Akainu si

by Dextrode

F

1. 1

One could never really get a decent sense of scale when witnessing something on a screen or a sheet of paper, especially when it comes to a drawing. Nothing serves to humble a person more than realizing how minuscule he was in the world.

Back in his old world, he took a non-insignificant amount of joy when towering over others. At two meters tall, he thought he was the shit.

Then, he was thrust into this body and realized that two meters weren't really all that, especially in this world where everyone and their mother had giant blood in their veins, himself included. It was hard for him to feel big when several of his subordinates dwarfed him in size.

But this…This was definitely too excessive.

"Y'know, whoever made Marineford was definitely compensating for something." He said absent-mindedly. Even from the height he was standing at, he still had to crane his neck all the way just to see the top floor where the Fleet Admiral's office was located.

"…Yes, Sir. The Headquarters is indeed great in size," A distinctly feminine voice came from beneath him. He looked out of instinct, but alas he saw no face. The only thing under his feet was a huge mop of blond hair.

It appears that the 'platform' he stood on had mistakenly confused his pointless ramblings for an attempt of small talk. He couldn't blame her though. He noticed that people never really knew how to talk with him.

At least, the Giant officer hadn't shat herself in fear. That was the common thing his subordinates liked to do whenever he was in the vicinity. It broke his fragile little heart. They were supposed to be on the same side, after all.

"You think so as well, Rear admiral?" He said as he once again looked at the Impenetrable Fortress with a grimace. The fucking thing was simply too big. Height-wise, it was definitely impressive, but nothing really staggering when compared to what he had seen on Earth. Its width, however, was just stupid. the fucking thing was several miles wide. He understood the point of it was to make it an intimidating sight for pirates and a beacon of hope for the civilians, but this was just too damn excessive

'Shame it will be probably destroyed in a year or so when Whitebeard rolls up.'

He really was not looking forward to that. Getting punched in the back of the head by a scale 11 earthquake didn't seem really like a fun adventure, especially with how he was guaranteed to experience it now. Muscle memory was a bitch, and this body really did not believe in the famous art of dodging attacks. When shit hits the fan, he was surely going to be in the front row seat of it.

To be fair, he gave as much as he took. It was also hard to feel bad about it when he realized he won't be the only one. Most people were going to get their shit pushed that day from Whitebeard to himself to Ace to a hundred other characters.

Except for Kizaru. But that was a guarantee at this point. Borsalino was a master of fucking around and not finding out.

Hell even the woman under him will get her shit kicked in by Oars Jr, the same woman who was fidgeting lightly. And when a twenty-meter-tall woman fidgets lightly under you, you feel like a shirt inside a washing machine.

"Is there something bothering you, Rear Admiral?" He gritted out as he tried to maintain his footing, a hard task made even harder with how his feet kept tangling in her hair. Fucks sake woman, you're a soldier, act like it!

"Sir…May I ask you something?" She asked. He was sure she was feeling anxious, but she had at least stopped trying to make him puke his lunch.

"Sure."

"W-why are you standing over my head?"

That's a good question. "Strategic position, Rear Admiral."

"..I understand, Sir." She said, but he knew that she didn't understand. She just thought he was too terrifying to question. To be fair, he wasn't actually lying. He got on her head to get a better view of Marineford. In the few weeks, he had arrived in this god-forsaken place, he had found his mind was liable to commence in weird nonsensical monologues in the times he wasn't fighting. Pondering over the little insignificant things—or the very massive things, in this case-- in life was one of the few things that gave this body a sense of calm.

Along with tending his bonsai tree and ripping pirate scums apart.

The other reason was that although he came to talk to Sengoku-san when he arrived a couple of hours earlier, the man was not in his office. At first, he thought his boss was just going to take a shit, but that thought didn't last very long. So, he used his senses. From what his Observation Haki told him, the Fleet Admiral was in a meeting with the Five Elders.

Despite how high his rank was, he couldn't just bust into the room. With the exception of the Fleet Admiral and Commander Kong who could barge whenever they wanted, the rest of the Marine had to be summoned to enter that room.

And he was rarely if ever summoned by them because they didn't clearly like him; which suited him just fine because never liked them either and they knew it.

Of course, he could've chosen to be a pain in the ass and join them. Not like they could stop him. What are they going to do? Fire him.

Ha! He'd like to see them replace him.

He didn't merely go for the sole reason that he didn't trust himself not to punch a hole or five in them. As much as wanted to just fucking wring their necks, he couldn't. So, he was content to spend his time bullying his juniors and making them uncomfortable.

Two hours later, it seemed the Sengoku-san was finally moving again.

He jumped from atop the Giantess woman and landed with no issue. The fall which would have shattered his bones back home did nothing to faze him. He raised his hand in his subordinate's direction. "Keep up the good work, Rear Admiral."

Her body snapped in position. Cradling her gigantic spear closer, she saluted back. "Ha!" It was clear that his words had made her happy. It was a very rare occurrence for him to give words of encouragement.

She was definitely going to brag to her colleagues.

He turned towards the castle and started moving. He prayed to whatever gods listening for the elevator to be working.

Luckily, it was.

So, in a few minutes, he was standing in front of his boss's office. He paid no attention to the two guards shaking in fear on both sides. He was more than aware of how unpopular he was.

He raised his fist, and carefully knocked on the door. By this point, he had shattered several doors because he was still having trouble controlling his strength.

"Enter." Sengoku's voice came through the other side. His boss hadn't bothered to ask 'who is it?' because he had Haki and had obviously sensed him coming. If he had asked, he was receiving 'It's me' as a fuck you for wasting his time.

The guard on the left twisted the knob for him. He was far above opening doors after all.

He entered the room and found the fleet Admiral at his desk working through mountains of paperwork. He really didn't envy the man.

Garp was also there eating crackers and reading the newspaper because where else would he be? Somewhere else doing his job? That would be a silly thing to expect from the Hero of the Navy.

He walked into the center of the room and gave a half-assed salute. "Sengoku-san, I have something to talk to you about."

Sengoku's brows furrowed at his lack of respect for etiquette which was weird. Since when did Sengoku give a shit about etiquette? For fuck's sake, Garp was laying on the couch right next to Sengoku with his feet on the table. Don't go around playing favorites now, Fleet admiral. Especially when Garp was the lowest-ranked marine in the room.

Sengoku's hypocritical disappointment was swiftly gone as he noticed the serious expression on his face. He let out a sigh. "Though it is surprising for you to come unannounced, you were never the type of person to waste my time. Very well, what is it that you wish to discuss?" Sengoku said while raising his tea to his lips.

"I'm quitting the marines. I want to become a pirate."

Sengoku spat his tea in shock drenching the paperwork on his desk, while Garp fell off the couch, choking on his crackers at his words. Even the goat started screeching in the background.

"w-WhAt!? HAVE YOU LOST YOUR DAMN MIND!" Sengoku yelled as he stood up, papers and documents scattered as he rose.

He raised his arms slightly to calm his boss, moving his hands in placating manner. "Calm down, Sengoku-san. It's just a joke. I'm not seriously quitting. I'm just here to request a paid leave."

"Then what the hell was that about becoming a pirate!?"

"It's a business tactic. You drop a bomb, and then you soften the blow." He explained to the bearded man. It was somewhat disappointing that Sengoku didn't know about it. Wasn't he supposed to be the master negotiator? No wonder he chose Aokiji over him. He clearly didn't know better.

Garp coughed, finally getting the crumbs out of his windpipe. " I thought I was going to die," He turned to look at him with tears in his eyes. "Don't do that again. That brought up bad memories. "

Sengoku collapsed into his seat. He raised a hand to massage the bridge of his nose. "Just when I thought one of them took this job seriously, he goes and turns into a comedian." The Fleet Admiral muttered under his breath before he regarded him again. "You want a vacation?"

"Yeah, all the work is making me burn out." He tried to make a joke.

Garp didn't get it.

Sengoku gave him a flat look.

The goat chuckled..in its own goat way, probably.

One out of three. He chalked it up as a win.

Sengoku let out a heavy sigh. He regarded him for a second before he leaned back in his chair. "Your reasons aside, you have never actually asked for a vacation. I'm sure you know what you're doing. Though I'm not sure why you didn't notify me through the Den Den Mushi."

"It would have been disrespectful towards you. A person in my station cannot simply announce his leave on the phone." That was a lie. he just wanted to see Marineford with his own eyes before it got Gura-Gura'd. But Sengoku was preening like a peacock at his words, so he kept it to himself.

"Going back to your home in North Blue?" Garp asked, trying to act nonchalant. Despite how the two of them barely got along, Garp still couldn't resist being curious. Like Grandfather, like Grandson.

"No, I'm thinking of heading to the Weakest Sea." He answered and noticed how Garp went very still. If he remembered correctly, Luffy was planning on venturing into the sea this year. 'Can't say I blame him though. If there is one person that should be kept away from a dumb kid who wouldn't shut up about becoming the pirate king, it's me. Especially when said dumb kid happens to be the son of the most wanted man on the planet.'

He turned towards Sengoku once again. "So, can I leave?"

Sengoku shrugged in response. "Unless there is an emergency in which case you will be called back. If there isn't, I guess congratulations are definitely in order. Enjoy your first-ever vacation..

…Sakazuki."

The man nicknamed Akainu saluted once again and left the room. The only thought in his head:

He was going to burn this bitch to the ground.

Kind of a lighthearted start because what is one piece if not lighthearted?

311

CrimsonFucker05

Sep 15, 2022

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CrimsonFucker05

CrimsonFucker05

Sep 22, 2022

#8

As always, No Beta, we die like men.

Needless to say, the way the meeting with Sengoku had gone left Sakazuki in a more or less decent mood. He walked through the hallways of the headquarters with a small but noticeable uptick at the corner of his lips.

He was now officially on a vacation. That meant no paperwork, no dealing with the celestial dragons, and more importantly, no leash to keep him from doing whatever the fuck he wanted.

Therefore, with a small smile on his face, he dropped by his office. Vacation time demanded vacation clothes, and nothing says 'I'm on a holiday' than a pair of sunglasses, a Hawaiian shirt, and flip-flops. Sakazuki was in a rare good mood.

Shame the rest of the people around him seemed content to shit on his parade.

The elevator door opened, and Akainu was greeted with the sight of a marine officer with a cart fully loaded with stacks of paperwork and reports to be delivered. The man didn't notice his superior office joining him, seemingly far too focused on trying to set the report in his hand on fire with his eyes.

Not saluting a superior officer, and an Admiral at that, was a big No-No in the Marine. Some might even consider it an intentional form of disrespect. However, the man clearly had more important shit to do, so Akainu let it slide. Never say that he wasn't a nice person.

He pressed the button leading to the ground floor and turned his attention to the cart. Casually snatching a few of the files in there, he decided to check if anything interesting happened. An unlikely thing seeing that he would be one of the few first to know, but it was still a good way to pass time.

His eyes skimmed through the paper quickly, but just as expected. A couple of skirmishes between the notorious pirates in the New World. Jiirga Kingdom wants to join the World Government. Big Mom marrying off one of her misfits for her own gain. Again. The last one was a report to be submitted to Vice-Admiral Tsuru.

Nothing was really out of the ordinary.

'Maybe I should send Big Mom a congratulatory gift.' It would certainly fuck with everyone's mind. He could already see Fake News Morgan creaming himself while coming up with a headline. 'Akainu Sends a LOVING Gift for Big Mom. Does the Red DOG's love burn as hot as his magma!?' or something as asinine as that.

Nah, he probably shouldn't. Fucking with an Emperor, especially one as unstable as Linlin, would serve nothing. 'Besides, Sengoku would probably have my head for needlessly starting shit.' He thought. He pocketed the report and threw the papers back into the pile, startling his companion out of his deep concentration.

The younger man turned to look at him with a puzzled expression. It seems he had only noticed that he wasn't alone and the fact that Elevator was moving down rather than up. A second later, he rubbed the back of his head with a laugh. "Tahaha, I didn't see you there; please accept my apologies."

"Do not worry about Lil Ol' me, kid. I could see that you were busy with something much more important." Akainu merely shook his head with a smile. It was obvious that the officer didn't recognize him. Not really surprising seeing how young the man appeared. Akainu rarely if ever spent time in Marineford, preferring to be in the New World where the most notorious dangerous pirates dwelled. It was no surprise that most of the lower-ranked marines would have nothing but vague descriptions about him.

It was probably for the best. He was in this world for a bit over five weeks, and his subordinates being afraid of him stopped being funny over five weeks ago. No, that was a lie. It was still somewhat funny. It was nice to have a casual conversation every once in a while.

The marine—a petty officer, he gathered from his attire—opened his mouth to speak before closing it again. He regarded Akainu's form up and down with narrowed eyebrows. "Still I know they don't allow civilians inside the headquarters, and I don't see any escorts or recording snail with you, so you can't be a journalist." He snapped his fingers in recognition, throwing Akainu a confident smirk. "I take it you must be a bounty hunter!"

Sakazuki smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "I guess you can say that." Well, he did get paid to hunt down pirates and criminals.

"Well, you clearly must be a pretty damn good one if you got to come here." The lower-ranked said as he leaned against the wall of the elevator.

"I like to think that I know a thing or two about fighting. I'm more than happy to show you." Akainu said while throwing a couple of half-assed soft jabs at the much shorter man.

The man took on a boxing stance in response. He started weaving between the jabs while throwing one or two of his own. The mock fight lasted for a couple of moments before the Petty Officer broke out laughing.

As much as he tried, Akainu couldn't hide the smile that broke on his face.

"Thanks, old man. been a while since I've gotten to relax." The officer let out a content sigh as the last remains of his laugh died out.

"They're really putting you through the wringer, huh," Akainu said, nodding his head towards the cart carrying the numerous files and reports.

The Petty-officer face dropped, and the realization of all the work he had yet to complete hit him on the head like an anvil. A heavy sigh left him as he leaned his head against the handle of the cart.

"That bad?" Akainu said with a sympathetic tone of voice. He put his massive hand on the man's shoulder. "I don't mind lending an ear to rant to if that is what you need."

He meant those words. He knew that first hand. Back on Earth, bitching about work was an oddly comforting experience and a good bonding exercise between colleagues. Additionally, it would serve as a good way to help pass time, because holy fuck, this elevator was taking forever!

The younger man turned his eyes to look at him, the dark circles surrounding them were a testament to his increasing exhaustion. For a second, he seemed willing to take Akainu's offer, before he snapped his body upwards with a huff, an expression of pure determination. "I DON'T NEED IT! I am still a Marine with my own pride. I am doing this work because I want to." He declared with a raised fist, steam coming from his nostrils.

"…But?" Akainu led on, sensing a disturbance in the young man's voice.

The Petty officer's body deflated a bit, his fist lowering. "I'm not sure if what I'm doing has any actual meaning in the grand scheme of things."

Akainu raised an eyebrow in response. Things were getting a bit too philosophical for his liking. "What do you mean?"

"Old man, where are you from?"

"Me? I was born on a small island in the North Blue." A small island in a kingdom that no longer existed.

"I see. I heard that the North blue was a nice place to live." The officer said with a faraway look. "as for me, I was raised in a place far more unforgiving."

"Grand Line?"

"The New World," he said with a sad smile. Akainu hummed, that was indeed a shit place to live in. "For the entirety of my childhood, the people around me lived in constant fear of the pirates. Almost every month, we would be assaulted by those damned ships carrying the Jolly Roger. Our small island was luckily near a Navy base, so we usually got away with minimal damage. However, that feeling stuck with me. Our island was lucky, what about those that weren't? How many islands have been decimated because they weren't lucky enough to have a base near them?"

Akainu said nothing, merely listening to the youth letting out his frustration.

The Petty Officer turned towards him. "That's why I joined the Marine. I wanted to be able to give those helpless the same safety that I was fortunate to have. I studied and worked my ass off to make sure that I would be ready. But now, I'm stuck here in the most protected fortress on the planet enjoying the sense of security that I should be giving to others. So I keep wondering, am I actually helping? Is transferring reports from one place office to another really making the world a safer place?"

Sakazuki regarded the youth with a sympathetic look. "Son, do you know what is the greatest weapon the Marine possesses? The reason why the navy is undoubtedly the strongest faction in the world?"

The Petty Officer spared him a confused look. "Uh..T-the Admirals…I guess?" He answered with uncertainty.

"No, dumbass. It's the Other Guys," Akainu said pointing his finger at the lower-ranked officer.

"The other guys..?" The young man repeated.

"Yes, the Other Guys. It's not the Admirals, the Vice-Admirals nor is it Vegapunk that keeps this ship afloat. It is men and women like you that make sure this world still exists tomorrow. All the glory and saved lives would never be there without the work you guys do behind the scenes. Pfft, Admirals, my ass. Trust me, kid, those muppets called 'the World Government's Greatest Weapons wouldn't know how to wipe their own asses without your help. So, you have to take pride in what you do, goddammit!" Akainu said with a serious tone of voice.

The Petty Officer's eyes widened in shock as he listened to his speech. Akainu could see his words starting to take effect on the man. Of course, there was still some doubt behind his eyes, but that was to be expected. A plagiarized speech made on the spot could only do so much.

However, the Officer seemed to at least stand a bit straighter. "Yeah, you're right, old man. My work does matter! I am making the world a better place. Fuck the pirates! Fuck the Four Emperors!"

Ok, that was good, the kid was getting a bit pumped up.

"Fuck the Admirals!"

Okay, maybe the kid was getting a bit too pumped up. But screw it, let the little man let his frustration out. "Yeah, fuck the Admirals!" Akainu yelled with him.

"Whoo!" The Petty officer shook his head. He took a deep breath as his body deflated, all the adrenaline starting to diet out. "Thanks, old man. I definitely need that!"

And on that happy note, the doors of the elevator finally opened. Akainu put his hand on the Petty Officer. "Keep up the good work, kid." He said with a salute.

"I will never forget what you've told me, old man." The Officer returned it with a puffed chest. He didn't think he actually did that much, but the younger man obviously seemed a lot more comfortable.

"No need to thank me, lad. I should be the one thanking you, Mr. Hero." Akainu joked.

The younger man laughed bashfully. "Then, I guess we both helped each other, Mr…huh? The Petty Officer rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "I'm sorry, old man. I got so caught up in my own issues that I forgot to ask for your name."

He gave the Petty Officer a warm smile.

"My name is Sakazuki, but most people call me Akainu." He replied with a nod as he started walking out of the elevator. He flashed his subordinate a thumbs up. "And remember, kid. Always have pride in-"

Thud*

Aaaand he's passed out.

"MEDIC!"

Positive or negative, your feedback is always welcomed. So, I would appreciate it if you leave a comment.

Last edited: Sep 22, 2022

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Sep 22, 2022

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CrimsonFucker05

Oct 8, 2022

#22

Akainu was annoyed.

He didn't know whether he was annoyed at the crying man begging for his life at his feet or at the fact that his body's former owner was such a dickhead that it was currently causing him issues even after he was gone.

This is what happens when you try to be nice.

It all started after the Petty officer collapsed. At the time, Sakazuki thought it would be a good idea to take the poor schumck to the infirmary. Of course, several lower-ranked marines protested. They offered to take him instead, saying that an Admiral was far too important to waste his time looking after bottom feeders.

Sakazuki had merely waved their concern off. Seeing that he was the reason for the young man's current state, he believed that it was only right that he would be the one to do so. As well as make sure that the Petty Officer didn't get into deep shit with his superiors for failing to deliver what seemed to be several important documents and reports, especially when Akainu had taken a couple of those reports with him.

Akainu was fairly confident that as long he vouched for the younger marine, no punishment would befall him. No one is stupid enough to butt heads with fucking Akainu over a simple report.

Except maybe Borsalino. Not because he actually gives a shit about a report, but purely to fuck with Sakazuki. His old—and only-- friend was a dickhead, after all.

The marines accepted, albeit reluctantly that he had a point.

Luckily, the infirmary was not far off from his location. Being located on the very same floor, it did not take him long to reach it, his comatose junior in his hands. However, for some reason, he noticed something about the men that saluted him along the way. Every single soldier they passed sported a solemn look, with a couple of them even throwing him some looks of regret towards the Petty Officer.

Sakazuki did not think much of it at the time.

After hearing his explanation, the doctor simply nodded and promptly began attempting to wake the passed-out officer. Alas, it was not an easy task. Drenching the poor bastard in cold water yielded no results. Putting horrid smells under his nose was equally useless.

"This calls for serious measures." Sakazuki had heard the doctor mutter under his breath. He was about to ask the doctor what he meant when the latter cocked his leg back and kicked the poor collapsed bastard in the head.

Now, Sakazuki was not exactly an expert healer or a doctor, but he was sure that kicking the comatose was something that would be very frowned upon in the medical field, at least back home. It seemed like the sort of thing to cause someone to lose consciousness, not regain it.

However, to his surprise, the kick seemed to have the desired effect as Sakazuki caught a small groan leaving the Petty Officer's lips. The doctor nodded to himself in satisfaction, as the nurses aww'd and ooo'd around him.

To be fair, Sakazuki had admitted to not being an expert. Though he would still bet that shit like wouldn't fly on Earth, and it only worked because humans in One piece were simply built different. But once again, he was no doctor. So did he know?

He turned his gaze back towards his junior officer. The young man cradled his head in his hands as he tried to get his bearings together. Slowly, the Petty officer let his eyes roam across the room trying to get a grasp of where he was. His eyes landed on Sakazuki's body and rose to meet his gaze. The Petty officer's eyes narrowed and an expression of confusion settled on his visage.

The staring continued for a while, long enough for Sakazuki to start getting uncomfortable. Did he not recognize him? "Y-you okay, mate?" Sakazuki asked as the young man kept staring at him for a couple of minutes.

In hindsight, Sakazuki should have taken advantage of those couple of minutes and left. It would have certainly spared him from a headache.

Hearing Akainu's voice must have jolted something in the Petty officer's memories. His eyes widened and all color left his face. In a flash of movement, far too fast than someone of his rank had any right to be, the Petty Office had launched like a missile towards Akainu's feet.

