This is the end of the Bayou Isle Arc. I had a lot of fun writing this chapter and the rest of the arc; it was the most enjoyable to write thus far.
I am going to take an indefinite break from the story; I just want to recollect my thoughts so that I can progress the plot further and be ready for the next arc.
The Shugoshina arc will consist of many chapters and cover many details that are intricate to the story's structure.
This is essentially my own "Marineford-esque" arc. It is by far one of the most important arcs in the story, and I will also introduce other character POVs.
But until then, if you have any questions or comments, please leave a review :)
Shugoshina Arc(Chapters 12- ?)
Chapter 11: An Amazing Display of Power: Lucian vs the Vinsmokes!
Well, Lucian was fucked.
His original plan was to infiltrate Germa, and maybe he could've gotten some information about the celestial dragons. But Reiju entered the equation, and she changed everything when she told him the truth.
He spent a lot of time processing the information, forcing himself to open his mind to comprehend that day fully. Reiju`s words unleashed the veil that blinded his eyes, and over the next couple of weeks, he discovered small details from that night that he subconsciously banished from his brain.
The first thing that came to mind was the Marine uniforms. He'd seen different types of Marine uniforms before, but then it hit him. Lucian spent time spying on Germa soldiers to identify similar patterns that were connected to that day.
He realized the similarities between the Germa outfits and the Aragonian genocide Marines: they wore the same shade of colors.
They had a similar vigil on their uniforms that matched the resemblance of the vigil they flew on their banners so proudly. He wanted to try to forget, but he thought back vividly to the Marine that killed that couple before his eyes; why did Lucian originally think Marines invaded at that moment? He was sitting under his and Mikasa`s favorite tree next to the beach, and he saw the Marine ships come to shore; they had the World Government banner on them.
But the World Government told the remaining survivors that a group of pirates had stolen the ships and wanted to pillage the nation. It was easy to cover up since the Germa soldiers had specific instructions and tailored custom uniforms to conduct the operation.
The second and most important pattern he recognized was the way they coordinated their attacks.
While studying Germa patterns, he realized that they conducted the same tactical maneuvers during the genocide. Watching the training sessions behind Germa soldiers, he saw that they moved at immense speeds and had stronger strength than the average soldier, which matched the physical descriptions of the Aragonian Marines.
Their uniforms at the time also had masks which made them harder to identify, their lack of emotions speaks for themselves which makes sense as to why they were able to conduct the most brutal forms of torture and murder.
It all made sense, that night Germa 66 soldiers invaded Aragonia on the orders of Vinsmoke Judge on behalf of a World Government official. He just needed to figure out who Judge negotiated with all those years ago.
He was now focused on Judge; he needed to know what he knew.
But he wondered if Rayleigh sent him on a fool's quest because Germa were robots, incapable of emotion. They may not even say anything.
Did Rayleigh know that Germa soldiers disguised themselves as Marines the day they invaded Aragonia?
He thought about this since his conversation with Reiju.
Besides deep-diving and processing his past trauma and PTSD, Lucian spent his days conversing with Jory on a plan for him to confront Judge and help his crew escape the Bayou Isles safely. He didn`t want to include Mateo and Renee until he had a proper plan.
Sadly, Reiju also remained silent, which started to worry Lucian.
She said she would help him, but could he count on her to be 100% loyal to him?
He`d hope so.
Over the last couple of weeks, Luican got to know Mateo and Renee better. Renee was a great girl. Lucian cooked her his Alfredo pasta. The only recipe he knew how not to fuck up. She loved it, or maybe Renee was trying to make him feel better about his obsolete cooking skills.
Lucian also noticed how distraught Mateo was, so he conjured up the perfect remedy.
Lucian forced Mateo to train with him.
"Hey Mateo, no more sulking. Tell me, do you know how to fight?"
"Nah, man, I always wish I could," he responded.
Enthusiastic as always, this guy.
Lucian sighed and went to Pearl's storage room. He grabbed two sparring swords and threw one to Mateo. "Here, catch," Luican said as he threw the sword to Mateo.
"Oh shit," Mateo said, stumbling around trying to catch the sword.
Oh great, he has bad reflexes as well. This was going to be his biggest challenge to date. But Lucian was determined to make Mateo into a warrior. Honestly, he was a weak link. Even Renee could kick his ass, but we all start somewhere.
They began by incorporating physical exercise every day. Mateo was really skinny and had no muscle. He had to get this dude bigger.
He had a challenge on his hands, which was probably what Rayleigh also thought of him when he was younger.
But here, the circumstances were different. Jory had built a state-of-the-art gym on the Black Pearl, so he told Mateo, "No excuses."
Lucian remembered how tough Rayleigh was on him, but Lucian`s will never wavered.
This was not the case for Mateo.
He was driven to become a warrior but gave up far too easily. After their gym sessions, he started with the basics of combat. He would teach Mateo how to throw punches and how to position his body.
He went slow with Mateo since he had no prior fighting experience. Surprisingly, Mateo had strength, but he was so slow that it was sad.
Lucian dodged all of Mateos punches and then flipped him on his back. "You need to be faster, Mateo, and don't throw sloppy punches. When you punch, you don`t just punch with their fist. You utilize your entire body into a single point."
Mateo groaned as he got up. "I'm trying my best." Lucian was tired of hearing that. Mateo had a slow start to training, and it was already starting to annoy him.
Truth is, Lucian saw the potential in him, but he had to stop bitching all the time. Lucian constantly reminded him of that.
