The sound of gunfire echoed in Oriana's ears, though she was somewhat grateful that Marco shielded her from seeing the full horror.
The whole scene was torture, with the cries of pirates reverberating throughout the plaza.
Then, the shooting suddenly stopped, and Whitebeard spoke. "It's not you. The man Roger is waiting for is definitely not you, Teach." The traitor was stunned, realizing his former captain was still alive. Oriana, on the other hand, gently moved Marco's hand aside to look at her father.
Marco let her go, understanding that they were witnessing Whitebeard's final moments.
Whitebeard turned back to Oriana with one of his familiar, loving smiles, the same one that always made her feel safe and cherished. Despite the chaos around them, his eyes were full of warmth and affection, just like a father's would be.
"I'm sorry for leaving you this time, treasure," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "Just know I'll always love and watch over you." his deep voice softened to a gentle rumble that only she could hear as the words hung in the air.
"Just as there are those who will inherit Roger's will, someone will do the same for Ace. You can sever bloodlines, but their flames will never be extinguished. It has been passed down since ancient times!" Whitebeard's voice rang out with unshakable conviction. "Someday, someone will rise and challenge the world, bearing the weight of centuries of history. Sengoku, you, and the World Government fear the great war that will come one day. I'm not interested in the treasure, but when it's found, the whole world will be turned upside down. Someone will find it. That day will come." He took a deep breath, his final declaration ringing across the battlefield. "The One Piece does exist!"
Then, everything went silent. A testament to his unyielding spirit; Whitebeard died standing.
The Whitebeard Pirates, along with their allies, were devastated, but there was no time to grieve. They still had to obey their captain's final order: escape and return to the New World.
Oriana felt drained, her will to keep fighting slipping away. She let Marco carry her out of the battlefield.
She wanted to look back at her father one last time, but doing so would make his death all the more real. She desperately wished it were all a nightmare, that she could wake up and find Whitebeard alive and well. She clung to the delusion, hoping she would open her eyes and see his reassuring smile again.
As she heard others questioning the traitorous scum's actions, Oriana didn't care to listen. She kept her eyes forward, looking over Marco's shoulder as she rested on his back, too exhausted to glance behind her.
Suddenly, a blast of magma erupted near the bay, right in front of Jinbei, who was carrying her younger brother. "Luffy..." she whispered, struggling to speak. Oriana watched as their allies rushed to protect him, and she wanted so desperately to do the same. But something held her back.
Her heart ached with the desire to shield her brother, but her body felt heavy with exhaustion and grief. She could only watch as their comrades fought bravely to defend Luffy, their courage shining like a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.
Tears streamed down Oriana's face as she clung to Marco, her body trembling with frustration. "Why can't I move? Why can't I help him?" she thought, her heart aching. She wanted to scream, to fight, to protect her brother the way Ace would have. But her body refused to cooperate, drained by the relentless heartbreak and the brutal reality they were facing.
Marco, feeling her tremble, tightened his grip. His own heart broke for the young woman in his arms. "Stay strong, little one," he whispered. "We need to get through this. All of us!" Oriana nodded weakly, trying to muster the strength to believe in his words.
"Here comes Blackbeard!" someone shouted, but Oriana barely registered it. She still didn't care.
Suddenly, a powerful tremor shattered part of the Marine base. "Dad!?" Oriana quickly turned, hope flickering as she believed her father was still fighting. But her hope was crushed when she realized it wasn't Whitebeard wielding the power of the Gura Gura no Mi. It was Blackbeard.
Oriana's heart sank. She couldn't comprehend how Teach had stolen her father's power, but seeing him use it was a bitter blow. Not only had they lost Ace and Whitebeard, but now Blackbeard wielded unimaginable power—her father's power.
Anger surged through her. "That bastard having Dad's power is absolutely unforgivable. I need to go and kick some respect into him," she said, her voice trembling with rage giving her a new motive. She climbed down from Marco's back, ready to face Teach, but the commander quickly stopped her.
"Pops' final wish was for us to survive and escape. We'll get back at Blackbeard, I promise you that, but now is not the time to fight him, yoi!" Marco's voice was steady but firm. "Instead, look ahead. Your little brother's still being targeted by the same Marines who killed our nakama. That's something you can do something about right now!"
Oriana hesitated, torn between her fury and the truth in Marco's words. She looked toward Luffy, still in danger, and felt a renewed sense of purpose rise within her. "You're right," she said, her voice firmer now. "We need to protect Luffy from that magma-brained monster!"
