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)

34. Secret Wars

A/N: A New Arc taking place before the time-skip in part 2. This will have three chapters and an epilogue. Will address everything left open ended in the story. No spoilers for the upcoming Stampede movie. Only a minor reference to the main antagonists power scaling and a few minor details about his time in Roger's crew. If you don't want to know anything, I'd skip over this.

As always thanks for reading.

—

XXX

—

"Don't tell me that's all you have?" Raleigh grinned pulling out a silver flask swigging greedily. The swordsman wiped the liquid away glaring at his scarred opponent as blood fell off his bruised knuckles.

"I wouldn't bet on it." Luffy said resuming his stance. The pain didn't deter him one bit, he would conquer the former Roger Pirate's first mate if it killed him.

Raleigh laughed tucking the alcohol away, "thats what I like to hear. In truth I'm far past my prime. I'd be disappointed if you let a geezer best you."

"I'm not underestimating you even in your old age." Hellfire armament fists ignited the starry sky mirroring Raleigh's flaming sword.

"Don't lose focus for a moment otherwise I'll cut you in half." Master and student released their conquerer's haki. The wills clashed intensely battling for dominance. The energy dissipated into air after the brief standstill as the combatants charged toward each other coming to blows.

Ace, Dragon, Garp, and Sabo watched from the platform above witnessing the battle between the two titans shaking the palace to its core reverberating through the capital. Medics ran from inside the palace checking on unconscious guards unable to handle the conquerer's spirit.

"Looks like I arrived just in time." Pierce said holstering his revolver standing next to the council members remaining focused on the fight. "Didn't mean to intrude I have business I think you'd be interested in."

"Whatever it is it can wait until this fight is over." Ace said keeping his eyes trained on his brother's movements.

"Even if it's important we're starting a war in the Land of Samurai sooner than we anticipated. Scheduling conflicts won't allow us to have our super weapon your boss Vegapunk blueprinted ready until we're knee deep in conflict. It potentially could be upwards of a year before it's fully operational." Garp said munching on rice crackers intrigued at Luffy's overwhelming haki taking control of the battle.

"Most importantly we protect the citizens from tyrants like Kaido and Orochi; were in need to keep loyalists to the Kozuki clan safe, Wano won't fly Regime banners, the country will be loyal to our government but they want homegrown lords. Wouldn't do us any good launching an all out war as we had invading that old hag's territory. The Wano citizens living in isolation from the rest of our world are unaware Kaido will sacrifice their lives if it meant a world war—We won't oblige him." Dragon said crossing his arms unable to take his eyes from Luffy and Raleigh's flaming blades clashing sending a thunderous boom past the spectators. "We have to secure the territories and towns using evacuations geared specifically for each region, and allying with the local forces still loyal to the Kozuki clan, the last thing we need is another science experiment."

Pierce's eyes widened noticing the dragon essence rise from the hellfire threatening to incinerate the arena. "I assure its not an experiment. I don't plan wasting your time nor will I ask for payment, this is going to benefit both sides."

Dragon nodded sipping his tea, "very well, now stand there and don't speak until this is over these nuts haven't stopped battling for six days."

Luffy and Raleigh landed on the platform heaving not breaking their stare. Raleigh laughed loudly surprising his student. His power vanished into the air, "you won Luffy, your far surpassed where I am now. It would've been great to fight you in my prime but as of now, you're no longer my pupil."

Luffy grinned, "been fun hasn't it geezer?"

"Troublesome yes, also fun," Raleigh said throwing on his cloak, "You're the eighth strongest haki user in modern history Luffy, at least in my book, I'll have to update it."

"You keep track of that stuff? I'm eighth?! Who the hell's in front of me?!"

Raleigh arched a brow, "its just my opinion Luffy, this isn't official just observations of mine throughout the years."

"Spit it out old man."

"I should start from the end; there are two top elite tiers: Roronora Zoro begins the first list next to Kid. Nearing the middle is Marco, Kuzan, Borsalino, Katakuri, Lucky Roo, Sabo, Issho Fujitora, Benn Beckham, Kozuki Oden. The tenth spot is a three way tie between myself, Douglas Bullet, and Mihawk while the ninth spot goes to Big Mom." Raleigh scratched his beard, "although I'm firm in my rankings given the top ten's power levels at a given time throughout the years it could vary. The top two are the only assurances to stand high above the rest."

Luffy wasn't surprised Zoro found his way onto the list neither Sabo or Katakuri. The next half of the first tier elite rankings was understandable, they had the potential to become Pirate King. "Who's in front?"

"Ahead of your eight spot is your grandpa Garp, Whitebeard, Shanks, Dragon, Kaido; after that there's a gap between the next two. Roger is second, forever my captain and the greatest man I've ever known so forgive my heavy bias. He's surpassed only by Xebec who was the apex pirate ruling the seas when we were fledglings building our bounties."

"I didn't realize Dragon had surpassed Shanks." His father said he could never unleash his power in the world due to its unpredictable nature. He was a calculated man, his word true, yet Luffy couldn't see him defeating Shanks.

"If Shanks had his other arm he could've surpassed Roger. The moment he lost the limb he squandered a real chance of that happening. Hawk eyes doesn't bother fighting him lately, in his estimation the incident has hindered him to some degree of what he could've been." Luffy nodded understanding the sacrifice Shanks made to preserve his life. He would be forever in debt to Shanks for protecting him when he needed it.

"I had no idea Roger's power stood above Kaido's by a wide margin. Kaido is the strongest being on this earth I've come across. He's capable of killing a half god." It explained why the pirate king was able to retain his soul in hell. The gap between them wasn't far he would train to surpass it. Once hurdling their powers it would be time to start ascending beyond mortal bounds to fight on even ground with gods.

"Roger was a level above, however his power isn't unobtainable just very rare. It took him most his life to acquire that type of strength, I believe you could surpass it. My former captain is only superseded by Xebec who was the apex pirate ruling the seas when we were fledglings building our bounties. There isn't any physical way to surpass his haki."

Luffy hadn't heard that name spoken by anyone before. "Who the hell is that? He was a level above Roger?"

"He was far stronger than Roger. I recall as if it were yesterday he gave the order to pursue Xebec's trail on the Grand Line."

Luffy crossed his arms, "Roger beat him right? To become king he fought and won?"

Raleigh shook his head staring up at the sky remembering their fierce battle as if it occurred yesterday. "Roger was defeated easily in several encounters barley holding onto his life in their last. The outcome may have yielded a different result when Roger reigned as king but it's doubtful."

Raleigh didn't lie Xebec must've been the pirate king beforehand, "if Roger didn't defeat him, who did?"

Raleigh smirked, "your grandfather bested the immaculate pirate after a spectacular battle that shook the world. Xebec fell to your old man giving him the title of war hero against the world's greatest threat."

Luffy's mouth fell agape staring at the former navy captain shoveling the bag of rice crackers in his mouth laughing loudly across the platform. "Gramps defeated the strongest haki user in recent history? He never mentioned that to us."

"Ask him about it the next time you speak, I'm sure he'll recount the tale better than I can." Raleigh said taking a swig from the flask.

"Xebec couldn't have conquered the seas alone, who were his crew mates?"

Raleigh grinned, "the Rocks pirates held four other key members: Edward Newgate ages before he became the Whitebeard you met at Marineford. Charlotte Linlin or as you know her Big Mom, Kaido the beast who we're after now, and Shiki the Golden Lion were all apart of the crew that had the potential to bring the world to its knees."

There would be no way his crew could match up to monsters like that in even if it was before their prime. He loved his straw hat crew and would take on anyone with them by his side however fighting against the Rocks pirates would've be futile. "Did you ever come close to beating them?"

"Bullet and I managed to battle Kaido and Big Mom for a good duration before we had to flee from Roger's sound defeat." Raleigh drank once more recalling the bloody images of Roger bleeding out on the Oro Jackson with Crocus and Rogue kneeling at his side.

Luffy assumed Bullet and Raleigh were on the same level, he'd seen one firsthand at full tilt. Monsters like them couldn't match Roger's strength, the swordsman claimed Bullet was beaten back easily by Roger for trying to rebel against orders. Where did that leave Xebec? Could there really be someone that powerful who roamed the seas? He still couldn't wrap his head around how Garp defeated the supposed immaculate pirate. "You said earlier it isn't possible to surpass Xebec's haki."

"The Rocks captain's armament haki was an impenetrable force. His capabilities were masterful, yet his endurance kept him unbeaten during the time they ruled." Luffy contemplated his current standing breaking out of the stupor as his uncle laughed loudly, "Xebec won't return, the only loose end from the old world is Kaido.

"We'll handle the drunkard beast soon enough," Luffy arched a brow at the retreating elder, "No more sparring?"

"I'm going to get some sleep, you wore me out. In all honesty I have nothing left to teach you. You're a master of haki now." Raleigh drank his flask heading toward the steps leading to the upper spectator seats.

"I'm not," he said halting Raleigh's steps, "not yet, my conquerors haki isn't at the level it should be...It's still too weak."

"You can't directly train conquerors haki, only red hair found a way. He refuses to share the knowledge, the reasons why are anyone's guess."

Luffy smashed a pillar sending the broken fragments over the cliff side, "I can't locate Shanks or don't have any way to reach him. He still hasn't tried to contact us either..."

Raleigh nodded understanding Luffy's anger, "I'm sure in time he'll make his presence known. He's an enigma that no one understands similar to yourself. Even if you don't master conquerors haki you're at a high level, surpassing most of the strongest users in history."

"It's not good enough... If there's different worlds and stronger enemies than ever I can't afford to lose." Instead of passing Roger there was a higher bar to jump over. 'I'll get stronger than ever, I have to in order to compete against them.'

"You're exhausted, get some rest Luffy. Be proud you're a teacher in your own right." Raleigh said regrouping with Garp and Dragon disappearing into the palace.

