Chapter 8: The Remnants of an Old Generation Stand Strong!
Kalifa bent over and examined Lucian. "You again, take a seat. I'll let him know you are here."
Lucian would gladly sit. His body felt as if it was about to collapse. After what seemed like forever, Kalifa directed him to Iceberg's office. Once the doors sprung open, Iceberg sat there, shocked to see Lucian so injured.
"What happened," he immediately asked Lucian.
He didn`t want to lie, but that was better than death. Lucian came up with the excuse that he accidentally angered a Franky Family member and was taught a lesson. He had to tread carefully now. He wanted nothing more than to leave Water 7. The longer he stayed, the more danger he put people's lives in.
"Hmm, I'll talk to Franky about that," Iceberg decided.
"No, don`t mention it, sir. It really isn't a big deal at all. I don`t want to stir up any more trouble." Lucian quickly responded. "But sir, where is my uncle?"
He wondered where Uncle Rayleigh had gone during all this time, it didn`t make sense. He heard Kaku and Blueno rush over there to intercept him. Could Rayleigh hold both of them off?
"I haven't seen him. I thought he was with you," Lucian continued to say. He wanted to leave and find him, but again, he had to maintain a calm presence. He couldn't give Iceberg any notion that anything was off.
He couldn`t do that to this city. These people were innocent. If Iceberg were to engage, they would decimate Water 7 to find it. Iceberg stayed silent, staring at him.
"Hm, I do not know. He moves around a lot. But regardless Lucian, I hope you found everything you needed to in our city."
Lucian nodded in response,"More than enough, sir. But Uncle Rayleigh and I are going to leave soon, you know, to continue my training and whatnot." Iceberg finally got up from his seat and began pacing the room.
"Then… I trust you did not tell anyone of the secrets you have discovered here, I hope," he replied.
"Of course, as much as you. But I think it is better for everyone in this city that we leave as soon as possible. I still appreciate all you have done for us," Lucian said.
Iceberg reached his hand for a shake, and Lucian shook his hand. "And, one more thing, sir," Lucian asked.
"What is it," Iceberg replied.
"I ask this as a final favor and as a measure of good faith… I would like you to release Jory from slavery. I want to recruit him for my crew." Iceberg tensed, let go of Lucian's hand, and looked worried. He didn`t seem too happy about the request.
"If you can get permission from Galley-La then it is fine by me."
Lucian hoped for more than that, but he knew that sooner or later before he left Water 7 he would have to confront them again. So Lucian bid farewell to Iceberg and left the mayor's office. He was going to set Jory free, but that meant confronting CP9 again. But before he did that, he had to find Rayleigh.
After what seemed like forever, he finally found Rayleigh messing about near the trade markets. He looked unharmed and the same as always. Either one of two things happened then.
One, he effortlessly dispatched both Kaku and Blueno when Lucci instructed them to attack Rayleigh.
Or two, they never had attacked Rayleigh, to begin with.
This seemed weird since it was a command given to them by their leader, but as Lucian grew up, he realized there must have been a reason for this.
"Hey, Uncle, where have you been," he said as he ran up to him.
Rayleigh shushed him immediately as he continued to negotiate with a merchant. After a couple of minutes, the merchant gave in to the agreed price, and Rayleigh was ecstatic. As they were walking away, he felt a shift in Rayleigh's emotions. He had never been able to read them before, but now they were as clear as day.
He was worried, very worried. Before Lucian was able to get a word in, "Listen, what you did was stupid. CP9 is far beyond your skill level as of now. The moment that Jory finishes building your ship, is the moment we sail out of here. Understand, kid."
Oh shit, how did he know? But it didn`t surprise Lucian because nothing got past Rayleigh.
Lucian did understand, though. He knew they had to leave, but he promised Jory his freedom, whether he wanted it or not. He rarely thought of the near future, always the present: how to improve his Haki, how to get money, how to have fun.
But one thing he always thought about for the future was his crew. He already had his first mate, Ilir; he missed him. He wondered how he was doing in Wano. He must be training his ass off.
Then we have Mikasa. He thought of her every day. He hoped she was safe in Aragonia this whole time. He'd been gone nearly three years, and he hoped she hadn't forgotten about him.
Then we had Konzaru, whom he met in Loguetown a while back. He was going to be their navigator. They had gotten off to a rocky start, but he learned that he had an amazing side to him that he had just not seen yet.
