Hi guys Azza here!
So I've been meaning to tell you guys this but other stuff keeps getting in the way but I've looked at how far in the story is and based on my estimations this story will beat the 1 mil wordcount and easily be the biggest one yet chapter wise. We aren't even close to the timeskip yet and we're heading toward 50 chapters.
Honestly this is probably why so many One Piece fanfics fail because One Piece itself is just so long people see it as an impossibility to get through. But you guys all know me its gonna happen, we're all in it for the long haul!
Anyway just thought I'd share that since you guys usually start asking that around the 50-60 chapter mark anyway.
Now onto the reviews!
Dragonborn2704 – The sibling idea will actually be explored later on in the Volume and as for what I'd do once I finish the full series I haven't really got any idea it's still years away yet and I'm kind of taking things Volume by Volume with the inclusion of side stuff as it strikes me. I feel though that once the main series is done I'll likely leave it to rest so that I don't ruin it, probably go back and edit old chapters to fix up mistakes and expand the chapters a bit since I tried doing that and found I just don't have the time to do both a new one and work on fixing up and expanding another.
Erasenpai946 – You'll find that out this chapter.
Susano'o Chaos – Hey Baranx! I can't really say much regarding the King Of Mages Solomon since for those not in the know what comes after is massive in scale.
And before I answer your second part regarding the theories that Made In China Achnologia bit had my dying of laughter because it reminded me of that one Winnie the Pooh toy with the massive mouth and now I just see Achnologia flying in looking like that so thanks for that!
And you are correct in that assumption in fact I've already demonstrated this very theory in Volume II when Solomon summoned a dead Zeref from another reality Earthland where the Gods, Devils and crazy ass higher beings in general don't exist. In this world Zeref was still powerful and able to give Natsu a real fight but he was nothing compared to the Zeref from the Tale Verse.
Due to this an Achnologia would be of the same vein as the Zeref where he could be incredibly powerful but he is not the Achnologia who was more or less fused with a hostile entity outside of known Creation and borne of Anti.
An Achnologia will always exist, a Zeref will always exist, an E.N.D and Natsu Dragneel will also always exist however the circumstances of their conception, their power levels and their appearances will be vastly different each and every time.
It is a whole rabbit hole of debate since this technically means that every single version of Natsu on this site and others are all technically existing right now in alternate realities however they are not considered to be the MAIN Reality where all the focus goes thus allowing the story to exist in the first place.
And to answer the last part I leave that open to interpretation but I urge you to read the Second Chaldea Log at the end of this chapter as well.
Le Phoque Blanc – Can you tell me what specifically it was because I'm either really dumb or I just can't figure it out haha! Is it something similar like saying its instead of it's or is it a spelling error because honestly I'm blanking hard.
Anyway on with the story!
I do not own Fairy Tail, One Piece or the Nasuverse.
Meeting An Emperor
/Sacred Holy Land Of Mariejois – The Room Of Authority/
"And that is the extent of the damage!"
"I see ..."
"Do we have any information on where the Straw Hat Pirates are now?"
"They appear to have returned to Water Seven along with all the other criminals who attacked Enies Lobby. It also appears that Dragneel somehow managed to free Servant Avenger from his contract with Spandam and stole his Command Seals in the process."
"Given what we've been told by the GA that news is wholly unsurprising," one of the Elders sighed as he held up a Wanted Poster of Franky.
The Human Cyborg
Franky
Bounty – 57.000,000 Berries
"Did CP9 manage to get the plans from Cutty Flam at the very least?"
"If they did Elder then they were undoubtedly destroyed or reacquired since none of the surviving CP9 members have them in their possession."
"This is not good," another of the Elders growled. "If Dragneel gets a hold of those plans and sends them along to his allies in the Servant State then we could be facing an unprecedented threat!"
"With respect Elders he will not do such a thing."
"Rider," one of the Elders said with a grim smile prompting the Marine currently kneeling on the ground to pale considerably. "Thank you for coming on such short notice; we understand Sengoku is conferring with the Commander In Chief regarding the destruction of a Gate Of Justice?"
"Kong and Sengoku are currently debating if the cost of re-establishing Enies Lobby and rebuilding the Gate Of Justice is even worth it, I'm inclined to agree given our already above budget expenditures to overhaul the Marines and establish the Army."
"You would have us leave a flank to Marineford open?"
"Not at all," Rider replied taking a seat in front of the Five Elders. "I believe instead of rebuilding the gate we should instead simply wall the area off and focus on strengthening the defences at the other two to compensate."
"We will consider this suggestion and pass your ideas onto Kong and Sengoku."
"Thank you however we both know this isn't why I was called here."
"Yes," one of the Elders sighed as they tossed a single Wanted Poster onto the table between them that Rider picked up with a frown.
"Firstly we would like to commend you on your actions taken during the raid on Enies Lobby, thanks to you we avoided what would have likely been a crippling loss to our-."
"This was crippling," Rider cut in surprising the Elders who weren't used to being interrupted. "Dragneel killed at least two thousand Marines and Government Agents, at least seven Vice Admirals died along with several members of Cipher Pol Aegis Nine. We're fortunate Lucci, Kaku, Blueno and Kalifa survived leaving us with at least half the force."
"Yes, perhaps this is indeed a crippling blow."
