I do not own One Piece!

Thanks to Kippysaurus for helping fix this chapter!

The New World, a Spring Island

Carnage. That was the only way to describe the scene that was set on one of the few picturesque oases in the madness that was the New World. Bodies in Marine uniforms lay scattered everywhere like some form of macabre carpet. Magma ran in rivers across the ground, hissing and streaming where the rain falling in sheets made contact. Trees, pieces of the ground, and even globes of water floated around the area, laughing in the face of gravity and logic.

Among all the destruction stood two men, the first towered over the second and wore the tattered remains of a white suit with a Marine coat hung on his shoulders, both of which were covered in blood and dirt. His left arm hung limply at his side, and he stood hunched, gasping in lungfuls of air, as if he were exhausted. His face was shadowed by the hat he wore, but you could see a massive bruise on his right cheek. "Marine" had been written proudly in blue on his hat but was now coated in a thick spattering of blood, making it a dark red.

The second man, while much smaller, was no less imposing, but wore a red vest that was open to expose a chiseled chest that was riddled with a myriad of burns, bruises, and scars, of which none was bigger than the massive 'X' in the middle. He also wore a pair of jean shorts with a yellow sash cinched around his waist. His legs were also peppered with scars and burns, and his sandals appeared as if they had melted into his feet. His face, too, was shadowed by the aged looking straw hat that held in his wild black hair. His mouth was set in a hate filled scowl, while he fought to catch his breath.

"What. Have. You. Done?" Asked the straw hat wearing man between pants.

"Punished some traitors, which is my right as Fleet Admiral." the Marine stated simply.

"I'm going to kill you, not by accident, not because you died from your injuries afterward, no, I'm going to make sure you die today," the second man's scowl deepened. "And I'm going to enjoy it."

"Typical pirate," the Marine responded, grabbing his left shoulder and popping it back into place with barely a grimace.

As if from some unseen cue, both men pulled their fists back, the Marine's turning into a huge magma limb that gained a black sheen. The pirate's hand reached giant proportions and stretched extremely far, while obtaining a similar black sheen as the first man's. Both then shot forward at inhuman speeds, colliding in a massive concussion of air.

"Hellhound!"

"Elephant Gun!"

Limbo

Luffy opened his eyes abruptly, seeing himself suspended in absolute blackness, the kind only available at the bottom of the ocean.
"Where am I?" wondered Luffy aloud. "And where are my-"

Suddenly all his recent memories rushed back to him, stalling the few thought processes he had.

"No! Not again, I was too weak, again!" Luffy yelled to himself, pounding the solid blackness at his feet. "And we didn't just get separated this time, I'll never see them again! I failed them, again! It would have been fine if it was just me, but they died for my sake, I could see it in their eyes, their trust, their faith, in me. Now I'm all alone...again." Luffy trailed off, curling into a ball while tears streamed down his face, until he finally slipped off into the soothing oblivion of sleep.

"...ild."

"Hm?" Luffy wondered, still half asleep.

"Wake, my child." came a soft and soothing, yet powerful voice.

"Who's there?" Luffy questioned, yawning. "Weakahoshi?!"

In the complete swirling darkness that still allowed sight, floated a gigantic, beautiful mermaid with wavy, rose colored hair, big blue eyes, and a blue and sea-green striped tail. She wore a bikini top made of white sea shells to support her ample bosom and a matching skirt embroidered with large pearls around her waist.

"Fafafa!" The Mermaid laughed, causing the air to vibrate with power. "I am not the Mermaid Princess, but I am flattered since she is said to be the most beautiful creature in your world."

"Then who are you?" Luffy asked warily. 'She seems nice, but she's giving off a power that dwarfs even Kaido's.

"Don't be scared little monkey, I am powerful, yes, but I have no plans of harming you."

"Did you just read my mind?" Luffy asked with stars in his eyes. "Join my crew!"

"I...will have to decline, since I can't leave this place," the Mermaid responded, taken aback by his response. "However, I will fulfill one request of yours due to your boldness."

"Really? Anything?" Questioned Luffy with a big grin on his face.

"Yes, I'm something of a deity so I can grant most things you could want. Wealth? Women? Just tell me." the god said smirking. 'Now show me your true face, human.'

"Can you bring my friends back to life?" Luffy asked immediately.

"Huh, your friends? Don't you want something for yourself? I could return you to life if you wanted." the deity replied, surprised once more.