"Oi! Have you lost your mind!?" Sakazuki protested as he was nearly knocked off balance by the lower-ranked marine hugging his leg with both arms. Fortunately, he had the presence of mind to turn his body to its original state before the officer could touch him. The last thing he needed was to accidentally burn a dumbass who was never taught not to hug magma.

Sadly, his words fell on deaf ears. The Petty Officer opened his mouth and let out what could only be described as a dying mystic animal's wail.

"GUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH! PLLEEEEASE, SIR!" The officer cried.

"What?!" Sakazuki exclaimed as he covered his ears. Fucking hell, he almost ruptured his eardrums. "What the hell are you crying for?"

"I'M SORRY" the younger man yelled as he hugged the Admiral's leg tighter. "I'M SORRY FOR DISRESPECTING YOU, SIR!"

Akainu raised his hands, palms facing forward in a placating gesture. "It's okay, son. I'm not actually mad- "

Akainu didn't get to complete his sentence before a wail of despair cut him off. He could not help but wince at the volume of the scream. The boy had a good pair of lungs; that's for sure.

"A demotion! Flogging! Torture is also fine by me! I'll gladly accept any punishment, so, please! JUST SPARE MY LIFE!"

Akainu could only watch in what could only be a mixture of annoyance and discomfort as the Petty Officer groveled at his feet begging for forgiveness.

"O, HONORED ADMIRAL! PLEASE SPARE THIS ONE'S LIFE!!" the young man cried out. The hopeful and relieved look Akainu had helped make earlier was long gone, replaced by an ugly mug of tears and snot hugging his feet.

Sakazuki had to stop himself from instinctively kicking him.

'Fucking hell, this is just sad.' He thought as he regarded the other man. Just how bad was his reputation among the troupes for things to escalate this badly?

Disrespecting a higher officer was definitely a grave fuck up for a junior marine to make, especially when the offended officer was a bloody Admiral. But even so, this was too much.

The Petty Officer seemed genuinely convinced that Akainu was going to kill him.

'I'm going to need one hell of a rebranding.'

Sakazuki let out a sigh as he dropped to his knees. He put his hand on the kneeling man. The man flinched at his touch, and Akainu's gaze could not hope but soften. Nevertheless, he tightened his grip slightly in reassurance. "Son, look at me." He said with a firm but gentle voice, the same tone a parent would use when addressing a child.

The Petty Officer did not raise his head immediately. His body remained unmoving for a couple of seconds. Nevertheless, he had seized his screaming, a good start as any.

"Raise your head, kid. A marine should always stand proud." Sakazuki repeated, injecting a tiny bit of authority into his voice.

This time, his words seemed to have the desired effect. Slowly, the Petty Officer lifted his head to look Akainu in the eyes.

"You are not in any danger. I do not intend to harm you. I was the one who struck up a conversation with you. If I wanted you to stroke my ego, I would have told you about my rank." Akainu spoke with a firm voice. He talked to the young man because he seemed like he definitely needed someone to vent his frustrations to. And because he was bored, but that was irrelevant to the point he was trying to make.

The Petty Officer said nothing, merely continuing to look at the Admiral with an expression of terror. So, Sakazuki reluctantly resumed his speech. "I know that I do not have the best reputation among the troops." That honor went to easily Aokiji. Akainu was the boogeyman veteran marines liked to scare the recruits with. "However, I am not an unreasonable man. I would never kill you unless you give me a good reason to, is that clear?"

The Petty officer gulped.

"Are you a pirate?" Sakazuki asked with narrowed eyes.

The Petty Officer shook his head vigorously.

"Are you planning to use your authority for evil and terrorizing the innocent?"

The marine shook his head once again.

"Then, all is well! "If you are neither a pirate nor a criminal, then I have no reason to kill you, right?" Sakazuki said with a small as he spread his arms in joy, dropping the Petty Officer on his ass. He had to admit, it felt kind of nice to give others a pep talk. Sure, the first one was somewhat pointless since the younger marine had seemingly forgotten everything he told him and focused on the entirely pointless fact that he had told an Admiral to get fucked.

Now! Sakazuki had a good feeling he had succeeded. He offered the Petty Officer his hand. "So what do you say? We cool?" He asked with a smile.

"Admiral…" The Petty Officer grabbed Akainu's giant hand with both of his hands. Tears welled in his eyes as he regarded Akainu's gentle smile.

Sakazuki felt a hint of pride as noticed his junior's expression. It was a stark contrast to earlier. These were not the tears of a coward, but of a real man! A proud member of the Navy! "What is it, son?"

"Can you please tell my wife that I died a brave man?"

Or an idiot who was too scared to pay attention.

"Admiral Akainu..? your face is scaring me! I'm sorry!" the Petty Officer said with a panicked tone as he looked at Sakazuki's face.

Sakazuki put his palm on the dumbass's face on and pushed him away. He stood unceremoniously and began heading towards the exit of the infirmary.

"ADMIRAL!?" The younger marine begged as he tried to grab his leg again.

Akainu kicked him in the face.

'Fuck this.'

He had shit to do.

"That's quite the scary expression you have, Admiral Akainu." The Chief of Staff remarked as she looked at the brat who dared to invite himself to her ship.

Akainu turned his head to look at her. "Tsuru-san." He casually greeted. "I was led to believe that I always sported a scary expression on my face."

"Indeed. But it is not always accompanied by a get-up such as this." She gestured to his clothes. If her memory didn't betray her, It had been at least decades since the magma brat had worn anything other than a formal suit. "I almost mistook you for a lost tourist."

"Vacation times call for vacation attire." He shrugged in his seat. "And you wouldn't be the first to make that mistake. Luckily, your crew proved to be very accommodating."

"I would say." She replied curtly as she observed the state of her direct subordinates surrounding the Admiral. Rear Admiral Doll held a massive fan and fanning the man, Commodore Anastasia was holding a tray of drinks, and Captain Rikka was playing a ukulele. Badly.

The rest of the ship's men were dancing. The spectacle would have been confused for a party had it not been for the terrified looks on their faces.

And if it weren't her goddamned men he was making a mockery of.

"Return to your stations!" Tsuru yelled and her subordinates scrambled across the ship. She turned her glare towards her 'superior'. "What do you think you're playing at, Sakazuki? Bullying my subordinates to entertain yourself."

"To be fair, since I'm an Admiral, everyone here is my subordinate to bully. Including you, Vice-Admiral Tsuru." He smirked

Tsuru's eyes narrowed and her glare intensified.

Sakazuki raised his hands in mock surrender. "I'm joking, I'm joking, Tsuru-san. No need to get mad. The men seemed terrified in my presence, so I tried to mood." He laughed. He put his hand inside his jacket and pulled a folder out. He handed her the file with a smile.

The Vice-Admiral accepted it with a raised brow. Upon inspection, she realized that it was a report directed to her concerning her mission. A report she was supposed to receive several hours ago. "We spent half a day waiting for this. Why do you have it?"

"Thought I save you the trouble, and bring it myself," Sakazuki replied. He took a deep breath and continued. "There were… some complications with the delivery."

"I've heard. Apparently, the Petty Officer tasked with delivering it had suffered a mental breakdown." Tsuru closed her eyes and shook her head in disappointment, missing the small twitch of Akainu's eye.

"Probably due to overwork."

"That is not an excuse. Marine soldiers should not be this pathetic." She reprimanded. An admiral of all people should be aware of this. "While I am...grateful, I don't think would go through the trouble just to hand me a report. What do you want, Sakazuki?"

"Nothing much, just trying to catch a simple ride," Akainu answered simply. "I heading towards the East Blue."

"…There are other ships heading towards it. Get your ass on one of them. I have no time to play taxi for you."

"I just need you to get me out of the Calm Belt, nothing more." Sakazuki dismissed her insult with a wave of his hand. "Besides, none of the other rides would offer me a company as lovely as yours."

"Bah, do not patronize me, damn greenhorn." She said with an unimpressed look.

"No, I am actually serious. I have something, or rather someone, on my mind that I want to talk to you about."

Tsuru raised an eyebrow in confusion. "And who could that person be?"

Akainu lowered his sunglasses and gave her a piercing look that betrayed the smile on his lips.

"Gold Roger."

"That's quite the man you want to discuss, Admiral Akainu." She replied with a frown. "What good is there in talking about the devil that died long ago?"

You were one of the few marines who actually crossed swords with the crew of the Oro Jackson and lived. Surely, you exchanged a word or two with the so-called King of Pirates. " He spoke with rising enthusiasm.

The Red Dog was a usually calm man. The fact he was so worked up about something was a bad omen. "What are you to say, Sakazuki?"

Akainu's grin nearly split his face. She felt a chill go down her spine.

"Was Roger the type of man to lie in his last moments?"

297

CrimsonFucker05

Oct 8, 2022

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CrimsonFucker05

CrimsonFucker05

Feb 15, 2023

#30

'Being an Admiral definitely had its perks.'

That was the thought that went through Sakazuki's mind as he grabbed two cards from the deck on the table.

It never ceased to amuse him how people seemed to trip over themselves trying to fulfill his weird requests.

At first, he made those wild demands as a joke, as a way to elevate the tense atmosphere and help the soldiers relax a bit in his presence. Sadly, his face doesn't translate emotions well, so it just came out as gruff commands.

The men, and women, on board, had acted with such speed and precision that Sakazuki was too embarrassed to tell them he was kidding, so he kept his mouth shut and let his subordinates entertain him.

He would have liked to say that was the sole and only reason for his actions, but that would be a lie. And his parents didn't raise a liar. For the most part, It was because his newly attained position and influence helped feed his long-suppressed delusions of greatness and grandeur that he harbored from his past life.

Obviously, he kept that part to himself. Whenever someone brave enough asked him, he just grunted and stared down at them like they were something he found stuck at the bottom of his boots until they hurriedly excuse themselves out of fear.

It must have worked because people stopped questioning him.

'Admiral Akainu was an honorable and professional officer of the mighty Navy forces. He held no interest in anything other than enforcing his Absolute Justice and destroying the plague that roamed the seas. If his men or rather Vice-Admiral Tsuru's men wanted to serve him, then he was generous enough to allow them to carry out his requests.

'Even if those requests seemed asinine to the average shmuck, Admiral Akainu must have a good reason behind them.' Was probably the justification of the junior marines' as they tried to make sense of the vast difference between what they'd heard about the infamous Akainu and the giant man in front of them treating them like circus monkeys.

Those asinine demands were, and were not limited to:

Making a female officer finish all her sentences with nya.

In his defense, her hair had two spikes on the side that looked like cat ears and her pupils were barely more than slits, so she might go the whole distance. Nothing is worse than half-assing your character traits.

Asking several marines to conduct plays re-creating historical and noteworthy events.

It was horrible. The men had no talent for acting, and the only stories they knew were far too propaganda-heavy to make for a good act.

And three, telling Rear Admiral Doll to drop whatever she was doing just so that her dashing and handsome Admiral can have someone to play cards with, and steal the sword at her hip.

"Draw two." She said.

"Draw four." Sakazuki countered as he slammed another 2 on top of her card. "How is your Haki training going?" he asked absent-mindedly. Two years from now, Doll would be a Vice-admiral if he remembered correctly.

He would be shocked if she didn't begin training her Haki.

She pursed her lips as drew the cards from the deck. "…not as well as I would like, sir."

He raised a brow.

"I still can't reliably use the Color of Armament. Using it on my body is doable, but coating my weapons is still hit-or-miss." She explained coolly. "Any advice?"

"Fight." He replied just as easily.

"..That's it? Just fight?" She said with a tilt of her head. "I expected something more, to be honest."

He met her eyes and shrugged. "There isn't a set of rules on how to learn how to materialize your will. It differs from person to person. The only common thing is that Haki blooms in the heat of battle. So, fight. The stronger the opponent, the better."

The lower-ranked snorted. "…Seems simple enough."

'That should take care of my last act of kindness.' He thought as the silence took over the table once again. If he kept this up, his image with the Marines would be improved in no time. Hell, he could already see his standing rise in Doll's eyes as she contemplated his words.

People really will believe anything you told them if you said with a straight face and a confident voice. Was his advice correct? Fuck if he knew. It worked for Akainu.

Sadly, as his image went up in Doll's eyes, Sakazuki was sure her superior's opinion of him was definitely getting lower.

While Sakazuki did not lie when he told Vice Admiral Tsuru that he thoroughly enjoyed her company, he couldn't exactly stay on her ship for longer than necessary. She might've been technically his subordinate, but the woman was still considered to be a legendary marine who battled against great adversaries such as Whitebeard, Golden Lion, and of course The King of Pirates, Gold Roger himself.

Her fleet was run with a firm grip, and a clear order and hierarchy with her at the very top.

Obviously, An Admiral suddenly joining in unannounced would disrupt that order. Especially, when said Admiral was none other than the infamous Red Dog.

looking to use a sizeable portion of the Navy's military ships as nothing more than a glorified taxi, causing the entire fleet to make a considerable change in their route just to accommodate his needs.

Thankfully, no one aside from Tsuru and her immediate subordinates knew that he was just being a leech, and most likely, chalked it up as Admiral Akainu conducting a sudden inspection.

Nevertheless, with him on board, the balanced and clearly defined power structure of the fleet was thrown into an array.

Akainu had the final word. Every single whim of his would become law. And while Sakazuki would not have held it against her if she had told to piss off, Vice Admiral Tsuru was a notorious stickler for rules.

Calling him a wanker to his face in private and breaking the chain of command in front of the lower ranks were completely different things. Treating a superior officer in a way that might seem even slightly disrespectful was a big no-no, no matter how close of a relationship the two shared.

Disrespecting him in public was asking others to disrespect her in return.

Even Garp, in his entire carefree-spirited attitude, never actually disrespected the Fleet Admiral in front of his men.

Add to that the Admirals were the Navy's ultimate weapon. The World Government spends massive amounts on its PR to portray them as larger-than-life figures for both civilians as well as the average marine.

So reluctantly, and with a bit of amusement on his part, Sakazuki and Tsuru continued the charade for several days.

However, the « Legendary Tactician » was an immensely prideful person, and even he could see that his shenanigans were starting to run her patience thin. As such Akainu decided to leave on his own with his pride and dignity before Tsuru decides that the Marine code can go to hell and kicked him out.

And as they say, no time is better than now.

Thus with a heavy heart, Sakazuki threw the Six spades in his hand into the pile of cards in the middle of the table and stood up.

"Well, that's my tenth win." Sakazuki addressed his companion as he stretched. "Good game, Rear Admiral Doll. You may return to your station."

The younger woman stood up and sighed." Not even a single win..." She muttered under her breath. She removed her sword from her belt and offered it to him. He accepted it gratefully.

Bored as he might have been, Sakazuki was not about to play cards with nothing at stake. He would have suggested losing a piece of clothing for every loss, but he didn't think that would fly with Tsuru around.

"Work on your Color of Observation, girl." He advised with a smirk. "you might actually win next time." Or at least be able to tell that he was cheating.

The Rear-Admiral gave him a tight smile and saluted.

Sakazuki smiled gently as his eyes followed the gentle sway of her hips as she left. Sakazuki did not believe his eyes would have survived his stay on the ship with the constant barrage of all these sweaty ugly looking men had it not been for the few eye candies on the ship.

'Beautiful women make saving the world worth it.' Sakazuki nodded sagely to himself.

A small cough from behind him stole his attention. He turned to the source with a raised eyebrow that swiftly turned into a smile. "Tsuru-san! How are you this fine morning?"

"Have you finished tormenting my subordinates, Admiral Akainu?" She asked with a bored tone of voice. Though despite her words, he sensed no hostility from her.

"I am merely making sure that they get an appropriate rest every once in a while, Tsuru-san. All work and play make a soldier dull." The Admiral replied.

The wide-eyed look the vice-Admiral gave him made it evident that she doubted both his words and his mental stability. "To think the day such word would come out of the infamous Red Dog's mouth. Are you sure you haven't hit your head?"

The dark-haired man laughed at her words. "I just told you that there is a time for work and a time for rest. If I kept being uptight 24/7, even I will burn out."

Judging from the flat look, she wasn't impressed by his joke. 'Everyone's a critic these days.' It was definitely a sad world when a goat was the only thing that could appreciate his puns.

"Just make sure that you actually allow them to actually get some work done before they rest." She said pointedly, before adding. "And stop cheating in cards. It's unbecoming of someone of your station."

"Well, you don't have to worry about me holding them up, anymore. We're parting here." Sakazuki said as he moved toward the edge of the ship.

"You're leaving, already?" She asked as she followed him.

"Yes. As much fun as it was sailing with you, I fear that is where I bid you farewell."

"Weren't you the one to ask to help you cross the Calm Belt? What changed?" Her brow twitched in annoyance as she spoke.

"An urgent matter came up." He lied. He just wanted to stretch his legs.

Sakazuki shrugged. "We are already near its edge. I can easily cross the remaining couple hundred miles on my own. I also don't trust you not to poison my food."

The older marine raised her arms and shook her head dramatically. "Curses, my plans have been foiled."

"Well, there's always next time." He teased.

"Damn greenhorn.." she scoffed. Her features returned to neutrality shortly after. "But I still don't understand why the East Blue of all places. Why not your home in the North Blue?"

Because his hometown was nothing but ashes. and also because he also had some teenagers to bully and some not-teenagers to kill. "Change of pace."

Tsuru hummed.

"Till next, then, Vice-Admiral Tsuru. Tell the men that they have exceeded my expectations and to keep up the good work!" He bid her farewell and was about to drop when her voice cut him off.

"Sakazuki." The serious look on her face made him pause. He instinctively stood straighter. "About what we've spoken about…I know telling you to stop is meaningless. But tread carefully; you're treading on dangerous grounds."

It was not a threat, but a clear warning. The World Government would hesitate to crush those who snoop where they shouldn't, even if they were an Admiral.

Sakazuki smirked. "Sorry to disappoint you, Tsuru-san. Dogs are curious by nature."

His feet left the railing of the ship and his body dropped toward the sea. Magma seeped from the soles of his feet as they changed and morphed into something resembling two volcano craters extending from his knees.

"RED LAUNCHER!" he bellowed.

His body touched down, and the waters beneath him exploded into a massive cloud of steam.

Akainu launched towards the horizon. His laughter drowned out the insults Tsuru hurled at him as her ship nearly tilted over from the force of his departure.

"Damn brat…." Vice Admiral Tsuru cursed under her breath as she stabilized herself. Soon enough, the sea settled once again as his form disappeared into the distant horizon.

She turned her head towards the men and bellowed. "Make sure no one fell off the ship!"

She raised her arm, and pulled back the sleeve of her coat, revealing the communication snail resting on a wooden frame. The snail was of the smaller variety, capable of connecting to only a couple of other snails. Rather than the standard blue and green shell, it sported a faded pink shell betraying both its age and its lack of use.

It had been some years since she needed to report something to Sengoku using it. But some things were best left out of the World Government's ears.

Tsuru gently tapped the small creatures and was rewarded with its eyes opening. The snail quickly shook the last hints of sleep from its eyes and waved its front tentacles at her excitedly.

s

"Fu fu fu. Sorry to disturb your sleep, little fellow. Do you mind calling that fool Sengoku for me?" She requested with a warm smile.

The snail saluted and obeyed. It closed its eyes as its features changed into something akin to Sengoku's face. Shortly enough, it opened its eyes and spoke. [O-Tsuru-san. Did something happen?]

"You sure picked up quickly." Too quickly for her liking. Are you skipping work again?" She accused.

[N-no, of course not." He hastily replied. Though the way the snail's gaze darted to the side showed right through him. "It's just that you rarely use this line, so something urgent must have happened.]

She let out a tired sigh. "It's about Sakazuki. Did something happen during his last mission?"

[….What do you mean?]

"Don't play the fool, Sengoku. You know what I mean. That person is far different from the magma brat I know."

[Did he do something?]

"That's the problem. He didn't do anything." She groaned as she messaged her temples. "He spent the entire trip bothering the men and cheating at cards."

Sengoku let out a hearty laugh from the other side.

"This is not a laughing matter!" She yelled, startling some of her subordinates. "Something is clearly wrong. If I didn't know better, I would've said he was an imposter."

[That's unlikely.]

"I know." She said. No matter how weird his antics had been, there was no denying that it was Sakazuki. There was no way she could mistake his Haki or its intensity. "Did he mention anything to you?"

[He said that he was going on a vacation to relax.]

"A vacation? Sakazuki?"

[The very same. Apparently, he thinks he's going through a mid-life crisis, whatever that is.]

"And you believed him?" She said with a raised eyebrow. That was a bald-faced lie if she ever heard one.

"Not one bit." The snail shrugged with a smile. [But it's not like I could have denied him. Garp is covering for him in the New World, begrudgingly.]

"Any idea what Sakazuki's planning?" The Vice-Admiral asked.

[There is only so much a man like him can do in the Weakest Sea, so I have a couple of guesses. But whatever it is, I hope he has the decency to make sure there's still an East Blue when he's finished.] The Snail let out a sigh as its shoulders slumped. [Is that all?]

Tsuru remained silent for a moment before speaking. "No, actually. He mentioned something."

FOUR DAYS LATER

[NEW WORLD: The Raining Archipelago]

The New World was a place where the irregular became regular. Even the First half of the Grand Line characterized by its abundance of Sea Kings and its severe and constantly changing weather phenomena was hailed as a "Paradise" when compared to its hellish second half.

In short, the New World was a place where logic died and common sense could get one killed. Located near the Red Line, the island of Amezo and, its rain that fell sideways, was a great display of the New World's irregular weather.

A sight that would awe and frighten a normal person.

Alas, in his many decades at sea, Garp had become far too used to such abnormalities. And no matter how much the bizarre storm surrounding him raged, it paled to the turmoil inside of him and the snail that felt like it was burning a hole in his chest.

'Heh, my age is turning me into a damn poet. Is this the so-called wisdom of elders?' Garp tried to laugh his worries off, but the clinching of his famed fists betrayed him.

