Begin infiltration
The next chapter is out. At last 100 000 words. Round of Applause. This fic is now one of the longer ones. Also I am changing the pairing from just Luffy to Luffy & Straw Hat P. Since this fic is very long and the pairing was slightly altered, finding it should be easy. Note however this fic is absolutely NOWHERE near done. It has only just began. Also please review as I love to get reviews.
"These men are revolutionaries," said Robin.
All members of the crew along with Pellinopee and Maxie had shocked expressions. The revolutionary army, the force that is supposed to be liberating people, the force led by Luffy's father, the force that Luffy himself is a part of, was involve in all this.
"Re- re- revolutionaries," stuttered Ussop.
"These guys" said Franky as he looked at the guards Ussop and Robin just defeated.
"Yes, there's no question about it, these guys are definitely revolutionaries," said Robin seriously with a grim look on her face.
"But what are they doing here?" asked Nami.
"And why are they involved with the guys that have taken over Pellinopee-chan's kingdom?" asked Sanji.
"I don't know, I have no idea what revolutionaries are doing here at all," said Robin.
Robin then turned her attention to Pellinopee and Maxie.
"Pellinopee, Maxie," called out Robin to the two members of Kaien Kingdom.
"Yes," replied Pellinopee while Maxie had his attention on Robin.
"Are these the people that are in charge of the slave camp?" asked Robin.
"Yes, they are," replied Pellinopee.
"And do you know that they are revolutionaries?" asked Robin.
"No, we don't," Maxie replied this time.
"I see," said Robin.
"What is it Robin? What did you figure out?" asked Zoro.
"I believe that the revolutionary army are the ones who took over Kaien Kingdom," said Robin.
"Hold on Robin-san, how did you come up with that conclusion?" asked Brook.
"Yeah, I mean this is the revolutionary army we're talking about here. Luffy's father would never do something like this," said Chopper.
"I'm just going by what I have seen so far. I'm honestly not too sure myself," said Robin before deciding to explain.
"Right now this island is undoubtedly Blackbeard's. The revolutionary army would only be able to take it over if one of three conditions is met," said Robin.
"The first is that they have recently killed Blackbeard. And given that they might have taken down the other three emperors, that one wouldn't be so farfetched," said Robin explaining the first condition.
"The second is that they have already liberated this island from Blackbeard's rule but have yet to kill him. That would mean that they have chosen to take over Kaien themselves. However if that was the case then they would have to take out Blackbeard at some point. And given that they supposedly took out three emperors so quickly then they would have definitely killed Blackbeard by now," explained Robin the second condition.
"The third is that Blackbeard is actually allied with the revolutionary army or even a part of it," said Robin explaining the third.
"The thing is that if Blackbeard was dead, the whole world would have known by now which means that we can rule out first condition." said Robin ruling out the first condition.
"And if they have the strength to challenge three emperors, then it would make more sense for them to simply take out Blackbeard rather than overthrowing one of his territories," said Robin ruling out the second option.
"That only means that Blackbeard is somehow allied with the revolutionary army," said Robin with only the last option left.
"Robin-chan you can't be saying that Blackbeard and the revolutionary army are working together," said Sanji.
"Come on Robin, that just seems too hard to believe. I mean Blackbeard, an emperor teaming up with Dragon," said Nami.
"Yeah, that just so ….. so" said Ussop trying to find the right word.
The Straw Hats were silent as they tried to think of some kind of logic to counter Robin's. Not because they had a problem with Robin being right, but they realized how grave the situation would be if what Robin is saying was right.
"But if what you say is true, then why would they even want to take over my kingdom," asked Pellinopee.
"I don't know. Right now there is so much about the revolutionary army that I don't understand," replied Robin.
"Does Luffy know about this?" asked Nami.
The Straw Hats looked to each other for an answer. That was indeed an important question, not necessarily for the freeing of Kaien Kingdom but for themselves. They needed to know the answer even if they wouldn't like it. They needed to know how their captain was involved in all this.
"I doubt that. Even though Straw Hat may be gone and with the guys that have taken over this island, I doubt he of all people would approve of slavery," said Franky.
Each of the Straw Hats nodded accepting that answer. True Luffy was gone, but they knew he would never ever let something like this happen. Especially from the ones connected to Blackbeard.