"This is what happens when my warnings go unheeded, when you allow fools to ascend into positions they have no business being in. Director Spandine was worthy of his position even if he was a bit naive, Spandam on the other hand was a pathetic excuse for a human being and had no right ascending to such a prominent position."
"As it stands we are inclined to allow Rob Lucci to retain the position for the moment until someone more capable can be found."
"I doubt Lucci is going to be in CP9 for much longer."
"Explain."
"He is a man of Absolute Justice who has suffered his first defeat and not just an ordinary defeat but one that has had one of the largest impacts on world affairs in the last five years. This will be a catalyst for him and will push him to ascend well beyond what he was once content with."
"You believe he might-?"
"I do."
"We shall keep an eye on his progress," one of the Elders sighed prompting Rider to nod. "But back to Dragneel himself do you have any idea how we can stop him?"
"You would all be wise to dismiss these foolish notions of detaining him; he is of the same yoke as the Division Commanders or even the Four Emperors themselves. To believe that you could easily contain him would be like believing that you could walk out and arrest Red Hair, Whitebeard or Kaido, it simply isn't possible."
"So we have another true threat on our hands then?"
"Dragneel is a creature of emotion and if left alone is basically harmless. Perform an action that sets him off such as interfering with those he cares about or those cared about by them and he will become an active force, refusing to stop until he is either victorious or given no other choice but to stand down."
"Just like Red Hair ..."
"Precisely which is why it is no surprise that the pair are friends."
"So we should simply treat him as we treat all the other highly dangerous criminals?"
"That is the only choice you have Elders, don't be foolish to assume there was even another option," Rider said before looking back at the Wanted Poster once more. "I assume you are all aware of what happened not an hour ago?"
"Dragneel and Red Hair crushing the fleet that was separating Red Hair from Whitebeard, yes we just received word not five minutes ago."
"It appears that Whitebeard wishes to meet Dragneel or perhaps Red Hair wants to show him off to the man, either way nothing good will come of this meeting."
"Be prepared for anything Elders," Rider said as he slowly rose from the chair scrunching up the Wanted Poster in the process. "Natsu is capable of more than simple minded destruction, he is known as the King Of Balance for a reason. It is likely that whatever comes of this will have an unfavourable outcome for the World Government as a whole."
The Elders said nothing as Rider left the room, the Wanted Poster landing on the floor before exploding, shocking the Marine who had been ignored the whole time but not even fazing the Elders who just looked at the hole in the floor in contemplation.
/Natsu's POV/
"Damn it," Shanks growled as the pair stood at the front end of his ship. "Did you really have to hit me that hard, not all of us have regeneration abilities like you!"
"I told you that you should've just told him Captain," Ben snickered in response earning a scowl in response.
"Piss off Benn you're just saying that so you get out of the firing line!"
"I wouldn't lie about something like that, Pirate's honour!"
"Does that even exist," Natsu chuckled as he went over the Wanted Posters in his hands. "I can't believe I'm gonna say this but I'm impressed at how quick the World Government can get the word out about things, it hasn't even been a day and our bounties have shot up considerably."
"Oi Captain, we've got permission to pull alongside," Yassop called out prompting the pair to look up at the crow's nest and nod.
"So this guy is legit right, he's not just the self titled 'World's Strongest Man' but actually the genuine article?"
"You'll see soon enough Natsu," Shanks replied with a knowing grin. "I wanted you to meet him and apparently he's quite interested in meeting with you."
"Have you told him about me?"
"Don't need to."
"What do you mean?"
"You'll see," was all Shanks said as the ship pulled up alongside what Natsu could only describe as a behemoth of a vessel which could have easily had an entire town on it if it's Captain so desired.
From the top deck of the ship a wooden board was extended and secured in place as both Shanks and Natsu began to ascend, the latter raising an eyebrow when Shanks began to flare his Devil's Aura for seemingly no reason.
It wasn't until they got a bit higher that he heard the sounds of protest and confusion followed by several more trying to defuse what was obviously a volatile situation. Once he reached the top Natsu was surprised to see a lot of the crew knocked out by Shanks' Aura.
"Natsu could you give me that gourd please?"
"Sure," Natsu replied as he summoned it from his Requip Space as Shanks silently thanked him before slowly walking down the deck leaving him to trail behind.
As he drew closer he couldn't hide the surprise at the monster of a man sitting in a rather comfortable looking chair hooked up to multiple drips, the strongest moustache he'd ever seen arching the same was as his grin.
The man was double his height and possessed a body littered by scars, his eyes however didn't seem to display any kind of reference to it however instead they twinkled madly as they locked onto the duo who now stood before him.
It was then that he felt it.
Raw power.
"Sorry about the entrance," Shanks laughed as he scratched the back of his head cheerfully. "But seeing as this is the ship of one of my four main rivals I figured I'd better make a good show of it eh!?"
"Oi Red Hair, look what you've gone and done ya dumb bastard! You've knocked out half the crew!"
"Oh is that you Marco," Shanks gasped in an obviously over the top manner. "You should join my crew!"
First Division Commander
Vice Captain Of The Whitebeard Pirates
Marco The Phoenix
"The hell do you mean join your crew, piss off Red Hair yoi!"
"Gurarararara! Still as cheeky as ever eh brat?"
