Elseworld

by BIGT707

In an Alternate timeline Monkey D Luffy and his alliance suffer a crushing defeat at the hands of Kaido. After a victory over Blackbeard a tragedy strikes at the end of the world war. These chain of events cause Luffy and his crew to separate leading him to become a ruthless governing body over the free world willing to break anyone standing in the Regime's path. (Secret War Arc)

32. Bad Blood

A/N: Warning mature content ahead

There wasn't much left to do for the Regime Alliance after their victory and liberation of Paradise. The New Gods that meddled in their lives were no longer a threat to earth anymore. For the first time in years it finally seemed everything they'd done had culminated in peace. All the enemies that conspired against their crusade were dealt with swiftly over the past few months. Although conquering gods was something none of them were sure could be accomplished. It proved to be their most monumental task thus far. However with the determination and leadership of the high councilor and his emperors they could rest easy knowing their futures were indefinitely secured under The Regime.

The emperors and the newly positioned providential captains disembarked on separate Regime vessels heading back to their respective regions ready to resume the duties entailed to them by their commanding high councilor. The only group in the alliance that were somewhat solemn in celebration was Marco, Jozu, and the former Whitebeard crew members. One of their comrades met a grisly end at the hands of one of the new gods. They held a private burial in the woods before sailing back to the country of Alabasta.

Perhaps none were more solemn or unusually quiet than the high councilor himself. During the trip back to the capital he tended to his garden for hours on end. Ace would check on him just in case never knowing if he would be alright or not; He'd never seen brother drink or cry as much as he did then. While the rest of the forces celebrated their victory, Ace, Raleigh, Dragon, and Bartolommeo were keeping to themselves silently.

They couldn't have been happier to defeat the god's that humiliated and threatened their existence; but their leader silently mourned his loss. He fought all the way to the ends of the earth and beyond to obtain his navigator back and bring her to his family again. Due to forces out of his control he was unable to make it happen, feeling the weight of his failures crush him underneath their weight. A man who sought redemption for so long only to see it slip away from him, now feeling there wouldn't be any left for him as long as he lived—The council left him to his musings.

The Regime mothership pulled into the harbor a day and a half later with everyone in relatively high spirits. Luffy led his council through the streets being bombarded by citizens who were being held back by Regime guards. Despite his inner conflict by the time they reached the capital the high councilor returned. An outsider would believe he just conquered the world the way his face contorted into a half grin. The world only saw his victories none of his losses, to them he was perceived as the man who had everything.

"High councilor is it true you and the council faced Gods?" A reported asked bolting out of the crowded holding a notepad and pencil ready to jot down any quote spewed his way. His paid cameramen snapped photos of the council making sure to capture the historic moment.

Luffy stopped for a few brief moments to confirm the reports true before moving on. He didn't want to lie his citizens, he was going to protect them by telling truth. At least in this particular matter, there wasn't a sense in keeping them in the dark, he was determined not to make the same mistakes the old government leaders did.

The council passed the royalists who stood on the sides of the palace steps greeting them. Luffy gave a single wave of acknowledgement heading up the large staircase leading to front doors of the high palace.

At the top waited the council fill-ins that were entrusted by him personally to oversee things while he was gone for the week.

Boa Hancock was the first to greet him wrapping Luffy into her tight embrace. He lightly returned it before moving onto the rest greeting them in the same manner.

The empress couldn't help gaze toward her feet feeling his cold detachment from her, she just wanted to be close to him. She watched him meet with Coby and his grandfather before turning to meet the rest of the council that made their way toward her. She hid her disappointment behind a smile greeting the rest of the men that arrived.

When they finally headed inside she grabbed Luffy's wrist forcing him to face her. Elder Nyon glanced back with a slight frown before following the rest of the group.

Luffy arched a brow at her eagerness to gain his attention. It didn't occur to him the empress still awaited his answer from the last meeting they had a week prior—It completely slipped his mind after the events that took took place earlier.

"What is it Hancock?" He asked turning to face her as she released her grip on him.

"I'm really happy your okay Luffy." She said with a warm smile. She genuinely was glad to see him relatively unharmed, he looked in better shape then when she last saw him.

"Yeah I'm fine, thanks for your concern." Luffy said nodding in her direction. He took a step away from her to head to the throne room before being halted by her grip again.

He glanced at her hidden expression. "Something wrong?" He questioned as she tightened her hold on his wrist. Clearly he didn't remember what they'd discussed before he left.

"I was wondering...if you gave some thought to what I proposed last week?" She asked softly continuing to avoid his gaze. It wasn't her intention to pressure him, but she needed a satisfactory answer before calming down. Her nerves during the week peaked as she awaited his return.

"Oh that," Luffy spoke remembering their discussion from a week ago, "I'm not marrying you Hancock, its the same as before." The high councilor slipped his wrist from her grasp heading toward his intended destination. She watched him disappear down the hall with his guards in tow without sparing her a glance.

The empress stood in the same spot unmoving disappointed by his answer. She felt foolish thinking his answer would've changed after returning from a dangerous venture. Her reason for coming to the capital to assist Luffy in anyway she could and to help him seek comfort. However even after helping him he didn't seem the slight bit interested in returning her affection, only concerned with his ambitions. Despite knowing she had selfish reasons for being here it didn't make the hurt she felt any less; he had rejected her for a third time.

Boa considered every option available to her; perhaps she should return to Amazon Lily and quit her pursuit of a man who would never return her love. However she couldn't do that without saying a goodbye first. The empress shut her eyes tightly reminiscing about the goodbye she shared with Trafalgar Law when his alliance departed her island. She'd always respected the captain of Heart Pirates especially after all he'd done during Marineford; even after all this she couldn't help wonder where he was and what he was doing. Boa missed the way they held one another during the blissful months on Amazon Lily that was sparked from a one night stand—she missed him dearly. His departure certainly took awhile to get over. If she was able to get past that goodbye then surely she could with Luffy. With a heavy sigh Hancock headed toward the throne room where the rest of the council waited.

—

The meeting didn't last long; with the emperors in their respective territories and the mission successful, the council fill-ins described the relatively quiet week in detail. In the capital things stayed quiet with everything moving along without a hitch. Major crime in the world was hardly reported anymore; aside from a few minor infractions of petty theft and public disturbances, nothing stood out. The people feared that the consequences for anything higher than a minor offense would attract the attention of the high councilor. His brutality became a legend throughout the kingdoms; no one dared break the rules imposed by their government. It was better everyone stayed in line living their lives to the fullest without drawing any unnecessary attention.

Carina assessed the finances of the council claiming that they didn't have an unlimited amount of revenue. Between the construction of the capital city, the wars waged on their enemies, and mobilization of newly acquired citizens that registered with the government, their money situation would have to be addressed sooner than later; managing the world was an expensive endeavor. The Regime Government was not a bank, in order for Luffy to invest in his latest business venture he would have to find a way to receive an abundance of funds—they weren't broke but neither wealthy like once before.

Luffy frowned at his brother's girlfriend's efficient explanation of their budget. Although he couldn't hold her responsible, or anyone for that matter—he took the lion's share of the credit when things went right so he naturally took the blame when things went wrong, although it didn't help his displeasure at the situation.

The anger rose from the high councilor like it hadn't previously in the day. The only thing he desired was forever taken away from him and his work was never finished. He felt like he was rapidly losing years off his life span from constantly working unending hours. Especially with recent events he wanted nothing more than to be left alone for the rest of his days. But he knew that'd be impossible, he made a promise to her before he left Paradise to succeed no matter what. He would make the world better for her sake by any means necessary even if it meant becoming something he tried to renounce he wasn't for so long.

Luffy knew better, he'd been a monster for awhile now; as much as he wanted to deny the truth he couldn't escape it any longer. The remnants of the straw hat captain that wanted to desperately come back was left behind in Paradise the moment he teleported back to earth. His sins were forever scarred into his mind, the good guy his family and friends believed him to be didn't exist in his mind anymore. The only thing remained was a man driven by a single minded focus; to perfect the world in his image making sure no one lost their loved ones like he did, even if it meant doing the only necessary thing by any means.

He couldn't cope the first time he lost her. A painful memory that he tried to erase from his mind unsuccessfully still haunted him. The second time he'd lost her wasn't anything like the first. It was a decree ordered by an immortal being that defied comprehension; she'd been snatched away forcefully without him being able to do anything about it. The pain of losing her once again drove him toward the edge of his retreating sanity. Though he was able to say goodbye, it was something he'd held strong for only because she needed him to be. Inside he was crushed, defeated. His spirit broke the day Mariejois was destroyed, became reborn after he found and held her in his arms, only then to be broken into despair again after the separation.

The indifference and uncaring demeanor that threatened to overtake him in the beginning tormented his psych. He could care less about the meeting that started to conclude in front of him.

"Dismissed!" He called when Raleigh finally took his seat.

Luffy stood up striding toward Carina who sat reading through documents placed on her lap.

"Carina." Luffy spoke catching her attention as she took her focused eyes off the papers.

"Hello Luffy, how may I help you?" She asked with a smile. In anyway she could the businesswoman would assist her boyfriend's brother and her late friends captain; even if it meant crossing ethical lines to take out enemies. She could only assume he wanted to use Gran Carina as a possible destination for his plans. The purple haired woman knew he would protect citizens with his life, she trusted him—Gran Carina was much her's as it was his or Sabo's.

"Can I have a copy of the financial reports? I'd like to have a look at the statistics myself." Luffy said earning an affirmative nod from Carina as she handed him a duplicate of the report.

Carina couldn't help frown as his eyes scanned the document. She'd been kept in the dark about where the alliance went during the week, only knowing they faced off against powerful foes. She couldn't help worry about his wellbeing seeing the disconsolate look reflected in his eyes—he was her family now after all, she had to lookout for him.

