Hello everyone. Sorry for taking such a long time to update this world. I was busy with my other fanfics; nevertheless, it's here! Now please enjoy. Also, I love Kizaru and his glasses. He is the real admiral I'd like to serve under. But that's just me.
Now, the next update is as follows!
-The White Lion of the Red Keep (One or two chapters, not decided yet.)
-Boku No Overlord (One chapter.)
-Harriet Potter: The Demon Empress (One Chapter.)
See you all soon!
-Also, if you wish to follow me on Tumblr! You will see the next updates and artwork, or ask me anything about my works or what you'd like to see in the future, and get more news! As well as how to support me directly!
( paulythide . tumblr . com )
Chapter 9
The Straw hat crew found themselves standing outside of Shakky's Rip-off bar. A sense of camaraderie and excitement was palpable among them. After a brief exchange, they collectively decided to bide their time for the next three days until Rayleigh could properly coat their ship, the Sunny. Despite some hesitation from Galadriel regarding their journey to the mysterious New World, which she considered dangerous for the crew, Luffy remained determined to forge ahead. His unwavering resolve resembled an unmovable mountain or a stubborn mule who took no for an answer. Whatever it was, Galadriel seemed not to like it.
Galadriel shook her head. It was their choice, and she couldn't change it. She just hoped not to see them die so young.
"Here, take it," Rayleigh showed the Straw Hats crew a Vivre Card. "It should be easy to meet up again if something ever happened. Still, hopefully, nothing will happen. Nevertheless, be careful out there. The Navy will surely keep an eye out for all of you. So, try to keep your heads low."
"Easy said than done," Nami muttered while staring at Luffy, who was chuckling at them.
"Nothing will happen!" Luffy exclaimed. "And if something does happen, we are going to make it here in three days!"
"Well, it's decided, as long we just don't make spectacles of ourselves, the Navy should ignore us," Sanji added.
"That's the idea," Rayleigh smiled, watching the group with a big smile. Still, he noticed Galadriel's expression and admitted that he understood her concerns. The New World was on a different level, and Luffy's dream would undoubtedly clash with some of Rayleigh's old rivals. But the only thing he could do now was to believe that destiny would allow their survival across the sea.
"Luffy-chin! Everyone! Take care, and thank you again!" Camie added as Hatchan nodded quickly.
"I'm sorry I caused you so much trouble!" He said with tears in his eyes. "I can't thank you enough! Please watch out for any admiral!"
"Let's meet in three days so that we see you off," Shakky added as Luffy smiled. "Mm, Galadriel, dear, are you sure you don't need a Vivre card?"
"Thank you, Shakky, but I don't," Galadriel replied as she saw the reaction of the rest, especially Luffy. "I don't necessarily need it. I already have a trinket here, so I can teleport here if something happens."
Franky saw the strange little statue standing outside Shakky's door, a sort of totem with peculiar circles around it. "Is this... a sort of teleportation device?" He asked with intrigue in his voice.
"Mm, quite... but not really? Well, kind of. I can teleport here whenever I want. It's more of a portal."
Galadriel explained as the Straw Hats were in awe of her strange abilities. Although, it was not even the best teleportation spell in Galadriel's arsenal. Still, [Gate] was far better, but she didn't have the ability, and it worked differently from easy trinkets for teleportations.
"That's so cool! Magic is so cool!" Luffy squealed. "Hey! Join me! What do you say? Please?!"
Galadriel rolled her eyes at Luffy's careless behaviour. It was clear he would take a no of an answer. She knew that sort of person. Nevertheless, Galadriel's goals didn't quite link to Luffy's goals. Also, she was way above them, not only in terms of power but notoriety. It would be detrimental if she were to sail with them.
"Sorry, but no," Galadriel replied as Luffy reacted, just how it was expected of him.
"Eh?! Why not?!"
"I am currently in a precarious situation as I have caught the attention of the World Government and possibly even some of the Emperors of the Sea. If I were to join you at this moment, my heavy badge could jeopardise your safety and well-being. It is a concerning thought, as it could potentially have negative consequences for all of you."
Galadriel spoke again, this time staring at Luffy directly in his eyes. "I haven't changed my opinion, Luffy. I think your trepidation and stubbornness could very well lead all of you to an early grave."
Galadriel spoke clearly, stating to all of them why she didn't want to have a crew or be part of a crew and have close friends. It was a mental toll that Galadriel didn't want to deal with.
Robin saw the golden eyes and could see a reminiscence of her youth. The fear of getting close to someone. That horrible feeling of belonging only to be stripped away. It was something that some of the Straw Hats could sense. Nami saw it, too.
