Reunion with a Friend
The next chapter of the Return to Fishman Island Arc is out. Enjoy it and review as always
The decision to make Sabo the leader of the Knights of D was a recent one. When I went to make the changes, I used a "find and replace" to replace all instance of Ren with Sabo. But it backfired and replaced all instances resulting in some slight grammatical errors. I made as many corrections as I could but they're may have been some that I missed. So bare with me on that one.
I just wanted to say that several of the events that occurred in the Chapters "Another Commander" and "Shirahoshi in Danger", some similar things happened in the cover story of One Piece Chapter 702. It's not definite proof of anything but it shows that a few of the ideas I had, Oda has them as well, just they are different from mine. Anyway the similarities in "Another Commander" and "Shirahoshi in Danger" and One Piece Chapter 702 are explained in the follow up notes so I highly encourage you to read them. It does not mean that what happens in this fic will happen in Oda's One Piece, just that there are similarities worth noting.
The Straw Hats, the three Neptune brothers along with Keimi, Hachi and Pappug finally arrived at Ryuuga Palace. All of them left the ship being towed by the fish and began walking towards the palace. Each of the Straw Hats were given sticks of bubbly coral to create coating around each of them since the Straw Hats were unable to breath underwater.
"The three princes are back, open the gates," came a voice.
The large gates opened revealing two rows of soldiers.
"Welcome back princes-sama, welcome Straw Hats," greeted the soldiers.
The Straw Hats for the most part ignored the greeting. While they were walking with the king, they heard whispering.
"It's the Straw Hats, I can't believe their back," whispered a soldier.
"Yes I also heard that the saviors of Fishman Island returned today. I guess it's really true. I wonder why their back so soon," whispered another soldier.
"I'm also curious but I'm not complaining though," whispered another soldier.
"Welcome back heroes of Fishman Island," one of the rookie soldiers said suddenly.
"Hey you can't just shout out like that. It's disrespectful," scolded the solder next to him.
"Oh right, sorry, I just got excited about seeing the Straw Hats again," replied the rookie soldier apologetically.
"Hey I don't care about that but don't call us heroes. Heroes are people who share their sake but I want all the sake for myself," said Zoro irritated at being called a hero even having a tick mark.
"What is it with you and heroes," scolded Nami back.
The rest of the Straw Hats all laughed at this. The same with the Fukaboshi, Manoboshi, Ryuboshi, Keimi, Hachi and Pappug.
"Well ignoring Zoro, it's great to see all of you again," said Ussop with a smile.
Soon bursts of joy and excitement emerged from the soldiers at Usopp's words and the rather military like presence soon became more casual.
"It's great to see you too Straw Hats," said a soldier.
"You're always welcome at Fishman Island," said another soldier.
"I don't know why but glad to have you all back," said another soldier.
More similar shouts came from the soldiers though they maintained their positions as they were still on duty as the Straw Hats basked in the spotlight. Ussop, Nami, Chopper and Brook were waving back while Franky, Zoro, Robin and Sanji just smiled back coolly. Hachi, Keimi, Pappug along with the three Neptune brothers smiled at the warm interaction between the Straw Hats and the soldiers.
"Ho ho ho, I see you came back with the Straw Hats jamon," said Neptune who arrived with the two ministers of the left and right.
"Yes we found them at the harbor. Though it was a little trouble to get them here since all the citizens were celebrating their return," said Fukaboshi.
"Yeah a lot of trouble indeed la-ti-do," said Ryuboshi.
"But we still were able to get them here and still have time to do moonfish mambo," said Manoboshi.
"Well that's good to hear," said Neptune.
"Shirahoshi will be so happy to see them," said Neptune seriously.
"Indeed she will," said the Minister of the Right.
"Oh on that subject Shirahoshi has been feel …" started Neptune before being cut off by Robin.
"We already know King Neptune. Fukaboshi told us about Shirahoshi" said Robin interrupting Neptune.
"I see then you know it was Luffy's decision to join the revolutionary army that caused her to be like this," said Neptune.
"Yeah we know. It just makes me want to grill and fry that rubber bastard even more for making Shirahoshi-chan so sad," said Sanji.
"It must have been really hard on her, seeing Luffy the way he was," said Robin.
"It was. Her grief was great and it was only because of one person that she didn't fall into complete depression," said Neptune.
"One person," said Brook curiously.
"Yes, and it's someone that I believe that you all know," said Fukaboshi.
"Someone that we know, I wonder who it is?" said Chopper.
"It's me Tony-kun," said a voice.
"Wait that voice, it's …" said Chopper
To the newer members of the crew, it wasn't a familiar voice, but to the longer serving crew members, it was a voice they were very familiar with. It was the voice of someone who despite not being part of the crew, was still an honorary member, still a nakama.
"Vivi," said Nami, Ussop and Chopper all surprised.
"Hello there everyone," said the Alabasta princess.
