Chapter 3: Sins of The Past, Part 3

I do not own One Piece! That will always belong to Eiichiro Oda! I only own my OCs.

Riptide and his group were heading back when they heard the wild war howl bringing them to a halt. Gaff, Slashback, Longtooth, Blade, Ryder, and Marcus all looked at Riptide.

"What in tarnation was that?" Sunflash asked.

"Sounds like trouble if ya ask me," Butch said.

With Riptide in the lead, the Saw crew members hurried toward Wavecutter, where they could hear the screams and curses that filled the air and soon came upon the battle between Itachi's hunters and the blood-splattered Fishman.

"Who is he?" Ryder asked, pointing to the other Fishman.

"No idea, but check out that sick frigging sword he's using!" Slashback said in awe. "He's cutting those guys down like they're mere blades of grass!"

Gaff snarled as his eyes narrowed to mere slits. "A fucking Kuda hunting party." He hissed in disdain.

"They're Kudas?" Riptide said in surprise. "Gaff, they look like nothing like Slatafang or his lot."

Gaff ignored Riptide's words, instead of searching among the attacking Kudas and saw the answer, eyes narrowed at the sight of the Kuda, who looked more of a dragon than anything.

The Kuda had a slim, slightly muscular build with long arms and legs that had claws so sharp that he could easily scale all kinds of rocks or stone surfaces. Reddish-brown eyes and skin that was blue-green almost black looking, sky blue hair with white highlights that was spikey in the front while the rest ran down his thick short, muscular neck ending between his shoulder blades. Short, twisted horns formed a V-shape behind his skull. He wore only a dark red loincloth with a dark brown leather belt around his waist. His paddle-like tail curled around his feet.

"ITACHI!" he roared, taking off in a crazed charge.

"Gaff!" Riptide shouted. He turned to the others. "Let's hurry before Gaff gets hurt or killed!"

"Agreed," Kaiuleale said, pointing to the spiral saw shark. "We better hurry because our friend there is starting to tire, and those fucking bastards know it!"

Riptide nodded, and he and the others charged.

~~.~~.~~

Itachi cursed as he watched his hunters attack again and again, but their prey proved very stubborn. Itachi's hunters relied on their razor-sharp, canine-like teeth to do deep slashing bites; only they could not get near the bastard!

"Stop goofing around!" He screamed at his hunters. "Have you forgotten your training?!" Work as a unit!"

Keeping himself at the rear of his hunters, the Kuda left himself vulnerable and was not expecting to be attacked. However, Itachi let out a howl of pain as he not only slammed into but felt the teeth that tore and ripped into the curve between his neck and shoulder. They crashed to the ground, and Itachi found himself pinned by his attacker.

"Help me!" He screamed wildly to his hunters.

Before his hunters could aid him, a roar chilled the blood and hearts of all that heard, followed by a roar.

"SSSHHHAAA!"

Itachi did not know which was worse to see, the nightmarish Spinosaurus or the white sawtooth with the tiger stripes that followed. However, he knew one thing; they were going to die unless they got more help.

Where are those fucking bastards?! Itachi thought wildly before he yelled at the top of his lungs. "KUROOBI! CHEW! JELLICOE! WHERE ARE YOU FUCKING COWARDS?!"

~~.~~.~~

Kuroobi and Chew with Jellicoe were staying back, watching it all. The spiral saw shark was annihilating Itachi's hunters, making it impossible even to get him.

"Should we help Itachi and his hunters?" Jellicoe asked as he looked at Chew.

Before he could answer, there was a wild roar. "SSSHHHAAA!"

Hearing that caused the three Fishmen to nearly jump out of their skins and Kuroobi and Chew still nearly did that when they looked in the direction of the yell, and what they saw shocked them.

"That can't be! Chu," Chew said as he rubbed his eyes. "That…that almost looks like Arlong! Chu"

Kuroobi was shocked. How was this possible? How could they see another saw shark looking like a young version of Arlong, but of a different color and stripes?

"Are you sure that your captain did not have a wife?" Jellicoe asked.

"Arlong had no wife; his attention was to sweep up with that girl," Kuroobi said as he shifted his attention back to Wavecutter, where Nami was now joined by Jimbei and the rest of Saw crew. "Jimbei! What is he doing here?!"

"We haven't seen him since Arlong left the Sun Pirates! Chu"

"Damn! He's tearing into Itachi's hunters worse than that other shark!"

Kuroobi and Chew looked toward Riptide, who took out eight Kudas with one swing of his kiribachi. The longer they watched, the more they started seeing Arlong, and suddenly it dawned on both of them.

"HE'S ARLONG'S SON!" they shouted in unison as they looked at each other.

"How? Chu," Chew said, shaking his head. "Arlong never had any woman around all the time. Chu"

"Except Nami," Kuroobi said. "He always had her by his side when she was at Arlong Park."

Chew looked startled as he looked from Riptide to Nami. Of course, Kuroobi spoke truly when it came to Nami, but to even think that Arlong and Nami had a son was enough to rattle anyone. Besides, even though Arlong stuck with Nami, he would never have sex with a human…right?

"KUROOBI! CHEW! JELLICOE! WHERE ARE YOU FUCKING COWARDS?!"

The three looked to see Itachi down on the ground with what appeared to be another Kuda, but clearly, he was a hybrid, and this hybrid was tearing into Itachi with what clearly savage vengeance.

"Should we help Itachi and his hunters?" Jellicoe asked as he looked over to Chew.

Not really wanting to, but the smelt-whiting Fishman knew if he did not, their actions would be questioned by Genghis, and the mako clearly favored Itachi and his miserable lot. If he, Kuroobi, and Jellicoe returned alone without Itachi and his hunters Genghis would not only accuse them of being traitors but would have them killed where they stood. Emerging from the trees' safety, he was staying out of sight with Kuroobi and Jellicoe Chew located a small pool of water, which he sucked up enough for him to use his ability. Taking careful aim, he unleashed his attack.

"Hyappatsu Mizudeppo!"

~~.~~.~~

Gaff was tearing into Itachi with pure hate. He had not seen the other Kuda since he was a child, and to see him and the Kudas who were with him was enough to make him snap. When he was little, Itachi used him as prey for all the practice hunts, and now he would get his revenge.

Itachi was screaming as his blood flowed from where Gaff had torn and bitten him. Gaff reared his head back, his teeth bared, ready to deliver the killing when he was hit. But, instead, he cried out as he felt the shot go through his shoulder, and he staggered backward. Blood flowed as he clutched his injured left shoulder; the Kuda hybrid looked with wide eyes at the other Fishman, who unleashed a rapid barrage of water shots at him.

"Hyappatsu Mizudeppo!"

