A/N: the more you read, the more I'll gladly write. Enjoy the chapter.
Luffy returned to the Kammabakka Kingdom early the next morning, storming his way through the castle towards the war room.
His emperors and councilmen all sat around yawning, waiting for the councilor to arrive. Everyone in attendance except Sabo, who was currently in Dressrosa.
On cue Luffy burst open the double doors causing everyone In the room to rise to their feet. The room was silent as the councilor stalked his way towards his seat. It was no secret what the former straw hat captain did, he murdered an innocent family to satisfy his need for vengeance. None of his emperors would dare oppose him, they feared his dragon transformation.
"Forget Totto Land for now, we have a new task at hand." Luffy spoke eyeing each person in the room. "We need to secure Fishman Island and the Land of Zou."
Dragon looked around to see no one asking anything, so he did. "Interesting. Why do you say that son? They're not necessarily territories we need." Dragon stated trying understand Luffy's motives.
"I'll explain to you all. When I visited Fishman Island and the land of Zou, I heard the voices of the Sea King's and the Land giant Zunisha. The former Wano heir, Momonosuke can speak to and command the ancient beast using it as a weapon. The same goes for Princess Saraohshi. I need their ancient weapons if I'm going to kill Kaido." The high councilor said hoping to get them to see his point.
Borsalino Kizaru knew Neptune the king, would use lethal force against the Revolutionary Army. He led a prideful stubborn group of people—most of all too arrogant. Ever since he came across the fishman Arlong, he's always disliked them. He respected the minks, even feared them to a degree— knowing they were more hostile and unpredictable than their fishmen cousins.
"High councilor with all due respect, the Fishman are a proud group of people, they could want a war if we all go." Kizaru spoke. It was true but Luffy was willing to risk it.
"Screw it! By any means necessary the sea kings come first."
"What about the princess?" Marco said worried for her safety. Surely Luffy would allow no harm to come to her.
"She's an old friend, she'll see it my way—besides I promised I'd be back." Luffy spoke cracking his neck preparing to leave immediately.
"So about Zou then? Raleigh asked. "The minks aren't going to leave there home willingly."
"They don't have to leave, but they will kneel before me, same as the fishmen."
"If they don't?" Added Garp. He couldn't help but wonder if Luffy was willing to slaughter both the races, it wouldn't bode well for their cause.
"If they don't sign the two treaties Raleigh has prepared them, only then we handle it forcefully." Luffy said crossing his arms. He wasn't above using absolute power to get what he wanted, thinking of the princess he would rather not.
"So what the hell are we going to do about the island being ten thousand meters below sea level?" Marco asked before continuing. "It would take awhile to get there without my devil fruit active."
Dragon gave a wide smile. "Fear not Marco, we are at the forefront of new technology, this," Dragon said holding up a tiny capsule. " this is a capsule that will allow you to breathe underwater while retaining your mobility that you have on land and air. Meaning you can use your devil fruit abilities in the water as you do on the outside. It only lasts an hour, so you have limited time."
"That's plenty Dragon." Luffy spoke drawing the attention back to him. "We worry about Fishman Island then, we turn our attention to the land of Zou."
"Then it's settled then, lets get back too it. While you handle that situation, I will continue to monitor the movements of the new navy." Garp said. Fujitora and Green Bull were still out there posing a threat to their new regime, sooner or later they had to be dealt with.
"Dismissed." Luffy said hurrying towards the courtyard.
The council walked mostly in silence heading to the fortress's court yard ready to head off to the Fishman Island.
Luffy and his two emperors were signaling to open up the castle's gates. The council met with queen Ivankov who stood with none other the former warlord Bartholomew Kuma and another familiar face, Bartolomeo captain of the Barto Club. The three approached the high councilor and his constituents.
Bartolomeo the first one to greet the high councilor as if he'd hadn't changed.
"L-Lu- I mean high councilor Luffy, it's an honor!" The super rookie shouted with stars in his eyes. He still thought the world of him even though he's no longer that same straw hat captain.
It had only been a week and the former straw hat captain felt he wasn't the same man he once was. The good man Bartolomeo admired was long dead, only a shell of man with the need for revenge remained. Would he still want to follow a ruthless killer like him?
The green haired super rookie began to cry dramatically bursting into tears.
"Forgive me for not being there Luffy senpai! I'm sorry for what you lost!" Bartolomeo cried on his knees. "I won't fail you again, please— allow me to pledge myself to you once more!" The man was down on his hands and knees begging him to join his regime.
Luffy could use all the help he could get on his war path. "Oi wipe those tears Bartolomeo!" The high councilor said snapping the man out of his sorrow.
"Don't ever question my decisions." Luffy added with a menacing tone.
"Of course not! I would never high councilor!" Bartolomeo shouted holding his hands together in prayer.
"Then stand up, second division command—" Luffy couldn't even finish his sentence.
The super rookie was embracing the high councilor tightly lifting him slightly off to ground to the surprise of the others. Bartolomeo seemed like he could give two shits what Luffy did. He just wanted to follow his hero around. But Luffy always insisted even to himself even before this all started—he was no hero.
"Alright enough." The high councilor spoke forcing the newly acquired second division commander to release him.
"S-sorry Luffy Senpai." The green haired man said grinning while rubbing the back of head. Luffy couldn't help but see his old self in Bartolomeo. Naive to the What the world truly is. But he was a changed man now, and he was determined to change the world along with it.
"Welcome to the club!" Raleigh shouted with the rest of the council waving.
The super rookie's eyes lit up again. "L-legends, legends everywhere." He said prancing around introducing himself to everyone. Luffy shook his head with a slight smile—he was glad some things never changed.
His attention turned to Bartholomew Kuma the former warlord who separated he and his friends all those years ago on Saboady. The only question was, what the hell did he want? Last time he checked Kuma served the World Government and allied himself with the Navy.
The cyborg assassin walked past Ivankov to stand directly in front of the high councilor. Kuma dropped a book at the feet of Luffy, the title read simply "Bible."
"What is this?" Luffy asked not sure what the former warlord meant by the gesture.
The quiet cyborg finally spoke. "That book, is how I navigated through the World Government and the Celestial Dragons. Without that book I was persecuted for my beliefs. So I carried it around as protection. Seeing as the old government is no more, I would like you to burn my false beliefs and allow me to follow you." Kuma said softly taking a knee bowing his head.
Luffy regarded the book at his feet a moment before picking it up. The high councilor burned the book into ashes in front of everyone.
"The old government is dead, join my regime and help me rebuild the world, the right way." Luffy said holding his hand out for the cyborg to take.
Kuma let out a silent gasp of surprise before taking Luffy's hand pulling him to his feet.
"Now come on we're already behind schedule. Bartolomeo!" Luffy commanded.
"Right boss!" He answered summoning a barrier encasing the entirety of the council except Luffy.
The High Councilor became encased in cerulean and black flames emerging in his dragon form. Everyone in the vicinity took a step back in fear except the group encased in the barrier. Wasting no time Luffy wrapped his rubbery arms around the large barrier, taking flight once more tearing through the heavens with a thunderous clap.
Luffy and company arrived floating directly above Fishman Island. The council stood on the barrier floating on the water waiting for King Neptune to arrive.
Yawning loudly some members began to nap enjoying the open ocean and sea breeze.
Luffy could feel something about this wasn't right. He didn't want to have to use force if it came down to it. But he couldn't help but feel in his gut he would have no choice.
In the distance a lone merman appeared popping his head out, breaking the ocean surface. It was defiantly the king, he looked unsure of the situation as well.
The barrier platform glided slowly over the ocean surface closing in on the merman. Neptune rose his torso out of the water to greet the incoming council.
