'Pft-' I barely held in the urge to snort, knowing full well, the moment I let it out, the cackles would follow before eventually, for whatever reason, ending in full-blown laughter.
The sound of bullets flying, and more often than not, landing in flesh filled the air as swords clashed and bodies dropped. I'd segrated myself towards the back, slowly but surely moving closer to the main attraction, a grin forming on my face. Of course, given my, status, no one was really in the mood to tell me otherwise, the pirates even less so.
I've been in this world for... I'd say maybe an hour? The war itself's raged on for far less... Yet, every scenario I played through my head, generally ended one way...
On the other side against a certified protagonist. And that was only guaranteed to end one way.
Hell, I'd already tried to throw a haki-infused attack at the bastard yet somehow that ended with me having to dodge for my life.
Freaking Hawk-eyed bastard playing both sides... Still, I'll admit, I was a little surprised at how... easy it was to use this man's powers.
Regardless, given the main characters unanimous win record, that meant my best shot at avoiding impel down was...
I minutely eyed the scaffolding behind me, a full-blown grin on my face, my sunglasses reflecting the light hitting them. I gripped my hand hard enough to draw blood out as the urge to laugh suddenly became too high and with a flourish I spread my arms wide, my cackles immediately coming out and promptly awakened my devil fruit, every kind of haki infusing itself almost instinctively as I threw everything into the one attack.
And promptly shattered the scaffolding, one single string latching onto the shocked Whitebeard prisoner, sending him rocketing across to the other side of the field while my strings busied themselves ravaging every marine and other pirate in sight, my laughter growing over the sheer destruction caused. If my strings didn't hit them, my Conqueror's haki certainly did.
"What the hell are you doing!?" Akainu's voice suddenly growled out from the other side, a livid look on his face at what he'd witnessed.
I simply kept my cackle up and ignored him.
"There will be consequences to pay for this Mingo!" Another marine called out, one who'd had the willpower to atleast stay standing. The magma admiral himself already in a rage as he launched himself across to where Ace's body had been flung. Mass disarray and chaos filling the barely held together ice-rink.
What I'd give to see Whitebeards face right now!
"Dressrosa-" Another marine started, likely about to go on a tangent, before I'd promptly had enough and released another Conquerors attack, oddly enough the wave coming out even stronger then before as I watched Vice-admirals take a knee.
Government won't like that at all!
With that said and done, I promptly started walking away towards the other side of the war, the grin still present on my face.
"Fuck Dressrosa," I stated calmly, reaching a hand out towards the sky, even as the Fleet Admiral's form grew behind me.
Latching a single string to one of the clouds, I promptly grappled onto it and flew. My instincts driving me towards what I assumed was the aforementioned island. Not like they'll be able to launch an attack anytime soon... And by the time they do... Well.
It ain't going to be no regular Dressrosa waiting for them, that's for damn sure.
Still, given Ace's early release and the fact Whitebeard seemed to be contemplating outright retreating given his commander was, well not safe, but no longer in enemy hands...
What will happen now?
Who knows. He could decide to stay and lose? Or even win?
Hell Ace might still end up dying for all I know... I wasn't planning to stick around to find out. As far as I am concerned, Luffy, Whitebeard and his crew and of course Ace himself, owe me. That's all that matters.
Regardless of whatever happens, the only thing I am certain of right now is that-
It's going to be absolutely hilarious.
...
Hope you enjoyed! Don't forget feedback!
Last edited: Nov 5, 2019
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NotAHero
Nov 4, 2019
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Threadmarks Ch1 It Is Easier The Second Time Around!
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NotAHero
NotAHero
Nov 4, 2019
#7
The first set of chapters will be fast paced to basically build up the scene so to speak.
...
It didn't actually take all that long for me to reach Dressrosa, though given the speed I'd been moving at it shouldn't be too much of a surprise, unless I'd simply lost track of time...
Not to say I haven't moved faster than this but for this world's standards?
Doflamingo was overpowered.
Still, just because I could move at the speed didn't mean I could actually handle the exertion.
...
I dropped down, the string cutting with a pop of all things, my hands flailing the slightest as I eyed the approaching ground, my feet quickly cracking it, spawning a spider pattern as my body held up without a wince. Snapping my gaze around, I released a sigh at the sight of civilisation. For a moment there I'd worried I'd missed.
I made to move forward, at a more humane pace, mostly due to my burning lungs- I promptly blinked, though the sunglasses hid my expression, at the sight of the large screen in the middle of what looked like the town square? I don't remember this being in Dressrosa.
From the looks of it, the war was still going on, and Marineford was still losing... Though... The angle of the view makes-
Whiteboard brought his own recording equipment...
I wasn't sure what to think of that. Still, I'd missed a good deal having flown here, I quickly turned towards the nearest civilian, a blue-haired bartender currently sweeping the outside of his workplace.
"Peasant!" My voice rang out, the words slipping in naturally, earning an internal sigh. "What's happened with the war so far?"
The man's eyes darkened as he looked up towards me, his free hand suddenly gripping the broom two-handedly. His gaze minutely turning to the side, as he grit his teeth before answering. "You flipped off the World Government... Then you flipped us off. Your majesty," The man spat the last word.
I didn't skip a beat.
"I know, I want to know what happened after,"
The shopkeeper's eyes quickly filled with a look I'd recognised on spot, as a chuckle escaped me.
"Whatever it is you're thinking... Just understand..." I remarked quietly, though I know he'd heard me. My body had slowly started walking towards the man, the determination in his eyes slowly dying out at the looming aura.
"I am both, a king and a pirate," My words quickly causing the masses to stiffen. "And do you want to know what those two symbols have in common?" I regarded him and the audience I'd gathered coolly. My gaze going over each person surrounding me.
"They both tend to overreact..." My words were promptly followed by a chuckle.
I promptly turned back towards the frozen bartender. "You haven't answered my question," I remarked, with disinterest. My gaze slowly raising itself towards the castle in the distance behind him.
...
Turns out the bartender hadn't actually been keeping track of the war following my proclamations. Regardless, deeming my current plans as a bigger priority, I'd promptly made my way to the castle.
And no I didn't not slingshot myself and crash in for my first appearance...
Which brings me here. Currently seated on Doflamingo's throne surrounded by three out of four of his commanders.
None of them had dared to say anything yet, all of them waiting for me to start speaking, which was frankly perfect for me! And no it had absolutely nothing with the fact I was using my strings to keep them frozen. Though given their devil fruits, you'd think it wouldn't have any effect on them... Unless they were humouring me-
"Young Master..." Trebol sniffed, his body suddenly twisting as it ignored my strings. And though he'd started, it seemed the words had simply left him. "Why...?" His dumbfounded tone almost sending me into a cackle.
I simply smiled.
