Chapter 27: King Durinn
Myrkheim
With Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Jinbe gone to Wano via the odd portal, the Straw Hats were confused at the development as they had to process the World Government had essentially been pulling their strings. Via distorting the truth of the Road Poneglyphs for their own gain.
"S-sorry. I-I'm just adjusting to what I found out...Rayleigh said we'd arrive at a different conclusion if we got the information. Maybe he sensed it.," Robin spoke.
"And what's that conclusion?," Vega 40 asked.
"Robin's dream...they hunted her down and framed her. All while playing a prank on the world.," Nami spoke.
"Miss Robin. I'm not sure if I entirely forgive you for Arabasta.," Vivi spoke.
"That's a relief. You easily forgiving me would be annoying," Robin said with a wry smile, her voice tinged with a hint of sarcasm. She took a deep breath, her eyes focused on the horizon. The air was thick with tension, but she knew she had to explain herself. "I was using Crocodile and I started to become as cruel as the people who hunted me down. But I found people to take me out of that negativity. I won't say I'm a hero, but I have friends to not do something like that again."
"Such wonderful friendship blossoming!," cried Franky with snot running down his nose as Vega 40 and Galahad looked annoyed.
"Wait, we don't have those guys to fight the Giants.," said Carrot. "We're gonna be screwed."
"I'm right here.," Galahad complained. "I'm stronger than you realize. All of the West, South, and East Giants have weaker Haki levels than me. It's the Ten Guardians is when you have trouble. We need someone to even the odds in case they don't listen to reason."
Nami then looked to the side as she said, "We could free Loki."
"He's already out and about...Oh you mean the cooler one. Utgard-Loki. The other one's a spoiled brat.," spoke one of the Dwarf archaeologists.
"That's so confusing.," argued Chopper.
"T-this is so intense.," Shoujo the girl from Sabody spoke as she fell to her knees.
Nami noticed her and said to the Dwarfs, "Can you safeguard her and Bonney? This might get too intense for children...and I'd never forgive myself if one died on my watch."
Bonney annoyed by the statement turned into her adult self, "Oi. oi. I was able to sail the seas on my own. I can help out."
Nami flicked her forehead as she said, "That was before I found out your true age. This isn't a game. We're talking about fighting giants here."
"I wanted to do it...but Luffy...placing this responsibility on me...it's so scary.," Usopp spoke to himself.
"Usopp...," Brook spoke.
"We just need to talk to the ones who'll listen. And if they don't, we'll subdue them. I don't want to have to fight Giants if I don't have to.," he said with a resolute tone while his legs trembled.
"At least, you'd make a peace offering as your bones are ground to make their bread.," Clisson blurted out.
"Seriously, no filter.," spoke Lillith.
"You eggheads stay here.," Usopp spoke. "York. Don't be a bitch and snitch on us. You're already on thin ice with us as it is."
York nodded with an ashamed look. Atlas and Lillith seemed to notice this York seemed guilty of the actions of her past self that turned on her family for some short-lived validation.
"Where are the Giants?," asked Vivi.
It was a valid point as they noticed that for their immense size, they were nowhere to be seen.
"Giants and the Nidavell have bad blood long before the Void Century.," spoke Alius.
"Damn, Shrimps!," shouted the voice of Brogy. "Chaining us up!"
The group ran past the excavation site to a massive square open prison facility where they saw felons of various races including fellow Dwarfs were locked up.
Usopp then noticed that Brogy, Dorry, the Giant Warriors, the New Giant Warriors, but not Saul were chained up agains a portion of a wall. In fact, he was overseeing the chains.
"I'm sorry but ye gotta let it go. Thousands of years of hate is just gonna harm the next generation.," spoke Saul.
"Saul, you have no pride as a Giant.," spoke Brogy. "To side with a Nidavell goes against everything the founders stand for."
"You'll freeze in Niflheim for this treason against your own kind.," Dorry spoke.
"Captain. That's going too far. They helped us out when...our own kin drugged us.," spoke Oishii.
"They said some weird words and we got better.," remarked Kashii.
