The bullet train underwent a mesmerizing transformation as it transitioned from its aquatic pathway to an intricate track suspended on solidified clouds. These mysterious cloudy highways soared through the lofty reaches, their trajectory straight and enigmatic. Every three kilometers, the passengers managed to experience a subtle yet exhilarating surge, powered by unusual turbines made with Dials. This infusion of momentum granted the train a breathtaking speed, though the true magnitude of this acceleration remained veiled in secrecy, shrouded by the awe-inspiring altitude that enveloped them.
Nature's beauty unfolded in a wondrous spectacle beneath the waves, where the coral reefs gracefully gave way to the embrace of a flourishing estuary, where mangroves thrived in abundance. Further on, the scene transformed into a verdant tapestry of dense jungle foliage, where one could discern the presence of countless tree-houses, each a testament to organic design similar to succulent fruits. These dwellings, nestled amidst the lush vegetation, played host to a harmonious community of anthropomorphic animals, which lives intricately intertwined with the vibrant ecosystem surrounding them.
"Minks!" Luffy's voice rang out with excitement, his laughter echoing through the air as he cradled Chopper in his arms like a pillow. His fellow crew members trailed behind; their amused gazes fixed on the lively scene outside the windows.
Terk's voice joined the chorus, his arms and legs crossed as he peered nostalgically through the window. "We've just passed my hometown," he murmured, a touch of melancholy in his words.
"In this land of beasts, this is merely the entrance of Lemuria," Terk declared, his tone tinged with interest. "There's still so much more to explore."
The atmosphere grew colder, prompting a remarkable transformation as the verdant jungle trees gave way to towering conifers that seemed to reach out and touch the river of clouds below.
Amidst the vast expanse, wide trails emerged, etched by the footsteps of giant beings who marveled at the unconventional bullet train.
"They are... They are... Giants!" Usopp exclaimed in sheer amazement, gazing upon a village of these proud beings he had long admired.
"Curiously enough, this is one of the smaller Giant kingdoms," the Doctor chimed in. "This land tends to attract retirees or newly form families. I believe their clan settled on one of the outer islands," he explained, providing some context.
The Mink's uncertainty about giants inhabiting the outside world sparked questions among some of the crew.
"Can't you venture outside?" Jinbei inquired.
"Yes, we can," the Mink replied with a hint of apprehension in their voice. "But I'm just not keen on sea travel... So, I'll rather stay here in Lemuria."
"Lemuria is the name of the kingdom?" The little reindeer asked confused.
"No, Lemuria is a continent... There are still more islands on the surface and in the sky,"
"FASCINATING," All Might couldn't contain his wonderment, each transition to a new realm unveiling diverse races he had only encountered in childhood tales.
His eyes were now witnessing the very history they had always been exposed to, but had come to understand only as myths and legends. The woman's words and investigation grew increasingly lucid.
The breathtaking diversity of colossal flora continued, each ecosystem presenting a vibrant display of colors until they entered a realm of desolation, where an arid wasteland stretched before them, filled with an air of melancholy and solitude. Towering trees had turned into petrified trunks and branches with their vitality extinguished.
"We're almost there," the panther announced upon witnessing the gloomy panorama.
"It's eerie," the navigator remarked, her confidence faltering.
"Two thousand years ago, this belonged to the Kinokobito, but it has steadily lost its life, transforming into barren soil that, with each passing year, spreads like a plague, taking away the life from the surrounding lands," the panther explained gravely. "We dread the day it may encroach upon other kingdoms, just as it happened with the dwarves and Kinokobito."
"What happened to them?" Robin inquired; her curiosity piqued.
"They're safe, but they relocated to the surface out of fear of history repeating itself,"
"And what of the other races? We've only encountered Fish-men, Minks, and Giants," Robin pressed further.
"Most of them became extinct... The other races, those with more physical similarities to humans, managed to coexist until genes and discrimination took their toll. I wouldn't doubt that some of their descendants still live on the surface, but the distinctive features of their races must have all but disappeared by now," explained the Mink.
"Hey Puss," Franky asked, intrigued as they observed the lifeless path. "Why are these kingdoms decaying?"
