The unending fleet of Regime Ships sailed toward the coast of Komugi Island, only a few hundred meters ahead. The three Regime emperors; Sabo, Kizaru, and Marco all stood at the front of the mothership taking in the sight of Totto Land.
"Are you sure this guy's going to even want to join us?" Marco asked the the two admirals.
Sabo wasn't exactly sure if this was the right move. He didn't know a thing about this Katakuri, there were only rumors.
"If my brother trusts him and says he's one of us then I have no doubts." Sabo said crossing his arms. Ever since his late night incident the previous night he vowed to never leave his family's side, even if they was willing to recruit an enemy.
"From what I heard he's head and shoulders above Big Mom's crew in terms of strength and use of his haki. Regardless of his reasoning, he's a necessity to have as an ally." Kizaru added leaning his foot on the railing to get a better look at the island now fast approaching.
"You know for once I agree with you." Marco said. Sabo ordered a nearby soldier to alert the high councilor it was time to disembark.
The soldier ran around the massive vessel asking Regime crew mates and soldiers if they'd seen the high councilor. Finally he checked the very back of the ship, stopping to find the high councilor on a knee digging in his man-made garden.
"High councilor we—" a hand silenced the young subordinate's words.
Luffy put the finishing touches on something he'd been working on all morning. A total of nine small mikan trees were evenly distributed among the soft soil. After digging the final spot, he gently laid the small plant in the hole covering it in one swoop— finally he added water from a small green can finishing his pastime farming. This was important for him to keep his sanity, it gave him peace. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he finally turned to face the soldier who was waiting patiently knowing his reason for making him wait.
"What is it soldier?" He asked calmly brushing the dirt from his hands.
"Komugi Island just up ahead sir!"
"Thank you soldier." Luffy headed towards the front of the ship to stand with his emperors. The time for war was near, just one last thing to do.
A group chess soldiers ran up to their governor, Charolette Katakuri screaming something about the Regime invasion.
Katakuri perked up slightly, hearing the Regime were invading his territory first. What the hell could they want with his Island? It was the main producer of flower for the main island, they were one of the peaceful societies in Totto Land. The nearly twelve foot tall man took pride in treating his citizens fairly and equally. He would not let the new established authority in the world reprimand or threaten his home in anyway.
Standing from his large throne he began to make his way to meet the high councilor. He wasn't exactly sure what happened to make the straw hat captain take the actions he did, but he intended to find out. It still didn't explain why he was here, if anything he assumed he would return to kill Big Mom like he vowed too.
Katakuri reached the front of the fortress only to be greeted by the four emperors. They showed no outward indication of fear, nor did he sense any hostile intent.
"High Councilor, what brings you to Komugi Island?" Katakuri said earnestly. He was a no nonsense type of guy, always professional.
The high councilor grinned taking a few steps toward him. "Isn't it obvious? I've come to make you my fourth emperor." Luffy states getting right to the point, he wanted a simple yes and to move on to Big Mom.
Katakuri folded his arms at the statement before responding. "Even if I wanted to, it's impossible, I'll be hunted and killed by Big mom. I'm afraid you wasted your time high councilor."
The rubber man just shook his head.
"I am here to kill Big Mom, would you join then? I keep my promises."
"You know I'm loyal to my mother, I have an obligation to protect the citizens of Totto Land." Katakuri said stepping closer to the group, they did not back down.
The high councilor could understand what he meant. It was his devotion to keep his siblings and the citizens safe that he really cared about.
"You know damn well, Big Mom would gladly kill everyone to obtain sweets—even your siblings you care so much about. That's why I want to make you Big Mom's successor, to make Totto Land better." The high councilor said folding his arms waiting for Katakuri's answer.
"I want more than anything to protect my loved ones. So if you really are planning to take down my mother, it won't be easy." Katakuri re-examined the group in front of him. He's heard of everyone of them. They were unique onto each other, but similarly he could see they shared the commonality of pain; great losses. All were very much respected in their own right, sharing a single common goal to make the world better.
"It will be easier with you as my emperor." Luffy stated slightly running out of patience.
Katakuri used his Kenbunshoku haki to see into the future. The emperors made no move to attack him. It was clear to him the high councilor was waiting for him to come with him.
"Just answer me this straw hat, why do all this? What happened from the last time we met till now?" Katakuri asked.
Luffy knew that was a loaded question, there was too much to explain in too little time. "We are the same Katakuri, we both fight to protect what we love. You can be different from me, I lost my loved ones—I'm determined to make the world better, so that nothing like that happens again; I want to protect not rule."
Satisfied with the answer Katakuri uncrossed his arms. "If you are planning to launch an all out war, I have a condition about joining."
"Whatever it is, it's done." Luffy stated ready to depart.
Katakuri's smile could be seen even from under his mouth wraps. "My sister siblings all live, they are not to be hurt."
"Done." The high councilor shook Katakuri's hand earning grins from the other emperors. Katakuri shook the other emperor's hands as well, the power emitting off him impressed them. It was also noble of his only request to protect the woman in his family, they could respect an honorable condition.
The chess soldiers were content with what they witnessed they were now allied with the Regime. In was no secret to the Komugi Island governor wanted to take down Big Mom, the high councilor gave him an opportunity. The leader of the chess soldiers gave the order to his many underlings to pile onto the Regime ships—some stayed behind to guard the citizens. The soldiers were loyal to their governor, it showed what type of leader he was. The high councilor knew he made the right decision.
"Also high councilor, there's one recruit you might want, he's in the seducing forest." Katakuri offered.
"I'll take you there." A second later the duo were gone with a loud boom heading towards the larger island in the distance.
"Alright, now we got a chance gentlemen." Sabo said heading back to the ship. They would continue on schedule, invading Big Mom's forces head on.
"Hmm.. I'm glad he's on our side." Kizaru added.
The three flew back to the ship in an instant, marching the main armada towards their destination. It wasn't long now, the Regime would obtain Totto Land.
