Episode 8: "The Kuro Chapter"! Fateful event, fateful meeting!


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?


Now it's time to set sail! For a mystery! Dunno where we will go! Or what we're gonna see!

ONE PIECE!

Gotta find a good crew, and I'll work 'em to the bone! Just no time to rest, it's all mine and mine alone!

I've always believed, this is my destiny! To be the greatest pirate the world has ever seen!

If you're NOT on our side, then you better run and hide! We'll defend 'till the end all of our friends! On that you can depend!

Now it's time to set sail! For a mystery! Dunno where we will go! Or what we're gonna see!

We will never give up! The ship or the hunt!

One Hope! One Dream! One Day!

ONE PIECE!


[Emptee Bluff Island - Cross Guild Headquarters, New World]

"YOU GET A STATUE OF ME! AND YOU GET A STATUE! FREE WAX WORKS FOR EVERYONE!" crowed a man, standing on the chairman's balcony in the main tent headed by Cross Guild, "Chairman Buggy is a man of his word! If I do a good job until he gets back, I'll finally be promoted to a lead commander! And of course that means to beautify everything with my gorgeous wax sculptures!". [Former Member of Baroque Works, Temporary Cross Guild Manager - "Mr 3" Galdino/User of the Wax-Wax Fruit/Current Bounty - 30,000,000]

"Hmph...might wanna cool your jets pal, we both know what's gonna happen when any of the boss's get back" muttered a muscular, dark skinned man who was filing through paperwork on a couch, "I'm just saying...if Croc, Mihawk, or even Buggy get back and see you've gone and installed wax statues of yourself all over the place...we both know they'll probably all beat you to a pulp." he explained calmly yet coldly. [Former Member of Baroque Works, Temporary Cross Guild Manager - "Mr 1" Daz Bonez/User of the Dice-Dice Fruit/Current Bounty - 200,000,000]

Galdino rolled his eyes, "Have no fear, I know EXACTLY what I'm doing! Trust me, the big guy's will love this!". "If you say so..." Daz sighed, shaking his head. Galdino tapped his chin as he overlooked the wax covered tent, "Hmm...aheh...Daz? You want a statue of yourself?" he chuckled. Daz looked up from his paperwork, sighing deeply and staring into Galdino's soul before quietly replying with "of course I do.".


[At Sea in the New World - On route to Paradise]

The dark waters shimmered with moonlight as a ship cruised effortlessly through the calm waves. Some faint music could be heard below deck from the galley, as a man walked across the main deck to the wheelhouse. Adjusting his sunglasses with a single finger, he entered the wheelhouse with folded arms.

"All seems to be going smoothly...according to the log pose, we should arrive at our destination in just 2 more days" he explained. [Former Assassin of the Marines - Eric the Whirlwind/User of the Sickle-Sickle Fruit/Current Bounty - 10,000,000]

"Hmph, very good...that's very good to hear" grumbled the large man at the helm, his orange hair flowing over his golden shoulder pads, "I can only imagine how much of a pay-out we'll receive from the boss for this catch". [Former Captain of the Gold Lion Pirates - El Drago/User of the Scream-Scream Fruit/Current Bounty - 25,000,000]

Eric sighed and leaned against a wall, "However much we make, it'll never change the fact that we'll be stuck working as lapdogs like this forever...one day we're sent out on missions to capture people with impressive strength, the next we're pitted against each other to the death...really makes a man wonder if a life like this is really worth living" he pondered.

El Drago shrugged his shoulders, "It isn't something most men could handle, but you and I are not most men. We clad ourselves in gold to a roaring crowd! We defeat those that are viewed as the best the world has to offer! To the strong, we earn respect! To the weak, we are heroes who inspire!" he declared proudly, thumping his chest as he looked off into the night sea ahead of their ship.

"Hmm...an interesting way to put it...a very interesting view point indeed" mused Eric, "Nonetheless, I suppose it keeps us alive. I know I'd much rather have some form of glory rather than to die alone and be forgotten.".

El Drago nodded, "Exactly. I refuse to act as if I hold any sentimental value towards you, the others, or the boss, but...I would also be lying if I claimed your company wasn't held to a high regard" he explained, "Aheh...well...not to the same regard as precious GOLD of course, but you understand what I mean".

