Chapter 3: Pirate's Tale Part 2

Brook's memory began when he was a member of the Rumbar Pirates.

There stood Yorki, the former captain of the Rumbar Pirates. "If you want to join my crew, all I ask is that you enjoy the music! LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE RUMBAR PIRATES A CREW THAT BRINGS A SMILE TO EVERY CHILD!"

Brook was starting to sob. "Yorki..."

The scene showed there was a lighthouse on the cliffside.

Luffy and his friends recognized the scene. "It's the lighthouse!"

"It's where we met Crocus!" Nami added.

There was a baby whale. "Is that Hoe?"

"That's Laboon!" Brook answered as tears started to form in his eyes. "I know this a memory, but, seeing him when he was just a baby, brings me back."

"So touching," Troy choked.

"You idiot, I'm going to cry if you keep that up," Macao muttered despite the teary-eyed expression on his face.

"Laboon, we'll be back once we cross the entire world, so, you just sit back and wait for us!" Yorki declared.

Chirp Chirp Chirp

"Laboon is so cute!" Lucy, Angela, and Wendy cooed glowing.

Then the scene changed to inside of the Rumbar Pirates' flagship.

Yorki was in a bed looking terrible.

"What's going on?" Carla asked.

Leone saw the sickly state. "He looks sick."

"He must've caught a virus when we went through the jungle," The doctor spoke. "It's no use, my medicine isn't having any effect."

"Brook...leave me and the infected members behind, I don't want anyone else to get sick..." Despite the painful decision, they had to leave them behind. "Also...Brooke...I have one last request..."

"What is it, old friend," The musician sobbed holding his captain's hand.

"Play...my favorite song...to send me off..."

Brook agreed and played his captain's favorite song. "Also...keep our promise to Laboon..."

Lily found respect for the captain. "He's a true man."

"Such a manly person Yorki is!" Elfman cried.

Laxus chuckled a bit.

Brook became the captain enjoying the music and their travel through the sea.

The scene changed when Brook and his last remaining crew members were on their ship severely injured by arrows that were pierced into their bodies.

Their doctor was shown on the floor dead.

"It's no good, those arrows were tainted with poison..." A Rumbar Pirate member spoke weakly.

Natsu was angered at this scene. "Where are the bastards that hurt your friends?"

"Calm down..." Gray spoke.

"It's only a matter of time before we succumb to the poison..." Another Rumbar Pirate said. "Brook, let's record our favorite song..."

Brook went over to a piano and activated a dial tone. "Right...Bink Sake...this shall be recorded for Laboon to hear..."

The other remaining Rumbar Pirates took out their tools while others began to dance despite their injuries.

Yo hohoho, yo hohoho Yo hohoho, yo hohoho Yo hohoho, yo hohoho Yo hohoho, yo hohoho

Gather up all of the crew, it's time to ship out Binks' brew.
Sea wind blows, to where, who knows? The waves will be our guide.
O'er across the ocean's tide. Rays of sunshine far and wide.
Birds, they sing, of cheerful things, in circles passing by.

Bid farewell to weaver's town, say so long to port renowned.
Sing a song, it won't be long before we're casting off.
Cross the gold and silver seas, a salty spray puts us at ease,
Day and night, to our delight, the voyage never ends.

(Interlude)

Natsu and his team were clapping their hands, enjoying the song.

Aquapad and his friends were dancing.

The four Minks were impressed as they continued to listen.

Gather up all of the crew, it's time to ship out Binks' brew.
Pirates, we eternally are challenging the sea.
With the waves to rest our heads, ship beneath us as our beds,
hoisted high upon the mast, our jolly roger flies.

Somewhere in the endless sky, stormy winds are blowing by,
waves are dancing, and evening comes, it's time to sound the drums.
But steady men, and never fear, tomorrow's skies are always clear.
So pound your feet and clap your hands 'til sunny days return.

Yo hohoho, yo hohoho Yo hohoho, yo hohoho Yo hohoho, yo hohoho Yo hohoho, yo hohoho

Gather up all of the crew, it's time to ship out Binks' brew.
Wave goodbye, but don't you cry, our memories remain.
Our days are but a passing dream, everlasting though they seem.
Beneath the moon we'll meet again, the wind's our lullaby.

Gather up all of the crew, it's time to ship out Binks' brew.
Sing a song, and play along for all the oceans wide.
After all, is said and done, you'll end up a skeleton,
so spread your tale from dawn 'til dusk upon these foamy seas.

Yo hohoho, yo hohoho…Yo hohoho, yo hohoho…
Yo hohoho, yo hohoho…Yo hohoho, yo hohoho…

Yo hohoho, yo hohoho…Yo hohoho, yo hohoho…
Yo hohoho, yo hohoho…Yo hohoho, yo hohoho

Then one by one, the crew began to succumb to the poison but all had smiles on their faces, Brook was hearing this and began to sob. "Well, I'd seem we were done to Quartet." He choked. "A Trio...sob...sob...and a Duet." He kept playing regardless of how hurt and painful. "A solo...it isn't right, leaving just the accompaniment."

Wendy heard the skeleton's sobs, bringing her to tears, however, she kept her sadness not wanting to disturb Brook's song.

Yorik's words echoed in present Brook's mind. "You wanna join my crew, all I ask is for you to love music! Let's hear it for the Rumbar Pirates! The crew that brings a smile to every child!"

"Laboon, once we traveled the world we'll be coming right back here! Just wait for us!

Break

Fairy Tail, the Minks, Fishmen, and Exceeds cheered at the amazing song.

"Bravo!" Troy and Jet clapped with tears in their eyes.

"Such a tune!" Lucy laughed.

"Brook is amazing!" Wendy giggled with tears falling from her eyes.

"Yay!" Bickslow yelled with a huge grin.

Vijeeter "That song got me dancing so much!" Vijeeter stated dm happy that you all enjoyed the song." He looked at the wizards. "That's not the end of it."

His memory continued, only this time, his ship was old like an actual haunted ship. "I've been drifting ever since, nobody would get close to me due to my skeleton appearance."

"So, I take it it's the effect of the Revive-Revive fruit," Erza presumed.

"That's correct, I hoped to somehow make it back to Laboon, however..." The scene changes to when he's confronted by Geck Moria.

"I'll be taken your shadow!" He cackled insanely.

"Who's that weirdo!?" Lucy jumped in fright.

"That's Gecko Moria, a pirate, and former warlord," Robin answered. "He's a devil Fruit user, which is known as the Shadow-Shadow fruit."

"Shadow-Shadow fruit?" Gajeel questioned.

"He has the power to take people's shadows and can use them in different various ways, he was able to use transfer the shadows into corpses creating zombies," Robin explained.

"Zombies..." Lucy shuddered.

"That sounds scary," Troy and Jet said looking spooked.

"It gets worse, if any victims that had their shadow stolen are exposed to the sun, they'll disappear forever," Zoro commented.

"That's horrible!" Leone exclaimed.

Chelsea felt scared about that last detail.

Brook showed everyone the day he met Luffy and his crew, eventually, telling them his situation and going to Thriller Bark.

Each crew member went through the strange place, meeting different zombie-like creatures.

"Zombies!" Levy and Lucy shrieked comically.

"They look like old rag dolls to me," Gajeel scoffed not even flinching.

Further later, Chopper meets a famous doctor he admired known as Doctor Hogback.

Only to find out the famous doctor was corrupted and had sinister plans for medical stuff, learning of a famous actress that died and was brought back with Hogback's skills.

There was talk of the Mysterious Four, Absalom, a man that was determined to find a wife and had his eyes on Nami.

Nami felt shivers go down her spine, remembering how she was almost molested in the shower.

Sanji glared at the man, remembering what the man tried to do to the navigator.

Usopp ends up meeting a girl Perona. "That's Perona, she's a Devil Fruit user as well, her power is known as the Hollow-Hollow Fruit."

"Horohorohorohoro..." She laughed. "I'll enjoy making you into my playthings."

Behind the girl were strange-looking toys.

"Creepy..." Lucy and Wendy shivered comically.

"She's got a weird taste in toys," Chelsea added.

Usopp was shown his fight against the girl, though, her Devil Fruit power did not affect him due to his negative attitude, she attempted to trick the long-nose man she crushes his heart in her ghost form.

"That's freaky..." Lucy shivered again.

"Oh no!" Usopp cried in fear. "Oh wait, you can't do that, can you?"

Perona flinched when she realized that Usopp was buying her little fib. "I-I-I..."

"In that case," Usopp took out a ten-ton hammer and whacked her with it only for cockroaches to crawl all over the ghost girl.

"Eek! Cockroaches!" Perona screamed in fear.

Sanji fights against Absalom.

Later, Moria uses the power of the giant zombie Oars, but, it had Luffy's shadow including his personality.

Luffy is given some new power-ups from the shadows that were collected by a female pirate named Lola and her crew.

Nami smiled at her old friend.

"I assume she and her crew were also victims of Moria's powers?" Makarov spoke.

"That's right, together we work together to fight against Moria and his giant zombie," Nami answered.

The giant zombie gets defeated, but, Moria still stands and uses the shadows to power himself up enlarging his height.

"He's so big!" Lucy, Chelsea, and Wendy exclaimed with gaping mouths.

