(SFW) Heroes of the New World - One Piece x My Hero Academia

[Zaru]

Komurasaki tended to her shamisen, deftly adjusting the strings; then testing them with an ebony pick.

A good sound. But the strings would have to be tightened to make it perfect.

And she needed to be at her best. She was a courtesan of the Flower Capital, and her skills were her livelihood; and her only weapon. If she was not the best, then how else could she rob the lecherous and moronic merchants and nobles who tried to woo her? Only by breaking their sycophantic hearts, by teasing and tantalizing them until they were penniless, could she undermine the Kurozumi regime.

She could have stabbed that disgusting snake Orochi in his sleep. She could have done it any number of times. But it would only have gotten her executed, and Wano would still suffer under its real tyrant.

And there he was, even now. As she looked out of the window she could see his serpentine form, far in the distance over the mountains of Kibi. That terrible dragon that had terrorized Wano for years. The nightmare that only her father had the strength to challenge.

She looked down. Down in the street, fur-caped Beast Pirates were about their work; moving from house to house, shop to shop, tavern to tavern, dragging anyone inside out into the street, and then searching; while Orochi's samurai looked on apathetically.

Her own manor was secure; for she shared it with the prominent yakuza Kyoshiroh. All the same she thanked the gods, for she alone knew who Orochi's enforcer really was.

Sighing, she looked over at the calendar. It was the middle of June, and there were preparations to be made. She was to dine with the Shogun Orochi, to sit beside him and entertain him. He was her biggest fan, both of her beauty and her music, and there were few things he liked better than her company.

The thought made her shudder, as a geisha ought never to. To have to spend an evening in the company of that fat, ugly cur. To have to look her best, and play her best, while he drank and swore and cackled, and his wretched cronies capered and carried on.

But she had no choice. She had to be strong. Her parents' prophecy held true. After twenty years, pirates from the New World would come to liberate this land; both from the King of the Beasts, and that vile snake. Her father's final words, before he vanished into the pot. Her mother's final declaration at the castle; before the arrows took her.

Orochi had never believed the Kozuki prophecy. He had always scoffed at it, at least at first. But as the time foretold drew closer, he had become more and more paranoid.

And now this. Now the Beast Pirates were on the hunt, searching for two fugitives; a certain Yamato, and a certain Deku. Kaido himself was leading the search, starting just after the Fire Festival and the great force that sent countless animals in stampede; wreaking destruction on a scale not seen since Oden's fall. The storm that came after the Festival hasn't abated. Neither has Kaido's search as well.

How cruel. For it to happen so soon after the Fire Festival, the one time of year the people could eat their fill of good food, and drink clean water, all for free. One night of innocent pleasure, and then the lash came down all the harder. From both man and nature all the same.

Komurasaki rose to her feet, setting her finished shamisen in her case. She paused, as she heard footsteps in the corridor outside. Hurrying footsteps, in a place where there should be no hurrying. Something was very wrong.

"Lady Komurasaki! Lady Komurasakiii!" The door slid open. It was one of her servants, a cute girl with red hair named Akane.

"Akane? What's wrong?" she asked, worried.

"W-we have pirates at the front gate! They are forcing their way in!" Akane cried out. Komurasaki stood up, mastering herself.

"I will talk to them."

As Orochi's personal musician, she was privileged and protected; much as it shamed her. Kaido's thugs had no business bargaining into her residence. What could have gotten into them?

Had something changed? Was even she under suspicion now?

She stepped carefully past her servant, her every movement perfect. She paused, just long enough to squeeze Akane's hand, and then continued out of the room, and along the corridor, and down the stairs.

"Alright ladies! Let's get to work!"

The mob at her gate were all women, some clad in revealing tops and skinny pants, others in loose kimonos; but all with the signature fur capes and horns of the Beast Pirates. Their weapons were sheathed, but she knew better than to drop her guard around them.

"Who do you think you are!?" she demanded. "You barge into the residence of Shogun Orochi's courtesan, and the Yakuza Boss Kyoshiro! Leave at once!"

"Oh I don't think so, Komurasaki~"

Komurasaki yelped as something grabbed her from behind. She felt herself being lifted up, and her blood ran cold as she saw what it was.

Black Maria, Kaido's own mistress and one of the Flying Six, was sitting atop the house. Her lower body was gone, replaced with that of an enormous, black spider; it's eyes staring hungrily at her. The pirates laughed at her discomfiture, while her servants cried out in fear.

'Stay strong… You are the daughter of a Samurai!'

The blonde woman smirked down at her with her ice blue eyes.

"For someone who is quite close to the Shogun, you don't seem to have gotten the memo. But I don't fault you. This is… rather sudden, I admit."

"Gnngh… release me! Orochi will not-"

"Orochi has no sway here." Black Maria chided, licking her lips as she leaned in, and Komurasaki could see her own reflection upon the blonde haired Oni's gaze. "For this is a direct mission from Lord Kaido himself. I have been assigned to search the Flower Capital and I intend to be as thorough as possible. So just answer my simple questions, and no one will be hurt. Does that sound fine by you, Miss 'Most Beautiful Woman in all of Wano'?"

Komurasaki gulped, but remained steadfast, glaring at her. "Fine. Speak your questions."

The massive spider woman chuckled at the small show of defiance. It made Komurasaki feel an inch tall.

"Are you harboring any… guests as of late?" Black Maria narrowed her eyes, her tone becoming chipped and terse. "One of them is like me, an Oni woman, but with white hair. Or perhaps a boy in green."

A white haired Oni girl, and a boy in green?

"No, I have not seen anyone like that! now let me go!" Komurasaki struggled in Black Maria's grip, but the giantess smirked.

"Oh no, I'm not done. My girls are going to check every single crevice of your home. We will not leave a single floorboard unchecked."

Komurasaki yelled, feeling her arms ache as Black Maria tightened her squeeze.

"Girls, go inside and search. Tear the entire house apart if you have to, and check the crawl spaces, above AND below!" she ordered. The pirates swarmed up the path and into the house.

Komurasaki looked away, unable to watch; forcing herself not to think about what those women would do to her home. She could only pray that her servants would not be hurt. They were common folk, and she did her best to give them a nice wage and good healthy food to fill their stomachs and to take to their families. It was her only small courtesy she could give to her people in some way or form.

Then she saw. Held high up as she was, she could see the rest of the Flower Capital. There were pirates everywhere, swarming through the streets like ants, forcing their way into houses, shops, taverns, restaurants, anything and everything. She could see the grand mansions of Orochi's ministers, the pirates forcing their way inside.

She heard a yell. Her eyes snapped to one of the mansions, and her heart clenched as she saw a finely-dressed majordomo barring the way into his master's home, shouting at the pirates to get out. The pirates knocked him aside, and another retainer ran at them, sword drawn. A gunshot rang out, and the man fell dead.

What was going on? Were even Orochi's own allies not safe?

"The Shogun won't like this!" she declared. But Black Maria just rolled her eyes.

"For all your refinement, your intellect leaves much to be desired," Black Maria oiled as she leaned in, squeezing her tighter. Komurasaki's heart raced, her strength fading, as the old fear arose.

And she was Hiyori again.

"Orochi does not rule Wano. Kaido does," hissed Black Maria. Her tongue lolled out, and licked the side of Hiyori's head, making her shiver. She could smell perfume, and sake.

"You, Komurasaki, are allowed to breathe because you are nothing. Just a pretty little pebble that has attracted the attention of ants, and a hideous snake. I could crush you in my grip, but we are under orders. Besides, I like this kimono, and blood does not wash easily from Wano silk."

She lifted Hiyori up, and turned all her eyes upon her.

"So I ask again: An Oni girl with white hair? And a boy in green. Have you seen them, or heard of them?"

"I don't! I don't! Please let me down!" Hiyori yelled, struggling in the giantess' grip. "I swear it please!"

"Hmmph, so much for your pretty mask," Black Maria replied nonchalantly. "But very well, I shall let you go."

She opened her hand, and Hiyori screamed as she fell; praying for her father to save her.

And then she landed. In someone's arms.

"Was that really necessary?" asked Kyoshiro. The blue haired Yakuza gazing up at the Spider Demoness sitting on his roof. "Black Maria?"

"When it comes to the search for the ones who robbed Lord Kaido?" Black Maria leered, thunder rumbling overhead, dark clouds looming. Behind the noise, Hiyori could hear the pirates searching her home; tearing open the closets and ripping up the floorboards.

"Yes, everything is necessary." Black Maria brought her cigarette holder to her lips, and took a long drag. "My girls will search your entire estate, Napping Kyoshiro. I trust there will be no issues?"

"Not at all. I can clean up a simple mess. Unlike you lot."

Hiyori could see it, the palest hint of anger. Not the anger of Kyoshiro, but of Denjiro of the Akazaya Nine, and one of two links to her past. The other was rotting in Udon Prison, beyond her power to help.

"Very well, on to the next one. Mizerka!" A woman with a very long snake-like neck looked back up to her. "You're in charge of this estate. Sueca, with me." And the Spider Demoness began to move, her many legs carrying her silently over the rooftops.

"Are you alright?" Denjiro whispered, as he set her down. Hiyori nodded, and watched as the pirates continued to tear apart his mansion; that had been her home ever since her parents had died, and their new lives had begun.

Out in the street, there was more of the same. More pirates, tearing apart the fine mansions, throwing things out of the windows. She saw a young man in an expensive-looking kimono, a retainer no doubt, trying to block a gateway. But the pirates grabbed him and dragged him aside, throwing him into the street, then laughing as they kicked and beat him. And then one of them grabbed his top-knot, and slashed it with a knife; his rich black hair spilling down behind his head.

A little way along the street, children shrieked as their mothers were manhandled, and their fathers were beaten. Pirates laughed and jeered, while Orochi's samurai stood around, watching with empty eyes; ignoring the pleading looks from those they were supposed to protect. Behind it all was the sound of breaking wood, ripping cloth, breaking glass, shattering porcelain, and the odd gunshot.

She felt Denjiro's arms around her shoulders, as the Dragon King flew overhead; the thunder roared as he passed. Kaido flew on, head swiveling from side to side, ignoring his subjects as they threw up their hands, crying for mercy.

"I will be fine," she replied, straightening up, and looking after Kaido as he vanished from sight.

Just what had Yamato and Deku done to enrage him so?

(X)

It was cold in Ringo, but to Jack the Drought, it was like being under an air conditioned fan. Especially when in his Beast Form.

His troops marched into a village, his massive feet planting deep prints in the soft white snow. Sasaki walked beside him, also in beast form; a giant triceratops walking beside a massive mammoth.

"Sir, may I ask a question?" the triceratops asked the mammoth.

"You may."

"Why come with us? I was assigned to Ringo you know. You didn't have to come."

Jack could see the locals scurrying into their homes. The Armored Division marched forth, torches held high, wagons rumbling behind them, making plenty of noise.

Plenty to scare off Yamato and Deku if they were in earshot.

"Ringo is the only one where snowfall is common. Even your Armored Division cannot cover that much ground quickly. Hence my being here." Jack replied. "My men can cover this ground more quickly; and chase down the Young Master and the thief once we drive them from hiding."

"A fair point, Lord Jack." Sasaki replied. "I did not mean to doubt your intentions."

"No issue." Jack uttered. They reached the center of the village, and came to a halt. The mammoth took a deep breath.

"Out of your houses! Now!" he roared, shaking the entire village. Sasaki nudged his head, and the pirates headed for the houses, breaking down the doors.

"Out of this house!"

"Mush ya lazy bums!"

"Slant eyed monkeys! Out of here!"

They cursed and jeered, dragging and bullying the villagers out into the street. Jack glared down at them as they were corralled before him.

"Who is your elder?" Jack spoke, and an old man quickly stepped forth.

"Lots of elderly." Sasaki mused. "And the young too."

Looking more closely, Jack realized that Sasaki was right. Many old, and many very young. The rest were in Kibi, no doubt; in the factories.

"Mm-my lords," the old man stammered. "W-why have you come?"

"We are hunting for two individuals. An Oni girl with white hair and a boy with green hair." Jack growled. "Do you know of any such persons?

"W-We do not sir!" The elder exclaimed. "A-side from your pirates, the Oni haven't been in these parts of Wano in hundreds of years!"

"I will be the judge of that." Jack growled, his eyes turning towards a hut.

"If you do not cooperate, I will crush your homes, and you will freeze when the storms worsen." Jack's eyes glared down. "Any resistance will be punished, and if you are lying..."

He stepped forward, his trunk wrapping around the old man and bringing him closer to his eyes.

"You will not perish, Elder," he uttered, squeezing him and making the man cry out. "But the rest of your charges will, right before your very eyes."

"O-Of course! P-Please! We haven't seen them! At all!" pleaded the Elder. Jack scoffed, dropping the old man into the snow below, a harsh cracking sound and moan of pain quickly following. An old lady rushed up to him, alongside a young boy with black hair. The boy glared up at him.

"You big meanie! He did nothing to you! Why do you gotta-" The old lady, no doubt his grandmother, grabbed him and covered his mouth; looking up at the mammoth with wide, fearful eyes.

"Forgive him! He's only a child! Please forgive his ignorance! H-He will be punished! I promise!" babbled the old lady. Jack glared down at her.

"Then he will know." He looked out of the village. "Sasaki, which house did the Elder come from."

"The biggest one."

"Burn it." Jack uttered. And the old man cried out, coughing in spite of his injuries.

"But, we will have no roof! My son, he's at the factory! We can only house ourselves, the rest of the village has little to spare! We-"

Jack glared down, and the old man went silent. The boy glared up at them with hateful eyes, which Jack returned in kind.

He would learn. In time.

He saw some of Sasaki's men walk up with Handcannons and Bazookas, taking aim. Jack flipped his trunk, as if throwing down his hand, and they fired, blasting the house to smithereens; the people screaming and covering their heads against the flying debris.

"Now stay where you are, if you wish to live. If there is any evidence of you hiding the Oni or the Boy in Green, you die," Jack glared. "Understand?"

The Elder nodded, and the pirates got to work. It did not take them long, for it was a small village; the houses little more than shacks. Within minutes they were all wrecked, their meager contents tossed outside, some even collapsing, unable to support themselves anymore.

"No signs of them, Lord Jack," reported a Headliner. Jack nodded, unsurprised.

"Carry on then. When we leave the village, fan out. Search every hollow, every cave. Use your flares if you find anything unusual."