Nami, Ussop and Chopper all ran happily towards their friend while Zoro and Robin just smiled at seeing her. Franky and Brook who didn't know her since they weren't part of the crew at the time smiled at the beautiful blue-haired princess since she was obviously their friend. As for Sanji, well…
"Vivi-chwan," said Sanji now in full love mode.
"Vivi-chwan, it's me, it's your darling Mr. Prince," said Sanji mentioning his alias to better get Vivi to fall in love with him.
"It's great to see you too Sanji-san," said Vivi happily at Sanji.
"Oh Vivi-chan, I am not worthy of such words from you. For you are like an oasis in the desert …" said Sanji before a hand was placed on his shoulder.
"I think you deserve it. After all, Mr. Prince would never find Ms. Princess so he should just drown himself in the oasis," said Zoro offhandedly.
Time seemed to freeze around Sanji who then burst into flames.
"That's it marimo I'm gonna kill you," said Sanji on fire.
"Bring it on Mr. Prince," replied Zoro back.
Zoro and Sanji were once again involved in one of their typical fights surprisingly to Vivi's amusement.
"Zoro-san and Sanji-san haven't changed at all," commented Vivi with a smile.
"I don't think they ever will," said Ussop with a sweatdrop and Chopper nodding his head in agreement.
Vivi then turned to Robin who looked at her.
"Princess-sama," said Robin politely.
The Straw Hats looked at Vivi and Robin silently watching in anticipation about what was going to happen. Even Zoro and Sanji stopped their fight to see how this was going to unfold. All of them except Franky and Brook knew that Robin was originally Vivi's enemy. Robin was originally Ms. All Sunday, the top agent of Baroque Works paired with Crocodile himself. She was one of the top members of the organization that nearly took over Vivi's homeland. She was even the personal partner of the man that tried to take over her kingdom and the man who also mocked and insulted her for trying to save it. It was expected that Vivi would hold ill will towards Robin and it was completely understandable that she would hate Robin. But still they preferred that she didn't as Robin was their nakama and they couldn't stand it when nakama hated each other.
"Vivi," said a concerned Nami.
Vivi was silent as she continued to have a stare down with Robin.
"Vivi, please don't hate Robin. She may have been your enemy back then but she isn't anymore. She's a good person now," said Chopper softly.
"Hello there, Miss All Sunday," said Vivi neutrally.
The Straw Hats that were apart of the crew during the Alabasta crisis flinched at hearing Vivi call Robin that. They couldn't blame her but they hoped things didn't escalate.
"Hello there Princess-sama," replied Robin back.
"I see that you joined the Straw Hats," said Vivi.
"I have," said Robin back.
"So how did it happen? How did Luffy-san ask someone who was an enemy to join his crew?" asked Vivi.
"Well you see," said Robin telling Vivi about how she joined the crew.
Flashback
"Allow me to join your nakama?" asked Robin.
All the Straw Hats had shocked expressions except for Sanji who had hearts in his eyes and eagerly replied yes.
Into Robin's flashback
A small bottle rolled towards Cobra.
"Hurry use it. It's the antidote for Crocodile's poison. Even if he's buried beneath all this rubble his rubber body may allow him to survive ," said an injured Robin.
Cobra still looked a bit skeptical.
"Back then you said that only history was inscribed on the poneglyph," said Cobra to the injured Robin.
"Why did you lie?" asked Cobra.
Robin turned her gaze down.
"You knew, how naughty," replied Robin.
"The history of this country was not inscribed on that stone. All that is inscribed there are the details of the weapon your organization desired. And of course it's location," said Cobra
"If you had translated it for Crocodile, this country would currently be his. Am I wrong?" said Cobra while giving the antidote to an unconscious Luffy.
"I'm not interested," was Robin's simple reply
"I don't care about whether people or countries live or die. I couldn't care less," said Robin.
"I never intended to give Crocodile the weapon in the first place," said Robin.
"I don't understand. Then why did you come here?" asked Cobra curiously.
Robin's eyes were closed in a contemplating manner.
"Hopes and expectations are two different things," said Robin in a soft voice.
"What I wanted to find was the Rio Poneglyph," said Robin revealing what she truly wanted.
"Out of all the poneglyphs existing in this world, it is the one that tells the true history. That is the Rio Poneglyph," said Robin dieing.
"The true history, what is that?" asked Cobra.
Robin then closed her eyes.
"Enough," said Robin in a defeated tone.
"I've searched for twenty years and this is the only lead I found. This place was my last hope, and it was a failure. If I am to die here, then that suits me fine," said Robin as the underground chamber continued to collapse.
"I tired of walking the road I followed here when all I want is to learn of a history. There are too many enemies within my dream," said Robin who had tears falling slowly.
"One further question if I may," said Cobra.
"Are you saying the threads of history that cannot be told can be interwoven together, and the Poneglyph is the record of it?" asked Cobra.
