Hearing more cries of agony, Isuka lowered her sword, as she whispered.
" Civilians ? "
"Damn it." Ace groaned, hearing shocking noises. "The murderer must be over there."
Immediately, he saw Isuka start running towards the place of the battle.
"I must protect them ! Berkam-sama entrusted them to me! He entrusted the lives of the civilians of this island to me! I must protect them."
But as soon as she left the alley where she was, she felt Ace's arm wrap around her waist.
" That ... ? "
"Hold on." Ace advised her.
Then, turning his feet into flames, he used them as thrusters and leapt over rooftops.
"We'll go faster that way."
However, he felt Isuka start to struggle.
"Hey, get off me."
"Keep quiet, silly! Otherwise, we'll never be able to make it in time."
"Who told you I needed your help? There's no way I'm associating with a pirate like you."
"Hey, I'm trying to help you."
"Fuck you! Do you think I don't understand what you're trying to do? I'm sure you're playing good Samaritan just to get me to let my guard down! And when you have the chance, you'll attack to kill me! You pirates are all the same."
At that moment, a vein of anger appeared on Ace's forehead, who ended up being annoyed by Isuka's words. Finally letting himself land on a roof, he ended up grabbing the back of Isuka's neck, and slamming her hard against a chimney.
"ARRRRGGGGHHHH!"
"Waiting for you to let your guard down to try and kill yourself ? Hey, don't overestimate yourself! Even without my devil fruit, I'd beat you with no problem."
"SHUT UP! Stop pretending to be nice! Good pirates don't exist! And there is only one true justice in this world: absolute justice! A soldier would never allow himself to teaming up with a pirate! I'd rather you kill me than teaming up with you to capture that murderer."
Suddenly, Ace's fist hit her cheek. Falling to the ground, hand on her cheek, Isuka lifted her face to see Ace's angry face.
"BAKAYARO! What's your problem? Would you be willing to let yourself die rather than let me help you save civilians...just for a matter of pride ? "
" What ? "
"Absolute justice? Pirates...absolute evil ? Damn it, you really are stupid! If I was a murderer like you say, don't you think I would have killed you long ago? I've been doing my best to try to help you for a while now, but you're so blinded by your stupid justice that you can't reason properly! Why do you refuse to trust me?"
"Because…" Isuka started, as a tear appeared on her cheek, from the pain. "Because you're a pirate."
Hearing her, Ace growled.
"Tssss! If we give the title of lieutenant to a person like you, it means that the Navy has fallen very low! Do as you want! Me, I stop helping you."
Seeing him then leave, Isuka only stared at him, gritting her teeth in rage.
"Who does he think he is ? He's just a pirate ! I...I'm right ! And I know...I know Berkam-san would agree with that me! Because... Because..."
Suddenly, a new memory emerged in her mind.
Flashback
The sound of a punch was heard.
"STUPID GIRL." Berkam roared.
"OUCH!" Complained Isuka, as a large bump appeared on her skull. "But it's not my fault. "
"BAKAYARO! What took you to fight with a civilian? You broke his arm."
"But…his tavern was destroyed by brigands and you took it upon yourself to stop them! But when I went back, I heard him insulting you and criticizing the fact that you had taken too long to intervene. ''
Looking at Berkam, she declared.
"I understand he's angry that his business was destroyed but…you're the one who captured those brigands! He had no right to insult you. ''
Berkam hit her again on top of her head.
" Ouch ! "
"Isuka...the first rule of a soldier is always to protect civilians! And that, no matter the circumstances."
" But he ... "
"Shut up." Berkam ordered her. "You thought you could avenge my honor by acting like a stupid kid? It's quite the opposite. "
Suddenly turning his back on Isuka, Berkam pretended to leave. However, he heard Isuka affirm.
"According to Akainu-san, justice must be absolute! And he has always said that civilians must support us in all circumstances! It's a matter of respect."
"Akainu! Akainu! Akainu! You piss me off with that name." Berkam roared, turning to her. "What do you think? That it's with fear that you establish respect? Sorry, but compared to that jester, I have no intention of turning the Navy into a tyranny or becoming bastards of racists's doggie who think they are gods."
