The newly chosen Emperor of the Regime, along with twenty full ships docked into the small port of Acadia located on the south west side of the island Dressrosa.
The trip was relatively short, not a single hostile ship was found on the open ocean. The world still celebrated the obliteration of the oppressive World Government, Navy, and Celestial Dragons— wether they were citizens, soldiers, royals, or even pirates.
Sabo exited the ship looking at the massive crowd gathered in the small port town. Knowing it would be too difficult to disembark all the forces in this area, the emperor sent his second in command and ten ships to the small town on the very south end of the island, Sebio.
The crowd cheered and whistled at the regime soldiers. They were worshipped like heroic liberators of the free world—just like the emperor wanted.
Though he would've loved nothing more than to celebrate with them, Sabo knew there were more pressing concerns at the moment. He was here to meet the Royal family, to have them sign a treaty. It was simple, they sign or become enemies of the regime. The former revolutionary chief would never let that happen, he was determined to have peaceful negotiations.
Also he was there to check on Luffy's former crew—the straw hat pirates. There were conflicting reports about their exact location, they were purposely keeping a low profile.
He heard from one his scouts earlier this morning, the Straw Hats were indeed on the island—their allies the Heart Pirates were off the grid. Sabo decided to track down his brother's former crew first. He began to make his way through the streets crowded by citizens, being escorted by a platoon of Regime soldiers.
Sabo never imagined the reaction would be this extreme. People danced happily in the street holding each other as if tomorrow didn't exist. The citizens were in a pure state of happiness no longer under the rule tyranny of the World Government and Navy. For everyone it was a fresh start, to finally live the way they wanted too.
The emperor and his escorts made their way towards the heart of the island. The group could see the massive coliseum come into view. The massive structure was the second highest point on the island besides the Royal Palace.
"HEY YOU!" a booming voice shot from a nearby restaurant. The owner waved his hands rapidly trying to gain the emperor's attention.
Sabo looked the man's way before stopping his group. The man ran up to him only to be halted by the guards.
"Stand down." Sabo spoke, immediately they withdrew themselves.
"Y-your the new regime right? The new emperor?!" The older man asked desperately.
"Yes, how can I help? You look like your in need of it." Sabo asked. He wasn't sure what the man was desperately screaming about. But this was part of his job now, he was somewhat of a public servant. He was here to protect not rule.
The old man pointed back to his restaurant. "I know it's a day of celebration, but there's a group of pirate bastards that are scaring away everyone else! Their attitude is shit, they wont pay their tab, and they're refusing to leave!" The owner shouted out of breath from his rant.
Sabo wasn't sure exactly what really was going on, but he was going to get to bottom of it. "Head to Balsa, join up with the forces there, I won't be long." Sabo said to the squad leader before excusing himself with the owner. The soldiers wouldn't dare disobey an order, the squadron resumed their march North.
The owner burst into the restaurant pointing towards the back table in the farthest corner of the large room. "There those bastards are, kick those free loaders out!" The man grinned.
"No, there will be none of that. This will cover the tab." Sabo stated handing the man a bag of gold coins. The owner immediately got amnesia, running off to go count his newly acquired money.
The emperor recognized the crew immediately. The straw hat pirates all sat silently eating their plates, not much conversation went on. He approached the table slowly not wanting to disturb them. None of them reacted to him sitting down with them, as if he was invisible.
The nearest member, Zoro peaked his eye open to see who it was before asking what he was here for.
"It's nice to see you guys are alright." Sabo smiled towards the group who continued to ignore his presence.
"Na, were pretty fucking far from alright." Zoro said continuing to eat his food. The table glanced up at Sabo who was awkwardly invading their space, sitting there with his hat over his eyes.
"Your an emperor of the regime, don't you have more important things to do then bug us." Sanji spoke still looking at his plate.
Sabo lifted his hat above his eyes to look directly at them all. "This is my important thing, Luffy told me to make sure you guys were okay." The blonde hoped to stir a reaction from the group and got nothing but low grumbles amongst the table.
Usopp stopped eating abruptly to address the emperor. "Where is Luffy? Why isn't he here?" The marksman said with an impatient tone. The crew stopped eating to await Sabo's remarks.
In all honesty he should've expected this cold welcome. The straw hat pirates who were once a prideful group of pirates looked like shells of their former selves. In one day they lost both of their friends, who were supposed to lead them into the future. Despite having their own dreams the crew greatly cared about the others' ambitions. The captain and navigator were an irreplaceable, integral part of the crew.
"Luffy is out making the world a safer place right now, he's doing the best he can." Sabo simply said. It was the best he could offer right now, the straw hats weren't exactly on friendly terms with the Regime—even he knew that.
Robin stood up despite the low protests from Franky and Chopper. "How dare you!" Robin's voice turned everyone at the tables attention to her. Robin was shaking profusely holding onto to the table for support, her knuckles turning white from the pressure she was applying.
"You come here, offering help like you really give a shit. All you care about is your ambitions. We lost our family, and you come here asking if were alright?! How dare you..." Robin said trying not to let fresh tears fall before taking her seat again—Franky rubbed her back in circles soothing her before speaking, "maybe you should go Sabo."
The emperor got the message, they couldn't care less about his help. If he couldn't bring any of their friends back, then what the hell was he doing there. Standing up from his seat Sabo began to depart.
