Chapter 32: Demiurge


Marine Hospital- Two Nights Ago

After talking about his name, Imu sat on a bench with a saddened expression as Koby looked on.

"What is it sir?" asked the pink-haired hero of the Marines.

"The World Government is controlled by a shadowy figure who sits on the Throne meant to be empty, one that has control over everything and is responsible for all the wrongdoings of the world," Imu began, his voice weary. "This person is known as Nerona Umi the creator of this flawed reality we live in."

Koby was stunned as it was one of the names of the founders he read about in Marine school as well as tales from his home kingdom- except the letters were inverted for Umi.

"Why would they do this? All the wars? Allowing pirates to roam free? The corruption of the Marines?" asked Koby as he rose from his bed.

"No. No, you need to rest up.," Imu pleaded. "I wanted to tell someone before I have to do something that will mark me a villain in the eyes of the world."

Imu limped but he collapsed as Koby looked with concern.

"W-wait, you're clearly not strong enough. Let SWORD deal with-," spoke Koby.

"No, this has to be a solo mission of my own choosing. Everyone else will be in danger if it fails.," Imu argued.

"But what can you do alone that we can't together?", Koby questioned, his eyes searching for the answer in Imu's.

"You're what the Marines truly need for the next generation. So many are clouded by the unfairness of reality and compromise their beliefs for the sake of the status quo. But this status quo is...a chain that limits what you can truly desire to do with what you against the desires of reality.," Imu said. Oddly, he seemed incapable of saying the current system was harmful to the general populace and switching to something more nuanced in meaning and even self-serving with his wording but Koby interpreted it as something benign with his intentions.

"Koby...this will be the first step to obtaining the order to finally calm the chaos of the current world. Umi is a cancer that stagnates and even plots against the wishes of the people. The Elders are actually forced to serve her due to the blackmail she has over their lives and families. She's been doing this for centuries.," Imu added. His voice grew weaker as he spoke, but his eyes remained fierce with determination.

"Wait...they'd have to be immortal but that's impossible. The oldest a Human can get is 150 at maximum according to records across 700 years.," spoke Koby.

"Doflamingo sought out Law because of the Op-Op Fruit...or rather this is what is it called now- due to its Eternal Youth Surgery and the Immortality Surgery. The latter is safer but still risky- one misstep will result in the opposite- becoming older and older as the eons go on. One might have to resort to clones for more nefarious individuals to hijack a body to evade the curse. It more commonly puts you in stasis in the age it was conducted on the recipient. It's recommended that you do it at an older age due to it causing fear in others of someone staying youthful even decades let alone centuries pass.," Imu replied. He seemed oddly proud of mentioning cloning but Koby was too oblivious to read that context.

For some reason, Koby even with his Observation Haki, whatever negativity would normally be sensed was erased as if the man was somehow blessed with a divine power to obscure the true intent of his character.

"Doesn't it require the sacrifice of the user to do it?," asked the pink-haired youth.

Imu scowled as he spoke more seriously, "Yes but sacrifices of others in that safe ritual is cowardly. To truly sacrifice would be for the user to do the unthinkable with their patient. But in doing so, would cause an apotheosis...according to ancient, obscure tales."

Imu then returned to normal as he said, "But there is a way to counter it. Either gain enough Haki to counter it...or gain power in order to defeat the recipients of the Eternal Youth Operation."

Imu pulled an unusual object- a Devil Fruit with a golden helmet protrusion with a sea-gull-like extension over a white shape.

"W-what is this?," asked Koby.

"The Human-Human: Warrior of Justice- Sora. It will help you to defeat this demon that is preventing progress...as well as bridge the gap between you and Luffy to stop his dream.," spoke the old pope.

The fruit glowed slightly and Koby felt something strange.

"I feel...like it's calling for me.," spoke the young man.

"Of course. Umi despises these items, but reluctantly is forced to rely on them due to their ability to cancel out what happens when Haki overloads the body.," spoke the Pope.

"Really?," asked Koby.