I am dead! Gaff thought with horror.

Then all of a sudden, Riptide was there, and to all who saw it literally deflected every one of the machine gun water shots. The son of Arlong was glaring at the smelt-whiting Fishman, who was clearly shocked.

"How dare you attack one of my Nakama!" Riptide growled. "Who do you think you are?!"

"Let me ask you a question. Are you the son of Arlong? Chu"

"W-what?" The question caught riptide off guard.

"Is Arlong your father? Chu," the smelt-whiting asked.

"What the fuck does that have to do with you attacking my friend?!" Riptide demanded.

"It's a simple question, Chu," he said calmly.

Riptide growled in annoyance. He did not have time for this shit!

"Rip!"

He turned to see his sister rushing to him. "Des, stay back," he said.

Of course, she refused to listen, and Gaff stepped in front of her forcing her to stop. "Destiny, please listen to your brother." He begged.

"Gaff, you're hurt," Destiny said the moment she saw he had been injured.

"I'm fine," Gaff said, keeping a watchful eye on both Itachi and Chew. "So, who the fuck are you, Lips?"

Chew's right eye twitched at the insult. "My name is Chew, not Lips. Chu"

"Chew…" Riptide muttered as he thought where he had the name before. "Where have I heard…YOU WERE ONE OF THE OFFICERS IN THE ARLONG PIRATES!"

Chew smiled slightly at this. "Good to know that you've heard of me, Chu."

"We heard about you and every other fucking bastard who ruined our mother's life," Destiny said.

"Your mother, Chu?" Chew looked at Destiny in confusion. "Who would that- "

Itachi had slowly got to his feet, his breath wheezing, looking none too well. "Kill…them," he said painfully. "Kill them…. or I will…. see- "

"Ya'll go right ahead," Butch rumbled as he moved closer. The Spinosaurus' teeth were red with blood and bits of meaty flesh from the unfortunate Kudas who had fallen prey to his fearsome teeth. "Ya'll feel free ta try, and I promise ya that ya'll will be a join' ya friends."

What remained of Itachi's hunters helped their injured leader and left, leaving only Chew behind. Riptide stared the former officer of the Arlong Pirates down before Chew gave him a friendly nod taking his leave as well. So, once Chew was gone, did Riptide and the others turn to go as well.

Marcus was kneeling by the spiral saw shark who collapsed, clearly exhausted from his fight. "Are you okay?" he asked.

The strange shark man nodded. "I am. Thank you," he said. "You all have my eternal gratitude."

"Just who are ye, and what kind of species of shark are ye?" Blade asked as he wiped his ax clean on one of the dead Kudas.

"My name is Grinder, and I'm a spiral saw shark, an ancient ancestor to the sawtooth race," he said as Marcus helped him to his feet.

"Let's get you back to our ship, where a good meal and proper bed awaits you," Marcus said. "If that's alright with you, grandson?"

Riptide nodded. "Perhaps then our new friend can fill us in on what's has happened here."

Grinder looked at his newfound friends and nodded. "I'll be glad to, and I'll be more than happy to help you rid this island of Genghis and his cursed bloody lot!"

~~.~~.~~

Genghis was not pleased upon Itachi's return. The mako cared little that the loyal Kuda was severely injured as he sat on a chair listening to Itachi, who told of what happened. The mako shark's raspy breaths were sending shivers of fear down the Kuda's spine as he tried not to tremble or let his fear show, but Genghis knew; he always knew. There was nothing that remained hidden or even unknown, not with Genghis. Mad purple eyes seemed to glow eerily as he rose from his seat and circled Itachi.

"Explain to me again how this happened, Itachi! Explain to me again how your hunters failed to take down…a stupid fucking Fishman! How?!"

With each word spit from Genghis' mouth would land on Itachi, causing him to flinch and whimper in terror. His master was angry, and he had every right to be. Itachi had claimed they could do it, yet he and his hunters had failed. Failure was the one thing Genghis never excepted. Never!

"I have no answer nor words that would appease your wrath, O' Master," Itachi said. "I cannot believe it myself, but I saw my hunters fail to do the task I gave them."

Genghis snarled. "And whose fault is that? Whose fault is it for their fucking failure?!"

Itachi gave a frightful whimper before he answered. "Mine…. Master."

"Correct!" Genghis snarled, then seized the Kuda by his throat, lifting him up and slowly tightened his grip. "I do not accept failure!"

Itachi's clawed hands latched on Genghis' hand as his feet flailed wildly and his tail whipped madly back and forth.

"M-master…chance…"

"Another chance?" Genghis said. "Another chance?! Why should I do that, you stupid brainless idiot?! What reason should I do that?!"

"The…. perfect…. mate…. O' Master," Itachi said, wheezing.

This caught Genghis' attention. "A perfect mate?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Y-yes…"

Genghis' grip loosened, and Itachi was slowly able to breathe again. The mako shark man placed the almost dead Kuda on the ground withdrawing his hand, waiting for his faithful and loyal servant to explain. Itachi massaged his throat as he slowly took small, needed breaths.

"A female with a skin of silver and eyes of the deepest blue sea," Itachi said. "With long flowing black hair that is dark as a moonless night. She is of age and would bear you many strong offspring."

Itachi's painting of words to describe Destiny indeed work, and Genghis nodded slowly as his thoughts drifted some. He did need a mate, a queen by his side one could bear him strong children. He liked what he heard, and he wanted this female.

"I want her," Genghis said, then turned to a figure who had been in the shadows. "Do you think you can bring this female to me, Nàlani?"

Itachi's eyes narrowed with hate as the human male stepped from the shadows. "Nàlani…"

Nàlani stood at 6'5" with a dark tanned, muscular build and tribal tattoos that started from the right side of his chest going from his shoulder down the entire length of his right arm. He had small, slightly slanted dark eyes Nàlani's dark hair was as cut in such a way that it was faded on the sides of his head with about an inch and a half on the top of his head. He wore a black kilt-like garment that was wrapped around his hips and fastened with a buckle. Hanging from the black leather belt was a leather sling and a 28-inch hollow frame wooden sword with 41 shark teeth that made up the blade.

He gracefully dropped to a knee, arms sweeping out to his side. "You command, and I obey," Nàlani said. "I will accomplish what your so-called loyal servant failed to do."

Genghis took note of Itachi's injures. "See to those injures of yours," he snapped.

Itachi nodded before he dared to ask, "Master, what of the traitors?"

"Traitors?" Genghis rumbled in a dangerous tone, causing the Kuda to gulp.

"Yes…" Itachi said steadily. "Kuroobi, Chew and Jellicoe. They did not aid us at all, and Chew seemed too friendly with the strange white sawtooth shark with black stripes."