The straw hat pirates with the exception of Franky, stood at the front gates of the Germa Kingdom awaiting the Vinsmoke family's arrival.
"Hey Sanji, you think maybe their not home?" Usopp asked impatiently trying to see any movement from inside the castle.
Sanji knew his family was here. Big Mom's forces would hunt them down in the open sea. This is the only place that is secure enough for them to stay.
"They're here just wait—"
As if on cue the large gate began to slowly open making the crew take a couple steps back. The Vinsmoke family were all in attendance; Vinsmoke Judge led the pack followed by his siblings— Reiju, Ichiji, Niji, and the youngest Yonji.
"Sanji my boy, the prodigal son has returned at last. Have you come to take your place as my son finally." Vinsmoke Judge smirked at the crew in front of him.
It was a much larger group than they previously had. The three brothers rushed over to the ladies of the crew ogling them.
"C-Carrot it's nice to see you again." Ichiji exclaimed with hearts coming out of his goggles.
"Who's your friend, Carrot." Yonji asked examining Wanda with drool pooling around his feet.
In an instant their attention all shifted to Robin who stood there calmly observing them.
"W-whaaaaa! SOOO HOT!" The three brothers yelled in unison, blood rocketing out of their nose sending them into the nearby harbor.
"What the hell was that?" Wanda asked Carrot who could only sweat drop at the antics.
"It sorta runs in Sanji's family." Carrot deadpanned.
Robin could only look on in amusement giggling at the siblings behavior. She was starting to feel better since they took on this mission.
Reiju tightly hugged her younger brother remembering not wanting to separate after reuniting. After the wedding she saw her brother in an entirely different light. She began to respect him as a warrior in his own right and more importantly recaptured their connection they had as children.
Zoro coughed to break up the siblings reunion. Sanji turned his attention back to his father.
"I'm still not your son!" Sanji shouted loudly gaining everyone's attention—his brothers climbed up on the harbor to see the commotion.
The chef continued, "but I need your help, now more than ever. I came here to because I made a promise come back for a really good friend of mine. We can't do this without you guys, I can't do this without you guys."
Vinsmoke Judge blinked a few times before the man started bursting out with laughter ringing throughout the kingdom. He walked to stand only a foot away from Sanji placing his hand on his shoulder smirking; "Look who finally became a man, maybe you are my son after all." The Judge said patting his son's shoulder again.
"Of course we'll help you." Reiju added standing with his three other siblings.
"Congrats big bro." Yonji gave him a thumbs up. The other two nodded following the gesture.
Vinsmoke Judge spoke again. "We were waiting for you to come back, my son." The Judge turned on his heel back toward the castle shouting orders to gear up and invade Big Mom's castle. The guards woke up the clone army, activating the pods, releasing them for battle.
"It's your guys' lucky day Sanji." Niji said running his hand through his blue hair.
"Yeah why's that?"
"The High Councilor and his Regime are invading Big Mom's fortress as we speak."
The crew were shocked to find out the Regime were here and already advancing. They all knew seeing Luffy again was a possibility. The group began to perk up ready to advance into Big Mom's territory.
'Thank you for keeping your promise, Luffy.' Sanji thought before turning to his family again. "We'll take the Sunny, we'll get there in no time."
"Okay our ships will follow." Reiju added smiling warmly.
Vinsmokes and Straw Hats alike piled into the Sunny. With a command for Zoro, the ship burst out from the harbor making its way towards Totto Land's capitol— Germa 66 freight ships rallied close behind. The straw hat's mission was officially underway.
Luffy and Katakuri landed In an open clearing deep in the heart of the seducing woods. The area looked all too familiar to Luffy as he scanned the surrounding forest.
"There" Katakuri pointed to a man eating biscuits only meters away. The two approached the figure coming to stand a few feet away. Noticing the large looming shadow the man immediately stood at attention.
"Brother Katakuri, what do— Argh! What the hell are you doing with straw hat?!" The taller man yelled taking a step back.
Katakuri took a few steps forward. "Brother Cracker, it's time." He said simply.
The general looked slightly spooked to see the fearsome duo. He wouldn't attack his brother, he addressed the high councilor.
"There's something different about you Straw Hat. Regardless, I can't join unless I know why your doing all this." Cracker spoke through grit teeth. He wanted to join his brother, but he needed answers first.
Luffy thought he could kill two birds with one stone. He would make sure they would dedicate to his cause, by speaking his truth.
"The woman I came here with, the last time we fought. She was my family, she was everything. I lost her, in all this." The high councilor looked towards the glaring sun, inhaling the cool breeze. He remembered his garden back on the ship, wishing he was there at this moment; he continued, "I'm doing all this, too make sure that doesn't happen to anyone again—to make the world better than it ever was."
The brothers stood there processing what he'd spoken.
"I-I understand now. That woman..." Cracker said trailing off. He remembered her well. The tenacity she fought him with. She was willing to lose her life to save her friends. Telling him it's only natural for family to risk their lives for one another; he had admired her. "I'm sorry for your loss, she was very brave."
Luffy could only half smile at his words, they brought him no solace. Both the brothers picked up on this. They could tell everything he said was authentic, he'd spoken his truth. It was Cracker's turn to tell his.
"High Councilor, I would've never harmed her, like the coward who did. She was impressive in battle, without her ingenuity, I might've won our battle. I didn't use lethal force, I was only trying to draw you out. I can already tell that you'd give anything to bring that woman back." Cracker spoke stepping closer to the pair.
"Allow me to join the Regime, high councilor." Cracker took a knee planting his sword in the ground.
The high councilor put a hand to his shoulder.
"I believe you, I believe that your honorable, and Katakuri can't do this without you—now stand up Warlord, we're late." Luffy said offering a hand.
Cracker took his hand shaking it firmly.
"Well looks like it's finally time then eh Brother?"
Katakuri nodded towards Luffy. In an instant he wrapped them up, flying towards their forces mounting on the shore. The battle was about to start.