"People normally don't recognize the side effects because 1) the result is invisible to non-Haki users and 2)- the result causes the victim to die by sunlight or moonlight contact. Thus the infected will have to hide in a space without light such as the Florian Triangle or...well, there's a reason the whales inherently dislike the Red Line...so artificial...like a wall to keep out...or to keep in what the infected turn into...what Umi intends to unleash onto the world.," spoke Imu.

Koby felt a cold shiver run down his spine at the thought. He didn't know if he could handle this kind of power, but he also knew that if the fate of the world was at stake, he had to do something.

Imu frowned, "A curse from a time before our reality and before that reality...I apologize for being vague, but I'm not allowed to say it properly. You need to experience it to understand the depths of Umi's negative ambitions for the world."

"Don't worry about me. I'll do my best to reason with Umi...but if that fails, I'll have to use force and have to put them down- she, the Elders, and I have lived for too long- we're too rigid to change and that requires extreme measures for the sake of the stability of the World Government's future. If I fail...I entrust you to deal with the aftermath of my failure. But, please, this is my battle.," he spoke.

As the old man limped towards the door, Koby felt guilt-ridden over abandoning Garp and something surged within him. He knew that he had to help.

"Let me aid you. It seems like I've stepped into something that is taboo and will get me killed for even knowing it once surveillance finds out. I can't let the others suffer because of a lowly man like myself. I don't want to do this, but this is something that's going to help the world to a brighter future. Don't take this on by yourself. Let me overhear the conversation. If she is reasonable, we can talk about a compromise, but if she's not...she'll have to answer for breaking the taboo of the Empty Throne. And I can't let an old man who needs all the help he needs to go into a fight he can't win.," spoke Koby.

Koby was so lost in his emotional speech that he failed to see how Imu briefly dropped the hunch and limp to stand up and his expression if Koby or anyone could see it...would be truly sinister and devilish.

"K-Koby, my boy. This is too risky. I don't want to impose on you something I have to do. The Revolutionary Army and Pirates would be too extreme. This has to be done swiftly and as decisively as possible. Umi won't give up without a fight, and she has resources beyond imagination," Imu said with a sigh, his closed-eyed expression revealing a hint of caution.

But Koby's mind was made up. "We all have a duty to protect the world. Besides, I've seen the corruption in the Marines and the chaos pirates cause. We need balance. If you're willing to take on this burden, I'll stand with you, even if it means facing something...otherworldly."

"You're such a trusting boy...Just wait for the signal and you'll understand what to do...you will help to build a new era.," spoke Imu with a calm tone. Koby didn't even realize how Imu's face was shadowed but had a sinister grin with a row of yellow teeth. The grin was apparent as Koby would do as he would want- eliminate a threat to do whatever true hidden agenda that he desired.

Koby was sadly too unaware of Imu's true nature to recognize the eerie shift in his demeanor. The pope's gentle voice seemed to resonate with a hidden power, his words carrying a weight that made Koby's resolve even stronger.


Mary Geoise

Koby arrived with a resolute appearance with a certain power in his pocket in case he needed it. He then looked at the injured Pope and then at the shadowy Umi.

"Outside of dumb worshipper and lackeys- he's not allowed to see me. This Captain is overstepping his bounds.," spoke Umi

Koby ignored Umi as he walked and carried Imu, placing them against the wall without a word.

"If only we still had the Memory-Memory Fruit, we could've avoided this...we'll have to blame the Blackbeard Pirates for his unfortunate accident.," spoke Byakuo as he began to unsheath his blade.

"Wait, I'll take care of him.," spoke Umi much to the surprise of the other Elders.

"Lady Umi...he's not worth the effort. We can finish him in a manner that won't bring enough attention.," implored Wright.

"We don't have a need to lie. He has the face of someone out to win. There's no talking him out of this.," spoke Malcolm.

Koby then launched a punch at Umi after leaping forward, however, he was immediately skewered by a barrage of barbed tail tendrils emerging from Umi.

"You're a fool, young Marine. Did you think you could stand against the very foundation of this world?" she sneered, her eyes burning with contempt.

