The Sealed Dragon

Kaidou was dead.

When those words were first spoken, most people didn't believe them. Claims like that had been made before, and they inevitably were proven wrong, often by Kaidou himself. As such, when people heard them, they dismissed them, and expected news to break in the coming days that he was still alive and well.

But one day past, and the news didn't come. Then two days past, and the new still didn't come. Inevitably, an entire week came and went, and no reports of Kaidou's survival were confirmed. People began to truly wonder if those might've been true, and soon enough, the week turned into a month, and there was no other conclusion to make. Kaidou truly was dead.

There were always people whose activities received a lot of attention, simply by virtue of who they were. People who's actions and movements were subject to constant attention and surveillance, because said actions and movements had a tendency to have lasting consequences for many others. The Four Emperors were the most prominent cases of that, and indeed, word was echoing across the world across every sea and body of water: the King of the Beasts was no more. It would soon be news everyone would hear, and that wasn't good for the World Government.

Confirmation had only recently come just come in about the report, and how it was accomplished wasn't entirely known; the WG knew he had taken up residence in Wano, occupying the country for some years now, but beyond all that, the details were sketchy at best. There were reports, rumors more accurately, that the Whitebeard Pirates were sighted in that region as well, and there were also reports that Whitebeard had claimed the island as his territory. Whether or not that meant the man himself has been involved in the affair, or was even the one who killed Kaidou, was up in the air. Those were all just a few of many unknowns about how Kaidou had died.

Ultimately, it didn't matter, though. The simple fact that Kaidou was dead was all that really mattered, and it was that exact matter that was the primary topic of discussion as the Five Elders convened in Mary Geoise.

"I suppose in a way we should be happy," St. Marcus Mars said, "That's one headache we don't have to concern ourselves with."

"I doubt it'll last," St. Ethanbaron responded, "Nature hates a vacuum, after all." The Five Elders were assembled in a smaller conference room than usual, the one they used when they had a matter too serious to risk any undeserving ears.

"Can we be sure that this isn't just a rumor? That he's actually dead?" St. Shepherd Ju Peter asked.

"We've verified through multiple sources that he is dead," St. Jaygarcia Saturn answered, "I think we can say with some confidence at this point that it's true."

"I suspect it's only a matter of time until we hear of all sorts of chaos going down in the New World," St. Topman Warcury added, "We should deploy the Marines where we can to maintain order."

"Any reports of anyone in particular filling the void?" asked.

"Nothing yet," Saturn responded, "I suspect it'll be a while before anyone rises to match his level of power." In the meantime, it went unspoken that they would all take advantage of this when and where they could. A number of islands had already been taken over, though in the New World, control could be a little fickle, especially with many pirates no doubt emboldened by Kaidou's collapse.

Though the best case scenario would be no one would inherit the Kaidou's former position, none of the five were naive enough to believe such a thing; while the broader consequences had yet to take effect, it was only a matter of time before the free for all broke out across the New World. However, there weren't that many pirates who were of the calibre to take Kaidou's place as emperor. Golden Lion Shiki was the most likely candidate, though he hadn't been seen since he escaped Impel Down. No doubt, the Elders would have to be vigilant in the coming years.

That turned out to be just the beginning, though, as word had spread that the land of Wano had opened its borders to the wider world. Where once its ports were devoid of much more than fishing ships, and daring pirates, trade was finally starting to funnel out of its towering waterfalls and swirling waves. That was bound to affect the affairs of state in the New World, even if how and to what end was still uncertain.

The notion of annexing Wano had actually crossed the Elders' minds; the vast resources the country had would do the WG nothing but good. However it was quickly figured that would be extremely difficult, if not outright impossible. Not only were the warriors of Wano unparalleled, but the island was now considered Whitebeard's territory, and thus under his own aegis of protection. In all, even if they could take Wano, it wasn't worth the cost it would no doubt bring. Unfortunately, it was doubtful that the new shogun, Kozuki Oden, would agree to join the Government, so in all, it could be said that the WG's relation with Wano hadn't actually changed in any active way since the country opened its borders.