Charlotte Linlin was busy on the throne barking orders to her children to get the beaches. The Regime were already landing with an armada large enough to conquer the world.
Pudding sat beside her raging mom as she scolded Charlotte: Smoothie, Galette, Amande, and Brulee. The four wanted their mom to stay in the fortress, while Linlin wanted to annihilate the hostiles in one foul swoop. The sisters were concerned about Big Mom destroying the entire island in the process.
A lone chess soldier ran interrupting the shouting, he risked death by the former yonko.
"Momma! Straw Hat Pirates and Germa 66 forces are attacking the rear of the castle, we need more reinforcements!" Big Mom dispatched the four sisters before heading off to confront the Regime.
"Pudding stay put, this will be over soon." Big mom said slamming the door to the throne room shut.
Pudding hadn't moved an inch in her seat. The woman had a light blush to her cheeks. The straw hat pirates returned to Whole Cake Island. The day she dreamt about since the wedding. Sanji was coming back for her, just like he said.
"What's got you so worked— oh it's him." Nitro pouted. The blue gelatin hoped on Pudding's lap shaking her firmly. "Hey snap out of it girlie will ya."
Gently she put him on the ground standing from her seat, her hand on her heart.
"Sanji.." she said softer than a whisper.
The Regime army gathered over a hundred thousand crowding the beaches. The soldiers were all chanting their motto.
Sabo stood with his fellow emperors raising his pipe In the air causing an uproar of yells reaching the Big Mom Army only standing a hundred meters away.
"BROTHERS!" Sabo yelled.
"FAMILY!" The Regime armada shouted back.
"FAMILY!" Sabo repeated pacing back and forth furiously. He was getting fired up, literally. The war chant perfectly encapsulated what the Regime were fighting for; their families back home and their brothers on the battlefield. That was the difference between the two armies. The Regime fought for a higher purpose; for their loved ones, their comrades, and the future.
"BROTHERS!" The Regime armada yelled back, causing Sabo to ignite his pipe with fire. The soldiers began pumping themselves up staying on their toes.
"Right on schedule." Marco smirked igniting his Phoenix flames.
With a loud crash the High Councilor emerged with Charlotte Katakuri and Cracker.
The Big Mom Pirates noticed the alliance shift. The lone sweet general Smoothie was the first to notice.
"Katakuri...Cracker damn you both." She said catching the attention of her remaining three strongest brothers. Charlotte Perospero, Daifuku, and Oven—couldn't get over the fact two-thirds of their sweet generals defected. They had to hold out until Big Mom arrived. Outnumbered by a couple thousand they knew it would be an all or nothing battle.
"Do we kill them Smoothie?" Daifuku asked not taking his eyes off the Regime.
The tall silver haired woman was torn for a moment. "Yes we do what we have to, no mercy."
Luffy stood with his dream team, Sabo, Marco, Kizaru, Katakuri, and Cracker— ready to go to war.
"It's on you Brother." Sabo said taking a step behind the high councilor.
Luffy looked back to see his Regime war ready. His team of five activated their abilities ready to go.
"BROTHERS!" The high councilor screamed out forcing Big Mom's forces to take a step back.
"FAMILY!" Came the shouts from a well over hundred thousand strong.
Smiling with satisfaction, Luffy activated his dragon release form.
"CHAAAARGE!" Luffy shouted nearly breaking his otherworldly voice.
Thunderous war cries broke out across the Regime forces, as they dashed towards the opponent's front lines. The Regime closed the distance in a matter of seconds. The two sides clashing with such force the island shook violently.
The allied forces immediately got the upper hand. The chess warriors and homies were no match for the superior speed and training of the Regime soldiers.
Luffy took on Daifuku slamming his head into the ground with a gear third fist. The giant got up recovering in no time, calling forth his Hoya Hoya no Mi fruit powers. A large genie appeared from his chest as he rubbed his torso.
"It's over now Straw Hat, I took out 100 lethal assassins with this technique."
As the genie approached the high councilor, he simply gripped the end of the genie's blade with his hellfire/haki infused hand.
"W-what—" in a matter of seconds his genie shattered into a million pieces dispersing in the air. Luffy without a moments hesitation slashed off both Daifuku's arms at once rendering him useless. Retracting his hellfire bladed arms, he began slashing through chess soldiers defending his soldiers, he was going to protect everyone.
Cracker in his armored biscuit warriors wrecked havoc among the battlefield tossing chess warriors and homies aside like rag dolls.
Kizaru worked in tandem with Cracker's biscuit minions to keep the chess warriors at bay. His light infused attacks were too quick for anyone to keep up with.
A wave of nausea hit the emperor as he dropped to a knee. Time slowed down as he felt his body partially shut down.
"Time to die, Borsalino Kizaru." A short stalky unusual looking man in a mask spoke, drawing his sword nearly twice his body size.
"Boyoyon." Bishop Bobbins hummed trying to put Kizaru to sleep.
The short man rose his gigantic sword ready to finish him.
"Too slow." Kizaru smirked calmly vanishing into a ray of light.
Bishop took a few steps back cautiously before he was felt a sharp searing pain rip through the left side of his chest. A light sword emerged from his body. Trying to grab the light sword with his hands, it only melted his flesh.
"I call this technique, your dying now." Kizaru stated abruptly pulling the blade out, making the Bishop fall dead face first.
"Scum" Kizaru said vanishing into a ray of light returning to battle.
Marco glided through the air screeching loudly to alert the Regime ships to return artillery fire. The Phoenix began intercepting the Big Mom ships breaking through each of the hulls one by one.
Landing on a ship he began to slash and cut through the warriors using his flamed talons. He moved at the top speed, his phoenix form bursting through the reinforced ships like paper, setting them ablaze in the process.
Marco reverted to his human form briefly, running along the deck of Perospero's ship, dodging the chess soldiers hopping side to side. He leapt high in the air directly above the cabin of the ship returning to flaming Phoenix form once again, destroying a formidable ship like nothing.
