Episode 10

"Aiku, stop!" Tiff calls out desperately, watching as Aiku sprints across the chaos of the docks and into the battle zone.

Lunya jumps to her feet and comes beside Tiff. "Come back! Aiku Don't do this again!"

Tydal runs up behind them and grabs their shoulders. "Forget it! We can't stop her now."

Lunya and Tiff turn toward him in disbelief. "What do you mean?!" Tiff argues.

"She's on her own path. We can't stop her now."

"But-"

"There's no time! If we chase after her that arm will destroy everything!"

Lunya and Tiff drop their eyes to the ground, pondering the desperate situation.

"All of us have a job to do right now. And that arm is ours!"

Tiff nods and faces Lunya. "He's right. We can't let our friends down. We have to focus on what's in front of us."

Lunya agrees. "And the faster we disable that arm, the faster we can help Aiku and Sky!"

Tydal smiles. "Exactly!"

Tiff turns and starts running toward the compound. "So what are we waiting around here for?!"

Lunya follows her. "Let's go!"

Tydal staggers for a moment. "W-what-hey, you were the one's waiting around!"

All three jog forward down the docks with all their might, avoiding stray bullets and cannon explosions as they edge ever closer to the base of the complex. Over their heads, the giant arm begins to raise itself into the air once more, it's mechanical hand angrily gripping the sword.

Tiff points up at the arm. "It's coming down again!"

"Not if we get it first!" Lunya exclaims.

Tydal then notices the sword already falling through the air. "There's no time-move!" He grabs onto Lunya and Tiff, pulling them sideways abruptly just before the massive sword crashes down beside them.

Pieces of the dock explode into the air as it splinters violently. Tydal, Tiff and Lunya use their abilities to float above the wreckage, avoiding any stray pieces tumbling across the waves. They locate a safe area of the dock and land heavily on the surface, catching their breath.

Tiff stares at the arm, watching it raise out of the sea once more. "Damn! That was close!"

"Too close!" Tydal adds.

Lunya rises to her feet gracefully with a look of confident resolve. "...Like I was saying, now it's our turn to strike!" She crosses both arms in front of her body, then forcefully spreads them outward, as her purple robes fill with vibrant white winds. Snow and ice swirl around her body. "Tydal, Tiff!" She calls out to her friends.

Tydal and Tiff position themselves into battle stances. "Ready when you are, Lunya!" Tiff commands.

Lunya nods and focuses on the giant arm, her colorful eyes freezing into white gems. "Right! Here we go! SUB-ZERO GAIL!" She calls out.

An extremely powerful gust of white wind blasts from her fingers, cutting through the warm air and shooting toward the arm. As it impacts, the white energy cascades over the elbow joints, instantly freezing components, halting the arm's movement.

As soon as the freeze is complete, Tydal and Tiff leap into the air side by side, readying their attacks. Tydal draws his sword and holds it high over his head, pulling the blue waves to the tip of his sword. Tiff draws her arms back as it ignites in flame. "BILLION FIST!" She calls out. With a rush of fiery energy, a huge fist cast in flames erupts from her arm, immediately impacting on the elbow. The combination of freezing cold and strong instant heat blasts the elbow joints apart, breaking off the lower arm, and sending the hand and sword falling back into the sea.

As Tydal flies downward through the air, his sword pulling a thin line of after behind him, he glances down at Lunya. "Lunya-how about some help!"

Lunya looks to him and instantly recognizes his idea. She turns to the side and holds one of her arms up. "Right-got it! GLACIAL BLADE!"

With one swift motion of her arm, her powers cast another freezing spell over the line of waves trailing Tydal, transforming the water into a thick icy blade. Tydal grins with joy. "Now that's more like it! TRY THIS BLADE BIG BOY!"

Tydal swings his sword downward, sending the full weight of the huge icy blade directly into the shoulder joint, completely severing the arm from the surface of the complex. The force of the hit is so powerful, it sends several pieces of the arm tumbling upward into the sky in a cloud of sparks and smoke.

Tydal chuckles to himself as he watches on in delight. "Now that's more like it!"

Tiff lands on the broken docks beside Lunya and grabs her arm. "Good to finally have to back!"

Lunya smiles at Tiff. "Been waiting a long time to do that!" Tiff nods in agreement.

Tydal lands next to them, his smile growing larger amidst the victorious moments. "Woo! Just try and slice anything in half now!"

Tiff and Lunya giggle to themselves and pump their fists in agreement, pleased with their display of force. "That's why you never mess with the Lighthouse Empire!" Tiff exclaims, pointing toward the wreckage of the arm.

Lunya comes beside Tydal. "Well, we secured that victory-but what's next? We can't get complaisant now."

Tiff steps beside her. "She's right, we need to keep moving! What's the plan?"

Tydal shifts his gaze to the last ship remaining in their fleet, still surrounded by enemy ships and pinned to the backside of the complex. He gestures to it and begins to run forward again. "There-the last ship! We can't let it be captured!" Tiff and Lunya run after him.

"Or destroyed! The crew is still on board!" Tiff adds.

Lunya nods. "That's right! I doubt they had a chance to escape. They'll need our help!"

"We need to hurry!" Tiff calls out. The three friends dash forward, heading straight for the backside of the compound.

While he runs, Tydal glances back over his shoulder, staring up at the top of the complex. "...It's up to you now, Sky and Aiku. I know you won't let us down."

