The day after the eradication of the underground facility, the high councilor found the Regime mothership sitting in the private dock far below the high palace. Luffy landed on the private massive platform near the peak of the palace. He and the councilmen used it for training and sparring purposes mostly, or simply a lookout to check the progress of incoming and disembarking vessels.
He didn't break his stride as he pushed the double doors to the palace open heading toward the throne room located a flight of stairs below. Luffy's high councilor jacket trailed him as he turned the corner at the bottom of the stairs heading down the grand hallway.
The council stood up abruptly as the large doors were thrown open revealing their leader. He stalked his way toward the high throne at the top of a staircase, towering above the other seats; even Katakuri's.
Fatigue began to set in as Luffy slumped into the uncomfortable seat. "I trust everyone had a nice few days off." He said yawning loudly.
"I know I did, do you know how long its been since I got laid." Ace said smirking towards the others.
Luffy waved his hand dismissively, he wasn't in the mood for shenanigan talk. The council shook their heads trying to mute the deadman.
"Son, you still haven't talked about the events at the Navy underground facility, we've heard nothing about the garrison, or the citizens." Dragon exclaimed standing from seat.
"It's all in the report, you'll each get a chance to go through the details on your own time, I'm not in the mood to discuss it." Luffy spoke signaling Raleigh to begin their discussions for the day.
Dragon wanted to retort before sitting down abruptly, his son's mind was made up and there was no way to change it.
Raleigh cleared his throat before beginning. "Nothing out of the ordinary so far, for once everything seems all quiet. The first annual Regime coliseum games was a critical and commercial success, the nations that attended and those that tuned in live, collectively earned us an unprecedented amount of beli, Dressrosa's economy..."
Luffy stopped listening after he heard the 'E' word, politics and all the other stuff bored him. He glanced around the room noticing his councilmens' expressions.
Sabo looked jovial like he could barley sit still in his seat—Luffy figured it must've been his new girlfriend Carina. Luffy knew Koala was an integral part of Sabo's life, that he did not intend to replace her officially anytime soon, but he did need someone to comfort him; it was understandable.
Borsalino was listening for the most part. He looked focused more on the ground and his golf swing then the meeting—practicing his motion in his chair looking in the far corner of the room imaging he drove an invisible ball in the distance.
Marco multitasked listening to Raleigh speak while sipping his coffee in one hand and reading the newspaper in the other. Luffy groaned imagining himself trying to do that, he could barley focus on one thing now.
His father eagerly taped his foot and his fingers on his chair, waiting for Raleigh to finish. The man always loved when it came for his turn to address the council; Luffy swore the old geezers were competitive even at their age.
The high councilor slightly smiled seeing Bartolomeo teased the council's newest member Coby. Luffy had a pretty good guess as to who Bartolomeo was talking about seeing the frustrated expression of Coby. It was good to see his two youngest members from previous opposing sides with equally contrasted beliefs become close friends; it was the epitome of what the Regime preached—unity.
Katakuri seemed happier? Even under his wraps he could see the slight smile accompanying his features. The leader of Totto Land must've had a good day off based on the way he was petting his loyal friend Hattori.
A small frown accompanied his features seeing his Grandpa Garp with his hands folded in deep contemplation. The old man usually laughed loudly showing his signature grin like his own—it began to worry Luffy.
Ace movements were mirroring his;scanning the room for anything interesting. Their gazes met for a split second before giving a wave. He was glad to have his eldest brother back with him. Ever since Ace resurrected, Luffy slowly started to feel himself reflect more on his actions.
Raleigh finished speaking finally taking his seat. Dragon sighed heavily making sure the room heard it as it echoed off the walls—earning a frown from Raleigh.
"Politically I believe the best move is to appoint your own providence commanders..." Dragon started before Luffy mentally checked out hearing the 'P' word.
