Chapter 17: Aftermath
Kamabakka Queendom
Dragon the leader of the Revolutionary Army had listened to the dying message of Vegapunk's physical body. The other officers- Gambo, Ushiano, Ahiru, Jiron, Inazuma, Koala, and Hack awaited what to do next.
"Vegapunk. What possessed you to awaken the OLD WORLD's entry back to us?," he asked aloud. "This is going to make things more difficult."
Belo Betty, Morley, Lindbergh, Karasu, Ivankov, and Sabo arrived. Dragon looked at them, his eyes piercing through the pink island. "We must gather all the top officials of the Revolutionary Army. This changes everything," he said with a gravity none of them had ever heard from him before.
"Luffy...you suffered a great deal today...But I know you'll rise above this.," Sabo said to himself.
Moda looked down in sadness at the revelation of the World Government's cruelty to her homeland.
Water Seven
"So that's why Water Seven is like this.," remarked Iceberg as he went to Galley-La.
He turned to Paulie and asked-
"Can you get started on working any ships to survive underwater? And working on that?"
"You're not serious...that's insane.," the blond man remarked.
"Tom wouldn't think so.," said the blue-haired man.
Arabasta
"Ramses...isn't he the younger brother of Lili?," asked Chaka as they went into the tombs- he, Pell, and Igaram.
"Yes," replied Pell with a sigh. "He was supposed to take the throne after Lili. But something happened, and he was buried here, forgotten."
"It feels sacrilegious to do this. We don't even have Lord Cobra's body here. I can't manage what's been done to it. Vivi would be devastated.," Igaram spoke as he approached the tomb of Ramses and opened it.
Much to his horror and uncanny relief, it was empty.
A sickening thought crossed his mind concerning the World Nobles and how the revelation of the Elders being apparently the same kings of that era was revealed earlier...with Ramses name being one of them.
"So the Nefertari didn't abandon being World Nobles...then Lili was betrayed as well...," Pell remarked as he opened Lili's casket to show an empty tomb as well.
The three men looked at each other, a mix of shock and anger etched on their faces. They knew they couldn't just leave the tombs like this. They had to find out what happened to the bodies of the two former rulers. The implications of their disappearance were too significant to ignore.
Chaka then observed a drawing of a much older time in the back of the wall and was astonished-
A girl with an uncanny resemblance to Vivi accompanied by a divine-looking mole with the iconography of resurrection and the underworld. She had wings of multicolor and a third eye. It had the symbol of what Crocodile- the former Warlord desired- Pluton.
On her right and left side were her apparent parents with the father figure resembling Luffy's white form.
"Wait Pluton, wasn't it in Wano? What does this mean? Why is there an image of Princess Vivi there? It doesn't appear in any of our records," asked Chaka.
Pell then thought back to how he managed to survive being blown up by Crocodile's bomb while at the epicenter of the explosion. He thought he was merely tough, but the image he was seeing implied something much more supernatural was at work.
"I thought I had died when I sacrificed myself that day...it seems like...it couldn't be...," said Pell.
Igaram nodded solemnly. "We can't ignore this. It's like the history books have been lying to us," he said, his voice trailing off.
"And all the more reason we can't let her pursuers get to her to do whatever they desire of Vivi. And I hope she finds the Straw Hats...I see them as the only other people to protect her.," said Igaram.
Dressrosa
Leo was busy cleaning the undergrowth when he stumbled upon an ancient tablet.
It showed girls with uncanny resemblances to Rebecca and Mansherry except more conventionally well-proportioned with multicolored wings and a third eye. It also showed how the Dwarves had left an island of fairy-like creatures that were at war with large bearded people but they didn't seem to be Giants. They lived on islands with huge trees with one resembling Elbaf.
He then rushed out to see Rebecca as Mansherry pouted.
"I saw you on a rock picture thingy!," he shouted to them.
They looked confused.
Kryos and Riku had stoic expressions.
"What does it look like?," asked the king.
"Sire.," said the warrior.
