AN: Heads up! We got our first flaming! (snicker) Which means naturally that someone can't stand seeing a conspiracy from the side of the conspirants instead of the "poor hapless masses"! To our faithful readers however, please enjoy our continued efforts at respectfully deconstructing the Gloriously Crapsack World of Ham that is One Piece by showing just that being the conspiring Navy isn't easy either! This chapter contains, by somewhat popular request, our own interpretation of the Will of the D.! And Luffy's ascension to "warrants admiral after him"!

Also as another note to our reviewers, please remember that there is a nine hour time difference between Okinawa Angel & Kamikashi and with work/school, it does get kind of frantic when we do have time together to collaborate and write. Someone had a note about how Ultimate Protection was updated yet this story was not... Well that is worked on only by Okinawa Angel with significantly smaller chapters than Andrea's Awakening - a two person effort. Main reason Andy's Perils was fast was due to being in smaller pieces and having just one writer rather than two going over the work. We do note each and every review and thank those who do as well as the favorites and follows :) Please enjoy!

We do not own One Piece - That is property of Eiichiro Oda

Chapter 33: Big Mom's Stage-Out, Finale: The Will of D.

Defeating the pirates belonging to Big Mom had become almost an every day or rather, an every other day occurrence with today's difference being the rank of the one leading this attack. Right before Luffy could even throw a punch though, he merely tilted his head and chirped, "My name's Monkey D. Luffy and I won't let you stand in my way. I'm going to be king of the pirates!"

The leader of their opposition felt his jaw drop and his throat tighten in fear. The hand gripping his cutlass loosened and the weapon clattered uselessly onto the ship's deck. "Sir?" one of his crewmates asked in concern. Seeing the normally no nonsense, cool as a cucumber division commander so nervous was off putting to the rest of the crew. Another of the pirate crew merely walked up to the commander and tried to shake his shoulder to snap his out of whatever state he was in but he snapped and lashed out against the man, backhanding him so hard in the chest that the pirate flew into the mast.

"Sound the retreat," he shouted as he shook his head in an attempt to regain some of his lost composure.

"Retreat? The hell?" Several of the crew shouted in protest. "We have several dozen strong and able men! They have just a handful!"

The Straw Hat females were not amused but before Xian was able to move into a position to strike, the commander had tossed the pirate overboard. "Cut the crap and let's go. I have no desire to test our lives against the Will of D."

All the Straw Hats save one watched in bewilderment as their foes immediately set sail in the other direction, using oars to even speed up the retreat. "That was glorious," Usopp attempted to crow hollowly. Even bragging felt empty when the opponent gave up so easily.

"They ran on hearing Luffy's name. That division commander seemed to have a full-blown panic attack the moment he said Monkey D. Luffy," Sanji gathered as he took a drag on a fresh cigarette. "That hasn't happened before. I could understand if by reputation but name?"

Xian punched him on the head, retrieving her plundered copy of Danaran for Beginners. "Rule Number One in our world. There's nothing more dangerous than words. And what are the most powerful words in existence? Hm?"

"Names," Zoro finished. "Admittedly, I've also wondered about that part of Luffy's name a few times already. So, what is that Will of D.?"

-Marineford, Shirotatsu's office-

"What's the Will of the D., mother?" Robin asked. She had been reading up on post-Void history, an age that was not forbidden to study, but rarely was studied, as the Era of New Peace was considered boring by many (idiots!). "It shows up every so often, and it frankly leaves me puzzled."

"I take it the differences between your former captain and the rest of his family make it difficult for you to make sense." Seeing her nod, Theodora cracked her neck. "What have you observed of its holders so far?"

"They fight like raving lunatics, they are tenacious to a fault, their will to live is nearly unmatched, and they usually die with a… smile," Robin stopped herself. "Danarans die with a smile. Dai Senmei don't dream individually, but as a collective, but still, it's there. That endless, unrelenting ambition or resolve… no. A dream, a desperate hope?"