"Aheh...naturally." chuckled Eric, as a door inside the bridge swung open and a large man strode out. His black leather boots clacked against the wooden floor, while his white jacket fluttered in the light wind that came through the windows. Puffing on a cigar, he looked at Eric and El Drago with a bored expression, "According to the wireless telegrams, there's a navy ship that wishes to rendezvous an hour away...something about catching a lot of pirates who've recently started to make names for themselves and recently entered the Grand Line" he explained, "I've confirmed a meeting location, we're going to take these new prisoners aboard." he grumbled. [Former Marine Captain and Former Captain of the Gasparde Pirates - "The Marines' Greatest Stain" Gasparde/User of the Candy-Candy Fruit/Current Bounty - 200,000,000]

"Hmph, and you couldn't have told us about this before agreeing to take on a boatload of fresh meat?" scoffed Eric, "You do realise that the hold is practically stuffed to max capacity as it is, right?".

Gasparde scoffed in response, dumping the ash from his cigar into Eric's tall blue hair. "I saw an opportunity and I seized it...the boss left me in charge of this expedition, and so I alone am the one who made the call" he grunted, "If you have a problem, Eric, I'll gladly toss you overboard myself.".

"Hmph...don't even joke about such a thing, syrup boy. You know to do that would result in Eric's death." muttered El Drago, who was still just looking straight ahead, "In any case, if you've already made a deal with the navy then it means we have no choice but to take on more men. The boss told us that to pass as marine allies is the only way his operation can work, one slip up and it all comes crashing down.".

"Riiight, well the boss also likes it when everyone sticks to his plan and sticks to his routine, he ain't gonna be happy if we arrive late." replied Eric, adjusting his sunglasses with a finger as he began to walk away, "I'll go inform the others that we're soon to have more guests come aboard" he muttered.


[Amazon Lily - Calm Belt]

"H-HAYAMI-KUUUN! WELCOME BAAACK HAYAMI-KUUUN!" squealed hoards of women at the harbour who were crowding around the tiny ship that had brought Hayami home. Kuro just shook his head and plugged his ears with a scowl as he and the others pushed their way through the gathering. "Heh, you really are one for the ladies, boy" laughed Krieg, slamming Hayami on the back.

Hayami smiled, "Y-Yeah well, y'know, the attention is nice but can be a little much sometimes" he replied, waving at some of the women just so that he didn't seem rude by ignoring them. Kuro tapped his foot impatiently, "Can we get a move on already? The noise is really grating my head" he snapped, "Plus...I can imagine if these women keep yelling and screeching like this, they'll wake up the big guy from his nap".

Hearing Kuro mention 'the big guy' made Krieg come back to his serious senses, as he straightened his back to stand up straight and shunted some of the women out of the way. "Alright! Make way for God sake, the STRONGEST MAN IN THE WORLD is coming through!" he yelled. Kuro sighed in relief seeing Krieg's attempt at speeding things up, following behind, "Hayami! Keep up!".

"Huh? O-Oh yeah! Just a second, I'm kinda busy!" Hayami called out, taking off his shirt and flexing his abs while posing for photos with some of the women. Naturally the girls all clung to him while squealing "so strong~". Kuro rolled his eyes, "The glamorous life of a celebrity...you ever miss those days Krieg?". Krieg laughed, planting his fists on his waist, "OF COURSE! I was the KING of the East Blue! EVERYONE would instantly shit their pants just at the mere mention of my my name and my armada! Glamorous doesn't even come remotely close to how good I had it!" he boasted.

"Heh, you know did...uh...that, probably shit themselves? That shark dude I battered back at the blacksmith village!" joked Hayami, as some of the girls crowded round to hear his story, "Y'know there was this HUUUUUUUGE fishman in a coffee place that I stopped into, he was like...100 feet tall! Was being real annoying and harassing all the lovely ladies who were just tryna do their jobs and ask me a couple of questions.". "W-What did you do Hayami-kun?" asked one girl, raising her hand.

Hayami grinned and took his fighting stance, "I totally beat the breaks off of him with The Shotgun! Sent him flying out the window and everything! I wasn't even scared for a second!". "~SO COOOOOOL!~" cheered all the women, pushing and shoving past Krieg and Kuro just to get some of Hayami's attention. Kuro rubbed the bridge of his nose, "Something tells me this is gonna be a loooooooooooong day...".

It took an hour and a half to walk across the city, but eventually the trio made their way to the palace that Hancock resided in. Due to Hayami being present, they were able to get through the main gates without an issue (after Hayami signed some autographs for the guards).