"Cobra's demise wasn't an accident. It was a cover-up," said Riku, his fists clenched tightly. "We might be next. I was used by a former World Noble as a literal puppet to be discarded. If they decide to take us on. Rebecca needs the right people to protect her."
Kyros nodded, wanting the best for his daughter.
Foosha Village
Woop Slap was silent on what he heard as Makino continued working at the bar.
He went to his house and closed the doors and windows.
He then pulled out a picture that he personally treasured.
He removed the top of his hat, but it was obscured.
It had an image of a moose mink, a blond girl, a green-haired girl, a spiky-haired blonde, and two boys with stringy hair accompanied by a goat Mink man.
"Excite...oh, you go by Xebec now...people say Luffy takes after Garp or Roger...but it's really you take after...I hope it doesn't mean following your fate to the letter.," he said as tears went down his eyes.
Morgan's Ship
Big News Morgans looked at the horizon and his usual bombast had deflated as he saw the golden sea.
"Greybeard...so it's time...," he spoke to himself as Wapol looked puzzled.
Vivi then confronted Morgans as she demanded-
"Ramses was the younger brother of my ancestor. Why was his name mentioned among those Elder jerks?"
"Little missie. We're on the break of a new era with exciting news to bring forth. The OLD WORLD has been reopened. It's gonna be impossible for them to quiet this kind of news.," he said as he stroked his beak.
Vivi annoyed she didn't get a straight answer, decided to head back to her room. Suddenly, underneath her feet was a magic circle she didn't recognize as she vanished.
Wapol was dumbfounded while Morgans had a good idea of what was going on.
Torino Kingdom
Shamba and the rest of the Torino Kingdom noticed an old carving of their people leaving an island of fairy-like creatures with a massive tree.
They then looked in shock as a massive flower island- Boin Archipelago emerged from the waters as an insect-armored man appeared.
"The time has come, Torinosun Peopleun! I am Heracles! It's time to go back to your homeland! I am Heracles!," he shouted.
The Torino people looked confused.
Duval's Location
The captain of the Rosy Life Riders managed to pick up Bartolomeo on one of their errands after spotting the ruins of his ship.
"You picked a fight with Red Hair? He's the teach of Boss Straw Hat.," complained the blonde.
"I sworry Boss Luffy! I made this reckless decision on my own! Please don't let this cause a rift between a teacher and student!" the green-haired man cried.
Cross Guild/Neo MADS
Clown and Judge were being bandaged up by Reiju after the explosion.
"Damnit! You lied to me! There was more than one of you! I'm not talking about the clones! And you both died! How dare you do that! How can I make a measuring stick to see if I've surpassed you or not!" shouted the horned scientist.
"We got something good of his demise. We now know of the OLD WORLD. It likely has resources we can exploit.," Judge replied.
"Sanji...," said Sanji.
"Tch...Good thing we're immune to pain...but the clown was reckless.," complained Yonji.
"As expected of the boss! He found a way to bomb away all of their resources! Now they're really handicapped!," shouted one of the surviving subordinates.
"We got the real names of the Elders! We should make bounties on the World Nobles! It'll serve them right for doing all that to the world!," yelled another.
In the back, Buggy's core crew along with Crocodile and Mihawk were discussing their future plans.
"Blowing up Egghead with nothing to salvage from it. Damn clown.," cursed Galdino.
"The other Elders' existence makes things more difficult. And the OLD WORLD might have dangerous fighters.," said Mihawk.
"The main takeaway is that there's a fifth Road Poneglyph to find and One Piece is there. That intel was more valuable than anything we could've taken.," Crocodile spoke.
Buggy was focused on something that Vegapunk mentioned.
I have suspicions that his death was staged with an imposter while they dealt with the real one while punishing his crew as well for daring to have the Voice of All Things that could expose the plans of Umi. His tale ended in tragedy.
"Mary Geoise...We should go there. I want to hear the truth of those wannabe gods.," Buggy said with an uncharacteristic low tone of building fury.
"That's suicide. And when did the figurehead get the balls to say that-," Crocodile said as he noticed Buggy.
