Hi guys Azza here!

So first off just need to say that One Piece Chapter 957 has given me clarification on so many things I needed to know for this from the bounties of the Four Emporors, Roger as well as other intel such as Garp's actual combat level during the era before this one. Now fair warning I will be disclosing the bounties of characters such as Whitebeard when he rocks up to Marineford so if you are an anime only watcher you have been warned well in advance.

Also this kind of answers the two reviews but basically from this chapter to probably the end of Enies Lobby you can basically chuck canon out the window since its only being used as a rough guide to script out what's going to go down. This could be from different characters doing different things to a fight that goes down this chapter which will have a major rematch in Enies Lobby. Just wanted to say that now because I'm expecting veteran One Piece fans to question certain choices but fear not all shall be explained in due time.

Said time might be longer because of work but its coming haha!

Anyway on with the story!

I do not own Fairy Tail, One Piece or the Nasuverse.

Cipher Pol Strikes

/Natsu's POV/

It was midday when Natsu finally re-emerged from the abandoned section of Water Seven, pockets full of lost artefacts and knowledge both of major and little import. He could still sense Brandish and Cynthia trailing behind him and idly wondered what they thought of his actions with Maddox earlier, the Cipher Pol Agent's body having been recovered in … less than appealing condition.

Arriving back in the more desirable section of the city he was surprised to find the people openly staring at him with fear, some even showing signs of anger and hatred.

"My Devil's Aura is reigned in isn't it Ahnk?"

"You haven't used so much as a sliver of it since last night."

"Well why are all these people so pissed off then?"

"There he is!"

"Someone call the Foremen!"

"He's part of the Straw Hats!"

Now Natsu really was confused as a whole host of dock workers began charging at him with whatever item they'd been holding in their hand at that moment. Naturally he wasn't scared in the slightest and remained apathetic as the civilians edged closer toward him.

"We're gonna make you pay!"

"For what exactly?"

"Like you don't know!"

"Actually I really don't," Natsu replied in confusion as one of the civilians tried to strike him with a sledgehammer only for it to shatter into small cubes.

"What the hell!"

"He must be a Devil Fruit user!"

"Everyone run and get the Foremen!"

Blinking in genuine confusion Natsu watched as the large crowd fled leaving him alone on the street trying to figure out exactly what he could have done to anger the entire town.

"Did they see me fighting Maddox?"

"I doubt it," was the immediate reply as Ahnkseram materialized sitting atop the nearby bridge. "My guess is one of the other crew probably did something which has riled up the whole town."

"Yeah that sounds probable," Natsu sighed as he strolled onto the bridge and leant up against it. "Probably Luffy or Zoro that did it too I'll bet."

"Maybe not," Ahnkseram said motioning toward a discarded newspaper that sat atop a nearby bench. "This isn't good …"

Walking over to the bench and picking up the paper Natsu's eyebrows shot up to his hairline in surprise as he began to read the headline.

Attempted Assassination Of Mayor Iceburg

Straw Hat Pirates Identified As Culprits

"The hell …"

"I don't understand how something this drastic could have occurred in the short time we were away from the ship?"

"I think I might have a clue," Natsu sighed as he began to massage his forehead at a familiar picture. "What the hell were you doing yesterday Mordred?"

"Mordred did it?"

"No, Robin did," Natsu sighed. "Apparently those with Robin wore masks but Robin was easily identifiable."

"If Robin wanted to kill Iceburg she wouldn't have been caught, and who are these masked people?"

"A hundred Jewel on it being more of those damn Cipher Pol bastards," Natsu said with a slight frown. "Strange, for some reason I can't get a lock on Robin's signature?"

"Hmm, yeah you're right," Ahnkseram replied curiously. "It's like her presence has shifted ever so slightly so that it's everywhere yet nowhere …"

"Guess we'll just have to search the old fashioned way then, first though we find Mordred and figure out what the hell happened. Robin is good but there's no way she would've escaped Mordred so easily even if she somehow got distracted."

"Back to the crew then?"

"Exactly," Natsu said as Ahnkseram leapt off of the bridge and vanished leaving him alone as he turned to face the location he felt the five Straw Hats and Mordred. "Right then let's see what the hell is going on around here."

/Mordred's POV/

"So you guys are saying you saw Robin and just let her get away!"

"It's not as simple as that Nami," Chopper replied shakily as the orange haired Navigator towered over his small form menacingly. "Robin made it clear that she can't come back!"