On the roof of Tomb Aqueous, Sky and Fukitsu continue their ferocious battle. Their violent energies constantly colliding, sending shockwaves across the ocean and into the sky. Brilliant shades of blinding white and blue light burst through the clouds, fracturing the hard black stone of the roof's surface, as small pines of the compound begin to crumble and fall into the sea.

"SKY WAVE!"

"AURA BLAST!"

"SUN SABER!"

"BLINDING AURA!"

Endlessly Sky and Fukitsu call out their moves, taking turns bracing and attacking, their arms flying wildly in all directions, casting powerful spells. Yet with each blow, Sky slowly begins to realize how equally matched they are. For every strike, Fukitsu has an equal shield. And for every defense, Fukitsu's attack proves more powerful.

As they continue to trade blows, Sky can soon feel his energy weakening. His legs tremble beneath the weight of his enemy's powerful abilities. He struggles to maintain balance, breathing hard attempting to steady himself. After sending one more powerful attack at Fukitsu, Sky takes a moment to kneel and catch his breath.

Fukitsu notices this and laughs hardly, readying his next attack. "What's the matter, Sky? Lowering your defenses already?!" He blasts Sky with another wave of white energy, sending Sky skidding across the surface of the roof, choking on a mouthful of blood.

Luffy catches sight of this and growls to himself, but still trapped inside Fukitsu's aura bubble, there is little he can do but continue to slam his fits against the surface.

Fukitsu steps in front of Sky and raises his fist in front of him, preparing his next strike, white flames billowing from his clenched hand. "Looks like you've finally had enough. Tike to finish this!"

As Sky looks up to Fukitsu with shock and desperation in his eyes, the battle is suddenly unerupted by a large explosion behind them. Fukitsu swings himself around just in time to see Tydal's ice blade blast through giant arm. For a moment, Fukitsu stands frozen in shock, unable to believe the sight. Sky's eyes grow wide as he watches several large pieces of the arm fly through the air, then quickly fall back down, directly on top of them.

Realizing what is about to happen, Sky quickly jumps to his feet and grabs Luffy, just before the heavy pieces collide with the roof of the complex. "PORTAL!" Sky calls out. Second before the impact. Sky successfully portals he and Luffy into the air, where they remain for moment suspended among the clouds. They watch as the debris collides with the roof, sending puffs of dark smoke billowing into the sky.

Just then, Luffy's aura bubble abruptly disappears. As it pops, Luffy takes in a big breath of fresh air and coughs. "... FINALLY!" Luffy exclaims.

Sky looks him over in amazement. "Your bubble is gone!"

Luffy brushes himself off. "Yeah, and just in time too! I was almost out of air."

"But what happened?"

Luffy shrugs. "Don't know."

"Guess we must have beat him enough to cancel out his power." Sky stares down at the smoke o the roof.

Luffy pats his stomach. "I'm sure glad that's over-hey, got any meat? I'm so hungry!"

Sky can hardly stifle is shock. "Meat?! Luffy we're still in the middle of battle!"

"Yeah, I know. But I've been in there for so long I and haven't eaten anything yet!" Luffy protests.

"Luffy..."

"Not to worry! I have some emergency meat right here!" Luffy pulls out a large leg of meat from his pocket and begins to chomp down.

"Where did you get that?!"

"From my pants. You never know when you need meat." He chomps harder until the entire piece is gone. Then he examines his surroundings. "Hey, how are we floating up here anyway?" He stares down at his feet.

"I portaled us off the roof and made us as light as the sky, for the moment."

Luffy stares down to the roof of the complex. "Awesome! So is that evil guy dead or what?"

Sky examines the smoking roof. "I doubt it. He wouldn't go down that easy."

As if on cue, Fukitsu slowly reemerges from the pile of rubble, struggling to free himself of the heavy mechanical pieces. Throwing a large gear through the air angrily, he struggles to his feet once more, blood dripping from the side of his head. He wipes his brow and grumbles to himself, spitting a wad of blood onto the ground.

"Speak of the devil..." Sky remarks.

Luffy looks to him, then back to Fukitsu. "Let's get back down there."

Fukitsu looks up into the air and sees Sky and Luffy floating just above the complex. "Leaving so soon, are you? Well, allow me to assist you!"

Without warning, Fukitsu thrusts his arm forward, blasting another powerful wave of white energy toward Sky and Luffy.

"Look out!" Luffy yelps, unprepared.

Yet just before it can impact them, a familiar figure swiftly shoots up through the air in front of them. The figure of a lighthouse. After shielding them from the attack, it crumbles and disappears.

Sky glances around in confusion. "What...what happened?"

Just then, Luffy notices another figure standing among the debris on the roof. He cover his eyes from the sun and focuses on the figure. "...Hey, who's that?"

Sky follows his eyes and soon sees the other figure. As the smoke continues to clears, he realizes with great dismay, it's Aiku. "Aiku! NO!"

On the roof of the complex, Aiku stands determined and proud, her eyes blackened with rage as she stares down Fukitsu, ready for battle.

Fukitsu catches sight of her and releases a toothy grin. "Well, well...look who we have here. Decided to end your prison sentence a bit early, did we?"

Aiku remains silent, keeping her steely gaze locked on Fukitsu.

Fukitsu laughs and confidently places his hands on his hips, sure that she poses no threat to him. "I'm glad! You certainly have some courage and strength to be able to survive what I've put you through."

Aiku clenches her fist, as anger begins to heat her veins. "I've already survived hell. I know it well. Your words are meaningless to me. Now I stand tall. and I will prove my strength!"