"I think this is enough proof to bring Luffy-san back. If we tell him all this, then surely he'll return to us," noted Brook.
"You're right, Luffy will definitely return once he finds out about this," replied Nami.
"Well at least something good came out of all this, we definitely have a chance to bring up back now," said Franky with a grin.
"Before something that complicated we need to focus on freeing Pellinopee-chan's kingdom from Blackbeard and the revolutionary army whichever it is," said Sanji taking a smoke.
"For once I agree with the love cook," agreed Zoro.
"Oh so you're saying I'm right are you marimo," said Sanji with a smirk.
"Shut up," shouted Zoro back.
"We'll have to split up into several groups and search the camp to gain more information. Both on the camp itself and why the revolutionary army is here in the first place," remarked Robin.
"So now we have to decide how we split up," said Zoro.
"I'm going with Nami-swan, Robin-chwan and Pellinopee-chwan," said Sanji already deciding he was going to go with his ladies.
"I honestly don't care how we split up as long as I'm with Pellinopee-sama," said Maxie.
"Okay then Maxie, you and Pellinopee would go with me and Sanji-kun," said Nami.
"Yosh I'm with both Nami-swan and Pellinopee-chwan," said Sanji with hearts in his eyes.
"I'm okay with that," said Pellinopee.
"Then how about me, Franky and Chopper in another," said Robin.
"Yosh, looks like me, Nico Robin and you reindeer gorilla bro are together," said Franky.
"I'll do my best," said Chopper looking up at everyone.
"I know you would," replied Robin with a smile.
"I guess that leaves me, Ussop and Brooke in a group," said Zoro.
"That's fine with me," said Brooke.
"I'm okay since I with Zoro," said Ussop happy about being with the monster Zoro.
"So since that's decided now we have to change our clothes," said Zoro.
A perverted look appeared on Sanji's face as he remembered that Nami, Robin and Pellinopee would be changing.
"Please change my beautiful ladies," said Sanji with a perverted look on his face.
"Do you want to die?" said Nami with an pissed look and a tick mark.
"I would gladly die to see three beautiful ladies change," replied Sanji to Nami's death threat.
However a dark aura was felt behind Sanji and Sanji immediately knew it was Robin. Sanji felt shivers run down his spine. Robin can be even scarier than Nami when she wanted to be.
"No no no no Robin-chan, you, Nami-san and Pellinopee-chan don't have to worry about me," said Sanji in a pleading voice.
Sanji then heard snickering around him and saw that all the male members of the crew quietly snickering at his misfortune.
"Hey you bastards, I swear I'll cook you all up," said Sanji his eyes blank and his teeth like sharks.
"Sure you would. But we'll dieing knowing that we saw you look like you're about to crap your pants," said Zoro now laughing boldly.
The rest of the Straw Hats then started laughing boldly not trying to hide their laughter as Sanji's face was red from anger.
A little later all members of the Straw Hats had changed their clothing into revolutionary garbs with the exception of Chopper, Franky and Brooke who could not find any clothes to suit them. Maxie and Pellinopee also changed their clothes to match that of the revolutionary's.
"Well it looks like we're all set to go," said Nami.
"The clothes cover too much," said Sanji.
What Sanji said was true as the clothes did not leave much skin exposed though only he would think that having the perverted mind that he has.
"Only you would think that," said Zoro referring to Sanji's comment.
"Huh you say something," said Sanji who was right next to Zoro.
"Nothing," replied Zoro boredly.
"It looks like we're all ready to go, everyone already knows what group they should be in," said Nami.
Everyone gave nods of approval.
"Good then we all split up into our respective groups and search the camp. The goal is to simply gain information about. We'll meet back here in about three hours to decide our course of action," said Nami.
"Sounds good," said Franky.
"Oh and one more thing. You louts try not to start any sort of trouble. I for one am not looking forward to having both Blackbeard and revolutionaries come after my head," said Nami.
"Of course Nami-san," said Sanji agreeing to the command of his beloved Nami-swan.
"What do you mean don't start any trouble. Trouble began the moment we agreed to this in the first place. Besides if we succeed, then the revolutionaries and Blackbeard would come after us anyway. I say let's just cut them up and end of story," said Zoro.
"That's not the point," said Nami with angry eyes and shark teeth.
"Let's just gave this place a good searching and meet back here in three hours before we decide to cause a commotion," said Robin.