Genghis growled. Seeing the injures Itachi had and returning with far fewer hunters had made the mako suspicious, and now to hear that he may have traitors in his mists that did not sit well with him. Not at all.

"I shall deal with this matter personally," Genghis said. "Itachi, you may go. Nàlani remains, for I wish to speak with you."

Itachi did not hide the look on his face as he was so easily dismissed, and the smug look that wretched Nàlani gave him did not help. The Kuda wanted to claw Nàlani's face off but not with the injures he had; he needed healing. So he limped off, heading for the rear entrance, which was not even guarded, making sure no one saw him. In truth, Genghis knew nothing of the rear entrance, and Itachi wanted it to remain that way.

He went down a long-forgotten trail that led to a giant waterfall that feeds into a clear blue pool that feeds into the rivers and streams of the whole island. Carefully he went behind the waterfall, where there was a carved tunnel that went into the mountain. Itachi limped slowly and carefully until he reached the main chamber, which was large with a cave chamber system and in the center pool that has an underwater entrance for a quick escape if the need ever arose. In the back was a fire going with plenty of firewood stacked near one of the cave chambers.

Itachi limped to the cave off to the left. A lantern was hanging from the center of the pole beam hammered into place with a few others that formed the beamed ceiling. Sitting nearest to the entrance was a bed frame that was 2 feet high and 6 feet long. The bed was a diagonal cross weave of cotton cloth with one end left for adjustments with the linear members. Itachi caught the faint whiff of the potpourri that had been in the sleeping chamber. The first time Itachi got a whiff of it caused him to go into a sneezing fit that lasted for days. Now it no longer bothered him.

He left the cave and the other adjoining cave containing various pots and jars and dried and smoked fish and other meats from various animals that roamed the island. Hanging up as well as plants and herbs that had been used for either cooking or medicines.

Where is she? Itachi thought with worry as he came out.

"Mo'o!"

Itachi's head jerked up as a young woman came walking in carrying a jar half of Itachi's size. Like Nàlani, she had dark sun-tanned skin with long silky black hair that went down to her waist and warm brown eyes. She was 5'4" in height and wore a colorful wrap wrapped around her upper body ending just above her knees. A coconut shell clip was attached to the corner of the wrap wrapped around her left shoulder. Around her neck hung a 16-inch long spiral shell slice pendant that was on a brown leather cord.

"Leilani," Itachi sighed in relief, limping to take the jar from her. "Why did you leave the safety of the cave?"

Leilani bowed her head slightly. "There was no water, and I didn't think you would worry if I went to fetch it."

Itachi painfully put the water jar down. "I'm not angry," he said softly. "But you must be careful, especially now in your condition." The Kuda had reason to be concerned for Leilani; she was eight and half months pregnant with their child.

"Mo'o," Leilani said, seeing he injures. "Those wounds. How did this happen?"

"A hunt that went wrong," Itachi said as Leilani went to get the salve for his wounds. Once she has it, they wordlessly entered the sleeping chamber, and after Leilani covered the woven bed with a blanket did Itachi lay down on his stomach, closing his eyes. He felt the coolness of the salve as Leilani applied to his wounds all the time singing in her native tongue. Soon Itachi had drifted off to sleep.

Itachi did not know how long he had slept, but he knew it was nighttime, for he heard the sounds of the nocturnal wildlife. He slowly sat up just as Leilani came with food for him. He gave her a warm smile as she placed the food by him, and as she turned to leave, he took her by the hand.

"Stay," he said. "It's been too long since we last saw each other." Leilani laid on the cave floor, resting her head against Itachi's upper leg. He lovingly stroked her hair. "My beautiful mate, are you and our little one alright?"

Leilani looked at him, smiling. "I've been a little tired, but our baby," she said, resting a hand on her belly. "Has been active. I believe they're eager to see their father."

Itachi reached down and gently caressed her belly. "I can't wait to meet our little one," he said.

Itachi might have been a coward who talked big, but he loved Leilani with all his heart and soul. He had loved her since fate brought them together over two years ago.

~~the waterfall incident, two years ago~~

Itachi had been feeling very bored and restless since Genghis arrived upon the island a few weeks ago. The Kuda had prepared his hunters for battle, and the moment they set foot upon the beach, they were greeted warmly, very warmly.

Itachi was confused by the people who welcomed his master openly and saw that pleased Genghis greatly. The celebration that followed revealed the answer to Kuda's question. The islanders worshipped different gods, including shark gods, and they believed Genghis to be Kühaimoana, the strongest among the shark gods. Genghis was truly pleased to know that these humans were wise enough to worship the greatness of a shark.

While Genghis and his hunters enjoyed the endless celebrations, Itachi had decided he needed to explore. If his master was this welcomed, then his master needed a place to call home. In his search, Itachi had come upon the ancient stone fortress, which needed many repairs before the fortress could be used again. The Kuda explored the fortress and was satisfied with the knowledge that it would be good for his master once fixed. After his inspection, Itachi then found the overgrown rear entrance and the forgotten trail behind it.

Curious to where it went, Itachi followed the trail and soon discovered a lost paradise, a magnificent waterfall. The water was more than inviting, and he stripped himself of all his clothing, diving into the deep pool at the base of the waterfall. The Kuda was happy to swim in the crystal clear waters and drink from the waterfall itself.

"MO'O!"

The shout had taken Itachi by surprise as he turned to see a young native girl standing on one of the large rocks near the waterfall. It was harder to say who was more surprised, the girl or a naked Itachi. Before either could do anything, they heard shouting that was slowly becoming louder.

"LEILANI! LEILANI! LEILANI, YOU CAN'T HIDE FROM ME!"

The voice was angry, and Itachi looked to the girl who was clearly frightened by the voice calling for her. Seeing her so afraid awoke some instinct in the Kuda; without thinking, he used the skill and grace born to his race to scale the rock wall by the waterfall with ease. From the top of the waterfall, Itachi had a good view and saw a native boy who appeared to be a few years older than the girl. He was coming toward the waterfall, and Itachi had no desire to have his paradise found.

At times, Male Kudas could threaten or even challenge another male for a female screech in a high nasal sound. Taking a deep breath, Itachi unleased that remarkably high pitch screech which sounded far different when heard from the waterfall, which caused it to echo. Itachi's screech sounds like a roar, and it made him sound like he was something bigger and extremely dangerous. It might have been a bluff move, but it paid off. The boy who would have soon found his little paradise and the girl froze at the sound the Kuda made. Once more, Itachi unleashed his cry of challenge, and it was enough for the boy to run away. Satisfied, he climbed back down to the base of the waterfall only to find the girl, Leilani; now he knew her name, nowhere in sight. Not only was she gone, but so were his clothes!