" What ? "
"Isuka...for you, what is a Navy soldier, vis-à-vis the people?"
"Huh...he's a hero."
Staring at her for a few seconds, Berkam finally affirms.
"When he manages to protect the population by arresting a pirate or a brigand, a soldier will always be acclaimed by the population! But, on the contrary, when he loses a battle, he will always be insulted! Do you understand? A soldier who was hailed as a hero the day before, could very well be the source of ridicule the next day! It's unfair, but that's the way it is! Nevertheless, one thing is certain."
Approaching Isuka, he tapped her forehead several times with his finger, while declaring.
"Even if the civils hate him, a soldier's job is to protect them! That's the only reason a good soldier joins the Navy, and no matter what people say or think of him, he will accomplish his missions or chores with conviction and with a smile! And even for that, you must ally yourself with a pirate. "
"A.. A pirate? Don't be ridiculous! Why should I partner with a pirate to...?"
A third punch hit the top of her head.
"I've already told you, haven't I? There are pirates who have a much purer heart than many of the soldiers I've known! Listen, Isuka, I'm not asking you to blindly believe the first pirate who would like to become your ally! I'm just asking you to assess the situation and ask yourself if his help could not be precious! Because, what's wrong with being an ally? with a pirate, if it allows you to save civilians?"
Going away then, he finished.
"In my eyes, even if you ally yourself with a pirate, you'll look a lot more like a vigilante, than trying to brawl with civilians over some stupid insult on my behalf."
END FLASHBACK
Opening her eyes, Isuka heard new screams from the area where carnage seemed to be taking place. She was still far away and a few minutes would surely pass before she could access it. Turning her face, she saw Ace about to jump off the roof. Flexing his legs, Ace was about to let himself down to the ground, when he heard.
" Please, help me. "
Suddenly stopping, he turned to see Isuka, bowing in front of him.
"I hate pirates! I hate them! But...I have to protect the civilians of this island."
Raising her face, she implored Ace.
"Help me, to protect them, I beg of you."
Staring at her for a few moments, Ace began to growl, before turning his body into a torrent of fire. Seeing the flames flying towards her, Isuka got scared. Yet, surrounding her, the flames took on the appearance of an arm, while Ace grabbed the lieutenant by her waist.
"Was it really difficult to ask for help? On the other hand, in exchange, I would like you to help me pay the bill at the inn where I ate."
Thinking he knew what he was talking about, Isuka affirmed.
"Arrest this murderer and I'll buy a meal."
" Deal. "
Launching himself over the rooftops again, Ace quickly accelerated from the battlefield, while slaloming between the chimneys. Suddenly he heard Isuka ask him.
"By the way...why do you want to help me?"
"Huh? Does it really take a reason to save innocent lives?"
Rushing at the civilians, Berkam swung his huge fist to punch a man in the face and pulverized his skull. Falling backwards, the man was then violently trampled under the foot of the former commodore. With his fists and clothes turning completely scarlet, while a large amount of foam came out of his mouth, Berkam truly looked like a raging beast, who was thirsty for blood.
Being on top of a roof, Monet was filming him, while he was surrounded by several corpses of civilians and soldiers he had just killed. Seeing this, Caeser laughed.
"Wonderful! Simply splendid! It's already been three hours under the influence of Cezare and look at the result! Before the end of the day, Kusuri Island will soon be nothing more than an island full of corpses! SHIRORORORO! "
Groaning, Berkam eventually heard the sound of sobbing. Turning, he saw a woman, holding a five-year-old child in her arms, while the pair sat on the ground, paralyzed with fear. Looking down, they looked at the corpse of the man who was under Berkam's foot. Sobbing, the little boy stuttered.
" Da ... Daddy ... "
With a single grunt, Berkam walked towards them. Seeing him do this, the young mother managed to get up, before positioning herself in front of her son. Even though she was shaking with fear, she begged.
"Ber...Berkam-san...please! Spare my son's life! I beg you."
