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Merlin's eyes them locked into Yoren's sword. " My dream takes a back seat to my Captain's but, it's to gather the seven treasures of nobunaga. That includes the one on your side there."
 
Merlin's eyes them locked into Yoren's sword. " My dream takes a back seat to my Captain's but, it's to gather the seven treasures of nobunaga. That includes the one on your side there."
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“That’s not a bad dream at all, considering it will force you to grow stronger. But why does your dream take a backseat?” Yōren questioned, trying to bring the answer out of him. “You see my dream is to uncover the world’s history and it doesn’t take a backseat because my captains goal to unite the world. While we travel the world, I get to uncover more and more history, win-win situation.” He continued on, trying to explain it as simple as possible. “You want to gather the seven treasures, but before that Leo’s dream comes before yours? Why is that?”
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"I didn't mean I had no ambition for my dream. As we travel the seas find people with those swords then I'll challenge them and do my best to gain them. But..." Merlin paused before taking a deep breath. "If it ever came down between me gaining the last of the seven treasures or saving Leo and his dream, then I'll happily say goodbye to that seventh sword." He then clenched his fist, "Because for me, Leo and his dream will come first. Just like I know he truly believes in my own dream."
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Youren's eyes lit up, as he was truly surprised by such familiar words. He turned away from Merlin, starting to stare out into the vast sea. "Those words certainly take me back...back to my newbie days..." Youren mumbled to himself, as his eyes returned to a green shade.
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<center>''(Flashback Start)''</center>
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== Back in Them Days==
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A large wave crashed against the large ship, causing it to sway and back and forth. The fresh sea air coupled with the seasalt smell, the young [[Libertà Pirates]] were seen gathered aboard. The crew had recently began recruiting newer and newer members, aiming to grow now that Dante had set his eyes on becoming a uniter of all races. A young man if tan skin, pure untouched snow white hair, golden amber eyes, it was the future Yonko, [[Esposito Dante]].
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"Well Yoren, I hope you do like traveling with us bud!" Dante said with a very cheerful, uplifting voice. "I haven't ever even heard of Frost Giants. You guys are so cool." his eyes the widened and let out an embarrassed chuckled, "haha not pun intended bud!" He then looked over to Yoren, "I mean it's awesome you guys can shrink and turn more human like but when you get all cold again you become a giant! So awesome!"
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“Frost Giant anatomy is indeed interesting, but it’s nothing compared to yours. I mean you’ve consumed a devil fruit, so I believe this makes you even more awesome than myself.” Yōren said, keeping a very monotonous tone. “And to answer you question, yes. I’ve wanted to travel for a long time, but I’ve been stuck on everyone’s favorite glacier.” He joked, as the ship rode over a large wave. This caused Yōren to stumble into a bucket of water, in which he began to fall backwards.
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"Hahahaha! Now now, can't have you falling off the ship." Dante said as vines from his arm and rapped around Yoren's forearm, pulling him up before hitting the floor.
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"Well thanks." Youren said, fixating himself back into balance. A little embarrassed, he "So Dan-, Boss, why did you become a pirate? It seems like you have a dream your trying to achieve and I have one myself. Every crew member seems to have their own dreams as well, so why do they cast their dreams away to follow yours?"
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Dante looks upward, placing his hand on his chin, seemingly deep in thought. "Hm, well to start, my dream is what most call a "fool's goal" or an impossible task, but I want to build a country or hell even a world, where the idea of racism, the concept of hate, all have been eradicated." He said on a more mature voice than he's known for, almost as though the one speaking was a sage. "Where a human can have lunch with minks, or do business with Fishman without there being any stigma. A life where the strong protect the weak, and the weak can live, thrive, in return making the strong proud and happy. I aim to revolutionize the world in the image I see. To do so, I needed to become strong and only grow stronger."
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He then paused before catching the glimpse of a passing cloud, you are correct too. You said that those here cast their dreams aside for my own, which I never ask them to do. But you were also wrong. That is only some who do, but there are others who have their own dreams who lend me their strength, and in return I do the same for them. I back them and support their dreams any way I can."
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Dante then smiled as the cloud had completely past him, "I couldn't tell you why people do what they do, all I can say is this. "You have a goal, aim for it. Lend me your strength and I shall lend you mine. Let's see this world, let's change this world." It's something I always remember when times get hard." Then with a soft chuckle he placed his hands in his pockets, "I don't know why people follow me, but i will be eternally grateful that they do. I hope to not fail them, or you. If you have your dream, then help me and I'll help you. Let's reach our dreams Yoren."
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Absolutely infatuated with Dante, Yōren could do nothing but stare directly at his snow haired captain. Despite being much older than him, Yōren had completely acknowledged Dante as his elder, his superior, his phenomenal Captain. “Yes, let’s achieve our dreams together.” Yōren said with pride, as he reached his right hand out to initiate a ritual that humans used to show mutual respect and affection. It would be the first time Yōren participated in this ritual, humans call a handshake and he wanted to be with his Captain.
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Dante shook his hand, smiling, "I'm glad to have you onboard Yoren! Let's see the world and save it! Let's find a home and find all the answers there are." Dante chuckles happily, truly at peace with his crew and friends.