Ace, Pierce, and Sabo appeared next to Luffy in a dance in flames greeting him. "What are you doing here? You should be enjoying your private island or vacationing somewhere." He said turning to the stoic gunslinger.

"I have a business proposition—"

"It better be good."

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity." Pierce replied.

"Go on."

"I already told your brothers. Vegapunk found coordinates to a world that would be likely willing to strike an alliance for the upcoming conquest."

"This true? I've been hoping for a break through."

Sabo nodded, "the world they found is similar to how this one was previously occupied. The World Government bows to a single entity using the Navy as enforcers to keep their power."

"Wait for it," Ace said crossing his arms, "the kicker is we're the admirals running the Navy."

Luffy's eyes widened, he'd heard about this world on earth prime. "How do you know they will want to strike an alliance with us? If they're with the Navy we'll have conflict of interests in our ideals, it could lead to an all out war we're not prepared for."

"He's right, our resources aren't limitless. We already have our eyes set on Wano and the upcoming campaign." Sabo said.

"If you guys really intend to accomplish your goals you need help. The Navy bows to the World Government, they need to be exterminated-"

"Hold up, you're talking about destroying Mariejois again?" Ace inquired.

"No, that ain't what I'm sayin. You would be considered a threat, you have to do things the right way since you're an outsider." Pierce said.

Sabo shook his head, "I don't like this. What would he have to do? It took years for the revolution to break down the World Government's infrastructure and hold onto the countries' loyalists there isn't time for that."

"Take down the one entity that controls the five elders in the government." Pierce said smoking a cigar.

"You sure about this brother? I can go if you want me to handle it." Sabo offered.

"Either way it's an opportunity we can't pass up if we intend to accomplish our goals." Ace said standing between the brothers.

Luffy couldn't contain a toothy grin, "I'll leave immediately, this could be a chance to further our alliance."

Sabo stopped Luffy outside the palace letting Ace and Pierce continue their guns and knives debate. "You fought very well you might beat Ace and I someday."

Luffy smiled, "I don't think I'll ever beat you guys."

Sabo chuckled placing a hand on his shoulder, "you should talk to Hancock, we haven't seen her much. She hardly left your chambers since our meeting last week."

"Your right, I'll check on her. Can you handle the plans have it ready by the time I get there."

"Consider it done. Go see your wife."

Luffy nodded expanding his wings gliding into the sky disappearing from Sabo's sight landing on the patio of his chambers opening the door. He paused seeing her dress slipping up her curves sliding past the celestial brand. Luffy knocked on the glass alerting her to his presence though he was positive she known he was there.

She smiled seeing him approach wrapping his arms around her waist nuzzling into a shoulder, "how've you been? Sabo said the others haven't seen you in awhile."

Hancock turned in his arms holding him tightly, "Missing you in this palace, the others wish to talk too much politics and most are gone back to their countries for the summer."

"Bartolommeo and Coby didn't keep you company?" He asked kissing her shoulder blade.

She kissed his forehead, "they're not you, I was waiting to see you." Hancock curled a leg up his side pulling him closer. "Let's leave this place."

"Sorry to keep you waiting." He wrapped around her tighter, "where do you want to go? We can visit Amazon Lily or some white sanded isle if you want."

"Let's go anywhere, just away from here. Where no one will find us."

"When I get back, I'll take you somewhere alright? Just the two of us, no one else." He said smiling warmly unable to let her go.

She pulled away slightly meeting his gaze furrowing her brows, "where are you going?"

"There's a mission off world. I'm striking an alliance for our upcoming plans, I think it'll be good for us."

Hancock sighed, "what do you plan to accomplish by doing all this? The world is at relative peace, why bring more war to our doorstep?"

"I'm not bringing war, I'm offering aid to worlds that are in a desperate situation. In exchange they fly our Regime banners spreading our ideals. My intention is never war." He argued frowning at her sudden change.

"You still don't know anything Luffy. What you guys plan on doing is only going to end one way, there will always be those that oppose because of their beliefs."

Luffy smiled slightly, "I know I love you. I'm happy your my wife, and I'd do anything to keep you happy."

Hancock tightened her hold wanting to believe his words. The man that sat on the high throne relishing in chants pandering to controlling over worlds terrified her, she didn't want Luffy to be that. "Let's leave please, I really want to go somewhere."

Luffy lightly grazed her face softly placing his forehead against hers, "when I return, we'll leave together. I'll take you whenever you want." He wanted her to look at him the same way she did before. He pressed his lips to hers wrapping an arm around her waist.

Hancock gripped his collar returning the kiss placing a leg between his as he sat her on the dresser searching along her back trying to find the dress's opening. He smirked placing Hancock on the bed searching her eyes kissing his wife with a fierce passion. He could feel a semblance of happiness being in this moment with her.

Hancock abruptly pulled away hiding her gaze from him. Luffy chuckled lifting her chin furrowing his brows at her glossy eyes. Hancock pulled back again unable to look at him. She glanced at him once wordlessly crawling out from under him standing next to the dresser.

Luffy sat up folding his hands over his mouth accepting his karma, "you love him don't you?"

"I don't know who you're talking about." She wouldn't say it to him even if it killed her.

Luffy stood approaching her, "did you fuck him?"

The empress attempted to leave unwilling to face his questions. Luffy placed his arms on both sides of the wall boxing her in, "answer me, did you fuck him?"

Hancock's mouth opened only to close again unable to make a sound. She could see the hurt in his gaze, "no I didn't." Her voice came out barley above a whisper.

Luffy exhaled bowing his head, "I would understand. We can get past it, just tell me do you love him?"

Silent tears spilled down his cheeks when she remained quiet giving him the answer he needed. His wife's love that existed before their marriage disappeared. His efforts were too late. Hancock winced as his hands slammed on either side of her as he stormed out the room.

Hancock sighed sitting on the bed. They were two different people then when they first met. Or they didn't know each other as well as they thought. The time they spent apart over the years made them strangers to one another's true desires. Marrying Luffy was what she wanted. So why didn't it feel like it? She laid on the bed wishing he'd come back to talk things over willing to wait until he did.

Luffy grimaced stopping on the stairway banging a fist against the wall. He knew how Hancock felt about him yet he asked anyway against his better judgement. The truth hurt him in the end. "I'll fix things after I get back." He went against the thought of going to his room leaving to the meetup in the throne chamber.

Coby and Bartolommeo stopped him on the stairway greeting him, "where are you guys headed?"

"To store these devil fruits in the vault room as ordered, we don't have a lot yet but we look to get all listed unoccupied fruits in a two year timespan." Coby said lifting a crate lid pulling out a gold devil fruit.

"Gin Tesoro's fruit was found offshore in the Northwest regions. "Just one of many more to come, we're still placing bids in the world auction trade market, its only a matter of time before we clean them of their devil fruit inventory."

"Excellent work guys, hopefully we'll stick to the schedule." Luffy said placing his hands on their shoulders earning a proud smiles from the commanders. "Take these to the vault Bartolommeo I need to have a word with Coby."

"Sure thing boss! We'll get the council together for cards later." He said wheeling the cart down the hall.

Luffy waved turning to Coby, "how are you and Rebecca? I got the invitation to the ceremony, looking forward to attending."

"Ah its nothing, just an announcement of our engagement, a small gathering for friends and family." Coby said rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

"I'm honored you guys would have me. Is Rebecca enjoying the new place if it isn't spacious enough, I made sure to ask Violet—"

"N-no not at all its great. You really didn't have to go out of your way setting us up in the city away from the Royal Sector."

Luffy bellowed a laugh, "it's cool, I'm glad help friends elope."

Coby nervously laughed glancing down the hall, "I'm quite nervous about it all. You're married Luffy, how do you handle that? Isn't it tasking?"

"It's easy I'm sure I don't have to give you any advice." Luffy's smile faltered slightly noticing the unsureness across Coby's features, it meant a lot to him. "You love her right?" He asked scratching his spiky hair.

"Of course I do."

"Good, just remember your duty means nothing compared to her love. If she ain't happy there isn't a point to it."

Coby nodded accepting the point. "I'll remember that, her happiness comes before anything else." He smiled slightly reflecting on his friend's words, "was that how you felt about her?"

"Gotta run Coby I'll check on your guys progress when I return." Luffy said striving toward the great hall.

Coby sighed watching the high councilor leave, "it's okay to admit you're not over it Luffy, I wouldn't ever be if I were you." He stayed a moment longer before following Bartolommeo to the vault room.

"Do you have a plan yet?" The high councilor asked appearing next to his brothers.

"As a matter of fact we do. It's a simple one really." Sabo said.

Luffy folded his arms listening to the plan a second time cocking his head to the side. "You don't like it?" Ace questioned tipping his hat up. "Maybe we should simplify it again?"

"How do I know they won't betray me after the fact? They won't believe half the shit I'm going to tell them." He hated leaving things up to chance, that reality bothered him the most.

"Unfortunately you're going to have to rely on strangers. However if you follow your brother's plan you'll succeed." Pierce said smoking a cigar.

Ace nodded, "he's right Luffy. Sabo knows himself better than anyone. Even if he is a strange doppelgänger, he'll listen if you're reasonable."

The four stepped toward the teleportation machine seeing electricity power the machine opening a rift to the other side. "We'll pull you back here on command, push the device on your wrist when your ready. We only got one shot." Sabo said placing the wrist device on him. "Ready?"

Luffy nodded to Sabo and Ace as they shoved him through the portal sending him into a free fall losing breath being swallowed by the night's darkness. He snapped his eyes open still falling through the night sky descending at a faster pace. He expanded the wings soaring past the clouds. Using his powers to fly was always exhilarating, he sped up intending to get to his destination sooner than expected.

Marine Headquarters was under heavy lockdown orders after pirates were seen around the vicinity threatening to cause an uproar leaving everyone on high alert. Inside the main office the admirals Ace, Sabo, and Luffy gathered around a poker table shoving poker chips in the center.