So far, that's left 3 crew members. Lucian wanted Jory to be the fourth member. He needed a shipwright to maintain their ship, and he wouldn't settle for less than Jory. Despite an obvious dark past that Lucian barely knows about, his energy is so positive that it uplifts him.
This meant he had to take action, if he was ever going to become a captain one day he needed to take risks. Even though Uncle Rayleigh wanted him to lay low and avoid interactions with CP9, he knew he couldn't spend his life cowering to those stronger. If he was ever to face the suited man. Yeah, that's what motivates him. His decision was made.
"Hey uncle, Jory is going to finish our ship by tomorrow. I promise you will love it. Iceberg gave some suggestions that Jory also incorporated into the design." Lucian said.
"Look, kid, this is your ship. As long as you like it. That's fine by me. Also, we really need to set sail. We have been stuck here for too long," Rayleigh replied.
"Fine, let me go check on Jory then I'll meet you back at the hotel. We will leave as soon as possible," Lucian said.
"Fine, but hurry it up."
How was Lucian going to pull this off?
Aha, simple.
First, he had to set Jory free while lying to Rayleigh about leaving as early as possible. However, the only way to do that is to confront CP9 and convince them to set Jory free, which he highly doubts they would do.
So he had to play this correctly, or he'd die.
In the best-case scenario… he sets Jory free, CP9 stays silent, and he and Uncle Rayleigh escape with their new ship. This was a gamble, but one he was willing to take. Okay, then, the decision was made.
Lucian rushed over to check on the ship, and what he saw left him in awe. The ship was a sleek black masterpiece, with a dragon's head at the bow, its eyes gleaming like molten gold. The deck was paved with polished wood, intricately arranged, and the sides were engraved with silver and gold, depicting ancient sea battles. Jet-black sails trimmed with silver shimmered in the light, and the sturdy masts stood tall.
The masts looked strong and sturdy, and the sails were pitch black. But the biggest compliment to Jory's handiwork was that it was massive—seriously huge. He estimated it to be at least 70 feet tall and 200 feet long!
Woah, he knew he could count on Jory to build his ship, but this exceeded his expectations.
Jory was working on the interior by the time Lucian reached inside. "Bro, this ship is amazing," Lucian yelled.
Jory took off his goggles and put down his tools. "YEAH, KID ISN'T IT GREAT?" he roared back. They shared a laugh.
"So, Jory, is it done yet?"
"The exterior is finished, but by tomorrow afternoon, I'll be done with the interior completely, and you'll be ready to set sail."
So he had 24 hours to get CP9 off their asses. After conversing more with Jory, he found out about cool new additions that he added to the ship. Being massive, it had 3 master bedrooms. Equipped with a kitchen and 7 extra bedrooms. It was like a mini hotel. There was a gym, a relaxing lounge that oversaw the ship, and a couple of offices.
The bottom of the ship was equipped with a war room filled with deadly weapons. It had a mini boat just in case of emergencies or a need to venture into shallow waters. Alongside it was a large dining room with a massive TV that stretched out wide. But the coolest part was what Jory called the control center. This allowed Lucian to control the speed and directions of his ship. As Jory explained, the sleek design of the ship allowed air to push against it more smoothly, which, in turn, allowed it to go faster. It also had a propulsion system that allowed the ship to gain immense speed.
It was a ship of dreams.
"You outdid yourself, Jory, so much as so to say. You will be leaving with me tomorrow." Looking confused, Jory could not comprehend what Lucian had just said.
"What?" Jory questioned.
"You're free, Jory." Lucian smiled and chuckled.
Jory face remained unreadable and the silence lasted 30 seconds or so. "Why… they'll kill you. All this trouble for me."
"No, Jory, I want you… to join my crew. We can sail out of here together. Look at what you've built. I'm going to need someone to keep it together.
Also, you are my friend now. I want you to travel the seas with me and have adventures. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. COME ON, WHAT DO YOU SAY?"
Jory stood in silence, his face starting to tear up. He was tearing up. "You... you… are… being serious," he managed to let out.
Lucian nodded in approval.
"I cannot. I need to stop CP9 from getting their hands on Pluton," Jory said.
"No need to. Iceberg has the plans locked up safely. They're hidden somewhere where they will never find it," Lucian said. Jory was stunned and unable to respond but regained his composure and smiled.
"You`ve been here for a month, and you made a bigger impact on this place than I did. I wonder what you`ll do next," Jory said.
Lucian sighed, "You will join my crew. You know why, Jory, because there is nothing for you here. I don`t wanna be rude, but even if you stayed, you wouldn`t be able to stop CP9 alone. You aren`t strong enough. But... I can help you. Don`t you want to be free of all of this?