"Ah! The high councilor decided to grace us with his presence, the Ryugu Kingdom is honored." Neptune said as his royal guards surrounded him.
"I'll make this quick, surrender your forces to my cause and I'll provide you protection." Luffy stated crossing his arms.
King Neptune and his guards started to laugh among themselves. They knew he wouldn't go as so far to destroy Fishman Island, the new regime would be threatened in its infancy stage if that happened. Neptune knew even the High Councilor wasn't that crazy—still it worried Neptune about what he and his council were capable of.
"Stop wasting my time, you've seen what I can do. So I'll say it one last time— join the regime or become my enemy." The viciousness dripping from Luffy's tone.
King Neptune rose further from the sea getting closer to the group.
"You damn land dwellers come here and threaten me and my people?! You may be high councilor boy, but your voice does not reach the ocean where I rule." Neptune said crossing his arms—he knew inevitably they were headed for battle.
"Is that your final answer?" Luffy asked his hat covering his eyes.
Neptune nodded. "Yes, we won't bow to you, consider this a show of strength." The King said snapping his fingers. Moments later gigantic tentacles belonging to none other than the legendary kraken rose from depths.
Everyone on board the barrier platform had no reaction to the appearance of the creature. They had a far more dangerous one on their side.
The high councilor turned around nodding to Bartolomeo who in turn nodded to Marco the Phoenix. They were beginning to put their plan into motion.
"So be it Neptune." Luffy spoke snapping his fingers, leaping high into the air.
Bartolomeo slammed his hands on the barrier causing it to seal the group with the exception of Marco in a box. Activating his awakening from his devil fruit ability, Marco remarkably transformed into his Flaming Phoenix form. It was truly a spectacular spectacle to witness, the others couldn't help but stare in awe.
"We all know the plan, we only have an hour so let's make it quick." Raleigh spoke. Within an instant Marco the Phoenix clutched the top of the barrier box with it's talons. Letting out a final stretch before diving into the depths of the ocean.
Only moments after they submerged, Neptune realized what their plan was.
"Get to the island now! Protect everyone with your lives." Neptune yelled to his royal guards, they immediately followed his orders pursuing the group into depths.
Neptune looked up to see the high councilor flying down to earth basked in hellfire.
"Chaos Flame Jet Pistol!" Luffy shouted throwing his outstretched flaming fist towards Neptune. The king was able to dive deep enough under the water quick enough to avoid a devastating blow.
Landing in the water Luffy expected to drown but his new form's wings combined with pills he received from Dragon, allowed him to experience the water like he'd never had before. Luffy had always had an obvious fear of the sea ever since he ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi fruit. It was truly his greatest weakness and fear—sinking to the bottom of the ocean hopelessly drowning. Now there was nothing left to fear in his mind, if he could conquer the sea like he had land and air—the heights to his powers were truly limitless.
Opening his eyes he came face to face with Neptune.
"I thought you would sink like a rock for sure. I don't know how you are able to breathe under water, but it will not save you from your fate, devil." Neptune charged the high councilor hurling an ultramarine attack.
The water came fast and furious forcing Luffy to block the massive force with his wings. Other than flying through the water a good distance he was relatively unharmed.
"You don't have to do this Neptune, just surrender your lands. Not a single drop of blood needs to be spilled." The High councilor argued. "Don't be a fool."
"The only fool here is you boy." Neptune spoke coldly snapping his fingers again. A massive roar rang out, seven gigantic appendages shot out from the depths. The kraken finally emerged.
Luffy didn't bat an eye at the creature, it was nothing he hadn't seen before. The kraken let out a massive roar in turn causing Luffy to prepare his attack.
Pulling his hands together he began gathering hellfire within his hands focusing it into one area for a few moments, before pulling them apart— fully extending his arms to his sides, revealing a hellfire lance.
Luffy looked at the kraken before grabbing the spear.
"Don't move you overgrown cephalopod, stay right where you are. Lanza Del Infernio!" The high councilor shouted throwing the spear directly into the Kraken's mouth.
For a few seconds nothing happened, the kraken let out another massive roar before combusting into a large explosion sending the Kraken's corpse flying for miles. The hellfire continued to burn even in the water.
Neptune was shook by his opponent's strength. It shouldn't come as surprise as this was the ruler of the free world for a reason. He defeated Blackbeard, overthrew the government, destroyed the capital of the world, all because of a terrible tragedy— Neptune understood the young man's pain all too well.
"I know your pain all too well Straw Hat." Neptune spoke looking anywhere but the high councilor. He focused on the descending corpse of his beloved kraken.
Neptune swam closer to the young man who kept his distance.
"You don't know shit about me, just surrender." The younger man said growing impatient.
Neptune grew angry at the stubborn rubber man. "I know you lost your loved ones and now walk the path of vengeance." The merman spoke wisely only causing Luffy more anger. Neptune continued, "My wife, My Queen, my Otohime, was assassinated by the man you defeated, Hordy Jones. I understand your pain, your loss, the need for revenge." The king had to continue to buy time he was planning to end this fight soon.
"Then why are you against me?" The high councilor asked a confused expression on his face. He couldn't wrap his mind around why he wouldn't personally see to that bastard's execution.
Neptune looked solemn before answering.
"Her dream was to always have integration with the surface world. But I refuse to side with someone who feeds into the need for revenge no matter their reasons. I chose to preserve her ideals rather than give into my selfish desires for revenge. I chose my family, would about you? What do you gain by ruling the world."
"You're unbearably naive. If you couldn't kill the man who murdered your wife and tore a hole in your family— you're weak, there is no place for fragile rulers like you. Neptune you don't deserve to be King." Said Luffy angering Neptune even further. He began charging his fist with a water based attack.
"I see now you are truly an enemy I can't come to terms with. One of us will die here and it will determine the ruler of the free world." The older merman spoke knowing his secret attack would work, he just needed to get close.
Neptune prepared his water strikes hurling towards Luffy with great speed. The rubber man was also coming right for him aiming directly for the King's heart.
"YOU FOOL! YOU DARE TO CHALLENGE THE GOD OF THE SEA!" King Neptune shouted ready to unleash his attack.
Luffy was reeling his fist back ready to deal the lethal blow when something below Neptune caught his eye. A moderate sized squid was carrying his trident heading for his open hand. Luffy realized it was too late that he'd been baited into a trap. The trident was plunged through the high councilor's stomach trapping him.
"I told you, I am the God of the Sea!" Neptune yelled holding Luffy and the trident above his head triumphantly.
The more Luffy struggled the more he became entrapped by the trident. Another large creature caught his eye as it was heading straight for him, ready to devour him whole.
"You gotta be fucking kidding me." Luffy said to himself before curling his wings around him before being eaten by Neptune's pet great white shark.
King Neptune laughed triumphantly holding trident above his head. Never in his mind had it occurred the fight would end this way. The high councilor was overrated as he expected. His pain and rage only ran so deep. The king couldn't help reminisce when the straw hat captain briefly visited the island. He was seen as hero before all of this, even going so far as to challenge Big Mom for them. Neptune compared his tragedy to the fallen rubber man's. He understood all to well the hunger for vengeance. However once certain lines were crossed there was no going back, even he knew that. Despite ridding the corrupt world government, destroying a majority of the navy, and bringing a certain peace to the world— The high councilor was a mass murderer. All the innocent families of everyone who had no choice in how they lived their life. Celestials, nobles, and slaves alike all had a right to live, they didn't deserve to be executed without judgement.
Neptune wasted no time regrouping with his great white.