Luffy uses the last of his remaining strength to fight against Moria and causing a large part of rubble to fall on his stomach releasing the remaining shadows.

Luffy was shown seen unconscious.

Then Kuma, another Warlord appears. "I'm Bartholomew Kuma, a member of the Seven Warlords, your crews developed so much and are staffed with talent fighters, no matter what, I shall destroy everyone one of you."

The last remaining Straw Hats and Lola along with her crew fight against the warlord, but, the former warlord's speed was too much.

"He's so fast!" Jet exclaimed.

Zoro barely managed to avoid Kuma's attacks, but, he kept his ground. "36 Calibur Phoenix!" He slashed the air creating a projection but only for his attack to be deflected in another direction.

"Whoa, he repelled the attack!" Lily exclaimed.

"Holy crap!" Pango yelled.

"Is that a paw-print?" Carla wondered.

"Look at his hands!" One of Lola's crew members pointed out.

"Are those paw pads!?" Another shouted in shock and confusion.

Kuma put his hands out. "I possess the power to deflect anything I wish...you see, I ate the Paw-Paw fruit and became a paw-paw human."

"Paw-Paw human?" Sanji, Lucy, and Lily questioned in unison.

"How can he say with a straight face?" Usopp's past self asked.

Past Franky put his hand under his chin. "I might not know about these seven warlords, but, if this guy's got kitten hands, what are we worried about?"

A large paw-print projection was sent directly at the cyborg man and sent him crashing into a wall. "I'm disappointed Cyborg Franky, if that's the only level of your strength then you should keep your mouth shut."

Present Franky clearly remembered the pain he felt when he got hit by that attack.

"How can he hurt Franky when the front part of his body is a robot?" Past Nami asked.

"I call the Pad-Cannon, by simply deflecting the air pressure at light speed and I'm able to create a shockwave that can pierce through anything," Kuma explained.

Gajeel did his trademark laugh. "He sounds like more of a worthy opponent."

Natsu agreed for once. "You're right about that!"

"Seriously?" Nami and Lucy yelled comically.

Kuma then began to plant both of his feet firmly on the ground in a sumo-style foot stomp. "I don't believe in mercy...Thrust Pad Cannon!"

He began to thrust his pams forward firing a vast number of pressure shots at Zoro.

Zoro managed to dodge each of the Pad Cannons and strike at Kuma's hands using all three of his swords only to be deflected and send him crashing hard on the ground.

Erza was in total disbelief. "He's so strong, not to mention he's also quick."

"That guy could destroy Master Jose's giant robot with ease!" Elfman exclaimed.

"Our attacks probably wouldn't hurt him since he deflects attacks," Mirajane theorized.

Sanji kicked the warlord in the face only for him to fall to the ground in pain.

"How come that kick didn't hurt him?" Jet questioned.

"Wait, I remember those clone robots!" Akame spoke.

Leone recalled that too. "That's right, Franky mentioned that..."

"Kuma surrendered his body to the Navy and used him as an experiment replacing his body parts one by one, and erasing his memory as a human," Franky's words echoed.

Usopp used his Fire Bird but, the attack was deflected and burned the sniper.

The fight was not in the Straw Hats' favor.

"I figured that fighting against weakened pirates would bring me no joy, however, orders are orders despite I don't agree," Kuma spoke with an emotionless expression.

He began to gather air which was taken the form of a paw-print which got smaller, smaller, and smaller until he gathered it in his hands.

"What is he doing?" Lucy asked.

Past Nami realized it. "I think I know, he's deflecting a major air mass and compressing into a tiny ball."

"Once he releases that much pressure it'll unleash a large amount of shockwave like an enormous bomb," Past Robin added.

"That doesn't sound good," Leone muttered looking scared.

Once Kuma was done and turned in the direction of where the other allied pirates were.

There was tension and fear in the air for a moment. "I thought it over and I made a decision...I'll spare your lives."

The tense was seemingly over... "On condition, in exchange for this act of mercy, all of you will give me the head of Straw Hat Luffy."

Everyone was shocked at the condition.

Despite the fear they all had within, they refused and let out a battle cry. "This was your choice... Ursa Shock..." Kuma spoke in a cold tone.

He put his hands out and released the air mass which floated towards the pirates and...

BOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM

An enormous shockwave explosion was released into the area sending everyone flying away.

"That was so powerful," Lucy whimpered.

"Holy crap..." Leone muttered.

Lisanna and Mirajane were shaken up.

Usagi had his say. "I heard of his powers but witnesses it is another."

"Snort...snort...snort...so powerful," Temukai commented with a gaping mouth.

Tigress gritted her teeth. "So powerful enough to destroy those buildings and damage the entire area in one move."

"Juvia is scared..." Juvia whimpered in fear.

Gray was in complete awe of what he just witnessed. "I heard of Kuma's powers from the Navy, but, this is nuts."

Levy had her thoughts. "He probably has more power to take the entire dark guild by himself."

The scene was cut and changed when the sun was up when Zoro was resting.

"What happened to Zoro and why is he knocked out?" Erza asked.

"He's just tired nothing more," Sanji assured.

The red-haired woman could tell something was wrong, but, she decided not to pry anymore.

Everyone began to sing the Bink's Sake Song once again.

Brook later was informed of Laboon still being at the lighthouse waiting for him. "Laboon is still waiting...oh...I'm so happy...so, does the offer to join your crew still stand?"

"Yeah, welcome aboard!" Luffy simply said.

Luffy's crew had jaw-dropping reactions except for Robin and Zoro.

"What, just like that!?" Usopp and Sanji comically yelled.

"For real!?" Franky and Chopper questioned with gaping mouths and wide eyes.

"Ugh!" Nami yelped with her hands on her cheeks.

Robin just giggled.

"Your captain is simple-minded I see," Gildarts laughed.

"That's Luffy for ya," Present Usopp laughed.

Leone laughed. "Such a carefree boy!"

"Like you're one to talk," Chelsea sweatdropped.

The scene went black.

"Now you all see, my time when I was a member of the Rumbar Pirates and all we experience pain, sadness, and joy," Brook spoke. "Honestly, I almost gave up hope when nobody would approach me."

He lowered his head for a bit before speaking again. "But, Luffy helped me out of my situation and offered me to join his crew, after he and his crew helped me I was so happy when I learned of Laboon's whereabouts, that made me even happier."

Drip Drip Drip

Tears formed in his eyes. "I was...so...happy...sob...sob...sob..." He wiped his eyes with his bone arm. "Even to this day, I deeply wish to help Luffy become King of the Pirates."

Makarov smiled. "I can see how strong your belief is and how loyal you are, you have my respect."

"That's right, you show loyalty and friendship with your crew," Mirajane said approaching the skeleton.

Brook bowed. "I'm honored to hear that...Miss Mirajane, I have a question."

"What is it?" She asked.

"Can you show me your panties?"

"Nope..." Mirajane replied with a smile.

Brook placed his hands on his chest. "Oh, my heart is broken...but, wait, my heart is not with me...SKELTON JOKE YOHOHOHOH!"

"Pervert..." Leone, Cana, Lucy, and Tigress mumbled with a sweatdrop.

"Mama, what's panties?" Asuka asked innocently.

Bisca had an awkward look on her face. "Uhh...you'll know when you get older."

"Who's next?" Mest asked.

"I'll be next..." Sanji spoke. "I'll show you what my life was while being a cook as a child on a cruise ship called the Orbit and more."

The scene shows a kitchen with several different chefs.

Sanji was helping by cutting some lettuce.

"Wow, look at all that food," Natsu drooled.

Akame saw some meat being fried. "Meat...meat..."

"Now, now, Akame, this is a memory," Leone giggled grabbing her best friend by the back of her shirt.

"Meat!" Luffy said with a delicious expression on his face.

"Did you forget this is a memory!?" Usopp barked comically.

Then pirates invaded the ship and took the chefs hostage, there stood a tall man. "I'm Red Foot, Leg Zeff!"

Red Food Zeff

Captain of the Cook Pirates(Formerly)

Future Head Chef of the Baratie

There was his flagship with the front rear which had the shape of a duck with a chef's hat.

"That's some pirate ship!" Lisanna exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes, back in his days, his kicking skills were so strong to crush rock and his shoes had the blood stains of his enemies," Sanji declared.

"Scary!" Lucy, Wendy, and Chelsea cringed in fear.

"Did he become a pirate to King as well?" Romeo asked.

"Not quite, he wanted to find the "All Blue"...where tons of different types of fish swim in one place," Sanji answered.

"All types of that fish that swim in one place," Akame said intrigued.

"Fishy!" Happy drooled with a dreamy expression.

Sanji as a child confronted Zeff. "My dream is the find the All Blue, I ain't going to let you jerks ruin that chance!"

Suddenly the storm was blowing over and got worse wiping out both the Orbit and the Cooking George.

Sanji was on the verge of drowning but, was saved by a second by Zeff.

The two are eventually stranded on a tall rocky island. "Here boy, take these, all of this has food, but, this bag is my rations, so, eat up."

Sanji wolf the entire food away.

Lucy noticed Zeff's leg was missing. "What happened to his leg?"

"You don't want to know," Sanji assured.