You are slaving yourself away here, and for what? For the masters who could care less about you, or CP9, who controls your life and decisions. Sorry, bro, but I`ll accept nothing less than the best."
"I can`t... I won`t let you die for me, Lucian; I am not worth it," Jory said, his face sullen, turning his face away, embarrassed to face his friend.
Lucian put both hands on his hips and took a deep breath. "JORRRYYYYYYYY LOOOOKKKK ATTTT MEEEE!"
Jory attention turned to Lucian.
"You don`t get to decide whether or not I get hurt because of you. I`m not some hero who needs your pity. I won`t ever give up on you or my DREAMS!"
Jory stood stunned and began to wipe away the tears. "I see the man you are; I tried not to before. My mind has been trapped in doubt for too long; perhaps it has harmed me. Anything resembling hope I used to resent."
Lucian was serious. "Then take the leap and trust your friend." Lucian outreached his hand.
Jory then bear-hugged his captain and proclaimed his loyalty to him on the spot. He is pretty sure he cracked his ribs.
Lucian placed his hand on Jory's shoulder. "Get it ready for tomorrow afternoon. We will sail immediately, you understand."
Jory acknowledged his request. "YES CAPTAIN!"
Lucian left Jory to complete the ship while he began working on his plan.
He also needed to find a way to confront CP9 so they'd let them leave the city without trouble.
And behold, he concocted an ill-fated plan that he hoped would not fail.
After leaving the scrapyard, he realized Rayleigh had given him less than a day before departing Water 7, which meant he needed to act fast. First, he stopped by the hotel to inform Uncle Rayleigh of the situation; he seemed content with it.
Lucian`s plan was simple: exchange one of the Aragonian poneglyph tracings for Jory's freedom.
It was not an easy decision to make, but he didn`t want to put Rayleigh in danger, and he needed Jory on his crew.
Was he stupid for trying to accept this trade? He knew CP9 would go for it. But he also had conflicting issues. He guarded this tracing with his life. He planned to give them a fake one, but maybe they`d realize, and he`d die on the spot.
After many nights of contemplation, he decided to give up one pone-glyph for Jory. He was an idiot, wasn`t he? Would Lucian regret this decision if he chooses to go through with it?
He needed Jory more than he needed the poneglpyh.
Truth be told, he valued Jory more than a piece of paper. But then Lucian stopped and thought about the negative implications this could hold. If CP9 had their hands on it, he wouldn't have even wanted to think of the chaos they could cause. Lucian`s mind raced between what decision he should make until he decided. He was about to make Lucci very angry.
Lucian left the hotel and grabbed the poneglyph tracing. He ran to Rayleigh, who was walking back to their hotel.
"Hey kid, you ready to leave," Rayleigh said.
Lucian's nerves began to get the best of him, and Rayleigh began to study him. He knew Lucian too well.
"Where are you going?" Rayleigh asked.
Lucian whistled, avoiding eye contact with his uncle, "To see Jory; I`ll be back soon."
Rayleigh shrugged and replied, "OK, then." That's easy. Wow, cool. Lucian ran past Rayleigh until Rayleigh grabbed Lucian by the back of his neck and took out the poneglyph tracing from his pocket. Rayleigh opened it up, and his face lit up.
Oh shit.
"Don`t tell me, Lucian; you aren`t going to do what I think you're going to do."
He saw Rayleigh holding the tracing. It wasn`t until he saw his face that he realized that Rayleigh had never given him this look before. It was a look of disappointment, and this hurt him.
"You said I could be a pirate, right, uncle? Well, I decided Jory would be my shipwright and that he would sail with me."
Rayleigh was angry, but he calmed himself and jammed his finger in front of Lucian`s face, "I knew you were stupid, but doing this... are you this dense."
He stared at his uncle, whom he considered Rayleigh's family. Hearing him say those words hurt. Lucian hung his head in shame, balling his fist up. If only he were stronger, he wouldn`t be forced into these positions.
"What`s one tracing in a book full of a thousand pages for one man..."
Rayleigh smacked him again, and Lucian fell on his back. "You are reckless and naive; you think you know everything, boy. But you are still the same as when I first met you. I thought all this time at sea would make you smarter. But perhaps I was wrong."
Rayleigh reached over and picked up the poneglpyh.
Lucian grabbed the poneglyph back, and his anger began to rise. "This is my property from my nation, uncle. I can do what I want with it. If it saves Jory, then fine by me."
