It was at the harbor just outside of the main fortress of the Beast Pirates, the alliance had gathered with everyone having come together.
"Looks like everyone's here." Jexi said.
"Jeeze, Kaido did a number on Luffy and Kid." Emo said, looking at the two unconscious pirates. "Anyone who can beat both of 'em in one or two blows really earned that Emperor title."
"And he's not going to be our only problem. Big Mom and her crew have also arrived on Onigashima and are engaged with the Beast Pirates. If we want any hope of getting Kaido out of Wano, we need to chase them out too." Jexi said.
"Not to worry. Because we have one advantage that neither of them have." David said.
"Hmm...it's not numbers...not home field...I give up. What is it?" Indigo asked.
"Simple. Tactics." Leopardmon said.
"These two are titans, yes. But that's exactly why they power through everything. You don't need to think too hard if you have that." Cheetah said. "But little do either of them realize...their reliance on raw power is by the same token, their disadvantage."
"This strategy between the three of us is the ultimate collaboration. If we can pull this off absolutely perfectly, we can topple both of them at once." David said.
"And you're certain this will work?" Lea asked.
"Trust us...first we'll focus our attention on Big Mom and force her out, then quickly shift all our attention to Kaido." Dan said.
"It's crucial we engage Kaido last since he's the strongest on the entire island." Piccolo said.
"So then let's do it." Hope said. "I'm nervous about this fight, but… I'm not gonna back down. Let's make sure to give it everything we've got."
"And before anyone says anything, we have accounted for Draco and Le Kraken too. So anyone who wants to even mention them can just shut up about it." David said.
"Wow, you have accounted for everything, have you?" Zan asked.
"Like I said, it's not just me doing the strategizing. Breaking Luffy out was just Phase 1." David said.
"Wow. So you even planned on freeing us too?" Kairi asked.
"Well, not really. We didn't even expect you three to be here. But it was a satisfying bonus." Leopardmon said.
"Agreed. It's not quite the same without you guys. We've really missed you." Francisca said.
"Thanks." Zan said.
"What you guys said about what happened to your team was very tragic, yes… But as the saying goes, the show must go on. Ace, Leviathan and Selena wouldn't have wanted us to stand around here moping about them. They said we'll meet them again one day...and I still believe we will." David said, holding his pendant. "Because even when we're apart...the bonds between us will never fade."
"Well said. And let's prove that by surviving this battle." Kairi said.
"Let's do it. Elders, Big Mom Pirates, Kaido, whoever you may be." Hope said. "You're about to see the true power of the Hero Alliance!"
"Leopardmon, Cheetah… It's time to begin Phase 2." David said.
The group then arrived at the battlefield as they hurried into it as they started fighting in the large three way war.Y
All throughout the battle, the forces from the Straw Hat Grand Fleet, Big Mom and Beast Pirates battled each other. All the while, Luffy was still recovering from the damage he received from Kaido.
Meanwhile, Le Kraken and the 20 Tentacles of the Locker watched from above.
"Capitane, zhe battle has become more chaotic zhen we first thought. How are we going to get ze key we need now?" one crewmate asked.
"Jamais peur, my friend, everything is going smoothly." Le Kraken said. "Zhis may seem to throw everything out of whack, but rest assured, we will have zhe keys in zhe end. Now, is zhe crew prepared?"
"Oui, capitane, but...what about zhe trade?"
"It is pointless now. Kaido will no doubt refuse the offer, especially after zhe Blackbeard Pirates disturb him. It is best we prepare for departure." Le Kraken said.
"But, capitane, the key-"
"Will not be in Kaido's hands after zhis fight." Le Kraken said. "Zhat will be a step up. Now, prepare the ship. Zhere is something I must do."
"Uh...captaine...about Big Mom…" one of the grunts said.
Le Kraken then felt a terrible presence closing in. "Oh, merde…"
"Oh...now you seem like a strange creature." Big Mom said standing on a cloud as she grabbed onto the ship. "I'll enjoy adding you to my collection."
