ONE PIECE: Lighthouse Empire Arc

by DCLGalloway

The Lighthouse Empire Arc takes place after the Fishman Island Arc & One Piece Film Z, as the crew sails North to their next destination. After seeing a mysterious light on the horizon, the crew soon finds themselves on the doorstep of a massive floating city the size of a real island. Yet as they will soon discover, this stunning city holds not only new friendship, but danger.

7. Chapter 7

Episode 7

Far behind Sky's fleet, the rest of the Straw Hats begin to form their own plans on Lighthouse Empire.

As Usopp, Chopper, Franky and Brook run along the deck of the city together, they observe the last of the townspeople making their way below deck, hastily hiding themselves from any potential danger.

"Boy, these folks sure can pack up quick!" Franky comments.

Usopp agrees. "You're telling me. It's like a ghost ship now!"

"Now I truly feel welcome!" Brook quips.

Chopper, who has transformed into strong point, looks to Usopp with concern. "So what's the plan now? Where are we going?"

"Why are you asking me?! I'm just running with the rest of you!"

"Whaa-you mean you don't have a plan?"

"Chopper, what in our history together would ever make you think I have a plan!?"

Franky stops himself. "Alright, let's just hold on for a second and figure this out." The rest of the group slides to a stop beside him. "The first thing we need to do is find the local security force."

Brook looks around. "Do they even have one? Everyone is gone!"

"Are you kidding? A city this large has to have a guard."

Chopper nods. "That's true. Sky did mention they've had many attacks in the past, and they seem to be well prepared for it."

Franky then looks above him and spots a lookout tower directly over their heads. "Alright-I'm heading to the top of that tower." He points to the lookout. "I'll be able to spot any ships much better then they can." One of Franky's eyes suddenly transforms into a very large scope.

Usopp pumps his fist. "Right! Then just leave finding the guard to us!"

"Meet me back here as soon as you find them." Franky begins to climb the tower.

Usopp watches him for a moment, then runs forward again, waving the crew to follow.

After covering a bit more distance, they soon spot a large group of people gathered around the base of the main lighthouse. Many have swords and large guns strapped to their backs.

Chopper points them out. "Look there! That must be them!"

As the group arrives in front of the guard, one of the older men immediately recognizes them. "Hey, Straw Hats!"

"Are you guys the local security force?" Usopp inquires.

"That obvious, huh?" The older man jokes. He is dressed in blue and gray light armor, which hides his barrel chest, and sports a short salt and pepper beard with matching hair. On his back is a large blue sword, similar to the one Tydal carries. "You here to help?"

"You bet!" Chopper confirms happily.

Usopp's nervousness quickly surfaces. "Well, not me so much. I'll supervise, of course. But I'm sure most of you already have this under control, right?"

Chopper turns to him angrily. "You're wimping out already?!"

The man chuckles. "Sounds good to me! We need all the help we can get."

Brook steps forward. "We're ready to work our fingers to the bone for you, sir!" He quips.

"Glad to hear it! The name's Tydus. Good to finally meet you all."

Usopp comes beside him. "We're glad we found you, we were beginning to think the city didn't have much of a guard, seeing as it's so well fortified."

"Are you kidding? You're looking at the best guard on Grand Line." Tydus gestures to his crew. "We've defended more Navy attacks than we can count!"

"Really-at your age?" Chopper wonders.

Tydus punches him into the floor. "Have some respect, deer man!"

Chopper rubs his head dizzily. "Well, at least he called me a deer..."

"The beard may be gray, but the sword is still sharp! Know what I'm saying?"

"How encouraging!" Brook remarks.

Usopp crosses his arms and looks around. "So what's the plan, old timer? We'll follow your lead on this one."

"Well, first things first. We need to establish a-"

Just then, Franky's voice calls out from behind them. "Hey-Hey guys!"

The group turns to see Franky jogging toward them with a panicked expression.

"Franky-what is it?" Chopper asks.

Franky stops in front of them with labored breath. "They're here...They're here already!"

Usopp is confused. "Who's here?"

"The marines! I just saw about 20 ships heading right for us!"

Usopp's eyes bulge. "20 ships?!"

Tydus steps toward him. "20? Are you sure it was that many?"

Franky nods. "No doubt about it. I counted at least 15, and there were still more behind them."

Chopper quivers. "That's insane! So many!"

Tydus rubs his beard. "We've never faced a fleet that large before. This is truly concerning."

"The Navy must be pulling out all the stops on you this time." Franky comments.

Tydus turns to his crewmates. "You hear that? This will be the largest force we've faced yet. If any of you have any objections..."

"No way!" One of his soldiers calls out. "We're not afraid! Let's do it!" Cheers of support and gusto accompany him.

Tydus nods confidently and faces the Straw Hats again. "Well, you have our answer! Ready to fight with us?"

Franky pumps his fists. "Super ready!"

Usopp melts with fear. "How do we keep getting ourselves into these situations?!"

Chopper looks between his friends and Tydus. "So what's the plan? What should we all do?"

Franky raises both his arms in the air. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm heading straight for the front lines! I'm ready for battle!" Two machine guns pop out from his forearms.