"Trebol," I started, my voice holding a certain edge of steel to it. "I am going to need you to do something for me..." I remarked as I leaned on one arm.
Trebol's face seemed to light up at the words, while a sigh of relief seemed to escape Diamante.
"What is it Young Master? Does it have somethin-" I raised a hand cutting the man off.
"I just need you... To send an invitation..." My grin grew in size, "To each and every single Slave trader that directly deals with the Celestial Dragons."
Trebol's face quickly drained of colour at the words, his eyes panicking the slightest.
"That... That wouldn't be easy to arrang-"
"Tell them I am opening this country to sell, " My words immediately dropped the room temperature as my commanders froze.
"Bring them all. The sooner the better. Don't send invitations to the Celestial Dragon's themselves, don't need them getting offended... If they find out by themselves and decide to show though..." I snorted.
Trebol's gaze seemed to snap between the others though none of them looked as if they had any intention of speaking up.
"Doffy..." Trebol suddenly called me by name raising a red flag quickly.
I raised an eyebrow at the man, finding a conflicted expression on his face.
"Do you truly intend to sell-"Though whatever he'd been about to say died out as I promptly snorted.
"Tell me, what do you think would happen, if the very men that provided the slaves to those creatures were Sugar'd?"
The strange term no doubt caught him off-guard though the moment he understood what I meant, his eyes seemed to widen exponentially as he sucked in a breath.
My eyes glinted in the sunlight from outside, my grin ever present as I turned upwards.
"And if they're stupid enough to show themselves... I'll have to start a collection..." I added on, my cackle coming out in spades. I promptly straightened myself as my gaze locked with each pirate in the room.
Taking in a deep breath, I quickly got up off the comfortable throne, one hand pushing back the sunglasses onto my nose.
"Let's clip The Dragon's wings..."
Celestials losing their shit over non-existent receipts = the World Government won't have time to go after me!
But they don't need to know that...
...
Hope you enjoyed, don't forget feedback!
Last edited: Sep 24, 2021
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NotAHero
Nov 4, 2019
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Threadmarks Ch2 "Cheater!" "Pirate!"
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NotAHero
NotAHero
Nov 5, 2019
#18
This chapter is not exactly a guarantee of what the other is going to turn into, think of it as the AU where Kisuke ran away from the father question. May contain One Piece Spoilers for those who haven't caught up you have been warned.
...
Honestly? I wasn't too surprised I'd been given Doffy's life. All things considered.
I quickly scarfed down the 80th serving without remorse, my fellow pirates all... for some reason quivering? I could see Diamante in the background furiously scribbling onto some kind of pad, a worried look on his face.
As you can see, I wasn't mad either.
Really though, it made sense. Doflamingo was in essence, the true mini-boss of the entire storyline.
Kinda like Aizen was... Though you didn't hear that from me.
I quickly grabbed the jug a nearby cabin boy had brought in. With how long I've lived? I can barely remember half of these characters- The urge to cackle hit back in full force, though I'd somehow managed to hold it in.
Besides, it wasn't like they could throw me into Im, now could they? And with that, the urge to cackle vanished. A ghost of a smile appearing on my face.
Hello there, Doffy.
"..."
I focused my attention back and had another serving, the half fishman dashing between me and kitchen had a worried expression on his face, given the lack of a response.
"Trebol!" I suddenly called out, the Stick-Stick user appearing by my side within seconds.
"Yes, you-" I cut him off him, rolling my eyes at the title.
"Stop calling me that and have someone call Marine HQ, I wanna talk to 'em," I remarked, flashing the man my teeth.
"Uh..." The deadpan look on his face seemed startled. "The war's still going on..."
I blinked, oh right, Marineford... Huh.
"Alright, I'll hold," I deadpanned.
Trebol stared at me before nodding warily. "I'll have the Den Den Mushi brought here?" He questioned, the dishevelled facade breaking down the slightest as he eyed the clattered plates about.
I nodded and quickly took a large bite out of the meat, a wistful sigh coming out. Wonder if Sanji's willing to cook a meal for me...
"Oh and how goes the invitations?"
Trebol blinked before, a sloppy grin appeared on his face, the snot bubble from earlier returned in full force. "Well! Telling them we were putting the country on the market had them come running! 7 merchants vessels are on their way already!"
"They're coming now? While Marineford's havin- Oh no that checks out." I shrugged. I waved my hand away to dismiss him though the man stayed still, his grin on his face.
"There's also been a few rumours we may have caught the attention of one of them..."
I raised an eyebrow at the sheer excitement pouring out of the man. "Which one?"
Trebol flashed me a toothless smile. "Saint Charloss,"
My eyes widened the slightest, a gleam filling them. "You're certain?"
"We received a message from one of his guards. He wishes to visit the colosseum,"
... Checks out.
I stared at the man dumbly for a few moments before I started laughing at my luck, my sunglasses almost falling off to the shock of my crew-mates. Trebol on the other hand seemed to fidget on his feet, evidently having another concern he wished to give voice to...
"Well, out with it!" I frowned, minutely bitting into another stick of meat. Savouring the taste.
"Uh... Do you have a plan for Law?"
I blinked. "Law? What law- We're pirates! Laws don't matter!" I exclaimed, a bemused expression on my face.
Trebol blinked at my answer, his gaze minutely swapping around the room, likely making sure of something before he continued, "Trafalgar Law... Young master... Have you given up on eternal life?"
I raised an eyebrow at the question before finally understanding what he'd meant.
"Immortality's for bitches," I deadpanned, before falling into another wave of laughter at the expressions on my crew-mates faces. From amused to dread, to complete bewilderment as they stared at me. Trebol however gave me a worried look before sighing dramatically and walking away. I could hear him mutter something but the words were lost on me.
"Sugar, Glados," I turned as I called out. "It's about time I gave you your jobs!" I flashed my teeth at the wary two.
"I thought you wanted me to turn the slavers into toys?" Sugar questioned with a pout, her hands pausing in their attempt to feed herself.
I waved her off, "This is separate, you and Glados... Well, given the call I am about to make should they pick up, we may have an admiral or two coming our way," I giggled at the thought, the urge only reinforcing it given it had access to my thoughts. Though to everyone else, the words only seemed to make their already pale faces whiten further.
"You and Glados are going to help me assassinate them!"
First a billion beli bounty then the bitches.
Though I really should get to work on figuring out Haki... I idly thought as I raised a single finger, while my other hand shoved a handful of rice into my mouth. The manipulation of the aforementioned energy coming quickly as it, to the shock of a few of the younger crew members, swirled around aimlessly rising in volume. I was eating this much for a reason you know?
Honestly though? Reiatsu's harder to control.
...
Hope you enjoyed! Don't forget feedback!
Last edited: Nov 5, 2019
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Nov 5, 2019
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Threadmarks Ch3 Consequences be dam- What do you mean I taught him Haki!?