In response, the former commodore's hand gripped her neck and the soule went above the ground. Feeling strangled, the young mother gesticulated while trying in vain to free herself.
"BERKAM-SAN ... BERKAM-SAN ..."
Suddenly, Berkam's second hand landed on her head and, exerting superhuman strength, the former commodore began to twist her head backwards, at the risk of breaking her neck. Immediately, the woman screamed in pain.
"AHHHHHHHHHHH! BERKAM-SAN! PLEAAAAASSSEEEE! BERKKKAAAAMMMM-SSSAAAAA ..."
Suddenly, an awful cracking noise was heard. Still sitting on the ground, the young boy saw his mother stop moving, while her head lolled to the side, as Berkam had just snapped her neck.
" Mommy ? "
Throwing the corpse away, Berkam ended up letting out a loud scream. Then, with a clenched fist, he charged the boy to kill him too.
"NOOOO!" he shouted.
Suddenly, falling from the sky, a column of flames appeared in front of the murderer and his victim. And, before Berkam could react, a fist came out of the flames and hit him so hard in the face that his body flew until he hit the wall of a dwelling, which collapsed. Seeing the murderer's body disappear under the debris, Ace let his body take its initial form, while Isuka appeared behind him. Looking around her, the lieutenant had no trouble seeing the corpses of the parents of the child that Ace had just saved, as well as the other victims of the murderer.
Gritting her teeth, Isuka immediately grabbed her sword, before pointing it towards the place where the murderer's body had disappeared.
"That bloat...I'm going to whack it."
" Calm down. " Ace advised her. "Anyway, I had to knock him out."
Nevertheless, the pair heard a loud scream, coming from the pile of debris. Then, a phenomenal force ejected the rubble around the combat area, while a huge figure rose to its feet. Seeing Berkam's body, Ace affirmed.
"He's scary! Looks like a real beastman."
For her part, Isuka remained silent. However, hearing her sword fall to the ground, Ace turned to her, to see her gaping, as if she had just seen a ghost.
" Hey, how are you ? "
Ignoring Ace, Isuka just stared at the man in front of her. She thought she was wrong. No, she wanted to be wrong. She hoped that the person facing her was not the person she thought. Yet, anyone on this island knew full well who he was.
" Ber ... Berkam-san ? "
"Huh?" Ace wondered. "Wait, wasn't he the one...?"
Suddenly, jumping towards Isuka, Berkam tried to crush her under his huge fist. Yet, despite the danger, the young woman remained completely still.
"Berkam-san..." she repeated.
"BAKA!" Ace roared, kicking her, knocking her out of the man's path.
Hitting into the void, the murderer roars, before turning to Ace. Again, he clenched his fist before punching him. Nevertheless, his hand went through Ace's body and he quickly felt his skin burned, just like his flesh.
"AHHHHHHHHH!"
Showing a stoic gaze, Ace let his flames cover his fist.
"Do you want to play? We're going to play! HIKEN !"
Hit Berkam's abdomen, Ace's fist burned all of his organs, before ejecting him again against a wall, which he crossed. The huge noise produced by the impact eventually snaps Isuka out of her trance.
"Portgas...why did you do that?"
"Huh? Didn't you realize he was the murderer?"
"The murderer?" Isuka repeated. "No, that…that's not possible! I…it might have been Berkam-san but…I'm sure someone is manipulating him."
"Manipulate him?"
Suddenly, another roar was heard. Getting back on his feet, Berkam rushed back to the duo. Immediately, Isuka ran towards him.
"Berkam-san! Please! Stop."
With a single punch, Berkam knocked her out of the way, before moving on to hit Ace.
" It's useless. " The pirate retorted, about to turn his body into flames.
Nevertheless, striking his abdomen, Berkam managed to touch him, and made him spit saliva. This time, it was Ace who found himself ejected backwards. Feeling his back hit the ground, he rolled several times, before finally stopping. Seeing him stay on the ground, Berkam made a big jump, before falling on Ace's abdomen.
Opening his eyes, the pirate veered off course and felt the ground shake as Berkam hit the ground. Turning to him, the former commodore tried to hit him again. However, his feet got stuck in the ground. Noticing this, Ace counterattacked.