Robin's sad smile was the answer to that question.
"If that is so then why have we been …" said Cobra surprised.
Robin was about to answer when Luffy regained consciousness and picked her and Cobra up.
"Yosh let's get out of here," said Luffy.
"Wait a second, I have no reason to live. Put me down and leave!" exclaimed Robin.
Luffy look back at Robin before answering.
"Why the hell should I listen to you?" was Luffy simple reply.
Robin had a shocked look on her gracious features.
End of Robin's flashback
"Back then you forced me to live when I wished to die. That is your crime," said Robin explaining what Luffy's crime was.
"I have no place to go or to return to. So are you going to let me stay on your ship?" asked Robin.
"I get it, guess that's that. Okay," said Luffy officially making Robin his nakama.
"Luffy," said all the Straw Hats reprimanding his decision except for Sanji who was happy with it.
"Don't worry, she's not a bad person," replied Luffy with a smile.
Flashback End.
"So that's how it happened," finished Robin.
"I see, so Luffy-san allowed you to join because he saved you when you wanted to die," said Vivi.
"That's right," said Robin.
"So that's the story of how Robin joined the crew," said Franky at hearing Robin's story.
"Yohohohoho quite interesting," remarked Brook.
Silence once again came over the group as they all watched how the reunion between Robin and Vivi would turn out.
"Nyu princess-sama, you should really forgive her, it would help you in the long run. I know from personal experience," said Hachi.
Vivi then turned to Hachi.
"Originally Nami's hometown was under the tyrannical rule of my captain Arlong-san. We hurt many humans during our rule and Nami suffered more terribly than anyone else. Even though I didn't really deserve it Nami found it in her heart to forgive me and we're both now happy," said Hachi.
"Hachi," said Nami softly.
"Princess-sama I'm not telling you what decision to make. I'm just telling you the one Nami made and how it helped us both in the past and I think it would do the same for you," finished Hachi.
Vivi continued to remain silent as she heard Hachi.
"Vivi-chan you really should forgive Robin-chan. She may have hurt you before but that's in the past. She's different now," said Sanji.
"Yeah come on Vivi, Crocodile was already beaten so there's no need to stay angry," said Ussop.
Vivi however was still silent contemplating what to say.
"If it's okay, may I say something Vivi-sama," said Robin.
Vivi waited for a few seconds before answering.
"Sure, go right ahead," said Vivi.
"Princess-sama, I know that this may not mean much now but I wish to apologize for my actions against you and your kingdom. I deeply regretted my actions and I am truly sorry for everything that has happened to you, your people and kingdom," said Robin.
"Robin," said Nami at seeing Robin who is usually so calm and cool make such a heartfelt apology.
"Things haven't been easy for me since I was on the run from the world government. I had to do things that I wasn't proud of and one of them was teaming up with Crocodile and helping him try and take over your kingdom. I'm not saying that it is justification for my actions against you but I just want you to understand why I did it," said Robin.
"Also if possible I hope that we can become friends," finished Robin.
Vivi was silent again after hearing Robin's very heartfelt apology.
"Nico Robin, ever since I found out that you were Crocodile's partner, I've hated you. You were teamed up with the man that nearly tried to destroy my kingdom, kill me and my family. He did many terrible things to me and you helped him every step of the way," said Vivi.
Robin inwardly flinched at what Vivi said but knew she deserved it.
"Now you may no longer be apart of his group but your past doesn't justify your actions. And I just can't forget everything that you and Crocodile put me through," said Vivi.
The Straw Hats, Robin and everyone continued to listen to what Vivi was saying.
"And finally I just wanted to say that I do not forgive you," said Vivi finally passing judgment.
"Vivi," said Chopper who was started tearing up.
"Vivi," said Nami surprised and saddened at her decision.
"I understand Vivi-sama," said Robin sadly.
Even though Robin knew she deserved it, it still hurt. But she couldn't blame her. Everything that Vivi said was true and her decision to not forgive her was completely understandable.
"I do not forgive you because I already forgave you a long time ago," said Vivi with a smile.
All the Straw Hats shot up at Vivi upon hearing that. Robin in one of the rare moments showed actual surprise on her face.
"Crocodile and Baroque Works may have done terrible things to myself and Alabasta however I'm still alive. Alabasta still stands. And father, Igaram, Chaka, Pell and Kohza are all alive. So I didn't really lose anything. In fact it all made me a better person. The rebellion actually made Alabasta stronger than ever and it's because of Baroque Works that I met my nakama in the first place. So things worked out in the end," said Vivi.
Robin had surprise on her face.
"Also Luffy-san made you his nakama. If Luffy-san trusts you then you can't be a bad person. I believe in his decision so if you're his nakama, then your also mine," said Vivi with a smile.