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<center>''(Flashback End)''</center>
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A single tear would form, then fall from the left eye of Yōren. Despite being completely disgusted by even the thought of expressing his emotions in public, he couldn't hold back the memories that young Merlin had unlocked inside of him. Gripping his shirt collar with the weight of the world, Yōren turned his body so that his back faced Merlin. "Tsk...I can't believe the fact that I see so much of myself in a ignorant brat such as yourself. I'm pathetic.." Yōren complained, trying his best to express his emotions in the only way he knew how. Taking in a deep breath to calm himself, the frost giant turned back to face Merlin who had eyes ignited with flames like the sun. "Listen here bo-, Merlin..you keep that attitude and you keep fighting for your dreams and they'll fight for you." Yōren proclaimed, reaching out his hand to assist the blonde boy onto the ship.
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==Epilogue==
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On the back of the massive island Lion Turtle that swam by breaking through countless waves were hundreds of pirates. But far off on the other side of the Beast's back was a shirtless [[Elio Leonardo]] who was doing a one handed handstand on the top of a tree, his eyes closed, breathing in complete calm. His mind was in a complete blank state, before the images of his friend, his crew, slowly began to emerge.
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"''Sofia...Tesla...Jo...Charmy...Tsuki...Merlin...Mari...I hope you're all safe...I promise we'll be together soon.''" he then smiled before opening his eyes, shivers going down his back, detecting the aura approaching him. He then leapt off the tree, only just barely managing to dodge the attack! A raging wave of "water" appeared and attacked him! This water was odd, not looking like standard water but instead more like oil paint. Though just the same they tore through the tree he was meditating on.
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"Hey dumbass," a rude and annoyed voice was heard coming from the floor. A young woman with intricate hair and welding a giant paint brush called for Leo. "I've got some news for ya, so fly down here already!" [[Ātisuto Naoko|Naoko]] yelled from below.
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"Oh! Nani-Onee San!" Leo exclaimed when he saw the young lady, flying down and giggled. "What's up Onee-san? You wanna have another sparring session? You're devil fruit always makes these fights super fun! So we gonna spar? Huh? Or do you have a new lesson for me? Huh? Huh?" Leo spoke excitedly like a puppy when their master brought them a new toy.
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"First of all, I have sparred with you as have a lot of us, everyday for the last two months you've been traveling with us, so no. Secondly we just got a call from Yoren, it appears that they're not too far off and should be arriving shortly. So your crew will be here soon enough."
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"Really!?!" Leo jumped with joy, releasing balls of fire that shoot out and erupt in fireworks from his body as he smiled! "It's been, it's been so long!" He then hugged Naoko and pressed his face again hers.
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"Okay, okay I get it you're excited. Just go to the west side of Tuga's back, that should be where they're docking when they arrive."
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"Yes ma'am Onee-san!" Leo said before taking off running at top speed! He ran from across the island turtle's back with pure heart pounding excitement.
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"''That dumbass…''" Naoko thought to herself as the image of her many battles with Leonardo filled her mind. "''He trained against myself, Hayato, Tierra, and Masaku along with challenging to master Charon and Mistress Cielo though he couldn't defeat them. Along with his haki training with the King himself along with Kai…''" she then began to blush, clenching her hand to her chest, "''That dumbass...he's so stupid but yet he's strong and genuinely kind. The king himself acknowledges him as much as I wish he would acknowledge me.''" She then took her leave and headed back to the village in the center.
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A few hours later at the west port the ship finally came to dock. When they did Leo ran to the front of the line as he awaited for his crew to disembark from the ship. One by one members of the Liberta pirates come walking down which only makes Leo more excited and much more anxious about seeing her crew once again after so long.
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Though suddenly it felt as if time itself came to pause. The sound of waves vanished, the smell of sea water, the taste of it in the air, the sensation of the ocean breeze disappeared, it all happened after her head the gentle footsteps coming down, his eyes landing on the emerald haired pirate princess…
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"Mari…" he managed to say, his eyes widened in pure disbelief. Every fiber of his being was paralyzed at the sight of the young pirate. His heart pounding as though his chest were to pop open.
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"Leo…" she said before tilting her head, giving him a gentle smile with her warm eyes fixated on her captain. Everything around her vanished and the world came to a halt. For the two this moment felt ever lasting. A huge relief and and end to their worries for one another. While it had only been a few months, for then everyday without knowing the status of one another felt like an eternity. With each step Mari took, the harder he could feel his heart beat, his hand extended out but before he could take her hand she leapt up leading for him to catch her, holding her hips and she wrapped her legs around his waist. She gently places her hands on his chest and shoulder, the both of them having their eyes locked onto one another's.
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Before either could speak neither could help what came next, it was instinctive, it was like both felt completely compelled to lean into one another's faces before the two finally shared a gentle, passionate, love filled kiss.
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As their lips pulled away the duo were tackled by all the remaining members of the crew! "Captaaaaiiiin!!!" They all yelled as they hugged him tightly and happily. The only one missing was Merlin who watched on, glad his captain is much better. This was the turning point for them, cries the first time in months, the [[Inferno Pirates]] have been United.
 