"A little over three thousand five hundred years ago, the flora and fauna started to disintegrate near the entrance to the underworld," the feline replied with agitation. "At first, we paid it no mind, but when we saw that life was draining from the entrance itself, we sent a group to investigate and ask for help in restoring what had been lost."
"We believe that the earth is rotting from within. In the last thousand years, this decay has spread to three other kingdoms surrounding it, and it shows no signs of stopping," the panther continued with a sense of despair in his voice. "What's worse, is that its progression is significantly faster than in previous centuries. If it continues at this rate, we will have no choice but to abandon the deeps and move to the surface, where we are not welcome."
The group fell silent, focusing their eyes on the disheartened Mink who was witnessing the grim scene.
"Terk-san," All Might gently called the feline's attention. "Do you know why humans despise all other races?"
Terkchak didn't take his eyes off the hero, as if assessing him. "I'm sorry, Mr. Mummy, it's something I'm not allowed to explain to you."
"NAME IS TOSHINORI YAGI," the hero introduced himself, noticing the Mink's confusion. "I understand if you haven't heard of me before."
The river of clouds had vanished, revealing the train tracks that clattered onward, leading them to their final destination in the desolate, dry forest. They descended onto the arid, ash-like earth.
"Follow me and stay close together. Soon, we'll enter a region of complete darkness. The only way to navigate it is with night vision. Do not use your Haki," the panther's countenance grew somber.
"I'm serious, don't use it," he emphasized, sensing some skepticism from Zoro and Jinbei, who didn't grasp the reason for this caution.
The pirates complied with the Mink's order, with Luffy carrying the woman on his back. They kept a close eye on their elusive comrade to ensure he wouldn't get separated in the profound darkness.
Soon, the black ash-covered ground merged with the tree debris, camouflaging what lay ahead, as from the pitch-black void came high-pitched shrieks that seemed endless.
"COULD THIS GROUND HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE BEING THAT BROUGHT US HERE?"
After minutes of walking, a powerful turquoise light began to radiate from the depths of the pitch-black path, gradually illuminating their surroundings until they reached its source.
Before them lay a massive pit, ironically the origin of the brilliant light. The Doctor, with an air of determination, advanced toward it, leaving the others perplexed as they watched the ash being drawn into the abyss, only to transform into blue cinder before disappearing completely.
The Mink's elegant shoes emitted a radiant blue glow, leaving imprints of his footsteps on what seemed to be a sacrificial platform leading toward the center of the pit. At the opposite end of the pit, an inscription in an ancient language adorned a colossal wall reminiscent of a Poneglyph.
Unable to resist her curiosity, Robin followed the investigator and gazed below the platform, where an immense and turbulent whirlpool churned with waters of a mesmerizing turquoise hue. This luminous vortex was responsible for bathing the surroundings in its eerie light.
"Styx," Robin murmured.
"What was that, Nico-san?" Terk inquired.
"Ancient Greek mythology mentions a river that serves as a barrier separating the world of the living from the world of the dead... That river is known as Styx."
"Hmmm, Styx River... Interesting! So, they have a name for it."
"Here we just call it the entrance to hell," he replied with a wry grin.
The vortex spun with such tremendous force and speed that it generated a piercing current, causing the air to scream like tormented souls. Walking near it was challenging, and any loss of balance would render them helpless against the relentless wind.
The other pirates and the hero approached the archaeologist, who was engrossed in studying the inscriptions on the luminous wall, while her nakamas couldn't tear their eyes away from the terrifying void created by the vortex's motion.
The monstrous trio and Captain Luffy began to suffer from an incessant migraine as they crossed the platform, a warm sensation coursing through their cheeks, nose, and lips. Their anguished cries drew the attention of their comrades, who were alarmed to see the formidable members of their crew on their knees, clutching their heads, with blood flowing from their eyes, nose, and mouth.
"What's wrong?!" Chopper rushed to their aid, but the afflicted members were unable to respond.
"They possess advanced Observation Haki. It's normal for this to happen... I warned them not to use it," explained Terkchak, with a hint of resignation.
"Terk san?"
"Since it's a dangerous place, they can't help but sense it with their Kenbunshoku Haki... However, both the entrance and its interior consist of pure energy, which clouds their perception due to the excess of life," Terkchak explained.