Ace glanced around the room pushing his chips to the middle. A smirk appeared seeing the other two show their poker faces, especially Luffy. "Alright all in."

"Thought you'd never ask." Luffy grinned shoving his pile toward the center.

"I wasn't asking." Ace said through gritted teeth turning his toothpick to ash.

Sabo put all his chips in revealing the face down dealer cards. "Straight flush. I win again." Ace and Luffy threw their cards down leaving the table grabbing a drink from the mini bar. "Thank you my dear brothers, your paychecks are very much appreciated." He laughed scooping the chip pile into his arms.

"Shut up will ya? I'm going to find you cheating one of these days and take back every beli." Ace said downing the whiskey.

"Who cares about money! We get to eat for free, our chefs are the best in the world." Luffy said grabbing the nearest meat from the executive lunch trays set out for them.

"Can't argue with that." Ace said patting Luffy on the shoulder bringing Sabo a drink, "have you heard back from the elders yet?"

Sabo shook his head, "they refused to meet me again until I bring in an emperor dead or alive. They act like they're some kind of gods, gramps said they never held any person interests of their own."

"Then they must be getting their orders from what was rumored. Why do they subjugate themselves to that thing? Is it fearsome enough to wipe out the world? To have enough power to extinguish the light from the world. They consider the family "D" as devils, those moral less saints ain't any better." Ace spat lighting a cigar, "damn religious nuts, they think they're so damn self-righteous because of their so called birth right to live above humans under God. What a fuckin joke."

"What's the light thingy they keep babblin on about?" Luffy asked through a mouth full of food.

"Supposedly the light is the devil. A false prophet who enraptures the people of the world to believe they're a savior. The five elders extinguish this devil in fear that an uprising may occur overthrowing their rule which has been in effect for centuries." Sabo finished his drink, "my guess is it's Blackbeard, or one of the princesses attending the Reverie."

"Which princess do you think it is? We are all in charge of escorting three primary suspects. You're escorting the fishman princess Shirahoshi, Luffy is escorting the Alabastan princess Nefatari Vivi and I'm escorting Dressrosa's Princess Rebecca." Sabo exclaimed sipping the iced gin.

Ace pushed his hat up with a finger, "don't speak too loudly brother, the room could be wire tapped. If they catch us talkin like this we could end up dead or sent to level six Impel Down for treason."

"CP0 is sending navy internal affairs every month. Bastards are trying to replace me. They don't like the questions I'm asking." The blonde admiral admitted trying not to roll his eyes.

"Its because of that Koala chick you mean?" Ace asked perking up at the mention of a woman.

Sabo tipped his hat up leaning back in his chair, "I'm not sure what you're implying."

"I'm entirely sure, your entirely sure, you know exactly what I'm implying." Ace replied sharing a grin.

"Oi!" Luffy called tipping his navy hat up, "We're heading for the Reverie tomorrow. I want to enjoy the festivities and parties don't do any of that boring stuff alright?"

"Would it change your mind if I told you red hair visited the Gorsei recently." Sabo said.

"Shanks why would he-"

The three brothers halted turning their attention outside the window overlooking the headquarters pinpointing a powerful presence approaching fast. "You guys sense that right?" Luffy asked. The alarm sounded as soldiers sprinted to the source taking up arms. The brothers grabbed their admiral coats vanishing from sight.

Spotlights shined brightly landing on a figure igniting his jet black coat in the night. The black and red colors radiated showing a dragon declaring its 'Regime' print proudly. The high councilor lit a cigar eyeing the approaching naval officers and grunts as they marched up to him. "You are trespassing on marine property, I need you to vacate the premises before we use lethal force."

"Is that how you treat a lost citizen?"

"This is not a citizen warranted zone. I'm going to ask you again to leave sir."

Luffy smirked, "I can't do that. See, I'm waiting for the admirals, summon your bosses." The high councilor placed a hand on the officer's shoulder. "I don't want to have to use lethal force." He said returning their threat.

The soldiers laughed at his words nearly falling over. The officer cackled clutching his gut, "you must be mental man. The admirals aren't here. Even if they were it would be a waste of their time." Guns clicked in every direction aiming at the high councilor.

Luffy flicked his cigar at the navy officer shooting a hellfire lance directly above their position setting the night ablaze sending winds across headquarters. The navy soldiers cowered at the sight of an attack rivaling a nuclear weapon able to decimate their sky and fire at point blank range. The admirals appeared flaming the attack dissipating it into thin air. "You made your point." Sabo said folding his arms coming to stand protectively in front of the on duty marines.

"What do you want?" Ace asked.

Luffy stared at the brothers, "I am here for one reason. I'm not from this world. I'm head of my world's government. My goal is to conquer other worlds. I can't do that without an alliance, powerful ones. I want you to join my Regime. I offer that if I help you usurp this government in exchange for your alliance. If you fight with me in my crusade, I'll allow you to establish your own regime, fly your own banners keep the same guise it matters none to me."

"Oi why do you look like me you bastard!" Luffy shouted standing beside his siblings. "If you want a fight you got one."

The high councilor examined the alternate him curiously pondering his power level. "I told you I'm not here to fight."

"It's too bad friend, we don't take kindly to outsiders—This is as far as you go." Ace grinned placing his hands in his pockets.

"Maybe we should hear him out more." Sabo said curiously holding a hand under his chin.

"Screw that! I'm going to kick your ass! You're my opponent!" Admiral Luffy cracked his knuckles staring down the high councilor.

The brother shielded themselves as the high councilor's eyes sharpened sending a blast through the Navy base. The black aura knocked the marines unconscious shutting down the pacifistas. "Haoshoku Haki." Ace felt the familiar aura deflect off the invisible haki armor shielding his body.

"Its similar to a Shura field, incredible." Sabo said witnessing the energy waves dwindle their toughest remaining soldiers.

Admiral Luffy remained unmoved by the power display. "You don't hinder me." He said matching the haki's intensity with his own red conquerer's spirit. The brothers joined him noticing his Haoshoku haki stalemate the bigger more intense display from the stranger. Marine Headquarters shook violently reverberating though the island. The spirits evaporated in an instant reverting the area to normalcy leaving the combatants in the same position.

High councilor Luffy heaved watching the brothers do the same, "You three are strong, I could only hold on for so long. There is still a chance we can talk this out, you're not my target."

"Shut the hell up—" Luffy halted his move noticing Sabo place an arm in front of him.

"As I said you made your point." He met the high councilor's gaze, "tell me what you're after, your answer determines my next move." Sabo adjusted a glove in case he needed his dragon claws. His first instinct proved right once more, this man was a dangerous foe and a potentially more deadly ally.

Luffy felt around his coat cursing under his breath. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly showing a grin, "Oi oi one of you guys wouldn't happen to have a cigar, I left the rest of mine at home."

The brothers exchanged a glance before Ace laughed walking toward the stranger, "Ace what the hell are you doing?!" Luffy questioned resuming his fighting stance.

"You know for a second I thought no way this guy could be my hot tempered and numb skulled brother, but you're definitely the one." He thanked Ace receiving the pristine tobacco making no hostile move. "Don't mention it." Ace chuckled rejoining his brothers waiting for the stranger to speak.

"I won't waver from what I said, I want to strike an alliance with you guys."

Sabo folded his arms unconvinced, "since you're Luffy we're going to hear you out. Why come to us? You could've easily went to Mariejois striking a deal with the gorsei, we don't have any power since we reside below them. If you're the head of your government, you wasted your time coming here."

Luffy grinned unable to hide the devilish excitement, "I'm right where I'm supposed to be. I replaced the world government in my world establishing a Regime in its place. My Sabo told me you would be the most sensible one of us."

"Hey—" Ace and Luffy stepped forward halting when the stranger approached standing closer.

"You and me both know the government here is corrupt the same as mine was. We can change that together, I'm offering to rid you of this oppressive government that view citizens as nothing but ants. In my world people come first, it's what pushes our leadership." High councilor Luffy released a cloud of smoke reaching into his coat pocket causing the brothers to prep their respective attacks.

He removed his hand holding out a World Times newspaper giving it over to them. Sabo nearly dropped the paper reading the headline: 'Mariejois in Ruins.' unable to take his eyes off the man residing in front of him.

"I rebuilt the city making it economically stable and a free capitalistic market trade welcoming anyone into the capital. You could walk in penniless with a dream and emerge enriched and enlightened." Luffy sought his doppelgänger's eyes nodding in his direction, "Does it bother you that we're half celestial?"

Luffy's fist tightened, "no it bothers me you killed innocent people, hundreds of thousands. "You can't be me, I'd never do those things what the hell would make you do that?" The youngest admiral halted at the intervention from his brothers.

"Let's hear him out first." Sabo said as they stood around letting a silent moment pass.

"When the first part of our plan is over and we meet with your fleet admiral. You have my word everything will be told, for now I'm asking you to trust me."

"What the hell, you're our brother after all. I'm trusting you, but one move against us and I'm killing you." Sabo warned offering a hand out.

Ace palmed his forehead, "two Luffys is just what we needed. You better have a plan to attract the World Government's attention."

Luffy's toothy grin returned twice the size as before, "they'll pay attention after we take down the greatest threat to this world of course."

Ace smirked crossing his arms, "heh so Blackbeard then."

"Damn straight."

—

XXX

—

Blackbeard sat on his throne leaning on a fist witnessing Burgess beat an aspiring lieutenant to death after challenging for his position. A loud laugh echoed across the ship as he stood raising his hands in the air, "the time is nearly upon us crew! Soon we will overthrow the government and the emperors. Our rule over this world will be dominate! No more will we remain silent subjecting to those who believe they're in power! Freedom for all!"