However, they also knew that Luffy's obstinacy was of the size of the Grand Line.
Luffy stayed silent briefly, which was quite a surprise, but then frowned angrily. "I don't care! You'll be my Nakama, whether you like it or not!"
Galadriel gave Rayleigh the dumbfounded face ever. "Why are they all like this?!" She hissed, referring to the famous D. stubbornness, which prompted Rayleigh to laugh out loud.
"You should simply give up, Galadriel," Rayleigh smiled at her. "You know, this is a battle you can't win."
Galadriel turned and gazed at Luffy's crew and saw in their eyes that, for them, she was already part of the crew. "Allow me to make an assumption. He is the type of person who refuses to accept rejection?"
"Yes, he is," they replied simultaneously.
"Not matter how dangerous it could be?"
"No," they replied again, this time with a tired sigh.
Luffy then chuckled. "It's going to be fine! If someone comes and tries to take you away, I'll kick their ass!"
Galadriel could see that failing miserably. But then again, if Luffy was the person who Roger was awaiting, it could very well be quite the adventurer. However, Galadriel had her mission and goal: to find Nazarick. And while having someone to explore would be nice for her, she couldn't decide if that would be a good idea or an ultimate waste of time. Nevertheless, Galadriel, as of now, had no interest in partaking in their journey.
"What about this? If you make it to the New World and don't die, ask me again, and I'll think about it," Galadriel replied, knowing that it would be enough to keep him quiet, and it was an answer that made Luffy smile.
"Okay," Luffy only replied while giggling to himself.
"Ah, also, I'll need to ask permission from my wife," Galadriel muttered, remembering she had to report back soon. Hancock could get worried. Still, hearing she was married was quite a surprise for the Straw Hat.
"Are you married?!" They exclaimed in shock. "You have a wife?!"
"Yes, she is Boa Hancock, one of the Seven Warlords of the Seas. Do you know her?"
Sanji's mind went into overdrive, just thinking of Galadriel and the so-called Pirate Empress, a woman whose beauty was acclaimed worldwide. What a beautiful couple.
"Boa Hancock, the Pirate Empress," Robin whispered, now wondering how the Lunarian ended up marrying the Kuja Empress. It seemed to Robin that the Lunarian Queen had quite the adventurer as well.
"Whoah, I didn't know you were married, especially to a woman," Nami said while Galadriel tilted her head.
"Is that a problem?"
"No! Not at all, just surprised about it!" Nami quickly replied, noticing quite the sharp look in Galadriel's eyes that promptly vanished.
"Well, keep it a secret. The World Government doesn't know," Galadriel muttered, awkwardly scratching her ear. "So, forget I told you that."
The Straw Hats were no strangers to hearing those words, having heard them one time too many. Despite this, Galadriel made the decision to venture out and explore the surrounding terrain on her own, given her distinctive appearance and the current presence of the Navy on the island. She believed it would be best to lie low and remain concealed for a while until she thought about what to do next.
"I'll be flying around. I am quite recognisable, so I'll be in my other form," Galadriel spoke before she transformed into a strange white owl, a pretty large owl, perhaps the size of a horse. "I'll check the ports. Don't get caught."
"Oh! You can speak!" Luffy, Chopper, Usopp exclaimed, surprised, before Galadriel flew away.
The Straw Hats waved at the flying owl, knowing they would see her soon enough.
"Hey... I want to go to the park," Luffy exclaimed happily.
"Forget about it!" The rest exclaimed. Nevertheless, their plans would soon come to a sudden end since, currently, arriving at the island, an admiral would make himself known. And not only him but a few more notorious pirates.
As Galadriel soared above the archipelago, she couldn't help but feel highly entertained by the chaos surrounding her. For an entire hour, she observed the fierce battle between the marines and pirates, with clashes echoing throughout the entire region. Evidently, many of the pirates would soon face imprisonment at Impel Down. Still, it was a test for many of them. The pirates who survived this purge would soon find their way into the New World. However, Galadriel couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the thought of something going on down there.
Galadriel could feel it in the air. Something was about to happen or was her usual negativeness.
Hopefully, the Straw Hats will be fine. Galadriel thought, wondering if the Straw Hats would have what it takes to survive the other half of the sea. Galadriel also pondered Luffy's invitation and felt it was the wrong choice to join them due to the gap in power and intent. The Straw Hats had their own path to take, and she wasn't part of it. Galadriel also feared getting attached to new people and betraying her old friends in Nazarick. No, that matters since they abandoned her and not vice versa. Still, it was too early to decide. Besides, Galadriel wasn't one to take orders from people just because.