Robin began to smile back in return. One of her greatest regrets was her actions against Vivi who was Luffy's and by extension her nakama. She wanted things to be right between them but she feared they couldn't due to the severity of her actions. She honestly thought that Vivi wouldn't forgive her and accept her as nakama and she had every right to do so. However Vivi did forgive her and even accepted her as nakama.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she saw Vivi with her hand out.
"Nakama," said Vivi smiling.
"Yes, nakama" said Robin back.
The two former enemies shook hands now as nakama. The bonds they had in the past as enemies were broken and remade but this time the bonds were remade as nakama. Even though they may have already accepted each other as nakama, now they really were.
"Wahhhhhhhh, it's so sweat. Former enemies are now nakama, damnit I'm not crying," said Franky.
Chopper wiped away his tears happy that his two nakama made amends. Ussop did the same though only had a few tears.
Nami smiled happy that her little sister and her big sister finally put their past behind them and made up.
Zoro and Sanji smiled happy at the outcome. Brook was the same despite not having a face.
Camie, Pappug, Hachi, Fukaboshi, Ryuboshi, Manoboshi, Neptune and the Ministers of the Left and Right all smiled as well.
"There truly are some really amazing humans out there," remarked Neptune.
"Indeed father, indeed," replied Fukaboshi smiling.
"Speaking of which, I see that you guys have some new nakama. We haven't been properly introduced yet. I'm Nefatari Vivi, princess of Alabasta Kingdom," said Vivi to the two Straw Hats she never met.
"Yosh, I Franky, the super shipwright of the crew," said Franky going into his trademark pose.
"Yohohoho, and I'm Brook, the musician of the crew and I must say that you are a very beautiful lady," complimented Brook.
"Um thank you," replied Vivi nervously since even though Brook was indirectly her nakama, talking to a living skeleton made her nervous.
"By the way, can I see your panties?" asked Brook before being hit on the head by an angry Nami.
"No way is she going to do that," said Nami comically angry.
"Damn it I swear it's the same with every girl we see," Nami said.
"Um Nami-san, not that I mind but why is he a skeleton?" asked Vivi timidly.
Brook then turned to her and since Brook lacked an actual face, Vivi thought that he was offended and tried to frantically apologize even though he wasn't the least bit offended.
"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," said Vivi nervously.
"It's alright Vivi, you aren't the first to ask that and you certainly wouldn't be the last. Long story short, he ate the Yomi Yomi fruit and became a skeleton, let's just leave it at that," said Nami.
"Okay, by the way aren't you suppose to be Dead Bones Brook, the international superstar," said Vivi.
"Yohohoho why yes I am Vivi-san. I am that Dead Bones Brook," replied Brook.
"I always thought that the whole skeleton thing was just you wearing a mask. I didn't know that you were an actual skeleton," commented Vivi.
"Well that's expected since I am a skeleton and don't have a face, Yohohoho skull joke," said Brook making a skull joke.
"He's our super funny skeleton," said Franky with a grin.
Vivi laughed not at Brook's skull joke but at the antics of the two crewmates she just met. The two new personalities seemed to fit in well with the crew and she quickly bonded with them as a result. They both certainly made great additions to the crew.
"And what about you three, your also friends with the Straw Hats right," said Vivi.
"I'm Keimi," said Keimi happily.
"Nyu and I'm Hachi," said Hachi.
"And I am Pappug," said Pappug.
"Well nice to meet you three, I'm Vivi, princess of Alabasta Kingdom," said Vivi.
"Anyway speaking of which Vivi, what exactly are you doing on Fishman Island?" asked Nami.
"Well you see it was like this. During the Reverie event myself, father, Kohza, Chaka and Pell chose to go. While there we met Shirahoshi and her family there trying to help bridge the gap between humans and fishmen. We got along fairly well initially but we later found out about how you all saved Fishman Island. That was when we really started to get along," said Vivi.
"I believe it was the fact that we were both friends of the Straw Hats and we both had our respective kingdoms saved by them was what really allowed us to get along," noted Fukaboshi.
"That's true but I seemed to get along with Shirahoshi-chan best. Since we were both around the same age and both girls we really got along well with each other. In fact I would say that I even see her as a little sister," said Vivi.
"Yeah I remember Vivi and Shirahoshi actually started sleeping together," said Manoboshi.
Suddenly Sanji stopped moving.
"Vivi-chan and Shirahoshi-chan, together in the same bed, doing all sorts of things," thought Sanji.
Sanji's mind then began wandering down a rather perverted fantasy of Vivi and Shirahoshi lieing right next to each other. Then the two of the most beautiful ladies he ever saw began doing all sorts of naughty things.
All of a sudden, a huge nosebleed erupted out of Sanji's nostrils sending him flying back.
"What the hell, I thought he was done with that," said a shocked Zoro.
"I thought that he was cured of that," said Chopper.