The meeting ended an hours late as Luffy gave the order for everyone to disperse. The emperors would be returning to their respective territorial capitals later that night. While He, Ace, Garp, Dragon, Raleigh, Bartolomeo, and Coby would stay put. The council agreed to meet once every two months was reasonable enough to discuss matters unless ordered otherwise.
"So you heading back tonight? Your lieutenants are expecting ya. " Sabo said adressing Borsalino who still practiced his golf form swinging an invisible club watching the invisible ball fly off.
"Huh?" Borsalino questioned to caught up in his hobby. "Yes I am, I recruited the leaders of the disbanded new pirate alliance: Kuzan, Donquixote Doflamingo, Dracule Mihawk, Gekko Moriah, Buggy the Clown, and Crocodile— I look forward to distributing their territories to assist the countries in prospering." The sharply dressed man muttered something about installing a private golfing green when he reached his headquarters.
"Sounds good Borsalino, how about you Marco?" Sabo asked the blonde emperor as he finally looked up from the newspaper.
"Well as you know being an emperor has its many perks. We were able to track down the fourteen former Whitebeard division commanders like myself: Diamond Jozu, Flower Sword Vista, Blamenco, Rakuyo, Namur, Blenheim, Curiel, Kingdew, Haruta, Water Buffalo Atmos, Speed Jiru, Fossa and Izo— plus a host of others that served under the greatest man I've ever known." Marco spoke sipping his tea.
"Damn straight the best ever!" Ace shouted. "I'll be over to visit everyone soon! I can't wait to see the look on their faces when I scare the living shit of outta them." The deadman couldn't contain his enthusiasm at prancing his former Whitebeard comrades— they were still very much his family.
"How bout you big guy you heading back tonight too?" Ace asked addressing Katakuri as the men took a few steps back when he approached forgetting just how tall he was.
"Yes. I long to see my family once again, and I know my younger brother Cracker is hating being in command, he'd rather gorge himself all day then be in command." Katakuri said smirking.
"We know exactly what you're talking about." Ace and Sabo stated in unison.
"What are you guys talking about?" Luffy asked on cue walking toward the group.
"Nothing to concern yourself with brother. So how bout we grub, I'm starved." Sabo said gesturing the high councilor to follow him.
Luffy glanced back at Garp who still hadn't moved from his seat still in deep contemplation. "I'll catch up." He added before the doors closed leaving only him and his grandfather in the massive throne room.
"Grandpa," Luffy said putting his hand on his shoulder, "something troubling you?"
Garp barley noticed his grandson's presence, finally breaking free from his trance. "I'm fine grandson, it's just... I can't help but feel I'm failing you, "Rare tears pooled around his eyes, "I nearly cost us the royal sector three months ago, I nearly led you into a death trap two nights earlier, and I failed in protecting your family..." His grandfather grasped his the bridge of his eyes trying to hold it together.
"You didn't fail anyone, especially me. Without your guidance, I wouldn't be here right now. I was ready to stay out in the country on some island, hiding from the world drowning in my sorrow forever—you changed that, for that grandpa, I can't thank you enough." Luffy spoke squeezing Garp's shoulder reassuring he wasn't at fault for recent occurrences.
Luffy continued, "In truth I still felt I haven't recovered and I probably never will. My soul still feels broken gramps...even after all we've done for the world, it doesn't matter to me, nothing really does anymore." Luffy said as his grandpa stood up embracing him.
"I know it still hurts and I wish I can tell you it will go away, but it never does. You know the family is always here for you, I'll be here for you, long as old age don't get me." Garp smirked patting Luffy on his shoulder.
"Na, your way too stubborn for old age to be the death of you." He stated earning a smile from the old man.
"Thanks Grandpa, go ahead and eat, I'll be down later." Luffy said watching Garp exit the room.
The high councilor let out a heavy sigh slumping his chair. 'I know it still hurts and I wish I can tell you it will go away, but it never does.' The words his grandpa spoke ran through his head causing him to grow weary.
