Chapter 17


16th of February 1522
Thriller Bark

Gecko Moria lounged in the throne room of Thriller Bark, waiting. He had dispatched the Shadow Maids to distribute new uniforms to his crew and summon them. Though he didn't expect them to wear the uniforms constantly, he felt it important to instill a sense of unity and formality.

As expected, Absalom was the first to arrive. The grotesque lion's muzzle stitched to his face, along with his wild blond mane, was always a welcome sight. The new uniform suited him perfectly. The long, fitted black coat with its high, stiff collars and silver gothic embroidery hugged his muscular form. Beneath it, the high-neck Victorian-style white shirt peeked out, paired with slim-fitting, reinforced black trousers. His black leather boots, sturdy and with reinforced soles, thudded against the floor. The silk cravat and reinforced cuffs were a nice touch. The Shadow Head Maid really outdid herself·.

[Absalom]

Class: Master of the Graveyard
Job: Thriller Bark Pirates' first mate
Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Dourikis: 924
Potential: B
Fate: C

Moria regarded Absalom with a mix of pride and concern. His most loyal subordinate, Absalom had always stood by his side. He had even improved a lot, since Moria's awakening, notably because of Selena's traigin. Yet, Moria couldn't ignore that nearly half of the crew had surpassed him in strength. He hoped Absalom would find a way to grow stronger and maintain his position as the right-hand man. He would find a way himself.

Isabella was next. Her new uniform accentuated her striking beauty. The fitted, knee-length black dress with its corset-style bodice clung to her form, the flowing skirt allowing for fluid movement. Detachable lace cuffs and hidden armor inserts added some practicality. Her black leather ankle boots, adorned with silver buckles, tapped softly on the floor. The black lace choker around her neck and fingerless lace gloves completed her look.

[Isabella von Carstein]

Class: Vampire
Job : Godmother of the Lahmian Family
Fruit : Batto Batto no Mi, Model: Lahmian Vampire
Dourikis: 612
Potential: A
Fate: E

Moria did not trust her. Not yet. She was too much of…a seductive vampire. But, it was obvious she would be, as an ex-mafia boss. Isabella had often tried to seduce him. He had resisted, knowing she was driven by a desire for power. She was loyal to him for her own survival and growth. Indulging her would bring pleasure, but he knew it wouldn't secure her genuine loyalty. No, he would have her - but not before she was truly loyal.

Roronoa Zoro followed her, a stark contrast to the others. He wore only half of the uniform, his usual indifference evident. The high-neck Victorian-style white shirt was unbuttoned, revealing his muscular chest, and the black trousers were tucked into his boots. His three swords hung at his side, always within reach.

[Roronoa Zoro]

Class: Swordsman
Job : Shimotsuki Ryuma's heir

Dourikis: 643
Potential: SS
Fate: SS

Capone Bege entered next, his uniform complemented by his trademark hat and long cloak. Next to him, Hogback, the good doctor, shuffled in behind Selena. His presence was more subdued, but the uniform added a touch of formality to his otherwise disheveled appearance.

[Capone Bege]

Class: Mafioso
Job : Godfather of the Bege Family
Fruit : Shiro Shiro no Mi

Dourikis: 323
Potential: A
Fate: B

[Doctor Hogback]

Class: Genius Surgeon
Job: Thriller Bark Pirates' doctor
Dourikis: 13
Potential: E
Fate: C

Then came Selena. Moria's eyes widened as he saw her well-dressed for the first time. The uniform accentuated her athletic build and fiery spirit. The fitted, knee-length black dress hugged her lithe, muscular frame, the corset-style bodice and flowing skirt enhancing her beauty. The black leather ankle boots with silver buckles and the spiked choker around her neck added a touch of…he did not know what, but it affected him. Her red hair, flowing like a mane, framed her sharp features. Absalom's gaze lingered on her, clear desire in his eyes . Moria certainly understood the sentiment - and she was, for the moment, his strongest fighter. And since she had recognized his authority, she was as loyal as Absalom - if not more. A lot better than Isabella! If only she was as…politically savvy as her…

[Selena Whitefang]

Class: Warrior
Job : Captain of the Whitefang Pirates
Fruit : Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Dire Wolf
Dourikis: 2 165
Potential: A
Fate: E

Nami entered next, a creepy smile playing on her lips. The too-tight uniform - and he knew for certain she asked for a uniform too tight, the Shadow Maid did not make mistakes - clung to her curves, enhancing her already provocative appearance. The fitted black dress with the corset-style bodice and flowing skirt, combined with the black lace choker and fingerless lace gloves, made her look sexy - or would have, if not for the smile. She waved at him, and he answered with a creepy smile of his own.

[Oykot Nami]

Class: Mad Navigator
Job : Creepy girl

Dourikis: 18
Potential: B(?)
Fate: S

Mmmh…He really had to find a fighting style for her. She was very clumsy, and neither hand-to-hand nor swordswomanship seemed appropriate.

Lastly, Perona drifted in, her expression a sulky pout. Apparently, she had refused to wear the uniform, her usual gothic lolita attire a stark contrast to the rest of the crew.

[Lily Perona]

Class: Ghost Princess
Job: Thriller Bark Pirate
Fruit : Horo Horo no Mi

Dourikis: 1 212
Potential: B
Fate: C

Moria's frown deepened at her defiance. It was starting to grate on his nerves. First, the betrayal, and now this? His crew's strength was growing, and he needed loyalty, not insolence. Furthermore, her importance had waned—he had Selena, and Zoro, while Bege, Nami, and Isabella all showed potential to become powerhouses.

Moria stood before his assembled crew. He opened his hand wide with a grand gesture. It was time for his speech. His voice echoed through the hall as he addressed his "friends" and crewmates.

