Episode 9: The Flavium Archipelago! Home of the Gild Alliance!


Wealth, Fame, Power. Monkey D. Luffy, King of the Pirates, had finally achieved it all, his discovery of the legendary treasure One Piece sent millions of men home from the sea as the treasure hunt for Gol D. Roger's fortune came to a close. However not all were spurred to return to land, as for one new group of pirates, now was the time to return to the call of the sea. Luffy may be the Pirate King, but that doesn't mean he can't be overthrown, right?


Come aboard, and bring along...all your hopes and dreams!

Together we, will find everything, that we're looking for!

ONE PIECE!

Compass left behind, it'll only slow us down!

Your heart will be your guide, raise the sails, and take the helm!

That legendary place! That the end of the map reveals! Is only legendary 'till someone proves it real!

Through it all! Through all the troubled times, through the heartache, and through the pain!

Know that I will be there to stand by YOU...just like I know you'll stand by ME!

So come aboard, and bring along...all your hopes and dreams!

Together we, will find everything, that we're looking for!

There's always room for you! If you wanna be my friend!

We are, we are on the cruise!

WE ARE!


[Sawtooth - Paradise]

It had been 2 weeks since the crew had left Giygas Island after Arlong's encounter with the Jettison Pirates. Barely managing to slip past Smoker's team, which had mistaken a merchant vessel for the Sawtooth, the crew had continued on their way. Their next destination was seemingly new territory, and owned by someone Bill claimed was one of his main business partners. Despite not having much choice, Bellamy couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Walking into the galley, he sat down and folded his arms while Hachi was preparing the evening's dinner. "This place that we're headed to...any of you guys ever been to it before?" Bellamy asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nope, never really heard much of this Flavium Archipelago place, but apparently it's like a group of islands that's well known in Paradise for it's gladiator tournaments" Buggy explained. Chew nodded, "From my understanding *chew* it's got some sort of alliance with the Navy to take in captured prisoners while letting them fight in death matches."

Bellamy chuckled, "Death games? Gladiators? Now that is something I'd like to see! I used to throw hands in colosseums too a few years back, mainly in Dressrosa" he explained, flexing his bicep, "I'll have you know I was a top competitor! Thousands of people cheering my name!"

"I see...and tell me" began Cabaji, "When you say 'gladiator arena' do you mean 'prison shower'?" he snarked, making the others laugh.

As the crew bickered, and Bellamy continued reminiscing on the only good thing from his past with the Doflamingo Pirates, the galley door swung open as Buggy strutted in. "Evenin' fellas! Guess who just did some FLASHY INTEL GATHERING!!" he cheered.

"I did intel gathering!" snapped Arlong, "Me, I, Single, Plural, you just stood there laughing at that guy in a wheelchair". Buggy shrugged, "You're entitled to your own memory just as I'm entitled to mine."

"So what did you guys do, hmm? Better be something good otherwise I'm going back to sleep" yawned Mohji, who was lying on Richie.

Reaching into his pocket, Arlong placed some pieces of paper down onto the table, which were shown to be wanted posters in the light showing five different men.

[Eric the Whirlwind - 10,000,000] [EL DRAGO - 25,000,000] [BEAR-KING - 162,600,000] [Gasparde - 200,000,000] [Double Rikishi - 420,000,000]

"Wow, some pretty high bounties" mused Alvida, "Are these of the current pirates here in Paradise?"

Buggy shook his head, "From what we were able to decipher from our flashy intel gathering, these five men are actually a crew! With that man 'Rikishi' as it's leader!"

"They don't appear to really be pirates though. The ship we just raided was a ship owned by this 'alliance', yet it was full of prisoners and very little treasure" explained Arlong, "We let the ship continue on it's way, but still...it was intriguing." he mused.

"ooh, Arlong busted out a BIG human word, that means he's serious!" Hachi whispered to Kuroobi, making the ray fishman laugh.

Bellamy folded his arms as he looked down at the posters. Some of the criminals appeared somewhat familiar, such as Gasparde, who Bellamy recognized as a former marine who defected to piracy a decade ago. "These guys are all devil fruit users, right?" asked Cabaji, "I know for a fact that 'El Drago' guy definitely is...I'm pretty sure we fought him in the East Blue super early into Captain Buggy's career?"