Marco nodded, his gaze softening as he saw her resolve returning. "Let's make sure their sacrifices weren't in vain. We'll fight Blackbeard another day."
With fresh determination, Oriana refocused on protecting her brother. The pain of loss still weighed heavily on her heart, but the fire of her resolve burned bright. She knew what she had to do—and she was ready for the fight ahead.
The commanders and Oriana shifted their focus to Akainu, the admiral who had just pierced Jinbei with his molten fist, burning Luffy's chest in the process. Oriana's heart pounded in her chest as she sprinted toward them, desperate to protect her brother. But before she could reach them, a swirling sand tornado suddenly swept Luffy and Jinbei away from danger. It was Crocodile, his sinister face flashing, with Buggy catching them.
"Every single one of you is willing to die for that kid's sake?" Akainu asked, his voice dripping with disbelief as he glared at the remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates.
"We've witnessed firsthand his boundless determination and power!" Vista shouted, stepping forward with his sword at the ready.
"Ace protected him, Pops acknowledged him, and Oria loves him!" Fossa added, gripping his weapon tightly, his voice filled with resolve.
"It's our duty to send him into the new era," Izo declared, his sharp eyes narrowing as he leveled his pistol at Akainu.
Akainu sneered, the contempt evident in his voice. "Who would've guessed the infamous Whitebeard Pirates would fight for such a noble cause?"
Marco, unfazed, stepped forward, his body surrounded by blue flames. "Akainu, could it be that what you fear in him is the very thing that gives us hope for the future?"
Oriana's heart swelled with pride, a bright smile spreading across her face as she looked at her crew. "You guys are the best!" she declared, standing firm, ready to fight alongside them.
Without further discussion, Akainu charged, his fury blazing in the form of a molten fist. The Whitebeard Pirates, united by their resolve to protect Luffy and honor Whitebeard's legacy, braced themselves for the fight.
Marco was the first to engage, his phoenix flames clashing with Akainu's magma. The intense heat from Akainu's attacks met the cool, regenerative power of Marco's flames, creating steam and bursts of light with every strike. Oriana, her fists encased in icy flames, leaped into the fray, her speed and strength surprising even the admiral.
"Get out of our way!" she screamed, each punch landing with a force fueled by her grief and anger, pushing Akainu back.
Vista and Izo flanked him, their swords flashing as they struck with precision, while Fossa's giant blade swung with the power of an avalanche, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.
Despite his immense strength, Akainu found himself momentarily overwhelmed by the coordinated assault. His sneer twisted into a snarl of rage. "You're all fools if you think you can stop me!" he roared, unleashing a massive wave of magma that forced the pirates to scatter.
The heat was unbearable as magma rained down on the battlefield, but Oriana and her comrades refused to yield. They regrouped, determined to protect Luffy at all costs.
"We're not letting you lay another hand on him!" Oriana shouted, her eyes blazing with fury as she prepared for the next round, the memory of her father and Ace fueling her every move.
Marco, quickly recovering, soared back into the fight, his regenerative flames keeping him in the air. He swooped down, grabbed Oriana, and flew her above the molten battlefield, setting her down safely behind Akainu. "Now, Oriana!" he shouted.
Oriana nodded, focusing her energy as her fist began to glow with a brilliant cold flame. With all her might, she struck Akainu from behind, the chill of her icy fire clashing against the searing heat of his magma, causing the admiral to stagger.
Enraged, Akainu spun around, launching a powerful punch at Oriana. But Vista intercepted him, his sword ringing as it clashed with the magma-coated fist. "You're not touching her!" Vista growled, holding firm.
Taking advantage of the opening, Izo and Fossa attacked from either side, their blows landing with precision. Despite his immense power, the relentless assault began to wear down Akainu. His movements grew slower, more labored, but his fury remained undiminished.
"You will pay for your crimes!" Oriana shouted, tears of anger and grief streaming down her face as she thought of her father and Ace.
In a final, desperate move, Akainu gathered all his remaining strength for one massive attack. His magma fist struck Curiel, sending him flying across the battlefield. "Do not tolerate evil! Destroy the pirates!" Akainu roared, calling his subordinates to continue the fight.
But suddenly, a young marine stepped in front of him, his arm outstretched in defiance. "That's enough!" he cried, tears streaming down his face. "Stop the fighting! It's a waste of human lives!"
The battlefield froze in shock. The marine pleaded, saying the battle was over; the Marines had achieved their goal. There were wounded soldiers who could still be saved, but continuing the fight would mean more senseless deaths.