"I truly am sorry for your loss Straw Hats, you have my deepest apologies for disturbing you guys, it was rude of me. Don't bother with the tab, order as much as you like." Sabo said smiling slightly, dipping his hat as a farewell. The crew could only nod simultaneously patiently waiting for him too leave.
Before he left Sabo placed his card on the table with his private transponder code to his office. With a final glance he was gone in a flash heading toward the Royal Palace.
With Sabo finally gone, the Straw Hats returned to their small conversations. The group was disappointed their former captain did not seek them out himself. They wanted answers directly from him, about everything. In no way did they blame him, but they way he acted afterwards bothered them. In the their minds, they expected him to share his pain with them. Luffy had flown off that day never to return to the Sunny. It irked the crew when he didn't show for the funeral— they figured he was too guilt ridden to show up.
Zoro could see the looks on his crew's faces. Never had they been through such a painful experience. The crew on the way to Dressrosa barley spoke a word to one another, only when handling their duties. The new captain of the straw hats had to be stronger than ever. No longer did he nap in the day, he was constantly training until he collapsed. He accepted the tall order of replacing the rubber man but he vowed to keep his remaining family safe.
Robin took over navigation duties of the crew having some experience and a sharp memory of her friend's lessons she picked up—she managed. It was impossible for her to sleep in the room she previously shared with Nami. Franky completely redid the room after having given all of Nami's possessions to her next of kin. Now he and Robin shared the room. The crew knew she had taken it the hardest out of them all. On most nights Franky would hold her until she couldn't cry anymore. The former demon child silently played with her food too sick to eat, the memories of her friend laying in a white sheet ice cold, refused to leave her mind.
Sanji would go crazy if he stayed silent any longer. He stood heading outside muttering something about a smoke.
"Should we go after him?" Chopper asked glancing up at Zoro.
Zoro glanced at the door before answering. "Na, let em go, he'll be back."
The group returned to eating, while Sanji sat watching the celebrations of everyone. Young couples kissing, old folks dancing, kids setting off fireworks, the world really celebrated its freedom from oppression. The chef couldn't blame them if things turned out differently, they would gladly join them. Sanji took a long drag in remembrance of his fallen friends, thinking if he'd ever see Luffy again—much less hear from him.
In the distance, hundreds of seagulls flew threw the sunny skyline of Dressrosa. The birds dropped World Press newspapers all over the pavement. Not bothering to stop the celebration, people began to cheer even louder as they picked the papers up. In confusion Sanji picked up one of the newspapers reading the headline. "Fishman Island relocated to Alabasta." The chef's cigarette fell out of his mouth seeing the image of Luffy standing in front of the aquatic city, in the middle of the desert.
Wasting no time Sanji ran back to the table in a huff shoving the newspaper in their captain's face. He snatched the paper from the chef before reading it himself nearly choking on his food. Quickly Zoro threw the newspaper into the middle of the table so the entirety of the crew could read the headlines. The shock evident as they had the same reaction as their captain.
"Luffy really did that?" Chopper asked Zoro, not understanding why he would uproot an ancient civilization just to relocate to the hottest desert on earth.
Robin grabbed the paper across the table scanning her eyes along the lengthy article. It read their was only one casualty reported— King Neptune. He apparently used lethal force against the peaceful negotiations and ended up losing his life. Besides that the rest of the royal family and citizens were completely safe, Sharihoshi was crowned the new queen. The bottom of the article read that by the time these papers were published, the Kingdom should be on its way back to the ocean. Robin assumed it must've been a show of strength in order for the citizens to accept their treaty. She didn't necessarily agree with the method, but she had to admit it was actually quite genius. The crew somewhat felt relieved Luffy was out there doing as Sabo said. A renewed energy found the straw hats as they began to start small talking and ordering a few drinks. Seeing that Sabo was indeed telling the truth about their former captain, Zoro gave a small smile placing the emperor's card in his pocket before going back to his plate. The straw hats were starting to come back.
Sabo after leaving the straw hats, landed in Balsa joining with the main armada, beginning the march towards the New Royal Plateau— which held the Dressrosa Royal Palace. The emperor couldn't believe that the whole place would be his in the near future, after the completion of the Royal City that is. The treaty came first he knew, he just hoped the royal family would be willing to accept.
A voice broke the emperor from his thoughts but not his stride.
"Boss! Boss! Have you seen this! The High Councilor did it! He finally secured Fishman Island!" One of the soldier's shouted with joy fist pumping in the air hollering. The other soldiers all hollered back, fist pumping in return.
Sabo wasn't the least bit surprised by the strength of his fellow councilmen. Luffy truly put together a dream team. At the bottom he could read about King Neptune's death and the future coronation of the new queen Shirahoshi. A small smile couldn't help but reach his features. He believed his brother was doing a great service to the world. Replace the older, weaker, more conservative leaders with younger, smarter, and more progressive ones. Despite the loss of the King, he knew it was only a matter of time. It also didn't hurt his brother took another step in the right direction towards taking down Kaido.—the Sea Kings played a significant role.
Feeling a new excitement Sabo turned to his men before speaking. "I'm going on ahead to prepare the royal family for our arrival." Without waiting for a response he vanished in a dance of flames.
Arriving at the palace he could see the entirety of the royal family waiting at the entrance. The current King Riku Dold III with his the queen by his side. Behind them stood two beautiful looking women, Viola and her niece Rebecca.
Sabo walked towards the royal family with a wave.