"They have an agenda. They always do.," spoke Dorry. "Nidavell aren't be trusted."
"Yet, your kind trusted Mother Caramel. And the World Government when they claimed you two were imprisoned for 50 years. Learn to read people and be wary of their intentions.," spoke a Dwarf jailer.
"Oh yeah, we went to Elbaf while the Captains were away. She was a nice old lady. That accursed one killed her.," Oimu spoke.
"Oh, you don't know. That saint who spared those Giants that day had an agenda. She's a child trafficker dealing in orphans, that operates in the Underworld, under the code name of "Mountain Witch". Running an orphanage known as the "Sheep's House", her seemingly benevolent nature caused her to be known as the "Holy Mother". In reality, she sold her orphan wards to the World Government every two years to be trained as Marines or Cipher Pol agents. In fact, most of the older Marines are indoctrinated servants.," he spoke.
"You slander her good name?," asked Kashii. "As expected of a Nidavell, she always said you guys were trying to fight back."
"I won't justify what she did to the other orphans, but killing Caramel was well-deserved for all of the children she took...I have no love for her.," the jailer said as he seemed distraught as he continued.
The remaining Straw Hats continued to listen to their conversation while keeping their distance.
Gerd began to cry as she asked, "Was it true? Jorul...was poisoned...like we were last night...by her?"
"I'm saying that with one less of the generation that stood for its old values, Caramel was able to create Pandora to empower a weed that has been poisoning Adam for decades. And until Nika was born- we lacked the power to be able to defend our home. This was our home before you came. Imagine knowing no one- not even Shanks or Roger could do anything. Saying it's not our place. Damn, them. Damn them for turning a blind eye to the corruption of the tree while putting down Farbuit and the other Loki while the decay continues. We can't even see the sun because its toxins give a disease that turns us to stone if we ever go outside. My child...turned to stone when a ray of sunlight breached here. Yet they've done nothing but say wait for someone.," the jailer spoke with tears in his eyes. "Their plan was to kill us because we know the truth but also because we don't fit their ideal world."
Usopp walked forward and placed his hand on the Dwarf's right shin.
"He's right. We went to the tree and saw a massive unnatural growth rooted in it. It's guarded by creatures...I'm not a saint but even I can tell they're rotten to the core. If this continues not only is the tree gonna die with the populace sinking to the ground, but the spores of this parasite is gonna spread and cause more creatures like that to be born.," said Galahad.
"I am Usopp. I have 8000 men under me! Worry not, Adam will be saved by my hand!," Usopp declared with a flourish, his tremble gone. "And all of the Dwarfs here will be able to see the Sun without feeling shame or fear!"
The jailer looked at Usopp with confusion as he saw the symbolic image of a brown-haired man whose most distinct feature was a large chestnut on his head. One was a well-built man with tanned skin, a roundish nose, and a pleasant face. As if he reminded him of a nostalgic memory.
"Mont...Nosopp...you had descendants...?," asked the jailer, which perked the sniper's interest.
"Wait, Usoland...Noland...are you saying...," wondered Usopp.
"Let me out...you...bastards...my crew...," spoke a familiar voice.
"No. Unlike the Giants whom we imprisoned due to fearing how they'd react to certain truths and hoping to reach an understanding...you attacked us blindingly out of your despair-filled rage of losing your crew...," spoke the jailer as the Straw Hats.
"That voice...," spoke Franky.
The Straw Hats turned to see a tall, muscular man with light skin and short spiky bright red hair resembling flames. His nose has a particular shape, being quite pointed and having little protrusions on both sides. He has dark reddish, purple-colored lips, orange eyes, no eyebrows, and black fingernails.
"Kidd! What're you doing here?," asked Chopper.
"Where's Straw Hat? I felt his Haki just vanish...," he spoke.
"You will speak when spoken to.," spoke Alius.
"I'm gonna kill whoever sank my ship...and made my crew...," said Kidd spoke before noticing Vega 40.
"Please forgive her...she's not in her right mind...," the scientist apologized.
"We can't waste time. We should head over now. We should be at the castle in moments.," the warrior spoke.