"Well someone has to be in these trying times," Shanks replied with a grin. "By the way I brought you a gift from my hometown, a special brew of healing water," Shanks said as he picked up the gourd that was as big as the man before them with one arm and lazily tossed it to him which was easily caught.
Uncorking the gourd the man took a sniff before taking a rather long swig from it and tossing it back with a grin.
"Healing water? Tastes like sake to me brat!"
"Is there a difference?"
"Gurararara! You still crack me up as much as the day I first ran into you brat," the man grinned as he watched Shanks fill up a ridiculously large sake cup before catching the sake bottle once more. "What ever happened to that other brat who used to be with you back then on Roger's ship, the red nosed one?"
"Buggy? Last I heard he's still a Pirate but I haven't seen him since we parted ways in Loguetown."
"Luffy beat him up twice in the East Blue apparently," Natsu commented drawing the attention of the pair to him. "First time he got beaten up because he was firing a cannon at some poor defenceless town and the second time he got beaten up because he, along with a few other people he'd beaten up, banded together to try and execute him on the same platform Roger was killed on."
"You know I actually heard about that one, word was that Dragon was spotted in Loguetown that same day," the man said as he eyed Natsu in an almost lazy way. "Considering who he is I'm surprised he was in the weakest of the Four Blues."
"They call it the weakest but from what I've heard some absolute monsters have come from there," Natsu countered as a small smile graced the man's lips as he took another swig from the bottle.
"Monkey D Garp and his son Monkey D Dragon, Red Hairs Sniper Yassop also came from there if I remember right and he's considered one of the best shots in the entire world."
"To hear a man of your status claim something like that about one of my crew makes me wanna cry," Shanks sniffed as the man laughed once more.
"Can't deny fact Red Hair, Yassop has records that have yet to be beat. People call the East Blue the weakest of all the seas, they say nothing great ever comes from it yet they forget that some of the biggest monsters have come from it, even Roger was born in Loguetown and it's why he was executed there."
"You know how it is," Shanks sighed. "The weak are quick to forget and those in power are quick to silence that which they don't want others to know, it's the way it's always been."
"Well if that brat of yours keeps going the way he is people will have something to talk about soon," the man said as his eyes wandered over Shanks' form resting on his missing arm. "When you came back from the East Blue missing an arm that in of itself was massive news, a Pirate of your level losing an arm in the weakest sea brought up all sorts of wild theories."
"Yeah," Shanks replied with a grin as he placed a hand on the covered stump. "Well I reckon it was worth losing it."
"And why did you lose it exactly?"
"I bet it actually, bet it on the future."
"You looking to hand the title of Devil over so soon?"
"It never was truly mine; Roger was a hundred times the Devil I am."
"That boy Mihawk would disagree with you, some of the tricks you used to pull during those island destroying duels of yours ..."
"In my defence he has this massive Supreme Sword and I have my shitty sword I bought in the North Blue for 87,000 Berries so I think in my case I'm allowed a little bit of a break!"
"Gurarararara! Only you would walk around with such a piece of trash," the man laughed before turning to Natsu and eyeing the blade at his hip. "You on the other hand have a powerful blade; I can feel it even now."
"I'm surprised you can since no one else I've come across has felt anything more than what I've channelled into it at the time."
"Tell me boy do you know who I am?"
"A kid who thinks he can talk down to someone?
"A kid, I'm seventy two you brat!"
"I'm eighty three so settle down kid," Natsu shot back with a smug grin as the man turned his attention back toward Shanks.
"Is this kid serious!?"
"Actually I'm pretty sure he is physically that old he just has immortality plus a beyond ridiculous healing factor so he'll likely never show his true age."
"Well then," the man said before taking another long swig from the sake gourd before placing it down next to his chair and looking Natsu right in the eyes. "GURARARARARA! ELEVEN YEARS DIFFERENCE AND YOU CALL ME A KID! GURARARARARA!"
"I'm glad I've provided you with amusement though if you're really adamant I refer to you as the older one I'll honour it with the title 'Shitty Old Man' or would you prefer something a little less vulgar what with all these young kids around?"
"Where'd you find this guys Red Hair he's quite funny," the man laughed as he tossed the sake gourd to Natsu. "Oi Jozu, get this guy a sake cup!"
"Are you sure Pops, he did insult you ...?"
Third Division Commander
Member Of The Whitebeard Pirates
Diamond Jozu
"Come on Jozu can't you let me enjoy a conversation with someone who isn't either cowering in fear or bowing at my feet? It's refreshing to speak with someone who'll actually speak their damn mind not caring if it offends me or not!"
"Such is the right of the strong," Natsu said just as an overly large sake cup like the one Shanks had was placed in front of him and he poured himself some before tossing the gourd back.
"Well I'm guessing you know who I am by now but I'll introduce myself properly anyway," the man said before taking another sip from his gourd.
One Of The Four Emperors Of The Sea
The Strongest Man In The World
Captain Of The Whitebeard Pirates
Edward Newgate (Whitebeard)
"Yeah I had an idea of who you were thanks to what I've heard people say about you but its nice to put a face to the name. So are you actually the strongest in the world, how does that even work here when people can have all sorts of broken abilities?"
"People say I'm the strongest because I could fight Roger and come out with only some scratches. The whole 'World's Strongest' part is crap the World Government cooked up to beef up the price on my head."