[[Category:Felosr231]]
 
[[Category:Felosr231]]
 
[[Category:Majin Khi]]
 
[[Category:Majin Khi]]

Latest revision as of 22:59, 21 September 2021

Frost Versus Flowers
Date Started: June 30th, 2021

Date Finished: , 2021

Setting: ???
Characters Involved:

Inferno Pirates

Libertà Pirates


Synopsis: ???
Participants
Felosr231MajinKhi

Hidden

The sun was seen shining down on the love and lively island of Kyuka Island. Everyone was seen kicking back, relaxing, or just shopping, walking with their company. The island was open to all of the general public, those who could afford it can be nobles, wealthy families, Marines, even pirates so long as they didnt cause any trouble and could afford it. On the island, a duo was seen. A blonde haired young man wearing beach styled clothes such as floral shirt and white shorts, sun glasses and cap walking beside an emerald haired young lady wearing a beautiful white summer dress with sunglasses and hat to match.

"It's been two months now huh?" the young Mari asked as she looked forward, not breaking her appearance to keep herself blend in. Behind her glasses, Mari's eyes were filled with worry, all she could think about as of late was her captain, Elio Leonardo.

"Just about..." Merlin replied, adjusting his shoulder, carrying his beloved Ochiru Sakura wrapped in a beach blanket. "Knowing that idiot, he's probably fighting the toughest guys in the prison...only to get his face kicked in." He said with a soft sigh and a chuckle to couple with it. He then looked over toward Mari for a reaction.

She didn't reply, keep her eyes focused ahead, with only the slightest quiver to her lip. "it's not funny..." She said under his breath. "He could be really hurt, you know his appetite, he'll starve. The idiot will be picking fight after fight, even get beaten down by the guards on a daily basis."

"Yeah true...but that's why we follow him right? Or at least, that's why one or two follow him." Merlin smugly says while looking at Mari with a cocky voice. "Some follow him for, "other" reasons."

Mari then looked, blushing.

"It's alright." Merlin jests while placing his hand on her head, "You'll see your kitty cat real soon." He chuckles before being slapped by the princesses swift left hand.

"Just focus. We need to figure out how to help him, we have to get him out of there. I mean its that or give up, in all honesty, none of us here really have anywhere to go. He came into our lives a shook us, he shook us wide awake, taught us the world we lived in could never be as bright as it is now. He made the ship feel like a home, warmer than any home any of us ever knew before. Leo never took a moment for grantiid, he always made me feel, like i want to be better by just being here." Her eyes the widen and looked away again.

With a sly smirk Merlin replied, "He's Leo, Mari. Not even an admiral could kill him, the little idiot has enough luck he could win the lottery ten times back to back. We'll get him back, we'll see every island this world has to offer, we'll make sure he realizes his dream."


“Sir we’re arriving at Kyuka Island soon!” A crew member stationed within the crow’s nest, yelled down towards a man nearly 10 ft in height.

“I wonder how many bones you’d break if you fell..” He yelled back up them.

“Sir that’s gross!” The lookout replied.

”Oh yes you’re right! My apologies! Good job!” The man replied, before turning over to face his flame haired subordinate. “Remember to actually bring your sword with you, and not on the ship. Although depending on the strength and intelligence of these rookies, your assistance might be unnecessary.” He continued on, already underestimating those he was sent to collect. “I wonder indeed.”

"Hey you can't tell me what to do. You're no my supervisor." The flam haired, Hayato declared as he took a pause mid speech. "...aw crap you are! Sorry Yoren! Hiyayayaya!" He laughed as he just remembered that he was following the orders of one of Angeli e Demoni of the yonko crew, the Libertà Pirates. "I never forget my sw- okay okay i wont lie. I promise i wont this time...maybe...possibly...i hope."

”Yare yare…” Yōren said as he face palmed. “You are too clueless my friend. What if you get sliced up and served as dinner to cannibals, because you were unable to fight with your sword!”

"What kind of logic is that? Are we going against the Bloodbeard Pirates?...Cause that would be wild." Hayato said as he genuinely forgot about where the pirates were actually headed.

“No no, it’s the rookie crew. Umm..Inferno Pirates! Although I’m not exactly sure why myself ahahaha…” Yōren said as he burst out into nervous laughter.

"...That is not an assuring laugh...But okay! Hiyayayai!" Hayato replied with his own laugh and reached to his side only to realize his sword was not there. "Well so much for that." he then scurries off to go look for his sword.

Yōren began chuckle as he watched Hayato run off to locate his blade. “He reminds of him.” He thought to himself, before a loud voice began to shout towards him. Slightly irritated by the interruption of thought, Yōren looked back up the crow’s nest of the ship.

“What is it?” Yōren said, an unamused expression on his sculpted face.

“WE’VE ARRIVED AT KYUKA ISLAND SIR!” The lookout repeated.

“Ah, finally. One of you go fetch Hayato…I’m scared he might have dived into the water and drowned. Or possibly mauled by a sea king and given to its children for a chewy snack.” Yōren said with a flat tone.

“STOP SAYING SCARY STUFF!” Several crew members yelled in unison, grossed out by Yōren’s sick humor.


Meanwhile back on the island, the entirety of the Inferno Pirates were seen in a single room. Each of the members are in summer or vacation theme clothing, watching as Merlin walks into the room.

"So I made the call, there was no answer this time either. Since I called Lucio two weeks ago and explained Leo's situation he hasn't called or answered one of our calls since then." Merlin began, "All he said was "Don't worry, we'll handle it." and I don't know about you but I don't trust that billy goat. So if he can't help us, then...we'll do it ourselves. We'll bust out Leo from Impel Down ourselves."

"Maybe you should calm down, you're already sounding like the idiot himself." Mari adds to Merlin's speech. "You realize the prison is both underwater, filled with guards, in the calm belt, surrounded by a giant wall, ten Marine battleships all around it. All while it's in the middle of the calm belt."

"Well, quoting our captain, "it's time to set the world on fire and make our own path!" Or something among those grounds." Merlin said as he picked up his sword in it's scabbard. "He'd do the same for any of us. If Lucio and whoever he works for won't help, we'll do it ourselves."