"He's telling the truth Nami," Sanji sighed. "Granted though I don't think she's saying that of her own free will but she did say it when we saw her."

"The freak in the mask," Zoro cut in quickly. "What do we know about them?"

"Not much other than that Robin seems to be running off with them," Mordred replied with a frown. "And then there's this bullshit claim about us trying to assassinate that Iceburg guy when obviously none of us had any intention of doing that."

"Something's fishy about that, no two ways about it," Zoro agreed with a stiff nod. "I say we shake down Iceburg and find out why he's basically put out a warrant on us."

"Are you retarded moss head, we go after Iceburg now it'll justify the claims of the assassination attempt!"

"So what should we do then, nothing!?"

"I think … we should go see Iceburg," Luffy said after several tense moments.

"Are you being as stupid as the moss head Luffy, one wrong step and-!"

"TALK to Iceburg Sanji, the key word is talk," Nami snapped effectively silencing the blonde. "I know we aren't Natsu Mordred but are you willing to help us?"

"Natsu would have helped so naturally I will come with you, alignments aside Robin was my responsibility and I failed to keep track of her so it's only right I do what I can to get to the bottom of this."

"If Natsu knew that Robin would try and leave why didn't he keep track of her himself," Nami asked confused prompting Mordred to shrug in response.

"Natsu doesn't always tell others what he's doing but it can be said that whatever he is doing is important to what we're dealing with, of that you can definitely be sure of. For now let's focus on getting to the bottom of what's going on here and go from there."

"What time is it," Nami sighed as she pulled up her wrist to check her watch. "Ok so we have two hours to get to Iceburg's office before it closes for the day, UNDETECTED, and find out whatever we can about both Robin and why we're being branded Iceburg's assassins."

"Don't try and fight anyone unless you have no other choice," Luffy added quickly as the crew began to make their way toward the door. "We might be Pirates but we aren't assholes."

/Several Hours Later – Iceburg's POV/

"Are you sure you're gonna be fine boss," one of the workers asked as Iceburg gently waved him off.

"I'll be fine; the Straw Hats wouldn't dare attack me again now that the whole city is after them. Now can someone please tell me if Kokoro and her Granddaughter made it to Water Seven, Aqua Laguna is in a few hours and I don't want those two getting caught up in it."

"Word came in a few hours ago Mayor Iceburg that they arrived safe and sound."

"Good, one less problem on my plate," Iceburg sighed as he spun around in his chair to face the night time view of the city. "And what of Franky, he destroyed Dock One earlier today during an altercation with Straw Hat Luffy didn't he?"

"Apparently Franky is seeking revenge after what the Straw Hats did to the Franky House Mayor Iceburg. Several of his underlings are roaming the city claiming to have captured the long nosed one as well as their ship and will execute the hostage if Straw Hat himself doesn't come to face him."

"I see, keep an eye on them for now and make sure they don't start harassing the citizens."

"Of course Mayor Iceburg," the worker said with a nod before shutting the door leaving the man alone.

"If only things were as simple as it seemed," Iceburg sighed as a grunt of acknowledgement at Iceburg's words echoed through the room.

"You run a city that gives safe harbor and supply to both criminals and the forces of Justice alike, things were never going to end well for you."

"I had a good run though," Iceburg sighed as he swivelled around in his chair to meet the end of a rather impressive looking handgun that possessed a black blade attached under the barrel, several pulsing crimson lines etched into its form as Iceburg's eyes shifted toward its wielder.

"I was wondering when you lot were going to finally come, Spandam could never leave well enough alone."

An explosion rocked the entire building as several more people entered the building, Robin being one of them as the sounds of battle began to ring out across the area. To his credit Iceburg didn't even flinch as the man diverted his aim and shot him in the chest, specifically right next to where he'd been shot the night before.

"Mayor Iceburg what the hell's going on-!"

Paulie charged into the room only to immediately find himself subdued by one of the masked figures as all eyes turned toward the latest man to walk into the room.

"So all these years meant nothing to you lot eh, figures Cipher Pol would beat any real emotion out of you lot," Iceburg growled as the figures began removing their masks.

"It is as our friend put it, you had this coming Iceburg."

Agent Of The World Government

Cipher Pol Aegis Nine

Kalifa

"You disappoint me Kalifa, of all the people I knew here you were by far one of the best though it seems all those years mean nothing to you."

