Chapter Text
Sakazuki felt broken, rotting in the dungeons of the Ryuga royal castle. His entire invasion fleet had either been captured or destroyed. It was the biggest humiliation of his military career. Kizaru was dead, several high rnaking officers defeated and Zephyr committed suicide after getting defeated in combat. The old bastard was too prideful to be kept prisoner but somehow was convinced to order a surrender. Sakazuki hated the fact that Newgate ripped off his arm and cripple his legs. Now he was chained in sea prism waiting for what they called a trial. Suddenly the doors of the dungeons opened with Silver FRayleigh walking over to the admiral’s cell. The pirate legend seemed exhausted from the fighting but strong willed and ready to kill if necessary. He looked down at Sakzuki, thinking about how to handle this.
“I was able to talk to Newgate after the battle. We talked for a while about how we’ve been doing since this great pirate era started. He’s become the guardian angel of undefined islands while I became a town drunk and a ship coater. Guess we bounded over the fact that we were both fathers in our ways. Although to be honest I’ve been a crappy one of late. I sent my girls to Amazon Lilly thinking they’d be safe but because I did that, they were captured by raiders and sold into slavery. So technically your propaganda center is right in saying this global mess is my fault.” Rayleigh took a shot out of his flask and offered some to Sakzuki which he immediately rejected.
“Why are you telling me this? What’s Newgate planning?” Sakzuki wanted to know exactly what was happening in the 6 seas. Rayleigh could see why this man became an admiral.
“Alright, fine. The king of Elbaf is sailing his army to this island from what Neptune told me. Apparently Harold is done waiting for the world government to let him join and decided to take matters into his own hands. Even the revolutionary army is coming here for some big meeting. Now usually I don’t care much for the politics of the 6 seas but seeing that you navy bastards won’t stop trying to kill my daughters, I have no choice but to attend the boring ass meeting.” Rayleigh informed Sakazuki but as he spoke Rayeliguh noticed a flicker of dread in Sakazuki’s haki. Not one of self preservation but one of loss and worry. It felt like the same sensation he had when he first learned that his girls were taken. He knelt down to look Sakazuki in the eyes. “What happened?” The question seemed genuine and not something mocking the admiral. Akainu wanted to ignore the dark king but this was too important.
“Before I sent the fleet down, I got a letter from my wife. She is with child, and now that child will never know their father’s face.” he sounded defeated , lost the will to go on. It completely erases the mental walls of the rigid magma admiral that had built up a reputation of ruthlessness. Rayleigh could understand the feeling, seeing his youngest off when she was only an infant. Rayleigh didn’t know what to say to Sakzuki. On one hand despised this man for trying to kill his daughters but another side could relate to wanting to return to one’s family. In the end he just left the admiral in silence.
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7 days have passed since the failed invasion on Fishman island. The navy was weakened from the underwater war and now the leaders of several New world factions were meeting at Fishman island. Whitebeard had called Dragon who informed the rebel general about the situation and asked for aid seeing that it was a rebel agent who suggested Otohime to leave the World Government. Now with news of Harold wishing to speak with Newgate made the Yonko cautious of what this could mean. The 3 leaders agreed via calls to meet in the coral woods of the island to discuss what they’re intentions of the wicked Marines and their plans for them. The meeting started in an old temple where Neptune, Dragon, Shanks, Harold, Whitebeard and Rayleigh all sat down. They had relieved their common enemy and were willing to make peace with one another to defeat the celestial dragons.
Harold presented his case as an apology to Dragon for not recognizing that the World Government never intended to honor their agreements. Dragon had tried to convince Harold to leave the celestial defense force but at the time the giant king was too stubborn in his crusade to join the World Government to listen. Now with the facts and days of convincing from Shanks, Harold was finally willing to listen.
Whitebeard attended knowing that Fishman island would be seen as a target after the first invasion force failed their mission. He understood why Otohime refused to let the navy barge in to take those escaped slaves. If he were in her shoes, the Yonko would have done the same thing. Now came making sure the navy didn’t dare attack again.
Dragon saw this as the perfect opportunity to rally several New world powerhouses against the Gorosei and overthrow their power. Thankfully he had officers on every side to meditate thighs. He didn't complain when Rayleigh and his appearance demanded a seat at the meeting, especially when they were the majority reason that they had this opportunity.
“I’d first like to thank everyone for attending.” Neptune began to talk as a meditator. “Last week my kingdom was invaded by the navy for trying to protect the innocent. I have no doubt that they will retaliate again. That is why we must act. For centuries the celestial dragons have abused their power to create an absolute chokehold on the world. Millions have died and suffered under their reign while they stripped all natural resources to appease their ambitions. Before we make our move we must first determine what we hope to change and what strategy we should use.” Dragon was the first to take the stage.