"Fuck it." Tesla said as he got up to his feet and grabbed his bag. "I do have that special "pill" which is said to help me get stronger. I'll do anything to get the captain back, so let's get our idiot."

Then from out of nowhere Tsuki appears behind Merlin. "He's right, the captain would do this for any one of us without hesitation." She softly says.

One by one the entire crew stood to their feet and smiled. "Let's do this!!!" They chanted in excitement, leaving their room and charging toward their ship.

"BBBBOOOOMMMMMM WWWWWWOOOOOSSSSSSHHHHH, CRACKLE CRACKLE POP!!!!!"

A large explosion could be heard from the direction of the Inferno Pirates ship, as a large mushroom cloud of flames of smoke propelled into the air. Planks of wood and steel bolts could be seen flying in every direction, crashing into the nearby buildings.

Mari and Merlin both fell to their knees at the sight of the explosion. Their hearts sank in as they watched their home, the ship they've spent their time on, engulf into flames.

"BASTAAAAAARRRRRRRD!!!!!!" Both Merlin and Tesla yelled together. "Who did that!?" They yelled looking around before seeing the ship that belonged to the frost giant.

"Good shot, that pitiful marine ship was making my eyes rot." Yōren said as he stepped onto the Island's port. "Hayato, get your ass off the ship and help me search for these rookies."

Dawn

Hayato ran at full speed but quickly tripped, letting go of his sword from his hands. It flew through the air and it landed next to Yoren. "Whoops! My bad! Hiyayaya! Hope it didn't cut anyone." He then got up and looked around for his blade.

"Your truly hopeless." Yōren sighed as he looked down at his feet before picking up Hayato's blade. "YO MEN, LET'S GO!" He yelled, waving Hayato's blade towards the ship, with Yōren's fully sized footprint painted onto the sails.

"Let's get going guys!" Hayato yelled as he grabbed his sword happily. He cheered on, placing his sword in it's scabbard. "Where should we go looking first for these "inferno pirates"? Also any word on how we even located them to begin with? I heard they contacted the crew somehow."

"Yes, that goat faced bastard Lucio told me they were located somewhere on this Island. He didn't tell me where exactly like the asshole he is so we must do our searching blindly." Yōren replied, before he reached to his left hip. He would re adjust the Yukion'na No Kisu, one of the 50 Skillful Grade Swords that the legendary Akiko Nobunaga crafted himself. "It's about time I put the treasure of Jotunheim back to use, and these rookies will help with that....As long as they come quietly." He continued as he scratched the back of his head, like he had forgotten something. "Umm, Hayato why were we bringing to rookies to Dante again?"

"Hmm...." Hayato thought outloud as he scratched the back of his head. "I mean really I only came here by your orders. You never really told me. You just said that were gonna go bring in a bunch of rookies for the king. So who knows." Hayato then shrugged his shoulders and cracked his neck. "Let's just find them."

"Hmm fair enough, if he wants it done then we shouldn't question it." Yōren said, as he began to walk towards the remains of the marine ship they destroyed.

A whip, a chainsaw's chain flew out and made a lime directly Infront of them. Tesla was seen standing ahead, his eyes locked into the rest. "You bastards...you...yoi blew up our ship damn it." Chains enveloped his entire torso, standing his ground.

"whoever you lot are, I don't care what sins you have, I don't care what mistakes you've made, your lives will now come to an end." Merlin said, grasping onto his scabbard, ready to step in. "Don't bother asking for mercy, your ship and weapons will now belong to us."

"Sir, those are the rookies were supposed to capture!" A crew member whispered into the ear of Yōren.

"That's just perfect, it looks like they've found us instead. This makes things a lot easier!" Yōren said, as he laid his eyes on the blonde hair man.

"Whoever you are, be ready to fall." Merlin announced as he drew his sword from it's scabbard, locking eyes with Yoren. "his scabbard is similar to my own..." he thought to himself, before taking a more defensive stance. "You long haired looking fuck."

Yōren's demeanor had changed, he no longer had a warm expression on his face. He had donned his usual cold attitude like the true Frost Giant that he was, as he slowly opened his mouth as a cloud a condensation slipped out. "Awfully bold words coming from someone with a pathetic bounty of one-hundred fifty million. You reek of not only ignorance, but arrogance! How dare you call yourself a pirate! You are nothing more than a child that has placed himself under the banner of piracy! Dumb blonde.." Yōren said as his green eyes slowly faded to a red of crimson shade. "Hayato, find the others. I will like to personally teach these two a lesson." He demanded, as the surrounding atmosphere became frigid.

Many of the lower ranked Liberta Pirates crew members flinched, as they began shiver and noses had began to run. They knew how angry Yōren had to be if he actually wanted to engage in combat. "Cold Soul" had finally made his entrance.

"Yes sir!" Hayato yelled as he lead the rest of the group, "let's go guys! Round up the rest!" with the forces then leaving the battle, headed away from such forces.

Tesla began the bout as he sed his legs to the ground, his legs wrapped with bladed chains, they moved quickly. He moved through the ground quickly, closing the distance and leapt up into the air, then through out a kick, shooting three wheel saw blades aimed at Yoren!

Yōren would raise his left hand, to face the saw blades heading towards his direction. A shock wave would radiate from his palm, as it soon met with the blades. The sheer magnitude of the shock wave would easily shatter the blades into shards.

Merlin appears from behind the shattered blades! He drew his blade and brought his sword in a large downward strike! "You left your guard down!" He announced, aiming directly at Yoren's head!

