Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Neither Fate/Zero, Nor OP, nor the verses from any sea-shanties used. They belong to their respective creators. Mutual Funds are subject to market risks. Please read your offer documents carefully before investing.

A/N at the end. Gives the background on some stuff, so read it.

'that's a juicy steak' : mental thought

"That steak is juicy!": spoken words

'Weigh, hey and up she rises! Early in the morning!" : Sea shanty or an invocation, chapter quote, footnote

-=Folio Epsilon ε: Batten down the Hatches=-

" For it is in passing that we achieve immortality. Through this we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all.
Infinite in distance, and unbound by death. I release thy soul, and by my shoulder, protect thee. "

~oO Iskandar Oo~

It had been a day since the crew's narrow escape from Loguetown. The first few hours after the heist of the newly christened Invictus were of nail-biting stress and worry. Most of the ragtag bunch still couldn't believe their good luck in escaping the clutches of the marines and the nobles, those furtively grasping claws from which they knew there was no escape, while the more seasoned sailors were understandably worried about retaliation by the World Government in response to their little adventure.

The only ones unruffled by this were the two boys, Shanks and Buggy, who had seen much more in their tenure with Roger's Pirates and during the Edd War; Silvers, who feared no Marine, Admiral or otherwise, and Iskandar. While he was still severely injured from his bout with the Hero of the Marines, he was already out and about after getting an earful from his First Mate, along with a splint for his legs and a cane to hobble along. As the moon came up, bathing the tranquil seas in a milky glow, the crew began to relax...the fact of their escape finally sinking in.

Grudgingly, Silvers allowed for the rum barrels to be cracked open, but only after assigning a rotation for the guards and the lookouts. A judicious glare from the Dark King was enough to convince them how bad an idea getting drunk on the job was. Soon enough, the sea-king-oil lamps were lit up and the ovens were heated and the preparations for a feast got underway. The atmosphere was infectiously cheerful, the deck prisms intermingling the lamplight and moonlight to create an awesome spectacle below-decks, lifting the spirits of those working to keep the ship going. The food stores were raided, much to Silvers' displeasure, though he only put a foot down when the men began going overboard with the rations.

After all was said and done, the jovial banquet began in earnest. There was warm bread, soft cheese, plenty of butter and cream...most likely for the marine officers' consumption. There was plenty of fish meat, a few slabs of red meat and many varieties of fruits. The rum flowed like water, and Iskandar introduced the lot to grog, which was met with general good cheer. No one had the heart to mention it to him that they already knew a variant of grog, though made from the tropical tangerines and oranges. After the initial feeding frenzy, the crew began to quiet down, their bellies warm, a mug of liquor in hand and a song in their hearts. At this point, the musicians among the group set up a ramshackle orchestra, using their mugs and barrels for a rollicking beat and the punctuated cries of joy of the crew for their chorus. Odes to a good journey were sung, along with playful ditties and comic songs, filled to the brim with innuendo. As the crew began a soulful rendition of Bink's Sake, Silvers and Iskandar finally got enough quiet and peace to talk things over and plan out their next step. Silvers beckoned the King of Conquerors over to the helm of the ship, who shrugged off Shanks' tomfoolery and Tahira, the Alabastan dancer's company, and slowly limped up.

"Hah! Now that's what I call a celebration! Of course, it needs more men and more drunken shenanigans to get to my standard, but we're getting there, eh?", Iskandar grinned, not even a slight slur affecting his speech.

"That we are. Though you know was well as I do that we are from being comfortable." Silvers remarked, bringing out his hip-flask for a swig of rum.

"True!" Iskandar barked, "You mean the stray tail that we have picked up, yes?"

"Hmm, now that you mention it, yes, that too...though the power doesn't feel to be stronger than our Shanks here. I mean it's monstrous compared to the rank and file, but nothing that we should be worried about. However, what I do worry about is what we will do next? The ship is running for now, but without more men to fill up the positions, we will be sitting ducks for the next marine vessel that comes along."

"You are right, of course. Defeating a soldier in a one-on-one battle is another story compared to naval combat, no matter how strong we are, we might be scuppered by a lucky shot. So what do you propose we do ?" Iskandar felt prudent to ask, deferring to the other man's expertise on all such matters.

"I think the best bet would be to cross the Twin Capes, enter the Grand Line, and set a course straight for Water 7. I know a famous shipwright there, an old fishman called Tom. You know, he was the one who built Roger's old ship, the Oro Jackson!" Silvers elaborated with a smile, pride at his old ship shining through.