Robin noticed the massive castle structure with Dwarf statue carvings, seven rainbow-colored gems sticking out of the sides of the building, and the symbol of a sun at the top of the structure. It was far in the distance but still visible.
"Don't joke around like that.," Carrot argued. "It's gonna take us a while to get there."
"Reality is subjective. Most people accept limitations and make compromises, but if you're willing to go against the grain...," Aluis spoke as he tapped a nearby wall as it opened to a throne room despite the other side being one of the four walls of an isolated prison.
"I'm gonna be straight with ya, I don't trust any of ya. But I trust the words of a man who'd do anything to save his kin. And if you truly wanna save this place, I'll let ya go," the jailer spoke as he unlocked the chains holding the Giants.
"Don't go try and assassinate the King...you wouldn't even succeed even if ya tried.," spoke the jailer.
Bewildered by the oddities of the place, they went into the doorway- all of them except for Kidd as the doors closed behind them.
The throne room was adorn with gems, dwarf statues of immense size, war-torn and ancient in its architecture- seemingly even older than the Void Century. The throne itself was adorned with gems, gold, and silver with the crest of the Sun above it.
Sitting upon it was a larger-than-normal Dwarf- if the Dwarfs were around Moria typically in height, then this one was closer to a Giant Child in size. He had a bushy beard that went towards his chin, which was grey with hints that it was once orange. He wore periwinkle spectacles over his bushy eyebrows. He wore a red royal cape with white trimming over a green tunic as well as a teal kelt. He wore brown armbands and brown loafers. He wore wing-like ornaments over the sides of his head with a gold crown in the center. Around his neck was a dark fur boa.
Tellus D. Durinn- King of Myrkheim
He glanced at the arriving parties.
"How nostalgic. Reminds me of when I was with Emeth, Zunesha, and (BEEP).," he said with the last part being spoken but to the onlookers, it seemed like white static for some reason. His tone sounded like reliving fond memories.
"Wait, you knew Zou?," asked Carrot.
He then noticed the Giants and called forth Alius as he whispered-
"Hide the rum."
The green giant nodded as he dashed to another corner.
As he got up from his seat, Usopp observed he was covered in countless battle wounds from implied centuries.
"How is that Jarul boy? He was always talking down to (BEEP) about how he was well-learned.," he spoke to Brogy.
"Jarul is our Elder...how old are ya gramps?," asked Dorry.
"Older than the Void Century but due to a Devil Fruit power I can't talk about (BEEP), or (BEEP), or (BEEP). Because it comes across as white noise.," the Elder Dwarf spoke.
"Digagagaga. You're...Wait you're really old?!," asked Harjudin.
"I was on a pirate crew and I was put under island arrest then this disease around so I'm stuck down here. Otherwise...," he said as he emitted a Haki wave. It was very selective- not affecting any of the parties he didn't wish to harm. It went further and further beyond the limits of the kingdom.
"Whoa...," spoke Goldberg as Stansen and the others felt the pressure of his Haki that outclassed Shanks' judging from Brogy and Dorry's startled reaction.
"Shit...," Kidd cursed.
Elbaf
The West Village Giants were knocked out again just as they were getting back up. The odd creature by Pandora felt intense pain
Some of the Eastern Village Giants felt intense pressure. "What is that? Must be a dangerous animal or pirate."
The Southern Village Giants guarded a currently obscured and ugly giant with a crown on his head.
"Damn it. I was in the middle of my duties.," spoke Road.
The North Village with its ten fighters surrounding a crow and a mysterious figure wearing a witch hat sensed it and muttered, "it's time."
Red Force
As Shanks and the others arrived at the banks of Elbaf's icy shores, they felt an overwhelming surge of Haki.
"You think it's Durinn?," asked Punch as Rockstar felt slightly unnerved- or rather he was showing it more obviously than the others.
"Yeah. He's made contact with the ones to save this country.," Shanks spoke.
"...Shanks...you ever felt guilty that we didn't do anything?," asked Beckmann.
Shanks frowned for a moment but then forced a smile. "You know the reason why Roger and I couldn't get involved in their affairs. Because of where we came from and we can't fight those instincts. Otherwise, I would've done it."