The mammoth marched forth, the villagers scrambling out of the way; Sasaki falling in beside him. The pirates formed up behind them, laughing at the destruction, and the misfortune of the villagers. The children glared at their retreating backs, yearning to fight their oppressors. But their elders just sat on the ground; too old and tired to fight, and too worn down to even imagine doing so.

"Keep on glaring all ya want!" jeered a group of Gifters. "We can always kill ya, if ya like!"
"Gotta save our ammo if we find out who sent Malice flyin' after all!"

"Cut the chatter." Sasaki reprimanded his men. "We march!"

Jack was glad to have Sasaki. He knew how to follow orders, and how to give them. But unlike that psycho Malice, he also knew how to relax, and how to get everyone else to relax.

But now, those particular skills were not needed. Now, they had to hunt those two down, and do it quickly. Kaido was getting angrier by the day; and worse, it was sober anger. He hadn't touched his Sake since the Fire Festival.

The sooner Kaido is back to being buzzed and merry, with Yamato chained in some cave and this Deku dead, the better.

As the pirate gradually became smaller in the distance, the remains of the village were left only with the sounds of weeping and cries of frustration.

"Damnit, what did we do to deserve this?" A young teenager angrily cried out, staring at the ruined pile of wood that once was his home. "As long as we kept our heads down Kaido would leave us alone, so why…WHY ARE WE FORCED TO SUFFER LIKE THIS!"

"We need to act quickly," The Elder managed to stand despite having a broken leg and cracked ribs. "Set up a shelter before it becomes too cold and get a fire going." Despite his words, few acted, in particular the man's grandson.

"Why bother? They'll just come back and wreck it again."

"We don't have enough wood to rebuild our homes and we were barely getting by as it was."

Several others shared the sentiment.

"As long as those two…Yamato and Deku are out there, Kaido will never stop this. At this point we'll freeze to death before long."

The Elder however remained firm. "Regardless of our situation, we must stay strong and do what we can. We've survived under Kaido this long and we will continue no matter how bad things get. Now hurry."

Despite a few objections, some of the able bodied young got to work along with the elders, while the young boy only continued to glare, staring at the still burning remains of their home, matching the flame of anger burning inside him.

(X)

Kuri was humid. Kibi was smoggy. The Flower Capital and Udon were pleasant. And Ringo was cold and snowy. But Hakumai?

Dry and arid, all the time.

Ulti glowered as she sat on a log, watching as her men and women ransacked yet another village. They had made landfall three days ago, and had followed Kaido's orders to the letter. Every cavern, pothole, hollow and crevice in Wano's desert region had been thoroughly checked. This was the second village they have found, and like the first, no sign of Dekyuun or Yamato.

"Lady Ulti, we have finished our search," reported a Headliner; a red-haired woman named Zole. The blue haired Oni glared at her.

"No sign?"

"No ma'am."

Ulti scoffed, rising to her feet. They would have been to the fourth village by now if her little brother was there. But no, he was out like a light; laid up in Onigashima's infirmary. Clobbered by Kaido, just for asking a question!

All because Dekyuun had made off with Yamato. How could that be? They were going to go on pretty dates! Shopping! Food Bar hopping! Marriage! And plenty of little Ultis and Dekus running around as their brave Papa fought alongside her!

But no, that white haired bitch had seduced him somehow. There was a crafty little schemer under that false Oden facade. There had to be!

She sighed, looking around as she rose to her feet. "Everyone, get a move on. Out of the village."

She watched as the pirates made their way out of the village, mocking the cowering villagers, and spitting on them for good measure. Their meager belongings were strewn on the ground; not a thing among them worth taking. This place really was…

Then she saw it. Something green. Ulti perked up, eyes wide as her heart raced.

She ran towards the source, a child holding onto something.

"Gimme that!" Ulti barked. The child, a little girl with brown hair, trembled in fear; clutching a little straw doll, with green eyes and green hair.

"Where did ya get that doll?" Ulti demanded. That doll looked so much like Dekyuun! It couldn't be a coincidence!

"I-I got it f-f-f-from my-"

"Who!" Ulti snarled, horns forming on her brow.

"From my Mommyyyyyy~!" the girl wailed, bursting into tears. Another girl, similar-looking but older, rushed over and grabbed her from behind. She had freckles on her face.

Freckles.

"It's just a doll! Please, leave us alone!" the older girl half-pleaded, half-demanded. Ulti growled at her impertinence. This girl had the gall to order her?

The thunder roared in the dark skies overhead. Ulti gazed down at her, her morning star on her shoulder, ready to be used.

"You…" Ulti hissed, "are not worth the effort."

She scoffed, and reached down, plucking the doll from the girl's hand and inspecting it. It was rather plain, with a 'meh' sort of expression; so much like her sweet Dekyuun. It lacked his freckles, but that was nothing a marker or some paint cannot fix.

But the skin looked so ghastly.

She heard the little brat wailing for her doll.

"You want this huh?" she mocked, glaring down. "Become strong enough to beat me, and maybe you'll get it back."

She turned on her heel and strode towards her pirates, ignoring the brat's cries as her sister tried to quiet her. She saw a Headliner looking annoyed, hand on his pistol as he glared their way.

"Save your ammo. You'll need it for Yamato," Ulti commanded.

"R-Right, apologies Lady Ulti. Just the…"

"Yeah, brats are annoying too. But we'll be out of here shortly. Deal with it." Ulti looked at the doll, then back to the Headliner. "Yo, what's your name again?"

"Oh, uhh, Clag, ma'am."

"Got a marker?" She held her hand out, the man fumbling into his pockets before bringing out a pen. Ulti swiped it, noticing the tip was sharp. This would not do. "Tch…" She handed it back to him. "Craggy, think there's any artisans in the Flower Capital?"

"I would imagine so Lady Ulti, and it's Clag."

"Whatever."

She sighed, lifting the doll to her bosom. Later, she would find an artisan in the Flower Capital, who would take this doll and make it the cutest and bestest doll ever. She would cuddle and snuggle it, imagining that it was Dekyuun. Maybe even have a life sized version made to tide her over.

She will find her Dekyuun eventually, and would plead with Kaido to give him mercy. A beating would do, surely? Unto him and Yamato. And she could take care of her Dekyuun broken until he healed. And then he would be grateful. And then he would love her. And then they would get happily married, and have lots of cute babies!

She smiled, eyes curved up, clutching the doll as she imagined the beautiful future that awaited.

She began to skip.

(X)

Kozuki Sugiyaki snapped awake, as the cry cut through his dark dreams.

"Tama!"

He reached over and embraced his ward. Tama writhed and screamed, eyes flicking back and forth behind her eyelids.

"It's okay! Tama! I'm here!" he urged, hugging the girl tight, willing her to emerge from the nightmare that tormented her. Suddenly, mercifully, her eyes flew open.

"Mr… Mr… T-Tengu…" she gasped, and the old man's heart ached.

"What troubles you in your sleep child?" He asked. "We need our rest for the morrow. We need to set up our garden."

A garden to be built next to the green tree of the Okuchi no Makami shrine. Their only source of food, save for hunting and trapping. He couldn't risk going to the river for fish, not after what the factories of Kibi and Hakumai had done to the water.

"I…I… I saw him." Tama whimpered. "His eyes… his big yellow eyes…" She wept, and Sugiyaki embraced her.

"It was just a dream. Kaido won't come back here."

"He always does, in my dreams… he's outside our hut." Tama sniffled. "I don't wanna be eaten, Mr. Tengu. I don't wanna!"

"You won't!" Sugiykai said sternly. "I will protect you, I promise."

The old man held her tight, as he leant against the inside of the tree. The stone shrine had been built into the tree's hollow; a wonder in itself, and a fine shelter from the elements. But it could not keep out the sound of thunder overhead.

He began to hum, closing his eyes as he recounted one of his mother's old lullabies. He had wanted to sing it to Oden, but he had been too wild for such things, even then.

"Hate them…" she whispered. The man took a deep breath, continuing his song. He could not see the bitterness in her eyes.

"Yamato… Deku…" Tama uttered, venom leaking from her lips as she shuddered and sobbed again. "Hate them… hate them…"

Sugiyaki forced himself to ignore the harsh words, and the hate behind them. He just wanted her to sleep, to be free of this world for a few short hours. Perhaps a sweet dream would lift this darkness from her heart.

Perhaps.

Yet he shivered as another harsh wind from Kaido's storm blew through their small home, a reminder of the nightmare all of Wano was forced to endure.

 

[Zaru]

Izuku paced the hallway, brow furrowed.

Yamato watched him. She knew he was worried. Even in the safety of the empty hallways within a nearby building, she could hear the hustle and bustle outside Boxer Stadium, and in the streets nearby. The freshly-rescued audience were streaming away, heading for their homes or for the taverns, cafes, and restaurants; those still operating anyway. Guards and police were everywhere, keeping close watch, as the surviving members of the Gunpowder Gang were dragged away in chains or carried on stretchers.

From what she had heard, twenty attackers had been accounted for. Most of them had gone into the stadium to menace the crowds, while the rest guarded the tunnels and corridors further down. A few had been arrested, or captured while wounded; but most had been taken care of, as Lawson had put it. Likely due to the battle that ended as quickly as it came when the duo intervened.

Beyond the door nearby, she could hear Bach and Hawkins talking about something. She could just about make out the words. A moment later, the door opened, and Bach and Hawkins emerged.

"Splendid!" the blonde woman chirped, holding up her camera. "A personal photo of the King looking victorious out the window!" She grinned ear to ear. "This will make an excellent cover for my column!"

She turned, glancing at Izuku and Yamato, beaming.

"Oh, and who are-"

"No one of consequence," Bach said easily, "Guests of my castle, with whom I have an appointment. No photos, no questions, please."

Hawkins frowned, going towards her camera. "I saw those two in the arena, talking to you and the Prime Minister. How do you explain that?"

"As I said, they are my guests. They were merely checking in on our safety."

Bach gave her a slight smile.

"I do recall many in the press box hiding under the tables; not that I fault them. Did you see much from there, Miss Hawkins?"

The blonde frowned, giving them another look over. Yamato felt uneasy, and Izuku looked apprehensive as well.

"I guess. Though I do wonder about those black snakes that attacked the gunmen," Hawkins mused. "Got a devil fruit user in your Royal guard?"

"If so, it's the first I've heard of it," replied Bach easily. "Besides, I can offer you a deal; to make up for what you could not see."

Hawkins quirked an eyebrow; clearly interested.

"In return for your patience, I offer a private interview at a later date; with questions of your choosing."

The woman's eyes practically glowed.

"Why Your Majesty, that sounds wonderful, thank you."

"Everything for my kingdom," the man said with a small bow.

And Hawkins walked off with a spring in her step. Yamato watched her go, confused.

"Say, King Bach, what did you mean by that?" she asked, once the journalist was gone.

"If she wants my opinion or interviews, she has them," Bach replied, "It's the least I can do. Journalists don't like being told who they can and can't talk to, or who they can and can't take photos of. But they do sometimes keep their promises."

Izuku perked up at his words.

"What about Hawkins? Won't she dig?" he asked.

"Rest assured she won't. She knows that if she pushes her luck, my offer will be withdrawn."

He got his pipe out of his pocket and a match, lighting it along the brick wall inside as he lit up the bowl and began to take his drag. Yamato blinked, while Izuku looked worried. The young King looked back at them.

"Lawson told me about your situation with Kaido," Bach explained. "I confess I had suspected it, when you confirmed that you came from Wano."

He walked up to them, and put a hand on Izuku's shoulder.

"You two have gone beyond above and beyond," he said, with feeling. "You came here with Kaido's eye upon you, but you still risked your lives for the sake of this kingdom. For my people. For that I will do all I can for you, on my word as King of Doyle."

"Thank you, your Majesty…"

"When we are in private, Bach will be fine," Bach said, smirking just a little. Izuku's eyes almost popped out of his head, but then he settled, and smiled.

"As you like, your…I mean, Mr Bach."

The blue-haired man chuckled. Yamato could not contain the feeling in her chest. It was big, and warm, and fuzzy, and it wanted to wrap itself around everything. She leapt upon the pair, and scooped them into her arms.

"Hurray! We're comrades now!" she exclaimed, giggling and hopping around. Izuku gasped in surprise, his head in her chest; while Bach grunted.

"I'm glad, Lady Yamato, but please, let me down," he forced out. Yamato did so, Izuku gasping for air while Bach fixed his hair. He looked back at her, as if she were a pet dog he had found sitting on his favorite chair.

Yamato grinned. This must have been how Oden felt when he found his retainers! Or when he found comrades amongst the Whitebeards and Rogers!

This truly was the start of her own grand adventure.

"Now then, with that matter settled, I suppose it's time we head back to the Palace," said Bach, coming back to himself. "And be careful of the nobles. They may try to court you."

"What for your Maje-I mean, Bach." Izuku inquired.

"Why, it's elementary my dear Izuku," Bach replied with a light smirk. "We only have a few days left before the deadline the pirates gave us. So we will need to formulate a plan." He glanced down the hall. "I will deal with the nobles. You two find my carriage and wait for me inside. I'll have Lawson meet us at the palace?"

"We're going to do it? Defeat the pirates?" Izuku asked, straightening up, looking hopeful at the prospect.

"Yes, we are. But for the meantime, I have other responsibilities. I must see that everything has been taken care of."

He nodded to them both, and strode off down the corridor. Yamato watched him go, and then looked down to Izuku. "Do you think he has a plan?"

"Maybe, but he said he wanted to make one."

"Do you have one?" she asked, cocking her head.

"I've got one or two ideas," Izuku replied. "But we should hear what Bach and Lawson have in mind."

He walked off in the opposite direction. Yamato fell beside him, brushing idly at her clothes, as a thought occurred to her.

"So, this is what it feels like," she thought aloud.

"Hmm?"

"Saving others. Bach, Lawson, all those people in the stands." She put her hand on her chest, feeling her heart beating. "I gotta say, it reminds me of how I felt before, when it was just the two of us, on Onigashima. I can't really describe it but…I feel happy."

She glanced at Izuku, who was grinning from ear to ear.

"Yeah," he sighed. "I know exactly what you mean."

Within the recesses of his mind, his fellow bearers were wearing similar smiles, happy to finally feel a sense of optimism again.

(X)

"I am Finalem Handsome~!" Handsome sung. "I've been a naughty booooy~" He chimed, hands on hips as he skipped about. "The plot was utterly by the book~" He twirled around. "The country felled by a single crook."

He kicked a vase, sending it flying against a wall plastered with portraits and canvases of Marine warships, bases, and sea life in general.