Akainu, seething with rage, prepared to strike down his own subordinate, but before his blow could land, a sword blocked his path.
The sword belonged to none other than Red-Haired Shanks.
Gasps echoed across the battlefield as Shanks, one of the Four Emperors, stood before them. His commanding presence silenced the chaos, his eyes scanning the scene with quiet authority. He walked over to pick up the iconic straw hat, and turned to the marines.
"I've come to put an end to this war!" Shanks declared, his voice resonating across the battlefield, cutting through the tension.
"Shanks…" Oriana whispered, relief and gratitude swelling inside her at the sight of him. He walked over and placed the straw hat on her head with a gentle smile.
"Oriana, would you give that back to Luffy for me?" Shanks asked kindly.
Oriana hesitated, glancing at her crewmates. She wanted to protect them, to fight until the end. "I can't leave… not yet," she replied, her voice filled with determination.
Shanks met her gaze, his eyes soft but resolute. "I understand. But remember, there's more than one way to protect those you love."
A loud voice broke the moment. "Shanks!" Buggy shouted from the distance, his face pale with a mix of fear and awe.
Shanks smirked, his eyes glinting as he turned toward his old rival. "Buggy, still causing trouble, I see," he said playfully.
With Shanks' arrival, the tension on the battlefield eased. His crew stood behind him, their imposing figures sending a clear message. "If anyone still wants to fight," Shanks said, raising his sword, "then come at us. We'll take you on."
No one dared to challenge the Red-Haired Emperor. Even the most battle-hardened marines stood down, knowing that continuing would be futile.
Shanks then made a solemn request: to take Ace and Whitebeard's bodies for a proper burial. Though some Marines protested, Sengoku, the Fleet Admiral, allowed it. With that, Sengoku announced the end of the war.
Oriana stood among her crewmates, the weight of their losses heavy on her heart. The war was finally over, but the cost was unbearable.
As they began moving Whitebeard and Ace's lifeless bodies, the reality of the situation hit her hard. She watched in silence, the gravity of the loss settling in. The battlefield, once loud and chaotic, now felt eerily quiet. The sight of their fallen comrades being taken away was a sobering reminder of the steep price they had paid.
"Are you alright, Oriana?" Shanks asked gently, his voice filled with concern as he noticed her distress.
"I-I can't be here. I need... to leave," Oriana stammered, her voice cracking as she struggled to accept the outcome. Izo placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Take a moment if you need to. This has been hard on all of us."
She nodded, but the weight of the loss pressed down on her chest, making it hard to breathe. Turning away from the devastation, she sought a quiet escape amidst the chaos. The sight of her fallen father, the overwhelming stench of blood and battle, filled her senses.
Desperate to get away, Oriana headed for the sea. Using her powers, she surfed swiftly away from Marineford. Pirate ships were still hovering in the distance, observing the remnants of the war, but Oriana didn't care. She rushed past them, indifferent to the stares of the onlookers.
As she glided across the water, memories flooded her mind. She longed for a time when her father was alive and her crew was whole. The last time she felt that sense of completeness was when she was with Ace, smiling at Luffy's bounty poster.
"Luffy..." she whispered, her hand instinctively checking to see if his hat was still on her head.
"I need to make sure he's alright," she said aloud, her voice hardened with determination. Keeping Luffy safe was the only thing that made sense now.
The farther she surfed from Marineford, the more the chaos of the battlefield faded. The open sea stretched out before her, far and vast, yet offering a strange sense of calm. The sea was a place of endless possibilities, and for now, it was her refuge.
In the distance, she spotted a small yellow ship with a towering marine battleship looming over it. She recognized the vessel. Oriana was ready to attack the warship, but when she saw a certain revolutionary aboard, she realized they had sneaked away unnoticed. None of it mattered to her at the moment.
Leaping onto the submarine, Oriana found herself face-to-face with a tall man. "Captain, look out! It's Winter Blaze!" a panicked voice called out. It belonged to a polar bear mink.
"Is Luffy alive?" Oriana demanded, her voice trembling with desperation.
"He's in critical condition, but yes, he's alive," the tall man, Trafalgar Law, replied calmly.
That was all Oriana needed to hear. She rushed inside, heart pounding, and found her brother hooked up to various machines, a mask over his face helping him breathe. Her chest tightened at the sight.
