Hi guys Azza here!
Reviews
Le Phoque Blanc – No I have no plans on revealing who it is that Natsu, Seilah and Mordred are talking about for some time yet because they involve the endgame of the entire Realis Grail War Arc and won't physically appear until Wano however in One Piece the Bounty system means you will easily be able to find out about certain characters. The person they are referring to is someone Natsu, Mordred and Seilah all know and were close to and Shanks isn't necessarily screwed the trio are just pissed because it would have been nice to know about 'Her' before they discovered it for themselves making them feel like it was deliberately hidden.
The bit on the end is something I'm probably going to be doing quite a bit of where I show the perspective of those involved with Eden, the place where the Servant Alliance are based from and performing world building by establishing future plot points through them, a key example is being Cipher Pol for those who know what that is. I'm also giving everyone an idea as to what stance Eden takes in world events and how their actions will tie back into what Natsu will soon begin to come across.
Also some people wondered where Artoria Saber was when I didn't show her alongside Lancer, I did hint she was out leading the forces of Eden alongside several other King Servants but I figured I'd show a glimpse of it now to give you all a better idea.
Eventually the exploits of Eden and the Servants will reach Natsu through general news sources but he was up in Skypeia and before that he only just arrived so he doesn't really know any of this firsthand yet.
Hope that clears everything up for you guys who didn't quite get it.
Now on with the story!
I do not own Fairy Tail, One Piece or the Nasuverse.
Departure From The Upper Yard
/Natsu's POV/
"So you're telling me that they spoke to you, directly," Natsu asked Robin who nodded in response. "And that they placed the translated version of the Poneglyph into your journal but only someone with Aura can see the real symbols?"
"Yes that's the gist of it."
"I want to see this Poneglyph," Natsu said placing a hand on Robin's shoulder as the pair appeared before it, Natsu having already activated his Hybrid's eyes as he began scanning it for any sign of Divine Aura.
"I can see Aura but its old, far too old to be anything recent."
"You don't believe me?"
"Actually I do, the Aura coating your journal is proof enough," Natsu replied as Robin's glare faded into a thoughtful look. "I think I may have an idea as to what happened though I believe Gan Fall would be better suited to explain it, wouldn't you agree?"
"So you figured it out at but a glance," Gan Fall asked emerging from the ruins nearby. "Indeed there is one final secret I did not speak of. More specifically one ability that those who gave their Aura bestowed upon the island."
"They already created the closest thing to Terminus in the mortal realm so what else could they have done?"
"I do not know what the Poneglyph speaks of, its knowledge not given to me, however I do know that those who came before me wanted it remembered by those who would seek to restore the balance of this world."
"Restore the balance," Natsu gasped as he felt Ahnkseram begin to stir within his mind now also interested in hearing what Gan Fall had to say first hand.
"Indeed. Supposedly there is knowledge on the Poneglyph that to the ordinary traveller would make no sense however to the intended recipient it would give them aid, what kind of aid however I am not entirely sure."
"So … those Gods of the past knew of my coming here?"
"I cannot answer many of your questions I'm afraid as I was merely the keeper of Rai-Jin's prison and the watcher of our descendants. It will be up to you and Nico Robin it seems to uncover just what the Gods of the past wished to tell you through that Poneglyph."
"And what the others meant," Robin added. "They wrote what was on this one but they said there were others that also correlated to it, they said it would write the 'True History' of this world and why things are the way they are in it."
"Shanks will want to know about this," Natsu muttered more to himself than the others before shaking his head. "I think Robin we'd best work on translating that text as soon as we can, whatever secrets it holds could affect everything going forward. To think Roger would hide something on such a monumental scale from the Archons before he died …"
"I may not be fully versed in the customs of the higher realms having only ever lived here however I believe that Roger must have seen the information as too sensitive to share," Gan Fall said prompting Natsu to hum in response. "When I met him he was a man who struck me as the sort to do what was right above all else, rules included. I think that if whatever lies within that text was sensitive or not meant for the eyes of his superiors he hid it to ensure it went to whoever needed it most."
"This has been a most interesting journey so far," Natsu mused as he walked up to the Poneglyph and placed a hand on its surface. "The mystery of this world is large, far larger than any world I have come across so far and it will no doubt prove to be a challenge to crack it."
