The Voyage of Sarukenshi Ch 28
*I know that last chapter was a tad hefty compared to the usual I won't promise the next ones will be more or even less so but I will promise they all have the same effort put into to them. Now enjoy chapter 28*
*With the information divulged on the truth about the strange Feral Giants on the island as well as Morgana's past, the group are now taking on the task to aid their new friends in curing this islands "curse" a task that is welcomed almost immediately by Sarukenshi and company. After a good night's rest the sun rises on the island shining through the trees and reflecting off the water of the lake. The others that were not present to hear Morgana's explanation get quickly caught up on the situation as everyone begins to decide on what to do next*
Fisresu: So these things were once people…what a horrible fate to have befallen them.
Hitodenshi: I couldn't even imagine the pain they must be in. That Caesar must truly be a horrid man to commit such an atrocity.
Chopper: That much everyone can agree on, he's a sham and a disgrace to science itself.
Luffy: Yeah and he's gassy, that jerk!
Usopp:…Luffy that isn't…well it is an insult I guess. But yeah screw Caesar that guy has been nothing but trouble ever since we had the displeasure of dealing with him.
Pietro: It's crazy to think these Feral Giants are normal people forced into this inhuman form. It is heart wrenching to say the least.
Asuna: It's so sad *Asuna looks over at the restrained Feral Giant* can we really help these people?
*Suddenly the Feral Giant breaks it's through the rope around its right arm and reaches over trying to grab Asuna*
Sarukenshi: Let's calm down there my friend. *Sarukenshi stares down the creature and the air sharply fills with intensity in response to this the Feral Giant stops it's hand short and breaks out into a nervous sweat while he slowly retract his arm and drops it down onto the ground* I understand you are probably tired of being stuck in the dirt. So I'll do you a small favor if you do me one. *In a flash Sarukenshi takes one of his swords off his back and cuts the rest of the restraints off the Feral Giant to the shock of some of the onlookers Zolo, Luffy and Sanji do not seem fazed however*
Zolo: Heh looks like his Conquerors haki could compete with yours Luffy.
Sanji: That guy is just full of surprises isn't he. *The Feral Giant rises to its feet then slowly looks down at Sarukenshi then turns his gaze at the others before limping off into the thicket of grass and trees*
Hydragnea: So you possess the same strength as Boa. Impressive indeed, but Morg is it ok that he let that one go?
Morgana: Yeah I think it is ok since we are planning on curing all of them regardless so we will find it again soon enough.
Layna: Speaking so casually of the Snake Empress as usual Hydragnea heh you never change. Her and Hydragnea smile and chuckle with eachother*
Robin: So Morgana how far is your former workplace?
Morgana: It's about a good hour and a half trek from here so I advise we all travel together.
Nami: Clearly you don't know our knuckle head captain and swordsmen that well. If I may suggest one thing, someone familiar with the island accompany *She grunts and shoves Luffy and Zolo forward* these two just in case they go off on their own or stray from the group.
Franky: Yeah that would probably be best, also me and Pietro will stick around on The Sunny and finish our upgrades. Don't worry we will watch the camp and report anything strange.
Pietro: Yup just don't look in a mirror then sir.
Franky: Hey now so we've got jokes!? Heheh
Volchya: That seems like we have a sound formation here then. Shall we get going everyone?
Sarukenshi: Alright let's get to the lab.
*The group starts making their way through the jungle at a brisk pace, after a few minutes they pass through a narrow dirt path engrossed with bushes with long thin leaves and some short but bulky trunked trees with equally bulky branches*
Akina: My apologies everyone do you mind give me just a moment.
Adam: Ah found some new comrades have we?
Luffy: Huh new friends where!? *Luffy takes a look around looking for a more people among their large party* There's nobody here Adam.