"You've been uncharacteristically somber these past few days, sir." His trusted aid, Bogard said as he came to stand a step behind him at the bow of the ship.

Garp spared his second in command a short glance. "That so?" he asked with a gruff tone.

"It is so. The usual you would be more like 'Bwahahahaha! You shitheads are a hundred years too early to take me one' down there." Bogard imitated while pointing to the decimated pirate crew being detained beneath them.

"Damn it all! It wasn't meant to go like this!" The captain yelled in despair, his broken wails heard even through the heavy rain. "The route was supposed to be safe with Akainu gone, so why the hell is Garp the Fist here!? Damn it, out of the fire and into the fryi-!"

"Just shut up and walk!" A nearby marine commodore cut the pirate off with a kick to the back. "The rain and mud are already annoying enough. I don't your bitching on top!"

Garp scoffed in annoyance. "And you're uncharacteristically annoying today."

Bogard hummed in response as he fixed his hat. "Are you still annoyed by being stationed here to cover Admiral Akainu?"

"It's that magma bastard not being here that's pissing me off." Garp snapped. "Why the hell did he have to go there of all places?"

"Your grandson...You're worried that Akainu might be after him." Bogard stated simply.

Garp nodded. "Yeah… "

"I would say that's an unlikely possibility. The East Blue is massive. It is possible that he's after someone else."

"Don' think so. Told a couple of old guys back at home to keep an eye on him if he passes. He made a quick stop at a Navy base in Tonto Village." Garp's face twisted into a frown. "He's in Goa Kingdom."

Whether he was after Luffy or not, he was bound to pass through Dawn Island. If he did, stepping into Foosha Village would only be a matter of time.

He prayed to whatever gods there might be to keep the two from meeting, or at least to keep Luffy from saying any stupid shit about pirates.

'It's all because that Damn Red Hair filled his head with all that freedom and piracy nonsense!'

He had warned an old friend to call him if Sakazuki stepped into the village. He didn't know what he was going to do if the snail rang, but it kept him from tearing his hair out from ignorance.

He hoped that snail never-

PURURURURURURU*

Garp felt vibrations in his chest. Were they from the snail or from his beating heart, he wasn't sure.

PURURURURURURUR*

He brought the Snail from his jacket pocket.

PURURURURUR-*KACHA*

"...Garp speaking."

Immediately, the sounds of screams and crashing wood filled his ears. [Garp-San! Thank God It went through! I'm sorry! I'm sorry, Garp-san! He was moving too fast! Our ships couldn't keep up!]

"Calm down! What happened!?" Garp yelled as he felt his nerves rising. Did it happen? Was Akainu in his village?

[The town! He's burning the town!]

Garp could feel his stomach drop. 'That magma bastard..!'

"What about the people? the Mayor, Is the Mayor with you!?" If that bastard touched a single hair from their heads!

A woman's cry came through the communication snail. It sounded familiar enough for him. 'Makino..?'

Before he could open his mouth to ask, the world around him was thrown into silence as he heard that damned bastard's voice.

The worst possible thing had happened.

[Quite the defiant expression on your face, son of Dragon.]

Last edited: Aug 3, 2023

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CrimsonFucker05

Feb 15, 2023

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CrimsonFucker05

CrimsonFucker05

Mar 29, 2023

#38

Sakazuki leaned back into his admittedly very comfortable seat in the captain's cabin, his feet resting on the desk in front of him. He let his eyes wander around the room, admiring the numerous graphs of intricate structures. Whether it was a house, bridge, or ship, the man seemed capable of building anything under the sun.

Though he made sure to keep his ears open as he cradled the receiver of the standard Marine communication Snail in his massive palm, listening intently as the man on the other side tried to use every excuse under the sun all at once to justify himself.

[it's absolutely unacceptable! This sort of treason and plotting is absolutely unforgivable in Goa Kingdom! I assure Honored Admiral that the Royal Family would not have stood idle had we known of this transgression!] King Sterry exclaimed.

Sakazuki brought the receiver closer to his mouth and rolled his eyes. "Now, now King Sterry, it was not my intention to accuse the venerable rulers of Goa. Your family has been a great ally to the Navy and the World Government for many generations."

[T-That is right! I have done nothing wrong! It's the peasants' fault! They were the ones who accepted those pirate scum!] The newly appointed young king of Goa Kingdom yelled in distress.

It couldn't have been easy for Sterry. Barely half a year into his reign, and he is already receiving a phone call from a Navy Admiral telling him that a tiny village in his kingdom was harboring dangerous criminals. And not just any criminals, mind you, but the type of dangerous criminals that required the intervention of the Navy's ultimate firepower.

Akainu almost felt sorry for the young man. Almost.

"We will get to who's guilty and who's innocent some other time, King Sterry,"Akainu spoke with an even tone, putting a semblance of authority into his voice. "For now, let us discuss how to proceed forward."

[Do you need me to send reinforcements?] King Sterry asked.

Sakazuki waved his hand in dismissal. 'That's not my point. I'm more than capable of dealing with them on my own, it's just that the battle is bound to cause some collateral damage.'

[It is absolutely acceptable! Burn that forsaken town with its peasants if you wish. It is their fault for tarnishing the kingdom's reputation in such a manner!] King Sterry declared.

"Easy now, King Sterry. It would not do to punish an entire village for the actions of what is clearly the fault of a few rogue elements," the Navy Admiral said patiently while stretching his arms. His body was not used to long periods of inactivity.

[E-eh? Ah! I-I- I mean that's right! We cannot blame the poor villagers. It's all the fault of the pirates! H-ha-ha..'] King Sterry stumbled over his words.

Sakazuki was sure he was going to develop a migraine from how many times he had rolled his eyes in the past couple of minutes. Sterry was so set on brownnosing that he could not go two sentences without tripping over his words and contradicting himself.

'Not that I would have it any other way. It makes it easier to deal with him,' Sakazuki thought to himself.

"In that case, I guess I can rely on Goa's treasury to pay for the rebuilding bill?" Akainu said, his words more of a declaration than an inquiry.

[A-A-Absolutely!' King Sterry nodded his head with a frightening ferocity. Akainu feared that Sterry might accidentally snap his neck. [No price is too costly for the comfort and safety of my citizens !]

"That is truly heartening to hear," Sakazuki told him with a laugh. "Do not worry about the materials; I've taken the liberty of bringing them with me. All that is left is for your majesty to foot the bill."

[..foot? Do I have to do something with my feet?] Sterry asked.

"No, nothing of the sort. It's an expression used by commoners, your majesty. It means to pay for something. You can use it when addressing your people. It'll surely make you seem relatable!"

[Really!? Very well, my feet shall take care of everything!] Sterry said with what appeared to be a puffed chest and a self-satisfied smirk.

Sakazuki nodded. "You have my gratitude, King Sterry. I will make sure to mention how accommodating you've been in my report."

[Of course! Please make sure to tell the esteemed Celestial Dragons that the Royal family of Goa Kingdom will always be an ally of the World Government!] Sterry yelled with glee, his intentions clear as the sky.

"Yes, yes, I will make sure to do so," Akainu said with fake cheerfulness as he hung up.

He would definitely tell them if he ever met any of them again, which was probably never. Because both Sengoku and the Gorosei were smart enough to know that putting Akainu as a guard for one of the Celestial Dragons was a bad idea and would only end in one outcome.

He patted the snail's head a couple of times before standing with a groan. He arched his back and stretched his arms behind him. His body was clearly not used to long periods of inactivity.

The admiral grabbed his distinctive coat and left the cabin. Immediately, Sakazuki was assaulted by the glaring sunlight and the sound of sailors running across the deck. It took a couple of seconds for his vision to adjust to the bright scenery, enough time for the actual captain of the ship to stand beside him.

"I take it all went well, Mr. Admiral?" the much shorter man said with a great grin while craning his neck as much as he could. The captain was a short man, even by normal human standards, barely reaching over Sakazuki's knee. His short stature, portly belly, and great braided brown beard reminded him of the dwarves of legends, Earth's dwarves to be exact, not the tiny mischievous creatures of Tontatta Kingdom in Green Bit Island.

Though the dwarf was small, it would be a foolish mistake to underestimate him. Sakazuki had seen firsthand the absurd strength and swiftness the man possessed. He would expect nothing less from one of the most excellent carpenters in East Blue.

"More or less. King Sterry assured me that 'no price was too much for his people's comfort,'" Akainu reassured the shorter man.

"SAW-SAW-SAW! What a reliable king. Shame most of 'em can't be like him." The dwarf guffawed with a deep voice. Sakazuki didn't bother correcting him on Sterry's character.

"You can start as soon as you arrive," Sakazuki informed with a nod before flashing the carpenter a smirk. "I've heard good things about your company. I expect you not to disappoint."

The dwarf smirked back, clearly relishing the challenge. "In that case, I'll make sure to tell the lads to make something grand! I will build you a town that puts Goa's capital to shame."

"I will be the judge of that," Sakazuki laughed.

"Don't worry. I never half-ass my work, especially this time. It's not always we get a client of your caliber," the smaller man replied with a laugh. He looked both ways before motioning for the Marine to lean closer. "By the way, Admiral, the lads in the back spotted a small boat trailing us. From the looks of it, they've been at it for a couple of days now."

"Yeah, they're probably following me," Sakazuki hummed as he knelt. It's not like he didn't notice them. They've been at it ever since he entered Goa's waters.

"Should we sink them? They're still within the range of our cannons," the carpenter whispered.

"No, there is no need for that," Sakazuki said while standing up. The ship was probably a navy-affiliated one tasked with monitoring him. They were perhaps reporting his whereabouts to either Sengoku or, most likely, Garp. yeah, it was definitely Garp's paranoid ass.

If only he put as much effort into keeping tabs on his brats.

"If that's what you want," the dwarf scratched the back of his head. "We should arrive at Foosha port before the night at this pace. We will start rebuilding as soon as we land."

"Good. By then, I will have finished my job by then," Sakazuki informed as he jumped onto the bow of this ship. "I will go ahead. Make sure to prepare the sign in the meantime."

"Aye, sir!" was the dwarf's reply. "Good luck on your secret mission, Admiral."

Sakazuki flashed him a thumbs-up behind his back. He looked at his feet and raised his right leg slightly.

'Let's see if this body still remembers how to do it.'

The Rokushiki, or Six Powers, was mostly a type of martial arts usually utilized by the Cipher Pol agents. It was still a part of the Navy officer's standard training regimen, but its mastery was not a must. It was a good skill set to possess.

The problem with the Rokushiki was that it was an obsolete fighting style. While it might be helpful when dealing with the average Paradise schmuck, it simply paled horribly when faced against even basic Haki.

For an admiral such as Akainu, it was simply too much of a hindrance to incorporate Rokushiki into his already lethal fighting style. Everything that Rokushiki offered, Akainu could replicate much better using Haki or his Magu Magu no Mi.

Still, desperate times called for desperate measures. His Red Launcher was simply far too flashy and loud to use in these calm waters. It would also be very counterproductive if he accidentally set the carpenter's ship on fire. He doubted the ship could handle his launching as well as Tsuru's ship. So, Sakazuki brushed off a move he hadn't used in some decades.

"Geppo."

His raised leg flickered as he kicked the ground over ten times in instantaneous succession. He ignored the loud exclamation of surprise that came from the crew behind him as his body rose into the air. He spared the captain a nod before he set towards the outline of Dawn Island. Using a combination of Geppo and Soru made traversing through the sea a walk in the park. The key to the mastery of these two skills was simply exceptional leg strength. Akainu, who was capable of stopping Whitebeard's Gura Gura-infused bisento with his foot, possessed that leg strength in spades.

Naturally, it was only a matter of minutes before Foosha Village entered his vision. With a slight flaring of his devil fruit to give him a boost in speed, Akainu's body blurred, and the air surrounding him shattered. Faster than a sniper's bullet, he crossed the remaining few miles.

His feet touched down on the wooden floor of the village port as he came to a sudden stop. The force and momentum of his movement caught up a second later, knocking anyone unlucky enough to be close on their ass. Amid the pained groans, Sakazuki threw his Navy coat over his shoulders and made his way out of the port and through the town's gates.

His senses expanded, and his eyes scanned the surroundings. The village was a lot smaller than he expected. Foosha Village fit the typical rural community stereotype with the small houses surrounding a dirt path, rustic wooden buildings, docks, and a few windmills scattered around the fields. He expected a bit more of a village located so close to the Goa Kingdom capital.

"Still better than being stuck on a ship for weeks," Sakazuki said as he took a deep breath. "Can't deny that these tiny villages have their own charm."

With an easy smile on his face, he sauntered deeper into the village. There were barely any people outside, not that he had expected to find any this early at dawn. Most folks were either asleep or in the warm comfort of their homes, preparing for the day.

Of course, not everyone seemed content to stay inside. Spotting an old man dragging a cart behind him several meters in front of Sakazuki, he hastened his pace to catch up.

"Mornin'," Sakazuki greeted as he caught up.

The old man stopped his march and turned his head upwards to look at him, showing Sakazuki the web of wrinkles that adorned his red, sweaty face. It was hard to pinpoint the man's age, but Sakazuki was confident to guess that he was old enough to be his father.

The man's wrinkled eyes widened a fraction at Sakazuki's sheer height. "Well, ain't you a big fella," he drawled in a country-side accent.

Sakazuki smiled and nodded his head toward the cart. "Need a hand?"

The old man looked at his load, then at the road extending in front of him, before finally turning his eyes to the Admiral. "I ain't gonna refuse if you're offerin'," he said with a smile that lacked more than a couple of teeth.

...

...

"So wassa marine officer like you doin 'round these parts, lad? Specially this early in the mornin'?" the old man, Sandler as he introduced himself, drawled from his seat on the cart.

"Hmm? Ah...Same ol' thing, uncle. Just makin' sure no pirate scum show their ugly mugs here," Sakazuki replied as he dragged the cart towards the market.

"Well, that's good to hear. Not sure you'll find any, though. Ain't nothin' worth plunderin'," Sandler said as he scratched his withered chin. "Much bigger fish in the capital."

"Nothing to lose from just checking around."

"Well you helped this old man, so even if you've found nothin', you could say that you didn't waste your time," Sandler said with a hoarse laugh that turned into a light cough at the end. "Bah...y'know, I almost joined the marines myself."

Sakazuki spared him a look behind his shoulders, judging his tiny and frail physique. "That's so?"

"Aie now, laddie. I might not look like it now, but when I was younger, people called me 'Sandler the Handler'. Not a livin' soul handled wild beasts like me. I reckon I could've been quite the navy. Might even give Garp a run for his money," the old man said with a puff of his chest.

Sakazuki snorted. "Well, it's a real shame the navy lost a man of your strength."

The rest of the walk was spent with the old man reciting what he considered the epic tales of his youth, and all the beasts he wrestled with, from the tiniest rodents to the mightiest of wild boars.

"Right here should be good enough, lad," Sandler told him with a smile a few minutes later. Gently, he got off the cart and patted Akainu's knee in gratitude. "You've been mighty helpful. I'll take care of it fro' here."

"You sure? I don't mind continuin' to your stall," Sakazuki reassured.

Sandler waved his hand. "No need to, kid. You've done more than enough. 'Sides, I still got my pride as a man. Can't exactly sit on my ass while others do my work."

"If you're sure…"

"Now, the place you're lookin' for is still a bit of a walk from here, but if you go ahead and turn left next to The Backlet family's mill and continue walkin', you'll find it. You can't miss it; not like we have any other bar." Sandler flashed him a toothless smile with a thumbs up.

Sakazuki smiled and returned the gesture. "Been a pleasure meetin' you, 'Sandler the Handler'."

"Same here, kid," the old man replied with a smirk as he started dragging his cart. "Aye, if those pirates of yours give you any problems, don't hesitate to come to me. This old man still got some fire in him. And I'll make sure to tell that uptight bastard, Woop Slap, that you're waitin' for 'im."

"Will do!" Sakazuki called after the retreating man before turning around and walking in the direction he was given.

The trip to the bar had admittedly taken him more time than he would have liked, both as a result of his unfamiliarity with the layout of the small town as well as his sense of direction being somewhat off. Though he was not even remotely as bad as Zoro, Sakazuki was not very good at navigating new places. Such tasks were always left to the lower ranks, so it had been many decades since he, himself, had bothered to do it. Instead, he had become reliant on both Observation and Advanced Observation Haki to navigate battlefields.

However, while that was useful when up against the monsters of the New World, it wasn't nearly as useful in Foosha with its peaceful, weak residents. So Sakazuki did something no man liked doing: he asked for directions.

Several times.

Fortunately, the few people he met were more than happy to help him out after a small conversation. He didn't know if it was because of his attitude or because Foosha's people were just that nice. Nevertheless, Sakazuki finally reached the mill Sandler had told him about after a series of turns. From there on, it was nothing more than a brisk walk.

Party's Bar was, like all things in Foosha village, underwhelming. It was small but well-cared for, yet it lacked the flair Sakazuki had come to expect from all the time he had spent in the Grandline and its bizarre structures. With his hands deep in his pockets, Sakazuki marched forward, his eyes set on the young lady unloading the numerous crates laying beside the door.

...

...

Makino stood at the back of the bar, sweating and panting as she struggled to unload the heavy crates of sake, liquor, and food from the delivery carriage. She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, trying to catch her breath before lifting the next crate onto her shoulder. Entirely preoccupied with her manual task, the bar owner and its sole tender failed to register the 10-feet behemoth of a man until he stood mere feet behind her.

Makino's body froze, the crate still in her arms, as she noticed the shadow that was cast on her. Slowly, she turned around and found herself staring into a man's crotch area. Hesitantly, she craned her neck upwards. And upwards. And even more upwards until her eyes settled on the face of an older man. Even with the sunlight hitting from behind him and his hat concealing most of his features, Makino could still make out the outline of a frown carved on his face as his dark eyes looked down on her.

Makino gulped and tried to put on a smile. She attempted to take a step back and put some space between the two of them. The man's lips parted. She didn't understand the words that came out of his mouth, far too startled by his baritone voice that shook her bones. Her foot slipped. Makino shut her eyes and prepared herself for the fall, praying that at least the wine in the crate she was holding did not break. Makino felt her behind land on the...ground?

No, it was not nearly hard or wide enough. Slowly, she peered beneath her and was pleasantly surprised to find herself off the floor. The man's leg traveled between her thighs and disappeared beneath her long skirt, his foot acting as a makeshift seat, holding her off the ground.

'A marine...' Makino realized as she got a better look at the giant man, namely the white hat with a blue seagull etched on it. Suddenly, the marine's leg started moving up, with a surprised yelp, Makino brought her legs together to protect her decency.

"You good?" he said to her as his leg held her at eye level. The frown on his face disappeared and was replaced with an easy-going smile that clashed with his deep and commanding voice. Makino nodded, trying to calm her racing heart and hoping the pinkish taint of her cheeks did not betray her embarrassment. Though judging from the clear amusement in his eyes, she was not doing a good job at it.

"Thank you...?" she said as he lowered his leg, letting her regain her footing. Embarrassed or not, she needed to relay her gratitude.

"Sakazuki," he introduced himself with an extended hand. "A marine officer."

"I'm Makino, the owner of this humble bar," Makino said with a polite smile as she shook his hand, trying her hardest not to be intimidated by the drastic size difference between them. "A pleasure to meet you, Sakazuki-san."

A smile graced his face as his eyes admired the hanging sign above the entrance. "Hmm, so this is the famed Party's bar. Garp-san had nothing but good things to say about it; I just had to come and see it with my own eyes."

Makino's eyebrows rose to her hairline before she clapped her hands in joy, her nervousness disappearing at the mention of the familiar name. "Oh, you're a friend of Garp-san! In that case, welcome to Foosha village's number-one bar! Just give me a second to finish here…" She gestured to the remaining crates. "… And I'll serve you something."

"May I?" he asked, extending his arm towards the box in her arms. Makino shook her head. "It's fine, Sakazuki-san! You must be tired from your travels. You just go inside - Ah!"

"Nonsense," Sakazuki interrupted her by gently snatching the box from her and grabbing a barrel with his other hand. "Tired or not, it is a Marine's duty to help citizens, especially one as lovely as you."

"Well, I can't really refuse when you say it like that." Makino let out a small giggle behind her hand, a hint of a blush coloring her cheeks. She raised her arm and patted her barely noticeable biceps jokingly."With the two of us, we will finish in a jiffy."

True to her words, the duo made very short work of the load, though it would have been more accurate to say that it was Sakazuki-san who did most of the work. "Marine officers really are on a different level than your average person," Makino couldn't help but admire the man's strength as he casually lifted barrels that she would normally need a wheelbarrow to move.

As soon as they'd finished, Makino wasted no time in dragging the biggest chair available near the counter and offering the marine officer a warm meal and one of her drinks as a reward for his help. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled apologetically. "I'm not exactly the most capable chef, but please enjoy your meal."

"Nonsense, I would kill for a meal like this back on the ship." Sakazuki brought the fork to his mouth and let out a pleased noise as he savored the meal. He lifted his glass and knocked his drink back. "And with a fine drink too. Don't sell yourself short, Makino. You're actually spoiling me.

" Makino leaned on the counter and rested her elbows, her palms settling on both of her cheeks as she smiled warmly. While his words were much appreciated, Makino knew a white lie when she heard one. After all, she often used them with the children of the village. Still, his words got her wondering. Spotting the dreamy expression on her face, Sakazuki raised his brow.

"Looking awfully whimsical, Makino. A berri for your thought?" The barmaid shook her head lightly. "I was just thinking how rare it is for an outside Marine officer to come to this tiny village. I always wondered what it's like to be one."

"How does it feel...?" Sakazuki leaned back in his seat and let out a contemplative hum as he set his fork down. "I never really thought about it. There was never really much of a choice for me. Being a marine was the only way for me to achieve my goals."