"I'm sure we'll figure it out Natsu, this is the second Poneglyph we've stumbled across so far and there are many more out there no doubt waiting for us," Robin said moving to stand next to him. "I must admit I always wanted to learn what the Poneglyphs spoke of, finding the mystery to be something I could call my life's work yet now … now I find myself even more enthralled than before knowing that the tale of this world is part of one much larger."
"We'll crack the mystery together Robin," Natsu replied with a grin as Natsu moved and placed his hand on her shoulder. "I'll make sure you can achieve your dream, I'm told that I'm quite good at achieving a favourable outcome for people though not in the way they expect so don't be surprised if we do it in a rather odd manner!"
"After seeing what I saw earlier today I kind of expected you to say that," Robin giggled prompting Natsu to chuckle slightly embarrassed.
"Yeah look I kind of wanted to ease you guys into my abilities but the Thunder Titan kind of threw all that out the window."
"Thank you for removing him by the way Natsu," Gan Fall cut in prompting Natsu to wave his hand in response.
"Don't worry about it, the Titans all seem to be greedy for their former prestige and status not realizing that reality has moved on without them. It wasn't really fair that your people had to suffer for so long. Oh and by the way I know this is going to be a pain in this ass but I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't register you as an official God so are you willing to submit to that?"
"Of course, what does that entail?"
"Well see this is where things get kind of murky, technically you are an illegal God because you exist outside of the higher realms and should be theoretically tried and sentenced but because of your circumstances of holding back one of the Titans you are eligible for multiple awards among other things."
"So what does that mean for me then?"
"Well basically I can either waste everybody's time, call up Council session and discuss you and the whole situation at large or I can see if I'm allowed to just bypass all that crap and just mete out what I think you should get here and now."
"How would the second option work?"
"Well basically I would call my gavel to my hand and try to issue an official declaration, if it works then its binding but if it doesn't then one of the Council would probably show up and beat my ass."
Sighing Natsu summoned his gavel to his right hand and pointed it at Gan Fall who took a step back in surprise at the power behind the unassuming object.
"Yeah, a shame I can't use this as a weapon isn't it? This thing has the power of twelve Gods of Creation and Twelve Devils of Destruction flowing through it."
"Truly!"
"Oh yeah but in combat it would be about as useful as me throwing an ordinary rock at someone. Anyway I guess we should make this official …"
"What are you-?"
"God Gan Fall, for the crimes of failing to inform the Gods of Creation and or Terminus of your existence I as High Arbiter of the Council of Twenty Four find you not guilty by reason of aiding to suppress the Thunder Titan's emergence!"
A Midnight Blue Aura coated Gan Fall for a moment which then briefly went gold before vanishing entirely signalling that the sentence had worked.
"For aiding in the defence of the higher realms by suppressing the Thunder Titan as High Arbiter of the Council of Twenty Four do hereby grant God Gan Fall permission to remain within his current realm for so long as he chooses to do so. I also bestow upon him the title of Elder God due to his age and experience in the use of God's Aura in the hopes that it shall aid him in defending the descendants of the Gods residing upon the Upper Yard for generations to come."
Gan Fall's God's Aura flared up as it changed from Galaxy Blue to Midnight Blue signalling his ascension to the Elder God class.
"God Gan Fall, let it be known that the Council laws dictate you are not to interfere with the direct affairs of this mortal realm aside from those concerning the island of Upper Yard when wielding the Elder God's Aura. Failure to comply with the Rule Of Realms section concerning the use of Aura will result in a hearing before the Council and possible revoking of your Elder God's Aura, is this understood?"
"Y-yes!"
"Do you also understand the Rule of Realms and all its sections including all necessary by-laws one must follow?"
"I don't really know much about any of that I'm afraid …"
Pointing his gavel at the ground a large stack of books appeared next to him that almost reached his own height in height.
"Please read through all the laws contained within these texts, a representative from the Gods shall be with you anywhere from up to three days to a fortnight to formally induct you within the formal ranks of the Gods."
"…"
"Let it be known from this moment forward you are to be Lord Gan Fall, Elder God of Upper Yard until further notice or upon request of either the Gods of Creation or any fellow Elder God/Goddess or by ruling of the Council."
There was a bright flash as the gavel vanished from Natsu's hand as he shook his head seemingly annoyed.
"Damn bastards …"
"What was all that Natsu," Robin asked confused as Natsu shook his head.
"Bloody Council got cheeky and decided to, and I quote, 'personally oversee this ruling' themselves so all twenty four of them hopped into my bloody skull!"