"Listen, Mateo, this isn't a joke. We are a pirate crew. In some situations, we are going to run into strong opponents. Jory and I won't be there to help you every time, so you need to focus."
Mateo stayed silent and hung his head. "Maybe I`m not meant for this, Lucian. I don`t know why you even picked me to be on your crew."
At this point, Lucian had it, so he slapped Mateo as hard as he could.
"AHHHHHH, WHY," Mateo cried out.
Lucian stared at him, not saying a word. Mateo wasn`t weak-minded, but perhaps years of torment from his family had molded him into a broken-down version of himself. He knew how to extrapolate the real Mateo, tough love. He won`t like it, but he needs this.
"Who are you, Mateo," Lucian asked.
"Mateo Valois," he responded. Lucian put his hand on Mateo`s shoulder.
"Like it or not, you are the prince of Lulusia. People want your head. You don`t get to choose your family. But you know what? You get to choose how you let that affect you. And so far, you have been a shadow of the person you are meant to be...
In this world, a man`s strength is measured by worth. A man needs to earn that worth, and you haven't earned anything.
There is no room for laziness or whining; our enemies don`t care about that; they only believe what they see, and you are easy prey in your current state.
Man, I know we`ve been friends for a couple of weeks, but do you trust me."
Mateo stared at Lucian, "Of course I do, bro." Lucian released his hand from his shoulder.
"Then stop acting like a bitch. Act like a man. I won`t accept any less than the best from my crewmembers. If you think our journey will be a walk in the park, you`ll be dead long before you see the world.
I can help you, but what are you doing here if you can`t even motivate yourself to strengthen your body and mind?"
Once Lucian finished his speech, Mateo stood still and silent, only hearing the wind blow through his ears. He was awaiting his friend's response. Lucian was serious about the decision Mateo would make.
"I know. I promise I`ll listen to you. I want to become stronger... Captain," Mateo replied. This was the correct response, but actions speak louder than words.
Lucian smirked, and he and Mateo continued to start his training.
4 months later…
Lucian woke up on the Pearl. He was in his bedroom, and every other day seemed to be like the rest. He'd wake up, eat breakfast, and then spend the rest of the day training Mateo.
Though he had to give credit to Mateo, he made immense progress.
He was quicker, stronger, and more adaptive to his training sessions. I guess his tough love speech worked.
Renee spent most of her time in the capital, working for Germa and maintaining her undercover status. She was quite important. She reported any news she heard to Lucian, but not much had occurred.
She had told Lucian that Germa would be coming back in a couple of days, and that is when Lucian would plan to strike. But it all changed today.
When she came back to the Pearl, she looked frightened. Mateo was in the middle of his workout while Lucian was observing. "Captain," she yelled.
She climbed onto the deck and hopped off, running up the stairs to the helm, where Lucian was sitting. "Look," she gasped. She was carrying a newspaper and was panting heavily. Lucian reluctantly took the newspaper and began to read it. It was normal until he gasped. Was this really happening? A celestial dragon was coming to the Bayou Isles to meet with Germa.
Could it be Saint Fitzgerald?
"Hey Renee, what did you hear in there by any chance," Lucian asked.
"His name is Saint Mysogard. His ship was attacked by pirates, so they were detoured here. Germa offered protection on the road to the Reverie." Lucian folded the newspaper.
This was the chance they needed.
He still didn`t tell his crew about Reiju. He couldn`t wait for her any longer.
Lucian stared at the newspaper Renee had handed him. He took a minute to process his thoughts and thought back to the last couple of months.
They were some of the best months of his life...
Training with Mateo, getting to know Renee more and hanging out and joking with Jory.
Truth be told, he wanted to leave.
Deep down, he wanted to take his crew and sail out into the New World.
But this was an opportunity to get closer to the man who ordered Aragonia`s genocide. His conflicts were building up inside. He stood still while glaring mindlessly at the newspaper.
"Hey, anyone there?" Renee whistled at him.
Lucian broke out of his trance and stared at Renee, her arms crossed and staring at him with intrigue. Lucian handed her the newspaper back. Mateo was at the stern of the ship, training. He overheard the conversation, "What are you thinking, bro."
Lucian stood there; he had to make a decision. He walked by them, and they followed. "Hey, stop acting weird," Renee called out to him. He ran downstairs to Jory's workshop.
"Hey, Jory," Lucian called out. Jory put down his tools. The workshop was Jory's sanctuary. He practically lived there, working on new projects that would benefit them.
"What's up, Captain?" Mateo and Renee caught up to them.
"Any news on the southern perimeter of the island," Lucian asked.
"Why so interested?" Jory responded.
"With Saint Mysogard`s arrival. We have to make sure we have a way out."
Jory understood immediately. A while back, he had stolen a marine transponder and realized he could link it to a GPS device that alerted them of the nearest marine ship within a 50-mile radius if they could catch a strong enough signal.
This was just something a genius like Jory could conjure up. Jory checked the GPS, but his reaction soiled the surprise.
"DAMN IT, Captain, the southern perimeter of the Bayou Isles is blocked by a marine presence. We are trapped, and there is only one way out now. Through the North, and you know what that means." Jory said.
"What, what does it mean?" Mateo said.
Lucian sighed, "It means the only way out is North. Jory and I came in undetected through the South, but with the Marine patrolling the area due to Saint Mysogard's arrival, security must have gone up."
Renee raised her hand, "What's so wrong with the North."
Jory spoke up. "Everything south of here leads further away from the New World and into the Grand Line when Lucian and I came through here. We knew that it would be risky since the stakes would be much higher in the New World.