"I was quite able to put my knee upon these bumpkins heads~" he chimed. "Now I'll rule for good~" He sprayed his arms out wide. "Now I'll make them deaaaad~"

He grinned a mad grin, the music playing in his ears as he imagined the great chorus of strings, piano keys, and brass in the background.

"I have-"

A knocking on the door shocked him from his reverie. He flinched, the music ending in his head and coughed into his hand.

"Who is it?"

"Who else would knock on your door, brother?"

Handsome blinked, then walked over to the very comfy high chair and sat down in it. The door opened, and Bandsome walked on in, wearing an apron covered with splits and splatters of various colors. The slender man was frowning.

"Well, what is it brother dearest? I was practicing." Handsome rubbed his chest with his fist. "For when I sing above the gallows, looking down upon our friends should they be…" He looked back to Bandsome, smirking darkly, "...uncooperative."

"The Gunpowders failed," replied Bandsome simply as he adjusted his glasses. Handsome blinked.

"The Gunpowders, those were his boys topside, right? Hmmm, looks like he jumped the gun, not that I mind, since they can't tie those gangsters to us." Handsome stretched his hands. "He is considerate, I'll give him that."

"Someone has a hold of their Transponder Snail. I doubt they can track it back to him, as he said nothing at, but," Bandsome shrugged. "We won't be able to have a welcoming committee. Either the Gunpowders were foiled, or they were caught before they put their plot into motion." His tone was clipped and serious, making the long nose man chuckle.

"Brother," Handsome smiled, walking up, patting him on the back. "Relax… besides, we still have the deadline in a couple of days and that posh fool Bach has no one left to send against us." He gestured to the calendar on the wall, the days marked with crosses as they passed. A few days ahead lay a Saturday, circled red, with a little skull wearing a crown marked on it.

"If Bach doesn't lower that lift for us and make us kings, well, we kill the old and infirm, level the entire port and make off with the strong, the women and children."

He grinned, looking out the window to the foggy Alderport from the Commander's office of G-12.

"Doflamingo's Auction House will get an influx of fancy products. And Doyle will starve, or else it'll burn. We'll end up as kings either way." He grinned darkly, gesturing to the window outside.

"We'll have our way with this country, and we will be Kings. Either with Bach as my stool, or his head on a spike. Or if all else fails, we make off with our hold full of treasure, and we trash what's left of this marine base for good measure. Let them try and stop us without it."

Bandsome couldn't help but smirk back.

"Either way, we win," Handsome went on. "You, me, and our good friend."

(X)

That night

"Thank you for coming, Lawson," Bach said.

He sat at the head of the table, in one of the palace's discreet dining rooms. Dinner was being served; a stew of pork tenderloin and rice. It was a dish Yamato had taken a liking to; so much so that Izuku had been forced to stop her eating it straight out of her bowl.

"Don't mention it, your Majesty," Lawson replied, taking his seat. "I've been fending off the press ever since I left the stadium. And the knight hopefuls too. They didn't take the postponement at all well."

"They did seem to be enjoying the Festival." Izuku surmised. "Least from what I saw."

"Indeed, but but we must focus on more pressing matters," Bach cut in. "This incident with the Gunpowder Gang will only fan the flames of discontent in the kingdom. For all his wickedness, Guy got his message across."

"But," Yamato spoke with her mouth full, then swallowed a large tenderloin. "The people can't surely follow him right? The guy's crazy!"

"Crazy, but charismatic." Lawson said bitterly. "Trust me, in my youth even I was swayed by him. He has a way of making friends, or followers, depending on how he viewed you."

"So you did know him then?" asked Izuku. He remembered how Honest Guy had acted, and the look Lawson had given him.

"I did, in my youth," admitted Lawson. "I thought I had left those days behind me. I never imagined they would come back at me from the barrel of a gun; especially not one wielded by him."

He sighed wistfully, and Izuku felt very sorry for him. The two had been childhood friends, or so it seemed. Yet their lives had parted ways, and they had met again as mortal enemies.

Then he saw it. A red mark on the mouse mink's cheek. Weird.

"Izuku, that's lipstick." Nana said in his head, and Izuku perked up. Who could have done that?

"But his Majesty is correct. The sooner we rectify this Finalem Pirate affair, the better," Lawson remarked, coming back to himself. "I saw the people from my carriage, Bach. Doubt has returned, even though no one died." He nodded gratefully at Izuku and Yamato. "Guy is in Lestrad prison, but the way things are going, he might not stay there long. We must act, and soon."

Izuku looked down at the table, his heart heavy and bitter. The deadline was only days away, and the Midsummer Knight's Festival had been ruined. Their grand gesture, their defiance of the falling darkness, had come to nothing.

He looked down at his hands, willing the black sheen to come forth; to give him something to show for the past days. But it would not come. No matter how hard he tried.

"I have considered many strategies," Bach replied, sitting back in his chair, eyes dark. "The only real possibility is a direct attack on Adlerport. We have at least a chance of winning, but many lives will be lost; even if the pirates don't kill the hostages. And we would be fighting on Handsome's best ground, with the sea nearby."

"Then what are we to do then your Majesty?" asked Lawson.

"We could try a sneak attack, contain the fight inside G-12." Yamato suggested.

"And risk the hostages in the dungeons getting caught in the battle?" Bach added, face looking like he had swallowed bitters whole. "Every path, every avenue I see involves a sacrifice in lives; the loss of a roof over my people's head."

"But what are we to do? Do nothing?" Lawson asked, incredulous.

"So you're fine with trading lives for victory." Bach murmured, looking side-eyed at the mouse mink.

"Bach, we…" he gestured out the window, to the kingdom, "All of us are at war. And there has never been a war where lives have not been lost. Maybe… maybe we have to accept that fact. We can no longer put this off. We need to act."

"Act, yes," mused Bach bitterly. "Like my grandfather acted. Like he burned Jansentown and tens of thousands of his own people, all to win the Celestial Dragons' favor. Like how my mother threw me away to win the life she wanted, leaving me with this burden."

"Celestial Dragons?" Izuku murmured to himself, confused.

"She didn't throw you away!" Lawson hissed, his eyes sharp. "She wanted to protect you. She…" he paused, and deflated, as if what had to be said was too painful to say.

"Then what are we to do?" demanded Bach tersely. "Because whatever solution I see, innocent men, women, and children will die; over something that was not their fault." His eyes turned hard. "You may be content with this, but I will not do it. I will not order it!"

Izuku stared in horror as Lawson rose from his seat, his face a mask of rage.

"Then if you're going to just lie down and do nothing!" His eyes bulged with anger. "You might
as well just roll out the red carpet for them from Adlerview to the goddamn throne room fifty meters away, shower them with a parade and be done with it!"

He slammed the table with a roar, making Yamato jump. The last time Izuku felt this uncomfortable was during dinner with the Todoroki family.

No, worse than that. This was no petty argument. Countless lives were at stake, and Izuku could no more see a solution than they could. They were both right, and they were both wrong.

"There are instances where you'll be faced with these kinds of decisions," The Second User surprisingly said matter of factly. "In my attempts to stop All For One, I was forced to make choices that cost the lives of many I cared about…and even my own life."

Several of the other Vestiges shared similar grim looks, most especially Nana, reminded all too well of what she'd sacrificed in her time as a hero.

"It's unfortunate, but sometimes…sometimes to save anyone, means you can't save everyone." The Third User muttered, letting the sentiment hang unanswered.

Lawson stalked off, and stared out of the window, hands on his hips, his breathing hard and audible. Bach looked down along the table, then closed his eyes.

"Red carpet, eh."

He looked utterly bereft. And Izuku felt even worse, for he knew he could do nothing. He glanced at Yamato, who looked as miserable as he felt. He wanted to say something, anything.

"Red carpet." Bach uttered again.

Izuku racked his brain, searching for something to say, some suggestion to offer.

"Better not," En cut in. "This is the point where you laugh awkwardly and leave as politely as you can. If you get involved, they just turn on you."

"Way to keep the kid's spirits up," Daigoro muttered.

"Roll out…the red carpet."

Izuku jumped as Bach's eyes snapped open, and he stood up. He looked at the table, then at Izuku and Yamato, then across the room to the sideboard; where the pitcher of water and the bottle of water stood.

His face broke into a grin. And he started laughing. Lawson turned to look at him, his irritation turning very quickly to fear.

"Umm, Bach?" Izuku asked. Yamato watched, perplexed, eating some more stew.

"Roll out," he uttered again, chuckling. "The red carpet."

"Your Majesty?" Lawson looked very nervous. "Are you…?"

"We roll out the red carpet" Bach's laugh had become a high-pitched cackle, his grin a mad grimace. Izuku felt more than a little scared as he saw him cover his hand and began to laugh like a madman.

"Bach," Lawson began to step closer, clearly worried, his past anger gone. "You're having one of your turns."

"We roll out the red carpet for the pirates!" Bach strode around the table and clapped the terrified mouse mink on the shoulders. "Lawson, you're a genius!"

"B-Bach?" Lawson looked like he was having a reality failure, and Izuku couldn't blame him. Had the King lost his mind?

"Mister Izuku! Lady Yamato!" Bach turned on them, and Izuku froze up as he approached. "Oh Gods bless you for coming! You, you have given me the most devilish scheme I can ever concoct! One that will bring us victory! And end this confounded problem that has tormented me more than all the mysteries I've solved!"

He grabbed Izuku's head, and kissed him on the forehead. Izuku stood there, his mind a blank, as Bach inflicted the same on an unsuspecting Yamato; almost making her spill her stew.

"Yeah, he's gone cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs." Daigoro murmured.

"Or not," Yoichi said. "Those aren't the eyes of a man in despair. Those are the eyes of man, filled with hope. A mad hope, but hope nevertheless."

"Let's just hope he keeps the mad part to a minimum," Hikage said, eying the still cackling king with concern.

Izuku paid attention, and saw for himself the light in Bach's eyes. The blue haired man turned towards the mouse mink.

"Lawson! I need you to call upon General Hutchinson, Thibs the Chief of Police, Mr. Gregson, Ensign Doll, and Lord Jenner. At once!" proclaimed Bach, that mad grin still on his face.

"Gregson? The head of the Doyle Rail Authority? That old miser?" implored Lawson. He looked like he wanted to sink into the floor and disappear, still trying to process what's going on.

"The one and only!" Bach replied on the spot, enthusiasm seeping out of every pore of his being. "Tell him it's on the King's order. He'll grumble about it but he will obey!"

"What did you think of, King Bach?" Yamato asked as she finished her stew. If she was unsettled by his bout of madness, she gave no sign of it, "What's your plan?"

"Wait and see Lady Yamato! You will see!" Bach said, clasping her arms as he looked up at the taller lady, and the white haired woman couldn't help but smile back at his infectious grin. "Come friends, to the war room, I must familiarize myself with it! You included!"

The door opened, and Judith was outside with a group of maids. Judith had a look of worry, no doubt due to the laughing inside.

"Good heavens I-Bach, are you alright?" the plump maid asked as she trotted up, placing her hand on his cheek. She let out a yelp as Bach embraced her. He even lifted her, twirling her around and making her squeak out awkwardly all while he laughed in crazed jubilee. The other maids outside had their jaws unhinged.

"Gods bless you Judith. For being in my life since I was born." He planted another kiss upon her forehead, leaving her rather stunned. "Come friends!"

He strode out into the corridor, the maids looking at him as if he had sprouted horns. Judith had a face of calm, of a form of contentment Izuku had only seen on his mother a few times before she saw Lawson exit the dining room, seeing the trotting Bach away. The blue haired man let out a barking laugh as it echoed in the chamber, kicking his feet together like a giddy schoolboy.

"Lawson, what on earth was that about?" asked Judith, surprise written on her face. "I haven't seen him like that in years!"

"I don't quite know," replied Lawson, chuckling in spite of himself. "But it's that energy of his. That energy he has when he's solved a very hard problem. Or rather, figuring out a complex case. Like that time when…"

He paused, as Judith dabbed at his cheek with a handkerchief.

"Left a spot" Judith admitted, with a blush. Then Lawson was blushing too, but smiling.

"Oh yeah, those two are so a couple" insisted Nana, half-giggling.

"Took you all that long? I could tell from the start. All the tension those two have together" Hikage replied.

"Pretty impressive for a guy who lived like a hermit all his life." Daigoro chuckled.

"So umm." Izuku spoke up. "Should we follow the King?"

"He bade you to follow." Lawson smiled down, his hand on the head maid's shoulder. "Go on and oblige him. Miss Yamato?" The tall Oni girl perked up. "Can you collect Miss Doll for me if she is available in her room?"

"Sure!" the girl chimed as she looked down to Izuku. "Seems something's gotten through to Bach huh?"

"I guess so. What it is, I guess he'll tell us when he's gathered all those other people." Izuku mused. "Your Majesty!" He called out, seeing Bach prance down the end of the hallway. "Where is the war room for us to reconvene! Yamato is gonna collect Doll!"

"Down this hall, big room on the right here!" the delighted King yelled back. He opened the door, turning on the light. "You won't miss it!" Izuku looked up, and Yamato nodded.

"I'll be right back!" And the white haired girl in the sporty dress jogged off.

"Well, I have calls to make." Lawson said.

"And I have dishes to tend to." Judith added.

"And I better get with the King and-"

"Oh maaan, which hallway was it now?" came Yamato's voice up the stairs leading towards the royal apartments. Izuku blushed in embarrassment while Lawson smiled.

"Is Miss Yamato having trouble navigating the Palace!" Bach's voice echoed from down the hall. Izuku perked up. Bach's hearing was impressive, to say the least.

"Yeah! She is! Can I join her! We'll get Doll together!" Izuku called forth while the mouse mink shook his head and walked off towards another particular room. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that said room was filled with various Transponder Snails.

"Very well off you go Young Izuku!" Bach chimed. "Give me some time to change up the war board!"

War board? Izuku was puzzled while Judith went to the dining room, he was left alone. Knowing Yamato needed help navigating, he turned towards the stairs and ran after her.

They had two days until the deadline.

He could only hope that Bach's plan would work.

(X)

The next day

Bandsome hummed to himself as he sat on his stool, looking out into the bay.

From his vantage point, on a balcony set into the G-12 base's slab-like wall, he had a fine view. The Marine warships were still there, but the salvage work was just about done. Weapons, tools, supplies, even coffers filled with Berries; all of it piled up on the docks to be checked and sorted.

A slow process, but a necessary one. The hold of their own ship was filling up rapidly, so there was no room for junk.

Bandsome turned back to his canvas. It showed the same view, the one he had been carefully recreating for six days. But this was at night, with the warships in flames; great white fists of salt striking at them, while cannonfire rained down from the base.