"I'm fine, but my friends never succeeded in any of their dreams, and that was my fault. They believed in me, and I failed them. They deserve a second chance, and I can go have an adventure in the afterlife," Luffy explained, his mouth widening into a peaceful smile.

"Well, you lot sure are an interesting bunch, I'll give you that," the Mermaid stated, the barest hint of smirk curving her mouth. "Okay, your wish is granted!"

"Thank you!" Luffy exclaimed, his smile widening further.

"...Just not yet," the deity finished as an afterthought, causing Luffy to face fault into the ground.

"Don't pretend like you're going to do something and then not do it, dumbass!" An indignant voice yelled to his right.

"Nami?" Luffy questioned, recognizing the sound.

"Luffy?!" the red headed woman whirled to look in his direction, revealing that it was indeed Nami.

"Nami! I thought everyone was gone!" Luffy yelled, jumping at her and giving her a massive hug.

"Luffy, I don't know if I can die in the afterlife, but if you don't stop crushing me we'll find out!" The navigator gasped, punching him off her, even though she wore a happy smile.

"Yes, it would be horrible if she was erased from existence," came a silky voice from behind them.

"Robin, must you always say such morbid things?" came a male, nasally voice.

"Why yes, Usopp, how else would I get to hear your reactions otherwise?" the black haired woman teased.

"Robin! Usopp! You guys are here too?!" exclaimed Luffy.

"Fufu, of course," chuckled Robin, a smirk adorning her face.

"As a brave warrior of the seas, I would obviously follow my captain anywhere!" boasted the dark haired man, his long nose upturned.

Luffy, in his excitement, released Nami, then ran and stretched his arms out so he could hug them both at the same time.

"I would say its good to see you all, but I don't have eyes!" came a high-pitched male voice to their left. "Yohoho, skull joke!"

"You do realize that we're all dead now, don't you?" deadpanned a gravelly voice in an exasperated tone. "Anyways, STOP HANDLING THE LADIES SO ROUGHLY!."

'BONG'

"Sanwi? Is twat you?" questioned Luffy through a swollen lip. "Awd Bwook too?"

"Sure is shitty captain," said the blond haired cook, taking a drag of his cigarette.

"At your service, captain," responded the large, tuxedo wearing skeleton, with a slight bow.

"Guys!" Luffy yelled happily, releasing Robin and Usopp to Rocket over and entangle the new arrivals.

"Luffy let me go! I only wish for the affections of beautiful women!" lamented Sanji, trying to push his captain away with his foot.

"Just let it happen, you know you like it, and he probably thought we were all dead," coaxed Brook. "However, I was already dead! Yohoho!"

"Shishishi! I missed all of you, even though it was only for a short time,"Luffy laughed, still hanging off of his friends.

"Brook I knew you were a man after my own heart, making something normal sound SUPER perverted!" exclaimed a deep, mechanical voice.

'SMACK'

"Don't make it sound like being perverted is a positive trait!" admonished a child-like voice.

"Wait, so you're telling me that being a pervert isn't a good thing?!" the giant cyborg, dressed in only a Hawaiian shirt and speed-o, said, shocked.

"Obviously!" Sighed the small reindeer next to him, who facepalmed.

"Franky! Chopper!" yelled Luffy gleefully. "Is Zoro with you too?!"

"Unfortunately, no..." Chopper said, worry causing his voice to waver.

"No... he couldn't have, could he?" Nami questioned, concern crossing her face.

"Even he couldn't get lost on the way to the afterlife, right?" Usopp wondered, idly rummaging in his ammo bag.

"Wait, Zoro's not with you guys?" Luffy asked, his grin beginning to falter.

"No, he's no-"

'SNORE'

A noisy breath interrupted Franky's answer, causing everyone to look in the direction it came from, revealing a soundly sleeping, green haired swordsman with a huge snot bubble forming from his nose.

"Seriously?" sweat dropped Franky.

"DON'T BE SLEEPING WHEN WE'RE WORRYING ABOUT YOU, ASS!" yelled Nami, punching the sleeping man on the top of his head.

"Ow, damn crazy witch, can't you see I'm trying to nap over here?" Zoro complained, a huge knot growing out of the top of his head.

"Don't call the lovely Nami-swan a witch, you uncivilized brute!" Sanji defended, getting in the swordsman's face.

"What, mad that for all your chivalry you still died a virgin?" answered Zoro smugly.