Let's see what's in store for me. One can never be sure.
As Galadriel flew through the air in her new owl form, she couldn't help but ponder the limitations of the Devil's fruits. While her ability to fly and contort her head in amusing ways was undoubtedly entertaining, she couldn't help but wonder if there were more powerful capabilities to be discovered. With so many other potential skills at her disposal, it was clear that she had much more to explore and uncover. Only time would tell what other surprises lay ahead for her.
I have better eyesight, but that's about it. Galadriel was humming deeply when she suddenly heard a loud explosion. It was so powerful that it destroyed one of the giant mangroves surrounding the archipelago. That wasn't the work of a canon but something far more powerful.
"That... where it came from?" Galadriel muttered, using her sharp and detailed owl sight to watch below. She saw a man with a yellow suit and glasses, who seemed to be quite slothful in how he did things. However, Galadriel recognised him. "He must be Admiral Kizaru."
Galadriel knew that an admiral on the island would indeed make it harder for the Straw Hats to escape, especially someone with that power. Yet, while problematic, she could not deny the opportunity to test her abilities further and see if she could finally replicate Haki in her own ways. But first, she wanted to see what type of power Kizaru had. Mihawk and Hancock spoke briefly about his Devil Fruit, and from the sounds of it, that type of power indeed sounds powerful. Adding that to be an admiral, Kizarus' Haki should also be exceptional. But if she does recall, Hancock told her that Kizaru was quite the enigma sometimes—a sort of ambiguous man with his own little views on justice. What does that mean? Galadriel wasn't sure, truly, but she'll find out soon enough.
So, in her owl form, Galadriel posed on the corner of a building, watching from far away how Kizaru deposed the rookies as if he were taking the trash out.
Those pirates never had a chance.
Kizaru may look like an easy fellow, even goofy, by how he spoke or behaved, but deep down. Galadriel saw a man who cared little for the lives of those before him. Kizaru's lack of empathy was linked masterfully with his power. Perhaps it was unfair to say that Kizaru had no compassion; he was fighting criminals, after all. Galadriel knew that as much. So why should Kizaru show some compassion? They were criminals, after all. Still, there was a sort of randomness about the way he targeted the criminals. Some kind of, like he was giving them a chance to survive if they could, but no more and like throwing a dart in the night without even bothering to look at the target. Galadriel saw that Kizaru's view of justice was quite unclear—a fascinating individual.
Kizaru looked even more bored at how casually he pointed his finger and began shooting beams of light around. Galadriel just stood there, prostrated on the edge of the building, watching in some sick fascination about the mayhem the admiral was doing.
Maybe he is secretly enjoying this. Galadriel thought as she watched Kizaure about to end the life of the strange straw man she met early in the day. That was before a sudden sound stopped Kizaru. The Den Den Mushi has saved the pirate's life.
Destiny did not want you to die today. Galadriel thought, amused, recalling the conversation she had with him earlier.
"Oh, hello~? Hello~? Borsalino here."
"What the hell, Uncle! You do have a baby transponder, Snail! Why didn't you contact me!?"
"Oh? Sentomaru!"
"Don't. "Oh?" me, Uncle! I've been waiting for you all this time! We are late for work."
"I couldn't get a hold of you, you see... I don't understand how these snails work sometimes~."
"I explained it to you! Ugh! Whatever! Just get to work now! We have three of the pirate crews on the run. Which one did you want to get first? Straw Hat Luffy, Captain Kid, or Trafalgar Law?"
Kizaru hummed deeply. "What about the Lunarian Queen? Have we seen her?"
"Not a sight of her."
"My, my, Sengoku is going to be angry," Kizaru let a loud sigh. "Well, in anycase, now that you ask me about it. Let's go with the most problematic one. The Straw Hat crew has made itself an enemy of the World government; I think it is time to end their journey."
Galadriel frowned deeply at that conversation. Kizaru, then, vanished from sight. Yet, thanks to [Enemy Trail] she cast, Galadriel could sense where he was going, which allowed her to see a trail behind an enemy. Nevertheless, Galadriel couldn't let Kizaru meet the Straw Hats. Otherwise, they'll die.
"I don't think Rayleigh could stop him for long."
Galadriel was ready to depart before her skills activated and detected someone she knew too well appearing behind her. "Bartholomew Kuma, it seems your clones are causing quite the problem."
