Queen Ushi of the Tianti Archipelago was not the biggest fan of the bubble elevators leading up to Holy Marijoua. She could not deny however the beauty of seeing the islands near the Red line shrink as the elevator climbed higher and higher. 

“Lady Ushi, please be careful not to press too hard against the bubble.” Ushi’s bodyguard, Shen, said. He was part of the reason that Ushi had become the queen of Tianti, him, Jaquar, and the other Umbras. She hoped to meet them again someday, and show Jaquar the castle she is building on her home island of Gonjiwangchao. 

“You have nothing to fear.” Came the voice of Ushi’s newest bodyguard, Raegan. He had arrived along with the half giant Druder only weeks before the Reverie. They were both members of the same crew as Ushi’s father, all of them sailing upon the Oro Jackson. Raegan was an older man, though his hair still showed a deep black color. They called him Demon King Raegan back in the day, now he is nearly indistinguishable from the wanted posters that were after him. This was why he was allowed to join Ushi as her second bodyguard instead of Druder, who awaited at the Red port for their return, guarding their ship. 

The two ex roger pirates had both come with tails of being friendly with the Umbra’s. Both Druder and Raegan had taught Emma in particular, with Druder offering some advice to Jaquar. Ushi was glad to hear more about their adventures after they departed Tanti, she even heard about some of big sis Bei’s exploits. Ushi had a framed copy of Jaquar and Bei’s posters in her room that she is quite proud of.  

“These bubbles are quite durable, you could stab right into them and they wont pop.” Raegan said, finishing his thought with a laugh. He pulled out a jug of a smelly drink and took a deep chug. “Been a while since I have been here, and the first time under kind flags.” He laughed heartily. 

“Did dad come here before?” Ushi asked, Raegan and Druder had told her a lot about her father’s life aboard the Oro Jackson, he was the Helmsman of the ship of the pirate king. 

“Oh yeah, he guided the ship right over the edge of this mountain after we were chased off.” Raegan laughed. “It was ballsy, but Roger knew we would be just fine.” 

“Was this before he became king of the pirates?” Shen asked.

“Nah, it was when he declared himself.” Raegan chuckled. “Roger wanted to let the world know who was the king in the most spectacular way he could, so he marched up to Pangea castle and announced himself before the Reverie at the time. We didn't fight that day, just made a daring escape, good times.” His eyes became distant after that, as if recalling past memories. 

“Looks like we're arriving, Ushi, remember, Raegan is Ray here, got it?” Shen explained.

“Right, Rayray is my bodyguard.” Ushi explained. 

“Close enough.” Shen sighed. He had become Ushi’s most trusted advisor, she had pushed away the others that came offering counsel if Shen said so. 

Castle Pangea was a clutter of kings and queens of distant islands, Ushi felt tiny looking around at the powerful people around her. She clung to Shen’s leg till they were guided inside to their rooms. Raegan had disappeared for a time, but returned just as they arrived at their rooms, something that startled the attendant who was with them.

“Where did you go, Raegan?” Shen asked after they were alone. 

“Sorry, the king of Kaminari was there, wanted to avoid him a bit, he might have recognized me.” Raegan said, scratching his head. 

Ushi blinked at that. “Why?” 

“Well, see Roger and I kinda stole something important to him way back when our crew was much smaller, he never really forgave us for that, especially after we lost what we took.” 

“What could you have stolen that was so important to him?” Shen asked.

Raegan smiled. “Just a big red stone, a ridiculous thing to get mad over really.” 

Dinner that night was held in a great hall, the servants ate in a separate area, Shen was allowed to accompany Ushi while she ate, due to her age. 

Meanwhile, Raegan explored. 

------

“You should not be here.” A voice whispered from the darkness. Raegan didn't have to turn to spot the piercing red eyes with pupils like that of a snake. A Hecaton. 