"Welcome, my friends," Moria began "Today, we stand on the precipice of greatness. As you all know, I have awakened my devil fruit, unlocking endless possibilities for growth and power."

Nami and Zoro, the newest members, exchanged glances, unsure of the full implications. What did it mean?

"I stand before you, not as the man I once was, but as a being reborn with a singular purpose," Moria's voice grew louder, more intense. "I have reclaimed my ambition, my drive to become the Pirate King! And this time, not even the mightiest foes will deter me. Not Kaido, not the Marines, not even the world itself!"

The crew reacted, each in their own way. Absalom stood tall, pride radiating from his every pore. Nami's manic laughter echoed through the hall, filled with a mix of excitement and madness. Isabella and Bege exchanged a glance, a flicker of terror in their eyes at the sheer audacity of Moria's declaration, while Selena's eyes burned with eagerness, ready for the battles ahead.

"But I know you have questions," Moria continued, his tone softening slightly as he addressed the newcomers. "You wonder why I harbor such enmity towards Kaido. Kaido took everything from me, crushed my ambitions under his heel. Killed all my former crewmates! Made me hide like a rat in Paradise! But mark my words, I will have my revenge."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "Do not fear, for I will ensure that each and every one of you becomes stronger, more powerful than you ever imagined. We will not rush into this battle unprepared. We will train, we will grow, and when the time is right, we will strike."

Moria gestured, and from the shadows, several Shadow Valets emerged, carrying a variety of weapons. "To aid in our quest, I have procured gifts for you all, weapons forged with seastone, bought at a great cost."

Selena stepped forward, and one of the valets handed her a massive, spiky mace. The weapon was terrifying, with a heavy iron head covered in wicked spikes, perfect for her brutal fighting style. She swirled the mace around, and it made a terrifying screeching sound, like a Banshee's wail. She grinned, while Isabella received a sleek, elegant rapier, its blade shimmering with a deadly sharpness. It was exactly the same model, but smaller, as the two he had ordered for himself.

Absalom and Nami were each given a versatile fighting staff, reinforced with seastone. Moria wasn't entirely sure about Nami's capabilities, but the staff's adaptability would suit her well. Bege accepted a finely crafted gun with seastone bullets. Hogback, Zoro, and Perona received nothing. Moria knew Zoro would accept nothing other than his swords, and Hogback's skills lay outside combat. As for Perona, she began to whine, her voice grating on Moria's nerves.

"Why don't I get anything?" Perona's voice was petulant, her usual defiance surfacing.

Moria's patience snapped. Tendrils of shadow surged from his form, winding around Perona. They snaked around her ankles, the dark tendrils cool against her skin as they coiled up her calves and thighs. They encircled her waist, drawing tighter with each pass, then slid up her torso, encasing her arms and chest in a firm grip. The tendrils wrapped around her ass and over her breasts, securing her completely. Finally, a shadow tendril wrapped around her mouth, gagging her and silencing her complaints. Her eyes widened in shock, but she could not move, could not protest. The room was silent, the only sound the faint rustle of shadows as they settled around her, binding her completely. He took a deep breath, his voice echoing through the grand hall.

"However, the most important thing for you to grow is experience. Power without mastery is nothing more than a blunt instrument. You need to refine our skills, to sharpen our abilities until we are unstoppable."

Perona continued to struggle against the shadowy bonds, her eyes wide with frustration and fear, but no one paid her any mind. All attention was focused on Moria.

"Absalom, Selena, Isabella," he continued, his gaze piercing each of them in turn, "you three shall learn the martial art of Rokushiki. This training will push you to your limits and beyond, making you faster, stronger, and deadlier than ever before. And to ensure you reach your full potential, I have found a tutor for you—one skilled not only in Rokushiki but also in the use of Zoan fruits."

From the shadows, a figure began to materialize, rising from the ground.

[Rob Lucci]
Class: Named Shadow
Job : Assassin
Dourikis: 3 000
Rank : S

Merge shadows to enhance

"This is Lucci," Moria announced, a note of triumph in his voice. "He will be your tutor, as Ryuma teaches Zoro"

The crew stared at the figure before them. The Shadow felt…Strong. Even stronger than Ryuma.

"But this is not the only way for us to grow stronger," Moria continued. "I myself have plans to absorb more shadows, to further increase my own power and, by extension, the power of our crew."

He turned his gaze to Hogback and Bege. "Hogback, Bege, is everything I asked for ready?"

Hogback stepped forward eagerly, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Yes, Captain. I have managed to create a very potent, tasteless poison. Just one liter could take down more than one giant. It is ready and at your disposal, stored safely in a barrel."

Bege nodded, his expression serious and focused. "I checked, and there is indeed a Shadow Soldier Flask near Little Garden. We can utilize it as you planned."

Moria's grin widened, his eyes alight with a dangerous anticipation. "Excellent."

He turned his gaze to the rest of his crew. "Now, I order all of you to train harder than you ever have before. We are on the cusp of something monumental. Each of you must push beyond your limits, refining your skills and strengthening your resolve. And you'll be crew members of the Pirate King!"

"Selena and Isabella," Moria continued, "in two days, you will accompany me on a small trip to the beginning of Paradise. Thirteen years ago, during my own journey there, I encountered two islands and three shadows that I have long sought to claim. Now that I don't need to transport bodies, and with my newfound power…We will go and seize them."

"Prepare yourselves," Moria said, his voice echoing through the grand hall. "We have much to do and little time to waste. Our enemies will not wait, and neither will we. Train hard, hone your skills, and be ready for anything. Together, we will become unstoppable."

With that, all members of the crew dispersed, each member driven by Moria's words and their own ambitions.

Well, all but Perona.

Moria smiled as he turned towards her.