"The latter two are more correct for D.s, dear." The elder woman poured some tea with one hand, not looking up from the papers she processed with the other. "Will of the D. is shorthand for 'Will of the Danarans'. Many notable people around the world have the 'D.' initial in their name, denoting them as descendants of Danaran commoner clans or landed gentry, but unlike the Dai Senmeibukai, they usually do not know their ties to the Ancients. As such, they are somewhat different than us…"

-Thousand Sunny-

"The Will of the Danarans is the blood legacy of the commoners and landed gentry of the Lost Kingdom: Merchants, landowners, royal retainers like teachers," Xian explained. "Unlike the nobility, which is sworn to upholding a code of justice, the sense of justice of your average common Danaran was and is not as clearly defined as that ideal of true justice, since most people are not saddled with grim responsibilities for a great many people. Instead, they, as a general rule, are more concerned with the concepts of family and friendship."

"So D.s could give two shits about what their former leaders believe in if a friend or family is involved?" Sanji asked carefully. "It would explain an awful lot about our glutton here…"

"I wish it was that easy." The ginger shook her head. "According to what I know, the Danaran lords were betrayed by their own king, and, for the justice they were sworn to uphold, gave up the kingdom so justice could return. However, the common public was no part of the plan, and rebelled against that traitor king for the sake of people, also fighting the invading Dragon Alliance. That rebellion, the ties of people and loyalty, it survived in their blood. It makes D.s natural enemies of the descendants of the Dragon Alliance… and sources of major mayhem whenever something or someone they hold dear is hurt or slighted in any form. They'll take the least complicated route towards the justice their associate deserves in their perception, even if it will cause even more injustice to everyone else." I wonder if I should stop here. I already said too much as it is – these guys should never have needed to learn of this. And there's the thing about the Fealty of the D.s…

The other Straw Hats were speechless, not only because of the facts, but also, the memories of Luffy's many over-the-top exploits that had brought more trouble than they were worth at times, especially considering his motives for doing so being more often than not three sails short a ship (his hat first and foremost coming to mind). "Is there any really big downside of being a D?" Luffy rubbed his head somewhat uncomfortably as he thought on it more. "I mean, I guess it sounds like we get tunnel vision or whatever when it comes to our friends."

"Enough about specifically the D's for now. There's something else we need to deal with that I briefly mentioned. The Dragon Alliance actually. Do any of you know of them?" Xian took in the blank looks and sighed slightly. "Let me guess. The only person who would have had a clue is Nico Robin and now that she's over there… it's my job right?" Reluctant nods. "Let me give you a hint. 90 percent of them are deluded assholes these days, and I've heard you already bulldozed one over." And thus summoning the wandering nobility of the seas to teach you a lesson. If I didn't have my own dream, I'd really wonder why the fuck I am in this crew with the kind of attention they draw.

Usopp's whimpers began the chain of understanding through the crew and Nami's head fell into her hands immediately after. "Damn nobles ruin everything. You're talking about the Tenryûbito."

"Quite." She nodded at Luffy. "If there's one thing our captain can do it is wrecking heedless havoc on their world once the D. in his name goes active. It's that havoc Charlotte Linlin and her lieutenants fear. The Promise of Destruction." There. I hope that satisfies him.

"She has it coming to her," Luffy chuckled as he crossed his arms confidently. "Any final words to add before we move on?"

Oh fuck. He had to ask. "One piece of good advice. Never, ever go up against a marine who has a C. or a 'no' in their real name. They're the descendants of the lords. It will not end well for you. Not to mention, for all your dreams and hopes, you will have a hard time speaking out against them." Xian sighed. "Dad's captain did that and paid with his life for it, no matter if he was ill or not. Sadly, we're pitted against a whole lot of such marines. And your sister. So, essentially, nothing changes – we still need to run if one of the admirals or sea and sky forbid your older sister shows up, and the Big Mom Pirates will have their work cut out with us."

"But the running won't be because we're too weak, right?" Zoro asked to clarify.

"Nope. It's just that we should be prepared to bolt no matter what."

Nami shook her orange head and took a look at her log pose. "So indeed, nothing changed. Anyway. We're soon reaching the very core of the territory of the Big Mum Pirates. Our allies are underway – and I assume that means the Navy will be there too – and soon, we'll know if we really can sit on top."

"So guys, are we ready?" Luffy called out loudly as he tapped his hat eagerly. Despite the warnings and dangers, he still felt excited. I'll just approach this with a little more caution. "Let's prepare guys. I don't want anything happening other than us winning and that fat sea cow sinking."

YEAH!