"What kind of goals?" Makino asked. "Yeah, when I was young, the only thing on my mind was vengeance against a particular pirate; so, I joined the Marines. And I succeeded. Within a couple of years, I crossed paths with him and took his life. However, as I stood over his bloody mangled corpse, I realized something." Sakazuki spoke with an even tone. "I noticed that even after I attained my revenge, the hatred in my heart still burned brightly, and I realized that it wasn't the end of it... I realized that my goal was something far greater than just petty revenge. My goal...My destiny is to create a perfect world."

"Perfect...?" Makino repeated with a blink. "A world where no one will live in fear, where no one will experience the pain that I've experienced. I will create a world free of pirates." Sakazuki declared with a smirk that clashed heavily with the manic expression on his face, and the intensity of his words.

A moment later, he relaxed his posture. His eyes returned to Makino, and he blinked as he registered how intense his words came out. He let out a small reserved laugh. "Sorry, sorry. Didn't mean to scare you off."

Makino broke herself out of her haze and shook her head in disagreement. "N-not at all! I think it's quite a lovely and noble aim to strive for." Sakazuki raised his cup as a sign of gratitude. "Moving from my rants and back to your previous question. Working for the marines has its ups and downs. While the never-ending barrage of pirates and criminals wreaking havoc can sometimes be quite severe to deal with, especially for newbies, at the end of the day, the fact that we are making the world a better place is worth the trouble."

Makino had to stop herself from gushing at his words. To think that the Navy was filled with such honorable men. It almost reminded her of the stories of heroes she read as a little girl.

She opened her mouth to ask the officer in front of her about a thousand other things when the bar's twin saloon doors burst open and cut her off. The mayor's hunched coughing form stood wearily, breathing heavily, and leaning on his cane. "Mayor!"

"Ha…Hah….hah… Finally made it. Oh, my back is killing me." The mayor groaned from his aching body as he tried to get his bearings together. After a while, his breathing settled down enough for him to fix his posture and approach the two of them. "Apologies for being late, Sakazuki-san. As you can see, age has not been gentle with me, and Makino's bar is not exactly close."

Sakazuki stood from his seated position to greet the new arrival. He offered his hand to the mayor, which the latter took gracefully despite the huge height difference between the two men. "Think nothing of it, Mayor Woop Slap. The fault lies with me for arriving unannounced. Furthermore, Makino has been very accommodating and welcoming while I waited."

Woop Slap spared a glance at the dishes atop the table. He turned towards Makino and gave her an approving nod. "Hmph, this much is the bare minimum."

Makino giggled behind her hand at the mayor's antics. Always trying to pass himself off as a stern man.

Joining Sakazuki, the mayor grabbed a smaller seat at the counter. Makino wasted no time in offering him a cup of tea, which he accepted with a nod.

Uncharacteristically, he didn't drink immediately. Makino noticed that the mayor seemed somehow even more tense than usual. A small part of her hoped that it was just her imagination, that it was nothing but another attempt by the dear mayor to seem more intimidating.

Sadly, Sakazuki's next words made it appear that the previous jovial atmosphere they shared had come to an end with the mayor's arrival. "You don't seem surprised to see me," Sakazuki noted.

"It was always a possibility that the navy might come here, seeing the nature of visitors our peaceful village receives. It was always a fear of mine. But... I never thought it would be a man of your caliber would be the one to come," Woop Slap said tiredly as he brought the tea to his lips. With a sigh, he set it down. Taking a deep breath, the mayor looked at the other man. "So, how can our humble village be of use to a Navy Admiral?"

'Admiral!?' Makino felt her knees buckle at the title. Weren't Admirals supposed to be the strongest there were? 'His rank is even higher than Garp-san'!

"Do not worry, mayor. I'm not here to punish Foosha village," Sakazuki offered the mayor a sympathetic smile.

"Truly?!" Woop Slap exclaimed, hope dripping from his voice.

"Indeed. Your first priority was guaranteeing the safety of your people. Expecting you to oppose an Emperor's crew by yourself is foolish." Sakazuki gave a resolute nod. "Quite the opposite, I am here to make sure that a repeat of Elegia's incident does not repeat itself."

"Elegia?" The mayor repeated, looking at the marine with a confused expression. "…I feel like I've heard that name before."

"I am not surprised. The incident had shaken the entire world at the time," Sakazuki closed his eyes in regret. His hand disappeared inside his coat and reappeared with a dated newspaper in it. He laid it on the counter for them to see.

A photo of seemingly angry Shanks with the title "ELEGIA DESTROYED!!" above it.

"Yes, several years ago, a kingdom in the New World by the name of Elegia was burned to the ground, and all of its inhabitants were slaughtered, all at the hands of Red Hair Shanks and his pack of twisted misfits."

"No..." Makino's hands went to her gaping mouth. She could not believe her ears. Her eyes quickly went to the newspaper article, only to find the same thing written in clear ink. "There is no way that's possible. Shanks-san is not the type of person to commit such a crime!"

"Makino!" The mayor protested at her outburst, yet she could clearly see that he, too, was caught off-guard by the news. "Have you forgotten your manners!?"

To Woop Slap's relief, the admiral seemed not to take offense at the sudden interruption. He merely raised his hand in a placating gesture to calm them both. With a heavy sigh, he continued. "I am very aware of your doubts. The massacre had caught us off-guard as well. Red Hair had always been known for his unorthodox kindness towards civilians. He had made several previous visits to Elegria. He was loved by its people. To think that it had always been nothing more than a façade of a sick twisted man…" Sakazuki finished with a shake of his head.

"But… there might be an explanation…" Makino objected weakly, trying to come to terms with how different the kind man she knew, and the monster she was hearing about were one and the same.

"I am sure that this cannot be easy for the two of you to hear." Sakazuki put his hand atop hers and gave her a comforting squeeze. Makino forced herself to offer him a weak small smile, but to no avail. "But one does not gain a bounty of over 4 billion without committing the most heinous of crimes."

With shaking hands, the mayor cradled his teacup. "I see…So you fear that he is planning to do the same to our village?"

"Not just Foosha village, but the entirety of Dawn Islands. The kingdom of Goa has been under some attention lately with the recent coronation of the new king. It is a tempting target for him." Sakazuki replied with a nod. "I am here to ensure the Red-Haired pirates don't dare set foot here."

A wave of ease flooded through the mayor's aged body at Sakazuki's reassurance. "I don't know how we could possibly repay you."

Sakazuki smiled in return. "I am only carrying out my duty. No matter how small or insignificant an island may seem, it is still worth fighting for. Nevertheless, there is still a small favor I must ask of you."

"O-of course, what is it?" Woop Slap said, leaning forward.

"Due to the looming threat of Shanks and his numerous visits to this village, a not-so-small number of Goa's nobility are doubtful of this village's loyalty. They believe that some pirate loyalists are hiding within Foosha." The admiral spoke.

Woop Slap sputtered at the accusation. "That's nothing but a lie! We would never try-!"

"I know that." Akainu cut him off, putting his hand on the mayor's shoulder. "I managed to dissuade them from marching towards the village and leaving it to me. Mere words - even my own - would not be enough. They will expect some signs of fighting. I'm afraid I will have to destroy at least a portion of the village."

"…I guess that is still the best we can hope for." The older man's shoulders slumped in defeat.

Somewhat getting out of her latest slump, Makino tried to offer her own reassurance. "We can easily build again."

Sakazuki bowed his head in apology. "I'm sorry for forcing you to go along with my unreasonable demands. It still would not make up for my actions, but I took the liberty of hiring a construction company to rebuild the village. Already paid for, of course."

The two Foosha inhabitants gasped in surprise, exchanging a surprised look between themselves.

"No, no, no, we're the ones who should be apologizing for being a burden! We'll let you destroy the town several times over if we must!" The mayor quickly waved his hands in protest.

Makino nodded in agreement. "That's right, Sakazuki-san! You have already done more than we could ever ask!" "Makino...Mayor… Very well, I will not betray your trust," the admiral said with determination. "Still, before you go, I heard that Red Hair had taken a particular interest in Garp-san's grandchild. Is it true?"

Makino exchanged a brief look with the mayor, who nodded to her. Makino was more familiar with Luffy, so he was letting her explain. "Yes… Shanks has always been very amicable with Luffy-kun. He was the one who inspired Luffy-kun to become a pirate." She hesitated for a second but quickly remembered the kind of man Shanks turned out to be. Sakazuki-san was already risking his reputation by helping them, so it would not do to hide anything from him.

"I see… This might be another ploy of Red Hair, trying to tarnish Garp-san's reputation by turning his grandson against him," Sakazuki said solemnly, interlacing his fingers together. He remained silent for some seconds before he spoke again.

"Is it possible for me to meet him?"

...

...

Sakazuki sat alone in his chair in Makino's bar, his leg bouncing up and down lightly, and his fingers drumming to a silent rhythm as he waited. The evacuation of the town had been a success. He didn't know how Woop Slap managed to convince the townspeople, but he had done it quickly and without any fuss.

Lying to Sterry was something, but these were honest people He disliked having to resort to deception, but he was running on a tight schedule.

Still, he could not shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Sakazuki shoved all his doubts and uneasiness to the back of his mind as the saloon doors of the bar swung open. A teenager - for it was far too early to call him a man - with a sleeveless red shirt and blue shorts, and a very, very distinct straw hat walked in, a huge smile plastered on his face

"Hey, Makino! Can I have some meat?"

The boy destined to shake the world, Monkey D. Luffy.

He wouldn't be Akainu, if he didn't try gaslighting people /

The damn chapter kept getting bigger and bigger for no goddamn reason, but the time luffy appeared, it was already nearly triple that of the last chapter. So I decided to just cut it here, and include the rest in the next chapter

Last edited: Mar 29, 2023

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CrimsonFucker05

Mar 29, 2023

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CrimsonFucker05

CrimsonFucker05

Apr 4, 2023

#45

As usual, not beta; we die like men. And feedback is greatly encouraged.

Hey, Makino! Can I have some meat?" Luffy yelled as he waltzed into the bar, his cheerful voice echoing off the walls. Upon not hearing the familiar reply, his eyes darted around the room in search of Makino and realized how uncharacteristically empty Party's was. "That's weird…" he said with a frown as he walked towards the counter.

Luffy's gaze finally settled on Sakazuki, who was seated at the bar. Luffy approached him. "Oi, old man, have you seen Makino?"

As the boy drew closer, Sakazuki's smile widened. "You must be Monkey D. Luffy. Makino had an urgent matter to take care of."

"Really? Where'd she go this early in the morning? And why is the bar empty?" Luffy asked, scratching the back of his head. "And I came down running because she called me..."

"That, I do not know, but if it's a meal you're looking for, I don't mind sharing mine with you," Sakazuki said, gesturing to the assortment of dishes behind him.

Luffy's eyes widened as he saw the spread of food laid out on the table behind Sakazuki. The villagers had been kind enough to bring some of their breakfast leftovers to the bar at Sakazuki's request. He knew the food would make for an excellent pacifier when dealing with Luffy.

As expected, Luffy's mouth watered at the sight. "OOOOOOOOH!!" he exclaimed in joy, his arms flailing as he rushed to take a seat next to Sakazuki. He turned to the older man, his eyes pleading. "You sure?"

Sakazuki nodded, chuckling at the boy's eagerness. "Yes, I'm sure. Dig in."

"Thanks, old man!" Luffy exclaimed as he began grabbing food from the table and shoving it into his mouth. He chewed and swallowed quickly, his eyes darting around the room as he searched for more food. After a few moments, he turned to Sakazuki, his mouth still full of food. "This is great! You're the best, old man!"

Sakazuki raised an eyebrow at the boy's manners but couldn't help but smile. "And my name is not old man, it's Sakazuki," he corrected, his hand gesturing to himself.

"Thanks, old man Sakazuki!" Luffy said, his mouth still full of food. He continued to eat, his eyes glinting with pleasure as he savored the flavors of the different dishes. After a few minutes, he paused and looked up at Sakazuki. "Old man, I've never seen your face before. Are you a traveler?"

"In a sense, I guess I am a traveler. I have a bit of business in this village. Garp told me many things about you, so I just had to meet myself. And I have to say, you really are a spitting image of him." Sakazuki mused as he leaned his cheek on his fist, staring in amazement at how brutally the kid was tearing the food. His absent-minded observation turned out to be the wrong thing to say, as immediately Luffy choked on the food in his mouth.

Sakazuki patted the coughing young man on the back a couple of times and offered him a nearby glass of water which Luffy accepted gratefully. "Easy there, kid. You should eat slowly; the food isn't running away."

"Baaaah, I thought I was gonna die," Luffy said as he slammed the now-empty glass on the table. His eyes gazed into the distance, and all color seemed to drain from his face. He turned to look at the admiral with an uneasy expression. "Old man, you know Grandpa?"

"Yeah, your grandpa and I go way back. I met him nearly thirty years ago when I first joined the Marines," Sakazuki said, with a faraway look as he remembered his first impression of the Hero of the Navy.

Back then, Sakazuki was an avid fan of the Hero of the Marines after hearing about his achievements. He was eager to meet the man, thinking that he would meet a kindred spirit who shared his outlook on the world.

Then Garp opened his mouth, and Sakazuki's hopes went down the shitter. "And stop calling me old."

For his part, Luffy remained silent, still sporting an uncomfortable look on his face. "So, you're a Marine too," he finally said.

"I am," Sakazuki replied, puffing out his chest and tipping his Marine hat to Luffy, letting him see the proud seagull stitched on it. "Pretty cool, right?"

"Not really, marines are boring.," Luffy said with an honest face, causing Sakazuki's body to deflate.

"Is that so? And pray do tell me, boy, why is being a Marine officer boring?" Sakazuki inquired, not taking the boy's words to heart.

Luffy spared him a glance and just gave a shrug. "It always seemed like a place filled with lame people to me. Why bother going to the sea if you're not free to do as you like?"

Sakazuki stared at the boy for a while. He leaned in closer and asked with a raised brow. "So you think your grandfather is a lame man because he is a Marine?"

Luffy momentarily stopped eating, seemingly giving the question a bit more thought than Sakazuki expected him to. "Hmm… no. Grandpa is not boring," He said after a while.

Sakazuki nodded. "Okay, what about me? I'm a Marine. Do you think I'm lame?"

Luffy shook his head. "No, you gave me food. You're good, old man."

"…Don't you see the contradiction in your words?" Sakazuki pointed out.

"I don't know what that word means."

"Is that so?" Sakazuki gave him an unimpressed look but pressed on a second later. "So Luffy, it came to my attention that you are planning to venture into the sea. Is that correct?"

Luffy's mood changed instantly for the better as his enthusiasm exploded. He turned to look at the older man with a huge grin and star-filled eyes. "That's right! I'm going out next month. I already bought a small raft to sail in!"

"Lovely. And I take it you're not going to join the Marines or become a bounty hunter while you're at it, right?" Sakazuki said with a monotone voice as he twirled a glass of wine in his hand, his eyes focused on the swirling bright red liquid in it. He spotted Luffy shaking his head from the edge of his vision and continued speaking. "So what were you hoping to become?"

"I will become the king of pirates!" Luffy declared with a proud voice, jumping from his seat in excitement. His declaration was as clear as it was honest.

Sakazuki could not sense a hint of deceit or hesitation in his declaration. Luffy stated his goal with a promise laced with conviction, dream, and desire.

It almost made Sakazuki puke a little in his mouth.

Luckily, the boy's loudness made a decent cover for the sound of cracking glass in Akainu's hand. Sakazuki shook his gloved hand, ridding it of the shards stuck in it. With a mental command, he turned his powers on, evaporating the spilled wine on his clothes and bathing the table in dim light. He took a deep breath to calm his boiling temper. He may have been the one in control, but at the end of the day, he was still in Akainu's body.

Some sentiments were bound to remain from the original Sakazuki.

And it seemed that his little trick did not go unnoticed. "Ooooh! Old man, are you a Devil Fruit user too? That's awesome!" Luffy gushed in amazement as he got into Akainu's personal space, clearly not sensing the rage emitting from the Marine admiral.

"Sit." Sakazuki grabbed Luffy by the face, ignoring the uncanny way his fingers sunk into his rubbery flesh, and planted the boy's behind back into his stool. He interlaced his fingers together and leveled Luffy with an unreadable stare. "A pirate... you want to be a pirate."

"No, I don't want to be a pirate; I'm going to become the King of Pirates," Luffy corrected him with a smile.

Sakazuki's eyebrow twitched in annoyance. "Now why the hell would you want to be a pirate, boy? What makes them a better prospect than an honest marine?"

The younger boy smiled brightly and spread his arms wide. "A pirate's life is a life of freedom. I will live my life with no regrets. To travel from island to island and see the world, to find the most bizarre treasures of the sea, and to go on the greatest of adventures… That is what pirates are about! That is a man's romance!"

Silence descended on the bar as Luffy finished his explanation. The two of them remained locked in a staring contest for a long moment, Luffy's honest, determined gaze against the admiral's jaded, disappointed scrutiny.

"I see…" Sakazuki broke his gaze from the younger man's. He briefly took off his white hat and ruffled his short, dark hair in contemplation. "That is a shame. I had actually come here to see if it would be possible to tempt you to join the navy, or at the very least dissuade you from piracy, but it seems that it would be futile, right?"

Luffy let out a resolute breath from his nostrils.

"When taking into consideration the blood coursing through your veins, I have no doubt that, in time, you would become quite the fearsome pirate. However…" Sakazuki said slowly, with a clear authority lacing his words. "Doing so would make many dangerous enemies, all of whom would snuff you out without the smallest of hesitation, be they Warlords, Emperors of the sea, or even naval admirals. Are you still willing to go through with it? Are you ready to fight all of them?"

"I'm not scared! I will make the best pirate crew in the world, and with them, I will surpass everyone and find the One Piece!" Luffy, with a big grin on his face, replied without hesitation. "And for your offer: I refuse!"

Despite himself, Sakazuki could not help but feel a small bit of grudging admiration and respect for the boy. Nevertheless, he was still a marine. "That's a damn shame, kid." He sighed as he stood up from his seat, demonstrating the huge height difference between the two of them. "But if that's your desire, I'll play along with you."

Despite his thickheadedness, Luffy still sensed the hostile intentions and sudden change of mood in Sakazuki. "Old ma-" Luffy's words were cut off as Sakazuki's fist violently impacted his face, sending him flying through the bar's wall and onto the street.

"GAH!! My head! Why does it hurt!? I'm made of rubber!" Luffy cried out in pain. His wails were interrupted by a deafening explosion that shook his surroundings, with smoke and heat assaulting his senses.

Pushing the pain to the back of his mind, Luffy forced himself to look in front of him. Shock took over him as he helplessly watched Makino's bar burn in a raging tornado of fire and ashes. From the flickering flames, Sakazuki's glowing frame marched forward, magma dripping with every step. "Stand up, son of Dragon," he commanded.

"What are you doing, old man?" Luffy asked as he jumped to his feet, his arms flailing in the air as he tried to think of a way to put out the flames. "Why the hell did you burn Makino's place!?"

"Do you really think you have time to worry about others?!" Sakazuki grunted as he launched forward, crossing the distance in a blur and planting his knee into Luffy's guts. The force of the blow sent the boy hurtling backward, crashing through yet another house.

Pushing down the rising bile in his throat, Luffy slowly pushed himself to his feet as Sakazuki landed in front of him. "W-why?" he asked weakly.

"You should heed other people's warnings, Monkey D Luffy. I told you that your stupid dream will make you many enemies far above your level, both Emperors and Navy Admirals," Sakazuki said as he knelt next to Luffy, his cold gaze meeting Luffy's confused stare.

Luffy's eyes widened as he pieced together Sakazuki's words. "Th-then...!"

" Admiral Akainu; a pleasure to meet you," Sakazuki nodded as he grabbed Luffy by the hair and lifted him up, his fist cocked backward. Don't worry, I'm not going to kill you. I'm just doing something Garp should have done a long time ago... beat some sense into you!"

Swiftly releasing his grip on Luffy's hair Sakazuki let his Haki coat his extended hand and struck the boy's face. As he watched Luffy's body fly away. With quick use of Soru, he intercepted the boy before he could land.

Not wishing to lose track of the boy, Sakazuki grabbed Luffy's arm before delivering a harsh kick to his ribs, causing him to fly in another direction while his hand remained firmly locked in the Admiral's grip. Sakazuki let out a small whistle. "His power is a lot more disturbing in real life."

Soon enough, Luffy's body reached its limit and came rushing back, only to be received by a devastating headbutt from Akainu, cracking Luffy's nose and driving him to the ground.

"Gah!" Luffy let out a scream that quickly turned into a roar of defiance. Twisting his body from its compromised position, Luffy used his momentum to launch a punch at Akainu's torso. "..Pistol!"

But his attack found no purchase as Sakazuki merely moved to the side, letting Luffy's fist sail into the distance. Sakazuki lifted his foot and stomped on Luffy's face in retaliation, over and over, with a dispassionate look on his face. "Give up, son of Dragon." He ordered as he drove his shoe further down.

"Gmiu..Mhgfgo..." Luffy's muffled response came from underneath him, as his left arm extended in the other direction.

"Hmm, what was that?" Sakazuki sneered, loosening the pressure but keeping the boy trapped in his place. "You don't think you're getting away that easily, do you?"

".mlMU GOMU NO…!" Luffy's voice became clearer as he yelled out another attack.

Sakazuki had to resist the urge to roll his eyes until he noticed that Luffy's right arm was not extending. It was shrinking. The arm he used for his first attack was only just then returning. Immediately, he turned behind him, and his eyes widened a fraction at what he saw. "Clever bastard..."

"...HOUSE!!" Luffy's arm snapped back in place, and even with the foot on his face, Luffy's smirk was clear as the entire load he dragged back was released.

An entire two-story house crashed into Sakazuki, knocking him off-balance and giving Luffy a chance to retreat before it collapsed on top of the admiral.

Luffy struggled to get back on his feet, coughing and gasping for air. His body was battered and bruised, his face a mask of pain as he forced his blurry vision to focus on the pile of rubble several meters away from him. He knew that he was no match for Sakazuki's incredible power, but he refused to give up. He was determined to fight until the bitter end, no matter the cost. "That... That should keep him down for a while."