Fukitsu smiles evilly. "Good! It will make your downfall all the sweeter." Fukitsu uses his aura energy to pull a piece of the arm's wreckage toward him, then blasts the energy outward, sending the piece flying toward Aiku's face.

The tattoos on Aiku's arm begin to glow brightly. Then, her entire arm transforms itself into steal. She stops the piece of debris as it reaches her body, and within seconds, uses her alchemy to disintegrate it. She remains unmoved and unshaken.

Fukitsu stands amazed for a a long moment, abruptly realizing how much of her power she had harnessed. He locks eyes with hers.

Not wasting another moment, Aiku suddenly shifts her feet and throws her arms forward. "LIGHTHOUSE DRAGON!" She calls out. With a mighty roar of wind, a huge coiling lighthouse spirals from her fingers. The top of the lighthouse molds into the head of a dragon with iron and glass teeth, shooting toward Fukitsu viciously.

Fukitsu attempts to aura-shield himself, but with his weakness from the falling wreckage, when the head of the dragon impacts him he is forcefully pushed backward. The maw of the dragon snaps down on him again and again, as Fukitsu struggles to maintain his balance under the weight of the crazed beast. As the dragon continues to snap, his figure disappears into the clouds of new smoke covering the roof.

Aiku watches on, ever vigilant of the situation, trying to keep her eyes locked on her opponent. She observes the dragon crushing it's jaws, as a sense of victory begins to rise through her. But just then, the head of the dragon is abruptly smashed down into the roof.

Aiku gasps and takes a step backward, listening intently as the silence settles in. The dragon was gone. She takes a deep breath and waits for the next action, unsure of what to do next. Finally, out of the smoky haze, another figure rises up into the air, towering over her. It is a figure in the shape of Fukitsu, yet stark white and radiating with a ghostly glow, growing taller and taller.

Aiku's finds herself unable to movie, stricken with fear as she watches a giant figure of Fukitsu loom over her with angry eyes. As the smoke around the base of the giant clears, she notices Fukitsu standing underneath him, hands clasped behind his back, smiling. "...What do you think?"

Aiku's body trembles. Her lips quiver. She attempts to calm herself, but this is a sight she was not prepared for.

Fukitsu chuckles. "Terrifying, don't you think?"

Above the complex, Sky and Luffy float together, watching the situation unfold. "What the heck is that?! There's two of them!" Luffy exclaims.

"Not quiet..." Sky comments.

Luffy looks to him. "Huh?"

Sky studies Fukitsu's body. "There's still only one Fukitsu. He's transformed his body's aura into a giant-a massive physical being!"

"How?!"

"I have no idea. But this doesn't look good."

"Will Aiku be alright?"

"Without us-no. Come on Luffy, let's go!" Sky flies down through the air toward the complex.

Luffy smirks and adjusts his hat. "Heh. Finally! Right behind you!" He follows Sky.

With a few lumbering steps, Fukitsu's giant comes in front of Aiku and stares down at her with cold, lifeless eyes, ready to destroy his enemy. Aiku's feet shuffle backward, her mind racing with possible attacks, but none that are useful come to mind. "...What can I do? How can I do anything? Sky..." She closes her eyes tight and attempts to muster all her courage, but spirit is wavering.

Just then, Sky and Luffy land beside her. She jumps, startled with the sudden arrival, but soon realizes who it is. "SKY! LUFFY!" She embraces her brother tightly.

Luffy looses his hat for a moment, but quickly grabs it and places it on his head again. "Yep! Free at last and ready to kick some ass!"

Sky holds his sister for a long moment, then grabs her face and looks into her eyes with a joyous smile. "Aiku..."

She fight off tears as she rushes to explain herself. "Don't say anything! I know what you're thinking. And I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have...I..."

Sky holds her face firmly, stopping her words. "Aiku. You are so brave. And so strong. I am so proud of you." Sky smiles brightly. Luffy does the same as he looks on.

Aiku's tears flow freely, impacted by the powerful words of her brother. "...Thank you."

Sky wipes her tears away and grasps her shoulders. "But now is not the time for tears. Now we have to fight. Together this time."

Aiku nods and pulls away from him, her stoic stature returning.

In front of them, Fukitsu laughs hardily, amused by the compassion. "Pathetic! All of you! Now face me and be judged!"

Slowly, Sky, Aiku and Luffy turn toward their enemy. Their eyes fill with resolve. Their bodies harden as they stand tall and proud, ready for the fight to continue, filled with new energy.

"The age of judges is over." Sky remarks, a chill in his voice.

"The age of pirates is here." Aiku continues.

"The age of freedom." Luffy finishes.

Fukitsu studies them, assessing the situation. Although his confidence is strong, he can feel a powerful energy emanating from them. A fierce light of hope. He shakes the feelings away and readies himself for battle. "Wise and unwavering to the last, eh Sky? Well. Let's test that resolve!"

Luffy slams a fist into his palm and crouches into his fighting stance. "Ready when you are."

The three friends stand side by side, primed and ready to face their fate against Fukitsu's gigantic tide.

Meanwhile, on the docks below them, Tydal, Tiff and Lunya continue to make their way toward the captured ship. It is trapped tightly by surrounding enemy ships, and held secure against the back wall of the complex. As they draw nearer, the enemy soldiers and sailors notice their presence and begin firing on them.