Buggy nodded, "That's correct! El Drago and Bear-King were originally captains of their own crews in the East Blue until a certain someone defeated them" he explained, "Plus, if my memory serves me correctly, that one there is some sort of hired assassin...hmm...I wonder if he's fully sworn allegiance to this 'crew'?" he pondered, pointing at Eric's poster.

"Hmm...I'm starting to feel a tad suspicious about this guys, isn't it odd that Bill seems to be sending us directly to an unknown island full of decently high bounties and an alliance of veteran pirates?" asked Alvida, frowning.

"Hmph, don't even think of suggesting that Bill would try to have our heads like that!" snapped Arlong, smacking the woman across the back of her head, "Bill...he's my friend now! Me and him are basically like brother's from other mothers, even if he isn't a fishman!"

"Pfft, all he did was save you from a lunatic with rocket feet" scoffed Cabaji. Arlong grabbed the acrobat's neck, looking down over his serrated nose, "And tell me, what've you done for me so far, meatbag?"

"...f-fair enough." Cabaji coughed.

Hachi sighed as he pulled the two men apart, and set some sizzling meat onto the table atop the bounty posters. "Come on guys, enough with the fighting! Let's just take a breather and eat, I thought I'd spice things up a little tonight!" he smiled, as the crew calmed down and sat down to eat.


[Gild Arena Colosseum - Flavium Archipelago]

Lights flashed on a large open arena, as crowds cheered and gladiators collapsed to the ground covered in blood. Directly in the center, a dark skinned man was trembling as he blew into the chamber of a pistol and pointed it at his opponent.

"T-TAKE THIS, YOU BASTARD! BREEZE BREATH BOMB!" he cried, firing the pistol which at first fired only air, however they quickly exploded in a with a huge BANG and black plume of smoke. [Former member of Baroque Works - "Mr 5" Gem/User of the Bomb-Bomb Fruit/ Former Bounty - 10,000,000]

As Gem stood with shaking legs, he clenched his tear in fear as the clearing smoke revealed his opponent to be perfectly fine. The crowd cheered at this sight, exclaiming things like "WOAH, HE'S STILL STANDING!", "INCREDIBLE!", "NOT EVEN A SCRATCH!"

The towering, bot bellied man laughed with gusto, "HA! Is that really the best you got? My body is strong as STEEL with the power of the COAL-COAL FRUIT!" he laughed, "A little pop gun twerp like you will NEVER be able to hurt me!" [Former Captain of the Trump Pirates and Member of the Gild Alliance - Bear-King/User of the Coal-Coal Fruit/Current Bounty - 162,600,000]

Gem tilted his head in confusion at this explanation of an ability, "H-Huh? Wait hang on...strong as steel with a Coal Fruit? Shouldn't it be more like...strong as stone?" he asked.

Bear-King shrugged, "DON'T QUESTION IT, JUST DEAL WITH IT!" he roared, charging forward and raising a scalding orange fist that instantly burnt off his arm hair, "HOT BOILING SPECIAL!"

Slamming this fist into Gem, it pummeled him into the ground while melting through his clothes, however Gem himself was seemingly unharmed from the heat.

Coughing up a little blood, his reached into his nose and pulled a tiny piece of snot out, which he flicked into Bear-King's face.

"NOSE FANCY CANNON!"

A deafening explosion knocked Bear-King away, as Gem wearily got back on his feet. "Hmm, you didn't get burnt up! What gives?!" Bear-King spat, pulling himself out of the rubble. Gem chuckled weakly, "H-Heh...one of the best parts...*cough*...about my Bomb-Bomb Fruit...*cough*...it gives me immunity to both explosions...and heat!"

"I SEE! You make me laugh, boomy man!" Bear-King boomed, as a man quietly approached Gem from behind.

"Immune to explosions? An interesting power, but how does it fare against something...sharper?" the man chuckled.

"SICKLE-SICKLE WHIRLWIND!"

Gem's eyes widened in surprise as he quickly turned around, only to be hit with a razor sharp gust of wind which caused a large slash to appear across his body. Eyes whitened and coughing a little blood, Gem finally slouched as he collapsed the ground.