"Luffy?" She asked reaching out to touch his arm to gain his attention.

He glanced at her to acknowledge he was listening to what she was going to say.

"Are you alright? You know you can tell me if something's bothering you." She stated with a slight smile.

For a second she thought she saw some semblance of the old straw hat captain before it disappeared behind his mask of indifference.

"Don't worry about me Carina I'm fine, just tired." He stressed the last part which was true. Luffy returned his attention to the report frowning at it's contents. Things were worse than he originally thought; he was useless when it came to numbers. But even he could tell to sustain their current ambitions they would need hundreds of billions worth of beli.

"Thanks, I'll try to see if there's something I can do about this." Luffy said turning his attention to Carina.

"I also have these for you." She said handing him another document and a golden plated business card. Luffy examined the exquisite looking card holding it towards the light.

"Cornelius Mellon-Scaife, who in the blue hell is that?" Luffy asked glancing at Carina before examining the list of numerous names on the paper in front of him.

Carina stood up to answer his question. "He's the heir to Mellon-Scaife family that owns a large majority of the world's oil reserves, aluminum fortune, and the owners and publishers of the World Press Times— one of the eleven wealthiest non royal families in the world." She said pointing towards the list of names on the document. "These are the rest of the families and their extended tree along with their locations; it took tireless digging but with our combined resources we got it done." The purple haired woman couldn't help let out a sigh of contentment.

Luffy couldn't help smile as well. "Yeah you did well in my absence, thanks." He couldn't have been more pleased with this information, he was eager to meet this Cornelius.

"Anytime, also you should know something. Cornelius is involved with Sabo's ex..." Carina spoke trailing off slightly.

"Koala?" Luffy questioned arching a brow at Carina who nodded as a confirmation answer. "I see, again I appreciate it—come to my office in a few."

"Okay, see you in a bit." Carina said walking toward the rest of the council as they huddled together discussing the conclusion of the meeting.

Boa Hancock couldn't help tear her gaze away from the pair that finished exchanging a rather intense discussion. The only words that caught her ears was Luffy telling her to stop by his office. Her heart sank thinking of the younger woman stealing him away like before. She abruptly excused herself from the throne room unwilling to carry on a conversation after hearing that.

"Grandpa." Luffy said patting the aged man on his shoulder causing him to turn around.

"Ah grandson, I trust everything went well?" He asked knowing how Luffy was feeling at the moment.

Luffy nodded a few times, "it went well, I saw her again, I got to hold her, and tell her I'll always love her before I said goodbye." He spoke with a small smile. It had been the highlight of his day to share that with his grandfather. He was kissed he couldn't have gone, but Luffy reassured him it would be alright; he said the words Garp wanted to hear.

Garp couldn't help return his grandson's slight smile. "Good, she'll always be with you my boy. Now I'm sure your ready to get down to business." He said noticing the papers Luffy held in his possession.

"Yeah would you mind coming to my office? We need a way to solve this dilemma." The high councilor walked toward the door with his grandpa trailing him already knowing the answer to his request.

"Of course." Garp followed his grandson out the door as they waved toward their fellow comrades. The pair met up with Carina in the hallway before heading toward Luffy's office located near the peak of the palace.

Carina twirled her long purple hair in a finger and Garp picked his nose. The two waited for Luffy to speak as he continued running his eyes along Garp's reports skimming through every line.

"Order of the Owls huh?" Luffy said breaking the silence before puffing from his newly lit cigar. In all his travels he'd never heard that name come up anywhere; it drove his curiosity into overdrive wanting to hear who this mysterious group was.

Garp cleared his throat. "That's right, its a secret society that's been hidden from a majority of the world. However there is no physical evidence of their existence, nothing's concrete its all speculation. The Navy has never found their leader nor members involved, it's only been a theory." He exclaimed lighting a cigar of his own.

The high councilor listened intently scratching his head in confusion. "So you think this society could be related to our friends here?" Luffy asked turning his attention to Carina as he slid the document full of the eleven families' names and Cornelius's business card.

"Exactly, it took some looking into but the members on this list have spent the most in Gran Carina's history dating back to the beginning. A ban had to be placed on some due to the high amount of money they had in their possession, they could've bought out the country." Carina said folding her arms.

"Just how much money we talking about?" Garp inquired raising an eyebrow at Carina as she calculated in her head.

"Im not sure about the others, however I can tell you Cornelius's family's is worth around four hundred billion beli." She said earning coughs from both the Monkey men. She continued her explanation, "he's just middle of the pack too. The two top families are worth nearly two trillion beli each."

Luffy's eyes widened as the cigar nearly dropped from his grasp. He hadn't considered that money in such a high amount could exist to one entity. They could buy the world and take everyone out of property if they desired. It now made sense where the rest of the unmarked money hidden in the world had been. The wealthiest non-royal families accumulated their fortune over centuries, buying the government off with their precious resources to not suffer the fate of ordinary citizens. However due to not being royalty they were able to blend into ordinary society without attracting any attention—at least that was his hunch, a pretty damn good one to start with.

"This is an opportunity we can't pass on Luffy, you have to infiltrate their society and see how we can secure a financial deal with them like the previous government did, their wealth is imperative to our future." Garp said with a bit of urgency lacing his tone.

"What makes you think they'd want to meet with me?" Luffy asked folding his arms skeptically.

Garp didn't have an answer, he wasn't sure if they would or not. They hadn't contacted the Regime and remained hidden away in their ivory towers. If the eleven most powerful non royal families that controlled the world's resources wanted to reach out to them they damn well would've by now.

"Try meeting with Cornelius Luffy, he said he was a big fan of yours." Carina suggested sipping from her newly poured wine glass.

Luffy rolled his eyes imagining another person fawning over his position as the leader of the free world. However he couldn't deny it was just the opportunity he sought.

"Wait so you've met him before?"

"Yeah only once back in Dressrosa, Sabo and I ran into him and Koala in lover's alley. It was only a quick exchange but he emphatically stressed he needed to meet you." She said downing the rest of her red wine.

Luffy scratched his chin in contemplation. Perhaps this could work in his advantage more than he thought.

"Like I said grandson, it's a chance you can't pass up. If you need to break bread with these yuppie pricks, do it—our future depends on it." Garp stated. He couldn't stress enough how important the next day was for the Regime, it could make or break them.

"I understand, I won't let you down." Luffy said with a nod. "Keep your transponder snail close at all times in case something comes up. Other than that, nothing for now you guys are dismissed." He said standing from his desk.

With a nod from Garp and wave from Carina the pair headed for the exit.

"Carina one more thing!" Luffy called out halting the woman in her tracks as she held her hand on the partially opened door.

"Yeah Luffy something up?" She asked turning her attention to the high councilor.

"I'm sure you already know but can you keep Sabo updated? I'd really appreciate it." He said.

"Of course." With another wave she exited his office closing the door behind her.

Before he had a chance to exhale his next puff from his cigar the door opened again.

"What is it Raleigh?" Luffy asked coming around his desk to stand within reasonable distance to his teacher.

"I brought you a guest that requested to see you, he's been waiting in town for the past few days awaiting our return." Raleigh said. Luffy nodded in approval indicating he agreed to meet with he mystery person. If Raleigh accepted the appointment then so would he.

"Send him in." Luffy called walking around to sit at his desk. The door closed for a minute before reopening.

Luffy arched his brow as Pierce stepped through the door holding arms out while approaching the desk.

"As I live and breathe, high councilor Monkey. D Luffy the legend himself." Pierce said throwing his cowboy hat off his eyes to examine the leader of the free world.

Luffy stood up shaking his hand firmly gesturing the man to take a seat. "You seem to know me but I don't know you friend." He spoke lighting a new cigar while offering Pierce one.

The cowboy grinned graciously accepting the pristine tobacco. "It makes me happy to hear you consider me a friend, I'm a big fan by the way."

A vein appeared on Luffy's head hearing that, maybe they wouldn't be friends after all. "Well Raleigh took your appointment and brought you directly to me, so I assume you are here for important reasons."

Luffy wasn't sure what to make of the dirty blonde cowboy as he scratched his short beard releasing smoke rings through his nostrils. He'd never seen a bounty on the man nor heard his name through familiar associations—he was a mystery.

Pierce noticed the familiar business card sitting in the middle of the high councilor's desk. "Order of the Owls? So you're hunting the boogeymen down now huh?" Pierce inquired exhaling a cloud of smoke in the air.

Luffy glanced down at the documents spread on his desk, he forget about them but there wasn't any use hiding it, besides he obviously knew more than he let on.

"You know about them?" Luffy asked folding his hands over his face.

"Na unfortunately not much. Everything about them is rumors and speculation high councilor—rumors and speculation. Although the rumors are troubling..." he trailed off with a disturbed expression accompanying his features, "the most powerful families in the world, all that money and they regulate to throwing fetish parties; nothing more than freaks and psychopaths masquerading in a formal setting taking part in sacrificial rituals." Pierce said with a troubled look.

Luffy listened intently pouring a glass of fire whisky sliding a glass toward him to finish his tale.

"Rumor has it, they're trying to create a new world order; some type of global purging bullshit, population control they call it—bunch of clowns." Pierce spoke slamming the glass down on the table after finishing it in one go.

"I see, do you think this man will lead me to the rest of their society?" Luffy questioned tapping the business card with his index finger.

"Tell 'em your interested in joining, you're the high councilor after all." Pierce stated puffing in his tobacco.

Satisfied with Pierce's answer and the helpful insight Luffy's respect for the man he was first skeptical about grew. He wasn't making demands, he truly intended striking a friendship with the Regime personally. Business was the last thing on his mind, Luffy could respect a person like that—a true professional.