He adjusted his spectacles, admiring the sight as he lifted his hand. His fingers extended, and began to change; morphing into the silvery mercury that was as much a part of him as his own flesh. He let the tiny droplets fall onto his paint board, the mercury blending with the oils, altering the colors in subtle, exquisite shades.

Maybe one day, once he and his brother were Emperors in their own right, he would take a wander round the world; seeking out locales for the perfect portrait. Whether other travelers wrote down their memories, he would immortalize them in canvas and oils; something tangible, something to look back upon for years to come.

And Doyle would provide everything he needed. Stone and oils, and plants of many kinds; all to fashion the finest colors, with the help of his Silver Silver Fruit.

With any luck, Bach would see reason and surrender. It would be a shame to see such a fine kingdom destroy itself in a fit of starvation-induced psychosis.

"Captain! Captain!"

Bandsome turned, seeing a pirate approach. "We got a Snail Call! It's from Holmes Hall!" The cap-wearing man rose to his feet.

"That so?" he asked as he strode inside into the Commander's office.

"Yeah! It's the King!"

His pace quickened as he got to the Snail Room close by. A few pirates were there, on hand in case of a call. His dear brother Handsome was there too, holding the speaker of one of the snails, and smirking in triumph. Upon the face of the snail was the dour expression of Reichen Bach. He wouldn't forget that face.

"Ah there's my dear brother," Handsome mused. "Now then, you were saying, your Majesty~?"

"Finalem Handsome, and Bandsome. I have made my decision," Bach said, in a clipped, cold tone. "I am lowering the Great Lift, and will receive you into Doyle to sign a treaty."

Handsome's eyes rose up.

"Well well well, better late than never I suppose Bachy. And you even had a day to spare!." Handsome replied, the plump man stroking under his long nose. "We would be happy to sign it! What are the provisions of the treaty exactly?"

"It will make you, and the Finalem Pirates, protectors and wardens of Doyle. You will have the same authority as I do." Bach said. The plump man positively gushed.

"Do we have confirmation on the Lift being lowered?" Bandsome asked, turning to the listening pirates. One of them grabbed a snail and made the call, pausing as he listened, and then nodded.

"Yes. It's being lowered right now."

"Wonderful, wonderful!" declared Handsome, clapping his hands. "Well, let us hope there is no army on that lift your majesty. After all, we wouldn't want to have any problems down here would we?"

"No, we would not." Bach replied. "My Prime Minister will be escorting you from the train station at Adlerview all the way to Londinium."

"Why, you're going so far out of the way to accommodate us!" Handsome grinned. "Such a good and generous King you must be."

"Hunger will do that." Bach added, and the plump man scoffed.

"Well rest assured, your people will be fed in time and our blockade lifted."

Handsome strolled about, looking out one of the windows to the cliff face. Bandsome followed, and he could see it.

Far above, thousands of meters in the air, the Great Lift was descending. It was as wide as a Marine warship, and as long as three; bow to stern. Every day, it carried the trade of Doyle up and down; between the railway terminus up at Adlerview, and the port down at Adlerport. From what Bandsome had read, it had been designed by the same architect who made the lifts on the Red Line all the way to Mariejois.

"Ah ha at last!" Handsome beamed. "Come brother, rally the men! It's time we accept our good king's invitation and come upon the land we will claim as our domain!" He patted him hard on the back, and Bandsome smiled.

He had been just starting to worry.

(X)

It took less than an hour for the Finalem Pirates, nine hundred and fifty in all, to gather before the lift. Men and women of all shapes and sizes, carrying all manner of weapons; rifles and pistols, hand-cannons, and swords and spears and clubs.

In front, Handsome donned his tassel-layered coat, throwing it around him like a cape. Bandsome stood with his hands at his back, glancing back at the officers.

"Come now fellows! Now is the time of victory! We are going to get on a great train liner, all the way to the Royal Palace of Holmes Hall!" Handsome spoke out, addressing his crew. "Tonight, we will feast like kings!" A boisterous cheer rang out.

"Keep it together for now!" Bandsome added. "Our friends up there are rolling out the red carpet! The least we can do is be civilized!"

"You can say that again boss!" called out Bertha; a large, fat, and blue skinned Bull Shark fishwoman. She stood with her arms crossed, teeth jutting from her maw. Otherwise known as Big Biter Bertha, she was the ship's cook; with a bounty of 188,000,000 Berries. "I just wanna get a gander at that Doyle cuisine! I got recipes to jot down and eat! Well, what's left anyway!"

"Just lemme get a look at some of them fine mink lasses," added Ignatius, a rail-thin weasel mink with a cap over his eyes, a serrated scythe over his shoulder, and a cigarette in his mouth. He was Sawtooth Scyther Ignatius, the navigator, with a bounty of 173,000,000 berries. "And you won't hear any issues with me Cap."

"Hnn," grunted Helmet, the ship's surgeon. A man of few words, his muscular form covered by a bloodstained smock and apron; his belt and bandoleers festooned with hammers, saws, and clamps. No one knew what he looked like under that steel helmet; and few wanted to find out. He was Headsplitter Helmet, with a bounty of 226,000,000 berries.

"Rest assured my friends!" Handsome grinned, gripping his fist. "You will feast and fornicate to your heart's content before night is through! I will be lounging upon the throne, Bandsome up on the highest balcony with his paints, and all of you in the great hall, with all the delights Doyle can offer; willing or not!" He added with a dark smile.

They laughed and cheered again.

"What are we to do about the wrecks?" Ignatius asked, thumbing back to the harbor giving Handsome a dubious look. "The harbor's still blocked up, and we need to go plundering."

"Hn." Helmet grunted in response.

"It takes a while to shift a wreck that size!" Bertha replied. "Captain, you wouldn't mind helping clean up the mess right?"

Handsome smiled, raising his hands.

"I suppose I can put off my singing practice to aid in removing the debris," he said with a sigh. "Iggy's right, there's plunder in them there isles close by. And I'll need to have a word with Doflamingo's crowd." He rubbed his hands together. "After all, we've plenty of merchandise to sell him."

Ignatius chuckled, elbowing the stoic Helmet as the others joined in. Yes, there would be plenty to tickle even Doflamingo Donquixote's jaded fancy.

Finally, the lift came to a stop, and before them, the vast steel gates ground and clunked as they opened. Standing inside was Justinian Lawson, with a troop of red-coated guardsmen. The mouse mink looked like he was staring at a family of skunks.

"My my, so you must be the Prime Minister? Justinian Lawson I presume yes?" oiled Handsome as he sauntered up. "I've heard so much about you." He got up to his face smirking up and down as he inspected him. "I figured you to be taller."

"I am he," replied Lawson, with a forced calm. "I am here to guide you to the palace. The train is waiting atop the lift, and ready to take you and your men."

"Splendid." Handsome clapped and turned to his crew "Alright lads! Come on in!" He could see Bandsome's dark smile, Ignatius' and Bertha's sharp grins, and Helmet's…helmet. "The victory procession of the Finalem Pirates begins now!"

And a victory cheer rang out, and the plump man couldn't feel any better.

(X)

The Lift ride up, and the train ride to the heart of Londinium was perhaps the longest hour Lawson had ever experienced.

The pirates were raucous, constantly prodding and jeering. Only Bandsome kept quiet, seemingly content to regard the scenery from the train window. Outside, he could see the men and women of Doyle, looking out of their windows as the train rumbled past. He could see the looks on their faces.

Shock. Anger. Despair. Betrayal.

He knew how they felt. But there was nothing he could do. He had to be strong. It had to look convincing.

He could see that one mink fellow with the scythe. Sometimes he glanced his way, sometimes he looked out the window, licking his lips. It got worse when they passed by Minktown, and he began hooting and hollering like a mad dog.

'Beast.'

"Let me guess, this wasn't what you wanted, isn't it Mr. Prime Minister?"

Lawson turned, seeing Bandsome smirking his way. He was holding a notepad, a pencil scribbling something.

"Surrendering my country to pirates is not how I imagined the end of my career," the mouse mink replied.

"You won't find us ungrateful," said Bandsome, a gleam in his eye. "If you like, we would be happy to send you somewhere nice. Staying here might not be good for your health. People can be so…ungrateful at times like this." He leaned back on his seat.

Lawson took a deep breath. He could hear the man's brother singing further down the train, his underlings joining in.

"I am touched by your leniency. I didn't expect a 400 million Berri butcher to have such a heart." Lawson remarked.

And then he froze, as a silvery spike stopped a hair's breadth from his throat.

"And I am not particularly fond of backhanded comments." Bandsome smiled with a faint hint of anger. "So if you please, keep your conversation civil. Accept that you've lost, and make it easier on yourself; and the rest will fall into place."

Behind those dark, round glasses, the eyes turned.

"Ah, so that is Holmes Hall." The silver spike withdrew into Bandsome's hand. His eyes were fixed on Holmes Hall, and he seemed to gleam at the sight.

"Ah, a nice balcony for me to take in the scenery. I cannot wait to draw those mountains too, as they and the Mines will belong to me."

Lawson quirked an eyebrow. "You know of the Mining Guild?" Pirates know of the Mining Guilds of Doyle?

"Doyle is renowned for its minerals. Handsome will rule from the throne room, and I from the office. That's where the real money is."

Lawson rubbed his ear, hearing more of what that long-nosed monster clearly thought was singing.

"And I can see where the brains in your little duo lie."

"Indeed, my brother is the charismatic one. The men love him. I do my best to support him, as any good brother would," Bandsome replied. The train was slowing down.

"We're here." Lawson said, standing up and taking a deep breath. From the Holmes Hall depot to the Conan plateau, and the palace itself, was only a hundred yards.

Only a hundred yards up a hill, and then up the grand staircase to the palace.

"Lead the way, Mr. Prime Minister," Bandsome remarked as Handsome followed up from the gantry and out of the car. Their route to the palace was lined with barricades, manned in turn by soldiers and police, holding back crowds of civilians. The pirates laughed and hollered as Lawson led the way, their two captains bringing up the rear.

Shouts of dismay and despair rang out behind the barricade. Lawson clenched his teeth and marched on, forcing himself not to hear. Not long ago they had been cheering, glad of the Midsummer Knights Festival. Now they were turning on him, and he could not even defend himself. He couldn't blame them.

They reached the bottom of the staircase; the wide stone steps cut into the very rock of Conan Plateau, leading up to the main entrance. He could see the cyclopean friezes running around the plateau from either side, showing the deeds of the Kings of Doyle.

He felt sick. The thought of bringing pirates before those images, up those mighty steps, and into that sacred hall. And worse still, Handsome was performing. He whistled and danced through the line of pirates, twirling like a ballerina; the pirates laughing and cheering as he passed, and started his way up the steps.

They were outright mocking such a sacred part of Doyle.

"I am Finalem Handsome~!" Handsome sung.

"I've been a naughty booooy~" he chimed, hands on hips as he skipped about.

"The plot was utterly by the book~" he twirled around.

"The country was felled by a single crook." he pointed at Lawson, who remained stoic.

"I was quite able to put my knee upon these bumpkins heads~" he chimed.

"Now I'll rule for good~" He sprayed his arms out wide, pointing along the walls of Holmes Hall before looking back, his yellow ringed eyes gleaming with malice.

"Now I'll make them deaaaad~" He grinned widely, as a salt carving of Holmes Hall arose from his hand; complete with severed heads spiked atop the battlement. Followed by whistling from him and the pirates as he led on like a Piper.

"I have learned my lesson, I have learned my lesson well," he turned to his crew, hands swinging like a conductor before an orchestra.

"It's boring to serve in Heaven…" he paused, hand to his ear, grinning in anticipation.

"It's better to rule in Hell~!" the pirates all yelled as one. Lawson could hear the cries of despair from beyond the barricades.

Walk on. Walk on up the steps. Up the mountain of pain.

"I'm still the best Captain, best Captain for all to see! My brother and I will bring forth a new era, a Fifth Emperor of the Sea~!"

Handsome gestured, dancing and bowing to the applause of his crew. Even Bandsome was clapping lightly as the plump man preened like a peacock; bowing as if he was at the Williams Theater.

"And here we are," Lawson declared, as they reached the gates. "Holmes Hall, your new home."

'And by the end of the day your tomb," he silently vowed.

"Splendid!" Handsome skipped up, wrapping an arm around the mouse mink, who froze at the contact. "Now then, by all means do guide us to the throne room." He adjusted his tie. "I'm going to need to see my newest and favorite chair to lounge upon."

Bandsome was looking around with narrow, critical eyes. Lawson watched as he strolled over to one of the columns lining the entrance hall. He ran his finger down it, leaving a line in the dust. The great entrance hall, normally intended for ceremonial occasions, had not been used for some time.

"Dusty," he mused. "No serving staff?" He fixed Lawson with piercing blue eyes.

"We let a lot of them go," Lawson shrugged. "Given the economy."

"Well that will just not do now will it. I simply cannot stand dust." Handsome drawled. "Rest assured, we'll have a new staff of servants cleaning this fine Holmes Hall from top to bottom. Willing, or not."

He grinned, falling in beside Lawson as he led his way along the hall. For all the dust, it was still a magnificent sight. The wide marble floor, the tall columns leading up to a high arched ceiling hung with chandeliers, the walls between the columns lined with carved friezes, describing the great events in Doyle's storied history; the mighty deeds he had learned of as a child, in this very palace.

Lawson could see the pirates glancing around, with what might almost have been awe on their faces. He was a little surprised they were capable of such an emotion.

All at once they came to the antechamber; the open doors flanked by stone-faced attendants. The antechamber was vast, the single biggest chamber in the palace; with corridors leading away in all directions. But the real attraction lay in the middle, and along the walls. Great planters lined the walls, from which grew plants of all shapes and sizes. More, bigger planters were sent into the floors, raised up within marble walls into which benches were set. On the corners sat delicate flowers in fine china pots; each contributing in their own way to the effect.

Lawson watched as one of the pirates picked up one of the pots, examined it for a moment, his heart freezing, and then threw it to the floor; shattering it into a thousand pieces.

Thank god that was one of the cheap pots Judith had found.

"Hanging gardens?" Bandsome mused, as the other pirates did likewise. "Hmm. never took King Bach as the horticultural type."

"His Majesty is a man of many eccentricities." Lawson replied, willing his heart to calm itself. He was thankful Judith and the other servants were down in Watson Place, safe from this nightmare.

He looked around, noting the mirrors set into the walls above the planters. The pirates had gathered inside, and the doors were closing behind them.