Luffy despite the fatigue of his recent ventures had no intentions to eat or sleep. After escaping the facility he didn't want to touch meat for a few days due to the horrific nature of the incident. Sleeping either eluded him completely or brought back happier memories that only further caused him pain. What he said to his grandpa only reaffirmed what he'd known in his mind; nothing really mattered to him anymore— in his latest escapade he nearly threw away his life recklessly. She defiantly would've beat him to a pulp if she ever found out what he attempted to do, he desperately wish that was the case now. Sighing loudly once again he exited the throne room heading for his chambers.
On the way over the high councilor greeted passing officers and soldiers before reaching his office. His work was never truly done, something always required his attention. A few books caught his eye, the Bible had a lone sticky note labeled throughout. Kuma and Raleigh must've already annotated the books early this morning—those two were life savers.
He eagerly grabbed the book flipping to the lone sticky note marked with red marker. Hurriedly flipping to the page he read from top to bottom coming across the highlighted verses: "(20) as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. (21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (22) If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. (23) I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. (24) But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. (25) Convinced of this, know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, (26) so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again—Philippians 1:20-26" Luffy finished recounting the verses leaning back in his chair. He wasn't the smartest man in the world but he knew this didn't help him in the way he wanted. What proved interesting was the repetitive mentioning of the Gods returning to earth. The scarred ex navy soldier, Doflamingo, and this verse all pointed towards a return. He wondered if it could be this Christ Jesus the book talked about. The answer disappointed him, it was the same as it had been before; the afterlife was inaccessible.
A knock on the door got his attention as he yelled for them to enter.
Silver Kings Raleigh greeted the high councilor settling in the seat across from him. "Since I knew you eating, I figured you wanted to get right to work."
Luffy nodded at the older man who read his thoughts so well. "From reading what you highlighted I understand now; you don't find the new gods, they find you. Although I don't understand this verse completely, who is this Christ Jesus?" He asked earnestly.
Raleigh leaned back in his chair prepping an answer, "Well that's a tough one, but from my understanding," Raleigh put his hands under his chin before continuing, " He's human manifestation of God, he lived some time ago—making allies among people who barley knew him and gaining followers who witnessed his miracles; quite similar to someone I know." Raleigh said smirking.
"So he is the Almighty One?"
"Yes and technically no, the almighty is three entities in one. The Heavenly Father who reigns in heaven imposing his capabilities on earth, then there's Christ who like I mentioned before is the power of God in a human body, and lastly the Holy Spirit, which is the will of God living through true believers of him, carrying out deeds he deems worthy in his name." Raleigh spoke earning a nod from the high councilor.
"Makes sense actually." Luffy scratched his chin in amazement. "Does it say when his human form is set to return? All I ever hear people tell me is the new gods are going to return to impose heaven's will on earth, is there no way to tell when?"
Raleigh shook his head before answering. "I'm afraid not, it could be days, weeks, or even years— although if people have been mentioning it to you, I'll find out more information— I apologize if the answers you seek are vague."
Luffy waved him off, "No, you did well, this is more than enough— at least now I know what I'm up against."
Raleigh stood up stretching. "Anytime high councilor, I'll still try and dig something up by day's end. Well, its been a long trip so I'm going to rest for awhile—old geezers need sleep ya know."
"Yeah, yeah see ya tomorrow geezer." Luffy said as the door shut behind the silver swordsman.
Luffy got up stretching as well heading out the large glass doors adjacent to his desk. He stepped out seeing his growing Mikan trees that stood over eight feet growing exponentially well. The only people ever allowed to enter here besides him were the occasional gardeners, botanists, dendrologists who were paid fittingly to keep it in perfect order.
He approached the central tree examining the twelve foot tall giant, large bright oranges dangled from it almost ready for harvest. The high councilor rarely ate delicious the fruits. He tended to save them for the capital's orphanage that Curly Dandan was in charge of, making sure the orphans always had access to the best nutritious food available.
Luffy yawned loudly falling under the shade of the branches inhaling the garden's sweet scent—it was truly the only place he slept peacefully. Though unintended sleep overcame him in minutes from exhaustion, as the last thing he saw before passing out was the oranges he cherished greatly.