"You're still technically the strongest though Whitebeard," Shanks countered prompting the man to chuckle in response.
"Maybe at one time I was but all you brats are catching up, ten years ago I would've just fought you instead of talking like this yet now look at us eh?"
"Yeah well you and I both know I'm not here for just pleasantries," Shanks sighed prompting Whitebeard to raise an eyebrow.
"You really wanna get down to business right as we all got settled into a nice, comfortable atmosphere?"
"The longer we wait the more chances there are of things going down the worst possible chain of events Whitebeard. Lately as I've been waking up my scars haven't been hurting me as much save for one, this one in fact."
Pointing to a scar that looked like an animal had slashed him with its claw Shanks' entire personality did a complete one eighty and he was now firmly in his role as Devil rather than the carefree man they'd been speaking to moments prior.
"This is a bit of an old scar Whitebeard but you remember it don't you? It was given to me by one of your crew, Marshall D Teach."
"You were a cabin boy on Roger's crew, an enemy. What do you expect from me now?"
"You and I both know Teach is no fighter, he's the complete opposite in fact. Whilst we were all fighting he sat back and took his moment to strike, you and I both know that's how he operates."
"What's your point Red Hair?"
"I want you to stop Ace from catching him," Shanks said as Natsu's head snapped toward him in shock. "Ace is strong but he's not ready for someone like Teach!"
"Ace will be fine."
"With respect you aren't exactly in a position to say that after having him in your crew all these years only for him to show his true colours and kill Fourth Division Commander Thatch at the most opportune moment."
Silence.
Natsu was stunned, the Whitebeard Pirates were stunned and even Whitebeard himself looked at Shanks unable to process what he'd just heard come from the man's mouth.
"You might wanna come over here Natsu yoi," Marco said as Natsu quickly drained the entire sake cup before getting up and walking over to the side where Marco, Jozu and a bunch of the other Division Commanders sat. "I could tell you weren't expecting this by your reaction to the mention of Ace, since you're with his little Brother I'm not surprised you're shocked."
It was then that the stronger people in the area felt it, the sudden shift in power as the two figures glared at one another. Whitebeard was gripping the arm of his chair hard enough to crack the wood beneath it as he sat himself up straighter.
"You have no right to use the life of one of my deceased Sons to push your argument Red Hair, not even in an argument regarding his murderer!"
"If you don't call Ace back then he'll be the next on the list Whitebeard, trust me on this Teach will beat Ace one way or another and you'll lose another Son!"
"When I invite someone into my crew they don't just become a member of it they become my Sons and Daughters, regardless of how stupid they are, even Teach had that right! I like to think I'm not a very strict Captain, all I ask is that my Sons and Daughters treat others as they would wish to be treated and to love one another like family!"
Picking up the gourd Natsu was surprised as the man smashed out the entire thing in less than ten seconds before throwing it at Shanks who shifted his position ever so slightly to the left to avoid it as it smashed onto the deck behind him.
"His crime ... is something that should never be done on a Pirate ship, the murder of a family member or friend! He broke my one single Iron Rule!"
Looking up at the sky Natsu noticed that the weather had shifted with the once bright and sunny day now replaced by dark clouds as the sea began to get rougher on the two ships.
"Since the time Teach got on my ship, no matter how damn stupid he was, he became my Son! So tell me Red Hair, where does the soul of a murdered Son go when he is killed by his Brother!? I must show Teach that without morals you cannot simply cross through this world without consequence, it is my responsibility as his Father to show him his foolishness! Do you understand, moron! You're a hundred years too young to try and instruct me in anything!"
Natsu was surprised as the man rose from his chair and ripped out the medical equipment he was attached to, his steps shaking the entire deck as he rose to his full height.
"You might have succeeded Roger but you're still nothing but an insignificant brat who has yet to learn the dark truths of this world!"
With his one arm Shanks picked up the sake cup and in a similar fashion to Natsu drank it all in one go before throwing it off to the side as he rose to his feet and slowly drew his sword.
"No one could have prevented this, the rampaging point of this Age Of Pirates!"
"No age is enough to scare me," Whitebeard shouted as he reached behind his chair and drew a large glaive. "Because I. AM. WHITEBEARD!"
The pair clashed as many of the lesser crew members found themselves knocked out instantly as a wave of power washed over the deck. Looking around Natsu was surprised to find even most of the Division Commanders who were with him were struggling to stand though it appeared that Marco, Jozu and a man that reminded him of one of those Street Magicians remained completely unaffected.
Looking around at the environment however and it was a completely different story as the sky itself seemed to cave in on itself, cracks appearing all around in the sky as black and red sparks of lightning shot out from the point of impact.
"So they both have Conquerors Haki," Natsu mused as the pair pushed against one another. "The power to be King ..."
After several moments the clash broke of as a small sphere of bright light formed in the space between them that exploded, blinding everyone to what happened before revealing both Shanks and Whitebeard to be entirely unharmed.
"Get off of my ship Red Hair."
"Fine," Shanks replied as he sheathed his blade. "I tried to get you to listen to reason; you've clearly decided to ignore it so my business is done here."
Without even looking at Natsu Shanks spun around on his heel and stalked back over to the plank and returned to his own ship as Whitebeard turned his gaze toward him.