"It's safe to say they spotted us!" Tiff remarks sarcastically, dodging a few bullets.

"Let's get the party started then!" Tydal responds with a coy grin.

Lunya runs ahead of her friends and leaps into the air. "Leave it to me! BLIZZARD FALL!" She calls out, casting a powerful snow spell down on the first line of troops. The white wind rips through, covering every soldier in their path in a thick blanket of snow, immobilizing them.

Tiff dashes through to the next line of soldiers, thrusting her inflamed fist forward. "RAGE SMASH!" She exclaims, sending a bright orange ball of energy surging toward her enemies, blasting them in all directions like leaves in the wind.

Tydal follows her close behind, and before any more troops can assemble, he swings his sword forward forcefully. "WAVE ARC!" He shouts, creating and eruption of waves underneath the dock, splitting it apart and sending soldiers flying into the sea.

The three friends group together again and assess the situation. "Well, that takes care of the front lines." Tiff comments.

"But what about the ships? There's no way we'll be able to break through all of those unscathed." Lunya observes.

Tydal examines the enemy ships. "That may be true, but it's not like we have a lot of options here. We'll have to try."

Tiff shakes her head. "I have a bad feeling about this. We can't keep this up forever."

Just then, they hear a series of different voices calling to them from behind. With great surprise, they turn to see Zoro, Sanji, Nami and Robin jogging toward them.

"Hey! Need some help?" Nami calls out.

"It's the Straw Hats!" Tiff exclaims, a bright smile growing on her face.

Lunya holds her arms out happily. "You are most welcome!"

As the Straw Hats arrive in front of the, Tydal steps forward to greet them. "We certainly were not expecting you-I thought you were still fighting the drakens!"

Nami waves her hand dismissively. "Oh, those guys? Ancient history."

Sanji agrees. "Damn straight. We flame grilled those bastards."

"Except that part when you were getting your ass kicked as a paper swan." Zoro remarks.

"Shut up!"

"What?!" Nami wonders.

"Forget it! The point is, they're both dead and gone."

Tiff is shocked by this notion. "I can't believe it! They were two of the most powerful enemies the Black Sail Brigade has!"

Robin holds her finger up and smiles. "Correction-had."

Tydal chuckles with pridefully. "You guys truly are amazing!"

Zoro steps forward and draws his sword. "Look, the gratitude an wait! Right now we still have a job to do."

Robin agrees. "That's right. Where do you need us?"

"Anywhere you can be!" Tiff responds.

Tydal turns toward the ships and gestures to Lunya's vessel. "That ship is Lunya's, and it's the only one left standing. We need to free it and the crew."

Sanji takes a long drag from his cigarette as he steps next to Lunya. "Well then...let's go get your ship back, my dove."

Lunya smiles at him and nods confidently. "Let's!"

Sanji extends his arm, and the two run forward together into battle with clasped hands.

"Does he ever take a break?" Zoro grumbles. "Wait up!" He quickly follows behind.

Tydal faces Nami and Robin and pumps his fist. "Ready?"

"Ready!" Nami and Robin respond in unison.

"Alright! This way-"

Tydals voice is cut of by more voices calling out to them from behind. They turn once more to see several haggard looking men trotting toward them with weapons in their hands. Some with staffs, some with guns, others with Navy swords or simply planks of wood. The group readies themselves for another attack, but soon realize the men mean them no harm.

"Wait! Wait for us!" One of the men shouts to them.

As the large group comes to a stop in front of them, Tydal and Tiff suddenly recognize them as some of the prisoners that were once held captive in the Tomb. He cautiously studies them. "...You-you're the prisoners!"

One of the men nods to him. "We are! Some of us survived the plunge into the sea!"

"Thanks to you!" Another adds.

"I know it's a strange request, but please allow us to join you in battle!"

Tiff steps forward, confused. "You want to fight with us?"

"I don't understand." Tydal remarks, concerned and unsure.

The prisoners ready their weapons. "We owe you our lives!" "You saved us!" They exclaim.

The prisoner leading the group steps forward and extends his hand toward Tydal. "Allow us to join you in battle. We have no sympathy for Fukitsu, that's certain. But I'm a man of honor-we all are. And we'll fight for those we respect, especially now!"

For a long moment, Tydal, Tiff, Nami and Robin stand in amazement, looking over the group of eager men. Tiff and Tydal exchange looks, then an affirming nod. Tydal reaches out and shakes the man's hand with vigor. "You are welcome to join us, then."

The leading prisoner smiles and tightens his grip on Tydal's hand. "Thank you! We won't let you down!"

"Then follow us!" Tydal calls out, running forward into battle.

Tiff, Nami and Robin follow, as the gang of prisoners swiftly jogs behind them, ready to prove themselves, and provide what strength they have left to aide their new allies.

On the shattered remnants of the docks below the compound, Nami, Robin, Zoro and Sanji work together with Sky's crew, as well as the many prisoners who have joined the battle. Weapons clash, cannon fire roars, and emotions rage as they launch their assault on the enemy forces, attempting to free their last captured ship.

Tydal breaks from his battling to examine Lunya's ship, still surrounded by smaller vessels. "We're not getting far like this! The soldiers will just keep coming if we don't take out the ships!"

Bara agrees. "That may be so, but what can we do? We're stuck here!"

At that moment, the Straw Hats race past them, rushing toward Lunya's ship.

Nami spins her clima-tact and smiles. "Just leave that to us!"