"Good boy." He said petting the shark on nose before continuing, "We have to hurry and protect the kingdom, hurry my friend!"
The two raced their way down into the depths heading for the underwater paradise.
Neptune turned around to realize his friend was lagging behind breathing a little heavy, he could telepathically sense his friend's distress.
"Hey come here. What's wrong boy?" He asked petting it's nose.
The shark began violently thrashing around spouting blood from its eyes, mouth, and nose. He was desperately begging for his help.
"H-Hey stay with me buddy your okay!" Neptune stammered not sure how to relieve his friend of his pain. He could sense the distress coming from the sharks stomach.
"Okay, Okay let me see." The king said flipping the shark on its side to see its stomach. Neptune gasped in terror as he seen a hellfire blade protrude through the shark's lower stomach before slicing it to its neck.
The ocean was painted in red as two hands grabbed the incinerated flaps of skin on the shark. The hands violently tore open his pet's stomach spilling its intestines on Neptune causing him to nearly vomit. The God of the Sea could only shrink back in fear barley holding onto his trident.
Out of the shark's stomach emerged the high councilor virtually unscathed. The King's pet's guts stained Luffy, as he finished tearing the shark in half with a sickening rip. A cold chill went down Neptune's back barley registering what happened in front of him.
He thought it was a total victory and now here the devil stood caked with in his friend's blood.
"W-what kind of monster are you?" Neptune fearfully asked holding his trident up defensively. Luffy just kept approaching him not stopping to care as the trident pierced his stomach once more until it couldn't go any further.
"M-my God." Neptune said completely mortified.
This brought a small smile to the high councilor's features.
"No, Its no god. I have the will of 'D', I'm the natural enemy of the gods." He replied coldly stabbing the king through his heart, incinerating it in seconds, killing him instantly.
Luffy watched the King's lifeless body descend into the depths. Now he knew there was no going back in his plan. Fishman Island wouldn't bow to him willingly and he had no desire destroy it. He wasted no time joining the rest of his council flying through the water hundreds of meters in seconds.
The high councilor reached the Fishman Island and Ryugu Palace in minutes. The royal family battled with his comrades. Princess Shirahoshi floated near the battle crying around like he expected. He quickly went over to her to stop her tears.
When he approached her she shrieked back in fear at the sight of his form.
"It's me Princess." The voice sounded familiar to her.
"L-Luffy? Is that you?" She asked wiping the tears from her eyes.
"Yeah its me. Don't worry it'll be alright." He spoke trying to calm her down.
The princess expected Luffy to be accompanying her father to try and stop the men from battling her family.
"Luffy where is my father?" She asked hoping he would say on his way or he's just fine. He wasn't going to lie to her, she was the queen now—it was time for her to act like it.
"He's dead Shirahoshi, I killed him, it was either me or him." Luffy said with an even tone. The princess was now even crying harder than ever and it pissed him off—he was running out of time.
"Listen! Listen to me Shirahoshi!" The high councilor demanded trying to get her tears to stop.
Sighing audibly he knew there was no way of consoling her—so he spoke his truth.
"Princess I'm sorry for your loss." He said softly causing her to look up at him. "Your old man knew what he was getting into, he went down fighting like a great warrior of the sea. I know your pain, losing someone very precious too you hurts now, but in time, it will make you stronger than you've ever imagined. You were a crybaby when I met you and you're a crybaby now. It's because of your father's isolationism your that way, it's not your fault—you're sheltered. I give you the chance to be free, make you and your people strong, to see the open oceans on land. I can make your mother's dream come true by integrating Fishman Island with the surface world." Luffy said hoping she would understand him.
"How did you know that?" She asked bangs hiding her eyes. "How did know about my mother's dream?"
"Your father told me during our fight. He said he didn't get revenge on her killer to keep her ideals alive, yet he kept you guys isolated from the rest of the world. You can change that Shirahoshi, I can allow you fulfill your mother's dream." Luffy said trying his best to bring her to his side.
"Then just what the hell do you want?! You kill my father and ask me to join you, I should take your head!" She screamed with rage.
For the first time in a long while Luffy showed a grin.
There she was, Queen of the Fishman Island and Ruler of the Kyugu palace. "Your pain already made you stronger princess, never let it go and if truly hate me, you can try and kill me if you want. I'd rather not leave the Fishman Island in the hands of a human though, you or your people would never accept that—we both know that." The rubber man said folding his arms.
"You still haven't told me what you want?" She asked death glaring at him.
"I want dominion over the Sea Kings and when the time comes I need them to fight Kaido alongside me." Luffy said.
"So you did all this—" Shirahoshi started.
Luffy cut her off. "I owe you this princess. Before your father died in battle he asked me what would I gain from ruling—he was wrong. I'm not doing this to rule, I'm doing this to protect. I couldn't protect my loved ones and I lost them her before my eyes without a goodbye. I'm doing this to make the world a better place, so something like that never happens again." Luffy spoke trying to gauge a reaction from the princess.
"By her.. do you mean?" She asked holding her hand up to her chest.
"Yes Shirahoshi." He said simply.
Tears started to well up after hearing what he had gone through. She could feel it now, she understood his pain. The hurt in his eyes reflected in his soul, showing a damaged spirit. The once unbreakable confidence was replaced with a calculated coldness. She would never forgive him for what he did, but she could grant him what he wanted if he delivered on his promise of integration.
"Is it a deal then?" Shirahoshi asked holding her pinky out for him to take.
"It's a deal. I keep my word, I did return after all." He said with a slight grin stretching his pinky around hers.
"You did. Though we will never be on friendly terms, I-" she hesitated a moment before continuing. "I only want to keep my people safe and make Fishman Island more prosperous than its ever been—I want to complete my mother's vision for my home." She spoke with confidence.
Luffy satisfied with her answer turned away. "Damn we can't be friends? I was just starting to like you." Luffy remarked heading over to his council with the princess close behind.
Silver Kings Raleigh approached the pair.
"High Councilor, Princess, the citizens and royal family are refusing to surrender they're willing to fight to death." The silver haired man said.
The princess immediately tensed fearing what the council might do.
"If you hurt any of my family or my any citizens the deals off, you hear me!" Shirahoshi shouted ready to lose her life to save her family and citizens.
"Relax princess, sit back and enjoy the show. No harm will come to the citizens, however, order your family to stand down—they're not citizens." Luffy said walking with Raleigh towards the edge of the island seeing the royal family still fighting with his comrades.
"Tell them to stand down princess." The high councilor repeated.
"Don't order me again, I will tell them." She snapped causing Luffy to give a satisfied smirk.
The princess begged her siblings to come to ceasefire, which they complied immediately seeing they were overmatched overwhelmingly. The citizens were still not going to back down without a fight and risked starting a riot.
"Times almost up son, time for that plan of yours." Dragon said eyeing the island in it's entirety. Luffy whistled loudly calling Bartolomeo to his side.
"On it Luffy senpai!" The super rookie shouted with glee summoning his ultimate barrier. "Now let's scoop this bitch out the sea!"
All the members of the council with the exception of Luffy and Marco, jumped on the edge of the massive barrier. Watching as it dug through the rough sand, scraping into the very foundation of Fishman Island.
The dolly like barrier slowly began to scrape its way full securing itself underneath the island.
"W-what are you doing?" The royal family asked demanding Luffy explain himself.
"I have your loyalty, we made a deal. I'm the high councilor, I need the citizens to pledge themselves to me. No harm will come to them." He repeated heading off towards the council.
Marco turned into his Phoenix form once again illuminating the pitch black ocean for miles around. The Phoenix flew to the very top of the Ryuku kingdom, the highest peak on the island. Placing his talons on the top he began to pull using all his might. The island began pulling off the ground slowly but surely.