In the city below, busy streets crowded to the brim with citizens going about their business. Among them a cloaked Arlong made his way towards the palace bypassing citizens who shouted their discontent at his slow movements. The fishman paid no attention to the bustling restaurants, crammed shops, loud taverns, and lively events that surrounded the capital's atmosphere. Even he had to admit the city was unlike anything in the world seen previously or currently.
However coming to the capital city he had one goal, to face the high councilor and take the throne by force.
Arlong branches off heading down a distinguished paved road leading to the high palace gates, distancing himself from the crowds. A large gate halted the fishman in his tracks, Regime elite guards confronted him.
"Turn back sir, if you have complaints, suggestions, or miscellaneous reasons—contact the Human Resources offices on the south west side of the city, they'd be happy to take your walk in." The commander said crossing his arms.
Arlong ignored the petty talk, lifting the hood off his face.
The soldiers drew their weapons immediately recognizing the infamous pirate who remained on their unregistered list. In response to their hostility Arlong held his wrists for them to cuff.
A large grin appeared on his face as he was taken into custody being searched before being hoisted into the palace.
"High Councilor! High Councilor! High Councilor!" A soldier yelled repeatedly refusing to step into the garden.
Luffy appeared groggily in an instant. "This better be good." He said rubbing his eyes tiredly having just woken up from a peaceful place.
"Arlong turned himself in, he seeks an audience with the council." The young officer said before running toward the commotion in the hallway.
It didn't make sense to Luffy why he would willingly turn himself in just be potentially executed or be thrown into the newly reformed super max security prison, Impel Down.
Luffy arrived in the council chambers taking his seat on the throne as the other council members began to arrive one by one loudly conversing amongst themselves.
"Did any of you know about this?" Luffy asked the room to which they all denied having any prior knowledge of his arrival; it was spontaneously random, just like he assumed.
"What the hell do you think that fishman fucker wants? He walked into his deathtrap." Ace spoke taking his seat.
"If he thinks he's joining, he's sorely mistaken—we should just off em." Sabo said venomously, remembering the story Nami told him when she was fixing Luffy's hat in the Polar Tang's infirmary. Arlong was her once enslaver and he knew Luffy would never let him join, much less live in peace after this.
The doors opened revealing Arlong led by several elite troops. The guards left the room as quickly as they entered leaving the fishman to his fate.
Arlong examined the room full of the Regime headquarter leaders. They could execute him at any time, he needed to proceed with extreme caution.
"Don't waste our time, if you're here to register it will under strict restrictions and guidelines, if you refuse you're going to Impel Down— what's your answer?" Luffy asked folding his hands in front of him.
"I came to challenge you for the throne high councilor." Arlong said getting right to the point.
"HA! Brother don't listen to this asshole, just lock 'em up or execute him, don't make a difference to me." Ace exclaimed glaring at the stoic expression of Arlong.
"You think you can waltz into our HQ and demand a challenge from the high councilor? I didn't think fishman were this stupid." Katakuri spoke crossing one leg over the other.
Bartolomeo chuckled pointing at the cuffed Arlong. "You really shouldn't have come here, you're just throwing your life away, not that I'm complaining or anything."
"I accept your challenge." Luffy said earning surprised looks from his councilmen. If Arlong was willing to fight to death for the throne then he would accept, looking forward to ending Nami's previous enslaver's life.
The fishman smirked as the guards were called back in by Coby. Everyone in the room made their way towards the dueling platform near the peak of the palace.
Ace stopped Sabo on the way to the platform as the others went on. "Are we really going to let him challenge baby bro for the throne?" He asked the emperor who in turn nodded.
"This is personal, either way there is no way our dear brother is losing this." Sabo exclaimed folding his arms.
Ace shook his head. "That's not what I mean, something's been off with him, we haven't been keeping a good eye on him lately."