Lucian didn`t realize it until it happened: Rayleigh punched him in the face, and he fell backward.
"For years, I let you do what you want, boy; I let you fight pirates when you weren`t ready, stir trouble without thinking of the consequences, hell I even let you have Jory make you your own ship when I busted my ass off to come here to convince Iceberg to build us one. But this may be the most selfish thing you have ever done."
Rayleigh never unleashed on Lucian like that. "You realize that the tracing you hold in your hand came from the book Ilim Abrojo died for, and YOU ARE GOING TO EXCHANGE IT TO THEM FOR WHAT!"
Lucian stopped and thought about the book. Mikasa said it was special and contained secrets of the Void century.
Rayleigh discovered those secrets with Gol D. Roger all those years ago. Rayleigh rarely talked about that day in Aragonia or what he was doing there.
But now, if he was willing to give up this poneglyph to the World Government, he needed to know what Rayleigh knew.
Lucian wiped away the blood from his mouth, "Then tell me uncle. All those years ago, when the suited man was destroying my nation. Did you know what secrets the book held and the connections it had to Pluton? For him to rape, torture, and murder MY PEOPLE. THEY SUFFERED BECAUSE OF THIS. YOU CAN'T YOU JUSTIFY THAT!"
"ALL THE MORE REASON TO PROTECT IT YOU SPOILED BRAT!" Rayleigh yelled.
Rayleigh paused and took a deep breath. He then sat down on the steps of the bridge where they were arguing.
"Sorry for punching you, kid, but I will not let you trade away that tracing. Not because I don`t want you to have Jory on your crew because... that tracing will give the World Government what they always wanted."
Lucian calmed himself down. "Then tell me the truth. What is the book Mikasa found? WHAT IS IN IT."
"The truth."
Lucian stuttered. "W-W-What."
"That book, Lucian, contains the knowledge of the true history of our world. That`s what the Nobles don`t want you to have. Pluton is surface-level. Uranus and Poseidon are surface-level compared to the actual truth. I wanted to keep you safe until you got older.
But it looks like I ran out of time that day. I came because the moment the book opens, it releases a power that only those with awakened Observation Haki can sense. I felt it across the seas, so I rushed over to Aragonia as quickly as possible," Rayleigh said.
Lucian was shocked. "So when Mikasa and I opened it, it called out to you and the... the suited man," Lucian fell to the floor in disbelief.
Rayleigh continued, "I didn`t consider the possibility of a buster call being initiated on Aragonia, but I knew the Holy Knights would catch the scent of the book. Not only did it lead me to the book, but it also led me to you, Lucian, and looking back on it. That is all that mattered."
After three years away from home, he has never been so close to the truth. But Lucian fails to understand his purpose.
"What is so special about me, though? I am just a regular kid. I grew up in Aragonia, and nothing ever happens there. I am just an unlucky kid thrust into the world of piracy." Lucian cried out.
"You wanted this life, Lucian; remember that day I met you? Your eyes sparkled when I was explaining the Grand Line to you and Ilir. But to me, I don`t believe in coincidence. Especially when I learned who you truly were."
He was not special; what weight did the name 'Xebel' hold? His family never left Aragonia for centuries; the Xebel bloodline stemmed from a long line of agricultural tribes that thrived in a tight knit community.
Lucian had never once heard of a famous Xebel, sad to say, but Rayleigh was wrong.
"I'm sorry, but that's not my place to say. You will learn one day," Rayleigh said.
Lucian balled his fist. He was tired of this notion of withholding information from him. But he decided to let Rayleigh talk.
Rayleigh readjusted his glasses and stared at Lucian, "When I bumped into you in that marketplace, I felt something I have only felt a select few times in my life. That will and aura. I bet on you, Lucian, and I don`t intend to see you fail
You remind me of a man I once knew. His name was Kozuki Oden."
Lucian gasped, "You can`t be serious right now. How am I like him at all?"
Rayleigh nodded. "He was a dear friend, and his will surpassed that of most men in history. He was the most reckless man I knew, but he was also funny and powerful. He yearned for adventure beyond his land, just like you. Although Oden wanted to sail the seas forever, he felt a sense of duty to his country and his people, so his journey ended shortly thereafter. Remind you of anyone?"
Lucian pointed to himself, "Yeah, sounds like me, kind of."
Rayleigh laughed. "Kind of, try spot on, kid. I sailed the seas for over 40 years, and I`ve met millions of people. But you stuck out amongst them. In your own right, you are the reincarnation of Oden.