Chopper remembered that when the crew reunited, Sanji seemed to have developed a problem whereby he was plagued with nosebleeds everytime he saw a beautiful lady. The fact that two of their crewmates were beautiful women made things worse since everytime he laid eyes on them, he would start nosebleeding. It was a real nuisance for them especially during important times such as the descent to Fishman Island. But he was able to get over it thanks to rehabilitation efforts on Chopper's parts and finally got used to actually seeing women again. Rehabilitation as in looking at photos of Nami and Robin in sexy poses.
"Guess hearing Vivi and Shirahoshi sleeping together must have been too much for him," said Ussop.
"I can certainly understand why he would feel that way. After all imagining those two beautiful princess together on the same bed, it is, it is, yoho, yoho, yohohoho…" said Brook who himself got a nosebleed though it was only a drip compared to Sanji's waterfall.
"Not you too," said Ussop with bulging eyes.
"Well we did get along very well to the point that we actually left our parents and began sleeping together. Us girls do need our privacy you know," said Vivi.
"Yeah we know. If only these bakas could understand that," remarked Nami.
Then Vivi suddenly turned serious.
"Then the invasion happened. Revolutionaries stormed Mariejois and one of them was Luffy-san. I actually met him during the invasion," said Vivi who herself began tearing up at remembering those dreadful moments when she found out that the boy she secretly loved left his crew.
"Wait you met him Vivi," said a surprised Robin.
"She was with us at the time. During the invasion we decided that our families should stay together since it would better increase our chances of surviving. And we were good friends so we couldn't just separate from them. It was then that Luffy-kun appeared before us," said Fukaboshi.
"I just don't get it. What could have happened that could have made him become like this? He doesn't look like the boy that we knew. He was almost like a demon who wanted nothing but the revenge and destruction of the world government. Even though I didn't say it, I actually felt afraid of him," said Vivi with a breaking voice and watery eyes.
The Straw Hats looked besides themselves at what Vivi just said. Vivi who was their nakama, who was Luffy's nakama actually admitted that she was afraid of him. Luffy could be really scary at times, but to them he was never like that. They were never scared of him, because they were all his nakama and they knew that despite how he could be at times, he would never harm them. But they also knew that Vivi wouldn't lie to them about this. She too was deeply affected by his decision perhaps more so than them since she actually saw him which meant that she was actually afraid of him. Luffy, the one who protected them, who supported and lead them actually instilled fear in the hearts of one of their own.
"Wait wait wait a minute, Vivi you shouldn't joke around like that. I mean I know you were also hurt by Luffy's decision but you can't actually be afraid of him," said a shaky Nami.
Vivi however didn't show any signs of joking.
"I don't think she's joking Nami," said Robin sadly.
"I not joking Nami. Really I'm not," said Vivi.
"However I wasn't afraid that Luffy-san would hurt me. I don't think he would do that no matter what. What made me afraid is what he had become. He was so different, so much darker and colder than before, so filled with rage. That was what made me afraid of him and what he would become if he continued down this path. It just scares me so much," said Vivi revealing the nature of her fears.
The Straw Hats thought about what she said. They haven't seen Luffy yet so they don't know what he's like right now. But Vivi was their nakama and personally met him and from what she said, Luffy was now walking a much darker path, a path where nothing but anger, rage and destruction exist. And from what she said, it was likely that Luffy would only get worse. They understood her fears because it also began to frighten them. Just what kind of monster would Luffy become if he was to continue down this road? What kinds of atrocities would he commit if he was to continue on like this? What would become of their beloved captain? These questions plagued the minds of the Straw Hats. While these questions crossed the minds of the entire crew, it applied none more so than the two women of the crew whose hearts were stolen by the young revolutionary. To them it was more than just losing their captain, it was more than losing their nakama, it was losing the one they love.
"Luffy, just what has happened to you?" thought Nami mentally.
Similar thoughts went through the heads of all the Straw Hats, particularly Nami and Robin.
"Anyway Shirahoshi really took his decision hard. She fell into deep depression afterwards," said Vivi.
"We know, we heard about it from Fukaboshi on our way here," said Robin.
"She really admired him. He was her hero and her savior. When we were spending time together she told me how much he meant to her and that she drew her strength and courage from him. It's the same with me. I too admire him and see him as a hero and a source of strength. That's why I couldn't leave her. She's my little sister and I understand the pain and suffering she's going through. I know because I too am going through similar pain," said Vivi.
"So that's why you're the only one that could keep her strong," said Fukaboshi.
Everyone turned to Fukaboshi for an explanation.
"The only reason that Shirahoshi hasn't fallen into total despair is because of Vivi. She is the only one really giving my little sister strength. However at first I thought it was because Shirahoshi made a really great human friend. I honestly wasn't aware that it was because both of you have similar feelings," said Fukaboshi.
"I understand the pain that she's going through since I myself am going through a similar ordeal. So naturally I'm the one who could best comfort her," said Vivi.
"You're not the only one Vivi," said Nami.
Vivi then turned to Nami.
"Robin and I are pretty much the same. So we can also help her as well," said Nami.