Without even turning his head to face Merlin, Yōren had caught the blade with his left index and middle fingers. “What is your name swordsman?” He asked, as he finally turned his head to examine the blade between his fingers. “And how did you get ahold of the legendary Ochiru Sakura?”

Merlin's eyes widened, "he knows my sword's name!? How?!?" Merlin then kicked himself away from Yoren! "well it's been a while since someone knows my blade's name. But seeing that in your possession, could it also be, one of the seven treasures?"

“Yes you’re correct young one, on my hip rest another of the seven treasures. Yukion'na No Kisu.” Yōren revealed, as his crimson eyes locked with with Merlins. “It happens to be the treasure of my home kingdom, and I usually wouldn’t fight someone below my own skill with it.” He explained as he inhaled deeply, exhaling before he continued to speak. “I will make an exception since your also wield one of the seven treasures.”

Yōren would unsheath his blade with his right hand, revealing a beautifully crafted blade. An obvious drop in temperature could be found, as the ground and sea slowly frosted.


All the meanwhile Mari was seen running through the city with the rest of the crew acting as guards around her. "The things we do to try to get back to this idiot." She complained before leaving off of one roof to the next! "Though...I do hope he's okay."

"You know better than any of us." Tsuchi mentions as she ran by Mari's right side. "Leo isn't the type to just take things lying down, I'm sure he's more than fine. Well... While being locked away of course."

"Heads up." Nakahara Sofia gives the heads up before she stops at Mari's left side, coated her trident with a thick layer of haki! She then lunged backward, using her trident to clash and catch a suddenly appearing foe! "Heh, been a while pal." She said smirk cockily.

"It really has been, Sofie." Hayato says as looks down at her. "So it's true, you left the Incubi Pirates only to join Inferno huh? Wonder if you're still as strong as you were when at Eterna."

"Only one way to find out." Sofia said before the two began to rapidly clash with each other, again and again! Sending sparks flying all over the air! The constant sound of metal clashing against metal, neither of the two willing to step back. Sofia lunged forward only to have Hayato to bend back to dodge that attack, which lead to him kicking the trident to her side and charge forward! Sofia then slammed a forehead against his own!


Merlin's eyes were fixated at the the sword wielded by his current foe. He examined every inch of the blade, the guard, the hilt, even the scabbard. "If that is one of the seven treasures, I would like to see it's ability." Merlin then got into a crouching position before taking off charging at him. "single Sword style!: Death thrust!" He then right in front of Yoren thrusted forward! He aimed his attack upward at Yoren's chest!

Yōren would take complete advantage of Merlin’s strike, angling blade in a diagonal position to parry the incoming attack. As Merlin’ s sword came into contact with his own, it was deflected when Yōren adjusted his sword positioning, almost if it had been thrown onto a trampoline. “I can always put you back together, so why not dismantle you. I’ve studied medicine and surgeries while researching our world’s history. Very cool stuff.” He expressed before thrusting his own blade into the direction of Merlin’s right deltopectoral triangle, in hopes of damaging his cephalic nerve.

Merlin let go of his sword the moment it was deflected, he then quickly rolled out of harm's way to dodge the oncoming attack. "the way he blocked, parried, and attacked all in one motion!" Merlin thought to himself, "He's as strong as Miyamoto!!" he recognized this strength again, the same shiver went down his spine as whenever he fought his "master". "Not too bad," he secretly scoops up some dirt into his hands before dashing toward his sword!

"Your going create a cloud of dust with the dirt you've collected in your hand in an attempt to put my vision at a halt. While you think I was blinded, you would run for your sword only to be stopped by the placement of my foot on your wrist." Yōren explained, as the situation he had describe came to be fact.

"H-how!?!" Merlin thought in a panic, "how did you know!?"

"Leave Merlin alone you weird looking jerk!" Tesla yelled out as he swung a bladed jagged chain at Yoren! "Saw Chain!" he announced the name of his attack as he aimed at Yoren's arm!

Dropping his scabbard, Yōren would trade his blade his blade to his left hand. The blade’s met, creating an array of sparks as they sung their infamous screech. “Tsk, I forgot I needed to get a new bounty picture…I shouldn’t have let the crew kill all of the marines..” He thought to himself, paying no mental attention to Tesla as he had raveled himself up in his own thoughts. “That’s a shame. Oh! Hello there my friend, when did you get so close?” Yōren questioned, as if he had no clue of his prior actions.

"Don't look down on us!" Merlin yelled as he leapt forward now with his sword at band, releasing a small wave of sharp Sakura petals! "Sakura Swordstyle!: New Day!" he then charged with a sword coming from a lower left attack. The petals followed his blade and aimed at Yoren.

Yōren’s left leg would fade to a deep black, signaling the activation of his Busoshoku Haki. In a swift movement, he stopped the Merlin’s momentum as his blade had been caught in between the crevice of his boots bottom. “Your blade is strong, but my Haki is absolute!” He said calmy, as the flowers following his blade slowly started to freeze as they grew smaller in proximity. “Allow me to show you a true swordsman technique.”

Frost Sword Style: Glacier Bifurcation!” Yōren projected, dropping the blade from his left hand. This would release the force that Tesla had encountered, only for it to be overshadowed. Upon catching the blade with his right hand, Yōren raised the blade to preform a crushing slash downwards onto Tesla. This slash held enough power to split glaciers in half cleanly, as it was simply the product of a living as a Frost Giant on Jotunheim.