Perospero wasted no time hoping onto his mother's grand ship; Queen Mama Chanter. The mothership was about ten times the size of a Regime vessel or roughly twenty times the size of the Sunny.
Marco dashed for Perospero aiming to take him out in an instant. The tall lanky man jumped out of the way of Marco as he began throwing flames at the vessel, setting it ablaze. Homies began immediately trying to put out the fires to no avail.
Perospero threw any candy as fast as he could create using his Pero Pero no Mi fruit. Candy corn, large chocolate bars, candy canes all too no avail, Marco's flames melted everything.
Seeing an opportunity Perospero ran along the ship, forcing Marco to revert into his partial human form, only keeping his flaming wings. Marco walked along the ship's deck slowly looking for the missing combatant. In a moment he vanished, nowhere to be seen. Without warning sticky taffy latched onto his body trapping him.
"Well, Well now... looks like I bagged me a Regime emperor. Once my candy seeps into you, you'll be dead within minutes." Perospero laughed sticking his long tongue out.
"Apparently you don't know who I am...let me show you!" Marco's great Phoenix form returned burning the taffy into ashes.
"T-that's impossible." The lanky man stepped back throwing as many candies shields as he could. It was useless, the Phoenix launched him into the air with a powerful talon kick, sending him high into the sky. Marco in instant was trailing Perospero knocking him further into the atmosphere with his mythical zoan technique. Once he was nearly to the clouds, Marco let gravity pull Perospero down before chasing after him again. Perospero desperately tried to shield himself with his candy armor. The Big Mom Pirate felt the flaming beak pierce his armor, exiting out his back. Before he could counter the Phoenix began to rotate rapidly at a three hundred sixty degree pace, gradually picking up speed.
The battle was interrupted by a large boom signaling something reentered the atmosphere. The sky brightened as a teal meteor made its way towards the Queen Mama Chanter.
Katakuri was battling his former sweet general comrade, and sister Smoothie. The two briefly stopped to look at their brother descending rapidly toward the mothership.
"NAAAA!" Perospero screamed turning his head to see impact was a few seconds away.
The Queen Mama Chanter became engulfed in a large teal explosion. Phoenix flames surrounding the gargantuan ship, ultimately breaking it into two. The vessel sunk within a matter of seconds. A moment later the Flaming Phoenix broke through the waters surface releasing a ear-splitting screech. The ground soldiers let out a war chant mimicking their victorious emperor, this battle was beginning to shift.
Smoothie turned her attention back to Katakuri with a hurt expression.
"Is this what you wanted Katakuri?" Smoothie asked slightly letting her guard down. Out of the siblings their bond was unshakable. He took her under his wing too help her achieve the rank of sweet general. She wondered what the hell all of that was for if he was planning on betraying them.
"I'm getting you out of here." Katakuri spoke activating his Mochi Mochi no Mi ability. Quickly dissolving into adhesive he bonded his sister's hands and ankles. Slinging her over his shoulder, he bounded towards Kizaru who was not to far away from him.
"Borsalino" Katakuri called out. In a matter of seconds the emperor obliterated all nearby chess warriors before teleporting next to him.
"How may I help?" He asked nonchalantly.
"Get Smoothie to the castle, and give an update on Big mom's location. She may not be far." Katakuri stated much to his sister's ignored protests.
Kizaru regarded his sister for a moment before glancing at the retreating form of Katakuri who was already back in the fray.
"Don't listen to that idiot! We fight, you Regime scum." Smoothie shouted trying to break the adhesive.
"Y'know before joining, your brother had one request to the high councilor and one only—No harm would come to his sisters. You're lucky to have such a caring sibling." Kizaru wisely said adjusting his shades, not minding the battle going on around him.
"Katakuri... you idiot." Smoothie spoke barley audible.
"Hold on tight okayyy?" Kizaru rhetorically asked grabbing her by the collar.
"Wait what do you—"
In instant the two vanished toward Big Mom's chateau.
The straw hats used the Regime's assault to their full advantage. The castle remained mostly empty as the Straw Hat-Germa 66 alliance broke through the back entrance battling endless amounts of chess warriors, before bursting through the gate.
"Alright we get Pudding then we're out of here, this is not our war." Captain Zoro said bursting toward the incoming hostiles.
Charlotte Amande, Cinnamon, Brûlée, and Galette arrived in time to halt the intruders.
The four Big Mom crew members dispersed clashing with the combatants.
Kizaru arrived in time to see the duels spread out in different directions throughout the fort. They were all Katakuri's sister siblings, he could not assist the straw hats. Dropping Smoothie he shot a light ray realeasing her leg binds before vanishing again to the Regime War.
Smoothie hoped to her feet in a hurry running to find one of her youngest sisters, Pudding. She knew what the straw hats and Germa 66 were after.
Reaching the throne room she swiftly kicked the double doors open.
"Pudding, your in danger we have to go, Now!" Smoothie yelled wasting no time slinging her sister over her shoulder.
"Wait sis, I'm not in danger I—" before Pudding could finish Smoothie dashed for her sister's room.
Sanji desperately tracked Pudding. Moments later he came across the empty throne room with a familiar blue blob.
"Oh it's you lover boy." Nitro said puffing his cigar.
"Where's Pudding?!" The chef had no time to waste.
Nitro hopped onto his shoulder securing himself to him.
"Believe it or not she's been waiting for this for along time kid. I want to see her happy too. Now come on I'll guide you, but you'll be facing a sweet general. Are you ready for that?" Nitro asked hiding his small fedora over his eyes.
"Whatever it takes."
"I knew you were worthy, now let's go straight ahead, up the stairs!"
Without wasting time he soared up the stairs pursuing Pudding's captor.
Germa 66 and the straw hats successfully subdued the four sisters with overwhelming numbers. Without Smoothie they had no chance of winning the fight.