"Care to repeat that, Mosshead?" Sanji warned, his leg igniting in black flames.

"Oh, you heard me," sneered Zoro, unsheathing his now glossy black blades.

'Did they completely forget about me?!' thought the Mermaid god in the background.

"Hey Robin, what's a virgin?" Luffy asked innocently.

"Oh, its...a type of olive oil," Robin explained, avoiding eye contact.

"Thanks, you're so smart Robin!" exclaimed Luffy cheerfully. "I wonder if it would taste good?"

"Sometimes the best way to prepare food is to burn off the bad parts, or in your special case, everything,"Sanji commented, readying his fiery foot. "Hell's Memories, GrillÄ— Shoot!"

"Your right, sometimes you do need to cut the chaff and since we don't have to worry about collateral damage..." Zoro smirked behind the sword in his mouth, as two copies of him appeared at his sides. "Asura, 9000 Worlds!"

Just before the blazing inferno and the mass of whirling blades were about to meet, a blue-skinned figure coated in a sphere of inky water appeared between them.

"Fishman Karate Ultimate Defense, Shell of the Lion Turtle!" the whale shark fishman yelled.

A huge explosion and a blast of wind caused a sharp breeze in the otherwise stagnant air.

"Those idiots," sighed Nami, shaking her head.

"Can't you guys keep it together for five minutes? We're in the presence of a literal deity!" came an exasperated, flowing voice.

"Tch, can't you just let us find out who's stronger for once?" bemoaned Zoro. "Jeez, Jinbei."

"Yeah, can't I kick this moron's ass just once?" Sanji taunted, pointing at his rival.

"Wanna try it, Swirlybrow?" countered Zoro.

"Quit it you two!"Jinbei reprimanded, chopping them both over the head. " I'm the most mature among you, no offense Brook."

"None taken, I may be in my 90's but I'm youthful at heart, or lack there-"

"So I have to keep you in line , during certain...events, like now." continued Jinbei, ignoring Brook, who fell to his knees in depression.

"Fine," Zoro said, re-sheathing his swords.

"Fair enough," Sanji acquiesced, lowering his foot, although the two still glared at each other.

"Jinbei! Even you're here? That's awesome!" Luffy exclaimed, giving him and Zoro a hug as well.

"I'm a bit surprised too, it's almost like someone just wanted me to be here..." Jinbei pondered, looking idly at the god who just smiled knowingly.

"Yeah, how are you here? You didn't die with the rest of us," Luffy questioned bluntly. "We left you in Totland."

"Unfortunately I wasn't able to keep my promise, Big Mom captured me and when she realized she couldn't steal my soul, she boiled me alive 'like the fish I am'," Jinbei responded using air quotes.

"That horrible woman!" Sanji exploded, fire in his eyes." Who boils fish?! It ruins the flavor!"

"Don't be so insensitive!" Nami exclaimed ironically, while everyone else sweat dropped.

Jinbei coughed into his hand. "Anyways, how did you guys end up here?"

"We died, duh," Luffy explained simply, a finger up his nose.

"Allow me to explain," interjected Robin. "After we defeated Kaido in Wano, it was confirmed to the World Government that we were a crew that was on the same tier as an Emperor. Therefore, Akainu mobilized himself, the three Admirals, half of the Vice-Admirals, and 15 battleships to destroy Luffy before he could cause anymore lasting damage to the balance of power in the New World. We were exhausted after the battle with Kaido, so we asked around Wano if there were any places nearby that we could rest at, and learned of an island about a day's sail away that had weather similar to the Blues. They also warned that it was often visited by the Red Hair pirates, but that only made Luffy want to go even more, yelling about how he was finally going to meet Shanks again. Now that I think back, that man was probably a Marine plant told to lure us there.

When we finally arrived," Robin continued. "The Marines assaulted us full force, and when Luffy saw who was leading them, he let loose a yell of rage and a wave of Conqueror's so powerful, that even we were affected. Most of the Marines, below Vice-Admiral rank, were unable to fight off the assault and fell unconscious. Luffy then made a beeline for Akainu, brutalizing anyone who got in his way. When he reached the Admirals, who had moved to intercept him, Zoro, Sanji, and, surprisingly, Usopp engaged them, so that he could fight the Fleet Admiral."

"What do you mean, 'surprisingly'!" Usopp yelled indignantly in the back.