Iskandar knew better than to pry as to what happened with the ship. He was no stranger to the mindset of kings and conquerors. To a man like Roger, once he had made his mind up to give up his career as the King of all pirates and surrendered to the marines, he would have cast off all the things that made him a King. Retreat was easy when you had the option. Roger must have forced no options upon himself. To a sailor, especially one who sailed under the Pirate King, the ship would have been the ultimate pride and joy. Iskandar wasn't one to prod at obvious wounds like that, and this one seemed to be fresh still.

"This Tom would be able to help us?"

"Of course. He is a wizard with all things that float on these raging seas. If nothing, he probably can re-outfit the Invictus. Probably add in some modifications for the ship, increasing it's sailing capabilities. Maybe make the ship easier to control even with a skeleton crew running things. Besides, Water-7 is home to many experienced mariners. We can probably get many people to join up with us there. We can also resupply and buy up more stock for a longer voyage. I swear, these ne'er-do-wells have eaten up half the bloody board that the ship was carrying." Silvers groused, looking pointedly at Buggy and Shanks who had begun an eating contest of sorts, cheered on by the loose circle of people that had formed around them.

Iskandar laughed heartily at that, "They remind me of myself and my Somatophylakes."

"Tomato-what?" the Dark King asked, fumbling over the strange new word.

"Not Tomato, Somato. Somato-Phy-Lakes. the word literally means, my Bodyguards. There were seven of them, hand-picked by me, groomed for the role since we were children together, learning under our grizzled old bastard of a teacher. Of course, as time went on, some died, but there always were seven. Of course, I had to go and upset the cart when I named an eighth one after a battle, but oh well." Iskandar remarked off-handedly, casually dismissing the stray comment, "These two have the same bond, no matter how much they might deny it. Sure, they are unrepentant goofballs now, but I can stake my claim that they will go on to be something great, some day."

"Even Buggy?" Silvers questioned, amusement coloring his voice.

Iskandar looked at the blue-haired boy, whose arms and one leg were being juggled by Shanks, much to general laughter, while hopping up and down indignantly on one leg, yelling profanities all time.

"...Then again, I have been wrong before."

Silvers had wisely decided to enter the Grand Line from the Reverse Mountain, shooting down Iskandar's suggestion of simply storming through Mariejois, straight into the new world. Soon enough, the light of Crocus' tower came to view, the old doctor having hidden himself away in his grief at Roger's death, or perhaps he hadn't yet returned to his home in Twin Capes. Whatever be the reason, they couldn't locate the old man, though they did spot the massive Island Whale, Laboon, as he was called, at a distance. It was Iskandar's first experience with the unnatural creatures that inhabited the world, and his reaction did not disappoint. The journey up the Reverse Mountain was unremarkable with Silvers at the helm, and he had dealt with worse navigational conditions.

The first sight of the Grand Line, after the tranquil and quiet East Blue sea was an experience all on it's own, and Silvers could see the glimmer of excitement and undercurrent of a brand new adventure shining through the eyes of all, his eyes reflecting the same. He looked askance at Iskandar, who had propped his bad leg up on a crate, and looked intensely on the vast ocean, his hands folded calmly across his chest while a fierce grin played upon his lips. He looked every inch a commander, ready to take on the world, if needs be. Which reminded him-

"Hey ! Captain!"

"Yes? Is there something you need to speak to me about?"

"Now that we are here, in the Pirate's Graveyard, what do you think we should do to explain you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't play me for a fool Captain. A no-name rookie pirate just happens to come along, merely days after Roger is executed, who has enough strength to match and even defeat one of their strongest marines! That alone would have been enough to spook them, but we exacerbated that by successfully stealing the crown jewel of their current ships! They are not going to take this lying down Iskandar."

"So? They will fight me, and they will lose. Especially after this beautiful ship of ours is reconfigured by your shipwright friend. I do not think that they will be able to match us unless they send out their entire arsenal to bring us down."

"They wont't need to. They will simply put out a massive bounty on your head, on our heads! Granted, I doubt most bounty hunters will be merely an annoyance, but attrition like that builds up, Iskandar. Sooner or later, we will trip up...make a mistake...and that will be all that they need. Besides, there is the question of your strange powers as well."

"What of it? I fail to see what will rile them up further about that?"

Silvers struggled for a moment to find the right words to say what was troubling him, before clearing his throat and beginning to speak hesitantly, "I do not understand your powers completely Iskandar, let alone anyone else. All they know for now is that you have a high grade of strength and endurance, at the very least comparable to Garp. Garp might report that you have Observational and Armament Haki, because that is what he will take away as feedback from your little scrap with him, he doesn't know any better. I know for a fact that you have the Conqueror's Haki. Raw, untrained, but it is there...and it's strong. Then there is the question of your sword, and your horse...how do you explain that?"