The citizens were in complete disarray as their home was raised up off the ground. They vowed to not yield no matter what, as they could've guessed their king was dead. The fishman would never bow to land dweller.
The council standing on the barrier lifting the island itself were Bartolomeo, Raleigh, Kizaru, Bartholomew Kuma, Ivankov, And Dragon. All of the council members used their full strength finally pushing the island further off the ground.
Underneath the barrier Luffy began to show his full strength—he was done holding back. The island ascended hundreds of meters in seconds. It took mere minutes before the revolutionary group emerged from ocean carrying Fishman Island into the sky.
Shirahoshi and her family could only watch from the ocean surface in horror as their only home was taken away. She couldn't help but think about the safety of her citizens. Luffy promised he wouldn't harm them, he needed the Sea Kings. The princess couldn't help wonder where he was heading. She was pulled from her thoughts by Revolutionary ships surrounding them.
For the past few hours Vivi and her subordinates rode through the deserts of Alabasta. Early morning reports said that Fishman Island had been dropped on the middle of her land. No one believed it until the citizens all began to ride out there too see the legendary island for themselves.
Vivi couldn't believe what Luffy did. The old him she traveled with early in her adventures, would have never done something like that. He was always sweet and moronic, if he truly did this he was no longer that person.
The sky blue haired princess couldn't help thinking back to Nami's funeral. Everyone who knew her was there, even the straw hats. She didn't ask them questions about Luffy in fear of hurting them even more. It truly broke her heart to see the group so hurt at the loss of their two friends. She wondered why Luffy wouldn't attend or at least send word to his friends.
The massive structure in the middle of the scorching desert appeared behind the blinding heat. Vivi and her party finally reached the island to see citizens gathered around looking at the aquatic city as if it was a side show attraction.
Dismounting her horse the princess made her way to towards the center of the crowd. Breaking through the crowd she saw Luffy and his company smoking cigars all discussing their own agendas. They looked pleased with their actions.
"Just what the hell is going on here?!" Vivi shouted. The council of men ignored her. Becoming irritated she walked directly up to the high councilor catching his attention.
"Vivi long time no see." He simply said continuing to puff his cigar. Luffy couldn't care less if she was here. His goals were far more important than anything at this point— his day was barley half way over. The last thing he wanted was another princess in his face.
The princess of Alabasta wasn't having none of his pleasantries. "I want you and the island out of the country immediately." Vivi stated. Her voice was starting to strain at the look of ignorance Luffy was giving her. He looked disinterested in her being here. Feeling her pride hurt at his coldness, she decided to be cold hearted right back.
"Why weren't you there?" She asked causing him to immediately snap his head in her direction his mouth slightly agape.
"I couldn't Vivi, you wouldn't get it. Your a spoiled princess now, just enjoy your great life and leave me alone." He spoke returning to smoke his cigar only for her to smack it into the sand.
Vivi's anger began to grow. She was upset with him for not opening up to her about his pain. For not trusting her to be his friend like he did before.
"Your friends miss you Y'know. I saw them at the funeral, they want to see you again." Vivi spoke softly hoping to get to him.
"It's not any of your business, stay out of it." Luffy was growing weary of her. The high councilor picked up his cigar dusting it off before lighting it again.
Tears started to well up in the blue haired princess's eyes. Luffy could feel slight remorse seeing as she was on the verge of crying.
"Look Vivi, I can never go back to my old life, not after what happened. I saw her die in my arms, along with my child." Luffy said causing his council to shift uncomfortably while Vivi started sobbing completely now. Tears started to flow from her cheeks wetting the sand.
She hugged Luffy tightly. The woman pulled back looking into his eyes. They were the same externally but internally the once innocent light that lit up in his eyes was no more. All that remained was pain, anger, and a hint of sadness.
"I didn't know she was..." Vivi covered her mouth again not to loud out a sob.
Luffy put a hand on her shoulder.
"Trust me Vivi, all of this is for her. I'm here to protect not rule. These citizens will remain unharmed and will return to the sea before sundown." Said Luffy
Vivi could only bury her head in his shoulder still crying.
"I loved them so much Vivi, I'll never be who I was again and I know that hurts. But I'd like to remain allies, I will need your help down the line." Luffy said hoping she would agree.
"Anything." Vivi said determined to help him any way she could. The princess may have not agreed completely with his actions but she felt a debt to her deceased friend to look out for him.
The council returned the Fishman Island in the evening after they spent nearly eight hours in the Alabastan heat. They returned the city into the ocean where they lifted it from. Sharihoshi and her family bitterly bid them all farewell before they returned home. Luffy's show of strength had worked, the citizens stopped their uprising accepting Sharihoshi as the new queen. He successfully secured the Sea Kings. When the day came for him to defeat Kaido, he would grant her mother's wish.
The council landed on the revolutionary ship exhausted from the exploits of the day. It truly was a huge success for them. Not only had they secured an ancient weapon they successfully got Fishman Island to pledge to them albeit begrudgingly. Honestly Luffy couldn't see it going down any other way, fishman wouldn't fully accept humans many generations from now, even after integration.
The only thing on his mind now was the Land of Zou. The high councilor wasn't willing to wait until the next day to secure it. The news of their exploits to Fishman Island had most likely spread to the majority of the population. If he wandered into Zou too late it could spell trouble. On top of that his council was tired, he needed only two.
"Marco, Kizaru, we're heading off to Zou." Luffy said catching everyone's attention.
"Ohh.. out of all the people I team up with you" Borsalino said sarcastically stretching readying himself for the trip.
"Shut up! It's not like I like it any better! Marco snapped.
The blonde haired Phoenix stood up as well. "That place will be a completely different challenge from Fishman Island. We might need a different plan." Marco said in contemplation.
"Well whatever you decide Son, it will be the right one." Dragon said nodding towards the trio.
"Us geezers should be heading back to base, we need our rest." Ivankov chuckled at the mock disdain Bartolomeo had for his comment about being a called a geezer.
Raleigh and the rest bid the trio farewell disappearing in the confines of the large ship.
"I agree with Pineapple head high councilor, we should try a less subtle approach." Kizaru stated a hint of amusement on his carefree features.
"Huh? You call him that too?" Luffy asked the former navy admiral who just shrugged.
"Hey I'm right here dammit! You want to call me that just make sure I'm gone next time got it?!" Marco comically shouted at the two raising his fist, the pair paid no mind to his outburst.
Luffy couldn't think of a better plan than luring Momonosuke to his side. It was a different situation then Princess Sharishoshi, but similarly in order to kill Kaido, this was necessary.
"Do you have another energy to fly us there? Your Phoenix power is amazing." Luffy stated complimenting Marco's rare devil fruit. It reminded him of his own.
"Thanks High councilor. It's only a one way trip I'm afraid, I can get us there or back to base— not both." Marco said looking to the other two.
"I'll get is there in no time." Kizaru grinned grabbing the other two by their shirts.
"Might want to hold on so you don't get thrown off somewhere, okay?"
"Wait! What the hells that supp—" Luffy and Marco said, only to vanish in a flash of light. In an a matter of less minute, the three landed safely onto the familiar land of Zou.
Marco turned around to see Kizaru on a knee.
"Oi you good man?" He asked.
The sharply dressed man held up a hand standing up immediately. "It's fine. It's been a long day and like you, I can't use that ability for now, it was a one way ticket." Said Kizaru dusting off his pants.
"It's cool I'll get us back, just give the word high councilor." Marco spoke earning an understanding nod from their leader. The trio trudged on through the thick forest looking for the Samurai outpost.