Galadriel said, turning around to watch the Warlord of the Seas standing before her. Kuma tilted his head, watching the Lunarian Queen in an owl form. But he shrugged it.
"Galadriel, I hoped you've met my associates," Kuma stated before Galadriel nodded.
"I did, your leader: Dragon, fascinating man. However, we agreed on meeting face to face soon on a later date."
"I see. That's good news, still," Kuma spoke quietly. "Kisaru will kill the Straw Hats if we don't do anything."
"Yes, he will," Galadriel tilted her head, watching the expressionless face of Kuma. "You're thinking of something, aren't you?"
"I am, yes. Something important is happening in the Navy. I don't know the details, but it is huge. Will you hear me? I don't have enough time."
Galadriel hummed deeply, wondering what Kuma was thinking. "Alright, tell me what you are planning on doing."
Kizaru and Rayleigh were facing off, and the old pirate was genuinely showing his skills with the sword and his age. Roger's pirate, second in command and Roger's first mate, was not a pushover, even at his age, but Kizaru was truly pushing him to the edge. Rayleigh's eye gazed at the Straw Hat crew and knew that he had to do something; otherwise, it would be the end of those younglings. Neither Kizaru nor him were using their full power just yet. But Rayleigh understood that if he wanted to save them, he would do just that.
"I guess I am not as young as I used to be," Rayleigh hissed as Kizaru almost scoffed at him.
"Stopping an admiral isn't enough for you? Then that leaves me in an awkward position, you know?" Kizaru muttered, a bit insulted by Rayleigh's words. "Just give it up, already."
Rayleigh quickly evaded his attacks before soon. He heard a whisper, a small voice he recognised swiftly recognised.
"Rayleigh is okay, and they are going to be saved."
Rayleigh recognised Galadriel's voice as suddenly, the Lunarian appeared out of nowhere, standing before him and stopping Kizarus' light sword with her own.
"Oh? Where did you come from?" Kizaru spoke, a bit confused and slightly stunned by the sudden appearance of Galadriel.
"I was always here," Galadriel replied before using [Arcane Sword] to push Kizaru away. "Old age is terrible, isn't it, Rayleigh?"
"Galadriel," Rayleigh only chuckled with a dry tone. "You're wounding this old pirate."
"The Lunarian Queen, Galadriel," Kizaru hummed deeply. "The World government wants you alive. You know this, don't you?"
Galadriel smiled at him. "Of course. Wouldn't it be quite problematic if you hurt little ol'me?"
Kizaru sighed deeply. "Please, give me a break. This mission is becoming quite the hassle," the admiral frowned, watching those golden eyes staring at him. Kizaru could feel that the Lunarian was different from the average rookie. In fact, he knew that if the woman could duel Hawk-eyes, hen she could definitely fight him head-on. "And here I thought this would be an easy walk in the park. Truly, what luck I have.~"
"Life is not a stroll in the park, young Kizaru," Rayleigh added with a hint of amusement.
Soon enough, they heard a loud scream. Galadriel glanced over and saw Kuma doing what he came to do—teleporting the Straw Hats away, separating them across the sea. As Galadriel stood there, she could hear the unmistakable sound of Luffy's cries, screaming at the sight of his crew vanishing away before his eyes. It was a voice that was filled with despair and pain, causing her heart to ache with empathy. She couldn't help but look away, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on her. Losing someone you care about was never easy, but witnessing that one could do nothing to stop it made the moment even more cruel and devastating. Yet, Galadriel allowed this to happen because she didn't want the Straw Hats to die.
It was a harsh lesson for Luffy to understand the level he was facing. They weren't ready for the New World, not one bit. And this was the only way for Luffy to realise it.
I hope you understand. Galadriel thought before looking at Rayleigh quickly.
"Rayleigh, trust me," she muttered to the old pirate. "He'll explain it to you."
"He? What do you mean?" Rayleigh whispered before looking at Kuma vanishing Luffy, too. Soon, the Straw Hats disappeared, leaving nothing but dreams.
Galadriel chuckled before looking at Kizaru. "You'll understand soon enough."
Rayleigh tilted his head before watching Galadriel approach Kizaru with a smile. Kuma's plan is good and all. But since he wants to play that role. I should also play mine. I need to learn what the World Government plans on doing on Marineford. If what he says is correct, and I believe he is. The Navy is gathering its forces for a good reason there. And I wouldn't say I like it.
Galadriel then vanished her sword and smiled at him. But before that, it was just a tiny experiment. In due time, Galadriel initiated a confrontation with Kizaru, albeit with the intention of assessing her capabilities to engage him on her own. Galadriel was experimenting, testing the waters, so to speak. A clash of Kizaru's luminous blade and Galadriel's mystical sword resounded in the air.