"Fine" Zoro replied.
"Okay good," said Nami satisfied.
"Let's go everyone, my reward I mean freedom for this kingdom is waiting," said Nami.
"Oi," called out each of the Straw Hats realizing Nami's slip up while Robin giggled.
The Straw Hats then split into their respective groups. Nami, Sanji, Pellinopee and Maxie in one group, Robin, Chopper and Franky in another and Zoro, Ussop and Brook in the final.
With Nami, Sanji, Pellinopee and Maxie.
"I really nervous guys. I've never done anything like this before," said Pellinopee.
"If you're nervous then you shouldn't have come. That's all," replied Nami.
"Oh no, I don't regret coming. I definitely want to help free my kingdom," said Pellinopee.
"Don't worry Pellinopee-chan, I your sweet prince shall protect you," said Sanji.
"So shall I Pellinopee-sama," said Maxie.
"By the way Nami-san what exactly are we looking for?" asked Pellinopee.
"Just information. We're trying to get some kind of intel before we do anything. At the very least by doing this we'll know the layout of the camp," replied Nami.
"I see," replied Pellinopee.
"Nami-san is so smart. As expected of Nami-san," said Sanji.
"Whatever," said Nami.
The group continued around the base when all of a sudden Sanji sensed something using observation haki.
"Everyone, someone's nearby," said Sanji suddenly.
"How do you know that Sanji-san? I don't see anyone nor can I hear footsteps or any sounds," asked Maxie.
"Observation haki," replied Sanji.
"Sanji-kun since when can you use haki?" asked Nami.
"I was in hell for two years. Naturally I would develop observation haki to prevent those freaks from trying anything," replied Sanji to Nami's curiosity.
"Freaks, what exactly are you talking about?" inquired Nami further.
"Let's just leave it at that Nami-san," finished Sanji.
"Anyway Sanji-san, is whoever coming strong or going to be any trouble," asked Ren.
"No, the person seems like a regular guard. I should be able to take him out easily," replied Sanji.
"There's no need for that, we're disguised remember. Let's just act like we're one of them," said Nami.
Nami, Sanji, Maxie and Pellinopee then began walking more discipline like almost like a soldier. They eventually saw the person coming towards them who in fact was another revolutionary, probably a guard. Though Pellinopee was panicking a little, the four of them kept their cool as just walked pass then guard without incident. The guard didn't seem to notice anything strange because of how smooth the group was so they got passed without any incident.
"I have to admit Sanji-kun, that haki that of yours sure is handy," commented Nami.
"You didn't think that Luffy and the marimo are the only ones who got stronger did you," said Sanji.
"Well I know everyone of us got stronger but I didn't know you could use haki. I thought only Luffy could after seeing him knock out 50 000 fishmen back on Fishman Island," said Nami.
"Zoro and I can use haki as well. We both have observation and armament haki. We can't let Luffy be too much stronger than us," said Sanji.
"Zoro can use haki too" said Nami in surprise.
"Well Zoro did train under the world's greatest swordsman. So it's only natural that he could use both observation and armament haki," said Sanji.
"However neither of us could use that conquerors' haki. Only that rubber idiot could," noted Sanji.
"Yeah I figured that one out when none of you used it after Luffy," said Nami.
"Speaking of which, there's several people nearby," said Sanji.
"Where Sanji-san?" asked Pellinopee.
In that building over there said Sanji pointing to a large building.
"The thing is their presence seems weak. So weak that I would say their slaves inside that building," said Sanji.
"What makes you say that Sanji-san?" asked Pellinopee.
"The presence of those guys. It doesn't feel the same as those revolutionary guards. It feels weaker like their spirits are being dominated," said Sanji.
"Wow that's sounds pretty deep Sanji-kun," said Nami.
"Maybe we should check it out, if there are slaves in there, then they would definitely give us some useful information about this place," said Maxie.
Nami, Sanji and Pellinopee nodded their heads together showing that they all agreed. All of them walked towards the building. They noticed a revolutionary guard at the door. They walked towards him coolly. Eventually they reached right infront of him.
Nami decided that she would try and talk her way into the building knowing that even though she could easily take him out, she might accidently alert the entire base to their presence. Gulping she walked towards the revolutionary guard.
"Is there something I can do for you?" asked the revolutionary guard.