"When you put it in that way, I can see why you are rightly apprehensive of the Government's response. As for my sword-", Iskandar spoke, materializing the Sword of the Kupriotes in a glimmer of light, "-It is the least of what I can do, at least for now. There is more to my abilities, but I am rather cut off from accessing my entire power as of now. I will regain it, but it will take time and a lot of effort. Can't we cover it up by passing it off as one of your Devil Fruits? From what I have heard, you have Devil Fruits that possess the strangest of abilities, many of which manifest in a multitude of weird ways."

Silvers looked intrigued at the possibility. "You might be on to something there. I have heard of a mafia hitman who has at least something similar. From what I can tell, he uses the Castle-Castle Fruit, allowing him to basically be a walking armory. We don't even need to define your devil fruit, just start the rumor of you possessing the power of one and let them draw their own conclusions. If they do take the bait, you will have the benefit of them underestimating you while out at sea, believing you to be vulnerable when you are not."

"There you go! Now if there is nothing else, I'd like to retire to my quarters for now. Do send someone to call me if there is an emergency."

"Of course, but why are you off to your cabin all of a sudden? Don't tell me you are tired."

"Hah!" Iskandar barked out a short laugh, before turning slyly to nod towards Tahira, who was lounging around the cabin door. "I simply need to complete an energy-exchange ritual."

Laughing, Iskandar limped off to his cabin, the svelte Alabastan dancer following him moments after, glancing surreptitiously for any onlookers.

Sighing to himself, Silvers shook his head in mock-despair, his thoughts going for a moment to a certain irascible bartender, still awaiting him in Sabaody. Clearing himself of his idle thoughts, Silvers mentally started preparing a lecture for Iskandar about the rules against fraternizing with the crew.

Vicinity of Cactus Island

After a few days of steady travel, the Invictus was nearing it's first island, Cactus Island, home to the town of Whiskey Peak, a small settlement famed for the alcohol they brewed from the produce of their farms. The crew had decided to have a small stop-over here and trade in some of the excess weapons they had stored in the armory in exchange for food and drink. Iskandar was standing atop the deck, discussing general geography of the land with one of the crew, who was engaged in seriously washing the boards, all the while answering his Captain's incessant questions. Contrary to what one might think, he had a big smile on his face, happy to satisfy his captain's curiosity.

Buggy was belowdecks, helping to organize the trade items, sorting through the weapons and choosing the best ones for the crew's own use. Despite his goofy demeanor and all-round air of incompetence that he executed, the clown-themed boy was surprisingly astute when it came to weaponry and organization. Exactly opposite to Shanks, who was a fearsome fighter in his own right but had no sense at all when it came to the nitty-gritty of running things. Both of them were quite happy in the new situation that they found themselves in. Had it not been for Iskandar's abrupt arrival into their lives, they likely would have parted ways from each other and from Silvers and would have set off on their own journeys as Captains of their own crews. While neither would accept it, both were relieved that they could put that daunting thought off for some time more.

Under Roger, they had been Cabin-boys, mere recruits who were learning the ropes of being on a ship and of being a pirate of the high seas, but under Iskandar, they could finally be part of the ship, part of the crew. After seeing the strength of their new captain, the two were convinced that they would grow by leaps and bounds under his tutelage, only making them stronger whenever they would choose to go independent and set out with their own ships.

Meanwhile, up on the crow's nest, Silvers was having a rare moment of relaxation on a busy ship like the Invictus. The crew, bolstered by the presence and cheerful encouragement of their Captain was working diligently. The ship was on course and the seas were calm, with not even a distant storm on the horizon. His reverie was disturbed by the loud wail of a News Coo flying overhead. Sighing, he dug into his pockets for some loose change to pay the bird even as the avian in question landed on his shoulder, dropping the newspaper in his lap.

As expected, the news headlines were filled with reports about the heist of the former Adamant, and were filled with eye-witness accounts of the prison break as well as the scuffle at the docks. Silvers noted with a jaundiced eye that there was no mention of either the human auctioneering racket, nor of Garp's defeat at Iskandar's hand. It was par for the course, as far as the World Government went, demonize other's sins while shoving their own under the carpet. However when he turned the page, a thick-set envelope fell down from in-between.

Curious, he picked the official-looking envelope, his eyes widening in astonishment as he took in the official Marine seal that it had been closed with, as well as addressed to a 'Iskandar II of Goa', realizing with grim amusement the false identity that they had created had apparently been believed by the Marines.