The crowd cheered, as the announcer grabbed his microphone; "AMAZING! WITH AN INCREDIBLE SNEAK ATTACK, ERIC HAS PUT DOWN GEM TO END THE FINAL ROUND OF THE TOURNAMENT! I, FOR ONE, KNOW BEAR-KING IS PROBABLY FUMING RIGHT NOW!"

"Hmph! You stole my kill, Eric! I wasn't gonna let that twerp live much longer!" Bear-King grumbled. Eric laughed and pushed up his sunglasses, "Too bad, so sad. That's what happens when you play with your food"


As paramedics cleared the arena, Gem winced as he felt his wound being covered with a towel to hold over until he reached the medical ward. As for Eric and Bear-King, they walked out of the colosseum to cheering crowds in the solid gold city. Their reflections shining on every surface as they proudly walked through the streets while onlookers cheered their names.

"Aheh, yessir we're living the good life my friend. Doesn't get better than this!" Eric sighed, waving to his fans while adjusting his hair. "Think the boss will be happy with us?" asked Bear-King.

Eric shrugged, "Of course! It's not as if our performance disappointed"

The Flavium Archipelago was a wealthy set of islands, a little less than halfway into Paradise, it was a bizarre place where every single thing, besides the people, water, and food, was clad in pure solid gold as far as the eye could see. The citizens adored the near endless wealth and especially enjoyed the gladiator battles that took place nearly every day. Champions in the arena practically became celebrities, with massive amounts of gold being paid to them, while personal merchandise lines allowed their pockets to be lined even more. What was once an archipelago that was extremely poor and barely able to get by soon became one of the wealthiest places on the planet shortly after the Gild Alliance had arrived.

Eric and Bear-King continued their walk of glory to the Gilded Tower, the tallest building on the islands that sat directly in the center of the main island, which had come to be known as the Golden Capitol. Though right before they could approach the large golden steps, a young man ran up. "E-Eric-sama! Bear-King-sama! There's someone at the docks! They claim to have business with the boss!" he exclaimed.


[Gladiator Barracks - Dime Island]

Connected via rail to the Golden Capitol, Dime Island was the main homebase of colosseum gladiators that took residence on of the five archipelago islands. Holding over 10,000 warriors and prisoners, it was the only place that normal lower ranked fighters would ever get to stay, as the Golden Capitol was reserved for the creme of the crop competitors.

Sitting on a bed made from rotting wooden frames, one gruff man scoffed as he looked at the TV that displayed the replay of the most recent competition. "Tch, what a load of bullshit, I would've never let that happen to me." he muttered, dragging his hand across the stump on his left arm where a hand used to be. A creaking sound was heard as the doors to the barrack slid open and guards entered, pointing at the one armed man, "Oi! Get ready, you're fighting in the next match soon, don't try anything funny!" they ordered.

"Heh...again? Y'know eventually you'll all have to just accept that I'm worthy of living the good life in the capitol city...and then maybe that son of a bitch in his big fancy office will have no choice but to give me a little freedom!" he laughed, standing up and shoving some of the other worn out gladiators aside. [Former Captain of the Kid Pirates - Eustass "Captain" Kid/User of the Magnet-Magnet Fruit/Former Bounty - 3,480,000,000]

Stepping out into the sunlight looking at the golden clad steam locomotive, Kid laughed as he clambered into one of the carriages, his eyes set on the the looming colosseum that could be seen over on the next island. "You better all say your prayers! 'Cuz I'm not lettin' anyone walk out alive tonight!" he boasted.


[Gilded Tower - Golden Capitol]

"And then I said 'nuh uh, you WISH you had nail art that was this shiny!', and then SHE was all like 'you're 43 for God sake, when are you gonna get a life?'...pretty crazy, right?" asked El Drago, who was rambling about an interaction he had while at the colosseum earlier that day. Gasparde shook his head, "We really need to get you a hobby."

"Hmph, I have plenty of hobbies!" El Drago spat, "Let's see...I...collect gold...I count my gold coin collection...I fight in the arenas every week...I...u-um...I paint my nails! Loads of stuff!"

