The Scrap Coast - Water 7
The storm was raging. The Aqua Laguna had receded momentarily, but the winds were still howling, tearing shingles off roofs and whipping the sea into a frenzy.
A group of desperate men ran toward the rocky cove of the Scrap Coast. It was the Franky Family, battered, bruised, but fueled by adrenaline and loyalty. Leading them was Zambai, clutching a bazooka.
"Hurry!" Zambai shouted over the wind. "We saw the flash of light! The Straw Hats must still be there! If we beg them... maybe they'll help us save Aniki!"
They skidded to a halt at the edge of the cliff.
They looked down.
The cove was empty. The water churned violently against the rocks, but the Going Merry—the ship they had intended to board, beg, or hijack—was gone. The only evidence it had ever been there was a strange, lingering trail of steam dissipating in the rain.
"They're gone..." one of the thugs fell to his knees. "They ran away. They left Aniki to die."
"No."
A voice spoke from the shadows of the cliff path.
The Franky Family turned. Leaning against a rock, looking pale but standing upright, was Iceburg. He held a hand to his chest where Ben had healed him, his coat flapping in the gale.
"Mr. Iceburg!" Zambai gasped. "You're alive!"
"The Straw Hats didn't run away," Iceburg said, his voice struggling against the roar of the ocean. He looked out toward the dark horizon where the Sea Train tracks disappeared. "They went after them."
"After who?"
"After CP9," Iceburg said. "They went to Enies Lobby. To save their crewmate... and to save Franky."
The thugs went silent.
"To... Enies Lobby?" Zambai whispered. "Into the Government's stronghold? Are they insane?"
"Yes," Iceburg smiled faintly. "They are pirates, after all."
Zambai gripped his weapon. "We have to go too! We have to help Aniki!"
"How?" Iceburg asked gently. "Do you have a ship that can sail the Aqua Laguna? Do you have a Sea Train?"
The thugs looked at the raging sea. Any normal ship would be crushed instantly. They had arrived too late to stow away on the Merry. They were stranded.
"Damn it!" Zambai punched the ground, tears mixing with the rain. "We're useless! We can't even save our own Boss!"
"Have faith," Iceburg said, closing his eyes. "That man... the Magician... he promised. He said he would bring them back. All we can do now is wait. Hope he keeps his word and pray that Enies Lobby is ready for what is coming."
---
Miles away, racing across the surface of the dark ocean, the Going Merry was a blur of motion.
The magnetic wheels sparked against the iron rails of the Sea Train track.
Rain lashed down from the heavens. It wasn't just rain; it was a deluge, heavy sheets of water that threatened to flood the deck.
"Merry!" Ben shouted from the helm, his voice amplified by the ship's comms. "We're getting soaked! Activate the environmental shielding!"
"Aye aye, Papa!" Mini Merry, standing on the figurehead in her yellow raincoat, clapped her hands.
"Force Field: Deploy!"
HUMMMM.
A hexagonal grid of blue light erupted from the mast. It expanded rapidly, forming a translucent dome over the entire ship. The rain hammered against the energy barrier, sliding off harmlessly into the sea. Inside the dome, the roar of the wind vanished, replaced by the hum of the engine and the dry, warm air of the climate control.
"Much better," Nami sighed, wringing out her hair. "I thought I was going to drown on my own ship."
"Alright," Ben engaged the autopilot. "We have a straight shot for a while. Everyone, assemble on the deck. It's time for an upgrade."
The crew gathered in the center of the dry deck. Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Nami, Usopp, Chopper, Vivi, Dory, and Brogy. They looked determined, but Ben knew determination wasn't enough. They were going to war against the elite assassins of the World Government. They needed firepower.
Ben stood before them, his silver suitcase floating beside him.
"We are heading into a war zone," Ben stated. "CP9 are masters of Rokushiki. They are fast, strong, and durable. Haki helps, but you need gear that can match them."
He tapped the suitcase. It unfolded, revealing a rack of gleaming weapons.
"Dory. Brogy."
The two Giants (currently human-sized) stepped forward.
"You guys are warriors of Elbaf," Ben said. "Your old weapons were worn down by a century of dueling. You need something that won't break."
Ben pulled out a sword and an axe. They looked ancient, etched with runes, but the metal was dark, heavy, and radiated a strange heat.
"This axe and sword are forged from Uru Metal," Ben explained. "The same metal used by gods in legends. It conducts Haki perfectly and gets stronger the more spirit you pour into it."
He handed them two shields. They were silver, with a vibratory hum.
"And these shields are a Vibranium-Uru Alloy. They absorb kinetic energy. You could block a cannonball and not even feel the impact."
Dory lifted the sword. It felt heavy, balanced, and alive. "Gebababa! A weapon fit for a King!"
"This axe sings to me!" Brogy grinned, swinging it. The air whistled.
"Vivi," Ben called.
The princess stepped up. Ben handed her a sleek, silver spear. It looked high-tech, with intricate engravings along the shaft.
"Vibranium Spear, Wakanda Pattern," Ben said. "It's indestructible. But it has a surprise."