Brook agrees and poses with him. "And I as well! Been a long time since I had a good fight!"

Usopp hides himself among the guard, attempting to disguise his voice. "Awesome! Go Straw Hats! Fight until the bitter end! We'll be supporting you all the way!"

Franky reaches out and grabs his long nose out of the crowd. "Yeah right, quit fooling around! You're coming with us!" He places Usopp beside him forcefully.

Chopper steps beside Tydus. "How about me? Should I go fight with them too?"

Tydus looks to him. "You're a doctor, isn't that right?"

"The best!" Chopper grins.

"Good! Then would you mind providing your services to our hospital? I know it may sound trivial, but if things get really bad, we will need your help."

Chopper hesitates for a moment, but soon realizes that is his place. "Sure! Of course I can do that! You can count on me."

Tydus places a rough hand on Chopper's shoulder. "Good man! I appreciate your help!" He then turns to the rest of his crew and raises his sword high in the air. "Alright, let's go! Everyone to the west side of the city! Arm yourselves and prime the canons!"

Chopper watches as the group runs off, following Tydus to the front of the city. He watches on with pride, then quickly scampers below deck to find the hospital.

But just before his head drops below the surface, his eyes catch something. In the near distance, he sees a large, black figure running toward him on all fours. He immediately recognizes that it's an animal, and not just any animal, it's Aiku's big black cat.

"Huh? Muskers?" Chopper wonders aloud.

The giant cat comes to a stop beside him, releasing a fury of mews and chirps in different tones. Chopper listens to every word.

"What are you doing here? It's dangerous, you should be inside!" Chopper orders. Muskers mews and chirps again. "Huh? What do you mean?" More mews. "You want to fight? You must be crazy, you can't fight! Can you?" Muskers spins in circles, then stands on his haunches, flexing his paws proudly. Chopper gets starry eyes. "Wow! You're a fighting cat?!" Muskers nods vigorously. "That's so cool!" Muskers mews again, Chopper listens closely. "Huh-you want me to fight with you?" Muskers nods. "Well, I suppose I won't be missed much at the hospital unless anything bad happens. Even if it does I can just come back to the ship." He looks to Musker's happy face and grins. "...Okay then, let's do it, Muskers!"

Across the sea, onboard Fukitsu's ship, Aiku and Lunya remain in their cell. For now, their conversation has faded. Lack of rest and stress floods their emotions. Lunya sits upright on her knees as Aiku leans into her, resting her head on Lunya's shoulders with tired eyes.

Lunya then notices that the ship seems to have stopped. She gazes out the window, then looks down to Aiku. "...Do you feel that?"

"What?" Aiku lifts her head. "I don't feel anything."

"Exactly. This ship has stopped moving."

"Have we arrived somewhere?"

Lunya sighs. "That's what I fear."

The door to their room opens abruptly, and several haggard crewmen stride in. They smile at the women sadistically. "Time to go, ladies."

Moments later, Lunya and Aiku are led onto the upper deck, still handcuffed and chained together with a rusty cable. As they come to the front section of the ship, a haunting sight unfolds before them.

There, directly in front of the ship, is a tall, thin rectangular structure with no ornamentation or decoration; a solid block of cubic iron. It reaches high into the air, cutting through the clouds above, and disappears into the sea below. Behind it, a gargantuan giant's sword sticks into the ocean floor, as if someone had stabbed the ocean. It's blade slicing through the white caps.

"Welcome home." One of the crewmen remarks, as Lunya and Aiku stare at the compound gravely.

Soon after, the two women are led across a bridge and through a square opening near the bottom of the structure. Once inside, the crewmen bring them to the middle of the room and attach chains to their handcuffs. As the chains tighten, Lunya and Aiku are lifted into the air by their arms, and slowly begin to rise.

"Lunya!" Aiku cries out in fear. The crewmen laugh.

"It's okay, Aiku! Just hang on! Grip your cuffs so the pressure isn't on your arms!" She instructs.

After a long moment of agony, the women are raised to the top floor of the building and dropped forcefully onto the floor. The chain remains attached, draping onto the metal surface in front of him. They breath heavily, recovering from the pain, until evil laughter begins to fill the chamber.

As they attempt to locate the sound, a light appears near the back of the room, shining down on a shadowy figure seated at a cubic desk. A flame sparks, reflecting on the metallic wall, as smoke rises from the shadow and turns to a ghostly mist in the dim orange light.

"How wonderful to see you again..." The figure grumbles.

Aiku immediately recognizes his voice. Her face fills with rage. "Fukitsu..." She snarls.

Fukitsu's face leans into the light, illuminating his weathered face and thick black beard. "I am so pleased you remember me. No doubt I have been a ghost haunting your dreams."

"My nightmares." Aiku corrects.

Fukitsu laughs. "With each word you speak, my pride grows. You honor me."

Aiku jumps forward. "You snake! Why can't you just leave us alone!"

Fukitsu leans back in his chair. "You know the answer already. So why ask?"

"I didn't want this! You made me who I am!"

"Precisely. And that is why you belong to me."

