Taking advantage of the smoke that the last explosion had caused, Yumi and Hoji had headed towards the battlefield and had seized Makoto's body. Certainly, the mummy-man was seriously injured, but being already dead, it seemed unlikely that he could die this way. To prove it, the wound that Hoji had received in the heart had healed. As long as Widos had not completely resurrected the trio, nothing seemed to be able to kill them.
"Shishio-san..." Yumi said in fear, trying to wake him up.
"We need to leave this place." Hoji stated, trying to place his body on his back. "From what I understand, more people are coming here! Shishio-sama isn't fit to fight them."
It was at that moment that the flames around them disappeared. Now able to see better, the duo saw Ace, injured but still standing, facing Teach's charred body, which was lying on the ground.
"I won! Isuka... I won."
"What...?" Yumi wondered. "He managed to defeat that guy?"
Coughing up some blood, Ace felt his vision become slightly blurry, proving that his body had been seriously injured. If the Navy decided to attack him with seastone weapons, the man doubted his victory.
Starting to leave the combat zone, he muttered.
"I have to join the others."
Unfortunately, he suddenly felt his strength leave his body.
"What...?" the commander wondered, lowering his gaze.
Having managed to crawl up to him, Teach had reached out his hand before grabbing Ace's foot.
"Ze...Zehahahaha!" He sneered, lifting his face. "I've got you."
"You're still alive?" Ace growled.
"I... I already told you," Teach said, forcing himself to stand. "I... I'm not a normal person."
However, unable to use the flames, Ace covered his fist with busoshoku haki and used it to violently strike his enemy's face.
"In that case, I'll finish you off."
Getting hit repeatedly, Teach felt blood running down his face, as he refused to let go of Ace.
"DIE! DIE! DIE! YOU'RE GOING TO PAY FOR WHAT YOU DID TO THATCH."
Raising his fist, Ace was ready to punch Teach in the face with all his might.
"Now is when my vengeance ends."
" DARKNESS ... "
Suddenly, Ace stopped as an excruciating pain shot through his abdomen. Then, as he stood still, blood began to flow out of his mouth.
" ... SPEAR ! "
Slowly lowering his gaze, Ace saw the tip of a spear piercing him, while Ladydevimon had attacked him from behind.
"You lost." The digimon stated, with a sinister look.
Spitting up blood and finding himself unable to transform into flames, as Teach continued to grab him, Ace turned towards the digimon.
" You little ... "
Unfortunately, taking advantage of this, Teach's hand grabbed him by the throat before lifting him up. Unable to face Blackbeard's superhuman strength, Ace felt his feet leave the ground. Then, Teach hit him with all his might against the ground.
Finding himself in the center of a crater created by the impact, Ace screamed in pain as more blood spilled around him. Injured, weakened, and unable to use his Devil Fruit to heal his injuries, Ace felt his strength leaving his body.
Lying on his back, Ace felt unable to move as he stared at the sky above him. Feeling his vision grow darker and darker, Ace thought he saw Luffy and Emma's faces above him.
" Luffy ... Emma ... "
Then, just as he was about to lose consciousness, he thought he saw Isuka's face.
" Sorry ... "
Catching his breath, Teach watched as Ace closed his eyes and fell unconscious.
"Damn it! I really thought he was going to kill me."
Then, grabbing his scarf to wipe the blood that was running down his face, the pirate turned to the digimon.
"I have to admit that you helped me a lot! But I admit that I don't understand why you decided to do this! Didn't you refuse my offer to be part of my crew?"
At that moment, bowing in the same way as a butler, Ladydevimon apologized.
"Blackbeard-san... I apologize! I must admit I was too quick to judge you! Now that I've seen you fight, I would be happy to serve under you."
"Huh? What made you change your mind?"
Displaying a sinister smile, Ladydevimon declared.
''Serving under powerful men doesn't bother me! Especially when their wish is to control the world! I want to see you destroy this world by letting your darkness absorb every trace of light.''
Staring at her for a few seconds, Teach finally laughed.
''ZEHAHAHAHA! I didn't expect to recruit an immigrant by coming here! Nevertheless, it's obvious that you have potential! I agree to take you with me.''
Suddenly, the sound of a violent cough was heard. Turning his gaze, the pirate saw Yumi and Hoji who were looking worriedly at Shishio coughing up blood. Having just woken up, the man continued to cough. Then; finally, he raised his gaze to Teach.
'' Me too ... ''
'' Huh ? ''
"Me too... I want to see you destroy this world."