Raegan smiled. “Is that so?” He flicked a blade that was implanted into the floor before an empty throne. “I don't see the harm, just some rusty swords and a dusty throne.” he watched the throne. “Though, it seems so lightly dusted huh.”

“Servants should be in the servant area.” the Hecaton whispered. 

Raegan continued to face forward. “What is your name, Hecaton?” 

The Hecaton hesitated at that. “This one is Knight.” The Hecaton said.

“Interesting name, surprised they still keep you guys in business, after the Peacekeepers.” Raegan said, he had spotted a few of the machines dotting the palace. The body of Emma’s fallen friend, Matsuno. Raegan often wondered what that lunatic Dragorock was doing. He never liked that man, but was there a specific reason why that body was used as a model? 

“We are still more powerful.” Knight explained. “They do not possess our abilities.” 

“For now.” Raegan said. “How long till they do? I understand their model was quite proficient in Niten.” 

Knight stepped from the shadows at this point, he had realized this bodyguard knew a bit too much. “You should return to your dinner, servant.” 

Raegan smiled. “Sure, I wouldn't want to cause a problem after all.” He began to move past Knight.

“You have it dont you.” Knight asked. “Our power. It is not for your kind.” 

Raegan turned to the Hecaton. “Is that so?” he smiled at the Hecaton, he was young, but his body was built for war. His face was rough, and his hair was tied back by a simple tie. “Weird, I must have a different view on history.” with that he headed off, the Hecaton watching, unnerved by the man who passed him.

“Brother.” came a voice from the shadows, breaking Knights attention. From the shadows emerged one of his kind, Paladin. From the other side of the room emerged Ranger and Sorcerer. 

“Should we remove him?” Ranger asked, he was almost giddy for it, he had failed his assassination of the false king of Blueo, and thus sought redemption. 

Knight shook his head. “We were given no orders, so we shall do no such thing until the masters say otherwise.” Though Knight was nervous of such an encounter, he could not confirm that the four of them would be able to defeat the man. Knight had no fear of dying, but only if it wasn't a wasted effort. 

-----

Ushi sat at the table eating the fine food infront of her, she still was not used to the fancy meals, luckily Shen taught her the techniques for denying food properly. She now watched as people ate and chatted, so many different cultures were in the room, some kings looked quite strange, and others looked simple. There was a queen with a live eel that she had wrapped around her neck, it would occasionally shock her and she seemed not to notice it. Due to this her hair was standing straight up in a series of pointy hair spikes. She was the Queen of Kaeru Island.

There was a man who had a long pointy beard, but the tips of it seemed to have been burn as they were a dark black at the ends. His eye brows were missing, and his face seemed like it was a different shade from the rest of his skin, he was King Sashburn of Kuchi Island.

Near him was the King of Bullfrog Island, King Croakabauld and he matched the appearance of his home island. His lower chin seemed enormous and would expand as he breathed, which seemed like a struggle for him due to his weight. 

Ushi spotted the king of Galliard, chatting with the ruler of Stratalouse, both of which were lower Celestial Dragons forced to attend these meetings. Ushi couldn't help eyeing the king of Stratalouse, he looked familiar somehow. He looked all properlike, yet something was itching at Ushi’s mind. 

“Hey little queen.” Came a voice next to Ushi. she turned sharply to see a white haired woman in a fancy kimono like the one a member of the Umbras wore. She quickly tried to remember this queen’s name. 

“Um hello um.” Ushi stutttered.

The queen laughed. “Do not worry yourself, I am Queen Onna of Mediogashima, and your Ushi queen of the Tianti Archipelago. May I join you?” She pointed at the seat next to Ushi.

“Oh of course.” Ushi said, and the Queen took a seat. She pulled out a mirror and looked into it, then spoke.

“Everything good still good Unagioko?” Onna asked. She was silent a moment. “Sounds good, thank you.” she turned back to Ushi. “I apologize for that, I just had to check on my attendants. I heard a little rumor that you had some help from a few of my friends when it comes to your succession.”