One by one, the Straw Hats leap into the air as Sky's crew watches for a moment in wonder. When they come to a brief hover above the captured ship, each readies a powerful attack.

Sanji spins himself around and raises his leg high into the air. "Time to fire these fish! DIABLE JAMBE!" With a swift downward motion, Sanji's fiery leg cuts through the air, impacting one of the black sail ships. It is instantly set ablaze and severely fractured.

Following this, Robin gracefully falls through the sky beside him, with arms stretched out wide. "AILES GEANTES!" she calls out. Giant hand-wings burst from her shoulders, spreading out across the air and momentarily casting the ship below her in shade. "AND-SLICE!" With one powerful motion, she thrusts both wings down and through the enemy ship, exploding it into hundreds of pieces.

Next, Nami lands on the bow of one of the ships, readying her clima-tact for another ferocious attack. She flips it between her fingers and holds it high overhead. As the crew turns to look at her, bewildered, she grins coyly. "Hello, boys!" She detaches two pieces of her pole and places them in and x shape, then reattaches them to the top of her pole. "Does it feel a bit windy to you on this deck? CYCLONE TEMPO!" she shouts. Swinging the clima-tact forward, the x detaches and flies sideways across the deck of the ship like a giant saw blade, creating a violent swirl of wind that rips the wooden panels apart, nearly splitting the ship down the middle. The crew are sent flying in all directions, cast into the sea.

Finally, it's Zoro's turn. Hovering silently over his chosen vessel, he crosses his arms over his hips, grabbing a sword hilt from each side, and closes his eye to concentrate. "Two Sword Style...SWORD DRAW!" he exclaims. As the two blades are unleashed from their hilts, a bright blue wave of energy carves downward through the air. When it impacts the ship, the rays of light chime and illuminate, before completely destroying the vessel, splintering it until nearly nothing remains.

As the Straw Hats lands safely again on the docks below, Sky's crew looks on in amazement, unable to speak or react, completely taken with the display of sheer domination. Bara breaks the silence by jumping toward them, pumping his fists. "Yeah! That's how you do it right there!"

As Zoro returns his blades to their sheaths, a group of prisoners begins to gather behind him, cheering in celebration. "Wow, what a sight!" One shouts. "Yeah, it's not every day you get to see the pirate hunter himself unleash his attacks!" Another proclaims. "You're the man, Mr. Zoro!" A gruff voice roars.

Zoro turns toward them and suddenly realizes who they are. "Huh?! Hey wait-what the hell? Aren't you all the prisoners?!"

"Not anymore!" "We fight for you now!"

Zoro stands in shock for a moment, until Tydal arrives beside him. "I know, hard to imagine right? I can hardly believe it myself."

Zoro faces him. "They all agreed to fight for you?"

Tydal nods. "I guess there is honor among thieves after all."

Zoro examines the prisoners with a sight smirk. "I guess so."

Just then, Tiff rushes past them. "Come on! Stop standing around! We've got to get to our ship before more forces arrive!"

"Right!" Tydal responds.

Tydal and Zoro run after her, joining with the rest of the crew who are all dashing toward the ship.

"What's the plan after we get onboard?" Zoro wonders.

"We'll take her back out to sea-just far enough to be away from danger."

"And then what?"

Tydal glances toward the roof of the complex again. "And then...all we can do is watch and wait."

"What-we're not going to help them?!" Zoro protests.

Tydal looks to him with a stern expression. "I trust my captain. Don't you?"

Zoro thinks for a moment, then shares a confirming nod. "I do."

Meanwhile, on the roof of the complex, Luffy, Sky and Aiku stand ready for battle, as Fukitsu's aura giant looms over them. The luminous energy of the four powerful warriors pulsates through the sky, dispersing the clouds and vibrating the entire structure.

Fukitsu cackles as he observes his opponents. "Your confidence is foolish! I can feel your resolve crumbling before my might! Why don't you just give up now. Keep your honor. Save yourself the embarrassment of defeat."

Sky steps forward. "You're the one crumbling. Your fear is on full display with this monster you've created."

"You're afraid!" Aiku adds.

Fukitsu laughs dismissively. "If that makes you feel better, by all means, believe it. But by the time this battle is over, you won't have a mind or body to feel anything at all. I assure you, it will be quick."

"Yes it will." Sky agrees confidently.

As Sky begins to walk forward, his eyes filling with a blue glow, Luffy holds out an arm to stop him. "Hold up. I've got this."

"Luffy..."

Luffy keeps his eyes locked on Fukitsu, his stare deep and darkened. "That clown kept me locked in a bubble for too long. Now he's going to pay." He cracks his knuckles.

"You sure?"

Luffy nods once, his gaze cold and fierce. He walks forward silently, winding his arms up.

Fukitsu cackles again. "Very well, boy! Come be my first casualty of the day!" He raises his arms into the air and bellows a mighty roar. His aura giant mimics this, it's voice booming over the ocean. The giant begins radiating with new aura energy, gathering power from Fukitsu.

Luffy crouches into a fighting stance, his legs pumping, his body immediately glowing with a bright red sheen and releasing puffs of steam. He raises a thumb to his mouth. "Now...THIRD GEAR!" He leaps into the air as his body bulges rapidly. Both of his arms expand into massive balloons. "Armament hardening!" he calls out. Both of his gigantic fists are instantly cast in iron, the sunlight reflecting on the smooth surface. "ELEPHANT GATTLING!" he screams.