"I hope you aren't gonna try and convince me of that crap too?"
"You said that you consider everyone here like your Sons and Daughters, like family, right?"
"Yeah that's right," Whitebeard said as he gripped his glaive tighter and planted the hilt firmly on the ground striking a rather intimidating pose as he did so. "They are all my precious children, each and every one of them."
"I see," Natsu said as he looked down for a moment before looking back up and meeting Whitebeard's gaze. "Let me show you something real quick, this will help you understand how I feel about all this better than my own words could ever say.
Whitebeard was shocked when the entire world seemed to fade away before he ended up in a black space which was quickly replaced by what looked like a battlefield. Looking to his right he saw Natsu materialize in front of him and narrowed his eyes.
"You brought me into your mind?"
"You've experienced the technique?"
"Roger did it once."
"Then you probably have an idea as to why I'm doing it then," Natsu said as he motioned for the man to look over at a scene.
"Oh look who it is Makarov Fairy Tail's own little Demon Lord Dragneel and it looks like he's surprised to see me, you look like you've come into your own boy."
"Y-you, I killed you how are you here!"
"Oi what is this," Whitebeard asked confused prompting the memory to pause for a moment.
"This is a memory from my past, from a bloody war that took the lives of a lot of people I cared about. I wanted you to see a certain person who reminds me of you."
"Remind you of me," Whitebeard asked in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Instead of answering Natsu simply motioned for Whitebeard to continue watching the memory as it began to play once more.
"That isn't the question you should be asking E.N.D rather you should be asking are we among the dead or are we with the living?"
"You as well but I crushed your heart!"
"Indeed you did but have you forgotten who and what I am, I am a Demon of the Books of Zeref! I hope that I don't need to explain how that works to you?"
"Gramps what the hell is going on here and why are you using that!"
Whitebeard watched as a rather short man turned toward a younger looking Natsu holding a glowing sphere like attack that seemed to hold great power within it, a content look on his face he'd seen on the rare faces of those who had resigned themselves to their fate.
"Natsu I have felt the deaths of so many of my children, children whom I've watched grow from snot nosed brats to fine young men and women and I cannot stand idly by when I hold the power to make a difference."
"Gramps if you use Fairy Law you'll take out quite a few but you won't kill them all, I can handle this there's no need to throw your life away on scum like that!"
"Natsu ninety nine percent of the time you are one of the most mature and level headed men I've known but here you display that one percent that is so much like your old self. I'm an old man Natsu and the years catch up to me each and every day with my Magic slowly waning in power. If I'm going to die then I'll use my death productively and save as many people as I can, you know deep down that this is how it should be."
"Gramps …"
"But are you forgetting Makarov we sit at the same stalemate as the last time we fought, Fairy Law versus Grimoire Law and we both know the results won't be pretty."
"You are mistaken Second Master because you seem to be forgetting where we are, we are currently sitting on the stage of history where continent breaking attacks by some of the strongest mages of the modern era are being tossed around like a child's playthings do you really think these two attacks are going to make much of a difference in that?"
"Have you lost the plot Makarov these two Magic's clashing against each other will cause untold destruction!"
"It does not matter as long as I take as many of you with me the future will have a fighting chance," Makarov said sharply as he prepared to execute Fairy Law. "Care to try me this time former Master Precht?"
"Enough of this foolishness just enact Grimoire Law and be done with it Precht!"
"Shut up Mard Geer you bloodthirsty buffoon let me handle this," Precht snapped as Mard Geer snorted in amusement.
"This is it Precht time to end this nonsense from us old timers, the world goes to the future now!"
"I'm warning you boy I will use it!"
"Fairy-!"
"Grimoire-!"
"LAW!"
Whitebeard was shocked at the level of destruction behind the two attacks as the entire memory seemed to go completely white before it eventually faded revealing that the man, Makarov, standing still at the centre of the blast zone still in the same pose he'd been in when he enacted his attack.
It was quite obvious even without the younger Natsu's cry that the man was dead.
"He sacrificed himself not for my homeland or even the lives of the random civilians who inhabited it," Natsu spoke up as everything went black once more. "He did it for us, for those he called family."
"Why did you show me that?"
"To show you that even if I don't necessarily agree with the way you've chosen to deal with Teach ... I understand. It is the duty of the Father to protect his family with his very life if need be, to mould them into what one could call a decent human being. Teach is your responsibility and you feel that the way you've decided to go about dealing with him is the best course of action."
"But?"
"But make sure that you don't make decisions out of anger or out of biased faith in another of your Sons or Daughters. Ace might indeed be strong but take a step back from the situation and think about if he truly is capable of handling someone like Teach who could so easily dispose of Thatch without so much as a second thought."
"..."
"Makarov was like you, a kind Father or Grandfather figure to everyone yet he always viewed situations like this from a removed perspective. He once banished his own Grandson by blood from our guild just because he endangered the rest of us and didn't let him back in until he proved he'd atoned for his crime against his family."
"So you aren't saying I shouldn't stop trying to deal with Teach but instead think I should stop viewing what he did from the perspective of Thatch's Father?"
"Yes. His murder and Teach's cowardly escape has no doubt angered you but if you aren't careful you could risk losing Ace as well. Could you forgive yourself if you ever lost him when it could have been avoided?"
