers that lead right under the boss himself."

"We actually ran into one of those jerks when we tried one of those paths to God's Trials, the one with the spheres." Sanji added. "His idea of a trial was to litter the forest with white spheres with lethal surprises inside each one while tempting us to try and hit him. And he actually used our captain's Haki to see our attacks before we started to use them."

"It was all shit and games for that talking rice ball until our sniper got a good hit." Kuro was actually eating a rice ball while relaxed among the Straw Hats. "Apparently one of the hidden weaknesses to this Haki was that it is useless to predict attacks that were not aimed at the user. He just never counted on one of his own spheres behind used against him."

"Another one of those officers tried to attack the Going Merry and I tried to fight him with Big Brother's training until I suddenly got tangled in something I couldn't see. All I could witness was him taunting and ready to burn our ship." Chopper took his turn and took a rather depressed tone near the ending.

"Aside from these officers and their skill in Haki, we did some exploring of this Upper Yard. We made a discovery that confirms that this used to be part of the Jaya Island and somehow ended up here over ten thousand feet above sea level." Robin took things in another direction while staying on topic.

"So there really was a city of gold but instead of being in the Grand Line when Noland returned, it was here." Luffy commented while rubbing his chin hairs. "This is a big discovery and yet a big disappointment too." Before anyone could question, "We had hoped to find the city of gold to prove to the world that Noland never lied but who is to believe us that it is in the sky?"

"I am sure that Mr. Cricket from Jaya will still appreciate the truth in any way we can tell him." Robin responded and no one said another word. After a while of just eating in silence, they started to make a plan. Chopper and a few more will remain with the Going Merry and find out a way to return the scout ship back to their main ship back at Angel Beach. The others will explore the opposite side of the forest to try and find the city of gold.

Based on the ugly encounters lately, it is clear that there are plenty of enemies that invest Upper Yard so the Straw Hats will have to keep their senses sharp. There was a war down below in Alabastra and now, there is one brewing high in the heavens. And once again, the Straw Hats have walked right into the middle of it.

XXXXX

It was a real surprise that there was no attack when they were sleeping that night. What really shocked them was the state of the Going Merry. All the signs point to, "Someone worked on the Going Merry last night."

"But who?" Usopp asked as he practically inspected every square inch of the scout ship. "I mean, this is appreciated but I thought we were the only ones in the forest." While the others were scratching their heads, Kaya was trying to catch up with here boyfriend so that he doesn't bang his head on something by accident. Also, Luffy was scratching his chin while deep in thought.

"Mr. Captain, you have something?" Robin queered and that successfully got everyone's attention to Luffy. The man himself didn't seemed to be bothered by this and remained in thought before answering,

"It is just that this reminds me of a legend my old mentor told me whenever he and his crew will camp out on a nearby island. He always loved to camp." Before anyone could respond, "He told me the legend of a mysterious being that, if witnessed, will look like a silhouette child wearing a raincoat with a hammer in hand. These beings usually appear to repair a ship while the crew were sound asleep. But they are rarely seen so they remained a legend."

"Do you still believe it then?" Zoro asked. "Because I don't see why we are wasting time, I thought we made a plan last night." As grumpy as that may be, he does have a point.

"Fine Zoro." Luffy let out a huff. "Guys, get the Going Merry back to Angel Beach while the rest of us go and look for the city of gold."

XXXXX

Usopp would never let the Going Merry out of his sights as soon as he got it back, so he stayed with it. Kaya felt both amused and flattered since she was the one who supplied the scout ship to say thank you (even if the Straw hats already had a ship to sail); instead she joined in and has a boyfriend who treats her ship like it was herself. Alvida, Nojiko and Georgia joined in because they felt sorry for Kaya, and Sanji of course wanted to protect the girls; Usopp made sure that the cook keeps his hands to himself.

Everyone else left with various directions to scan the Upper Yard for the City of Gold. "You know that you can bang your head by riding my shoulders, right Nami?" Luffy asked with concern and a hint of annoyance that his girlfriend had gone all five-year-old on him by hitching a ride.