"You know why we've come Iceburg so why not save yourself the trouble and hand over what we're after."

Agent Of The World Government

Cipher Pol Aegis Nine

Kaku

"You know I won't do that, I didn't all those years ago and I won't now!"

"Your cooperation is not required Iceburg, only the plans are."

Agent Of The World Government

Cipher Pol Aegis Nine

Blueno

"So even the bar owner was an agent …"

"You will tell us what you know Iceburg, one's pulse is all that is required to deduce all that we need to know."

"Of all the people I'd suspected to be a Government dog I definitely had you pegged," Iceburg snarled as he felt Kalifa place her fingers onto his neck to check his pulse.

Agent Of The World Government

Cipher Pol Aegis Nine

Rob Lucci

"So are you a dog too," Iceburg asked as he turned toward the dark skinned man who simply regarded him with an indifferent expression as he fiddled with the end of his coat.

"Of a sort," the man replied with a shrug as Rob Lucci stepped forward.

"You know why we've come don't you Iceburg?"

"Yes."

"The plans, the ones built by Tom, where are they?"

"I don't know."

"He's lying," Kalifa said as Iceburg received a punch to the face.

"Lying won't get you anywhere now Iceburg though how about I deduce exactly where the plans are?"

"You can try but you won't figure it out!"

"Oh really? Well how about we start with the line of succession for them and why Spandam assumed it was you who held them in the first place then shall we? It is said that the ledgendary Shipwright Tom was executed for building the ship for Gol. D Roger however before his death he came into possession of plans dating back centuries for an ancient super weapon known as Pluton, correct?"

"Everyone knows that," Iceburg spat back.

"Well it was assumed that the plans would have gone to Tom's other apprentice Cutty Flam once Tom passed on however he was killed, run over by the Sea Train, with the plans then falling to you, correct?"

"Again everyone already knows this shit!"

"Here's where my theory comes in," Lucci replied with a sinister smirk etching its way onto his face. "I propose that Cutty Flam is in fact still alive and living in Water Seven right now under the alias … Franky."

"His pulse has quickened significantly Lucci, you must be correct," Kalifa said before knocking Iceburg out.

"You all know what to do right?"

"Yes," the CP9 Agents replied as one.

"Good, but before we go after Cutty Flam we have one last bit of business to deal with …"

With a nod Blueno snapped his fingers as a door appeared on the ceiling with Luffy falling out of it in shock. To his credit Luffy had seemingly predicted Rob Lucci's movements and twisted his body in midair avoiding a strike with the man's index finger as he spun around to strike him only for his attack to meet thin air.

"What-!"

"Shigan!"

Appearing behind Luffy Rob Lucci struck him in the back with the finger based technique, piercing through his skin as he was blasted into the floor leaving a bullet sized hole in him.

"Restrain him, he dies here too," Lucci said toward the dark skinned man as the CP9 members began to vanish one by one until it was only Blueno and Robin.

"Robin," Luffy ground out as he struggled against his new bonds. "Why!?"

"I tried to warn you all of my darkness but none of you listened and now yet another crew will fall it seems. For what it's worth Luffy I am truly sorry."

Robin vanished along with Blueno leaving Luffy and the unconscious Paulie alone with the dark skinned man who began to chuckle darkly.

"Straw Hat Luffy … what a fool you are in trying to combat those above your station."

"And just who the hell do you think you are!?"

"Someone above your station," the man replied as he summoned a second version of his handgun from out of thin air and aimed both at him. "Trash like you deserve nothing less than a dog's death."

"When I get free I'm so gonna kick your ass!"

"Well it's fortunate that you won't be going anywhere then isn't it," the man said before spinning around just as the window shattered. "Well then …"

The man leapt across to the far side of the room as Mordred charged in, Clarent alight with flame as her armor materialized around her. With one practiced swipe Luffy's bonds had been cut and with another she fired a warning aerial slash attack at the man which was easily blocked.

"Luffy, grab that guy and get out of here."

"But-!"

"Don't argue with me, the whole building is about to blow," Mordred snapped as Luffy picked up Paulie and hoisted him over his shoulder. "The others were fighting those dock worker guards but once those creeps set off that explosion everyone realized it wasn't us!"

"Hold on a second if this place is gonna blow then-!"

"Get the hell out of here," Mordred snapped prompting Luffy to sigh and nod slowly.

"Fine but don't die to this bastard," Luffy replied as Mordred grinned and gave him a thumbs up.