The crew cheered chanting their captain's name as he let out a sigh falling onto his throne chugging from the alcohol. Teach placed his hands behind him imagining the One Piece in their possession, then the world would truly bow to him. He halted dropping the bottle as his throne burst into pieces. Blackbeard's crew scrambled as a sonic boom wrecked the ship's bridge killing nearby crew workers shocking the division commanders noting Blackbeard's sudden disappearance. Jesus Burgess barked orders to the mothership and its branch vessels sending them off in a direction in search of their captain.

The emperor muffled profanities through the black clawed hand covering his face. He grunted being violently thrown into the sedimentary ground unable to stop his momentum skidding on a knee using an armament arm to finally grind to a halt. Blackbeard glanced in every direction wondering what the hell hit him, "show yourself bastard!"

The high councilor smashed the island's surface sending debris flying across the area. "You're the same as ever, seeing you makes me realize why I hate you all over again."

"Zehaha! I don't even know who you are. It was a fluke you managed to grab me separating me from my crew, now I will crush you using—" Blackbeard staggered holding his bloody nose landing on the receiving end of Luffy's fist.

"You were saying?"

"Bastard." Blackbeard growled stepping away, "you look familiar, it can't be—" The admirals appeared behind the stranger stepping through the firewall causing him to back away, "what is this?! You're allied with the admirals?"

"It's time to take you in Teach, this time you won't escape." Sabo said draping the signature pipe over a shoulder.

"You're going to pay for those you've hurt I won't let you run!" Admiral Luffy threw a fist into a hand glaring at Blackbeard summoning the power of darkness and quakes in each hand returning his stare.

"There you are admirals," Blackbeard met the youngest ones gaze, "straw hat, I've missed you. You three finally confront me after your failure at Marineford. Without that traitor Red hair, pirates would have reign over the world by now, you will never rid the world of us! Our time to take over is now zeha—"

"Shut up already, nothing you say makes a difference. Whatever you did I don't care your path ends here." High councilor Luffy ignited his fists in flames surprising the others. This world was the perfect storm to invade, Sabo's hunch proved correct. These admirals sought to stop pirates in their tracks from harming others firmly believing in the their Navy's justice. Under his reign pirates were eradicated never to sail the seas again to terrorize peaceful nations.

Blackbeard's light and dark aura burst free pushing the combatants back, "You... I don't know who you are...You don't belong here stranger!" The emperor had enough of their interference charging the group.

Ace's fire fist struck shockwaves head on while Sabo evaded the darkness sticking his dragon claws in Blackbeard's sternum. Luffy appeared overhead burying an armament gear third fist into Blackbeard pushing him underground. Teach broke free from imprisonment ricocheting debris past the admirals as the shockwaves shattered the air in fragments releasing an earthquake. A hellfire hawk smashed through his attack striking Blackbeard sending him crashing into the rocky hillside.

Blackbeard spit wiping blood off his chin grinning, "Heh, not bad. Might have to go all out." He tossed the empty bottle aside consuming the rum. Darkness emerged out of Teach's body consuming the land.

"Not good, get back." Sabo and the others retreated to the mountainside narrowly avoiding Blackbeard's flames.

Luffy cracked his knuckles tossing the admiral hat aside, "stay back I got this!" He jaunted vanishing from sight landing near his enemy shooting meters into the air emerging out a smoke cloud revealing the form to Blackbeard and the others, "gear fourth Snakeman!"

Blackbeard smirked at the slicker form, "Heh! No matter what form you take on this will end in your death admiral."

"I'll take you down this time. Let's go!" The lightning quick strike jetted though the sky bursting through the ground desolating the nearby area pushing Blackbeard on the defensive.

The emperor took a step back in awe at the arms speed rivaling the Pika Pika no mi creating a wide prism around him in a matter of moments. He charged an attack toward Snakeman receiving a fist to the back. Another fist struck his face spinning him around "Jet culverin!" The haki fist unleashed hot steam picking up speed burying Blackbeard into the ground from above.

Blackbeard's fists lit up in dark flames and shockwaves meeting the approaching Snakeman. Luffy's fists reeled absorbing pressure unleashing the furious fists, "black mamba!" Punches struck every inch of Blackbeard's body cracking bones leaving him unable to place his strikes on the gear fourth Luffy.

Blackbeard retreated skidding back to a halt, "heh not bad admiral straw hat, I'll show you my power!" Blackbeard buried a shockwave fist into Snakeman catching him off guard, "didn't expect this speed huh? Don't think you'll win so easily!" Luffy matched the speed exchanging a barrage of fists. Blackbeard hit Luffy in the sternum sending him skidding on a knee gearing a fist in steam.

Blackbeard surrounded his devil fruit powers in a fist charging toward Luffy, "show me more power straw hat!"

The attack roared toward Blackbeard resembling a serpent metamorphosing into a fist, "King Cobra!" Their attacks struck grazing off one another sending each other crashing outside the crater.

Steam jetted from Luffy's body reverting him back to base. "You did good brother." Sabo said running to his side helping him to his feet.

"Luffy." Ace called staring toward their enemy recovering from the attack. "You're always doing reckless things, you gotten really strong haven't you?"

Luffy ran a finger below his nose, "come on now I can't fall behind you two, I'd told you I'd be stronger than you guys."

"You'll never be stronger than me let's get that straight!" Ace ignited his fist in flames turning toward Luffy.

"This can wait for later." Sabo said reigning them in, "new guy, you killed Blackbeard before what's your holdup this time?"

High councilor Luffy studied the emperor releasing darkness across the battlefield, "He's more powerful than when I faced him."

Cannon fire off the coastline cracked the ground beneath the group's feet laying waste to the island. "My crew is here, unless you got a buster call comin its over for you admirals." Blackbeard bellowed a laugh watching his crew reign artillery on the four combatants.

"You take out Blackbeard, we'll sweep up the mess." Sabo dispersed speeding to Blackbeard's fleet. He jumped high in the sky burying his haki claws in the ground uprooting massive boulders sending them flying into the air. The sediment burst into flames heating the rocks to their melting point. Luffy reeled his elephant gun fists back leaping at the boulders punching the molten rock out to sea.

"Fire everything we got! Even if it's a rifle aim it at the admiral's attack!" Burgess said throwing his binoculars aside seeing the meteorites picking up speed off the coastline.

The six ships swerved turning the sails away from the meteorites breaking into smaller pieces gaining greater velocity. "LAUNCH!" Van Augur screamed pulling levers releasing rowboats out of launch bays aiding their escape.

"Focus all power twelve o clock. Turn us thirty degrees!" Lafitte picked up his cane sword glancing at Sheliew and Catarina's ships. The swordsman drew the blade as a fire meteor veered toward his vessel. Catarina stood by preparing more artillery attacks loading the cannons. The ships were engulfed in shadows causing men to scamper from their stations looking for an escape. The witch gripped her crescent spear leaping toward the incoming comet.

The brothers watched Blackbeard's ships crumble into the sea collapsing into the waves succumbing to fire burning along the choppy surface. "That's right we're taking him in now, send the clean up crew on the double." Ace hung the transponder up tucking it away.

"Think any of em made it out?" Sabo asked seeing the vessel's submerge underwater.

"I doubt its enough to kill the lieutenants." Ace said.

"We'll be ready for them if they show their ugly mugs." Luffy added. The admiral trio vanished toward the explosions coming from the island's center.

Blackbeard threw the boulder off cracking his neck, "I underestimated the stranger's strength. The admirals are on their way and my crew got taken out. The time to end the navy has come." Turquoise flames engulfed the mountain side shooting into the atmosphere. A sonic wave flared out the fire pushing the group back at the power surge.

Blackbeard ascended the black flames metamorphosing into a dark phoenix. The drake roared firing meteors toward the group scattering them. Hybrid Teach matched Luffy's strikes smashing a fire fist in his ribcage sending him crashing to the ground. He stepped on Luffy enjoying his writhing picking the leader up by his hair charging a flaming shockwave, "it's over stranger, I'll send you flying back to your world." Teach smashed the attack in the high councilor's sternum blasting the island's center bursting it through several mountains nearly breaking the land in two leaving massive craters in the alps.

The admirals watched from the opposite mountainside shielding themselves from the flying debris exploding out the valley. "Damn...He really got Marco's fruit." Ace shielded his eyes, "that bastard's strong, we may not be able to hold to our plan."

"You're right Ace, I can use gear fourth again so I can take him on. It looks like the other me got blasted to the next island." Luffy said assessing the devastation tying medical tape around his fists.

Sabo stepped toward the summit's edge staring at Teach, "we stick to our plan, we're quick to forget that stranger is you after all Luffy." Ace and Luffy joined Sabo noticing the smoke clear.

Blackbeard stared through the several craters carved into the land admiring his power. "The world is mine, this is all too easy." Teach stepped toward the admirals halting as a hand appeared behind rising out the cracked surface's depths.

Teach's eyes widened seeing the Dragon form glaring directly at him, "where do you think your going?" Luffy roared igniting the sky in black and cerulean making sure the heavens heard his massive shout. Blackbeard nearly stumbled at the thunderous war cry resembling a dragon and the power shift rise from the stranger. Luffy charged a hellfire hawk striking Blackbeard in the chest skidding him to a halt. He slammed the flaming gargantuan gear third fist over Blackbeard burying the captain.

Luffy circumnavigated the mountainside summit landing meters from Blackbeard's downed position holding a hand up to the admirals, "I'll finish this."

Ace grinned tipping his hat, "have at em. If you die it isn't any loss of ours."

"He sure seems confident, let's see what this outsider can really do." Sabo said folding his arms.

Luffy struck a palm cracking his knuckles, "damn, I forgot how greedy I am when it comes to fighting. I'm still gonna kick his ass after this."

The island rumbled shooting flames out its geysers. The dark phoenix broke free from the surface rising into the sky releasing a screech. Blackbeard flew toward the high councilor reverting to his hybrid form, "lets end this Teach, your strongest against mine."