His nose twitched in attention as the smell of burning wood reached him. With wide eyes, Luffy stared hopelessly as a pillar of fire exploded into existence from beneath the rubble, disintegrating both wood and stone. "Is he... dead?" Luffy thought in shock as he watched the lower half of what could only be Sakazuki march confidently forward, the upper part nowhere to be seen.

"Well, you're a crafty bastard; I'll give you that, boy," Sakazuki barked out a laugh as both his body and attire reformed themselves into their original conditions, utterly unscathed. He put his hands in his pockets and gave Luffy a condescending look. "But you're still far too weak."

Suddenly, several new arrivals on the island registered on Sakazuki's senses, causing him to take his eyes off his opponent and turn to his left.

Not wanting to miss the opportunity, Luffy ignored the man's taunting and lunged forward, his arms stretching behind him. "Gomu Gomu no... Bazooka!" The attack caught Sakazuki straight in the chest with enough force behind it to clear the debris behind him and kick up a huge cloud of dust.

A glimpse of hope ran through Luffy's body, who thought that his attack might have actually done some damage. However, his satisfaction was short-lived as the dust settled, revealing a nonplussed Akainu not even paying attention to him, let alone being damaged by the attack.

"They arrived a lot sooner than scheduled. I should probably finish soon," Sakazuki mumbled as he stared into the distance in the direction of the port.

'Damn bastard is mocking me'. Luffy's temper flared as he retracted his arms. He pointed an accusing finger and yelled, "Pay attention, damn it!"

Sakazuki blinked as his eyes returned to his opponent. He waved his hand in dismissal. "Sorry, sorry, my mind tends to wander off when I'm bored. What were you saying?"

"Don't look away in the middle of the fight!" Luffy yelled back angrily.

"A fight? Where? Oh! You mean this shit we're doing?" Sakazuki laughed while gesturing between the two of them. "Nah, this ain't a fight."

"Then what the hell is it?!"

Sakazuki raised his arm. "This is nothing more than a one-sided ass-whooping. Rankyaku!"

The admiral's arm blurred out of existence, and it was only the battle instinct and experience that Luffy amassed throughout his harsh childhood that saved him from getting bisected. Narrowly avoiding the massive air slash that tore through both ground and any unlucky house in its path, Luffy pushed against the ground with his arm as he twisted his body and launched his counter-attack. "Gomu Gomu no… Whip!"

His leg passed harmlessly over Sakazuki's head as he ducked and rushed the younger boy. The marine uncurled his index finger and thrust it, piercing Luffy's shoulder. "Shigan!"

"Aaagh!" Luffy screamed in pain as blood gushed out of the newly created hole in his shoulder before gritting his teeth and going for another attack. "…Pistol!"

"Tekkai," Sakazuki said with a bored look as he tanked the punch with ease. He put his hand mere inches away from Luffy's chest. "Tobu Shigan!" Sakazuki flicked his middle finger, drawing blood once more and sending the boy flying.

Luffy crashed into a nearby building, the impact causing debris to rain down on him. He groaned in pain as he struggled to get up, feeling the weight of his injuries. "Damn it...I can't lose here..." he muttered under his breath.

Sakazuki approached him slowly, his eyes cold and unfeeling. "You're still not giving up, huh? I suppose that's admirable, in its way."

Luffy glared at Sakazuki, his fists clenched. "I won't give up...not until I become the Pirate King! No matter how many times I have to get back up, I'll keep fighting!"

"Bold words, for someone who can't even stand on his own two feet," Sakazuki replied with a roll of his eyes.

"What did you say, you bastard!?" Luffy exclaimed.

Sakazuki let out a long taunting sigh. "Just look at your sorry ass, kid. You know you can't beat me, and it's not like I enjoy beating dumbasses like you. So, just give up on your stupid dream, and go on with your life."

Luffy gritted his teeth and struggled to stand up. "The only dumbass here is you. No matter how many times you kick me down, I'm not giving up on my dream. I will go out into the sea and gather the best crew in the world. I will surpass you; I will surpass Grandpa; and I will surpass Shanks and become the Pirate King!" Slowly and with effort, Luffy fixed his body into something resembling a fighting stance. "Come!"

Sakazuki did not respond for a long moment, merely fixing the boy in front of him with an unreadable gaze. Letting out a resigned sigh, he fixed his hat.

"So be it."

"Aaaaaaah, what a waste of time. This whole thing was definitely a resounding loss for me." Sakazuki whined in exasperation as he stood on top of a pile of rubble, watching as what was left of the small village of Foosha was consumed by a torrent of flames and magma. He remained unscathed. The only injuries he sustained were on his pride and patience.

The same could not be said about his opponent.

"You sure are one stubborn bastard. I mean, I already knew you were, but I didn't think you were that stupid," Sakazuki mused as he watched Luffy's heavily bruised body lying unconscious beneath his feet.

Akainu had to give him an "A" for effort. The young boy had fought with all his might, but as expected, he was no match for the power of an Admiral, even one severely holding back.

"You're a decent kid. I always liked you," Sakazuki complimented the motionless Luffy. "You would definitely go on to do many good deeds. That is the only reason you're still alive," despite the threat he could become later on, despite the cursed blood in his veins, and despite how much every fiber of Akainu's body wished to burn the boy to ashes.

Sakazuki picked up Luffy's body, taking care not to aggravate his wounds, and reached into his jacket for Seastone's handcuffs. The migraine that came with contact was a small price to pay for the security of knowing that once the hyperactive and stubborn boy couldn't use his devil fruit powers against the crew members.

"I'll give you one last chance," Sakazuki said as he fastened the cuffs around Luffy's wrists. "The hard way hasn't worked, so it's obviously time to try a much softer approach." He lifted the boy over his shoulder and began to make his way towards the ship that was docked at the port. "Lucky for you and me, I know just the guy."

As he walked, Sakazuki couldn't help but think about the man in question. Though Sakazuki always thought of him as a soft-hearted fool, he could not deny that the vice-admiral was known to turn even the most rebellious men into loyal subordinates.

It's about time his former pupil paid him back for all the time he wasted training his ass.

I fucking hate writing fight scenes.

And before you ask, the "pupil" is an actual character from One Piece, not an OC.

216

CrimsonFucker05

Apr 4, 2023

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CrimsonFucker05

CrimsonFucker05

May 15, 2023

#58

Garp reclined in his seat in his cabin, his face contorted with worry and annoyance. The long and harsh years finally showed their toll on his drained visage.

The cabin was silent and cold, reflecting his emotional state at the moment. The silence being broken only by his breathing and the repeated murmur of the snail in front of him, trying to connect to its sibling half a world away.

Every time his tired eyelids closed, the usual darkness abated. Only a vision of his grandson's smiling face appeared, his grandson whom he didn't know whether he was alive or not.

Sakazuki had met with Luffy.

The worst possible occurrence had happened.

The anger he felt at that realization many days ago had long been sapped and drained by his apparent futility. Only Sengoku's reassurances and the threats that would no doubt overrun the canal kept him in his place.

Sengoku at least had the decency to attempt to soothe Garp's worries with actions rather than empty words. It was the only thing that kept Garp in his place in the New World.

At Garp's request, Sengoku had apparently sent a couple of ships to contact both Goa kingdom and the nearest Navy station to check up on his village and grandson.

The ships Sengoku had sent were equipped with the best kind of advanced transmission snails he could find in such a short time. All of it was done just to allow Garp the ability to contact both locations at any moment.

Garp showed his appreciation to Sengoku his appreciation by staying in his post. Words of gratitude would only serve as an insult between two old friends and partners.

Between the Fleet Admiral and The Hero of the Navy, only concrete actions sufficed. So, with actions, Garp thanked Sengoku.

For the first time in many decades, Garp stopped holding back. He worked his fleet to the bone as he crushed every enemy in a radius of 500 km that dared to as much as blink.

In a matter of two weeks, they had captured over three thousand pirates.

Garp hunted them with a ferocity that made Akainu, who was previously posted there, seem like a tame man.

Sakazuki...

Remembering Sakazuki and his latest stunt was a sure reliable way to make Garp's stomach twist in anger. Though he could not deny that the anger seemed to be intertwined with a sense of bewilderment and confusion as of lately.

With the Navy docked at Dawn Islands, Garp had wasted no time reaching out to the village.

To his surprise, the village which Garp feared would only be found as a pile of ash was doing well. No, that would not be correct. The village and its inhabitants were doing far too well.

According to the Marines sent there, Foosha village was doing great, far better than it ever had. Gone were the old shabby houses, and dirt roads. In their stead, the men found great structures and buildings fitter for a Kingdom's capital than a tiny village like Foosha.

Garp had been able to speak with the Mayor and Makino, and to his surprise, the old man had nothing but good things to say about Sakazuki, and how the villagers were throwing a party in his name.

A party.

In Sakazuki's name.

Needless to say, Garp was very skeptical. The idea that they were lying to him crossed his mind before he swiftly crushed it.

Their joy gave Garp a sense of hope that maybe Sakazuki had not done the unthinkable. That his foolish Grandson had not picked a fight with a man who despised his blood.

However, the moment he asked them about Luffy, their joyful demeanor disappeared.

Luffy had been defeated and taken by Sakazuki. And though they tried to assure him that Sakazaki meant no harm to Luffy. Garp didn't have the heart to tell them that Sakazuki was not that kind of man.

Though a not-so-small part of him wished that he was wrong. Garp would rather not leave the Marines.

Garp would hate to deprive the Navy of two of its greatest weapons.

He had been trying to reach Sakazuki for days through the communication snail, but each time he had been met with silence. At first, he didn't dwell on it, but soon enough it became likely that the magma bastard was avoiding him.

Nevertheless, he still tried to reach the admiral. Both as a way to calm his raging emotions and to give Sakazuki the benefit of the doubt and a chance to explain his actions.

Because despite what others thought of him, Garp was not a reckless moron who jumps head first for no reason. He had to get his facts right before he rushed to East Blue and ripped Akainu's heart out of his chest.

Luckily, it seemed that today was the day Sakazuki was done avoiding him.

After several more attempts, the communication snail finally connected. Garp breathed a sigh of relief as he saw a cartoonish resemblance of Sakazuki's glaring eyes appear on the communication snail.

[Garp.] Sakazuki said in a monotone voice as soon as the connection was made.

"Have you finally decided to stop avoiding me, Sakazuki?" Garp asked, uttering the other man's name as one utters a curse.

[It was not my intention. I simply had some 'things' to take care of.] Sakazuki explained with a nod of his head, his tone remaining low and steady.

Garp grasped the snail firmly in his hand. He spoke with a low voice, barely heard to his own ears over the sound of his drumming heart. "Did you do it?"

[You're going to have to be more specific than that. I did and didn't do a lot of things lately.] Sakazuki replied, and though he feigned ignorance. The aloof and cold expression on the snail's face made it evident that the Admiral knew exactly what Garp was asking about.

Akainu was fucking with him.

"Don't play dumb with me, you bastard! What have you done to Luffy!?" Garp yelled back heatedly, his chair rattling as it hit the floor as Garp jumped from his seat. The tension in the air was palpable as Garp gripped the snail tightly, his voice strained with emotion. The veins on his neck and forehead bulged in anger as his Haki flared, emphasizing the intensity of his emotions. "I swear if you… !"

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line as if Sakazuki was relishing the turmoil he had caused. Finally, his voice came through, laced with a chilling calmness that sent shivers down Garp's spine.

[As as articulate as ever.] Sakazuki responded coolly. He closed his eyes and with a sigh, he spoke again. [Do not worry. Luffy is alive and well.]

"Then where the hell is he!" Garp's grip on the snail tightened even more, his knuckles turning white. He struggled to contain the torrent of emotions raging within him. "Tell me the truth, Sakazuki. Why the hell did go after Luffy?"

[Curiosity.] Was Akainu's simple answer.

"Curiosity?" Garp repeated unconsciously.

[A boy barely out of his teens who seem to be at the center of something far greater than him. The Grandchild of the Hero of the Marines, the son of the World's most dangerous criminal, and supposedly gifted a Devil fruit by none other than Red Haired Shanks. I had to witness this abnormality myself.] Sakazuki clarified.

The sound of Garp's heartbeat echoed loudly in his ears as he rewound the words in his mouth. Luffy's connection to himself and Dragon was understandable, but knowing the origin of Luffy's powers and his connection to Red Hair was an entirely different matter, not even Sengoku knew of that. Sakazuki implied that he knew of these things long before he stepped into his village.

Garp would have to figure out where the leak came from. That would have to wait, for now, he needed Sakazuki to keep talking. Gritting his teeth, Garp spoke again. "And? What did you witness?"

[Gold, when I was looking for silver.] Sakazuki let out a humorless chuckle. [I saw an opportunity to make Luffy understand the potential he possesses and to offer him a different path.]

Garp's anger was momentarily replaced by confusion. "A different path? What do you mean?"

[A child that carries your blood is more than likely to become quite the monster.] Sakazuki explained, his voice tinged with a hint of respect. [And though he lacked the wits, I saw something in him—a spark of kindness and a unique spirit. I wanted him to join our ranks, to shape him into a force for justice, one that might even exceed you.]

Garp's eyes widened in disbelief. He struggled to process Sakazuki's words, torn between his loyalty to the Navy and his love for his grandson. "You wanted Luffy to become a Marine?

Sakazuki's voice grew softer. [Yes, Garp. I saw the potential in Luffy. There is no doubt that with proper guidance, he could channel his energy and become a powerful ally in the pursuit of justice.]

Only Garp's anger held him from snorting in amusement. Luffy becoming a marine. Fat chance in hell. If it was that easy, he would've done it years ago.

Garp's fury and worry mingled as he tried to comprehend the admiral's intentions. "And how did that brilliant recruitment pitch of yours go?" Garp asked, fully knowing the answer.

A hint of regret crept into Sakazuki's voice. [It was a spectacular failure. Red Hair has already sunk his claws deep into the boy. The dumb brat said that he wishes to become the Pirate King.]

Garp's grip on the snail loosened slightly, his anger giving way to a mixture of disappointment and understanding. "So, you beat the shit out of him to try and change his mind?"

[In a way, yes] Sakazuki replied quietly. [I wanted to test his resolve, to see if he could be swayed. But he stood firm, no matter how buildings I kicked him through.]

"Well, you could've asked me. I would've saved you the trouble." Garp sneered in annoyance. "But I take you did not give up, so you decided to kidnap him."

[Of course not! I may have respected Luffy's resolve, but in the end, he is still a dumb fucking brat. His refusal didn't diminish my desire to see him join the Marines] Sakazuki continued, his tone carrying a hint of relentlessness. [I believed in his potential, and I still do.]

Garp's brow furrowed as he listened, a mixture of concern and wariness coloring his expression. "What did you do, Sakazuki? Where the hell is Luffy?"

[I sent him to someone I trusted] Sakazuki revealed. [A former student of mine, Jonathan. I hoped that his leniency would work where violence didn't.]

Garp's eyes narrowed in bemusement. Something fishy was going on. SAkazuki was clearly hiding something from him. "….This isn't like you, Sakazuki. What the hell are planning to do? Why go through all of this trouble with Luffy when you've never bothered with anyone else? And don't give that crap about potential and justice!"

The cartoonish mockery of Sakazuki's face on the snail relaxed into an unreadable expression. [You are right. Usually, I would have killed the brat and moved on with my life.]

"What stopped you this time?" Garp asked, tensely.

[My respect for you.]

Garp snorted, and let out a hollow laugh. "Hah, could've fooled me."

[Is it really that hard to understand?] Sakazuki asked, his voice betraying a genuine surprise. [Despite our differences, and while I still think of you as a moron, I respect you as a Marine.]

Garp's eyes narrowed, his suspicion not completely dissipating. "Respect? Is that all this is about?"

[Among other things. It may seem a surprise for you, but even I have my fair share of regrets.] Sakazuki's face on the snail displayed a rare flicker of regret.

Garp remained silent, his gaze fixed on the snail as he listened intently. Garp felt the anger leave his body as tiredness took over both his mind and body."Sakazuki…" He started. "…. just what is it that you're trying to accomplish?"

[Peace.] Sakazuki stated, his baritone voice layered with gravitas. [Which brings me to my next point. I need a favor from you.]

As Vice Admiral Jonathan of G-8 Naval Base immersed himself in his daily routine, his easygoing and laid-back nature remained a constant. Despite his high rank, he valued the camaraderie and loyalty of his men, which had been earned through his genuine care for the base and the individuals serving under him. The unwavering support of his subordinates bolstered his resolve to lead with justice and integrity.

G-8 Naval Base, often dubbed "Crazy Peace," stood proudly on the rocky island of Navarone. While its formidable appearance and strategic location within the Grand Line conveyed strength, it was ironically known for its relatively low pirate activity. Some whispers even suggested that Navy Headquarters contemplated decommissioning the base due to its perceived lack of action. However, the Marines stationed at G-8 took immense pride in their home, understanding that their vigilance and commitment to upholding peace were the reasons behind its serene reputation.

The base itself was a massive fortress, built atop the rocky terrain to maximize its defensive capabilities. Reinforced steel walls adorned with Marine insignia encircled the island, symbolizing the authority and might of the World Government. Within its confines, a fleet of battleships and frigates stood ready for action, manned by disciplined marines prepared to defend against any threat.

Vice Admiral Jonathan, a distinguished figure within the Marines, epitomized the ideals of justice and strategic brilliance. His commanding presence, red hair, and sharp features marked him as a symbol of authority. Donning his marine uniform adorned with numerous accolades, he personified duty, honor, and loyalty. Though his relaxed stance and unruly mustache might have diminished the image of the valiant soldiers, Jonathan couldn't find it in himself to care.

His office, a reflection of his meticulous nature, served as a hub of organization and efficiency, housing maps, charts, and portraits that paid tribute to esteemed Marines who had made significant contributions.

As each day dawned, Vice Admiral Jonathan delved into the affairs of G-8 with unwavering dedication. Immersed in reviewing reports and strategizing missions, he meticulously planned each step, ensuring the safety of his men and the successful execution of their duties. His exceptional leadership skills fostered an environment of trust and camaraderie, instilling motivation and a sense of purpose among his subordinates.

Yet, Jonathan's concerns reached beyond the confines of G-8. He understood the immense challenges the Marines faced in their pursuit of peace and justice. Pirates and criminal organizations threatened innocent lives, and it was his duty to protect the weak and eradicate evil. With every decision made and order issued, Vice Admiral Jonathan aimed to maintain the principles that defined the Marine Corps.

Of course, not all of his contemporaries agreed with him. These days, it seems as if the rest of the naval bases were more focused on killing pirates and preserving the World Government's influence than actually protecting the innocent. The two might seem interwind, but Jonathan knew better than that.

He knew too well what the blind pursuit of Absolute Justice could do.

Expectedly, his worldview always seemed to rub the top brass the wrong way. Most seemed to think of him as a coward and an optimist. "Crazy Peace" might have been his Naval Base, but he wouldn't be surprised if it were meant as a dig at him.

Hell, even his mentor never wasted a chance to call him a dumbass or a fool. Which made Jonathan all the more curious about the man's latest request.

'What could have brought this on, Sakazuki-san?' Jonathan caressed his facial hair as stood at the edge of the dock, his gaze fixed on the horizon as he anxiously awaited the arrival of the ship sent by his old mentor, Admiral Akainu. His mind raced with curiosity and anticipation, unsure of what the ship carried but knowing it had something to do with a task bestowed upon him by the revered Admiral.

As the ship finally docked, Jonathan wasted no time in approaching the vessel. He greeted the crew with a nod, his eyes scanning the surroundings. However, his surprise was palpable when his gaze fell upon a young boy, approximately 16 or 17 years old, chained and guarded by a Marine officer.

Confusion furrowed Jonathan's brow as he tried to make sense of the unexpected sight. "And this is?"

His attention then turned to the captain of the ship, who approached him hesitantly, holding out a letter adorned with Admiral Akainu's seal. Jonathan accepted the letter, breaking the seal to reveal its contents. His eyes widened as he read the simple yet commanding words that lay before him:

"Make him a Marine" -Sakazuki.

A mix of emotions surged within Jonathan—determination, curiosity, and a hint of trepidation. He had received orders from the very person who had once been his mentor, someone he both respected and questioned.

The weight of this responsibility settled upon his shoulders as he contemplated the significance of this task. Why had Sakazuki chosen him? What did this young boy hold within him that warranted such attention from the higher ranks?

With the letter still in hand, Jonathan turned his attention to the young captive before him. His gaze softened as he observed the boy's nonchalant attitude, despite the chains that bound him. Still, the fire in the boy's eyes burned defiantly.

"Why is he chained?" Jonathan asked the Captain.

"He kept rampaging from the moment he woke up, so we had to tie him up." The captain let out an uneasy, nervous laugh. "He also…uh..nearly devoured our entire food supply."

"I was hungry." The boy supplied, as he picked his nose.

Jonathan hummed in acknowledgment while turning to observe the younger boy. "And the sea stones?"

"Apparently, he is a devil fruit user. Admiral Akainu was the one to put them on him."

"I see." The Vice-Admiral nodded. "Unchain him."

Jonathan did not miss the way both the boy, and the crew that escorted him bristled at his words. The captain seemed about to protest, but Jonathan cut him off with a raised hand and a smile.

The moment the boy was free, he didn't waste any time jumping backward, making some space between him and Jonathan. Jonathan couldn't help but chuckle. " What is your name, young man?"

The boy looked at him suspiciously before he answered. "I'm Luffy. Who the hell are you, old man?"

Jonathan smiled warmly, his easygoing demeanor remaining intact despite Luffy's fiery response. "I am Jonathan, the man in charge of this place," he introduced himself. "Tell me, Luffy-kun, do you know why you're here?"

Luffy's eyebrows furrowed in annoyance, his frustration palpable. "For the last time," he yelled defiantly, "I am not becoming a Marine! Nothing you would say would change that!"