"Don't worry Luffy, I have my eyes out~!" Yep, five years old. But Luffy didn't have the nerve to say so. "Besides, even when I am heavy you will still carry me, right?" Luffy just felt red to the face and steam escape his ears.

"…sure, but they will get a turn too." Luffy responded and Nami was just glad that her boyfriend got the general message. After she had her fun, Nami jumped down to the same foot level as Luffy and walked by him until,

"You!?" The couple stopped and turned to see Wiper, standing staring them down. "I thought that you, Blue Sea Dwellers, will leave this land. It belongs to us."

"I have heard that before and we are no interested in fighting for land." Luffy responded. "We are looking for a city of gold here in Upper Yard. You can have this land, we are just here to explore." Luffy said while his hand was on his Rapier and the other was making sure that his girlfriend was besides him. Wiper's ugly mug creeped her out.

"That just means you are still trespassing. And I wish not to waste my time and energy in killing you. I have to save it for my true enemy." Wiper said and was about to leave when he happened to notice something big moving along the tree he was aiming at.

"You better leave that alone." Luffy spoke up again. "Nola is a little grouchy with all our noise." Both Wiper and Nami widen their eyes at what could only be the largest snake they ever seen.

In another part of the forest,

"That's way we just came, cactus head." Kuro said in embarrassment that his companion suddenly walked the other way. Robin looked back and found it amusing, with her giggle into her little hand. Zoro coughed in embarrassment and made a lame excuse. "I am only impressed that this stupid habit doesn't hinder your battle prowess. And another thing…." Kuro trailed off,

"Well? Got anymore to nag me…about…?" Zoro turned his attention to whatever has silenced the ex-captain and swallowed his words too. And you will to when you gaze upon what could only be, a house-sized South Bird!

With the Going Merry,

"Its amazing, such sloppy work but the girl can still sail." Usopp commented about the little scout ship.

"We know, you said that for the umpteenth time." Sanji spoke to the sniper with distain but switched to his lovesick self as he was carrying trays with tea and sweets. "Refreshments for lovely ladies on this lovely day~!"

"Just bought them on the table and get back to watch duty." Kaya responded with disinterest. "And you too Usopp-kun!" The sniper stiffened to attention. "Remember, Sanji is our eyes on the ship and you are the eyes in the sky. Umi-kun is our eyes in the 'sea'. Isn't that right boy?" Kaya got out of her beach chair and leaned over the railing where the former Lord of the Coast from the East Blue popped out. Somehow, he had the look of a little boy blushing to the praise of a beautiful woman.

It was a cute sight and Kaya had to hold a giggle back to not give the wrong idea to her boyfriend and the cook; both of them seemed to be protective of her for their own reasons. But it wasn't Umi Tentei that got their senses on alert. It was,

"Greeting intruders! We have found your vessel that you stole from us to be our sacrifice to God Almighty!" The Straw hats got on tense and spotted a strange pair dancing on the opposite railing. "And we have been sent to take it back! As well as revenge!" These two looked a lot like the 'dumpling priest' Satori!

In yet another part of the forest,

"I swear that you two are practically dating each other." Gin spoke with a tone that was either amusement or annoyance. It was because Frank and Carol were walking like they were glued to each other. "Why don't you two kiss and quite with the suspense?"

"Get yourself a girlfriend, Gin. Then we can talk. Whenever that happens." Frank retorted which got Carol to giggle at Gin's impossibly red face. And just when he looked like he was going to scream back,

"Guys. We need to be quieter or danger will find us. And who knows what could be lurking in this forest." Chopper felt like his big brother put him in charge so he tried to keep peace between the group. But before his companions could respond,

"Its far too late to worry about that, intruders. Bah~!" The Straw hats turned to see what seemed to be a human dressed in strange white robes, weird shoes and goat horns on his head. "God Almighty knew you were here when you invaded our clouds! Bah~! And now that you are here on our holy land, it is time for your death! By our hands! Bah~!" That strange human proclaimed and many more appeared from behind the giant trees!