Sabo nodded in agreement. "I've seen the shift in his mood this morning, usually he would be the first one to the dining hall. I assumed it was alright since he reunited with his friends but—"
"But," Ace continued his brother's thought already knowing what he was saying, "his sorrow or pained expressions still remain or if not gotten worse." Ace said a little grimly. Both those brothers knew the reason why.
"As brothers we have to unyielding faith, you taught us that, we have to trust he'll deal with this—business as usual." Sabo spoke setting his hand on the translucent dead man's shoulder.
Ace smirked before turning walking with Sabo toward the platform wrapping his ghostly arm around his brother's shoulder. "Business as usual." He repeated.
The two combatants readied themselves on the opposite side with the council with the exception of Raleigh gathered on the observation deck only a few feet above the entrance being able to see the entirety of dueling platform.
A regime soldier handed Arlong a spear by Luffy's order. He snapped the double sided spear in half shortening the strike zone and slicked the blades in water attempting to shield them from the death-dealing chaos flames. After lunging the short spear a few times becoming comfortable with the grip he removed three large pills from his shirt pocket popping them in his mouth.
"No interference, I want this to be honorable." He commanded addressing the council; they could nod reluctantly, ultimately respecting his wishes. Arlong couldn't help grin widely overhearing the high councilor's remarks.
The two foes came face to face only standing only feet from each other.
Arlong examined the high councilor that the world idolized and the world beating councilmen followed devotedly. He looked relatively the same in appearance however his eyes were a completely different story. The fishman heard stories throughout the world of the brutality and unmerciful cold-hearted killer he'd become. His eyes now didn't reflect the stories, he could see sorrow and a hint of sadness leaking through his soul; the dangerous look he had when they first faced was non-existent—the fishman laughed loudly to himself knowing the reason behind his pain, earning bewildered and confused looks from all around.
"What the hell's so funny?" Luffy asked earnestly.
"Just excited for the duel is all."
"Whatever."
Raleigh watched the exchange between the two with intrigue. He didn't quite know the history between the two but he did know Luffy's former navigator was formerly enslaved by the fishman in her years back. The swordsman could only guess what horrific things Luffy was going to do the fishman. However one thing bothered him, Luffy's demeanor greatly contrasted to how he's seen him previously. Raleigh could sense the lingering pain behind the fierce look in his eyes. He glanced at the high councilor as Luffy nodded to him signaling he was ready.
"Begin." Raleigh said slamming his sword on the ground signaling the pair to start.
Wordlessly the two charged at one another exchanging blows as water enhanced spears met fiery bladed ones furiously. Arlong took the the aggressive approach trying to back down the high councilor aiming to maim his legs; Luffy
countered every strike expertly.
Arlong threw a swipe to his legs causing Luffy to jump over swiftly readying his defensive stance once again as Arlong threw a kick towards him to which blocked easily. Not wasting anytime Arlong began furiously throwing overhead slashes toward Luffy who blocked the incoming strikes. The high councilor finally emerged from his stance becoming the aggressor as the two clashed their blades together coming to a standstill, attempting to push each other back.
The council watched in awe as the two combatants went back and forth each becoming the aggressor as their blades clashed rapidly.
Arlong brought powerful overhead strikes trying to break Luffy's defense to no avail. As the fishman prepared to strike again, Luffy quickly dodged to left as Arlong missed embarrassingly being swept off his feet by Luffy's outstretched leg.
Laying on his back Luffy held the fiery blade to the fishman. "Yield!" He yelled.
Arlong simply laughed. "What's with you huh? I've heard the stories, you're a butcher now, I should've been dead by now— don't tell me you still think your a good guy? Not after all you've done, she would never look at you the same again." The fishman chuckled seeing Luffy's guard drop slightly at his words.
The steroid using fishman rolled out of range of the blade hopping up to strike the high councilor. Luffy was able to parry the watered spear's attacks slicing the side of his Arlong's face.