Jumping down from his perch, Silvers brandished the envelope while calling out to Iskandar, who looked up with a gleam in his eye.

"Is that it , Silvers? Our new bounties?" he asked with a smirk. Having heard about how bounties acted as bragging rights among pirates, he had been looking forward to see how dearly the powers-that-be valued his head.

"I don't think so, had it been merely bounties, we would have got the wanted posters as pamphlets, just like everyone else. This however, is addressed to you specifically. It's from the Marines."

"I wonder what it could be...give it here, I'll read it out aloud for everyone. Oi! Everyone! Gather round, the Marines send their love!" Iskandar said aloud, catching the attention of everyone on the ship. Soon, anyone who wasn't working on a critical activity answered the call and assembled around the King of Conquerors.

To,

The presumed noble, Iskandar the Second of the Kingdom of Goa,

It has come to my attention that it was you who was the instigator behind the nefarious attacks on Loguetown. As you might know, your actions have resulted in massive losses and many casualties. You also stand accused of stealing the Marine Ship, the Adamant. These crimes alone will see you hang whenever you will be caught.

However, there are other factors that need to be considered before I bring that dark destiny upon your head. I have a Vice-Admiral vouch for your strength, as well as numerous Captains and a few notable figures. By all accounts, you have demonstrated remarkable strategy, planning and initiative, despite your venture being as despicable as it is. Also, importantly, you have been spotted with the noted pirate Silver Rayleigh, whose litany of crimes are too numerous to list here. What is noteworthy is that the Pirate Rayleigh appeared to defer to your judgement. This gives me pause.

I'll be honest with you, you are too dangerous to be left alone. I have seen Roger rise and fall, I have followed Edward Newgate's career in piracy with growing anger and disbelief, I have seen many many rookie pirates and Roger imitators be cut down before they could embark on their misguided careers...but never has anyone dared to do what you have done. No one has had the audacity to do what you have successfully pulled off , in what seems to be your first venture in the world of crime. That makes you a problem. However, you seem to have the silent support of the Pirate Rayleigh, who regardless of your own strengths, has been a thorn in the side of the marines for too long. It is necessary to reign you in, but the presence of Silvers Rayleigh makes this a troublesome venture.

So I propose to do this. I have been in talks with the World Government about a new program which we have decided to implement. We are calling it the Shichibukai Program, under which, seven powerful pirates will be hand-picked and invited by us to join our ranks as allies. If you agree, you will be given the title of Oka Shichibukai, identifying you as one of the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea. You will be given rights and privileges in accordance to a Marine Captain, which include access to Sea-Stone Weaponry, permission to use the Tarai Current, permission to utilize the resources of any Marine Base within reason, as well as permission to invade and plunder any ship, convoy or land not affiliated with the World Government, as long as the World Government gets a share of no less than thirty percent of the plunder. Agreeing to this also means that your previous crimes will be pardoned, as well as crimes of your subordinates will be wiped clean. However, you will be required to answer the call when the Marines and the Government have need of you. Be warned that losing your Shichibukai status means that you will no longer be an ally, and will be treated as just another pirate.

I'd suggest you accept. This offer will not be extended again.

Marine Fleet Admiral
Kong

The letter was greeted with absolute silence. No one knew how to react to something so extraordinary and so unprecedented. Silvers could see in the eyes of many that they were tempted, sorely tempted to accept the offer. They could see the possibility of riches, impunity, safety and comfort that such a status would provide, and honestly, Silvers couldn't blame them. It was however, not their decision to make. It was not even his. The weight of that decision rested with Iskandar, and Iskandar alone.

The man in question was looking incredulously at the letter, surprised at the contents, "Silvers! Is this common? Has there been any kind of precedent for it?" he asked.

"No," Silvers answered slowly, "the World Government has always had Absolute Justice as it's philosophy when dealing with pirates. Which basically boils down to no mercy, no quarter."

"Then what do you reckon is the idea behind this? Running scared?"

"Pretty much, " Shanks agreed, "We kicked their ass!" That earned him another fist to the head. A well deserved one.

Silvers glared at the boy trying to pull up his straw-hat, "Regardless of how impertinent that interruption was, he isn't wrong. Roger has sparked a new revolution in the world of piracy. Every man, woman and child who can sail a boat will soon set out in a bid to claim the One Piece."

"And the Fleet Commander tries to buy me off to do his dirty work for him. That's it, isn't it?"