With one last look Luffy jumped out of the window Mordred had left leaving her alone with the man as the room began to heat up due to the fires raging all around them.

"I had heard Natsu was in possession of a Servant," the man said as Mordred slowly positioned herself in front of Iceburg's unconscious form. "But to think he had such a failure at his side this whole time …"

"You, you aren't human clearly which means only one thing," Mordred replied slowly as the man spun his guns around in an almost playful manner using both his index fingers. "You're a Servant aren't you?"

"It is rather fitting you know, in my purer form I fought your Father but now in this one I am fated to face off against you … the failure of a Knight who couldn't amount to anything more than a pathetic insurgent."

"You fought my Father, when?"

"It was a long time ago yet also just yesterday, the Fifth Holy Grail War might ring a few bells if you still can't figure it out."

"The Fifth Holy Grail War … wait a minute you're-!"

The Unyielding Corpse

The Disgraced Heartless Executor

EMIYA Alter (Archer)

"Emiya," Mordred hissed both in shock and concern as her thoughts shifted to Iceburg's unconscious form. "The one Father could never shut up about after that accursed Grail War!"

"Now you too shall be on the receiving end of my power Son of Arthur even if it is as corrupt and mechanical as mine."

The moment Mordred heard a crack in the floor they currently stood on she knew she had to act fast and so she did the only thing she could do and kicked Iceburg in the ribs, launching the unconscious man out the window where he landed in a nearby tree just as Emiya began to attack.

Opening fire on Mordred as he dashed forward he almost immediately put her on the defensive as she swiftly moved Clarent to block the gunshots. After several successful blocks Mordred too charged forward as Emiya's guns shattered and were replaced by two dagger like blades that clashed with Clarent, the floor below them shattering from the force exuded from the two attacks as they fell down into the inferno below.

Emiya summoned a sniper rifle and fired a powerful shot at Mordred which also propelled him through the wall behind him and out of the fire pit as Mordred blocked the attack with the flat of her blade as she manoeuvred it so that it was the first thing to touch the raging fires below.

Clarent began absorbing the flames into itself as the blade began to glow bright red, power bursting from its surface as she set her sights on the room Emiya had smashed his way into.

"Eat this, Clarent: Novus Pendragon!"

Swinging Clarent over her head the attack was powerful enough to cleave not just the building they were in but every subsequent building in Water Seven in the direct line of sight in two with it fizzling out once the flames struck the ocean.

"Going for the kill so soon? Perhaps you are stronger than your Father," Emiya muttered as Mordred raised Clarent to block a strike from one of Emiya's daggers, sparks obscuring their view of one another as Emiya summoned a handgun into his off hand.

Firing several shots Mordred's armor absorbed the impacts however the power behind them was clear as the bullets left large cracks in its surface forcing Emiya to retreat just in time to avoid part of a wall that had begun to collapse.

Mordred was about to charge after him when she felt the sentience behind Clarent begin to connect with her again just like when she fought Alphonse, knowledge both of Emiya as well as her Father's fight with the other version of him flowing into her as the Archer returned to continue the attack.

With Clarent once again aiding her Mordred began to read Emiya's movements with much greater clarity and precision as both dodging and countering became much easier for her to do despite the man's significantly greater speed. Hack, slash, bang and dodge became the rhythm Mordred deduced Emiya followed and it seemed that he had picked up on it as well as he cleared some distance before speaking.

"You aren't anything like the Mordred from the Throne of Heroes," he said after several moments. "The Mordred of legend was strong however she could never have stood up to an opponent in the same manner her Father would have."

"It doesn't matter what I am Emiya," Mordred replied as she levelled Clarent whilst removing her helmet which had gained several cracks in it which had begun to obscure her vision somewhat. "All that matters is that I'm here and I'm your opponent!"

"True … but let us see how things go now that the kid gloves come off shall we?"

Holding out his right hand Mordred was surprised to see a familiar blade appear in the man's hand, a blade used by one of the Knights of the Round Table.

"You recognize this blade Knight of Treachery? Perhaps you also shall soon recognize the pain its legend wrought upon those who dared impede its wielders path as well!"

Mordred watched as the blade morphed into a lance shaped arrow which seemed to fit perfectly in a bow summoned by the Archer as he vanished and appeared atop a nearby building.

"Can you rise above legend Mordred like your Father, let's find out! Trace – On: Excalibur Galatine!"