"Do we know what happened to the rest of Kaidou's crew?" Ju Peter asked.

"The intelligence we have is second hand, but they seemed to have disbanded," Mars said, "Though there is no word on the individuals known as 'King' and 'Queen'." Those two were of particular importance for the Elders; the former because he was a Lunarian, and the latter because he once worked with the MADS. The idea of either of those people being at large didn't sit well with the Elders.

"Until we have empirical evidence to the contrary, we should treat them as still alive, and at large," Saturn said, frowning, "Catching them should be a priority going forward."

"This also means the Fish Fish Fruit is back in circulation," Warcury said. When he said those words, an uncomfortable silence settled over the conference room. The Fish Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon, had been something of a treasure for the World Nobles for some time now, even if they never actually ate it. More importantly, it ranked as one of the most powerful Devil Fruits in the world; even the Elders' own Devil Fruits may very well have paled in the face of its power. It being out in the wide world was not a comforting thought.

"We should send every available Cipher Pol agent to start searching for it," Ju Peter said.

"It may be a while before it actually reforms," said, "What's the longest it's ever taken for a Devil Fruit to reappear after the bearer's death? Years?"

"Not necessarily," Saturn offered, "There are accounts of Devil Fruits appearing within the day of the bearer's death, sometimes in the immediate vicinity."

"Something I don't think we should hold out hope for," Warcury responded, "For all we know, it could manifest back in Wano, which certainly wouldn't help the situation. If anything, it could potentially make it worse."

"At any rate, the world is a big place, and we only have so many agents," Mars said, "It'll be like looking for one fish in the Grand Line."

"Doesn't mean we shouldn't try," Saturn said, "The fact that it was stolen back at God Valley remains a complete fiasco."

"The fact that we let the others keep it as a treasure," said, "We should've kept it under lock and key until we found someone to actually consume it. With things as they are now, if some lowly commoner gets their teeth in it..." He trailed off after that, but he didn't need to say anymore. It was a thought that made them all collectively shudder.

"It'll have to turn up eventually, and when it does, we'll be ready," Ju Peter said. That much went without saying.

(ten years later; somewhere in the Grand Line)

Some said that Devil Fruits possessed wills of their own. That they had their own drive and goals, and that they actually sought to be eaten, so that they could use their eater as an instrument to fulfill those goals. Most dismissed such stories as exactly that, stories; little more than peasant tales told around camp fires during the night. But there was always a little truth in stories, and sometimes, there was more than just a little.

The Azure Dragon was restless. After spending an age as little more than a trinket for pampered, inept lords to parade around, it had finally found a bearer with the ferocity and will to use its powers; a warrior with a demeanor worthy of the might that it could offer. But the warrior had fallen in battle, and once again, it was sealed within the confines of its fruit, and consigned to wait until someone found it. If it had the power, the fruit would've floated up into the air, and into the mouth of someone, anyone, just so that it could be freed from this confined form.

In all, that is why when a hand plucked it off the branch of the tree it was on, a pulse of energy rippled through it. Was it's chance finally upon it?

(Alubrana; capital of the Kingdom of Alabasta)

Cobra always took pride on the integrity of his people. True, they were as human as everyone else, but he liked to believe that he and his family had helped foster a certain amount of good will and decency amongst their subjects. These feelings were helped when two of his subjects came forward to him, with a Devil Fruit in their possession.

Cobra's knowledge of Devil Fruits was not much greater than the average person's. He heard the stories, and read what had been published about them, but that was about. He certainly couldn't identify a Devil Fruit on sight, which was a shame, because if he could do that with this one, it may have had a better idea what to do. As it was, though, he didn't have the foggiest idea what it was, and even less idea just what to do with it.

"Just what do we have here?" Igaram asked out loud, as he and the other members of Cobra's council assembled in the king's council chambers. Sitting in the center of the table, was the topic of conversation.