Gasparde just face palmed, as he and El Drago walked down the long hallway and opened the double doors. Entering the main office, they looked around the dimly lit room. Like the rest of the island, everything was clad in solid gold making the faintest of light reflect with shining sparkles. Standing near the back of the room was a lone figure, tall and deathly pale with a fancy black suit. His rough yet smooth, long black hair flowed down over his shoulders and neck. Quiet clacks and pings could be heard as he quietly played a pinball machine.

"Bossman! Word on the street is that we had a couple more casualties in the match a few hours ago!" El Drago yelled.

"...hmm...I see...was any damage caused to the surrounding arena or the crowd?" the man asked, his voice warm and posh, with a slight tone of cockiness. "A little floor damage, bit nothing to do major. Eric and Bear-King handled themselves well enough" replied Gasparde.

"Ah, good...good...I assume they'll be back shortly to celebrate. I imported the finest of tea from Dressrosa last week, looking to try something new." the man explained, stepping away from the pinball machine and walking over to a large golden desk. Taking his seat in a fancy leather chair, he sighed and crossed his legs while resting a hand against his cheek.

"You boys know well...I'm ever so grateful for your loyalty to me over the last few years...rest assured, you and the others will be treated like Kings once the plan has been executed to perfection." he smiled. [CEO of the Gild Alliance - Double Rikishi/Current Bounty - 420,000,000]

"Quick question, if you don't mind me asking Sir" asked Gasparde, "You took myself and the others in over a decade ago when you first went to the New World, and kept us around ever since we settled down here...but what exactly is your big plan that you always talk about?"

"Mhm...you'll come to know in time, my friend. Have no fear, you won't be kept in the dark forever." replied Rikishi, "My ambition to be the strongest may have been demolished by Kaido...but my ambition for a greater purpose in the world has never once faltered."

Gasparde and El Drago nodded, not wanting to question Rikishi as they knew he'd never once failed them. Behind them, the large double doors opened once more as Eric and Bear-King entered with a guest.

Raising a curious eyebrow, Rikishi chuckled, "Well well well...I didn't expect to see the likes of you here, Flynn." he mused, "Please...pull up a chair, let's have a chat."

Flynn nodded, folding his arms as Bear-King brought him a chair. "Just to set the record straight, I didn't come all the way out here for no trouble" Flynn began, "But Fleet Admiral Akainu's been wonderin' what you got goin' on here since you haven't kept him updated" he explained.

"I see...I see. My operation has been continuing smoothly...as I told my subordinates, the details are on a need-to-know basis...which does not include the Fleet Admiral or the Marines." Rikishi explained, interlocking his hands together while leaning back in his chair.

"Tch, so to sum it up, you ain't gonna tell me anythin'? I came all the way out here for nothin'?" Flynn scoffed, "Big whoop, I'm outta here."

Standing up as quickly as he'd arrived, Flynn pushed past Eric and El Drago as he headed for the door. "Hmm? Now now...there's no need to rush." began Rikishi, "You've come such a long way, and I'm sure you're weary from your travels...why not stay a night? After all, the finale of the Fruitless Division tournament is about to begin soon...I'm sure you'd hate to miss it..." he mused.

Flynn raised an eyebrow, "Pfft, you mean your little fighting pit game?"

"You'd be surprised how entertaining it can be, seeing just how far some men can go when that human instinct for survival kicks in" replied Gasparde, leaning against a wall.

Flynn folded his arms, "I dunno man, I know your type. The second I show up, you'll just try make me throw some hands in there! From one criminal to another, I know a thing or two about a little manipulation" he spat, narrowing his eyes.

"Ah ah ah...we do not use that word...criminal...to describe me." replied Rikishi, standing up from his desk and walking over to Flynn, his voice still soft but having a slight tone of annoyance. "I am not a criminal, my friend...I'm merely a business opportunist." Rikishi whispered.


[Impel Down - Calm Belt]

Water dripped down onto the cold stones inside the dark prison. Hundreds of cells were packed full of criminals of all shapes and sizes as the guards patrolled the halls. In Level 6, a large man lay on the ground quietly laughing to himself as a guard brought him a newspaper. "Here you are, Sir, fresh off the press" said the guard, "I'm still not sure why you always ask for the weekly newspaper though, you do realize that you're never gonna be allowed to leave...right?"