"You want to end this in one swoop huh? Might as well since my crew got taken out. I'll kill you all and take your devil fruits to add to my collection." Blackbeard jetted into the atmosphere summoning burning shockwaves in a hand creating a meteor rivaling the size of battleship. "Do you see my abilities? I hold the power to dominate the world in my palm."

"We need to move in!" Admiral Luffy held out an armament arm preparing to use the higher gears.

Sabo rests a hand on his shoulder, "stand down, he's got this."

Ace didn't take his eyes off the meteor rapidly quadrupling in size rivaling the size of the island. Even if they wanted to their strongest attacks wouldn't do much at this stage. It didn't bother him since they had the stranger, he wasn't risking his own brothers lives. "Prepare to withdraw if shit goes to hell." The brothers stood by watching the stranger place his hands together pulling them apart revealing a hellfire lance.

"You plan kill me using that?! Zehaha, it's over!" The ground crackled as the meteor pulled debris into its gravitational field exploding in the orbit. Blackbeard brought down his hand sending the meteor toward the surface witnessing it crackle the air in lightning.

Luffy aimed the lance directly for the meteor's origin launching it into the sky. The spear rammed the center pushing back its momentum. Blackbeard applied pressure to an outstretched arm forcing the death ball's faster descent. Teach's meteor evaporated slingshotting the lance loose surprising the admirals. Blackbeard held a hand out attempting to absorb the hellfire spear.

Luffy held both hands up as the lance entered Teach's darkness detonating the lance into a hellfire tornado shooting high into the sky blasting a gorge through the ground. Blackbeard crashed onto earth picking himself up slowly, "damn that took almost everything I had. What was that power just now? His lance didn't pass or phase through, almost as if its energy disappeared somehow since it can't be destroyed only redistributed—" He rose off a knee staring at the hybrid landing meters in front of him. "Don't tell me that bastard absorbed my attack?"

Teach grunted shattering the air throwing shockwaves toward Luffy flying into the air. "You're letting him escape!" Sabo said appearing along side the others.

A lance crackled bursting forth fire aiming at the fleeing phoenix. The spear soared clipping the dark phoenix's wing sending him spiraling through the air crashing to the surface. The zoan form shattered leaving Blackbeard defeated on his knee clutching a shoulder. "D-damn you, I'll kill every last one you love."

Luffy's form evaporated in flames as he struck Blackbeard across the face "You're beat, just give up."

Blackbeard laughed spitting up blood, "it seems wherever your from I managed to get under your skin. I hope I caused you misery and suffering while enjoying it." Teach's eyes widened as he received a vicious strike knocking him cold.

"Shutting you up never gets old."

The trio landed next to the high councilor staring at the snoring emperor. "Impressive, let's wrap him up. We'll hold our end of the bargain, we're heading to the previous headquarters to see the fleet admiral." Sabo said as Ace and Luffy handcuffed Teach chaining him in sea prism.

"He'll listen to everything I have to say, I can't afford to go back without an alliance."

"You'll get your time we should leave before our backup arrives, the fleet admiral won't want anyone but us knowing about your presence for now." They were consumed in flames vanishing from sight as marine warships sailed onto the shore collecting Blackbeard's decimated crew.

—

XXX

—

"So they didn't listen?" Issho Fujitora said moving the small scissors against the blue ghost maple tree lightly snipping away.

Shanks sat on the adjacent couch taking a drink, "no, they told me he wasn't the one they were after. They're worried more about the rising ancient weapons getting loose. Nefatari Vivi and Fishman Island's princess Shirahoshi hold the keys to them. Your admirals are escorting them to the reverie tomorrow."

Fujitora nodded, "the government wants to confiscate them for their use no doubt. I understand your concern for their lives, no harm will come to them in Mariejois." Issho smiled smelling the delivered noodles from the chef, "did the Gorsei say when they'll meet with you again?"

"I bring Blackbeard in and they'll meet with me." Shanks smirked swigging the serviced bottle, "the geezers are mocking me they know Blackbeard is untouchable right now."

"It's similar to the Doflamingo incident in Dressrosa, and the Crocodile crisis in Alabasta prior. My orders prevented me from intervening sooner. However I made sure to deal with the problem and apologize personally to the citizens ensuring we wouldn't make the same mistake."

"The government's prerogative is their own, I agreed to be a peacekeeper acting under their behalf it was a necessary compromise to keep people I care about safe-"

"And you're not sure anymore." Fujitora said finishing his thought. Shanks simply nodded helping himself to more booze, "there isn't any need to justify yourself to me, I've done things I'm not proud of in my service however I believe we're better than the worst thing we've ever done."

"Not everyone." Shanks said regarding the fleet admiral for a moment.

Fujitora continued slurping the soba noodles signing the legislation abolishing the old Shichibukai system nullifying their amnesty. A guard stepped through the doors announcing the admiral's arrival. "Sir the admirals are here along with the prisoner."

"Send them in."

"Luffy! Ace! Sabo!" Shanks greeted them happily wrapping the trio in his arms pulling them close, "how bouta a banquet boys! This calls for a celebration."

Ace gasped breaking free first, "it won't happen if I'm dead, damn what the hell?" He rubbed his neck forgetting how strong Shanks was despite his carefree attitude.

"My bad my bad." Shanks said raising his hands defensively.

"I'm surprised to see you at headquarters what're you doing here?" Sabo asked fixing his top hat.

Luffy laughed, "who cares why he's here let's feast already!"

Fujitora coughed interrupting their reunion "as much as I desire you to trash my office while you feast, you three are here at your request."

"Down to business then." Ace opened the door shouting down the hall. Blackbeard emerged from the shadows handcuffed in chains escorted by Luffy surprising Issho and Shanks.

"The hell? Since when were there two of you?" Shanks questioned to the admirals bewildered at Luffy's doppelgänger. He grabbed the sides of his face, "when did Blackbeard arrive?!"

"You noticed just now?" Everyone asked including the prisoner.

High councilor Luffy met Fujitora's gaze across the room causing him to stumble back, "Fujitora has eyes! W-what the hell you can see!"

Blackbeard sighed, "you're still a moron."

Fujitora arched a brow, "don't most have eyes stranger? You didn't originate here, where did you come from?"

"Yeah the Fujitora I knew was blind, you nearly got strangled to death." Luffy scratched back of his neck sheepishly, "Kizaru overdid it, we were only meant to put ya to sleep. You're a tough bastard."

Fujitora arched a brow sipping the ramen bowl "I won't ask how you came into a conflict with myself or the circumstances. Though I'm curious why I blinded myself?"

"I thought you did it to be tough."

"Who the fuck would do that to prove they're tough?!" Blackbeard shouted receiving a pipe jab from Sabo shutting him up.

"Suppose it doesn't matter. I couldn't comprehend what would distort my reality of the world so greatly to blind myself?" Fujitora slurped the noodles leaning back in his chair, "what a strange world you came from."

"Shanks you have two arms!" Luffy yelled ignoring Fujitora's statement recomposing himself, "yeah its a strong one, I hope one day we can prove up to par. I assume the admirals let you know you know why I'm here ahead of time."

Fujitora grunted forgetting about the noodles, "you brought Blackbeard, an emperor worth over two billion to Navy Headquarters. It's time you told me what you are really up to Monkey D. Luffy."

Luffy gulped the food down not bothering to chew, "I'm not up to anything."

"Not you admiral." Fujitora turned toward the high councilor, "my admirals seem to put their trust in you, now if you don't mind telling us."

"My goal is the same as yours. I want what's best for this world, the government you serve is corrupt. Vegapunk is the Gorsei's backup plan, he constructed a miniature version of the ancient weapon Uranus capable of destroying the world. Any government willing to go to such lengths are no better than this bastard here." Luffy shoved Blackbeard toward the fleet admiral's desk at the end of the room.

Everyone stopped their movements at the revelation, "I knew it," Shanks spoke first, "they were too casual about the alliance between Kaido and Big Mom. The Gorsei would rather blow up the world pressing the reset button than pirates running the world."

"Exactly." High councilor Luffy said giving a nod in Shank's direction.

"Those World Government monsters, we gotta do something oof—"

"Shut up," Ace barked elbowing Teach, "you're not apart of this."

"As much as I hate to admit it he's apart of it, everyone's life is at stake now." Shanks spoke standing beside the trio.

Sabo stepped up taking charge, "I don't mean to intrude on you fleet admiral."

"Go right ahead." Fujitora said pushing the cold noodles away. Sabo placed the paper he received from the high councilor earlier scanning over it, "You...Destroyed the holy city..." Fujitora tossed the newspaper on the desk, "what would call for that type of violence? You didn't spare innocents."

"It was necessary, if you knew the true history of the world you'd realize that. The Tenryuubito got what deserved, I was a half celestial bastard and don't regret it." Luffy understood the animosity toward him from Shanks and Fujitora.

Shanks frowned, "it wasn't necessary, mass murdering never is. You speak the truth but we can't do that here, killing isn't the answer we're seeking."

"None of you know free will is an illusion. Every decision we make, every Destiny we follow, every Death we experience, every moment of Despair, the Dreams we set to achieve, the Destruction nature across the world, the Desire we feel in life, and our Delirium belong to others far beyond most comprehension existing as children of the Time and Night outside the source of all creation."

Sabo folded his arms furrowing his brows, "what your saying is troubling. You're implying these natural processes are real existing in a place?"

Luffy nodded, "I didn't understand anything until I died outside our multiverse in a dimension entirely separate. The gods ruling over my world didn't anticipate my resurrection at the hands of death, the same one took away Ace in my reality."

Ace gulped the sake wiping his chin, "then these exist in a place where we can't go."

"They exist several dimensions higher. I used to have visions pondering their origin. It wasn't until I underwent hypnosis I found out the truth after I died in the place known as paradise or heaven in my world."