"Ah...enfer." Le Kraken cursed. "If I must die...zhen I shall enjoy pitching in to your defeat. Hommes, en guard!" he yelled as six tentacles popped out of his back, each one taking hold of a sword as his crew drew their arms.
"I see. Do whatever you want." Big Mom said.
Meanwhile, back with the Alliance…
"You know, I'm really starting to hate candy!" ZS said as he dogged one of Perospero's Candy Waves.
"I'll enjoy licking you all right up." Perospero said laughing.
"Fire Fist!" Sabo shouted, melting the candy coming at them. "Too bad I can easily melt it down."
"Ugh… Perospero totally meant that in a creepy way." Petra said.
"Uh...yeah. Sure I did." Perospero said before being dealt a powerful blow by Sabo, taking him out.
"Yeah...don't want you going around attacking my friends anymore." Sabo said.
With David, he was dueling Katakuri once again.
"This time, victory will be mine, David Ishihara!" Katakuri declared.
"Don't think it will be that easy. I've got something to fight for, too!" David said.
"Then I may as well put an end to you here and now." Katakuri said, heading right for him. "Buzzcut...Mochi!"
"Arctic Style: Ice Wall!" David said, erecting a wall of ice around him. Katakuri slammed his arm into the wall as he got stuck. Katakuri then realized it.
"(This young man… he's incredible.)" Katakuri thought. "(But...I will not lose here! No...rather...I need to retreat. Something about all of this has not felt right since coming here.)"
"Your hesitation… You haven't put everything into this fight, Katakuri. That's not like someone like you. There's only one thing I can think of that would cause that kind of reaction." David said.
"I apologize...but I need to be ready to get mama out of here once this is all over. Not everything is as it seems." Katakuri said as he ran off.
"Hmm… Seems like everything is going according to plan, then. Still, though… That means Kaido is about to get serious. In which case… I guess I need to prepare, too." David said.
"Mamamama! Is this really the best you have?" Big Mom laughed as she stood over the crew uninjured. "I'm about done with this." she said as Napoleon grew into a large sword.
"Hey, I got an idea, mama! Let's cleave their entire ship in two!" Napoleon laughed.
"Urg...just one question, ma chere." Le Kraken chuckled, despite his injuries. "Will you do that before or after zhe Straw Hats defeat you?"
"Grr...you're just trying to...huh?" Big Mom said before she was punched off the cloud by Natsu as he landed on the ship.
"Okay...don't you dare keep doing this! I won't let you hurt Octoman." Natsu said.
"But…why? Why would you save me? We are enemies." Le Kraken said.
"Hehehe. Enemies? Since when did you decide that?" Natsu smiled. "You're cool. That's the only reason why I saved ya."
"Monsieur Salamander…" Le Kraken said before nodding. "Haha, ever zhe heroes, you Fairy Tail wizards."
"Also...we want to make something clear. You guys think we're puppets right? Draco told us about you guys and your beliefs. I just want you to remember...we only fought against those guys to protect our friends and worlds. We never once did it for any gods sake." Natsu said as he hurried back to the battle.
"Ze power to fight for what zhey believe in without being swayed by gods, hm? I always had zhe feeling...hommes! It is time to depart!" Le Kraken said as the crew got up and dashed towards the ship. "Monsieur Draco will be zhere when he is finished."
Big Mom groaned as she awoke in a crevice.
"Zehahaha! You really took a beating from the kid, didn't you, Big Mom?" a voice laughed.
"You….Blackbeard!" Big Mom said seeing Blackbeard himself standing over her.
"Zehaha. Seems this war is going as extreme as I intended." Blackbeard said. "I was hoping you and Kaido would end up destroying one another. No reason I can't do half of the job."
"You really think I'd lose to a greenhorn like you?" Big Mom said before something landed between her and Blackbeard. That something happened to be Kaido.