Arlong sneered, wipeout his face with water cooling off his cauterized wound. "You know she used to cry for a savior to come and rescue her at night—then you came along, getting her killed."
The words struck Luffy in the heart like a sea prism bullet. Arlong word's made him start to stagger slightly as the fishman began an assault once more catching him off guard.
Luffy came back in the moment just in time, regaining his sense as the two clashed blades, before Arlong swung the blades upwards connecting a kick to the high councilor's chest sending him on his back.
Quicker than a flash he was on his feet attacking with an unbridled rage. Arlong smirked at the powerful but unorganized strikes placing a well timed slash on his ride quad bringing him to a knee.
"Snap out of son!" Dragon shouted knowing exactly why his son was struggling with the battle. Easily he knew his youngest boy could turn into his dragon form and end the fishman with a flick of the wrist. However his son's mind wasn't in the fight; his body was but his mind certainly drifted elsewhere—Dragon just hoped he wouldn't lose his spirit.
"Dammit brother, what the hell are you doing?" Sabo asked to himself looking at the duel as the combatants clashed. Sabo somewhat flinched at the loud grunt of pain his brother gave out after receiving a slash across him abdomen. Even Katakuri shifted in his seat as Luffy's left arm was sliced slightly but the high councilor paid no mind to his injuries, still aiming to strike his opponent.
"No matter what you do, her death will forever be on your hands, and that's what kills you inside—your responsible for your own misery. The worst part is she loved you." Arlong's words made Luffy's blades disappear as he aimed a flaming strike toward the fishman.
Arlong grinned sensing the disorderly strike. He stepped forward plunging the spear into Luffy's abdomen.
The entirety of the council stood up ready to intervene sensing the high councilor was in a perilous situation.
Luffy fell to a knee stopping the spear from stabbing him again. Arlong threw two hard fists sending him reeling on the ground.
"Get up, get up." Ace growled seeing Luffy receive another strike to the face sending back on the ground. It hurt him to see his brother get bested this way, he knew something was wrong with him.
"This is for my crew, and Arlong Park." The fishman spoke raising his sword above the man. Luffy rolled out of the way dodging the spear that planted in the ground.
Still on a knee, he wheezed trying to recover from the attacks. Deep inside his mind, he was elsewhere from the duel. The words Arlong spoke to him rang through his head. Everyone seemed to know it was his fault, he didn't deserve any of this. His fighting spirit began to wane, even if he won the battle it would bring him no solace. She wasn't coming back and there wasn't anyway to enter the new God's domain—he ignored the voice that spoke still lost in his thoughts.
"Is this your high councilor? The one who's supposed to lead the world into the future. A man who can't get past his own sorrow, that has no desire for any of this!" Arlong shouted towards the council who were standing at full attention, wanting nothing more than to rush to Luffy's aid.
Luffy heading enough threw an enraged bladed swing at Arlong as he hooked Luffy's shoulder with one arm while striking him in his abdomen wound with the other.
"Is this your high councilor?!" He asked throwing a knee to the downed Luffy's temple sending him on his back.
"Come on brother!" Sabo yelled loudly being held back by Marco.
Bartolomeo nearly had tears in his eyes watching his hero get beaten down brutally. "I-is there anything we can do Raleigh-sama?" He asked looking to the swordsman who continued to watch the scene morosely.
"HIM?!" Arlong shouted pointing to the downed high councilor as he attempted to get up. "He's supposed to protect you! The people of the world."
Luffy attempted to charge Arlong being swiftly lifted onto the fishman's back as he stepped over to the ledge as Luffy struggled in his grasp.
"Wait!" Sabo yelled.
"Luffy!" Dragon and Sabo shouted.
"No!" Ace shouted as the council witnessed Luffy get thrown off the ledge falling lifelessly into the ocean far below the palace being swept up by the crashing waves.
The councilmen stood still shaken by what they witnessed. Their high councilor was defeated swiftly by an enemy who used the most brutal tactic, attacking his vulnerable heart. It sickened and angered them that the fishman would dishonorably use those tricks.