Sarukenshi: I think I have an inkling to what he means Luffy take a look at the ground there. *Akina walks over toward the short stout trees and kneels over some oddly shaped round roots*
Volchya: PLEASE BE CAREFUL THA…*Akina then slowly reaches for the root and small green roots of her own sprout from her arm and cover the one on the ground after a brief moment a flower sprouts over the root as Akina stands back up and turns to the group*
Akina: That was a Bears Grasp Root, not to worry with my Plant-Plant fruit any form of Flora seems to take a liking to me and I have a habit of taking new plants with me *Akina opens her jacket revealing a plethora of seeds and vines* I can utilize various types of plants I have met in my travels and also sense other peculiar greenery and immune to quite a bit of their affects.
Volchya: That is a very handy ability to have especially when exploring through different environments let alone unbelievably convenient for us.
Asuna: Yeah you can be like a danger flower sensor!
Layna: It's like you're natures nurse as well heh fitting for someone as compassionate as you.
Asuna: I appreciate the complements Layna, we can resume our hike I'll try and not slow us down too much when I find another leafy ally.
Morgana: No problem at all we can pick up the pace a bit though if you'd all like *Morgana morphs into her full chimera form* if anyone would like a ride feel free *Asuna and Luffy hop on*
Luffy and Asuna: LET'S GOOO! *Nami smacks Luffy on the head with her clima-tact*
Nami: You walk ya lazy bum! *She says as she moves onto Morgana's back*
Luffy: Why do you get to ride!?
Sanji: Because Nami is a delicate flower much like Asuna now quit your belly aching lets go.
Chopper: You can ride on me if you want Luffy. *Chopper says as he morphs into walk point*
Luffy: Hmm it's not the sameee thanks anyways Chopper. *Luffy says sulkily*
Hydragnea: You guys are very playful with each other, it's nice to bring levity wherever you go.
Sarukenshi: Yup it's very reassuring having the ability to enjoy lifes little moments of glee even when things are uneasy. It's a good reminder to enjoy the little things in between the large sweeping motions life can bring your way.
Hydragnea: Now that is something I can agree on you never know when things end so why not enjoy every bit you have. *Hydragnea and Sarukenshi take a moment and look at their group then back to each other and laugh cheerily*
Morgana: Ok everyone we should be coming up on the base now keep in mind it has been a little while since I've been there so some of the foliage and or animals may have strayed into the area.
Akina: I do sense some different type of flowers close by also I apologize for taking up more time but I do appreciate all of the new specimens on this island.
Kassie: Think nothing of it we only took up just a few more minutes we still have all of you to thank for agreeing to help Morgana and the rest of us bring a miracle to the island.
Usopp: Yeah don't sweat it Akina plus I can understand your feelings, I was very enamored with the plants back on The Bowin Islands so it make sense the crazy cool stuff here got your attention.
*In that moment Sarukenshi and Sanji get a concerned look on their face and both ready themselves*
Sanji: You sense it too Saru?
Sarukenshi: Yup everyone prepare yourselves it's not just plants we need to worry about!
*The group run past a tree line and enter a large field where most of it has been taken over by moss and red and white sunflower like plants along with small bonsai like blue trees and a herd of Feral Giants surrounding a pack of fairly large blue bears with frayed spiked fur, one of the bears growls and swipes at the one of the giants leg but then see's the group and in response the Giants also look toward them*
Nami: Oh geez theres a whole bunch of those things!
Hitodenshi: Luckily there's a bunch of us as well.
Zolo: a good point, not like we need that much help bet I can take more down than you Curlyy brows.
Sanji: Oh yeah!? Better stay close don't need you falling over and blending in to the ground Moss-head.
Chopper: Remember do not kill them just capture em.
Morgana: Yes as Chopper says but don't let those Bramble Bears nail you either.
Usopp: Bramble Bears?!
Volchya: Yes those blue bears over in the huddle their quills are sharp as the most honed blade and they secrete a chemical that can leave an unbearable itch for a few hours.