" HIBASHIRA ! "
Immediately, he created a column of fire that made Berkam's body disappear, before creating a violent explosion, which forced Monet to step back
Still seeing the fight, Doctor Frank looked skeptical.
"The fight seems to be over already."
"Tssss! Don't underestimate the power of my creation." Caesar retorted. "You haven't seen the power of the Cezare yet."
Letting the smoke disappear from the combat area, Ace saw the charred body of Berkam, in front of him.
"If someone manipulates his mind, I think that's enough to make them come to their senses."
Cautiously, he approached Berkam's body, before touching it with the tip of his foot.
"Hey, can you hear me?"
Remaining motionless at first, Berkam finally opened his eyes. Then, his hand gripped Ace's foot. Startled at first, Ace attempted to turn her leg into flames, but was unable to free herself from Berkam's grip.
"Damn it! This guy...is he able to...?"
Standing up, Berkam gripped Ace's face with his second hand to immobilize him. Then, he sent his knee hitting his abdomen with force. This time, Ace spat blood on impact.
"How can this guy still be so powerful when his whole body is damaged? I feel like he doesn't feel pain."
Nevertheless, not being defeated, Ace pointed his fingers at Berkam's face, before creating fire projectiles.
" HIGAN ! "
Hit at eyes level, Berkam roars before taking a step back, while letting go of Ace. Taking advantage, the man did a back pirouette to increase the distance between them. Then, passing his hand under his nose, he discovered that blood was flowing from one of his nostrils.
"This guy...he's not an amateur."
Managing to get up, to watch the fight, Isuka cried out.
"Ace...Berkam-san is able to..."
"I know." Ace assured her, staring at the former commodore. "The haki! Still, that doesn't explain why he can take so many of my attacks without seeming to take much damage."
Looking at his eyes, which were devoid of pupils, he wondered.
"Is he being manipulated by someone? Or is he under the influence of a drug? Tsss! If even my attacks are unable to bring him to his senses, I don't know what to do . "
Again, Berkam rushed at him. Turning his body into flames, Ace disappeared and reformed on the roof of a dwelling. Then, aiming at Berkam, he created a column of fire.
" ENKAI ! "
Seeing the flames rushing towards him, Berkam stood still. Yet he finally bent his legs and propelled himself toward the column of fire before disappearing inside.
" What ? "
Leaving his body to be completely charred again, Berkam eventually emerged from the flames to appear in front of her. Thus, Ace could understand the real power of the Cezare. The drug which made it possible to multiply the power of the person who ingested it and which was also able to make the pain disappear, even if the organism was damaged. If Berkam was still standing, it was only thanks to Cezare.
Seeing him in front him, Ace directed his foot towards his face. But Berkam protected it with his arm. Then, grabbing Ace's leg, he spun like a top, before throwing Ace, who flew until he hit a house.
Hearing the impact, Isuka remained motionless. She still couldn't figure out what was going on.
" Why ? "
Looking at the place where Ace had disappeared, Berkam remained motionless for a few moments. Finally, thinking of the most important, he tried to find a living person who could give him what he was looking for. Immediately, his gaze fell on Isuka. Seeing him approach her, the lieutenant doesn't know how to react. Finally, she says.
"Ber...Berkam-san...it's me! Isuka! Do you recognize me?"
A growl was hes only response.
"I...I have been your disciple for many years! You have taught me so many things! If I have become what I am, it is thanks to you."
Berkam just kept on going. And, seeing him remain silent frightened Isuka, who ended up backing down.
"Berkam-san... please! Tell me what's going on."
In response, Berkam tried to hit her. Jumping to the side to avoid his fist, Isuka saw him pulverize the ground. Berkam was not holding back his strength. He was trying to kill her.
" Why ? Berkam-san, why ? "
Another punch went towards her. Also managing to dodge it, the lieutenant finally grabbed her sword and pointed it at Berkam.
"If you continue, you see me having to stop you."