Whitebeard's eyes widened at Natsu's words as the world came back into focus and he staggered backward into his chair.
"You don't have to listen to me Whitebeard, you're as smart as I am, but at least hear out what I had to say," Natsu said as he opened a portal and went to leave only to turn around and face Whitebeard once more. "And for the record I punched Shanks in the face just before we got here out of anger for not telling me about something so trust me I'm guilty of letting my anger get the better of me too."
With a nod he vanished through the portal leaving a contemplative Whitebeard to think about what Natsu had shown him and the advice he'd been given. It was done in a much more respectful way than what Shanks had done and it was given with understanding of both sides of the argument. Yes he would definitely have to consider Natsu's argument.
Unfortunately for everyone involved the entire talk had occurred too little too late.
Tales From The Tale Verse
Chaldea Singularity Files II
Arduous Fourth Great Ninja War – Elemental Nations
"Did you really think I wouldn't notice your continued prodding at forbidden knowledge Moriarty?"
"Naturally I knew you would be keeping watch Natsu however I have come to the conclusion that as a Servant aiming to resolve the King Of Mages' plot you will not strike me down. I am far more valuable to you alive than back on the Throne Of Heroes.
"One would think that given the current circumstances however I'm afraid you have sorely misjudged your own worth here among us Archer. You can be replaced quickly with Servants twenty times as efficient as yourself; do not become complacent with your position here."
"Fujimaru wouldn't allow me to be burnt."
"What the boy doesn't know won't hurt him, least not my taking care of an old and meddling fool too nosey for his own good. This is your last warning James Moriarty, if I catch you snooping around here for a third time …"
"What?"
"I think you know what will happen," Natsu said as he motioned for the man to leave the room once more and quickly found himself alone in the same position as last time. "Right then which one did you find this time?
Chaldea Singularity Files
Grand Order – 001
External Singularity Files
Greetings Chaldean Staff Member
Before viewing these documents please check with your Supervisor, Site Director or me, the illustrious Leonardo Da Vinci before attempting to view the contents within these files. Held within are the reports gathered on a number of singularities that make up the first Grand Order.
Unauthorized viewing of these files is a global offence and is punishable by UN charter #### Human Restoration Order Protocols. Please see your Supervisor, Site Director or myself if you are unfamiliar with the charter.
Now before getting into the nitty gritty of these documents I am obligated to inform you that they will be informal due to the otherwise bleak nature within their contents. Some indeed are more light hearted than others however it cannot be argued that humanity across all realities would have been at risk on numerous occasions had any of these Singularities come to pass.
Case File 1-02 – Arduous Fourth Great Ninja War – Elemental Nations – Age ?
Human Order Foundation Value –A+
Previous Singularity – The Eternal Madness Empire – Septem A.D. 0060
Previous Foundation Value – B+
Successive Singularity – The Four Sealed Seas Of The End – Okeanos A.D. 1573
Successive Foundation Value – A
Addendum:
Let it be noted that this is the first Singularity involving both Chaldea directly as well as Natsu Dragneel. In other words this would technically be the first instance of cooperation between the King Of Balance and the Chaldea Security Organization.
Singularity Details:
The Arduous Fourth Great Ninja War Singularity is the result of the actions taken by both the First Of The Hybrid Ahnkseram and the Council Of Twenty Four resulting in the Rule Of Realms formulating an extremely warped and bastardized version of a typical Grail War across two entirely separate Singularities.
This is the first and currently only recorded instance of a Grail War occurring across two entirely separate dimensions with what amounted to no limit on the Servant cap allowed for the war.
More importantly however this war directly affected Chaldea's efforts to combat the King Of Mages in our own fight as all our summoned Servants fell into instantaneous comas, arriving in either Singularity and charged to fight in the Realis Holy Grail War.
With reluctance the then Acting Director Romani Archaman ordered Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash Kyrielight to enter the Arduous Fourth Great Ninja War Singularity in the hopes of putting an end to it quickly.
It became quickly apparent however that all of us at Chaldea save for one were out of our depth on this as Mash and Fujimaru quickly found themselves attacked by the locals who wielded power on par with some Servants until they eventually met up with the extremely young and still living Natsu Dragneel.
After some discussion a deal was struck between Natsu Dragneel and Chaldea to aid each other in fixing the Singularities to restore things to the way history had ordained them to be. Unfortunately it appeared that even with the legendary Natsu on the ground things would not go smoothly.
It was revealed that another plot hatched by the King Of Mages attempted and succeeded in reviving an Elder Goddess by the name of Kaguya Otsutsuki in the hopes that she would be capable of destroying human history by killing Natsu before he was restored to his former power and ascended to become the King Of Balance.
Kaguya ultimately failed despite absorbing an entire planet's worth of power forcing Natsu to more or less forcibly reset the Singularity himself leaving only those trustworthy with the knowledge of what had occurred.
The Grails within the Singularity eventually fused together and after being destroyed upon Kaguya's defeat fused into the Greater Grail which was given to Natsu's Servant, the Saber Class Servant Mordred Pendragon.
Unfortunately there is little information regarding the specifics of these events since again Natsu refuses to openly speak about them alongside the other Servants originating from the Elemental Nations who possess the knowledge of the events.