"WHAT?" Yumi and Hoji wondered.
"Huh?" Teach repeated, remembering that the man had injured him twice. "You decided to be under my command?"
"Not at all." Shishio retorted. "All I want is to work with you! Right now, I'm unable to become stronger! But once I'm fully resurrected, I can assure you that I'll strive to become stronger and help you control this world."
"And why do you want to help me?"
Also displaying a sinister smile, Shishio declared.
"I will help you control this world! And when that is done, I will have become powerful enough to kill you and become the sole ruler of my future kingdom! In short, I will use your strength to then kill you."
Hearing this, Teach seemed surprised at first.
"You want to help me... and then kill me?"
Yet again he began to laugh.
''ZEHAHAHAHA! I'll tell you something... you and I are the same! Therefore, let me give you some good advice! When we have dominated this world, you better kill me as soon as possible! Because if not, there's a good chance that I'll be the one to kill you.''
"I give you the same advice," Shishio assured him. "I won't let anyone order me around anymore! I'll be the one dominating everyone."
"Faster!"
Having run to their small boat, Cavendish had hurried to drop Isuka off, while Snake had taken the oars. Beginning to leave the island, the small boat tried to flee at full speed.
Unfortunately, a Navy ship seemed to have spotted them.
"Vice Admiral Karly." A lieutenant shouted, holding a den-den mushi. "We've spotted two fugitives! They're Cavendish and the man called Snake."
" And Portgas ? ''
"I don't see him anywhere," the lieutenant said. "It seems he's still in Banaro."
'' Okay! In that case, my men and I will go to the island to find him! Lieutenant Abigail... Make sure to capture the other fugitives or destroy their boat! I don't care if Cavendish can escape! But we must kill Snake! If a man like him manages to escape, thousands of people will be in danger of death! This man... he is even more dangerous than Portgas. ''
"Really?" The lieutenant wondered. "Yet I've never heard of him and..."
" Do as I say. " Karly ordered. " Our one and only priority is to ensure the capture or death of Portgas and Snake! If even one of them manages to escape, then our mission will be a failure. "
Hearing this, Abigail nodded.
" Okay. ''
Then, finishing his conversation with Karly, he turned to his soldiers.
"Have you heard? Aim the cannons at that boat! If they refuse to surrender, shoot and destroy them! They must not leave."
'' AYE ! ''
Looking ahead, Cavendish saw the Navy ship coming towards them.
"Tsss! They spotted us."
And to prove it, the sound of a cannon was heard. The next moment, a cannonball hit the surface of the water, right next to the boat.
"Damn it." Snake growled, feeling a real wave crash over their small boat.
'' CAVENDISH ! SNAKE ! ''
With a megaphone in hand, the lieutenant on the Navy ship tried to make himself heard.
"Pirates! I am Lieutenant Abigail! Surrender immediately and you will avoid certain death."
"Because you think we're going to surrender without a fight?" Cavendish growled, grabbing his sword. "I'd rather die than go to Impel Down! I'm far too handsome to go to prison."
Seeming to hear him, the lieutenant ordered.
"Spray them."
Seeing all the cannons being aimed at them, Snake let go of the oars before directing one of his palms towards the surface of the water.
'' FISHMAN KARATE ! ''
'' PULL ! '' Shouted Abigail.
'' ABYSS SURGE ! ''
Using his devil fruit to perfectly mimic the movements of a fishman, Snake created a shockwave. Hitting the surface of the water, the shockwave created a huge column of water, which lifted the small boat several meters high.
"What?" the Navy soldiers wondered, seeing their cannonballs miss their target.
Finding himself in the air, Cavendish clung to the boat as the craft flew through the air.
"Are we flying?"
"That won't last long," Snake retorted.
Indeed, flying for a few moments, the boat ended up crashing on the surface of the ocean. However, finding themselves behind the Navy ship, the duo could now escape.
"We must row," Cavendish shouted.
However, to his surprise, Snake made the same movement as a ninja, before disappearing.
"What?" the blond wondered, as he found himself alone with Isuka.
"Lieutenant, they're behind us." A soldier said, seeing the small boat land behind their ship.
"Turn the rudder," Abigail ordered. "They must not run away."
"That won't be necessary..."
Surprised, all the soldiers turned and saw Snake, who was on their boat.
'' What ? ''
With a sinister smile, the man performed a gesture identical to that of a ninja.