After a couples minutes of walking in silence they noticed something was off. Rustling noise were heard from above all around them—they were being tracked.
Luffy held his hand up signaling the two stopping their movements.
An all too familiar feeling hit him. The trio turned around to an angry army of minks led by feline Master Cat Viper and the canine Duke Inuarashi. The three men could sense the killer intent radiating from these minks. It would not be at all be like the encounter from earlier.
Two more familiar faces appeared greeting the high councilor as if they'd seen him yesterday.
A petite bunny mink hoped up and down excitingly ready to run over when Cat Viper grabbed the bunny by her shirt.
"This won't be a peaceful negotiation." He spoke to no one in particular.
"What business do you have coming here devil?" Duke Inuarashi asked clearly grumpy from being awake this late.
Luffy checked his surroundings once more. Minks covered the trees in every direction too far out of sight to see clearly. If they didn't be careful, it could be trouble, he was still recovering from earlier.
The high counselor considered his words before answering, "I want Zunisha." He said simply causing the mink's to grow stiff.
"Just what the hell do you want with our home?" Cat Viper inquired curious about the man's intentions.
"You should know, this creature is an ancient weapon, here since the beginning of time and it will be here long after we're gone. I need it to defeat Kaido." Luffy stated stepping closer to the minks causing them to raise there guards.
The canine duke laughed loudly as well causing the rest of the minks to join.
"We expected as much, but unlike the fishmen we are willing to die right here right now." Cat Viper spoke smoking his kiseru. "We will kill you before we give up our home make no mistake."
Wanda and Carrot couldn't help but be torn between the two sides. On one hand they were loyal to the minks, on the other there stood the minks former savior Monkey D Luffy— former leader of their alliance. He was in danger of being killed and the two were mortified to watch the slaughter.
"Master Cat Viper, we shouldn't kill him surely there's—" Wanda started but was interrupted.
"Silence woman this man is cold hearted killer. You slaughtered the former King Neptune did you not?" Duke Inuarashi asked already knowing full well.
Luffy and his two emperors were not the least bit intimidated and were not about to back down to these minks.
The high councilor contemplated before answering, "He died for what he believed in, nothing wrong with that. You can all do the same or follow Queen Sharihoshi's example. I do offer integration into the royal city when it's finished, you have my word. You guys won't have to hide from the world anymore."
The minks conversed amongst themselves discussing the high councilor's words. He wasn't there to destroy their home he needed it— he would preserve it. Cat Viper silenced the minks in an instant.
"We can't follow someone like you. The only thing that drives you is pain, anger, and your dangerous ideology. As one half of the leaders of the minks, I refuse your offer with all due respect." The canine Duke spoke sternly.
Cat Viper gave an unnoticed signal wrapping the three men in razor thin ropes used to execute enemies in a horrific manner. The trio couldn't move a muscle and were completely held at the mercy of the mink tribe.
"You will be executed immediately." Cat Viper said still puffing his pipe.
Carrot and Wanda were horrified at the brutal display of restraint. The mink tribe were out for blood.
"You can't do this, we are not like this! He saved us." Carrot tried to reach her masters to no avail. The trio was completely helpless.
"What's going the hell is going on here?!" Kin'emon shouted entering the fray. He was followed closely by Raizo, Kanjuro, and Kozuki Momonosuke.
A small look of relief spread across the high councilor's features.
"We are executing trespassers who seek to take our land from us." The Duke spoke pulling out his sword.
The looks on the samurais' faces said it all. Their once savior and leader of the alliance was about to be executed by the minks. The minks were loyal to the Kozuki Family they would listen to them.
"Do you know who this is? This is—" Kanjuro started.
The Cat Viper interrupted the red haired samurai.
"Momonosuke! Come here!" The giant feline commanded brought the boy to his side forcing him to face the high councilor.
Duke Inuarashi handed the boy his sword.
"This man has betrayed the alliance we shared, and now threatens your home. By our laws he must be executed. This is the next step towards taking down Kaido." Inuarashi said causing the boy to grip the sword tightly.
The remaining samurai were outraged at the request by the mink leaders. They were going to force a boy nearly ten to execute his friend—it was madness.
"Master Cat Viper, Duke Inuarashi, this is unethical you can't—" Kin'meon started but was cut off.
"Didn't I say silence, the boy must follow the laws." The Duke said turning his attention back to Momonosuke.
"What a load of crap." Luffy spoke his hat covering his eyes. "Your laws are bullshit. You say you execute an invader, I'm trying to save the world!" The high councilor struggled to escape his entrapment.
The two leaders of the minks couldn't help but grin at his efforts.
"Those lines that bind your are made of sea prism stone and so is this." The Duke indicates towards the sword. "I'm afraid it's all over, high councilor. Momonosuke the execution is in your hands." The large mink finished taking a few steps back.
The boy looked at the sword in his hands before glancing at Luffy. He looked relatively the same except for his eyes. The pain, anger reflected in his demeanor and actions. Every movement he made was based on an unquenchable thirst for vengeance.
"Why did you come here? What do you want Luffy?" The boy asked quietly. Luffy could tell he was being genuine—the kid still was innocent and naive.
"I came here for you Momonosuke, I need your ability to control Zunisha, it's the key to defeating Kaido." The high councilor said.
"So you did come here to threaten my home. I should just execute you." The boy spoke tightening his grip on the sword.
Wether this worked out or not Luffy was not going to lay a finger on Momonosuke. If he was going to be executed by the boy then so be it. However he wouldn't go down without a fight.
"You could, but if you do, you'll never defeat Kaido, you wouldn't even touch him, not without me." Luffy responded.
Momonosuke shadowed his eyes covering his expression. None of it made any sense as to why Luffy was all of a sudden coming here demanding the ancient weapon. He wondered what the hell happened to him since the last time he saw him. Even after the evacuation and retreat from Wano he looked a lot happier than this. What the hell happened?
"Before I execute you... tell me why your doing all this. Last time I saw you...you looked happy. What happened to you Luffy?" The kid asked naively causing the high councilor to come to a realization—Momonosuke didn't know.
The high councilor sunk his head towards the ground, painful memories entering his mind.
"I couldn't save Nami..." the words left his words like a low whisper, it was so quiet nearly everyone heard it. "I lost her and my child that day... as well as the trust of my friends.. so when you ask me why I'm doing this. It's so that never happens again, like I said I want to protect not rule!Luffy shouted ducking his head again slightly. The pain in his heart started to get his blood boiling.
Momonosuke took a horrified step back nearly letting the sword drop from his grasp. The boy knew the orange haired navigator very well. Out of the straw hats he'd always been closest to her. She'd shown him such kindness after his escape from Punk Hazard, he truly was grateful to have known her. It all made sense to him now, he understood Luffy's pain. He didn't fully understand why he was doing what he was doing, but there was a purpose behind his actions.
"Momonosuke, whatever his reasons, his actions are inexcusable he must be executed." The mink leaders were running out of patience the same as Luffy.
Momonosuke rose his sword into the air above Luffy's head.
"Your still weak Momonosuke." This caused the boy to regain his grip.
"I can change all that, you want revenge on Kaido for killing your parents right? Then you must choose what you want right here and now. Do you want to avenge your parents murder or stay true to your foolish ideals by executing me?!" Luffy's blood burned as he felt his form trying to release, he just had to hold it back for a minute longer.
"Don't listen to him Momonosuke!" The mink leaders shouted hoping the boy would ignore the high councilor's words.
Luffy continued, "We share the same pain I can see it in you. The need for revenge, you wanting to restore your family to glory, and take back Wano. I will give that all too you. But you have to choose what you want it can't be both!" The high councilor shouted trying to break his restraints.