Below is a list of the figures in the Singularity who became Servants following its events that were recorded in Chaldea's database including but not limited to:
First Hokage Lord Hashirama Senju – Caster, Assassin, Ruler
Second Hokage Lord Tobirama Senju – Caster, Assassin
Third Hokage Lord Hiruzen Sarutobi – Lancer, Assassin, Caster
Minato Namikaze – Assassin, Saber
Lord Jiraiya – Saber, Caster, Rider, Berserker, Assassin
Lord Orochimaru – Caster, Rider, Assassin, Avenger, Saber
Fifth Hokage Lady Tsunade Senju – Caster, Assassin, Berserker
Sixth Hokage Lord Kakashi Hatake – Assassin, Caster, Avenger
Might Guy – Saber, Lancer, Archer, Assassin, Berserker
Lord Kurama Otsutsuki – Saber, Caster, Avenger, Berserker, Foreigner
Lord Shiro Otsutsuki – Caster, Berserker, Foreigner
Lady Kaguya Otsutsuki – Caster, Berserker, Foreigner, MoonCancer
Lord Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze – Saber, Caster, Assassin, Berserker, Avenger, Foreigner
Lord Sasuke Uchiha – Saber, Caster, Assassin, Rider, Avenger
Lord Madara Uchiha – Saber, Archer, Lancer, Caster, Rider, Assassin, Berserker, Avenger, Foreigner
Obito Uchiha – Caster, Assassin, Rider, Berserker, Avenger
Shisui Uchiha – Saber, Caster, Assassin, Rider
Itachi Uchiha – Saber, Caster, Assassin, Rider, Avenger
Lady Konan – Caster, Avenger
Lady Yugao Uzuki-Uchiha – Saber, Caster, Assassin, Rider
Let it be known that both Acting Director Romani, Natsu and myself all believe that there are still many other possible candidates from this world who would no doubt have qualified as Servants however they simply have yet to manifest for whatever reason. Should any further be discovered they will be added here to the list.
Holmes' Thoughts:
After carefully combing through every last scrap of data within the Chaldean database on this Singularity I found myself coming up short when trying to deduce the King Of Mages' reason for going so far as to revive Kaguya Otsutsuki.
It cannot be denied that her influence upon the Elemental Nations is unparalleled however one must come to wonder just what role she would have served should she have succeeded in her assigned task?
The unrelenting ########## Imu, the Ultimate One Of The Moon Crimson Moon Brunestud, King Of Alageasia and Bane of the Dragon Riders Galbatorix, Demon God Demigra. Just a few of the names that send shockwaves throughout all of history itself yet how does Kaguya Otsutsuki gain presence amidst the ranks of beings like them I wonder?
Kaguya refuses to speak of it instead choosing to try and better herself in our present timeline, admirable yet also rather vexing for a Detective like myself who seeks the truth. The story surrounding these incidents only appears to get more and more confusing as time goes on therefore I shall refrain from making assumptions until all the evidence has revealed itself.
Research Findings:
Aside from the obvious repercussions had Natsu died here in this Singularity the long term effects would have indeed been felt upon our own reality after an extended period of time. The victory in this Singularity would have also most likely meant victory in the next one granting the King Of Mages access to dozens of Holy Grails of which to disperse throughout the main histories prolonging the efforts of the Grand Order and more than likely ending any remote chance of defeating him.
The effects the Singularity have had on its own timeline are all but gone as Natsu effectively reset the world itself, removing all traces of anything that could even remotely hint at the existence of other worlds, higher powers or even the Holy Grail Wars.
This Singularity was the first half of a war titled the Realis Holy Grail War, a war that flies in the face of all known Magecraft in our own allowing a seemingly unlimited number of Servants from countless histories to manifest themselves. This fact has been given the highest classification and sealed by the orders of Acting Director Romini Archaman.
Addendum From Agent Papa:
I believe I am getting closer to cracking the case of why information regarding these Singularities is being hidden away. After some gentle prodding I made a shocking realization that neither Mash nor Fujimaru know anything about these Singularities despite having been physically present in them suggesting that Natsu has deliberately altered their memories or even wiped them entirely!
Da Vinci was looking at me suspiciously the other day and Romani has been monitoring my time not spent within the various recreational facilities which leads me to believe that they too must be in on whatever Natsu is doing or planning.
But why remove the memories of Mash and Fujimaru when they would likely be their most staunch supporters? What happened during this Singularity and the third one that forced them to lose their memories of it?
Honestly I feel like Holmes as I sleuth my way to the bottom of this mystery and find myself excited as I discover new titbits of information none of us knew about before. Just take this memory fragment submitted by Natsu upon a chance meeting between himself and former Director Marisbury!
Signed
Hip Archer Papa!
/Memory Fragment – Natsu's POV/
"So we're really doing this Marisbury?"
"You know I have to file this Natsu, it was a Singularity," Marisbury sighed. "We wrote the rulebook together so you could at least follow the rules you wrote can't you?"
"If I tell you what happened will you immediately put the file behind so much tape no one will ever find it?"
"Oh I can do much more than that my friend however there is a certain condition you must agree to in exchange."
"Marisbury this isn't how it works, you're the one asking me for info!"
"I want you to look after my Daughter."