Sabo turned to Ace who was already gone heading off to retrieve their brother.
Arlong approached the council standing in front of them. "Now, I'm your king." He smirked addressing all of them.
The commander of the elite squad shakily approached the fishman placing the high councilor coat onto Arlong's shoulders.
"It's time to remake the world in my image, come we have work to begin as I announce my presence to the world." Arlong bragged flexing his arms.
Raleigh stepped up keeping his composure. "Forgive us, but we need a day to prepare for perpetration to announce your leadership, surely you understand...high councilor." The words came sourly out the swordsman's mouth.
Arlong nodded. "Meet me in the throne room, we have much to discuss, I have big plans." The fishman cackled being lead by the soldiers into the palace.
Dragon turned to his son's and father addressing the council. "We need to have faith he'll return, that wasn't enough to kill my son." Dragon spoke a little glumly before brushing past the others.
"He's right, we need to buy time until he returns. We just have to go along with that bastards mad schemes for a night." Garp spoke following his son into the palace.
"You heard them, hold steady." Raleigh added hoping to lift the shocked and dejected faces of the council. With a loud sigh the swordsman followed the pair, soon the rest of the council followed heading to the false meeting.
Sabo waited for Ace to return until the late afternoon began to approach, Ace finally emerged— wearing a solemn expression.
"Where is our baby bro Ace?" Sabo asked frantically.
Ace shook his head, I searched everywhere and I found nothing. At least I know he didn't sink or float out to sea, I made sure. Our best chance is that he drifted toward the fisherman villages on the north side of the island." Ace said placing a hand on the glum man's shoulder. "Remember what you said brother, we need to have unyielding faith he'll return soon—business as usual right?"
Sabo examined his brother's hopeful expression before sighing. "Business as usual, he will return."
The two brothers embraced as best they could feeling the loss of their missing brother.
"What kind of older brothers are we?" Sabo asked glaring at Ace's back as he watched the sea hoping to see Luffy re-emerge.
"I know what you mean, he was suffering so much under the surface. I was worried to much about myself I hardly considered what state of mind he was in." Ace stated still looking at the sea.
Sabo joined him before continuing. "He lost his fighting spirit today, his mind was somewhere else despite his body being present. Our brother... he's suffering so much."
Ace looked at his brother who he could see was nearly in tears. Despite not physically having a heart, the deadman was very capable of emotions.
"He'll be back brother, and when he does In done screwing around for good. I'll have my occasional fun, but I have to rededicate to being by his side full time, he needs it—now I know that." Ace spoke breaking Sabo from his sorrow.
"You're right, I can always hand over Dressrosa to—"
Ace cut him off. "Na brother, you know Luffy wouldn't want that. We just need to keep a better eye on him from now on."
Sabo nodded in agreement turning his attention back to the sea, as the two continued watching the waves crash into the rocks where Luffy disappeared.
"It just had to be the only bastard in the world that could get to Luffy like that." Sabo spat.
"Yeah, its too much of a coincidence to be random." Ace said as the two took seats back on the observation deck waiting for the return of their baby brother.
The two brothers soon fell asleep leaning on one another for support wishing Luffy would return wrapping them in his arms showing the two his goofy smile.
After dismissing the meetings Arlong met a soldier who were instructing the gardeners which Mikan trees to were ready for harvest.
The fishman's presence caused the pair to jump back.
"H-high councilor... we were just preparing the shipments." the female soldier said hurriedly trying to pass him.
"Where are you going? I didn't dismiss you." Arlong said grabbing the pair by their arms.
"What is this place?" He asked the gardener knowing he visited the place previously.
"The previous high councilor's garden...In remembrance of his friend." The gardener answered.
Arlong's smile grew deviously. "Burn it all." He said causing the two to step back from him.
"Sir we cant these go to the orphanage—" Arlong snatched the woman and the male gardener by their collars.
"You dare deny the high councilor's request. When I tell you to do something, you fucking do it." He barked throwing them on the floor.