"Kaido!" Blackbeard said in surprise.
"Blackbeard...playing dirty as ever...Cowards, the lot of you." Kaido said as some of Blackbeard's crew fell around the massive man.
"Our surprise attack...failed." Blackbeard noticed.
"If you and the old woman are planning to cause trouble in my country...I'll show you trouble." Kaido said.
"Grr. Fine. I'm not crazy enough to take you both on at once. Retreat me hearties!" Blackbeard said as his crew retreated from battle.
Before Big Mom could fight Kaido, Katakuri defended her as she and him retreated inside of a mirror before Kaido smashed it.
"You live for another day, Linlin. Now...all that remains...is the filth that call themselves pirates." Kaido said as his rage seemed to intensify and surge all across Onigashima.
"Here we go. Time to start Phase 3." David said.
"Phase 3? How many phases are in this thing?" Lea asked.
"Don't worry. This is the last phase." Cheetah said.
"Well...let's not keep him waiting. If we take down Kaido, we free all of Wano." Jexi said.
"Hm? Actually, Leopardmon… Can you and Cheetah handle this phase without me for a bit? There's something I need to take care of. I'll catch up with you guys later." David said.
"We know what you need to do David. Go, fulfill your promise." Hope said.
David nodded before heading off. Soon, he found his opponent looking out over the ocean, his left arm stopping at a stump.
"I knew you would be here." Draco said as he turned around to face David. "I'm glad you made it."
"Same here. I see that your, um...arm is holding up well." David said.
"Yes. It wasn't easy adjusting, you can imagine. Opening doors was hell…" Draco chuckled. "But now...here I am. I'm ready to finish what I started. Are you?" he asked, as David noticed the beginnings of white flames starting to spark around the stump of Draco's arm.
"Yeah. I am." David said as he got ready.
"Then…" Draco started as the sparks exploded, coating the left stump in white flames that took shape as a clawed arm, not unlike an actual dragon. "...don't hold back!"
(Cue: Seeking Victory- Tales of Legendia)
Draco began the fight by swinging his arm forwards, causing a blast of white flames to shoot towards his opponent.
David reacted fast, and fired an ice blast to counteract the flames. The two attacks met, creating an impact that threw up a cloud of dust and rock. After a scant few moments, Draco leaped out of the veil with his claw prepared to slash the God Slayer.
"You haven't slowed down in the slightest!" Draco said.
"Well, a sound mind requires a sound body and all that jazz." David said. "I was an athlete before all of this, so I had to keep myself fit and ready for anything." he added as he countered with Soul Calibur Replica.
Sword met claw as the two traded blows, each attack being blocked, before Draco jumped back and once again charged up a flame attack.
"You're probably wondering about the flames. This is something I remembered back before I joined the Anarchy Kings. I never learned how to do it, never saw the use...until now." Draco explained as the attack reached its peak. "These are the flames of the stars that make up the dragon constellation. The Flames of the Cosmos!" he declared as he launched the attack, the white flames bright to the point of almost blinding both combatants.
David went into Sapphire God Mode and launched an energy blast to counter the flames.
Draco retreated from the blast and flew up into the air.
"I must thank you, Ishihara! Before this battle, I thought only of destruction and violence. But now...my mind is clearer than it's been in years. From now on...I'll walk the path of life!" Draco said as he dived towards David.
David was struggling to maintain the blast before he decided to enter Burst Mode and charge at Draco, massive blade at hand. Both fighters met in the middle and clashed, the force of the clash knocking the tip of the cliff loose. For several seconds, the clash continued...until Draco's claw gave and was pushed aside, leaving Draco wide open.
"It's over. Sapphire God's Elite Art: Storming Blades!" David said as he summoned blades all around as they were slashing all around before being sent flying towards Draco.