"Ahh! There he is, one of new emperors of the free world." Riku greeted Sabo shaking his hand firmly. Sabo followed it up shaking the womens' hands, friendly greeting them.
"I'm just happy the world is getting some peace." Sabo spoke causing the King to laugh louder than he previously had, much to the embarrassment of the women. He patted Sabo on the back hard a few times.
"Peace?! I can't even get peace and quiet when all my citizens do is celebrate!" The king said wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes. The emperor's face contorted from confusion to an amused one before he hunched over in laughter as well. The ladies watched the scene bewildered as the men looked like two old friends.
"Come emperor, it must've been a long journey for you and your forces. Come join us for dinner." The king spoke motioning his well.
"Thank you your highness, you can call me Sabo and I have a request, would you mind if your guards escort my soldiers here." Sabo requested following the King's family.
"Of course, Sabo. You can call me Riku." The king spoke snapping his fingers and commanding the nearest officers to escort the regime soldiers to the palace.
During dinner Sabo and the King's manners were appalling. The ladies became somewhat disgusted at the way they shoved food into their mouths. The conversation went smoother than the young emperor had expected. King Riku explained to him about how all previous nineteen rulers left their families to live in Mariejois except him. He never believed in the World Government and would ever submit to them especially after they unleashed Doflamingo upon his citizens further oppressing them.
His views on the Regime seemed to contrast his thoughts on the previous rulers. Sabo told him about the new Royal City being built from the ashes of the old one. A better one where enlightenment, religious freedom, social and economic equality among other things were at forefront. It was only the tip of iceberg, but the king had already decided he wanted to move his family there. Having ruled over Dressrosa for a period of time he felt as if it was time to hand over the reigns. King Riku signed his signature on dotted line earning smiles from around the table.
Riku handed the document to Sabo who tucked securely in his coat. "Well everything went smoothly just like I thought, you guys sure are a hell of a lot more gracious then those Navy bastards. You Regime fellas might just change the world for the better after all." The king said finishing his mug of wine.
Sabo couldn't have been more pleased.
"Yes I'm glad everything went well. It was...unfortunate what happened between us and the late king of fishman island." Sabo added drinking his own mug.
"Yes, well he went out like a true warrior of the sea. But now it's time for new leaders to step the forefront, like your high councilor—the former straw hat captain who defeated Doflamingo."
At the mention of Luffy, Rebecca perked up.
"You mean Lucy?!" She shouted catching everyone on the table off guard. The young pink haired teen couldn't help it, she long admired the former straw hat captain.
Sabo smiled warmly before answering, "Yeah my brother is doing the best he can, I can promise you all, you're in good hands."
"You don't have to convince us anymore Sabo, we believe you. All of us look forward to day the new capitol city is finished, I'm sure it will be grand." The Queen said hopeful the construction would finish quickly. If it was anything like they were promising she knew going there would create the best future for their family. They would share the city with nineteen other royal families, nobles, hard working citizens, that were the backbone of society— all living in harmony; it sounded like heaven.
The king could only smile at his queen's happiness, it was what kept him going at his advanced age. "Yes we cant wait. Now that dinner is over will you be staying overnight?" Riku asked showing great hospitality toward the emperor.
"Oh no I couldn't, I have a pile of reports to catch up on . But I thank you for your hospitality King Riku."
Standing up the two shook hands firmly.
"We look forward to seeing you here again soon, your soldiers will be most welcome to stay here until then, and again thank you emperor Sabo." The king bowed along with the rest of his family.
With a tip of his hat Sabo began to make his way towards the entrance of the royal palace.
"Sabo!" The two women yelled after him to wait for them.
"Allow us to escort you out." Violet offered. The trio walked leisurely through the palace.
"So Sabo is... Lucy here?" Rebecca asked not quite looking at the young emperor.
Sabo rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. He could tell she had a bit of a crush on his brother, he knew it wouldn't bode well for either of them. "Sorry, he's been busy lately, he hasn't even had time to sleep."
A small blush covered the teen's features.
"Oh." Was all she could manage. "Well, I do hope to see him again soon."
Sabo couldn't help but feel bad for the girl. She hasn't a clue what his brother had been through the past week. It felt like a life time ago since he was that person she once knew. He wondered if Luffy would even care if he saw her again.
"I'm sure he'd be more than happy to see you." Sabo lied. He was a horrible lair but Rebecca was even more gullible. He didn't have the heart to tell her the truth, besides it was best if she never knew.
He could see the exuberant expression she wore. Rebecca really did have a crush on his brother, this only made him feel worse.
Once they reached the gates. Rebecca excused herself giving Sabo a quick hug before practically skipping back to the palace.
Sabo turned to Violet who had been mostly silent up to this point, much to his confusion. He shifted uncomfortably trying to shake her.
"Again, I cant thank you and your fam—"
"Sabo, may I walk you to your ship?" Violet asked not looking directly at him. He wasn't sure what her intentions were but he could tell it wasn't in that way. Comfortable enough to allow it, he agreed.
The two continued their walk back towards Acadia, where the ships were docked.
Violet knew her family didn't have a violent soul in their family. They would surely fight to defend themselves, but they were mostly good natured, caring people. She wanted to make sure her family was protected by this new Regime, not ruled by it. Sabo assured her that the treaty they signed made them completely safe under the guise of their code. Sure it all sounded too good to be true but. Violet couldn't shake the feeling the emperor was telling the truth. Even a former assassin like her couldn't get this former chief of staff to crack under her tough questions. The Regime not only presented traditional values such as liberty, justice, and freedom; those were a given. They also promoted more progressive values such as people, order, and family—something the World Government would never accept.