Upon firing the attack a stream of flame seemed to tear open space itself, lighting even the air itself on fire and annihilating anything in its path. Mordred had no chance to prepare a countermeasure to such an attack with Clarent itself taking over in order to preserve its wielders life as the tip of the attack finally struck the ground.

The entire district was engulfed in a dome eerily reminiscent of the sun which didn't show any sign of going down leading Emiya to believe his work was done. Waiting for several moments just to be sure Emiya vanished using his Presence Concealment and began making his way back to the members of CP9.

Within the centre of the attack Mordred remained in a kneeling position, Clarent having erected a barrier around her using what power remained from the fire it had absorbed earlier however it was fading fast as the scorching heat began to lick her exposed skin and melt what remained of her armor.

A loud crack signalled the sound of rain, rain that was no doubt linked to the Aqua Laguna many in the city had mentioned earlier and it couldn't come soon enough in Mordred's opinion. Perhaps the floods were her only hope at seeing the next sunrise?

/Emiya's POV/

Arriving at the previously agreed upon location he shared a nod with Lucci signalling his success before looking into the building that the rest of CP9 had surrounded. Within the building itself was a wounded long nosed man, two women with square shaped hairstyles and their target Franky.

"Blueno, remove the excess trash," Lucci said quietly as Blueno bowed and grabbed onto the air opening a door and entering a distorted space before vanishing.

Several screams were heard followed by the sound of a struggle before everything fell silent as the members looked into the window to find the women knocked out with Franky and the long nosed man pinned down by the tower of a man.

With the job completed easily Lucci kicked down the door prompting Franky to snarl in response and try to free himself again.

"What the hell do you bastards want!"

"Cutty Flam," Lucci said in an almost bored tone. "Our Commander would like to have a few words with you regarding a certain incident eight years ago as well as the location of the Pluton plans."

"Like I'd tell you bastards anything," Franky snarled in response only to receive a kick to the face in response.

"There are countless methods to discover what you know Cutty Flam so your cooperation is not required.

"We need to move, reports from the station suggest that this year's Aqua Laguna is abnormal," Kaku said as he entered the room, Den Den Mushi still in his right hand.

"Archer take the long nosed one, Cutty Flam is mine," Lucci ordered to which Archer complied without complaint as he landed a powerful chop to the long nosed man's neck knocking him out instantly before hoisting him over his shoulder and departing for the station.

"Our leader is very eager to see you again Cutty Flam," Lucci said before knocking the cyborg out cold and following Archer's lead.

/Sanji's POV/

Having been on his way to the Mayor's home Sanji found himself distracted by an alarming number of suspicious individuals and so he decided to investigate, after all Luffy, Zoro and Mordred were more than enough to deal with a few Marines.

What Sanji stumbled upon however was far more than he'd bargained for as he found Robin as well as an unconscious Usopp and Franky being loaded onto a train by a large number of Cipher Pol Agents.

'I'm heavily outmatched here but I can't just let them get away …'

Looking around frantically for any sign that might give him an edge in a fight Sanji found none instead deciding that the only option was a more stealthy approach.

'Let them be pissed off at me later I'm not gonna let them get away with Robin! Oh and Usopp I guess …'

Pulling out a small piece of paper from his pocket Sanji scribbled a note onto it in the hopes that the others would find it before looking up at the sky noticing the small droplets of rain that had begun to fall.

'We'll get through this yet,' Sanji thought to himself before sneaking onto the last train car just as a loud whistle signalled the train's departure.

/Natsu's POV/

He'd decided to pick up a few things from the markets at Water Seven before returning to meet with the others however that decision had cost them all greatly, he knew that now. Standing at the tail end of a raging inferno on the outskirts of the city Natsu looked at the large chunk of the city that was now missing knowing exactly who performed the powerful attack.

"The question is why?"

"You ran into a Cipher Pol Aegis Zer0 agent so who knows what Mordred ran into," was Ahnkseram's response that almost had Natsu chuckle in response.

That is until he felt Mordred's pain slam into his senses like a truck.

Darting up into the sky he was shocked to see a dome of flame which had been obscured by the smoke and remaining buildings and warped right into its depths, his flesh melting away not even phasing him as he placed the strongest Crash Barrier he could muster around Mordred's unconscious and burnt form before hurling her out of the attack.

The impact of hitting the ground roused Mordred from her unconscious state only to see Natsu in her place being roasted alive by a miniature sun.