[Kuja Palace]

"Whew, talk about fancy, huh?" mused Krieg, looking around the halls at the elegant stone carvings and marble pillars. "Indeed, it's...acceptable, I suppose" muttered Kuro, hands in his pockets as he looked straight ahead. "Are you gonna stick around for a while Dad? I'm sure Mom would be real happy to see you again!" exclaimed Hayami eagerly.

"Not likely I'm afraid, my boy. Krieg and I have important business elsewhere to take care of" Kuro replied, as the large double doors in front of the group opened leading into the throne room.

Sitting on the large golden throne was surprisingly not Hancock, but a tall woman with flowing green hair who's tongue flicked out like a snake. Though initially confused at Kuro and Krieg, her face lit up when she noticed Hayami. "Ahhh! There'sss my favourite little nephew!" she hissed, bowling Krieg out of the way and holding Hayami against her massive chest. [2nd in Command of the Kuja Pirates - Boa Sandersonia/User of the Hiss-Hiss Fruit: Model Anaconda/Current Bounty - 80,000,000]

"Ack! A-Aunty Sandy! N-Nice to see you too!" Hayami coughed, as Sandersonia continued to crush his neck from her hug.

"Sandersonia...hmph...I was expecting Hancock" Kuro muttered, adjusting his glasses with his palm. Sandersonia giggled, still crushing Hayami in her arms, "My sssister is away on businesss right now...she should be back in a few daysss" she hissed teasingly. "Hmph, I see..." replied Kuro, "Well then...I guess that's a signal to take my leave" he muttered, shaking his head as he spun on his heels as he started to walk away, "Krieg, make haste, there's not a moment to lose. I want to quicken our pace given the last few weeks have taken up much of our valuable time" he spat. There wasn't a response from Krieg, so Kuro glanced back yet didn't see his partner. Raising an eyebrow, he was only able to see Hayami still being coddled by Sandersonia, yet Krieg was nowhere to be seen.

"Hmm? Krieg? Krieg!" Kuro snapped, "Hayami! Where on earth did Krieg go?" he scowled, growing frustrated. "Heh, yeahhh I'm a bit of a BIG deal back in my region" bragged a voice, which alerted Kuro. Folding his arms, he poked his head outside the throne room and was unimpressed to see Krieg flirting with a gaggle of Amazonian women by showing off his muscles and golden Wootz armour. "KRIEG! Enough with the showboating, let's go!" Kuro yelled, tapping his foot impatiently.

"Hmm?! Relax, wouldja?! We got plenty of time to hit the road, your missus isn't even here yet!" Krieg retorted, attempting to show his manliness. Unfortunately for him, Kuro wasn't having any of it, grabbing the pirate by the collar of his shirt and dragging him across the floor. "Hayami! I'm off, was good to see you again son!" Kuro called out, as he marched down the hall dragging Krieg next to him. Hayami didn't even get a chance to respond, he just waved and let out a muffled "Farewell Dad!".

After a few minutes of walking, Krieg got back up to his feet and dusted himself off, angrily smacking Kuro across the back of his head. "What's the matter with you?! Eh?! You've been acting like a pissy little prick all day!" Krieg yelled. Kuro rolled his eyes, "I despise this stone age island and the wretched woman who I had my son with...even if I do admit she was decent in bed, and Hayami is an achievement I'm quite proud of, it doesn't change the fact that I have no desire to associate with such a corrupt dictator who has no understanding of logical thought and peace of mind" he explained. Krieg folded his arms, following Kuro as they exited the palace through the front gates, "So you wanna get going before the woman shows her face, huh? Heh, I suppose she is known to be one seriously lippy bitch!" he laughed.

Kuro shook his head, "Look, it's nothing that should concern you. Hancock doesn't like me, and I really don't like her. That's all.". Krieg just threw his head back and laughed, "Relax, I hear you! No need to lose your temper any more, I know a thing or two about dealing with women. Never happy but they always want more, that's how they get 'ya! Now come on, we'll get back to the ship and shove off as soon as we can. Maybe we'll stop at the nearest island that isn't here so that we can grab a drink" he offered, placing a hand on Kuro's shoulder.