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NotAHero
NotAHero
Nov 6, 2019
#30
...
Unsurprisingly enough, the marines didn't bother answering my call with the war still going on, even more surprisingly they didn't bother answering even after.
Atleast, until I learned why.
Evidently my actions in Marineford were far more drastic than I realised, which given the situation I am currently in means I'd have to tweak one or two parts of my intended plan...
See, the first problem came from the fact that, and I shit you not, when I made my attempt at the rubber-brained main character with Haki, I may or may not have given him enough of an idea on how to accidentally trigger it. Which I now realise was why New-World pirates and marines avoided showcasing it in Paradise.
More on that in a bit.
At any rate, following my freeing of Ace, which as it turns out was during some kind of unsanctioned speech by the fleet admiral, Whitebeard evidently decided he didn't need to play nice anymore. Given he only had enemies to deal with.
Needless to say, Marineford is currently under reconstruction.
Two, Blackbeard? Was captured by the marines, with his freed prisoners. Whitebeards unanimous decision to let his power hit the fan had accidentally caught him in it's path. The Yami-yami user was currently rotting with most of his new crew-mates, barring the two, who'd escaped, I can't remember the name off, in the bottom of Impel down. The swordsman Impel down officer, Shiryu of the Rain?, he'd collected was downright executed in Ace's place.
Three and though not as surprising given the rest of the events. Whiteboard, Ace and Luffy made it out alive!
Four. The list of casualties so far includes a few of Whitebeards subordinate captains, the most infamous of which includes Squard and Whitey Bay, while from his own personal crew went Vista and Izo. The actual details of which remain a mystery to me.
The Marines on the other hand... Lost about four Devil Fruit using Vice-admirals to the sea. One third of the lower-ranks that had been drafted as well as two warlords not including me, one having outright defected on the spot while the other was earthquaked to non-existence.
And funnily enough there was another that occurred during my escape, which in essence explains why I'd had such a smooth sail over. Remember the part where I said I may or may not have taught Luffy Haki?
Hold onto that thought.
See when I'd freed Ace, there was a certain admiral nearby that quite frankly lost his temper and jumped in after him. And though I wasn't there to see it, from what I've gathered after, Akainu tried to immediately execute the cuffed Logia, his magma filling the Visual screens themselves, hell he'd apparently been moments away from managing it... Atleast until a haki, rage, empowered punch rang across the field itself, landing squarely on the man's temple, taking him by complete surprise given the user.
Outright stunning him, leaving him almost completely defenceless if only for a moment, in the middle of Whitebeards side of the field.
Needless to say, Akainu won't be seeing the light of day for a while.
My liaison had, helpfully, mentioned the fact the man had practically been on deaths doors when they'd managed to bring him back.
Anywho, because I'd decided to throw my shot at the main character, there were currently two admirals out of commission.
Oh, did I say two?
See, when the first admiral, Magma-kun, went down, the second, Lazy-kun, decided to step in immediately to try and well, stop him from dying I am presuming, which in effect meant he'd run straight into a pissed off Whitebeard.
Though he'd, in the end, successfully managed to get Akainu out of the shitfest he'd found himself in, it wasn't without any damage on himself. And damage there was.
For the infamous potentially spine-breaking attack Whitebeard had used on Akainu in the story, had been ceremoniously gifted to Borsalino instead. And he'd crashed into it at light speed.
"-That concludes everything. Given the extensive list of injuries, the fact the Fleet Admiral had intended to release unsanctioned information to the world, without guaranteeing victory and the fact Whitebeard had showcased the entire war and it's failure to the world... The World government currently has no available resources to truly pursue you as of right now. They've simply decided to shelf your status as a warlord for the moment. In the grand scheme of things, they eventually came to the realisation, having come across the two other Emperors the area no less, it was relatively unsurprising of you to act the way you did, given the cards you were dealt. You were asked to fight one war, not three. Though, the higher ups will be giving you a call regarding your informational source in the near future. "
I turned my attention to the snail as my mind processed the words... I wasn't in trouble then...? Their funeral. Though I have a feeling some kind of third power had something to do with it... Probably the Celestials themselves now that I think about it... I quickly gave the snail phone a wide-open grin. "Thank you, Vergo..."
"Though I feel it prudent to mention that any more mishaps and they will change their minds and list of priorites without any notice," The voice promptly responded without missing a beat.
I nodded, the grin only growing. "I can assure you!" I started, a fist over my heart, "That I Donquioxite Doflamingo have absolutely zero intentions of harming the World Government in any way, shape or form!"
The words were promptly followed by the throne room's door opening with a loud clang as the first group of Slavers (They hadn't been too far off when given the call) walked through.
"Joker! My good man! It's been far too long! " The most infamous slaver, given his publicly open link to a few celestials, in Paradise and fourth most well-known in the New World, promptly shouted out loud, a hearty laugh coming out as his colleagues eyes widened at the mans audacity. I barely recognised any of them myself, though Trebol had filled me in on who they were. A number of them Slavers who'd originally started off alone before eventually joining the, um, franchise? Needless to say, Trebol made sure to contact every Slave Trader currently alive that had more than one meeting with the Dragons, atleast the ones he knew off... Though given my status in the underworld, that was practically everybody.
"Imagine my surprise to hear you wish to make history. To put an entire kingdom on the market!" The man bellowed out, his laughter coming out in waves at the thought. "Why I simply had to make the journey myself!" The man snorted at the next few words, "Which thanks to you was made far too easy!" The man grabbed his stomach as his laughter echoed, his footsteps echoing through the hall as he walked in.
Just behind them, I could make out groups of hood-covered followers standing a fair distance away, the barely visible collar surrounding their necks giving their statuses away.
The Den-Den Mushi let out a long sigh before I heard the distinctive clank as Vergo hung up on the other side.
I simply smiled at the Captain of The Celestials Banquet, before flicking my fingers, the cabin-boys and paid servants (Could never tell 'em apart) coming out of the shadows to help... Make our guests comfortable and prepare them for their last ever show.
I should probably tell the rest of my crew to stop panicking... Given the lack of any admirals showing up for the time being...
Nah... I am sure they'll figure it out!
...
Hope you enjoyed! Don't forget feedback!
Edit: Added one more line to Borsalino's mention.
Last edited: Nov 6, 2019
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Nov 6, 2019
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Threadmarks Interlude-ish Snip (Canon, very short)
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NotAHero
NotAHero
Nov 9, 2019
#43
...
-Captain of The Celestial's Banquet-
"Oi, Joker!" He whined as he finally caught up to the man he'd been searching for. Doflamingo stopped on his way, the window beside them gleaming as it showed off the city before it, as he turned his head, minutely gazing at his face. He himself huffed as he made to catch his breath. "Ya know, It's very difficult getting a hold of you! Which consi-"
"Get on with it," The man stated tersely, turning his body fully as he appraised him, his arms crossing as a single eyebrow raised itself.