"What truth?" Ace questioned.

"These beings are our enslavers. Without them we'll never know true freedom. The events I suffered through were meant to happen. In my final battle in their realm the previous God of my world suggested he knew how things ended for humanity meaning their is a predetermined fix on fate and we're heading straight for it."

The room fell silent not a single movement was made after his declaration. Fujitora spoke first, "these beings you refer to, you encountered them?"

"I haven't personally encountered the seven, I did run into the one who created them, throughout history she's referred to as mother but she ain't really a woman or a guy. Mother showed me worlds outside creation and our multiverse. There are two worlds dwarfing our earth existing outside ours. If we dropped our own earth into one of these world's lakes it would only cause a small ripple. One world we surmised was the New God's home world which explains their absence in most universes." Luffy said. Based on their bewildered reactions he hadn't articulated the words enough, he really wished Sabo or Dragon was here to explain what he failed to.

Shanks held a hand up, "don't mean to cut you off fleet admiral," he turned his attention to the high councilor, "you said there was two, what waits in the other world?"

Luffy hid his eyes, "I'm not sure exactly, mother is the most powerful being in the universe and refused to talk about it. Who or whatever's there strikes trepidation in the creator of the universe, that's all I know."

"Waging war on the government of this world while philosophizing about our very creation!" The admirals tensed as Shanks and Blackbeard stilled, "you threaten boundaries that shouldn't be crossed! We are concerned enough about our world you should worry about yours."

Luffy grimaced slightly at the disapproval, "All due respect my world is faring a lot better than this one, pirates don't exist in my world anymore. Long story short we created legislation outlawing piracy. The world has never been safer, Kaido is all that remains of the old world yonko." He stepped closer to the fleet admiral's desk "Don't lose sight of the real enemies, the ones in higher dimensions are the artists and we're the drawing. We can't concept, concept—"

"Conceptualize." Sabo inquired.

"Right, our minds can't do that to these beings, their plain of existence stands above ours. Everything that happens is a byproduct of these neutral concepts that exist by necessity. My council surmised these were mother's first children, how she gave the universe its natural laws."

"I'm not saying we don't believe any of this meta shit you're spewing. Why would you take on these Gods, what would you get out of it? If they exist somewhere we don't have access to, it's better to leave things as they are." Ace exclaimed picking his Luffy up by his collar, "besides you're still this guy after all, we can't exactly take your word for it."

"You want to know why I'm successful at what I do? It has entirely nothing to do with me. I surrounded myself with smarter, stronger, more experienced, and better leaders to council me. High councilor is just a title, people all over the world show respect to the office, not me. Dragon or Sabo would make a better high councilor, I happened to take power at the right time." Luffy lit a cigar exhaling deeply, "as for the Gods its them who interfere in our world. Mother told me she walked this earth as a human once, whats to say they haven't in recent history."

"Right, you fought these New Gods. I'm surprised you made it out alive, shouldn't they have destroyed the world if they were all powerful?" Ace said capturing their attention.

"They weren't all powerful, nearly invulnerable, not unbeatable. Dragon had a theory we weren't even fighting their true selves on earth when they defeated us."

"How can you fight an enemy that's not there and still lose?!" Luffy questioned.

"Their true physical presence is in their own dimension. On earth their power levels are dwindled, we could kill them using their weapons when facing them at full power. Not to mention they were only demi gods, the real ones are something else entirely." High councilor Luffy enjoyed his pristine cigar much to the irritation of the fleet admiral.

Shanks held a hand under his chin pondering the stranger's words "One last thing. The world you mentioned existing next to the New Gods home world. You claimed the way they manifest on earth is by three dimensional projecting explaining their fluctuating power level. Has your council considered the possibility of the ruler of that world manifesting as avatars on earth?"

"Who's to say he already hasn't?" Luffy asked leaving the question hanging in the room.

Shanks was cut off by Fujitora before he could interject. "There is no time to be theorizing about speculations and myths. I want to make my final judgement now, tell me what made you turn on this war path? No more planning, no more information, I want to hear it from you, not the council. Why are you doing this?"

Luffy glanced at the others bowing his head, "I will tell you once more. My name is Monkey D. Luffy. When I became an emperor I overthrew my world government aiding the Revolutionary Army. During that time I saw my girlfriend murdered before my eyes. I've spent every waking moment of my life since then fighting the same criminals that took her from me...But this, this is different, this isn't about me." The room stilled hearing his truth about why he was taking the current actions. "This is bigger than I am, and it's bigger than all of you. We need to get out of our own way and work together. I'm hoping I won't have to die in order to see her again."

Silence overcame the men in the room still shocked by his confession. To hear his reasons didn't contain malicious intent was a relief. "If she were still here would you be doing this?" Ace asked.

"No. I'd be sailing the open seas as a pirate doing what I always wanted, living life blissfully unaware of all this shit. I had a chance to find the One Piece before overtaking the government and denied it. Adventuring with my crew was what mattered to me after realizing a certain truth—"

"What truth would that be?" Shanks questioned folding his arms enthralled by the alternate Luffy standing beside him.

"My duty as a captain didn't compare to her love."

Admiral Luffy broke the silence wrapping an arm around his doppelgänger grinning widely, "it's settled then, we're going to help you out don't worry about a thing."

"Alright let's do this, the new world won't wait, we're going to have to carve it out ourselves." Ace said coming to stand next to his brothers.

Sabo glanced Issho uncrossing his arms, "with all due respect I'm standing beside my brothers on this one. I'm the responsible one after all."

"I don't agree with your methods however your reasoning commands respect in its own right." Shanks said clasping a hand on the high councilor's shoulder, "I'm in."

"I didn't give my final verdict—" Fujitora arched a brow at the five men toasting their beers shoving Teach out their circle. A rare smile curved across his features, "perhaps this stranger has a point about destiny, perhaps it shouldn't go unnoticed he arrived here by circumstance."

The blonde admiral smiled noting the group's jovial expressions, "We should address the elephant in the room," Sabo said leaning against the wall, "if there's a multiverse, what does that mean for other worlds? You're on a crusade however you said Kaido was still a threat in your world. You should've dealt with him first before seeking us out—"

"No, now's the right time. We're preparing for war but it will take time to gather our resources. By the time we begin the first crusade we'll already be allied. There will be no need to meet till then. We're waiting on Omega landis, it's a project the doc's preparing for us." Luffy turned to the trio, "I can take care of your Kaido and Big Mom alliance while I'm here before we take down the government."

"Alright, the time to strike is now. We have a busy day tomorrow, I will deliver the plan at our gathering. Can I count on you three to hold the meeting?" Fujitora asked.

"Count us Fuji!" Luffy shouted excitedly. The admirals bid their commander in chief farewell handing Teach over to him. The other Luffy stayed behind a few moments longer asking a favor from Shanks before his departure.

"All set?" Ace waved Luffy over to their position outside headquarters lobby.

"Where are we going?" The high councilor asked standing next to the admiral trio.

Ace surrounded the group in flames landing outside a familiar two hundred acre land. The allies approached the farmhouse meeting Garp in his favorite rocking chair as he clutched the double barreled shotgun. "Gramps, we're home," Ace grinned stepping up to the porch, "how ya been doin all day without us?"

Luffy and Sabo helped him sit up as Ace took the rifle setting near the rail. The brothers bellowed out a laugh patting him on the shoulders. "You look great too old man." Luffy grinned reading the sign he scribbled on.

The high councilor watched the family reunion unsure about the feeling residing over him. He smoked a cigar waiting till it ended. "Luffy come on over, gramps wants to meet ya."

Luffy met the old man shaking his good hand, "what happened to you gramps?" He asked earning a grunt from him.

"Stroke got him nearly two years ago. It was a mistake when we marched off into war against Whitebeard, it almost got us all killed. Sabo was in a coma gaining a case of amnesia for a time, Luffy was hurt badly by lava burns, and I was too late to do much." Ace glanced over at their old man fondly smiling, "it wasn't until gramps charged in saving us, putting a stop to the war alongside Shanks."

Sabo continued, "seeing our conditions must've been too much on him. When I came to after Ace and Luffy found me collaborating with Dragon and his army in the North Blue, I returned to find him in this condition."

"I'm just glad he's still the same old man," Luffy said stretching his cheeks out receiving a slap, "still strong as an ox."

Garp glanced at the high councilor, "heh heh, welcome herm yur dern basterd." He wrapped an arm around Luffy's neck pulling him in for a hug, "yur stayin fur breakfast?"

"About that gramps," Ace rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "we're inviting a lot of people here tomorrow, the new Luffy is going to spend all night picking them up." The admiral's eyes widened as his collar was snatched by the elder.

Sabo laughed nervously, "you better get some rest, there are plenty of stops you need to get to." The admiral gave the high councilor a list reminding him of the names, and locations of meeting places, "show him where he can rest for awhile brother, I have to calm gramps down." He said rushing over to help Ace restrain the fuming geezer.

The two Luffy's walked the oak halls of the Monkey property in silence. Admiral Luffy was the first to speak, "you're full of surprises, or I am? Either way we were ready to send you back to wherever you came from earlier."

Luffy raised his brows in surprise, "what changed your guys minds?"

"You're stronger than us, how much I can't say. Trust me I wanted nothing more than to kick your ass even if you were me. Somehow after hearing your truth, why you're really doing all this, I can follow you wherever this crusade leads you. I'm sure the others feel the same."

Luffy was thoroughly stunned at his own assertion of himself among others, it was good hearing that. "I don't take your guys trust for granted, I am determined to hold onto it no matter what."

"Good, we're counting on you." He said showing a toothy grin leading him past the great hall. "The woman you were talking about earlier, was it Nami?"

The high councilor halted staring at the strawhat draped across his doppelgänger, "yeah it was, how'd you know that? Don't tell me you're involved here too?"