Koby then got to his feet and reluctantly pulled out a Devil Fruit that made the Elders widen their eyes in shock.

"Imu...you're turning to their side?" asked Byakuo.

If you went in with your full power, you'd easily wouldn't be in such a dilemma...Oh I see...what a dastardly schemer you are even centuries later..., thought Midas.

Imu...The best liars always tell the truth—they just choose which parts...and understand what parts will provoke the right response. This is why I can't stand you...I'm no saint.., but you..., thought Darwin.

Koby transformed after giving a sour face of eating the Devil Fruit- turning into a streamlined version of the Warrior of Justice: Sora with the seagull becoming a head crest and Koby gaining a mouthguard to cover his face. He also immediately generated a blue loop that hung behind him like a divine halo.

Umi's mild disinterest immediately switched with vitriolic warth and even trepidation at the sight of the warrior as they emerged from their throne. The power-gap had entirely closed.

Koby then emitted a powerful Haki that was felt throughout the planet.


Wano

Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji along with Blackbeard, his crew, the remnants of the Beast Pirates, Yamato, the Scabbards, Momonosuke, and the arriving animal-themed pirate ship all sensed the powerful Haki- though it wasn't nearly as powerful as Durinn's.

It was enough to take their attention away from PLUTON the mole who digged itself back into the underground.

"Oi...Koby...?," asked Luffy.

"Zehahaha...You're always surprised by how people can improve in a short time.," spoke Teach.

"He's got another power boost?," asked Pizarro, showing annoyance at his growth.

Kuzan looked with shame and silence.


Elbaf

The Red Hair Pirates including Shanks sensed this powerful Haki as they moved up to the Eastern Side of the Sun World.

"Koby...the boy from Marineford...this way of empowering one's self...It feels unnatural...," spoke Shanks.

"Monster's hairs are standing up.," spoke Punch as he saw his monkey companion raise his hair, reacting to the surge of Haki.

The Giants all sensed it as well.

Utgard-Loki smirked.


Myrkheim

Kidd and the Dwarfs felt the surge of Haki as they all stood resolute.

"W-what the? It's like it came out of nowhere.," spoke the red-head.

In King Durinn's throne room, Durinn was finally about to speak about something when they sensed the surge of Haki.

"That feels like the guy we saw at Water Seven but much tougher.," spoke Usopp.

"The Warrior of Justice...Sora...," spoke Vega 40.

"Someone actually has this Devil Fruit?," asked Stella.

"What is it about?," asked Franky.

"It's something that will definitely be a threat to Luffy's new powers...since it was one of the powers that took down Joyboy...," spoke Shaka.

Robin looked with concern as did Vivi.

Gaban gritted his teeth as he tightened his hold on his axes.


Across the "World"

Law, Rebecca, Shirahoshi, Zunesha, Riku, Linlin, Kaido, Rayleigh, Shakky, Cross Guild, the Revolutionaries, Skypeia, Weatheria, Drum Island, Water Seven, etc. all sensed it.

"Everyone's showing off today.," spoke Doflaimngo.

Galdino looked to the side as he saw a beauty arrive.

Buggy joined him as his stoic expression finally broke as he realized it was a very troublesome Kuja Princess...

"That kid...," spoke Law.

"What's going on down there?," asked Wyper.

"Shakky...I can't sit around like this...the plan's going off the rails and a track to unknown territory," Rayleigh spoke.

"Tch...Everything's going to shit. We gotta go. Augur!," shouted Shiryu as he and Devon vanished with an odd warp sound as the royal family felt some relief yet ominous dread.

Rebecca spoke, "Koby..."

Hibari cried as did Helmeppo while X Drake and Grus scowled.


Marine HQ- Several Hours Later

Sakazuki felt a surreal sensation as if events of the history of the past drastically altered and then proceeded to seem like it occurred naturally.

"The Red Line...What the hell? How did it?," asked the Fleet Admiral.

Tom and Jennings looked at each other.