He briefly blinked at the tone before fixing his expression. "As marveolous as the hospitality's been... It's been two days and we all really came here for one reason-" Immediately regretting the words as Doflamingo simply raised the other eyebrow, his expression turning from bemusement into one that was somehow hostile and taunting.
"Oh? And what reason are you here for?"
His own eyes briefly narrowed at the words... He wasn't entirely sure why... But something felt off about the whole scenario... Not to say the man offering to sell his own country wasn't a red flag. It usually was. But if anyone was crazy enough to do it... It was Joker. He briefly appraised the man's expression, his sunglasses hiding his eyes as always, to no avail.
"You intend to hold the worlds biggest auction, why I on earth would I not-" The man promptly froze on the spot, his eyes widening at the lack of warning before they quickly sought out Joker's frame only to widen further when he realised there were no strings in sight. Quickly sending a jolt of haki towards the base of his spine, he made to cut off the connection- Though he quickly realised that there truly was no string connecting to him, but instead something else... Something made of... haki!?
Doflamingo idly twirled a single finger as he spoke "Hmm..." The finger suddenly turned, forcefully turning him around on the spot, earning a gasp out of him. "Seems doing it this way doesn't leave a hole in your outfit..."
His expression twisted further when he made out a faint string made up of haki, in his peripheral, connecting to him. The pirate however quickly freed him, after turning him around once again, a moment later. The beginning of a smile appearing on his face.
"I suppose it'll have to do... Tell your men to control themselves tonight, " Doflamingo remarked as he walked away from the shuddering man. "We have a very special guest coming in," He cackled while the Slave captain once again reconsidered his decision to stay at the news of a Cel-
His facade promptly shattered, as terror and excitement truly filled his face, the moment he processed Doflamingo's hidden message. Terror at the repercussions if he's caught anywhere near the... Upcoming blasphemy... And excitement at getting a front-row seat...
Doflamingo's grudge with the Dragon's while not well known... Was legendary, not that it was going to stay hidden for long... Morgan was here after all...
Yes... He thought, his conviction to stay finally overtaking his paranoia and instinct.
Accepting that invitation was a good idea after all!
...
Hope you enjoyed!
Even I am starting to look forward to this explosion.
Don't forget feedback!
Edit: Added an extra line to the 'Dragon's while-' section. Intended to do the reveal for his character next chapter but figured I might aswell add a bit more this one.
Last edited: Nov 10, 2019
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Threadmarks Ch4 "It's in perfect condition, I swear!" Part 1
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NotAHero
Nov 12, 2019
#47
...
-Monkey D. Garp, One day following the war-
Garp emptied the bag of crackers into his mouth, a serene smile on his face as he whistled a merry tune, completely ignoring Sengoku's glare, his face twitching rapidly as he stared at him from the other side.
"Wipe that grin off your face!" Sengoku snapped. Though Garp only responded with a guffaw. His hands opening the desk drawers in front of him-
"Where are my cracker-" He promptly glared at Sengoku when he heard the sound of a packet opening. Sengoku's own expression replaced with a smug smile.
And under usual circumstances, he would've thrown another fit out of principle but considering how his holida- Suspension had started?
He figured ole' Sengy needed a break.
"And you thought I was going to be the problematic one?" He still couldn't help that. Because really, who trusts Doflamingo?
...
-Two days following the war-
Did he perhaps feel a little guilty about the fact he'd put Borsalino in the hospital? Somewhat... Not enough to lose any sleep over it though. If anything, the war had definitely proved that the man's devil fruit had only improved his body... His mind simply couldn't keep up. He could certainly understand why the man generally moved as slow as he did... Still didn't remotely begin to explain his actions.
I mean really... Who runs into Whitebeards fist...
Even he'd felt that blow and he'd been on the other side of the damn field.
He supposed that if anything, Borsalino was a true Admiral, joining the many in proving that the promotion generally turned people into suicidal idiots. One of the many reasons he'd never wanted it himself. Honestly, he'd rather deal with a veteran Logia Paradiser than a new Admiral.
Sakazuki on the other hand... Was he guilty of the fact he'd more or less caused the man's current injuries? That his Haki outburst had, in saving Ace, cemented what Doflamingo had started? That because of him, Whitebeard practically took down two admirals without a single injury to show for it, forever crushing the notion his Pirate Crew wasn't the strongest? The same man that proclaimed his intentions of putting Ace at the top... To give the boy his true birthright? All in front of the entire world.
Garp minutely turned his gaze over towards the other Admiral currently out cold.
Not one bit. He'd realised, his body almost numb as his mind processed the fact. It was a rather sour pill to swallow. But if it meant Ace was almost as untouchable as a Celestial? With Luffy all but declared as his brother? Then swallow it he would.
Even the world government couldn't provide them that level of protection, even at the best of times..
...
-Four days later-
It made more and more sense, the more he thought about it. Garp slurped the drink in one gulp, his stride taking him directly towards Sengoku's office.
Really, he almost couldn't blame the Heavenly Demon for betraying them.
When given the option between angering his allies, ones that may or may not drop him on a whim, or one of the Yonko's of the sea? Guaranteeing their anger? It wasn't a difficult decision. Besides the man clearly thought his status would protect him from the Marines, which he hadn't been wrong about... It's no wonder he decided to help out Whitebeard.
Garp came to a halt, his hand immediately going to open the door normally before he shrugged and promptly turned it into a punch. Immediately breaking the door out of it's hinges as he dashed in.
"Has it started!?" He questioned panicked as his eyes immediately latched onto the visual screen- He immediately guarded against the coming punch, Sengoku twitching as he eyed the door.
"It hasn't, no," The words earned an 'O' out of him, his body immediately crashing onto one of the sofas, a packet of crackers coming out of his pocket.
"Really think he's going to apologise?
Sengoku shrugged, "With how many people are going to be watching, he has to be careful... Whatever he's saying can and would be used against him... Besides he'd insisted on it himself. Apparently his actions hadn't endeared him to his country. Not to mention they sent in a New World Vice admiral to make sure he didn't step out of line-"
Garp pretended to process the words before, as soon as Sengoku had finished rambling, he shrugged noncommittally, his mind already elsewhere.
"I don't trust him," Garp stated simply, a wary look filling his face as his hand paused mid-flight.
Sengoku snorted, "You shouldn't trust any pirate,"
He raised his gaze minutely.
"I don't trust him as a human either-"
The visual screen quickly switched on with a pop, the snail's oversized eyelids flapping open. The two old friends gazes snapping towards it, as a familiar throne room came into view, hundreds of familiar looking people filling the background as Doflamingo stood just before three massive covered cages, his arms flourished open as he stared directly towards them.