Brook: Oh my is it unbearable because it goes down to your…Bear bones Yo HO HO HO BONE JOKE! *One of the bears Growl loudly and charge through along with some of the Feral Giants* Oh boy I do not think it appreciates my humor!
Luffy: Heheh alright here we go!
*The first few up to fight are Sarukenshi and Luffy as they charge up the front line and both nod at each other before stomping down and glaring down the Bear and Giants a large intimidating aura radiate from Luffy and Sarukenshi it shakes the ground and sends waves through the plants and trees the beasts all hesitate for a moment*
Zolo and Fisresu: We got this. One sword style Lightning Song! *The two sprint past Sarukenshi and Luffy and in an instant are behind two of the Feral Giants while sheathing their swords kneling down side by side along either side of their body the clank of their sword closing is followed closely by the roar of the two Giants as their ankles are slashed making them fall over*
Kassie: Great work you two! Ready Volchya? Guiding Gale!
Volchya: Ready and able launch! *Kassie has shot into the air via her gust gust fruit while carrying Volchya by her shoulders as she is poised to strike down sword first through the air* Armor Piercing Prime'! *Kassie throws Volchy downward giving her more momentum in her descent as she pierces right through the arms of the two Giants that were attempting to swing at Zolo and Fisresu as they fell instead they are now impaled by Volchya's blade and crash down in a cloud of dirt and electricity*
Volchya: Have a taste of my electro. *Volchya flips away from the giants now downed and turns to focus on the Bramble Bear that is about to take a bite out of her before it is hit by two arrows and a smoke pellet.
Usopp: We got your back everyone!
Layna: You're up you two!
Hydragnea & Asuna: Right let's go! *Asuna and Hydragnea sprint toward the other two Bramble bears Hydragnea turns her knuckle blades so the blunt part of the blades are in use and gives a double uppercut to one of the bears then Asuna follows up with a tremendous jumping missile dropkick to the Bears sternum which gives enough force to knock into the other bear behind it, the quills poking into the other bears face causing it to flee in while trying to vigorously scratch at its nose*
Brook: I believe it is our turn now Chopper.
Chopper: Right here we go, are you ready Brook heavy point! *Chopper grabs Brook who straightens his body out with his cane sword pointed along his arm then winding up all the way to his back Chopper throws Brook with full force toward another Feral Giants legs*
Brook: Soul Solid Gavotte Bond En Avant! *Brooks sword accumulates frost which exudes its cold air around him as he flies into the Giants legs piercing them through its calves causing it to fall onto its knees ice creeping along the cuts trapping it down*
Adam: Great job you two! Akina do you care to elevate this?
Akina: Right away my dear, *Akina quickly throws out a seed that expands into a round red and green four pointed leaf with a clear oblong bulb at the center* one Spring Shoot Leaf at your service!
*Adam leaps onto the bulb which launches him into the air just above the fallen Giants*
Adam: My apologies you two but please stand down. Prismatic Electron Scope! *Adam claps his hands together then raises his arms above his head aligning his hands in a triangle like shape letting the sun shine through them, in that moment a cone of light flows through his hands in an array of colors and burns through the arms of the Feral Giants that attempt to block the glare of the light and with that a different Feral Giant comes up from behind the ones that had fallen this one is slightly smaller and leaner than the others as well as quite nimble as it vaults over the bodies of its fallen brethren and makes a beeline towards Nami but its advance is stopped abruptly by four large arms that have sprouted from the ground and hands that grab its ankles*
Robin: Ochenta Fleur Gigantesco Mano and flip! *Robin flings the Feral Giant into the air and into a swirling thunder cloud.* All yours Nami.