''Do you know the cloning technique? While one of my clones was with Cavendish, I was able to reach your ship without being spotted by using another technique that allowed me to walk on water! I learned them from a ninja I met in Wano Kuni! I was able to imitate all of his techniques thanks to my devil fruit.''
'' Ninja ? ''
Continuing to smile, Snake declared.
''Cordio and his sniper techniques... Ace and his ability to use his Busoshoku haki with ease... Wano Kuni's ninja techniques and the famous martial art of the Fishmen! Here are four of the five powers I obtained thanks to the Mimic no mi.''
'' What are you talking about ? ''
''Truly, I would have loved to kill Ace and see inside his brain.'' Snake stated. ''However, since he helped me survive against Hyou, I refrained from killing him! After all, I'm not stupid enough to decide to fight him! He could have killed me! Plus, he allowed me to leave Hyou Island without forcing me to show my true potential! Truly, I'm a scientist who likes to keep a low profile.'' ''
Staring at the soldiers around him, Snake stated.
"But it won't be the same with you! I'll kill you and take possession of your ship! I hope some of you have some interesting brains to study."
Immediately, the lieutenant and his soldiers pointed their weapons at him.
"Kill him."
Unfortunately, screams of agony were heard, while a real massacre took place.
Letting his boat sail away from Banaro, Cavendish didn't understand what was happening. Where was Snake? Had Ace won? Should he stay here and wait for them?
Finally, dropping onto the boat, the blond growled.
''When we were at Hyou's, there were a hundred of us! And now, there are only two of us! It's like that old man keeps killing everyone he targets.''
Suddenly, a moan was heard behind him.
''Mmmmmm...''
Grimacing at first, Isuka finally opened her eyes. Feeling a pain in her abdomen, the young woman placed her hand on it.
"Ouch! My stomach hurts."
Then, remembering the reason for this pain, she cried out.
'' ACE ! ''
Turning her head to look around, she tried to see the young man. However, she only saw the ocean.
"What...? Ace? Where is he? Why did we leave Banaro? And Blackbeard?"
Remaining silent, Cavendish only stared at the island as it receded into the distance.
"Heh! What are you doing?" Isuka shouted, approaching him. "Why are we leaving? Where are Ace and Snake?"
Remaining silent, Cavendish continued to stare at Banaro, as two Navy ships could be seen docking. Karly and Nodeath were preparing to invade the island and arrest any pirates they could find.
"Where is Ace?" Isuka insisted, clutching his coat.
Knowing full well what was happening Cavendish finally said.
"He sacrificed himself for us."
'' What ? ''
"Let's get out of here," Cavendish ordered. "We need to take advantage of this to get as far away as possible."
"Bastard." Isuka roared. "You want to leave without Ace? You're a coward! I refuse to leave without him! I refuse! I..."
''BAKAYARO!'' Roared the blond. ''And what will you do if you return to this island? I don't know if you noticed, but you are too weak to help him! Is that why he sacrificed himself to allow you to leave this island?''
Gritting his teeth, Cavendish felt ashamed, as he declared.
"Teach... he's not someone we can beat! Ace is the only one who can hope to defeat him! All you can do is hope he can get off this island on his own."
Hearing this, Isuka wanted to retort something. However, she ended up falling to her knees. Then, with clenched fists, she remembered her performance during the fight in Banaro. All she had managed to do was block a few of Doc Q's attacks. However, it was obvious that the old man was stronger than her, despite his condition that could have made her think he was going to die at any moment.
"I'm... I'm so weak."
Then, remembering Ace's words and his promise to sail around the world with her, Isuka pounded the floor of the ship repeatedly with her fist.
"You lied to me! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you! I HATE YOU!"
Seeing her do this, Cavendish heard her start to sob.
"Ace...don't die."
Moving at full speed, a cloud of ash finally stopped in front of the area where the old village of Banaro was located. However, aside from a few remains and a huge pile of debris on the ground, nothing remained of the ancient civilization of this island. Resuming her original form, Karly began to growl.
"That's why I hate pirates."
Behind him, Nodeath and his soldiers also saw the sad spectacle before them, while only Lafitte displayed a smile on his face.
''I must admit that Portgas was an even more formidable opponent than my captain had hoped! Not surprising considering he is a Whitebeard commander.''
'' ZEHAHAHAHAHA ! "
At this moment, moving towards the soldiers, Teach, accompanied by his men and his new recruits, displayed a sinister smile, while affirming.