Taking a deep breath before answering, she said.
"We were asked to go inside there to question a certain slave," said Nami.
The revolutionary guard looked at Nami suspiciously. Nami looked back at the guard nervously knowing that she may have said the wrong thing and made the guard suspicious. If that was the case, then she would have no choice but to quietly knock him out.
The revolutionary looked at Nami before opening the door.
"Enter," stated the revolutionary.
"Thank you," replied Nami.
She then signaled the others to follow her. They made sure to walk with discipline to give the illusion that they were revolutionaries.
Inside they were greeted by prison cells everywhere. It was obvious where they were. They were inside the prison of the slave camp. And this was the prison that housed the slaves. The building itself had four levels, each level had a long row of prison cells. They could see that several cells were empty however many of them each had a slave inside of them. Each of the slaves wore the same uniform which was a light blue jumpsuit. They knew that they were all slaves because of what Pellinopee, Maxie and Lucian told them earlier.
All four members of the group began looking around at each of the slaves in the cells when some grumbling was heard to their left. Turning their attention to the direction of the grumbling they saw a slave looking at them weakly.
"We should go help them," said Pellinopee.
"Pellinopee-chan, we have no obligation to help them," replied Sanji not wanting the beautiful princess near the disgusting man despite said man being in no condition to attempt anything.
"He's right Pellinopee, we don't want to get into too much trouble with the revolutionaries that are here. Besides, there pirates," said Nami.
"Aren't you guys pirates too," said Pellinopee sharply.
Nami looked like she was punched in the face while Sanji had a neutral look.
"They may be pirates but still they're slaves. And it's because of those guys that my kingdom is suffering the way it is," said Pellinopee.
"You all said that you would free my kingdom. Helping these slaves would be doing just that," continued Pellinopee.
Nami sighed before looking at Pellinopee.
"We can't really do anything right now, but at the very least we could talk to some of them and get some information on this place," said Nami.
"That's a good idea Nami-san," agreed Sanji.
"Agreed," said Maxie who also agreed with this.
Pellinopee didn't look too enthusiastic. She wanted to free her kingdom from Blackbeard's rule and as a result of that wanted to free the slaves who were under the rule of the revolutionary army. But she knew that she had to go with what the Straw Hats did for now and was confident that they would keep their word and free her kingdom. Besides even she had to admit that getting some information would be helpful.
The four members walked towards the cell with the slave that was looking at them. When they approached the cell, they removed their headwear thus revealing their faces.
"I know you two, you're members of the Straw Hat Pirates," said a slave in another prison cell.
"The Straw Hat pirates. That crew led by that rookie pirate who wrecked havoc during that huge war," said another slave.
"That's Black Leg Sanji and the woman is Cat Burglar Nami, you're right, what are members of the pirate crew doing here?" said another slave.
Soon several slaves began murmuring to themselves and each other about the Straw Hats and why such a world famous crew was here in this hellhole.
"What are you people here for?" asked the slave directly in front of them.
"Well we're here for …" said Nami before Pellinopee interrupted her.
"We're here to help you all," said Pellinopee.
Upon hear those words the slaves became wide eye. They simply couldn't believe that someone was here to rescue them. First was the fact that they were pirates, secondly was the fact that the men who had them were very strong. Hope began to shine in the eyes of the slaves as they realized that now they may finally escape. More so since it was such a famous crew. The Straw Hats were believed to have been a powerful crew due to all the outrageous things they and especially their captain have done. If anyone can help them, it's them.
"Y – yo – you people are really here to free us," said the slave looking at the crew intently.
"Hey hey old man, don't get ahead of yourself," said Sanji rudely before Nami put out her hand up indicating that she wanted him to stop.
"We're hoping that perhaps you could provide some information about this slave camp. Anything helpful would do," said Nami.
The slave immediately realized that the pirates would need some information to successfully rescue them and told the group what he knew. Other slaves around also began telling the four what they knew.
With Robin, Chopper and Franky.
The three were currently walking inside a building inside the base. Robin was disguised as a revolutionary while Chopper and Franky were both in their normal clothes.
"You know Robin I don't see the point of you disguising when you're with us. Since me and Chopper are not disguised anyone seeing us would figure out that you're an imposter," said Franky.