He was doing his utmost not to smirk.

(X)

High above a water tower below the shadow of Tall Toby, Sabo watched the proceedings; his face set in a frown.

"Could Guy have been right all along?" Koala asked lightly, standing below him, leaning over a railing. "Has the king truly given up? Handing his country over to those guys?"

"I don't know." Sabo said. "The palace seemed rather quiet the last two days. I did see a lot of people coming and going at night…and carriages, lots of them."

"But why are they inviting the pirates in?" asked Koala, looking up. "Why are they giving up now after all this time?"

Sabo did not reply. He was staring up at the plateau, at the grand entrance to Holmes Hall.

The doors were closing.

He looked down. The police were hustling the crowds away, and red-clad figures were scurrying out of the buildings lining the boulevard. He lifted his binoculars to his eyes, and took a closer look. There was a group hurrying along the lane where the Prime Minister's residence was. That marine girl he had seen before - Doll, was it? - was leading them, a rifle in her hands and cutlass at her hip.

He looked around, and saw that rich neighborhood up on the hill, Mycroft Heights, he recalled. There was Jernigan Jenner, in a black cape, riding a horse at the head of another column of guards.

They were both heading for Holmes Hall.

They were all heading for Holmes Hall.

Sabo closed his eyes, trying to think. And he heard Dragon's voice in his mind.

'Expand your surroundings. Let it all fade. Open your mind, and you will listen.'

Sabo did as the voice bade him. And he could hear.

"They're telling us to go home?"

"It's all under control? Our king is inside there!"

"And Lawson too!"

"The Pirates are inside there, but why?!"

"It's gonna be okay! We had some in our house! They said there was a plan!"

"Same! Shared my meatloaf with this strapping young man~"

"Where are those two who fought off the Gunpowders? They were last seen with the King right? Are they-"

Sabo opened his eyes, his Observation Haki fading as he breathed out, and smiled.

"Koala." The young girl looked back at him. "We stay here, and keep an eye on the palace."

"You sure?"

He adjusted his top hat, and grabbed his trusty pipe.

"Yes. I think I know what the young King is planning. Him…and Shirou and Yoichi." He hefted his pipe onto his shoulder.

"And I want to see it work."

(X)

"Ah, such a splendid throne room!" Handsome declared, as he and his pirates strolled through the high doors.

And splendid it was. As splendid as when Lawson had first seen it, all those years ago. The floor and walls were polished, the friezes and paintings cleaned and restored, the tall windows crystal-clear, bathing the room in pure, bright sunlight.

At the end of the room was a raised dais, upon which the golden throne was set. Flanking the dais were a pair of armor suits of a kind he had never seen before. They were finely decorated, and unusually large; and arranged with their hands resting on long, heavy-looking clubs.

Upon the throne, his head leaning against his knuckles, was Reichen Bach, Upon his brow was the golden crown, set with glittering jewels; the finest gems from deep in Doyle's mountains.

The gems that would fill the Finalem Pirates' coffers.

"Saltquaker Handsome, Quicksilver Bandsome, and the Finalem Pirates," Bach said, with dour sang-froid. "I bid thee welcome."

"Ah, your most glorious Majesty." Handsome bowed mockingly, holding out his cape-coat. "I see you have been keeping my throne nice and cozy for me. Hustle on down, why don't you?"

Before the dais stood a simple table, with a document and a pen upon it. Beside the pen was a strange item.

A toy wooden horse.

"So that's it then, the treaty that will make us Wardens and Protectors of this land?" Bandsome asked, hands behind his back.

"Indeed. Once it is in writing," Bach said, sitting on his throne still. "You two, captains of the Finalem Pirates, will be of equal authority to me."

"Gwahaha! Hear that brother mine," Handsome elbowed the taller Bandsome. "We're going to have it. Our own Kingdom to rule as 'Wardens'." He leered. "Just like two of Seven Warlords, Sir Crocodile and the Heavenly Demon."

"Being on equal footing with that guy in Alabasta and Donquixote Doflamingo? I like the sound of that." Bandsome added in a smug tone.

Lawson looked away in shame, and Handsome turned, smirking darkly.

"Well then," he lashed out, grabbing Lawson's hand. "Why don't you do me a favor, Bachy Boy. Come on down from that throne. You've warmed it up for me just enough."

Bach remained silent, rising up from his throne and taking his slow steps downward. The plump man could feel the blood pumping in Lawson's veins as he held onto his wrist. Bach's steps echoed through the vast throne room, the faces of his ancestors looking down.

All of them so dour and boring. He would have to get creative with those statues and friezes, and those paintings would make nice kindling.

"Bachy, you're not hustling a bit. Enjoying your stature as king as long as you can?" he asked with a dark grin. "I must insist you hustle…now"

He gripped, making Lawson gasp in pain, as his Salt Salt Fruit activated. Lawson's hand began to shrivel, drying out like a prune. Bach's eyes widened, and Lawson breathed hard, trying to calm himself. The pirates laughed as they watched; an old trick, but one they never got tired of.

"Awww why don't you do him whole Captain! Love it when they look like voodoo dolls!"

"Yeah, the look on that rat's face is priceless!"

"Hope he doesn't twist it off! Wonder if there's any blood left in there!"

"Dry him up!" Bertha laughed, her belly jostling. "I wanna cook'im like jerky!" Ignatius chuckled darkly.

"Always have food on yer mind huh?"

"Hnnn." Helmet grunted from inside his metal helmet.

Handsome let him go and threw Lawson to the ground. Bach ran down the steps and knelt by his side. The long nosed man smirked, seeing the king kneel before the mink and trying to comfort him.

"Your hand," Bach uttered in horror.

"I'm alright son," Lawson uttered, cradling his hand, trying to protect it as if it were made of glass, sending a forced smile.

"Now that's more like it." Handsome drawled, seeing Bach glare back at him. "By the way, that crown… hand it over." He opened his hand, gesturing for the crown.

"I'll be fine." Lawson breathed as he rose to his feet, backing away, still cradling his hand.

"For what it's worth, just put your hand in water and you'll be fine," Handsome said, waving his hand dismissively. "You'll get your moisture back. You'll need both of them, if you're gonna be of any use to me. Unless…"

He rubbed his fingers together, the sound course as his fingertips were laced with rough salt, smirking back at him.

"Unless you wish to resign from your post, after I sign the treaty?"

Lawson breathed, looking down and gulping. "Well, maybe," he said, noncommittal.

"Now then," Handsome swiped the crown from Bach's hands, placing it upon his head and beaming like a kid in a candy store. "Time to sign our treaty!"

He hummed, marching to the table with Bach by his side, Bandsome following from behind. He took the pen and began to write, but no ink came out.

Handsome turned, glaring hard at the blue haired man. "You have no ink," he hissed.

"And you have no scepter." Bach replied, and Handsome blinked. "You and your brother will effectively be the true rulers of this country. But you cannot be so unless I hand over the ancestral items befitting royalty."

He clapped his hands, and a door from the corner of the room opened. A boy in a white hooded robe marched forth, carrying a pillow in front of him. Upon it sat an orb and scepter, encrusted in the same gems as the crown. He approached without a sound, the hood shrouding his face.

"And you forgot these why?" Handsome asked.

"Forgive me, handing over one's own kingdom and being the last link in a dynasty tends to make one forget these details," Bach replied sourly. Handsome scoffed, and turned his attention to the boy. The boy had stopped, and was holding out the wide and large pillow. There were freckles on his face.

"Hmm, fair enough." He swiped both items, and turned to face his pirates. Scepter and orb in hand, crown on his brow, and the throne and treaty behind him.

"Behold my friends!" Handsome leered. "I, Finalem Handsome, once a nobody, will now be King of this land! My brother," He gestured with his scepter at Bandsome, "my Majordomo and my right hand!"

Bandsome smiled, stepping up beside him. The pirates cheered, stamping their feet and roaring their approbation. Handsome grinned darkly, and then began to laugh.

"Hehehe... GWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA! GWAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" He laughed, triumphantly, arms spread wide.

Bach stood next to Lawson. And the boy did not move.

"Henceforth I-! Oh yes, the pen." Handsome turned back to the table. "I need to sign the treaty. The pen?"

Bach reached into his chest pocket, pulling a pen out. Handsome blinked, then glared at him.

"I forgot. Sorry." His face was stone, as he tossed the pen high to Handsome. Handsome reached out, his hand open to grab it. Now, at last, the throne of Doyle would be…

Then he froze, at the sound of water. Water? In here?

And then there was pain, as someone punched him in the face; so hard it was like being hit by a battleship.

And then there was burning, as he felt water on his skin.

"GWUAAAAAAAGH!!!" Handsome gargled in shock and agony.

And the boy in white roared.

(X)

Bandsome stared, his mind frozen, as Handsome was thrown backward. He barrelled through the unsuspecting pirates as of being shot out of a cannon, gale force winds following behind him, knocking them down like bowling pins, and then crashed into the wall; ruining a rather fine frieze.

Why was this happening? How could this happen now, at the moment of their triumph? Who was attacking his brother?

His mind focussed, as fury replaced bewilderment. His power rose with his anger, his arms turning silver, gleaming blades sliding out. It was the white-robed boy who had done it, the white-robed boy who was standing with his fist outstretched.

The white-robed boy, he would gut like a fish.

"Why you-!"

He momentarily perceived a very large metal club approaching his face.

"RAIME HAKKE!"

(X)

Bach lowered his arms from his face, as the dust and wind settled from the massive blow that has sent Bandsome into the wall, making it crumble and crash atop of the pirate as the winds made more pirates scatter and bounce off the walls like ants before a tempest.

He stared, awestruck, as Yamato tore off the armor in which she had hidden. She was wearing a shirt and leather jacket, a riding skirt, white thigh-highs, and black riding boots. She twirled her club over her head, the enormous weapon whooshing like a windmill's sails.

And nearby, Izuku shrugged off his white robe, revealing the green hero uniform with steel greaves. The robe slopped as it hit the floor, the sleeves soaked by the water balloon hidden under the pillow.

"It's going to be okay King Bach, Mr. Lawson!" Izuku declared. "These villains will be brought to justice!"

"That's right! We will be the ones to save this country! No roof of any citizen shall be threatened, not when you offered your own to be destroyed instead!!" Yamato declared. "It's going to be alright!"

From their respective craters in the walls, Handsome and Bandsome staggered forward. Handsome's nose was bent, bleeding from the nostrils, his ringed eyes as small as pinpricks, teeth falling from his bruised and bleeding mouth, the expression of his face utterly gobsmacked as his cheek was inflamed, as if someone tossed hot oil on it.

Bandsome's spectacles were broken, blood dripping from his crown, his own teeth cracked. He gazed back in pure, unbridled rage; his blue eyes like cerulean hellfire, teeth bared and veins throbbing on his forehead.

"Why, you ask?" Izuku said, with a beaming smile. And Bach blinked, bewildered, as he saw something around him. A presence, a shade, hovering around him. No, multiple, almost like… a group of people.

Yamato brought her Kanabo down in a defensive position, and Izuku raised his fists, green lightning arcing around him. They stood together, smiling their defiance against the two pirates and their crew; whose bounty totalled over a billion berris.

Without doubt. Without fear. Without hesitation.

"Because we are here!"

 

[Zaru]

The brothers moved.

Handsome screamed, and thrust out his hands. Salt erupted from his fingers, flying at Izuku in a great, white wave. Izuku leapt, somersaulting over the wall of sodium, and then thrust straight down, driving his fist into the marble floor. The floor cratered, and the two brothers were thrown back, hurled through the doorway and into the atrium beyond from the shockwaves alone.

Bandsome managed to recover first, mercury blades thrusting from his flesh. But Yamato was moving out of reach, leaping over Izuku and bringing her kanabo down on his head, its metal coated in the black Haki sheen. Bandsome jumped back, just in time as the heavy club cratered the floor; just as strongly as Izuku's blow.

Izuku looked up, readying himself as he saw Handsome, clouds of salt swirling around him, his face contorted in a look of inhuman rage. Bandsome was falling back, dodging left and right as Yamato swung her club.

And behind them were the pirates. Only moments ago, they had been following their captains in triumph, dreaming of the treasure and rewards to come. Now they could only stare, in horrified disbelief, at the twin apparitions that had emerged to terrorize them while somehow managing to push their normally invincible captains back.

"Get out of here!" roared Handsome looking back at his crew. "Get out and sack the city! Raze it to the ground!"

The pirates hesitated for an instant, and then broke into a run, thundering away down the entrance all; heedless of what awaited them outside.

"Yes, that's right," Handsome growled as he turned back towards the duo, a mad look in his eyes. "This city, my city, is going to burn; down to the last man, woman, and child; and it will be your fault, little green man."

In spite of everything, Izuku felt his face form a smirk.

"Wrong, Handsome," he replied. "Your crew will fight for nothing, unless they surrender."

Izuku wasn't entirely sure any surrenders would be accepted. But it was worth saying.

"Oh really…" hissed Handsome. "We'll see about that!"

He punched at Izuku, the salt forming around his fist and flashing out ahead of it. It expanded in size, becoming as large as an 18 wheeler truck. Izuku and Yamato dodged the salt fist, and it slammed into the throne, destroying it.

"He's using Haki!" Yamato called out, dodging a giant silver broadsword the size of a subway car. Bandsome retracted the quicksilver into him and chased after her. Izuku focused back on the plump Handsome, and he charged his fist.

"Air Force! Colorado Smash!" He leapt at Handsome, driving his fist towards the pirate captain's face. Handsome smirked as he disappeared, his body becoming a billowing cloud of salt once the air punch scattered. Izuku doubled over as the cloud washed over him, forcing his mouth shut even as he choked.

He looked up. Handsome had fallen back further into the atrium. Behind him, he could hear Yamato and Bandsome fighting, smashing up the throne room as they went with the sound of dozens of swords clashing against a single club in a dance. Him on a constant attack, her parrying every strike.

No time to worry or doubt. He had to trust Yamato. She was strong enough, and so was he.

And he had Handsome where he wanted him.

He activated Black Whip, a swarm of black serpents coiling and lashing as they flew through the air. Handsome threw out a wave of salt, blasting the whips away. But Izuku turned one with a thought, sending it wrapping around a nearby vase and hurling it at Handsome. The vase hit him and shattered, splashing him with water.

Handsome arched his back and screamed, jumping back; but Izuku could see the water soaking into his body. He leapt at the stricken pirate, driving his fist into his chest. The impact rang like a thunderclap, hurling the bulging eyed Handsome back across the atrium. He crashed into one of the planters, his now semi-liquid body splashing over it.