"Dr. Chopper, get them off the platform. If they keep straining to distinguish the presences around them, they'll end up damaging their brains. It's better for them to step away and relax before returning. Here, they'll need to rely solely on their five senses for their well-being," he advised.
"How do you know this?" Franky inquired.
"The Investigator's diary... Three of the bodyguards died from a stroke while relying on their Observation Haki," Terkchak replied.
"YOU COULD HAVE SAID THAT EARLIER!"
"I warned them not to use it," Terkchak retorted with a hint of exasperation.
Usopp, Franky, and All Might assisted Chopper in guiding the afflicted quartet away from the entrance to allow them to recover. They wiped the blood from their faces and attempted to rely solely on their basic senses to prevent ending up like the unfortunate guards Terkchak had mentioned.
Meanwhile, the researcher sat down on the platform, swinging his legs like a child, his huge green eyes fixated on the emptiness created by the whirlpool.
"It's as impressive as the first time I saw it," he marveled, his glowing eyes filled with awe, his tail wagging anxiously.
"Will you come with us?" Nami inquired from a safe distance along the shore.
"No, I'm not that crazy," Terkchak replied.
"Could you lend us the diary, Terk-san?" Robin asked.
"I'm sorry... You must understand it's a prized possession we can't afford to lose in case you guys are unable to return."
"YOU COULDN'T MAKE A COPY OF IT?!" Usopp chided.
Nami remained silent, only swallowing her saliva and turning to look dishearteningly at her captain, who was managing to restrain himself, as well his comrades from using their abilities.
Finally, Luffy managed to approach with the group in the direction of Robin, who remained fixated on the Poneglyph. The Straw Hats were impressed, but the gravity of the situation hung heavily in the air. They understood that they stood at the threshold between life and death.
"Ohara's will did not die, Nico Robin," Terkchak stated solemnly, causing the archaeologist to glance at him from the corner of her eye upon hearing his words.
"Can you read them?" Nico asked, to which Terkchak responded with a smile.
The radiance in the raven-haired woman's face dimmed as her eyes traversed the ancient writings, and she began to narrate their meaning to her crew.
"The selfless offering of a soul will open the doors to the deepest desires," she read aloud.
"Is this some kind of sacrificial altar?" Nami inquired, visibly disturbed.
"Like a life in exchange for a wish?" Usopp added.
"THE SACRIFICE SHE MENTIONED BEFORE…"
"What sacrifice are you talking about, All Might-san?" Brook asked
"THE ORACLE MENTIONED SACRIFICING AN INNOCENT LIFE TO RETURN ME BACK," All Might affirmed.
"Surely this is what she meant?" Robin chimed in.
"THERE'S NO DOUBT... SHE SAID THE POWER I NEED IS NOT TO BE FOUND ON THE SURFACE," All Might concluded looking at the vortex.
"Only those who are not afraid to die can begin to live," Terkchak remarked, his sharp pupils fixed on the archaeologist.
Robin widened her gaze, undistracted by the Mink, as she listened to his interpretation and tried to decipher the unilluminated section of the Poneglyph.
"Do we have to jump in there?" Franky asked, his confidence wavering.
"We're going to drown," Brook commented, beginning to feel a peculiar sensation in his afro.
"IS THIS THE RIVER OF SOULS MENTIONED ON THE DIARIES? THE ONE THAT CAN RESTORE A BODY?" he inquired with interest.
"I don't know... I'm not sure if it's the same one, but what I do know is that, once you touch it, there's no turning back," Terkchak warned, sending a shiver down the spines of most of those present.
Meanwhile, the carefree captain squatted at the edge of the pit, playfully tossing a large stone to see how it was drawn towards Styx, nearly toppled into the vortex as the heavy weight on his back almost sending him plummeting, but Zoro managed to catch him and return him safely to the platform.
"BE MORE CAREFUL!" the swordsman scolded, watching as Luffy squatted once more, this time placing his hand on his chin as if deep in thought. He then struck his palm with his fist before turning to his crew with a mischievous smile.
"We can make it with a barrel!"