Kuro sighed, pushing up his glasses, "Hmhm...an excellent suggestion, much more my speed. Although I will admit, we really should've stocked up on alcohol while at Whiskey Peak". "I told you we can't! I owe a lot of money to a lot of people there, if anything it's a miracle we even picked up Pearl" Krieg grumbled. Kuro nodded, "Mhm...speaking of which, how do you think he's doing? I'd imagine he's probably still sleeping, right?".

"DANGER! DANGER! I'M IN DANGER!" shrieked a voice in the distance, as fireballs began erupting from the village at the bottom of the island by the harbour, while loud clanging noises could be heard. Krieg face palmed, "Welp...he's up.".


[Port Town Square - Amazon Lily]

"DANGER! DANGER! FIREEEEEEE PEAAAAAARL SUUURRRPRIIIIIIISE!" yelled the large man who was covered in massive blue flames while repeatedly clanging two symbols together, causing the women of the village to scatter in terror as nearby buildings burst into flames. [Former 2nd in Command of the Krieg Pirates - Pearl "The Invincible Iron Wall"/Former Bounty - 12,500,000]

"S-Someone stop this madman!" shouted one woman, "Is it a pirate attack?!" yelled another. A massive crowd of villagers began to evacuate as the massive flames continued to lick the walls of the buildings. "GET BAAACK! BURN, BURN, BURN! PERISH WITHIN MY FLAMES! WITH MY SHIELDS AND MY INFERNOR, I AM INVINCIBLE!" Pearl declared, launching more fireballs around the village as he continued to crash his shield symbols together that were attached to his hands.

Krieg clenched his teeth in annoyance, removing his fancy shirt and jacket to reveal his solid gold Wootz steel armour, "PEARL! STAND DOWN FOR GOD SAKE, YOU'RE NOT IN DANGER!". Kuro was surprised at the event unfolding in front of him, "What in the hell is he doing?! When I said I had a disdain for this island I didn't mean for it to be burned to ash!" he snapped.

"My bad, probably should've mentioned Pearl's got a little bit of PTSD from growing up in a jungle. Usually he just sort of loses his mind and lights himself on fire whenever he feels threatened" Krieg explained. "Jesus, he's like a Gremlin of sorts, having rules and such" mumbled Kuro, "But regardless of that explanation, how do we stop him? I'd imagine Hancock won't be too happy to come back and see her territory completely burned down".

"Hmph! Well it's obvious, isn't it? I'll just put him to sleep for a little while, that's certainly a start" Krieg scoffed, yanking off one of his massive golden shoulder=pads and holding it up towards Pearl, "Everyone cover your face holes! DEADLY POISON GAS BOMB, M-H-". "W-WAIT, YOU SMOKE BRAINED IDIOT!" Kuro yelled, waving his hands and standing in front of Krieg, "DON'T LET OFF A GAS BOMB IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TOWN, YOU'LL KILL EVERYONE YOU MORON!".

"What else do you expect me to do? HMM?!" Krieg snapped. Kuro face palmed, "He's YOUR subordinate! Are you seriously telling me you didn't ever have to calm him down ONCE?!". Krieg grumbled to himself as he placed his golden shoulder-pad back onto his shoulder, "Hmmmmmmmmmm...well I suppose there is one way" he mused.

*20 Minutes Later*

"Mmph...perfection as always Don" sighed Pearl, as he sat inside the galley on Krieg's ship eating a fresh bowl of Krieg's stew. Kuro just stood there, dumbfounded at how all it took was the smell of food to calm down Pearl, who moments ago was in the process of burning down Amazon Lily in a blind rage of self defence survival instincts. "I...Pearl...please...don't light yourself ablaze...ever again" Kuro muttered.

"Relax, wouldja? It's not like he caused too much damage" scoffed Krieg, taking a whiff of his cooking pot as he dished another bowl of stew.


[Balcony - Kuja Palace]

"...A-Aunty Sandy...you don't think Mom's gonna be mad...right?" Hayami whispered, as he and Sandersonia overlooked the village at the bottom of the mountain that was still being burned to ash after Pearl's fires had grown out of control, screams and shouting filling the air as the Amazonians struggled to battle the flames.

Sandersonia sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose, "No...no she'll definitely be a little displeasssed...to say the leassst" she hissed quietly.


[Krieg's Ship - Departing Amazon Lily]

Standing on the deck, Kuro frowned as he lit a cigarette and watched the glowing flames from Amazon Lily gradually die down, "Just to clarify, we're leaving without even attempting to help subdue the damages? You do realise Hancock will try to have our hides for this when she finds out" he explained.