"Teslaaaa!!!" Merlin yelled as he stood helplessly watching his friend be attacked, ignoring the freezing touch of his flower petals. "Leave! Him! Alone!!!"

Before Yoren's attack could land another sword appeared and took the brunt of the attack, forcing the wilder to her knee. "Tsuki?" Tesla said as he saw his childhood friend and crew mate with books on her shoulder.

"We've all gotta stay alive for him, we need your strength too." She said as she pulled her own sword out of her shoulder. She tested it there, using the shoulder as leverage to keep the two from dying. "he's strong huh?"

"Bastard!!! Leave them alone!" Merlin yelled as he charged at Yoren.

“Very admirable to put yourself in front of an opponents attack, in order to save your crew mate.” Yōren praised the newly arrived black haired woman, examining her closely before his attention was caught by Merlin. Turning his left palm to face Merlin’s direction, a blunt force suddenly soared towards him.

It was at this moment Merlin felt something familiar about what just happened. This attack wasn't just some regular attack, he felt his before. The sensation of his body wanting to shut down, the aching pain that filled his very being, his bones, veins, every last drop of him wanted to erupt. "Its like...Miyamoto...this power..." he thought to himself before he was sent flying and broke through five trees before landing on the floor.

Snapping his head towards Tsuki and Tesla, Yōren’s eyes began to radiate. “That looks bad, you should get it checked out.” He said, turning his left palm to now face the duo. In a matter of seconds, they could too face the same blunt force that had propelled Merlin through several trees.

"You can beat us down all you want..." Tesla said as he stood to his feet and infront of Tsuki. "But unless you kill us, then shut up! Because if we're still alive, we'll one day set sail with Leo again! You bastard!" He said, reach toward his own neck. "if I need to use this form...i will...T" he thought to himself.

”AHA! I now remember what I came to fetch you lot for. Wait, no no I don’t” Yōren said scratching his head with his free left hand. “Boss wanted you for some reason so it’s my job to get you. If the removal of a couple limbs is necessary…so be it.” He replied to Tesla as if he thought of him like pathetic child.

Tesla grew a cable from his neck and pulled on it, suddenly his body began to slightly grow larger into a full grown adult. His face, arms, it all grew out what appeared to be chainsaws, letting out a blood curdling roar!

"We don't care who sent you here... Getting to Leo, getting to ou captain Elio Leonardo comes first!!" Tsuki yelled taking a battle stance.

“You almost remind me of myself, it’s sickening..” Yōren sighed, as he twirled his blade in preparation for his next move. “Come forth.”

The chainsaw monster that was Tesla sprang up, charging at Yoren full force. He coated his chainsaw arms with haki, swatting at Yoren with pure bloodlust!

Yōren decided to quickly sheath his blade and mentally torture the younger pirates. “Not quick enough my friend.” Yōren mocked, slightly moving his body to avoid the coated chainsaws.

"RAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!" The roaring beast like Tesla yelled out in anger, pouncing at Yoren, coating his chainsaw arms with a layer of haki! "LEAVE MY FRIENDS ALONE!!!!"

"Wait actually, I wonder how much this would hurt.." Yōren thought to himself, not moving a muscle.

Before either parties could get close, a sudden wave of flames appeared as Hayato landed between the two pirates. "Both of you cut this out " Hayato declared to the both of them. "Hey, boss man. It appears these guys are the Inf-"

"Merlin! Tesla! Tsuki! Stop! Now!" Mari yelled as she appeared on the scene. Her voice was demanding, like that of royalty, a voice of pure confidence and leadership. "These guys are friends of Lucio's! Hayato there said that Leo is with then and they can take us to them!"

All three of them paused completely their eyes widening, tears filling their eyes, "he's okay?" They said before each dropping their weapons and to their knees. "Captain's okay!?!" They cried out on their knees.

“Damn it Hayato, I wanted to test the thickness of my flesh.” Yōren pouted, turning his head to the left. “OH! Yes we’re here to bring you to your Captain. How careless of me to forget.” Yōren broke into laughter with both hands on his waist.

Mari walks over toward Yoren, "If it's true, then shut up and take us to him. I don't care who you are, but if you're here to being us to Leo then shut up and do your duty." She demanded, not backing down, she knows full well the difference in strength between Yoren and the entire crew. She locked eyes with Yoren, her passion filled eyes showed no signs of backing down.

“You must be the girlfriend.” Yōren replied, looking into the eyes of the shorter Marisol. “Gross.” Yōren belched, as he wiped a tear from his eye that had been caused by his uncontrollable laughter.

Without a second thought Mari quickly slapped Yoren across the face! "Shut up!" she said with a powerful tone. Despite how strong she appeared on the outside, internally Mari was screaming after being called Leo's girlfriend. "Now do your job, take me, I mean is, take us to Leo."

Hayato smiled seeing such fierce confidence from Mari. "She's an awful lot like the queen don't you think Yoren?"

“Yes, I do suppose she is reminiscent of the queen. She would be a near perfect match if she didn’t don that seaweed colored hair.” Yōren continued, before turning towards the inner Island. “Make sure the brats aren’t dead, I’m going book hunting.”

"Oh no you dont." Hayato declared leaping, landing in front of Yoren. "You beat them down, your mess, you clean it up. Not just that but cool it with the books. Focus more on your training will ya? A dull sword is no good to our king."

“Yare yare.” Yōren sighed, before walking towards the direction of Merlin.

"So it's true?" Merlin asked, grabbing his broken ribs, "you're taking us to Leo?"