He's tapped into history to change it to his "true" perspective on how things play out...he's slowly regaining his powers...that damn pope..., thought the purple-haired look.


Mary Geoise

Cortez and the other agents were about to head out when they sensed the powerful Haki.

"Cocococococo...Imu...you chessmaster...," the CP0 Supreme Leader chuckled.


OLD WORLD

All of the Pirate Kings sensed a significantly weaker Haki than the Durinn's display but one that had immense potential.

"First is a certain guy we all agree we like...and now a newbie that might spell trouble for us.," spoke Blackdog.

Silva seemed perturbed.

The others resumed the activities that they were doing beforehand...

Except for Ginnungagap D. Chaos who turned to his crew of Giants and unusual creatures- their line was obscured but it had odd features such as it being always night as if it was outer space and several floating orbs existed instead of islands.

"Chao-chao-chao-chao-chao. It seems like a lot of interesting things are happening over there. Don't worry, we're leaving it in the hands of people we trust. We'll be back shortly...Red Line...I wonder how you've changed in nearly a millennium...and if there are decent pirates still around.," spoke the giant.

There was a boat sailing away from the laughing island with two figures of feminine design with a purpose only known to the two of them.


Empty Throne Room

Umi got up from their throne and looked down at Koby with utter contempt.

I can easily throw all pretenses to get Poseidon ...no Shirahoshi...as well as Vivi now that PLUTON is awakened...The real Ancient Weapons are stronger than their false counterparts...but it'll take time to properly manipulate them... No, I'll kill him now..., thought Umi.

Umi then proceeded to stab Koby through his head, stomach, groin, and heart via several tendrils. However, the sensation was drastically different. As the appendages withdrew, the wounds closed instantly.

Koby proceeded to grab several of them and tugged them so forcibly that Umi was pulled out of the throne and proceeded to slam him left-right-left-right overhead into the ground in a pendulum-like motion.

Umi usually used to overwhelming their enemies with very few notable exceptions was dumbfounded at the ease of how they were forced into this situation.

"W-What is this...? Impossible...you can't be...," Umi stuttered, their voice trembling with fear.

"Nerona Umi. For your crimes of planned genocide and unlawful occupation that goes against the core of the World Government. You will be sent to Impel Down as the system will have to be restructured for the sake of the world.," spoke Koby's voice obscured by the mouth mask.

Umi turned to the other Elders but noticed that certain members were paralyzed by the implied Imu faction's Haki and in the corner, Imu was smirking.

You're using me...you're still holding a grudge? thought the shadow.

Imu then extended their shadow as countless figures emerged- shadow warriors to fight and kill Koby to hide their secret. The warriors wielded all kinds of weapons- maces, guns, swords, spears, axes, tridents, and even some that were hi-tech and alien to the current society.

Koby took a deep breath and readied himself for battle. The room was now a battleground, the tension heightened as the ancient shadowy figures clashed with the newfound power of the Warrior of Justice.

They then moved with inhuman coordination to attack Koby from different angles, their weapons glinting in the dim light of the room. Koby's Haki pulsed around him, creating a blue aura that seemed to push back the shadows slightly. He knew he couldn't hold out against such an overwhelming force for long, but he was determined to capture Umi and bring them to justice.

Koby punched one to pieces and briefly paused as he was amazed at the level of power of the new form due to how modest he was- the power giving him so far supernatural levels of strength and regeneration. He then did something even crazier as he was able to levitate without additional assistance.

The shadow warriors grew more aggressive and their numbers grew. The Elder looked around and realized that the power of this Devil Fruit was something they couldn't fight against. It was truly that of a demigod.

As some fired arrows, Koby then somehow teleported away as he proceeded to kick off the heads of the shadows. He then displayed telekinesis as he manipulated rubble to fling through several of the warriors. When one launched a bazooka missile, he generated a blue force field instinctively. Koby then did something really ridiculous as he mimicked Luffy as he expanded his right arm and proceeded to slam his hand to squash the army into a black puddle that evaporated.