"Mo'o here!"

He heard Leilani say, followed by a laugh of joy but did not see her. He sniffed the air to find her scent but was lost due to the water. Now how was I supposed to track her? His back was to the waterfall, and suddenly something grabbed the end of his tail. Alarmed by this, Itachi whipped around his claws and teeth as they were ready to attack, only to scare the poor girl almost to death. Seeing her beginning to cry made Itachi feel horrible.

"Please," he begged her. "Please, little one, please don't cry."

"Mo'o is angry," Leilani said with a sniffle.

Itachi became very curious as to why she keeps calling him Mo'o. Was this one of their gods that he might have resembled. "I'm not angry," Itachi promises her. "You just…. Well, you scared me, and I reacted by instinct."

"Mo'o isn't angry?"

Itachi shook his head. "Not angry," he said. "Now, just where were you hiding?"

She took his clawed hand and led him behind the waterfall to the cave that would become the only safe place for Leilani when the betrayal happened.

~~.~~.~~

Since then, Leilani and Itachi became strong friends, and through her, Itachi learned more of her people's culture, and probably the most shocking for the Kuda to learn was how her people treated sex.

"You're taught sex at age four?!" Itachi said the moment Leilani talked about it.

"Mo'o, there is nothing wrong with it," Leilani said as she leaned against him.

"That depends on the people," Itachi said. "Not all would accept the ways of your people or their ideals."

"Why does it bother you?" she asked. "Why does it bother you when I speak of sex?"

Itachi was silent as they sat by the waterfall before he answered her. "I'm forbidden from ever taking a mate…that means I will never have children…."

Leilani looked at curiously. "Why?" she asked. "Why are you forbidden from it?"

Itachi sighed sadly before he told Leilani how his Queen was the one to decide who was allowed to mate and have children. Itachi stopped when he heard sniffling and was surprised to see Leilani start to shed tears over the fact that he was forever denied the right to have a family.

"Why are you crying?" Itachi asked. "Why shed tears for the way my life is?"

"I shed tears because even though you are free of your queen's rule, you chose to continue the sad existence put upon you," Leilani said sorrowfully. "Mo'o, you are no longer under her rule; you are free to have a mate and children, do not you do not want that after all?"

For the first time, Itachi realized that he was free of his matriarch, free to do whatever he desired. He could have a mate and all the offspring his heart desired now. "I…. I do still want that," He finally admitted. "I want a mate and children."

Leilani smiled before she started to undo her cloth wrap, Itachi's eyes widen, and he suddenly stops, keeping a gentle hold on her wrists to keep her from continuing. "What are you doing?"

She looked at him, confused as to why he stopped her. After all, she had been taught to look forward to sex, to appreciate its pleasures, and he did say he wanted a mate and children.

"Why Mo'o?" she asked. "You said you wanted a mate who would give you children."

Itachi shakes his head at this. "Leilani, you are still a child, and it would be wrong to do it."

"How is it wrong? Why is it wrong if I offer myself to be the mother of your children?"

Itachi was taken back by her truthfulness. Did she genuinely want to be his mate and bear him children? Surely, she did not mean it. Surely, she was only offering because she believed that he was one of her many gods.

"Leilani," he said, hanging his head, letting go of her wrists now. "I am no god, and I never claimed to one…I am the same as you, a being of flesh and blood. Cut me, and I will bleed. Stab me through my heart or slash my throat, and I will die. So do not believe that I am this Mo'o, whoever he may be. I am merely Itachi the Disgraceful One."

Having said that, he shut his eyes, not wanting to see the look Leilani would have now. But then he felt her arms wrapping around him, and she pressed herself against his body, fingers stroking his cheek. Itachi opened his eyes and saw the way she looked at him was a look of pure love. Itachi could not help himself as he picked Leilani up, placing her on his lap holding her closer to him. Leilani rested her head into the curve between his neck and shoulder.

"Two years," Itachi said, finally said after a period of silence. "Can you wait two years for me?"

"Two years?" Leilani said.

Itachi lifts her head to look into her beautiful eyes. "You'll be older, and then I promise to make you my mate."

Leilani smiled as she hugged him. "I accept."

Itachi closed his eyes once more as a feeling of peace and contentment filled him.

~~Two years later, Ten months before current time~~

It was three days before Leilani turned sixteen when Genghis summoned Itachi. The loyal Kuda, of course, obeyed and was surprised to see the same young man from the waterfall two years ago with his master.

"This is Nàlani," Genghis introduced. "He had offered me not only the whole island but slaves as well."

"Slaves?" Itachi said, slightly stunned. "Master, forgive me for the asking, but why would you need slaves? On the contrary, you are welcomed by the islanders as a God."

"For Mermadiam," Genghis said simply.

"Mermadiam?" Itachi asked as he tilted his head to one side. "What's that?"

"Mermadiam is a rare ore that can be made into a metal that can cut through even a diamond," Genghis said with a toothy grin.

Itachi blinked. "Master, are you saying that this ore is on the island?" he asked.

"It is you, stupid lizard," Nàlani said with disdain.

Itachi snarled at the insult. "I am no stupid lizard!" he said. "I am from the Kuda clan!"

The man spat at Itachi. "To me, you are nothing more than an ugly stupid lizard," Nàlani said before he looked at Genghis. "Great one, must we bring this…. useless lizard?"

"I TOLD YOU I AM NOT A DAMN LIZARD!" Itachi screeched with rage.

"Itachi, be silent!" Genghis said with a threatening growl. "Another sound, and I will kill you!"

The Kuda fell silent as this but glares at the human male.

"You said you have a plan," Genghis said, looking at Nàlani.

"I do. I only ask for one thing," Nàlani said.

Genghis looked at him with a slightly annoyed look. "I do not make deals human."

"If you want what I offer, you will give me what I want," Nàlani said with a sickly smile.

The mako thought it over before speaking. "Alright, I will give you what you want."

Nàlani disturbing smile broadens at those words. "Glad that we agree. As for my end, I will give you all the children as sacrifices," he said.

Itachi was horrified when he saw the eager look reflected in Genghis' eyes at the mention of the sacrifice of children. He might have been loyal to his master, but his love for Leilani and the desire to have children greatly affected his loyalty. The Kuda felt sick to his stomach as he listened to his master and Nàlani discuss the next hunt. Itachi knew one thing he had to get Leilani away before the attack happened.

~~two days later~~

Itachi and Leilani met at their paradise as they always did, sitting on the floor nestled into each other.

"Tomorrow, Mo'o," she said, head resting against his shoulder and taking his hand to hold.