Violet had seen what monsters the old government could create first hand, witnessing Doflamingo' reign. This did seem completely different, but on the other hand she couldn't wrap her head around how Luffy could execute a king, hold a nation hostage, and still be hailed as a hero. The idea of sacrificing a life for the betterment of the world was bullshit to her. But she knew most of the world had not shared her opinion, they would be happy to dance on the ashes of the Celestial Dragons.
"Where do you guys draw the line? It doesn't bother you he murdered the king of fishman island." Violet said breaking Sabo from his thoughts.
"It was a duel, the king knew what he was getting himself into, we went in offering peace, same as you guys." Sabo spoke continuing his walk towards the approaching coliseum. He wasn't too interested in their conversation, she was another one of those goody two shoes who wanted the world to be a hundred percent politically correct; it bugged him to no end.
"Just remember if you guys turn into the previous government, you can guarantee their will be a new revolutionary army to take your place." Violet said now trailing the emperor who was speeding ahead trying to leave her behind.
Sabo stuck his hands in his pockets looking anywhere but the woman behind him who wouldn't shut up. Passing the coliseum, he remembered the first time he reunited with Luffy. It felt like a lifetime ago since the straw hat captain ran to him crying, relieved he was alive. It reminded him that he had to get back to headquarters soon to report, it was starting to get late. With one last glance at the large stadium he couldn't help thinking of himself as the leader of this place. He would make Dressrosa greater than its ever been by reinventing the beloved games, vowing to make it a world renowned venue once again; the revenue increase for the island would only improve citizen morale. He just arrived here earlier and he already began to plan how he wanted to lead.
A loud voice broke him from his thoughts once again.
"Sabo, are you listening to me?" Violet asked still hot on his trail.
Sabo glanced back with a slight frown.
"Huh? Yeah I was—" Sabo came to abrupt halt stopping in the mildly crowded area.
"Sabo what is—" he shushed her and pointed directly ahead.
The Heart Pirates, along with Blackbeard's former marksman Van Augur, and two female minks slowly in the direction of Acadia. The pair immediately recognized the Surgeon of Death even in his large posse.
Wordlessly Sabo pulled Violet along with him to track the group, he was curious as to why they were in Dressrosa.
The straw hat pirates had not left their table, eating and drinking away late into the evening.
The only one who still looking slightly glum was Sanji. He hadn't been his usual self these days. The incident was still fresh in his mind like everyone else but he still had another thing on his mind. The words spoken from his former captain running through his head. Despite wanting to desperately return to Totto Land, the odds of them succeeding without Luffy was slim to none. Even if it was an in and out rescue mission they would be undoubtably overwhelmed.
Noticing the solemn expression on Sanji's mug, Zoro spoke up clearing his throat. "What's on your mind cook?" Zoro asked not bothering to look up from his plate. Since the incident the two had become friendlier than ever before. They still had their clashes somewhat but not like before.
Sanji an audible sigh before continuing, "My mind is still set on returning to Whole Cake Island, I am determined to return no matter what... I may have to leave for awhile." The chef said causing everyone to look at him bewildered.
"Yeah, what reason would you have to go there?" Zoro asked not having much patience for his friend's dramatics.
Sanji lit a cigarette not caring a bit about it being a non smoking zone. "I have to rescue a very good friend of mine, I promised I would return."
Zoro still didn't quite get it. "So your really ready to throw your life away for a friend you barley know? Doesn't sound like you at all." The swordsman wasn't willing to risk his or any of the crew's life unless they knew exactly what they were fighting for.
"She uh.. she's technically my wife, Charlotte Pudding the thirty fifth daughter of Big Mom. I promised I'd come back for her but I'm sitting here doing nothing, I feel so damn useless." Sanji spoke with a disgusted tone. Here he was trying to have a good time with his crew and he felt like he was ruining it.
"I will go back even if I have to ask my family to assist, at any cost I will get her back." At Sanji's words Zoro studied the man for a few moments before smirking.
"Do you love her?" He asked simply earning the crew's attention once again.
"Of course." Came his reply.
Zoro couldn't help letting a small smile grace his features. "Well well well, it seems there is a woman even for a guy like you." The swordsman heartily laughed along with the crew.
"Shut up! What's that supposed to mean?!" The chef yelled in the captain's face. Zoro was glad the cook was returning to his old self.
"It's settled then, looks like we're pulling a rescue mission to get cook's unlucky lady." The captain said earning a few more laughs from the table even Sanji.
"I'm happy for you Sanji, I can't wait to meet her." Robin smiled warmly, something the cook hadn't seen in awhile, he couldn't help but return it.
"Hell yeah Sanji Bro! This ones for you!" Franky yelled raising his glass.
"I can't wait to get to started, we will get her back Sanji!" Chopper cheered raising his small glass to toast.
Usopp couldn't help laugh heartily at the scene. "Dammit! Let's freakin do this!" The excitement dripping from his voice.
Brook sat quietly observing the group before adding on. "I may die in a horrific way during the mission, but its dandy cause I'm already dead yohoho!" The skeleton slammed his mug into the others.
"Alright looks like we're all in agreement, we'll head out tomorrow Straw hats, until then we enjoy the night." Zoro said as the crew went back to exuberant conversations. It was official, the straw hats were back in action.