To everyone's surprise, the weaker-willed members began to faint and Crocodile was shocked it was coming from Buggy of all people.
"We managed to come with surprising benefits. But we're outmanned.," Mihawk said.
"Kishishishishi. Compared to the living, the dead have countless resources. I was told by an old mentor of mine that there's a place where the dead reside. It's gotta be OLD WORLD. We'll be able to get back at those guys trying to get rid of us.," said a familiar voice emerging into the room.
"You're...," said Crocodile.
Marine HQ
Aramaki was annoyed as Hina looked down at him.
"I thought you were cool, but you're a World Noble fanboy. Hina upset.," she said.
"Not as upset as me. I was escorting those Animal Kingdom Pirates when a crew of Minks and Zoans attacked my ship! They had a leader...Shit! Kaido didn't say he had family! He might become an Emperor if news of this gets out.," the Admiral complained.
Issho's Location
"So there is an island of snipers outside of the one in our hearts...I have to admit it...I give up...Let my men go.," the blind swordsman spoke.
"Good thing y'all be all pure and not all spiteful. I'm gonna go after it after being locked up for decades.," said the voice of a silhouetted woman with blue hair.
Issho looked up at the sight of several ships captured in water bubbles. He had heard reports of a pirate crew gathering its forces on a certain island.
"A Devil Fruit able to turn into water and use it...It's a paradox. Sakazuki's gonna not like this," the swordsman admitted.
Ryugu Kingdom
Neptune went to the Sea Forest was shocked at the disappearance of the Noah. Shirahoshi had accompanied him along with her brothers.
"Where's the Noah? It's supposed to be the ship to save our people despite of what it was used just recently for. Jamon.," the King said.
"A pal of mine rebuilt with the help of a brat and some Sea Kings. It's not just gonna be a ship that'll help the Fish People but everyone in the coming events- don.," replied the merman.
Shirahoshi then noticed an ancient tablet in the forest- depicting Shirahoshi except with wings and a third eye.
Big Mom Pirates
The Big Mom Pirates had all reconvened at Totto Land as they looked in shock-
Perospero and Linlin were badly bandaged after the former saved their mother from the lava explosion just in time.
"Where's...Pudding...," asked the eldest child.
"She's been taken by Blackbeard.," replied Brulee.
"Mamammaa. Kidd and Law were defeated...serves them right...," Linlin said weakly.
Katakuri then said, "Mom, we can't afford to get back at Straw Hat now. We should try and make these islands able to survive in the sinking world" His voice was stern but filled with concern.
Suddenly, Ruth the Tanuki Elder of the 20 Kings who founded the World Government appeared out of nowhere as Linlin's eyes jolted into terror.
"H-hello Granny! I'm sorry to bring a bad name to the Charlotte family!," the bandaged woman spoke with uncharacteristic reverence to this Yokai.
"Granny?!," asked Smoothie.
Wano
Sukiyaki was confronted by Momonosuke and the Scabbards.
"True Allegiances...what does that mean?," asked the new Shogun of Wano.
A magic circle appeared as Byakuo sat on the chair meant for Momonosuke.
"You're a stranger. We're tired of invaders acting like they can barge in and rule over us.," said Kin'emon.
Sukiyaki bowed to him much to his grandson's confusion.
"I tried so hard to make Oden realize it. We may be rulers, but that's only because THEY allow us to rule.," he said.
"What does that mean?," asked the young Shogun.
"I wanted to do this with subtly. Now you have an ultimatum- either be ruled and give me PLUTON- the other one. Or die at the hands of my KATANA.," he said as he pulled his glasses with his knuckles.
"Or do you want to die by my blade as did your inept father.," he added with an unnatural smile.
"You jest. He died at the hands of Kaido.," the Shogun replied.
"He thought he did, but that was Observation Trickery- an Observation technique to obscure the senses. In truth, the Oden who made his final speech was Higurashi using the Copy-Copy power to play the part completely as she was killed by Kaido for real that day. As for how he died, he found out he didn't find Laughtale but a lie. He died in despair. His selfishness was his own undoing. Byayayayaya.," spoke the Elder.