With a dust off of his hands, Franky finished yanking the reinforced rope, typing the hostiles together.
"You'll never win against Big Mom, she'll destroy everything before losing this war." Brûlée smirked towards their captors.
Zoro smirked in return before speaking, "Sorry this ain't our war, were just here for our friend."
The four sisters eyes widened as they realized what they were after.
"Smoothie will kill all you." Galette said through grit teeth, the attempts to break the binds were useless.
The group ignored her as a Vinsmoke royal guard ran up to the Judge. "Sir our freighter has arrived on the battlefield, reinforcements successfully granted to the Regime."
"Excellent." The Judge as well the family turned to the straw hats. "We were honored to be apart of your rescue mission, but now it's time to align ourselves with the Regime. It's time to make the world a better place." Vinsmoke Judge said gaining a respectful nod from his audience.
"It was all thanks to your son Judge." Robin added with a warm smile.
The family could only nod in agreement. "Thank you again straw hats, take care of them both." The Judge turned towards his children. "NOW GERMA! DISPERSE!" In a flash they disappeared towards the battlefield joining their army— aiding the Regime's efforts to overthrow Big Mom.
Luffy made his way over to Sabo as the brothers stood back to back incinerating incoming warriors.
Several new Big Mom pirates appeared from the remaining ships, jumping onto the battlefield. Making their presence felt by slaughtering some of the Regime forces.
The two brothers in a dance of flames confronted the new players.
Led by Charlotte Mont-d'Or, followed by his brothers, Snack, Bavarois, Brownie, Mascarpone, Decuplets, and Basskarte.
Compared to Sabo and Luffy, they were small fry. It didn't deter the group in the slightest, but they had no idea what the high councilor was capable of.
What concerned Luffy more than the several men in front of him, were the remaining reinforcements that intended to flank his advancing army from behind. The situation could get tricky if they managed to pull it off, it could cause heavy casualties on their side.
A loud blare from a large freighter in the distance drew the flanking armies' attention. Germa 66 joined the Regime in the battle. Endless amounts of clone soldiers poured out from the enormous snail freighter, heading to flank Big Mom's reinforcements. Sabo and Luffy looked up to see Sanji's family in their raid suits land at their side. The brother's eyes sparkled, admiring the suits and the spectacle of the entrance.
"High councilor, Allow us to handle these Big Mom nobodies." The Judge spoke cracking his knuckles.
"All yours." He responded flying back to their forces in the center of the chaotic battlefield. With Sabo holding onto his tail, the two brothers landed next to Kizaru who appeared just seconds earlier.
"High councilor, Big Mom is nearly here. She's sent her remaining four sons to finish our forces. By the way, your friends' mission is underway." Kizaru said drawing his light sword from thin air, vanishing in a ray of light.
A renewed energy filled the high councilor as he and his brother fought their way towards the incoming opponents.
The two Charlotte twins arrived: Cadenza and Cabaletta. The impact of their arrival caused a mini quake to rock the nearby vicinity.
"Remember us straw hat, you'll pay for killing our brethren." The brothers said in unison igniting their haki fists.
"Well brother, lets see which pair of siblings are stronger." Sabo spoke igniting his great flames.
Luffy pointed his index finger towards the brothers. A tiny black cerulean sphere appeared at his fingertip. It gradually grew into the size of an orange.
Sabo gathered his flames in the palm of his hand. The red flames gradually grew casting a large shadow over the brothers.
The Charlotte twins combined their fists, powerful winds began surrounding their bodies.
"This attack is impenetrable. You should've brought your bitch straw hat, you might've had a chance." Cadenza taunted much to the shock of his twin brother, he didn't expect to hear that.
The dark rage radiated from the young high councilor. Sabo and Luffy's attacks were released simultaneously, causing the twins to charge with their ultimate attack.
The small hellfire sphere entered the red flames fireball, creating a Magenta glow with black flames fluctuating unpredictability— the attack was impenetrable. The Charlotte twins were shocked the fireball rotated while picking up speed.
The brilliant Magenta color caught the eye of every combatant on the island. Basking Whole Cake Island in a unique Violet-Reddish glow. The fireball sent the twins high into the sky negating their ultimate attack.
Saving his younger brother from death, the older Cabaletta yanked his brother's wrist, tossing him out of harms way as the fireball continued its path into the clouds. Moments later the sky exploded creating a massive wind, sending Cadenza crashing towards the ground.
Luffy and Sabo stood over the fallen twin as he looked up at the pair.
"H-high councilor, I renounce Big mom! Forgive me for my remarks, I swear loyalty to you!" Cadenza screamed desperately.
Luffy regarded the fallen twin for a moment before nodding toward Sabo, abruptly flying off.
"T-thank you." Cadenza spoke still in shock after witnessing his brother's sacrifice and the high councilor's rage.
Sabo drew his pipe igniting it in flames. He placed the pipe slowly over the man's neck. Digging his heels in the ground he roughly jammed the sharper end of the pipe into his throat causing him to gargle up blood, killing him instantly.
"For my brother." Sabo said quietly before disappearing in a dance of flames.
Another pair of brothers in the not so far distance Katakuri and Cracker came upon their fallen brother Daifuku.
"Katakuri... Cracker...why did you betray Mama." Daifuku spoke laying flat on his back. The loss of his arms made him useless, no longer being able to summon his genie.
Katakuri and Cracker glanced at each other before the older brother answered. "Big Mom has been destroying her own land for decades, and will gladly kill everyone for sweets."
"It's was only a matter time brother Daifuku, how long would it have been before she killed you?" Cracker asked remembering when she consumed their brother for trying to contain her rage. They remembered their brother grimly, he was only protecting the capitol and their citizens. Something all of them knew wasn't possible if Big Mom remained alive.
"Well..." The brother coughed in agony before continuing, "I'm glad it's you two, I know you'll make this place better than it ever was. Protect our sisters, my brothers." Daifuku said coughing violently once again, the brothers knew his time was near.