"More or less. You are the first to burst into the scene after Roger, and currently the most high-profile one. Of course, there are other famous Pirates like Old Whitebeard, but they are content in the lives they are currently leading. I doubt that would change. They are well-established, holding dominion over vast swathes of the ocean and have numerous underlings, bringing in countless wealth. But you, you are the symbol of the new order now, so it's obvious that the Marines want you on their side."

"Hah, such is the curse of being a trailblazer. It's like Caesar all over again. At least my nose is intact this time around." Iskandar mused idly, a hard stare entering his eyes, "At any rate, it does make strategic sense. Set pirates upon each other, while holding the reigns of your personal lapdogs. Having good lapdogs on a leash does ensure fewer mutts around the courtyard. Some mutts might want to be the next lapdog, so they will try to drive even more mongrels away, hoping for a pat on the back and a gold leash around their necks. Little do the lapdogs know, that when their master tires of them, the leash will grow tighter and tighter until their neck snaps and rolls on the ground."

Iskandar crumpled the letter up angrily in his fist, "and this, Fleet Admiral Kong, dares to believe that he has the gall to leash me! Sooner a noose than a leash. If this man thinks that he has a tether big enough to enchain my neck, he better start unbuckling his belt too."

"So what will you do about it?"

Iskandar sighed, visibly closing a lid on his anger at the slight given to him by the Fleet Admiral, "I'll leave it be for now. This demands a proper answer, and I find myself at a loss of words to say at the moment."

"Fair enough, " Silvers agreed amiably, "As for you lot, the show is over, get back to your posts. Start preparations for docking immediately, we are land-bound."

There were a few scattered mutterings in the crowd, but on the whole most of them agreed with Iskandar. The slaves especially. They had seen the justice of the World Government and understood how unreliable and worthless it was.

"Silvers? Where is the nearest Marine-base?"

"Well, there is one in Fuko island."

"Very well then, after we finish here, set a course for Fuko Island."

"What do you intend to do?"

"I find myself at a loss for words Silvers. That condescending, aggravating letter has been disgraceful. My mentor always told me that Actions spoke louder than Words. So that's precisely what I'll do."

"and what is it that you precisely plan to do?"

"I'll let my actions send my message."

The Town of Whiskey Peak

If one were to describe the small borough of Whiskey Peak, it would be unremarkable. Or perhaps Quaint. But that was to be expected, it was never an ideal place for commerce, there was just something about those strange cactus shaped mountains that was disturbing, not to mention all the tombstones that lined the mountainside. All told, there were less than five hundred settlers living in the town at any given time. It didn't matter to them as they were rather self-sufficient, having their own farms for grain and meat. It had a rather constant climate for the Grand Line, which meant a reliable, constant source of fresh water. The only unique thing they traded was the whiskey that they made from a blend of roasted barley and wheat, giving the town it's name.

However this meant that they were vulnerable to raiders, bounty hunters and pirates, who occasionally invaded the little town, so they always had need for ammunition, fresh steel, guns and other such armaments. Which is why the crew of Invictus was greeted with open arms upon their arrival.

Iskandar had relayed the order to hoist the white variant of his pirate flag, indicating that the crew came in peace. Despite this, they were initially met with rusty bayonets pointed towards them. However, once Iskandar stepped in, explaining the situation to the suspicious natives, tensions eased and before long the crew was feasting on simple home-cooked meals, generously supplied by the acting-mayor of the town. It was nothing but a bit of warm bread served along a bowl of piping-hot stew, but as any sailor would tell you, a day with good hot home-cooked food is a good day indeed.

As the rank and file ate, Iskandar and the ship's officers, that is to say, Silvers, Buggy and Shanks joined the Mayor in his own home to discuss further trade. Iskandar had already stocked the makeshift armory of the town with ample ammunition and few bombs. He had also supplied a hundred units of swords, a hundred halberds and two hundred pistols. All that in exchange for sufficient food and drink to last them for a week, which would be just enough time for them to reach the Marine Base at Fuko Island. The mayor had eyes for the long-rifles that he had seen the crew wielding and was trying to make Iskandar to part with them, much to his bemusement.

"I simply don't understand you, good man! Weapons are necessary for survival out here, that's true, but those rifles and it's ammunition are not anti-personnel at all! They are made of cast iron, not lead, and are designed to be used against an enemy ship, or maybe a fort. Hardly a use that you will have of it." Iskandar tried to reason against the stubborn man.

The man simply set his jaw forward and mulishly repeated his request, "Sir! We need those rifles! Every once in a while, some bampot bawbag would get the bright idea to try an' attack us, steal the good whisky and maybe get some minge while they are at it. We drive 'em off the land, only for some poor lad to be shot, or maimed, sometimes worse. I fear that if they keep chipping at us, one day we will all die out and then these no-good lowlives, pirate scum or brigands would roost here. With those rifles, we could shoot those bastards out right from the sea, be easier to fight 'em off then!" he finished, his accent getting thicker and thicker as his speech grew more impassioned.