"That's great Nami-san, Robin-san, we can all comfort her," said Vivi.
Nami and Robin nodded in return.
"Anyway like I was saying I couldn't just leave her to suffer all by herself. So I chose to come and accompany her to Fishman Island to comfort her until she recovers," said Vivi.
"So that's why you're on Fishman Island," said Zoro.
"Anyway Vivi what about your father, king Nefatari Cobra?" asked Robin.
"He decided to return back to Alabasta. Due to the fall of the world government and the revolutionary army taking over, the world is bound to change. As a result he needs to be there now more than ever. Chaka and Pell went with him as well since those two are Alabasta's strongest warriors," said Vivi.
"I see," said Robin who seemed a bit depressed.
"Is something wrong Robin-san?" asked Vivi.
"Not really. It's just that I owe them am apology as well because of my actions with Crocodile," replied Robin.
"Oh that, don't worry about it. All of them forgave you as well," said Vivi.
"They have," said Robin curiously.
"Yes. When we saw your wanted poster after the Ennies Lobby incident, they at first thought that I won't be happy about it since you were part of Baroque Works. However I told them it was fine and that I didn't mind. I trusted Luffy-san's decision so if he made you his nakama, then it meant that you were trustworthy. So since I forgave you, they did as well," said Vivi.
"I see," said Robin with a smile.
"Anyway Vivi your not here by yourself are you?" asked Zoro.
"Oh not, Kohza and several members of the royal army are here as well," said Vivi.
"Kohza insisted that himself and some soldiers remain behind as my bodyguards and with the current state of the world, I can't blame him," said Vivi.
"You know Vivi-chan, when we're done we could take you back to Alabasta if you want," said Sanji with a smile.
"Yeah great idea," said a happy Chopper.
"Oh no, thanks but I don't want to impose," replied Vivi.
"Hey come on Vivi, your nakama, you wouldn't be imposing," said Ussop.
Vivi then smiled in return.
"I guess that's true. I'll tell Kohza and the guards that some friends would be taking me back to Alabasta and that they should return since the kingdom needs extra protection," said Vivi.
"This is great. Vivi is back with us," said a happy Chopper.
"And I'm happy to be back Tony-kun," said Vivi at the cute reindeer doctor.
So Vivi has appeared. Vivi fans are happy to once again see her. This story is meant to tie a lot of Oda's loose ends up to chapter 653 and episode 573. And one of them is Vivi who is an important character appearing and reuniting with the Straw Hats. So those who like Vivi and the Straw Hats, enjoy for she's back.
Some technical complications arose with making Sabo the leader of the Knights. When I used "search and replace" all instances of "Ren" were replaced with "Sabo." When I say all instances, I mean all instances. So for example strength (which contains Ren) was changed to stSabogth and difference (which also contains Ren) was changed to diffeSaboce. These errors only occur in chapters where Sabo's name actual appears which is mostly the beginning of the fic and the Invasion of Mariejois Arc. The Kaien Kingdom Arc is mostly fine.
I forgot to mention this but Stelly, Sabo's adoptive brother was said to have been adopted by the Outlook family from a family of higher noble status. This was a lie. Stelly is actually from the Outlook family and was given to the other family as an arranged family thing. They wouldn't give Sabo to the higher family since Sabo isn't really their son. They simply told Sabo that Stelly was adopted from the higher family to better lie about Sabo being they're real son to make him feel worse. They hate the fact that Sabo was the child of a D father and the beautiful lady Outlook.
Before I go into the discussion and explanations of this chapter, I just wanted to mention something about One Piece chapter 702. Note this does have spoilers of One Piece chapter 702 so beware. A few of the ideas that happened in my fic actually happened in the cover page of One Piece chapter 702. A few ideas that I had actually came true in Oda's One Piece.
Some revolutionaries mistake Caribou for revolutionary commander Gabura. Something similar happened in my fic. In One Piece: Final Holy War, Caribou meets revolutionary commander Doflamingo while in Oda's One Piece Caribou could potentially meet revolutionary commander Gabura. Again this fic diverges after One Piece chapter 653 and episode 573 so anything after that is not part of this fic. But still, it turns out that one of the ideas in my story about Caribou meeting a revolutionary commander actually happened. Of course, the revolutionaries only mistake Caribou for commander Gabura, Caribou never meets Gabura in chapter 702 but still, it's a striking similarity with One piece Final Holy War.
Also the fact that Caribou might actually meet revolutionary commander Gabura would mean that there is a good chance that Dragon would find out about Shirahoshi's power. The same thing happened in my fic where Caribou told revolutionary commander Doflamingo who in turn told Dragon about Shirahoshi's power. This is yet another similarity between Oda's One Piece and my fic One Piece: Final Holy War. Of course in Oda's One Piece, the revolutionary commander is Gabura while in my fic it's Doflamingo and in Oda's One Piece Doflamingo is the underground broker Joker.