“Thank you Neptune. As I’m sure you're aware, the World Government was crippled by the raid on Mariejois. According to my spies, all the holy knights have fallen and with Admiral Akainu under Ryugu custody, the holylands are practically undefined. The only major concerns are the Fleet admiral and commander in chief Kong. But we should consider that the World Government has been rallying the majority of navy troops back to reinforce Marineford. The celestial dragons won’t be so willing to just give up their set of power. Thankfully with both the Whitebeard grand fleet and the giant army we should adequately force them into a surrender.” Dragons suggested, noting that it would take 2 days to get their focus to marineford and the redline. Although Shanks had doubts about this plan.
“Dragon with all due respect that plan won't work. For the past few years I have infiltrated the holy knights to discover things about my past and what really happened on God Valley. What I found was disastrous. The 5 Elder Stars have the same abilities the holy knights do and more. They all have engraving of runics on their arms that give them enhanced strength, speed, haki, regeneration, some type of monstrous transformation and immortality. The only thing I know of that could possibly hurt them is advanced conquerors haki.” The room fell silent in dread by the explanation and CP0 files Shanks had spent months gathering and using his celestial dragon status to un-redact.. It detailed the description of the Gorosei’s transformations, powers, skills, and techniques. “Unfortunatly that’s not the worst of it. I found someone that had been trapped in the holylands that might give us some first person insight of what’s going on behind the shadows.” Shanks called out to Shuri. She was extremely nervous to talk about her experience in Mariejois but she couldn’t let that monster plague her nightmares forever.
“Inside Panage castle is a Being that had existed since at least the void century.” The mere mention of the void century by Shuri spiked everyone’s interest. “ The gorosei are merely puppets to this immortal creature. Sait Nerona Imu, founder of the world government and as far as I know, the strongest person in the world. His haki is stronger than anything I’ve ever felt. He has magic that can manipulate some extent of reality, adapt his body to any environment or battle, can grant regeneration and immortality, mimic any devil fruit effects, summon black flames and whatever weapon it desires, and can change shape and size at will. I don’t know what other abilities he has but I know his weakness. He is dreadfully afraid of dying, which is the reason he split apart his heart and implanted pieces of it into the holy knights and Gorosei. Right now the Gorosei have the last fragments of his heart. I believe that if we kill all the Gorosie, Imu will perish. That’s the only way we can kill him.” Everyone in the room started whispering and discussing with their officers to decide a plan.
“Yeah I guess that would explain what happened on God Valley.” Rayleigh muttered. He remembered how Saturn turned into a giant spider and a black substance grew out of him with red eyes. It tanked 6 advanced conquerors' haki strikes like it was nothing, stabbed Rocks and turned him into a mindless zombie. It would make sense that someone was sitting on the empty throne. He zoned in and out of the meeting only listening when they discussed ideas of how to kill this Imu.
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Gaban was resting at Shakky’s new rip off bar she established in the mermaid district. She already scammed several of Whitebeard’s crewmates while she and Gaban, Spencer and Sunbell exchanged stories of what they’ve all been up to. Rayleibgh was off at that big meeting but they didn’t wait for him.
“Cheers to Gaban. The man who did what everyone thought was impossible. Bang a freaking giant.” Spencer toasted with several patrons raising their glasses in celebration. Gaban looked prideful with the applause.
“Her name is Ripley and she is one fine woman. Meet her not long after I set up my retirement in Elbaf. She helped me get to know the locals when I first arrived. Eventually as time went on we got married and now I have a son. He has his mom’s pink hair but is basically more giant than human, the only trait he got from me is his eyes.” Gaban pulled out a photo of his infant son and Ripley. “This little guy is Colon, seeing that’s a giant he’ll age 3 times slower but is bound to outlive all of us by the time he gets a girlfriend.” Everyone looked at Gaban. One question was in the back of their minds. Spencer started smirking, holding in a laugh.
“So um, you're saying that you named your son after part of an asshole?” The redhead finally burst out from his silence with the whole bar slowly starting to laugh. Gaban’s eyes twitched realizing he brought this upon himself, by telling the most dirty minded man on the crew about this.
“Oh fuck off Spencer, It was not like that and you know it.” Gaban shoved the redhead away.
“Ignore that bum.you are lucky to have them.” Shakky assured Gaban which was very much appreciated.