After 47 days(in the anime), Sanji attempted to steal the food that Zeff had left, however, the moment he opened it there was nothing but treasure.

Sanji saw the leg. "Oh no...old man...did you..."

Leone covered her mouth a bit. "Oh my..."

Makarov realized the situation but kept quiet, he noticed his children's reactions, though like him they kept quiet.

"The old man was almost dead, however, a passing ship was seen and we were rescued, and we had a good meal," Sanji spoke as he took out a cigarette. "That's how he opened a restaurant after his leg was gone."

"That's horrible, but, sounds like he was an honorable man, and he lived too," Wendy said.

The scene changed to when Zeff made a restaurant that floats on the water and was shaped like a fish.

"So cool!" Troy laughed. "I'm getting hungry seeing this!"

"Not surprising," Jet joked.

Levy giggled. "Yes, I bet his food tastes good."

Then the scene changed in the restaurant where Luffy along with Zoro, Usopp, Nami, Johnny, and Yosaku was on board the ship.

Zeff was older than ever, he continued to lecture his cooks about their rash and reckless behavior. "You punks need to control yourselves!"

Then a young pirate named Gin arrived at the ship and requested a meal, only to be kicked out due to his lack of money.

Sanji offered the man a good meal. "I know what's like to starve out at sea, it's scary, especially when you're alone, so, chow down."

Gin was practically in tears. "Thank you, Sanji!"

Leone, Akame, Carla, and Tigress started to have more respect for Sanji's thoughtfulness.

Zeff and Sanji have a chat, then, a strange fog was shown outside, and a shadow of a pirate ship was coming.

"What is that?" A customer asked.

A woman trembling in fear. "It's the Don Krieg Pirates!"

"The who?" Carla wondered.

"This can't be good," Lucy said quietly a little scared.

"Look at the size of that galleon!" Happy exclaimed.

"Hold on, what does it look so damaged?" Erza asked.

"Looks like someone took giant swords and cut parts of the ship!" Usagi summarized.

Zoro clearly remembered the damage. "It was the greatest Swordsman in the World..." He thought.

Gin brought his captain Don Krieg, who looked starved, and pleaded with the cooks to feed him, but the customers didn't feel sympathy towards the cruel pirate not even Sanji's employees wouldn't help.

Shortly after, Sanji arrived with some food and Don Krieg began to wolf it all down, however, he instantly took Gin aside and started acting in his brutal and merciless ways. "Hahahaha, alright you weaklings, this ship will belong to the Krieg Pirates, also, you..."

He was looking in Zeff's direction with an evil grin on his face. "I heard of you, such a famous pirate that you left bloodstains on your boots, how unfortunate of you to lose one of your legs at sea." He then put his hand out. "I take it that you have a Logbook, give it to me."

"What do you want it for?" Zeff asked.

"Regrettably information, that one mistake caused me to lose in seven days!"

Fairy Tail(at least some weren't surprised, but others were).
"However, once I have your Log Pose book, I'll study the information and rebuild my crew, and...I"LL BECOME THE NEXT RULER OF THE SEA!"

Luffy's past self approached the tall muscle pirate. "Now hold on, it'll be me that'll become King of the Pirates!"

Don Krieg then takes a bag of food and leaves to feed his last remaining crew members.

Gin apologizes to Sanji for bringing his captain.

"That Gin seems honorable," Lily spoke.

"Yeah, he may be a member of Don Krieg's crew, but, he's a respectful and honorable man," Sanji said. "He shows a lot of respect for his captain despite his cruel nature."

Gin began to tell something important. "I was on the Grand Line, all of the fifty ships that were under Don's command sailed through that ocean..."

"Don Krieg commands fifty ships!?" Lucy exclaimed.

Natsu grinned. "Sounds like fun."

Gajeel did his trademark. "Yeah, those punks would fall before me."

"Shush..." Levy hushed the two dragon slayers.

Gin began to tremble. "The Grand Line is more than my crew realized...then one day, the entire pirate fleet was wiped out by one single man."

Everyone gasped in shock.

"Krieg's fleet was wiped out by one man?" Erza questioned.

Zoro wasn't surprised, he know what Gin will say. "The man's eyes resembled a hawk with coldness within them."

Zeff then spoke, "That could be the man known as Hawkeye, his cold stare you describe means that you and your crew members encountered that swordsman."

"Hawkeye..." Erza thought. "Wait..."

Johnny and Yosaku were having a chat with Erza and Kagura.

"Big brother Zoro dreams of becoming the Greatest Swordsman in the World, the only thing standing in his way is Hawkeye Mihawk, who owns that title, Zoro challenged him but was completely outclassed, and was seriously injured as result," Johnny explained.

"Yeah, the swords that Hawkeye used were so powerful, not even Zoro's most powerful sword attacks didn't even lay a mark on the Warlord,"

Just then there was a large splash from outside.

Don Krieg's ship was cut into two.

There on a small strange eerie boat was Hawkeye Mihawk.

"It's him!" Zoro pointed out.

"That's Hawkeye Mihawk," Akame said a little troubled.

"I can't feel his aura since this is a memory, however," Leone had drips of sweat on her forehead. "Looking at him tells me he's not a pushover."

Erza could tell how strong that man was despite it being just a memory. "He looks powerful, that sword on his back, no doubt, it's the one he used against Zoro."

Zoro's past self approached Hawkeye and challenged him. "I'm Rornora Zoro, I'm destined to become the Greatest Swordsman in the world and I'll become that person by defeating you!"

Hawkeye accepted his challenge.

Despite Zoro's skills, his attacks proved to be of no use against the warlord, he even used a small dagger to block Zoro's strongest attack, which was the same move he used to defeat Hyouzou.

"He blocked Zoro's attack with a dagger!" Lucy exclaimed in disbelief.

"Holy, that dude is strong!" Bickslow commented with his tongue sticking out comically.

"Too strong Too strong!" His dolls chanted in unison.

"I won't back down, I have the promise to keep, and I intend to keep going no matter what!" Zoro declared while not even flinching against his most powerful enemy.

He attempted to use another powerful sword skill only to be stabbed in the upper chest.

Fairy Tail cringed in the horror.

Usagi had his thoughts. "So, this is the power of Hawkeye Mihawk, he's so formidable, no doubt, he has Haki, he seems to have trained it for so long."

Despite the stab wound, Zoro refused to back away, which Hawkeye noticed. "Do you wish for me to pierce your heart, don't you want to step back?"

"Beats me...not sure me...but I get the feeling that if I were to take even a step back right now, I'd lose something very important to me...a promise, an oath, or whatever it is would be irreversibly broken, and that I'd never be able to return to where I'm standing right now!" The sheer determination in Zoro's eyes showed some great interest in Hawkeye, though he continued to test him.

"Yes, such is defeat, even if means your death,"

"Haha...then that's why I can't step back, I'd much rather die than live in shame!"

Most of everyone can see how much revolve Zoro has.

"I can see why he's the Vice-captain," Gildarts thought with a smile.

Laxus' respect for the green-haired swordsman became more. "He's got my respect,"

"Either that or he's just stubborn," Chelsea commented.

"Still, he's quite brave," Cana said drinking whisky. "More of the man I thought he was."

Hawkeye pulled away the dagger and placed it in its sheath. "State your name young man."

Roronoa Zoro," Zoro replied putting his swords out and preparing to use another three-sword style move.

Hawkeye took out his large sword. "I'll remember that for your strength is not off seen in this world, to pay my respect to you as a fellow swordsman, I shall lend this duel with my black sword, the world's strongest sword!"

Erza's eyes widened. "That's quite a sword."

Despite Akame not being a swordsman herself, she was quite impressed with how big it was and the blade's sharpness.

The two swiftly swung their blades at each other. A minute passed and then two of Zoro's blades were cut into pieces leaving him with only one sword thus leaving another sword mark on his chest.

After a brief moment, Zoro sheathed his last remaining sword knowing he's been defeated, however, he turns around and spread his arms out.

Hawkeye was a bit surprised. "Why are you-"

Zoro smirked. "A wound on one's back is the Swordsman's shame."

Hawkeye was impressed with the answer, he wasted no time delivering a final slash on Zoro's torso making him fall backward.

"ZORO!" Luffy, Johnny, and Yasoke screamed in horror.

Leone cringed in fear. "Crap..."

Carla was shocked. "Are you nuts!?"

"Whoa, that wound looks bad!" Jet exclaimed in worry.

Zoro ignored the white cat's concern.

Luffy attempted to attack the warlord, but, the strong greatest swordsman evaded the boy's attack.

"Relax, your friend is not dead," Hawkeye said calmly.

Johnny and Yasoke got Zoro out of the sea, pulling on their small boat.

"I'm Dracule Mihawk, it is too early for you to die!" Hawkeye declared. "Know thy world, know thy self, and become strong Roronoa Zoro! No matter how many months or years pass by, I shall stand here at the top of the world and wait for you! So force on ahead with that fierce conviction and try to surpass my sword! Once you do, seek me out, Roronoa Zoro!"

Everyone was astonished at what Hawkeye said.

"It seems that Zoro earned Mohawk's respect and is hoping to duel him again when the time comes," Erza said with a smile. "I must say, you got more skills and ambition than I heard of."