Umi irritated, generated buzzing saws of darkness as they zoomed towards Koby who managed to turn intangible for a moment before grabbing and breaking them. Umi then generated a swarm of black bats towards Koby but the latter fired blue-eye lasers to incinerate the bats.

The Umi faction Elders watched in horror as Umi's shadows were destroyed by this newfound power. Koby was a force to be reckoned with, and his intentions were clear. Umi had underestimated this young marine and the power that he now wielded.

Umi then transformed into a massive, bestial, yet vaguely humanoid creature with towering arms with a serpentine body. She roared at Koby.

However, the odd crescents in Koby's shadows transformed into elongated blades as he rushed through and dodged her strikes.

She fired barrages of darkness as Koby maneuvered around them. She grew wings and flew up as she attempted to finish it with a gravitational singularity as the room gradually began to compress towards that center- her trump card in this form.

However, Koby effortlessly cuts through it with ease, leaving Umi feeling something alien to her- self-preservation levels of horror of not only losing her life but her status as a ruler.

She then phased through the floor as she psychically communicated with a certain someone. Heading to that place. Koby felt her presence via Observation Haki and did something surreal- generate a portal to appear where she was heading.


Lost Chamber

Within this dark and freezing room, two men were fighting-

A well-proportioned man with incredibly pale, and tap dances while he walks because of his shoes. He is also very tall, as much so as the majority of his crewmates, and slim. He wears an off-white collared long-sleeve shirt patterned with yellow crosses and navy jumper pants. His most distinguishing accessories are his classic black top hat and red wooden cane, with which he also wears a pair of gold hoop earrings. His lips are abnormally dark red. He also wears a purple boa cape.

"Demon Sheriff" Laffitte- 5th Titanic Captain of the Blackbeard Pirates.

The other was silhouetted until he turned into his Nuraihyon form Suddenly, the usually agile man slipped, allowing the demonic entity to close the distance.

"We can get the information out of you now or through torture. Either way, You'll suffer in agony.," noted Platinum.

"Getting a look of your face...I can see it being a very massive revelation if it were ever to come to light.," spoke the former sheriff.

They then both noticed the shadowy Umi dripping into the area as they rushed to the opposing door to the one with a certain item.

Suddenly, S-Bat was summoned via a pentagram as Umi opened the door just as Koby arrived. The Moria Clone proceeded to generate a sewing needle of black much to the Captain's confusion.

Knowing about the Shadow-Shadow Fruit, Koby was confused about the situation, especially about how the door opened to a space with a tube of transparent glass. Resting inside was a tall, beautiful woman with red hair, dressed ornately- crown included and had an indication of a third eye.

"All you need to know is that Moria wasn't just targeted because he failed. It was to try and use his powers, but he left. So we had to rely on the Seraphim project. To think I'd have to rely on those Lunarians to be able to turn the tide...but soon...you'll be put in your place...insect.," spoke the shadow as it slowly lost sapience, becoming an inorganic, flat surface.

It all happened quickly as the figure opened its almond red iris with ripple pattern eyes as the figure emerged from the tube.

This woman- clearly Nerona Umi, took the time to examine and fix her body- implied that it was the first time in centuries she even had this body. She was beautiful, terrifyingly so, and exuded a presence that was both regal and monstrous.

She then flexed as she turned into a massive creature- a crimson serpent with a leonine head with a scarlet mane- her Zoan-esque form.

"I got the God-God: Demiurge. Before I had to rely on being a shadow. Now after 800 years, I finally have my body. To rule openly.," spoke the woman as a serpentine lion monster.

Koby narrowed his gaze at the creature.


Next Chapter: My Resolve

Author Notes: The first half was really setting up the kind of character Imu is slowly being revealed to be. The latter half is Koby flexing as the new Sora- based on the hero of Marine propaganda- which will be explained in future chapters. Umi is finally back to their true form, which is a girl based on many fan theories. Her being a Demiurge- fits with her thematic role- a villainous false god who has the heroic lion head but also the sinister snake motif- being very two-faced.

Now we'll focus back on Elbaf with Usopp