Daifuku looked to his elder brother Katakuri. "Don't let me suffer out here and die in agony. I want to go peacefully, please end it." The blonde giant begged his brother.
Katakuri wanted to refuse his brother but he knew he was right. He didn't want him to suffer more than he already had.
"We'll be with you till the end." Cracker spoke kneeling beside his brother.
"I love you all." He said before nodding towards Katakuri.
"We all love you brother." Katakuri and Cracker grasped Daifuku's shoulders, letting him know they would be there until the end.
"I'm ready." Daifuku said closing his eyes one last time. Katakuri summoned the adhesive from his body spreading it over his brother's mouth and nose. Daifuku began to twitch as the air remained trapped in his body. The two brothers let silent tears fall as he let out his last suffocated gasp finally laying still.
Katakuri and Cracker gave a few moments of respectful silence. As soon as it was over, Katakuri nodded towards Cracker, the two had a war to finish.
The battle was nearing its end. Big mom's forces could spare no reinforcements. It had been a slaughter since the beginning. The high councilor turned two sweet generals against her while the other was missing in action. The Regime smartly went after Big Mom's mothership and strongest crew members first; systematically taking her forces down from the inside-out and from the top-down.
The remaining brothers all surrendered fearing to lose their lives after losing all sweet generals and their strongest crew members. The seven brothers were captured by Germa 66. Oven had taken his brother Katakuri's side after seeing the rest of his brothers fall. Charlotte Nusstorte and Noisette also joined in Katakuri's liberation of the island. There was only one person left to fight; Big Mom.
The Regime commanders had pushed the chess warriors to the brink, but the battle raged on.
Seeing as all the major Big Mom crew mates were incapacitated or dead, Luffy went after Big Mom. Flying towards the chateau he caught her slowly making her way towards the battlefield. Each step she took caused a tremor.
Diving with great speed toward her, he activated his third gear fist. "Hellfire Elephant Gun!" Luffy yelled connecting his fists with hers. Her hand was able to negate his attack. She hadn't budged an inch. The flames began to sear her flesh causing her to yell in pain. Grabbing him by his arm, and to his surprise flinging him with great strength back to the castle. The high councilor couldn't stop his momentum, he flew with great velocity towards the fortress.
Sanji and Nitro finally made their way to the top of the stairs. Turning to the right was a long hallway with a large window overlooking the entirety of the island. To the immediate left were two large double doors.
"Right through those doors kid, good luck." Nitro said puffing his cigar anxiously.
Sanji nodded in response to the blob on his shoulder.
Kicking the door down, he found Smoothie already charging him without warning. With a haki inflamed kick he was able to block her broadsword.
"So you've come to take my sister have you? You'll have to kill me to do it." Smoothie said drawing back her sword again swinging it violently smashing the other door against the frame. Noticing her blade was stuck, the chef didn't waste time.
"Diablo Jiambe." Sanji leapt into the air throwing a flurry of fiery kicks to the woman who continued parrying his kicks with her sword.
He was already starting to feel the pain in his leg creep in. If he drew this fight out it wouldn't last long.
"Your a fool to come back, I'll turn your insides to liquid and drink them slowly while your still alive." Smoothie offered licking her lips.
"I'll finish this quickly then." He spoke earning a laugh from the sweet general.
"Oh my, what confidence. No wonder my sister is smitten with you. It's a shame I have to kill you." Smoothie said smirking.
"Poele a Frire: Specter!" A great light shot made contact with Smoothie's enlarged sword causing a mild knock back of the two combatants.
"Nitro check on Pudding, go now." Sanji wheezed slightly, recovering from the blow back. Wordlessly the blue gelatin scurried into the room looking for the woman. He found her sitting in the far corner with adhesive over her mouth.
"Hey girlie, you doing alright? You'll never guess who's outside." The blob said carefully peeling the glue off her lips.
Before they could react the pair were halted by Smoothie, who recovered from the Specter shot.
"Sis let me through, I'm leaving." Pudding said attempting to march past her sister.
Smoothie lightly chuckled snatching her arm. "Your not going anywhere sis, Momma will kill me if she found out I let you walk away."
"It's too late sis! Look around, it's over—we lost!" Pudding shouted causing her sister's eyes to widen.
"Pudding!" Sanji exclaimed with a smile leaning on the doorway for support.
"Sanji!" She said tears threatening to spill out.
"Go get em girlie." Nitro grinned.
Smoothie wouldn't let Pudding's arm go. "We're family sis, I can't let you.." before she could finish Nitro jumped on her, expanding his gelatinous body around her.
"Go! Go now! I can't hold her long." Nitro desperately yelled. Pudding met Sanji at the door, she held him at arms length.
"Sanji we can't leave Nitro, please." She said looking to him for help. Without hesitation he ignited his right leg. There was one attack he had left.
Nitro was thrown against the wall near the door, slumping down in a haze.
"Nitro!" The couple yelled looking at their injured friend.
"What the hell is wrong with you! You hurt your sister and now your friend. I've had enough!" Sanji yelled rage filling his eyes.
Pudding placed Nitro in her arms gently, silently thanking him for creating her escape from Smoothie's grasp. The young woman was in awe of Sanji's determination to set her free. It was just like she dreamed, the tears threatened to spill again.
"Diablo Jiambe- Bien Cuit:Grill Shot!" The ultimate attack broke Smoothie's sword in half sending her crashing through the far wall. Immediately after the attack was over Sanji's leg began to give out.
He quickly covered it in his remaining haki to stand up fully.
"Sanji you did it!" Pudding hurled herself in his arms. The chef pulled her up by her waist spinning her in circles causing her to giggle.
"Okay, Okay put me down already." She giggled with a pink tint on her cheeks.
Sanji obeyed placing her feet on the ground. He didn't attempt to let go of her waist. Pudding felt him pull her closely to him so their noses were touching.
"I told you, I'd come for you." He smiled graciously.