Zoro turned to face the red-haired swordswoman. "Is that so?"

Soon, both of their aura's covered their bodies. "I look forward to challenging you someday."

"You're on, Titania Erza Scarlet!"

"Ooh, scary!" Leone teased despite the sweat on her face.

Akame smiled at the two, seeing the ambition they had.

Romeo raised his hand. "I have a question, Zoro,"

The green-haired swordsman looked at Romeo. "What is it?"

"It's about the promise, did you make to someone like sensei or something?" The young fire wizard asked curiously.

Zoro's eyes widened a bit, like Romeo asked a sensitive question, he took a deep breath. "Let's just say, a friend I was training became my goal to become the world's greatest swordsman, we both made a promise that we would duel each other one day...however...my friend's life was taken in an accident, so, I decided to use the sword my friend once used, and use to become the world's greatest swordsman, by defeating Hawkeye someday."

Romeo smiled widely with star eyes. "Wow, you're so cool!"

Zoro sweatdropped. "Uhh..."

"Mr. Zoro is cool!" Asuka giggled cutely with star eyes.

"Not again," He thought a little embarrassed.

Robin giggled.

"Anyway, let's continue with my memory," Sanji abruptly said.

Soon, the scene changed with the Bartie looking different.

"Why does the Bartie look so different?" Lucy asked.

"The old man's ship has a special platform that is under the ship, he uses when fights like these get out of hand," Sanji replied.

"Incredible," Leone praised.

The cooks and Don Krieg's grunts fight, and Patty and Carne attempt to ram into Don Krieg, only for their fish-like boat to be stopped using his bare hand.

"I'm Don Krieg, the man who'll rule all the world's oceans!"

"No way!" Levy exclaimed.

"He stopped that boat with one hand!" Naba added in shock.

"No way, it'll be me that will be King of the Pirates!" Luffy declared.

Patty manages to fight against some of the low grunts.

"Who are these guys?"

"This is the power of the fighting cooks of the sea!"

Splash

A strange-looking man wearing strange-looking iron plates covered his front and backside as well as two small plates with large pearls embedded in them.

"What the hell are you two?" He asked.

Patty and Carne were whammed to the ground by the man using his plates in his hands.

"Who is that weirdo?" Happy asked.

Pearl the Iron Wall

Commander of the Krieg Pirates Second Unit

"Haaaahahaha...Behold!"

"My invisible Iron Wall!"

"Iron Wall Pearl!" Luffy declared.

"Iron wall Pearl!?" Wendy questioned.

Gajeel wasn't impressed. "Does he have a reason for wearing those plates?"

"Don't let your guard, that guy isn't someone to be messed with," Sanji spoke. "I admit his plates are a little weird, but, he knows how to fight."

"Hahahahaha...you won't be standing after my lethal punch!" Pearl laughed. "You just got a good taste of my special "Pearl Present"!"

"Pearl Present?" Natsu asked tilting his head.

"Such a weird name for an attack," Lucy commented.

"Like Lucy Kick and Gut Punch," Happy teased.

"Watch it cat!" Lucy comically yelled.

Sanji soon fought against more of the low grunts and looked directly at Pearl. "I'll kick your ass, I may be a cook, but, don't get cocky."

"Hah! To beat up all of them using only your feet, you strike me as a rather lazy guy, or is that your policy?" Pearl asked shaking his head.

"A cook's hands are their life, I can't risk fighting with them," Sanji replied with a smirk. "But, don't worry, my feet will be more than enough to take you down."

Pearl just gave a cocky smile. "Take me down, I'm afraid that just ain't happening, in the last 61 fights I've seen, I've won them all without even so much as a scratch on me!"

"He's getting so full of himself," Akame said.

"You may protect your hands in a fight, but, I fight while protecting my entire body, I never lost a single drop of blood in all fights I've been in, not one single drop..."

Clang

"That's proof of my invisible strength, that's why they call me Krieg Pirates' "Iron Shield Pearl!" Pearl continued as a creepy smirk formed on his face. "And. my Iron Defence has quite the fashion."

Sanji delivered a kick only for it to be blocked by a plate that was Pearl's left lower arm. "I can even withstand a direct blast from a battleship cannon, no matter the attack, I'm penetrable!"

Suddenly Luffy fell out of nowhere crashing into Pearl's face.

"Whoa, where'd Luffy come from?" Jet asked.

Pearl was starting to whimper at something, and he felt some blood dripping from his nose. "Huh...?"

"Its blood!" A Don Krieg pirate grunt exclaimed in worry.

"Oh crap!"

"Pearl, it's fine!"

"Yeah, just a little nosebleed, everyone gets those!"

"What is going on?" Leone asked confusingly.

"They're worried about a nosebleed," Freed wondered.

"Such babies," Evergreen remarked.

"No, it's obvious that something is about to happen," Laxus thought.

Chelsea saw the look of panic starting to form on Pearl's face.

Clang Clang Clang

Pearl began to bang two plates that has pearls together which got more intense.

"I'm in danger! I'm in danger!" He screamed in a panic.

Soon his entire body was covered by white fire.

"Crap! He's doing that thing he learned to do while growing up in a jungle!" A Krieg pirate pointed out.

"Back in the jungle, wild beasts that lurked around would freak out Pearl and that would cause him to light a fire!" Another added.

Natsu was impressed. "Wow, that's cool!"

Whack

"It's not cool!" Lucy comically yelled.

"Don't you dare get close to me...Fire Pearls Special Treat!"

Then small flaming pearls were thrown in all directions.

Sanji was able to deliver a kick at the shieldman, which only provoked him even more.

Firing more flaming pearls, which a few were going directly in Zeff's direction, however, he swiftly kick the air using his fake leg to put out the fire.

"Wow, the old man put that fire using a gust of wind when he kicked the air!" Leone exclaimed amazed.

Akame had to admit that she was impressed.

"That old geezer is something else!" Bickslow commented sharing the same reaction.

"Imagine how formidable he could be if he still has his leg," Pango added.

Sanji begged to differ. "Actually, without a real leg, the old geezer is still strong,"

"How did you put out my fire pearls?" Pearl asked stunned.

Zeff gave a bored expression. "Fire pearls, that's kid stuff."

Don Krieg attempted to use a spiked mace to crush Sanji, however, Luffy sent it back using his Gum-Gum Bazooka.

This destroyed a nearby mast and landed right on Pearl's head seemingly knocking him out.

Just then Ghin pinned Zeff to the ground using his foot and pointing a pistol at the old man's head. "Battle ends..."

"Kill him, if we do, then the old man's ship will belong to us!" Don Krieg declared.

Sanji requested for the gun to be pointed at him, but, Pearl suddenly got up, and delivered a punch to the cook's face sending him crashing into a wall.

"This ship is everything, his life, his dreams, and his home, as long as I'm around..." Sanji stood up. "I WILL NEVER LET ANYONE LAY A FINGER ON IT! I'M HOPING TO FIND THE ALL-BLUE!"

"All Blue?" Happy asked.

Sanji took a cigarette and lit it. "It's an ocean where chefs are hoping to find, where all the fish from different oceans swim together including plants."

Happy, Akame, and Leone were stunned at that detail.

"Fish..." They thought as they were ready to drool.

Sanji's past self continued to fight against Pearl.

Luffy used his Gum-Gum Battle Axe to damage one of the ship's fins.

"Holy crap!" Leone cursed in surprise.

"Man, he destroyed that fin in one attack," Romeo added reacting the same.

Sanji argues with Luffy about his actions, though, the Straw Hat begs to differ from Sanji's action of wanting to die.

Pearl attempts to attack the two using flaming pearls, however, his iron plates are quickly shattered by Ghin's special pair of tonfa weights with metal spheres.

Don Krieg becomes angry at the chef commander. "You betrayed your crew, to think my Chief commander do something like this!"

"I know, however, I will fight him and kill him while standing," Ghin said as he turned to look at the blonde cook.

"That guy is strong," Lily said impressed.

"He took out Pearl with one single hit," Levy added.

Gajeel did his trademark laugh. "Not bad, he could be a worthy opponent."

Natsu agreed for once. "Yeah..."

Akame could see that. "He's the Chief Commander, he's got skill."

"Imagine how strong he could be as a wizard," Gildarts thought with a grin. "He could be a worthy opponent in the Grand Magic Games."

Ghin looked at Luffy. "Strawhat, I think it would be best for you to leave and meet up with your other crewmates."

"Nah, it's not as if I could ever be beaten by weaklings like you," Luffy said with a deadpan expression.

Ghin and some of the other Don Krieg gritted their teeth at the comment.

"They just called us weaklings and told off our commander!"

"We're Don Krieg Pirates you dumbass!"

"Rules of the East Blue too!"

The cooks began to panic noticing the provoked reactions from Don Krieg's men.

"That's it!"

"Kill that bastard!"

"STEP BACK ALL OF YOU!" Don Krieg roared as his men abruptly stopped. "A person who gets angry just for being called weak is indirectly admitting that he's weak. The final result is what decides who's strong and who's not, I'm still standing here so don't you start whining for nothing."

"Yes, captain!" The Don Krieg pirates saluted.