Momonosuke's eyes widened in shock and horror, his grip on the scabbard of Ame no Habakiri.
"You can dance like a fool like he did to maybe get me to not purge your bio-life forms right away. My KATANA will slaughter your citizens if you dare not obey my commands," said the bald samurai.
Momonosuke's fury boiled over but he restrained himself not to get his people injured due to his pride overtaking him.
"Find Yamato.," Momonosuke whispered to Raizo.
"It's odd that you Dragons have descended so comfortably to the lower world so readily.," said Denjiro.
"It's not just me.," spoke Byakuo.
Nekomamushi and Inurashi's eyes widened with dread as he looked at them.
"Being a ruler of an aging elephant won't be enough of an excuse for him. He sees you as the beasts you., the samurai spoke.
Zou
Shishilian and Wanda were being blown away by a black tornado as the other Minks took their stance.
"Ancient Weapon Artemis! You abominations were created by Lady Ocean! I only spared you because you kept the deal of wandering out of our business and you kept it for 800 years! But you intervened at Wano! So it breaks that deal! It seems Zunesha! You want to die and take these fleas down with you!," shouted Arcas as he continued to spin around to attack
Carrot looked on before she heard a voice for the first time-
"Carrot. It is me. Zunesha. You are not safe here. I'll send you away via one of the Ancient Haki arts...Sorcery Haki...to that crew!"
The rabbit Mink was then teleported much to the Elder's annoyance.
"Now I must deal with the rest of these rodents," said Arcas.
Tsuru and Sengoku's Location
Sengoku was in his Daibutsu form cracked and bleeding as he faced a giant silhouette of a mafia boss with small red eyes.
"DEVIL...you haven't aged at all. Are you even human?," asked the former Fleet Admiral.
"I rather be a Demon if being Human means purging babies for association and eliminating civilians on that ship...including her.," said the shade.
"Wait, you mean the Demon Child...You have to be aware...have you been under a rock?," asked Tsuru.
The silhouette stared blankly as he muttered, "She didn't die that day...it's been 20 years...Olvia..."
He and his armada left as the Marine ships remained damaged.
"This situation continues to escalate. Damn you Garp for barging into the Beehive.," he complained.
Sabody Archipelago
An orange-haired girl with green-iris eyes and glasses noticed how Rayleigh was acting uncharacteristically violent in the bar as the other patrons rushed out.
"A fifth one...there was a fifth one...?! And your death was faked and almost everyone in the crew was killed!," Rayleigh yelled in a drunken stupor.
"Ray...Don't do anything moronic.," Shakky said to console him.
She then walked away and accidentally stumbled on an ancient magic circle, worn and covered in moss. She stepped on it and she vanished in a green flash of light.
Mont Blanc Cricket's Location
Cricket and the Monkey Mountain Allied Force were diving when they noticed the sea of gold on the monitor shown by the Visual Transponder Snail.
"Looks exciting to explore.," said Shoujou.
"Yeah. Yeah. Whatya think Cricket Boss?," asked Masira.
"Even we're labeled liars in the future. It'll be against my code not to venture there.," said the blonde man with a chestnut on his forehead.
Smoker's Location
Smoker was half frozen by snow conjured by a black dragon with an armada of fairy-like creatures.
"You're not dreaming, human," said the black dragon. "I am Wolverstone D. Mare. The Captain of the Fairy Tale Pirates. Your World Noble masters would know me personally."
"You have to be a Mythical Zoan. Didn't think there'd actually a Dragon Model.," spoke the Vice Admiral.
"There are many things your limited minds cannot fathom. The OLD WORLD is full of them," the dragon snickered.
"OLD WORLD? Wait, Fairy Tale Pirates? You were in Impel Down till the breakout.," he said.
"Yeah, but I'm free again now. You can go tell them I'm going to Vira...the other one. I've been stationed there for two years. This trip now was just a whim.," said the dragon as she flew away.