The man just quietly chuckled as he swiped the paper and flicked through the pages until he landed on the section about criminal activity.

"hmhmhm~...hmhmhmhmhm~...fufufufu~...'Strawhat Hunters'? Pirates once again becoming dogs of the so-called enforcers of justice...typical." he muttered, quietly laughing to himself, "But ohhhh, what's thissss? It looks like a certain someone has been out and about again? What a surprise!" he chuckled, as his eyes were drawn to article talking about Bellamy which showed his updated bounty. "It's almost bringing a tear to my eye...one of hysterics, maybe I'll have to pay him a visit when the family gets back together again!" [Former Warlord of the Sea and Head of the Donquixote Family - Donquixote Doflamingo/User of the String-String Fruit/Former Bounty - 340,000,000]

"But alas...an impending war between pirate allies of the navy and the Pirate King, how curious I am to see how such a thing will unfold. It's only a matter of time until I get to witness such a thing firsthand..."

The guard rolled his eyes, "Good luck with that, you got a life sentence to serve! The only time you'll be seeing the sun again is when your corpse is being taken outside for the funeral!" he scoffed, sarcastically.


[Cast-Iron Village - Giygas Island]

Waves crashed against the hull of the Great Justice marine ship as it sat tied up in the harbor. Dockworkers clambered about, repairing damage and restocking supplies, while marines hung around training and relaxing. Elsewhere, Smoker had found himself at Bill's blacksmith shop after some direction from locals. Knocking on the side of the wall to make his presence known, Smoker stepped inside the workshop where Bill was smelting weapons.

"Ahem. Pardon the intrusion, I'm looking for a man by the name of 'Bill'?" said Smoker, lighting a cigar. "Heh...you're looking right at him" replied Bill, pulling a steaming iron cannon from his chest and dunking it into a barrel of water, "You looking for a little work? Weapons? Armor? All my prices are fixed, better hope you can the piper if you want my services" he explained.

Smoker shook his head, "No no, nothing like that...I've been told you recently played a part in defending this town from the Jettison Pirates, and their captain Runner Gunsten. It has also been said you briefly gave refuge to the Emperor of the Sea, Buggy the Clown, and his associates."

"Heh...maybe I did...maybe I didn't...who wants to know?" Bill snarked, munching on some ore, "My memory is a little melty...heh."

Smoker scoffed, "I'll have you know I'm one of the three leading Admirals of the Navy! Now...you can either tell me what happened the easy way, or I'll have to take you in for questioning" he explained, "Don't think the Navy has forgotten about your crimes from piracy, Bill."

"Tch...that was a looong time ago man...I don't do that shit no more." Bill spat, his abs being to heat up as he approached Smoker, standing a few inches away. "If you think ya' can just barge into my place of work, in my town, you got another coming, Captain."

Smoker was unphased by this approach, keeping his stern expression and lightly releasing some smoke from his cigars, "This is a serious matter, Bill...the quicker you tell me what happened here, the sooner I'll be gone and leaving you in peace. Don't make me have to do this the hard."

Bill clenched his teeth and fists, but not wanting to potentially cause a scene for the rest of the town he decided to be the bigger man. Pointing to a work bench, he sat down on a stool and crossed his arms, "Happened a few days ago. Buggy the Clown, Hyena Bellamy, and my new buddy Arlong saved my little brother from Gunsten's crew and brought him home. I took 'em in for a while when that Gunsten bastard started making a disturbance, so I had to step in and send him packing." he explained.

Smoker listened intently, taking notes in a logbook, "I see, we arrested Gunsten shortly after his crew attempted to leave this island. Now I understand why he was in such a terrible state...now...what of Buggy and Arlong?"

Bill shrugged, "I sent them on their way a couple days ago. Flavium Archipelago to be exact, I do a little business with a guy who runs the joint, he's a cool dude."

Smoker raised an eyebrow, "The Flavium? Hmm...that's the location of the Gild Alliance, correct? I recall Fleet Admiral Sakazuki mentioning them a few months back, apparently they hold ties with multiple wanted pirates."

Bill clicked his fingers, "Ayup, that's the one. I actually just sent an order out the day Arlong left, some gold armor for one of their head honchos...uh...'El Drago' I think it was?" he explained.