Draco, seeing that he couldn't block in time, simply smiled as the attack connected, sending him to the ground and kicking up yet another dust cloud. When the debris cleared, silence reigned on the cliff until…
"Did...did you enjoy the fight?" Draco asked softly.
"Yeah… I did. I admit, you kept me on my feet with those flames of yours." David said.
"Haha...then I've passed the test." Draco chuckled as he got up. "Giving the God Slayer a challenging fight...that's a feat in and of itself. I'm glad you enjoyed it."
(End Theme)
Draco held out his flaming hand to David. After several moments, the young man took it, shaking hands with his opponent.
"It's time for me to go...and thanks again for saving me." Draco said as he turned away and prepared to take off. "You'll find the key in Kaido's place, once the Emperor is defeated. You and your team have more than earned it."
David nodded at this. "That reminds me… They'll need my help dealing with Kaido, if you understand dragonic anatomy." he winked before heading off.
"Dragons are reptiles…" Draco said in realization before he laughed out loud. "Hahaha! I'll have to work on that." he chortled before he took off to reunite with the other Elders.
At the Dragon's Domain….
"You...are all nothing but stupid brats. You all continued to come at me with numbers. But to me...numbers mean nothing!" Kaido shouted.
"To be fair… we know exactly who we're up against." Adora said. "But we're not gonna give up, until we beat you!"
"That...must be the stupidest thing you could have said. Determination...means nothing. So...all of you can reflect on this on your way to Hell. Wororororo!" Kaido laughed as he changed into his dragon form. "Hmm?" he said, noticing Le Kraken's ship in the distance. "None of your allies will escape. Blast Breath!" he said firing at the ship with a fire blast, hitting it dead on and destroying it.
"He...he destroyed that ship without a second thought." Jexi said. "Of course...we are dealing with a living monster after all."
"And just in case you were planning on gaining reinforcements." Kaido said as he destroyed the bridge connecting the Dragon's Domain to the rest of Onigashima.
"Guess there's no turning back now." Leopardmon said.
"We won't give up." Jexi said entering his Burst Mode. "We have to give this everything we got."
Hope entered Burst Mode as well. "We'll show you our all, Kaido!"
Mark followed suit, entering Angel Mode. "Kaido...this is where your reign ends!"
Kaido growled. "I'll destroy the whole lot of you!" he then charged at the group as they combated him in a destructive battle. This continued for a long while before most of the group was exhausted as Kaido flew over them. "This...is your end."
"Kaido!" a voice said as he looked up to see Luffy having got into Snakeman as he flew above him. "We're opening Wano...here and now!" he said binding his arms together as they started spinning. "Gum Gum….Dragon...Culvern!" Luffy shouted as he sent the attack right down on Kaido's head.
"Hey, Kaido! You forgot someone!" a voice said as David started charging up his energy rifles.
"Grr...you? You're nothing but kids playing….gah!" Kaido said as Luffy increased the speed of his arms.
"We aren't playing here! We are pirates and I will be the Pirate King!" Luffy shouted.
"Judgment Blaster… Fire!" David said as he fired a massive blast from his rifles.
"You...Blast Breath!" Kaido said before the spinning increased.
"David...I'm sorry but...I'll beat him first!" Luffy shouted.
"Grrr….Gaaahhh!" Kaido shouted before he was sent plummeting right into the ground.
Draco saw this from afar as he was in awe.
"They...they finally did it. They defeated Kaido." Draco said.
Kaido lay there on the ground having reverted back to his human form.
"Wow...I don't believe it. He actually went down." Jexi said before they heard Kaido groan as he rose back up.
"It's over, Kaido… You've lost." David said.
Kaido then smashed the ground with his weapon, startling most of them. "Don't get cocky you stupid brats. I'm going to create one of the greatest wars this world has ever seen. However, it's way too early to crush you all here and now." Kaido said going back to his dragon form as he flew high into the sky and disappearing within the clouds.
It was a couple days after said battle…
"Looks like Kaido really isn't coming back. His entire crew has withdrawn from Wano entirely." Jexi said.