"Of course! We're trying to take the world by storm as pirates like the good old days!" Krieg laughed, stepping out of the galley, "If anything, the fact Pearl here managed to defeat nearly an entire island all by himself that belongs to a former Warlord could do wonders for our reputation!". "You got that right Don!" Pearl called out from inside, "Besides, what's the worst that woman could do against me, the world's most invincible man?" he laughed, "Besides! Just LOOK at how dandy my face is! Surely that alone is enough for anyone to forgive a simple mistake!" he boasted.

"You'd be surprised, though she doesn't seem it, Hancock is quite the tricky opponent to defeat...though...then again, my first ever meeting with her involved me saving her" muttered Kuro. "Hmph, is that so? Pirates or Navy?" asked Krieg, folding his arms. "Pirates...I had just entered the Grand Line to try and find the One Piece, when I somehow ended up in the Calm Belt where Amazon Lily happened to be located..." he began.


(Epic Flashback - Kuro Edition)

[Amazon Lily - Calm Belt (17 Years Ago)]

An explosion rocked the island as rubble from the buildings crashed to the ground. In the central square outside the Kuja Palace, a woman stood in front of her opponent and wiped some blood streaks from her mouth with the back of her hand. "Y-You...what gives you the right to destroy my kingdom...DON'T YOU KNOW WHO I AM?!" she shouted, "I'M ONE OF THE SEVEN WARLORDS OF THE SEA, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN TO HAVE EVER LIVED!" she bragged. [Newest Warlord of the Sea and Captain of the Kuja Pirates - Boa Hancock (Age: 19)/User of the Love-Love Fruit/Bounty at the Time - 81,000,000]

The stout man standing in front of Hancock just laughed, wiping his nose as he puffed out his chest, "PEHHH-FEPH FEPH FEPH~ I couldn't help but admire such a tremendous landscape from afar, and figured I might as well set up shop here! The deep canyons, the gorgeous cliffs with backdrops of water falls, the endless jungles! Surely THIS is the perfect place to create a new era of Davy-Back Championships! And with the amount of lovely ladies here I'm certain the cheerleaders of my crew will be more than satisfied!" he gloated. [Avid Davy-Back Fight Enjoyer and Captain of the Foxy Pirates - Foxy "The Silver Fox"(Age: 26)/User of the Slow-Slow Fruit/Bounty at the Time - 12,300,400]

"As if I would ever give my island to the likes of you, I LITERALLY JUST CAME INTO POWER!" Hancock yelled. "Well then! It would the ownership is about to shift yet again!" cackled Foxy, holding out his hand in a fox shape as Hancock ran at him.

~SLOW-SLOOOOOOOW BEEEEEEAM~

Firing a purple beam from his fingertips, Hancock was instantly slowed to a crawl in mid air, while Foxy stuck out his stomach and laughed. "Peh Feph Feph~ What now, Empress? Seems you've lost that speed to keep up with me!" Foxy chuckled, as he rushed forward and threw a flurry of punches, "~MEGATON NINE-TAIIIIIIIIILS RUUUUUUUUUSH!~".

~WABAM-BAM-BAM-BAM-WABAM-BAM-BAM~

Due to the affect of Foxy's devil fruit, each punch that slammed into Hancock seemingly caused twice as much damage, eventually causing her to slam into the concrete once the slowness had worn off, her crew crying out in reaction. Foxy grinned, raising a fist triumphantly while turning to the remaining members of his crew that hadn't been turned into stone, "Men! Head back to the ship and grab my bags, WE'RE MOVIN' IN!". Foxy crew cheered, as they quickly began to disperse, however they were stopped as a rustling was heard in some bushes and an Amazonian ran out panting. "E-Empress! H-Help...H-Help is here!" she panted, falling to her knees.

Coughing, and wiping blood from her mouth again, Hancock looked up as she tried to stand, "A-Ah...finally...m-marines?". "Not quite..." boomed a voice, as a group of men came strolling out of the bushes. At the front of the pack was a young faced man with slicked back black hair, gently pushing his circle rimmed glasses up with the palm of his hand, as his jet black captain's coat fluttered in the wind, "Hmph...to think that this is what the legendary Grand Line has to offer...pathetic." he scoffed. [Rookie Pirate and Captain of the Black-Cat Pirates - Kuro Bezan "of a Hundred Plans" (Age: 23)/Bounty at the Time - Unissued]

"You there!" Kuro called out, pointing at Foxy, "Tell me...didn't your Mother ever tell you it was foul to strike women?". Foxy scoffed, "Peh, my Mother was a Saint, I'll have you know! I like to imagine myself as a gentleman who's open to a little foul play, but these 'women' claimed they were warriors, so i treated them as such!" he explained, stamping on the neck of an Amazonian who was lying on the ground.