One made of light and another one made of pure arcane power. Rayleigh saw a gentle smile on Galadriel's face as she fought the admiral like a child who had just found a new game.
She is also like you, Roger. Rayleigh thought, watching the white-haired girl quickly fight Kizaru on equal grounds.
"Yasakani No Magatama!"
Galadriel saw a bright light emanating from Kizaru's fingers as a dozen lights came raining down on her.
"[Black Hole]" Galadriel raised her hand, and before her, a large dark hole appeared, sucking everything, even the light itself. That did make Kizaru whistle in surprise.
"Scary~! You're truly scary!" Kizaru landed on the ground, watching Galadriel's black hole suddenly vanish from thin air, following her command. "Now, I know why Mihawk had that wound on his chest. You're not like those pirate rookies."
"Thank you, Admiral Kizaru. But I am not a pirate," Galadriel smiled upon realising that she could hold her own against Kizaru, but she knew that she had not seen his full potential yet, just as he had not seen hers. Galadriel knew that Kizaru, like the other admirals, were on top of the food chain. But if she were honest. Kizarus' Devil Fruit would've made their fight way longer since Galadriel believed they share some characteristics. The same, quick, fast pace, regardless of how lazy Kizaru could be. If he wanted, he could be way faster with his attacks. "You're strong. But you don't try. It's like you're dragging your feet. Don't they pay you enough in the Navy?"
"Hey, give me a break. First Rayleigh, and now you?~" Kizaru replied, almost insulted. "I've been having a hard day~."
Above level 80, no doubt about it. Galadriel nodded to herself. The only downside of this assessment is that I can't be sure. He seems like someone who doesn't try too hard. Lazy even.
"I apologise. I didn't mean to insult you. You're powerful, and it seems that you don't want to destroy this island, which I also do not want."
Kizaru hummed deeply, scratching his chin. If he was honest, he wasn't genuinely bothered about the island, but Kizaru knew that the Celestial Dragons were still there, so he couldn't cause more destruction. Also, from what he saw, the Lunarian's strange Haki was on part with his, and also, the power she held was like anything he had seen before. So, if he were to take things seriously, he doubted it would've been an easy fight.
"Mmh, you're right, but I have orders to take you in," Kizaru stated before looking at the Lunarian, who chuckled before raising her hands up.
"Alright," Galadriel smiled, confusing both the admiral and the old pirate. "I'll go with you."
That was a surprise to both of them, especially to Rayleigh, but he saw Galadriel winking at him, and while anxious, he knew there was a reason for her to do this, hopefully, an excellent reason.
"Oh?~What the sudden change?" Kizaru asked, frowning deeply.
"There are two options: fight and destroy the island and die, or surrender and be taken to Sengoku. And I want to meet your boss, so for me, the decision is simple unless you want otherwise."
Galadriel smiled innocently, and Kizaru could feel as if there was an ulterior motive for this decision.
"Also, leave Rayleigh alone. The old man here is of no danger to you."
"I'm standing right here..."
"You're planning something, aren't you?" Kizaru leaned forward, watching those golden eyes of her.
"Perhaps, I have my agenda, but wouldn't matter in the end? I am willing to go with you to avoid a fight," Galadriel now stared back at him, challenging with her glare. "Or we can just go back to fighting."
Kizaru now saw the threat clear as day. "My, you truly make it a hassle," he sighed deeply. "Sentomaru, the seastone cuffs."
As Galadriel gazed down at the seastone cuffs that had been fastened onto her wrists, she couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue. Despite the common knowledge that such restraints weakened Devil Fruit users, she couldn't detect any discernible changes within herself. But she knew better than to reveal this to others, keeping her insights to herself and using them to her own advantage. After all, staying one step ahead of the game was always best.
"I'll contact Sengoku," Kizaru sighed as he guided Galadriel away. The white-haired girl then gave a brief glance at Rayleigh. It was a smile, a knowing smile that she would be just fine.
Rayleigh wasn't sure of what she was thinking but decided to trust her.
"Be careful, Galadriel," he whispered, watching her disappear.
The archipelago then became silent as a script from being a chaotic place filled with marines and pirates fighting each other. No more explosions or swords clashing, just peaceful. However, it felt like the eye of the storm. Things were soon about to change.
Especially since approaching the island, two pirate crews would soon make their presence known.
The next chapter is called!
-A three-front battle!