"Natsu is all this reading really necessary," Gan Fall asked weakly as he almost knocked the stack of books over.
"Unfortunately yes, even I had to read them at some point. You'd probably be better off reading one every few days but don't sweat it if you haven't read them all before the representative arrives."
"Oh …"
"By the way can I ask you a favour?"
"Well I suppose so," Gan Fall replied with narrowed eyes wary of any more strenuous tasks being lumped upon him.
"There is a man who was on Jaya, the other half of the island that comprises the Upper Yard and he wanted me to bring him some of the gold from this place as proof it exists so can I take some?"
"Well Enel turned most of it into that ark he used to free Rai-Jin so if you want to tear some of that down then by all means feel free to take as much as you can carry."
"As much as I can carry eh …"
/Jaya – Cricket's House/
"WHAT THE HELL IS THIS MESS!"
"Hey old timer I got that gold I promised you," Natsu replied cheerfully as both Masira and Shoujou laughed in the background.
"YEAH YOU SURE DID, THIS CRAP IS BIGGER THAN HALF THE FOREST! WHY THE HELL DID YOU BRING THIS MUCH BACK!?"
"I wanted to make sure you and your family not only had enough to live off of for the rest of your days but for you guys to have undeniable proof that the city of gold did indeed once exist."
"G-god damn it kid," Cricket sighed. "I'm sorry for yelling at ya I'm just shocked …"
"I keep my promises Cricket, the city of gold did indeed once exist and here's a nice chunk of it for you. Noland wasn't a liar Cricket and I'll make sure to tell everyone who says he was otherwise from here on out."
"God damn it kid," Cricket sniffed as he turned away. "Get the hell out of here!"
"You two look after the old timer alright," Natsu said turning toward Masira and Shoujou who saluted mockingly in response. "And sorry for what I did to you guys again by the way."
"Water under the bridge," Masira replied cheerfully.
"Yeah you've fulfilled Cricket's dream so there's no way we could stay mad at you!"
"Thanks guys," Natsu said as he went to leave. "Have a good life Cricket," Natsu said before vanishing.
"You have a good one too kid …"
/Skypeia – Several Hours Later/
"GOLD!"
"Yes Nami that is gold," Natsu sighed shaking his head as they loaded some onto the ship. "Lots of nice gold we can sell off somewhere and make a nice fortune for ourselves."
"I don't think she can hear you Master," Seilah said as she waved a hand in front of Nami who was almost unresponsive. "Perhaps she is some sort of gold Demon?"
"Gold digger more like," Zoro snorted in response only to receive a foot to the back of the head by Sanji who had heard the comment.
"How dare you insult Nami like that you stupid moss head!"
"What'd you say perv cook!?"
"Guys shut up we're leaving," Luffy shouted as he emerged onto the front deck wrapped in bandages but in clearly high spirits.
"You lot heard the man shut up," Mordred snapped as she landed a chop to the back of both their necks knocking them out cold with practiced ease. "That'll keep em quite for at least ten minutes."
"Was that really necessary," Usopp asked shaking his head.
"Not really but I wanna leave already," Mordred replied. "There's still heaps more to do and see in this world yet these two idiots want to hang around and bicker."
"She's right Usopp Chopper sighed. "It was only a light tap so they'll be up in five minutes or so."
"I still can't believe that they just let us take all the gold," Mordred said in disbelief. "You could found a kingdom with all of this."
"Oi Seilah," Natsu said deciding to change the topic. "You are free to go back to your original task but send this letter to Shanks while you are gone please."
"Of course Master," Seilah replied as she took the letter from his hand. "I shall deliver this immediately."
"Feel free to drop in or borrow more power as you need."
"Of course Master," Seilah bowed before opening a portal and leaving the crew behind.
"Right then, back to work," Natsu said as he kicked Zoro and Sanji seemingly rousing them from unconsciousness. "This ship isn't going to sail without everyone doing their part!"
"Where are we even going," Usopp asked. "Our Navigator is too busy fawning over the gold to bother looking at the log pose."
"I'll take the helm for the moment then," Natsu sighed. "I can sense an island off in that direction so it's probably our best bet."
"I'll drink to that," Zoro groaned still only semi conscious as the crew began to scramble to their assigned posts.
"So have you ever manned a ship before Natsu," Usopp asked prompting Natsu to shake his head.
"Best I've done is a rowboat back when I was still a young brat like you lot but I mean it can't be that hard can it?"