Nami: Nice catch Robin, now get a load of this Thunder Tempo Lightning Shower! *The cloud shimmers with bursts of lightning which roasts the Feral Giant as it falls to the ground in an unconscious heap of twitching limbs*
Sanji: An angelic assault you two! *Sanji yells from the sky as he sprints through the air toward a larger Feral Giant which is nearly Fifty feet tall with extremely long limbs which it uses to try and reach for him with a wild wide swing of its arm as it grasps at his leg but Sanji parries it away with his leg to gain more height* Keep your overgrown ugly mitts away from our crew!
Hitodenshi: Hey Sanji! I'll hit him low if you hit em high you got it!?
Sanji: Sounds good to me get ready then cuz here he comes Diable Jambei Bien Cuit Grill Shot! *Sanji lines up a devastating flying flaming jump kick straight into the temple of the Feral Giant with such force that it begins to topple onto its side where Hitodenshi lies in wait in a sturdy stance*
Hitodenshi: Seahorse Stance…Huup! Fishman Karate Surging Geyser! *Hitodenshi rockets his fist in a powerful uppercut into the skull of the Feral Giant as it falls the force of which causing it to flip over onto its opposite side unconscious* Brilliant set up.
Dorobotsu: Don't count us out either, alright Lioness let's get em. *Dorobotsu is seen standing on top of Morgana in her Chimera all fours form running toward the last Feral Giant standing*
Morgana: My name is Morgana, but yes go ahead I'll follow you up. *Dorobotsu leaps off her back and straight up to the Giant who opens its arms wide then closes down and bear hugs Dorobotsu*
Dorobotsu: Heh perfect now to slip away Corrosive Armor! *Dorobotsu body starts to ooze under the Giants bear hug and burns its hands severely*
Morgana: Good move now Ramming Speed! *Morgana's horns grow in size now her lions mane is covered more by large ram horns she then charges full speed into the Feral Giants leg making it fall forward onto its face Morgana then turns around leaps onto its back and has her Cobra tail bite it's neck and the Feral Giant howl then collapse unconscious* Rest easy all your suffering will be over soon.
Dorobotsu: Ok without context that sounds pretty dark, but nice moves there. *The others all huddle around the defeated Giants who lay in an unconscious heap*
Zolo: Should we tie these guys up?
Sarukenshi: No need they'll leave once they get up they aren't dumb enough to go into another losing fight especially with our numbers.
Morgana: He is correct, besides we have arrived at our destination everyone come over this way. *The group are seen walking toward a hangar that has been carved into part of the large cliff, sleek metal floors and stairs are seen going up toward a closed metal door, the group walk past some large crates and move up the stairs and stop at a two paneled door Morgana then moves toward a small control panel by the door and punches in a code into the console and the door opens*
Morgana: It's been a long time but everything appears to be working fine that's a good sign hopefully that means the rest of the machines can function.
Robin: A shame Franky isn't with us I'm sure he would appreciate the technology on display here.
Adam: I concur this having such a facility made in the middle of such an untamed island truly an accomplishment.
Chopper: So Morgana how do you plan on curing these Giants exactly?
Akina: I was also wondering that, does it have to do with the serum that turned those people into these poor creatures in the first place?
Morgana: Yes actually I think using the machines here we can reverse engineer the serum and add just one more component and perhaps remove another and hopefully that will be enough ah here is the right room. *The group approaches a room with a sign above the door labeled "Sample Storage" they enter and the room lights up to reveal metal shelves lined with test tubes and flasks along with jars some filled with unknown substances as well as a long wooden desk with some large papers strewn about near a monitor and transponder snail with the marine insignia, and a large map posted on the wall above the desk*
Luffy: Woahh is this the marines kitchen?
Sanji: You idiot do u see a stove or fridge anywhere?
Luffy: Well there's a bunch of drinks is it a cellar!?
Nami: Those aren't drinks Luffy and DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING!
Sarukenshi: She's right Luffy they aren't drinks those are experimental samples of various serums most likely.
Layna: So were trying to find the serum this Caesar guy made right? Cuz I am noticing there is…quite a bit of tubes here.
Hydragnea: You can say that again, Morg do you know which one we are looking for?