“Yes.” Yōren answered before reaching his right hand out to young blonde man.

Merlin cracked a smile and took his hand, "did you really have to destroy our ship?"

Lifting him onto his feet, Yōren allowed merlin to use him as a crutch. “In our defense, it was a marine ship.”

"No, it was our ship...which we stole from some Marines."

“Don’t worry, you’ll get another. I’ll make sure of it, I suppose.” Yōren assured him, as he handed Merlin off to a junior crew member.

"You sure you're part of the same crew as Lucio? He painted his crew as a group of righteous pirates, yet you're kind of a dick." Merlin said, using the junior crew member to keep himself up, to continue walking.

“Righteous huh? That’s hilarious!” Yōren began to laugh loudly, even dropping to slap his right knee. “I guess we can be called righteous sometimes, but at the end of the day we’re pirates.” He continued. “Once you discover what being a pirate means, you’ll have all the respect in the world from me. Also don’t listen to that goat faced bastard Lucio, he owes me money..” Yōren explained, before stopping suddenly. “It appears you’ll lay your live down in means of preserving your Captain, but what is your own goal?”

Merlin's eyes them locked into Yoren's sword. " My dream takes a back seat to my Captain's but, it's to gather the seven treasures of nobunaga. That includes the one on your side there."

“That’s not a bad dream at all, considering it will force you to grow stronger. But why does your dream take a backseat?” Yōren questioned, trying to bring the answer out of him. “You see my dream is to uncover the world’s history and it doesn’t take a backseat because my captains goal to unite the world. While we travel the world, I get to uncover more and more history, win-win situation.” He continued on, trying to explain it as simple as possible. “You want to gather the seven treasures, but before that Leo’s dream comes before yours? Why is that?”

"I didn't mean I had no ambition for my dream. As we travel the seas find people with those swords then I'll challenge them and do my best to gain them. But..." Merlin paused before taking a deep breath. "If it ever came down between me gaining the last of the seven treasures or saving Leo and his dream, then I'll happily say goodbye to that seventh sword." He then clenched his fist, "Because for me, Leo and his dream will come first. Just like I know he truly believes in my own dream."

Youren's eyes lit up, as he was truly surprised by such familiar words. He turned away from Merlin, starting to stare out into the vast sea. "Those words certainly take me back...back to my newbie days..." Youren mumbled to himself, as his eyes returned to a green shade.

(Flashback Start)

Back in Them Days

A large wave crashed against the large ship, causing it to sway and back and forth. The fresh sea air coupled with the seasalt smell, the young Libertà Pirates were seen gathered aboard. The crew had recently began recruiting newer and newer members, aiming to grow now that Dante had set his eyes on becoming a uniter of all races. A young man if tan skin, pure untouched snow white hair, golden amber eyes, it was the future Yonko, Esposito Dante.

"Well Yoren, I hope you do like traveling with us bud!" Dante said with a very cheerful, uplifting voice. "I haven't ever even heard of Frost Giants. You guys are so cool." his eyes the widened and let out an embarrassed chuckled, "haha not pun intended bud!" He then looked over to Yoren, "I mean it's awesome you guys can shrink and turn more human like but when you get all cold again you become a giant! So awesome!"

“Frost Giant anatomy is indeed interesting, but it’s nothing compared to yours. I mean you’ve consumed a devil fruit, so I believe this makes you even more awesome than myself.” Yōren said, keeping a very monotonous tone. “And to answer you question, yes. I’ve wanted to travel for a long time, but I’ve been stuck on everyone’s favorite glacier.” He joked, as the ship rode over a large wave. This caused Yōren to stumble into a bucket of water, in which he began to fall backwards.

"Hahahaha! Now now, can't have you falling off the ship." Dante said as vines from his arm and rapped around Yoren's forearm, pulling him up before hitting the floor.

"Well thanks." Youren said, fixating himself back into balance. A little embarrassed, he "So Dan-, Boss, why did you become a pirate? It seems like you have a dream your trying to achieve and I have one myself. Every crew member seems to have their own dreams as well, so why do they cast their dreams away to follow yours?"

Dante looks upward, placing his hand on his chin, seemingly deep in thought. "Hm, well to start, my dream is what most call a "fool's goal" or an impossible task, but I want to build a country or hell even a world, where the idea of racism, the concept of hate, all have been eradicated." He said on a more mature voice than he's known for, almost as though the one speaking was a sage. "Where a human can have lunch with minks, or do business with Fishman without there being any stigma. A life where the strong protect the weak, and the weak can live, thrive, in return making the strong proud and happy. I aim to revolutionize the world in the image I see. To do so, I needed to become strong and only grow stronger."

He then paused before catching the glimpse of a passing cloud, you are correct too. You said that those here cast their dreams aside for my own, which I never ask them to do. But you were also wrong. That is only some who do, but there are others who have their own dreams who lend me their strength, and in return I do the same for them. I back them and support their dreams any way I can."

Dante then smiled as the cloud had completely past him, "I couldn't tell you why people do what they do, all I can say is this. "You have a goal, aim for it. Lend me your strength and I shall lend you mine. Let's see this world, let's change this world." It's something I always remember when times get hard." Then with a soft chuckle he placed his hands in his pockets, "I don't know why people follow me, but i will be eternally grateful that they do. I hope to not fail them, or you. If you have your dream, then help me and I'll help you. Let's reach our dreams Yoren."