Izuku's heart leapt. The gamble was paying off! Water really was anathema to Handsome!

"Keep focused Izuku. This fight isn't over until he's down for good." Yoichi's voice echoed breaking Izuku's momentary celebration.

He leapt into the air, and dived down at the fallen Handsome. If he could finish this now…

Handsome looked up at him, eyes bright with malice, and raised one fist. The fist erupted, salt-water mush thrusting straight at Izuku like a drill. Izuku threw himself to the side, and the mush flashed past.

He came down hard, and paused, trying to calm himself as he coughed. Yes, Handsome was vulnerable to water. But while he could not control salt-water mush as well as dry salt, he could still use it. He was going to need more water…

A terrible roar filled the atrium. His head snapped around, and he saw the salt cloud billowing up from behind the planters, like a great white sandstorm. It rushed towards him, spreading out all around him. Izuku leapt back, but the storm kept coming, rearing up before him, the salt forming into Handsome's face.

"You dare use water on me!" He bellowed, the salt reverberating his voice.

The salt fell towards him. Izuku leapt straight up, as the salt crashed down on the spot where he had stood, spreading like a tidal wave across the floor.

His heart hammered as he ran around the room, trying to think. The salt hadn't harmed him the first time, but Handsome had been falling back, trying to get away. Now he was fighting, and he was angry. One touch of that salt wave could spell the end.

Another roar, and the salt reformed, curling upward in a great spiral, Handsome's face appearing again, eyes bright with hate.

"I loved the sea as a child you know!" he bellowed, hurling himself at Izuku. Izuku dodged, feeling the salt in the air as the white wave passed him, splashing over the wall behind him. He jumped around and away, but the wave was coming around again. Even without direct contact he could feel his throat and skin starting to dry out.

"Now I can't even touch it!!" Handsome went on, as the white mass flew at Izuku, thundering like the ocean waves. "Water is death to me! It's acid on my skin!"

Izuku dodged again, and dropped down as the salt erupted in all directions, filling up the atrium. He landed, and looked up, as Handsome began to reform above him, that round, comical face staring down at him; bitter and hateful.

"Then why!?" Izuku asked, as he understood what Handsome meant. "Why eat the devil fruit!?"

"Because I needed it!" thundered Handsome, diving down at him. Izuku leapt to the right, landing on his hands, and cartwheeling onto one of the planters, as the white tide gushed down and over the floor. "I needed power! I needed it to win, to conquer!"

Of course he did. Why else would he have eaten that wretched fruit? Izuku's stomach churned as he remembered Onigashima, and the SMILE fruits. Like them, Handsome had eaten a devil fruit, and paid the price; all for more power.

"You're an idiot!" Izuku yelled, unable to stop himself. "What kind of pirate makes himself allergic to water!?"

The atrium rumbled, and the white wave reformed once again, this time into a great whirlwind with a human shape at the top. The shape became Handsome, and he was furious.

"A pirate who wants to win!" he retorted, and thrust out his hand. Izuku leapt away, as the salt shaped into a bus-sized hammer that crashed into the planter and wall where he had stood. "A pirate who'll be a King!"

Izuku activated Black Whip as he landed, and grabbed every vase in reach, hurling them at Handsome. Handsome fell back, swinging his salt tentacle like a whip. The vases shattered, and the salt turned into salt mush, flying straight at Izuku. Izuku jumped up, aiming the Black Whip at the ceiling, the mush splattering over the orchids and bushes. He looked down, feet to the wall, and shuddered as he saw the leaves and flowers shriveling, the vibrant colors turning brown and black.

This battle was killing the plants. Killing this whole place.

That was the plan, Bach wanted it so. So long as they kept the fight here in the plateau and not into the city.

"Bastard's planning to run you dry, literally," Daigoro practically shouted, echoing what Izuku had been thinking."

"You're not a King, you're a killer!" he cried, glaring down at Handsome. "Look at this place! What can you rule!?!"

"Go to hell!" Handsome screamed, and erupted straight up at him, his head growing to an enormous size, mouth opening to swallow him.

It was all Izuku could do to get out of the way in time, before the massive head flew past and crashed into the wall. As Izuku sped around, the salt began to swirl around and around, faster and faster, until it became a white tornado.

"You dare judge me!? Boy!" demanded the tornado, as it rushed at Izuku. He tried to dodge, but slipstream caught him, the wind pulling him around and around. He could feel the salt in the air, whipping at him, abrading him. He could feel its sting on his flesh, tearing at his costume.

"You think you're better than me!?" snarled Handsome, his voice echoing over the whistling wind. "I am Saltquaker Handsome! And I will be your death!"

The salt was swirling around him, more and more of it. Izuku could feel it scouring at his skin, even as he squeezed his eyes shut, and forced his nose and mouth closed with Black Whip. He had to get free of this whirlwind! He had to get away!

His power erupted, and he burst forth, crashing straight into the marble wall. The wall cracked and cratered around him, and for a moment Izuku's mind was a blank.

Then he felt himself falling. He should use Float…

No, not yet. He couldn't make that mistake, not the way he had with Malice. He couldn't show all his cards, not yet.

He threw out Black Whip, the tentacles grabbing onto the walls, slowing him down like a bungee cord. He dropped down, and turned; to see Handsome reform himself across the atrium. His clownish face was twisted in anger, his eyes full of bitterness.

He glanced around the room. There were still plenty of vases, and plenty more besides that. He needed to use more of them, to get Handsome thoroughly soaked so his blows would hit. If he could only…

Handsome punched, a fist of salt flying from his hand. Izuku leapt aside, and the fist slammed into the wall, shaking the whole atrium. Izuku landed, but Handsome punched again, forcing him to dodge again. The salt fist hit a planter, blasting it apart, chunks of marble flying in all directions. Izuku tried to move as he landed, but Handsome punched yet again. Izuku hurled himself aside, his skin burning as the fist flashed past, and slammed into one of the ceiling columns, snapping it right in half. Izuku hit the ground and rolled, barely avoiding the marble chunks as they came crashing down around him.

He looked up. Handsome was standing there, the old smirk back on his face.

"Now you've made me angry," he growled.

(X)

"Look there!"

Sabo looked up at Koala's call. They had ascended from that water tower to the roof of Tall Toby to get a better view. A handful of figures, hurrying through the open doors of Holmes Hall, out into the open space before the stairs. More and more appeared, until the trickle became a flood. Hundreds of pirates, running as if for their lives, heedless of what awaited them below.

"Would you look at that?," he asked, mystified as he looked through his binoculars. "What're they doing?"

"I don't know," replied Koala, glancing around Holmes Hall with her long eyeglass.. "I can't see anything."

The first pirates reached the top of the stairs and began to run down. Only then did they falter, as they realized the danger. Below them, the wide plaza was lined with barricades; Royal Guards and policemen arrayed behind them, muskets and pistols at the ready. In the center was Jernigan Jenner, seated on a horse, saber drawn. To their left and right, the streets leading out of the plaza were blocked by yet more barricades; arranged so that the troops manning them could enfilade anyone attacking the plaza barricades. And the iron gate that led into the city proper.

The pirates in front tried to stop, shouting and waving their arms. But those behind barrelled into them, forcing them on and down the steps.

Jernigan Jenner swept down his sword.

"FIRE!!!" he roared.

The plaza erupted in billowing gray smoke, followed by a crackling thundercrash. The first volley tore into the unsuspecting pirates, throwing them back against their fellows. Some rolled down the stairs, others falling off the sides. The pirates in front tried to retreat, but still more of them poured through the doorway, forcing them onward.

"FIRE!!!"

Another volley, and more pirates screamed and toppled as they were hit, red blood spray and stanning the stairs and floor below.

Sabo stared at the horrid scene, trying to make sense of it. This couldn't be an attack; or else the Finalem Brothers would be at the head. This was a mob, a tide of terrified pirates, running as if the hounds of hell were snapping at their heels.

His mind whirled. The Finalem Brothers were callous, but not so stupid as to let their crews be slaughtered; not like this. Something had to be occupying them, inside the palace. They were fighting something in there; something so strong that their minions fled in terror before it. But what could it be?

Sabo suddenly grinned as he realized. Shirou and Yoichi, the two who had saved King Bach at the festival. It had to be them.

Something caught Sabo's eye through the gunsmoke. He looked down, and saw a white-clad figure among the red; standing on one of the side-street barricades, right by the second line.
He lifted his binoculars to his eyes to look more closely.

Her. It was her, that young woman he had seen before. She had curly black hair done in twin tails, wore some spiked chokers and bracelets like some goth punk, and was wearing the white and blue uniform of a Marine junior officer. She was dashing back and forward, barking orders and directing fire.

"What do you see?" Koala asked, looking over his shoulder.

"It's Doll," he replied, smiling as he lowered his binoculars. "The one survivor from the Marine base. Looks like she's back in action."
A roar drew his eyes back to the stairs. The pirates were falling sideways, scattered like bowling pins, as an enormous shape barrelled through them. It drew out in front, and Sabo could see it clearly. An enormous muscular man, clad in a ragged smock, bucket helmet and bloodstained apron; hammer and saw held aloft.

"Headsplitter Helmet," he declared, recognizing the monstrosity as it barrelled down the stairs.

"Onward!" shrieked another voice. Sabo saw the tall fishwoman, racing through the gap Helmet had created. "It's kill or be killed!"

"Big Biter Bertha," Koala identified her. "And is that Sawtooth Scyther Ignatius?"

Sabo looked, and there indeed was the weasel mink, scurrying along behind his larger shipmates with his massive scythe.

"That's him," agreed Sabo, seeing the wanted posters in his mind as his blood turned cold. "That's all of them."

The three raced down the steps, the pirates charging behind them, screaming their battle cries with their many weapons at the ready. The guardsmen fired another volley, and another, sending more pirates plunging down over the sides. But they charged on regardless, on and on through the storm of bullets, shrieking their hatred of their tormentors; whom moments ago they had thought to be their slaves.

As the dreadful trio reached the bottom of the stairs, the first rank of guards fell back, abandoning their barricades and hurrying towards the second line. As they dashed through the gaps between the barricades, the guardsmen of the second line fired, sending yet another volley towards the charging pirates. Some fell, but many of the bullets thudded into Helmet's muscular chest, and Bertha's mighty form. They didn't even slow down.

Bertha roared as she smashed into the first barricades, plowing right through them and into the retreating guardsmen. Helmet was at her shoulder, laying into the guardsman with a saw and hammer. Some of the guardsmen turned to fight, lashing out with musket butt and bayonet. But they might as well have tried to fight a Sea King. Sabo watched as Ignatius piled in, lighting quick, blood and limbs flying as he worked his blade, scything like the Reaper made manifest.

And still no sign of the Finalem brothers.

(X)

Doll gritted her teeth.

They had been doing so well! They had caught the pirates off guard, gotten a couple of good volleys into them; gunning them down by the dozens. But then those three had shown up, and now the pirates were on the attack.

Most were charging after their three officers, shrieking like lunatics, maddened by the slaughter. But others were cannier, taking any cover they could find, and firing back at their tormentors. Some were using the statues and pillars lining the stairs as cover; while others were piling up their own dead comrades. Some of the bodies were moving.

"Take out the snipers!" she barked. "Adjust your sights!"

The guardsmen nearby did as they were ordered, carefully adjusting their sights and taking aim. One fired, and a pirate toppled from behind the half-wrecked statue he had been using for cover. Another fired, and another pirate fell, and another.

Doll looked back to the plaza. The first line was collapsing, the trio butchering their way through the center, their flunkies pouring in behind them. A few soldiers and police had managed to get away, as was the plan; but the three officers had been too fast. The soldiers in the second line were firing, but their firing was ragged, distracted. They would not volley-fire against their comrades stuck in the melee, and even Lord Jenner was not going to try and force them. Headsplitter even fell back to the stairs and grabbed… something large!

"Kill them all!" roared Big Biter. "Forget them! Fiiiiight!"

The three officers now broke into a run towards the second line. Big Biter and Headsplitter were in the front, the latter lugging a marble column on his shoulder, while Sawtooth Scyther scurried along behind. More pirates fell in behind them, the loose swarm becoming a ragged column.

"Fire!" Jenner roared, and the troops at the second barricade finally volleyed.

"Fire!" Doll barked in turn. Her own troops fired, sending a brutal enfilade straight into the column's flank. Pirates fell by the score, and Doll felt a thrill of hope. They were wearing them down!

Then Headsplitter turned, and threw his marble column straight at them.

"Soru!" Doll leapt off the barricade, just before the column smashed right into it. She could hear yells and cries of pain as she fell, landing hard on the plaza. Ahead of her, Bit Biter smashed into the barricade, barrelling straight through it, men and barricade sections flying in all directions. Scyther darted in behind, scythe swinging, bodies falling. Headsplitter hurried after them, as the screaming pirates poured in through the gap. Jenner regrouped on the double, and his men charged at them, swords and bayonets drawn.

Doll let out a snarl and drew her saber. The second line was collapsing, and all that remained after that was the reserve policemen. She could see them now, middle-aged part-timers who could barely fit into their uniforms, clutching pistols in shaking hands, and looking like they had just hang-glided over hell. In the middle was Commissioner Tibs, waving his ceremonial truncheon in the air, shouting to encourage them.

But then Ignatius was there, laughing aloud as he swung his scythe, green blasts of compressed air slamming into the reservists, driving them back. Doll felt sick, and sprinted towards them. It was all she could do!

But Bertha just pushed on past them, racing away down the boulevard up ahead. Helmet joined her, and then finally Ignatius. They ran out, heedless of the battle, leaving their subordinates behind.

"They broke through!" gasped Tibs, as Doll reached him. His eyes were wide, mad with adrenalin and fear. "What do we do now!?"

"Ensign Doll!"

Jenner hurried over to join them. He had lost his horse, and his fancy uniform was torn to shreds; and Doll could see blood on his saber.

"Ensign, go after them!" Jenner ordered, his voice hoarse from shouting. "Tibs! Give her anyone you can spare!"

"R-Right sir right away sir!" Tibs replied, and hurried away to his command post; where various policemen and women were chattering and shouting into transponder snails.

Doll looked back at the battle. With their officers gone, the pirates had lost their momentum. Guards and policemen were pressing in from the sidestreets, firing into them, while what remained of the second line held their ground, reinforced by the police reservists. They were keeping them contained to the plateau at the very least!

But the pirates were fighting on. If anything they were fighting harder, even though their officers had abandoned them. Had they lost their minds completely?

Or did they know where their officers were going?