"What can the Regime do for you Pierce, I assume you didn't come all this way to assist us with our dilemmas." Luffy spoke leaning back in his seat.

"Unfortunately no, I was sent here by Dr. Vegapunk to offer you this—" Pierce pulled a folder out his leather jacket handing it to Luffy.

The high councilor opened it roaming his eyes over the schematics and intricate details of the machine outlined on the papers.

After a minute of silence Luffy spoke up. "You found a way to travel to other worlds." He stated unbelieving what he witnessed.

"Thats right my friend, the ol' doc found a way and now he's bestowing the gift to the Regime." Pierce sang happily refilling his glass. Luffy gave an approving nod silently telling him to help himself.

"It's powered by Dyna stones? The weapons of mass destruction that can potentially destroy the endpoints?"

"Correct, if you have those you can access the machine to take you to an alternate world." Pierce exclaimed hoping the high councilor would believe him, his explanation sounded far fetched.

"Name your price." He stated evenly releasing a large cloud of smoke from his lungs.

"That smoothly huh? No skepticism?" Pierce asked sipping from his glass before folding his arms.

"No, I've seen what's out there, I believe you. The celestial being known as Mother showed me the alternate worlds in the universe; if there is a way to get there I'm all in."

"Well I'll be damned, you saw her..." Pierce said in amazement.

Luffy simply nodded in confirmation.

"I heard stories but I didn't think... well if that's the case you'll have no problem taking on the Order of Owl jackasses." Pierce laughed sliding a folded sheet of paper toward the high councilor.

He stood from his seat picking up the paper up reading it's contents. Luffy furrowed his brows for a moment contemplating the contents on the paper. "Deal." He said offering his hand for Pierce to shake.

"Its been a pleasure, this could be the start of a beautiful friendship, the doc appreciates your business." Pierce grinned.

"Of course, when will it be ready?"

"Three months, for your patience and inconvenience of the wait we'll even throw in a second one for free."

"That's perfect timing, it should take that amount of time for everything to be ready." Luffy said placing his hands in his pockets.

Pierce stood up tipping his hat toward the high councilor. "See ya then, high councilor." He spoke before swiftly exiting the room.

Luffy frowned examining the papers Pierce handed to him. It would be understatement to say he was ecstatic at this surprising development of machines capable of traveling to other worlds; however it came at a heavy cost—one the regime couldn't afford at the moment.

Dr. Vegapunk and Pierce requested citizenship under the Regime which would be easy enough. But also wanted an assortment of riches; a private island among them, along with a yacht, state of the art facility, and of course cash. Although it would be tough, he was determined more than ever now to accomplish his goal of seeking out this secret society.

Luffy stuck the Cornelius's business card in his pocket and grabbed Pierce's documents from his desk . He gave a final glance toward his Mikan garden before exiting through the doors.

Garp and Carina stood up from the cushioned couches outside his office.

"Well how did it go?" Garp asked wondering what the hell went on.

Luffy handed Pierce's folder to Carina as she quickly snatched it away examining the contents.

Carina wordlessly handed Garp the folder with the Vegapunk designs while she clutched the price tag in her hands. "We can't afford this, is something really worth all this money?" Carina asked glancing up at the high councilor.

"Yeah, this could change everything just get it done and tell Sabo to track my coordinates." He said heading toward the staircase.

"Wait where are you going? What about the meeting?" Garp inquired looking up from the folder.

"I trust you guys to handle it and explain to the council the contents of the folder. I'm going to hunt down our friend Cornelius." Luffy said disappearing down the stairs.

Garp and Carina exchanged worried glances wondering what Luffy could've been planning. Though they tried to deny it at first he was far different from the Luffy they'd previously known.

The high councilor hated ridding of usual cardigan and clothes that he wore most of time. It brought him comfort in his daily routine, but now he needed to be presentable to meet with the head of the Mellon-Scaife family. He wore a black dress shirt with dark grey pants to match. Replaced his usual simple sandals with black loafers Sabo gave to him. Lastly he grabbed his high councilor coat that hung in his closet. He hated wearing the extravagant coat considering it to be too much but it represented an irreplaceable legitimacy of his position.

Luffy shut his door descending the stairs at a rapid pace hoping to leave the capital and get this venture over with quickly.

He stopped his movements seeing the empress approach him on her way to her guest chambers.

"Hancock." He said catching her attention.

"Oh hello Luffy." She offered with a small smile. She noticed how different he looked dressed in his regalia—it was a welcomed change. "You look nice."

"Same to you." He stated kindly returning her compliment.

She couldn't help her cheeks from lighting up despite her dampened mood. Boa couldn't help remember how he'd refused to marry her once again. It was almost too much to handle that he wanted to remain friends.

"Are you going somewhere?" She asked politely trying to keep the conversation civil.

"Yeah I have some business to attend to, I should be back tomorrow." He said evenly with his hands draped in his pockets.

Hancock couldn't help hide a frown. He was doing it again, shutting her out. It bothered her to no end that he refused to let her into his life or let her be close to him. She just wanted to comfort him and tell him it was okay to open up to her; by the looks of it, that would never happen.

She wouldn't bother prying into his business if he didn't want to tell her. "Oh, well be careful out there."

"I will don't worry, I'll be back by tomorrow." He said beginning to descend down the steps again.

Boa couldn't help grasp the railing with her left hand, squeezing it until her knuckles ran white. She couldn't let him go without a fight.

"Luffy." She called halting his strides.

"Yeah?" He questioned glaring up toward her position.

"I just wanted you to know...I'll be leaving tomorrow back to Amazon Lily." She said looking for any disappointment in his expressionless features.

"That's too bad I could really use you here, I can't thank you enough, you've done a great job in my absence...but I understand Hancock, do what you have to." He said before descending down the stairway out of her sight.

The empress's heart nearly shattered hearing his statement. She hoped that maybe he would scold her and call her foolish for daring to leave his side. However he approached it with the same he'd done earlier—indifference. His uncaring tone had scarred her. She let her tears fall freely as she ascended up the stairs to the guest chamber to pack her belongings.

—

Luffy peaked an eye open at the ruckus coming from the metal double doors directly ahead while the secretary continued chewing her gum paying no mind to it.

He was lucky his flight to the Goa Kingdom was extremely short. Despite his position he'd been waiting a little over ten minutes. The place hadn't been too hard to find; It was one of the few high riser skyscrapers in the kingdom. He could only imagine how long he'd have to wait if he were an ordinary person.

"Oh my is it really the high councilor! Well I'll be yellow bellied dog, bring it in brother!" Cornelius yelled in his business suit. His assistant continued reading her paper while chewing her gum loudly—somehow that irked the hell of out him.

"Cornelius right?" Luffy offered his hand to shake. The business man abruptly stopped his laughing looking at his hand bypassing it completely and wrapping him in a bear hug.

Cornelius threw his arm the high councilor's shoulder's leading him toward his officer. "Mi casa su casa brother, Suzanne hold my calls." He commanded before slamming the metal door open. Luffy couldn't suppress a laugh as he could've sworn he heard the secretary say something along the lines of 'yeah whatever motherfucker.'

Luffy examined the well organized office of Cornelius as it nearly rivaled his own despite the numerous certificates from various institutions aligning the business man's walls.

The men talked about the games of Dressrosa that occurred earlier in the year. Cornelius seemed enthralled with the combat aspect of the competition even going as so far to name his favorite competitors. He claimed him and his friends like to bet on the games to earn extra money for their pockets despite not needing it. The high councilor assured the games would improve the next year to the man's delight. If the pair didn't know any better it was like they were old friends.

"Ah where are my manners, can I get you a drink high councilor?

"No I'm fine thanks, but I'd like to get down to business of why I'm here if that's alright with you?"

Cornelius pointed excitedly at the man sitting on the back of couch of his office. "I knew I liked you, you are awesome, the stories about you are true. So what is the reason you came to my humble abode today?"

Luffy let his grin fall from his face turning his expression serious. "I'd like to meet your friends in the Orders of the Owls."

The business man's expression darkened as his facial structure became sinister as if almost becoming an entirely different person completely. "I thought you'd never ask."

Cornelius sat on the couch perpendicular to the high councilor trying to keep the conversation private as possible. "We've been waiting for you to find us and we want you to join but there is a catch, because I don't decide who's in and who's not."

"Yeah what's the catch, I want in." Luffy spoke folding his arms, he was all ears.

Cornelius widely grinned. "You have perfect timing, my friends and I are throwing a party tonight—a costume party?"

"Costumes?"

"Yeah, it's a mask and capes type of thing."

"Alright just tell me where?" Luffy inquired before being handed a slip of paper. There were two words written which he couldn't yet differentiate between.

"The top one is the address and on the bottom is the password. It starts a few hours after sundown my friend, I'll see you there." Cornelius said rising from the couch to shake the high councilor's hand.

Luffy swiftly left the office offering a wave to the secretary to which he received a roll of the eyes as she went back to doing her nails.

Once outside the building Luffy was swarmed by crowds of citizens yelling for his autograph and photographs to which he accepted. He asked a citizen to the nearest costume shop as they pointed him in the right direction.

He managed to escape a growing a crowd around him after turning a corner off the main street. The rubber man pushed the hat from his eyes making sure he reached the right place. Smirking he entered the costume shop to find a cape and a mask for the party.

After finding a black cape and intricately decorated white mask, he made his way to a nearby hotel to rest.

Luffy purchased a room for the night telling the manager he only needed it for a few hours to which they offered him a refund giving him the room for free. Perks of being the leader of the free world.

Luffy activated his den den mushi settling it on the coffee table in his suite awaiting the other line to answer.

"Brother good to hear from you. Carina filled me in on whats going on, do you need something?" Sabo asked with slight urgency, Luffy could tell he was already looking to get back in action.