Aiku grimaces and looks to the floor, her eyes tearing. "I don't belong to anyone...I am free."

Fukitsu laughs again. "Still in denial? Even as you stand before me in chains."

Aiku looks to him. "My body may be in chains. But you will never chain my heart, or my soul!" She exclaims.

Fukitsu's expression alters, forming into disdain. He blows a thick plume of smoke from his lips. "Interesting. That sounds like a challenge to me." Suddenly, a white glow begins to form around his body, as if his internal energy is set ablaze. His aura burns. "Let's see if you're ready to accept it..."

With a flash of energy, the white glow of Fukitsu's body leaps from his frame and attaches itself to Aiku. Instantly, she is cast in the same white energy, now formed and burning around her body like a bubble. Aiku screams, but no sound can be heard. She pounds against the surface, but cannot break free; trapped inside a wall of pure energy.

Lunya turns toward her friend in desperation. "Aiku!"

Fukitsu chuckles and rises from his chair. "This is the power of the aura-aura fruit. Kick and scream all you want. You can never break free from the body's energy."

Lunya faces Fukitsu. "Stop this now! Vegapunk wants me, doesn't he?! Just take me and leave her alone!"

"Is that suppose to be a bargain? You must be joking." Fukitsu scoffs. "What makes you think I would release either of my prizes? One does not come without the other. Both of you are mine. Now, and forever."

Lunya grits her teeth as anger courses through her. "It doesn't have to be this way!"

"Giving me orders now? Shut your mouth!" He commands. He settles himself and slowly makes his way in front of both women. "...But I have a bargain for you, Lunya." He takes a long draw from his pipe and blows smoke in her face. "Either I keep her in my aura spell, causing her great pain through torture. Or, you can join my prison."

Lunya looks to Aiku. She can see her writhing in silent pain. "Aiku..."

Fukitsu smiles. "Just say the word."

Lunya looks to the floor helplessly. "...Fine."

Fukitsu steps closer to her. "A little louder?"

Lunya meets his eyes. "Do it! We will join!"

Fukitsu laughs. "And so it shall be done."

Lunya lunges toward him. "You vile pig!"

But before she can make contact, Fukitsu raises a hand and places her inside of his aura spell. "Pitiful." He remarks. "For that, now both of you will suffer."

As the chains tighten, Lunya and Aiku are lifted into the air once again, their screams silenced by the wall of energy incapsulating their bodies. Beside them, a doorway opens, revealing a long, vertical shaft with several other prisoners also chained by the hands, dangling over the open space. As Lunya and Aiku are moved into position above them, they can see the line of hanging people stretches far below into the sea, with each set of prisoners stacked one on top of the other.

"Welcome to my sanctuary: Tomb Aqueous!" Fukitsu bellows. "With each passing minute, another set of rats is drowned, lowered into the sea below. To their righteous death!"

They watch in horror as the line of prisoners shifts, lowering by one level. The two men located at the very bottom are suddenly plunged into the sea. As the locking bars rotate, making room for Lunya and Aiku, the women are strapped into the device. Now the top set of prisoners, they cry out in fear as they await their certain doom.

Fukitsu grins with pleasure as he watches. "Don't think I need you alive. All we need is your precious blood. With the filth of your rebellious spirit finally washed away, your essence will be the fuel for our future experiments."

Meanwhile onboard Sky's ship, Sky dons his new clothes, swapping his old blood stained sleeveless captain's coat for a worn brown leather one. He ties on his blue sash, tightens his belt, then turns toward the exit.

Moments later, he emerges from the stairwell and returns to the main deck, much to the delight of his crewmates and the Straw Hats. Tydal comes to his side, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.

Sky smiles at him assuredly, then walks forward toward the bow. "What is our situation now?"

Tydal and Tiff walk behind him. "The paddlewheels are still in rough shape, but repaired well enough to sail." Tydal informs.

"Good."

"And the portal spheres are warming up as we speak." Tiff adds.

"And Bara?"

"Right here!" Bara's voice calls out.

Sky and the crew turn toward the side of the ship to see Bara climbing over the railing, returned from his scouting mission. Sky jogs over to him. "You're back!"

Bara and Sky grasp each other's arms as they meet. "I'm back. And you're awake!"

Sky grins brightly. "I am."

"Are you well?"

"Well enough."

Bara pats his shoulder. "That will have to do."

Tydal steps beside them. "I hope your mission was successful. Did you locate Fukitsu's fleet?"

Bara nods. "I did. And not only that, we're much closer to his compound then we thought. The fleet didn't travel far."

Sky crosses his arms and stands tall. "Good. Mark the location on the map and set the coordinates. Let me know when the ships are ready to portal."

"Got it!" Bara turns and runs toward the entrance of the lighthouse.

Nami steps toward him. "And what should we do?"

Sky takes a moment to study the faces of the Straw Hats. He can tell they are determined and ready for anything. "...Prepare for battle."

Luffy grins and laughs, pounding his hand into his palm. "Alright! Time to party."

Sanji blows out a stream of smoke. "Thought you'd never ask."

"Are you sure all of you are ready?" Sky asks.

Zoro smirks. "Are you kidding? After that first battle I'm itching for more action."