He pressed a hidden stud. The tip of the spear glowed blue.
"It shoots concentrated sonic blasts," Ben explained. "And if you slam the butt into the ground, it generates a personal force field for ten seconds. Use it to protect yourself and Caroo."
"Amazing," Vivi twirled the spear, the blue light trailing in the air. "Thank you, Ben!"
"Chopper."
The reindeer trotted over. Ben handed him a pair of sleek, panther-like gauntlets that fit over his hooves.
"Shuri Gauntlets," Ben said. "They absorb impact. Every time you block a punch or hit something, the gauntlets store that energy. When they glow purple..."
Ben demonstrated, tapping the gauntlet. A pulse of energy shot out.
"...you can release it as a kinetic blast. It turns your defense into offense."
"Cool!" Chopper eyes sparkled. "I can shoot beams!"
"Usopp."
The sniper stepped forward, adjusting his goggles. "Hit me, Ben. What do I get? A laser cannon?"
"Better," Ben handed him a strange, collapsible weapon. "This is a Transforming Bow-Rifle. It shifts between a sniper configuration for long-range and a compound bow for silence and versatility."
Ben opened a side compartment of the case, revealing a quiver of high-tech arrows.
"Trick Arrows," Ben listed them. "Pym Particle Arrows (to shrink/grow targets), Explosive Arrows, Net Arrows, Acid Arrows, and... a Magnetic Pulse Arrow. Use them wisely."
Then, Ben tossed him a small, double-barreled handgun. It looked retro but futuristic.
"And for backup... the Element Gun. It will shoot fire, lightning, rock, or wind. It's like having four Logias in your pocket."
Usopp trembled, holding the arsenal. "I... I am a walking armory. I am God Usopp."
"Nami."
Nami stepped up. "I already have the pole arm you made."
"I tweaked it a bit," Ben took her staff.
He handed it back.
Luffy stepped forward, staring at the empty suitcase with wide, expectant eyes. "Ben! Where's mine?! Where's my laser-sword-bazooka?!"
Ben paused. He looked at Luffy.
"Luffy," Ben said seriously. "I have a choice for you. I can give you a super cool, glowing gauntlet that shoots lasers..."
"OOOOH!" Luffy drooled.
"...Or," Ben continued, "I can give you a literal Mountain of Meat. The highest quality, bone-in meat, perfectly roasted, enough to feed you for a week straight."
Luffy froze. His brain short-circuited.
Laser Gauntlet... vs... Mountain of Meat.
It wasn't even a contest.
"MEAT!" Luffy screamed, raising his arms. "I WANT THE MEAT MOUNTAIN!"
"Done," Ben grinned. "Focus on the mission. Save Robin. And when we get back... the meat mountain is yours."
Luffy's eyes glazed over. He began to drool, swaying slightly. "Meat... mountain... so much meat..."
"He's in a trance," Sanji noted, poking the captain. "He's visualizing the flavor profile."
"Good," Ben nodded. "A motivated Luffy is a dangerous Luffy. Everyone check your gear and get familiar with it."
---
While the crew tested their new weapons—Vivi shooting lasers at the air, Usopp cycling through arrowheads—Luffy sat on the figurehead, staring ahead, mumbling about barbecue sauce.
"Papa!" Mini Merry suddenly shouted. "Sonar contact! Massive object ahead!"
"Is it Enies Lobby?" Sanji asked.
"No," Merry shook her head. "It's water. A lot of water."
Through the rain-slicked darkness ahead, a white line appeared on the horizon. It grew taller. And taller.
It was the Aqua Laguna. The second wave.
"It's huge!" Chopper screamed. "It's bigger than the first one!"
The wave was a moving mountain of water, towering fifty meters over the tracks. It was crashing down the line straight toward them.
"We can't go over that!" Nami yelled. "Merry, stop the ship!"
"No!"
Zoro stepped forward. He tied his black bandana around his head. He drew his new sword—wait, he still had his old ones, but they were sharp enough. He drew Sandai Kitetsu and Yubashiri.
"Don't stop the ship," Zoro growled, the Wado Ichimonji clamped in his mouth.
"Zoro?" Nami blinked.
Ben looked at the swordsman. He smiled.
"Merry," Ben commanded. "Drop the force field."
"But Papa! We'll get wet!"
"Just do it. Trust him."
"Aye!"
ZZZPT.
The blue dome vanished. The rain slammed into them again, accompanied by the roar of the approaching tsunami. The sound was deafening.
Zoro walked to the bow, standing right next to Luffy. He stared at the wall of water rushing to crush them.
He didn't flinch. He lowered his stance. He crossed his swords.
His aura flared—a dark, blue demon spirit that seemed to push the rain away.
"Santoryu..."
The wave was ten meters away. Five meters.
"...108 Pound Phoenix!"
Zoro swung.
It wasn't just a slash. It was a flying cannonball of compressed air, spiraling forward with enough force to cut steel.
SHING!
The slash hit the tsunami dead center.
For a second, nothing happened.