Ignoring her words, Berkam rushed at her. Gritting her teeth, Isuka imitated him, and aimed her sword at him. Yet, looking at her mentor's face, the girl couldn't help remembering the memories she had with her childhood hero. And, because of that, she suddenly lowered her weapon.
" Berkam-san ... please. "
Berkam's fist hit her in the face and knocked her to the ground. Face bloodied, Isuka lay on the ground, half-unconscious. Motionless, she eventually felt moistened as she began to sob.
" Why ? "
For only answer, Berkam raised his foot to try to crush her. Nevertheless, a bullet hit his forehead.
"ARRRRRRGGGGGHHHH!" He roared, before looking ahead.
Having firearms, several soldiers were aiming at him.
"Berkam...in the name of the Navy, you are under arrest! Please surrender without resisting."
Simply growling, Berkam scratched his forehead and finally pulled out the projectile that had flattened against his skull, barely scratching him. Then seizing a large stone, he aimed at the soldier who had shot him and launched his large projectile. Before he could react, the man's head was hit by the stone, and he collapsed on the ground, under the frightened eyes of his comrades.
" Pu ... PULL ! "
Immediately, explosions were heard. Feeling the bullets hit his body, Berkam groaned again, as some managed to pierce his body. Yet, despite these wounds and those inflicted by Ace, he rushed at the soldiers before beginning to attack them.
Still on the ground, Isuka barely understood what was going on around her, as she tried to understand why she hadn't defended herself against Berkam.
"He killed civilians! He's the murderer! He's the one I have to stop! So why did I let him hit me?"
Again, she thought back to all the years she had spent in the Navy. Berkam had always been a perfect mentor. He was stern but fair. And these many advices had often changed the judgment that Isuka could have.
"Berkam-san…what should I do? What should I do?"
FLASHBACK
"Perfect!" rejoices a man.
Looking at a crate full of bags of drugs, he smirked as he turned to a man behind him.
"Your plan was brilliant, Deko! Killing traffickers to steal their wares! With what we just found, we can sell this for a big fortune."
Behind him, the so-called Deko simply smiled at him, while declaring.
"That's the idea! But, there's just one last detail to settle."
Pulling out his sword, he suddenly pierced his comrade's back. Wanting to scream in agony, the man felt Deko's hand on his mouth, forcing him to remain silent.
"Sorry my friend! But I think I'll keep this money for myself! Hope you don't mind."
Finally, seeing him fall to the ground, Deko then grabbed the crate.
"The others are probably not far away! Better hide it somewhere and come back for it later."
" Deko ? "
"Huh?" A man asked, turning around.
Being behind him Isuka, who had just joined the Navy for a few weeks, saw the man with whom Berkam had put her in a duet to carry out her patrols. Being on a mission to stop a group of drug traffickers, the young girl had been separated from the rest of the team, wanting to pursue someone. And, when she had finally found Deko, she had seen him kill another soldier.
Looking frightened, Isuka finally backed off.
" Why ? "
Looking at her, Deko finally heaved a weary sigh.
"Too bad! If you hadn't come here, you wouldn't have seen anything."
Putting down his crate, he ends up grabbing his sword, while declaring.
"Now I'm going to have to kill you."
Continuing to back away, Isuka ends up following suit. Nevertheless, her hands trembled. Staring at Deko, she remembered his charming smile when he introduced himself to her.
"I... I thought we were friends."
"I do! But money is my best friend! I hope it doesn't make you jealous."
Then, he ran towards Isuka to kill her. Raising her sword, Isuka wanted to defend herself. Nevertheless, she felt unable to attack someone she considered her friend.
" Stop, please. "
Suddenly, the blade stopped near her face.
"What...?" Deko wondered, stunned.
Gripped his sword, a huge hand had managed to stop it, despite the fact that this action badly injured his palm. Raising his gaze, Deko groaned in fear, recognizing Beerkam, who had positioned himself in front of him.
" Berk ... ? "
Not even having time to finish speaking, Deko felt the man's point hit his stomach. Remaining motionless for a few seconds, Deko finally collapses to the ground. A single punch had sufficed to bring him down. Now crouched down, Isuka watched as Deko collapsed. Then, trying to get to her feet, she stuttered.