Luffy smirked getting his plans prepped. "I need you to contact Borsalino, send him a copy of the names on Carina's list. Also I need you to bring your squadron to this address."

The emperor wrote down the unusual address frowning as he set his pen down. "Luffy that's a dark zone, there's nothing out there but wilderness..." Sabo spoke furrowing his brows in confusion.

"Trust me it's from your old friend Cornelius, we're onto something here. I'm meeting with the Order of the Owls tonight."

Sabo sighed heavily placing a hand over his forehead. "That kook. Just make sure you're careful, you don't know what you're walking into, it could be trouble brother."

"That's why I'll need you and your battalion on stand-by."

"Count on it, see you when this is over."

"See you then."

Luffy shut off the transponder snail shutting the blinds and collapsing on bed. He shut his eyes as tightly as he could feeling the exhaustion take over his body. His eyelids fluttered from the dying light peaking through the blinds, before sleep overtook him completely.

The crew had just set sail two days after Blackbeard's defeat trailing the Revolutionary ship. The straw hats went about their lazy routines experiencing unique effects from their hangovers with the exception of a select few.

Luffy chased his navigator to the front of the ship cornering her at the railing, stretching his arms to the sides rails attempting to catch her.

"No where left to run." He chuckled as she backed against the railing. She tried to run and duck under his arms only for them to coil around her becoming trapped in his embrace. "Shishishi caught you."

Nami chuckled attempting to push his arms off her. "Alright alright you win I give up, now let me go."

"Nu-uh, the king deserves a reward does he not?" He asked with grin attempting to close the distance between them.

Nami held a finger to his lips. "But your not a king yet." She argued softly flicking her glance between his eyes and lips.

"True," he sighed softly before placing his forehead on her's, "doesn't being an emperor count for something?" He asked huskily trying to draw her closer if it were possible.

"No it doesn't." She said furrowing her brows. She would be damned if he pulled that card out on her to get his way.

Luffy lowered his head to her ear, "I like how you're the only one that can truly hurt me and I will never hurt you or take your smile away." He whispered earning a shudder from the navigator.

"Luffy," she giggled "you're making me blush, that was really sweet. You're the only one that I want to make me feel this way." She said not hiding her brightened cheeks.

He uncoiled his embrace around her binging his hands to her arms before finally closing the distance between them. She let out a heavy breath of relief as he gripped her waist pulling her to him.

Nami placed her hands on his chest pulling back to search his onyx eyes. They were still very new to this dynamic of their relationship. He'd been her emotional anchor for so long and now she let him be a physical one as well. The one thing they had was time, there wasn't a need to rush.

"Each time time you steal a kiss its going to cost you ten thousand beli, with interest." She said emphasizing the last part while jabbing a finger in his chest.

"Put it on my tab, when I'm the king I'll pay it all back." He said playfully closing the distance once again. He opened his eyes when he felt Nami pinch his nose.

"Don't let the billion and a half bounty go to your head." She stretched his nose before letting it go. "Idiot." She muttered playfully turning away from him with her eyes shut and arms folded as his nose remained stretched.

"Look Nami, I'm the God Usopp who took down Doflamingo and his birdcage with a single shot of my ultimate flaming star." He said in an impressively imitated Usopp voice.

Nami couldn't help peak an eye open and burst out laughing from his imitation as the straw hat's sniper. She wiped tears of unadulterated joy away from her face from his spot on imitation and the length of his rubbery long nose.

Luffy grinned widely chuckling himself witnessing her smile and untamed laughter. It was angelic, he hoped he'd be the only one to make her laugh like that.

He quickly placed his hands around her waist before she could recover. "Your laugh is cute..." he said claiming her lips once more.

This time he could feel her pull him in slightly, placing her hand softly on the back of his neck. This was all still very new to him but he was determined not to mess up his most exciting adventure yet.

This time it was Luffy to pull back first as he gazed at Nami who kept her eyes closed wishing it would last a bit longer. She was truly the definition of beauty in his eyes and he could only count his blessings that he was able to see her like this.

"That one's going to cost you twenty." She grinned matching his own. On bare feet she was tempted to stand on her toes and give him another but she wanted to take it slow. There would be a right time and place.

"Wow I wonder how much a thirty thousand one's going to cost." Luffy grinned pulling her in again.

Nami leaned in until she saw he had his eyes closed before slamming the straw hat over his face and making her escape.

"I'm telling Usopp you were imitating him while he wasn't here!" She yelled over her shoulder heading for the steps.

Luffy threw his hat back on his head. "Nami don't you tattletale! He'll put peppers and flaming hot sauce on the meat I steal for the rest of my life!"

"Catch me if you can!" She yelled playfully sticking her tongue at him.

"Nami!" He shouted chasing after her once again. A grin came over his face hearing her laugh as she enjoyed the thrill of their games.

"Nami!"

With a deep gasp of air Luffy jerked awake from his sleep. He examined his forearms seeing the flames surrounding them.

He sat up regaining his senses, and wiping the sweat from his forehead, he entered the bathroom. He doused his face with water before filling up a cup and downing it examining his reflection; It got harder and harder to sleep, his mind only thought back to better times. He woke up truly wishing to believe he was still in that moment he dreamt about; back to simpler and happier times onboard the Thousand Sunny—he was still haunted.

The high councilor threw open the blinds only to be met with the bright city lights. He'd slept through the afternoon into the night. It was time to go.

Quickly he packed his mini transponder snail before heading down to the front desk to check out. Before people could recognize him he took to the sky before anyone could notice.

—

The high councilor landed silently in the countryside on the far outskirts of the Goa Kingdom. The surrounding woods enveloped the land in darkness and the moon was the only light shining through the forest illuminating his nearby surroundings. Luffy could hear the nothing but the chirping of crickets, he wondered what type of banquet was ever silent.

He swiftly threw on his cape and mask before taking off into the sky again to reach his destination within a minute. Coming to a clearing in the near distance stood a mansion that dwarfed any he'd seen before. If he'd known any better he could've mistaken it for a castle or fortress.

Near the front entrance a lone guard awaited guests standing completely still as if completely focused on his task. It must've been more exclusive then he first assumed it would be. Luffy halted his march halfway toward the entrance hearing voices arguing lowly beside a tent—he recognized one voice all too familiarly.

"Brook?!" Luffy asked approaching the front of moderately sized tent.

"Luffy-san?!" Brook questioned excitedly poking his head out the tent. Brook pulled his ex-captain into the tent after he lifted the mask to reveal his face.

The two ex-crew mates embraced one another as if never being separated for a day.

"What are you doing here?" He asked the skeleton examining his band mates who waved in acknowledgement of his presence.

"We got booked as the live musical entertainment. The band and I postponed our tour by a week because the pay up front was too good to refuse." Brook exclaimed sipping from his cup of tea.

"That's great to hear, well it's good to see a familiar face especially you Brook. I miss you and everyone else, I hope they're well." Luffy said with a soft gaze in his eyes.

"Ah Luffy-san everyone is excellent, all thanks to you—when I get back from my tour we should all get together again." Brook said adorning a toothy grin.

"I'd like that." Luffy spoke with a hint of a smile. It brought him some solace seeing one of his old crew mates again. It completely took him off guard to see one of his trusted nakama—he couldn't have been happier, he could only hope to see the others soon.

"I see you have your costume you're also here for the party?" Brook asked taking a seat to tune his guitar of choice.

Luffy wasn't sure what to expect nor how the situation would go. He couldn't exactly go in the party to reveal himself and start demands, he needed to be more discrete—the high councilor found himself in uncharted water. "I'm here to strike a deal with the members of the Order of the Owls."

If Brook had eyes they were wide a saucers while his band of musicians looked like they'd die from nervousness. "They're real?" One of the band members spoke up quietly.

"Supposedly, they're a secret society that existed hundreds of years. They even managed to remain intact through the hundred year void done by the previous government." Luffy said relaying the only significant knowledge he held about the mysterious club to Brook.

"Luffy-san, this sounds really dangerous, proceed with extreme caution; who knows what they're capable of..." the skeleton couldn't help fear for his captain's safety, if they held power to be on par with royals despite being ordinary people the group obviously held prestige and power unlike anything else in the world currently.

Luffy nodded understanding his friend's concern for his life.

The group in the tent turned their attention to an approaching figure as it's footsteps came to rest just outside.

"One minute Mr. Brook." The voice spoke before disappearing into the night.

"Luffy," Brook said with tears pooling near his eye holes, "I'm really sorry...about...we never said...I-it's not your fault...what happened." The skeleton tried to compose himself to finish his heartfelt words.

The high councilor lowered his gaze knowing exactly what he was referring to. The immense pain felt just as raw then as it did now. Twice he failed, twice he'd been thrown into despair, this time he wasn't sure he'd get out of it, wasn't even sure if he want to.

"Its alright Brook, thanks man." He said sharing another hug with the skeleton before stepping toward the tent flaps. "See you when this is over Brook."

"See you then Luffy-san." With a final nod his former captain exited the tent. Brook could only let out a heavy sigh watching him go. He couldn't help think what it would be like if they were all still on the Sunny. The Luffy he'd known was very different from the one he just encountered. His ex-captain seemed calculated, more cynical, and haunted? It became surreal everyday to wake knowing this was his new reality, the undead skeleton wished for his happier days.

"Time to go ." The voice came from outside the tent breaking Brook from his thoughts. With a nod towards his band mates the group followed the shadowy figure into the night.

—

Luffy with mask in hand bypassed the first guard standing watch at front exit giving him an affirmative nod before another guard opened the door for him to step through.