"This is new grounds for me, Silvers, you tell me...in lawless lands like these, which marines can't be bothered to protect, how does one ensure safety?"

"Well, usually small islands are under the protection of one crime-lord or the other. Sometimes it might be the favorite holiday retreat of some big-shot criminal, or sometimes it just might be home to someone powerful. For example, I know for a certain fact that a similar village, called Foosha Village is off-limits to any criminal as it's the residence of our old friend Garp. Some pirates had banded together, around eight years ago, all for the purpose of snubbing the so-called Hero of the Marines and had invaded the village. The village was ransacked and many people were injured. When Garp saw what had happened to his precious village, he spent the next six months tracking down each and every one of those perpetrators and delivered his own brand of justice upon them. His bloodthirsty response to their attack struck fear in hearts of all those who heard. Since then, no one has even thought of picking a fight with him by harming the village."

"Aye, I've heard tell of that story too, Garp the Fist right? Heard he slaughtered them like so much varmints."

Silvers grimaced, "Yeah, just like varmints."

"That's all good and all for Foosha, but we ain't have no hero here. No one famous, except Young Long John over there. And he is famous for sailing all the way to Alubarna and having his leg bitten off by a bananagator. Hardly something that would deter would-be attackers, 'cept if they keeled over, busting a gut laughing."

"You have me!" Iskandar declared grandly, striking a heroic pose with his fist clasped tight against his chest, "You can henceforth proudly declare that the township of Whiskey Peak falls under the dominion of Iskandar, the King of Conquerors!"

"Yeah. Ain't neve' heard of you before." the Mayor deadpanned.

Iskandar settled back down, an unhappy frown on his face, "Perhaps. It's just a matter of time anyway. I will propose a deal to you, interested?"

"I'm listening."

"I will give you fifty of those long-shot rifles, in exchange for you accepting my protection and flying my flag from the town square. Agreed?"

"Fifty of those rifles, you say? and the special shot too?"

"Yes, ten rounds per rifle. I cannot spare anymore."

"Fair enough. Wouldn' hurt to fly yer flag, and I get the rifles to boot. I agree! I accept you protection."

"Then as of now, Whiskey Peak falls under my territory. Let it be known Silvers."

"I will ensure that the word gets out." Silvers assured calmly, not letting the grandiose declarations stop his stride.

"Say..." The mayor piped up, "I know I shoulda asked earlier, but I don't need to pay you taxes or tithe or something, right?"

"Usually, you would, but seeing how you would not be able to spare money that you don't have, let's just say that you give me and my crew first-rate pickings during trade. A few dinners like this won't be amiss either."

"I suppose I could do that." the Mayor agreed with a slow nod, letting a small smirk grow over his face, "So, my newly appointed liege...would you care for some cake?"

They delightful cake was not even half-eaten when the alarm bells aboard the Invictus began to ring wildly, growing in crescendo before abruptly tapering off.

"You reckon that's our mysterious follower then, Silvers?" Iskandar asked, putting the plate away as he stood and dusted himself off.

"Can't see how it would be anybody else. Let's go, see for ourselves."

With a nod, the four took off, running down the hill towards the docks. They passed by bemused crewmen, who were already on their feet, looking shocked at the sudden hullabaloo. As they neared the docks, the first thing they noticed that the gangplank had been lowered. The next, of course, were the bodies of the guards of the ship. Fortunately they appeared mostly unharmed, merely knocked out, the rise and fall of their chests an attestation of their continued attendance of the world of the living.

The next thing was the shadowy figure standing atop the deck, a naked sword drawn in his hand. The shadowy stranger appeared to be tall for a normal human. His stance was straight-backed, proud and confident. He wore ornate well-made clothes, their quality understated by his air of nonchalance.

"Halt! Interloper! This ship belongs to me! You trespass unjustly. Now state your purpose of this rudeness, or prepare for battle!" Iskandar declared loudly, his voice ringing out in the silence.

"I apologize if I give offence, but I have never believed in engaging in small talk before a battle. Talking in battle is the gravest of sins."

"Not saying that I disagree, but you are hardly the challenge was this to be considered a battle. Besides, as a swordsman, aren't you bound by the dueler's code to identify yourself?"

"Indeed I am, though you are mistaken if you think that I am here to challenge you. Powerful warrior you may be, but you are hardly a swordsman."