"As long as everyone does their best I'm sure we'll be fine," Usopp replied as Natsu placed his hands upon the wheel itself.
"You know with Nobunaga's coat, the lack of undershirt and the overall roughish look you actually look like a genuine Pirate," Ahnkseram noted in amusement. "You just need the Pirate hat."
Placing a hand upon the War Titan's sword which he had yet to dismiss he couldn't help but agree with Ahnkseram's statement. Captain Dragneel, there mere title made him snort with amusement.
"Realis Grail War and a bunch of powerful deities running around and I'm out here playing Pirate, life truly is wonderful isn't it!"
"It will be some time until we reach land, perhaps we should review what we have learnt?"
"Yes I suppose we should, guess I'll go on autopilot for the moment," Natsu sighed as his consciousness receded into his mind so he could better converse with Ahnkseram as the Straw Hats departed the Upper Yard for the unknown.
/Port Getsalf – Artoria's POV/
Standing atop a hill overlooking Port Getsalf Artoria surveyed her Knights progress as they processed the freed slaves and interrogated the prisoners they had managed to capture. After a lengthy naval battle against the Cipher Pol agents dispatched to stop them they had managed to capture one before they fled, one that was currently being held for interrogation by Sir Agravain himself.
"My King!"
Artoria's eyes moved toward a Knight who was holding a Transponder Snail which appeared to have already been answered, its features having morphed to assume those of the person at the other end.
"This is King Artoria speaking," Artoria said as she picked up the snail.
"I have need of your report my King."
"Sir Agravain, just the man I needed to speak to."
"My King?"
"My most recent mission to free the slaves and lay siege to Port Getsalf was successful but not without major complication. A ship holding five Cipher Pol Agents bearing the mark of the Celestial arrived in the middle of the naval battle."
"Cipher Pol? That far out in the New World?"
"Indeed. We have managed to capture one of the Cipher Pol Agents alive Sir Agravain, Sir Gareth personally subdued the fleeing Agent at great cost to her own health."
"You will be returning to Eden then I take it?"
"We must both for Sir Gareth's sake and so that you may extract the necessary information we seek from the Cipher Pol Agent."
"I see, very well your Lancer counterpart shall be informed."
"Thank you Sir Agravain however I would ask you another question if you have the time?"
"Is this regarding the recent power surge felt across the New World my King?"
"Yes."
"It was indeed King Natsu, it appears he has indeed arrived in this world and is a great deal more powerful than anticipated."
"Has my Lancer counterpart attempted contact?"
"Correspondence via letter has been sent since we hold no other viable means of contact short of sending people out to find him."
"Why does Merlin not use his method of teleportation to speak with him?"
"My King Merlin is … with respect my King Merlin is being his usual unruly self, flat out refusing to do more than aid in the fortification of Eden for the moment."
"I see. Very well then we shall see to it that we are back in Eden's waters within the fortnight."
"There is one other bit of information you should know that may prove useful my King."
"Go ahead."
"It appears that the Devil for this world, Red Hair Shanks, is on the move."
"Explain!"
"He has dispatched a messenger to the world's strongest asking for a meeting between two Emperors."
"Is conflict to be expected?"
"Given the unpredictable nature of how Red Hair works we cannot yet say, it most likely will depend on what the topic being discussed is."
"I trust you already know what to do in regards to this?"
"My men are in place."
"Good."
"My King before I depart you should know that due to this meeting the Navy will be switching resources to dealing with their impending meeting therefore it stands to reason you could use this to your advantage."
"My thanks for your advice Sir Agravain."
"I live to serve," Agravain replied before hanging up as Artoria stared at the now animate Transponder Snail with a calculating look.
"Yes perhaps I will speak with him when I return …"
/Elsewhere In The New World – Seilah's POV/
Emerging from her portal Seilah was met with the end of a gun barrel, courtesy of Benn Beckman who lowered it upon noticing who it was.
"Sorry, you know how it is I'm sure?"
"Yes I am aware of rogue Aura users, it's one of the reasons why I'm here actually."
"And the other reason?"
Pulling out the wanted poster and unfurling it not even a shred of emotion crossed Benn's face as his eye darted between the person in it and Seilah's furious expression.
"Master is not happy and that is putting it mildly."
"I see. For what it's worth I voted to tell him off the bat but Shanks said it would be best for him to figure it out on his own. I'll go get him for you."