Essentially, It means the only way out is through Germa-patrolled waters."
"That means we are forced to confront Germa and the Nobles," Mateo added.
Lucian crossed his arms. This is what he feared was to come.
It had been six years since he left home, and he usually thought about his parents and how much they missed him. He wondered how Amante was doing and how big she had grown. He hadn`t spoken to Mikasa since that day he and Uncle Rayleigh hit the seas. He was thinking of eventually going back soon, but not now—not until the matter was closed, the matter of justice for his country.
"We're a crew now," Lucian announced, all eyes on him. I want your advice. They all sat down and listened to Lucian's proposal.
"Renee, I know we talked about silently invading the castle. But I want to do something I should have done a long time ago."
In anticipation, they all asked what it was.
"I need to confront them alone and reveal the truth," Lucian said.
"WHAT?" they all yelled.
"Stupid idea," Mateo said, "Are you mentally challenged?" Jory yelled.
Lucian held up his hand, "There is only one way out." He walked up to the GPS device, which looked glitchy, but he pointed to the map of the islands.
"Eventually, they will traverse their way up to our location. I don`t know how long it will take, but the longer we wait, the fewer chances we will have to escape," Lucian continued.
Mateo laughed. "You know, I`m all for it. If there is one man who can handle those assholes, It`s you."
Renee responded, "No, it's too dangerous. Mateo is not ready."
"YOU`RE NOT MY MOM RENEE," Mateo roared back.
Lucian replied, "Then that`s that." Renee and Jory argued with Lucian, and Mateo had to break it up.
"LUCIAN!" Jory roared.
Usually, Jory never got angry at him, but clearly, his decision to infiltrate the castle alone annoyed them. "I will NOT abandon my captain in an area full of enemies. No way."
Lucian appreciated his concern, "Jory, listen to me. I will distract Germa and the nobles while you sail out of here with Mateo."
"WHY?" Mateo yelled.
"You are too important, Mateo. Your training has come far, but you are not even remotely ready yet."
"What about that whole speech you gave me? I`m not scared, Lucian; I can fight."
"No, captain`s orders."
Mateo stormed out of the workshop angrily, and Renee spoke up.
"You can't blame him, Lucian. He wants to help. Maybe it`s time we stop babying him."
Oh, the double standards, she just said he wasn`t ready.
"Baby him, really, Renee. I have pushed him to the limits with his training. Hell, he almost quit on me multiple times, I've broken him down, broken his spirit, and yes he has gotten stronger. But his presence around these people. His importance. It is not the right place and time for him at this point."
Renee nodded in agreement, "What about me."
"You will go with them. I can't risk you either," Lucian said.
"But why? I thought you wanted to confront Germa, and Renee can get you inside," Jory said.
Lucian began to think about why he had come to the Bayou Isles in the first place. He wanted to gain information on Germa to infiltrate the Reverie.
But his priorities seemed to have changed over the last couple of months.
He grew closer with his crew, and he didn`t want to put them in a precarious position. Lucian could handle Germa, but his friends stood no chance.
He had to guarantee their safety first, which meant making sure they escaped first. He could figure out the Judge situation later. But he had to act fast, as Germa closed in on who they really were with each passing day, that is if Reiju hadn`t betrayed him.
But Lucian also had this unshakeable feeling that another presence was lurking. He had been very cautious recently, which is why he questioned his friends so much. He had to cover all angles to make sure no surprises were going to be thrown at them.
Lucian double-checked his plan. Mateo was the target, right?
"Hey, you hear something," Renee said. Lucian honed in on his observation haki and sensed another presence on the deck. Mateo was up there!
Lucian activated Soru and made it onto the deck in under a second.
And speak of the devil, there was Reiju. Holding Mateo in a submission lock, putting pressure onto his elbow while he lay on the floor in pain.
"Is that any way to greet a friend?" Reiju said. Lucian hadn`t seen Reiju since the night he got Mateo and Renee to join his crew over four months ago. Lucian heard Renee and Jory run up the stairs.
"Hey, let him go," Renee yelled.
Reiju moved his elbow an inch deeper, and Mateo roared in pain. "Reiju, let him go now," Lucian said in a very calm tone.
Reiju smiled and let Mateo go; this time, Mateo kept withering on the floor in pain. Renee ran to Mateo to check on him and make sure he was fine.
"You bitch, you hurt him," Renee said.
Reiju ignored Renee and walked past her as if she never existed. As she inched closer and closer to Lucian, Jory stood in front of Lucian to block her path.
"Mind your distance," Jory said.
"It`s okay, Jory. Just make sure they are fine." Jory stepped out of the way and ran to Mateo and Renee.
Reiju giggled, "Loyal dogs you have there."
"Friends you mean, I don`t blame you for mistaking the term since you`ve never had any," Lucian said smiling.
Reiju walked close to Lucian and threw her arms around him, "Funny, I missed you," Reiju said.
"Wish I could say the same, sweetheart," Lucian replied. "Now, why did you attack my crew member."
Mateo, Jory, and Renee now surrounded them, as Reiju still had her arms wrapped around Lucian`s neck.
"I was merely defending myself. He was quite feisty. What`s his name? He looks familiar," Reiju asked Lucian. Lucian wasn`t going to tell Reiju Mateo`s true identity, so before anyone spoke up.
"That is Ilir Abrojo," Lucian said. The rest of his crew looked momentarily confused but adjusted quickly as they caught onto his plan.
"Oh really, because last I heard of Ilir Abrojo he was causing trouble in Emperor Kaido`s territory a couple of months ago, how do you know him."