Morgana: Well sorta I will know when I see the components on this. *Morgana walks up to a small machine on the side of the desk it's about 3 feet tall metal podium with a black hood that opens to reveal a circular rack with several circle brackets* With this I can analyze the vials via this monitor…unfortunately because I was not here when Caesar stocked this area for his test I do not know which rack contains it.
Volchya: I hate to be the one to cast doubt but how do we know if this serum is still stocked here? Surely that Caesar fellow used all of them during his test to turn the former employees here.
Morgana: A fair assumption Volchya but Caesar is still a scientist at heart which means he would want to make extra serums in case he wanted to make improvements and also its protocol here to make at least 2 cases worth of a serum to replicate a potential success if he wanted to keep up appearances and also sell his serum to the highest bidder he would need to make a surplus for himself and also here.
Sarukenshi: So in short we have to search this room and hand you vials.
Morgana: Yes correct unfortunately there is only one machine in this room but we can add a few vials at a time so please everyone grab a vial and place it in the rack and let's get started.
Chopper: Aye aye we are on it!
Zolo: Ugh this isn't exactly the kinda thing I thought we would be helping with…I'll just nap over here *Nami yanks Zolo by the ear*
Nami: YOU HELP TOO WE ALL AGREED TO CURE THIS ISLAND THAT MEANS YOU TOO!
Sanji: If it helps our astute and alluring Morgana I will do any task!
Hitodenshi: heh this is reminds me of restocking the back room of the bar back home.
Fisresu: Yup only this time I don't think there's some booze to "dispose of" here.
Dorobotsu: Ya know you weren't supposed to take all those bottles, only the damaged ones.
Fisresu: Oh like your one to talk you didn't complain when I snagged some for you.
Usopp: You guys sure are a rowdy bunch, no wonder you fit in with us.
*Some time passes as Morgana analyzes the various vials the others load into the machine then finally the monitor beeps and her eyes open wide in excitement*
Morgana: BINGO I think this is the one! Alright let's take a look at the strand here….Oh my….that fool!
Chopper: What's wrong Morgana what do you see?
Morgana: The serum didn't just have human growth hormone added he added hormone produced from John Giant as well!
Adam: John Giant as in the first Giant Vice Admiral of the Navy?
Morgana: The very same. Despite some similarities Giant DNA is just as complex to humans and also entirely different to try and mix together many scientist have tried and failed to mix DNA to artificially make human giant hybrids…to negative results and yet…this strand has some high probability of compatibility if it wasn't for the ultimate dandelion.
Sarukenshi: Calm down Morgana, is there a way to reverse the process now that you have seen the components firsthand?
Morgana: Ok ok yes I need to focus thank you Sarukenshi. *Morgana looks at the monitor and then at the map above the desk and her face has a look of realization she then turns to the others* There is indeed a way to cure them but I need some more ingredients as well as the help of you three *She points to Chopper Adam and Akina*
Adam: What do you need of us?
Morgana: Well I need you all to help make the new serum as well as monitor the process and also the new ingredient will require your botanist expertise Akina.
Akina: Oh I understand, you want to use the ultimate dandelion you spoke of before.
Morgana: Correct with you and Adams help we can isolate the necessary components to use in the serum in addition to your guidance as well Chopper you mentioned you had experience with deriving new cures from herbs and plants.
Chopper: You bet! Back in the Torino Kingdom I got to learn a lot about structuring cures from plants as well as the structure of complex viruses
Asuna: Miss Morgana that sounds really good and all but what do the rest of us do?
Hydragnea: Yeah Morg she does have a point. While I can't speak for everyone here but you know Kassie, Volchya and I aren't cut out for the scientific division at least not in this field.