Walking off Benn soon returned with Shanks who for once wasn't grinning from ear to ear as if he had some sort of joke planned. For once he appeared genuinely remorseful and it made Seilah's anger falter for only a moment.
"You … have much explaining to do, hiding such a secret from us," Seilah hissed.
"Before you get any angrier I need to ask you what good would me telling you have done, what could you have changed?"
"We could have gone and gotten her!"
"She's not the same as you remember; one look at the sadistic smirk on there is all you need to see to understand that!"
"How long have there been Servants in this world Shanks, truly?"
"They began appearing shortly after Roger's death so around twenty two years ago I think …"
"And how long has it been since SHE appeared?"
"Two years however keep in mind the difference in time between the worlds themselves before doubting me."
"Master is not happy with you Shanks and gave me this letter to deliver since he could not trust himself to speak with you in person."
"I understand."
"I shall try to explain the Servant situation to him however if he chooses to forgive you … that is his own decision."
"Wait before you leave I have a request," Shanks said quickly as Seilah opened up a portal. "I'm going to meet with someone who was Roger's rival in this world; I want Natsu to meet him. Could you please tell him to expect a call from me?"
"Again if he accepts that is up to him but I shall relay your message," Seilah replied before turning around to face him. "How many more Sky Islands exist in this world?"
"So you know about the God settlements then?"
"Natsu took out the Thunder Titan several hours ago after it was freed by one of the natives who has their Gods Aura unlocked with its aid."
"I see, tell Natsu he has my thanks."
"Again," Seilah said as she turned around and began walking through the portal. "If he accepts it or not that is entirely up to him."
/Grand Line – Natsu's POV/
"Come on Natsu teach us some of those cool moves," Luffy whined as Natsu handed the helm over to Nami who finally stopped ogling the pile of gold below deck after several hours of staring.
"Fine I'll do it," Natsu snapped as Luffy began to cheer. "But you aren't going to enjoy how I plan on teaching you but I don't want to hear any complaints!"
"You got it!"
"You two in on this too," Natsu asked Zoro and Sanji who were coincidentally nearby every time Luffy harassed him.
"Yeah might as well," Zoro replied as the group moved to stand on the open deck of the Merry.
"Alright then, you guys remember what I told you before we hit Jaya?"
"About dodging right, like Enel and those Priests?"
"Bingo," Natsu said as he sat down on the deck. "Now what did you learn after facing them?"
"That they sucked," Luffy replied immediately prompting Natsu to shake his head in response.
"The priests were bad at it but Enel wasn't, in fact had events not played out the way they did and Enel himself possessed a different personality you would be dead right now."
"He was powerful," Luffy admitted as Natsu nodded approvingly.
"Indeed he was but do you know why he was so powerful?"
"Because of his Devil Fruit?"
"No."
"Because of his God's Aura?"
"Wrong again."
"Because of his Mantra," Zoro answered finally with Natsu nodding his approval.
"Yes his 'Mantra' as he calls it is just one of countless names the skill I'm going to be teaching you is called. Enel was a master in the field of Perception, the skill to sense everything going on around oneself at any given moment allowing them to react accordingly."
"What about the ones that could predict our attacks before we could even use them," Sanji asked confused.
"That falls under the Precognition field, the skill of seeing into the future," Natsu replied as the group nodded.
"So which one do you use?"
"I can use both however I am vastly superior at Perception, so much so to the point that I can react to attacks coming at Light Speed if necessary."
"WHAT," the trio shouted in shock at the revelation prompting Natsu to raise a calming hand.
"Before you start seeing me as a being that can move at Light Speed or faster and before we go any further into this conversation I want all three of you to remember this vital detail! Just because I can react to a Light Speed attack that does not mean that I can move at the Speed of Light, Light Speed Reaction and Movement are two totally separate things and you must NEVER confuse them!"
"But how does that make any sense though, if you can react at Light Speed then aren't you technically moving at Light Speed?"
"That's not exactly true in this case for you see with the skill I'm going to teach you what you are essentially doing is perceiving the attack in such a way that you will instinctively dodge as if you always knew it was going to happen."
"So it's a sixth sense kind of thing then," Zoro asked as Natsu nodded before summoning a small cloth and a wooden bat from his Requip Space.
"Alright Zoro you are the best with weapons so I want you to take this and try to hit me over the head with it while I'm wearing this blindfold."
"Ok," Zoro said as Natsu handed him the bat before tying the cloth around his head, covering his eyes to ensure his vision was no longer useful.