Fukitsu readies himself, smiling evilly and puffing out his chest. He throws his hands forward as the giant mimics his actions again. "GIANT AURA SHEILD!"

As Luffy screams and pummels the aura giant, the giant holds a strong shield of white energy in front of him, preventing Luffy from breaking through. Although Luffy's incredibly powerful strikes cause Fukitsu some concern, the giant is ultimately able to hold him back. Luffy seizes his attack and drops to the surface, panting and taking a moment to catch his breath.

Fukitsu grits his teeth, clearly affected by the unexpected rage, but manages to stand tall and laugh once more. "Had enough already, boy?!"

Luffy smiles and wipes his brow. "Heh. I'm just getting started!" He leaps into the air again, using his haki to slice through the sky, almost unseen. For a moment, Fukitsu looses sight of him, as he scans the air for Luffy's figure.

Suddenly, Luffy appears directly beside him. "ELEPHANT GUN!" With great speed, he launches another powerful attack at Fukitsu, who appears to be unprepared for the assault.

However, as Luffy's arm impacts him, dismay falls over the group as they realize it has passed straight through him. Fukitsu had summoned another aura double at the last moment, rendering Luffy's attack useless.

Luffy stands stunned as his arm retracts, angered and in disbelief. The aura giant then turns toward him and grabs his legs, dangling him in the air for a moment before hurling him across the roof. Luffy tumbles across the deck and lands beside Sky and Aiku, broken and bruised.

Aiku kneels down and holds him upright. "Luffy, are you alright?!"

Luffy coughs and sputters. "D-damnit! That giant is strong!"

Aiku returns to her feet and stares down Fukitsu. "...Okay. My turn now."

Fukitsu grins and crosses his arms. "Oh dear, did I hurt your feelings little Aiku? So fragile." He laughs. "Well, time to get tough! Try this! AURA-"

Before Fukitsu can finish calling out his next attack, Aiku quickly steps forward and clasps her fingers together in front of her. "LIGHTHOUSE TRAP!" she shouts.

In an instant, Fukitsu finds himself encapsulated inside an iron lighthouse just big enough for his body. His arms stick out from the sides, helplessly waving through the air.

"Whoa! HA HA!" Luffy exclaims, impressed and amused.

Sky looks to his sister proudly. "That a new one?"

Aiku smiles, keeping her eyes on Fukitsu. "Brand new."

"I like it!"

"Quick, open up a portal and-"

She is interrupted by the aura giant reaching down and grabbing the lighthouse. With one strong pull of both it's arms, it rips the iron lighthouse in half, instantly freeing Fukitsu. He falls to the surface and lands in a crouched position, grumbling and grinding his teeth in anger. "...I've had enough of this."

Sky steps in front of Aiku and Luffy protectively. "I agree. No more games." With an eruption of light, Sky releases the energy inside him again, as he ignites in blue flames.

Fukitsu rises to his feet and stares at Sky with excitement. "Good. Now we're getting back to business!" He unleashes his energy and erupts in white flames. "Time to perish!"

Sky grins. "After you, sir." He abruptly lifts both arms into the air and gazes into the sky. "Allow me to open the gates for you!" he exclaims. "HEAVEN SPIKE!" As his voice cuts through the clouds, a massive swirl of icy energy opens over his head, spiraling downward toward Fukitsu.

Fukitsu looks into the air desperately, unsure of the attack, and unsure of his defense. He staggers backward and lifts his hands in front of him. "AURA SHELL!" he calls out. Instantly, the aura giant casts a dome of protection over their bodies.

Sky allows a laugh to slip out. "Will that be enough to stop the freezing weight of the atmosphere?! Let's find out!"

As Sky thrusts his arms down, the spiraling energy over his head forms a thick spike of heavy, frigid air from the upper layers of the atmosphere, crashing down on Fukitsu like a massive blade. For a moment, the giant's aura dome prevents the attack, but the louder Sky screams, the heavier the spike seems to become, until finally the shield breaks.

The wave of energy streams violently down from the sky, cascading over Fukitsu and his giant like a waterfall, covering the area in with snowy, icy clouds. As silence falls over the rooftop, Fukitsu and the giant seem to have disappeared, yet the group remains cautious and ready for another unexpected attack.

Luffy jumps to his feet in amazement, holding his hat in place as cold air rushes over him. "...What was that?!"

Sky breathes heavily, recovering from the immense release of energy as his blue flames flicker out. "An attack I rarely use."

"Why not, it's so awesome!"

Sky smirks. "Because usually, it never comes to that."

Aiku turns to Luffy. "It sucks the freezing air down from the upper layers of the atmosphere. Then he makes it heavy like a giant spike."

"So cool!" Luffy proclaims.

Sky takes a deep breath and examines the icy clouds in front of them. "But is that it...?"

Aiku comes beside her brother and rests a hand on his back. "I hope so-you can't take much more of this."

"I'm fine."

"You're not fine! You're trembling. You can't withstand anymore of this."

Sky turns to Aiku aggressively. "I can, and I will! As long as you two are fighting, so am I!"

"Sky..."

Suddenly, a white fist bursts out of the clouds. Flames of white fire spread across the surface of the icy mist and melt the remaining clouds, until nothing remains except Fukitsu and his aura giant, shaken but unharmed by the attack. The giant, who had been protecting his master, unfolds himself and steps beside Fukitsu, ready for the next command.

"No way!" Luffy shouts.

Sky's expression darkens. "I knew it..."