He himself blinked the moment his gaze turned back towards the audience.
"Aren't those Slavers?"
"Hello world! For those that don't know. My name is Donquixote Doflamingo-" Doflamingo's voice however quickly took his attention, the question falling on deaf ears. "-And today, Dressrosa will be hosting the worlds very first-"
Sengoku grit his teeth as the Pirate started speaking, the words only making his skin boil.
"This doesn't look like an apology to me..." Garp whistled at the man's, pirate or not, sheer audacity.
"-Island Auction!"
He wasn't at all surprised with the fact Joker may or may not have effectively kick-started the next few generations of pirates during the war with naught but his nerves of steel. To so blatantly go against the world... When it least expects it no less.
He'd shown the world the true definition of a pirate...
The influx of new pirate ships hadn't come as a shock to any of them, well atleast not him.
But this? Garp mused, his eyes locked onto the screen, as Sengoku's face paled. Oh he'd heard some rumours... But to think he'd go this far-
"Before we go on, I'd just like to mention that we have a special guest appearing and because the laws don't really apply-"
This took balls... Even Roger would have thought twice before pulling a stunt like this...
"-to them... This is all completely legal,"
And honestly the vice-admiral wasn't sure whether to laugh and clap at or outright curse him for the absolute shitstorm the world was about to go through...
At-least no one was going to bother hunting Ace, risking Whitebeards attention, when they could get enough gold to buy off one of the seas, for a warlord's head-
Garp's eyes widened the moment he finally noticed what had felt off about the whole screening...
"He's not using his strings?" Garp questioned numbly, Sengoku's face snapping towards him before immediately turning back towards the screen. His desk shuddering from the sudden blow.
On the screen before them, Doflamingo stood and cackled before an uncovered cage.
"Here's hoping I get at least a beli-" The words were promptly followed by muffled laughter from behind the infamous pirate. While complete silence filled their side.
Inside the cage, without a single sign of injury and, the slave collar aside, in their regular outfit, bubble and all, stood a Celestial Dragon.
"Now... Who want's to buy a Billionaire?"
...
Second part, which should be released before the end of the weekend, will showcase the moments leading up to that ending!
Hope you enjoyed! Don't forget feedback!
Last edited: Nov 13, 2019
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Nov 12, 2019
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Threadmarks Ch4 "It's in perfect condition, I swear!" Part 2
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NotAHero
NotAHero
Nov 13, 2019
#62
...
I was currently sat on Doflamingo's throne, a lackadaisical smile on my face as I eyed the rest of the hall. The previous throne room had long since been modified and changed to fit the much larger audience.
Pica made one hell of a redecorator.
The massive room was split into two halves, one massive gap down the middle. Hundreds of seats all filled on both side, with even more currently empty... All in all there were about five hundred or so seats, only about half of which were currently being used. Though it wasn't due to anyone not showing, but rather... I figured the more empty seats the better the ratings... Still of the seats that were actually filled, nearly all were either a Slaver or someone in their employ. All of them curently conversing between each other, massive grins etched onto their faces as they waited for our final guest of the evening. Given the fact none of them were acting remotely rowdy, I figured they all knew who was coming.
My own crew mates filled the corners of the hall. Though the only one whose location I was certain off, was Sugar. The girl was currently hidden near the entrance.
At the bottom of the throne was another gap separating me from my audience, in it's place were three large bird-like cages, all covered, their items hidden, by a dark veil. Every single Slaver had reacted on seeing it, a few even asked, though none of them received any reaction out of me.
I took in a deep breath, my hand minutely brushing over the large Visual Snail beside my seat. I hadn't really been surprised to find out that Doflamingo practically had access to everything the world had to offer.
Well, as long as the Marines weren't involved at any rate.
It'd been difficult enough to convince the World Government to listen to my recording. Though, oddly enough, after they'd agreed, it hadn't been at all difficult to convince them to broadcast it far and wide. If anything, they'd looked about to suggest it themselves... They certainly liked their kiss-ups live.
I'd, after all, promised to apologise and take responsibility for my actions during the war. Of course, I'd snorted as soon as the thought of actually doing that entered my mind... Still, after that, it was only a matter of waiting and keeping the Slavers appeased enough to stick around... And of course, pretend to not notice the fact Big news Morgan had snuck in. And he wasn't the only one here not in fact interested in the Slavery itself..
He was just the one I recognised-
My eyes immediately snapped towards the shadow that filtered through the entrance, signifying the missing piece. Either that or my crew-mates ignored my warning of letting anyone else in...
The collective intakes of breath however was a bit of a giveaway.
I eyed the snot-nosed noble, his appearance practically the same as I'd remembered, the only difference been the fist tattoo on his face, as he entered. Just behind him followed on four others with a large, dwarfing the noble himself, cart being pulled in with them. Charlos's eyes gazed around the room, a sneer on his face, before landing on me- and my elevated position.
He narrowed his eyes the slightest, his bubble making his expressions crystal clear as he sniffed. "Joker!" The noble suddenly called out, one finger outstretched. "Did you really think you could keep this hidden from me?" He questioned. "That I wouldn't find out?"
I kept a deadpan look to my face as I pretended to straighten up. "Of course not," I remarked, Doflamingo's silky voice echoing out. "I merely did not wish to presume," I added on with a wave of my hand as I stood up.
Saint Charlos, his four bodyguards stiffening as the cart behind them suddenly stopped with a clank, merely blinked, his face twisted into a thoughtful expression before he eventually gave up the effort and simply walked in. "Don't do it again," He warned me, for whatever reason not resorting to violence at the presumed insult. His slave/guards following on behind him, their shoulders relaxing the slightest.
"Of course," I purred as I walked down towards the three birdcages as Saint Charlos made his way towards the front taking the singular seat sticking out with it's own row. His cart pushed just beside him, though from here I could make out a gold glint hidden inside while the others promptly took a step back, forming a small wall between Charlos and the rest.
The rest of the Slavers didn't so much as blink, twitch or say a word in the beings presence, even with the odds a Celestial dragon was likely to outbid them on everything... Though I figured they entertained thoughts of making a profit of him themselves.
As soon as Charlos took his seat, I wasted no time in speaking. If only to stop him from contaminating this room with his voice.
"Welcome! Slaver-n-ee's," I started, earning scattered snorts from across the hall. Saint Charlos didn't so much as blink as the words flew over his head. "Now! Before we get started, I am sure you're all wondering what's in the cages?" I remarked, a gleaming set of pearls showing out.
Saint Charlos blinked as his gaze turned towards the three covered cages-
"I had thought they were some kind of primitive decoration..." Charlos remarked, his eyes full of curiosity as he eyed the cages and thankfully missed the sweat drop down my head.
Looking behind him I could make out a few shuddering figures in the swamp of people, their own hands covering their mouths.