"You want to be a weak sheltered crybaby your whole life, taking orders from minks or do you want to be a man, a powerful shogun like you told me you wanted to be! CHOOSE!" Luffy said clearly at his melting point.
Momonosuke rose his sword high, directly above Luffy's nape ready for the execution. The boy took a glance at the minks behind him nodding for him to continue. He looked to the three samurai that raised him since his parents deaths. They were looking away and held their heads in shame. He knew either decision they would stand by him. Momonosuke glanced towards the high councilor seeing his head bowed. He looked ready to accept death—almost waiting for it. The boy thought about the former straw hat captain's navigator once again. If there was one thing that hadn't changed about Luffy it was he couldn't lie. He knew the navigator had a soft spot for her captain. When the two ladies from the straw hats allowed him to respectfully share their bed he could hear her softly say his name in her sleep. The painful memory confirmed that Luffy truly did love her and was doing this in order to make the world a better place. The young man had made his decision.
Luffy felt his binds break meaning he was free—Momonosuke chose revenge.
"unlimited...POWER!" The high councilor yelled transforming into his dragon released state causing he minks to step back in fear. The thundering wave of power broke the binds holding his emperors, sending minks flying through the forest.
"Momonosuke...What have you done?" Cat Viper asked dropping his pipe from shock. It wasn't supposed to go this way.
"I'm doing what's best for my people. I thank you for everything, Nekomamushi, Inuarashi." The young shogun said walking back towards his group.
"I see them we must execute all the traitors then." Inuarashi coldly stated getting ready to attack the monstrous form of Luffy.
Borsalino intercepted the Duke before giving him a light kick under the chin sending him flying off in the distance. The angered minks turned their attention to the traitorous samurai.
"I'll handle this one High councilor, I've been looking for a worthy opponent all day." Kizaru said grinning before vanishing in a ray of light.
Marco confronted Master Cat Viper as he stepped towards Luffy.
"High Councilor, The boy." Marco simply said nodding towards the last of the Kozuki family. Marco was right, protecting Momonosuke was the priority.
Without hesitation Luffy ignited his armament haki and hellfire to surround his forearms. He couldn't risk using a large attack on surrounding minks, he couldn't risk losing the surviving Kozuki clan.
Luffy landed on top of the clan protecting them with his armored wings. The minks were desperately trying to shock him with their electrified fists. He could feel hundreds of fists pounding on his wings. In a split second his wings burst open releasing a tremendous force, extending into the air, knocking every mink in the near vicinity off the ground.
The high councilor began slicing through minks' bodies from all directions. The minks cowered at fearsome sight of the demon. His hands resembled burning blades, the cerulean and blacks flames danced across his forearms. Every strike he sent out dealt a lethal blow.
Kizaru had no problems fighting his opponent. Despite having one leg, the old Duke was faster than he expected—however he was much quicker. The former admiral had his hand calmly placed in his pocket waiting for the Duke to emerge from the surrounding dense forest. Darkness fell on the land, Inuarashi had the advantage for now.
It was ironic how Borsalino ended up in this situation. When he was a kid his parents forced him to study relentlessly into the night. If he didn't his parents would scold him without mercy. So he worked tirelessly even at night only having candlelight to work. Once the candle went out he would be left in the dark. He hated the dark it always put a certain fear in him. However once he obtained the Pika Pika no Mi fruit his fear of the dark went away. He always knew the light would be with him. He'd been able to work tirelessly earning the high esteemed life of an admiral in his previous venture. Now here he stood, his opponent using the darkness thinking it was his advantage. Any other opponent would be shaking in their shoes, Borsalino was unfazed—the light was always with him, he hadn't feared the dark or much less anything since he was eight.
A voice emerged from the darkness stopping Kizaru in his tracks.
"Why do you follow a man such as that?" Inuarashi's voice came from the surrounding forest.
"Hmm.. oh me? I've served under worse monsters." Kizaru said continuing to walk through the forest into complete darkness.
"So you serve one monster just to serve another?" Inuarashi spoke again once stopping the man in place.
"Monster you say. Hmm.. you've lived too long to think like that Inuarashi. We're all greater than the worse thing we've ever done." Kizaru said igniting the light in his hand to lighten up the surrounding area.
The Duke stood meters away with minks surrounding Kizaru from all directions ready to strike on command.
"All of you are all the same, power hungry monsters out to burn the world, you'll all die here." The large canine prepared his attack.
"Again Inuarashi, you have it wrong. That kid will change the world for the better. Necessary sacrifices have to be made, that's the natural order of things. That's what I believe in." Kizaru said putting his hands in pockets.
The minks were given the signal to attack. All at once, the tribe dashed towards the former admiral at high speeds.
"Too slow." Kizaru spoke cooly vanishing in a beam of light. The minks all stopped in the middle of the area standing where the captain stood.
A voice from above caused them to look towards the sky.
"You fought well, but it ends now. Yasakami no Matagama!" The yonko's hands lit up in a beam of light before releasing it toward the helpless minks. "There's no escape."
The light immediately began hitting every mink dealing them a lethal blow. Finally the light grew brighter before causing one more explosion finishing off the tribe.
Teleporting next to the fallen Duke he could see the light rays had shot directly through his body leaving him riddled with gaping holes. The blood stained the surrounding area soaking into grass.
"This all could've been so simple. Why fight? It seemed pretty futile wouldn't you say?" The yonko asked lighting a cigar.
Inuarashi laughed lowly while coughing out blood. "W-why you...asked...why I fought..." the canine turned his head looking at the carnage of his fellow minks. "I-I fought for MY peo-"
"You don't seem to get it do you? You fought a battle knowing you couldn't win and got your people killed." Kizaru spoke slightly raising his tone.
The Duke chuckled once more. "N-no matter how..." Inuarashi coughed up large amounts of blood, he didn't have much longer. "how much stronger people are, you always fight to the death, for your ideals..." the canine was coughing up more blood slowly bleeding out.
"That's nonsense." Kizaru stated shooting a final ray of light into Inuarashi's forehead ending his suffering.
Taking a couple drags from his cigar, Borsalino looked around the pile of mink corpses and the surrounding area.
"Hmm maybe I overdid it." Taking one more long drag he grabbed the body of the deceased canine Duke, teleporting towards the high councilor.
Marco's battle with the Cat Viper and his mink tribe were faster than he anticipated. The battle was evenly matched due to both of them missing an arm. Though it did nothing to hinder their physical abilities, it was an interesting matchup nonetheless. Marco had always admired the Cat Viper, as he was a former member of the Whitebeard Pirates—long before he joined.
On the Moby Dick, the feline's name was always mentioned in war tales. He was a living legend. But as far as Marco was concerned the Whitebeard Pirates were officially dead. After the death of Pops and the defeat at the hand's of Blackbeard, the name became tarnished, there was no order within the ranks. Marco had no desire to live up to the mantle of Whitebeard, he did not have that type of ambition. Before Pop's death, Marco felt like his family was whole, now a hole was left in his heart at the lost of his family. He still wasn't sure what brought him to join the regime. He pledged himself to the high councilor—becoming a new yonko. Marco was sure at first it was because Luffy had killed Blackbeard, thus avenging his family. Now what drove him was the understanding of Luffy's pain. He wasn't sure what it was like to lose to that degree, but he lost most of the family he'd known— the family he loved dearly.
Marco cut down approaching minks like swatting flies. The Phoenix flames burned brightly illuminating his path. He assumed the feline would attempt to hide in the trees. His opponents never realized, you can't run or hide from Marco the Phoenix.