"I knew you would, I knew it." Pudding wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him to her.
The two kissed passionately for the second time. They couldn't get close enough as they deepened the kiss causing the two to grow scarlet.
"Ahem! Ahem! HEY! Come on you two, I'm happy you confessed your love for one another, but I don't want to see that! Jeez, kids these days." Nitro said puffing his cigar with a slight grin.
Pudding still had a blush on her face picking her friend up off the ground. "Don't be jealous Nitro, you were brave too." She said kissing him on the cheek.
Sanji had never been happier in his life. In a matter of nearly two weeks he went from being depressed about the loss of his two friends—to reuniting with the love of his life. It truly was a fairytale ending for the two of them.
Sanji approached the two with a grin on his face.
"My crew is waiting downstairs, we all came to pick you up." The cook smiled interlocking his hands with Pudding.
She drew closer to him leaning on his shoulder. "Sanji...Thank you."
"Pudding I-" Sanji started but was interrupted by the window down the hall busting open with a loud crash. Sanji defensively shielded Pudding from the glass and debris. Nitro sensing the danger expanded his body once more to shield the couple.
"Thanks Nitro." They both said in unison. The two were now a team, Nitro couldn't help but smirk before waving them off.
Turning toward the shattered window they saw a fearsome creature with a massive wingspan kneeling on the ground, obviously recovering from an attack.
Sanji knew exactly who it was right away. He cautiously took a few steps forward trying not to make noise.
The creature seemed to already be aware of their presence as it stood, turning over its shoulder to look at them.
The trio froze and dared not to make a move. Sanji knew there was no doubt this was his former captain Monkey D Luffy. Now, he seemed completely different, no longer did his eyes reflect hope. They were cold and calculating, the eyes of a killer. Sanji took a few steps forward before Pudding attempted to pull him back.
"It's okay, stay put." Sanji continued approaching the creature now only meters away.
"Luffy" Sanji called out causing the horned creature to look at him fully showing him the full extent of his wings. The chef noticed a small smirk on his face as his eyes shifted to the other two then back to Sanji.
"Luffy" Sanji said louder than before. "Luffy...you don't have to blame yourself. We don't blame you...you can come back." The desperation to reach his former captain was evident in his voice.
The high councilor turned his back to the trio but kept his eyes on his former cook.
"Luffy... we don't blame you... for what happened to N—" before Sanji could finish, Luffy was airborne heading back towards the battlefield.
Sanji shielded the other two from the massive wind created by Luffy's dragon released state.
"W-was that really Luffy?" Pudding asked interlocking her fingers with Sanji's. More than anything he wanted to tell her it wasn't. But he knew by the way he reacted to what he was about to say—there was no doubt in his mind now.
"Pudding we have to go, the Regime can handle this."
Sanji pulled the other two along with him down the stairs.
"Sanji... what you were about to say back there? Is that why he's like this, because of what happened to her?" Pudding was dreading it not to be true. She heard rumors but she'd dared not believe it.
"Yeah it is." Sanji grimly said continuing to pull Pudding along. Even if Luffy had other intentions for invading Big Mom's territory, he was grateful. Without the all out war, it would've made things a whole lot worse for the Straw Hats. He figured Sabo told Luffy about where they were which made him double down on his war. A small smile came to his face. 'Thank you, for keeping your promise Luffy, even after all of this.'
The trio reached the bottom of the stairs heading to meet the others by the back gate. They didn't notice Smoothie still pursuing them, albeit with a slight limp.
"Guys, I got Pudding let's move out!" Sanji yelled excitedly towards the waiting crew.
"Bout damn time, shitty cook." Zoro said clearly out of patience.
The crew all stared at Sanji's beautiful bride.
"We can catch up later, first we gotta get to the ship!" Chopper yelled as the castle shook from incoming fire.
"Right!" Everyone said in unison rushing for the exit.
Sanji stopped with Pudding briefly. "Goodbye my sisters, I love you all." She stated hugging her four sisters before running off with the chef.
"PUDDING!" The four sisters yelled desperately trying to free themselves. A pair of slow moving footsteps broke them from their shouting as the rope was cut setting them free.
"Sister Smoothie?" Galette asked reaching out for her older sister.
"Its over.." she said softly. "We lost...and I don't recognize this family anymore." The silver bangs covered the long legged woman's eyes. "Our sister sided with strangers to escape from us, like we were holding her prisoner." Tears flowed from the usually stoic woman's eyes. Her sister's had never seen her cry before.
"The family has turned against Momma, while the others are dead. Katakuri is taking Big Mom's place." Smoothie spoke still letting her tears fall.
Cinnamon placed her hand on the tall lady's shoulder. "It's just like we planned sis, we knew this day would come." She added continuing to comfort her sister.
"I'm going with the Straw Hat Pirates." Smoothie stated. The sisters didn't have much of a reaction. They were saddened to lose family, but if Smoothie wanted to go they couldn't stop her even if they tried.
The sisters shared a final warm hug, before Smoothie dashed out the exit racing after the Straw Hats.
Amande was the first one to speak. "We need to help brother Katakuri and the Regime in anyway possible."
The sisters made their way toward the battlefield to see the climax of the war.
Zoro piled everyone on board signaling Franky to disembark.
"Captain we got one more comin!" Franky shouted causing Zoro to turn back to the Island. It was one of Big Mom's sweet generals. He put his hand on his hilt to prepare for a fight.
"Wait! That's my sister!" Pudding came to stand next to captain waving to her big sis.
"Sister Smoothie, what are you doing here?" Pudding asked a hint of curiosity played at her features.
"I'm joining the crew of course, someone has to keep you safe!" Smoothie said climbing on board forcing the two to take a few steps back.
"Really! I'm so happy!" Pudding exclaimed hugging her sister's leg tightly.
After Smoothie introduced herself to the crew she turned back to the captain.