"As it were, they are in fact the three Grand-prizes-"
"I will be taking all three," Charlos snapped as his gaze landed on me, the thoughtful expression short-lived as it promptly disappeared.
I opened my mouth intent on refusing him before I blinked and figured why not. Charlos on seeing that, promptly smiled and stood up, his hand waving one of the guards over.
"I am afraid this is still an auction," I stated calmly.
Charlos promptly snapped his gaze behind him towards the other Slavers, a glint forming in his eye as he stared out towards the sea of people. "They won't be participating," He remarked with a glare that dared any of them to speak up.
I, whilst his attention was away, snorted. Though his own voice seemed to drown it out. Letting me cover it with a cough.
"I suppose we will have to see,"
Charlos sneered though his attention seemed to fixate it back onto the closest cage beside him, his hand suddenly pointing towards it. "What's in there?" He demanded, his gaze forced to look up given the height difference.
I raised an eyebrow, "And ruin your surprise?" I questioned with a grin.
Thankfully the words managed to perk him up.
"Starting bid is 300 million," I however quickly stated, not giving him the chance to say anything, his eyes widening the slightest at the words.
Anger seemed to flash across his face at my tone though thankfully he seemed to contain himself before sniffing.
"Very well," His words slurred for a second as he raised one hand, flicking his fingers. He didn't state a number, instead he urged the nearest guard to take out the requested amount, no doubt expecting no one to speak up.
I waited patiently just behind the cage, my finger outstretched ready to reveal the first prize. The guard promptly stood up from his position, walked towards me and held the requested amount in a smaller suitcase, not saying a single word.
"Sold!" I drawled, earning another round of muffled laughter.
I minutely looked around the hall, not expecting anyone to so much as breath wrong, before returning back towards the guard before me and quickly taking the accepted case, and flicking it open.
"You're missing a hundred," I deadpanned forcing the guard to turn back around as he stiffened, an accusing look focused on me.
"There's 310 in there," He stated calmly, though his eyes seemed to shake the slightest as Charlos frowned.
"You can only bid in one-hundred million increments, I am afraid," I shrugged.
"You idiot!" Charlos snarled towards the guard though before he could do or say anything further he promptly stiffened the moment my powers activated. Pieces of string coming out of the sleeve of my coat and immediately disappearing into the large cart beside the noble. He simple stared at my ability, a fascinated expression on his face.
I quickly reeled it back in after grasping a hold of the heaviest suitcase inside, somehow holding in the urge to steal a few of the gold pieces I could blatantly see. And before Charlos could say anything, I promptly sent off another string picking up the first case and sent both of them off into one of the corners of the room, my commanders quickly grabbing hold of them. "Now! Let's see what you've bought!" I stated at the same time. Earning far more pronounced chuckles from the hall.
Charlos's expression promptly switched at the words as an excited gleam entered his eyes, his disobedient guard long forgotten.
I took a few steps forward, standing beside the left-most cage and grinned at the Celestial. "Congratulations, Saint Charlos! you've won a truly one of a kind gift! You've won the infamous!-" I started, the excited look on his face rapidly growing with every word, removing the veil and revealing a single pebble in the centre of the human-sized birdcage. The size immediately making the Noble squint his eyes in order to make it out.
"Mithril Pebble of Pig Smiting," I deadpanned.
...
Hope you enjoyed! Don't forget feedback!
The final part was supposed to be released with this update but alas I didn't have enough time to put in everything. Therefore this is now a 3 part chapter.
Last edited: Nov 13, 2019
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Nov 13, 2019
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Threadmarks Ch4 "It's in perfect condition, I swear!" Part 3
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NotAHero
Nov 14, 2019
#70
...
"A rock..?" Charlos sputtered, his eyes twitching as he stared at the pedestal in the middle of the cage.
I ignored him, though he couldn't tell, my eyes on Pica in the background. The pirate currently going through both cases of beli, a calculating look his face.
"This is a rock!" Charlos's voice quickly brought my focus back on him for a moment. And just as I was about to answer, it happened.
The first chuckle.
Out of the sea of Slavers, some apparently had the balls to laugh. Either that or it was sheer stupidity. Regardless, it practically set off a domino effect as the others joined in.
Charlos's eyes narrowed, his pupils turning pointed as his body shook with anger.
"A 400 million beli rock!" Someone in the audience suddenly called out setting off another round of laughter, surprising even me. Like, I'd known they were reckless but I didn't expect this.
Charlos immediately turned on his feet, his gaze attempting to find the mortal that dared, yet all he found was a wall of passive expressions as the laughter ceased the moment he'd moved.
"Who dares-"
I coughed, earning the noble's attention, his anger quickly directing towards me.
"It's not just any rock-" My voice drifted off for a moment as I noticed Pica had finished counting up the two cases, a grin on his face as the wall beside him started to morph into- My eyes widened the slightest at the number the man had etched with his power.
-690-
Still, without missing a beat, I focused my attention back on the noble and continued.
"-It's the Mithril-" I'd started before the Slavers once again, couldn't seem to hold themselves as they stated laughing again.
"Joker!" Charlos snarled, his hand shaking.
I sighed and promptly showered the entire room in Conquerors Haki. Not enough to knock anyone out but enough to get my message across. The effect was immediate as complete silence filled the hall, clear fear filling over half the faces before me. Wariness and a few with clear respect filled the rest. Charlos on the other had stilled, a blank expression filling his face as he blinked owlishly.
I flashed him a crooked smile. "You forget yourself, World Noble-san," I stated calmly as his eyes narrowed for a moment before his mind processed his situation.
"Careful..." Charlos warned, his blank expression having returned to anger. "I don't care how much Father says we need you Joker!" he finished vehemently, one of his hands going through his pockets-
On seeing that, I whistled and promptly took out a golden snail. "Looking for this?" I questioned as the noble and the audience behind him stiffened.
The dumb look from earlier returned in full force as he froze, as if he were a deer. "That is mine!" He suddenly yelled out, his finger outstretched and away from his pockets as he pointed towards me.
I held in the urge to grin at the fact it had worked, I was a little worried he'd notice it was a fake.
"You will hand it-" Charlos started before I snorted.
"I think not," I remarked, a gleam in my eye as I promptly pocketed the fake snail. "Now, do you wish to continue on with the Auction, or should I have you escorted out?" I questioned with a blank look on my face.
"Pirate-"
"Yes!" I suddenly interrupted him, his red face twitching at me. "I am a pirate!" I stated as I started walking towards the brat. Charlos blinked as his body stiffened at the sudden cloud of bloodlust. "You would do well to remember that," I continued on as I reached him, his neck craning to look me in the eye. The anger from earlier had vanished as fear took over the moment he realised his guards hadn't moved a muscle. His gaze slowly went down towards my outstretched hand, the tell-tale sign of my ability showing through.