"Time to kick some marine ass!" Luffy exclaims.

Nami holds a hand in front of him. "Hold on, Luffy! We don't even know what the plan is yet."

Robin agrees and turns to Sky. "Yes, what exactly is the next move?"

Sky thinks for a moment. "...We're going in full force. If his compound is really nearby, we'll bring every ship right to his front door."

"Are you sure he won't be expecting a full force attack?" Tydal inquires.

"Fukitsu is prepared for everything and anything, no matter what we do. But if we strike first and strike hard, we can at least catch him off guard."

Tydal smiles. "Right! Tiff, Bara, Chong and I will take care of his ships." He turns to Chong. "Right, Chongy?" He slaps him on the back.

Chong shrugs. "...Whatever."

Nami turns toward her crew. "Well, I guess that leaves the Drakens for us."

"Should we take them on together? One at a time?" Sanji wonders.

Robin shakes her head. "Better not. From the sound of things we probably don't have much time."

Bara concurs. "True. I'm sure Lunya and Aiku have been captured by now, and no doubt they're being held in his prison. Death isn't far from the front doors of that place."

Nami ponders the situation. "Hm. Okay, well then let's split into two groups to fight." She faces Robin and smiles. "Shall we?"

Robin nods happily. "Let's."

Sanji's cigarette falls as his mouth hangs open. "What? How come I can't fight with Nami!?"

Nami waves at him dismissively. "Because that's what I've decided."

"But that means I have to work with moss head!"

Zoro's eye flies open. "Wait-what?!"

"That's right!" Nami grins.

Sanji turns to Luffy desperately. "Come on Luffy, help me out here!"

Luffy jumps forward aggressively. "No way! I'm going to kick that Fukitsu guy's ass!"

Sky smiles at him. "Want some company, Luffy?"

"Be my guest!" He winds his arm up.

Sanji an Zoro look at each other hopelessly. "Oh, man!" They cry in unison.

Sanji huffs. "I can't believe I have to drag you around with me. Why don't you just go take a nap until it's over like usual!"

Zoro presses his face against Sanji's. "Why don't you go back to the kitchen and do your damn job!"

"You want to step outside, wannabe samurai?!"

"We are outside, dumbass!"

Nami knocks their head's together. "Both of you shut up! Save it for the battle."

Just then, Bara's voice calls down to Sky from the lighthouse bridge. "Sky! We're ready to portal anytime!"

Sky looks to him and waves. "Okay, Bara! Hit it!"

"You got it!"

Suddenly, the air begins to vibrate with an electric energy. Five giant blue rings appear in front of each of the ships, and gradually, they make their way through the openings. The Straw Hats are amazed and look on in awe.

In front of Fukitsu's compound, the five ships abruptly appear out of thin air, their massive hulks dwarfing the other battleships floating around the prison. On board the enemy ships, the crewmen react, yelling and running around the decks frantically, trying to prepare for an unannounced battle.

Inside Fukitsu's chamber, one of his officers rushes to his side as he reclines in his chair. "Sir! Sir!"

Fukitsu turns to him. "What is it?"

"Sky's fleet...they're here!"

Fukitsu's eyes grow wide, startled for the moment. He rises from his chair and strides over to his rectangular window. His eyes narrow as he spots Sky's ships, sailing toward his compound at full speed. He smirks. "Daring, Sky. Very daring." He turns to the officer. "Tell the fleet to surround them. They have permission to fire at will."

"Yes, sir."

"And bring the Drakens to the front of the compound. Go!"

"Right away!" The officer runs out of his chamber and down the stairs.

Fukitsu keeps his eyes on Sky's ships. "Time to see how brave you truly are."

On board Sky's middle ship, he stands tall and proud at the very tip of the bow. The Straw Hats line up beside him, arms crossed, determined, and ready for battle. The wind blows through them as his fleet draws closer to the ring of battleships. The time for their ultimate showtime has arrived.

As Sky, his crew and the Straw Hats looks down from their ship, marines, as well as Fukitsu's crewmen begin to crowd the docks outside the compound. They aim their guns high and prepare for an imminent attack. Surrounding the compound, Fukitsu's fleet encircles the dock area, while a hundred more Navy ships are positioned in a ring, surrounding the outer layers of the complex.

As the ships begin firing, wasting no time in bombarding the lighthouse fleet, one of Sky's crewmen rushes toward him. "Sky! They've already begun the attack. All nearby vessels are firing!"

Sky nods. "And what is the positioning of the rest of their fleet?"

"Fukitsu's fleet is stationed right outside the docks. And there's about 100 Navy ships creating an outer ring around the compound."

Sky thinks for a moment. "Alright. Tell the main ship to return fire immediately, don't disembark yet. We'll take care of the rest."

"Right away!" The crewman runs off toward the bridge.

Sky then turns to his crew. "Okay, this is it-everyone ready?"

Tydal steps forward confidently. "You know we're ready! What's the plan?"

"Tydal and Tiff-take your ships and run through the left flank. Bara and Chong-you take the right. Plow them through, and don't stop until every ship is sunk."