You love Aragonia and are willing to die for your people and your friends. Your will is perfectly aligned with his. It truly astonished me beyond belief.
What happened that day? Don`t let it scare you. The suited man, you will see him again. By then, your willpower will be unmovable. You will never let him get his hands on that," Rayleigh pointed to the tracing.
The suited man wanted Pluton; why did he tell Mr. Abrojo that he needed the book? What were they hiding? Who was pulling the strings?
Lucian understood now that if he handed this over to CP9, he would be doing more damage than good. He began to tear up; he was so stupid. Thank God for Rayleigh; without the old man, he felt hopeless. He began to cry now.
"That book was written by a man, a pirate, I suppose. Gol D. Roger and I discovered it years ago in God`s Valley. It helped lead us to Laugh Tale so we could learn the entire truth of this world."
Lucian spoke up, "What is the truth then?"
"If I tell you now, it will change the course of your journey drastically. For either better or worse. Do you want that, Lucian?"
Lucian innately wanted to learn the truth. He wanted Rayleigh to tell him everything. But was this naivety he lived in beneficial? He believed so. The desire to chase the truth always made him better in all aspects of life.
He wondered if he had learned it all now, if he would lose the will to carry on with his dreams, or if it would just fuel him more.
It was a gamble, one he knew the answer to.
"No, uncle, as much as I want to, nothing in this life comes easy. I don`t want the easy way out."
Rayleigh smiled, "Beautifully said, so then, by your new understanding. Isn`t it easier to hand over the poneglyph or fight for your life?"
Lucian realized the errors of his ways. His ignorance shrouded him in a false sense of ego, which he believed was propelling him towards greatness. This was such an eye-opener.
"That book is a reminder in history that power is exclusive to those who can control the output and narrative of their choosing. The winners write history. Always remember that," Rayleigh continued.
The winners write history... interesting.
The suited man was in God`s Valley, where Rayleigh found the book. So, the suited man did fight for the book's contents, and he lost? Did he want to shroud history from the losers?
Lucian wiped the tears away, "Who wrote it then."
"We do not know yet, but Lucian understands I wish to tell you about the secrets of this world. The void century, Joyboy, all of it. But experience plays a more significant role in shaping you into the man I know you can be."
Joyboy?
He refrained himself from asking who that was. He just agreed to discover the truth on his own.
But now, Lucian fully comprehended the sacrifices Rayleigh really made for him. All this time, he had been acting like a spoiled brat.
"Hey, Uncle, is this something Kozuki Oden would do?"
Rayleigh smiled. "Oh yes, to save a friend, he would do anything, but I want you to rise above him and become the man I know you are." Lucian felt pumped, and excitement coursed through his body. Rayleigh was right, and he needed to act correctly.
"What now? CP9 is expecting a trade for Jory," Lucian said.
Rayleigh got up from the steps he was sitting on. "I wish you had come to me earlier, but you will commence with the trade. Do not hand the paper to them. I need to see something for myself."
"Oh, so you`ll take care of it,
The new plan, guys... let Rayleigh take over since Lucian fucked up!
Upon arriving, Lucian noticed how busy it was.
He saw many customers and Galley-La employees running back and forth. He could use this opportunity to blend in, but he also needed to spot Lucci. He covered down into the crowd, making his way undetected to the southern part of the facility. The bunker where the masts were was only two buildings away, so he assumed they would all flock to him if he were to enter there again.
He looked down at his body, and he still had immense pain coursing through his body. But he did not have the comfort to relax; he needed to compensate for his failures on this island.
He regarded Water 7 as a full failure(except for finding Jory).
Once more, all Lucian needed to do was to have a conversation with them. There was no chance he could beat them in a fight, he needed Rayleigh`s help for that.
He reviewed the plan once again in his head. He prayed it would work, though he hated this plan a lot. Though it seemed highly unlikely. He rushed over to the original building where Kaku and Blueno confronted him.
He waited there a while.
As he watched them work, he realized that they were actually a pretty good team. Too bad they were a bunch of assassins. After a while, the crowd started to die down, and their workload lessened as the day started to darken. Lucian sat off the roof of the building with his feet dangling in the air.
They finally spotted him, but they had no reaction. They just continued to work. After an hour or so, Galley-La finally closed up shop. The whole crew was there. Kaku locked the gate and cleaned up the shipyard.
Lucci finally showed himself.
"What are you doing here?" he uttered.
Lucian jumped off the roof onto the ground to meet Lucci.
Lucian laughed. "Think you can catch me, bet you can`t."