"Now, can we continue on with the Auction?" I asked for the second time, the cloud of bloodlust dissipating as the brat's shoulders relaxed the slightest, though my focus was on the gleaming eyes that had filled most of the hall at my having 'stolen' the golden snail...
Charlos seemed to sag into himself for a moment before promptly straightening, his trademark sneer having returned in full force.
I took that as a yes.
I promptly turned towards the hall as the Celestial promptly settled back into his seat at the front, though the gleam in his eyes was rather ominous... Regardless I continued on with a shrug. "Now then," I started as I suddenly went towards the second cage, my hand tapping the side as I flashed a smile to the hall. "Let's see here-"
"I think not," Charlos's voice echoed out as the brat raised a single hand. "You will sell the last prize, now." The delusional brat demanded.
I hid the smile that threatened to come out of my face as I shrugged non-commitally and moved over to the aforementioned cage.
"Very well then... Let's see... Why don't we start the bidding at say... Five-hundred million,"
Charlos's expression twitched the slightest at my price, his hand minutely shaking. And for a moment, I really thought he was going to explode, though thankfully, he simmered down as he raised a single hand. "Six-hundred million..." He remarked through grit teeth.
It took a herculean effort on my part not to tell him that I'd been joking about the hundred million increment rule. The audience's reaction on the other hand was far less composed to earlier as shocked faces filled them.
I nodded, "Going once," I drawled flailing a single hand about in the air. "Going twi- Sold," I frankly just could not be asked.
Stiffled laughter filled the hall at my antics as I promptly turned back towards the irritated noble, my hands moving with practised ease as my power came to life, snapping into the cart once again as I very likely took far more then agreed on.
Charlos didn't even notice the fact I'd taken one briefcase too many, though I suppose the idea that anyone would dare rob him never entered his mind.
Just the same as last time, I quickly flew the aforementioned cases into one of the corners in the room. Pica immediately grabbing hold of each without missing a beat. The earlier excited look on his face returning in full force.
"Well, what is it?" Charlos suddenly questioned, an impatient look on his face. The earlier anger tempered by his curiosity.
I rolled my eyes and promptly lifted the veil via devil fruit. Earning gasps far and across the hall as those in the know suddenly widened their eyes. Charlos's face had turned from a frown, to thoughtful as his mind seemed to recall the significance of the prize. Before an excited gleam entered his eyes, a smile etching itself onto the man's face.
"That... That belongs to that..." the man's face twitched as he suddenly stood to his feet, his hand outstretched again.
I nodded, a relieved sigh coming out having expected another temper tantrum. I turned my gaze back towards the mini pedestal inside the cage, a grin forced down as I stared at my last minute fee for helping Luffy save his brother. The one thing that will guarantee me an audience with either him or one of the Emperors of the Sea.
Monkey D. Luffy's signature Straw Hat.
...
It is officially a four part chapter now. The final part should be out within the next few days!
Also yes, that is what the thread mark title's referring to.
Hope you enjoyed! Don't forget Feedback!
Last edited: Nov 16, 2019
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Nov 14, 2019
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Threadmarks Ch4 "It's in perfect condition, I swear!" Final Part
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NotAHero
NotAHero
Nov 16, 2019
#82
...
Charlos's eyes looked about to pop out of his skull with how wide they were. His mouth for that matter to.
I rolled my eyes, not that anyone could see and wasn't that a blessing? I definitely get why Doflamingo loved wearing his sunglasses so much. Honestly, how the man put up with any of this was beyond me. I was fairly certain he had a much bigger temper when compared to me. Or anyone else for that matter.
Still as the noble gawked at the hat on the pedestal, his thoughts on it's price long gone from his mind, I turned my gaze towards the second cage in the middle, my eyes momentarily focusing as I forced the clone hidden inside to move. The covered cage shaking minutely as it immediately caught Charlos's interest. His eyes blinking owlishly at the movement.
"What is in there!?" He suddenly called out as he sprung to his feet.
I blinked at the reaction. I'd expected Luffy's hat to hold his attention for a little longer... Even a few of the audience, whose entire trade revolved around slavery, seemed to agree with the expressions on their faces.
"Why, the one thing a man of your stature truly deserves," My answer practically dropped the temperature in the room with the way near a quarter of the hall reacted. Sharp intakes of breath been the most obvious of the startled expressions.
Evidently, even the Slavers had limits.
When Charlos made the attempt to walk towards the cage, I promptly appeared before him. Blocking him from reaching for the cover himself. His own reaction was a complete opposite to everyone else. Sheer excitement poured out of the brat.
Dumbass probably thought it was a mermaid.
"How much!?" He sneered at my presence, though thankfully seemed to get the hint well enough.
I locked gazes with him as my power subtly shifted the clone inside, shaking the cage further as Charlos's eyes snapped away from mine towards his enlightenment.
"It seems to be getting restless," I drawled as the noble turned his attention back to me. "Why don't we start the bidding-" He rolled his eyes at the words. "-at..." I fixed him with a grin, one that finally seemed to get a different reaction out of the brat. "One billion beli,"
He twitched at the number. It seems I may have finally found his limit. Though with the way his eyes seemed to hardened, I felt a tad bit regretful that I couldn't have pushed for more.
"...Eleven hundred... Million?" Charlos questioned, bemused, while I sweat-dropped at the fact he'd been worried about the number itself rather then the amount... Still, I'd managed to fix my expression fast enough, my hand minutely shaking from a phantom shock that I would've certainly received had I been back there.
"So-" I'd been just about to proclaim it sold before Christmas came early in the form of an absolutely smug slaver.
"Fifteen hundred million!" The voice from the back called out, quickly turning the Celestial Dragon in the room into a Targaryen.
"You dare!" Charlos roared as he promptly turned on his feet, his eyes trying and failing to find the source of the voice as, once again, a wall of silence met him.
I grinned from behind the noble.
"Fifteen hundred million to Slaver 419," There were only two hundred and fifty slavers here, I counted. "Going once-" Charlos turned back towards me, his anger rapidly rising, "Going twice-" Horror, and a tad hint of fear filtered in. "So-"
"Sixteen hundred million-" Charlos started only for another slaver to join in.
"Eighteen hundred million!" Charlos made to turn back as his anger returned before I locked gazes with him, opening my mouth the slightest.
"Nineteen hundred!" The noble sputtered.
"Twenty-five hundred million!" One voice boomed from the back as my own eyes widened, my sunglasses tipping the slightest as I found the source.
The captain of the Celestials Banquet.
I'd thought he meant he served them, evidently his ship's name meant something else entirely.
Charlos's body froze at the words, having likely recognised the sourc-
"You will all cease this immediately!" Charlos cried out, his face rapidly turning between the audience and me, a glare quickly fixing his face. "Twenty-six hundred, and you will accept that!" He demanded of me. And though I would've gotten angry at the fact, I was more then surprised at how quickly he'd come up with the number... To think... I'd managed to piss him off so much he learned how to do basic addition... I fixed him with a passive look as my hand promptly pushed the sunglasses back up.