-Marineford, Shirotatsu's office-

Robin's head spun with the implications of what she had learnt today. She could not help but reach for a good cup of reliable coffee, but, as she was about to ask her mother for it, she couldn't help but chuckle: The admiral had truly fallen asleep, the head having sunk to her trusty book-shaped pillow. Shaking her head, she poured herself another mug and left the room. "Make sure the admiral is safe and undisturbed, sir," she notified the secretary-guard before heading for the admirals' sparring courtyard, absentmindedly dumping her mug on a chore kid. And here I thought Luffy's inability to say no to me was just because he isn't the brightest torch in the Great Blue. Oh well. Let's see if I can actually manage to hit otôto.

Barnet gulped as he faced his oldest sibling, this time under Kizaru's eyes. Why do I feel like facing dad?

Borsalino gave them the signal to start, and watched the ensuing spar with a smirk. I think we need to reevaluate Robin-kun's Doriki and rank. And I really need to introduce her to Loreto… bet my boy would fall head over heels for her.

-A few days later: Mignon Atoll-

Fire. Fire everywhere… For a man who prided himself on being capable of burning down entire islands with glee and speak with Mama mostly unafraid, the thought of fire surrounding him was usually nothing for Bobbin. Facing the Pirate Hunter and the Red Ash Scourge in battle? A nightmare he had not even dared to dream of. How can such a small bunch of lunatics leave such destruction? He had no more time to think, as Zorro's three swords came down on him. "Ah!"

Santôryû Ôgi: Ichidai Sanzen Daisen Sekai. The marimo sheathed his third sword, waiting for his tag partner to finish off another ship. "Was that all on this side?"

"Pretty much," Xian confirmed, solidifying. "Sanji reported in too. Looks like we've brought down all the lieutenants – all that's left is plundering the fleet and have the boss kick Linlin's fat prat."

Nami landed at their side, empty loot bags in hand. "Did you say plunder?"

"Do you have pre-warning system for anything that involves cash, Nami?"

"Maybe?"

"Witch."

Elsewhere, Luffy was rather happy he was, as Wapol had proven, too chewy for cannibals. That hag's mouth is a menace, he thought as he dodged her chomping jaws and a slice with the nails. She's strong though. Really strong. So I gotta go faster.

"Julienne!" Another slice of the Haki-hardened nails that would have rendered lesser men to strips missed him by a hair's breath. He retaliated with going into Gear 2. "Gomu Gomu no Jet Pistol!"

The behemoth of a woman tried to quickly take in the air and slow down the rubbery man but a hit in the ribs made her pause and cough loudly. The sound reverberated and was enhanced by what seemed like bones shattering. However, one did not rise to the rank of Yonkô without having few more tricks up their sleeve as Luffy found out once his whole arm was enveloped by her large hand. The almost claw like nails cutting into his skin. "Marinade Syringe!" she shrieked and Luffy winced as he looked at the cut and then at the woman's nails.

"You crazy hag! What is on your nails?!"

"Scorpions poison. That should take you down a peg–"

Luffy performed a Gomu Gomu no Jet Kane to her face, shattering her nose with a haki-strengthened rubber head butt as if nothing had happened. "Try another day. I survived Warden Magellan."

WHAT THE FUCK!

-At Sea: The MF Ôkami-

Through his binoculars, Sakazuki watched in a strange mix of fascination, glee and grim anticipation as his infamous brother-in-law shook off Big Mum's poison nails as if they were not even there, and snorted in derision. "What do you think, Aston?"

His "new" 2iC (new in the sense that he got him with becoming STOC and a new ship and crew), STOC Commodore Aston, chuckled. "He's definitely Garp-sama's. I bet he'd manage to sleep through getting wounded too. I wonder though if it is enough to just watch."

"Not my call." Sakazuki had protested against the plan too, and found himself on the business end of Kuzan's temper and glare. (To think he had forgotten who exactly had taught the man strategy – Sengoku – still made him wince.) "Fujitora is in charge, not me. And the order was clear. We're here to round up the Big Mum Pirates once the Straw Hat takes his seat." At least it should be a good show to watch. Andy would make mochi of me if I couldn't tell her about how her brother fought.