"Natsu!"

"What the fuck is going on Mordred," Natsu hissed prompting her to recoil in shock. "From the moment we set foot into this damn city it's been one fuckup after another!"

"N-Natsu, get out of there before you get reduced to ash!"

"So many problems, so many variables occurring in this shithole that could've all been avoided if people had only let me help them!"

Mordred was about to reply but paused at his words quickly coming to the realization that there was something off about him, something that had elevated his stress level to the point that he was about to snap.

His body ceased its incineration as the miniature sun began to slowly collapse in on itself almost as if Natsu was absorbing it into his body. Once his now rapidly regenerating body was free Mordred noticed steam rising from his form, both a by product of the rain touching his boiling hot skin combined with his obvious anger at the current situation.

The ground began to shake but not because of Natsu as both looked out toward the ocean to find it had receded to the point that it was no longer visible unless one squinted hard enough to look for it. After several moments the tremors increased drastically as a tidal wave began to rapidly approach them.

"Oi you two, get the hell up here now!"

Mordred's gaze snapped toward Paulie who despite sporting several bandages looked like he was in good condition with Luffy standing by his side.

"The Aqua Laguna is gonna wash the both of you away if you don't get up here now!"

Mordred looked between Natsu and Luffy who also sported a concerned look however all eyes turned back to Natsu as he looked up at the descending tidal wave with his pointed teeth barred in defiance.

"I'm gonna sort this damn mess out right now," he growled as the wave began to crash down on them only to stop in midair.

What the hell," Paulie muttered as the wave began to evaporate.

"Mordred what the hell is going on," Luffy called out as he began to make his way down toward them only for a pulse from Natsu's body to knock everyone down.

"Luffy, get everyone together and follow me after Robin," Natsu said without looking back. "I'm going on ahead."

"Kid you ain't going anywhere in the Aqua Laguna, no train will be able to get you anywhere," Paulie shouted over the thunder only for Natsu to shake his head.

"You'll all find a way, now if you'll excuse me …"

Just as the trio had managed to get back onto their feet they were blasted right off of them as Natsu shot off in the direction of the sea train, the ocean as well as the Aqua Laguna tides split clean in two as he charged after Robin and the Cipher Pol agents.

/Mordred's POV/

"Can somebody tell me what the hell just happened," Paulie groaned as he rubbed his sore head. "Did that guy just blow back the tide from the Aqua Laguna!?"

Whatever happened it must have pissed him off pretty bad," Luffy replied before noticing that Mordred was injured. "We should probably get you to Chopper Mordred."

"…"

"Mordred?"

"He didn't even acknowledge me …"

"Huh?"

"He saved me yet I felt nothing but rage coming from him, that's not like him at all …"

"No its not."

All eyes turned toward the newcomers who up until now had remained in the shadows, their identities a shock to all but known only to Mordred.

"Hello Mordred, nice to see you again."

"Cynthia," Mordred replied softly, wincing as she moved to stand. "And Brandish?"

"It's a long story which we clearly don't have time for if Natsu's performance is any indication," Brandish replied bluntly.

"Who the hell are these guys," Luffy asked in confusion whilst scratching his head.

"This is Brandish and I'm Cynthia, we're both from Dad's original world," Cynthia replied prompting Luffy's jaw to drop in shock.

"Did you just say … so you're-!"

"Yes."

"Holy crap," Luffy muttered as Brandish moved to speak.

"Introductions aside we need to set out after Natsu immediately for I believe something foreign has begun to influence him."

"What do you mean," Mordred asked with narrowed eyes. "What foreign thing could best Natsu?"

"Dad is powerful but not invulnerable, not yet. He came into contact with a Primordial and since then there have been several fluxuations in his body that are most likely the cause for his rather short temper."

"There's gotta be a way we can go after him," Luffy said with a determined look. "He's going to save Robin and we're gonna go save him from the mystery illness!"

"I told you kids there's no way you're getting out of Water Seven during an Aqua Laguna," Paulie snapped finally recovering from his shock. "Even though Natsu pushed it back it ain't gone yet!"

"Nagagagagaga! Still as stupid as ever aren't you Paulie!"

"That voice, Kokoro," Paulie gasped in surprise as the elderly drunk train conductor stood atop the ledge that he and Luffy had been on only moments prior slugging from her bottle.

"You might think they've got no chance well what if I told you there was one chance, a sea train of a chance!"