Minks jumped down from the nearby trees surrounding him, prepping their shocks.
"Come on then, I'll show you the technique that made me first squad commander of the Whitebeard Pirates."
Without a second to waste the minks all moved to attack. Marco slid his foot slightly behind the other one staggering his stance a bit.
The minks were caught by the whirlwind Marco created, spinning his flaming wings around in circles, trapping the enemies. The flaming Phoenix released his whirlwind sending the burned corpses flying into the forest.
Marco quickly jumped backwards out of the path of an angry Cat Viper.
"Why do you serve that monster Marco the Phoenix?" The large feline asked approaching the still emperor.
Marco wasn't entirely sure himself. Only in due time would he truly know, for now he told himself to make the world better.
"He plans to make the world safer wouldn't you want that?" Marco retorted.
The Cat Viper knew that was what he was planning to say. All rulers of the world are the same, it's in their nature. Power hungry, blood thirsty, and vengeful to a fault. He also knew Marco was different, he had to be if he was apart of the Whitebeard Pirates—especially as first squad commander.
"You do realize your spitting on everything Whitebeard's code stands for. To serve someone like him makes you a disgrace."
Marco grew agitated at the feline's words, he'd abandoned them. Maybe if he was there, Whitebeard and Ace could've still been with them. His family would've still been together.
"I'm no disgrace, I served the Whitebeard Pirates until the last day before we disbanded. A coward like you has no right to call me a disgrace. Pops believed in you and you weren't even there when he was murdered!" Marco the Phoenix shouted his flames growing brighter.
The Master Cat Viper looked remorseful for a second before returning Marco's death glare. "You don't know what you speak of boy." The master challenged charging his attack.
"You do realize there's no way you can win right?" Marco asked calmly.
Cat Viper wordlessly charged heading straight for the emperor.
"Beast Chain!" Marco yelled transforming into his flaming Phoenix form dashing straight for the feline. Before the cat's hand could touch Marco he was knocked off his feet by the powerful Phoenix. His attack had completely bypassed the Phoenix's body. Marco's attack proved to be entirely too much speed—juggling the cat in the air swooping in, hitting him repeatedly a couple times with a forceful flaming attack. Coming down one final time, Marco sent the feline into a nearby tree with a loud crash.
The Cat Viper emerged charging an even larger attack, rage over his features, this attack was meant to kill in an instant.
Marco summoned his flaming wings.
"It ends here." The man began to run side to side towards the feline hoping to throw his timing off. Once close enough Marco was able to slip past his attack once more landing a kick straight under his chin sending him up in the air. Marco summoned his flaming talons to go along with his wings. He began kicking his taloned feet mercilessly assaulting the Viper who was overwhelmed. The emperor used the momentum from his kick to backflip high above the falling Cat Viper. Once more he transformed into his full Marco the Phoenix form he descended rapidly towards the Cat—it was over. A huge explosion knocked the feline into a large crater.
Marco transformed back into his human form wiping the sweat from his brow. He hoped he had enough for the trip back.
Cat Viper emerged from the crater a minute later, bloodied and battered from the attack leaking massive blood from his wounds.
"You should stop, don't do anything more foolish then you already have." Marco said hoping he wouldn't have to finish off the former master.
The old feline just laughed reigniting his pipe. "Can't finish me off?"
"No your done." Marco spoke grabbing the Viper by his collar flying back towards the high councilor.
Luffy continued slicing and incinerating any mink coming within a few feet of the samurai. He had been slaughtering so many he didn't even care about where how he killed them. Heads would be sliced in half, split right down the middle, straight through the skull. Every way imaginable the minks were mercilessly killed.
The horrified faces of the minks contorted in horror as limbs went flying off. He decapitated a group of minks coming up behind Momonosuke and his family.
"T-that's impossible." One of the minks said running away, he was quickly shot down.
The burning flesh and fur was all over the battlefield. Wanda and Carrot could only watch from a short distance frozen with fear watching all their friends throwing their lives away.
The two friends watched as he ripped a screaming mink in half begging for mercy. They were horrified by his demonic form. Never would they have thought the captain that came to them as hero would return as a ruthless dictator. He claimed he was saving the world, yet here he was slaughtering their fellow minks.
"I-I have to..." Carrot started wanting to try and stop Luffy's rampage.
Wanda quickly pulled her back pushing her up against a tree.
"He's not your friend anymore Carrot, whoever he was then, he isn't that person now." Wanda said trying to talk sense into her shaken friend.
Carrot tried to hold strong but felt the tears slipping out. "Wanda... he's doing this because.." the white rabbit couldn't hold the tears in anymore, letting them fall for everything.
Wanda knew the orange haired navigator well and seen the way she ran to her captain when they reunited. She knew that wouldn't be the case now, the woman would be fearful and run away from him. No matter how he tried to justify himself, to her he would be a mass murderer and a ruthless dictator.
"Carrot look at me." Wanda said putting her hands on the side of the bunny's face. "We have to go, come on."
"W-where will we go?" Carrot couldn't help but sob.
"Anywhere but here." The older mink said pulling her friend by the hand disappearing into the abyss of the forest.
Luffy had finished killing every mink except one of the leaders. He was missing an arm, so he leaned on his sword with his good arm for support.
"I thought what they said about you were just a legend... a rumor... a story, to scare little kids ...but your real deal. The demon who dares to challenge the gods. "The mink laughed a little insanely. It was not a surprise to the high councilor, he slaughtered his tribe.
"So what the hell do you want? Don't seem to me like you're trying to make this stinking world a better place. Why you gotta kill all my men? Why you gotta kill me?" The mink questioned as his breath hitched. He fell over onto his face causing it to burst open on the ground.
"Like I said before, it's just business." The high councilor spoke coldly.
"You guys alright?"
The Kozuki clan all nodded getting to their feet. On cue both his emperors arrived holding the bodies of the two mink leaders.
Luffy handed the execution sword to the young shogun. "The man who gives the order for the execution swings the sword." Momonosuke took the sword gripping it tightly, looking at the fallen feline.
"Go on boy, it's too late to turn back now. Finish it, don't waver now. You've chosen your path of vengeance. Don't let it consume you, like HIM." The Cat Viper motioned towards the high councilor.
Taking one last glance at his deceased canine friend before closing his eyes ready for death. Momonosuke didn't hesitate executing the lion, plunging the sword in his neck quickly bringing his life to end.
"Momonosuke are you—" Kin'emon was interrupted.
"I'm fine!
The high councilor have a satisfied smirk.
"Give me a moment alone with the boy." He spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.
His emperors obeyed joining the Kozuki family.
"Damn your still alive?" Marco asked not to pleased to see Kizaru following closely behind.
"I knew it, you did miss me pineapple head." The sharply dressed admiral joked passing Marco.
"I swear I'm going to kill you one day!" Marco said through grit teeth.
Luffy and the rest couldn't help chuckle at his emperor's antics. He was highly impressed the pair took down the mightiest warriors of Zou without putting forth much effort.
Putting his hands on the boy shoulder he lead him out of hearing distance from the group, away from the carnage.
"Are you alright boy?" Luffy asked seeing the blank expression.
Momonosuke had a blank stare still from everything that had occurred.
"I-I didn't feel good when I killed him, I felt kinda sorry. Is that right?" Momonosuke spoke unsure of the feeling.
The high councilor put his hand reassuringly on his shoulder. "It's never supposed to feel good, You never enjoy it, that's what separates us from people like Blackbeard. You understand this was necessary don't you?"
"How?"