Another similarity between my fic and Oda's One Piece revolved around Kaido's favorite Island. In the cover story, Caribou came to Kaido's favorite Island, the same one where Drake met Kaido's cyborg subordinate. Caribou was mistaken by some revolutionaries as commander Gabura and were trying to put a rebellion on the island. This somewhat is similar to what happened in my story. In my story, revolutionary commander Drake by going to Kaido's Island helped the revolutionary army to liberate it. In chapter 702, revolutionary commander Gabura is trying to liberate Kaido's Island similar to how Drake successfully did so, though Sabo was the one who killed Kaido.
Another similarity revolved around Doflamingo's alliance with Kaido. In Oda's One Piece Doflamingo had an alliance with Kaido while in my story, Drake who was a revolutionary commander formed an alliance with Kaido. I this fic, the same Doflamingo who in Oda's One Piece is in an alliance with Kaido is actually a revolutionary commander. This is similar to my story where a revolutionary commander (X Drake) teamed up and made an alliance with Kaido.
Again I just wanted to say that I'm amazed that one chapter revealed so many similarities between my fic and Oda's One Piece. There aren't exact similarities but they are somewhat similar. It kind of makes you wonder what other ideas that I have for this fic, if they'll actually come true for Oda's One Piece. For all we know Dragon might really turn out to be the final villain and the one who starts the war. I know this fic ties into Oda's One Piece but I honestly didn't expect so many similarities to emerge so soon, and in one chapter nonetheless. It's only a cover story but still.
The mystery woman that first appeared in "A Mermaid's Grief" and was the one who gave Shirahoshi strength has been revealed. It is Vivi. Remember in the Invasion of Mariejois Arc, Vivi and Shirahoshi established a deep friendship due to their similar ages, both of them being princesses, both of them having met and had their kingdoms saved by the Straw Hats and both of them having feelings for Luffy. Well you can understand why Vivi of all people can keep Shirahoshi from falling into depression. She met a human who is very similar to her and who understands her feelings. And because not only does Vivi fully understand what Shirahoshi is going through since they are so similar, but she is also her big sister so she cares deeply about her. Hence why she is the only person that can really make Shirahoshi feel better.
Robin and Vivi's meeting. I think a lot of people were wondering if Vivi and Robin were to ever meet again, how would it turn out. I mean Robin did give Vivi a lot of trouble in the past so it would be expected Vivi hold some grudge against her. It's another thing that Oda still has to clear up, how will a meeting between the two turn out. Well as this fic is suppose to answer all questions so it answers the question about what will happen should Vivi ever see Robin again. So for everyone wondering about that, well your curiosity has been satisfied in this chapter.
Another thing cleared. This fic so far has answered a lot of questions with my own answers. Who the Gorosei are, they are ex-admirals. Why did Law save Luffy, he is a revolutionary now on the run. Why did Drake attack Kaido's favorite island, Dragon orders to get Kaido's attention and ultimately join and spy on him and as the recent chapter showed, Sabo's fate, he has been revealed as Outlook D Sabo leader of the Knights of D. Now we can add how will the reunion between Vivi and Robin turn out.
Hachi's feelings on the matter. The dilemma that Vivi and Robin face is similar to the one that Nami and Hachi faced. Just as how Robin was the top partner of the man who tried to take over Vivi's homeland, Hachi was one of the top members of Arlong's crew who made Nami suffer. So Hachi can associate with Robin's feelings. However Nami forgave Hachi and as a result they are both happier now so he is advising Vivi to do the same and forgive Robin. He knows that they'll both be happier if she does.
The case where Robin was explaining to Vivi how Luffy made her his nakama was a double flashback. A flashback in a flashback. Robin was flashbacking to when she was asking Luffy to join the crew, and in that flashback, she flashbacked to when she was underground Alabasta. Just in case you got confused at the two flashbacks.
Robin's apology to Vivi. I think despite how cold Robin appeared during the Alabasta Arc that she did regret her actions, even before joining the Straw Hats. The reason she did all those things was because she was on the run from the world government and as such she had to do anything to survive and continue to pursue her dream. And teaming up with Crocodile was probably the only way to get protection from the world government and get one step closer to achieving her dream. If you recall there was a poneglyph in Alabasta. She didn't regret it the same way she regretted leaving the Straw Hats and surrendering herself to CP9 but she would have preferred to not have to helped Crocodile take over Alabasta and put Vivi through so much pain. She knows that Vivi is a good girl and hated to have to do that to her but Robin needed to survive the world government and the only way to do that would have been to help Crocodile. Robin did a lot of things she didn't like but not necessarily regretted such as crippling many people. But her actions against Vivi was perhaps one of the few things she did regret because she recognized Vivi's strong character. This was made worse when Robin joined the crew because the Straw Hats all held Vivi in high regard. Her being nakama to the Straw Hats would mean that she is indirectly Vivi's nakama as well and she did put a nakama through a lot of suffering, something Robin regrets.