"He calmed down his men with that speech," Chelsea said a little surprised.

"Not surprising, despite the cruel nature he has," Makarov thought.

Fujika had her thought. "He knows of leadership."

Ghin eventually fights against Sanji, and the two battle hard and struggle. Sanji however gets his ribs crushed barely holding on.

Ghin grabs his opponent by the neck and pins him to the deck.

After a few minutes, tears start to fall from Ghin's eyes. "I can't kill my savior..." He sobbed barely holding back his tears.

"Captain Krieg, please, let's leave, and together we'll be able to return to the Grand Line with a new ship..."

Don Krieg was furious. "Fool, I didn't expect you to have sympathy, weakness, and mercy from you, such disgraceful sight...as if now, you're no longer a member of the Don Krieg Pirates!"

He put his left plate out which the center opened.

The Don Krieg Pirates began to panic. "Hold on!"

"Oh no, it's the gas!"

"Poison gas bomb!"

Everyone in Fairy Tail even their friends was horrified at that last detail.

"Is that guy crazy!?" Leone asked.

Luffy and Sanji gritted their teeth.

"Is he serious?" Franky questioned.

"Oh no!" Chopper yelled.

"Behold this strength...MH POISON GAS FIRE!" Don Krieg proclaimed as a cannonball was fired and the Don Krieg Pirates put on their masks.

Some of the cooks dived underwater.

Luffy snatched two masks but couldn't find another, "Oh no, where's mine!?"

BOOOOOMMMMM

Luffy found himself holding a mask and Ghin was holding on the extra to Sanji's face, however...

"Oh no!" Luffy's past self ran towards Ghin.

Natsu was in disbelief. "Ghin..."

"He's been poisoned!" Happy cried.

Gray gritted his teeth. "No..."

"Ghin saved Luffy and Sanji," Juvia choked.

Miyaka couldn't believe it. "He saved Luffy and Sanji, but..."

"Hahahahaha!" Don Krieg cackled cruelly. "Such an idiot!"

Sanji's past self held up Ghin. "Ghin, it seems like Don Krieg wasn't the man you should've followed."

"The scumbag deserves it!" Sanji turned over in Don Krieg's direction, who didn't show even a sign of remorse. "Anyone that loses sight of his objectives and disobeys my orders will only be useless to me, seeing this now proves that he'll repeat more failures in the future, therefore killing him right here and now is how I show my loyalty!"

Natsu's eyes were hidden as he lowered his head tightening his fists.

Lucy felt bad for Ghin as she glared at Don Krieg. "That monster..."

"Don Krieg is no man!" Elfman growled like he wanted to attack the cruel pirate.

"Calm down!" Lisanna said pulling her older brother's arm.

"Don Krieg, you jerk!" Natsu yelled as his hands were covered in flames and his eyes burned with anger. "How could you do that to your friend!?"

Lucy quickly grabbed hold of the hot-headed dragon slayer. "Natsu, you forget again, this is a memory!"

Chopper was horrified and disgusted at the scene. "That jerk."

Brook glared at the scene. "Don Krieg, such a disgraceful man to kill one of his crewmates."

Nami heard of this, but, seeing it was another. "Don Krieg is crueler than I thought."

Robin didn't say a word, but, she was not so happy with Don Krieg's action.

The Don Krieg Pirate grunts began to talk amongst themselves.

"I can't believe Don would try to kill our battle commander!"

"Yeah, he showed more loyalty to us and the captain especially when Fullbody's unit was after us!"

"He's put his life on the line more than any of us."

"Patty, Carne, take him inside and get the first aid kit!" Sanji ordered.

"B-but, the aid is only for food poisoning, I don't think it'll work on gas," Patty stuttered a bit.

"I don't care, just try it!" Sanji demanded.

"Put the gas mask on, it must have a little bit of antidote, also, take him to the 2nd floor and have him breathe with that mask," Zeff said. "If there's even the slightest chance of still saving him, then that's the first step to take."

Patty and Carne took in the poisoned Ghin, Luffy declares to defeat Don Krieg, but, not before proclaiming to Ghin that he'll defeat his captain.

Luffy manages to deliver overpower to Don Krieg, surprising everyone around him. That's when the Don Krieg captain takes out a spear that explodes when it makes contact with something.

"An exploding spear," Chelsea thought.

"He's got power weapons," Leone added.

As if Zeff heard the blond assassin. "Even with hundreds of weapons, the chore boy could still bring Krieg to his knees because he doesn't know fear."

Leone grinned at Luffy. "I knew he was strong, but, he's more formidable than I thought, reminds me of Tatsumi in a way."

Jimbei smiled. "I expect nothing less from the man that I'll call my captain."

Luffy eventually broke the spear blade. "Looks like your blade needs rest, now, it's my turn."

The Strawhat boy delivered more of his punches, though, Don Krieg's armor was seemingly unaffected by the boy's fists.

"Like your monkey punches will do anything!" The brutal pirate laughed loudly.

"Gum-Gum Bazooka!" Luffy palmed both of his hands on the upper chest, seemingly not damaged.

"Hahahaha...not even-" Suddenly he heard a cracking sound. "What the hell, my armor is cracking!"

"Gum-Gum Bazooka!" Luffy delivered a palm thrust only this time hitting the armor even harder and shattering the armor into pieces.

The cooks cheered, however, their cheering was cut short. "This isn't over yet!" He threw a steel net trapping the rubber boy. "Hahahahaha...it's over, you'll drown and I'll get the last laugh!"

"I won't give up!" Luffy stretched out his legs and arms out of the net's holes. "Time for me to end this!"

He wrapped his legs around the net with his feet grabbing hold of Don Krieg's head. "Gum-Gum Giant Hammer!"

He slammed the Krieg pirate captain onto the deck creating a loud thud and knocked him out for good.

Luffy fell into the ocean, however, Sanji didn't realize that. "Idiot, the boy has a devil fruit power, he can't swim!"

"Could've told me that sooner old man!" Sanji barked as he dived into the ocean.

A short time later, Sanji brought the boy back to the Baratie ship.

Don Krieg's crew members went to their captain.

Ghin was in belief at this sudden turnaround, however, he got up.

"AAARRRGHHH!" Don roared with a half-conscious look. "I won't give up, I'm the greatest, I ain't going to lose to that brat!"

Ghin approached his former captain and delivered a gut punch into his captain's mid-stomach. "That's enough captain, all of you, let us leave." He turned around. "Sanji, thanks for everything, I know you don't me anything, however, let the boy know, once he wakes up, I'll see him on the Grand Line."

Ghin coughed a bit. "I know the poison is still inside me, not sure, how much longer I'll live, though, I'll make the most of it by sailing towards the Grand Line, funny, huh, but, that's the one thing that keeps me going, on top of that, once a person's heart is set, pursue your dreams with every fiber of what you are, you will never feel lost or afraid, I learned that from a brave chore boy."

"That's quite a speech," Gajeel said with a smirk.

Lily shared his partner's reaction. "He's got a goal he wants to see to the end, he has my respect."

Natsu smiled brightly. "Yeah, anyone can dream as long as they believe, they can do anything."

Makarov chuckled. "Yes, he has the heart of a Fairy."

"Do you think he's okay?" Wendy asked her white Exceed.

Carla wasn't sure how to answer that. "Not sure child." She smiled. "However, he's going to live his life how he wants to, that's one thing he can do."

"Ghin is super cool!" Franky bawled loudly.

"Yohohohoh...he's got my respect," Brook laughed proudly.

Aquapad had his say. "He's someone I can respect, no doubt he and everyone on Fishman Island could be friends."

Angela, Thorn, Rena, and Jula nodded in agreement.

"Yes, he's got the heart and aura of a man," Leone grinned.

Akame couldn't help but agree. "He's got my respect too."

Lucy couldn't agree more.

Fujika giggled.

Sanji ordered Patty and Cartie to get the boat for grocery shopping.

Ghin then sailed away with his crew.

The scene changes to where Sanji has a talk with Luffy.

"Your dream sounds silly like mine, however, it's better to seek out your dream as long as you believe, so, Luffy, I'll be the cook on your ship," Sanji said with a smile.

"Alright!" Luffy screamed happily.

Sanji bowed to Zeff with gratefulness for his kindness. "Chef Zeff, I'll never forget your kindness, old timer, thank you!"

The other cooks including Patty and Cartie began to sob loudly. "Idiot blond!"

"I'll miss you!"

Everyone in Fairy Tail smiled at the touching scene.

Mavis, who was nearby, smiled happily.

Sanji's present self turned around but, he was clearly happy to see this scene again.

The scene went black.

"That's how what I did before I joined the Straw Hats and became a pirate myself," Sanji said.

"That's right, Zeff was an amazing guy!" Elfman cried. "Such a manly man!"

Lisanna couldn't help but laugh. "Aw, Elfman."

"Snort...snort...snort, such a nice old geezer!" Temukai sobbed.

Pango's lips were curled up. "Sanji's so lucky to have an old man that cares about him like a father!"

Natsu chuckled. "He's got my respect."

Happy smiled tearfully. "Aye!"

"Yeah, he's a respectable man, he lives his life to the fullest," Makarov spoke. "Ghin, that guy is someone that has a good soul and the heart of a fairy."