"Your stronger now than you were before. If there's one thing I'm best at it's seeing things in people. You can be the greatest shogun in the history of Wano with your power. The minks were holding you back from your potential, keeping you prisoner because of their need for Zunisha. This ancient weapon is yours however, you are its master and you would've been denied it had they lived." Luffy spoke taking a seat next to young man.
"I see now how it makes sense." The boy spoke clearly still absorbing the events he witnessed.
The two were content to sit in silence for awhile.
"By the way I got you an army kid." The man spoke puffing on his newly lit cigar settling comfortably against the tree.
"An army? Like the regime soldiers?" The boy said with a slight frown.
Luffy notes his expression letting out a light laugh. "Na, they're Blackbeard's prisoners of war from the Land of Wano. They're all zoan fruit users, they need a place to live and start over— here would be best."
Momonosuke got to his feet excitedly with the same gleam in his eyes he'd used to have when he saw or heard of something cool. "Zoan users cool!" He knew exactly what they were.
Luffy stood up as well joining him. "Yup, you have a chance to build your own forces under your own command. Congratulations, young warlord." The captain gave a slight smile enjoying his cigar. Momonosuke hugged the high councilor slightly surprising him.
"Thank you." Came the muffled boy's voice.
Putting his hand on the top of his head he spoke. "You won't be able to handle meetings alone yet, but I trust your clan. You've earned Momonosuke. Let's go boy, your family has a lot of paper work to fill out."
"Yeah! I'm glad I don't have to do any of that." The kid gave a large smile reminding Luffy of his own when he was the boy's age. If this boy could smile through something like this, he just may succeed him one day.
Before Luffy could head off Momonosuke called out to him.
"What is it boy?" Luffy was unsure what was bothering him.
Momonosuke seemed solemn all of sudden, it confused him. "You said you couldn't save her... what happened?"
A dark look of his own came across his features. "Boy..." Luffy was in no mood to talk about it.
"Please I have to know, she was my friend as well—one of the kindest people I've ever met in my short life. Without her, I wouldn't have chosen this path."
Luffy appreciated the kids honesty. Part of the reason he chose to side with Luffy was his remembrance of his friend. He knew if the navigator believed in Luffy with all her heart then what reason would he not. It made sense.
"Don't sell yourself short boy, you made the decision for vengeance on Kaido—for the future of your land and people. But very well... sit." He finally commanded as Momonosuke did as he was told.
Luffy recounted what happened that day In Mariejois. He shortened the story to keep the memories from resurfacing. The high councilor didn't fail to mention who was responsible and the actions he took afterward.
The kid was speechless. "I see." Came his reply. The high councilor puffed on smoke patiently waiting him to speak his mind further.
"So your doing all this to protect not rule. You don't want it to happen to anyone else."
The high councilor simply nodded his reply.
"Would you have done all this if she was alive?"
Luffy would've lost his temper on anyone else but he was still only merely a child. He wondered that same thing himself.
"No...no probably not. I imagine I'd still be running around, not a care in the world."
Momonosuke could see the man was deep in thought as if wishing to go back to that time. The kid decided to ask something hoping to see if his humanity truly remained.
"Did you love her?" He asked.
"I still do and I always will." Luffy answered looking towards the night sky. For the first time in awhile he was able to show a true smile before hiding it quickly.
With a satisfied look the two made there was back to rest of the group.
"You two lets head out." Luffy said meeting the pair.
"High councilor!" Kin'emon said. The samarui all bowed to him respectfully. "Thank you for protecting us."
The three nodded and waved goodbye before they disappeared with the Flaming Phoenix disappearing high into the night sky.
Once they were gone the remaining samurai looked around at the endless carnage.
"We have a lot of work to do, but I'm the first time in awhile I feel like it won't be for nothing." Momonosuke said earning nods from his family. They were just proud their leader was growing into a man already. In a matter of minutes he went from a snot nosed brat into a mature young man no longer naive to the world. After everything he went through with the loss of his family, land, and his time at Punk Hazard—he finally took a step towards reclaiming that power aligning himself with the high councilor. The Kozuki clan peacefully watched the stars for a moment before returning home.
On the opposite end of the massive land animal. Wanda and Carrot were planning to descend the elephant.
"Wanda I-I can't.." Carrot was afraid to jump off Zunisha into the darkness below.
"We're dead either way, do you trust me?" Wanda asked grabbing both sides of the rabbit's face.
"Of course Wanda.."
"Then, hold on tight." Wanda removed her cloak waving in the wind before tying it to her wrists. Carrot held onto to her friend's waist for dear life before she jumped off the elephant.
The two held onto each other tightly as the wind picked up the cloak allowing them to glide off into the distance far away from their home into the darkness of the night.
The high councilor along with his two emperors arrived at Ivankov's fortress bypassing the gates.
The emperors excused themselves for the night retiring to their respective chambers.
Luffy went to his own ready to collapse on his bed. He'd nearly been up a week straight unable to close his eyes. In his most private moments he was still haunted. Him screaming to Akainu to let Nami go, and to fight him alone. Holding her lifeless form in his arms, abandoning his position as the straw hat captain, destroying the holy city Mariejois, taking his vengeance against Akainu's family thus ending his bloodline.
Now the events today were on his conscience—It was all necessary. Only one life was taken away from Fishman Island. The minks has been a different story, he obliterated them as he had the Celestial Dragons. The high councilor couldn't help but feel remorseful about the two minks he recognized. Wanda and Carrot were watching from a distance. He chose not to pursue them. In the end it was only a matter of time before they came for him for vengeance of their own—the cycle never ends.
Yawning he headed over to his nightstand to find a stack of papers with a note.
'Read all to prepare for tomorrow's meeting.' -Raleigh
He sighed audibly skimming through the pages quickly he could already see most of it was policy for the regime and his council's ideals he had to either approve or disapprove of.
Nothing caught his eye until he reached a document signed his grandfather Garp. It was a few locations being reported by citizens of Navy activity. No sign of Fujitora or Green Bull so he wasn't too interested.
Another document showed reports of hidden Celestials Dragons coming the Entertainment World of Gran Tesoro. Once the place reopened the place continued to harbor anyone, even fugitives. He really hated places like that and wanted to avoid going back there for now.
Finally he flipped to the last page to see a handwritten letter from his brother Sabo. Quickly reading the note Luffy got to his feet.
An emergency meeting was called waking up the council. Each yawning loudly piling in the room dressed only in pajamas. The high councilor had still yet to arrive.
"Is that really necessary?" Marco said sleepily pointing the stuffed teddy bear Kizaru was holding onto.
"Hmm? Oh you mean Teddy, yes it is, it helps me sleep." The former admiral smirked half asleep.
"Fucking idiot." Marco facepalmed.
On cue the high councilor appeared stalking slowly towards his chair.
"This couldn't wait until morning son?" Dragon asked pouring himself and a few others cups of coffee.
"No, were heading off to war tomorrow." Luffy stated.
"Not Kaido already is it?" Raleigh inquired sipping his coffee.
"No were going to invade Totto Land. It's about time I collect my fourth emperor and kill Charolette-Linlin." Luffy spoke to the room.
"We'll start making preparations right away." The council all quickly got up heading off to gather their forces until it was only Luffy.
Sinking back in his chair he pulled Sabo's letter from his signature red charigan, rereading it to make sure. There was no doubt about it now, his friends were heading off to fight Big Mom on their own. He had to help them at any cost. Standing up he tossed the letter aside. Soon he would see the straw hats again.
A/N: Next is an episode of Sabo showing his exploits during the events detailed in this chapter. Also the straw hats are back in action! Thanks for reading —like comment subscribe, or do nothing. Thanks for reading!