Luffy laughed placing a hand on his abdomen, "Na, Nami is married to Vivi the princess of Alabasta, they're both good friends of mine. I'm escorting them to the reverie tomorrow."

"I see." The high councilor stopped his movement noticing the admiral pause this time. "Something up?"

"I can't understand what you lost and I'm sorry for it." Luffy turned meeting his own gaze, "however I can't let you near her, its best that way. You do and our alliance on my end is broken-"

Luffy nodded, "don't worry about it, I wont do anything to jeopardize my goal. My word is my bond," he couldn't help smirk, "I am you after all."

The admiral doppelgänger smiled, "good I'm glad we have an understanding." He opened the large double doors showing himself Garp's glory room. "You can sleep here until your first pickup in a few hours, come get one of us if you need anything." He bid the high councilor farewell leaving him to the highly decorated room.

Luffy entered his grandfather's trophy office astonished at the sheer number of newspaper clippings throughout the years displaying his family timeline. Medals and certificates decorated the office, Luffy smirked examining the picture of their admiral inauguration "Never seen my old man smile like that, I bet that was the greatest day of your life rather than ours." He scanned the photo noticing admirals Kuzan, Borsalino, Ryokugyu, Fujitora, and the former fleet admiral Sengoku present. He read the headlines written by Morgan and co. 'The Navy's hero emerges from Mystery lands! Rocks is dead! Gol. D Roger & crew missing!'

Luffy shuffled through the letters finding a journal tucked underneath Navy papers. He picked up the booklet beginning to read from the placed marker: forty years isn't enough to make a man forget the wars threatening to throw the world in chaos. I'll never forget the day the Navy called a truce with Gold Roger. From the first day I met him I didn't like anything about him and swore to stop his piracy at the cost of my own life. My fucking pride didn't matter. My damn ego didn't either. I put everything aside to fight Rocks D. Xebec. A pirate far surpassing any that came before or would after, an unparalleled rival who defeated Roger and crew soundly in several previous encounters.

"Gramps and Roger teamed up to fight this guy, Raleigh wasn't exaggerating about Xebec's power." Luffy read on, we said next to nothing to each other on the way over to a Tenryuubito vacation island the government dubbed 'God Valley.' The place housed celestials and slaves alike and would vanish overnight no matter the outcome of the battle. I vaguely remember Roger speaking for the first time, "how does it feel to be apart of my crew?" The smug bastard remarked. I'd have snapped his neck if I didn't need him.

Luffy scanned over the journal pages landing on a peculiar one. Xebec was well documented by Cipher Pol Aigis Zero's central intelligence. The son of king Zonuz Khan and Queen Helena, Prince Xebec second in line for the throne of Lulusia Kingdom, plotted to seize power over the land using the Omega fruit he acquired murdering his brother for its possession in the kingdom crusades covering it up from the world. The fruit gave him extraordinary power at the cost of transforming him into a rock like creature. After poisoning his withering parents the bastard sailed his armada to sea conquering countries trying to fulfill a manifesto.

To whomever reading I should start at the beginning in order to explain. During those days pirates didn't exist the way we know in modern times, it wasn't until Gol Roger announced the One Piece's existence many years afterwards that the age of pirates began. Back then they weren't after glory. Xebec was a man focused on conquering everything he surveyed. He gathered powerful fledglings; Charlotte Linlin, The Beast Kaido, Edward Newgate, Golden Lion Shiki to name a few. When I first joined the marines I swore I'd take them down, however everyone knew encountering them was a death sentence. The Saber of Xebec's figurehead carried skulls of defeated enemies who dared opposing him terrifying people; soldiers, civilians, women, children, everyone ran from the Rock pirates.

One thing I never figured out was why Roger was fighting alongside us. We sat in the battleship's hull for hours and I couldn't get anything out of him. I knew why I was there, I was ordered by my superiors well above my pay grade. It begged the question why Roger, an elusive upstart who began taking the world by storm only years earlier ally with the government and navy, Then it hit me; Roger was going to prove he was the strongest against Xebec. I didn't know what to expect after hearing he'd been defeated several times. "What makes you think this time will be any different? You've seen his power, what gives you such confidence now?"

Roger grinned looking in my direction, "I never learned how to quit against an opponent who beats me, I find the challenge of taking them down too exhilarating."

"You still want to be the freest man after this huh? Guess you can't be with him in the way."

"I'm not doing this for me, I'm fighting for my crew. If I don't take him down we'll never live out our dreams safely sailing the seas." I remained steadily unconvinced viewing him as an enemy till he told me something I hadn't ever expected to hear. "My crew is amazing couldn't ask for a better one, I can't stop thinkin about em." Roger laughed uncontrollably causing Garp to arch a brow curiously, "the one that amazes me most has the most remarkable dream. Sailing the uncharted grand line drawing a map of the world. Imagine that, adventuring the seas creating roads to destiny. I would die to protect a dream like that because they're my comrade's dreams that's why I'm going to kill Xebec."

For the first time I saw the real Gol D. Roger. The captain's reason to fight was noble for those who knew him. He was a relentless pursuer to enemies who were considered a threat to those he held close. "You're one hell of an enemy. I can't stop thinking about capturing you and every damn pirate locking them away till reckoning tomorrow's criminals who'll bring harm to others. I'm not like you, we share no similarities, I don't have comrade's dreams to fight for only my belief in Navy justice." I sounded a fool spewing navy propaganda acting a mouthpiece for outdated ideals. Though I suppose the times required refraining from becoming an idealist—I followed orders. A soldier masquerading in an officer uniform. "However, right now I consider you a comrade, it's going to take everything we have to put a dent in him."

"You felt it?" He asked hiding his eyes giving a madman's grin.

"Awhile ago, this isn't good for either of us."

We were lead out onto the Navy ship's deck sailing to God Valley's rocky coast. The arrival couldn't have prepared us for what awaited at the twin peaks. Winged creatures swarmed descended on us forcing us to fight our way toward the valley. Coming upon Xebec was a different from animal his power up close eclipsed anything I've ever felt since.

Xebec didn't tower over us standing a few inches below nine feet. Based on his appearance he wasn't grotesque or a beast as the stories went—At one point he was a man. Now I couldn't tell what he'd turned into or believed himself to be. He levitated toward us keeping his gloved hands behind him boasting an imposing build. Armor decorated every muscle with the exception of his arms and face. "I hadn't expected to see you after you escaped death last time we battled."

"Heh it's going to take a lot to kill me Xebec, you'll find I've become stronger since our last encounter." Roger drew his sword turning the blade black as it set ablaze in flames turning into a red saber.

"You're a worm beneath notice." Xebec said landing meters away, "the navy sent their champion. A sniveling cur who will beg for the sweet release of death."

"Hate to disappoint your highness I'm even harder to kill than this bastard to my right. Your reign stops here." Garp smashed a fist into a palm glaring at the captain.

Xebec grunted, "I'm a god not a king."

Roger laughed loudly surprising the two, "don't be a fool! No one is a god, not even you!" I was too late to stop Roger's charge as he leapt into action forgetting about the plan.

Xebec turned his back glancing at me, his eyes lit up scarlet flames shooting freelancing beams in random sporadic patterns outpacing Roger's jaunting moves. Roger raised his sword aiming the killing blow as the zigzagging beams jetted away from my position appearing below Roger hitting his sternum sending him flying into the atmosphere. I stood still a moment unable to comprehend what occurred; the strongest opponent I faced in my career was swatted away like a fly.

Xebec turned facing me, "Fall to your knees and beg for my favor."

That damn arrogance pissed me off more than anything, he was taunting me and I took the bait. I threw everything I had at him, everything. His powers were expected, I didn't anticipate him being a genius level tactician memorizing our fight patterns. Mine was easy enough to pick up on early on: I quickly changed strategies picking up massive boulders surrounding them in haki hurling them at Xebec. The boulder slammed into Xebec approaching from my blindside. I retreated from the boulder combusting in my left hand rendering it unusable. What happened next was a blur, Xebec had his hand wrapped around my throat squeezing the life out of me.

"Time to die hero." He tossed me in the air like the rag doll landing a strike to my chest, which still aches to this day. The next thing I knew the twin lasers hit me sending me crashing through the God Valley peaks soaring into the sky. I never thought I'd stop flying.

The sky warped as Xebec's gargantuan hand appeared grasping Garp encasing him in darkness. The hand vanished as the warp reappeared on the surface in the Rocks captain's possession. Xebec hurled Garp through the air sending him crashing beside Roger.

At that moment clutching my broken ribs after being toyed with did it occur to me he was far beyond our abilities standing alone atop the world. Witnessing him stand clad in his armor for a moment I believed we were in the presence of a god- Luffy flipped through the burned and torn pages trying to find the source of Xebec's haki Raleigh mentioned. "There has to be more..." He examined the pages noting its smeared words beneath the pyro damage, "maybe Gramps wanted to forget."

Luffy turned the pages finding the battle coming to an conclusion, "this is where it ended, how grandpa became a hero." We were scattered over the valley trapped under our own weight. In an attempt to save their captain the Roger pirates intervened joining the fray. "I told you my mateys were amazing!" He laughed charging toward Xubec.

All at once and one by one we were outmatched and overpowered. Roger. Silvers Raleigh. Douglas Bullet. Scopper Gaban. Even myself. Utterly defeated. I fell to knee trying to stay conscious noticing my vision blur. "Looks like its all up to you Garp." Roger said lying in a crater against the rocky mountain.

Raleigh grinned, "time to be become a hero young marine."

"Or the doom of us all." Bullet collapsed onto a knee unable to rise, "ready when you are captain."

Scopper lit his stogie ignoring the blood running down his chin raising a hand in the air, "all set."

I could hear them clearly speaking from where they lay as if they were reaching out to me. I didn't know what they hell they meant at the time, Xebec pursued me relentlessly attempting to kill me off first. "Kneel at my feet and rise as my warrior."