Upon entering the door the smell of nicotine smoke and cedar filled his vernacular. The elegant red carpet led down a hallway, the exquisite white cedar walls room radiated it's extravagance. A single masked guard stood only feet from him keeping his hands clasped behind his back.

"Good evening." Luffy acknowledged stepping toward the masked guard.

"Password?" He asked with an expectant tone unwilling to wait an extended time without an answer.

"Schuldkult (Cult of Guilt)."

"Thank you sir." The guard said giving a nod as he bowed and held his hand out signaling for him to enter.

Luffy's gaze turned toward the door straight ahead where another guard held it open awaiting his entrance. His eyebrows furrowed hearing a chanting from outside the door. The high councilor swiftly put on his mask and hood before stepping through the entrance.

His steps were slow and cautious as the door slowly shut behind him. A guard stood in front of an open room holding his arm out allowing Luffy entrance. Luffy couldn't help notice even behind a mask the guard felt some type of way about his late entrance.

Luffy's steps became slower as he stood on the outer edge of the room. The room held about a hundred people all dressed in black robes and adoring a mask just like him. They all gathered in a semi-circle making sure to keep the entrance clear. Masked individuals stood surrounding the balconies of the eerie room. In the center of the gathered crowd sat eleven masked individuals who sat resting on their knees. Creepily a figure dresses in a red robe walked to each of them swinging a thurible which burned a high amount of incense. Behind the ceremony in the back corner of the room Brook and his band sat blindfolded playing softly and making sure to play quiet enough not to interrupt the ceremony.

Luffy stood on the outer edge for a second longer to fully take in the unusual surroundings before approaching the circle. He stood next to the nearest pillar hoping to not draw any attention whatsoever to himself.

He didn't take his eyes off the man in the red robe for a second as he continued waving the thurible in the crouched figures' faces. After going around the small circle once more the red robed individual halted his actions standing in the center. He slammed his golden rod once clanging it loudly against the ground.

On cue the man in the center and the kneeling figures bowed in synchronized harmony. The red robed figure kneeled clutching the thurible and rod in his hands. The eleven black robed individuals went stretched all the way until their hands and chest lay completely on the ground. After a few seconds the man in red stood up slamming the rod on the ground twice in quick succession. The robed figures in black sat back resting on their knees and the ceremony continued like before; the ringleader in red walked around the small circle waving his thurible filled with burning incense in their faces.

Luffy stood in slight awe and bewilderment watching the highly unusual ceremony take place. The whole thing had gave him eerie vibes like nothing he felt before, this had been the weirdest party he'd been to in his life.

The ringleader stood in the center slamming his rod against the ground causing the figures surrounding him to rise to their feet for the first time. With another clang of the rod the black robed figures disrobed revealing they were beautiful women who were nude from the waist up only wearing lingerie underwear.

Luffy watched as the man in red commanded the women to step forth and kneel with a clang of his elongated baton. He halted the thurible between each one of the women as they kissed one another through their masks.

Sensing something from above Luffy glared at the left balcony staring at two figures watching him intently. One was clearly a man and the other a shorter woman he had no idea who they could be, it was impossible to tell. The man in the mask gave him a heavy nod which Luffy returned causing him to turn away, and Luffy did the same returning his attention to the ceremony.

The ringleader in red stood at attention in front of one of the kneeled topless women slamming his golden rod on the ground loudly. Instantly she stood to her feet and the two exchanged head bows. She walked slowly into the crowd picking a masked individual by random. The man in red repeated this in no particular order sending the women away one by one. When a masked woman found her chosen they would head down one of the four hallways leading to different parts of the mansion.

Before Luffy could tell what was happening half the women were already chosen and one stood directly in front of him. They stared at one another through the masks trying to recognize the other. He didn't resist when she gave him a longing kiss through their masks.

The masked woman grasped his hand tightly leading him down a hallway wordlessly. Being out of the room finally along with the very bright lights of the hallway brought Luffy back into reality. He glanced at the woman who was already looking straight through him. Despite her muffled voice from the mask she spoke very clearly.

"I'm not sure what you're doing here, you don't belong here." She said softly still clinging to his hand.

"I'm sorry but I think you've mistaken me for someone else." Luffy spoke smirking slightly through the mask. The anonymity the costumes gave him felt like a breath of fresh air, he wasn't the high councilor for awhile just some unknown face.

The woman and Luffy glanced at the couple directly behind them causing them to grow irritated and invaded. They curled into one another wondering what their problem was.

She led him to a side area out of the way of the hallway to let the other pairs pass without any disturbance. "Don't be foolish. You must go now."

Luffy squeezes her hand slightly tighter pulling her closer to him. "Who are you?" He asked simply.

"It doesn't matter who I am, you are in great danger. And you must get away while there's still a chance." She said placing her other hand on top of his. He couldn't place a finger on it but she seemed so familiar.

A masked man placed a hand on the small of her back causing her to release his hand. "Would you be so good as to excuse for a moment?" He asked placing a soft grasp on the woman's arm leading her up a nearby staircase.

Luffy watched her ascend up the stairs as she gave one last glance toward him before disappearing with the masked man. Not heeding the warning he continued down the hallway entering the domain of the party.

The high councilor had traversed the sea for years celebrating parties and banquets all over the world. No place came close to the things that went on in the room entered. Crowds of people from the first room gathered around watching a few couples fornicating on different furniture spread throughout the room. Hushed dialogue could be heard coming from the upper floor where other masked individuals watched with masks.

Brook's music could be heard through the speakers set up through out the place; he'd been relieved his friend wasn't apart of something like this. He passed a couple watching another couple fucking like rabbits on a desk.

The immediate next room was a waiting room where people held private conversations in dark corners keeping to themselves. Luffy followed two masked individuals into the adjacent room witnessing something he never thought he'd witness.

Masked men sat at the dining table with most standing on one side of the room watching eight women having an orgy on the table. No position was off limits, they pleasured one another in many different ways not bothering to take their masks off. Luffy's eyes roamed over the dining table full of women once before moving on.

He made his way to another room where the same occurred in the first room. People had sex in a pair with numerous eyes watching their movements, the place was starting to unnerve him. Soon he came to library room where a couple fucked on a clothed man's back as he lay hunched on all fours like a dog while a crowd of spectators watched, ranging from boredom to excitement.

Luffy barley kept his attention on the room as he sensed a presence behind him. A woman who didn't resemble the first one stood by his side. What he didn't notice was the man that nodded to him on the balcony during the ceremony led her to him before disappearing.

She gave him a lustful look through her mask. "Have you been enjoying yourself?"

"Well, I've had a very interesting look around." He answered coolly, it was a lot easier to lie when someone couldn't see your face.

"Do you want to go somewhere a little more private?" She purred leaning her naked form toward him.

He didn't move a muscle trying to keep his nerves. "Private?" He questioned gazing into her eyes. He couldn't help feel pulled in by this woman's eyes something about them were hypnotizing. "That...might be a good idea." His voice finally said on its own as if he was starting to lose control.

"Here you are." A hand on his back brought him away from the mysterious woman's eyes. "I've been looking all over for you."

The first woman he met grasped his hand tightly starting to pull him toward a side door. "May I borrow him for a minute? I promise I'll bring him right back." The woman said addressing the mysterious female before dragging Luffy out the door.

She led him out into a hallway near the top of the manor overlooking the entire grounds.

"I don't think you realize the danger you're in now, you can't fool them for much longer, you've got to get away before it's too late." She said pleading with her hands to make him go.

"Why are you telling me this?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Who are you?"

"You don't want to know. But you must go. Now!"

"Will you come with me?" He asked hoping to get her to safety in case something went awry.

"That's impossible."

"Why?"

"Because it would cost me my life and possibly yours."

"Let me see your face." Luffy said recognizing her tone, he was sure he knew her from somewhere.

"No!" She said firmly grabbing her mask to stop his actions. "Go!" Came her reply even firmer than the last. Before he could say anything more she disappeared through a different door than she brought him through.

Luffy's gaze caught a golden ring that dropped off of one of the masked men's hands as he escorted a woman into a vacant room. Once he noticed the hallway empty he stretched his arm snatching the ring away. The thick ring had unintelligible inscriptions on the inside and an owl dawning the front. Wasting no time he slipped it on his right middle finger before hearing a loud commotion coming from the mansion's central courtyard.

There appeared to be another ritual going on. Fire engulfed a large owl statue made of straw. Cloaked individuals threw their masks into the fire shedding their cloaks heading past a guard and up a nearby staircase leading into another large wing of the manor. In no time Luffy opened the door to the large back patio jumping down onto the gravel. He could only shake his head at the bizarre ritual as the large straw owl burned furiously.

The guard halted Luffy preventing him from going up the steps. After a quick flash of the ring he quickly apologized allowing him entrance. As the high councilor disappeared up the staircases the security guard pulled a transponder snail from his sleeve.

Reaching the top of the staircases Luffy could see men in suits gathered around all around the outer balcony of the massive room. He straightened his dress clothes approaching the group directly in front of him, stretching his legs to peer over their heads.

The bottom floor held one of the biggest dining tables he'd ever seen. He assumed the heads of the elite eleven and their associates were the ones sitting in the chairs around the table. Some had a few people sat beside them acting as consultants. Armed guards stood at attention covering every few square feet on the bottom floor.

Not being able to hear the lady moderator in the center of the table clearly he began to walk around the room silently not wanting to draw attention to himself. The only thing he'd heard had been something about expansion. He stood behind a group of shorter people at the far end of the upper room able to get a clear view of this mystery meeting.

The large double doors abruptly opened on the other side of the bottom floor caught everyones' attention and halted the moderator's speech.

Everyone at the table quickly got out of their seats standing at attention at the group that entered. One of the members in the posse slid the chair out for the leader to take his seat. The other man leaned over as the man whispered something to him for only them to hear. Even with the doors remaining open and shedding light, Luffy could not see the shadowy figures' faces.