Lucian had known practically nothing about Ilir's activities since he left Aragonia. He knew Ilir was in Wano Country, but he was surprised to hear that he was beefing with an Emperor of the Sea.
He missed his brother.
"We grew up in Aragonia together; he`s my brother," Lucian said. Reiju let go of Lucian and studied Mateo.
"There is not much of a family resemblance, and he seems pretty weak," Reiju asked.
"Never said we were blood-related. Also, he`s off medication right now, or else he would`ve... messed you up, believe it," Lucian said hoping she`d believe him.
Reiju seemed to be satisfied with that answer, and Mateo seemed to understand the assignment. If Reiju were to learn that Mateo Valois was standing in front of them, it could change the whole tone of the mission.
"Oh, I see. You are running out of time, you know. You can finally guess why I am here," Reiju asked. Lucian paced around faintly; his thoughts began to race at light speed as he tried to process how to approach this challenge.
His friends stared at him, anticipating a response. They were counting on him.
Reiju refocused herself on Lucian, "It`s time I can bring you into the castle. But there`s the issue of security. If you want your crew to escape, you need someone to take the Northern Patrol tower and instruct our Navy ships to leave the area if you wish to sail out freely."
"Why can`t you do it?" Lucian said.
This time, Reiju was shocked and ignored Lucian`s question. "Wait a minute. I didn`t know the kitchen wench was on your crew."
Renee muttered something under her breath, but it wasn`t lovely. "I can do it. Just get me in, and I can help."
Good call, Renee. Lucian needed Jory to guide the ship, and Mateo was the last person he needed on this mission. They would love to capture him.
"Reiju, Can I count on you," Lucian inquired.
Reiju inched back closer to Lucian. "You look so cute when you`re worried," Reiju said flirtingly. He`ll take that as a yes.
His friends were surprised to see how Lucian and Reiju interacted. Then they giggled and made obscene hand signs behind her back. Lucian tried not to laugh.
"The Marines are approaching; you have no time, Lucian. I would`ve come earlier, but I had family matters to attend to. It`s now or never," Reiju added.
She was right. Luckily for him, he was itching for a fight.
Lucian called his crew members and Reiju together to discuss the plan. After some arguing, name-calling, and, honestly, some funny joking remarks that even Reiju seemed to enjoy, they finally had a plan in place.
"Once you get Renee into position, let me know, and then I can walk you into the castle. Call me when it`s done," Reiju said as she activated her raid suit and flew away.
Mateo walked up to Lucian, "Who`s Ilir Abrojo?"
"Yeah, who`s that?" Renee added. Lucian had never really told Mateo and Renee his life before he met them; he`s just happy they played along when Reiju was here.
"He`s my brother and my first mate." Mateo and Renee had shocked faces.
"WE THOUGHT YOU WERE JOKING!" they both said in unison. Jory laughed and echoed through the skies, "Damn Lucian, I thought you told them."
"How can he be your first mate? He isn`t even here," Renee said. Mateo's jaw was still on the floor upon hearing the news.
Lucian rubbed his head, "Yeah, I made a promise to him. He`s one of our crew members... just on a mission abroad."
"Wait, I think the larger question at hand is, WHY ARE YOU ALLIED WITH REIJU AND DIDN`T TELL US!" Renee yelled at Lucian.
Oh shit, he forgot to account for this variable.
Mateo smirked, "Oh Renee, I can think of two large, nicely shaped reasons why Lucian did what he did...I got you, bro." Renee's face turned red at this point, and she hit Mateo on the head, "IDIOT!"
"Owwwwww," Mateo said.
"Ahhhh, men are so stupid. She`s using her good looks to seduce you. She better not double-cross us," Renee continued.
Renee had a point; Lucian was attracted to Reiju, but he assured his crewmates he wouldn`t let that affect the mission at hand.
"Look, we can all catch up later, but now we need to focus on the mission. Once Renee calls back the Northern Navy force, the Black Pearl makes its escape. Jory, how long can you make it from the main city to the northernmost point of the Isles?" Lucian asked.
Jory looked as if he was doing some calculations in his head: "At full speed with no third-party interruptions, I can say about two hours, but if Renee can call back the Navy Patrol perimeter in one hour, we will be home free."
Lucian checked the time. It was nearing 5 p.m., so Lucian had just a little under two hours and no time to spare.
Jory then began to speak up. "Okay, so here's the plan: While Lucian sails to the city, Mateo and I will sail towards the northern tip of the Bayou Isles, and we will wait there for Lucian and Renee on the furthest island until sunset... and if he is not back by then.
We have to leave, or else we won't be able to outrun navy ships. Approved captain?"
Lucian nodded in agreement to Jory`s breakdown of the plan.
Mateo and Renee looked worried. He knew they didn`t like this idea, but they had to improvise. They went undetected in the Bayou Isles for months, but their luck finally ran out.
He prolonged this for as long as he could.
Lucian didn`t like the idea of Renee going up against Germa soldiers. She had no prior training experience. She could die if she were found to be double-crossing Germa. But they had no time; if Lucian and Jory had known that the Marines would trap them sooner, it would've been easier to plan an escape route.
Then it hit Lucian as he was talking to his friend, and his observation abilities immediately turned on. The marine ships were nearing their position, and he could not let them see the Black Pearl.
They had officially run out of time.
"JORY, set sail." Jory understood immediately. The Black Pearl caught the wind in its sail. When Jory activated the thrusters, the ship began to pick up speed.