Ushi was startled by the blatant admission. “You know the Umbras?”

“Quite well.” Onna said. “They took down the last king for me, and helped quell a rebellion for me.” 

Ushi laughed. “Sounds like them. Big sis Bei brought them to help take down a meanie, Mr Jaquar was great! He kept me safe and he and Shen kicked butt!” 

Onna smiled. “Over there, that is Queen Yuki of Frostrum, she took over this year, and the Umbras helped her as well. They tend to help out everywhere they go in some way, though they also seem to cause quite a bit of chaos too.” 

“True, Jaquar ended up with me cause he fell in the sea and washed up on my sand castle.” 

“Sounds about right.” Onna laughed. The two began to chit chat, and Ushi felt better about the upcoming meeting that would begin the next morning, as she now had a friend in the court. 

The next morning discussions began in full, the king of Speria requested a raise in taxes to help make up for damages the city took two years ago. The motion to end the Seven Warlords was brought up, but was vetoed. Admiral Shirowashi presented a plan to strike out against the Yonkos. 

“How do you plan to take down these Yonko’s exactly?” the King of the Kaminari kingdom asked, he was a burly man built like a bear whos eyes showed the alertness of a young man.

“We have it on good authority that some Yonkos already have their hands full.” Shirowashi explained. “Currently Baihin is engaged in a war with the Umbra Pirates and their allies, we figure that the Umbras will fail but they will at least weaken Baihin’s forces enough for us to strike when he is weakened.” 

Shen placed a hand on Ushi’s shoulder, she was about to speak out, how dare this man! The Umbras would never lose! They will kick Baihin’s butt! 

“Ylva is currently dealing with her brother's wedding, which would be beneficial to us in the long run.” Shirowashi continued. “My plan is to strike out at our current greatest threat, Moryn Blue Streak.” 

There was a laugh from the king of Kaminari. “I see, so this is about fixing your image from the Battle of Marineford huh.” he laughed loudly. “He did defeat Gaius, and held back Nekure long enough for YOUR daughter to escape, all this after fighting Ollin as well.” 

Ushi then noticed the similarities between Shirowashi and Emma. Yet Shirowashi looked like a butthead, a real jerk, no way was he related to Emma right? 

“We did fail, however we have it on good authority they are making a move.” Shirowashi explained. “Our sources say that he is officially setting out from Tronos.”

“Why?” The king of Gaillard asked. “He holds a good position there and has been expanding regularly so why leave?”

“He is seeking Gold Roger’s lost treasure, he believes if he were to find it that he would become the next king of the pirates.” Shirowashi explained.

The crowd all began to murmur amongst each other at the mention of the One Piece. Ushi took notice of the King of Kaminari, Ruji, as he looked more solemn and contemplative. He alone acted differently from everyone else. 

Suddenly the castle shook as an explosion erupted. Shen grabbed hold of Ushi and pulled her to the ground, close to him. Other members of Royalty began to scream and duck under the table. 

“What is going on!” Shirowashi yelled into a Transponder snail. 

“Sir, It's Leva Olivier! He and his fleet are attacking Marijua!” A voice responded from the other side of the line. 

-----

“Seems something interesting is about to begin.” Raegan said to Druder as they both looked over the edge of the red line. Raegan had teleported Druder up here once he realized what was about to happen. “Sad the others couldn’t be here for this, I would have loved to hear their thoughts on our captain's son.”

“Couldn't be helped.” Druder said, rising from his cross legged sitting position. “Most of us did as Captain said, made our claims and went off into retirement.” 

Raegan smiled at that, he sometimes forgot about Rogers last request. Make a claim on the next generation. Raegan was the only one who made two claims, Moryn blue streak, and Emma S Nash. It was greedy of him, but he couldn't help it. “Last I heard Tanamari was still around, and Awilda has been out and about for quite some time.” remembering Awilda brought something to his mind, if Cherry was to become the greatest marksman, he would have to face her wouldn't he? He chuckled to himself at the thought of that. 