The joy and happiness Itachi should have been feeling were not there. Instead, his heart was heavy with the guilt of knowing what his master and that traitorous Nàlani planned to do, the lives that would soon be lost.

"Mo'o, what is wrong?" Leilani asked, her sweet voice breaking through his dark thoughts.

Itachi looked at her with sadness in his eyes. "Leilani…I love you more than I ever would have believed. "he said. "It pains me, but there is something I must tell you…."

Itachi told her everything Nàlani and his master had planned to do, and seeing the look of horror upon her face caused his heart to hurt so much. Once he had finished, Leilani got to her feet and quickly left without a single word. Seeing her go was a devastating blow to the Kuda. He knew he had lost her and, with his heartbroken, sadly return to his master.

The next day Itachi was awoken by the sound of the alarm, and he joined his master, Nàlani, and his hunters at the opened gates where warriors of every tribe on the island stood. Ahead of them were their chiefs, and they glared at Genghis and Nàlani with great anger.

"What is this?" Genghis asked, looking unimpressed by the gathering.

"We know of your betrayal," spoke the chief who had welcomed Genghis when he arrived two years. "We know of your evil plan, and we are here to stop it."

"How dare you betray your people, my son," said Nàlani's father. "How dare you offer our children as a sacrifice to this evil one."

Nàlani seemed angrier than his father. "I offer what I please," he said. "How did you know what I planned anyway, you, old fool?"

His father pointed to a young warrior off the right. "Moana overheard you and the evil one talk," he said, glaring at his son. "Once he had told me, I had runners sent to the other chiefs."

"And came here to stop me," Genghis said with a sneer. "A foolish move from foolish people. My loyal hunters, it is time for the hunt! KILL!"

There was a howl of eagerness as the Kudas sworn to Genghis charged the army before them. Itachi had made sure to slip from sight as the bloody battle took place. His only thoughts were on his Leilani. Was she safe? Had she gotten away with any who might have left the island? He had to find her! Careful not to be seen, he slipped out the rear entrance and down the trail.

"Mo'o!"

Itachi froze at the name Leilani always called him and turned to see the warrior called Moana. He did nothing as the warrior approached him.

"You are the one Leilani calls Mo'o," Moana said.

Itachi relaxed. "Then she is safe?" he asked.

"She is and brings you a message," Moana said.

"A message? What message?"

"This!" Moana said before he stabbed Itachi in the stomach with an 11-inch wooden knife with tiger shark teeth.

Itachi's eyes widened as he stagged backward, clutching the wound. He looked at the man as an alarming thought went through his mind; had Leilani turned on him? Moana gave a looked of hate before he turned and ran away. Itachi continued, not realizing the trail of blood he was leaving behind. He was weakened from blood loss when he staggered into the cave behind the waterfall.

He collapsed by the pool. "Leilani…." He whispered before passing out.

~~.~~.~~

Itachi felt something wet press against his scaly brow and slowly opened his eyes. Kneeling over him was Leilani! Tears spilled down her face as she wiped his face down with a damp cloth.

"Leilani." He rasped out, reaching up to touch her tear-stained cheek.

"Mo'o," Leilani said as she pressed her face onto his palm, fresh tears flowing anew. "Oh Mo'o, you're awake!"

Seeing how upset she was, he knew she had not betrayed him. "I thought you would have gotten away," he said.

Leilani stroked his face gently. "I told Moana what was going to happen, and he made sure to get word to the other chiefs."

"Moana was the one," Itachi said. "He stabbed me, saying it was a message from you."

Leilani was shocked. "I only asked that you be told that I was safe," she said. "Mo'o, I love you, and I want to be your mate. I would have no reason to have you harmed. Why would Moana say such a thing?"

Itachi knew someone wanted him dead, but who and why?

~~end of flashback~~

Once he had eaten and Leilani had washed the bowl out, she returned to lay next to him on the woven bed. Itachi held her close to him, nuzzling her hair. "I love you, Leilani," Itachi said, smiling slightly.

"I love you too, Mo'o." She said, fingers drumming lightly on his chest before she traced a finger down to the scar on his stomach. It still haunted her knowing Moana had tried to murder her Mo'o.

Soon it became too much, and she hugged him tightly, burying her face into his chest as she began to cry. Itachi wrapped his arms around her in a protective embrace, resting his chin on her head. "My mate, what is wrong?" he asked. "Tell me."

"I don't know what I would do if I lost you." Leilani sobbed. "Who will protect us if you were gone?"

Itachi swallowed as her words sank in. Who would protect Leilani and their baby? There was no one he trusted on the island, not even his own hunters. His thoughts went to the white sawtooth with the strange markings. Would he show mercy to his beloved Leilani and their little one? Even if the sawtooth did, there was another problem. Leilani being eight and half months would have more trouble just trying to make it to him. She would have to stick to the shadows and be careful. She could use the underwater tunnel, but Itachi still had not swum the length of it. So that might not be a safe idea either.

"I do not know, but I will find a way for you and our little to be safe," Itachi said, still holding her in a protective embrace. "I swear it on my life that I will find a way for you and our child to be safe."

~~.~~.~~

Genghis was becoming more and more agitated. Kuroobi and Chew had still not answered his summons. Jellicoe was so nervous that he was fidgeting. Finally, the mako looked up as one of Itachi's hunters hurried in. The young female Kuda dropped to her hands and knees, keeping her head bowed.

"Well?" Genghis rumbled angrily.

"Forgive me, my lord," she said. "But we cannot locate the ones you have summoned."

"WHAT?!" Genghis roared as he rose from his seat. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN NOT FIND THEM?!"

The female Kuda cringed in pure terror. "They are not in the fortress," she said meekly. 'We have searched everywhere."

"EVERYWHERE? IS THAT WHAT THAT WORTHLESS ITACHI TOLD YOU TO SAY?!" Genghis was in a foul mood.

"We can't find Itachi either." The female said, fear still in her voice.

The poor girl had no time to react as Genghis closed the distance between them. What happened next not only made Jellicoe sick to his stomach but horrified him. Not since Jellicoe and the other Fishmen had found their way to the island had they ever seen Genghis remove the dragon mask he wore, but now he did.

Genghis' entire jaw was riveted with Meridiam and part of the left side of his face. It was clear that the mako had suffered horrendous injures in his life. The scars were jagged ugly that were barely visible underneath the Meridiam armor.

The mako seized the unfortunate female by her head, yanking her up, and before she could even scream, the mako tore out her throat with his teeth, blood spraying out. Jellicoe struggle not to vomit as Genghis started to feast upon the female Kuda. It was too much for him to handle, and he rushed from the main building. Jellicoe stumbled to the makeshift bar, tripping and falling to the floor. His fellow Fishmen had seen it, and they roared with laughter as did the Kudas who were also there.