Laxus agreed for once. "Ghin realized that there was more than just dying meaninglessly, he decided to keep moving forward until his time comes."

"Haha...Ghin rules!" Bickslow cheered.

"Ghin rules! Ghin rules!" His dolls chanted.

Erza smiled respectively. "Yes, they had such fire in their eyes and kept going to pursue new paths that kept them moving forward."

"Anyway, who's next?" Mest asked.

"I am..." Jimbei then glanced at Aquapad and his friends. "Aquapad, Thorn, Jula, Rena, and Angela all of you shall be part of this too."

The Four nodded.

The scene changed to the Ryugu Palace throne room.

"Jimbei, how are things so far on the island?" A deep voice asked.

There was sitting on the throne chair was the giant merman and ruler of the Ryugu Kingdom.

"Whoa, is that merman?" Romeo asked.

"Holy crap, he's huge!" Wakaba pointed out.

"He's just as big as the Fairy Tail Guild too!" Macao added.

"What you are witnessing is when I used to work for King Neptune's army," Jimbei spoke getting everyone to look at the former warlord. "As a soldier, I would patrol the island."

A few scenes showed him some pubs, where pirates would hit on the female staff, however, Jimbei stood in and told the pirates to back off.

Lily smiled at this with interest. "Seeing this proves he was a real soldier."

One scene changed to where he was running towards a commotion.

Some guards approached him. "Boss Jimbei, it seems that Aquapad and Hammond are fighting again!"

A look of frustration formed on Jimbei's face. "Again..."

Aquapad laughed nervously, however, his laugh was replaced once he saw his child self fighting with Hammond.

"You take that back you stupid sea snake!"

"Make you bastard Marlin Fishman!"

The two were roughly grabbing each other's shirts pressing their foreheads against one another like angry bulls headbutting each other.

Bonk Bonk

Jimbei delivered two strong punches on the two young Fishman's heads leaving red lumps.

"You guys are causing a scene again!" Jimbei barked annoyingly yet angrily.

"It wasn't my fault, Aquapad jumped at me!" Child Hammond was accused.

"That was before you started saying crap about Hachi, you stupid jerk!" Aquapad pointed at his arch-enemy.

"Oh yeah!?"

"Yeah!"

Bonk Bonk

"Alright, that's enough, either you guys cut it out, otherwise, you can spend the rest of the day picking up trash in the pub!" Jimbei warned with a serious tone.

The two eventually gave in, and Hammond walked away with some of his goons.

"Listen, Aquapad, I can understand your anger, however, violence won't solve anything with that hothead," Jimbei said as Aquapad sat down with his hand under his chin. "I appreciate you standing up for Hachi."

"Was I supposed to let Hammond say crap about Hachi?" The Marlin Fishman asked a little annoyed.

Jimbei bonked him on the head. "If you want to fight that guy, do it somewhere else like outside the town." He then turned around. "Anyway, you go and play."

That's when Jula, Rena, Thorn, and Angela appeared.

"Aquapad, do you really have to throw a fist whenever that big mouth Hammond raises his voice?" Rena asked.

Aquapad scoffed annoyingly. "Hammond was being a jerk again and saying crap about Hachi."

"I could understand that, Hachi is like a father to me," Jula said. "He's helped me make Octopus-fritters whenever he has time."

"Still, you shouldn't cause scenes in the middle of town," Angela suggested. "I know Hammond is a jerk, but, you need to hold back your anger."

"We can't deny that Hammond really knows how to throw off hot air," Thorn commented.

"C'mon you guys, let's not Hammond and his friends ruin our day, let's visit Hachi and get something to eat," Rena said holding a grocery bag.

Just then lightning was flashing toward Aquapad and his friends.

"Howl!"

Jula shuddered at the howl as well as her child self.

Gin appeared as a child.

"Who's that?" Bisca asked completely in awe at the mysterious creature.

"Is that Wolf Mink?" Alzack followed with curiosity.

"That's Gin, the Wolf Mink Whaleshark Fishman Hybrid," Usagi summarized. "He used to live on our island, which is known as Zou."

Hearing that piqued Robin's interest. "Zou, I assume the island is somewhere in the New World."

Usagi nodded. "Yes, but, that'll be for another time."

"Anyway, Gin was quite a handful, even before then, he would still cause mischievous scenes," Jula shuddered again. "On top of that, he's a pervert."

Lisanna had to agree when he started to hit on her.

"Besides that, he's a good friend," Rena commented. "He's loyal to the mermaid princess."

"Whoa, you mean, Neptune has kids?" Wakaba asked hopefully.

Jimbei decided to answer that. "Yes, three sons, and one daughter." He decided to get back to the topic. "Anyway, I'll show what else happened on the islands."

The scene changed with Jimbei sitting on a rock. "Arlong, let go of him, he's one of my men."

Nami saw Arlong looking a bit younger. "Arlong..."

"Anyway, brother, you may be a member of Neptune's army, but, I can tell who's from the Fishman District," Arlong stated.

"Fishman District?" Romeo wondered.

"Don't lump me in with you, you went out and became a lousy pirate, you're scum," Jimbei remarked.

Arlong gritted his teeth. "Listen, brother, don't call me that, if you want to fight, then-"

"Hey, Fisher Tiger is back!" A Fishman citizen pointed out.

Everyone in Fairy Tail looked to see the famous Fisher Tiger.

Jimbei saw his old friend, and almost feel like crying, however, he kept watch.

Jimbei and Arlong went to greet their friend, Fisher Tiger had a small chat with them and left eventually going to the Ryugu Palace.

"So, Fisher Tiger, he's a friend of yours, Jimbei?" Wakaba asked.

"Yes, he's a Fishman that I've known since childhood, in fact, he was even stronger than me," Jimbei replied. "He would defeat me and other Fishmen in the Fishman District."

Romeo had a question. "Excuse me, Jimbei, what is the Fishman District?"

"It's a lawless town for orphan Fishmen or Merfolk, since then it's become so dangerous, the royal family decided to let them be unless they cause some trouble for the islanders, then, we'll put them under arrest," Jimbei replied.

"Sounds like you were working, Mr. Jimbei, but, you're so cool!" Asuka said innocently and had stars in her eyes.

Jimbei felt a little weird. "Uhh...thanks I guess." He smacked his cheeks. "Anyway, onto the next scene."

The scene changed with Jimbei and the palace guards being approached by a Fishman citizen. "Boss Jimbei, we got trouble, it seems that Fisher Tiger attacked one of the Celestial Dragons!"

"He wouldn't have..."

"What are Celestial Dragons?" Macao asked.

Robin decided to answer that, so, she explained the history of the Celestial Dragons including their wicked nature towards commoners, Fishman, Mermaids, and other nobles.

Natsu and Gray decided to share their own experience by showing Charloss what he did to Pucci's town mayor and taking the daughter away.

Luffy glared at the sight of seeing the fat Celestial Dragon, however, his anger was put aside when he saw Charloss get his ass kicked by Natsu and Gray.

Soon, Jimbei's memory continued with him joining the Sun Pirates, which was led by Fisher Tiger.

After a battle on a navy ship, Jimbei, Arlong, and the rest of the crew were talking with Fisher Tiger, who was lecturing them about their overkilling actions.

"You two, we're not a group of killers we're better than that, and don't you forget it!"

"But, boss, these humans have no mercy to get to you, they're out to kill you, so, can you blame us, of course, we go too far from time to time,"

"Do you want to be like the humans, killing someone is to kill a part of your own soul! We're not seeking revenge for the discrimination, that's not what Mariejose was about either. I might've broken that unspoken rule but I only did it to free those slaves. We're seeking freedom and liberation, not spiteful reputation. Violence becomes violence, I will not be responsible for any more tragedy, so, we will not cross the line...we will not become killers!"

Makarov remembered when former Guildmaster Precht said something similar to him.

Arlong started his negative speech until Jimbei bonked him on the head to shut him up.

The scene changes to a night out on the deck, and Jimbei has a chat with Fisher Tiger about Arlong's hotheadedness.

"Jimbei, it's great what queen Otohime is trying to accomplish, though, understandably, there's no difference between Arlong and me..." He held up a wine bottle broken to pieces. "Honestly, there's one thing that I'm really afraid of...my own mind."

"What did he mean by Mr. Jimbei," Asuka asked curiously.

Jimbei looked at her and his friends. "Watch..."

The scene changed to an unknown island where the Sun Pirates have chat with former slaves who request for them to return a girl named Koala.

"She was a slave too," Romeo exclaimed in shock.

"Poor girl," Bisca said feeling sorry for the girl.

Later that day, Arlong was giving the girl hell by trying to lash at her only for Hachi to hold him back before the Saw Fishman did something more.

Fisher Tiger took Koala inside the ship and a sudden shriek of pain was heard within the cabin.

"Boss, what are you doing to her?" A Fishman crew member asked a little startled.

Koala was dropped on the floor, she was seemingly unconscious and had a Sun Pirate tattoo.

"What happened to her?" Alzack asked worriedly.

"He put the Sun Pirate tattoo on her back, despite that it hurt, but, he knew that she would never get over being a slave with the slave mark on her," Jimbei answered.