"We're counting on you," Mateo said. Lucian nodded; the ship was going faster and faster now.
"Good luck, Captain and Renee," Jory said.
Lucian grinned and grabbed Renee by the waist, jumped off with her, and aimed for the boat Jory had deployed for them below.
"AHHHHHHHH, LUCIANNNNNNNNNN," she screamed in fear. They landed gracefully on the boat. Lucian set Renee down, grabbed the rudder, and pointed the boat in the direction of the city.
Renee hit him on the head, "WARN ME NEXT TIME YOU DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT!"
Lucian rubbed his head and responded laughing, "Damn geez, dont have to scream at me."
Once they arrived in the city, Lucian spotted something sinister. Renee ported the boat and paid the man. Lucian scanned the area, and Marines and Germa soldiers patrolled it. This was going to be a problem. Lucian had to ensure Renee's safety.
Lucian grabbed Renee's hand and led her to the patrol tower where Germa was stationed.
After sneakingly going through the citizens and passing by the capital, they finally approached the castle.
He and Renee silently snuck around the castle`s perimeter and approached a closed-off area guarded by Germa soldiers.
Lucian observed and saw 3 guards at the front gate. He then honed in on his observation haki. He sensed 23 more soldiers guarding the road to the main control tower but only 1 man inside the tower.
Once Lucian opened his eyes, he knew he had to dispatch 27 soldiers, not ordinary soldiers but scientifically engineered soldiers. This would be quite difficult.
Lucian crouched low, his eyes locked on the three guards at the gate, Renee right behind him. He took a slow breath, feeling the familiar surge of adrenaline, and tapped into his observation haki. He could sense every movement, the shifting of armor, the slight sway of each soldier's breathing.
"Stay close," he whispered to Renee, and Lucian vanished before the words had finished leaving his lips.
In an instant, he was behind the first guard, striking the back of his neck with a quick, precise jab that sent the man crumbling to the ground, unconscious. The other two barely had time to react, their eyes darting to the blur that was Lucian. He reappeared in front of the second guard, his fist slamming into his stomach like a cannonball, knocking the wind from his lungs before he even realized he'd been hit.
The third guard, trying to raise his weapon, only caught a glimpse of Lucian's grin before Lucian's palm crashed into his chin, sending him flying backward into the gate with a resounding crack. Three down, not a sound uttered.
Lucian signaled Renee to follow, and the two of them moved seamlessly past the gate into the inner perimeter.
As they approached the road leading to the main control tower, Lucian could sense the 23 soldiers closing in. A coordinated effort to overwhelm them. But he was ready.
"Soru," he muttered under his breath, and suddenly, he was everywhere at once—a blur of movement, inhumanly fast, darting between the soldiers like a shadow.
One soldier's eyes widened as Lucian materialized in front of him, delivering a crushing blow to his sternum that sent him careening into three others like a bowling ball.
Lucian was already among them before any of the Germa guards could counter, his fists and feet moving like lightning. A sharp uppercut here, a spinning kick there. Each hit landed with deadly precision. Armor crumpled under his fists as the scientifically engineered soldiers fell like dominos, their training useless against Lucian's speed and power.
One guard tried to outmaneuver him, thrusting a spear toward Lucian's side. But Lucian's observation haki flared, and he sidestepped effortlessly, grabbing the guard by the wrist and twisting it sharply. The spear dropped, and Lucian drove a powerful elbow into the man's chest, sending him crashing to the ground.
Another group came from the left, their rifles raised, but Lucian moved like a ghost, vanishing in a flicker of Soru and reappearing at their flank. He swept the legs out from two of them with a single fluid motion and delivered a concussive kick to the third, sending them all sprawling into a heap.
It was a whirlwind, no hesitation, no wasted movement. Each guard barely saw Lucian coming before a flash of pain and darkness overtook them. He dodged bullets, ducked under punches, and countered every attack with merciless efficiency. Within a minute, the road to the control tower was littered with unconscious bodies, and not a single soldier was left standing.
Lucian turned to Renee, who followed behind, keeping pace. Her expression was one of silent awe.
"Let's go," he said, his tone calm as if he hadn't just easily taken down 26 Germa soldiers.
The two approached the door to the control tower, and with a quick nod to each other, Lucian pushed the door open. The path was clear, and inside, only one presence remained: the man waiting in the control room.
Wow, that was easy.
Lucian maintained his concealed presence, walked up to the man, and incapacitated him with ease. Holding her breath, Renee finally said, "Wow, that was awesome."
Lucian laughed. Renee picked up the comms and began to speak to the forces of Germa, whilst Lucian went back outside and began to hide the bodies so it would not draw suspicion. When Lucian returned, he saw Renee in a good mood.
She finished talking to someone over the intercom and disconnected the line. She jumped up in celebration and hugged Lucian.
"I sent the reinforcement back, so this sector should be clear," Renee said.
Lucian took out his transponder and called for Reiju.
Phase one was complete.
He and Renee began to drag the unconscious bodies that Lucian beat mercilessly.
Then, after a while, Reiju appeared. "Ah, it seems like you had fun," she said, staring at the trail of bodies Lucian had just left behind.
Renee sat down at the control center and put on the headset. Reiju walked next to Renee and crouched down. "Use this code to evacuate all Germa Navy ships from the northern perimeter."
Once Reiju told Renee the code, she spoke into the headset and ordered them to return to the mainland. Reiju then handed Renee a pamphlet with nautical headings that she needed to issue to the Germa soldiers every couple of minutes to ensure they stayed on course.