"Hmph, so you're saying you see no issue doing business with criminals?" asked Smoker. Bill rolled his eyes, "Hey hey hey, don't give me that crap, I sell my gear to anyone, no discrimination. I don't care what it is, who it is, or what it's used for. You pay me, I make you some tools, and then you fuck off and do whatever you want. Nothing to do with me."

Smoker nodded, taking note of this extra information before standing up and taking a puff of his cigar. "I think that'll be enough, looks like I'm heading for the Flavium islands" he nodded, as he turned to walk away, "I appreciate the cooperation...uhm...maybe I'll have to come back and see to it that the marines get some new swords...what's your going rate?"

Bill pointed to a board that was tacked up on the wall, "20,000 berris for a cutlass, 30,000 for katanas, 30,000 for chestplates. All prices are fixed, no special treatment for the Sea Police." Smoker nodded, "I see...hmph, then you can guarantee I'll be back...maybe after I catch these pirates."

Bill gave a thumbs up, "Don't mention it, now c'mon, hit the road already would ya'? Heh..."

Smoker rolled his eyes as he left the workshop, "Damn kid...hmph...still, I guess him being here making an honest living is better than terrorizing the seas as a pirate."

Walking through the village, Smoker quickly made his back to the harbor and gave his next order.

"SUIT UP MEN! WE'RE HEADING TO ENEMY TERRITORY FOR OUR NEXT MISSION, SET A COURSE FOR THE FLAVIUM ARCHIPELAGO!" he boomed, as the marines all stood to attention and saluted. "I may have let them get away once, but it won't happen again! I'll crush these pirates and not let them go an inch further in the Grand Line!" Smoker thought to himself.

{TO BE CONTINUED}


(Coyler's note; Holy shit it's been a while since I last made any sort of update. Real sorry about that, I swear writer's block is one of the hardest parts about writing, of course. This arc definitely has a lot in store that I wanna do, mainly with the Gild Alliance, Eustass Kid, Bellamy, and the new character Double Rikishi. An island that's entirely coated in gold, but was it always like that? Or perhaps was it caused by someone else? Since it's been so long, I have actually gotten a few questions via my social medias, sooo...I guess it's time for the Coyler SBS section!)

Tesser :3 asks; "Why did you choose the main group to not be the Strawhats? Are they the bad guys now?"

Coyler's Reponse; A lot of OP fanfics tend to primarily focus on the Strawhats or other really prominent characters, but very rarely do you see longform fics that give side characters the stage. Bellamy and Buggy have always been some of my favorites so I knew from the beginning that I wanted a series about them, Arlong and his crew were later additions in the planning stages for a bit of variety!

TheGreat_Himmothy asks; "In one of the chapters, characters were talking about how haki isn't really that strong, does that mean haki just won't be a thing?"

Coyler's Response; The main idea of the haki discussion was to just clarify that unlike in the manga, mainly post ts arcs, haki isn't gonna be one of the main power systems. Haki will probably be used a couple of times by the top tiers like Luffy and Akainu, or be shown in flashbacks, but besides that this'll mainly be the devil fruit game.

Sutoroheimu-sama asks; "Franky. Super. Franky arc when?"

Coyler's Response; Franky will definitely get some time to shine, given he's my favorite Strawhat. I've just been trying to figure out where to put him in. I really like the idea of Franky and Robin being a couple, so I want their spotlight moments to be going on some sort of mission and fighting together. This'll probably come later down the road when the main Buggy-Arlong alliance starts becoming more known to everyone.

Do. asks; "Why is Enel in Alabasta,shouldn't he be on the moon with his robots?"

Coyler's Response; It'll probably be explained when I get to the Alabasta chapters, but the short and simple answer is...dude got bored on the moon, it's just rocks and stuff really. He's basically just on Earth for a vacation and to cause a little destruction, the Krieg and Kuro sidequest will basically just ignore any logical sense of powerscaling, it's just a funny little filler arc that won't be taken seriously.

(That's it for all the sent in questions! If you wanna ask something or got a little quip to make, feel free to post in the reviews and let me know your thoughts on this newest chapter! For now though, that's all from me, so be sure to follow and favorite to keep up next time, on One Piece Rogues! Coyler, out!)