A man moved the microphone closer to their leader as he spoke, "don't let me interrupt you." Afterwards it seemed like the room let out a collective sigh of relief as everyone took their seats.

The moderater spoke one last time before directing one of the men at the opposite end of the table and nearest to Luffy speak.

"Now to the matter at hand; after the death of our friend on Isle Sulawesi less than a month ago, we have to consider our failures in the experiment—we need a new testing ground, would you be willing to find a new one?" He questioned turning to the man seated a few chairs to his left.

The man at the head of the table stood up. "What we did was a failure because of our lack of precautions. There can be no more waiting. I say we use protocol 42-B, it's now or never or I'm walking out and taking my business elsewhere."

The leader at the opposite head of the table shifted his head slightly causing the man on his left to step up and receive his silent words. The man that just spoke about protocol 42-B watched the exchange sitting down with a huff.

The leader's assistant held a thumb up towards the first man that spoke earning a look of surprise from him as he stood up approaching the leader. He bowed his head receiving the same silent words that the assistant had moments earlier.

He stood up tall placing his hands behind his back. "Does anyone challenge Dr. Beckett for his position?" He declared loudly for the room to hear. Everyone at the table looked toward one another only receiving unsure glances.

The room's attention turned toward the two doorways farthest from the speaker. A large burly man dressed in a black suit strode slowly the elite's table coming to stand beside Dr. Beckett.

"Welcome, state your credentials for the table to hear." The first speaker said before settling in an unoccupied seat close to the leader.

Dr. Beckett and the large man made eye contact slowly as their gazes turned toward one another. The moment Beckett turned his attention away to glance at the table his head was forcefully smashed against the table.

The burly man grasped the doctor's face digging his thumbs slowly into his eyes. Agonizing guttural yells escaped the man's mouth as he tried helplessly to free himself. Everyone watched in silence as the man struggled for his life. When Beckett stopped struggling the burly man snapped his neck with little exertion.

The newcomer pulled a handkerchief from his jacket wiping the blood from his thumbs before taking the deceased doctor's seat.

"It's funny," the leader spoke catching the room's undivided attention. "All that excitement In Mariejois witnessing the death of those celestial bastards rang a distant bell." This caught Luffy's attention quickly.

He continued, "And now, suddenly, this evening makes perfect sense. Welcome high councilor." Luffy's eyes widened hearing him being addressed in front of the room. "We've waited along time for this. But finally, here we are."

Luffy's breath became shallower knowing this whole thing had been a trap and he took the bait.

"What took you so long?" The man turned to look directly at the high councilor showing his face for the first time. "Cuckoo." He said amusement plastered on his features.

With his cover blown Luffy grabbed the nearest man that tried to subdue him as bullets riddled his body. He threw the man into the group causing most to tumble over the railing and onto the table below. The leader had fled the meeting long before closing the doors behind him.

Luffy became encased in his wings activating his dragon form as bullets riddled the glass windows he leapt through. The men reloaded their guns looking down toward the ground trying to see where he went.

"Mr. Hinks what do we do?" One of the men shouted running back in the building.

"Lock this place down! He isn't that much of a coward, he'll be back." The burly man in black yelled barking orders to armed men in the room. It felt like minutes before the lights went out and the room became encased in darkness.

"Shut up! All of you! The emergency generators we'll be back up shortly." Mr. Hinks said. On cue the emergency lights came on giving minimal light for the men to at least see what they were aiming at. "Spread out and find him, he's still here."

The men heard a bang at the main door pointing their weapons at it beginning to slowly approach. The hired guns stared intently at the door awaiting it to burst forward any second, the moment it did the high councilor would fall. Their specialized bullets weren't sea stone but they'd be enough to take him down with a few well placed shots.

They stepped closer anticipating the doors to blow any second. The men huddled closer together making a large circle in front of the door.

A loud bang erupted from the ground as a gaping hole appeared underneath the man in the center's feet causing him to fall into the darkness below. The concussive blast sent the men reeling back. An ominous dark shadow speedily jumped through the hole throwing flaming punches toward the gunmen knocking them back with pyro injuries.

Luffy dropped down next to a gunman breaking his arm at an upwards angle causing him to squeeze his rifles trigger. The gun shot off rapidly as he twirled the man around causing him to shoot at his allies. While most of the men ducked for cover one held firm holding a rifle a dozen feet away aiming directly for him.

He stretched his arm out grasping the man by his shirt before pulling back sending the shooter flying toward him. With one solid punch to the sternum he put the man out and sent him sliding on the ground. The force from the strike caused the man to break through the marble floor creating another hole in the ground.

Luffy struck a gunman across the face before he could grab his rifle putting him down for good. Out of a side door a man with a deadly grenade appeared with a vicious look. Without hesitation the man took the pin off the grande staring intently at the high councilor. Seeing a gunman rush him from the side he stretched his leg kicking the man towards the grenade bomber. The kick and weight of his ally managed to knock the bomber off his balance causing him to drop the grenade behind him. Quickly coming to his senses the man crawled for the grenade hoping to throw it only for it to detonate on him.

Some gunmen stepped back seeing the explosion reveal what the high councilor looked like up close; it scared them out of their wits. The vicious beating the high councilor gave to his men didn't surprise Mr. Hinks one bit, he would use his opportunity when it appeared.

Luffy dodged an incoming knife strike towards his face grabbing a gunman by shoulders holding him high in the air before sending the guy crashing through the table with a sickening slam. Luffy hoped over the table slamming a man's head violently into the hard wood in the process. Not done yet, he stretched his arms ripping a large portion of the table off throwing it toward a group of gunmen. The table hit one successfully, smashing his head against the wall killing him instantly.

The group shot him a few times in the side as Luffy felt the pain surge through him. The bullets careened off but they weren't harmless like before. The high councilor charged the group with his hellfire blades drawn becoming angrier as the fight went on. Despite the multiple stabs wounds he received he mercilessly slashed through them.

Seeing the high councilor begin his slaughter Mr. Hinks stepped up to the challenge charging him. Before Luffy could move the burly man wrapped around his upper arms avoiding his chaos flames while keeping him in a death hold.

Mr. Hinks head-butted Luffy a few times only get an armament haki forehead to the dome on the third one. Despite staggering back his hold wasn't going anywhere. He tightened his hold around Luffy trying to break his back. The remaining gunmen stood up aiming their firearms toward him.

"You're trapped now, I'm going to break your back and it's all over for you." Mr Hinks laughed as the high councilor tried to break free. "What are you gonna do now sport?" Mr. Hinks teased causing the gunmen to laugh loudly.

Without a warning Mr. Hinks staggered back in agony letting out a silent scream from the shock of his pain. He gargled our blood from his mouth as his hold released from Luffy. The men's eyes widened seeing the true high councilor.

His mouth held a chunk off Mr. Hinks neck between his teeth. Luffy staggered back himself spitting out the bloody piece of meat before glancing at the gunman around him; Mr. Hinks bled out dying within seconds

The mens' demeanor changed into terror like a child seeing the bogeyman under their bed and refusing to go back to sleep. Their eyes glued to the blood that dropped from the edges of the high councilor's mouth made them dart to the door as they dropped their weapons.

"LET US OUT!"

"LET US OUT!"

The gunmen helplessly banged against the door with all their might as the high councilor approached them.

"You're not human, your a monster." One of them squeaked out before being dragged into the darkness. Blood curdling screams followed by silence startled the men even more.

A young man banged against the door shutting his eyes tightly hearing screams of his comrades followed by the ripping and slashing of body parts. Without a second thought he turned around stabbing the high councilor in the shoulder. With a pained grunt he tore the blade from his shoulder throwing it harmlessly on the ground.

The man shook with fright coming face to face with the high councilor. He didn't believe most of the stories until moments ago. Most thought of him as being the man who had everything. Glaring into the haunted killer's eyes he wondered what he possibly could've went through to end up like this. He held his shaking hand in front of him as the onyx eyes examined his terrified expression. The young man screamed as he felt the clawed hand grip his neck.

Across the manor panic had ensued among party goers. Many started barricading the doors to prevent something from entering. Brook shook his head urging his band members to find an exit.

"What about you?" One of them asked.

"I'll be fine. I need to check on my former captain to know if he's alright otherwise I couldn't face my friend in the next life; now go!" Brook shouted to his bandmates causing them to run off into the manor.

The band ran down numerous hallways in the mansion looking for an exit. A young man nearly knocked them off balance as he ran the opposite direction.

"Watch where ya going jerk?" One of them yelled seeing him disappear down the hall. "Jeez kids these days." The band leader turned his attention toward gazing down a dark hallway.

Only feet away glowing onyx eyes watched their unsure expressions as they tried to decipher who or what was in front of them.

"Do you know a way outta here?" One of them asked the tall figure surrounded in darkness. They stepped back seeing an arm emerge from the darkness.

The arm pointed toward the right. "Follow that hall, make a right and its the second to last left, can't miss it." The voice said stepping further into the shadows.

One of them spoke up bravely, "Don't know who you are but thanks a ton mister." The group ran off down the hall following his directions.

Luffy watched them go before pursuing the young man he sent off to spread fear and paranoia to the rest of the forces.

The young man reached the rest of the forces guarding the main hallway leading to where the elites were barricaded. The gunman captain furrowed his brows seeing the emergency lights start to flicker, they were being intentionally sabotaged—he could only wonder by who or what?

"Hold your fire!" He commanded seeing a young man approach hunching over from lack of oxygen.

"W-w-we... have to...have to..."

"Woah slow down son, catch your breath." The commander spoke placing a hand on his shoulder.