"The rest of us fought the lower tier Marines, while being bombarded by cannon fire. We gave them hell, but we...we weren't strong, or numerous, enough to overcome them and now...we're here." Robin finished, none of the usual mirth showing on her face.

Jinbei looked around and saw similar looks of shame on each of the Strawhats' faces, the worst of all was Luffy, who had taken his hat off, and was staring at it with disturbing seriousness.

"Why so glum all of a sudden?" came a voice that was all but forgotten in the moment, causing everyone to turn and look back at the Mermaid. "I already told you I would help, I just need you to pass my final test."

"Final test? There were others?" Luffy thought aloud, his head cocked to the side.

"Of course, I wanted to see what kind of person you were at your core, with no one else to put up appearances for, that was your first test," explained the god, holding up a finger. "Second, I wanted to see what type people your crew was and, to my surprise, when asked the same question as you, they gave me the exact same response, without hesitation."

"Oh? So you even wished for my return, eh sword idiot?" Sanji goaded with a smirk.

"Of course, so I can finally get away from you, you damned pervert," responded Zoro smoothly.

"I just have a healthy appreciation for the female form, unlike some people who are obsessed with men and their huge swords!" countered Sanji.

"Wanna go?!" Zoro yelled, unsheathing his katanas once more.

"I'll bet you do!" Sanji responded, blocking Zoro's sword with his foot.

"For the last time, QUIT IT!" Nami screamed, punching them both over the head, before turning to address the fishman. "And Jinbei, you can't hold back with these two, all they understand is pain."

"Understood," Jinbei responded, nodding sagely. "Sorry about that little interruption, please continue...um, but we never did get your name, great one."

"Oh, how rude of me, it has been awhile since I had guests, you see," replied the deity, blushing slightly. "You may call me Umi."

"Thank you Umi, please continue," Jinbei said respectfully.

"Thank you, I have been waiting for a 850 years for someone who could pass all my tests. There have been others who have passed my tests of Purity and Loyalty, but none have passed the final one, Strength," Umi explained seriously. "If you pass my test, I shall send you back to the world of the living, but, if you fail, your very essence will be destroyed. On the other hand, I can let you pass to the afterlife together. Choose wisely!"

"If I accept your proposal," Luffy started, his eyes shadowed by his hat. "I will do it alone, and if I fail, let my friends pass on."

"That is accept-"

"Fuck that," Zoro interrupted, causing everyone to look at him. "We have always fought together, hell we died together, don't try to baby us now. Whatever choice we make, it will be together, and I already know my vote."

"For once I agree with him," Sanji said, lighting another cigarette. "I still need to find All Blue."

"And I never got to make all the money from my map of the world," Nami added, beri signs in her eyes.

"I already experienced death, so what else is there to fear? Let's do it!" declared Usopp, beating his chest.

"I've already died twice, and Laboon is still waiting!" Brook stated, his skull morphed into a fierce glare.

"You guys are the ones who showed me that being a monster is okay," Chopper cried, changing into his Heavy Point. "I never want to be separated again, so let's go all out!

"You all put your lives on the line to save me, even when I wanted to die! Of course I'll stand beside you!" Robin exclaimed resolutely, crossing her arms.

"You guys are SUPER manly!" Franky blubbered, assuming his iconic pose. "I'm proud to stand with you!"

"I may be the newest member, but in order to see peace between fishmen and humans," Jinbei said, stepping into line with the rest of the Strawhats. "I'll follow the crew that can accomplish that anywhere!"

Luffy turned around and looked into each of his friend's eyes, and seeing the determination in each of their faces caused a grin to slowly split his face. "Well, you heard them, bring it on!" Luffy proclaimed confidently.

"I figured you would do it, now, to pass my test, all you have to do is resist my will from suppressing yours completely for one minute." Umi stated, her face set in grim resolution. "Prepare yourselves."

"One." The Strawhats each took a deep breath to clear their minds for the assault to come. "Two." Each crew mate eased into the stance they were most comfortable in. "Three." They all tensed in anticipation for the barrage, when what felt like the weight of the world slammed into their minds, driving them all to their hands and knees as one.

"Impressive, most fail immediately," Umi said, a small smile gracing her lips. "But if that's all you have, you won't survive."

Immediately, the pirates felt the pressure begin to increase steadily, making sweat stream down their faces.

Will the Strawhats survive? Find out next chapter, thanks for reading!