''This is the first time I'm happy to see a member of the Navy! And I see that you're not just anyone! Karly... Akainu's adopted son, as well as the sole survivor of the destruction of Nosugar Island, fathered by Big Mom! I'm delighted to see a vice-admiral as famous as you.''
In response, Karly let ash particles appear around him, all the while declaring.
"Since you are a pirate, I must kill you."
Yet Teach only laughed.
''ZEHAHAHAHA! Don't be so serious! After all, I got temporary immunity from Sengoku! The Navy is not allowed to attack me until tomorrow, the final date of our contract! However, this immunity would become unlimited if I managed to capture a pirate with a bounty of 100 million berries.''
Suddenly, letting darkness appear around him, Teach managed to pull a body out of his own. As a result, Karly saw Ace's body fall at his feet, while he was still injured and unconscious.
"I have fulfilled my part of the contract." Teach assured.
"Tssss! So what?" Karly asked. "What's stopping me from killing you and taking Ace's body back to Marineford to be executed?"
'' KARLY! ''
Jumping, the man turned towards Lafitte. Having a den-den mushi in his hand, the man continued to smile, while Sengoku's voice could be heard.
''Sengoku's assistant has really been very kind to us.'' The pale man assured. ''First, he gave us this scroll containing Sengoku's authorization! Then, he gave us a way to contact the chief admiral, as soon as we finish our mission.''
"Sengoku?" Nodeath wondered.
" Karly… I order you not to attack those pirates. " Sengoku ordered. " Instead, head to Impel Down immediately and lock Portgas D. Ace away! And most importantly, you must heal him. "
"Heal him?" Karly repeated, struggling to hide her anger. "You want me to heal a pirate?"
'' Indeed! I didn't expect Blackbeard to capture such an important pirate! However, this is an opportunity we can't miss! Capturing Portgas D. Ace could be the first step in a plan to take down one of the Yonkos! As such, he must not die! Do you hear me? I want Portgas D. Ace to remain alive until I decide otherwise! Have I made myself clear? ''
Hearing this, Karly clenched his fists and teeth. To him, a good pirate was a dead pirate. Why risk giving Ace an opportunity to escape, when he could kill him immediately? Why treat the wounds of the man responsible for Hyou's death? Why give any importance to a hateful pirate like him?
Wanting to express his disapproval, Karly wanted to speak. However, knowing that he would have a lot to lose by refusing this order, he could only mumble.
''Aye, Admiral. ''
" Perfect! And Teach... "
Turning to the pirate, the den-den mushi affirmed.
'' You have managed to honor the promise you made to me! Therefore, I am obliged to do the same! You are now designated as Crocodile's replacement and, as such, you are now among the Shichibukai! Even if it makes me want to vomit to have to say it, I hope that you will become a valuable ally for the world government. ''
''ZEHAHAHAHA! Have no fear! I can assure you that the world government will never forget me.''
Hearing this, Karly could only growl in displeasure, as he began to walk away.
''Chain Portgas D. Ace with seastone and take him to the infirmary! We need to treat his wounds! And warn our navigator that we are going to Impel Down! Our only duty is to ensure the safety of our prisoner until we can hand him over to Magellan.''
"AYE!" His men assured him.
At that moment, hearing the sound of another den-den mushi, Nodeath rummaged through his clothes before grabbing them.
"Mushi, mushi?"
" Nodeath! We have a problem. "
Being on the third Navy boat, with the former inhabitants of Banaro, Kamy stared at the place where Abigail's boat should be. However, the boat was no longer there. Instead, she could only see several bodies floating on the surface of the ocean, while Abigail was visible among the corpses.
"Abigail's entire crew has been wiped out! And there's not a trace of Cavendish or Snake."
" Who killed them? "
Looking at the corpses, the former servant noticed that several people had their skulls cut in two, while their brains were missing.
''If I believe what Karly told us... it's obvious that Snake is the one responsible! However, he didn't seem that powerful when we tried to kill him.''
Seeming to hear the conversation, Karly seemed more annoyed.
"That damn world government! If they hadn't hidden his past, because he worked as one of their scientists, the whole world would understand how dangerous Snake is! That psychopath... we should have killed him when we had the chance.
Being on Abigail's old boat, Snake saw the island of Banaro disappearing into the distance, while he held a glass of wine in his hand.
"Ace...you would have been an interesting guinea pig to study! Unfortunately, I can't always get what I want."
So, turning around, he looked at the many brains he had lined up on the floor of the boat, while he seemed eager to examine them.