"I see...well...I'm afraid that simply won't do..." Kuro mused, pushing up his glasses once more before glancing at Hancock, "You...I would assume you do not possess the ability of banishing such of dealing with such an eyesore. Myself and my crew did not come here with ill intentions, but if I lend you some assistance I expect payment in return" he spat. Hancock scowled at the idea, but begrudgingly nodded as Sandersonia helped her to her feet.

"JANGO!" Kuro snapped, pulling out his katana gloves, "Take care of the riff-raff, the head honcho is all mine" he ordered, his gloves chinking together as the katanas danced in the wind. The hypnotist laughed, spinning on his heels and striking a Jackson-tastic pose, "You got it boss!" he grinned, whipping out a chakram and leaping in front of Foxy's crew, "When I say...1, 2, Jango...all of you will fall into a deep sleep!" he grinned, swinging the chakram back and forth, "1...2...JANGO!" he yelled. [Professional Hypnotist and Vice Captain of the Black-Cat Pirates - Jango "The Hypnotist" (Age: 17)/Bounty at the Time - Unissued]

Within an instant, Foxy's entire crew of lackeys...and Jango, collapsed to the floor asleep and snoring. Kuro sighed and shook his head, "You really should work on that Jango, especially if we're in the Grand Line" he muttered.

"Pehhh-feph feph! What good is a crewmate that puts himself to sleep?" Foxy laughed, pointing at the sleeping Jango. "Hmph...maybe focus on the man you're actually fighting rather than the opening act" Kuro spat, allowing his body to droop and his katanas to gently scrape the floor as he began to eerily sway back and forth.

"W-WOAH! C-CAPTAIN KURO, D-DON'T USE THAT MOVE!" yelled one of the Black-Cat Pirates, "T-THE SHAKUSHI! HE'S GONNA USE HIS ULTIMATE MOVE ON A SINGLE GUY ALREADY?!" cried another, as the crew scrambled to pick up Jango and bolted into the woods in terror. Foxy chuckled, "Look at that! Your crew seems to know what's good for them if they've already abandoned you and ran!". His mocking wasn't met with a verbal response, merely the clanking sounds of Kuro's katanas chinking together as he continued swishing left to right.

Hancock frowned and held her chin, "He seems confident enough to beat this guy, yet his crew instantly ran away like cowards...but what they seemed to be afraid of this Kuro man, not the pirate who's attacking me" she thought to herself, "But...what can possibly be so scary about him? He's just skulking forward and swaying side to side like a drunken fool...".

Foxy was starting to grow tired of the entire ordeal, and wanting it to be over he held up his fists and dashed forward in an attempt to pummel Kuro. Kuro continued swishing side to side, and right as Foxy came within striking distance...

~SHAKUSHI!~

He instantly vanished in a plume of purple smoke that swept across the ground. Foxy, Hancock, and the other Amazonians looked around confused, clearly not expecting Kuro to vanish like that. "Hmm...looks like he bolted as well!" Foxy cheered, "Funny how such a dapperly dressed man would talk such a big game and not even throw a single pu- ACK!" he yelped.

~SHING...SLASH~...~SLICE-SHING~

Across the entire courtyard, massive slashes and slices began rapidly appearing in the blink of an eye, as Foxy was quickly cut down with five massive slashes across his chest. Each cut into the environment caused thick purple smoke to gush out, as fancy plants, buildings, and statues were sliced through with gigantic gashes, until eventually an eerie silence settled as Kuro appeared standing directly in front of Foxy, who had fallen unconscious out of shock from the cuts he'd received.

"...couldn't even handle a mere graze...useless..." Kuro spat, adjusting his glasses with his palm as he stomped on Foxy's stomach. Hancock was astonished, "T-That...how did you...? Was that a devil fruit power? Or...perhaps a form of haki?" she stammered. Kuro glanced over, "Neither...it's a sort of...incomplete form of Rokushiki...what you just saw was one of my ultimate techniques. Though my speed is untraceable, unfortunately I lack desirable visibility. However...you'll probably agree that such a thing doesn't matter in this case, given the outcome of the situation" he explained, gesturing at Foxy on the ground.