XXXXX

Meanwhile, somewhere made mostly of clouds,

"Hello, the two of us are here." A pair of large figures entered through a gate to what looked to be an open field of clouds that had some kind of fancy overhang and bed made for an emperor on the far side. "And why have been summoned when there is a foolish tribe trespassing that we could be killing?"

"Our great ruler, our God has summoned all of us here Priests. He has his reasons for summoning the two of you, Lord Ohm and Gedastsu." Answered one of the unnamed subjects with a full beard and dressed in a Greek-style robe answered to the pair waiting rather impatiently.

Ohm is a tall, bald, muscular, and bearded man. Like the other inhabitants of Skypiea, he has a pair of small wings sprouting from his back. He's always seen wearing a pair of sunglasses with point-like extensions on both sides. His right arm is covered with tattoos; the one on his wrist, in particular, resembles a bracelet. His attire consists of a dark-green A-shirt, loose grey pants with many pockets and what look like zips under his knees, a long and flowing white sash around his waist, similar to the one worn by his master, and dark leather boots with bandages around the soles. He is also carrying a rather interesting weapon, a massive sword with an extra-large hilt.

"Why are we-MMPH!" The other, Gedatsu, spoke before he suddenly sucked in his lips which prevented him from speaking clearly. Gedatsu is a tall, dark-skinned man. He has an unusual hairstyle, with a row of upward-pointing tufts or rasta-styled dreadlocks from ear to ear. He has a typical Bilkan pair of wings on his back. He was seen wearing a matching purple jacket and pants, black gloves and shoes, a pink shirt, and a blue tie-like scarf around his neck. He sports a large, white tissue belt around his waist with a red circle in his center, resembling the Japanese flag.

"Lord Gedatsu, if you want to speak then don't suck in your lips." That same subject pointed out, as if this was a comedy skit. The dark-skinned priest just had a silent shocked face which freed his lips.

"How disgraceful for one of God's four commanders." Ohm spoke and not like when Gedatsu did his ridiculous habit. "And for the last time, where is he?" Ohm will regret asking that when both he and Gedatsu were shocked by a sudden thunderbolt. The bearded subject and the others in robes along with a collection of stunning women watched as that streak of lightning started to back flip like a trained acrobat before forming something of a human body that landed on the throne.

"He is here. God Enel has arrived mortals."

Enel is a tall, muscular man with light hair covered by a simple white bandana. He has long earlobes weighted down by diamond-shaped gold earrings that stretch all the way to his chest. He wears loose, orange pants with a black pattern on them, and around his waist there is a blue, flowing sash, holding up a light-blue veil. He wears gold bracelets on both his arms as well as gold anklets on his legs, and two little gold rings around his bigger toes. His nose has many lines running horizontally across it. His ear lobes are extremely long, extending to his torso. He also holds four large Tomoe drums attached via a large ring to his back, instead of the regular Skypiean wings.

"What an entrance, only done by God." Gedatsu tried to act tough but his act of seeming rubbing his arms together made him look more ridiculous. "So why are we here?"

"Lord Gedatsu, if you want to cross your arms then do as so." That same subject did it properly which got the bumbling priest to get a shocked face again. That made Ohm groan in embarrassment yet again, since he has to share a rank with that fool. But Enel just laughed without a care in the world, somehow amused by Gedatsu's ridiculous habit.

"Oh, I was bored, that's all." Enel finally answered while playing with an apple. "But also because of something that I am sure that the two of you already noticed. Shura and Satori apparently have been slain, and by the same intruder to our land."

"Satori was always the arrogant one with clear inexperience but Shura, I never thought that airhead will ever go down." Ohm responded with clear distain for the former but a slight respect for the latter. Gedatsu just sucked on his lips once again and the bearded subject pointed it out again.

"Of course, as expected to hear from my truly strongest commander." Enel spoke back. "Those two will not be missed as God's power will never be damaged or defied." Enel then whispered to the handmaidens to peel him an apple to eat. "Yet what I truly wanted to announce is that the 'vessel' has been completed. It will time to leave for the land that Gods live in, the Fairy Verath."

End of Chapter 38.

*What do you think?*