"Luffy... I'm sorry I'm late," she whispered, sitting down beside his bed and gently taking his hand. Tears welled up in her eyes as she brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead, feeling the cold of his skin beneath her fingertips. The rhythmic beeping of the machines filled the room, each beep a reminder of how fragile his life was in that moment.
She stayed there for what felt like hours, her mind flooded with memories of their adventures together—the laughter, the battles, and the unbreakable bond they shared. Most recently, the horror of the Marineford war.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Law entered the room. "We're doing everything we can. If he has the will to live, he'll pull through," Law said in his usual calm, steady voice.
"I know he will," Oriana replied, she looked down at Luffy's hand in hers, her fingers gently tracing over the scars. "He has to. He's the only family I have left."
Oriana barely acknowledged Law, her entire focus on her brother's still form. She watched the steady rise and fall of his chest, the rhythmic beeping of the machines echoing like a constant reminder of how fragile his life was. "Luffy, you have to get better," she whispered, her voice trembling as she gently squeezed his hand. "Because I need you… more than you know."
The hours passed in a blur, the crew working tirelessly to ensure Luffy's transfer went smoothly. When the Empress's ship arrived, Oriana barely registered it. The familiar sight of the Kuja pirates riding on their enormous poisonous snakes seemed distant, as if from another world. The majestic sea serpents effortlessly glided through the waters, keeping the Sea Kings at bay, but none of it mattered to Oriana. Her entire world had shrunk to the small space where Luffy lay fighting for his life.
Once they reached the shores of Amazon Lily, a wave of celebration and cheers filled the air. Islanders lined the docks, their faces glowing with admiration and excitement as they welcomed back their ruler. Oriana, however, stayed rooted by Luffy's side, her mind barely processing the crowd's enthusiasm. Her heart ached with fear and exhaustion, each moment feeling like an eternity.
"Welcome back, Snake Princess!" the islanders called out, their voices ringing with joy and pride.
Suddenly, an uproar broke out among the gathered crowd, causing Oriana to snap to attention. Reluctantly, she stepped away from Luffy and hurried outside, bracing herself for trouble. The islanders, oblivious to the seriousness of the situation, thought they had caught intruders aboard the pirate ship. They brandished their weapons, ready to attack.
Oriana was about to intervene when Hancock, the Empress herself, stopped them with a raised hand. "Enough!" Hancock's voice boomed, her usual air of authority laced with an edge of worry. "Luffy is aboard this ship, gravely injured."
A ripple of shock passed through the crowd, and their hostile energy dissipated. The mood shifted quickly from suspicion to concern.
Hancock, her eyes filled with a rare tenderness, made her intentions clear. "I will personally take Luffy to the plaza and care for him myself," she announced, her voice softer now.
However, an elder of the island stepped forward, shaking her head solemnly. "It is against our laws, Snake Princess. No men are allowed in the heart of Amazon Lily, not even him."
Trafalgar Law stepped in, his voice calm but firm. "You can take him, but the island likely doesn't have the medical equipment necessary to treat him. My ship has everything we need to give him a chance. What do you think, Winter Blaze-ya?"
Oriana, who had been silent until now, suddenly found her voice. "No," she said, stepping forward, her expression resolute. "Luffy stays here. I will not risk his life for the sake of your customs. He deserves the best care—nothing less."
Her words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, silence reigned. The islanders exchanged uneasy glances. Even Boa Hancock, as powerful as she was, hesitated, torn between her feelings for Luffy and her responsibilities as ruler of Amazon Lily.
In the end, the islanders relented. "Very well," the elder said. "The men may anchor at a nearby bay, and we will assist however we can."
"As long as Luffy gets the right treatment, I don't care where we end up," Oriana declared, her voice steady and unyielding. She wasn't about to argue over tradition when Luffy's life hung in the balance.
A collective sigh of relief swept through the crew. Law immediately set about preparing the necessary equipment to stabilize Luffy. Hancock, her expression softening, organized her warriors to secure the area and provide food and supplies for the crew. Her devotion to Luffy was clear, and despite her regal composure, her worry was palpable.
Days began to bleed into nights, the constant tension and fear wearing on everyone. The once-bustling ship was now quiet, the crew moving carefully around the medical area, not wanting to disturb the fragile peace inside.
Oriana remained at Luffy's side, her fingers often resting lightly on his arm, as if her presence alone could keep him tethered to life. The circles under her eyes grew darker with each passing day. Exhaustion gnawed at her, but she refused to leave. She would not abandon him—not again.