"I can do this. You guys go," Renee said as she went back to issuing orders to the evacuating Germa soldiers.
Reiju then grabbed Lucian by the hand and ran off, "Be careful, Renee," Lucian yelled out as Reiju dragged him to the castle.
Upon entering the castle, it seemed emptier than before. Jory and Mateo should be nearly halfway there, "I know my role, but what about you, Reiju? How are you going to get through this without suspicion falling on you."
"Like I said before, you focus on yourself. Don`t worry about me," Reiju responded.
Lucian looked at her, "Damn, sorry for caring about you." Reiju usually locked eyes with Lucian when they spoke. But when he said it, she turned away.
As they walked, excitement began to overwhelm him. Judge knew something about that day, and he was going to learn about it or beat it out of him.
As Reiju led him to the throne room, Lucian overheard conversations. They were across the massive door, and Reiju stopped.
"This is as far as I can go. I held up my end. Now whatever choices you make are up to you," Lucian stared at Reiju and hugged her, she gasped in surprise.
"Reiju, I ask only one more favor," as Lucian pulled away from the hug.
"What?" she asked.
"Help Renee escape." Reiju stared at Lucian and nodded in agreement.
She ran the other way as Lucian was confronted with the large door in front of him. The voices on the other side got louder and louder.
Lucian stared at the door, powered up his left leg, and kicked it open. The doors flew wide open, making a noise so loud it crushed your eardrums. Once the smoke cleared, he saw the Vinsmokes mingling with some people dressed in fancy outfits. Are those the... nobles?
The silence was quite comical. He definitely disturbed the party. Judge put down his drinks, and Lucian saw two of his sons, Ichiji and Yonji. Where was the third son?
The man in the bubble suit—there he was, Saint Mysogard mingling with Judge.
Lucian began to walk slowly up to them.
He saw Butler Rio run up to him with a gun in his peripheral vision. Lucian dodged the bullet slowly and slapped him out of the room with his left backhand —BOOM!
Judge`s laugh echoed throughout the throne room. "Lucian Xebel, to be honest, I was wondering when you`d show up."
Did Reiju tip him off after all this time? Who cares about that? He was here, wasn`t he?
Lucian ignored Judge`s question.
He didn`t know Saint Mysogard would be here. Suddenly, the guards lunged at him, but Lucian remained unfazed. He moved effortlessly, weaving through their attacks with fluid precision.
His right hand stayed casually in his pocket, while his left hand alone was enough to deal with the onslaught. With swift, calculated strikes, he dispatched the guards with minimal effort, not breaking a sweat as each one fell around him.
"Tell me, Judge, is this the man who ordered the Aragonian raid," Lucian asked.
The celestial dragon stepped up, and he was angry, "Foolish insolent brat, you dare come in here and threaten us. Make one more move, and I will have your head."
Lucian studied the man; he was just like Saint Fitzgerald, a coldhearted asshole who was used to being treated like a god.
He needed to humble him.
Lucian picked up a piece of debris and, with a sleight of hand, flicked the sharp object with precise speed right into Saint Mysogard`s shoulder as he roared in pain. Saint Mysogard fell to the ground, bleeding and roaring in agony.
This caught Judge by surprise as he tended to the celestial dragon.
"I didn`t come here to play games."
Sanit Mysogard roared back, "LUCIAN XEBEL HUHHHH, YOU ROTTING DIRTY PIRATE. I WILL HAVE YOU DEAD. I PROMISE YOUUUUU."
Lucian stood still, watching the Vinsmokes tend to a fallen Mysogard.
"I want an answer from either of you. Was this the man who came to you all those years ago? Did he issue the order?"
Ichiji and Yonji looked ready to pounce, "Father, give us permission to kill him," they both said.
Saint Mysogard withered on the floor in pain. Judge spoke up, "Boys, get Mysogard away from here safely. This pirate is powerful. You aren`t strong enough."
Yonji, angered, attacked Lucian, "YOU IDIOT," Ichiji yelled.
"This guy, HE`S A JOKE. DIEEEEE," Yonji yelled as he charged Lucian.
But Lucian remained still, his eyes calm and unflinching. He didn't need to move yet. He could sense every movement and every intention. Slowly, he clenched his right fist, coating it in Armament Haki, black lightning crackling as the power surged around his hand.
Yonji lunged, his speed enhanced by his raid suit, aiming a powerful punch straight for Lucian's face. But in a blur of motion, Lucian sidestepped the attack effortlessly. Yonji's eyes widened in shock, and before he could react, Lucian's fist descended rapidly in a downward trajectory.
BOOM!
With a single, devastating blow, Lucian drove Yonji's head into the ground, the floor cracking beneath the force of impact. The room erupted with the explosion of Haki-infused power, black lightning sparking and ripping through the air. The sheer force of the punch sent shockwaves through the room, destroying the walls and shaking the foundations.
Once the smoke cleared, Yonji lay there, face smashed into the ground, groaning in defeat. Lucian stood over him, his fist still humming with energy, the dark aura of his Haki casting shadows across the room.
Ichiji's jaw hung in shock, "No way, what power."
Judge looked rattled, "Yonji, you fool." Lucian looked down, his fist covered in blood, and Yonji's head cracked open. He might have killed him.
That`s for Mateo, you dickhead.
Lucian stepped over Yonji`s body and walked toward Judge.
"Get him out of here, quickly," Judge said.
Ichiji picked up an injured Mysogard and ran off the scene. Only he and Judge were left standing. This is what he wanted.
"You think you can come here and take down Germa? I built this empire with my bare hands. I won`t let a pirate take it away from me."