"Got it! Let's go!" Tydal, Tiff, Bara and Chong dash away, making their way back to their own ships.

Sky turns to the Straw Hats. "Straw Hats, all of you follow...wait, where's Luffy?" Sky looks around, realizing that Luffy is not with the group.

"Oh no!" Nami whines.

They run to the tip of the bow and look over the side. Sure enough, Luffy is flying down through the air, heading straight into the soldiers. When he lands, he quickly begins to blast a series of powerful shots, sending the crewmen flying in all directions.

"That idiot is at it again!" Sanji exclaims.

Sky faces them and grins. "Let's join him!"

The Straw Hats smile and prepare themselves. Moments later, each of them leaps from the bow, falling through the air together, avoiding bullets as they whiz past their heads. They land gracefully on the docks, and join Luffy in his fight. Robin clutches, Nami electrocutes, Zoro and Sanji take turns slashing and kicking, and Sky sends energy bursts of blue air slicing through the crowd. Before long, the entire dock has been cleared.

High above them, in the chamber room, Fukitsu watches the battle on the docks swiftly come to an end. "So, the Straw Hats are here." He then shifts his eyes to Sky's fleet. While the center ship remains still, firing from both sides at Fukitsu's fleet, the other two ships on each side begin to make their way around the ring of Navy ships, plowing into them with the ship's massive bulk.

And officer steps beside Fukitsu. "Sir, the Navy ships won't last long. Seven ships have gone down already, and your fleet is under heavy fire as well."

Fukitsu nods slowly. "That's fine. The Navy is only here to provide a distraction to break up his forces. Divided they will fall much faster." He shifts his gaze to Lunya and Aiku, who remain dangling by their arms in the line of prisoners. As he watches them, the machine shifts and the girls fall one more rung down. "Desperation will soon take control of his mind."

"Your next orders, sir?"

"Open the wall. Let him see his family. And deploy the Drakens."

"Yes, sir!" The officer turns and runs over to a large lever located near the front of the room. He pushes the device down, then steps back to watch.

With a series of mechanical groans, the entire upper front wall of the complex begins to swing open, revealing the top layer of prisoners to the open air. Their screams for help can be heard by the crew below, who all gaze up toward the sound.

The Straw Hats look on in shock. "What the hell is that?" Zoro barks.

"Are those his prisoners?!" Robin wonders.

Sanji jumps forward. "That's not a prison-that's a torture chamber!"

Sky examines the structure. "Yes. This is Tomb Aqueous. I've never seen it in person myself, but I've heard it's nightmare."

They watch as another set of prisoners on the bottom layer are plunged into the ocean.

Nami gasps. "What the-did he just kill them?!"

Sky nods sadly. "This is not a place of punishment or purgatory. It's his own personal death row."

"That's insane!" Sanji comments, disgusted.

Robin covers her mouth. "He's a devil..."

"Now you're really asking for it!" Luffy shouts, slamming his fists together.

Sky faces them. "Now you understand who this man is. And why we have to-"

"Sky, look!" Nami interrupts him, pointing up at the tower.

Sky spins around and followers her finger, suddenly discovering that Lunya and Aiku are trapped in the device with the rest of the prisoners. "...Aiku! Lunya!" He screams. He runs forward, but is quickly stopped by Zoro.

"Just wait a minute!" Zoro commands. "You can't go rushing in by yourself. We have to think this through."

Sky hesitates, but soon relents and takes a step back. "You're right."

"Perhaps I can help you make a decision on that matter..." A sweet, angelic voice rings out from the border of the docks.

The groups turns to see a young girl, about fifteen years old, hovering above the waterline next to one of the docking areas. She is clad in all white, from her thin robes, to her snowy hair, to her ghostly eyes. She is barefoot, with a pair of long silky sashes wafting in the breeze behind her back like wings.

"A Draken!" Sky announces.

Nami is confused. "Who, her? She's just a little girl."

Sky turns to them. "Never underestimate a Draken. It will be the last thing you do." Sky faces the Draken again. "Her name is Ga. And she is a monster. She's responsible for the deaths of hundreds of my men."

Ga floats silently, watching them with cold eyes.

Zoro smirks and steps forward, holding the hilt of one sword. "Hm. Sounds like an interesting challenge..." Zoro narrows his eye and shifts into a fighting stance. "Head inside. I've got this."

Nami agrees. "That's right, remember the plan! You and Sanji take care of this. We have to get inside the compound."

"What?! I didn't think you were serious about that!" Zoro stammers.

"Of course I was, now get to work so we can go!" Nami scolds. Zoro fumes.

Luffy chuckles. "You got this guys! Give'em hell!" He runs toward the entrance of the compound. The rest of the group follows.

Ga giggles softly. "No matter. You won't get far."

Nami looks back at her. "Get ready to have your ass kicked, little girl!" Ga giggles again.

Sanji lights a cigarette and comes beside Zoro. "Look, this isn't exactly a fantasy of mine either..." He blows out his smoke and looks to the sky. "So there's only one thing we can do."

Zoro nods and draws his swords. "End this quickly."