One evening, as the sun began to set over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the ship, Jinbei approached her. The former Warlord's large form cast a shadow over the room as he spoke gently. "You need to rest, Oriana. You haven't eaten much, and you've barely slept. Luffy-kun will need you when he wakes up."
Oriana shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. "I can't leave him, Jinbei. I can't lose him too."
Jinbei's expression softened. He had seen the toll this ordeal had taken on her, the way she clung to hope even as fear and grief wore her down. "You're not going to lose him," he said softly. "But he'll need you to be strong. He'll want to see you smiling when he opens his eyes."
Oriana nodded, but her gaze didn't leave Luffy. She gently stroked his hand, the familiar warmth of his skin comforting her in the quiet moments. "I'm trying," she whispered. "But every second he's unconscious feels like torture. I don't know what I'd do if…" Her voice faltered, the weight of her emotions finally breaking through the wall she had built.
Jinbei wanted to say more, but he could see that Oriana needed time. After everything she had been through, she needed to stay by Luffy's side, to hold on to the hope that he would pull through.
As the days wore on, Oriana's resolve never wavered. Each day that passed with Luffy still unconscious felt like an eternity, but she refused to give up. She stayed with him through the long, silent nights, her heart aching with every minute that he didn't wake.
As the only woman among the pirates, Oriana had been repeatedly invited by the Empress to the grand castle, encouraged to take a break and get some much-needed rest. After two long weeks of Luffy lying unconscious, Oriana finally gave in, realizing she needed a change of scenery, if only for a little while. Jinbei assured her he would watch over Luffy, leaving Oriana with no real excuse to refuse.
Reluctantly, she left her brother's side and followed the islanders up to the towering castle. The servants, dressed in their traditional robes, guided her through opulent hallways. It was clear that this palace was built to impress, but Oriana's heart was too heavy to care. Soon, they reached the chamber of the Empress, Boa Hancock.
When Oriana entered, Hancock looked up, her expression surprised. "I wasn't expecting you to actually come," she admitted, a small, uncertain smile tugging at her lips.
Oriana shrugged, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "There are only so many times I can refuse."
The servants busied themselves, bringing out trays of food and arranging an extravagant meal before them. The aromas filled the room, but Oriana stared blankly at the feast, her appetite dulled by her worry for Luffy. Hancock noticed and spoke softly, trying to get her to eat. "You need your strength. You've been at his side for days. This will help."
Oriana sighed, knowing she was right. "I'll eat… if you do too," she said, handing Hancock a pair of chopsticks.
Hancock hesitated, but eventually took them, her movements graceful and deliberate. Together, they began eating in silence. The rich flavors were comforting, a stark contrast to the bland rations Oriana had been living on. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until the first bite settled in her stomach.
As they ate, Hancock's gaze lingered on Oriana, studying her carefully. The silence grew heavier with each passing moment, and finally, unable to take it any longer, Oriana snapped. "If you have something to say, just say it."
Hancock's expression remained unreadable, but her voice was calm and direct as she asked, "Very well, who are you to Luffy?"
The question was inevitable, but Oriana had hoped it would be obvious. She took a deep breath and met Hancock's piercing gaze. "I'm his older sister."
The tension seemed to ease from Hancock's posture, and a hint of relief crossed her face. "I see... You truly care for him, then." Oriana nodded, Hancock was probably worried she has some other relationship with Luffy, "Of course, I do. He's my family."
Hancock's eyes softened, and for the first time since Oriana had met her, a genuine smile flickered across her lips. "Luffy is... very special to me," she said quietly, her voice carrying a rare vulnerability. "He's my beloved."
Oriana bit her lip, feeling a pang of pity for the woman before her. She knew Luffy well enough to understand that while he valued his friends deeply, romance wasn't something he thought about. His mind was consumed by his dream to become the Pirate King. Marriage, or even the concept of being someone's "beloved," was probably the furthest thing from his mind.
"That's… sweet," Oriana said carefully, choosing her words with caution. Before Hancock could respond, one of the castle servants burst into the room, breathless and wide-eyed. "Snake Princess! We've just received word; Luffy has awakened!"
Oriana's heart skipped a beat. Relief, joy, and fear flooded her all at once. Without a second thought, she jumped to her feet, her legs trembling with urgency. She didn't wait for another word. Dashing to the nearest window, she propelled herself into the air with a gust of wind created by her powers, soaring high above the island.
As she flew, she scanned the landscape below, her heart racing. In the distance, she saw plumes of dust and a path of destruction carved into the forest. Her stomach sank.
"Luffy…" she muttered, recognizing his chaotic handiwork instantly.