The explosion rocked the palace, a rocket was fired from the port. Reagan got to his feet and placed his hand on his saber, Wit’s End. The handle felt comfortable in his grip, just as it always had. This was the way a black blade should feel in the hand of its creator. 

They marched up from the port, at their head was the striking image of Raegan’s best friend, Leva Olivier. He was dressed in a flowing red coat trimmed by gold, he had his hair waving freely in the breeze, the same black as rogers. Gold rings sat in his earlobes, with gold studs just above them. A single gold ring pierced his right eyebrow, while the other eyebrow had a scar run near the end, making the brow look split in two. He walked with a hotty stride, as if the holy land of the Celestial Dragons was just another pub. His eyes bore black liner, making the black eyes stand out, the gaze piercing into the souls of all who looked upon it. His teeth were bared in a large smile, the same smile Roger took to his grave. 

The party stopped as their path was blocked by Raegan and Druder. Raegan looked over the men, recognizing some of them as high end pirates, ones that had even caught his interest at some point. 

The First Division commander of the Levi Pirates, Maiko ‘The Ninja’. He was dressed in a wide variety of colors and had his face covered by a scarf that trailed behind him. He wore a bandolier of daggers, all of which Raegan was sure he was proficient in using. 

Second Division Commander Girako ‘Teal Scale’ was a Bullshark Fishman, he wore a kimono of his kind. Rumors were that he left fishman island insearch of Levi. the kimono bore the Symbol for the Levi pirates across the breast and back. 

Third Division Commander Thomas Armadillo, also known as ‘The Grey Bullet’. He already had his weapon drawn, a Soge weapon known as Spider Grey. It was a pale gray rifle with six barrels that spun after a shot was fired. Thomas wore a nobleman's suit, gray with a white tie and a black undershirt. He seemed the type to dress in fashion based on the fine style of his hair. His eyes were that of an experienced marksman, locked on to the target in front of him. How Levi had brought the third greatest Marksman onto his crew was beyond Raegan. 

“Well, if my eyes don't deceive me, it seems my fathers crew has come to give a greeting.” Levi said in a jovial tone. Raegan caught sight of the blade at the mans hip, a supreme grade blade for sure. “Raegan Demon King, and Druder ‘the Fire monk’ Have you come to join my crew? I will gladly take you, you can each be division commanders as well. We have many crews that could use someone of your caliber.”

Raegan and Druder looked too each other and smiled. “Sorry, not happening.” Raegan stated.

Levi looked taken aback. “I'm sorry? Did you reject me? That's a new one.”

“Best get used to it.” Druder chuckled, he held his monk staff close to him, ready to use it if need be. “You may be his blood, but your not Gol.” 

A flash of anger crossed Levi’s face. “The hell does that mean? Of course I'm not him, I'm going to be his better. He barely held his title for a year before he kicked the bucket, I'm going to rule these seas as the true king of the pirates.”

Raegan felt a tang of sorrow for this boy, if only he had known of his existence, maybe he could have put him on a better path while he was young. But it was too late now. 

“What brings you here exactly?” Raegan asked, noticing Levi’s men begin to spread out around, like lava about to flood a village. 

“Isnt it obvious?” Levi began. “I am going to declare my intentions in the most spectacular way possible, by killing the kings and queens of the Reverie!” 

“I see.” Raegan said. “Then in that case, you are truly lost, and we cannot let you take a step further. Another of a crews kids is in there, and we wont let you hurt her.” Raegan drew Wit’s End, channeling his Conquerors haki and Niten threw the blade. The creeping lava stopped in its tracks as Raegan slashed to one side, Druder throwing his staff down on the other side. Two large ravines separated the oncoming pirates now. 

“So, you choose the path of pain.” Levi stated. “Why would you defend them, well wipe out the world government in one fell swoop!” 