Zoro and Sanji stand confidently in front of Ga. Zoro places a sword in his mouth, Sanji sticks his hands in his pockets.

Ga smiles evilly. "My...aren't you eager. This will be fun."

As Sky and the rest of the Straw Hats come inside the first floor of the tower, Sky stops and looks up, seeing a narrow spiral staircase leading to the top. "Here-this stairwell will take us right to the top."

"We have to climb all those stairs?!" Luffy protests.

"No, look..." Sky pulls down a small lever on the side of the stairs. The group watches as the steps begin to spiral upward, like a giant corkscrew. "They're mechanical."

"That's a relief!" Nami remarks.

"Let's go!" Luffy shouts, running forward.

But just before he can reach the first stair, one of his legs is wrapped and pulled backwards by a line of red liquid. Luffy stumbles to the ground and looks around. "What happened?"

The group follows the red line to the center of the room. There, they see a dark red blob emerging from a small, circular drain. They watch as it takes shape, forming into the figure of a man. When he is fully formed, his appearance resembles a vampire. With a white face, pointed ears, sunken dark eyes, and two fangs jutting out from his two front teeth. He is dressed in black, outlining the shape of his body, which is large and bulbous at the top, and thinning as it reaches his skinny legs. His screeching cackle fills the room.

"Who the hell is that?!" Nami wonders, studying his bizarre figure.

Robin steps beside her. "I believe that's our second Draken."

The man smiles and licks his lips. "Io is the name, my ladies. And blood is my little game." He cackles.

Nami's face wrinkles with frustration. "This is the guy we have to fight?!"

Luffy steps forward. "Whoa, he looks like a crazy vampire! Hey guy, are you Dracula or something?"

Io cackles again. "I suppose I've been called worse. But at least I'm not a child clinging to foolish hopes and dreams." He glares at Luffy.

Luffy's anger boils. "What did you say about me?"

"Are you deaf too? Must be an intelligence issue."

Luffy growls and shakes his fist. "How about I end you right now!" He swings his arm back. "Gum-gum-PISTOL!" His hardened arm flies toward Io at full speed. But when it reaches him, it passes straight through, splatting blood against the wall behind him. Luffy is shocked and quickly retracts his arm. "Did I get him?"

Nami shakes her head. "No...it went straight through him."

"But where did the blood come from?"

Io laughs. "I can do anything I want with my blood, boy. It's easy when you can control it." He lifts a hand into the air as it turns to red liquid.

"The blood-blood fruit..." Robin remarks quietly.

"Good! It's fortunate my reputation has proceeded me. Now I don't need to waste anymore time with you."

Robin's look of surprise changes to determination. "Luffy, Sky. Time for you to go."

Sky looks to Robin. "Right! Come on Luffy." He starts to make his way up the stairs.

"You sure you got this?" Luffy asks.

Robin nods and smiles. "We'll figure something out. We always do."

Nami jumps beside her in a panic. "That's easy for you to say, miss big hands! Are you sure we can't switch with Zoro and Sanji? There's still time isn't there!?"

Luffy laughs at her. "Relax, Nami! You might be able to do something."

"Thanks for the confidence, captain!" She quips.

Sky looks back to Luffy. "Come on, Luffy-hurry!"

"Right!" Luffy runs up the stairs as the spiral begins to rotate.

Robin and Nami face Io again. Confidence returns to their posture.

Io smiles. "Oh, what a treat. Fresh blood." He licks his lips again.

Meanwhile, across the sea at Lighthouse Empire, the Straw Hats and the security guard begin to launch their first attacks.

"FIRE!" One of the crewman calls out.

With a thunderous sound, multiple shots ring out from the city, launching cannon balls into the first Navy ships. A few of the shots are successful, landing crucial blows, yet it is not nearly enough to thwart the onslaught of ships.

Tydus comes beside the cannoneers. "Keep firing, boys! Don't let up until we run out of cannon balls!"

"Right! Fire again!"

More cannons fire rapidly.

Franky equips his eye scope once again, and focuses on the front line of ships. Moments later, he sees the light from their cannons. "Return fire incoming!" He calls out.

"Everyone behind the wall!" Tydus commands.

The guard and the Straw Hats run forward and crouch behind the curved wall. The Navy's attack is swift and precise, and as the cannon balls impact, they strike a few vital points on the side of structure, blowing holes above the water line and destroying a few of guard's cannons.

Tydus peeks his head over the wall. "Clear for now!" The guard rises to their feet and return to their stations. Tydus then pulls one of the men aside. "Send a few men down to the impact points! Make sure they repair any damage as soon as it happens. Send as many as you need."

"Got it!" The crewman orders a few of his men to follow him, then runs below deck.

Tydus turns back to the cannoneers. "Keep firing! Return fire until-"

"Incoming!" Franky calls out again, as more cannon balls arc through the air above them.

"Take cover!" Tydus yells.

The guard stays hidden behind the wall as the Navy's cannons impact again. This time the attack is more severe, destroying sections of the wall and blasting many crewman into the rubble.

Usopp looks through his goggles to take note of the Navy's position. He turns to Franky. "This is getting us no where. The marines are only getting closer, and we haven't taken out any of their ships yet. At this rate the entire city is going to be sunk in minutes!"