Then, with a sound like tearing canvas, the massive wave split. A vertical chasm opened up in the center of the water wall, creating a tunnel of air right over the tracks.
"Hold on!" Ben slammed the throttle.
The Going Merry shot through the gap. Walls of churning water rose on either side of them, suspended for a brief second by the force of the slash.
WHOOSH.
They burst out the other side, dry and safe. Behind them, the wave collapsed back onto the tracks with a thunderous crash.
"Nice cut," Sanji commented, lighting a new cigarette (somehow keeping it dry).
Zoro sheathed his swords. "Hmph. Just a wave."
"Shields up," Ben ordered.
The blue dome flickered back to life.
---
"Attention," Mini Merry announced. "Destination: Enies Lobby. ETA: 15 minutes. The Gates of Justice are visible on radar."
Ben walked out from his workshop, carrying a large duffel bag.
"Alright," Ben said. "We're soaked. We're tired. And we're about to walk into a government facility."
He dropped the bag.
"If we're going to declare war," Ben smirked. "We're going to do it looking like professionals. Get changed."
Ten minutes later.
In the men's quarters, chaos reigned.
Zoro was turning purple. He was tugging furiously at a black strip of fabric around his neck.
"Damn rag!" Zoro gagged. "Why won't it stay flat? It's choking me! I'll cut it off!"
"Don't you dare cut the silk, you marimo!" Sanji sighed, exhaling smoke. He walked over and slapped Zoro's hands away. "That's a square knot you tied. You're supposed to wear it, not moor a ship with it. Stand still."
"Shut up, dartboard-brow," Zoro grumbled, but he let Sanji fix it. "Why do we have to wear these monkey suits anyway?"
"Because," Sanji tightened the knot perfectly, smoothing the collar. "We are rescuing a lady. A gentleman must look his best. Even a neanderthal like you."
"Tch."
On the deck, the rain had stopped, or at least, the storm had broken enough to reveal the moon.
The Going Merry slowed down as the massive, imposing Gates of Justice loomed in the distance. The island of Enies Lobby—the Day Island—shone brightly, a stark contrast to the dark ocean.
Standing near the figurehead of the ship, lined up in a V-formation, were the Straw Hat Pirates.
They weren't wearing their usual rags. They were dressed for a funeral. The Government's funeral.
Luffy stood in the center. He wore a sharp black suit jacket over a blood-red dress shirt, his shorts replaced by black dress trousers (shorts style), and polished black shoes. He wore dark, rectangular sunglasses that hid his eyes but not his grin.
To his right, Zoro wore a black suit with a deep green shirt, his collar open, three swords glinting at his hip. His sunglasses were sharp and angular, matching his killer aura.
To his left, Sanji looked like a prince in a double-breasted black suit with a royal blue shirt and a black tie. His sunglasses were stylishly tinted blue.
Usopp stood tall, wearing a black suit with a mustard yellow shirt. His goggles were around his neck, replaced by sleek black shades that made him look oddly professional.
Chopper looked adorable yet fierce in a small, tailored black suit with a pink shirt and tiny black aviators.
Ben adjusted his cuffs. He wore a slim-fit black suit with a light blue shirt and a black tie clip. His rimless black glasses reflected the lights of Enies Lobby.
Dory wore a massive black suit with a dark grey shirt, while Brogy wore one with a ash coloured shirt. Both giants wore custom-made, extra-wide sunglasses that looked intimidating as hell.
Nami stood with her Clima-Tact resting on her shoulder, wearing a feminine cut black suit with a vibrant orange blouse and chic cat-eye sunglasses.
Vivi held her vibranium spear, looking every bit the warrior princess in a suit with a lavender violet shirt and elegant dark shades.
And Caroo? The duck stood proudly, wearing a black vest, a sharp red bowtie, and pilot sunglasses over his beak.
Even Mini Merry had changed. Her dress was gone, replaced by a tiny, custom-tailored Black suit with a dark pink shirt and a small fedora. She adjusted her aviator sunglasses, looking like the cutest mobster in the Grand Line.
"Mood setting: Activated," Merry chirped, tapping her internal music player.
A haunting choir melody with a heavy, rhythmic beat began to blast from the ship's speakers.
"As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I take a look at my life and realize there's not much left.
'Cause I've been blastin' and laughin' so long,
That even my mama thinks that my mind is gone!"
Gangsta's Paradise echoed across the waves, the bass vibrating the deck.
They stood silent, watching the island draw closer. The wind whipped their jackets. They looked like a mafia family coming to collect a debt.
"Merry," Luffy said, his voice low.
"Yes, Captain?"
"Full speed," Luffy ordered. "Smash the fence."
"Aye aye Captain!"
The Going Merry roared, its Jet Dials flaring blue. The ship launched itself off the tracks, soaring into the air, aiming straight for the first gate of Enies Lobby.
"Yo, Enies Lobby!" Mini Merry shouted over the music, adjusting her fedora. "Knock knock, suckas! The Grim Reaper just pulled up, and we ain't leavin' without a receipt! Prepare to get wrecked!"
The war had begun. And the Straw Hats were dressed to kill.