Baratie
Zeff looked at the sky as he muttered-
"It looks like you'll be going here Sanji...You'll be able to find it...All Blue...and when everything's done...I'll apologize for Sora...but I know...words aren't going to be enough...A man isn't supposed to hurt a woman...but breaking her heart is worse...especially by a father."
Tequila Wolf
Despite the Revolutionaries' efforts, the bridge continued to be forged as planned by the whims of the World Nobles.
"Vodka Wolf, Bourbon Wolf, and Rum Wolf are finally complete. Wonder why they delayed finishing it till now?," asked a subordinate.
"Don't ask me. Apparently, it has something to do with an eclipse every 1000 years. Maybe it's an anniversary. Oh they managed to finally connect it that point. Good they'll get less lashes.," replied the prison chief.
"So we're done?," asked the subordinate.
"Nah. We have to finish this weird, funky tower near Elbaf and the other Vira- Anti-Apothesis. It's a hand that they say is able to bring down God to earth. We just need to finish the thumb.," he said.
"Do you really believe in that?," asked the subordinate.
"I follow orders and I like what I do. No need to question that.," the chief replied as he walked away.
Sphinx Island
Marco thought of Whitebeard's strange absences he'd occasionally do as he went to that place.
"Pops...what did you see there?," asked the former 1st Commander as he saw the golden sea and figured OLD WORLD is where he went to.
Foxy Pirates
Foxy Pirates
Hamburg, Porche, and Foxy were kneeling to a rising shadow with red eyes and red jagged maw.
"D-Davey Jones! Lord and Master!," the long-nosed captain said as he rode in a dinghy.
"It's pitiful that one of my few pirate followers in this line is so underwhelming...so did you meet him...the Gomu user?," asked the Voice of the shadow.
"Yes, we met. He's...unexpectedly strong," replied Hamburg with a tremble.
"He strong with the fro!," shouted Porche.
"Sorry, we just had bad luck! We'll find a way to gather more suckers to-," he said before their ship was hit by the Cross Guild Ship that managed to topple them over.
Galdino quickly used his wax to rescue them as the trio was relieved.
"These guys are chumps but they have a reputation of being tricky," said Crocodile as he saw the remnants of the Foxy Pirates.
Foxy looked around to see the countless weaklings that Buggy had drawn.
"Repay that debt to the Devil. Fefefe," said the long-nosed man.
Law's Location
Bepo managed to land on an island with Law and the others as they saw armored knights approach them.
Kidd's Location
Kidd awoke in a dark cavern surrounded by large bearded men- though not giant-sized but in-between.
Impel Down
"Fufufufu. Looks like you're almost found out. Serves you right for not taking me back in.," said Doflamingo with Magellan standing guard over him.
The horned Vice-Warden then noticed the sudden appearance of Cortez who slightly scuffled from the explosion.
"Basisissisisisi. Well, well, well. If it isn't the legendary Doflamingo. How the mighty have fallen," sneered Cortez.
Doflamingo's eyes from behind his shades narrowed at the sight of the dreadlocked head, his heart racing with anticipation. He knew this wasn't a mere coincidence. The World Government had sent their best to deal with the unfortunate souls who had the misfortune of crossing them. But why now? Why send the infamous Cipher Pol after him when he was already in the most secure prison in the world?
"And you're Maxamillion Cortez. The Silver Child. Everyone knows the Figarland are the gold standard though.," Doflamingo said.
"Let's make this quick. You're a chatterbox who might spill out everything and the top brass don't like that much.," Cortez replied as red lights began to glow behind his eyewear.
Magellan covered Cortez's vision and the latter automatically choked him in response.
"This goes against protocol. He doesn't have an official execution yet...," Magellan argued.
"Don't bother poisoning me. I have the power of the King of Snake. Every toxin is inside me so your trick doesn't work.," he said as he tossed Magellan aside.
"Did Straw Hat get under your skin like he did for me?," asked the former Joker of the Underworld.
"You have to be specific. There's been more than one contrary to popular belief.," said the CP0 Leader.