“Thanks Shakky, it’s good to see you again. How’re the girls doing? Rayleigh gave me the basics of what happened but he was uneasy talking about it.” Their mood seemed to slow down for the cherished bliss into a serious tone of worry. Shakky was gripping the table just to stay calm.
“ It’s…………… It’s not going well for them.” Shakky looked down, she wanted to kill Sommer’s all over again. She tried so hard to look strong but couldn’t even put on the lie of being fine. “Hancock is taking it the worst. The other girls were drugged and sent to fight in arenas but for Hancok….” Shakky started crying. “She had it worse than anyone else.”
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Hancock couldn’t stop hearing the screams. Her back still burnt like hell from when Sommers personally branded her. It felt humiliating that nothing could remove it. Scars on her neck and wrists were still sore and that man. He was stuck in her mind, ordering her around and…..
‘Show me that's pretty…’
“ARGH!!” Hancock screamed awake from her nightmares. She gasps her neck thinking Sommers was strangling her again. It was hell, she couldn’t forget anything. She tried to move something, to prove that she wasn’t back chained to that wall.
“You alright?” From the window of the room, Shuri slid out of the open window. Hancock tried to hide her face. Shuri could see the plaguing weight Mariejois had brought to this girl. It’s a feeling she was far too familiar with, being Imu’s puppet for decades. Just looking at the girl gave Shuri an understanding of what happened.
“Go away. I don’t want to talk to anyone.” Hancock demanded. Shuri stayed by listening to the girl’s haki signature.
“Look, I've been a pawn and tool in Mariejois for years. I know what living demons live up there. But you need to see that nothing can take you back there. Your old man risked everything and burnt that city to ash to get you back. I’m not saying that things will immediately get better for you. Scars carry through time but the best path forward is to ask for help instead of just being alone.” It was all Shuri could think of saying at the moment. She hoped this kid could one day move on but things are so simple. Hopefully her folks can help her feel more comfortable from the nightmares.
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Gaban and Spencer walked through the streets of the mermaid district. Shakky had asked them to help the rebel garrison that was setting up camp to relocate the escaped slaves back to their homes and families. There was also a giant longship that Harold traveled in with some other giants to rally the Elbaf war banners. But someone arrived that Gaban didn’t expect to see helping in the refugee camps. She was hard to miss and Gaban thought it would be nice to introduce his friends to his wife.
“You must be Ripley!” Spencer called out, the giant turned around. Gaban sure wasn’t lying about the looks. He hit a 10/10 even for giant standards. Though when she looked at them, she seemed really pissed off. When Spencer looked back at Gaban he could see some fear in his eyes.
“Gaban, I'm going to ask this once.” Ripley’s voice went soft for a second before shouting. “Why the hell did you disappear for weeks without even bothering to contact me!!!”
“Now Ripley, before you get mad, know that I was helping out save my friend's daughter which was highly important for why he couldn’t call because CP0 spies could have tracked me.” Gaban sighed after the explanation, thinking it would distract Ripley for the original reason he was so late and far from home but one stare for her pierced right through, telling her that Gaban was hiding something. “uuuuuu……I mighthavealsowentdrinkingandgamblingwithanoldfriend.” Gaban begrugling admitted knowing he could no longer hide it. Spencer started laughing at the drama, still in disbelief that Gaban actually married a giant.
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Kuzan walked through the halls of Marineford trying to maintain order and keep updates on all calls going in and out of the base. It was becoming a logistics nightmare with Sengoku and Grap missing and the other admirals either captured or MIA. To only relief was the booze he stole from Zephyr’s office. Things have been stressful but Kuzan was happy with some developments. For a tad over 3 years, Kuzan has been working as the revolutionary army’s primary spy inside the navy since the buster call of Ohara. Kuzan’s status and connections with Garp had helped him sneak supplies, leak navy patrol routes and send classified intel to the rebels over the years to undermine the world government. He knew that the raid on Mariejois would cause mass chaos and instability but never did he expect for Dragon the rally, Elbaf, some of Gold Roger’s former crewmates and the Whitebeard pirates under a common goal to quickly overthrow the Gorosei Especially when this rebel movement moving with more efficacy than they had done in 2 years. Now Dragon was asking him to make excuses to lock down Marienford to give the rebels an opening to storm Panage castle.
“Shit.” Kuzan took a sip of whiskey. “Things went hot fast.” He called a communications officer to the fleet admiral office which Kuzan was filling in with the chain of command regulations.
“Admiral Kuzan. We have no word from Fleet admiral, or Garp.”