"We have to get out of here! He's going to kill us all, he's coming..."

"Who's coming?"

"The high councilor..."

The commander glanced at his squadron. "Son we guard the elite for a reason, our training is unmatched—"

"It doesn't matter! Nothing can stop him he—"

The man flinched from the emergency lights flickering and shutting off completely in the hallway, shrouding the room they guarded in near darkness.

"Just stay out of the way." The commander said pushing the young man away before his squadron all pointed their weapons toward the darkened doorway directly in front of them.

The guard nearest the doorway felt an uneasy chill crawl up his spine as he stared at the darkness. He couldn't help feel a menacing presence stood in front of them.

Cerulean and black ignited the darkness in a glow as a hellfire blade appeared suddenly alerting the gunmen of the high councilor's arrival.

"Open fire!" The commander shouted as the squadron fired their weapons.

Effortlessly the hellfire blade resembling a flaming Scimitar sword deflected their bullets slicing through gunmen like a hot knife through butter. The commander shuddered at the brutality shown, he was losing men fast—the difference between training and the live fire were night and day.

The gunmen commander could see the young man already ditched his position running toward the barricaded door.

"HELP US!" He yelled banging on the door loudly.

The commander ditched his post seeing the last remnants of his men slain. He stared in horror at the gore as the figure made its way toward his position. The two mens' fist began to bleed from the force of hitting the door.

Party goers held weapons in the moderately sized rooms ready to defend themselves from the foe that attempted to get in. They shifted on their heels hearing the banging abruptly stop. A second later the barricade crashed from the hellfire flames as a shadow dashed forward slashing the nearest person's neck off their shoulders.

The same rage Luffy felt when he was attacked in Zou reemerged. During that time his anger had been unkempt and misguided. He'd been so focused on doing what was necessary to guarantee a victory against Kaido he lost sight of everything. The pain of his loss had been so raw and fresh he could've died that day and not cared, thinking back it would've been for the better if he did. Now after going through the similar pain of truly losing he slaughtered everyone that attempted to attack him making sure they felt his pain.

The masks they had on didn't make it easier to kill them. He could picture the faces they made from the fear of death and pain of his unbridled fury. Men and women alike couldn't escape his wrath, the elites were not to be shown mercy; their ideals threatened his Regime's existence. They'd been responsible for the outbreak on Isla Sulawesi, previously the unknown island infected with roamers, biters, and infected that took over the last secure settlement of the Navy and Celestials within an hour. They planned on unleashing it upon the world as a way to control the population and place the reset button; over his dead body. Despite the pleadings of mercy from them he wouldn't stop his assault—nothing would contain his rage.

A bony hand caught his arm above the blade halting his movement toward an elitist as he bolted for the nearest exit.

"Luffy-san," came Brook's familiar voice, "you can't do this, think about Nami-san...she wouldn't want this—"

Luffy placed his forearm on skeleton's chest pushing him against a nearby wall. "Stay out of my way." He growled before vanishing in a flash pursuing the fleeing elites.

Brook furrowed his eyeholes shocked by his former captain's behavior. He pushed himself off the wall examining the carnage and destruction Luffy caused to the room. Limbs and bodies laid incinerated and slain throughout the area. The one pristine room looked like a sword tornado blew through it, causing major destruction and devastation. Brook's gaze hit his feet remembering the cold calculated eyes of his ex-captain, the words he said to him were not something he would've said months earlier.

The undead musician sank on the wall placing his hands onto his forehead. He felt he failed his friend in more ways than one. The moments Luffy needed him most he was absent only caring about his pain. Now the former straw hat captain crossed the point of no return. Even if these people were involved in some type of crimes it didn't need to end like this.

Brook wiped his eyeholes trying not to break emotionally. He clutched his head to make sense of it all. He forced himself not to believe what Luffy did to Zou and King Neptune, convincing himself it was his subordinates. However a harsh reality set it now that he didn't realize up until now. The old Luffy was gone and based on what he experienced just now wasn't coming back.

The skeleton buried his hands in head once again. "Luffy-san...What has happened to you...?" He wondered aloud to the silent room.

Luffy pursued an elitist trying to make his way up the staircase. "Wait! It's me! It's me!" The high councilor slashed his sternum open tossing him carelessly over the railing not bothering to stop his ascent up the stairs.

"Luffy you there?"

"Go ahead Sabo I can here you." Luffy stated placing a hand on his earpiece.

"E.T.A five minutes, do you need assistance?" Sabo asked staring at the distant mansion hidden by the woods.

"It's fine, I'm ending this."

"What happened?"

"I'll fill you in when you get here."

Luffy crushed his earpiece as more elitists rushed down the stairs to attack him. He took the rest out easily as they fought back to no avail. The high councilor flew up to the top floor kicking the doors down.

"So you made it, shall we discuss terms for a deal?" The leader asked calmly keeping his hands in front of his face.

"No terms, you lead me here to kill me. We could've discussed things civilly but you intended to take me and my Regime down." Luffy spoke taking a step toward the man.

The man in suit placed his arms in his lap reaching a hand under the table. "I didn't have a choice, for several hundred years we've moved in secrecy. Planning to start a New World Order; one where we royalists don't dictate to the poor. Our families earned respect from royals, celestials, and the World Government, all while profiting from their wars. We plotted to take over and annihilate them and then you came along, taking their place and becoming our natural enemy." The leader spat gripping the revolver armed with sea prism bullets under the desk.

Luffy let out a snort at the man's statement. "You got your insane secret society killed, that's your new world order; congratulations your a prophet."

"No I'm survivor!"

A single loud gunshot rang out as the air stood still for a moment, neither of the men moved from their position.

The man grinned looking at the bullet hole behind the high councilor's head—he missed. His revolver fell from his hand as he turned to look at a sharp burning pain on the left side of his chest.

Luffy's flaming outstretched clawed hand lay burrowed in the man's chest, the flames incinerating his heart. The leader slumped onto the desk letting out a final breath. The high councilor reverted to his original form and left swiftly to the front of the manor to meet with Sabo.

Outside Luffy came face to face with Brook and his band who were walking away from him.

"Brook!" He yelled trying to gain the skeleton's attention but he didn't spare him a glance.

"Brook." he said quieter stepping in front of the skeleton. "Is everything alright?"

Brook finally glanced at him sighing deeply. "No, it's far from alright, Luffy." He said softly shaking his head before walking down the dirt road leading toward civilization. Luffy noticed a hooded figure stay behind from Brooks group.

"There you are you bastard!" Koala's voice rang out as she threw the cloak aside. She gripped his collar yelling in his face, "What the hell did you do? Why didn't you listen to me?"

Suddenly it all made sense to him who the lady in the mask was that approached him when he first arrived.

"What do you mean? These were insane cultists that threatened the security of the world, this was necessary." Luffy argued pulling a cigar and lighting it.

Koala scoffed at his assessment of his actions. "Necessary?! Do you realize what you did?! Some of us were not here by choice; if we didn't show up it'd put our lives at risk. I told you to leave because I knew you wouldn't understand, you put me and Cornelius—" her eyes widened realizing what had happened.

"You didn't..." she said breathlessly. "Tell me you didn't do it!" She screamed in his face, her knuckles turned white from tightening grip on his shirt.

Luffy didn't know exactly when he killed her fiancée, most likely he'd been the man begging for his life on the stairs. He let out an exhale of smoke in the air, "They were going to put everyone in the world at risk; I killed hundreds to save millions, it had to be done."

Koala released her white knuckle grip nearly falling over on the spot. "Who are you?" She asked softly trying to recognize the straw hat captain from months earlier. "We were going to escape from here together; make a deal with them... Cornelius told you about this place because he thought you could help, he believed in you and now he's..." Koala's eyes filled to the brim with tears as she tried to keep it together.

Luffy spared the woman a glance continuing to puff smoke from his stogie. "This pain will make you stronger you know, I learned the same way." He said placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't touch me!" She barked shrugging his touch off roughly. "You're nothing but a murderer! I was right about you...I don't know how someone like her could've ever loved someone like you."

Luffy's eyes widened as he glared at the woman in front of him. The words she spoken hurt him deeper than any injury he received tonight. Koala recognized his look of anger over what she mentioned.

"Are you going to kill me to? Go ahead and prove me right." She challenged meeting his stare.

A deafening silence passed the two as the chilly breeze blew through the air.

"Brother!" Sabo's voice boomed from a few dozen feet away. He ran up to meet a familiar woman approaching him. "Koala? What are you doing here?" He asked trying to regain his composure.

"You planned this didn't you?!" She questioned angrily jabbing a finger in his chest.

"Koala...I'm glad to see you." Sabo said showing a genuine smile.

Koala's fist slammed against his chest as she screamed at him. "Why did you let this happen?! How could side with him when he's like this?!"

"Koala everything will be okay, I'm here now." Sabo said softly placing his arms around her to comfort the woman he held love for still.

"Don't!" Koala hugged herself tightly. "You made your choice when you sided with him. He's not your brother Sabo, he's a monster." She said calmly.

"I'm sorry, I'm here for you... Koala I—"

"Don't bother," she said angrily knowing what he was about to say, "don't ever speak to me again." Before he could reach her wrist she marched away from him. Sabo ordered a nearby soldier to escort her back to the city.

Sabo felt angrier than he had in his life. The calm demeanor evaporated and the man that wrecked his office after Koala walked out of his life for the first time returned.

Luffy barley exhaled from the cigar before he felt his collar being snatched.

"What the hell did you say to her?!" Sabo yelled angrily pulling Luffy's shirt tighter. "Answer me right now brother!"

The high councilor smirked seeing his brother's darkened expression. "Stand down, commander." Luffy said addressing the soldiers.