"The son of Dragon and the grandson of Garp. You know him?," asked Doflamingo.
Cortez glared at Doflamigo as the latter became deathly faint.
"The stare of the Basilisk. I'm a dead man if I-I don't get a cure. Damn you Law for not making me immortal!," the former Warlord cursed.
"Kishishishi. You once had me hunted to do a hit now you're the opposite end. Guess I'll save you.," said a familiar voice as shadows engulfed the former Warlord.
"So you have allies in ironic places. He's not a clone like Stussy was. She's long since disappeared, but she'll be found soon enough.," Cortez replied.
"Then he's of THAT bloodline we fear...Oi, Shadow Lizard. Get the other guys. I've been out of the game too long. Things are getting exciting," Doflamingo shouted as he vanished.
Cortez then grimaced as he took out his frustration on another criminal who knew too much about the World Government to fulfill his duties before warping away.
King/Queen's Location
King awoke to see a crew of Minks and Zoan users as did Queen. He looked up to see the silhouette of a pink-haired towering man who had horns like Kaido except positioned down.
"You're the younger brother of Mr. Kaido.," said King the Lunarian.
"Yeah. Kai's my younger brother. I'm O D. Shin. He managed to land on my ship of all places when he exploded out of Wano. Meow," said the pink-haired Oni as he gestured towards the heavily bandaged Kaido.
He was relieved that his captain was alive but knew their crew was now in shambles. He couldn't be high and mighty till he recovered especially with his limit-
"Why aren't ya healing your missing wing? Just concentrate.," said Shin much to King's confusion.
He followed the advice as he closed his eyes as the missing wing zoomed all the way back from Wano to reattach itself and move like it normally would.
"It seems like he repressed those traits and told you to hide them for your sake. But we're meant to be free and establish the natural order- survival of the fittest. This is my goal as the future Pirate King of this Line. I wasn't freed from Impel Down for nothing Meow.," the Oni spoke.
"S-sure.," Queen replied as he nodded nervously.
"What about Joyboy?," asked King.
"We don't need a laughing buffoon. We need absolute power...which is why we're headin' to Wano to get Pluton...and destroy the other one.," said the Oni.
"We need that doctor here...where's Copter?," asked one of the Minks.
Prodence Kingdom
"OLD WORLD...I wonder if it has kingdoms we can negotiate with in trading.," noted Dagama.
"More importantly, Lulusia Kingdom needs to be avenge- not for its atricuous former rulers, but for the people lost that day. I'll give that Umi a 4 hour build-up punch.," said Elizabello the II.
Weatheria
Harudis looked in shock as Punk Records appeared as a body of light manifested.
"Vegapunk...you're dead aren't you?," asked the wizard-like man.
"I'm not sure what I am. Can I ask a favor? Can you contact your Skypeian neighbors?," asked the astral scientist.
Sakura Kingdom
Dr. Kureha went through Hirulik's papers.
"I'm cleaning up your old room. You were as messy in your living space as you were in life.," the hag-faced woman said as she looked through his documents to properly file them.
She then examined one with curiosity.
"I've surmised that Gol D. Roger had been inflicted by Gold Disease...which should be impossible since it went extinct during a period between 900 to 800 years ago...which leads me to believe...it was no coincidence...," spoke the woman with increasingly alarm.
She then heard a loud thud in outside as she saw a large Moose Mink with a blue nose.
"Hiriluk...Waah, you died! And I was in jail for too long!," he cried.
"Wait, you have the same nose as that reindeer apprentice of mine.," noted the hag. Dalton approached the Mink with caution.
Baldimore
An old man prayed in front of Vegapunk's grave in the frosty island.
"You had issues, but you were truly a saint.," said the old man.
Cocoyashi Village
Nojiko sat down as she looked at the sky.
"Could it be connected to where we came from?...Belemere...Mom...what would you do?," she asked aloud.
Shimotsuki Village
Koushirou spotted a man in a tuxedo with a captain's cape on the shores of the village.
"You're not welcomed here...," he said as he drew his bokuto.