Doll snapped her head round, staring down the boulevard. The trio were still running, heedless of their dying subordinates or any reservists firing at them.

Angela was out there. Either at home with her parents, or in the shop with the Minelli sisters. Barricaded in, with nowhere to run to.

She let out a snarl, and slammed her saber back into its scabbard.

"Geppou!" She leapt into the air, soaring after the trio. They were out of sight, but she could see the bloody footprints they had left behind. She landed, and sprinted after them, as if the devil himself were on her heels.

"Izuku! Yamato! Don't lose!" she silently prayed. If those two failed, it would all have been for nothing.

They could not fail! Not now!

(X)

"Where are they going?" Koala asked, as the trio raced off down the boulevard, heedless of their comrades behind them. A few hundred yards behind, that Marine was giving chase on foot.

"Looks like they're heading for Morantown," replied Sabo as he pocketed his binoculars, straightening up and cracking his knuckles. "As for why, there's only one way to find out."

"But our mission!" the orangette urged. "Dragon told us not to intervene unless it could benefit the cause."

Sabo turned to glare at her.

"So you want us to do nothing, Koala?" he asked bitterly. Koala opened her mouth to object, but then faltered.

"Evil only exists if good men do nothing," Sabo went on, reciting the words Yoichi had told him. "And I refuse to let evil have its way."

He lifted his pipe from his shoulder and took off in a leap from the great clock tower.

"Sabo!" Koala called out, but to no avail, as Sabo landed like a cat, and began to hop away over the rooftops and tall chimneys.

"Ugggggh!" she groaned, covering her face with one hand. "My first mission, belly up like this!"

Then, with a sigh, she started after him.

(X)

Yamato snarled, barring her teeth.

She stood in the ruins of the throne room, kanabo in hand, heart pounding, blood hot, and despite it all, she had a smile splitting her face.

Before her, Bandsome moved. His arm thrust out, morphing into a quicksilver spear, striking at her heart. Yamato dodged, the spear hissing as it slashed through the air, her boots screeching on the cratered marble floor. Yamato unleashed her Haki, her skin and club hardening as the tendrils struck, stabbing at her like a hundred spears all at once. Each spear dissolved as it struck, but with every blow she parried, two more took its place.

Her Observation Haki flashed, and she ducked to avoid another spear as Bandsome charged in. She pivoted on the spot, avoiding the silver scythe that had once been his leg, and swung her club with a yell.

For a fraction of an instant, she saw panic in his eyes.

Then her club struck, clanging like a bell on a hastily-conjured shield. The blow threw Bandsome back, straight into the wall, and through it with a crash.

Yamato paused only a moment, as she heard the roars echoing down the halls, along with the sound of crushing debris. It was Handsome, battling against Izuku.

No. He was strong. She had to trust him.

With a snarl, she ran at the jagged hole and leapt through. Before her, to her momentary amazement, was a silver ship, conjured out of Bandsome's mercury, right in the middle of the now-ruined throne room. The quicksilver was laced with black, the black of Haki.

"Silver Skiff!" Bandsome roared, from atop the ship. Yamato swung her club, the blow ringing as it struck the bow. Bandsome laughed, and leapt into the air, the ships dissolving into a mass of black and silver goo, spreading out all around her. She jumped back, hopping from side to side as quicksilver spears thrust where she stood. Ahead of her, a great wave of mercury reared up, carrying Bandsome upon it.

"Silver Surfer!" he bellowed, as a surfboard formed under his feet. The wave surged at Yamato, carrying him along at its crest. Yamato snarled, and drew back her club.

"Narikabura!"

She swung, sending a bullet of Haki infused-compressed air straight at the mercury wave. The blast struck, blowing the wave apart, the flying mercury splattering over the walls. Bandsome leapt, somersaulting over the blast. Yamato saw her chance, and planted her legs against the steps leading to the throne.

Haki erupted around her. It launched her forward, shattering what was left of the throne, black Haki covering her forearms and Takeru, small bits of electricity seemed to coat the weapon as well.

"RAIME!"

Bandsome's eyes widened as he saw her, but he was still falling, unable to dodge.

"HAKKE!"

Yamato struck home, her club catching Bandsome in the chest. Bandsome screamed, and thrust out his hand. The spear caught Yamato's Armament coated arm as she spun on the spot, bringing her club round. The club hit him, and Bandsome flew back, straight into the already-cratered wall. The wall shattered, and Bandsome flew on. Through multiple walls of wood, stone and steel.

Around her, the mercury was sloping down the walls, pooling on the floor in a limp, shimmering puddle.

She had hurt him. He had lost control, at least for the moment.

Yamato let out a yell of triumph, and charged towards the holes. This was what Izuku had told her. Keep the pressure on. Keep up the momentum, and do not let go!

"Narika!" she yelled, jumping through the hole, Takeru glowing with her Haki. In the next room, Bandomse lay against the far wall, mouth agape with agony, glasses destroyed. "Bura!"

She swung.

And by some dark miracle, Bandsome melted, avoiding the blast as it sailed overhead. Takeru struck the wall, and with a crash it came down, filling the room with dust. Yamato leapt back to avoid the debris, looking around for Bandsome.

And she saw him, a quicksilver blob, slithering up what was left of the wall. He was trying to get away!

"Oh no you don't! Face me like a Samurai! Coward!" she yelled, as she charged after him.

(X)

"This way!"

Sabo took a right turn, hopping quickly between a complicated array of chimney pots. Down below, he could see the trio sprinting along the deserted street.

This was getting weird. The windows and doors along the street were shuttered and boarded up, no doubt ordered by the King and the Prime Minister. But such defenses would not have held those three for long.

Why hadn't they tried to break into any of them? And if not them, why hadn't they gone for any of the major civic buildings or landmarks, like City Hall or Tall Toby? Where were they going?

Sabo glanced around, trying to think. They were coming up on the edge of the city center; beyond which lay the outer suburbs, like Morantown and Minktown. If he was where he thought he was, and those three didn't suddenly double back, then they were heading for Morantown. So what was there?

He looked up ahead, his eyes scanning the Londinium skyline. And his blood ran cold.

"Where are they going?" asked Koala, landing beside him and matching his sprint.

"There!" Sabo pointed straight ahead.

He could see it clearly now. The Morantown Municipal Gasworks; one of four that served the greater Londinium area, and Morantown's biggest single employer. Big stone buildings, interspersed with tall, cylindrical gasholders, webs of pipes running between them; the whole place practically a small town unto itself.

Sabo had been all over the city, noting all the key locations. He had spent a better part of a day watching the gasworks, noting its comings and goings, working out its functions. Every day, coal was brought by rail from the mines, and unloaded at the gasworks' very own siding; located in the waste ground between Morantown and the gasworks. Then, by a method he did not understand, the coal was rendered into gas, and stored in the gasholders, from which it was pumped through underground pipes across the city. To those who could afford it, the gas was life and comfort; lighting their streets, heating their homes, cooking their food, fuelling their kilns and furnaces.

And if those three had their way, it would be fire and death.

"They wouldn't!" protested Koala, appalled as she understood the meaning now.

"Oh yes they would!" retorted Sabo, forcing his sprinting legs to accelerate. "Those pipes are connected to the entire town. One spark and they'll burn of all Morantown at least! Blow up the whole city if they're clever!"

The thought made his stomach clench. In his mind's eye he could see it; the gasworks exploding in a fireball, the burning wreckage plunging into hapless Morantown, pillars of flame erupting inside every home, Londinium consumed in a sea of fire.

A sea of fire…

Why did that image sound and feel so… familiar? Why did it make him feel so uneasy?

"You were right Sabo!' replied Koala. "We've got to stop them!"

Sabo snapped, grinning through the thoughts.

"And we will!"

They had reached the end of the street. Beyond it was another street running perpendicular, marking the boundary between the inner city and Morantown. There in front of them was the gasworks itself, the main gate barred, the street in front of it lined with barricades, manned by soldiers and police. As the trio approached, the guards opened fire; their bullets bouncing off Bertha's bare hide.

"Come on!"

Sabo leapt, soaring high over the last buildings. Below him, the trio tore straight into the barricades, hurling men left and right, bashing them against the wall or leaving them slashed and maimed.

One of the policemen was backing away, pulling out a transponder snail. Helmet saw him and turned, saw at the ready.

Sabo gritted his teeth, and threw out his arms, shifting his fall. He had to get this right!

He landed foot-first on Helmet's head, the impact ringing like a hammer on an anvil, the ground cracking under the towering man. Helmet let out an oof and staggered, and Sabo back-flipped down to the street.

"Ow," said Helmet bluntly, turning to face him. "That hurt."

Sabo concentrated. He had hurt Helmet, but not as much as he had hoped. This was going to take some work.

He activated his Haki, and swung his pipe at Helmet. The pipe hit the man's tree-trunk neck with a thump, like punching a hunk of raw meat. Grunting, Helmet swung his hammer. Sabo jumped back. Helmet advanced, swinging his saw. Sabo parried, catching the saw on his Haki-imbued pipe. The impact made his arms vibrate.

He held the parry for a moment, glaring at the featureless helmet save for the two holes that made for those beady black eyes. Then he dropped the pipe down and spun round, bringing the pipe around against Helmet's head. The pipe struck with a clang, making Sabo's arms vibrate. Helmet swung his saw, and Sabo dropped back. Helmet came on, swinging hammer and saw like a giant human threshing machine.

Sabo fell back, glancing at the policeman he had saved. The man was talking quickly into his transponder snail, while glancing nervously at Helmet and Sabo. That was good; reinforcements would be on the way soon.

Now for this guy.

Sabo fell back some more, leading Helmet on. Nearby, Koala had landed, and was facing off against Ignatius, while Bertha was finishing off the remaining soldiers. Sabo's heart clenched. He had to get this done quickly and go and help Koala out.

He ducked, Helmet's saw whistling over his head. He fell back some more, judging the distance. Just a little bit more…
He leapt, soaring over Helmet's head and landing behind him. He spun round, pouring Haki into his pipe, and slammed it into Helmet's right hip. Helmet grunted, and staggered away from the blow. Sabo drew back the pipe and swung again, this time striking Helmet's back, knocking the enormous man forward. Helmet swung round, but Sabo was already moving, somersaulting over his head. He poured power into his pipe as he descended, then took aim, and swung it like a golf club.

The pipe struck Helmet's helmet with a clang. Helmet's head snapped over, so hard that Sabo was sure he had snapped the ogre's neck.

Sabo landed, and drew back his pipe. He glanced over at Koala. She was holding her own, dodging fast as Ignatius slashed the air with his whistling scythes.

But Bertha had downed all the soldiers, and was clumping slowly towards the gate. It was a heavy-looking thing, made of thick wood reinforced with metal, and barred and chained shut. But Sabo had seen what Bertha's kind could do. That gate would not hold for long.

Helmet's head snapped back up. He let out a roar, and slammed down his hammer, blackened with Haki; with a speed Sabo hadn't thought him capable of. He leapt out of the way as the hammer came down, cratering the cobbled street and making the ground shake. The ogre rounded on him, bringing round his saw in a lightning-fast slash. Sabo threw himself back, and the saw flashed over his stomach, slashing his shirt. He threw up his legs and back-flipped, landing on his feet just as Helmet came on again, bringing down his hammer. Again Sabo dodged, and again the street was cratered.

In the corner of his eye, he saw the windows of the houses around him; the fearful eyes peering through the shutters. He could see broken windows and cratered walls, where flying debris had struck. This battle was destroying this street, their homes.

Just as the Finalem brothers were surely destroying the palace. The damage he and Helmet were causing was nothing compared to what those two could do; not to mention Shirou and Yoichi, assuming it was those two they were fighting.

So what the hell had Bach been thinking? What kind of King let his own palace be trashed?

Sabo's heart sank, as he understood.

Then it jumped as Helmet swung again. Sabo roared as he caught the blow with his pipe, then dropped down and tackled the beast; his momentum sending Helmet stumbling backwards.

'King Bach, I understand you now,' he thought. 'You sacrificed your own palace to trap those two. You sacrificed your home so that these people wouldn't have to; and that your kingdom might see another dawn.'

He adjusted his hat, twirling his pipe as a smile broke on his lips.

'This world has few good kings… and fewer good men. So… I will follow your lead, Shirou, Yoichi!' Sabo raised his head, brown eyes aglow with determination. 'I'll bet on you. And this good king!'

"No more!" he barked. Through the eye slits of Helmet's helmet, he could see those black eyes glaring. "You won't harm a single person in this district. Not as long as I'm here!"

"Die."

A flurry of scalpels flew straight at him. Sabo twirled his pipe, knocking each one away. Helmet charged, and Sabo parried, blackened pipe meeting blackened hammer and saw. Their feet dug into the ground, the buildings around them shaking, as they glared into each-other's eyes.

This was a fight to the death.

(X)

"Am I supposed to be impressed, little girl?"

Koala gritted her teeth, forcing herself not to lose her temper. It was hard enough dodging the weasel mink's attacks as it was.

"Why don't you hold still and let me finish?" sneered Ignatius. "It's not like you can really fight."

Koala flipped back, and straightened up, glaring at Ignatius. Ignatius was a raggedly, wretched–looking creature, but he was quick and deadly. She had seen what that scythe could do; the evidence was bleeding onto the cobbles all around her.

A crash rang out. Koala looked up, and almost cried out as she saw what had happened. The gates had been blasted off their hinges, and Bertha was standing amid the wreckage.

"Finally!" exclaimed Ignatius. "Let's…!"

Koala saw her chance, and kicked hard at Ignatius. Her heeled boot caught him on the jaw, throwing him off his feet and sending him sprawling across the cobbles. She ran at Bertha, readying herself to leap. She had to take the giant fishman out! She had to buy time!

Bertha slowly turned to face her, smirking. Koala leapt, aiming her booted foot at Bertha's tusked jaw.

"Senmaigawara Seiken!"

Koala flew straight into Bertha's thrusting fist. The blow threw her back, her head ringing as vibrations from Bertha's punch coursed through every square inch of her. She landed with a crash, sliding and bouncing over the cobbles, until finally she slammed into a wall.

Her world was pain, her mind a fog. But she forced herself to look up, just in time to see Ignatius running right at her, scythe drawn back to slash. Survival instinct flashed through her suffering body, adrenalin drowning the pain. She rolled to one side, feeling the scythe flash overhead, then rolled and leapt to her feet.

"Hmm…" rumbled Bertha, gazing down at her. "Didn't expect her to survive that."