The soldiers lowered their weapons; Luffy would not have his brother be shot over their squabble. "Alright back up give them a minute." The commander said backing his squadron up.

"What did you do?! She won't even look at me! She told me to never speak to her again, what the fuck did you do?!" He shouted causing an uneasy feeling to spread among their enlisted men. They'd never seen their superiors fight like this—it was certainly different then their usual squabbling.

The commander escorted the squadron to sweep the perimeter and search the mansion leaving the brothers to their private moment.

"It doesn't matter, I've let her slide for your sake; I'm letting her go now despite her affiliation with the Order of the Owls. Now come on we wasted enough time." Luffy said throwing the emperor's hands off him.

Sabo's hands shook at his sides in fury, for the second time he'd let a woman he loved out of his life—his first love at that. His eyes met the retreating form of his brother as he walked toward the mansion.

"Bastard..." he growled lunging for his brother with his fist reeled back. Sabo's anger toward his brother's indifference caused him to snap.

His fist connected with Luffy's face just as he turned to face his brother. The high councilor staggered back an inch unfazed by the vicious strike.

"That all you got?" Luffy asked rhetorically, the straw hat hung over one of his eyes as he glared at the emperor that struck him.

Sabo let out hard punches to his brother in anger. Without haki or his flames, Luffy knew his brother wasn't trying to seriously injure him, he was letting his unvented fury out; the high councilor understood his brother's pain.

"This is all your fault! If only you saved her, all this wouldn't have happened! You failed dammit!" Sabo shouted gripping his brother's shirt. The emperor angrily glared at the high councilor before letting his tears fall from his face collapsing into his brother's shoulder.

"I know it's my fault brother, every single day I wake up I live with that. About being the biggest failure in the world; even with everything we accomplished I would take it all back to right my wrong. But my goal isn't going to change I'm making this world better for her, believe nothing but that if you want to—I'm sorry for failing you too." Luffy said embracing his older brother tightly.

Sabo returned the hug wholeheartedly letting his anger dissipate and the tears of sorrow leave him as he regained himself.

"I'm sorry brother, forgive me," he stepped back to look his family in the eye, " I'll always still love Koala even if I'm in love with Carina...I will never do that to you again." He said referring to the blame and anger he took out on Luffy.

The emotions his brother described as 'love and in love' alluded him, there was only one person he'd ever feel that way about—and he'd most likely never see the real her again. "It's fine Sabo I don't hold your feelings against you we'll get through it together with the successful future of our Regime."

"Now come on, I have a lot to fill you in on." Luffy spoke continuing toward his original destination.

"Brother wait—"

"What is it?"

"I know it's still hurts and it always will. Trust me. But you can move past it in a way...The pirate empress cares for you, there's always still a chance..."

"I don't lo—"

"It's not about that Luffy...Marriage has rarely ever been about that. It's about power. What you had before...was special... and will probably never be duplicated, but trust me. At least consider the proposal." Sabo spoke trying to read his brother's expressionless features.

"I will." Luffy said gesturing his brother to follow him. The high councilor slung his arm around his brother's shoulder with a slight smile.

"What is it?" Sabo question with a raised eyebrow noticing his brother's somewhat jovial expression.

"You should celebrate Sabo, you're worth nearly two trillion beli now. You also own a large majority of the oil distribution it the world, obtained the aluminum fortune and control the World Press Times." Luffy patted his brother on the shoulder congratulating him.

Sabo couldn't help smile at the thought of his newfound infinite wealth. "I see, so we're repossessing these bastards' real estates, assets, businesses, and their bank accounts."

"Yeah, we'll just consider it an overdue federal tax for the past several hundred years. The elite elevens' wealth will all transfer to us, our council will contain the eleven richest people on earth." Luffy said not becoming to excited. He had no need for money, however his government was a different story. Now the deal with Dr. Vegapunk and Pierce would surely fall through.

"Perks of being the government I suppose." Sabo chuckled earning one back from Luffy. "The transactions will take us a few weeks but it shouldn't be a problem, I do own the press now after all."

Luffy couldn't have agreed more. "That's right, so we need to cover this up. There was a bon fire in the court yard earlier. We'll report they had too much to drink and burned the manor down."

"Okay we'll get started right away. I don't think people would care much anyway, all these people ever gave two shots about was power and now they got nothing." Sabo exclaimed lighting a cigar to smoke.

"I killed Cornelius." Luffy stated nonchalantly puffing from his cigar.

Sabo stayed silent for a moment. "Good riddance." He spat taking a long drag from his cigar. Luffy couldn't help smirk at his brother's approval.

"About the other thing, did Kizaru get it done?" Luffy asked lighting a stogie of his own.

"Yeah he's getting it done, he'll wait for us until we're finished here." Sabo stated as the two brothers made their way toward the manor to execute the plan.

—

"Hmm...you don't look so good." Borsalino frowned dusting off a captured man's dirty shirt. "Much better that was bothering me for the longest time." He chuckled walking away from the guarded crowd.

"Bastards! What the hell did you do my kids! Why is everyone here like this?! Why us?!" He screamed clutching his wife for dear life.

Borsalino halted his stride for a moment, "its all for the better if you didn't know, rest assured your kids will be unharmed." He said walking away.

"All the children aboard the tanker?" Sabo asked Borsalino who stood idly by with his squadron.

"Yes they're all accounted for it says so on the list—" Borsalino took his attention away from the papers seeing a small girl push past the guards. "Missed one." He added later than ever.

"Where's my mother?! Mother!" She yelled nearly running into the high councilor. She took a step back seeing him approach halting her speech completely.

"What's wrong, little one?" He asked seeing her pained expression.

"My mother. Where is my mother?" She questioned glaring directly at him.

Luffy squatted down to become eye level with the girl. "What's your name?"

"Bell." She stated firmly not breaking her fierce gaze. Luffy recognized that look from anywhere, he had the exact one when he grew up—the gaze of a fighter.

"You're quite the fighter, Bell." He said with an amused smile. "Come on, let me help." Luffy held his hand out for her to take.

After a few silent moments she grasped his hand as he led her away from crowds of people guarded by the Regime soldiers.

Once a comfortable distance away he knelt down to face her again. He reached into his pocket pulling out a log pose earning a look of surprise and wonder from the girl—she knew exactly what it was despite not seeing one up close.

"Pretty isn't it? Perfectly balanced as all things should be. Too much to one side, or the other...here try it on." He said sliding it on her wrist before adjusting the strap accordingly.

While Bell's eyes roamed over the log pose Luffy gave a nod to Sabo.

"Farewell, go in peace to meet your makers." He called out as the soldiers opened fire on the people.

Bell took her eyes off the log pose hearing the screams to glance at the scene only for Luffy to turn her head attention back to the log pose.

"Concentrate." He said as Bell focused on the pose once again. The needle shifted slightly before pointing rapidly toward the open sea.

Luffy couldn't help smile, she was a natural born navigator. "There. You've got it."

He clasped her hand once again as he led her to the tanker waiting down at the edge of the island. That day the high councilor decided to sacrifice hundreds for millions and the future of the world. He had to rid of the descendants of the Order of the Owls. Keeping their extended families alive wasn't a risk he was willing to take, the adult bloodlines needed to be exterminated.

Within hours the ships left the island as the ashes of the extended family members became lost in the wind.

—

Luffy let out a heavy sigh raising his fist to the door for the seventh time in a minute. He wasn't exactly sure how to go about this and it was far to late to back down.

He knocked a few times before he heard shuffling and hushed voices from inside.

"Luffy, your back." Hancock smiled opening the door fully to greet him. "I don't wish to tell you this but I-I'm about to leave soon so if don't mind..."

"Wait—" He said halting her rushed words. "Hancock I—" the words didn't come fast enough as she cut him off.

"I know, you don't need to tell me again, I understand..." she said trying to hold her tears back. Boa couldn't bare another rejection, it was better to leave then that happening again.

"I'll marry you." He stated evenly blurting it from his mouth. Silence hung in the air for what seemed like a full minute.

Her eyes widened hearing those words leave his mouth. She blinked a few times and shook her head to make sure she wasn't dreaming.

"You'll what?" She asked hoping to hear it again.

"I said I'll marry y—" he let out a huff a air as she embraced him tightly.

"Yes Luffy! A thousand times yes! I've waited so long for this, I will not let you down." She said letting tears of happiness fall from her cheeks.

"I know you won't." He said returning her embrace as a smirk reached his lips.

—

Across the ocean Trafalgar Law and his alliance say gathered on an island in an underground facility off the books of any Regime settlement.

The captain of the Heart Pirates tossed the newspaper reading the headlines. The elite eleven were dead and the Regime were in possession of their unlimited wealth. The government bastards had done; they murdered innocents to get their way and continue the chain of corruption. Even so they controlled everything now; they could control distribution of resources that could change the course of the world. They could support their own war for years without paying for resources. Give the people an overall higher morale from the money they invested in the world to keep them distracted from the truth. Perhaps worst of all they controlled the media, which meant controlling the narrative. If he indeed intended to start a war with them, they would be no heroes to the world.

The doors barged open catching the room's attention and breaking the silence.

"I found one of em." Koala said as Brook trailed her to stand in front of Law's large round table of allies.

"Brook-ya," Law said folding his hands over his head, "can you get your crew here within the next three months?"

"I can try...I can certainly try Law-san.." he spoke softly.

Trafalgar could tell something had been up with the skeleton, he witnessed something that traumatized him. It must've been a hard thing to do since he was an undead.

"Alright then, three months and then we make our move. The high councilor and his Regime will fall; we will make this a free world once again." Law stated before disbanding the meeting.

The countdown till then began now.

A/N: Hope everyone enjoyed it. What do you think about Luffy being a full time anti-villain? The finale to part one is next, as always thanks for reading.