"I never thought I'd end up here...my gullible twin.," said Captain Kuro.
Elbaf
An oranged-beared Giant looked in the distance as ten warriors gathered on the other side of the country.
"Robin...I hope to see you before conflict all breaks out...," he said.
He noticed that Brogy, Dorry, and the other Giants had been blasted away the way from Egghead to a patch of land near him.
Arabasta
Koza and Toto walked into the palace for the meeting to discuss the future leadership of the kingdom when they saw Igaram, Pell, and Chaka on magic circles.
"You spoke to the king. You have the qualities of a leader. We trust the country in your stead. What we do now...might be seen as making deals with demons.," he said as he vanished to their confusion.
Syrup Village
Kaya visited Bankina's grave when she saw a blue-haired woman suddenly appear. She looked different than the long-nosed woman, but she had a familiar presence.
The woman cried as she muttered,
"This be mighty unfair...for a mommy to outlive their little girl...Damn you Yasopp...," she cursed.
"You knew Usopp's mother?," asked the blonde.
"She had a child?," asked the blue-haired woman in the cowboy attire.
Laboon
Crocus shivered as he remembered a faint memory of trauma- a nightmare he wished wasn't real...
He then heard knocking outside. He went outside Laboon to see a massive silhouette of a mafia boss.
"This is the whale that he yearns for?," asked the man to Crocus' confusion.
Marine Hospital
"What do you think about the message?," asked Hibari to Koby who was guilt-ridden about the capture of Garp.
"I'm sorry, but I can't trust Luffy with his dream.," he spoke aloud.
The room fell silent as the weight of his words settled on the air. The young boy's face, usually so full of life, was a canvas of doubt and fear. Hibari studied Koby's expression, her gaze sharp and assessing. She knew the bond he shared with Luffy was strong, but she also knew the stakes were too high. The fate of Garp, and possibly the entire world, hung in the balance.
Suddenly, a figure appeared at the door as it opened to reveal a pope with an unassuming face.
"A...ah...what's the head of the World Noble Religion doing here?," asked Helmeppo.
Grus looked perturbed that this man apparently appeared without any Observation detecting him.
"I'm merely a man...even though I have immense aspirations for the future.," said the Pope.
"What's one of the big shots doing here?," asked Kujaku.
"I would like to speak with the boy alone.," the Pope said to the others.
"Oi, that's a bit suspicious. Even if he's the Hero.," said X-Drake.
"Your background is also suspicious. Both your father and your current occupation...," the Pope remarked much to X-Drake's frustration.
"I-It's Ok...," said Koby.
Helmeppo and Hibrari nodded reluctantly as the others left.
The Pope closed the door behind them, his eyes remained closed- which made him appear distinct from others. His gentle smile never wavered as he approached the bedside.
"You're upset about Garp...but he told you himself to abandon the elderly for the next generation...you're going to be what the Marines need as a leader.," the Pope noted.
"N-next head? Smoker or Fujitora would be more appropriate. It's so presumptuous to assume a nobody like me would ever measure up.," Koby argued.
The Pope's eyes remained closed as he leaned in closer to Koby. "You underestimate yourself, young man. Garp sees something in you that you do not. He believes in your potential, and so do I." His voice was soothing, almost melodic as if it was designed to put the listener at ease. "The path you walk is not an easy one, but it is one that can lead to great change."
"I just want to make the world safe from pirates...since...," said the youth.
"I understand...I and a few others were captured and forced under the banner of pirates...I understand your loathing of them.," the pope remarked.
"Not all pirates are bad though even if we have to detain them.," Koby argued. "There's Luffy...he's not like the others."
"Even if he is a decent fellow...his actions have opened the OLD WORLD...you've seen a glimpse of it...the gold sea...it's dangerous...and it's one of 19 other seas...each more dangerous...and he would rush in without thinking of the consequences.," the pope replied.
The Pope's words hung in the air, a heavy silence filling the room. Koby felt the burden of his own thoughts pressing down on him. He knew Luffy's heart was pure, but he also knew the chaos that could be unleashed if the balance of power was tipped in the wrong direction. The idea of the Straw Hat Pirates navigating the perils of the Old World was both thrilling and terrifying.