"I like it," hissed Ignatius, sending Koala a leer that made her want to take a shower; make that two showers. "Good fodder for my blade, Itachi. Another nick can be made, when I saw through'er bones."

Koala wiped her mouth of blood, glaring at the two combatants.

"Yeah well, let's kill her and get it over with," retorted Bertha, cracking her knuckles. "They won't shoot at us in the gasworks."

Koala could hear the sounds of battle nearby. She glanced over at Sabo, who was fighting desperately against the giant brute that was Helmet. While he did so, a handful of policemen and guards, all of them bruised and bleeding, were dragging away the wounded.

"You're not going in there!" she snapped, dropping into a fighting stance. "I won't let you guys have your way with this city! These people! You've done them enough harm!"

The pair laughed, their laughter grating at her soul like sandpaper on her skin.

"It's the way of the world, little missie!" declared the Bull Shark fishwoman, twice Koala's size. "The conqueror takes, and the vanquished take it! Or else they die!"

She charged, thundering across the blood-slicked cobbles.

"Iggy! Go!" Bertha roared as she closed. "Blow the gasworks sky high! I wanna bonfire to roast some meat!"

Koala's blood ran cold, but the massive Bertha was upon her. Her fist came down, slamming a crater the size of a cart in the cobbles. Koala leapt back, narrowing avoiding the flying cobbles; each one big enough to brain her.

"One bonfire!" Ignatius leered. "Comin' right up! Weeesisisisisisi~!" He laughed as he bolted for the now-open gate.

Bertha struck again, slamming her fist down. Koala tried to leap back, but the shockwave caught her, throwing her to the ground. She hit the cobbles hard, her head ringing from the impact.

She lay there, trying to master herself. She could hear Bertha approaching, her footsteps thumping on the cratered street. She had to do something! To take Bertha down quickly so she could go after Ignatius! But how? She was a Bull Shark fishwoman, and Koala had spent enough years among her kind to know what she was capable of. The fact she also clearly knew Fishman Karate to some extent only made things worse.

She looked up at the bright blue sky, praying for a miracle. She could see the stone wall of the gasworks, and the towers just beyond it.

The towers. If she remembered right, they contained gas; ready to be pumped through the underground pipes. One good hit on just one of them, and the whole place would go up like a ship's magazine after a direct hit.

Except…the towers didn't all contain gas. Some contained water too; water for cooling, and for fire control.

Yes, that one. That one right next to the wall. That was a water tower, she was sure of it!

Except she wasn't. She knew next to nothing about such things, and neither did Sabo. Could she be sure that it was really a water tower? What if she got it wrong?

Bertha entered her field of vision, like the Moon eclipsing the Sun. She was out of time.

"I'm gonna filet you like a tuna," growled Bertha, with undisguised relish. "Then I'll serve you up for sashimi."

Koala leapt, soaring up past a surprised Bertha, and up into the air. As she somersaulted, she saw the tower, and flung out her arms, aiming herself onto the wall in just the right place. She landed, and glared down at Bertha. In the corner of her eye she could see Ignatius stop by the nearby stairwell, staring up at her in amazement.

"You'll have to catch me first!" she sneered. "Take your best shot, if you think you can hit me!"

"Oh yeah?" Bertha drew back her blackened fist. "You're in the mood for punishment, missie! Senmaigawara Seiken!"

Koala jumped, the heavy shockwave flashing below her feet, and straight into the tower. The tower crumpled, and water gushed out in a mighty wave. The water hit Koala, throwing her down onto the street. She flipped as she fell, just managing to land on her feet. As she looked up, water was thundering through the broken gates, washing around Bertha like waves on a reef.

"Arrrghhhglbglbglbglb!" shrieked Ignatius, as the wave carried him out and deposited him on the wet cobbles. "What're you trying to do!? Drown me too Bertha!?"

Bertha ignored him. She strode towards Koala, eyes fixed on her.

"Well that was kinda dumb, attacking a Fishman with water," she said sourly. "Would you like to be sashimi, or tekkadon? No matter, I'll have a taste first!" Bertha roared and charged, maw open and full of razor sharp teeth, blackened by Haki.

But Koala grinned. She had what she needed. She leapt, twisting as she dodged the Bull Shark woman's bite and thrust her own Haki enforced palm straight at Bertha's head, fingers wide.

"Samehada Shotei!"

Her palm struck, and Bertha was flung backwards into the wall surrounding the factory in a crash and a cry of surprise and pain. Ignatius scrambled out of the way as she fell, so hard that she cratered the already-ruined street. Around them, the buildings shook. Even his stair rail he was trying to climb up again crumbled and broke down, whether due to the blow or how old and rickety it looked, he landed back on the ground, hand on his scythe.

"What the…!?" Ignatius stared at Koala in bewildered horror as she landed. "How can you do Fishman Karate!? You're human!"

"Rrrrgghghgh!" growled Bertha, rising to her feet, glowering with fury, both at being hit and her people's techniques being used by a human.

Koala focussed, and rushed forward, her feet stomping hard on the ground sending the water airborne. With one final stomp, she jumped up, a large amount springing up near Bertha's face. With a snap, her foot shot upward, the water seemingly coating her foot right as it made contact with Bertha's chin.

"Kachiage Haisoku!"

The blow stuck, Bertha's head snapping upwards with a thunderous crack, blood and teeth flying out of her mouth before she toppled backwards, crashing down into her crater. Koala landed nearby, dropping into the proper stance of a Fishman Karate user, the stance she had first learned when she was just a child.

"I have a good teacher," she replied with a smirk; as Bertha began to rise, glaring murderously at her as her teeth grew back in an instant.

(X)

Ignatius could not believe what he was seeing.

That prissy little girl had just laid out Bertha. And not just that; she had done it with Fishman Karate!

No wonder Bertha was angry. Fishman Karate was her people's heritage, a martial art they had developed themselves, and which only they had ever mastered. No outsider was supposed to be capable of learning it, let alone mastering it.

Yet there it was. And now Bertha would do nothing else until that girl was fried fish. Her pride as a fishwoman would not let her do otherwise. As for Helmet, he was still fighting that blonde fellow with the pipe.

So that just left him. Him alone. His Captains were tied up fighting in the palace, his fellow officers were busy with these two troublemakers, and the crew was back there, fighting the guards and police.

Him, alone.

He shook his head, focussing. The gasworks were wide open, and he knew what he could do with it. Turn the right wheels the right ways, and the city would be an inferno. He just needed to…

A booted foot caught him on the chin. He flew, crying out, through the open gateway, across the stone pavement, and straight into something wooden. The wood disintegrated into a shower of splinters, and finally he stopped, something black and heavy falling all around him.

He drew a breath, and coughed and spluttered, as his nose and mouth filled with coal dust. He staggered forward, and collapsed onto the ground; which turned out to be a railway track. He looked around, and saw a series of railway tracks laid out all around him. Directly behind him was a train of coal wagons; the wagons blasted apart, the coal spread all around.

And he was covered in it! His clothes, his fur, all black with coal dust! Someone was going to pay for this!

And he wouldn't have to look far. A young woman was striding slowly towards him, stepping over the railway tracks. She was wearing a Marine uniform, and carrying a cutlass, her hair black in twin tails and around her neck was a spiked choker. He had seen her before somewhere…not long ago.

"Gnnngh…who…the hell are you!?" he spluttered, his spittle coming out black.

The woman moved, and Ignatius moved in reflex, bringing up his scythe to parry her cutlass.

"I'm a Londinium lass, you vicious little bastard!" snarled the woman. "Here for my country, and my King…and my comrades, down in Adlerport!"

So it was her. The one who'd escaped.

"The ones you left to die!? Ha! Coward!" sneered Ignatius. He jumped back, coal dust flying everywhere. Ensign Doll charged at him, cutlass brandished high. Ignatius snarled, as he charged his scythe blade with Haki, and swung it at her narrow waist. Doll dodged, landing to his right. Ignatius swung the scythe around, slashing for her throat. He would take her head there and…!"

Then his scythe stopped with a clang. Ignatius blinked, and realized that her cutlass was parrying his scythe, its blade shimmering black with Haki, just like his own. She dropped back.

"I did my duty," retorted Doll, her eyes hard. "And now I'll finish it. Pirate scum."

Ignatius snarled, and shook his scythe, licking the blade underneath him. The taste of metal always got him riled up.

"And I'll finish you off when I cleave ya like a tree, government bitch."

And they charged, and they swung their weapons. The blades met, ringing like the judgment bell; their impact sending a gust of wind washing over them, blowing the coal dust off Ignatius.

Their eyes met. And their eyes glared.

(X)

Izuku crouched behind the semi-ruined planter, breathing hard.

"Done already, are we?" Handsome's chortling voice echoed around the room. "And there was me thinking you were a strong one! A strong mouth, maybe!"

Izuku shivered, forcing his heart to slow and his mind to clear. This battle had dragged on a long time, longer than he'd intended. He had no idea what had become of Yamato, or of what was going on outside, or even if Bach and Lawson had made it out safely. He was alone in this place, with only his strength, and his plan.

"But I can tell. There's a reason you've been resorting to these cheap tricks!" Handsome fired off a train car sized punch of salt in one direction, blasting the entire wall down. "You don't know Haki! Do you!"

He could hear Handsome moving around, searching for him. He had to lure the pirate in closer, to just the right spot. Then this might just work.

Slowly, fearfully, Izuku glanced up over the planter. He could see Handsome stalking along, a psychotic grin plastered over his face.

Izuku glanced around again, checking the remaining vases and hanging baskets, reminding himself of their locations. He needed Handsome just a little to the left.

He eased out a Black Whip tendril, sliding it carefully along the floor, just out of Handsome's sight. As it reached the right spot, he tapped it lightly against a piece of wreckage, then deactivated the quirk. Handsome's head snapped round, his mad eyes fixing on the source of the sound. Slowly, so slowly, he crept closer.

Izuku's heart was hammering. He would get one shot at this.

"Where are you hiding, little green man?" sang Handsome mockingly. "Come out now, and I'll mummify you after you're dead!"

Izuku gritted his teeth. He could hear his heart hammering in his ears.

He unleashed Black Whip. The tendrils shot out, flying through the air all around him. Handsome froze at the sound, but too late; as the tendrils struck the hanging baskets and grabbed at the vases. Izuku yanked the tendrils in, all at once; the baskets tipping over and the vases flying inward. Water poured down from the baskets, splashing all over the unsuspecting Handsome. The pirate screamed in pain, but there was worse to come, as the vases shattered against him, dumping more water all over his stricken form.

Izuku leapt up. Handsome was staggering, roaring in agony, his form sagging and glooping as if he was melting. Izuku leapt over the planter and charged, drawing back his fist. He had to…!

Handsome screamed as he saw him, and swung his rapidly expanding arm and tightening the salt as much as he could.

"ROCK SALT!" He yelled as he unleashed a frantic swipe with his hardened arm. Izuku tried to dodge, but he was too close. The arm hit him, knocking him sideways, sending him into the wall with a crash.

Izuku tried to get up. But there was something on his face, something cold and sludgy. He tried to wipe it off, but it clenched tight. He could feel it moving, trying to force his way into his mouth, his nose, his ears. Panic overwhelmed him, as he clawed and dragged at the mush, struggling to get it off.

'Froppy Style!' And with a thought, Black Whip exited his mouth and expunged all the salt off his face.

Finally he uncovered his eyes. He opened them, and saw Handsome rising up; a great mass of white mush, turning slowly to face him, a glowering face taking form atop it. Yellow ringed eyes boring down with all the hatred and malice Izuku has only seen with Tomura and Dabi.

"I take that back," hissed the monstrosity as he breathed hard, his skin inflamed and his voice verberating as he looked half melted, some parts of him human, others white slush, even half his face. "I'm going to kill you, slowly. I'm going to force my salt into your body. I'll force it into your stomach to poison you, into your lungs to choke you, into your blood to dry you out, little by little." He grit his teeth, barring them at Izuku as he marched towards him, regaining more of his human form. "And when I finally get bored of your suffering, I'll force some into your ears, reach it up into that empty head of yours and mummify what's left of your brain you fucking shitstain."

Izuku knelt on the ruined floor, breathing like a jackhammer. It hadn't been enough. All that water, and it hadn't been enough. Handsome was weakened, sluggish even. His skin looked like someone had thrown boiling grease on it. But he still wasn't down.

That left only one possibility. One small chance.

Izuku stood up, and readied himself to strike. This would take a lot of doing, and Handsome only needed to get him once. But the pirate was weakened, at least. He had a chance.

Handsome slithered towards him, teeth bared. Izuku opened the gates within, letting his power rise. He had been hovering around 45%.

Now to take it up a notch.

'One for All… 50%!'

He paused a few moments, letting Handsome draw closer, and then punched upward; a blast of compressed air slamming into the ceiling above and opening it, shattering it as debris fell around them. Massive gusts of wind broke out, the pirate standing his ground as massive air bullets slammed the ceiling and broke through like missiles.

"Uh…what was that?" scoffed Handsome, looking at him as if he had his underwear on his head. "Can't you even aim, little…!"

Then his eyes widened, and he moved; his body turning into white powder and sloshing away, as stone and glass rained down upon him. Izuku punched again, and again, pummeling the already damaged ceiling. Above him, glass panes shattered, stone arches crumbled, and metal struts bent and broke free. Down the wreckage tumbled, falling into the atrium in a terrible rain. Down and down it came, tearing through the trees and shrubs, showing the flowers and orchids in dust, bouncing and clattering on the cratered floor. All at once the rumble became a roar, and Izuku continued to punch, even the debris that was about to come down into him being blasted away by the forces of his air punches, before long, the entire roof came crashing down.

And then it was over.

Izuku looked around, mouth clenched shut against the choking dust. There was no sign of Handsome. Had he…?

Then a rumble, and a white shape emerged from under the wreckage; like a bowl of mochi come hideously to life.

"Not bad, not bad," mused Handsome. "But sadly for you, not good enough."

Izuku glanced upward. The ceiling was gone, and above him was a bright blue sky.

A bright blue sky, with white clouds slowly gathering. A little slowly. But they were gathering.

Perfect.

"You're right," he replied, smirking in spite of himself, green eyes staring defiantly towards the yellow eyed pirate, his fist glowing with a red tinge.

"It's not good enough. Not just yet."

 

[Rekka]

Holy sh- I honestly forgot this was on this site lol

Great work, though I read it all ages ago on SB.

 

[Zaru]

Holy sh- I honestly forgot this was on this site lol

Great work, though I read it all ages ago on SB.

Click to shrink...

Of course. Just keeping a log on here when I have the chance. Never know if SB may conk out