"Twenty-six hundred, going once," The glare returned. "Going twice-" His eye rapidly blinked as I drawled out the final words, a smile slowly filling my face.
"..."
He twitched, "Well!?
"Soooolllld," I remarked as slow as I could manage before he erupted, his red-face oddly enough cooling off quickly at the fact no one had interrupted me, my insult already at the back of his mind as his attention shifted and glued onto the middle cage.
I, slowly, turned around and took a few steps towards it, the noble on my heel as excitement poured out of him. The both of us ignoring the sudden yelp from one of the guards as Pica's devil fruit powers quickly silenced them and took the cart, going above and beyond what I expected. Still, for added show and to make sure the noble didn't notice, I juggled the clone inside, causing the cage to rapidly shake for a moment.
I raised a single hand, my grin slowly reforming. "It seems to be very restless to meet you..." I remarked, my head turning as I glanced at the noble behind me. The impatience on his face wearing thin.
"What is it!?" He questioned for the second... Third? Nth time.
I turned back towards the cage, slowly raising the covers as the clone disappeared. Behind me, a string made entirely of Haki slowly made it's way towards the noble.
"Humility," I smiled at him, his eyes minutely widening at the answer before glancing at the now coverless cage.
Inside, ontop of the pedestal, lay a golden collar.
And just as he was about to open his mouth, I promptly covered the vile thing with another Haki string, invisible to the eye but just as effective, while the other string promptly connected to the brat's spine bypassing his bubble without disrupting it the slightest.
"Congratulations," I remarked out loud, as the stifling mood filled the hall. Each and every Slaver transfixed, morbid fascination writ over their faces as they watched on.
"You've bought yourself into slavery,"
And with that Charlos took a few more steps than me and walked into the cage and took his spot beside the pedestal. His hands minutely going through some kind of check as Doflamingo silently took over control of the haki-made string, his connection and control wavering the slightest before smoothing over. Charlos's hands clicked with something and the bubble promptly dispersed before he picked up the collar and locked it around his own neck. The bubble returning just as swiftly as it had left. The noble dragon then turned his body, his horrified face gazed out, towards the throne. I turned back towards the transfixed room and promptly covered the three cages in preparation for the show. For perhaps the first time today, given the lack of mobility they currently possessed, every slaver before me felt true terror fill them as they realised exactly what they'd walked into.
I took in a deep breath before taking my position between the middle cage and the throne, my background of the frozen and horrified set in place and promptly signalled Trebol to start the recording. While Sugar called out the first in the line of new toys from the back row.
"It's showtime," I remarked as the urge to cackle returned, my hold on it disappearing as my voice filled the silenced hall.
...
Hope you enjoyed! Don't forget feedback!
Last edited: Apr 3, 2020
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Threadmarks Ch5 "That was entirely unnecessary... What have I ever even done to him!?" Part 1
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NotAHero
NotAHero
Nov 17, 2019
#86
Another one so soon? Procrastination is hella fun. But alas it's a short one.
This continues off from Ch4 Part 1's ending.
...
"Any takers?" I questioned with a raised eyebrow towards the frozen audience before turning my attention back towards the came- visual snail. "Damn, really thought someone would want a spoiled dumbass-" I heard a few snorts from the frozen population. I could control their bodies and maybe shut them up- Ah.
I promptly turned away from the visual snail back towards the slavers. "If you wish to bid, tip your head." I explained, earning snarls in the process. "Now let's try this again, we have here a rather rare breed of human-" I waved a hand over the seething celestial, though his position never turned the slightest even if his head tried to. Just because I couldn't control his head, didn't mean I couldn't tie him up with haki strings. "-, usually found in Mary Geoise. Part of one of few races to be exempt from the world government's laws. In it's entirety. Be warned however for they have horrible tempers and are generally rotten to the core, and that's coming from me." I turned and gave the camera a deadpan look, before turning back to my struggling prisoners, struggling not to laugh, and started the bidding at one beli.
And not a single person so much as twitched.
"Well," I remarked, putting my hands on my hips as I tilted the slightest, Doflamingo's mannerisms kicking into overdrive. "No wonder you-" I started as I turned to face the still seething noble, "-offered to pay-" I was about to add more before I was suddenly interrupted by an unexpected ringing. The Den Den Mushi hidden in one of my pockets catching me off-guard.
"Hello? Kinda busy right now-" I questioned bemused, my stricken expression smoothing as I carefully handled the miniature snail.
"Doflamingo..." Kong's voice on the other side rumbled, earning a wide-eyed look out of me as the den den sushi promptly took the man's expression.
I, naturally, grinned. "Sorry, international bidding has yet to open!" And promptly hung up with a 'clank'.
Turning my gaze briefly back to the crowd, I was pleased to see a few amused expression. Resigned sure, but a tad amused.
"Well, you're clearly worthless to these people," I remarked with a shrug, earning winces far and wide. "You understand, I will be taking some form of compensation-" When the snail started ringing again, I promptly threw it across towards one of my out of view crew-mates. "-for this. Now,"
I moved towards the second cage I'd sold to Charlos, the earlier cover falling back down on top of the snot-covered dumbass. "I am sure some of you are going to recognise-" The second cage's cover went up.
"-this, but for those that don't... This is none other than the very same straw hat worn by the only pirate to reach Raftel! The very man-" Wide-eyed expressions filtered into the hall at the words. "-That set about one of the greatest Era's in history! The Pirate King! Gol D. Roger himself! And for whatever reason... The very same legend gave it to some snot-nosed brat, not unlike this one-" I remarked suddenly pretending to pull an invisible chord as I lifted the cover off Charlos's cage momentarily, earning muffled laughter out of the dwindling audience.
Sugar had gone through three already- "called bed-haired Wanks? Who sold it, and an arm, to Vice-admiral Garp's grandson to sleep with his aunt? Or something like that." I shrugged with a hand wave, my enthusiasm had momentarily peaked as the words came out before immediately dying down towards the middle until indifference replaced it entirely.
Sheer utter disbelief met my words from the slavers side.
I didn't pay it too much mind as I simply continued on with my plan and opened the cage. "On second thought.. Instead of selling such an evil object... Perhaps it's-" I picked up the symbolic hat, my body minutely turning as it briefly hid it from the camera's view.
"-best I get rid of it?" I questioned, spinning the new straw hat on my finger, as I finished the turn with a bit of flair. Doflamingo's instinctive nature running through without a hitch. I, on stopping, quickly willed enough strings into existence for the snail before me to see and promptly shredded the hat ontop of my finger, a slow cackle coming out as I locked gazes with the camer- visual snail.