Luffy's defiant gaze locked with Jonathan's, a battle of wills silently unfolding between the two. The air crackled with tension as the Vice Admiral contemplated his next move. He could sense the indomitable spirit that radiated from the young pirate, and deep down, he admired it.

Silence enveloped them momentarily, broken only by the sound of crashing waves against the rocky shore. Jonathan's gaze never wavered, his eyes holding a depth of understanding that Luffy hadn't expected. It was as if the Vice Admiral saw beyond the surface, peering into Luffy's very soul.

Vice Admiral Jonathan possessed a unique talent—an innate ability to discern the character of a person simply by observing them. It was as if he could read the very essence of an individual, peering past their exterior to understand the depths of their being. This uncanny skill had earned him the respect and admiration of his subordinates, as well as the trust and loyalty of those under his command.

As Jonathan's discerning gaze observed Luffy, he couldn't help but be intrigued. There was a certain fire in the young boy's eyes, an unwavering determination that spoke volumes about his indomitable spirit.

It was no wonder that his mentor failed. Sakazuki-san was never the patient type.

It was evident to Jonathan that Luffy was not someone who could be easily swayed or forced into anything against his will.

Jonathan's expression softened, understanding the depth of Luffy's conviction. He leaned back, his voice tinged with a hint of regret. "I see. That is a shame," he sighed, acknowledging the gravity of Luffy's decision. "But in the end, it is your choice."

Suspicion appeared on Luffy's face. "So, I can just leave?"

"Of course. Though it might take some time as none of the ships are leaving soon." Jonathan reassured. "However, you have my word that as soon as one of the ships is ready, you will be the first to board."

There was still a bit of defiance in Luffy's face, but it seemed that Jonathan's words have calmed him a bit.

"In the meantime, how would you like to join me fishing?" Jonathan asked with a smile.

"Don't wanna." Luffy refused, putting his arms in the shape of an X.

"You'll get to eat whatever you and I catch." Jonathan offered with a smile.

"Let's go fishing!" Luffy declared.

Jonathan chuckled.

Last edited: May 15, 2023

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CrimsonFucker05

May 15, 2023

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Threadmarks Chapter 8

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CrimsonFucker05

CrimsonFucker05

May 21, 2023

#68

Atop a windswept hill, overlooking the boundless sea, the brave warrior stood in solitude. The azure expanse stretched before him, tranquil and unyielding. The warrior, shrouded in mystery, nodded their head with a faux solemnity as if bearing the weight of the island's safety on his shoulders.

"This land is once again secure," He declared, his far too deep voice tinged with a hint of pride. His words held an air of authority. He tried to ignore the way his throat itched as he made his voice deeper. For it was necessary, warriors were not soft-spoken. A deep tone was vital for a great warrior such as him. He swiftly turned to look in the distance, where his town stood. A smirk graced his lips as he spoke. "Seriously, what would Syrup Village do without its Great Captain Usopp?"

Usopp shook his head in fake grandeur jokingly. Seventeen years of age and perpetually draped in a cloak of make-believe, Usopp embraced his love for the dramatic. He reveled in the art of assuming grandiose roles, seizing every opportunity to claim his self-proclaimed significance. "As if!" he laughed.

In truth, Syrup Village, the tranquil haven that nestled amidst emerald hills, knew nothing of the dangers that lurked beyond its shores. The island lived in harmony, blissfully unaware of the perils that plagued the world. Yet Usopp, in his ceaseless pursuit of adventure, craved a taste of the extraordinary.

His gaze settled once again on the outline of his village. A sly grin curved upon Usopp's lips, mischief gleaming in his eyes. 'It has been a while since I last did it.'

Usopp's mischievous grin remained as he descended from the hill, his excitement pulsating through his veins. The wind tousled his unruly hair as he sprinted towards the village, his voice echoing like a raucous proclamation. "Pirates! The Pirates are here! Run for your lives!"

While some villagers paid no heed to Usopp's habitual exaggerations, continuing their daily routines, a few chuckled, recognizing the jest behind his words. However, there were those who had grown weary of his constant fabrications, their patience waning.

As expected, the villagers' reaction was as funny as it was diverse.

"What!? Pirates are invading?"

"Aha, Usopp is up and about already. Guess it's time to start working the field."

"Doesn't he get tired of this?"

As Usopp darted through the streets, laughter dancing from his lips. Until a frying pan came flying, smacking him in the head. "Aie!"

"You nearly gave me a heart attack, dumbass!" yelled a man angrily as he jumped over his stall's counter.

Usopp noticed a group of villagers armed with brooms and makeshift weapons, their expressions shifting from annoyance to mild fury. Determined to quell his antics, they chased after him, their feet pounding against the ground.

"Damn brat, how many times did I tell you to stop this stupidity!?"

The laughter continued to spill from Usopp's lips as he deftly evaded his pursuers, moving with the agility of a fox darting through the underbrush. The chase wound its way through narrow alleyways, across quaint bridges, and amidst bustling marketplaces, causing a stir wherever they went.

In Usopp's vivid imagination, the villagers transformed into fearsome pirates, their brooms morphing into formidable cutlasses. With each step he took and every evasion, he felt as though he were penning a chapter in his ever-growing legend, the soundtrack of adventure ringing in his mind.

Breathing heavily, Usopp quickly turned a corner and jumped through a garden's fence, finding refuge in the branches of a sturdy tree, chuckling triumphantly as the frustrated mob dispersed below. "Here goes my good deed of the day. I made sure to put some liveliness in this boring village." he sniggered as he watched the mob pass him by.

Catching his breath, his mischievous gaze settled upon a grand mansion in the distance—the residence of Kaya, the young heiress, and perhaps his only friend.

Memories of their past encounters flooded Usopp's mind, and a mixture of fondness and longing softened his eyes. Kaya's unwavering trust in his tall tales had inadvertently fueled his desire for adventure. A part of him hated how his lies were the only thing he had to impress her.

He shook his violently at the stray thought, Lies or not, his tales never failed to make her beautiful smile come to life. For Usopp, that was worth everything. 'But one day, I will make sure to give her a grand tale when I become a great warrior of the sea!'

It has been a couple of days since he went to the mansion, he should probably visit her soon. "But what tale should I tell her this time? The time I slayed six giants? Nah, that's too boring…"

Usopp's musings were cut off as his attention was abruptly stolen by the two small familiar figures below the tree.

""Good morning, Captain Usopp!""

Niijin and Tamanegi, his loyal companions, greeted him with eager anticipation.

A wide grin lit up Usopp's face as he recognized his trusty crew. Niijin, with his wild purple hair and freckles, exuded boundless energy. Tamanegi, the bespectacled bookworm, possessed a quiet determination that often surprised everyone, including Usopp himself.

He leaped from the tree with grace, landing firmly on the ground below, with a great smile on his face. "Ahoy, my loyal crew! What thrilling escapades await us today?" he proclaimed with playful grandeur.

Though he doubted the two understood half the words coming out of his mouth, Niijin and Tamanegi exchanged glances, their excitement already ablaze. "Captain Usopp, we're ready to face any challenge!" Niijin exclaimed, swinging his wooden sword with exaggerated bravado.

Tamanegi chimed in with earnestness, "Indeed, Captain! Together, we'll conquer the seven seas, fearlessly vanquishing evil!"

Usopp chuckled, relishing these moments of camaraderie. Despite the doubts and mockery of the villagers, the three children always stood by his side, believing in his tales of grandeur.

"Very well, my brave comrades, today, we embark on a legendary quest, encountering untold dangers and bountiful treasure," Usopp said, his faithful subordinates enthusiastically replying. "But before we march, where is Piiman?"

The boys exchanged a look, before shrugging.

"He's probably still sleeping."

"Or grounded. Maybe his mom punished him for skipping chores again."

The captain of the great Usopp pirates scratched his chin in contemplation. "We can't really go through with our pranks without a a full crew. Let's head to his house and find out."

With their wooden swords clashing and laughter filling the air, the trio embarked on their destination. Though it didn't take long for the fourth member to reveal himself.

Their playful mood was abruptly interrupted by a sudden commotion. Piiman came rushing toward them, his tear-stained face and runny nose painting an unusual sight for their usually carefree crew.

Breathless and wide-eyed, Piiman blurted out, "Guys, you won't believe it! Pirate ships are heading straight for Syrup Village!"

Usopp, Niijin, and Tamanegi exchanged dubious glances, unsure whether to take Tamanegi's words seriously. They were well acquainted with his penchant for tall tales and flights of fancy.

Usopp waved his hand in disbelief. "I already did that prank today. Try another one."

Determined, Piiman wiped away his tears, his voice filled with earnestness. "No, Captain Usopp, I'm not joking! I saw their flags fluttering in the wind. We have to do something!"

Piiman's revelation about the pirate ships closing in on Syrup Village sent a shiver down Usopp's spine. The thought of facing real pirates struck fear into his heart, and he struggled to maintain a composed facade.

Attempting to conceal how scared he was, Usopp put on a brave face as Piiman asked, "Are you going to fight them, Captain Usopp?"

Usopp's mind raced, desperately seeking an escape from the impending danger. With a forced laugh, he stammered, "Fight them? Well, you see, Tamanegi, I... I forgot to take my meds today." He hoped his feeble excuse would buy him some time.

The three brats exchanged knowing glances, seeing right through Usopp's attempt to evade the situation. They pointed their fingers accusingly. "Liar!"

Usopp's expression turned serious as he continued to weave his web of deception. "No, seriously! You guys don't understand. I suffer from a rare condition called 'Body-will-explode-if-I-don't-take-my-medication' illness. It's life-threatening, you know!"

The brats leveled him with an unimpressed stare, unconvinced by Usopp's melodramatic tale. Piiman chimed in, his voice laced with skepticism. "Come on, Captain, we know you're just trying to dodge the fight. But don't worry, those pirates are probably too weak to fight. Their ships are falling apart!"

"Y-you sure?" Usopp asked, hope dripping from his words.

The boy with the apple hairdo nodded vigorously. "I saw it with my own eyes. Their ships are barely sailing. They probably got attacked by another pirate crew or a sea monster!"

Piiman's attempt at reassurance and the faint glimmer of disappointment in his friends' eyes spurred Usopp to momentarily summon his courage. With a determined expression and trembling legs, he replied, "You're right, my loyal subordinate. Those p-p-p-pirates don't stand a chance against the great captain Usopp."

The three boys let out a pathetic warcry, motivated by his words. "Yeah, let's beat their butts, captain!"

"No! I will go alone." Usopp dampened their enthusiasm before they could do something stupid. "You guys go warn the villagers. I-I will go meet the p-p-pirates al-alone."

The three boys seemed ready to protest but nodded their heads. Soon, only a trail of them remained as they ran towards the houses.

Usopp took a deep shaky breath and turned toward the direction Piiman came from.

This is a bad idea.

With each step, Usopp's heart pounded in his chest, echoing the fear that gripped him. The path to the shore felt longer than ever before, as his mind conjured up vivid images of ruthless pirates and their menacing ships. He couldn't shake off the thought of the danger that awaited him.

As he neared the coastline, his steps became slower, his legs seemingly weighed down by the heavy burden of his anxiety. The salty breeze carried the faint scent of the sea, mingled with a sense of impending doom. Usopp's imagination ran wild, envisioning the pirates' bloodthirsty stares and their swords gleaming in the sunlight.

He swallowed hard, trying to steady his trembling hands. "This is a bad idea. A really bad idea," he muttered to himself, desperately seeking the courage to turn back. But a small voice within him reminded him of the trust his young companions had placed in him. He couldn't let them down. He had to face this challenge, no matter how terrifying it seemed.

"R-right, maybe the pirates are not that bad." Usopp muttered as he kneeled, fear locking his body in place. His dad was a pirate, and he wasn't a bad guy. Probably. Maybe these pirates were nice guys, too. "If they aren't,…I'll just tell them that I have a fleet of one thousand, no…eight thousand men. That will definitely scare them off!"

With a newfound resolve, Usopp squared his shoulders and continued his reluctant march towards the shore. Each step felt like a battle against his own fears as if he was dragging himself closer to the edge of a precipice. But he had come too far to turn back now.

His mind raced with wild thoughts of escape, of diving into the safety of the nearby forest or finding a hidden underground tunnel. But his legs refused to obey, seemingly rooted to the spot. The sheer magnitude of the task before him overwhelmed him, threatening to consume his every rational thought.

His hand dug into his pocket, and his fingers secured a grip on his trusty slingshot, offering him a bit of solace. Usopp took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage he could muster. "I can do this," he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible above the nearing crashing waves.

"Ah, I should probably make sure that my sling is working," Usopp said as he observed his trusty weapon. Turning it around, he found no problem. 'Maybe, I should send a warning shot..' Grabbing a rotten egg from his pouch, Usopp let it sail over the tree line.

T-that should scare them off.

NOT!!

"What the hell am I doing!?" Usopp yelled as he smacked his face.

He was barely more than thirty meters away from the edge of the island, only a thick wall of trees and plants separated him from the beach. Shaking his head, he gathered his courage again. "I am the brave captain Usopp, and I will face these pirates head-on!"

Usopp's heart skipped a beat as the deafening explosion shattered the air, reverberating through the once-serene landscape. Panic and dread seized him, driving him to sprint toward the source of the blast. Fear mingled with disbelief, clouding his mind as he imagined the worst.

As he arrived at the beach, a scene of devastation unfolded before his eyes. A towering pillar of flames danced high into the sky, consuming what remained of the pirate ships. What had probably been once proud vessels now lay in ruin, reduced to charred wreckage, smoldering wood, and twisted metal. The acrid scent of burning ash filled the air, assaulting his senses.

Usopp's eyes widened in horror as he took in the grim aftermath. The magnitude of the devastation left him speechless, his jaw fell to the ground and his voice caught in his throat.

Usopp's heart pounded in his chest as he approached the beach, the sound of the explosion still ringing in his ears. His eyes widened in disbelief as he beheld the scene before him. A raging inferno consumed the pirate ships, engulfing them in an unrelenting sea of flames. The intensity of the fire was overwhelming, its searing heat melting even the hardest stone and reducing everything in its path to ash.

The towering flames reached toward the heavens, dancing and twisting with an eerie, hypnotic grace. The crackling of the inferno echoed in Usopp's ears, drowning out all other sounds. He could hardly believe the sheer magnitude of the destruction that lay before him.

Among the smoldering wreckage, Usopp's gaze fixated on a distinct emblem that briefly caught his attention. It was a pirate Jolly Roger flag, its emblem depicting a cat's head. But before he could fully process the sight, the flag was consumed by the relentless flames, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake.

A mixture of awe and trepidation filled Usopp's heart before he shook his head in denial. The power unleashed in this devastation seemed beyond the capabilities of mere humans. He couldn't fathom what could have caused such a cataclysmic event. It had to be the result of exploding gunpowder, he reasoned, a force beyond his wildest imagination.

Gradually, a sense of calm washed over Usopp, his racing heart finding a moment of respite. He took a deep breath, steadying himself amidst the lingering heat and smoke. The reality of the situation settled upon him, urging him to take action.

An uneasy laugh escaped Usopp's throat, betraying his underlying fear and racing heart. "D-did I do this?"

Avoiding direct eye contact with the charred remains, Usopp forced himself to focus on the immediate task at hand. He needed to return to Syrup Village as quickly as possible, warning the villagers of the danger that loomed on the horizon. It was a responsibility he couldn't shirk, even if his own courage wavered.

"Hah.. ha..Guess I-I found what story I'm telling Kaya next." Usopp joked to himself as he stood, in an attempt to divert his thoughts and regain composure. "Gonna need to change a couple of details though. Haha..ha."

Usopp continued his journey back to Syrup Village, he attempted to lift his own spirits with silly jokes about the situation. He imagined the disbelief on the villagers' faces when he told them what had happened. "They won't believe a word of it," he muttered with a chuckle, momentarily forgetting the grim reality he had witnessed.

Lost in his own comedic musings, Usopp's mind wandered to his three young friends. He imagined their wide-eyed astonishment if he were to boast that he single-handedly defeated the pirates. "Oh, they would totally buy that!" he exclaimed to himself, unable to suppress a mischievous grin. "Shame it was not the truth..."

But...

Stopped in his tracks, his eyes darting to the slingshot in his hand. What if he was actually the one to get rid of them?

Sure, that level of power and the magnitude of the explosion were obviously far out of his capabilities. It had be gunpowder or cannonballs detonating.

But those things don't explode willy-nilly with no trigger.

Maybe, his egg really did hit the powder keg!

"A...Am I an actual hero?!"

Holy shit, he really was a hero!

"I. AM.HERO." he declared into the sky. The guys in the village would not believe him. They would probably throw utensils at his head for lying again. But jokes on them!

This time he has proof. he just had to show them the aftermath of the explosion, and they will believe him.

He struck an exaggerated pose, his long nose rising into the sky. "Fear not, villagers of Syrup village. The mighty captain Usopp has rebuffed the wicked villains."

'Oh, I can already picture them singing my praises.'

He swiftly turned, his arms hugging his body as he swooned and made his voice pitch higher. Kya~ Captain Usopp, you're so cool and handsome, Kya~"

Usopp folded his hands, a grave expression on his face as he puffed his chest. "I am the brave and valiant Captain Usopp! The seas will tremble in my presence."

"That so?" a deep voice said behind him.

"KYAAAAAAH!!" Startled, Ussop leaped in surprise, his face nearly planting the treetop as he clung onto a branch for dear life. "W-W-W-W-W-Who's there!?" Usopp called out, his body trembling like a leaf in the wind. His heart raced, and his eyes darted around, searching for the source of the mysterious voice.

"Psst, over here, kid. Look down."

Usopp cautiously shifted his gaze downward and saw a comical sight. There, kneeling in the bushes was a huge old man desperately trying to conceal himself with two branches held next to his head. Usopp stared at him in disbelief, his fear momentarily replaced by astonishment.

"W-Who are you?" Usopp managed to ask, his voice barely above a whisper. "And what are you doing hiding like that?"

The old man peered up at Usopp with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "I'm just an old fool trying to have a bit of fun," he replied with a wry smile. "The name's Sakazuki. A pleasure to meet you, Oh handsome and cool Captain Usopp."

Usopp tried not to cringe himself to death as his cheeks reddened in embarrassment. Gently, he got down from the tree he was hanging on. He coughed in his fist as his feet touched the ground. "Ni…Nice to meet you."

Sakazuki chuckled at Usopp's evident embarrassment, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "No need to be so bashful, Captain Usopp. I've heard tales of your legendary exploits and your brave adventures. You're quite the renowned figure around these parts."

Usopp's cheeks reddened even further, a sense of sheepishness washing over him. He scratched the back of his head, trying to regain some composure. "Well, you know, I do have a reputation to uphold. Can't disappoint my fans."

Sakazuki barked out a hearty laugh. His laughter boomed through the air as he threw the branches aside, rising from his kneeling position to reveal his proper towering height. Usopp's eyes bulged in astonishment, and he stumbled backward, landing hard on his backside. The old man's sheer size was mind-boggling.

"Whoa! You're a giant!" Usopp exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of awe and disbelief. "I've never seen someone so ridiculously tall!"

Sakazuki grinned down at Usopp, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yep, that's me! The tallest guy around these parts. Pretty impressive, right?"

Usopp scrambled to his feet, dusting himself off with a sheepish grin. "Impressive? Nah, it's more like... insanely crazy! Seriously, how do you even fit through doorways?"

Sakazuki sniggered heartily. "Well, I have my ways, Captain Usopp. Being tall has its perks, you know?"

Usopp's gaze shifted from Sakazuki's enormous frame to the world around him. He scratched the back of his neck. "I guess so. You must have a great view up there. But what brings you to Syrup Village, Sakazuki-san? It's not always that we get a giant visiting us."

The mirth in Sakazuki dampened a bit at the question. He leaned in closer to Usopp. "Well, truth be told, I'm here on a personal matter. Do you happen to know a man named Klahadore?"

Usopp's eyebrows furrowed, his mind immediately going to Klahadore, the snobbish butler who looked down on him. He hesitated for a moment before responding. "Yeah, I know him. He's the butler of Kaya, the rich girl who lives in the big mansion. Why do you ask?"

"What can you tell me about him? His appearance? Mannerisms?" Sakazuki pressed on.

"Uh..Black hair, wears glasses, a bit taller than me, I guess." Usopp crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "As for his mannerisms...Well, Klahadore may act all high and mighty, but deep down, I think he cares about Kaya. He's annoying and condescending, but he's always been protective of her. the people around here like him, too."

"I see. You mentioned a Kaya. Who is she?" Sakazuki asked.

"Uh, yeah. She is the owner of the huge mansion Klahadore works in." Usopp's face softened as he spoke of Kaya. "Well, she's sick, you see. She's been bedridden for a while now, but she's a really kind-hearted person. We've been friends for a long time, and I do my best to make her smile."

Sakazuki's expression softened, his curiosity turning into genuine concern. "I see. It's good to know she has a friend like you, Usopp. But I must ask you something important. Have you noticed anything strange or suspicious about Klahadore's behavior?"

Usopp's brows furrowed, his mind reflecting on his interactions with Klahadore. "Well, he may act all snobby and superior, but I've never seen him do anything bad. Why?"

Sakazuki sighed heavily, his hand disappearing into his jacket. With a solemn expression, he retrieved a folded piece of brown paper. Usopp's eyes widened as he recognized the distinctive shape. It was a bounty poster, something he had seen a few times before. His heart raced with anticipation and unease as Sakazuki handed him the folded document.

As Usopp carefully unfolded the paper, his hands trembled with a mixture of fear and curiosity. The image that greeted him sent a shiver down his spine. It was the face of Klahadore, or rather, Captain Kuro, according to the poster in his hands.

Usopp's breath caught in his throat as he took in the details of the bounty poster. Captain Kuro's sharp features, his cold and piercing eyes, and the wicked smirk that adorned his face. It was a stark contrast to the image Usopp had of the butler whom he had met several times.