Aiku jumps forward. "This is impossible! No matter what we do, he survives! We can't do anything else!"

Sky studies him for a long moment, then turns to Aiku and Luffy, his face wrinkled with determination. "...No. That's not true. There's one thing we haven't done yet."

Aiku faces him, confused. "Huh? What?"

"We haven't faced him together."

Luffy grins and chuckles, smashing a fist into his palm. "Heh. Now we're talking."

Aiku looks to Fukitsu, then back to her brother. Unwavering resolve returns to her face. She nods confidently. "Ready when you are."

Sky steps forward and grabs Luffy and Aiku by their shoulders firmly. "This is going to take all we have, understand? Every last inch of strength you have left. Don't hold anything back! If we do this together, there's no way he can shield us."

Luffy and Aiku place their arms on Sky's. "Right!" They shout together.

Behind them, Fukitsu laughs hardily, continuing to find amusement in the overconfidence. "...Plotting again, are we? My, my. I do admire your resolve, ridiculous as it may be. You have courage, I'll give you that. And I suppose that makes you worthy opponents after all."

Sky, Luffy and Aiku turn and face Fukitsu, bold and assured. "It's not our courage that gives us strength..." Sky corrects. "It is our faith in each other!"

"Speeches again? Spare me! Save your energy for the fight. You're going to need it."

"Don't worry-we're done talking." Luffy growls.

Aiku agrees and pumps her fist. "Time to end this once and for all!"

Fukitsu laughs. "Oh, little Aiku, how you've grown. But alas, this is the last day you'll see."

"Prove it, monster! I'm waiting!"

Fukitsu fills with unbridled anger and throws his arms into the air, erupting into white flames once again as he roars at the sky. Now cast in electric energy, he and his aura giant rush toward them, stopping and seething with furious rage.

Sky turns toward Luffy and Aiku. "This is it! Give it everything you have!"

Luffy nods and leaps into the air. "THIRD GEAR!"

Aiku leaps beside him, her tattoos glowing vibrantly. "READY!"

Sky gives Fukitsu and his giant one final stare, then joins Aiku and Luffy in the air. He hovers above them, the three friends forming a triangular pattern in the sky. "Spirits of the sky...HEAR ME!" He exclaims.

As Fukitsu and his giant arrive in front of them, they draw their hands back, taking in massive amounts of energy, readying a powerful punch. The air around them crackles and hums violently. "AURA-!" Fukitsu yells with all is rage.

Aiku holds one arm over her head. "LIGHTHOUSE-"

Luffy's fists enlarge and solidify in iron. He draws both hands far behind him. "GUM GUM-"

Sky folds his legs and calmly places his hands together, as if praying. His eyes burn with blazing blue light. "SKY-"

Fukitsu and his giant thrust their hands forward, cutting through the air like a bolt of lightning, sending a gargantuan, vicious wave of white energy careening toward them. "-MAXIMUM INFERNO!" he screams.

Aiku slices her arm downward, as a titanic lighthouse appears behind her, rocketing down through the sky. "-COMET!"

Luffy sends his two huge iron fists flying forward. "-BAZOOKA!"

Sky opens his eyes, the rays of brilliant blue light illuminating the rooftop. "-GOD!"

As the unbelievably powerful energies collide on the rooftop, the entire ocean shakes, as if a massive earthquake were ripping the land apart. Below, the Straw Hats and Sky's crew can only watch from Lunya's ship as the roof of the complex explodes with white and blue energy. The force is so strong a tremendous sonic boom pierces the sky, followed by the astonishing displacement of air, causing their huge ship to lean to one side as it is pummeled by strong waves. The crew holds onto whatever they can find, shielding themselves from the blinding energy.

After what seems like ages, the power of the attacks finally dissipates. As the crews on the ship rise to their feet again, they can only see smoke and steam billowing from the rooftop, the edges glowing with orange light, super heated by the incredible forces.

Nami covers her mouth in shock, her fingers trembling. "Oh my god..."

Tydal comes beside her, eyes wide with disbelief. "I've never seen such power..."

"Are they alright?!" Lunya wonders, gravely concerned.

Zoro glares up at the roof, remaining calm and unaffected. "Well, I think it's safe to say one of them isn't."

On the edge of the roof, Sky and Aiku kneel in pain, recovering from the tremendous release of energy. They breath heavily, holding themselves up with quivering arms, unable to move. Sky collapses from the sheer exhaustion, rolling to one side and withering into himself. Aiku uses the last of her strength to stagger toward him and collapses next to him.

"Dani! Dani!" She shouts, unable to call him by his new name in this moment. She takes hold and embraces him, attempting to hold him upright.

Sky wraps his arms around her and cradles her head. "I...I-I'm alright, Aiku. I'll be okay." He sputters blood.

Aiku begins to weep. "No, no! We need a doctor-right now!"

"Aiku, please. I'll be okay." He holds her face. She can hear that his voice is weak, yet strong.

Aiku nods through her tears. "Can you stand?"

"With a bit of help, maybe..." He aimlessly rises to his feet once more, as Aiku uses all her strength to support him. He then looks around for Luffy. "...Where's Luffy?"

Aiku glances around the roof but doesn't see him. "I don't know."

On Lunya's ship below, Robin steps forward and points into the air. "Look! What's that? Someone is falling!"

As the rest of the crew follow her finger, they can see a figure falling from the roof, yelling a familiar cry of help.

Nami runs forward and stops at the railing. "Oh, no! It's Luffy!"