"Are you going senile Kokoro," Paulie snapped back. "The World Government took the sea train back to Enies Lobby already!

"Nagagagagaga! They too A sea train but fortunately for us old Tom left us one final gift!"

"Wait a minute surely you aren't talking about-!?"

"The Rocket Man!"

"Kokoro that thing isn't gonna get out of the station let alone get through the Aqua Laguna and all the way to Enies Lobby!"

"It wouldn't have if someone hadn't been fixing it up in his spare time," Kokoro replied dismissively.

"Come on Mordred we've got our ride," Luffy said excitedly though it appeared that Mordred's mood wasn't going to shift anytime soon from her nearly blank one. "We can have Chopper look you over when we're on board ok?"

"Fine, let's go," was the blunt reply as the two began walking toward Kokoro with Cynthia and Brandish following behind.

"You coming Paulie," Kokoro asked prompting the Shipwright to scoff before taking off after the group cursing their names the entire way toward the Rocket Man.

Tales From The Tale Verse

Ainz Ooal Gown And The Great Assistant Debacle V

Our Overlord And Beloved Leader

/Ainz's POV/

"You look better today Ainz," Elias commented as the Overlord appeared in his throne room. "I'm guessing you finally confronted it?"

"How long did you know about the fate of my former world, and life?"

"I decided to check up on it after the first time you mentioned not originating from this world more to sate my curiosity than anything else. I was told to let you discover the fate of it yourself by the Archons so my hands were tied, I am sorry Ainz."

"You taught me much Lord Elias and forged me into the being I am today, there is nothing to forgive," Ainz replied with a wave of his hand. "Besides the confrontation has helped me realize something important that I must address once we get the final task out of the way."

"Oh really? Well then this should be interesting," Elias replied as he snapped his fingers opening the large throne room doors allowing both Shalltear and Albedo to bolt inside seemingly desperate to see Ainz.

"My Lord where have you been," Albedo cried as she threw herself at his feet. "I thought you had left us!"

"You didn't tell anyone where you were Lord Ainz what were we supposed to think!?"

"I understand I may have caused great stress not just to yourselves but to all of Nazerick's denizens by vanishing the way I did however rest assured that I am fine, better than I've ever felt actually."

"Even if you tell Sebas that he won't believe you," Shalltear sniffed as Ainz motioned for the pair to stand.

"Perhaps not however only I truly know how both my body and mind are and I declare that I have grown stronger from my brief absence!"

"Stronger," Albedo gasped as a blush began to creep across her face. "My Lord Ainz has grown … stronger!?"

"Er … anyway moving on you two it is time for the final task," Elias said cutting off Albedo before her lustful nature began to fully take hold over her senses as the pair stood up straighter. "The final task is rather simple really though I'll let Ainz explain it since he would understand it far better than I ever would."

"It is as Lord Elias says," Ainz said firmly. "The final task is but a simple one though it is also the toughest one out of the three. There are no physical or even mental feats to perform instead this task requires me to see one simple thing."

"And what is that Lord Ainz?"

"I pose to the pair of you this one simple question," Ainz said as he rose from his throne. "Why should I pick one of you to be my Assistant over the other?"

Both were clearly about to go on a tirade about the other but paused moments before the first word could get out as they realized the specifics of the question. This was not a question about qualification or desire but one of heart and fairness.

To ask of them why he should pick one over the other when both did rightfully deserve the job was truly a tough question especially since both were naturally biased against one another truly making this the hardest test out of the three.

"I see you have already caught on," Ainz said after several minutes of silence passed. "Already you are making progress it seems however pick your words carefully when you do finally choose to answer."

The minutes began to fly by as both Albedo and Shalltear thought long and hard about their appropriate responses, neither quite sure exactly how to sell themselves above the other without resorting to insults. All the while Elias and Ainz stood motionless as if they had decided to have a power nap however they were really holding a mental conversation in Ainz's mind regarding his trip to his own world.

The sound of Shalltear clearing her throat brought both their minds back to the present however as they looked down at the Vampire expectantly.

"You have an answer for me Shalltear?"

"I do Lord Ainz."

"Then let us hear it."

"The Assistant of the great Ainz Ooal Gown must be book smart, that much is true, however it has become clear that recent events that have occurred in the higher realms have shifted the role Assistants play from a mere advisory role to a more well rounded one. Though Albedo did beat me in the arena of paperwork by a small margin I did indeed excel in the physical one. With this in mind Lord Ainz I believe that I should be chosen because I am more well suited to an all rounder type role rather than merely focusing on one or two aspects."