"This... this can't be real," Usopp muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

The realization slowly sank in, and his mind swirled with a maelstrom of emotions. He had interacted with Captain Kuro, albeit unknowingly, on numerous occasions. The thought of such a dangerous individual being so close to him, to his friends, to Kaya sent chills down his spine.

"I'm afraid that your friend is in grave danger, Usopp."

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CrimsonFucker05

May 21, 2023

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CrimsonFucker05

CrimsonFucker05

May 29, 2023

#77

Usopp's hands trembled uncontrollably as he clutched the crumpled bounty poster, his eyes fixated on the image that shattered his sense of security. Khaladore, the seemingly harmless butler, was none other than the infamous pirate Kuro.

The truth crashed over him like a tidal wave, filling his heart with a paralyzing fear he had never experienced before.

The faces of his friends, the villagers he held dear, flashed before his mind's eye. Their smiles, their laughter, now threatened by Captain Kuro's blades hanging ominously over their necks. The weight of their lives rested on his shoulders, amplifying his anxiety and urgency to protect them.

With widened eyes, Usopp turned to Sakazuki, his voice quivering with terror as he stammered, "W-We have to warn the others, Sakazuki. The village... Kaya is in grave danger. We can't waste a single moment!"

Sakazuki's gaze softened as he observed the turmoil in Usopp's eyes, but he shook his head in disagreement with a resigned sigh. "I understand your fear, Usopp, but rushing into the village without a plan could create unnecessary panic. We must think this through and devise a strategy to protect everyone."

Usopp's disbelieving stare bore into Sakazuki, his fear, and desperation overriding any notion of patience or planning. The longer they waited, the greater the danger that lurked over their loved ones. Kaya's life hung in the balance, and he couldn't bear the thought of hesitating any longer.

His friends' lives were in danger, damn it!

Unable to contain his anxiety, Usopp's resolve solidified. He couldn't afford to stay paralyzed by fear. With faltering steps, he turned away from Sakazuki's hesitant words and broke into a frantic run toward the village.

"Wait, Usopp!" Sakazuki's voice calling after him faded into the background as Usopp propelled himself forward, his trembling legs pushing him with every ounce of strength he could muster.

The world around him blurred as his heartbeat thundered in his ears, drowning out any lingering doubts. Each stride carried him closer to the village, closer to the people he cherished. Fear and adrenaline coursed through his veins, fueling his determination to reach them, to warn them of the imminent danger of Captain Kuro.

Usopp's mind raced, filled with visions of chaos and devastation. His thoughts were consumed by the urgency of the situation, the need to ensure the safety of his friends. Nothing else mattered at that moment except reaching the village and alerting them to the impending threat.

As the familiar sights of the village drew near, the sound of bustling activity intensified his anxiety. With every step, his heart pounded harder, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily upon his shoulders, driving him forward despite the trembling in his limbs.

Usopp's legs slowed down as he entered Suryp village, and his eyes leveled on the three faithful boys he considered friends. With all that happened, Usopp forgot that he had sent them to the town before.

"Piiman! Ninjin! Tamanegi!" he called out, his words laced with urgency and concern. The boys turned, their eyes widening with a mix of surprise and relief at Usopp's arrival.

Anguish welled up within Usopp as he approached them, and noticed the tears running down their faces. For a moment, Usopp feared that Captain Kuro had already attacked the village.

his voice filled with desperation and terror. "What happened?!"

"Captain... we tried to warn them, but they wouldn't listen," Piiman said, his voice choked with frustration and disappointment.

Usopp's heart sank as he listened to Piiman's words. The villagers had dismissed the boys' warnings, leaving them disheartened and accused of spreading falsehoods. A mix of anger and fear swelled within Usopp, his hands trembling with a surge of emotions.

"It's okay. I...I already took care of the pirates." He sighed and patted the boys' shoulders. "I have another important mission for you. I need you to run to the forest, and look for a very tall man and stay with him."

"A tall man?" Piiman sniffed as the boys looked a each other in confusion.

Usopp nodded. "Yes, a very tall man called Sakazuki. He is wearing red clothes and has a flower tattoo on his chest and neck. Can you do that?"

"""Yes, captain!""" The boys wiped their tears, and nodded with determination before they rushed to the forest.

With his nerves tightly wound, Usopp forged ahead, his determined steps leading him toward the village's bustling marketplace. It was the heart of Suryp village, where life pulsed with vigor and activity. He knew that if anyone needed to hear his warning, it would be the strong able-bodied men who put their stalls in this place.

As he approached the marketplace, Usopp's heart pounded in his chest, his palms sweaty with anxiety. He scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces amidst the sea of villagers. His eyes darted from person to person, his breath catching in his throat with each passing moment.

Finally, he spotted a group of men engaged in lively conversation near a fruit stand. Gathering his courage, Usopp approached them, his voice quivering with urgency. "Listen, everyone! We're in grave danger!"

The men turned to look at him, annoyance clear on their faces. "It's always one thing after the other with you brats. How many times are you going to pull that shit today?" the stand owner grumbled as he motioned Usoop away. "Scram, we don't have time for you now, shoo shoo."

Undeterred by their dismissal of him, Usopp pressed on. "I'm telling you. The butler at Kaya's mansion, that butler, Khaladore, he's not who he says he is! He's a dangerous pirate plotting against us!"

His words hung in the air, momentarily silencing the chatter of the marketplace. The villagers turned their attention towards Usopp, their expressions a mix of curiosity and skepticism. A murmur of disbelief began to ripple through the crowd, challenging the truth of his words.

But before Usopp could gather his thoughts and plead his case, a burly man stepped forward, his face contorted with anger. Without warning, he swung his hand, delivering a powerful smack that sent Usopp crashing to the ground. Pain shot through his cheek, but it was the sting of rejection and the weight of despair that hurt even more.

"You've gone too far this time, Usopp!" one man bellowed, his tone filled with righteous anger. "We've tolerated your pranks because they were mostly harmless, but accusing someone from the village of such things is unforgivable!"

"Yeah! Have some shame, accusing a respected man like that." another villager chimed in, crossing his arms and glaring at Usopp with narrowed eyes.

Usopp's heart sank as he realized the gravity of their disbelief. His attempts to warn them were met with scorn and rejection, whatever tolerance they've had for his playful antics now shattered.

Desperation washed over him as he fumbled in his pockets, desperately searching for the poster that had served as evidence of Khaladore's true identity. But it was nowhere to be found.

'It's not here! Did I lose it in the forest?' Panic welled up within him, his hands shaking uncontrollably. The weight of his failure crushed down upon him, and he struggled to find the words to convince the villagers of the impending danger. His voice quivered as he stammered, "B-but... I had proof! I had a poster... I saw it! He's a pirate, I swear!"

But his plea was met with derisive laughter and dismissive scoffs. The villagers shook their heads, and their trust in Usopp shattered. They turned their backs on him, returning to their conversations as if he was nothing more than a nuisance.

Humiliation burned in Usopp's cheeks, tears welling in his eyes. He felt a mix of anger and helplessness, an overwhelming sense of isolation engulfing him. With a glare, he turned around and took off running towards Kaya's mansion.

'At the very least, I need to warn Kaya!' Biting his lip, he tried to withhold his frustration. His heart raced as he made his way through the village.

It didn't take long before the outline of the mansion entered his view. Pushing his legs further, Usopp rushed towards the front gate.

The guards noticed the frantic approach of Usopp, his expression a mix of anxiety and determination. One of them nudged the other, a sly grin forming on his face. "Look who's back," he remarked with a hint of mockery. "It's that pesky brat who keeps bothering the Young Lady."

The second guard joined in, a a bemused look on his face.. "Seems like he never learns his lesson. What's the matter now, boy?"

Usopp's breath came in ragged gasps as he tried to catch his breath, his chest heaving. He gathered his courage, his voice quivering as he spoke through pants. "I-I... you need to listen to me! Danger..Big Danger! That Khlahadore bastard is a pirate!"

The two guards exchanged amused glances, their expressions reflecting disbelief before they broke into a laughing fit.

For the nth time today, Ussop felt his cheeks redden In humiliation. "I'm serious, damn it! Kaya's life is in danger!"

One of them leaned in, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "Oh, really? A pirate, you say? And I suppose you have proof this time, huh? Or is it just another one of your tall tales?"

Usopp's hands shook, his eyes pleading for them to take him seriously. "There is a bounty poster with his face on it!"

The second guard offered his open palm. "Then, let us see it then, boy."

"I…I lost it. But I'm actually telling the truth. You guys have to believe me!"

But the guards remained unmoved, their dismissive attitude unwavering. They exchanged a knowing look, clearly amused by Usopp's distress. One of them gestured dismissively, shooing him away. "Go on now, run along. We've heard enough of your stories for today. Young lady Kaya is perfectly safe, and we're not about to waste our time on your fantasies."

An idea flashed through Usopp's head. The guards' postures were fairly relaxed, clearly not taking him seriously. 'If I rush between them, I might be able to reach Kaya before they catch me.."

With his mind made up, the young man crouched and prepared to sprint. Yet, before he could go through with the first step, his eyes caught a very familiar form.

Usopp's eyes widened in shock, his mouth hanging open, unable to form words. The two guards, previously lazing about, noticed his sudden halt and followed his gaze to see the approaching figure of Khaladore.

"Hey, it's Khaladore-san!" one of the guards blurted out, his voice filled with surprise. Khaladore acknowledged them with a friendly smile, his presence radiating an aura of sophistication and intrigue.

Khaladore acknowledged their greeting with a graceful nod, his piercing eyes gleaming behind his spectacles."Good afternoon, gentlemen. I trust all is well in here?"

The guard smirked as they returned their eyes to Usopp's frozen form. "All is clear, Khaladore-san. The boy was just telling us the most amazing joke." One of them nudged the boy with his elbow. "Come on, kid. How about you repeat that joke? Khaladore-san will surely find it hilarious!"

Usopp stood frozen, his entire body trembling with fear. The gravity of his mission to warn the villagers clashed with the overwhelming terror consuming him. His previous resolve felt flimsy and insignificant in the face of Khaladore's imposing stature.

Khaladore raised his palm and fixed his glasses as he observed the boy in front of him. "A joke, you say?"

Usopp's mouth went dry, and his mind raced to find the right words. But fear held him captive, robbing him of his voice. His legs felt heavy, as if shackled in place by an invisible force. The guards nudged him, urging him to speak, but all he could manage was a feeble stammer.

"Uh... it's not a joke. I-I... I need to warn everyone," he finally managed to blurt out, his voice trembling with a mix of anxiety and urgency. His eyes darted between the guards and Khaladore, desperate for someone to take him seriously.

The butler's smile widened an unnerving gleam in his eyes. "Warn everyone? About what, young man?" he inquired, his tone deceptively gentle. Usopp's heart pounded in his chest, torn between revealing the truth and succumbing to the overwhelming fear that gripped him.

"I-it's about you, Captain Kuro!" he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper as he used Khaladore's real name. "You're not who you say you are! You're a dangerous pirate!" The words hung in the air, a fragile thread of truth amidst a web of uncertainty.

The guards burst into laughter, their mocking tones echoing through the air. "Oh, listen to the boy! He's a riot!" one of them jeered, slapping his knee with amusement. "Khaladore-san, did you hear that? Apparently, you're a pirate!"

Usopp's face burned with humiliation, tears welling up in his eyes. He had expected skepticism and disbelief, but the ridicule cut him to the core. The villagers had turned their backs on him, and now even the guards joined in the mockery.

In that moment, Usopp felt the weight of isolation pressing down on him. The courage he had mustered seemed to fade away, replaced by a crushing sense of helplessness. The reality of his predicament hit him with full force, and he realized the enormity of the challenge he faced.

Khaladore looked down at him with an unreadable expression, before he fixed his glasses with his palm, the glare of the sun reflecting hiding his eyes. "What a vivid imagination."

'Bastard..!' Usopp's shaking hand drew closer to his pouch and the slingshot in it. However, as Khaladore lifted his gaze and glared at him, all thoughts of fighting evaporated instantly.

Without a word, Usopp turned on his heel, his heart heavy with disappointment and despair. He couldn't stay there any longer. He couldn't bear the laughter, the doubt, and the complete dismissal of his words. With anguished frustration, he broke into a run, fleeing from the mansion grounds and disappearing into the familiar streets of Syrup Village.

Usopp's tears mixed with the sweat on his face as he sprinted through the village, his mind clouded with a mix of sorrow and frustration. His breath came in ragged gasps, and his vision blurred as he pushed himself beyond his limits. But eventually, his body gave in to exhaustion.

His legs trembled uncontrollably, unable to support his weight any longer. He stumbled and collapsed onto the soft grass of an open field. His whole body shook with sobs as he buried his face in his hands, the anguish in his heart pouring out through his cries.

Damn it.

Damn it.

Damn it!

"Why... why am I so useless?" he whispered, his voice choked with despair. His fist collided with the unforgiving ground, a futile attempt to release the overwhelming emotions that consumed him. The weight of his failure pressed upon him, suffocating him with self-doubt.

He remained sprawled on the ground, the echoes of his sobs piercing his ears, feeling utterly defeated. The once ambitious and hopeful Usopp now questioned his worth, his dreams shattered by the harsh reality he faced. He couldn't protect his village, he couldn't convince the villagers, and he couldn't save Kaya from the imminent danger.

"What 'brave warrior'? What 'great captain'?" he bellowed, his voice laced with frustration, as he repeatedly banged his head against the ground. Tears and snot mingled with the soil, staining it with his anguish. "I'm nothing more than a fraud!"

"Don't say that!"

Usopp looked up, his eyes swollen and red, to see the three boys standing before him. Piiman, Tamanegi, and Ninjin, their fists clenched and tears glistening in their eyes.

Sakazuki stood beside them, his expression filled with sympathy and understanding.

"We... we believe in you, Captain Usopp!" Piiman stammered, his voice quivering with determination. "You've always been brave and strong. So, don't give up!."

Tamanegi stepped forward, his voice steady despite the tears streaming down his cheeks. "You're not a fraud, Usopp. You're our friend, and we know you'll find a way to protect the village."

Ninjin, the tallest of the trio, took a deep breath, mustering all his courage. "We won't let you face this alone, Usopp. We'll stand by your side, no matter what."

As Usopp heard the heartfelt words of his friends, their unwavering belief in him, a heavy weight settled in his chest. Their support, although genuine and well-intentioned, only intensified his feelings of inadequacy. How could he face them when they placed so much trust in him, only for him to fail?

With a pained expression, Usopp lowered his head, unable to meet their gaze. He felt a knot tighten in his stomach, a mix of guilt and shame gnawing at him from within. The weight of their expectations seemed unbearable, and he wondered what is it that he had done for them to believe in him like this.

"I take it that it didn't go well." Sakazuki, noticing Usopp's distress, stepped forward and asked, his tone betraying no malice. "Are you giving up, Usopp?"

Usopp's shoulders slumped, and he let out a deep sigh. "It's not that," he replied, his voice filled with resignation. "It's just... no one believes me. They all see me as some kind of ...joke. I'm just a lying coward."

'And who could blame them?' Usopp wouldn't give himself the time of day, either.

Sakazuki's eyes softened, his gaze unwavering as he listened to Usopp's words. Without a hint of judgment, he spoke with empathy and understanding, "Kid, I understand how you feel. It's disheartening when others don't see the truth and dismiss your words. But you're more than just a liar or a coward. You have a heart that yearns to protect others."

Usopp's voice cracked as he replied, his tone tinged with self-doubt, "But what good is a heart when I'm too much of a weakling to do anything? I saw him, okay! He was right in front of me, and I... I couldn't do anything. Just the thought of fighting him nearly made me piss my pants,….. so I ran away."

Ussop did not dare to look up when Sakazuki knelt beside him.

"Fear is a natural thing to feel, kid. In fact, that very fear is what makes you human," Sakazuki said calmly "Whether they believed you or not doesn't change the fact that you rushed to help them."

Usopp remained silent.

"And strength isn't solely measured by physical prowess, Usopp. It resides within your spirit, your unwavering determination to do what's right. You have a strength that very few in this world possess." The older man extended his finger and tapped Usopp's chest, where his heart was. "You have a kind heart."

"Well, that's dandy and all, but kindness won't make Captain Kuro disappear, Sakazuki-san. It won't protect Kaya or the villagers," Usopp scoffed, his voice trembling as he tried to wipe the tears staining his face.

"And that's where you ask for help," Sakazuki said with a smile.

"W-what?" Usopp stuttered, confusion painting his features.

"I told you, didn't I? I came here to take care of Kuro myself. Besides..." Sakazuki stated, lifting a white hat that he had brought from somewhere while Usopp wasn't looking and putting it on his head. Usopp's eyes widened as he witnessed the proud Marine symbol on the front. "What kind of Marine would turn his back on the innocent?"

"You... You're a Marine," Usopp exclaimed lamely, as the boys made sounds of amazement in the background.

Sakazuki nodded with a grin.

"You're a Marine!" Usopp's repeated, his voice trailed off as he uttered the words, his disbelief evident in his tone.

The realization that Sakazuki, the person standing before him, was a Marine, ignited a flicker of hope within him. Marine were supposed to deal with pirates on regular basis, right??

Sakazuki stood tall, his posture exuding confidence and determination. He extended his hand towards Usopp, a warm smile playing on his lips..

"Stand up, kid. We've got a village to save."

175

CrimsonFucker05

May 29, 2023

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Threadmarks Chapter 10

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CrimsonFucker05

CrimsonFucker05

Jul 7, 2023

#96

Khaladore's eyes narrowed with a mix of annoyance and curiosity as he watched the dumb boy's form gradually disappear into the distance. His expression remained veiled, hiding the disdain he felt towards Usopp's feeble attempt to disrupt his plans.

The sight of the boy running away in embarrassment just barely lessened his annoyance. The boy's antics would have been amusing were they not treading on dangerous territory. For a fleeting moment, the thought of ripping the boy's innards right then and there crossed Khaladore's mind, but he quickly dismissed it.

Turning his attention away from the retreating figure, Khaladore approached the two guards who had been amused by Usopp's plight. They laughed among themselves, unaware of how much their mere existence grated on his nerves.

"Young Usopp seems to have quite the talent for entertaining, wouldn't you agree?" Khaladore remarked casually, his voice laced with concealed sarcasm.

The guards laughed heartily, one of them replying, "Oh, yeah! That boy always has a way of brightening our day with his antics. Quite a character, that one."

Khaladore nodded, his smile masking his true thoughts. "Indeed, quite a character. His enthusiasm is admirable, even if misguided."

"Eh, that's teenagers for ya. Nothing a good smack on the back of the head wouldn't fix, right?" The guards continued their banter, enjoying Khaladore's company, oblivious to the hidden agenda he harbored.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Khaladore gracefully excused himself, citing a pressing matter that required his attention. As he made his way through the mansion's corridors, he encountered several maids and servants going about their duties. They paused in their tasks, offering respectful greetings as he passed by, their voices filled with warmth and deference.

"Good afternoon, Khaladore-San!" a maid said, curtsying with a respectful smile.

Khaladore nodded to her with a smile.

"Hello, sir," a young servant boy greeted with a nod of his head.

Each interaction was met with a polite response from Khaladore, his tone gentle and his demeanor gracious. "Good day to you," he replied with a slight incline of his head. "Carry on with your work."

The stark contrast between the composed, polite exterior he presented and the storm of anger and turmoil brewing within him was evident. It was a testament to his ability to maintain a facade of calm amidst the chaos that threatened to consume him.

Anger began to bubble beneath Khaladore's calm facade as Usopp's audacity echoed in his mind. The boy had dared to call him by his real name, a name long buried in secrecy and hidden from prying eyes. Veins bulged in his neck, a subtle manifestation of his seething fury. But on the outside, Khaladore remained the picture of perfect composure.

As he walked through the mansion's corridors, his mind churned with questions and suspicions. Usopp had mentioned a poster featuring him, and the thought of how the boy had obtained it gnawed at Khaladore's thoughts.

'Had someone purposefully provided it to him? Had the Navy uncovered his deception, despite his diligent monitoring of their communications? No, I've kept constant surveillance on their communications.'

His instincts told him it was more likely a mere coincidence, a drifting poster from the sea. But leaving things to chance was never the way he operated. Khaladore knew he needed to find it soon and ensure it did not fall into the wrong hands.

A brief brush against the communication snail in his pocket served as a jarring reminder of another concern. Jango had been unresponsive to his calls for nearly a week now. The frustration seeped into Khaladore's thoughts, fueling his suspicions.

Did that treacherous clown think he could seize control and expose his carefully laid plans? The possibility of someone, particularly Jango, attempting to undermine him suddenly seemed all the more plausible.

Keeping his emotions tightly in check, Khaladore resolved to address these concerns swiftly and decisively. His grip on power and control could not afford any loose ends or potential threats. The village, the mansion, and his own ambitions required the delicate balance of secrecy and manipulation to succeed.

With each step he took, Khaladore's determination solidified, his mind sharpened like a blade ready to cut through any obstacles. The anger that simmered beneath his calm demeanor fueled his resolve, propelling him forward with an unyielding purpose. As the shadows of the mansion stretched before him, Khaladore's concealed fury and calculated intent swirled together, shaping his path towards dominance and influence.

Khaladore finally reached his destination. He took a brief second to compose himself, ensuring that not a single hair was out of place. As calm as he appeared, he knew that every detail mattered. With a steady hand, he opened the door and stepped inside.

In the presence of Kaya, Khaladore's demeanor shifted subtly. He made a small bow, a gesture of respect and courtesy, before standing up with a soft smile on his face.

"Good morning, Kaya-sama," he greeted the young lady of the mansion in a gentle tone.

In the end, it mattered not. Both the boy and whoever was helping him will be dealt with. Throughout his long years as a pirate, he had dealt with much worse.

And defeat was not something Captain Kuro suffered.

The moon's pale glow cast an eerie radiance upon the mansion, its sinister silhouette blending with the shadows that danced along the walls. Within the confines of his private quarters, Khaladore, known to the world as Captain Kuro, sat with unwavering composure. His mind, a well-honed instrument of malevolence, plotted with precision and poise.