Absolutely infatuated with Dante, Yōren could do nothing but stare directly at his snow haired captain. Despite being much older than him, Yōren had completely acknowledged Dante as his elder, his superior, his phenomenal Captain. “Yes, let’s achieve our dreams together.” Yōren said with pride, as he reached his right hand out to initiate a ritual that humans used to show mutual respect and affection. It would be the first time Yōren participated in this ritual, humans call a handshake and he wanted to be with his Captain.

Dante shook his hand, smiling, "I'm glad to have you onboard Yoren! Let's see the world and save it! Let's find a home and find all the answers there are." Dante chuckles happily, truly at peace with his crew and friends.

(Flashback End)

A single tear would form, then fall from the left eye of Yōren. Despite being completely disgusted by even the thought of expressing his emotions in public, he couldn't hold back the memories that young Merlin had unlocked inside of him. Gripping his shirt collar with the weight of the world, Yōren turned his body so that his back faced Merlin. "Tsk...I can't believe the fact that I see so much of myself in a ignorant brat such as yourself. I'm pathetic.." Yōren complained, trying his best to express his emotions in the only way he knew how. Taking in a deep breath to calm himself, the frost giant turned back to face Merlin who had eyes ignited with flames like the sun. "Listen here bo-, Merlin..you keep that attitude and you keep fighting for your dreams and they'll fight for you." Yōren proclaimed, reaching out his hand to assist the blonde boy onto the ship.

Epilogue

On the back of the massive island Lion Turtle that swam by breaking through countless waves were hundreds of pirates. But far off on the other side of the Beast's back was a shirtless Elio Leonardo who was doing a one handed handstand on the top of a tree, his eyes closed, breathing in complete calm. His mind was in a complete blank state, before the images of his friend, his crew, slowly began to emerge.

"Sofia...Tesla...Jo...Charmy...Tsuki...Merlin...Mari...I hope you're all safe...I promise we'll be together soon." he then smiled before opening his eyes, shivers going down his back, detecting the aura approaching him. He then leapt off the tree, only just barely managing to dodge the attack! A raging wave of "water" appeared and attacked him! This water was odd, not looking like standard water but instead more like oil paint. Though just the same they tore through the tree he was meditating on.

"Hey dumbass," a rude and annoyed voice was heard coming from the floor. A young woman with intricate hair and welding a giant paint brush called for Leo. "I've got some news for ya, so fly down here already!" Naoko yelled from below.

"Oh! Nani-Onee San!" Leo exclaimed when he saw the young lady, flying down and giggled. "What's up Onee-san? You wanna have another sparring session? You're devil fruit always makes these fights super fun! So we gonna spar? Huh? Or do you have a new lesson for me? Huh? Huh?" Leo spoke excitedly like a puppy when their master brought them a new toy.

"First of all, I have sparred with you as have a lot of us, everyday for the last two months you've been traveling with us, so no. Secondly we just got a call from Yoren, it appears that they're not too far off and should be arriving shortly. So your crew will be here soon enough."

"Really!?!" Leo jumped with joy, releasing balls of fire that shoot out and erupt in fireworks from his body as he smiled! "It's been, it's been so long!" He then hugged Naoko and pressed his face again hers.

"Okay, okay I get it you're excited. Just go to the west side of Tuga's back, that should be where they're docking when they arrive."

"Yes ma'am Onee-san!" Leo said before taking off running at top speed! He ran from across the island turtle's back with pure heart pounding excitement.

"That dumbass…" Naoko thought to herself as the image of her many battles with Leonardo filled her mind. "He trained against myself, Hayato, Tierra, and Masaku along with challenging to master Charon and Mistress Cielo though he couldn't defeat them. Along with his haki training with the King himself along with Kai…" she then began to blush, clenching her hand to her chest, "That dumbass...he's so stupid but yet he's strong and genuinely kind. The king himself acknowledges him as much as I wish he would acknowledge me." She then took her leave and headed back to the village in the center.

A few hours later at the west port the ship finally came to dock. When they did Leo ran to the front of the line as he awaited for his crew to disembark from the ship. One by one members of the Liberta pirates come walking down which only makes Leo more excited and much more anxious about seeing her crew once again after so long.

Though suddenly it felt as if time itself came to pause. The sound of waves vanished, the smell of sea water, the taste of it in the air, the sensation of the ocean breeze disappeared, it all happened after her head the gentle footsteps coming down, his eyes landing on the emerald haired pirate princess…

"Mari…" he managed to say, his eyes widened in pure disbelief. Every fiber of his being was paralyzed at the sight of the young pirate. His heart pounding as though his chest were to pop open.

"Leo…" she said before tilting her head, giving him a gentle smile with her warm eyes fixated on her captain. Everything around her vanished and the world came to a halt. For the two this moment felt ever lasting. A huge relief and and end to their worries for one another. While it had only been a few months, for then everyday without knowing the status of one another felt like an eternity. With each step Mari took, the harder he could feel his heart beat, his hand extended out but before he could take her hand she leapt up leading for him to catch her, holding her hips and she wrapped her legs around his waist. She gently places her hands on his chest and shoulder, the both of them having their eyes locked onto one another's.

Before either could speak neither could help what came next, it was instinctive, it was like both felt completely compelled to lean into one another's faces before the two finally shared a gentle, passionate, love filled kiss.

As their lips pulled away the duo were tackled by all the remaining members of the crew! "Captaaaaiiiin!!!" They all yelled as they hugged him tightly and happily. The only one missing was Merlin who watched on, glad his captain is much better. This was the turning point for them, cries the first time in months, the Inferno Pirates have been United.