The crew was interrupted by a familiar group of pirates entering the restaurant. Though not as crowded as earlier, the restaurant still had a good amount of customers for the Straw hats to remain hidden.
Trafalgar and the others made their way towards the group. Zoro noticing the Surgeon of Death frowned slightly at the sudden appearance of the Heart Pirates. Whatever they wanted held their own agenda, he wasn't all that interested.
Before Law reached the table two female minks were dashing towards the table. In a flash Zoro was tackled by Carrot and Wanda knocking him to the floor. The group were shocked to see the two of them with the Heart Pirates.
The captain of the straw hats was being crushed under the force of the hug.
"Alright Already! Enough hugg—" Zoro immediately stopped when he realized his shirt was soaked. The two lady minks were crying profusely. Immediately he picked them both up as if they were weightless. He placed them both on his chair holding both their shoulders; kneeling in front of them. The swordsman knew something serious happened, there was no other way to explain their predicament.
"What the hell happened?" Zoro asked turning to Law, his serious attitude returning.
"I don't know Zoro-ya, we were making one of our annual resupply stops in Loguetown. Less than a few hours ago we passed Zou and found these two thanks to Van Augur-ya." Law exclaimed recounting the events as he remembered them.
Van Augur stepped into view of the table recounting his version of events. "Thanks to the newly improved Shenriku, I was able to locate them from a great distance. I was on first watch and my first instinct was to shoot thinking it was a large bird. However due to my weapon's superior visibility, I was able to spot them in time, alerting the crew." The marksman finished recounting his story.
Chopper came around to the table to check on the two minks.
"They still seem to be in shock." Chopper stated folding his arms. "You said you found them like this?"
Law just nodded responding to the reindeers question.
Robin knowing she had a better chance to get them to open up made her way over, moving Zoro out of the way.
She placed her soft hands on both their knees bringing them out of their sorrow.
"Ladies..." she spoke softly so their attention shifted to her. "What happened? Why did you jump into the water from Zou? Especially at this time of night." A quizzical look crossed the former demon child's face.
Wanda forced the tears to stop, looking directly at her. "It was your captain...h-he... massacred everyone." The Pirates in the near vicinity whispered amongst themselves about what they just heard.
"He came offering peace, we tried to use force to make him go away...we were just defending our home." The deer mink began sobbing again unable to control her emotions.
Robin soothingly rubbed her back before glancing at Chopper to comfort the bunny in the duo. The reindeer had known the bunny for quite a some time during their last trip to Whole Cake Island. It saddened him to think of the group they had back then and how happy everyone was.
"Carrot, I know it's difficult, but I need too know everything you remember about earlier." Chopper said firmly, holding onto the petite bunny's shoulder.
Carrot rubbed her eyes recognizing the voice calling out to her. She immediately wrapped her arms around the reindeer bringing him in for a tight embrace. Chopper gladly returned the embrace before she finally spoke.
"It's true... Luffy and his two emperor showed up, we tried to stop our tribe from executing them. Our two leaders suggested the head of the Kozuki family take care of the execution. Luffy promised him revenge on Kaido if he joined him. The boy did... they began slaughtering everyone without mercy..." The tears were threatening to spill again. "So we escaped.." she exclaimed starting to sob again.
Everyone in the near vicinity didn't speak a word. No one could believe that Luffy would do that even if he'd had lost his family. The minks were once a powerful part of their alliance were all but wiped out except for Wanda, Carrot, and Bepo. The Straw Hat Pirates and Heart Pirates couldn't wrap their minds around the possibility Luffy could be capable of that. In every scenario they imagined, they just couldn't picture it, despite him desolating Mariejois—that was different to them. The minks said he came offering peace to them but for trespassing he was instead tried to be executed. The straw hats didn't necessarily believe the minks, in their mind Luffy was still Luffy. Nothing was going to convince them he could do something like this. The Heart Pirates had a differing opinion.
Sabo and Violet entered the restaurant locating the large gathering of pirates in the back. The pair made their way over pushing past the crowd to see the commotion.
"Oh it's you." Zoro spoke barley acknowledging the pair's presence.
"Violet." The brunette haired woman turned to see an all too familiar chef smiling warmly at her.
"Sanji." The chef stood immediately pulling her into a tight hug. The two clung on to each other, letting one another know how much they missed each other. The Pirates awkwardly shifted at the display of affection except Sabo; he was relieved to be rid of her.
Zoro coughed loudly causing them to break it up, both slightly flushed. The Straw Hat captain turned his attention back to the minks before Sabo interrupted him.
"Anything I can help with?" Sabo asked hoping to relieve his boredom.
Zoro contemplated the man's offer before declining. "Na, we don't need your help here emperor."
Wanda snapped up at the mention of that staring directly at Sabo. He noticed the intense stare she was throwing his way, he gave a friendly wave in response—her glare remained.
"Your an emperor?" Carrot asked turning her attention away from Chopper.
"Yeah I am, I assume since your here with the straw hats you must know my brother Luffy." Sabo said grinning slightly. The energy in the room shifted tensely.
"L-luffy's brother..." Wanda whispered to herself.
Without a second notice she was out of her seat, fist charged with electricity aiming straight for Sabo. He managed to counter the powerful attack with his infamous pipe. It was still not enough as Carrot joined in adding a second attack sending the emperor through the restaurant wall. Carrot and Wanda jumped up from the seats heading off to battle Sabo. The Pirates trailed the minks watching the fight from a respectable distance.