Seated behind an ornate desk, Kuro's eyes glinted with a predatory focus as they lingered upon the meticulously drawn map before him. The soft flicker of candlelight accentuated the sharp angles of his face, highlighting the depths of darkness that lurked within his soul.

His fingers caressed the map's delicate surface, tracing the pathways of the nearby Navy base movements. 'Nothing of their ships had passed within a 200-mile radius of this island. So, it is unlikely to be their work, rogue elements aside.'

The silence that enveloped the room was broken only by the whispers of his thoughts, a symphony of sinister machinations. 'It seems that Jango might actually have grown a bit of ambition while I was away.'

Amidst his meticulous planning, a vexing intrusion infiltrated Kuro's consciousness—the matter of the poster. The audacity of Usopp stumbling upon his hidden identity gnawed at his patience. Was it an inconsequential twist of fate, or had someone orchestrated this revelation, puppeteering the strings of destiny?

In the end, it became apparent that the answer lay within the boy himself, and Kuro had a penchant for extracting secrets from unsuspecting prey.

A sense of unholy delight coursed through Kuro's veins as he made his decision. It was time to pay Usopp a personal visit, to embrace him with an expression of "gratitude" for his unwitting role in Kuro's grand scheme. The thought of the boy's trembling vulnerability, his futile resistance against an unyielding force, sent shivers of sadistic pleasure down Kuro's spine.

Rising from his seat, Kuro moved with a fluidity that belied his sinister intent. Every step he took exuded an aura of unhinged calmness, an unsettling grace amidst the chaos of his inner turmoil.

Continuing his measured stride, Kuro approached the concealed compartment nestled beneath the false floor of his personal closet. With practiced ease, he unlocked the hidden latch, revealing a bag that held the embodiment of his malevolence. As he gingerly opened it, a sinister glimmer reflected in his eyes.

The bag yielded his personalized weapons, meticulously crafted instruments of destruction. Black fur gloves, adorned with long swords extending from each finger, beckoned to him like a siren's call. Kuro's gloved fingers slid into the cold, deadly embrace of the weapons, securing them with a sense of purpose that only a predator could possess.

Amidst the sound of blades unsheathing, Kuro's mind churned with a devilish concoction of schemes. How best to dispose of Usopp in a manner that would seem natural to the unsuspecting villagers? It was a puzzle he relished solving, his devious intellect weaving a tapestry of potential scenarios.

A sinister smile curled upon his lips as he contemplated his options. Perhaps he could drown him in the river, a tragic accident that could be attributed to Usopp's carelessness.

Or an encounter with dangerous wildlife, their predatory instincts concealing the truth in a shroud of plausible deniability. Each possibility tantalized him, the prospect of manipulating fate to fit his nefarious desires. 'With these blades, I could easily mimic the swipe of a bear's claws….'

No, it was too barbaric. And he wouldn't debase himself by mimicking an animal.

But one idea, in particular, ignited a spark within Kuro's twisted imagination. The drop on the western hill, shrouded by a dense forest, offered a perfect backdrop for his macabre theater. What better way to dispose of Usopp than to make it appear as though the boy had met his demise while innocently attempting to gather berries from the trees?

'Yes… it would be perfect.' He could even tie it to his original plan. Mayhaps the boy was attempting to gather some fruit for the lady of the mansion whom he fancied before falling. Of course, after hearing of her indirect involvement in his death, her health would deteriorate as a result of her grief and sorrow. Not a single soul would think of his involvement.

It was perfect.

The moon's pale glow continued to bathe the mansion, bearing witness to the malevolence that unfolded within its walls. And as Captain Kuro left his private quarters, his movements precise and calm, his mind brimming with wicked intentions, the shadows whispered their silent approval, heralding the arrival of a predator on the prowl.

Not wishing to draw the attention of the guards, Kuro carefully opened the window, his senses attuned to the surrounding environment. With calculated precision, he surveyed the area below, ensuring no prying eyes witnessed his departure. Confident in his discretion, he gracefully leaped into the night, landing with a near-silent grace.

His thoughts turned to the location where he might find the boy, Usopp, when a sudden instinctive warning tingled at the back of his mind. A small projectile soared through the air, hurtling towards him. In one fluid motion, Kuro's gloved hand rose, the deadly blade attached to his index finger intercepting the incoming object—an innocuous wine bottle cork. It would have posed no real threat, but his attention was captivated by the paper wrapped around it.

Unfurling the paper, Kuro's blood ran cold as his eyes beheld the unmistakable image—a wanted poster adorned with his own face. Before he could fully contemplate its implications, three more corks hurtled toward him, each wrapped in its own damning evidence. Wanted posters, bearing his likeness.

Kuro's gaze shifted swiftly, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of fury and recognition. There stood Usopp at the forest's entrance, his slingshot extended, the audacity in his stance undeniable. The boy sought to provoke him, to be seen, a clear challenge etched upon his face.

A terrifying smirk crept across Kuro's countenance, his visage darkening with an unsettling blend of anger and sadistic pleasure. The flames of rage surged through his veins, fueling the dark desires that lay dormant within himThe hunter had become the hunted, and the prey had willingly stepped into his trap. The anticipation of their impending confrontation sent shivers of delight down Kuro's spine, his mind swirling with visions of retribution and twisted satisfaction.

"Insolent brat…"Kuro whispered, his voice laced with a venomous intensity. The game had been set in motion, and the boy would soon realize the gravity of his folly. With each passing moment, Kuro's fury swelled, his thirst for vengeance growing insatiable.

As he began to traverse the distance that separated them, his steps exuded a predatory grace, his mind consumed with thoughts of the torment he would unleash upon Usopp.

The shadows danced in sinister delight, whispering their allegiance to their merciless master. The source of Kuro's frustration had volunteered to let him vent his anger, and Usopp would soon discover the depths of despair that awaited him at the hands of Captain Kuro.

"He saved me the trouble of looking for him."

"Here he comes," Usopp muttered as he saw Kuro's forming heading towards him. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm his nerves. "Remember what's on the line. Don't forget the plan."

Fully aware of the insurmountable gap between their strength, speed, and experience, Usopp swiftly turned on his heels, fleeing into the sanctuary of the dense forest. 'As long as I get to the beach, it'll be okay.'

Sakazuki-san's words ran through his mind.

"I'd rather not fight near the village. Bring him to the beach, and I'll take care of him." Sakazuki said as he explained his plan to Usopp.

"Y-you sure? Wouldn't it better to call for back up from the navy?" Usopp had tried to argue, the fourteen million bellies bounty a constant reminder of just how dangerous Kuro was, of how foolish Usopp was for rushing head first with no plan. "You sure you can take him alone?

"Dumbass, there is no way a marine would ever lose to a pirate." Sakazuki said, lightly smacking Usopp's head. Seeing how conflicted Usopp still was, he smirked and spoke with a confidence that shook the boy's core.

"Don't worry, kid. I'm the strongest."

Soon enough, he heard the rustling of leaves behind him. Kuro was catching up to him.

Usopp's heart pounded in his chest, the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He knew that he had to maintain the distance between them while finding ways to annoy Kuro, disrupt his focus, and temper his pursuit. His fingers instinctively reached for his trusty slingshot, seeking out projectiles that could distract and annoy the captain.

With quick precision, Usopp loaded a small stone into the pocket of his slingshot and took aim at a tree branch above Kuro's head. He released the stone, and it soared through the air, striking the branch with a resounding thud. Leaves rustled, showering Kuro with a cascade of debris.

Startled, Kuro looked upward, his eyes scanning the trees for any sign of movement. The annoyance in his gaze burned brighter, his frustration mounting with each passing moment. Usopp seized this opportunity, swiftly moving in the opposite direction, putting more distance between them.

As Usopp sprinted through the forest, his hand rummaged briefly through his pouch, seeking the perfect ammunition. With a momentary pause, he found what he sought—a collection of rocks he had collected during his adventures. A mischievous grin spread across his face as a plan formed in his mind.

Twisting his body while maintaining his rapid pace, Usopp unleashed the rocks with pinpoint accuracy, aiming directly at Kuro's face. The projectiles whizzed through the air, aimed to blind their target and momentarily disorient him.

Kuro, a formidable adversary, reacted swiftly. With a deft sweep of his blades, he effortlessly deflected the rocks, slicing through them with an air of disdain. As the fragments scattered, he couldn't resist mocking Usopp's feeble attempt.

"Is this the best you can do, brat!?" Kuro taunted, his voice dripping with derision as he closed the distance between them. "You truly are a pitiful insect scurrying in the presence of a lion."

Usopp paid no attention to the taunting, undeterred by his failed attempt. He had been planning this moment carefully, and now it was time to unveil the true nature of his projectiles. As his latest barrage of rocks reached Kuro, they exploded upon impact, revealing their hidden payload.

"Bombs!?" Kuro's eyes widened in surprise.

In a split second, Kuro crossed his arms in a defensive guard, bracing himself for an explosion. However, to his astonishment, there was no fiery blast or shrapnel tearing through the air. Instead, the balls burst open, releasing their foul contents that splattered harmlessly on his body.

Then he smelled it.

The putrid smell of feces invaded Kuro's nostrils, causing his expression to twist in a mixture of revulsion and indignation.

The shock of the unexpected assault quickly gave way to a burning rage, fueling his determination to capture Usopp and make him pay for this humiliation.

"You little brat!" Kuro seethed, his voice filled with venom. "You dar-" Before he could finish his sentence, another feces ball landed squarely on his face.

Seizing the opportunity, Usopp swiftly turned and unleashed his next weapon. From a hidden pocket within his pouch, he produced a cluster of eggs, carefully preserved to emit a putrid stench. With a swift motion, he hurled them at Kuro with precision.

"Special Attack: Rotten Eggs Barrage!" Usopp exclaimed.

The eggs soared through the air, their trajectory aimed directly at Kuro's face. Before he could react, they burst upon impact, releasing a repugnant odor that engulfed him. The pungent smell of rotten eggs assaulted his senses, causing him to reel back in disgust.

The pirate captain's face contorted in a mix of anger and humiliation. His perfect facade had been tarnished, his aura of invincibility shattered by a simple barrage of rotten eggs. His clenched fists trembled with fury as he struggled to regain his composure.

Not wanting to be around when Kuro regained his bearings, Usopp swiftly turned and unleashed his greatest power. "Ultimate Usopp Dash!" He yelled. "Usopp Dash is a technique that allows the user to run at the speed of light! Only the strongest can use it! Oooooooooh!"

His legs pumped like pistons, propelling him through the dense foliage of the forest with remarkable agility. Usopp weaved between trees, leaping over fallen branches, and evading any obstacles in his path. The determination to outwit and outpace Kuro fueled his every movement.

As he dashed through the forest, a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration coursed through Usopp's veins. The success of his plan, albeit temporary, had given him a burst of confidence. He knew that he couldn't let his guard down, as Kuro's relentless pursuit would resume once the pirate regained his bearings.

Pushing his fatigue aside, Usopp mustered every ounce of energy and determination he had left. He had to create as much distance as possible between himself and Kuro, buying himself precious time to come up with another strategy or find a safe haven.

In the distance, Kuro's roar of anger echoed, driving Usopp to laugh manically. The forest blurred around him as he maintained his swift pace, the trees becoming a dizzying array of green and brown. His instincts guided him, helping him navigate the terrain with precision. He had spent countless hours exploring these woods, honing his agility and understanding of its layout.

Soon enough, the sound of waves reached Usopp's ears, indicating that he was drawing near to the beach. The crashing of the waves provided a glimmer of hope, a sign that safety was within reach.

A loud crash echoed behind him, causing Usopp to glance over his shoulder. His blood froze as he witnessed Kuro hot on his heels, closing the distance rapidly. Bloodshot eyes zeroed in on Usopp as the pirate captain's sword ripped through both trees and boulders in his path.

"Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! SHIT!" Usopp's panicked thoughts echoed in his mind as he sprinted through the forest. His legs burned with exertion, his muscles protesting against the strain. But he couldn't afford to slow down or show any signs of weakness. His life depended on it.

Branches whipped past him, occasionally striking him as he maneuvered through the dense foliage.

He risked a glance over his shoulder, his eyes widening in terror as he saw Kuro gaining ground. The pirate captain's relentless pursuit sent shivers down Usopp's spine, his presence growing closer with each passing second.

His mind raced, searching for a way to outwit his pursuer. He couldn't go through the usual road at the pace, Kuro would cztch him before.

Suddenly, a flicker of inspiration ignited within Usopp's mind. He recalled a hidden path, a secret route he had discovered during one of his earlier adventures. It was risky, treacherous even, but it might just be his only chance to escape Kuro's clutches.

He just hoped Sakazuki-san could cross from the other side of the beach before Kuro caught up to him.

Without hesitation, Usopp veered sharply to the right, his agile body twisting through the underbrush. The path he chose was narrow and overgrown, barely visible to the untrained eye. It wound its way through a series of natural obstacles, challenging even the most seasoned of navigators.

Usopp's heart raced as he navigated the treacherous terrain, leaping over fallen logs and dodging low-hanging branches.

"I can't let him catch me! Stay away!" Usopp's voice cracked with terror, his plea echoing into the air. His legs burned with exhaustion, his body on the verge of collapse. But he knew he had no choice. Jumping from the cliff seemed like his only chance at survival.

As Usopp reached the edge, he glanced back, his eyes widening in horror as he saw Kuro's menacing figure closing in. The pirate captain's blades sliced through everything in his path, leaving destruction in their wake. His furious screams echoed through the air, carrying the weight of his deadly intent.

"I'm going to fucking kill you, you damned brat!" Kuro's enraged voice pierced the chaotic atmosphere, adding another layer of terror to Usopp's already overwhelmed senses. The sheer ferocity of Kuro's strikes left no doubt in Usopp's mind that his life hung by a thread.

Without further hesitation, Usopp made a split-second decision. With a terrified cry, he launched himself off the cliff, his body hurtling through the open air. Time seemed to slow as he descended his fate uncertain. He could only hope that the sandy beach below would provide a safe landing.

"The wind rushed past Usopp's face, whipping his hair and clothes as gravity pulled him closer to the ground. Fear mingled with a fleeting glimmer of hope as he closed his eyes, bracing himself for impact. Yet, just before his soles could meet the sand below, Usopp felt his neck nearly break as a hand grabbed him roughly from behind. With fear gripping his heart, he turned his head and his wide eyes met Kuro's bloodshot irises.

"No place to run now," Kuro said darkly, his grip tightening around Usopp's throat as the two plummeted downwards.

Pain exploded in Usopp's back as Kuro used him as a landing pad. His cries of agony were stifled by Kuro's blades digging into his flesh as the pirate pinned him down. Tears welled in his eyes, both from the lack of air in his lungs and the putrid stench of the pirate looming over him.

"You've pushed me too far, you insolent brat. But I won't kill you," Kuro's words came out ragged, his calm facade long gone as his body was tainted by filth. "Oh no, no, no, that would be too merciful. I've got a couple questions for you, and I will make sure to savor this."

Usopp could only stare in sheer terror as the blades on Kuro's free arm clasped together, pointing directly at his eye. He attempted to shield himself, but his limbs were firmly pinned beneath him. A gleam of sadistic joy reflected in Kuro's eyes at his futile attempts before he struck.

Kuro's blades blurred, and a piercing scream of pain echoed through the beach and Usopp could breathe again.

"Bullying people at your age, have some shame, would ya."

Usopp remained motionless as his eyes stared blankly above him. Kuro was nowhere to be seen. Instead, only a solitary leg extended above Usopp's body, where Kuro had been moments ago. His eyes followed the limb back to its owner, and he could barely hold back the tears that threatened to spill. "Sakazuki-san..."

"Rest easy, kid. I'll take it from here," the marine officer said with a smile as he retracted his leg. The smile turned into a mocking smirk as his gaze shifted from Usopp's collapsed form to the distance ahead.

Usopp followed his line of sight and saw a pile of rubble lying on the coastline, obscured by a cloud of dust. Seconds later, the dust cleared, revealing Captain Kuro emerging from the wreckage.

Kuro's legs shook momentarily before he stabilized himself. Blood and dirt seemed to leave no spot in his body free. His glasses, or whatever remained of them hanged broken on his face which was quickly developing a nasty boot-shaped bruise where Sakazuki kicked him. Yet even wounded, he still found the strength to glare at them. "a Marine…"

With a panicked yelp, Usopp scattered away and hid behind Sakazuki's leg. He grabbed the marine's arm and pointed it threateningly at the pirate. "T-T-This is the end of the line for you Captain Kuro!"

Kuro ignored the boy, his eyes zeroing on Sakazuki, or rather the distinct hat and white coat he wore. "So, it was the work of you dogs, after all."

The Red Dog stood in a relaxed stance with his hands in his pockets, his expression impassive as he looked down on the pirate. "Now now, dogs are amazing animals. They're loyal, smart, and very persistent. They also have one hell of a bite."

The pirate's glare intensified. "How did you find out? My cover was impeccable. I made sure to cover my tracks carefully."

Sakazuki's smirk widened. "The eyes of Justice see all."

Kuro's glare persisted for a second before he sighed; he fixed his broken glasses with the palm of his hand. "I guess it matters not. It was always a possibility. I will simply kill you all and try again." His gaze moved to Usopp. "You hear that, brat? The death of every single person on this island will be on your hands."

"You…!" Usopp grit his teeth, a retort on the tip of his tongue stopped as Sakazuki's hand came down on his head, gently prying him away.

"Get back as far you can, kid. I'd rather you don't get caught up in it." The marine stated, confidence oozing from his words. "I'm ending it in a second."

"O-oh!" Usopp nodded before doing as told. He ran as fast as his tired legs could take him all the while looking back at the marine. Throwing himself behind a boulder, he raised his thumb and yelled. "Safe!!"

A chill went down his back as Captain Kuro's eyes passed before returning the marine. He scoffed. "You will end it in a second? Don't make me laugh. One lucky hit and you think yourself strong. Do you have any idea how many of you officers I've slaughtered? You're nothing but another fool who will die by my hands!"

Sakazuki removed his hand from his pockets and leveled the pirate with a cold stare. "Unfortunately, I have no ship to take you in. So, you will have to die here."

"Don't make me laugh!" Usopp heard Kuro roar before disappearing in front of his eyes. The pirate captain's form flickered in and out of existence in the darkness of the night as he closed the gap. To Usopp, Kuro seemed to teleport across the beach.

To Sakazuki, he was almost stationary.

Oh how easy it would be to just snap his neck, or rip him apart in a flash. But it wouldn't do.

It had to be flashy.

'Guess I'll let loose a bit.'

Usopp stared dumbly as rather than pay attention to his opponent, Sakazuki looked back at him and smiled. A clear message on his features.

Don't blink.

Sakazuki drew back his fist, the sheer force of his motion transforming the surrounding darkness into blinding daylight. Smoke and flames billowed from his shoulders, swirling and spiraling in a furious frenzy. The explosive energy surged outward, hurtling toward Usopp with an unstoppable force.

Usopp clenched his teeth and fought against the instinct to shield his eyes. The assault of heat and light assaulted his senses, threatening to overwhelm him. The searing waves of scorching air buffeted his body, testing his resolve.

The force of Akainu's power created a vacuum, sucking the oxygen out of the immediate vicinity. The world seemed to hold its breath, silenced by the overwhelming might of his attack. The deafening roar of the flames drowned out all other sounds. It was as if the very fabric of reality had been torn asunder, replaced by a realm of scorching heat and relentless destruction.

The intensity of power instilled a primal fear in those who bore witness to its wrath. It was a force that could level mountains, obliterate entire cities, and reduce even the mightiest of opponents to ash. The sheer destructive potential held within each fiery wave was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

An incarnation of destruction itself.

'Magma!?'

"A Devil fruit user!" Kuro's panicked voice answered Usopp's unasked inquiry.

With a swift twist of his body, Sakazuki unleashed his devastating technique. The torrent of molten rocks surged forward, coalescing into the form of a monstrous hound that devoured all in its path.

"Inugami Guren!"

In his panic, Kuro abandoned all thoughts of trickery and stealth and charged directly towards Sakazuki. Desperation etched into every line of his face, he faced the blazing torrent head-on. But it was a futile gesture, as the wrath of Sakazuki's attack proved too immense to be challenged.

Kuro, in his desperate charge, became an offering to the merciless hound. The heat scorched and the flames engulfed Kuro's body, reducing his flesh, bones, and blades to mere ashes. The pirate's lifeless form disintegrated even before passing between the jaws of the hellish hound.

Yet, the onslaught did not cease there. The magma hound surged ahead, tearing through the very Cliffside, reducing solid rocks to gas and sands to molten glass. It sailed through the air, over the water, and exploded on the distant horizon, ascending as a towering pillar of flames that seemed to challenge the heavens themselves.

The ground beneath their feet trembled as the flames reached their peak, erupting in a spectacular display of power. Molten lava surged forth, cascading like a fiery waterfall, as the very island seemed to tremble in reverence.

"I'm the strongest"

"Is this the power of the Marines?" Usopp whispered, his voice barely audible amidst the chaos and destruction that surrounded him. His eyes remained fixed on the apocalyptic scene unfolding before him, unable to tear away from the devastation wrought by Sakazuki's might.

At that moment, the weight of the marines' power became palpable, a force that could reshape the very fabric of their world.

His gaze shifted back to Sakazuki, the embodiment of that power. The marine stood with an air of unwavering confidence, his back turned to Usopp as he surveyed the aftermath of his devastating attack. The billowing coat that adorned his frame seemed to ripple with a sense of authority and purpose.

Usopp's eyes fell upon the words emblazoned on the back of the marine's coat, words that seemed grander than any dream of freedom or adventure the life of pirates had ever offered.

Absolute Justice

For the first time since he could remember, Usopp bore witness to what an actual brave warrior of the sea looked like.

In that moment, the world around him may have been in ruins, but within Usopp's heart, a seed of admiration and purpose began to take root.