"The three of you pay attention because there isn't any better way to show you what I mean than this," Natsu said as Zoro went to swing at Natsu's head from the far right only to lazily duck out of its path.
"He dodged it!"
Zoro swung again with Natsu easily evading the attack, performing the same lazy movements as the swings became much faster and heavier to the point that Zoro was visibly sweating from the exertion.
"Always heed the fundamentals. Believe that dodging is but a certainty, never falter in your natural instincts and use them to your advantage."
Zoro began swinging wildly with no effect, Natsu still easily dodging every strike with minimal effort on his part as almost everyone on the deck minus Mordred watched in utter bewilderment.
"Never trust logic over instinct, if your body tells you to duck then you duck and if it tells you to flip you flip. Your ability of perception falls well beyond the five senses they simply must be trained until …"
With a loud cry Zoro tried to wack Natsu only for the bat to be caught in his right hand effortlessly.
"Everything and everyone around you sits within your peripheral vision, nothing ever escapes your notice."
"I can't believe you are that good," Zoro panted. "When I saw Luffy miss earlier I figured that was because of the style of his attack but …"
"Your intent was true Zoro, readable like an open book. I was certain that you would strike me in certain spots and ensured that I had reacted accordingly; with time you too will be able to perform the same feat. Now who wants to go first?"
"So we just sit there as you wack us with that bat over the head," Sanji asked prompting Natsu to nod.
"Pain is the best means of promoting accelerated growth. The natural survival instinct of all beings is to avoid pain thus pain is the primary motivator to push your growth in the field of Perception."
"You have a sword," Zoro noted as Natsu slowly rose to his feet.
"Yeah I do, why?"
"I want to spar with you, to see just how far I am from your level."
"Just do it Natsu, show those three how instinct is applied in a battle scenario where weapons are involved," Mordred said prompting Natsu to nod.
"Alright then," he said as he slowly drew his War Titan's sword which still retained a similar shape to Zoro's blades. "Show me what you can do Zoro but remember this is only a spar."
Zoro nodded as he put his bandanna on and drew all three swords, placing one in his mouth and assumed a combat stance. Natsu however stood in a passive position, blade at his side providing no obvious guard in a move that reminded Zoro of the way Dracule Mihawk had once fought him.
Charging forward Zoro went to try and land a blow however he found the flat of Natsu's blade tap against the flat of his own knocking it into the deck almost prompting him to trip over.
"Wha-!?"
"These are ordinary human speeds Zoro, try again!"
Spinning around Zoro tried to land an upwards strike only for his blade to again meet the flat of Natsu's own blade knocking it back into the deck.
"Grr-!"
"Your attack will be coming from the right," Natsu said as the flat of his blade knocked Zoro's into the deck for a third time. "You will attempt to spin around and slash me."
Lazily leaning backward as he said it Natsu avoided the spin and subsequent slash attack whilst lazily twirling his blade in his hand.
"You are skilled however I can already see issues with your style and surprisingly it's not because you wield three blades rather it appears you need to diversify in your general attack patterns, you strike with the same few motions like most sword users however a good one will always pull out something new to throw off their opponent."
"A new sword strike pattern …"
"You use three swords in your style yet only attack with the same few slashing motions when not using signature moves, anyone with half a brain could read that and move to counter you like I did. Had we been fighting for real the moment I knocked your sword into the deck I would have flicked it upward and landed a possible death blow to your neck."
"I wonder if you could fight that guy Zoro lost to," Luffy wondered aloud prompting Zoro to look at Natsu closely as if seriously considering it.
"Who?"
"The World's Greatest Swordsman, Dracule Mihawk, who the moss head lost to," Sanji replied.
"If he's the greatest one in this world then there's a high chance I probably wouldn't win against him in a swordfight then."
"B-but you can do that crazy dodging thing and toy with Zoro like he did even though Mihawk used a penknife!"
"This Mihawk guy sounds strong; yeah definitely sounds like I wouldn't beat him in a swordfight I mean I can't even beat Mordred yet!"
"That's because the blade wasn't your first choice Natsu and you haven't been using it as long as I have," Mordred replied neutrally. "You are right though about Zoro, first thing he needs to do is get some variety for close quarters engagements where performing extravagant sword attacks aren't possible."
"Well maybe you guys will have a chance to practice some of these crazy techniques because we're coming up on an island," Nami cut in as everyone turned to look past the figurehead of the ship.