Kaku and Blueno gave each other a weird look and fixed their gaze back on Lucian; they probably thought he was an idiot. "Soru!" Lucian yelled as he ran out of Galley-La. He felt the presence of CP9 behind him, using their Rokushiki masterfully to trap Lucian, but little did they know he would be the one doing the trapping.
After minutes of tearing through the city—nothing more than a blur to the startled citizens—Lucian skillfully led CP9 to the edge of the port. The chase funneled into a cliffside, the sea crashing violently against the rocks below.
He walked to him slowly, his hands held up in surrender. "I just wanna talk, no fighting." Lucci looked unfazed, as if his being there was an inconvenience, yet he stayed silent. The cliffside was empty now, and the sun started to set. This was the chance he needed, the position to escape.
Yet Lucci had yet to respond to Lucian.
"I want to let you know that I heeded your advice. We will be leaving this island," Lucian said.
"Why did you run," Lucci said.
"Because I will be taking Jory with me," Lucian said.
Lucci turned around this time, but he didnt move. Kaku and Blueno blitzed right behind Lucian, he expected an attack but they just stood there behind him. Lucian stood still. The tension was high.
"Why would you think we would let you do that," Kaku uttered behind him.
"Because if not, I will expose you, government rats," Lucian retaliated, which seemed to get their attention.
Lucci grabbed Lucian`s shirt and raised him. "You little shit," he uttered
"Option one, I expose your true identities to the city of Water 7, not only blowing your cover but also putting your mission in peril."
This angered them, especially Lucci. "So… we would just kill you and all witnesses here, so how does that benefit you," Blueno said.
"Well, you see. The morning newspaper will be very interested in reporting CP9's true identity. If not, then maybe I can stop the world from knowing your secret. Your superiors will have a lot of questions regarding how a 13-year-old boy manipulated one of the greatest agencies in the world into submitting to his will."
"Liar," Blueno said.
"Well, then… the second option," Kaku asked. Lucian then pulled out a piece of paper. He held it forward towards them. Confused, the CP9 members looked at one another.
"What is that?" Kaku and Blueno said in unison until Lucci gasped, "I recognize that."
"This is a piece of the poneglyphs from my home, Aragonia." This seemed to spark something in Lucci because his demeanor immediately changed.
"How about you stop looking for Pluton, and I give you something the World Government has been looking for years."
Lucian wasn't stupid. He knew the book contained tracings of Poneglyphs from his adventures on the Grand Line. He and Mikasa traced the poneglyphs onto new pieces of paper, and three years ago, right before he left, he replicated another copy to get some answers along his journey.
Lucci walked up to him and extended his hand.
Kaku whistled, "That is important." Blueno nodded in agreement.
Lucian settled his nerves, he waited for a response. After some uncomfortable silence, Lucci finally spoke.
"Are you stupid, boy? That is the worst trade I have ever heard, exchanging this for a traitor. What angle are you playing at."
"Ohhhh, and we will be taking that poneglyph regardless of what you proposed," Kaku said.
Lucci dropped Lucian and began to study the tracing.
Lucian`s eyes widened, and the fear set in. He had a feeling it wouldn`t work out. He assumed a fighting position. Lucci kicked his ass once. He could easily do it again.
He just wasn`t strong enough.
CP9 removed their cloaks and approached Lucian. He was still injured, and even if he wasn`t, he had no negative thoughts. It was about time he showed up when he felt a presence behind him.
"Ah, Dark King Rayleigh. I thought you were dead. You babysitting brats now," Blueno said.
Lucian turned around, and there was Rayleigh, composed as could be.
"I didn`t know CP9 was scared of a child. In fact, I didn't know the World Government was interested in Pluton as of recent," Rayleigh said.
Rayleigh pointed at the tracing in Lucci`s hand, "I`ll be taking that back, thank you."
Lucci smirked, "Oh yeah, old man, you`re more of a relic than a pirate now. Leave; this issue does not include you."
Jory appeared to his left side, "CP9 ganging up on a kid. Should I be surprised?".
Rayleigh and Jory appeared; this was all going according to Rayleigh`s plan; he would rather fight than give up valuable information.
"You scum, you hide behind a 13-year-old child nowadays," Blueno said.
Jory roared in laughter and unsheathed his axe, "I don`t think you`ll be smiling when I`m through with you."
It didn`t take long for the fighting to break out.
Jory and Blueno rushed at each other and began to exchange blows, his axe clashing with Blueno`s Iron body in a symphony of Metallic clashing. Each kick, swing, and blow is more devastating than the last.