"It's him!" Jellicoe screamed. "The Monster of the Fishman District!"

"What are you talking about?" A brown trout Fishman named Salmo asked.

"Genghis! He's the Monster of the Fishman District!" Jellicoe screamed.

"Jellicoe! Are you mad?!" Asked another Fishman, a Pike named Lucious. "We all know Fisher Tiger killed him! There is no way that Genghis is the Monster of the Fishman District!"

"I swear he is!" Jellicoe shouted. "I saw him kill and eat that young Kuda hunter that reported to him!"

Silence followed. Two older hunters, a male, and female rose from where they sat and looked at Jellicoe.

"…. The master killed…." The male said.

"…Killed our daughter…." The female said.

Jellicoe nodded, feeling extremely bad for these parents. "I saw him do it…I'm sorry."

The pair let out a horrible, mournful shriek that caused every Fishman there to cover their ears. Their fellow Kudas, on the other hand, were not affected by this and joined their mournful cry forcing every Fishmen there to retreat outside.

"Jellicoe, are you positive that Genghis is the Monster?" Lucious asked.

"Seeing him kill that young hunter," Jellicoe said. "It's just…how the hell could you have forgotten when Fisher Tiger fought the monster?!"

"We remember…" Salmo said, shaking his head. "Who in hell could forget what happened that day?"

~~Fishman District, few weeks since Fisher Tiger became the leader~~

Since Fisher Tiger took over as leader for the Fishman District, there was peace and some actual order. Sadly, it did not last too long. A sudden series of gruesome killings started happening, and it was frightening. Those of the Fishman District and even invading pirates were not only being killed but they were also being eaten as well.

A scream of horror filled the air once more.

The inhabitants of the Fishman District rushed to the place of the scream, and they all froze at the sickening sight before them. Laying in the middle of the street were the bloody remains of a young merboy, and like previous victims, he had been feasted upon. It was his sister who had screamed and was now surrounded by a mix of merfolk and Fishmen.

"Hey, what happened?" Lucious asked the young girl gently.

"You can tell us, young one," Salmo said.

"A monster!" the poor mergirl sobbed. "A monster killed my brother!"

"A monster?!" Macro said with a small scoff. "There's no such thing as a monster!"

Hachi glared at his friend. "How do you know?"

An argument would have happened if not for the arrival of a significant person.

"Who did this?"

Hachi, Marco, and the others turned as the 17'1" tall sea bream Fishman came toward them. He had large eyes, salmon-pink skin with a flat nose, and wide lips. His spiky dorsal fin sprouted from underneath his short straight dark hair. A light grey A-shirt donned his broad, muscular physique, and he wore camouflage pants with a brown belt with simple sandals. He was a huge Fishman, and his long legs were quite thin.

"Tiger…" Macro said, drawing back a little.

The Fishmen made way for Fisher Tiger, and he kneeled in front of the frightened mergirl, and he patted her head gently before he looked at the remains. "I won't accept any killings of the younger one," he said.

"It was a monster!" the poor girl sobbed again. "He's real, and I saw him!"

"You saw him?" Jimbei asked as he and Arlong stood not far from Tiger.

The mergirl nodded. "It was another Fishman who did it!"

"What?! Another Fishman?!"

"What Fishman could do something this sick?" asked a young Jellicoe.

"A mako shark," Kuroobi stated as he held up a tooth that he found.

Suddenly there was yelling and more screaming, which was coming from another part of the Fishman District. "Fisher Tiger! There's been another killing!"

Everyone was shocked, and there was a mad rush to the second scene. This time there were two victims, and just like the other victim, they were to the shook of all young and innocent. This sudden killing of the children upset Fisher Tiger greatly.

"Find every young one and stay close to them! I refuse to let this happen again!" So Fisher Tiger commanded the people there.

"I'm going to get Shyarly!" Arlong yelled, taking off.

Arlong ran all the way to the home he shared with his little half-sister only to find it trashed, and there was no sign of Shyarly. Panic filled the saw shark's heart and mind as he searched every inch of the trashed home. Nothing.

"SHYARLY!" Arlong screamed over and over again.

Fisher Tiger was with Jimbei when Arlong came running back, eyes wild and big. "Big Brother! Jimbei! I can't find her!" he screamed, almost dropping to the ground and on the verge of tears. "I can't find Shyarly!"

"Spread out and look for her!" Jimbei yelled to the Fishmen who had remained behind.

They took off their thoughts on Arlong's sister and the fear that she could end up the fourth victim of the day.

~~.~~.~~

Shyarly was silently staring up at the face of the 10" tall mako Fishman who carried her down a side street. Her crystal ball was firmly resting in the crook of his left arm. His face, throat, and chest were stained red with blood. The left side of his face was badly scarred from an old injury; it was surprising that his eyes were not damaged. Purple eyes shifted to look at the mako mergirl in his arm.

"You're awfully calm for one who is about to be my next meal." The mako said, giving her a twisted smirk.

"You will die," Shyarly said calmly.

"What?"

"I said you would die," Shyarly said while remaining calm.

The mako shifted his attention from Shyarly to the crystal ball; originally, he just thought it was some odd toy. Now it made sense. "A seer," he said. "How long have you gad your gift?"

"Ever since I was three years old and was brought to stay with my half-brother," Shyarly said.

The mako Fishman stopped by some old empty wooden crates, and after he carefully gave Shyarly her crystal ball, he moved a large and a smaller crate out. He placed Shyarly on the small crate and watched as the mako mergirl carefully placed her crystal ball on the larger crate. The moment she had done that, he sat in front of her.

"You said I would die," he said.

Shyarly nodded. "When you die, you are a ruler of an island," she said.

The mako threw his head back and laughed a cruel laugh. "A ruler of an island! That I can accept for death, dying a great ruler!"

The young mermaid said nothing, she left out how he would die, and it did not take having powers to know he is a horrible ruler.

"Shyarly!"

The scarred mako turned to see Arlong, Jimbei, Fisher Tiger, and many of the other Fishmen rushing toward him. The mako growled as he got to his feet.

"Give me my sister back!" Arlong yelled.

The mako snorted. "I'm keeping her; I have use for her gifts, and who knows." Now he had a sick grin on his face. "Maybe once she's older, I'll make her my mate."

"YOU BASTARD!" Arlong screamed, trying to lunge for the other shark; luckily, Jimbei grabbed the back of his shirt to keep him from doing so.

Fisher Tiger growled in anger and disgust. "You're not taking her anywhere," he said. "You will pay for your crimes."