Iskandar didn't let his surprise show at that. Whoever the shadowy stranger was, he was someone highly skilled. It took good eyes to see that for all his strength, endurance and agility, sword duels weren't Iskandar's preferred form of battle. He was a competent swordsman, but nothing more. Where Iskandar truly excelled was in mounted combat, or perhaps while wielding a spear or a lance. For this man to have identified that so easily was a testament to how accomplished he was.

"Then why do you trespass upon my ship? Swordsman or not, you fight me...you die."

"I commit the indignity of trespass to merely satisfy an idle curiosity." The man spoke, slowly stepping forward from the shadows, revealing an impressively muscled physique, only covered by a floral-patterned shirt. A large wooden cross hung along his neck on a cord of simple leather. The stranger brushed back his jet-black hair, letting it be swept back rakishly, giving him an intimidating appearance. A serious-looking face with no humor leaking out from his thin, pursed lips. The presence of a wispy beard at the chin and the rough beginnings of a mustache were the only testimony to how young their offender truly was.

"I have followed your ship across the Reverse Mountain on a small boat to quell a question in my heart. I was a witness to your antics on Loguetown, but among the many questions that I may have had, one stood out : Who would win a duel, me or the straw-hat brat?" The man answered, his strange unnerving eyes fixed unblinkingly upon Shanks who was looking very very indignant at being called a brat.

"Oi ! Oi! Who are you calling a brat? You don't seem very old to me either, you insufferable bastard!" Shanks cried out, his face as bright as his hair, suffused with anger.

"Enough talking!" The young man with the fierce eyes of a hawk declared, "My name is Dracule Mihawk, Son of Calugarule Mihawk. Prepare to Die."

(Author's Apology/ Explanatory Note :

And that's a wrap. Now you all deserve an explanation for my long absence. Ever heard of the story of the Djinn and the Parrot? Well, as the story goes, the Djinn takes his soul and puts it inside a parrot, effectively making himself immortal. However he doesn't that while he cannot die, but he suffers what the parrot suffers. In the end, the Djinn is killed when someone twists the neck of the parrot, killing it.

This story is like my own parrot it seems. In the previous chapter, Iskandar breaks both his legs and shatters his kneecap, and a couple months after writing it, I got into a bad car accident where I broke both my femurs, and sliced my knee open to the bone. As anyone who has broken bones knows how much of a bitch the healing process is. It took the better part of the year, and even now I still limp and need support while getting up after sitting down. Also, I had to leave my job and seeing as how I still need a lot of time to recuperate, I decided to pursue a Master's Degree while I was at it. Which brought me to United States, making me move for the second time in a single year.

So now you guys know where things stand. Chapters will be more regular now, with no more than a month in between. I might miss the dates by a week or so occasionally, depending on my Grad School schedule, but I do promise to be more regular in my updates. )

IMPORTANT ! PLEASE READ!

A/N : Here's your chance to weigh in on the story. I am giving my readers this chance to give their thoughts as to what Iskandar's bounty would be! To give you a little perspective, Iskandar has just defeated one of the more powerful marines, his recent injuries notwithstanding. He has bloodied the government's nose by stealing their prized ship, while destroying a prison, organizing a prison break, freeing captured slaves and antagonizing several nobles. All of this, merely days after Roger's execution, making his actions the first notable high-profile crime in the new Golden Age of Pirates.

By contrast, Luffy invaded Enies Lobby, defeated over a thousand with ease, defeated Rob Lucci and Blueno, was given the blame for destroying Enies Lobby and successfully defied the World Government by burning their flag and rescuing Robin. All of this earned him a bounty of 320 Million.

So let me hear your thought.

As always, read , review, and above all, have fun.

CHARACTERS AND OBJECT BACKGROUND:

1. Batten down the hatches is nautical slang for 'Prepare for Trouble'

2. The Chapter Quote is spoken by Pyrrha Nikos, a protagonist of RoosterTeeth's web series, RWBY. Binge watching is highly recommended.

3. Grog was very popular among the sailors. It has several songs and shanties dedicated to it's glory. It was basically a mixture of Water/Small Ale, Rum and Lemon Juice, served to enlisted sailors as part of their ration. It was named after Vice-Admiral Edward Vernon, who began the practice. He wore a coat of Grogram cloth, so was wittily nicknamed Old Grog, lending the drink it's name. Fun Fact: Pirates didn't suffer from scurvy as commonly as the sailors did, mostly because they spent less time at sea, and had their diets supplemented with plenty of tropical fruits and vegetables. So they dropped the lemon juice and instead added sugar and nutmeg or cinnamon to rum, making for a tastier drink they called Bumbo.