"Well at least the place looks like it's got some grassy plains, perfect for a spot of training," Natsu said with a nod.
"Let's explore the island," Luffy cheered prompting several members of the crew to shake their heads with knowing sighs.
"Well I'm still up for training if you are," Zoro said with Sanji agreeing not too long after as the crew prepared to disembark on the new island.
Tales From The Tale Verse
Aizen And Salem's Great Media Empire Expansion V
If At First We Don't Succeed …
/Aizen's POV/
"So we're in agreement, anyone comes asking it was one hundred percent Rory's fault?"
"I STRONGLY DISAGREE!"
"You don't get a say brat," Salem snapped as the trio sat in Aizen's office having just returned from the world they had just meddled with.
"I'm more annoyed that we can't use any of that footage," Aizen grumbled. "Just think of how we could've presented it, 'Future Dark Lord or Future Devil Candidate!? An Exclusive Inside Look Into A Natural Candidate Selection In Action!' At least it would have been until Rory screwed it up!"
"Well you know the old saying Aizen, if at first one does not succeed then they must simply try again. I'm sure we will find another suitable story somewhere."
"It took me ages to find that though!"
"Then we ask around Equilibrius, sift through the usual troublemakers until we find someone with a good lead on a story," Salem snapped as she forcibly pulled Aizen out of his chair and marched toward the door. "And this time the brat keeps her distance!"
"IT WASN'T MY DAMN FAULT!"
"It kind of was though," Aizen replied prompting Rory to growl in annoyance before stomping after the pair as they entered the bustling streets of Equilibrius.
"Right then the first and most obvious candidate to find would be Alucard, the fool creates more problems than he fixes so I'm sure he would have some idea where a story could be found."
"You rang?"
Salem spun around and punched Alucard in the face receiving only an amused grin in response.
"Ouch, I almost felt that one."
"That was just a warning shot," Salem growled. "Now shut up and tell us what you know!"
"What I know? Oh you mean about how a little birdie told me about three Devils who messed with a certain timeline?"
"Not that you idiot I mean something that isn't related to us!"
"Oh I see, any news is good news so long as it doesn't involve yourselves right?"
"Look do you know anything or not?"
"I may know something however I might require a little bit of persuasion …"
"What do you want," Aizen sighed prompting Alucard to grin sadistically.
"I'm feeling rather lazy today and don't really feel like doing any work so I want you three to do what the Council asked me to do instead."
"And what is that exactly?"
"Well you see it's a rather dull job, a lot of cataloguing and-."
"Rory can do it," both Aizen and Salem said in unison prompting Alucard to roar with laughter and Rory to whine in annoyance.
"Why me!"
"Contract," Aizen said with an amused smirk.
"Oh, wrapped this one up in one of your little contracts did you Aizen? Haven't seen anyone fall for one of those in centuries, I believe Meliodas was the last one because he couldn't be bothered to read it to see if what Aizen wrote was even correct."
"Yeah Rory did the same thing," Aizen snickered in amusement as Alucard placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Yes and it seems that favours the two of you this day because that isn't a fun job by any means. Have fun little Devil, don't work too hard now!"
"I hate all of you!"
Alucard simply laughed at her expense as Rory vanished through a portal leaving the trio standing on the street. After several moments he calmed down before motioning for them to follow him down a side street.
"All right now here's the 'scoop' you two are looking for and believe me I think you'll like this one. Word has it that there is a world not currently connected to ours yet through any means however from what I've heard an event is about to occur there that will possibly open up such an opportunity."
"So if we were there to witness this moment in action," Aizen said slowly prompting Alucard to smirk.
"Oh yes it would be an unprecedented event to witness, it isn't often that a world that has never possessed a Devil gains one so recording such an event would surely propel the both of you to the stardom you desire …"
"So where is the place we're going to?"
"Hold still," Alucard said as he mentally sent an image of the place to both Aizen and Salem who both seemed surprised at not knowing the place in question.
"How old is this reality?"
"Not very old, the Council wasn't even informed about it until recently."
"The Kingdom of Deltora … yes I can already see the broadcast now," Aizen said as he snapped his fingers, opening up a portal. "Thank you for this Alucard!"
"Indeed, for once you actually did some good," Salem added as the pair practically bolted through the portal leaving Alucard alone.
"Hehehe … HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh yes, thank you indeed," Alucard smirked before slowly sinking into the ground out of view.
Hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!