"That's true but you never know. Maybe we would have to split up for whatever reason and if I'm like this, then I wouldn't be spotted so easily," replied Robin.
"Besides I could simply pretend that you took me hostage," said Robin with a smirk.
"Cold, that's so cold Nico Robin," said Franky in an annoyed voice.
Robin laughed softly at Franky's expense while Chopper who was in his normal brain point looked around.
"I wonder if Zoro or Sanji's group have found anything yet," said Chopper.
"Maybe Sanji's group since Nami-sis is with them. Not too sure about Zoro-bro's group. For all I know he may have gotten lost," said Franky.
"Zoro wouldn't get lost since Ussop and Brook are with him," said Chopper.
"You never know. Zoro's not the type to stick to any plan and might have wandered off from longnose or skeleton," said Franky.
Chopper then began to think about it carefully and pictured a scenario where Zoro was at the back of the group and as a result just got lost.
"Yeah, you're right," said Chopper with a big anime sweatdrop.
"Franky is right about Nami's group though. Nami-chan is smart and all of them are disguised so they should have the least trouble getting information," said Robin.
"Then let's do our best to help them," said Chopper enthusiastically.
"Well said Chopper," replied Robin with a smile.
While the group continued chit chatting they we're paying any attention to where they were walking and eventually walked straight into a lone revolutionary walking down the same isle as them.
Robin, Chopper and Franky looked at the revolutionary oddly while the revolutionary in question looked back at the four members of the Straw Hats. The atmosphere was awkward as the man didn't expect to simply just walk into three intruders.
The man upon noticing the three couldn't help but gasp.
"You – you - you three a - ar - are," stuttered the revolutionary.
But before he could say Straw Hats, several arms bloomed around him and clutched him out cold.
"That was fast Robin," said Franky with a grin.
"Thank you," Robin replied with a smile.
"It looked like reindeer bro and me not having any costumes didn't affect us one bit," said Franky with a grin.
"Maybe not now but I'm sure it will," replied Robin.
"So I guess we're just going to beat up anyone who runs into us" said Chopper curiously.
"Seems so," said Robin.
"Okay," replied Chopper like a child listening to his parent.
The group continued walking down the corridor until suddenly something unexpected happened.
For whatever reason, Franky tried to hit Robin with his large mechanical arms. It was only her natural instincts from her years on the run from the world government that Robin was able to avoid the massive metal hand.
"Franky what the hell are you doing," shouted Chopper angrily.
Franky's response to Chopper was to try and attack him as well. Chopper however was able to dodge Franky's attack.
"Franky what are you doing?" said Robin in both an angry and confused voice at why her nakama would attack her.
"I don't know, it's like something's controlling my movements," replied Franky who looked like he was struggling against some kind of possessed force.
Franky then sent another punch towards Robin and Chopper who both dodged.
Robin crossed her arms so that she could restrain her nakama.
"Sien Fleurs" said Robin.
Several arms bloomed around Franky and held him in tight.
"Nice Robin," commented Chopper who now was in heavy point.
Robin didn't respond to Chopper's compliment as she kept her focus on Franky.
"Thanks Robin, I don't know what's wrong with me or what's causing me to attack you guys like that," said Franky who regretted what he had done but couldn't help himself due to the unseen force controlling his movements.
Then all of a sudden Chopper then attacked Franky who because of his restraints from Robin's arms, could block or dodged the punch. Luckily however due to the fact that he was made of metal, he didn't take any damage.
"Oye reindeer gorilla what the hell. I know you're mad at me for attacking but I can't help myself," said Franky angry at the fact that Chopper would attack him when he wasn't trying to harm him or Robin.
"I don't know what's going on by I also can't control myself," said Chopper.
"You too," replied Franky.
"What the hell is going on?" said Chopper in frustration as he tried to regain control of himself.
He then punched Franky again who being unable to dodge took the blow. Several arms formed around Chopper to hold him in position.
"Thanks Robin," said Chopper thanking Robin.
"Don't thank me yet. We still have to figure out what's going on," said Robin.
"Hahahahahahaha well well, what do we have here. A woman dressed as a revolutionary, a cyborg and a gorilla," said a voice down the hall.
"Who was that?" asked Chopper.
"I'd say it's probably the one who's controlling both of you," said Robin.
"If that's the case then I'll plummel him. I'll super wouldn't forgive him," said Franky angrily.