"Commodore Berkam, I... Thank you!"
Turning to her, Berkam grabbed her by her collar before slamming her against a wall.
"BAKAYARO! What were you waiting for?"
" WHAT ? "
"That man was trying to kill you! And you were planning on standing still and hoping he would spare you? Are you stupid?"
Throwing Isuka to the ground, Berkam roared.
"Never hesitate again! If someone wants to kill you, attack him! The next time you hesitate, I'll make you regret it."
END FLASHBACK
Screams were heard as Berkam beat the soldiers. And despite the fact of targeting him with fire, the soldiers saw their projectiles hit him, without having the slightest effect on him.
"Why? Why doesn't it fall apart?"
Dashing at them, Berkam hit them with his outstretched arms, before throwing them backwards. He dominated the fight. Yet despite this, he still couldn't find what he wanted. Enraged, he decided to carry out a new carnage. However, a stone hit the back of his head. Turning around, he saw Isuka, behind him, holding her saber and struggling to get up. Yet, despite her trembling legs, she declared.
"Berkam...this time I won't hesitate! If you really are a murderer, I will fight you, and I will arrest you in the name of justice.
Who will join Luffy's crew?
Before Shells Town: Raynare - 38 million - (Highschool DxD) / Lucy Heartfilia (Fairy Tail)
Arc Shells Town: Roronoa Zoro - 60 million -
Kuro Arc: Usopp
Arc Baratie: Sanji / Gin - 32 million -
Arlong Arc: Nami/Johnny/Yosaku
Drum Arc: Chopper
Alabasta Arc: Nico Robin / Eevee (Pokemon) / Bruno -52 million- (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure) / Nefertari Vivi -25 million- / Menma (Anohana)
Skypiea Arc: ? /? /?
Arc Enies Lobby: Franky
Arc Post Enies-Lobby:?
Thriller Bark Arc: Brook
Punk Hazard Arc:?
Tesoro Arc:?
Dressrosa Arc : ? /?
Wano Kuni Arc: Jinbei /?
Post Wano Kuni Arc: ? /?
Arc Battle Teach :?
With other characters:
Buggy: Alvida - 21 million-, Magi - 29 million (OC), Bull (OC), Kuro - 37 million -, Morgan - 17 million -, Megumim - 105 million (Konosuba), Zala (Miss Doublefinger) -35 million, Babe (Mr 4) - 3.2 million, Drophy (Miss Merry Christmas) - 14 million, Willy - 20 million, Needless - 57 million
Arlong: Syra (OC)
Milhawk: Alice (OC)
Wapol: Musshuru
Crocodile: Noscula (OC), Mr 6 (OC), Miss Halloween (OC)
Garp: Sakura (Zombieland Saga); Jin (My Hero academia); Emma (The Promised Neverland)
Enel: Hunter J. (Pokemon), Zancrow (Fairy tail), Pit ( Kid Icarus ), Pokemon ( 53 )
Im: Light Yagami (Death Note)
Cobra: Neni (M. 9)
Wiper : Ayoho ( OC )
Sengoku: Shinichi Kudo (Detective Conan)
Kaido : Doctor Frank ( OC )
Shanks: Nana Shimura -840 million- (My hero academia), Utsuro -970 million- (Gintama)
Individual: Reiner ( Shingeki no kyojin ), Garou (One Punch Man), Babidi (DBZ), Orochimaru (Naruto); Mirko (My hero Academia), Samus (metroid), Team Rocket (Pokemon), Velvet Crowe, Akoya Seishu ( Kengan Ashura), Hiyama Shunka ( Kengan Ashura), Black Knights (Code Geass), Suzaku Kururugi (Code Geass), Elsa Granhiert (re: zero)
Gold D. Roger (formerly): Igneel - 1.380 billion - (Fairy Tail), Acacia (Toriko), Bardock (Dragon ball Z), Hiruzen Sarutobi (Naruto), Utsuro - 970 million (Gintama), Nana Shimura - 840 million ( My Hero Academia), Magi ( OC )
Xerec (formerly): Aizen (bleach)