"What crimes?" The mako sneered. "I do what I wish. Your pathetic district is no more than a home for the forgotten and unwanted. You all have no place in this world! Now begone from my sight, you worthless insects!"

He turned back to where he had placed Shyarly only to find her gone. Looking around, the mako spotted Hachi with Shyarly in his arms, hurrying back towards Arlong. He let out a roar of rage and charged only to have Fisher Tiger kick him with such force that it sent him flying right into and through one of the many buildings. Then, to the shock of all, the mako came charging out with a roar of a challenge; purple eyes were a blaze of maddening rage.

"YOU LOUSY STINKING SEA BREAM!" He roared. "I'LL TEACH YOU HOW DANGEROUS A MAKO IS! I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU AND FEAST UPON YOUR BLOODY CORPSE!"

But Fisher Tiger never batted an eye as the enraged shark man came at him. Holding his ground and the very last second, he lunged at his opponent. His surprise counterattack took the other Fishman by surprise. Fisher Tiger turned, and with one well-aimed punch, he hit the mako with such force that not only did he shatter the powerful jaw, but he broke the neck of the other. Arlong, Jellicoe, and the others were all wide-eyed as they watched the mako's body skidded and rolled over and over until it came to a stop. They all held their breaths as they watched and waited. The mako remained still. It was over. The Monster of the Fishman District was dead.

~~End of Flashback~~

One question went through Jellicoe's mind If Genghis was the Monster of the Fishman District…How the hell did he manage to survive that incredible punch of Fisher Tiger?

~~.~~.~~

The Saws all gathered in the dining room to hear what Grinder had to say. Skie had tended to the spiral saw shark's wounds and Long cooked food for him. Grinder ate with an extremely healthy appetite and almost seemed to feel bad when he asked for more food. However, long was not upset and gladly cooked more food.

"Glad you like," Long said proudly.

"It is excellent," Grinder said. "It's been a long time since I tasted food so good."

"So, where ye from?" Blade asked.

"I can tell you now that I am not from Fishman Island." Grinder said. "You might find it hard to believe, but I'm from a nameless island that is made up of different sharks."

"You're part of the shark clan?" Riptide said.

Grinder was surprised. "I am, but how did you know?"

Riptide told Grinder all about what Chöro had told him. Grinder looked relieved that his clan's situation was now known. "Where are the members of the clan now?" Grinder asked.

"Bruton and the others left Unity Island saying they were going to meet with the other clan members as the remaining elders," Riptide told him. "Grinder, what can you tell us about this so-called chief?"

"Chief?!" Grinder said with an angry snarl. "Tarsar is no chief! He is nothing but a lying thief! The clan had no chief, but a council made up from each member of the clan."

"How did he become chief then?" Marcus asked.

"That bastard murdered them all!" Grinder said. "He murdered the whole council!"

Not one of the Saws dared to ask how it happened except Arlong the Black.

"Riptide ask!' Arlong, the Black's voice, thundered in the back of his mind. 'Ask, or I will!'

"Chief, stop!' Riptide begged him, fighting the urge to wince from the ancient chieftain's angry voice. 'You need to calm yourself; you're giving me a headache.'

'We need to know how this low life murdered an entire council.' Arlong the Black said. 'Please just ask.'

Riptide could not argue with that. But, "Grinder, how did they die?"

The spiral saw shark swallowed, his eyes tightly shut, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall. "Poison…" He said with a strangled sob. "That bastard poisoned them!"

"What?!"

"Tarsar poisoned their drinks and food." Grinder said miserably. "We didn't know until he proclaimed himself the clan chieftain…The elders went to the council and found them all dead."

"How they know it him?" Long asked.

"Tarsar was the one seen bringing the council food and drink; it didn't take much to piece it together." Grinder said.

'We must bring this traitorous Tarsar to justice!' Arlong the Black said angrily. 'These sinful actions cannot remain unpunished!'

'I agree with you,' Riptide said. 'We now know the whole truth about this mess.'

Grinder was crying uncontrollably. "The clan started coming apart under Tarsar's rule!" He said between sobs. "Wives, daughters, and sisters have been torn away from their families while their husbands, sons, and brothers were made into slaves…the elders…they believed the new chieftain, the true chieftain, was somewhere out in the world. So, we left to search. To search for our chieftain that would set us all free."

"You don't need to search any longer; you have found your chief."

Grinder blinked as he looked at Riptide, as did the entire crew. Riptide spoke, but his voice sounded deeper, and his brown eyes were darker in color, reflecting wisdom and strength beyond the years.

"Rip?" Skie asked uncertainly.

"Yes and no." Riptide, yet not Riptide said. "I think it is time that he and I reveal the secret we share."

'Damn you! You just assumed I would be okay with you doing this?!' Riptide screamed angrily at the ancient chieftain. 'Damn you to hell!'

"Who are you, and where is my son?!" Nami demanded, her eyes reflecting motherly instinct.

"When I was among the living, I was known as Arlong the Black," Riptide, no Arlong the Black said. "As for the lad, he's okay though he is clearly not happy with my decision to be doing this."

"If you mean processing my grandson, I don't blame him for being angry!" Marcus said, truly angry himself.

"Processing? By my ancestors, I have not done such a thing." The ancient clan chieftain said. "We're…partners, so to speak."

"Partners?" Long said, looking bewildered. "How partners?"

"It is not easy to explain, but I will do my best." Arlong the Black said. "When Riptide was prisoner back on Unity, he experienced what you might call limbo."

Ryder's eyes widened at this. "Limbo?! I heard that was a place for forgotten souls."

"I can assure you it is not. The lad was not dead when he and I met." The old chieftain said. "There, M showed Riptide my final day, and when he tried to interfere…well, let's just say we became aware of each other."

"M? Who the hell is that?" Kaiuleale said.

"I see he did not reveal everything to you." Arlong the Black said. "M was the last master of the Guardian Sharks."

"Time out, time out!" Tarlong said, shaking his head. "I'm sure I'm not the only one here confused as hell! Just who the hell are you really?"

"I told you my name." The ancient chieftain said. "What else do you need to know?"

"Telling us a name doesn't mean shit." Tarlong snapped.

Before the old clan chieftain could respond, Riptide regained control, and the moment, he did he staggered back into the wall. "Damn you for that, Chief." He said, breathing hard.

"Rip!" Skie was at his side in an instant, worrying over him. "Are you alright?"

"Just worn out…." Riptide said. "I didn't think he would do that to me…."

"Come sit down," Jimbei said, helping Riptide to the table. "Perhaps you should start at the beginning."

'Riptide sighed. "I guess I should…."