As the magma logia turned back to the fight, he could not help but smile at seeing the Yonkô waver and more cautiously approach the rubber man. His amusement was so great that he almost laughed when he answered the Den Den Mushi next to him and heard a certain admiral chuckle. "Our bet is still on, Saka-san?"

"You'll have to specify here, sir," the magma logia answered, raising an eyebrow.

"We bet on the length and level of this fight. So far I'm afraid your wayward brother-in-law isn't that impressive, safe for his level of resilience. At the very least, his style is lacking compared to his grandfather," Fujitora chuckled. "There doesn't seem to be a lot of thought between 'punch what is in front of me with my power.'"

"Seems to be working for him unless the sea hag is playing with her food," Sakazuki speculated as he watched carefully. "Regardless, we are on standby if need be."

"Well, according to Borsalino-san, he managed to beat Zephyr into forfeiting that way, so things might still get interesting, but I would not place too much hope in the boy's style if I was you. He's even less creative than you tend to be, if you pardon the criticism," the gravitation-man mused.

The vice-admiral chuckled. "No argument from me on the creativity. There's a reason I have Aston in tow."

"Just don't get too entertained. But all the same, don't be too consumed by the need to defeat whomever is left. We must see the fallout to determine what must be done. Lord Kuzan was rather adamant on the idea of having at the very least the lieutenants face a proper trial… and we are to take back as much territory as our increased numbers allow, if I may remind you."

"You may, although Dawn-shishô is already calling in ever so often to do the same."

"Sorry to say so, boss, but you are considered to have a very short memory for an STOC," Aston shrugged. "And I suggest we should send in some of the submarines to start rounding up the idiots in the east, admiral."

"Again no argument, Aston," the magma user muttered, remembering his sword. "He's right though, Fujitora-taishô. Shall we go in?"

Another chuckle, as on the Pot Surprise, Luffy unleashed yet another 'rain of rubber fists'. "As long as you finally admit that you lost the bet, sure enough. And pay up with something good."

"We shall see what I can up with," Sakazuki finally admitted defeat as he gave the orders. "Now let's see how thing are progressing…"

-Pot Surprise-

Inferno. That's what this was. Big Mum couldn't name it otherwise as she continued to fight the human rubber band, her ship ablaze around them. Still, she was a Yonkô, one of the four most powerful pirates in the world, and like hell she would let this boy take everything away… "Is… that… everything, boy?"

Luffy chuckled humorlessly. "Try again." As if on cue, Zoro, Sanji and Nami emerged from the cargo hold, escaping with copious amounts of loot. "Why don't you give up already? I burnt your fleet, defeated your lieutenants, and took away all your damn candy. Even if you beat me, I doubt you still have anything worth your time and name… and that admiral at Pasty Isle is probably just waiting to swoop in and get you." How's that for thinking, Andy? Cloud Lady?

The massive woman paused and flinched as she recalled the presence that she had detected earlier but dismissed initially. "How do you know they aren't here for you? After all, think about what would happen if I'm gone? There is a power vacuum to consider." Please don't mention Whitebeard… Don't mention that damn pirate.

"The world has already survived with one less, and the Navy was all too happy to fill the holes. Whitebeard's boots may be difficult to fill for Marco-san…"

Damn it all!

"But the world won't give a damn about you. Even I am a better example for others." Luffy cracked his knuckles before glaring at the woman. "And you're just plain damn mean and a waste of a good sailing ship and food." He glanced back at his crew before switching his gaze back to her. "I almost want to have my crew leave the area just to not watch your embarrassment."

Despite his attempts to be a bit more firm, everyone in the crew knew that Luffy was still concerned about them. So he's learned, Xian mused as she let her devil fruit powers flare slightly while she also glanced at her crewmates. Not every pirate is scrupulous enough to not go after the easy, weaker teammates. She noticed Nami had placed herself behind her precious treasure she had looted while yelling at Usopp to shoot anyone that got near. Brook and Chopper also took up defensive positions around the weaker crewmates. Well, at least it could be worse. I'd have taken myself out if I was on this crew a few years ago.

Luffy's eyes almost acquired a gimlet-like quality as he became even more tense. Even the Yonkô seemed to freeze at the almost majestic way the Straw Hat was forcing his aura upon everyone. "Yield," Luffy roared as he suddenly charged with his fists coating themselves in Haki.