“That’s alright. Tell our navy forces to prepare HQ for a siege. I’ve gotten word from CP8 that the revolutionary army is planning a strike on HQ to collapse their foot hold in the new world so they can take Sabaody.” the fake report conceived the officer to send out the orders and now the cards were ste for a rebel strike on Panage castle, Kuzan just hoped that it would work. He doesn't know why Sengoku and Garp disappeared but it was making it a living hell for the logistics of the plan.
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It didn’t take long for the rest of the revolutionary army to make it to Sabaody thanks to Dragon’s wind logia. The rebel-giant-Whitebeard alliance had one goal in mind, to destroy the Gorsei as fast as possible. Kuzan made several fake reports in Marineford to reduce the guard of the place. Giants climb the walls with those who could use conquerors haki to advanced armament haki strapped to their shoulders. The climb was much easier with lessen security and Shanks thinking with the time they had on what Imu might be planning. If the Goorsie truly were the only thing keeping Imu’s heart beating then the king of the world wouldn’t give them up so easily so someone had to get Imu’s attention and stall him long enough for the rest to kill the Gorosei.
“If I could have everyone’s attention!” Dragon called everyone once they reached the top of the redline. “If that gathering evidence of their strengths and weaknesses are correct, Imu will be the biggest hospital to kill the Gorosei. To which I suggest that I keep this king of the world occupied while the rest of you engage the Gorise. I’m the strongest out of everyone so it should be my responsibility to handle the strongest enemy.” That last comment made every conqueror's haki user of Roger’s era twitch from the suppressed anger snapping out. Whitebeard especially seemed annoyed.
“You watch your mouth, Garp's brat. I’ve been fighting monsters far longer than you and your rebels could imagine. I was at God Valley and every major event of……”
“And I’m the leader of a resistance movement that has publicly declared war on the celestial dragons. I have the highest bounty, have been in the biggest crisis of the World Government since Rocks and have fought admirals and holy knights on several different occasions. So yes, I will be fighting Imu alone, giving you all the opening to kill the Gorosei.” Dragon’s logic was pretty strong and they had to agree to the terms.
“Well in that case we should discuss who’s fighting who.” Shanks pointed out. “I recommend Whitebeard fight Saint Warcury. That man is the most durable of the gorosei and we’ll need someone with immense strength and haki to break through his defense to strike the heart. For Nusjuro I recommend Harold given they’re both conquerors haki swordsmen and the fact that Nusjuro speed and skill in battle are the strongest amongst the gorosei. For Saint Mars, me and Beckmann should handle him given that Mars is a long range target. Rayleigh and Gaban should handle Saturn while those that remain hold of saint Ju Peter.”
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The massive halls of Pangae castle were filled to the brim with marble. Harold had been through the castle when first invited to the celestial defense force and knew where they usually sat in the room of authority. As usual they were all there but something felt off about them. A dark energy surrounded them like an all powerful force replying haki all around. They look infuriated, angered, wrathful and a hint of fear. Both parties stood still for a minute and the tension could be broken by anything. Then Saturn stood with the other Gorosei.
“I assume your presence indicates Sakazuki has failed.” No one responded but felt the Gorosei's glance told them everything. “Useless insects.” Saturn muttered. “The Great one demands Monkey D Dragon to go to the throne room alone.” The other didn’t try to refuse. Dragon began walking down a hallway with a golden door that opened by itself, a signal of who was waiting. No one knew why the Gorosei were just letting Dragon go alone but as long as that monster was contained they’d have less to worry about. As soon as Dragon went into the hallway, the golden door closed behind him.
“Let’s cut to the point. Your actions have done more damage to our Empire in a few weeks than Rocks or Roger have ever done in their decades of exploits across the 6 seas.” Nusjuro cursed. “Our holy city is in ruin, the celestial dragons dead, our navy’s strongest fighters have been crippled in a matter of weeks. We’ve allowed this offense to remain unanswered for too long and seeing that the rat told you everything about the great one, we’ve been instructed to kill you ourselves to ensure no more failures spread.” Everyone’s gaze was stiff, this definitely confirmed all of Shuri’s testimony. Maybe they distanced the party from Dragon so no one could save him.
“Harold, you giant scum.” Warcury stood up glancing at the giant. “How dare you betray us, after all we’ve gifted you.”
“Don’t pretend that you ever cared or intended to honor your deal! Shanks and Shuri told me everything. You just wanted my people as slaves!1” Harold roared.
“Yes and soon they will be our property with you dead.” Saturn scoffed. “ To think this all happened because of a few slave girls.”