"You`ve gone over your head this time, Lucian," Rayleigh proclaimed.
"I know, Uncle, I`m sorry."
Rayleigh smirked, "No need. We will leave tonight. Jory and I will make sure of it."
Lucci laughed until…
Lucian felt it, Rayleigh`s conquerors haki.
It felt overwhelming. Lucci and Kaku`s eyes widened as they forcibly took a knee. Lucian couldn`t believe it. He had never felt Rayleigh`s haki at full power before. It was magnificent.
Rayleigh attacked Lucci. Suddenly, Lucci lunged, his speed blurring as he used Soru to close the distance, claws bared and coated in Armament Haki. Rayleigh moved like a whisper, sidestepping the attack and pivoting gracefully. His sword flashed as he slashed horizontally—a simple yet masterful counter. Lucci leaped back, barely evading the blade, the air hissing as the sharpness of Rayleigh's Haki cleaved through it.
Rayleigh didn't flinch. With a single, fluid motion, he raised his sword, coated in Haki, and intercepted the Rankyaku that Lucci launched at him, splitting the air blade in two. The ground cracked beneath them from the force of their exchange.
"Is that all, Lucci?" Rayleigh's voice was steady, teasing even.
Snarling, Lucci launched forward again. This time, he yelled "Rokuogan," and he hurled a shockwave punch towards Rayleigh. But as his fists shot forward, Rayleigh's body blurred with Soru, instantly appearing behind Lucci with a speed that mirrored his own. Lucci's eyes widened in shock as he felt the cold edge of Rayleigh's sword hover near his neck.
Rayleigh's voice was low, almost a whisper. "You're strong, but there's a world of difference between us."
With a sharp swing, Rayleigh sent a wave of Haki through the air, hitting Lucci square in the back and sending him crashing into a nearby wall. The impact shattered stone, dust billowing into the sky.
Lucci was defeated just like that.
Lucian couldn`t believe it; he was astonished by how Uncle Rayleigh could fight that quickly and so powerfully.
Kaku stood in disbelief, and he spent no time attacking Lucian. "Rankyaku!" Kaku's leg whipped around, sending a crescent-shaped air blade screaming toward Lucian.
Lucian yelled, "Soru!" as he evaded the strike and powered his fist into an attack; Lucian conjured whatever armament haki he had and attacked. Kaku parried and evade each punch and attempt at his body.
Lucian matched Kaku`s speed for a minute. He immediately launched into a rapid flurry of attacks—punches and kicks in a relentless barrage, each move flowing into the next. His fists came from every angle, a storm of blows aimed at Kaku's torso, head, and legs. The sound of his movements echoed like thunderclaps, and the force of each strike split the air.
Lucian began to pant, and Kaku was playing with him. Lucian stared at his torso. His wounds had reopened. The blood splattered to the floor.
Kaku smiled, and he used Rokushiki and advanced to deliver the final blow. "Shigan!" he yelled whilst motioning his fist into a pistol, but right before impact. Rayleigh was there to grab his arm. Lucian stared at Rayleigh. Damn it, the old man is saving his ass for the millionth time.
"Too slow," Rayleigh said as he threw Kaku in the same direction Lucci had been thrown.
"Thanks," Lucian said. Out of the corner of his eye, Jory and Blueno were still engaged in a fight. He looked to the sky, and it began to rain.
"Hey, Dark King," said a voice from behind. Lucian turned around to see Lucci back on his feet in horrible condition.
Blueno stopped fighting Jory and retreated to Lucci and Kaku`s position.
"Damn, giant can`t keep him off me," Blueno said. Jory laughed. "You underestimate me, Blueno. You know how long I`ve been waiting for this."
Lucci looked annoyed; he took a couple of steps forward. The rain started to pour heavily now. "If anyone would know about the secrets of the world, it would be the first mate of the Roger Pirates. So you must know where Pluton is."
Once Lucci spoke up, Kaku stepped up. They looked ready to pounce again. He felt Rayleigh's calmness.
Better let Uncle Rayleigh handle this. He motioned for Jory to calm down. "Yes, me and Gol D. Roger found everything this world had to offer, but the ancient weapons… never really dabbled in that field."
Lucci was visibly angry now. "Hey, kid… the poneglyphs, Karas found those. If you let Dark King Rayleigh finish me off, you`ll never know the truth about YOUR BROTHER."
Lucian got up, holding his reopened wounds.
"We will be leaving this island with Jory. If you let us go, we won`t blow up your spot," Lucian announced.