"You think HE'll get involved?," asked Yasopp with a serious tone.
"Yasopp...you're still thinking of that day?," asked Roux.
"Every time. Usopp is gonna learn...the real reason why Bakina died. I hope he doesn't fly off the handle like...he did.," spoke the dreadlocks man.
Shanks thought of that incident that day when Kaido and a certain man forced his hand and prevented him from stopping Luffy's greatest failure.
"He has people to ground him and understand the darkness better than that time...We should go over and at least make the Eastern Village see reason.," spoke Building Snake.
Shanks nodded as his expression turned serious.
Unknown Land
Law was practicing the sword with a mysterious figure as Bepo looked on before he sensed the overwhelming Haki.
"What the hell?," asked the Supernova.
"What made you stop? It's just Durinn. He's a major ally of ours. In any case, you need to get ready to join that crew. You clearly can't stand on your own feet.," spoke the figure with a visible exposed round eye.
"Damn...And I just got of their annoying clinginess. Checkered Fate is something...," Law complained. "But if he's gearing up for something big, we can't ignore it. I'm splitting once we get One Piece."
"Sure. You're free to do so, but I'd advice against it. That boy has a destiny to fulfill," the figure told Law, a hint of amusement in his tone.
Unknown Island
A group of vaguely non-human-like individuals sensed the Haki.
"Durinn...," spoke one of the individuals.
Wano
Zoro was about to converse with this person who was apparently Kuina- his long dead friend when he sensed the overwhelming Haki. Both she and especially Byakuo were paralyzed and in pain from the contact.
"Damnit! He's alive after all this time! I can't risk him getting involved. It would make for a bad investment.," the Elder spoke as he pulled out odd paper as he and the woman vanished. "We'll settle this someday."
Zoro dashed to slash at them, but he was too late. They had vanished, leaving him with a foul taste in his mouth and a deep sense of unease. He turned to Sanji who had arrived down just as they were leaving, who was still in shock at the revelation.
"You weren't the usual hardass who cuts down anything. Why was Tashigi down there without glasses with that geezer?," asked the blond chef. "And why are you blubbering? It's not like you."
"Sanji...My mind says it can't be true...why does my heart say otherwise?," asked the swordsman. Sanji was especially alarmed since Zoro never called him by his name ever let alone be this introspective.
"Don't say my name...it's weird for our dynamic.," spoke the chef. "She someone you want to settle down with? If you do, I'll gladly take Hiyori off your hands."
"This sword is hers...If that person is who I think it is...I have no right to this sword...," he spoke while blood trickled down the other side of his chest- making a the diagonal slash an X pattern. He then fainted.
"Oi, Mosshead! Mosshead! Grr! Zoro you piece of shit! Don't die because you felt sorry for some clone, disguised psycho, illusion or the real deal. You have a dream damnit.," the chef cursed. He then lit a cigarette before he muttered, "Not like things can get worse."
Just as he said this, Wano shook wildly.
"Zehahahahahaha."
Cross Guild
Doflamingo appeared from the shadows alongside Weevil and Doflamingo's old crew. He then felt a surge that immediately pressured him.
"You saved me to kill me?," asked the former Warlord.
"Must be because they sense you're a real piece of work.," Crocodile noted.
Doflamingo glared at him but couldn't deny the truth behind his words. The surge of power was unlike anything they had felt in their decades as pirates.
"It feels like what a certain no-good mentor of mine spoke of.," Mihawk said.
"Kishishishi. They're only no-good by your standards.," explained Moria still obscured in shadow.
Buggy was uncharacteristically resolute and not cowering like usual.
"It's really the end of the world for the clown to actually act like a proper leader.," noted Crocodile.
"D-don't say that," Galdino begged as Daz Bonez scoffed in response.
Revolutionary Army
Dragon felt a surge as Jiron of all people fainted.
"Oi. Wake up.," said Gambo as he shook his ally in arms.
"Dragon...this Haki...," he said.
"Durinn...we have to have a talk.," Dragon spoke.
"Wait, you know this guy?," spoke Ahiru.