"A Devil Fruit, that much is clear to see," Cobra said from his position at the head of the table. The fruit had an oblong shape, bringing to mind something like a pinecone with a blue exterior that resembled scales with the signature swirls on them, and twin curved stems coming out of the orange leaves on top.

"It was found at a fruit orchard some miles from the capital," Pell explained, "I'm impressed that the person who found it wasn't tempted to eat it in their own right. Though that still leaves us with just what do with it."

"Unfortunately, if we ever had a record of Devil Fruits in our library, I'm afraid it's long lost, so we couldn't say just what kind of Devil Fruit it is," Cobra said, "It could be a Paramecia, a Zoan, or a Logia for all we know."

"Sometimes he shape of a Devil Fruit can hint as to its nature," Chaka said, "I know my own Dog Dog Fruit had details resembling the paws of dogs."

"And my fruit had feather-like leaves," Pell added.

"Well then, any inferences that can be made from this?" Cobra asked, gesturing down. Both Chaka and Pell looked down at it, before looking at each other.

"A Zoan would be our best guess," Pell said, "As to what kind, I don't think either of us could say."

"Well, I suppose that's better than nothing," Cobra said, "Though that still leaves the question of what to do with it." For his own, Cobra had no intent on eating it; he had enough power as king, and he didn't need any supernatural power enhancing it. Of course, Pell and Chaka already had Devil Fruits of their own, which just left Igaram.

"Anyway, you are free to it, Igaram," Cobra said, looking at his captain of the guard, "You are, after all, the only officer who does not possess one." The tall man looked down at the fruit, as his brow furrowed, and he cleared his throat.

"To be honest, Your Majesty," Igaram said, looking back at his king, "I think it would be best if I retained my ability to swim. You never know when it might be useful."

"He does realize our country is mostly desert, right?" Chaka asked.

"I still agree with his sentiment," Pell said.

"Of course, if Your Majesty commands me to do, I will eat it," Igaram then added, as he looked down at the fruit.

"No, no, Igaram," Cobra said, holding up his hand, "I would never make you do such a thing."

"We could always sell it," Pell offered, "I'm sure a Devil Fruit would add to our treasury considerably."

"True enough," Cobra said with a nod, as he looked down at it. No doubt a Devil Fruit would fetch a pretty price on the market, but strangely, the idea didn't appeal to the king. As he gazed down at the fruit, there was a strange impulse that said that was the wrong move. Maybe time would change his mind, though.

"Lock it up for the time being," he said, "We'll keep it close for the time. One can never be sure just when its power, whatever it may be, may come in handy."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Igaram said, as he closed the box with a nod, "We will keep a close eye on it."

"And it should also without saying that this should stay between us," Cobra said, "I think we can all surmise the consequences of news like this breaking." All the men nodded in affirmation, before Cobra dismissed them. As Igaram went off with the box, Cobra watched it. It was a strange sensation, but the king felt like they were doing the right thing hold onto it. Cobra had a feeling that someday, that fruit would help Alabasta in a great way, though just how he couldn't say just yet.

Note: I should start this by saying that this fanfic is heavily inspired by "The Dragon Princess" by Warmachine375. I definitely recommend you go read their fanfics as well. And for the record, I asked their permission before writing this to use this premise as well.

I debated to myself whether or not to show Kaidou's death scene, but ultimately decided against it. I thought I could leave a little bit unknown about just what happened, to be explained later in the story, and the idea of this being told from an outside perspective, with the readers knowing just about as much as the main characters, appealed to me. On top of all that, I wanted to leave a little unknown so as to help differentiate myself a bit more from the aforementioned fanfic.

The important thing, though, is that Kaidou has indeed died, and thus, his Devil Fruit fell back into circulation. And now it's in the possession of the Alabastan royal family. No doubt this is the start of something; whether that thing is good or bad, well, I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Be sure to leave a comment.