Sabo landed straight on his back being laid out in the middle of the road. The citizens gathered around seeing the emperor in action. He calmly stood dusting himself off casually.
"How careless." He said to himself preparing for a follow up attack. The two minks emerged ready to strike again, the man ignited his staff with fire to combat the electricity. The attacks were swift and nimble, and held deceptively extraordinary power behind them.
Sabo was more concerned for the safety of the citizens that were too in awe of the fight to move. He knew this wouldn't be a real battle, he had to subdue the lady minks. They moved in tandem mixing up their attacks to keep Sabo off balance.
"Tiger Fist!" Sabo shouted jumping up into air bringing a fire fist to negate Carrot's strike before jumping out of the way of Wanda's lethal blow. Despite their speed, Sabo has proved to be uncatchable. No strike they threw came close as the emperor used his world class speed to tire out the two minks.
"What's your guys' beef with my brother? You're friends aren't you? Let's talk this out." Sabo said willing to come to peace. "Don't make things worse by injuring these citizens, then I truly won't hold back." A dark look came over his face. It was fine they wanted to take their anger reserved for his brother out on him; it was unacceptable for them to turn innocent civilians into casualties.
"So.. you don't know what he did earlier tonight?" Wanda asked slightly dropping her guard.
Sabo dropped his guard slightly as well.
"No, he doesn't report to me, I report to him. Whatever he did, I don't know but you can tell me."
"You wanna know what your high councilor did!" Wanda shouted gaining the attention of everyone in the area. "He slaughtered my entire tribe of minks. We attacked in self defense for him trying to take our land, he could've stopped, but he didn't! Your high councilor is a murderer, your Regime is full of murderous bastards—just like the Navy!" Wanda's body was shaking with fury as she death glared the emperor only feet away from her.
The citizens had no reaction to what she said. They simply shrugged and began to walk away enjoying their own independent activities, losing interest now that the fight was over. A look of confusion turned to one of anguish as Wanda fell to her knees sobbing once again. The people could give two shits about some mink tribe living on an ancient island. As long as the issue didn't effect them, they were content to enjoy their life. Dressrosa already surrendered to the Regime, they would not protest against their savior. Monkey D. Luffy was a hero on this island forever after taking down Doflamingo and his birdcage.
Sabo walked up to the pair of minks. Carrot was consoling the older mink who leaned on her for support. The emperor crouched down so he was eye level with them.
"Im sorry for your loss. I don't know what you're going through... but you do have some family left." Sabo said gesturing toward the straw hats who were standing there still with shock etched on their faces. "They love you guys, you should stick with them for awhile." He offered a hand to which Wanda swatted away. She stood up dragging Carrot along with her. The pair silently joined the straw hats settling next to Robin.
Sabo didn't believe the minks, something in his mind was telling him it was all lies. But he'd seen that type of pain before, he knew they were telling the truth— he was unwilling to accept it.
Law nor his crew didn't say a word up until now. "Straw hats, I hope we meet again someday." He spoke solemnly. No matter how much Trafalgar wanted to not believe the minks, he knew it was true. The Heart Pirates simply walked away back into the heart of the island.
Violet turned to Sanji pulling him by his arm. "May I have a word?" She asked tugging him away from his group. He couldn't deny her, they went off in the same direction as Law. Zoro slanted his eyes at two for a moment before returning his attention to Sabo.
"Where will you guys go next?" Sabo asked breaking the awkward silence.
"What do you care?" Zoro snapped back.
"Frankly I don't, Luffy does." Sabo retorted.
Zoro was torn for a moment before answering, "Big Mom's Island, were going to rescue a friend of Sanji's, don't worry we don't plan on staying here long—We're leaving tomorrow."
Sabo frowned deeply, even he knew that was suicidal no matter the new additions to the team; Van Augur, Carrot, and Wanda included.
"You plan on going without the aid of Heart Pirates... who will you turn to?" Sabo asked hoping they would want the Regime to help out.
"Tch, we'll figure it out. It's a rescue mission, we aren't going to war." Zoro stated before adding, "we still have to prepare and I'm sure you got your own shit to do, see around Sabo." Zoro waves ending the conversation abruptly. The straw hats went back into the restaurant.
Sabo was left standing there still absorbing all that happened. Luffy's old crew intended to throw their lives away for an impossible task. He needed to get back to his office and report this to Garp. Heading back to the ship he began to feel a wave of nausea overcome him. Slowly he hunched over vomiting into a nearby bush. Sabo couldn't stomach the story he'd been told by Wanda. The realization hit him, that his brother would make sacrifices to make the world safe even at the cost of lives. It wasn't something he could handle right now he just focused on getting to his office.
Sanji had his arm hooked under violets heading into the small town of Primula. It was most notably known for "Lover's Alley", a popular couples spot. The pair walked until reaching a fountain spot where other couples silently talked to one another; it was truly an excellent romantic spot.
The two continued to laugh and talk about their first encounter, even comfortably laughing about the time she betrayed him. It was all water under the bridge, the circumstances at that time called for those situations to occur. Sanji was just happy to spend time with her.
Violet leaned her head on his shoulder causing him to somewhat flinch. It wasn't that he wasn't comfortable, but he knew where this was headed. The cook had no idea why but there was building pressure in his chest, not in a good way; it felt like dread.