"I don`t want your kingdom; I just want to know who approached you six years ago and asked you for your Germa soldiers," Lucian said.
Judge grabbed something that seemed like a can. He activated it, and then it appeared: a technological suit jumped onto his body, wrapping around him, and a large spear appeared by his side.
"I don`t know who told you about that, but your curiosity will be your downfall." Lucian assumed a fighting stance.
He was going to force a confession from him.
Lucian advanced with blinding speed, flickering in and out of sight as he zig-zagged across the throne room. He used Soru to deliver a flurry of punches to Judge's torso. Each blow reverberated with the crackling energy of his armament haki, but Judge was quick to adapt.
Judge had learned after watching Yonji fall. He activated the boosters on his Raid Suit, the roar of jet propulsion filling the room as he launched himself toward Lucian with deadly precision.
With his spear extended, Judge hurled it straight at Lucian. It sliced through the air like a bolt of lightning, the tip grazing Lucian's right shoulder. The sharp pain was immediate, followed by the voltage from the spear surging through his body. His muscles convulsed as he staggered back, clutching his shoulder, which hung dislocated and bleeding.
Lucian grimaced, his breath heavy. With a sharp yank, he slammed his shoulder back into place, the sickening crack echoing through the throne room. Judge's Raid Suit made him fast, almost as fast as Lucian, and his spear gave him a dangerous advantage—he didn't need to get close to strike.
Judge stared him down, his eyes cold and filled with arrogance. "You Aragonians should've all died that day, but I`ll correct history," he spat.
Lucian's eyes widened, a fire igniting in their depths. The mention of his people—the genocide—hit him like a tidal wave of rage. His fists clenched, and the very air around him seemed to shift. The temperature dropped, and the room became thick with pressure as his Conqueror's Haki flared to life, with black lightning crackling ominously. The atmosphere buzzed with an electric tension that seemed to freeze everything in place.
He had never used Conqueror`s Haki until now, but he didn`t use it. It just happened. How did he do it?
Judge hesitated a flicker of fear flashing across his face as he felt the overwhelming force of Lucian's Haki. His body instinctively tensed, paralyzed by the raw power.
"Soru!" Lucian's voice echoed like a cannon shot. He vanished in an instant, reappearing in front of Judge, his fists blazing with Haki. He drove them into Judge's torso and jaw with rapid, brutal precision. Judge was thrown back, but Lucian was already on him again before he could recover, bouncing around the throne room with such speed that he became nothing but a blur.
His fists rained down like a storm, every punch infused with Haki, leaving Judge dazed and struggling to keep up.
Judge swung wildly, his blows missing as Lucian weaved effortlessly around him. "I'VE HAD ENOUGH!" Judge roared, his patience snapped. He activated his spear again, unleashing a relentless barrage of electric-charged strikes, the weapon glowing as he swung it with fury.
Lucian was on the defensive now, using Geppo to leap into the air, dodging the attacks as they smashed into the ground, leaving craters where they struck. He skywalked through the air, combining his Soru to dodge the incoming strikes, moving too quickly for Judge to land a solid hit.
But then, Judge overcommitted, lunging forward with his spear in a desperate, reckless move.
Lucian's eyes gleamed as he saw the opening. "Shigan!" he shouted, his hand moving faster than the eye could see.
His finger, hardened with Haki, pierced Judge's arm with precision, neutralizing his grip strength. The spear clattered to the ground as Judge let out a gasp of pain, stumbling backward, clutching his arm.
Judge fell to one knee, his breathing ragged. Lucian wiped the blood from his lip and approached him slowly, his expression cold. "Tell me, Judge," Lucian said, his voice low and dangerous.
"Who came to you that night? I won't ask again," Lucian asked.
Judge gritted his teeth, struggling to push himself up, but Lucian could see the wear in his movements. The Germa king had fought hard, but now he was running on fumes.
"You think I care about your little revenge mission?" Judge spat.
Lucian's patience had run thin. He scoffed, his left leg swinging in a blur. "Rankyaku!" A sharp, air-blade kick launched from his foot, slamming into Judge's stomach, forcing the air from his lungs. Judge gagged, blood spurting from his mouth as he staggered.
Lucian leaned in, his voice a whisper of menace. "What... was... his... name. Last chance."
Judge, defiant even in defeat, staggered to his feet, wobbling as he barely stood. Lucian's eyes narrowed in surprise. For all the hatred he had for Judge, the man's resilience was undeniable. He admired it, in a way.
But even the strongest of wills have limits.
Judge's breath came in ragged gasps. "You think an ant like you deserves to know the truth, be grateful. That they spared your life that day. You are nothing to them, always have and always will be."
Lucian's expression darkened, "I apologize. I realize that I haven`t earned your respect. Perhaps another display of my strength will persuade you to reconsider."
"You fool, you are playing with forces beyond your understanding. The World Government, the nobles, all of it. You are a spec of dust in the grandiose of plans," Judge said.
He managed a laugh. Lucian had long ago learned his place in the world; he didn't need Judge to tell him. He was just a stepping stone to the top.
He had to beat him.
Lucian looked around the throne room. It looked like it was about to fall apart, everything crumbling as he looked out the window. As nightfall ensued, he saw a flicker of light in the distance that looked like a ship. Might it be... The Pearl?
He needed to be more efficient.
He turned back to Judge, who looked in a world of pain. "Give me a name."
Judge attacked again, but Lucian effortlessly dodged. He continued to do so until Judge collapsed from exhaustion. Lucian back-flipped elegantly next to the window. He put his hands in his pocket.