Some groans were heard from behind, as Kuro noticed that Foxy's men were starting to wake up. Scowling, he skulked towards them, dragging Foxy behind, "Hey! If you all have any form of a brain in those skulls, you'll be sure to pack your bags and go!" he spat, "And naturally...take him with you!" he yelled, tossing Foxy at the men and knocking them over like bowling pins. Seeing their captain knocked out and covered in massive sword slashes across his stomach, Foxy's crew scrambled to their feet and ran, carrying their captain with them as they made their escape.

With the threats now gone, Hancock sighed in relief and wiped her brow, slowly stepping towards the pirate who'd saved her. "I...I don't know why a pirate of all people would just show up out of nowhere and save my life...but...hmph..." she pouted, folding her arms and looking away, "Y-You know...I...I probably would have eventually taken care of that brute myself".

Marigold rolled her eyes and smacked Hancock across her head, "Don't go actin' tough! Say thanks to the guy, we'd have been done for it not for him! USE YOUR WORDS!". Kuro chuckled, as he slid off his katana gloves, "Words won't exactly be necessary...all I ask in return for my work today is some food supplies for me and my men, a new log pose, and perhaps a place to spend the night".

Hancock placed her hands on her hips, wincing slightly from the pain in her joints, "Your terms are...acceptable...I suppose...b-but we'll be keeping an eye on you to ensure that there isn't any funny business" she replied, pouting once more.

"woahhhhh man, GIANT WOMAN! How much can YOU handle, baby?" laughed Jango, who had now appeared standing next to Sandersonia and looking up at her. "Hmm...JANGO! You know...most girls actually don't like that, just thought you should know" snapped Kuro. Hancock raised an eyebrow, "I...I-I see! Well...just keep him on a leash. Um...you mentioned wanting some food rations and somewhere to sleep...as long as you swear not to wreck anything...y-you know...I...if you wanted to, I mean..." she stammered, twirling her hair awkwardly with her nail while looking away.

Marigold face palmed and crouched next to Kuro, "She wants you to have dinner with her and sleepover...she doesn't talk to pretty boys much". "Ah, understandable. Though I'm more of a finely dressed man as opposed to a 'pretty boy', no?" pondered Kuro, while Hancock kicked Marigold in the stomach.

Ordering his men to keep watch of the Bezan Black by the coast, Kuro and Jango followed Hancock and the rest of her crew inside the palace. A marvellous banquet was held, with Kuro and Jango constantly being fawned over by the other ladies who had been deprived of male attention due to the lack of men at Amazon Lily. Though Kuro wasn't one for the noise, Jango relished in it as he sang and danced, showcasing his funky moves to all who would watch. At the very least, Kuro found himself striking conversation with Hancock, making a unique connection as Jango and the others kept the party rolling. Eventually the alcohol was brought and caused things to get a little intense, leading to everyone soon seeing black after a few hours.

(End of Flashback Time)


[Krieg's Ship - Calm Belt]

"Holy shit." exclaimed Pearl in awe. Now late into the evening, Pearl, Krieg, and Kuro were sitting inside the galley eating dinner, as Kuro had been telling the men the story of how he met Hancock. "So, what happened after that? Come on man, DETAILS!" snapped Krieg, slamming his fist on the table.

Kuro tapped his chin, "To be honest, I still can't exactly remember that much once we began to become intoxicated...aheh...though I do recall that eventually myself and Hancock found ourselves in her chambers alone...got a little heated and busy...and the next morning I had awoken in her bed with her in my arms." he chuckled.

"Man...teach me." Pearl begged quietly. "With time, my inferno friend...with time." Kuro smiled, patting the man on the back. "Well that time might be coming up soon" added Krieg, "I think I know our next place to make a stop...I heard that a country has recently been taken over by a powerful man who claims he's a God of sorts and was completely decimating whole islands!" he explained, standing up from his chair. Reaching into his pocket, he slammed down a photo of a muscular man with blonde hair and bright sparks whizzing out of his hands, with two words written at the bottom..."God. Enel.".

"Gentlemen!" Krieg announced, "Our next destination...ALABASTA!".

{TO BE CONTINUED}