''As a genius scientist, it is my duty to study the human brain to understand exactly how this precious organ works! And when I present the perfect brain to the world government, everyone will understand that the crimes I committed were an essential sacrifice for the good of humanity.''
With a sinister smile, the man finished his glass of wine, stating.
"I like being smart! But I must also admit that I like the stupidity of the world government! Once I finish my research, it will be even easier for me to manipulate them and do what I want with this world."
Who will join Luffy's crew?
Before Shells Town: Raynare - 130 million - (Highschool DxD) / Lucy Heartfilia (Fairy Tail) -
Arc Shells Town: Roronoa Zoro - 120 million -
Kuro Arc: Usopp - 30 million -
Arc Baratie: Sanji - 77 million - / Gin -72 million-
Arlong Arc: Nami - 26 million - / Johnny - 10 million - / Yosaku - 9 millions -
Drum Arc: Chopper - 50 -
Alabasta Arc: Nico Robin - 99 million - / Phanteon (Pokemon) - 50 - / Bruno -105 million- (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure) / Nefertari Vivi - 49 million - / Menma - 200 million - (Anohana)
Skypiea Arc: Velvet - 41 million - / Heracross - 50 - / Hatterene - 50 - / Wiper - 55 million -
Arc Enies Lobby: Franky - 44 million -
Arc Post Enies-Lobby:?
Thriller Bark Arc: Brook
Punk Hazard Arc:?
Treasure Arc:?
Dressrosa Arc: ? /?
Wano Kuni Arc: Jinbei /?
Post Wano Kuni Arc: ? /?
Arc Battle Teach:?
With other characters:
Buggy: Alvida - 21 million-, Magi - 29 million (OC), Bull (OC), Kuro - 37 million -, Morgan - 17 million -, Megumim - 105 million - (Konosuba), Zala (Miss Doublefinger) -35 million, Babe (Mr 4) - 3.2 million -, Drophy (Miss Merry Christmas) - 14 million -, Willy - 20 million, Needless - 57 million
Arlong: Syra (OC)
Milhawk: Alice (OC)
Wapol: Musshuru
Coby : Sakura (Zombieland Saga); Jin (My Hero Academy); Nakata ( OC ); Larvitar ( Pokemon )
Garp : Emma (The Promised Neverland)
Ym: Light Yagami (Death Note)
Cobra: Neni (M.9)
Shandian: Ayoho (OC), Bouffalant ( pokemon )
Ace : Isuka
Foxy : Dumdo ( OC ), Susumo ( OC )
Aokiji : Shizuo Heiwajima ( Duararara )
CP9 : Fosha ( OC ), Araga ( OC ), Akoya Seishu ( Kengan Ashura), Hiyama Shunka ( Kengan Ashura), Black Knights (Code Geass)
Moria : Elsa Granhiert ( Re:zero ), Caruma ( Yu-gi-oh Gx ), Momana ( OC ), Camado ( OC ), Skroa ( OC )
Sengoku: Shinichi Kudo (Detective Conan)
Kaido: Doctor Frank (OC)
Shanks: Nana Shimura -840 million- (My hero academia), Utsuro -970 million- (Gintama)
Widos: Norland Cricket, Kalgara, Kuina, Quatro (Marco (SNK)), Cinca (Mina Carolina (SNK)), Suzuka (Akame Ga Kill), Enel
Individual: Reiner ( Shingeki no kyojin ), Garou (One Punch Man), Babidi (DBZ), Orochimaru (Naruto); Mirko (My hero Academia), Samus (metroid), Team Rocket (Pokemon), Suzaku Kururugi (Code Geass), Mosquito girl (One punch man), Pokemon ( 44 ), Ottis Toole ( Real World ), Henry Lee Lucas ( Real World ), Pit ( Kid Icarus ), Ladydevimon ( Digimon ), Hunter J ( Pokemon ), Zancrow ( Fairy Tail ), Ai Hoshino ( Oshi no Ko )
Gold D. Roger (formerly): Igneel -1.380 billion- (Fairy Tail), Acacia (Toriko), Bardock (Dragon ball Z), Hiruzen Sarutobi (Naruto), Utsuro -970 million (Gintama), Nana Shimura - 840 million ( My Hero Academia), Magi (OC), Zarax (?)
Xerec (formerly): Aizen (bleach), Sejus ( OC )
Crocodile ( formely ): Noscula (OC), Mr 6 (OC), Miss Halloween (OC)
Enel ( formely ): Hunter J. (Pokemon), Zancrow (Fairy tail), Ladydevimon ( Digimon )