Franky then looked to the direction of the voice.
"Come on out here and face me like a man!" shouted Franky.
"Oh how scary you are. I better come out and show myself before you plummel me," replied the voice mockingly.
Franky and Chopper both gritted their teeth in anger and frustration from the person making fun of them and the fact that they couldn't do anything. Robin however had a neutral look on her face. They listened as they heard footsteps getting louder and louder indicating that the person was coming towards them.
With Nami, Sanji, Pellinopee and Maxie.
The group got some good information on the slave base they were in. All the prisoners told them what they knew ranging from a description of the base to certain routines. It was useful information that they could use to plot the breakout.
"By the way do you know who's in charge of this place? I know that Blackbeard owns this island but who did he put in charge?" asked Sanji.
"The one in charge is strong. Really strong. So strong that he is the sole reason that we can't get out," said a pirate slave.
"That man could easily kill everyone on this island by himself," said another slave.
"One guy could kill everyone on this island. Sounds like a really strong guy," noted Nami with a serious look.
"He is. Someone who is not only strong, but also ruthless and fearless. This guy has absolutely no conscience, no sense of guilt or remorse. Simply thinking about him sends chills down my spine," said the pirate slave.
"So who is he?" asked Sanji again.
"That man is none other than the Shichbukai," said the slave.
With Robin, Franky and Chopper.
Robin upon seeing the man let out a gasp.
"You - you - you are," said Robin.
And right in front of Robin, Franky and Chopper stood the one in charge of the slave camp on Kaien Kingdom.
"Donquixote Doflamingo," said Robin finally.
Cliffhanger. Robin's group has had the terrible luck of running into the powerful and dangerous Shichbukai Donquixote Doflamingo. What's going to happen to them?
This fic has reached 100 000 words. It is now one of the longest ones and despite this is has MUCH MUCH more to go. Also the pairing has been changed to Luffy & Straw Hats P since the Straw Hats are the main characters along with Luffy. Finding the fic is now also much easier.
How Robin came to the conclusion that Blackbeard is allied with the revolutionary army? Well remember Robin stated that the army met one of three conditions to have occupied the island.
The first is that Blackbeard is dead. The revolutionary army would occupy the island if Blackbeard is dead. This could happen since the revolutionary army definitely has the power to combat an emperor especially since they took out three of them. And since the world government was overthrown, the island naturally falls under revolutionary jurisdiction. However if Blackbeard was dead, the world would have known by now and since that is not the case, he is obviously still alive.
The second is that Blackbeard's men were already defeated and that the army took over the island in his place. This would make sense since they have the strength to take out Blackbeard's men. Then they would turn their attention to Blackbeard himself. But remember that the revolutionary army easily took out three emperors. Normally if someone wants to challenge an emperor, they would overthrow an island under his rule to reduce his influence and then go after the emperor himself. But this is pointless for the revolutionary army. They are so strong that they could directly challenge three emperors. So it would be better for them to just go straight after Blackbeard, instead of liberating an island and then going after Blackbeard. Since they haven't went after Blackbeard yet, then the second option can be ruled out.
The only option remaining is that the revolutionary army is allied with Blackbeard. It would explain the revolutionary army occupying the island and how Blackbeard hasn't been killed yet. They wouldn't attack Blackbeard if he's an ally obviously.
The above points are from Robin's POV and are just speculation and deduction. She simply deduced that Blackbeard is allied with the revolutionary army. She has absolutely no clue that Blackbeard is not just allied with the army, he is a part of the army. More importantly he is one of Dragon's most powerful subordinates. Remember Blackbeard was not present during the invasion of Mariejois so the world still thinks of him as an emperor, not a revolutionary.
The Straw Hats relationship with Luffy is going to be strained like never before. You could already see that the fact the he left the crew already put him on bad terms with the crew. But the fact that he is involved with people who are involved in slavery further strains they're relationship with him. This relationship is going to be strained further during the course of this fic with the breaking point leading to the inevitable epic battle between himself and his former nakama.
Sanji was able to sense that the slaves were inside the prison ward by using haki. Since they are slaves, they would be depressed, malnourished, exhausted, depressed etc. Because of this their spirits were broken meaning that their haki is weak compared to the revolutionaries. Since it was weaker than the revolutionaries, Sanji was able to deduce that they were slaves.