Sanji jumps on top of the railing and removes his suit jacket. "Not again-that moron!" He turns toward Zoro. "Hey moss head, give me a boost will you."

Zoro comes beside him and unsheathes a sword. "Last time I'm doing this for you!" He places the flat side of the blade under Sanji's foot and flings him into the air. Just in time, Sanji reaches Luffy before he collides with the ocean, safely securing him in his arms.

As he swims back to the ship, Nami shifts her gaze to the roof once more. "Well, at least we know Luffy is safe."

"But what about the others?" Robin adds solemnly.

On the roof, Sky and Aiku stare down at Lunya's ship, watching as Sanji pulls Luffy aboard, spitting up water helplessly. "...Looks like Luffy is fine." Sky remarks.

Aiku faces the smoke and steam rising from the roof. "And Fukitsu?"

Sky turns to examine the situation. Sure enough, there in the middle of the smoke, Fukitsu lies on the ground motionless.

"Is he gone?" Aiku asks cautiously.

"Looks like it." He turns toward his sister as they embrace. "We did it. It's over."

"The power of friendship wins again." Aiku states.

Sky smiles and nods. "Indeed it does."

"I think it's safe to say we finally understand what it means to be a Straw Hat now."

Sky pulls her away and places a bloody hand on her face. "Think they'll let us join up?"

For the first time in a long time, a smile spreads across Aiku's face. She stifles a giggle. "You wouldn't stand a chance with Luffy."

Sky smiles and laughs softly. "I suppose you're right."

Aiku wraps an arm around his waist and leads him forward. "Come on, let's get out of here."

Sky stops her. "Wait, one moment." He removes her arm and walks back toward Fukitsu.

"What are you doing?" She follows him.

As Sky arrives in front of Fukitsu's body, he kneels down and removes something from his jacket. A gold watch with a matching chain and lighthouse emblem on the front. Their mother's pocket watch. He lifts it from the jacket and wraps the chain around his hand. Aiku comes beside him and suddenly realizes what he's holding. She bursts into tears as they embrace again.

"...Told you I'd get it back for you." Sky holds his sister tightly as she weeps into his shoulder. Sky looks at the watch, now stained in ash and blood, and caresses the emblem with his thumb. He gazes up to the sky and smiles. "...Hi, mom." He whispers.

As they share in this beautiful moment, the crew below on the Lunya's ship can see them standing near the edge of the roof. After confirming they are safe, many begin to celebrate, shaking hands, hugging, and slapping arms or shoulders with joy and excitement.

For one wonderful moment, all seems well in the world once again. Until...

As if rising from his grave, Fukitsu's body lifts from the ground once again. Startled and confused, Sky and Aiku swing around to see their nightmare return.

"No! It can't be!" Sky exclaims, unable to comprehend the situation.

Aiku's tears are quickly replaced with shock, as fear courses through her weakened body. She stumbles backward involuntarily.

Fukitsu stands motionless for a long moment, then slowly turns toward them. His eyes pure white, his aura beginning to radiate again. "...So, you thought it was over. Amusing."

"How..." Sky mutters, lost for words.

Fukitsu steps toward him forcefully. "Strength! Pure power! That which you do not understand!" He proclaims, his voice booming with restored energy.

"No..."

"I'm glad you're still alive, Sky. Because now, you will bear witness to that full power! UNLIMITED!" His voice shakes the complex as his body erupts in white flames. Sky falls backward and grabs Aiku, holding her tight as she trembles with fear.

On Lunya's ship below, the crew gather around the railing, quickly realizing something is very wrong.

"What's happening?!" Nami shouts.

"Is that guy still alive?!" Sanji wonders.

Tiff turns to Tydal. "He can't be-can he?"

Tydal and Tiff share a concerned look, then return their gaze to the roof.

Luffy smashes his fist on the deck. "Damnit! Let me go, I'll kick his ass again!"

Sanji grabs his shoulders and holds him in place. "Oh no you don't! You're in no condition-sit right there!"

Zoro steps forward and draws a sword. "But he's right, we have to go help!"

Tydal reaches his arm out to stop him. "Wait-" Zoro looks to him, confused. "Sky has got one more trick up his sleeve. You don't want to be up there, trust me."

Zoro studies Tydal's serious expression, then looks to the complex again.

On the roof, Fukitsu uses his last reserves of energy to set the area on fire once more. Flames of white energy surge cross the roof, blasting in all directions. Sky shields Aiku from burning blazes, covering her body as best he can from the ferocious electric waves.

In seconds, the flames spread down the surface of the structure, until entire complex itself is set ablaze, as if a log ignited by a fire. The crew below can only continue to watch in horror as their friends are trapped beyond reach, beyond help, as the inferno rages.

Lost among the white flames, Sky knows the situation has become desperate, and now, there is only one thing left he can do. He grabs hold on his sister's face and stares deep intto her eyes, his expression the most serious Aiku had ever witnessed. It was enough to frighten her. "Aiku! Listen to me...it's time."

Aiku's face fills with dread as she suddenly realizes what her brother is eluding to. The pain and turmoil of the situation is too much to bear. Her eyes flood with tears. She is unable to move or think.

Sky grabs her face tighter. "Aiku, now! We only have one chance left! Do you understand?"

Although she shakes her head in dismay, deep down, she knows the truth. It is time for her to act. To do the impossible. The unthinkable. The unimaginable. Their only chance left to live.

End of Episode 10