The girl wakes up with the same smile on her face. "Oh I guess I passed out, I'm sorry, I promise to never cry, so please let me live!"

Fisher Tiger bent down and looked her in the eyes. "It's okay for you to cry!" He took out a pistol. "We're nothing like those evil Celestial Dragons, so, don't you dare act like we are, now watch!"

He took the pistol and tossed it overboard as Koala looked to where the weapon fell.

Fisher Tiger looked at his crew. "No killing...not now...not ever...NO MATTER HOW FAR THE JOURNEY...WE'LL BE TAKING THIS GIRL HOME!"

His crew except for Arlong cheered.

Gildarts grinned. "He's quite respectful Fishman."

"Yes, he's someone I can respect," Laxus agreed.

"He's a manly Fishman!" Elfman cried.

Mirajane patted her brother on his back. "Aw, Elfman."

Leone grinned. "He's quite the man alright."

Akame heard of his tale, but, seeing it was another. "He's got my respect."

Chelsea couldn't help but agree. "Yes."

As the journey towards Koala's home was long, but, Koala was still afraid of the Fishman, though, it didn't help with Arlong's negative speeches about humans. "Humans think they're superior to everyone, there's no reason why we should let such an innocent girl like her life, she'll go and learn to hate us, you forget the fear and competent in the human's eyes when they look at us."

"Some humans but hardly all of them," Jimbei's past self walked towards Koala and sat next to her. "Are you afraid of us because we're pirates or is it more than that?"

Koala looked up at the large Fishman. "Because...I...I don't know much about you."

"Makes sense," Makarov spoke. "Fear comes from ignorance, that's what drives others to feel the same, on top of that, we humans do fear the unknown, however, learning to know about someone helps once you get to know that person."

Present Jimbei smiled in agreement.

Eventually, Hachi began to play a game with Koala, then as days becomes weeks, Koala began to open up to the crew, and they arrived at her home island.

Koala went onto the shore with Fisher Tiger, but, not before she turned to the Fishmen. "I'll let everyone know that Fishman is nice and not scary!"

The Sun Pirates were happy to hear that, Jimbei returned to the ship as Koala left with Fisher Tiger.

Arlong scoffed. "You guys think she's cute, but, soon, she'll be a Fishman-hating scumbag!"

Aquapad growled. "That jerk..."

"Geez, does he have to be so negative?" Cana asked with a glare.

Usagi narrowed his eyes at the Saw Fish Fishman. "He seems to hate humans more than we thought."

"Snort...snort...snort...Arlong a bully..." Temukai snorted with a glare.

Jimbei's past self began to sense something, then suddenly multiple gunshots were heard in the distance.

"What is going on?!" Jimbei asked.

"The navy is here!"

"What are they here!?"

"It was a damn trap, the brat was bait to lure us here, we showed these humans kindness and this happens! See humans are monsters!" Arlong yelled in anger.

Jimbei realizes the situation and orders some of the crew to fight off the Navy while he and some rescue Fisher Tiger.

The Whale Shark Fishman confronted the Rear-Admiral Strawberry and collided their fists together creating a large shockwave.

"I don't get what happened?" Romeo asked.

"What we learned from Boss Ti, the villagers from Foolshout island made a deal with the navy to sell him out in exchange for Koala's freedom," Jimbei answered. "Despite, we did rescue brother Ti and hijacked a Navy ship, which was Arlong's doing..."

The scene changed with Fisher Tiger on a table looking fatally injured.

"What do you mean you don't want a blood transfusion, are you crazy, you'll die!"

"You lost far too much blood, whatever feelings you have, you must reconsider!"

Aladine the ship's doctor took a blood bag. "The boss has a rare blood type, so, we need another option."

"Wait, do we have the same blood as Fishmen?" Macao asked.

"Yes, if Fisher Tiger gets the blood he needs, he'll live," Romeo answered looking hopefully.

However, Fisher Tiger refused to get a blood transfusion. "I'd rather die than live with human blood, I refuse to have that filth in my body...the blood of the monsters that tried to kill me."

Arlong questioned Fisher Tiger's agony, and he revealed that he was a former slave as well, shocking his crew.

Fisher Tiger with his last breath decided to tell them something important.

"Listen to me, I choose to live how I wanted to...against Otohime's will, but, I still believe she's right about our kind coexisting with humans, no matter what happens, endure the pain, the tragedy, hatred, all must die with us..."

Macao, Wakaba, and Romeo started to get teary-eyed.

Jimbei's present self began to feel emotional.

"Some humans are kind, we're not so different...but, in my heart is the devil which makes me angry and unable to forgive, so, despite what I fought for, I can't forgive...I'm sorry."

Aladine bent down to his friend. "Listen, boss, you're a hero, don't you forget it, to every slave and Fishman, you're a symbol of hope,"

Elfman liked what he was hearing. "That's what a real man would say!"

Fisher Tiger faintly smiled. "That makes me happy." He then collapsed on his bed with his eyes closed as the Sun Pirates cried in devastation.

Max was bawling his eyes out. "Fisher Tiger, he's a real man!"

"Yeah, such a tragic end for him!" Warren added with tears falling from his eyes.

"Fisher Tiger is a cool guy, he's a true man!" Romeo stated with tears.

"Too bad he died, he would've made an excellent Fairy Tail wizard," Troy choked.

"Sniff...sniff...for once I agree, he was true to the end," Jet said while sniffling.

"Mommy, Mr. Fisher Tiger is dead," Asuka cried sadly.

Bisca and Alzack hugged their daughter in comfort. "There...there..."

"He was a brave man and symbol of hope to his people, he made his first friend Koala,"

Vijeeter began to dance. "I'm doing a dance to honor his memory."

Reedus wiped his eyes. "Sniff...I'll draw a picture of him to honor his memory." He turned to Jimbei. That is if it's alright with you, Jimbei."

Jimbei was trying not to get choked up. "Sniff...sniff...thank you I'm happy that there are others who respect my former captain." He wiped his eyes. "Anyway, let's continue."

The scene began to change when Jimbei reads the newspaper about Arlong's capture and lies to the public about Fisher Tiger being denied of blood.

Aladine thought otherwise knowing that people would attack Fisher Tiger's character due to him being a slave and denying getting a transfusion himself.

Then, one day, Jimbei is offered to be a member of the Seven Warlords, and he decides to take the offer and goes to Impel Down to release Arlong.

Later, Jimbei and Arlong have a fight due to Jimbei's choice.

The fight ends with Jimbei turning away, and Arlong leaves with his own crew.

"Sounds like Arlong is still angry as he always has," Rena spoke.

"He must have more hate than we ever thought," Thorn thought.

"Can that jerk ever chill for once?" Pango asked.

Jimbei goes back to Fishman Island, during a stroll through town, he hears a commotion of a Celestial Dragon Mjosgard, he sees the former Fishmen slaves confront him and point pistols at him.

"Are they really going to kill that guy?" Wendy asked worriedly.

"It's obvious they want to, but..." Carla trailed off as she saw the hesitation in the trembling arms.

Bang Bang

At first, the citizens thought they killed the cruel Celestial Dragon, however only to see Otohime was shot instead.

She pleads to the Fishmen not to kill the noble despite his cruelty and to not let the children see the violence.

Mjosgard takes the queen hostage however when the Sea Kings appear, he faints from shock.

"Whoa, what were those giant fish?!" Romeo yelled.

"Those were sea kings, sea monsters that live in the Grand Line, each one is strong, and can be dangerous," Jimbei summarized.

Mjosgard recovers from his injuries and is given a ship to return to the surface, but, not before he gives the islanders cruel remarks and comments at them.

Otohime requests the noble to go the Mariejose much to the islander's and her family's shock.

"You can each of us islanders and her family were against the idea, however, she insisted on going, to show someone as helpless as her would stand against dangers, it was a matter of appearance," Jimbei spoke.

"She's more manly than I thought," Elfman commented.

"She's a girl you big moron!" Sanji snapped comically.

"Such a brave woman!" Brook swooned.

Eventually, the Otohime returned with some good news, showing the paper signed by the Celestial Dragons, offering to give them a chance in society if enough petitions are gathered.

The citizens were a bit nervous, which seemed to make Otohime sad, but to her surprise, everyone on the island put in their petitions.

Jimbei smiled proudly as his past self.

Suddenly the petitions were set on fire, and Otohime and the palace gathered the ones that were on fire.

Bang

A bullet was shot in the air and fatally wounding the queen in her heart.

"What happened?!" Jet and Troy asked with wide eyes.

Otohime with her last strength had her kids promise her to hold in their anger no matter who her killer was.

Fukaboshi, Manboshi, Ryuboshi, and Shirahoshi did a pinky swear just as their mother succumbed to her wound.

Jimbei is seen approaching Hordy Jones and a few palace guards.

"I found the killer with a gun, no doubt, he's the culprit!"

"It can't be!" Jimbei's past self was shocked and angry at this discovery. "Hide the body."

"Do what?" A palace guard asked.

"If this gets out, the queen's work will be for nothing, she'll...she'll never be able to rest in peace!" Jimbei's past self turned around holding in any anger that was boiling inside.

"Maybe, but, that doesn't change the fact he's the shooter!" Hordy Jones reminded.

"He was just a lawless pirate."