"You mean little Olga Marie? Come on I know you're a Lord of the Clock Tower and Co Director of Chaldea but I mean come on-!"
"I have foreseen my own death."
"..."
"Without me the Clock Tower, the Atlas Institute or the Wandering Sea will try and use her to usurp control of Chaldea!"
"I outrank the rest of the rabble Marisbury, as one of only two Grand Class Mages among the Mages Association I'm borderline untouchable. Chaldea will be safe Marisbury-!"
"You fool have your gone senile and forgotten your condition," Marisbury hissed in response. "The only reason you haven't been slapped with every sealing designation under the sun is because even at your absolute weakest you still hold enough power to destroy the planet in your pinkie finger!"
"You and I both know Chaldea will not function without me Marisbury or do you suddenly find doubt within the research done by all of us?"
"No I-I would never!"
"Then you would know of Protocol ### ###### which is to be enacted upon my death, how would those fools of the Mages Association or the Holy Church make Chaldea function without ## #### ######## ######### ########?
"They aren't fools Natsu-!"
"The system was a combination design between myself, Merlin, Zelretch, you and #######, how could it possibly fail?"
"We don't even know if it will work," Marisbury cried. "Your body has been tainted by the ####, no being who has ever touched it has functioned normally again!"
"Zelretch said it would work, ####### said it would work, Merlin said it would work. I believe them Marisbury since all three have abilities allowing them to see into the future, even unformed ones."
"Natsu why can't you just agree to raise Olga for me? She is an Animusphere like me, your Daughter adamantly refused the Director's position from you hundreds of times in favour of being the Department Of ######## #########'s Chief of Staff!"
"Cynthia has her role, Arcueid has her role, Altrouge has her role, Zelretch has his role, Elise has her role and Merlin has his role. Roles that were decided centuries before you were even considered Marisbury!"
"Is it perhaps that you don't think you could handle her?"
"Little Olga Marie is always a pleasure to look after, no my problem is that you have a chance to raise your Daughter right now yet instead of doing that you seem adamant on jumping at shadows!"
"Please Natsu just promise me you'll look after her and raise her to take the Director's seat should anything befall me," Marisbury pleaded prompting Natsu to sigh heavily as he ran a hand through his dull pink hair.
"Fine. If it were anyone else I would've just told them to piss off but you are a friend at the end of the day."
Marisbury breathed a sigh of relief as he moved a slip of paper from his side of the desk toward Natsu.
"Fill this out regarding the Elemental Nations Singularity and take it to Arcueid at the ############ Department, slap as many restrictions on it as you feel are necessary."
"Me creating a physical copy of the events that have yet to occur for Chaldea are a dangerous game Marisbury. If someone sees this it could create Paradoxes and there isn't a Lord or Lady Time to clean up the mess anymore."
"I know which is why I agree that any measure to suppress any future knowledge you give is to be authorized. Romani knows that this will likely be the new norm going forward as does Leonardo, write down any whom you wish to remain free of the restriction on this piece of paper and I shall see to it that it is enforced."
"So I agree to look after your Daughter and suddenly you throw one of the most powerful Memory Restrictions out onto the table, fully knowing what it could mean should we be caught with it?"
"With any luck should the Grand Order go ahead the bastards at the Mages Association and the Holy Church will wipe each other out," Marisbury said darkly. "Assuming we survive that is ..."
"Yeah because the amount of definitive futures is limited even to my eyes."
"Then we shall do all we can to prepare until that day."
"Indeed."
/Memory End/
Indeed one can already see that Natsu when he was alive was already hatching some sort of secretive scheme however the restrictive Department names, memory altering Restrictions and name drops out the wazoo!
It is clear that something is going on far beyond even the King Of Mages game, 5D Chess if you will. The entire Grand Order suddenly feels like a game and I personally don't like being part of it!
However yet again this is all mere conjecture though this time it bears actual fact. Please be careful around the leadership of Chaldea they are not to be trusted!
Director's Addendum:
If you have read this far then you likely are confused as to what you have just read in the last Addendum. What you have read is nothing more than conjecture by a sad, evil man and should not be taken at face value.
Of course even if the idea is true it does not diminish the work we do here in Chaldea, the constant fight and struggle to complete the Grand Order and restore all of history to the way it should be must go on!
I cannot stress this enough that if you have ANY doubts of our mission after reading this file that you submit yourself to me immediately following the closure of this report. As both Acting Director and Chief Medical Officer it falls to me to administer any kind of aid I can be it through medicinal or alternate means.
However …
Should you choose to try and make a rash decision upon reading this information know that upon opening this file you have been flagged by the Chaldea Security Organization watch list and will be monitored by no less than ten personnel that may or may not consist of Servants for any sign of treachery.
Choose to try and sabotage the Grand Order and the appropriate response will follow.
Have a lovely day!
Acting Director
Romani Archaman
Conclusion:
So you reached the end of the Arduous Fourth Great Ninja War file, congratulations! If I had the ability to give you a sticker I'd do it in a heartbeat! Now remember that going forward you will be exposed to even more classified material that may or may not have been authorized for your current clearance level therefore it is imperative that you always continue to consult with your Supervisor, Director or me if you wish to continue.
And that's that!
Chaldea's Number One Resident Genius
Leonardo Da Vinci
This Is Your Final Warning
Hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!