"Doing the just thing isn't always the easiest. It means burning bridges, denying others of their goals, and doing things that won't make you popular by everyone. But the long term is worth it for the sake of stability.," the pope said.
"Calling you Pope so casually sounds off...what is your name sir? I-it's ok if you don't I don't want to seem arrogant.," Koby replied.
"I am Imu...Figarland Imu.," the Pope replied.
New Spiders Café
Zala walked in to see Zalia, Gem, Drophy, Babe, and Lasso lying down covered in blood. In the center of the bloodshed was a short, elderly woman in a Kano-style martial arts uniform. She possesses no visible nose. She has light purple hair tied into two large buns.
She looked at Marianne with her face contorting with wrinkles as she rushed to her.
Douglas Irene- Warrior God of Traveling.
Marine Jail Cell
Demalo Black was locked inside a cell with his crew dressed as the Kidd Pirates.
"Heh...Joyboy is nothing compared to me...," he boasted before his voice trailed off.
"Damnit...," he cursed.
Long-Ring-Long Land
Tonjit came across a grave in the middle of the ring.
"This is...," he said.
Orange Town
The Mayor and Chouchou having heard the news began to question the validity of the 20 Kings being the creators of the world.
Island of Rare Animals
Gaimon looked seriously into the distance as Sarfunkel looked on.
"I had a vision...from the Big Guy...I have to go to that weird place...," said the man in the chest as he saw the Golden sea.
The chimeric animals' expressions were filled with concern.
Mary Geoise
Sakazuki arrived at the Room of Authority to confront the Elders.
"What the hell...you weren't even honest about your damn names when we talked face to face?," demanded the Fleet Admiral.
The air grew thick with tension as Sakazuki stepped into the Room of Authority, his eyes ablaze with fury.
"Where's Nusjuro?" he demanded.
"Oh, Byakuo. Getting Pluton and settling his game in Wano.," said Germain.
"As for why we hid our names. It's annoying to always explain how we're unkillable. Please don't wreck the room. All you'll be doing is wrecking a perfectly fine room.," the blonde added.
Sakazuki then noticed the five Oracion Seis members battered and bruised on the floor.
"What did you do?," asked the Fleet Admiral.
"As their father figure, I have to scold them so they don't fail next time.," explained the blonde. His tone was more insufferably casual than usual.
"Germain. You're escalating the tension unnecessarily.," spoke Darwin as Germain scowled and sat down.
"Sakazuki. What answer would satisfy you?" asked Abraham as he finally sat down on a seat.
"First, off where is Saturn...or Ezekiel...whatever you are now?," demanded Sakazuki.
"Checking if there are any hidden rooms under Egghead for anything that could be used for us or destroyed if they're against us.," replied Darwin.
Garling stood outside the room.
Egghead
After all the damage, the Vice Admirals continued to dig through the wreckage as Ezekiel looked on.
Kizaru was accompanying the Elder as per his duties. He watched as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the chaotic scene. The Elder spoke up, his voice carrying a hint of concern
"How are you feeling about of this? Everything that we've done has been done was for the sake of stopping that chaos from breaching in. And despite it, it still managed to be unleashed. The world is going to be thrown into pandemonium soon.," he spoke.
"I'm more surprised that you're over 800 years old, sir. I had no idea," Kizaru said, trying to lighten the mood.
After a pause, with Red King manages to find more hidden rooms filled with technology that Vegapunk kept safe in case of an explosion due to his repetition of including a self-destruct button everywhere he built a base.
"This Joyboy...did you like him?," asked the Admiral.
Ezekiel felt his scar as if reliving a painful memory.
"No.," he replied.
"Zehahahaha. Don't be so shy! You've got so much information to spill out.," said a familiar voice as Pirate Beehive Island rose from the seas as a skull-headed golem.
Next Chapter: Blood-Man
Author Notes: This is essentially a long post-arc synopsis detailing possible future plot threads.