"Yeah...we thought he was a crackpot like the Roger Pirates did...but everything so far...is exactly what he said they'd be.," Ivankov noted.
"What's your history?," asked Ushiano.
Marine HQ
"Damnit! Who's attacking now? Security is really lacking!...Borsalino...why did you go there?," Sakazuki cursed.
Issho was on a ship near the base as Aramaki was dead cold unconscious.
"We're moving back to an older time...we who are legends to the common man...are just civilians compared to Demigods in comparison.," spoke the Admiral.
Across the World
Pirates, corrupt Marines, evil rulers, dangerous animals assassins, mob bosses, killers, and other criminals all fainted if they had a certain nature in their hearts on every island to the confusion of others.
"What the?," asked Gan Fall as he saw a beast faint while up in Skypeia as Wyper was speaking to Haredas along with some odd people.
"Seems like...you're up to something.," Urouge noted as he saw Appoo and an unconscious Hawkins on a ship of the former.
"What're you doing? Arrest him.," spoke a Captain.
Kuro was knocked out just before Koushirou was stabbed by him.
"You planned on killing and replacing me? You haven't changed." spoke the man as he instructed his students to toss him out.
Mocktown was a ghost town aside from the people just being unconscious.
Women ran from potential deviants who had been knocked out. Parents rescued their children from their traffickers and other crimes went down.
The silhouetted mafia boss, the dragon, and the blue-haired woman all sensed it.
Linlin and Kaido were in mild pain.
Rayleigh felt a tinge of shock as did Shakky.
"You really are a nighthawk with that range of yours. Guess you were right when you said you could kill us at any time.," spoke the man.
Mary Geoise
Umi felt an intense sensation of hellish agony as she felt Durinn's Haki.
Wright, Howard, and especially Miser were rolling around in agony.
Imu, Midas, Acala, Allister, Irene, Ramses, Platinum, Germain, Ruth, and Nero were more composed but their brows showed they were under intense duress.
Oddly, Darwin, Abraham, Victor, and Malcolm were unaffected.
"Damnit...He's still alive!," shouted Umi.
"What does he want with us now?!" asked Irene.
"It's more likely it's just a ripple of Haki of demonstration. We're not even worth the attention.," Imu explained, which infuriated Umi even more.
Garling was unconscious almost immediately.
"Neroro. He really needs to build up stamina. The little tyke needs his nap.," mocked Nero.
"He must be assassinated before he tells anything...unlike with-," Umi spoke.
"Oden and Roger. We can't trick him since he's aware of our antics.," spoke Byakuo as he appeared in the garden as Allister nodded.
Acala seemed surprised.
"Right because they died in Logue Town and Wano before we could really interrogate them right?," asked the man with a calm, but accusing tone.
His stare at Byakuo, Allister, and Imu seemed to imply he was especially suspicious of them.
"Sigh...enough...we lost Ezekiel as it is. We can't be infighting at a time like this.," noted Platinum.
Acala let it go for the moment, but he still kept his guard up, watching the three closely.
OLD WORLD
The Pirate Kings all sensed the sensation but they were unaffected due to the immense power gap.
Ezekiel who had cables piercing into his mouth, eyes, nose, and any other orifice, was ironically jolted back to sapience as he used his will to break down into nanomachines to hitch a ride on an invisible World Government bat he called in the odd chance he was defeated by Teach in a specific manner. Unaware he was literally bugged by Eus' agents to spy on him.
And finally on the last island, with the words Laugh Tale, it rumbled before dying down.
In the center of the island which seemed infinite in mass, was a treasure chest called simply...
ONE PIECE.
However, the shocking detail was that it was opened...and footprints were walking away from it.
Next Chapter: Agents of Darkness
Author Notes: This is the first step of Usopp becoming a more confident individual so I had to deliver it with care. It also introduces the first member of potentially Joyboy's crew whom others can actually converse with for long stretches of time. He then demonstrates his Haki to an unprecedented scale as all across the world it's affected.
The big reveal at the end hints at how I at least, view the ONE PIECE.
Next, we move away from the Straw Hats to focus on other parties.