"So how bout it captain?" She asked a slight smile at her lips. Zoro was not amused, he didn't trust her, solely basing it on her height.
"I think we're already full—" he turned his head to nearly barf seeing the newest couple all lovied up on the railing. He knew with Pudding on board, Sanji would never be vice captain again. The old cook returned, as the hearts in eyes gleamed over the young woman. Sighing he turned back to Smoothie a slight grin on his face.
"Oi welcome aboard vice captain!" He shook her hand firmly signaling she was an official member.
"It's an honor." She smiled warmly joining the rest of the crew.
"Franky! Let's motivate!" Zoro shouted earning a thumbs from the ship wright.
The Thousand Sunny departed Whole Cake Island slowly drifting away from the Island. Zoro couldn't help turning back to watch his new crew. Since he lost Nami and Luffy, he thought he could never care again. Now he's seen the crew die and resurrect before his very eyes. Seeing his original members with new ones alike, all from different walks of life; outcasts. He regarded the new additions: Pudding, Smoothie, Wanda, Carrot, and Van Augur. They would need to expand the ship soon.
A tug at his boot pulled him from his thoughts.
"Hey your the captain right?" Nitro asked hoping onto the swordsman's shoulder.
"Yeah, why do you ask?"
"Name's Nitro, nice to meet ya. Just think of me as the parrot on your shoulder. Except I can actually speak in complete sentences, and I won't shit on your shoulder." The blue blob said causing the captain chuckle.
"Roronora Zoro." He said offering a hand to shake.
Zoro had a serious question for the blob. "You drink Sake?"
"Are you kidding? I ain't psychotic, if you need a drinking buddy, I can go all day." Nitro bragged handing his cigar to Zoro.
Zoro glanced at the blob taking his cigar from him before taking a few drags.
"Did we just become best friends?" He asked releasing the smoke from his lungs.
"Yup" Nitro answered snatching the cigar back.
The two turned their attention towards the climax of the war. The shouts of the Regime roared even from the distance they were at.
"We saw your former captain earlier, that Luffy fella." Nitro interjected. "Scary guy, not someone I'd mess with."
Zoro couldn't help think back to his captain. He wished despite all the new additions, that Luffy and Nami would return to them. Zoro knew it was foolish thinking. The captain was responsible for his new crew. With an audible sigh, he thought maybe it was time to let Luffy go. If he didn't want to come back, he would leave him be.
"Zoro, ya alright?" Nitro asked seeing the unreadable expression on the samurai.
He broke from his trance. "Yeah fine, now come on I got some fifty year old sake lying around here somewhere." The swordsman spoke heading towards the ship's kitchen.
"You lucky son' bitch, bust it out captain!" Nitro happily exclaimed nearly dropping his cigar.
With one last look towards the Island, Zoro had one final thought. 'Goodbye Luffy, my brother.'
Within minutes the Sunny sailed out of sight as if never having been there.
Big Mom landed with a thunderous crash on the battlefield to greet the massive army gathered.
The army of nearly a hundred thousand seemed endless to the former yonko. The Regime, the Warmonger forces, and her treacherous family stood unified. In Big Mom's mind she was invincible, she'd crush the Regime and reclaim her land, killing her traitorous children in the process.
Big Mom continued her march toward the army. A thunderous crash in front of her caught her off guard. The high councilor had arrived.
"Straw Hat Luffy, we meet at last. No matter what halloween costume you put on, it is no match for my power child." Linlin said charging her fist with Haki.
"Take your best shot." Luffy confidently told her as the Regime approached standing a safe distance away, but could clearly see the battle.
Big Mom could only smirk at his foolish arrogance. "So you want to die before our fight even starts huh?"
The former yonko threw her haki blast straight for the high councilor. The blast created a shockwave pushing the allied forces back a few feet.
Luffy's emperors stood in awe at the destructive power of the former yonko. She truly did have the power to destroy Totto Land at her leisure. They couldn't help but wonder why the high councilor would take a full on attack like that.
Big Mom watched as the smoke cleared the area. The high councilor stood wheezing lightly, missing his right arm and eye.
"Arrogant fool, you see my power now? One more attack like that and it's over for you." Big mom cackled at the high councilor who was still hunched over slightly.
Big Mom expected more from the kid that broke through her island's defenses many months ago. She wasn't the smartest person by any measure, but even she couldn't see what his endgame was. He deliberately took a critical hit. Now here he barley stood wheezing missing an arm and eye.
The massive cuts on Luffy's body were deep. It was a surprise to most he was still standing.
A loud laugh broke out across the battlefield. Luffy stood up looking directly at Big Mom. His missing arm and eye regenerated back in an instant. His massive cuts healed completely as well, almost as if nothing happened.
Big mom was in shock seeing the high councilor flex his regenerated arm a few times.
"B-but how?" Big mom asked surprised to see him unscathed.
"My greatest strength is not in my attack, it's in my ability to regenerate. I'm unique—I am the master of two devil fruits. In exchange for my gear fourth forms and my immense strength, I was able to successfully assimilate my second fruit—obtaining its paramecia ability; to regenerate at an ultra high speed. Except for two areas— my brain, and internal organs. So Big Mom, care to try again?" The high councilor said brushing some dirt off his newly formed arm.
Big Mom was in complete shock as the Regime chanted their war cries. Luffy took a few steps closer, only standing meters away.
"Just so you know, I can't feel anything of this, because I died awhile ago." Luffy stated.
The high councilor pointed directly at Big Mom. "YOU! Will not live to see the end of this day." After the words left his mouth he bowed his head slightly hunching over showing her his horns. Cerulean/black flames swirled in the center of the horns gathering small light particles.
For the first time in her life, Big Mom felt fear seeing an opponent like this. She wondered what kind of monster he was. The former yonko for the first time in decades too a fearful step back.
Big Mom had no time to react as the massive blast shot from the horns, engulfed her in the flames.
A/N: Next— Luffy and his four emperors v. Big Mom- Battle for Totto Land.