Brook agrees. "I don't think the guard was even prepared for something like this. They won't be able to hold out much longer."

"Yeah, and not to mention if they get close enough, they'll start to board and invade the city. We have to find a way to stop them before they get a chance to do that."

Franky thinks for a moment. Then an idea pops into his head. "Alright. I've got an idea. Didn't think I would have to use it in a situation like this, but here we are."

"What is it?"

Franky abruptly turns and dashes away. "No time to discuss-I'll be right back!"

"Wha-where are you going!? You can't leave us here!"

"Hold them off for just a few more minutes!" Franky calls back to them, then runs below deck.

Brook sighs. "And...he's gone."

Usopp worries for a moment, but soon steadies his emotions and stands tall. "Alight then, we're on our own for now. So let's make them proud!" He strikes a pose. "It's time for Captain Usopp to shine!" He brings his giant slingshot in front of him and digs in his bag to find the right item. He removes a big blue ball and loads it into his sling. "This should buy us some time!" He pulls the sling backwards and aims. "Special attack-FLYING FISH STAR!"

With of burst of speed, he fires the blue ball into the air. As it nears the Navy ships, the ball explodes, releasing a flurry of flying fish, raining down on the first line of ships. The sharp fins of the fish slice through the sails, disabling the speed of the vessels, and sending the sailors into a panic.

"Splendid!" Brook exclaims.

Usopp chuckles. "That will teach them to mess with mighty Usopp!"

Some of the guard respond to the event by calling out praises for Usopp, who stands tall and smiling, bathing in the excitement.

Brook steps beside him. "Um...maybe we should tell them to keep firing."

Usopp snaps into reality again. "Oh right-keep firing!"

The guard cheers again and continues to fire their cannons.

Below deck, Franky enters Aiku's chambers, running down the stone hallway until he comes to the room which houses her giant robot.

Franky comes into the room and examines the machine. "Huh. This thing isn't as fragile as I thought, it's actually well made. Iron body, steel reinforced limbs-it just needs a power source." He reaches into his chest and pulls out a small cylinder, filled with electric energy. He places it into the robot's chest, then watches with delight as the machine's eyes come to life. It slowly rises into the air, adjusting it's balance, then stands straight. "Super!" He yells.

Just then, Chopper appears behind him. "Franky!" Chopper calls to him.

Franky spins around. "Chop-man, what are you doing here? I thought you were at the hospital."

"Well, I was, but then..." He gestures Muskers, who is waiting for him at the top of the stairs.

"Hm? What's he doing? Shouldn't he stay safe below deck?"

"That's what I was expecting, but believe it or not, he's a fighting cat!"

"What? Are you sure? He looks too fat and lazy to fight!"

Muskers releases a series of angry mews at Franky.

Chopper speaks for Muskers. "You better watch your mouth, or I'll use you as a cat toy next-he says."

Franky is stunned for a moment, but then shrugs and accepts the notion. "Well, I guess we need all the help we can get right now."

Chopper nods, then looks to the robot. "What are you doing in here?"

Franky smirks and gestures to the machine. "Just going to borrow this baby for a while. Wait until you see what I have in store."

Chopper's eyes light up as he waits with eager anticipation.

Above deck, Usopp, Brook and the guard remain active on the front lines. After each impact from the Navy's cannon fire, they quickly reemerge from the wall and return fire. Usopp launches a several fire stars, successfully landing a few hits on the sails, and starting a fire on one of the ships.

"Nice shots, Usopp!" Tydus praises.

Usop smiles. "Why, thank you! That's why you should expect nothing less than the best from a true master." He thumps his chest.

Seconds later, a loud burst erupts from the Navy ships, sending what appears to be a hundred cannon balls straight toward them. Dismay and shock fall over the crew.

Usopp shifts his emotions, his fright overtaking him again. "Oh god we're all going to die!" He exclaims.

Tydus jumps in front of his crew. "Everyone take cover-now!"

As the guard runs behind the wall, the cannon balls impact with great force. This time, a large section of the wall is completely destroyed, sending several crewmen flying backward, and others into the sea below.

The guard gathers themselves, brushing the rubble away from their clothes and coughing dust.

Tydus struggles to his feet and looks around, bleeding from his head. "We...We won't survive another attack like that!" He struggles to stay standing.

Usopp prevents him from falling. "Tydus, you're hurt! You need to head blow deck and-"

"No! I won't leave. I have to...stay with my men!" He protests.

Usopp stops him. "You have to! You can barely stand! Don't make it worse on yourself!" He calls a crewman over to him. The crewman arrives and takes a hold of Tydus. "Get him to the hospital quickly!"

The crewman nods and lifts Tydus off the ground, taking him below deck.

Brook turns toward the Navy ships. "We have to think of something fast. We're in serious trouble now."

Usopp agrees. "I know. And the closer the ships get, the harder their attacks will become."

"Incoming!" A crewman calls out again.

The group turns toward the sea in horror, as they realize another line of cannons has already fired. A hundred more cannon balls are heading straight for them.