Judge got up and spit out blood, "He never told me his name; I`ve never even seen his face. He operated in the shadow."
"Saint Fitzgerald... Does that name ring a bell?" Lucian asked, eyes sharp.
"No, but even looking back on it. It was one of the best business decisions I`ve ever made. It provided me with clarity."
Judge's face contorted in rage. He roared, grabbing his spear and charging at Lucian with every last ounce of strength he had left.
"I`ll NEVER TELL YOU!"
At that moment, Lucian read his opponent. He knew Judge would not speak, and it didn't matter whether he knew.
Because Saint Mysogard was still somewhere around here.
Lucian sighed, shaking his head in disappointment. "Vinsmoke Judge," he muttered, "You've earned yourself a proper ending to a proper battle."
He clenched his right fist, channeling all of his Haki into it. This time, the energy was so intense it radiated heat, the air around his hand warping with the sheer force of the Haki. The black lightning crackled violently, and the energy building, as Lucian focused all his power into it, began to emit shockwaves as the power grew larger and larger.
Lucian leaped to match Judge`s attack.
Lucian spent years developing this move, a mix of his Rokushiki and armament haki, bred a deadly attack. It emphasized the speed and precision of Soru, which would unload the most deadly pressure of kinetic energy into a single point.
He combined this ability with his armament + conqueror`s haki to kill his opponent's observation haki and create a feeling of dread upon the victim.
That you can`t save yourself once this ability is activated.
"WRAITH`S REQUIEM!"
And with a single, devastating blow, Lucian's fist slammed into Judge's face with the force of a cannon. The impact created an explosion that ripped through the air, reverberating through the throne room and shattering the walls. The floor buckled under the pressure, cracks spidering out from where Judge stood.
The throne room exploded in a blast of force, rubble raining down as the castle walls crumbled under the sheer power of the strike. Judge was thrown back, crashing into the debris, his body limp and defeated.
Lucian stood amidst the wreckage, breathing heavily as the dust settled. Judge lay motionless, the once proud king of Germa 66 reduced to a broken figure.
"That's the end for you," Lucian whispered, his fist still humming with the remnants of Haki.
Now, where did Ichiji take Saint Mysogard?
But before he could do that, Lucian reached into his pocket and picked up the transponder. He called for Renee.
"Hey Renee, is it done?" Lucian asked. The line was open, but no answer was given. Someone was listening.
"Renee, please answer. Are you ok?"
Lucian again awaited a response. His battle with the Vinsmokes in the Throne room made a scene. The walls had broken down, exposing the night sky. Lucian walked to the edge of the broken castle wall overlooking the north.
"Reiju, are you there, copy!"
No response. He looked at the beautiful scenery and took in the fresh air. He took a deep breath. He had just finished an intense fight, so he had to stay calm. Lucian was injured, but he could still fight if needed.
He wanted to find Mysogard, but that lingering feeling emerged again—the faint sense of another presence he had been feeling for months now.
RENEE!
He lept off the castle, plummeted nearly a thousand feet to the ground, and gracefully stuck the landing. He ran north. It had been over an hour since Lucian infiltrated the castle. They were waiting for him on the Black Pearl.
Lucian activated both Soru and Geppo. He maneuvered through the rugged terrain, running through the hills and trees. After a while, he reached the coastline. The adjacent island was a close swim, about half a mile away.
When the stars appeared in the sky, he found the northern star and followed it. He called Reiju and Renee again, but there was no answer. Something was off, and Lucian did not like that. He jumped in the water, diving head-first. He swam quickly from the mainland to the adjacent island.
As he continued to run through the Bayou Isles, he desperately increased his pace to reach his friends. But that feeling came back, and it was a bad feeling.
He immediately knew that something had gone wrong. Then, as he hopped onto the third adjacent island, he saw something in the distance. A woman lying down—it was Renee.
"RENEE!" Lucian said, dropping to her side. She was in bad condition, bleeding from her head and her abdomen. Lucian placed his ear to her chest, she was still alive still breathing.
He heard rustling from behind him. Reiju appeared holding an unconscious man.
Niji.
"What happened here, Reiju?" She put down her brother and walked towards Lucian. She looked hurt as she stumbled towards him, falling into his arms.
"Lucian," she muttered. Lucian stared at Reiju. She was hurt badly. He rushed over to her, and Lucian realized that he had grown to care for her.
"My father...he...he...he played us." This time, Reiju`s legs gave out as she collapsed on the floor. Lucian grabbed her by her back, put an arm underneath her legs, and carried her.
"Talk to me, Reiju. What happened?" Lucian said.
Reiju was in a state between consciousness and unconsciousness. She pointed to something on the floor, "Neeeed."
Lucian gently put Reiju down next to Renee. There was a pouch, and he opened it. And inside a syringe labeled 'Adrenaline'. Lucian administered the syringe into Reiju`s right thigh. And she gasped and came to life.
"Thanks, I needed that," Reiju said loudly. Lucian grabbed her by the shoulder. "Please Reiju, did Niji hurt Renee."
Reiju nodded, "Renee was successful, but somehow, Niji found out about Renee and captured her. I ran to find her, then found them both here unconscious, and then I just blacked out. I think my father discovered what happened, and he set Niji after her. Lucian, he knew everything."
Lucian felt the presence briefly again. It was evil and persistent. "Reiju, who attacked you?"
Reiju again fell into Lucian`s arms, "I heard a name briefly before I blacked out."
Lucian asked, "Who?"
"Joker."