'That was rather surprising coming from Shalltear,' Ainz thought as he nodded toward the Vampire before looking over at Albedo expectantly.

"With your permission I would like to present my own claim Lord Ainz."

"Go ahead Albedo."

"I have held the role of Assistant to you, Lord Ainz, since we reforged Nazerick into the powerhouse that it has become today. As Overseer of the Floor Guardians it was always my role to play despite not being the strongest among our rank. Personal feelings toward you aside Lord Ainz our world and by extension Nazerick and your great Empire require a firm yet fair hand, a calculative one that points the dagger in the right direction so to speak."

"Interesting," Ainz said slowly as he sat back down onto his throne. "I must admit those were not the responses I was expecting from the pair of you, instead I had expected insults or an actual fight to break out. I must say both of you have impressed me greatly today, I thank you for taking this seriously."

"Thank you Lord Ainz."

"You flatter us with your words," both Albedo and Shalltear said as they knelt before him.

"However I must say that neither of you are to be chosen."

Both Albedo and Shalltear, who were in the middle of rising to their feet, stumbled backward and fell down in shock.

"Wh-what do you mean!?

"Lord Ainz what have we done wrong!?"

"I cannot pick one of you for that would be the wrong thing to do in this case," Ainz said as both Shalltear, Albedo and even Elias looked at Ainz in confusion. "To pick only one from all my loyal subjects would do nothing more than further wedge a divide between us, the only beings left I can call family."

Albedo and Shalltear almost fainted on the spot at being referred to in such a manner however Elias began to chuckle, quickly deducing what Ainz was up to and found himself silently approving.

"Therefore it is only right that my Assistant from this moment forward be Nazerick herself and ALL her denizens who serve me with unquestionable loyalty!"

"L-Lord Ainz," both girls gasped as they all felt power begin to flow through them with the wards of Nazerick itself growing stronger.

"It is as it always has been, and shall be until the end of days," Ainz's voice boomed across Nazerick. "I rule with a steady right hand as my most faithful advise with the left as we all work to spread our influence to the far corners of all existence! The Twelve Floor Guardians, The Pleiades and those who work diligently to maintain the masquerade of the Sorcerer's Kingdom whom I once swore an oath to upon our first meeting let me renew those vows to you all now!"

Unbeknownst to Ainz every being loyal to him had taken the knee at his declaration including those currently active out in the world posing as the rulers of the Sorcerer's Kingdom.

"On that fateful day I declared my desire for us to turn Ainz Ooal Gown into an Eternal Legend, crushing and replacing all those who came before us by any means necessary. We have come far in this goal however with this step our ascension into true legend shall begin as we spread our influence far beyond the confines of our own world!"

Rising from his throne Ainz became coated in a Blood Red Aura prompting Elias to take a step back in surprise at the sheer power rolling off of his former student.

"With my gift to you, the most faithful, continue to forge the path forward so that one day Ainz Ooal Gown becomes the only legend of relevance not just in our world but ALL worlds! Should you continue down this path I shall never leave you instead I shall only strengthen my ties to you all, so says the Overlord!"

'Clever … using their attachment to him as a way to deepen their devotion to him whilst also giving them free reign to do whatever they want to achieve their goals. Still as good at talking shit as ever I see Ainz, well done.'

Reigning in his Aura and sitting back down it took all of two seconds for Albedo and Shalltear to jump on him practically begging him to take them right there. It was rather amusing for Elias since their fabled rivalry had been seemingly discarded entirely in favour of getting a piece of Ainz.

However his thoughts drifted back to the Aura Ainz put out during his speech, the Aura of an Elder Devil. Was it really necessary for Ainz to come to terms with his new form for his potential to finally unlock itself and grant him the Elder Devil's Aura or was there something else at play?

Either way Elias was glad to see his student finally looking happy, or as happy as a skeleton can look anyway. With a slight nod to Ainz he opened a portal and returned to his own world wondering what Chise had been up to in his absence.

As for Ainz he sat on his throne ignoring Albedo and Shalltear for the moment as he pondered even his own words wondering if such a dream could ever truly happen?

Well that was something they would find out in due time wasn't it but for now he had fancy new Aura techniques to work on and that was more than enough amusement for him for the moment.

Indeed Ainz Ooal Gown for the moment had found peace.

Hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!