"I knew you'd come back for me." Violet said nuzzling closer to his neck. The atmosphere grew thick as he turned to look at her. She was clutching his jacket trying to pull him closer. He could smell her intoxicating fragrance, a mixture of roses with a hint a strawberries. The two were close, so close. Sanji couldn't, it didn't feel right, he pulled away abruptly standing up. Violet stood up next to him asking if he was alright.
Shadows covered his eyes a moment before he spoke. "Violet, I- I have to confess, I want to be truthful with you, no lies only truth. I'm leaving again tomorrow to rescue a friend, she's very important to me;special." Sanji said looking Violet in the eyes. He wanted to be truthful with her, he didn't want to be that guy to play different women—he wanted to change for the better.
Violet could only look at him with a hurt expression, a hint of sadness in her eyes. She thought he had came back to Dressrosa to sweep her off the ground like he did before. Her feelings were hurt, but she was glad he was honest about his feelings rather than playing with hers. She was right about him, he was a good guy.
"I understand Sanji, it's okay. She is a lucky girl for a good guy like you to come rescue her. I want to see you again, even if it's just as friends." Violet said touching his cheek placing a sweet soft kiss there before pulling back.
"Violet, will you be alright heading back to the palace?" Sanji asked as she warmly smiled.
The brunette just rolled her eyes at his chivalry. "I'm part of the royal family, I assure I'm quite safe. Feel free to stop by and say hi." Violet said blowing a final kiss before walking away disappearing into a distant crowd. Sanji watched her disappear before he finally took out a cigarette puffing it to relieve his nerves. A slow clap coming from behind him broke him from his moment.
"Woah I didn't think you had it in ya shitty cook." Zoro grinned taking a seat next to his buddy.
"You saw all that?" The chef asked continuing to smoke casually.
"No, just the only part that mattered. Y'know I might've actually pegged ya wrong, you ain't such a bad guy." Zoro pulled the chef in a headlock, rubbing his knuckles fiercely into his skull.
"Knock it off you damn bastard!" Sanji yelled head butting the captain in the chin forcing him to break his hold. Rubbing his chin Zoro just smirked in defeat, the cook's new approach was growing on him—he was a lot more respectable when he wasn't being a pervert.
"Yeah well your doing pretty well captain just keep it up...By the way what are you doing out here? Don't tell me you followed us." Sanji deadpanned at the samarui.
"Hell no. Funny you should ask though, I got lost looking for an open alcohol store, I need to load up for tomorrow." Zoro stated somewhat shame admitting he got lost. The swordsman was elected captain of the straw hats, yet still had no sense of direction.
Grinning before standing up Sanji gestured to follow him. "Come on we passed one on the way over here, it's this way." Sanji spoke before realizing Zoro was already headed the wrong way.
"THIS WAY IDIOT! WERN'T YOU LISTENING?!"
"OI SHUTUP I'LL KICK YOUR ASS OFF THE SHIP!
The two crew mates were glad their friendship/rivalry stayed relatively intact and in some ways had been improved upon. The two were so opposite it was like comparing dogs and cats. Zoro and Sanji were the two that held the crew together. After Zoro was promoted to captain he elected Sanji vice captain to no one's protests. It showed how the trust and bond between the two crew mates had grown despite losing two of their closest friends.
"Now let's go get your woman huh?" Zoro asked uncorking a bottle with his teeth. The two were making their way back to the sunny.
"Yeah, I'll be there soon Pudding." Sanji said to himself.
"Don't talk to yourself, that's creepy man." Zoro spoke chugging the bottle in front of him.
For once Sanji didn't yell back or anything much to Zoro's surprise. He turned back to see his friend focused on the night sky. Zoro knew his friend liked her even after rejecting Violet, but this was different. This woman changed his friend for the better, he did truly love her wether he knew it or not. Zoro just smiled before chugging the bottle again. He would help bring Pudding back with Sanji no matter what.
Sabo finally reached the Regime ship, he went straight to his office. Slowly turning the knob, he opened the door to see Koala asleep on the far couch. He was slightly surprised she was there, she must've been waiting for him. He lightly moved the blanket up to her neck, making sure she was warm.
He grabbed the transponder-snail heading into his private adjacent bathroom. He comfortably sat on the edge of the bathtub waiting for the dialed code number to pick up.
"Hello Sabo What can I do for ya?" Garp's raspy voice answered on the snail.
"Is my brother in?"
"No, hasn't come back yet, it should be anytime now." Garp spoke while flipping through some documents.
"Did you deliver his reports for tommorow's meeting yet?" Sabo asked hoping it was a no.
"I was just about too, what's up? We got something last minute?" Garp asked leaning back in his seat.
"Yeah you might want to write this down." Sabo exclaimed.
The emperor explained the straw hat's rescue mission in the morning to rescue their friend from Big Mom. He detailed the route he was expecting them to take. Sabo anticipated the youngest male Vinsmoke would return to Germa 66 for aid. Which meant they would have time for Luffy to recruit his last emperor before heading into battle.
Garp relayed this message writing as well as he could. "He'll be thrilled to see this grandson. I'll put your name on it to show it was from you, great work."
"Of course grandpa, anything for the family." Sabo said smiling thinking of his relatives.
"That's my boy, get some rest. You and five ships will join us on Komugi Island to meet with our main fleet. Goodnight Sabo."
"Night grandpa." Sabo said hanging up the phone with a sigh. It was one hell of a day. He was happy about one thing, Koala had come to see him finally. She had been away on an escort mission for awhile. Now he would finally get to have a moment of piece with his love.