Vivi forgiving Robin. Vivi never struck me as someone who holds a grudge against anyone except Crocodile understandably. So I didn't think she'd hold a grudge against Robin. Also despite everything that happened to her, she never really lost anything. Her homeland was saved, none of her family were killed, nothing really bad happened so she doesn't really have a reason to hate Robin. If her father for example died, then she might have hated Robin but none of that happened. In the end it didn't matter. Also if it wasn't for Robin joining Crocodile, she would have never met the Straw Hats in the first place so Robin's actions indirectly allowed Vivi to become nakama to the Straw Hats and for that she is thankful to Robin. Also after the Ennies Lobby incident, Vivi didn't seem to hold any grudge against Robin when she found out that Robin was apart of the Straw Hats. She trusts Luffy's judgment so if Luffy decided that Robin was his nakama, then it meant that Robin was a good person. Vivi can't hate someone that Luffy himself trusts because she knows that if Luffy trusts someone, then that person is trustworthy. So if Luffy trusts Robin, then she would as well and if Luffy accepts her as nakama, then Vivi would as well.
Vivi being afraid of Luffy. Vivi wasn't afraid that Luffy would hurt her. Despite Luffy's darker attitude, she wasn't afraid that Luffy might harm her. She could tell that Luffy wasn't that corrupted. Also despite his new behavior, he did not show any real hostility towards her and Shirahoshi. He hated the world government with a passion but he didn't show any signs of hating her or Shirahoshi personally. She wasn't afraid for herself because she knows that she wasn't in any danger. She was afraid of what would happen to Luffy and what Luffy would do to himself. Luffy's hatred of the world government meant that he was now walking a darker more vengeful path unlike when he was the captain of the Straw Hats, Luffy was fighting for his friends, in other words fighting to protect. Luffy at Mariejois was fighting to destroy, he was fighting for revenge and that scared her. Just how far would Luffy go for revenge? What kind of atrocities would he commit in his bloody quest for revenge? Would he start killing innocent people, would he become nothing but a monster and a demon? That is what she was afraid of, what Luffy in his crusade would become in the process and the acts he would commit.
The reason why Vivi is the only one who's keeping Shirahoshi from falling into total despair is revaled. It's mainly because Vivi and Shirahoshi share similar feelings. Both of them are very similar to each other in many ways. Both of them had their kingdoms saved by Luffy and both of them are in love with him. So when Luffy joined the revolutionary army, both of them were hurt emotionally. To them the one that they love chose to become a much darker individual. For Shirahoshi in particular, Luffy is almost like Hody. Hody has a grudge against humans just like Luffy does against the world government and has become much darker because of it, not a monster like Hody but still terrible. Both of them lost the one they admire and love, though for Shirahoshi it's worse since he became like the one who killed her mother and Shirahoshi being as fragile as she is cannot cope with the pain. Because Vivi has similar feelings to Shirahoshi and is much more emotionally stable than her, she is the best person to comfort her. She understands Shirahoshi better than anyone and since she is closer to Shirahoshi's age than anyone else (including Nami and Robin), she is the only person who could give her strength.
Vivi's reason for staying on Fishman Island. Vivi sees Shirahoshi as a little sister and no one would ever want to leave their little sister in their time of need. Vivi herself could not just go back to Alabasta knowing the kind of pain that Shirahoshi was going through. So she chose to go to Fishman Island and stay with her until she recovers enough. Then she'll go back to Alabasta.
Vivi's father not being on Fishman Island. Cobra established a good friendship with the Neptune family as well yet he was not on Fishman Island. That's because his friendship with them is not as deep as the one that Vivi and Shirahoshi have. He's not really that good enough friends with the Neptune family to stay on Fishman Island when the world is now in chaos after the fall of the world government. With the rising chaos in the world, he is needed in Alabasta now more than ever and Chaka and Pell chose to go with him since Alabasta's two strongest warriors cannot be away at a time as chaotic as now.
Vivi obviously is not staying at Ryuuga Kingdom by herself. She is a princess and no one would ever leave a princess in a strange land no matter how friendly it is. So Kohza and several other soldiers of Alabasta chose to stay behind. She'll also need escorts for when she returns back to Alabasta.
The next arc after the Return to Fishman Island Arc has been established. It is the Return to Alabasta Arc. As its name implies it is after the Return to Fishman Island Arc and focuses on the Straw Hats taking Vivi back to Alabasta and whatever happens there.
VivixKohza fans are going to be disappointed because that wouldn't happen. Vivi is going to be in Luffy's harem and Kohza would be just a friend to Vivi.
This fic is going to be long. It's only the third arc and the fic is already more than 200 000 words. You can see that this fic is going to be extremely long. You can understand why I said it might be the longest One Piece fic currently around.
As always, reveiew the story everyone.