"YOU IDIOT!" the pirates exclaimed in unison.
"Ah, right shishishishi... Eleven barrels..." Luffy corrected himself, seemingly unaware of the gravity of the situation
"Wow, he's even more of a stupid than the books say," the Mink remarked, his snout hanging open as a drop ran down his black fur.
Luffy's head throbbed again with pain. Despite his efforts not to use his Observation Haki, something kept warning him of danger. However, the overwhelming energy emanating from his surroundings prevented him from pinpointing its source.
A strange tingling sensation ran along his back, where the woman's body rested. His limbs generated a peculiar micro-vibration, alerting the pirate. He turned his attention to the head resting on his shoulder, only to witness her bandages tearing, revealing the gash that divided her pale face.
For most of the male crew members, this was their first glimpse of the girl's unmasked face, and they were shocked by the prominent wound that seemed to have a life of its own, twitching relentlessly. A series of thin whips sprouted from the wound and anchored themselves to the ground, inadvertently seizing the captain.
"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!" Zoro exclaimed, unsheathing his katanas.
"It's the Guardian!" Terk interrupted before anyone could answer, displaying more fascination than fear.
Luffy struggled to place his feet firmly on the platform in an attempt to rise with the weight he carried. His bulging veins highlighted the immense strength he exerted while trying to control the body from which the whips continued to emerge, attempting to drag him towards Styx.
The thin whips thickened and transformed into claws, gripping the carved brick platform with even greater force as they couldn't dislodge the body from which they had sprung.
In a desperate move, a series of whips emerged from every orifice on the white-haired woman's face. Her eyelids, along with her eyeballs, were pierced by two long needles that managed to impale both Luffy's shoulder and part of his abdomen as his incessant migraine prevented him from sensing the attack in advance.
"LUFFY, LET HER GO BEFORE SHE LEAVES YOU LIKE A SIEVE!" Usopp shouted, rummaging in his fanny pack for some pop green that might help.
"NO, IF I LET HER GO, SHE'LL FALL INTO THE WIRLPOOL!" Luffy replied, while his shirt was now soaked in blood.
The young woman's torso became increasingly unstable, prompting the Straw Hat boy to release her for a brief moment. He turned to witness dozens of spikes piercing through her skin, leaving her suspended briefly with a hedgehog-like appearance. However, the spikes ceased solidifying and shifted to a sandy form before her heavy body fell squarely onto the platform, shattering it upon impact.
"Mil Fleur... Wings!" Robin exclaimed, creating two large wings from her back.
She managed to catch the Mink, who was near the edge, as her crewmates retreated to safety. However, the strong air current made it challenging for her to control her flight.
A familiar sound of aerial thumping drew near, and Robin felt her body being carried like a princess by the crew's cook.
"Thank you, Sanji-san," she expressed her gratitude with a concerned look and a sweet smile. Sanji was so charmed that he didn't even pay attention to the feline clinging his claws to his face.
Meanwhile, Luffy managed to entangle one of his arms to the remaining platform while the other was coated with Haki, ready to defend against any attacks from the spikes. He caught the white-haired just before she could fall into the whirlpool, leaving both of them suspended between Lemuria and the underworld.
"Straw hat, it just wants to go back! Let him go!" the Mink ordered in desperation.
"We can't allow it... What will happen to her?" Brook interjected.
The force of the wind sucked by the whirlpool, violently swayed both beings suspended, causing the already fractured platform to give way under the constant movement and weight. It collapsed, taking Luffy and the Oracle down with the debris.
Zoro and Jinbei rushed to the limit to grab their captain's outstretched hand. As Luffy reached closer to the vortex, his headache intensified, and his vision blurred, preventing him from seeing anything clearly, thus failing to reach his crewmates, falling along the Oracle directly into the void.
"LUFFYYYYYYYYYY!" his crewmates shouted in horror, as Jinbei jumped after him without hesitation.
The crew lost sight of the three individuals immediately after their contact with the glowing water, leaving them in a state of shock and uncertainty.
Sundancer here:
From here, the story will be divided in two/tree perspectives: Team heroes and pirates... if you would like to choose one version first you can leave it in the comments or we can continue with it randomly n-n