A spike of fear runs through Usopp. "Oh, crap! Too late!"

As the guard readies themselves for the inevitable end, a tall figure steps in front of them. Machine gun fire rings out as many of the cannon balls are destroyed mid air. The group lifts their heads to see Franky standing over them.

"Franky...?" Usopp wonders.

As Franky turns toward the crew, they can see that only the top of his body is visible, and his bottom half is attached to Aiku's giant robot. His legs connect to the robot's shoulders, with the robot's head set into his chest. The guard is stricken with awe.

"What the hell is that?!" Brook exclaims.

Franky smiles. "Sorry I'm late, guys! Had to give myself a few battle adjustments! You like it?" He shows off a few poses for the crew.

"What did you do to yourself?!" Usopp inquires, shocked at the sight.

Brook steps toward him. "Is that Aiku's robot?"

Franky nods. "Sure is! I call this one my-FRANKYTRONIC!" He displays a super pose.

The guard cheers him on.

While he is posing, the Navy fires off more cannons, relentlessly continuing their heavy attack.

"Look out!" One of the crewman calls to him.

Franky turns to see more cannon balls arcing through the air. "Damn! I haven't reloaded yet!"

But just before the cannon balls reach the wall, another figure leaps through the air. Furry black cat feet kick two of the cannon balls, sending them sideways into the others, exploding all of them together. Muskers lands on the deck in front of the crew, his big belly rumbling the ground with a big thump. On top of his neck, little Chopper sits and waves to them. "Hey guys!"

"Is that Chopper?!" Brook shouts in disbelief.

Usopp's emotions overtake him. "This has to be a dream!"

Franky chuckles. "No dream, my man! We're here to kick some marine ass!"

Brook turns to Usopp. "I have no clue what's happening right now. But this is awesome."

Usopp huffs. "You know at this point, there's no use arguing about reality. We've clearly passed that point." Usopp turns to Franky and Chopper, raising his hands into the air. "Okay Franky transformer and Chopper cat thing! Let's do this!"

"Super time!" Franky yells into the air.

Chopper pats Muskers on the head. "Alright, Muskers! Time to show them what you're made of!" Muskers roars.

"So what's the plan from here?" Usopp wonders.

"We're going to have to take them head on!" Franky insists. "They're too close now. I say we invade them before they invade us!"

"You mean we're going to fight on the ships?" Chopper wonders.

"That's right! We'll go ship to ship, and take them down before they can reach the city!"

Chopper pumps his hooves. "Sounds good to me! Let's do it!"

Usopp turns toward the fleet. "Well sure, but who's going to lead the guard with Tydus gone?"

Franky thinks for a moment. "Well, how about you Usopp?"

"Me?! I can't do something like that!"

"Why not? You're the most experienced Straw Hat we have here now!"

Chopper agrees. "That's true!"

Brook grabs his shoulder. "Do it, Usopp! This is your chance!"

Time slows around Usopp's reality as a sudden realization begins to dawn on him. He looks at the guard with anxious energy. "Me...? Could it really be me who leads them...? Is this truly my chance...? Do you mean...do you actually mean..." He thrusts both of his hands into the air and arches his head toward the sky, as tears flow freely from his face. "I FINALLY GET TO LEAD 8 THOUSAND MEN!"

The guard and the Straw Hats cheer in excitement behind him.

Usopp continues to cry tears of joy. "This is it! This is really it!"

"You can do it, Usopp!" Chopper calls out.

"Show'em how we party, bro!" Franky concurs happily.

"Just follow me, men! Captain Usopp will lead you to victory!" Usopp cries.

The group cheers.

Brook turns to Usopp. "So do you have anything in that bag of wonders to get us across to the ships?"

Usopp thinks, then realizes his does have one trick for this situation. "Ah ha!" He reaches into his bag and removes another big ball, this one green in color. "Here it is!"

Brook studies it. "What's that thing?"

"You'll see!" Usopp fits it into his slingshot, then pulls back and aims. "Been saving this one for just such an occasion! Special attack-LILY PAD STAR!"

The green ball flies over the sea for a short distance, then bursts into a hundred small green leaves. They expand in size as they fall into the waves, changing into giant lily pads.

"Nice!" Franky yells.

Usopp ushers his crew forward. "This is our chance! Come on-go! Quickly before they wash away!"

The guard swiftly jumps from the city, readying their weapons and hopping and dashing across the pads, onto the nearby ships. Franky follows, then Muskers and Chopper, and Usopp after. But just before Usopp jumps, he notices that Brook is staying behind.

"Come on, Brook, let's go!" Usopp orders.

Brook stands still, pondering some new idea. "Hm. I won't be coming with you for this one."

Usopp is stunned by this. "What? What do mean? We need all the help we can get right now!"

"Oh I know...and you're going to receive it. Trust me!"

Usopp hesitates, but then decides his trust in Brook is enough. "Okay-don't let us down!"

Brook nods. "I never do!"

Usopp leaps across the lily pads and joins the crew in their fight. Brook watches him go, then slowly turns toward the city. He gazes up at the main lighthouse and narrows his eyes confidently. "Time for a show."

End of Episode 7