Big Mum however was not without her abilities. Knowing that there was more than one way around a Haki or devil fruit power, she clenched her fists, causing her nails to dig into her rather fleshy palms. She was not concerned about any poisoning or venom however due to the fact that before she had accidentally cut her own face and even tongue while eating and thus had to develop an immunity. "I will never bow to a tiny runt like you!"

The crew watched as her fists began to swell even further. "That is most unattractive," Sanji hissed as he had to jump towards Nami and grab her quickly as the woman had swatted towards the weaker crewmates as predicted. The piles of treasure scattered and flew but Nami was safe in his arms. "You're life is a greater treasure than any amount of Berry, Nami-swaan."

Normally the navigator would have humored the chef before by offhandedly flirting with him then pinning him against Zoro just to make him leave her alone but the simple statement caused her to do nothing but smile. "I'll be more careful, Sanji-kun."

Usopp wiped his brow before shouting at the blonde. "What the hell man? Where was our rescue?"

"You had already ran away," the chef sniffed as he began to light a cigarette. "And Brook's arms were already full taking our emergency meal rations away from danger."

"You have no doctor if you eat me!" the reindeer shouted in anger but his whining drew quite a bit of unwanted attention.

"Shit," Luffy muttered as he noticed Big Mum's attention deviate from him for a moment. "Zoro! Xian! Get everyone else out of here!"

"So it is true…" The monstrous woman's eyes narrowed on Chopper. "Reindeer is such a rarity in the New World."

"Keep your fat grubby mitts off of my crew," Luffy roared in anger as he swung his rubbery leg towards the woman like a whip. As predicted, the limb wrapped itself around a couple times before becoming stuck. Hardening his flesh quickly with Haki, Luffy tried to use his strength to lift the woman but she merely laughed at his efforts.

"Cutlet!" She shrieked happily as she lunged towards the paramecia with her jaws.

Luffy's survival instinct was in full swing as he noticed that the juices inside the Yonkô's mouth, dripping off of her teeth, looked almost acidic. "Screw this," he yelped as he allowed his leg to become rubbery and spin him away from her teeth. "Eat this!" he retorted as he tried to launch a Haki imbued fist back towards the back of her head.

She turned enough for the blow to hit her cheek which she had allowed some of her own Haki to coat. The fist bounced harmlessly off her check. "Was that supposed to do something?"

Luffy felt like scowling as he remembered one of the lessons that Rayleigh had pounded into his skull, literally, about facing Haki users with Haki. "Remember foolish boy, if they have the same ability to use Haki, it isn't just about having it anymore. At the same time however, it isn't back to square one necessarily either. Now you have to consider how good you are with Haki and how you use it. Don't just mindlessly employ it without a thought to the how. Haki is a useful tool in the right hands and although it can't hurt to use it, if you use it unnecessarily or inefficiently, you waste your stamina and energy. In a battle, you must endure. The amount of foes out there with immense amounts of ability to withstand fights and excursions is mind boggling and unless you want to be another statistic, you better listen well.

A foul burp straight in Luffy's face made him start coughing as he was jarred from his thoughts. What the hell did she eat? And I thought I was a pig! "Back off!" he shouted as he slammed both of his hands into her stomach to force her away from him. She only took a step back before laughing.

"Runt! I eat scrawny things like you for an appetizer before breakfast!"

Examine your foe carefully. Don't think about how they look or act unless it actually affects how they fight. You don't have the mentality to be able to intentionally exploit someone psychologically in a fight so don't bother trying to think you can psych someone out. Anytime you do, it seems to be just chance or rather a fluke. If it happens, go with it. Worry about winning the fight with what you have. You have a dream. A damn good dream. Use that to propel yourself. You use your friends as motivation and their safety as additional incentive. Let it drive you against your enemies. Victory can only come to you if you truly want it. Now examine the foe before you and think.

Luffy scowled as he backed up slightly and ignored Big Mum's ranting as he really took a chance to look at her. Okay let's see… She's beyond fat but still kind of fast. Nothing on me but still, it's weird. Her nails have that weird crap on them and so does her mouth. Gross. He wiped the blood from his mouth and watched the woman become more angry now that she realized he had not responded to her taunts and threats. And if I don't say anything, she gets more pissed off. Looks like her leg is messed up now though. Must be hard for it to support her weight in a long fight. If I make her move a lot, maybe that'll make it hurt more and tire her out. "Sorry, I don't speak boar," Luffy stuck out his tongue and watched as sure enough, the taunt worked.