The pair reluctantly doused the serene trees in gasoline before lighting them all on fire.
Arlong watched with delight as the trees burned brightly igniting the night sky, the flames reflecting off the demonic fishman's eyes— he successfully destroyed the previous ruler's most valuable treasure.
The pair slowly back away from the monster, with the female soldier ready to defend the frightened gardener with her life. She silently prayed wherever the true high councilor was; that he would return.
Nojiko and Genzo sat comfortably eating dinner reading the statistics of their fisherman business. So far the island was stocked with more than enough and their next shipments were due at the end of the week.
In exchange for the surplus of fish the business provided to the island and throughout the kingdoms, their offshore village prospered tremendously, gaining new citizens each day. Some from far off lands looking to experience the city but at a distance. Some sought to escape the busy city life, while others wanted to own property out in the country, while holding a steady income that wasn't farming.
Genzo dropped his glasses rubbing his eyes taking a break from work. He began to eat the freshly made salmon. "Wow Nojiko, I never thought I'd say this but this wonderful." He smiled enjoying the meal.
Nojiko only smiled in return still reading the financial reports. "You don't have to tell me old man, I hated cooking but someone has to do it."
The two continued to eat serenely before being interrupted by a series of loud knocks.
"Who the hell is that? Couldn't it wait till morning." Nojiko groaned heading for the door.
"Whatever it is tell em to wait." Genzo said stuffing his face with rice.
A worker was out of breath hunching over from running to their house. Nojiko rolled her eyes at the young man who was ready to throw up on their doorstep.
"Hold on, I'll get you some water." She said as Genzo ignored the situation nearly choking from the excess amount of food he attempted to swallow. Nojiko helpfully dropped a glass in front of him as he hurriedly gulped the water down saving his life.
"Here." Nojiko handed the glass to young man.
After he had his fill he shouted to the both of them telling them to come to the shack on a few hundred meters from them—apparently his grandfather had found something.
Genzo and Nojiko followed the man at a leisure pace arriving in a short amount of time.
"Grandfather show them." The young man stated to the old man who rose from the rocking chair he had out of his porch.
The elderly fisherman disappeared into his barn, re-emerging seconds later carrying out a large cart he held on his back.
Nojiko and Genzo approached the back of the cart apprehensively, gasping when they saw the unconscious form of Monkey D. Luffy.
"Boy..." Genzo said barley above a whisper.
"Luffy..." Nojiko gasped brushing the unkempt hair out his face.
"Where did you find him?" Genzo asked folding his arms. He now realized whatever happened the situation was dire.
The young man spoke for his grandfather who returned to his rocking chair.
"We found him floating with his wings down shore, he's alive but barley. We kept him in the barn to cool him off... and he came with this!" The young man ran behind his grandfather's rocking chair grabbing a straw hat that finished drying off. "Here." The young man said handing Nojiko the unscathed hat.
"Kid how would like to earn a week's pay?" Genzo asked to the enthusiastic young man. "Bring him to our home."
The boy nodded immediately grabbing the cart. "I'll be back soon grandpa!" He shouted over his shoulder to the old man who continued to happily rock in his chair.
The trio successfully carried Luffy to the guest room laying him on the bed. Genzo gave the boy his money before sending him off.
"What the hell happened?" Nojiko asked examining his wounds that began to turn purple from bruising. The woman began to bandage his unconscious body as Genzo leaned on the wall in silence, contemplating the situation.
They needed answers but it wouldn't happen unless he awoke. There was no way of telling when, they had to patiently wait.
"Boy, what happened?" Genzo spoke solemnly before exiting the room with Nojiko. All the pair could do was wait for him to awake, if he ever did. That night the two couldn't sleep, their thoughts filled with their former potential in law, wondering how he ended up being the high councilor to washing up unconsciously on the north shore—all they could do is wait, as the two finally passed out not bothering to go to their respective rooms; opting instead to wait for Luffy in the living room, keeping a close eye on him.