Exiting the bathroom he was surprised to see her waking up rubbing her eyes from the drowsiness.
"Sorry I didn't mean to wake you." Sabo said sitting at his desk beginning to read the stack of reports on his desk.
"Sabo... where were you all day, I was waiting." Koala spoke softly sitting up stretching.
The young emperor couldn't help but smile at the only pure good thing in his
life. "I didn't mean to worry you, you should go back to sleep." He simply said returning to his work.
Koala stood up walking over to his desk.
"Sabo... we need to talk, it's about your brother."
Sabo stopped what he was currently doing to look at her before smiling warmly.
"Ah my idiot brother, what about him?"
The look on Koala's face said it all. She was completely serious with what she was about to say, it slightly worried Sabo.
"Koala, tell me what's really bothering you? Is it Mariejois?" Sabo asked glancing back at his papers trying to distract himself.
"Of course It bothers me! Your brother killed innocent people, there were good people down there too." Koala said desperate to gain Sabo's full attention. He really was not in the mood to discuss the past, it was already over.
Koala continued, "I also heard rumors of what happened to the Sakazuki family. The citizens say it was a house fire caused by them leaving their stove on, but the soldiers say it was him. Sabo, he murdered a family." Koala argued causing Sabo to come around the table and embrace her.
The emperor couldn't help but feel sorry for the stress his girlfriend was feeling over all this. "Koala it's nothing to worry about, he's doing all this to protect not rule."
"Stop lying to me!" Koala snapped. Sabo stepped back to look her in the eyes.
"I'm not Koala, I seen what my brother lost. I have to help my family out no matter what, I made a vow to my family." He exclaimed hoping she would be in his side.
"Why did you change Sabo?" Koala asked quietly not looking directly at him.
"What do you mean? I'm still the same. See!" He places her hands at his cheeks stretching them out comically like she always did, except this time she didn't smile.
"Koala?" Sabo asked worried beyond measure at this point she was really hung up on this.
"You're actually enjoying this aren't you?" She asked almost silently. "Ever since you became an emperor, I didn't hear from you. It's like compared to your work, I always come second."
"What are you trying to say Koala?" Sabo asked pulling her into a hug. "I'm sorry, we can do this together from now on, I promise." Sabo offered with a warm smile.
"When I first joined I wanted nothing more than to take out the Celestial Dragons for making me a slave. Now that the revolution is over..." she took a deep breath before continuing, "I'm going to leave the ranks, and I want you to come with me." Koala said placing her hands in his.
"Where would we go?" Sabo asked pulling her closer to him. Anywhere she wanted to go so did he. "We'll be back right? A vacation of sorts." The emperor couldn't hold his grin back thinking of him and his girlfriend laid up on some beach.
Koala shook her head. "I'm serious Sabo, I'm leaving for good, I want you to come with me, leave this war behind. Luffy can take care of himself now."
Sabo stepped away from her embrace. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Koala was making him decide between her or his family. It was an impossible choice he couldn't make.
"Koala you should get some rest, your still tired." Sabo said trying to play off what she was telling him as her being tired and cranky. Without warning she hugged him grasping onto him making sure he couldn't get away.
"Sabo, come with me." She pleads looking into his eyes.
He couldn't recall ever being this torn in his life. Sabo could leave everything behind and start a life just like they talked about. After the revolution was over, they were supposed to retire to countryside and raise a family. The Regime and the rise of the high councilor changed all that. The emperor couldn't abandon his blood family even if he did love the woman in front of him more than anything.
"Koala I cant leave, not yet. My family needs me I can't just—" she cut him off.
"I need you! Sabo, don't do this." Koala pleaded again hoping to reach him.
His top hat covered his eyes so she couldn't read him. "I can't Koala...I love you with all my heart but, my family needs me right now—I promised I wouldn't leave their side, not now." He spoke softly.
Koala broke out of his grasp with a slight jerk. "Well, Sabo... I guess this is goodbye." The young woman was starting to let her tears fall. "I will always love you." She placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Your a good person, don't change Sabo, for me." With one last touch to his cheek. she was out of the room before he had a chance to move.
It took a few moments for Sabo to process what happened before his flames ignited in his fists. He'd never felt such fury in his life. The emperor trashed his office throwing furniture against the walls, punching holes through them, burning his carpet. He let out a loud yell of anguish not caring if anyone heard.
The only one that heard was Koala. She was leaning against a wall down the hallway, crying her eyes out listening to anguish she caused to the man she loved. The young woman knew she had to be strong, she made her choice, and he made his.
Sabo sat back at his desk pulling open the drawer to find his fire whisky. It was usually for celebrations or special occasions but he needed this. Never had he drank or cried that much in his life. He let the only woman he loved walk out of his life choosing his ambition over her. Maybe she was right, maybe he had changed. With only one thing left to do Sabo buried himself in his reports, tirelessly working like he'd always had.
Just before dawn the soldiers went to wake him up only to find him asleep at desk. Clutching the empty fire whisky in one hand and holding a picture of him, Koala, and Hack all happy after their first successful mission. How he wished he could return to those times. But now there was no going back, only pain and anger remained in his heart.
A/N: Next-Luffy recruits the best One Piece villain in over a decade; Katakuri. While the rejuvenated Straw Hat crew attempt to rescue Pudding before its too late. Remember every time you like,comment, or subscribe, one of your enemies gets destroyed. Thanks for reading.