“Alright I’m done talking!!” Rayleigh snapped at the mention of his daughters, infusing conquerors haki into his sword. “Spider lilly steel!”
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Everyone on Fishman island felt a massive earthquake tremble across the kingdom. Those with strong haki sensory knowledge recognized the presence of a conqueror's duel. But it was like several of them were happening right above them. Some guards saw the rocks of the redline above start to crack, something that hasn’t happened in 800 years. Shakky was tending to the children trapped in Mariejois and fled in the raid. Most were terrified of cipher pole who captured and sent them back. Every minute it felt like another tremor was blasting across the sea. Communication with the surface was cut off during the first tremor so no one could tell what was happening until someone could fix the comms. Spencer was working tirelessly on the transponder snails since the first tremor but had zero results at the moment.
“You took like shit.” Shakky offered the redhead a cigarette. The tension down on the island was getting dreadful with a riot almost breaking out about the fear that there would be food storages from the blockade or that the group that went up there won’t be coming back. Thankfully Fisher Tiger was able to keep something eased down with the promise that things will get better soon.
Several days passed with complete radio silence. Everything seemed to get more tense when a single vessel sailed down to the gates of Fishman island. A massive group of merefolk gathered around to see Kuzan jump out of the ship. Everyone was worried about why an admiral arrived and the implications grew. It only rose in tension when Otohime and her guard arrived at the scene.
“Ah crap. Sorry folks, guess you didn’t expect to see me of all people drop by.” Kuzan looked at Oothime slowly approaching. “Oh right, you’re probably wondering why I’m here. Queen Otohime, I have word from Mariejois.” Everyone felt horrified as Otohime got close. Her face twitched in shock feeling the news was impossible. When she first heard of Newgate’s alliance with Dragon she thought it would be disastrous. She stood in place thinking about the complications and events this could bring. Why was Kuzan telling her this and what could this mean but the news was too much to keep a secret. With a crowd around her she said one statement that would change the world forever.
“The World Government has capitulated. The Edler stars have been killed. Fleet Admiral Sengoku wishes to sign terms of surrender."
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Fall of the celestial dragons
4 days ago, an unlikely alliance between the giants of Elbaf, the Whitebeard pirates and the revolutionary army climbed up the redline and killed the 5 elder stars and several world government leaders such as Kong and the leaders of the cipher pole agencies. The attack came after a failed navy invasion of fishman island in which Admiral Sakzuki and several thousand marines were either killed or captured, leaving Navy HQ severely weakened. As for current information the highest ranking officer at Marienford, Admiral Kuzan has called for all marine units to stand down when the rest of the revolutionary army made landfall. The admiral claimed he did not wish for any more death and is currently negotiating a peace deal with the rebellion. Though just a day before the majority of the rebel army arrived at Marineford to force a surrender, the heavenly demon Doflamingo was attacked by Admiral Kuzan and the garrison. The admiral was able to kill Dolfmaingo
Dragon and King Harold of Ebaf have called the leaders of all world government nations to hold the emergency reverie down in fishman island to discuss the terms of the new world order with the Gorosei dead. Unfortunately, because of Sakazuki's failed invasion,and the current MIA status of several vice admirals, they were forced to surrender.
Fleet admiral Sengoku was spotted turning himself into the rebel army with news that vice admiral Garp was killed in combat. Now the rebellion is pushing an agenda in the emergency reverie to end slavery and give more rights to mere folk.
We’ll keep you updated on future updates.
-BigNewsMorgan
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Shakky had never seen Rayleigh so exhausted before. She felt the weight of the world release of her when she saw her husband return alive. When he got back home he collapsed onto her couch, gasping about how he almost died.
“Shakky, I think it’s time I officially retire. I’m just done fighting and all the other bullshit. I just want to spend the rest of my life with you and the girls. Away from everything, the war, the hatred and all the other chaos. You, me and the girls on a safe island living happy lives.” Rayleigh felt drunk just saying it, he looked up at Shakky and would seem to brighten up. Hancock was at her side, still shivering but some sense of calmness and peace was slowly building up. It was no longer a scene of horror but guardal healing.
“I don’t want you to leave anymore Dad. Let’s see the world together.” She smiled, it was the brightest thing Rayleigh has ever seen in his life. All the stress, all the terrors that the last month have brought, it all seems to fade away just seeing Hancock happy and smiling. He hadn’t seen that smile in 6 years, something he was with this time. He chuckled a bit, patting Hancock on the head.
“Yeah, that sounds nice. I’m staying this time and I’ll never leave my angel.”
THE END