Morgana: Oh don't worry I need all of you for something important, you see as Akina mentioned we are going to need the Ultimate Dandelion for this new serum. However I need new specimens and fortunately for us *Morgana scoops the map above the desk off the wall and shows it to everyone* we have coordinates of the spawn points we planted. Unfortunately it has been some time since any maintenance has been done so I am unsure which area will yield our precious flower.
Sarukenshi: So then you need us to spread out and search all of them, I guess it is a good thing we all came along.
Morgana: Precisely now this is not the only map, we actually passed a copy of this one back in the hallway we used to get to this room so let me just make some adjustments here annnd *Morgana takes a pen and makes some notations and markings on the map including eight circles and some labels alongside them* ok Volchya you recognize these names yes?
Volchya: Oh yes you marked them along areas of our patrols of the island!
Hydragnea: Brilliant! Alright so there's eight spots total we will need to make some groups, who will take the spare map?
Nami: Leave that to me I am an ace navigator after all.
Volchya: Astounding then we can aide as guides around the island areas.
Sarukenshi: Let's get going then we can decide teams when we leave here, we got a cure to make. Chopper, Adam, Akina, and Morgana don't worry we won't be long I'm assuming you just need one Dandelion correct?
Morgana: Yes one full sprout should be more than enough, be wary of the Feral Giants and the rest of the creatures on the island.
Luffy: Hehe no sweat we will get you that flower in no time let's go everybody back to our jungle adventure!
*The group minus the medical team leave the room and make their way out of the base with both maps in tow everyone is in high spirits and chatting amongst themselves all determined to aid Morgana in making the cure, but suddenly Sanji, Luffy, Sarukenshi and Zolo share a serious look*
Nami: What's up you guys? *Nami notices some of the other fighters of the group have gotten tense as well Fisresu Hydragnea and Volchya walk more carefully and have their hands on their weapons*
Sarukenshi: It seems we have some unwanted guests on the island.
Sanji: Don't worry Nami and Robin my sweets just stay behind me I'll protect you.
Zolo: Whoever you are, show yourselves now there's no use staying concealed when we can sense your blood lust.
Hydragnea: Listen well to the Swordsmen. Come out now before I come for your necks myself!
*Upon hearing this a large Pink snail with a blue and yellow shell is seen sliding into the clearing*
Usopp: Uh guys that's just a snail no need to get all hung u…
Snail: You are quite the perceptive bunch hoihoihoi!
Asuna: THE SNAIL CAN TALK DID U HEAR IT SIS!
*Suddenly three silhouettes jump out from behind the trees and land next to the large snail*
Hydragnea: Who are you people and what are you doing here speak clearly and quickly or things will NOT end well for you. *One of the silhouettes stands up straight and walks in front of his group, he is a slender man of average height with gray pale skin and six long whiskers on his face with bold downward pointing eyebrows, he's wearing a large red trench coat over a dark brown T-shirt with a red tie as well as two necklaces around his neck a simple one composed of green beads and a bigger one which consists of many red jewels linked together, tight orange pants with a yellow belt, decorated pointed black shoes and a hat adorned with a red plume, his left hand has a glove and yellow bracelets along his wrists he then raises his right hand and points a finger out at Hydragnea*
Whiskered man: I would change that tone if I were you girl, as for our business here well..you won't be around to care about that, Flying Finger Pistol! *With a flick of the man's wrist he launches a blinding fast puncturing air attack however it is met by a haki covered fist*
Sarukenshi: Sorry but it seems you're going to have to elaborate on your so called business after all. *Suddenly Sanji points toward the man in exclamation*
Sanji: I remember this punk now! Usopp you remember him too right back at Water 7 on the Sea Train.
Usopp: I Uh…*Stares at the Whiskered man* OH YEAH I DO! Wait I thought that Lucci guy killed him.
Sanji: Yeah that's the same thought I had.
Whiskered man: Feshehe well well it has been a long time since I saw you punks but yes it is I Nero of CP9!
*A old forgotten enemy returns what havoc will he wreak on the crew find out in the next chapter*