~~.~~.~~

Nàlani moved along the road, listening carefully when he heard a bird call, to which he responded with a call similar and waited. Then, emerging from the shadows of the trees came Moana. Nàlani had not seen him since the day the chiefs and their warriors tried to kill Genghis.

"You're late," Nàlani said impatiently.

"You forget that I live on the far side of the island," Moana said. "It takes longer to travel since the island crawls with those…fish monsters. I despise their freaky appearance as well as their wretched smell. They're worse than those Kudas."

"Speaking of Kudas, you failed to kill that freak lizard, Itachi," Nàlani said.

"What?! He still lives?!" Moana said, shocked and shaking his head. "Impossible! I stabbed him in the stomach! There is no way he could have survived!"

"He lives on, and I'm starting to think you lied to me, Moana," Nàlani said, glaring at him.

"I do not!" Moana pulled out a wrapped item. "Here is the dagger I stabbed him with still stained with his blood. Look! Look, and you will see I speak the truth!"

Nàlani took it from Moana and unwrapped the dagger, which was still stained with Itachi's blood. "It doesn't mean it is his. You could have used this to kill a pig."

"It is his." Moana insisted. "This, I swear. But, of course, he did not expect me to do so since I called him by the name Leilani called him."

"Leilani? She was with that stinking lizard?" Nàlani said, starting to get angry.

Moana shook his head. "No, but she told me the name she called him, which was why I could wound him easily."

"What name did she call him?"

"Mo'o."

"Mo'o?! She dared to call him that?!" Nàlani shouts angrily. "He is no protector of the waters! He is…" He stopped short of what he would say. He realized something.

"What?" Moana asked. "Is something wrong?"

"He's been hiding her all this time…" Nàlani said, scarily calm now.

"Hiding Leilani? Where? You had me search the entire island for her, and I have yet to find her." Moana said.

"But you did not check the waterfall," Nàlani said.

"But…you said you heard a terrible beast when you approached," Moana said.

"True…I want you to continue along this trail which will lead to the stone dock there, you will see a ship," Nàlani said.

"A ship?" Moana questioned.

Nàlani nodded. "You are to find a female fish woman with skin of silver. The great one wants her as his wife. Bring her, and if anyone tries to stop you…."

"I know what to do," Moana said. "What of you?"

"I am going to the waterfall." But, Nàlani said. "if Leilani is there, then I will get her."

With that said, he hurried off. Moana slipped the blood-stained dagger into his belt and continued along the trail. He soon spotted Wavecutter and was amazed at the sheer size of the ship. Soon he spotted his prize, but she was not alone. Moana cursed. How was he supposed to get her now?

"I'm not sure this is a wise idea. Chu"

Kuroobi snorted in slight disdain. "If that is Arlong's son, then I have a score to settle with Nami. She ruined everything because Arlong was so damn blind to that damn girl. He trusted her too much, and I refuse to let her betrayal go."

Moana looked to see Kuroobi and Chew; that is when an idea came to him. He moved so that he was spotted by the two former officers of the Arlong Pirates.

"Hey! Who is that?! Chu" Chew shouted, pointing to Moana.

"I don't know, and nor do I care!" Kuroobi said. "Grab him!"

Moana smiled as he ran toward Wavecutter. The moment he was close enough to be heard, he started shouting. "Help! Help me!" he shouted. "Someone help me!"

~~.~~.~~

Nàlani approached the waterfall, pausing as he drew near. There was no angry shriek to greet him this time, and he now knew that he had been tricked that day. He continued until he reached the waterfall, and it was here he found tracks belonging not only to Itachi but those of Leilani. The tracks lead behind the waterfall, and Nàlani followed the tracks and was shocked to enter the main cavern.

'This is where you have been hiding, you little bitch.' Nàlani thought as he looked about. 'I should punish you well before taking you for myself.'

When Nàlani entered the sleeping chamber, he was taken back at the sight of Itachi and Leilani sleeping together. Still, it was the very sight of Leilani's swollen belly that angered him. Leilani was supposed to be his woman! HIS! Instead, she took a freak like Itachi to her bed, and it was that freak who got her pregnant! Sickened, Nàlani left and headed back to the fortress.

"That fucking bitch!" Nàlani ranted angrily, his blood boiling underneath his skin from rage. "All those years! All those times proving myself as the perfect one for her, and she does this to me!" Nàlani could not forgive this. He could not have Leilani now; she not only betrayed him but was tainted from being with that lizard monster.

She needed to be punished! Her and her precious Kuda freak! But how? Nàlani thought for a moment before an idea came to him, an evil idea. He grins to himself and hurries his pace to the fortress.

"Great One!" he called out as he entered the main building.

"I'm not in the mood for you, Nàlani," Genghis growled from where he sat on the floor.

Nàlani ignored the mako's words as well as the remains of the young female Kuda. "You will want to hear what I have to say." He said confidently.

Genghis growled as he rose to his feet, closing the distance between him and the human. "What do you have to say that would interest me?" He said with a snarl.

"Your faithful Kuda Itachi is a traitor," Nàlani said.

"Itachi, a traitor?" Genghis's purple eyes narrowed dangerously. "Pick your next words carefully, Nàlani, or I will take your life."

Nàlani showed no fear as he spoke. "What I tell you is the truth, oh Great One," he said. "I once promised all the children to you, but it seems not all were brought."

"Explain."

"Itachi hideaway a young girl, and he made her his own," Nàlani said.

Genghis snarled. "Itachi told me he was forbidden ever to take a mate!"

"It seems he decided to, and not only did he hide a sacrifice from you, but the girl is now with his child," Nàlani said, trying not to smirk at how well his plan was going.

"How dare that traitorous Kuda defy me!" Genghis roared with rage.

"Great one, with your blessing, I shall take a few of your hunters and fetch the girl. I promised you every child as a sacrifice, and I will give you that sacrifice still." Nàlani swears.

"Go," Genghis said. "Bring me the promised sacrifice."

"What od the traitor?" Nàlani asked.

"I will deal with that fucking traitor myself," Genghis said. "Now go!"

Nàlani bowed. "At your command, oh great one."

He turned and left Genghis, now he was smirking evilly. He would have his revenge on both Itachi and Leilani.

It looks like a lot of things are going to be happening! First off, let me thank both Thomas Drovin and BXE. Thomas came up with Meradiam, and BXE is now my editor for my One Piece stories. I could not ask or have better friends than them. Grinder is based on a species of prehistoric shark known as the Helicoprion Bessonovi or, in English, the spiral sawtooth shark. I looked up ancient Hawaiian history and came up with the island and its culture. As for Mo'o, Leilani calls Itachi based on the legendary protectors of Hawaii's pools, ponds, and streams, which can change forms from small geckos to giant dragons. So remember to Read and Review as always.