"I ain't kneelin." Xebec covered my eyes as I let out a shura blast only blinding myself further.

"The conquerer spirit resides in you, intriguing. What's your name?" He asked lifting me by my hair.

"Garp...Monkey D. Garp..."

Xebec released me staring in Roger's direction, "you two fight as pawns in the government's schemes. The celestials you protect are false gods. As are those that believe they run this world."

I could feel strength return allowing me to stand upright regaining my vision. "What the hell are you saying?"

"The false god that lives above this world seeks to extinguish me, the true light in this world—"

"That's enough!" I couldn't stand to hear anymore of the bastard's arrogant ramblings. I charged gathering the haki swinging my fist toward him. The armor shattered revealing crystalline guarding his torso.

"My haki is impenetrable, nothing in this world can break it." Xebec backhanded Garp sending him skidding across the field. He jumped high in the air crash landing crumbling the nearby alp. "My light will never die, the celestials time is at an end."

"W-why do you want to take out the celestials? What the hell's there to gain from wiping out a civilization?!"

Xebec held his hands behind back, "as a 'D' clan member it's a shame you don't know our true history. The one your government hides in secrecy while you protect their interests."

"What the hell are you talking about?! The 'D' doesn't mean anything, it's just a name." I believed those words as they left my mouth, I'd come to regret them moments later.

Xebec smirked, "you and I are family interconnected by a single strand in history. As are every person holding this middle 'D' initial. It stands for 'devils.' That is how the Celestial Dragons see us. I would be called a monster, a devil, an abomination if I stepped in Mariejois. Because of our powers and appearance followed by the emergence of devil fruits in our society they deemed it evil, acting against their holy religion labeling us false gods or better known a light. The entity puppeteering the five newly elect officials don't have agendas, its that thing's will."

"I-I don't understand. There's something atop the leaders of the government, a single entity?" I felt the Roger Pirate's power encompass my own regaining strength however it wasn't enough, not yet, I needed time.

Xebec nodded, "it sits as the king of the world. Something we need to take back from those that wronged us in the past. Our family was an enlightened bunch introducing the world to a renaissance rebirthing new culture, art, politics, and economics. Our land was glorious, the Ancient Kingdom was the first of its kind, a perfect harmonious land similar to this one." The God Valley changed to luscious green lands bearing fertile soil, steep waterfalls and rivers. Civilians laughed running around them, "This was once home to a tribe who affiliated with the Ancient Kingdom. God Valley was a paradise for us." The green faded away leaving the combatants back in the wasteland, "The government has shaped everyone's reality using the void century nearly nine hundred years ago to cover their tracks. They didn't count on the rightful king to emerge tearing down everything they've ever built."

The power surged through my body returning me into fighting shape, "don't do this! If we're family you know this is wrong! I don't deny the government and celestials dragons have done wrong against humanity, but this is not the way! Revenge is a fool's game!"

Xebec's eyes glowed red, "you refuse to join your brethren defending those who oppressed us! You're a brain washed sheep as are the rest of everyone in this pathetic earth. No matter, I solved life's problem to save this world from itself."

Garp launched a haki fist to Xebec who negated it using his own armament one. The vice admiral flew across the ground crashing through a rock formation near a mountain. "Just what the hell are you planning?"

"I solved the Anti-Life Equation," Xebec grinned kicking a charging Garp back into the dirt. "Loneliness, alienation, fear, despair, and self worth. Mockery, condemnation, misunderstanding, guilt, shame, and failure. Judgement is final. Hope is folly. Love is lies. Life is death. Self is dark side." Xebec evaded Garp's outstretched arm driving a crystalline fist into his gut backhanding him again.

What he said ran through my thoughts unable to leave, everything he spoke started to make sense. My mind only focused on how I could serve the his will, I was starting to slip away. "Snap out of it Garp!" Roger's voice broke me from the trance allowing my conquerer's spirit to free me from the mind control to confront Xebec, "the hell was that?!"

"The Anti-Life Equation's will. Speaking it into existence I can place the formula in anyone's mind. This gives them the mathematical certainty that hope and freedom are all pointless. It's singular purpose is serving my will, everything else is meaningless." Xebec slammed a forearm into Garp's neck strangling him against the mountain. "This is your end hero."

Roger was the last man standing from the crew feeling his remaining energy dissipate. "Don't let us down Garp." He said falling on the ground bellowing a laugh laying in the middle of the valley.

Xebec growled charging a crystalline fist bringing it toward me. I caught his fist crumbling the alps around us into debris. Xebec stepped away scrambling for an answer to the newly found power. "You know there's a major flaw in your plan Xebec," I felt the Roger pirate's auras absorb in my fist causing it to glow brightly containing each of their respective powers. I realized I'd never feel something like this again, it was time to stop this tyrant. The glowing power slowly spread through my body. "The 'D' clan is the natural enemy of the Gods. If you claim to be a lowly God you're not one of us, just a false prophet."

Xebec shouted in fury bursting free from the armor revealing his crystalline body raising his level a few notches. "There is only the will to serve dark side, I will turn the non believers using the equation to transform their corpses into servants of my will!"

"So that's how it works. You plan to project the formula's control over the world forcing them to serve your will."

"The meek shall inherit the earth once more, the suffering people will carry out my will, the 'D' clan will rise from the ashes. Welcome to Apocalypse."

There was one technique taught to me by my grandfather who learned it from his great grandfather. The Sato Oni strike could've potentially cripple me for life but the reward outweighed the risks. It was outlawed in our family for lack of proper technique resulting in family members untimely deaths. The move required him to draw everything into a single strike.

"I'm ending this," Xebec charged a haki fist dashing for me. I never felt the fist as the crystalline crackled off knuckles revealing the plain rock underneath. "Impossible, nothing can break my haki what have you done—"

Light refracted off Garp's fist displaying the different colored auras from the Roger Pirate's power. "Now the real fight begins." I didn't stop my march even after receiving numerous burn wounds from the death beams. I was on a determined warpath to end the bastard.

Xebec leaped back shaking the island to the core using full strength, "no matter how much power you absorbed from those weaklings it won't be enough to kill me!"

The weight of the fist was heavy and draining, I needed to expunge the power before it devastated me. Not willing to waste time I charged bringing the full force of the Sato Oni. I'll never forget the feeling of his energy constructed of steel. It was a challenge getting near him but I had enough juice for one last attack.

Xebec struck the air missing the evasive enemy, the enlightened fist struck in his gut twisting its way into him. "I'm not going to let you get away with this!" The fist blasted through the crystalline haki releasing explosive fluid sending Xebec flying through the twin alps obliterating into crystal fragments carried away by the wind.

After the dust settled I let out a war cry while God Valley collapsed around me before marching toward the Navy ship as the power on my body fumed fading quicker than it came. There wasn't any point looking for Roger or his merry band, they left before the dust settled staying only for Xebec's defeat. I shook my head ignoring the officer's question about pursuing Oro Jackson remarking, "we won today that's good enough."

Luffy flipped back to the damaged pages understanding his grandpa's reasoning for attempting to destroy the journal. "Why would you think we would be ashamed? You did what you had to, you were a hero so what if you teamed up with the Roger pirates." It was understandable he kept this knowledge to himself, people would never accept an explanation about their alliance. Luffy moved further only finding mundane details about regular duties and details about the overnight fame he was granted after the victory heard round the world.

A rare smile crept up reading a passage about his grandfather's downtime. The East Blue was the only place I could find peace where hardly anyone cared who I was. Met a woman at the local tavern who claimed to come from a bandit family stealing anything from pirates. I knew she was trouble the moment I met her and I couldn't resist. At the time I hardly remembered her name, only that she had orange curly hair differentiating herself from the many redheads I encountered over the years. Leaving the bar with her I thought what was the worse that could happen. It wasn't like years down the road she would let herself go, leading her tribe of bandits while raising our grandkids on the mountain." Luffy's chuckles halted as he skipped over the pages regarding his mother. It wasn't a surprise when it was revealed Garp and Dragon were in laws not biological. His mother a free spirited Tenryuubito fell in love with his father wishing to be free with him. They shunned his mother after giving birth when she contracted an illness. His mother and father were nearly killed upon returning to holy land. The celestials had viewed them as nothing more than trash turned them away.

The World Government and Tenryuubito made no move to kill his mother. They had known it was a matter of time, it was an expected outcome for deported citizens who left the holy land, but they wouldn't tell until it was too late. Dragon claimed he didn't leave his position in CP0 starting the Revolutionary Army for vengeance. He instead listened to his mother about the true government's nature and made him promise to keep Luffy hidden from the World Government, being a born bastard celestial and a member of 'D' made his existence too dangerous to keep around. "Maybe this was my destiny all along," Luffy stared at the flame in his hand, "All the lives I took in Mariejois was justified, I'm not my father. I did it for revenge. I did it for me." The flame evaporated into the darkness, "I'm not Roger's will carrier, not anymore."

He flipped to the end of the entries finding one of interest, "this must've been right before the incident." Happiness for me wasn't a priority over the years, I found no contentment to be had in life. Except the day my three boys returned from the war. Their admiral inauguration didn't compare to them staying under my roof together once more. I found fulfillment seeing the trio roam about the family ranch, my life was complete.

Luffy closed the journal sitting on the bed admiring his grandfather's trophy room. "Not bad old man, being an admiral might have not been so bad." His eyes nearly shut before jolting awake, "that's right my mission isn't close to being over, I should grab my first pickup." Without a second thought he was out the window flying across the ocean envisioning the next day and the brief war that would shake the world—for now he was content flying through the calm before the storm.

—

XXX

—

A/N: Next- The New Age Alliance gathers under one roof on the eve of the Reverie. The high councilor and Blackbeard interrupts Kaido and Big Mom's second honeymoon. The fall of the world government begins.