"Pirate or not, he's a human," Hordy Jones took away the corpse and showed the pirate to the islanders.

"IT WAS A HUMAN! A HUMAN ASSASSINATED OUR QUEEN! THIS IS WHAT HUMANS ARE CAPABLE OF, KILLING IN COLD BLOOD!"

The islanders cried in despair and betrayal.

Jimbei's present self didn't react, he clearly knows the killer is now today.

"Why would a pirate like that guy kill Otohime?" Wakaba asked.

"Yeah, it doesn't make sense unless the nobles paid him to," Reedus guessed.

"It doesn't matter what reason it was, everyone on Fishman Island is hurt and angry," Macao said with a frown on his face. "The queen was a lovable woman, she's got a heart of a fairy."

"For once, you're right dad," Romeo sobbed.

"However..." Jimbei spoke. "Things aren't what they appear."

Some of the Fairy Tail wizards were puzzled at what the former warlord meant. "It's wasn't a human pirate that killed our queen, it was Hordy Jones a Fishman from the Fishman District."

Some Fairy Tail wizards were shocked at that sudden detail, as they were about to ask questions which Jimbei figured they would. "Hordy Jones' reasons why of killing the queen, it's a long story, the point is it was because of Hordy's lie everyone including myself was fooled...however, everyone will continue to forward."

The scene changes when Jimbei meets Luffy in Impel Down.

Together they along with prisoners fought against the jail guards and the Demon Guards.

There was Magellan, a man that ate the Venom-Venom Fruit, Luffy showed his memory of fighting against the venom man, however, he wasn't able to lay a scratch on the Jail Warran due to his Devil Fruit power until he met Mr. 3, a man that can the Wax-Wax Fruit.

Sanji saw Ivankov and turned away upon seeing the nightmare that gave him hell for two whole years.

The scene changed when Jimbei and Luffy went to Marineford to rescue Ace, however, Luffy was unable to see his brother's death again, which Jimbei suggested.

Fairy Tail felt sorry for the Straw Hat for losing his brother Ace, who was the son of Gold D. Roger.

Jimbei talks with Luffy on Amazon Lily trying to convince him to move forward, however, due to Luffy's regret and guilt, he was unable to listen to Jimbei's words until he grabbed hold of his neck and questions him about having anyone else in his life that he can treasure.

Luffy remembered his crew and that they were still waiting for him.

Rayleigh shows up as soon as Jimbei brings Luffy to the shore. "I might not need to remind you Luffy that if you and your crew return to Sabaody then all of you will endure the same fate."

"That's Rayleigh," Romeo said with admiration.

"He's the old man that trained Luffy to control a new power," Jimbei said with a grin. "Not only that, Rayleigh was the former vice-captain of Roger Pirates."

"Amazing, that old man must be strong, isn't he Luffy?" Asuka asked.

Luffy grinned. "You bet, he's really strong, he was able to fight against Kizaru."

Jimbei showed his departure. "Luffy, I'll be waiting on Fishman Island, I hope to meet your entire crew as well."

"Sure thing, see ya Jimbei!" Luffy's past self waved at the former warlord.

The scene ended.

"You see, my history as a Fishman wasn't easy, our kind of Fishman Island would always try to open up to humans, but, end up getting disappointment and discrimination, Arlong is the perfect example of that."

"Why is that?" Wakaba asked.

"Because the islanders of Fishman Island believed Arlong was hunted by humans due to being a Fishman," Jimbei continued as a sudden smile formed on his face. "However...Luffy and his friends including Fairy Tail have given us hope."

He then looked at the Exceeds. "Happy, Carla, Lily, I also want to say that it was because of your bond with your friends that the islanders realized that other creatures can get along with humans, not only that, humans will accept us even if things are hard."

Happy was flattered. "Aye..."

"No need to get all gushy on us," Carla said looking away shyly.

Lily chuckled with his arms crossed.

"Luffy, I have a question," Romeo spoke and the Straw hat captain looked at the boy. "What made you choose to be a pirate?"

Luffy grinned. "That's easy, Shanks inspired me, his talk about life on the sea and the freedom that Gold D. Roger had is something I want, the most powerful man alive can have anything including freedom and that's when I decided to set sail, and dream to become King of the Pirates!"

"Yes, our captain can kick some major ass!" Zoro declared with a grin.

Sanji chuckled. "Yeah, with our captain, we'll fight anyone that stands in our way including the navy and other pirates."

"When Luffy fulfills his dreams we can do the same!" Usopp stated proudly.

Nami giggled. "Yes, I hope to find some good treasure."

"I hope to treat any sickness for anyone!" Chopper declared with determination.

Robin giggled.

"Thanks to my masterpiece the Sunny, we'll be able to set sail through any ocean!" Franky stated with a huge grin "It'll be SUPER!"

Brook laughed. "Yohohohoho...I hope to reunite with Laboon someday."

Jimbei nodded. "Yes, I intend to catch up with Luffy and his crew to join his adventures!" He smiled widely. "In due time, my kind shall coexist with humans."

Makarov had his say. "I agree," Everyone looked at the old man. "Jimbei, I believe Aquapad and his friends including the Minks will be a great addition to our guild."

The old man glanced at Mirajane, who nodded in response and he looked at the Night Raid assassins. "Akame, Leone, Chelsea, come here."

Mirajane offered to put the Fairy Tail guild mark on them.

Aquapad got his guild mark on his shoulder which was green-blue.

Angela got her mark on her left thigh which was the color purple.

Rena got her guild mark on the back of her right hand which was ruby red.

Thorn got his guild mark on his upper chest which was light blue.

Temukai got his guild mark between his horns which was grey.

Tigress got her guild mark on her right hand's palm which was the color red-orange.

Pango got a black guild mark on the front of his belly.

Usagi got his guild mark on the left cheek which was the color dark red.

Jula got her guild mark on her forehead which was the color pink.

Leone got her guild mark on the right shoulder which was yellow.

Akame got her guild mark on her left shoulder which was red.

Chelsea's right forearm had a guild mark which was orange.

Fujika got her guild mark above her cleavage which was purple.

Miyaka got her guild mark on her top right hand.

"As if now...all of you are official members of the Fairy Tail Guild!" Makarov announced. "With this addition, our family has grown, and I do consider you new Fairy Tail wizards my children!"

Fujika was delighted. "Yes...I'm honored as a former member of Kuja Pirates."

Miyaka bowed in respect. "Makarov, I'll be helpful to the guild and assist in any way I can."

Temukai, Pango, and Thorn were bawling their eyes out with joy.

"So happy!"

"Snort...snort..snort...me so happy too!"

"Joining a human guild is like a dream come true!"

Jula giggled happily as tears formed in her eyes. "Makarov...father..."

Angela was practically brought to tears of joy. "Sob...sob...I'm so happy!"

Usagi bowed in his respect. "I'm honored, Makarov."

Tigress smiled. "It'll be an honor to assist and be helpful to your guild in any way I can."

Akame smiled a little. "Yes, I'm grateful."

Leone grinned. "Old man...I mean...Makarov, thanks a bunch!"

Chelsea was a little nervous, but she put on a smile. "Father huh...that's awkward...but, its fine."

Aquapad smiled proudly as tears fell from his eyes. "Old timer, I'm glad to be here and a family member of Fairy Tail."

Rena was bawling her eyes out while placing her hands on her face. "I'm so happy, humans are accepting us more than ever!"

Jimbei smiled happily. "You guys."

"We got new guild members!" Macao shouted excitedly.

"Yeah, they're not human, but, who cares, they're really cool!" Naba added.

"Not to mention the females are hot," Wakaba whispered to Macao, who got the picture.

"Either way, welcome to Fairy Tail, you guys!" Romeo cried with a big smile.

Luffy and his friends smiled at the scene.

Makarov then cleared his throat. "Anyway, I would like to make an announcement before we start our battle against Alvarez Empire, let's give welcome to Mavis Vermillion."

Mavis appeared before them. "Hello, as you know I'm Fairy Tail's first Guildmaster and the one who established it, however...I must tell you all of something very important, also, the Straw Hat Pirates, I would like you all to listen as well."

"Wait, but, the first master can they see-"

"That's her!" Luffy pointed out.

"She's so small and child!" Zoro muttered seemingly not impressed.

"Wait...is she a ghost!?" Usopp whimpered.

"Eek, a ghost!" Chopper yelled comically.

Nami was awe-struck. "Oh no, a ghost girl!"

Brook bowed his head. "It's pleasure to meet you, Mavis." Mavis was not expecting this, she knows that only Fairy Tail members can see her, but, the Strawhats and their friends can.

"Anyway, could you Mavis be so kind as to show me your panties?"

Bonk

"That's enough, you pervert!" Lucy barked with shark teeth.

Usopp realized someone was missing. "Hey, where Gildarts?"

"He's probably outside walking," Makarov answered. "He's the kind of guy that doesn't stay in one place."

"I hope he'll be okay," Chopper said worriedly.

"Don't worry, he's strong, he can take care of himself," Cana assurred taking a sip of wine.

Mavis cleared her throat. "Anyway, I'll tell the story of my time as Fairy Tail's First Guildmaster, one that has connections with Zeref."

End of chapter.