"I'll make you pay and turn your skin into a noodle strainer," the Yonkô swore fiercely as she lunged towards the rubbery man. Luffy slipped into a crouch and quickly activated his Second Gear but focused on his legs.

Even if the claws don't do what they should, it would still be annoying to be touched by it, Luffy thought as he dodged the swipes before trying to aim a low kick towards the woman's legs.

The sweeping blow did not have the intended effect as the older pirate did not even try to dodge or move around the attack but rather, buckled down and weathered the effect. The power from the blow caused the muscles and skin to jiggle and quiver violently. "I will not be struck down so easily," she sneered as she attempted to reach for his leg to throw him.

Luffy however quickly withdrew the rubbery limb and struck from the other side, again aimed towards her legs. Lots of fat to get through but eventually… After applying a lot more Haki, he carefully struck and almost winced when he felt his leg almost sink into the flesh. He had a difficult time concealing the disgust he felt as her leg almost stuck to his own but knowing he was making progress almost made up for it. Especially when he barely felt the bone in her leg brush against his. So maybe if I am somewhere else nearby… I can do some real damage. He stared at her ankles which seemed to be flushed red due to the combined strain of Big Mum's weight and the length of the battle and snorted in amusement. Bingo. Like sawing at the legs of a throne – there's a thought shishishi…

"Damn it Luffy! Do something!" Nami shouted just to be shushed by Zoro and Xian.

"You wouldn't understand, witch. You never had a fight like this," the swordsman bluntly chastised his crewmate.

"Although I wouldn't have put it that way, I agree," the ash user added with a nod. "Luffy is fighting differently but smarter actually. In any case, we need to make sure we are ready as a crew in case we have to flee or treat our captain afterwards. I don't think he'll be in the mood to eat meat for a while after this fight." She sighed softly as she saw Luffy wince when she realized that the captain was rubbing his leg furiously. "So you are what you eat…" Big Mum, you gross disfigurement of a human.

"What is this shit?" Luffy muttered as he looked at his leg and frowned. It's like a powder almost. Or… wait. This smells like rotten food. "Crumbs… Your legs are coated in crumbs of whatever foul shit you eat."

Big Mum smirked and chuckled. "I may not like what you represent but that doesn't mean I won't come fully prepared. Your finely ground knuckles will make a fine topping for some fish cakes I'll demand from those foolish mermen and Fishmen. And then even more candy since you were so foolhardy and stole what is rightfully mine! And when you greet Davy Jones in his locker, you will wish you'd never met me!"

Luffy simply cracked his neck and wrinkled his nose in disgust. "You sound like Chinjao. That geezer didn't know when to quit either. Last time I saw him, he was still seething about how my gramps had flattened his head and that the Marine Cloud Lady had impounded his treasure to build ships."

"What are you saying, boy?" the woman scowled but Luffy merely waved his hand in front of his face as if fanning it.

"You're like an old piece of moldy cheese that even I wouldn't go near. In every regard. I broke all you have, all that's left is taking you to the trashcan," he shrugged, "and then raise my flag on Mignon Atoll."

"I'd rather be at the bottom of the ocean than allow you to have what is mine!"

Shaking his head at the woman's denial, Luffy took a deep breath before concentrating carefully. She thinks she can beat some Haki… let her try this on for size. Taking a deep breath, he let the sensation of Conqueror's out and watched as the Yonkô flinched slightly but did not bow or break. Taking his chance again, he lashed out like a whip with his Second Gear and an impressive dose of Armament Haki. "The bigger you are…" Luffy predicted with a smirk as he watched Big Mum's eyes widen with realization and pain as the bones in her leg were crushed. "The harder they fall."

How…? How could I have possibly… "My leg!" she howled but she couldn't even reach down to protect herself from injury before she collapsed. "Damn you, Straw Hat brat! Damn you!"