Lucci, Kaku, and Blueno didn`t look great. Mainly thanks to Rayleigh.
Jory grabbed Lucian and threw him over his shoulder.
"You told Iceberg, didn`t you," Kaku asked. He was still holding his wounds.
At this point, Rayleigh sat down on top of a defeated Kaku, and he began to ponder Kaku`s question.
"I have no reason to if you let us leave," Rayleigh responded.
Lucci and Blueno exchanged looks. Kaku was squirming under a victorious Rayleigh. Lucian felt bad. He wanted to tell Iceberg. But CP9 promised to lay siege to the city of Water 7, and the three of them could do nothing about that. Rayleigh was smart for taking this opportunity to escape. After some deliberating between Lucci and Blueno, they came to a decision.
"Leave… and don`t return," Lucci said.
"Wise decision," Rayleigh replied.
Jory and Rayleigh turned away, walking towards their new ship. Lucian adjusted himself on Jory`s shoulder. He was bleeding profusely and starting to feel lightheaded.
"If Iceberg finds out..." Lucci yelled across the rain.
Rayleigh turned his head, "You government agents, always the same. Don`t worry, boys. Clean up after yourself and forget this ever happened."
Lucian`s vision began to get blurry, and the rain intensified. Jory finally sat him down on his new ship, and Rayleigh ran around getting ready to set sail.
"You're a fool, Lucian, involving yourself with CP9." Lucian was in between consciousness and unconsciousness.
"Worth it for Jory," Lucian said. Rayleigh looked at him and smiled.
"Sounds like something you would say," Rayleigh responded.
"I wouldn`t trust them to keep their mouths shut. I think we should tell Iceberg; it seems messed up not to," Jory asked Rayleigh.
Lucian rested upon Jory's shoulders as they continued to walk back to their new ship. The rain intensified, but he liked the feeling of the drops hitting his skin.
"Jory, don`t stress, we need this. If we cause any more trouble, not only will CP9 be a problem, but the interference from the World Government will prove devastating. I cannot protect you both from them. But don`t worry, in time, you`ll be able to stand up to them," Rayleigh said.
Lucian was saddened. How could he call himself a pirate if he was going to need Rayleigh`s help every time? He needed to get stronger than ever.
When they arrived at the ship, Jory set him down. The storm began to intensify, and Rayleigh began to patch up Lucian.
"You fought well, kid, but that isn`t a battle situation you want to put yourself into yet."
"I don`t want to be someone who needs saving. I need to be someone people can look at and rely on," Lucian replied to Rayleigh.
Jory began to set sail and rejoined his companions.
"Hey Jory, you ready for adventure?" Lucian croaked out. He was about to pass out from the pain.
Jory roared in celebration, "YESSSSS, captain, I promise I won`t let you down."
Lucian was surprised to hear this, but it made sense. He saw Water 7 lights glistening on the horizon through the thunderstorm they were barreling towards. He felt like a failure this whole time on that island, but he learned a lot and gained a new friend.
"Hey, Jory, let's turn this world upside down."
Jory looked at him with a smile. He outreached his massive hand, "You betcha."
They sailed away from Water 7 as the storm intensified, and his eyes began to close.
Thanks, old man, and you too, Jory.
Hey guys, this is the end of the Water 7 Arc. I hope you all enjoyed it. Please let me know your thoughts, as they will help me write better. Either positive or negative, I urge all my readers to post a review. It will mean a lot :)
I'm sorry to say, but I have been quite inconsistent with posting chapters. That`s only because I have written the first half of the story, and everything still needs editing and changes. I had to connect certain events and character introductions, and that took a long time.
I also received some messages asking why my chapters are so long. I prefer this format of storytelling, especially when I have so much content to write; I don`t want to feel like I am rushing anything. It is also the reason it takes me so long to post, but I wouldn`t have it any other way.
I promise you guys that the next arcs are SO MUCH better than what I currently have posted. I wish I could post them now, and they're some of my best work.
Here is a teaser of what`s to come.
The Bayou Isle Arc(Chapters 9-11)
Shugoshina War Arc(Chapters 12-20)
Return to Aragonia Arc(Chapters 21-25)
That concludes the first half of "The Dreadnought Pirates."
The next arc starts next, and it is set on a time skip 3 years after Water 7(which will be the last major time skip in the story). don`t worry; I will post it soon.
A shout-out to all my viewers and followers who read my stories: I do it for only you guys and want you to love this fanfic world I created.
Until next time, enjoy everyone!