Raegan smiled. “Seems your a fool too. You think us stopping you is what ruins this plan?” 

Levi bit his lip in anger, then drew is blade. Energy suddenly shot out around, tearing up the earth below them, causing it to float inches from the ground. The blade was a katana, the original Meito blade, WakiMochi. The blade was pure black with ripples of white, when had the blade become a black blade? Last Raegan had heard it was still a long ways from being a black blade. “Men, go nuts.” 

Pirates made to jump the ravine, but were thrown back suddenly. A figure crossed the ravine, his own blade drawn, a hand and a Half sword blade with a guard like that of the sun. Adam S Nash, or Admiral Shirowashi, stood triumphantly as he had taken down several members of the Levi Pirate fleet. But the army was still huge. 

“Raegan, and Druder, what a surprise.” Adam said, staring forward. “You going to be a pain in my ass?” 

“How about a ceasefire huh?” Raegan laughed. “We're here on bodyguard detail.”

Nash looked annoyed at that. “Very well, just stay out of our way.” 

It was at that moment that the Hecatons struck. Raegan and Druder retreated, their only objective was protecting Ushi, so they would return to her. Sounded like this reverie was over. 

Raegan returned hours later to Pangea Castle, Levi had slain several kings. The king of the Ranpu Kingdom, the Queen of Teton Island, and the king of Akervolt. However, Raegan was sure that Levi had accomplished his real goal. He made a declaration according to the conversation Raegan had eavesdropped. Levi declared himself the future king of the Pirates. He made the statement of who his first target was in this endeavor, Edouart Corpis, he planned to claim his spot as a yonko so that the world government would be too afraid to move against him. Raegan wondered what happened to lead him down this path. 

“Roger, why didn't you tell me? I could have kept him safe.” Raegan sighed. Maybe that was why, he wanted Levi to grow up free, like him. But sometimes freedom comes at the expense of others. This isn't the type of freedom that Roger wanted. 

Raegan looked out to the sea, the new world, and made a silent request. “Guess this is truly the age for the new generation, in that case, I'll leave them to it. Emma, Moryn.” he cut himself off and just smiled. “Guess I should get back to the others, seems someone has noticed my presence.” He looked up to the single window in Pangea castle that lets light into the Empty Throne room, and there he saw those eyes staring down at him. Three sets of irises forming three rings around a single black pupil in each eye. Raegan just smiled at those eyes, he had nothing to fear from them, even if he died. With that, Raegan teleported back to Ushi’s ship. 

-----

Huis sat upon an outcropping of the red line, Che was breathing heavily next to him. 

“That was rough.” Che said, shock taking over. 

A man dropped down from above and landed next to the two. He had his hands in the pockets of his torn jeans. He swept back is bright blonde hair and pushed out his sharp chin in annoyance. 

“We got out, but I didn't get to deck any of the celestial jackasses.” the man said. This was the leader of the West Blue division of the Revolutionary army, John Lawrence. 

Huis looked at the small cave behind them, thirty sum slaves sat huddled, afraid of the wraith of their masters. 

“How many did the other teams get out?” Huis asked John. 

John gave an annoyed look at Huis, a small tick the man had where he always looked pissed off, some say that was common in people from the west blue. “Dokari got out around twenty, Sheep got fourty five. And Bongo got close to fourty.”

“Over a hundred slaves rescued.” Huis said. “We should consider this a win for the cause.” 

Huis didnt voice what they were all thinking, they had seen Levi’s destruction, they had seen what Adam Nash was capable of, and more importantly, they saw those Hecatons. The same one that attacked Blueo was defending Pangea Castle, meaning the world government truly did try to kill that king. 

“Maxis will want to hear about this.” John said. “We should hurry back and regroup.” 

Huis nodded at that. It was almost time for them to truly be making big strides. The new world was in chaos and would become unstable soon, meanwhile Paradise was starting to get shaken up in its own way. War was on the horizon, a war that would swallow the world.