"Oh shut up," Luffy rolled his eyes as he aimed a kick towards the enormous stomach that seemed to make up a good deal of the Yonkô. She still could roll out of the way or lash out but the way the younger captain was carrying himself was so frightening to the woman that she could not even muster the courage to move. Her arms, practically paralyzed by fear, were the next to suffer. The elbows shattered quickly as she could not even keep up any semblance of Armament Haki. The shards of bone started to stick out awkwardly from the irritated skin before piercing from the inside out. "Look at yourself. Nothing but a bag of lard in the end."

Charlotte Linlin couldn't move any longer. Was it from fear or the injuries the Straw-Hat had inflicted, she didn't know, and frankly, she didn't care any longer. Around her, her fleet was burning – cut to pieces by the Pirate Hunter, smashed by the cook and the treasure hunter, electrocuted by the navigator, or just plain blown up by the others. And amidst this destruction, a twen with straw sandals, a long black coat and a straw hat as old as the Age of Piracy was slowly making his way from his last landing spot, the aft of her ship, towards her broken mass, and to her, the shadow of the Devil of the Sea superimposed his image. Despite him bleeding from multiple slash wounds, he didn't slow down or waver. "W-why?" she coughed. "What is it with the men from the East Blue that have that letter in their name? Why do you help the Navy?" Why has the day of my death come today?

Luffy exhaled. Frankly, I don't know any longer. But that's okay too. I am a Danaran, I suppose. "None of your business." Inflating his fists, he reared them back, coating them in enough Armament Haki to turn them black. "Greet the Gods of the Deep from me, hag. Gomu Gomu no… Elephant Gatling!"

"Why?! AH!" She wanted to dodge but her legs were too shattered and drained of blood to even attempt to obey the commands her startled brain was trying to relay. As the first fist hit her chest, he felt the pain as if her one of her lungs had exploded from the impact despite having ribs and flesh between that and the paramecia's fist. She tried to move her arm but then the flood of pain reminded her all too well that the elbows were shattered and unable to support any movement that she wished. All that could escape from her was a pained scream before Luffy's fists started aiming towards her face. Once her lip split, the blood caused the scream to gurgle as the liquid was smothering some of the sound. The next fist caused her teeth to cut her tongue before shattering and embedding themselves into the flesh. When Luffy finally landed… a generation had passed, and Charlotte Linlin, captain of the Big Mom Pirates, was nothing more than a bag of shattered bones and lard.

The newly crowned Yonkô put his hat back on, turning away from the enormous shattered carcass that had been his predecessor. "How am I supposed to know?" he asked rhetorically. "I am just a living rubber band after all. – Xian!"

The ash logia materialized right behind him. "Yes captain?"

"Is there anything left on this ship worth our time?"

"Not that I know of. Nami and Lung cancer stripped the place to its bones. Why?"

Luffy turned towards the reeling. "Burn it to the waterline. We're out of here. Besides, she needs some kind of funeral." With a Gomu Gomu no Rocket, he was gone.

Xian nodded subtly, and stretched out her arms. "Aetna…" Her arms turned into volcanic ashes, and began to gather in a sphere above her that glowed sinisterly. As soon as it reached a certain density, she jumped high, the feet now light ashes. "Taormina!" she yelled, throwing down a true pyroclastic flow that incinerated the Pot Surprise to the waterline. And so, the Big Mom Pirates are no more. Enjoy your spoils, Navy, we're going to enjoy ours. And, employing her power, she flickered away.

Danarans Doors Pirates Marines

I hear doors closing behind me
I smell the smoke from bridges I burned
I know shame will soon come and find me
And line up with all the lessons I've learned
I better prepare to pay the price
I bought my own one-way ticket out of Paradise
Should have known not to let loose
But I did we're done we're through
I hear 'em closing
– Ida Gard, Doors

Danarans Doors Pirates Marines

-MF Ôkami-

At seeing the Straw Hats sailing away, Sakazuki grabbed the mic of his Den Den Mushi set. "Calling the Dauntless," he spoke, naming Fujitora's heavy frigate. "This is Vice-Admiral Sakazuki. The Thousand Sunny has left the area, repeat, the Thousand Sunny has left the area. Awaiting further orders."

"Stand by and get ready to arrest what's left. The fleet reported in; they managed to secure a major chunk of the former pirate territory… including the formerly fallen fortress G-10. They have much to answer for."

"Yes sir." I wonder what Andrea will think of this.