"Yep. Victory is truly ours." David said.
"Yet...in the end. He never stayed down." Hope said. "So can we really call it a victory?"
"What are you saying? Of course it does." Cheetah said. "Besides, I did a little bit of scouring and came across this." she said revealing a particular key. It was a strange golden key that was shaped like a dragon.
"Whoa…no wonder Kaido picked it up." Eddy said. "Whoever made that really liked dragons, I guess."
"Draco told me where to find it after our fight. I don't know what those Anarchy Kings want with this, or what they're hoping to unleash with them, but… If what Madoka said is true, then it's better we keep these out of their hands." David said.
"He's right about that. What is behind that door caused travesty once before...I can't stand seeing it happen again." Madoka said.
"Don't worry Madoka. We won't let it happen again. We'll find the other three keys, and stop the Elders." Hope said.
Meanwhile, in the ocean on a small piece of driftwood…
"I can't believe it. Notre fierté et notre joie...gone in one blast." Le Kraken said.
"Cheer up, Le Kraken. At least we all survived." Taishido said as he looked at the crew swimming towards the shore. "And hey! Once we get back to base, Elder Sigmund will cover the cost."
"It cost several thousand dollars to buy and repair zhis ship!" Le Kraken cried. "And besides, it is not Elder Sigmund I worry about. Elder Homura will not be happy we did not rescue her bien-aimée."
"Oh...yeah." Taishido said in dawning fear. "That girl...she really needs help. I mean, we're trying, but still…"
"Well, I'm not going to face her wrath." Draco said. "In fact… I'm going to resign from the Elders and join the Mercenary Association full time, for real this time."
"Really?" Le Kraken said in surprise. "I knew you changed in zhose two years, but to zhis extent...you really are happy now, aren't you?"
"He's...not the only one. I'm resigning as well." Taishido said. "Tetsu saved me from my delusions, so I cannot go and face him. So I will go home and build myself back up from nothing."
"...you two…" Le Kraken said before he smiled. "Je comprends. It will be fairly quiet in zhe meeting room without you two...but you are happy, I can see zhat. I'll inform Elder Sigmund, and he'll take care of zhe proceedings."
"Thanks, Le Kraken." Draco said. "But first, let's get you and your crew back to base. We can have proper goodbyes then."
"Oui. Merci, my friends." Le Kraken said.
Back with the heroes…
"Okay. Thank you." Madoka said. "Good news and bad news. First Bad News, while Crimson does remember the key, it has unfortunately been stolen on that world some time ago."
"And what's the good news?" Erica asked.
"Good news is that it hasn't left that world as far as he knows." Madoka said.
"Well...that is a relief. Where is it anyway?" Izuku asked.
"Well...Crimson has always been a huge fan of heroes and is often heroic himself. So he hid the key on the world home to the former symbol of peace." Madoka said.
"Wait...it's in my world?!" Izuku asked.
"Yes. He thought it would be perfect there since so many heroes populate it." Madoka said.
"Well, it's gonna be a fine how-do-you-do going back to our home universe after everything that's happened." Captain Cold said.
"Don't sweat it. We're used to stuff like that by now. We should probably get our uniforms ready." David said.
"Yeah. I mean...once we get back we'll need to be ready for what's coming." Izuku said.
"What do you mean?" Tsumugi asked.
"Right. You don't know. We'll be starting our internships pretty soon once we get there." Eijiro said.
"Internships, huh? Well, it was going to happen sometime." David said. "Speaking of which… Bakugo, Todoroki… I hope you two haven't forgotten."
"No. We haven't. We'll actually be starting our remedial classes around the same time the internships begin." Todoroki said.
"In any case, let's head off." David said.
As they departed from Wano, they made head way to the Hero Universe once picking up their allies. However, little did they know what darkness was swirling and growing within the underbelly of that world.
To be continued...