4. Bink's Sake was an old song in the One Piece world. It was supposedly more popular with the Old School Pirates.

5. Alexander's parties were legendary. The dude knew how to rock a joint. It's a historical fact that Alexander was a raging alcoholic. It was a by-product of Macedonian culture which equated drinking with manhood, mommy issues, daddy issues and devotion to the cult of Dionysus, the god of wine. Which makes him not so different from the standard issue modern teenager. So Iskandar is historically correct when he claims that the party needs more drunken shenanigans.

6. Somatophylakes were the handpicked bodyguards of Alexander the Great, and it was a concept that he directly stole from his dad. These 7 were Alexander's closest and most common companions, and usually held positions of power among the military structure too. One of the longest running Somatophylax (singular for Somatophylakes) was Hephaestion, Alexander's closest friend, a Patroclus to his Achilles, who died a few months before Alexander.

7. The Eigth Somatophylax was Peucestas, distinguished for saving Alexander's life during the Mallian Campaign, of which the fateful Battle of Hydaspes was a highlight.

8. The Mafia Hitman I'm talking about is of course, Capone Bege, who must have been 18 around the time of Roger's execution. It stands to reason that he wasn't always a pirate, as he is rather old to be a rookie.

9. The Energy Exchange ritual is a long-running fanfiction joke for the H-scene in Fate/Stay Night. They overdramatize a raunchy threesome by declaring it to be a dire, need-of-the-hour "Prana Exchange Ritual". I only thought of adding it in after realizing that Capone's Devil Fruit is called the Shiro-Shiro Fruit.

10. The irascible bartender is of course, Shakuyaku, of Shakky's Rip-off Bar. It is unclear when Silvers and she married, but she had given up piracy long before Roger's execution.

11. Again, canon. Shortly after Roger's execution, Shanks and Buggy met up one last time, and Shanks offered Buggy to join his new crew. Buggy declined, and the two parted ways. Two years after this, Shanks meets with Yasopp, still in East Blue. Who knows what will change now that Shanks is now a part of Iskandar's crew than being his own Captain.

12. Part of the ship, Part of the crew line was a thinly veiled reference to the scene in Pirate's of Carribean, At World's End. In the words of the immutable Dr King Schultz, "I'm so sorry, I couldn't resist."

13. Fun Fact, Kong was the Fleet Admiral at the time, not Sengoku. Boa Hancock herself says that Shichibukai as a concept came about within the last three decades, and she is one of the earliest known ones, becoming a Warlord on her maiden voyage at the age of 18.

14. The concept of Shichibukai itself is borrowed from Privateers who were nothing but trumped-up "Official" Pirates. They were given the letters of Marque and were allowed free reign as long as they didn't turn their backs on their employers. Sir Francis Drake is one the most famous of these Privateers. The fact that he is a 'Sir' is evidence of how one man's pirate is another man's privateer.

15. Fuko, or Fukou means misfortune in Japanese.

16. In actuality, Red Flag was the flag of no quarter, Black Flag was the flag of parley and White Flag was the flag of surrender, ceasefire or truce. But it's so ingrained in pop-culture that Black Flag means no mercy, that I didn't bother trying to fight the tide.

17. Bampot means an idiot. Bawbag are the testicles. Minge is a swear for female genitalia. These are all authentic scottish swears. I asked a friend of mine who abides by their veracity.

18. Young John Long is another thinly veiled reference to Long John Silver from Treasure Island, who had a peg leg. It is also phonetically similar to Yang Xiao Long, another RWBY protagonist, who was...disarmed, shall we say?

19. Historically true. Alexander the Great was more of heavy cavalry, or perhaps a lanceman, but he wasn't as good with a sword. It's merely easy to kill with a well-forged sharp sword when you are swinging the thing from a tall horse and hitting the men's necks. It's a whole different story in a one on one duel.

20. Dracule Mihawk is only 18-19 at this point of time, while Shanks is 16. Mihawk is still a powerful swordsman, though he doesn't have his trademark Sword at this point of time.

21. Vlad III Dracul, the Impaler aka Dracula was the son of Vlad II Dracul, the Dad. Dad Dracul had another son called Vlad Calugarul. Just made sense to use it here. Since I have a crippling hatred of OCs playing a significant role in a fanfiction, rest assured that Mihawk's dad has shuffled the mortal coil already.

22. Mihawk is a great swordsman, only made sense for him to use an abridged version of , "You killed my father , Prepare to Die." from the Princess Bride.

That's it for now,
Read and Review. Cheers.