Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

They say the movement of a butterfly's wings can cause a disaster on the other side of the world. They say even our smallest decisions are capable of causing immense change in the future. Perhaps staying home that sunny day will save you from the terrible storm that will kill several. Decisions have an effect, no matter how small, therefore, the flapping of a butterfly's wings is capable of creating tornadoes on the other side of the world.

Monkey D. Luffy was that butterfly, if the butterfly were as big as the sun.

His mere presence, and his decisions, had changed the entire world, placing him as the protagonist of a macabre and mysterious play that was coming to an end. Whether or not it was his intention, his actions were slowly leading the world to liberation and the discovery of the terrible secrets hidden by the government. His mere birth had created a butterfly effect that would not only cause a tornado, but would turn the world itself upside down, unlike anything seen since the days of the famous Gold Roger.

Monkey D. Luffy was the light. He was the sun. He was the necessary ingredient to free the world from the terrible chains that bound every being. Monkey D. Luffy was needed to fulfill a role that no one else could, because he was himself. Because he was the only one with the determination, the personality, and the heart to free it. Luffy would free the world, only he could.

However, one world was doomed to never see that light. A world was doomed to remain stuck in a loop of fear and cruelty. There was one world that didn't have a Luffy, and that world was engulfed in anguish and violence. The darkness was so all-encompassing that even those who were fighting alongside that darkness were slowly beginning to see the terror in it.

In this world, without a Monkey D. Luffy to serve as light and guide, only slavery, war, hunger, and sorrow reigned. And all because the people needed to undertake the great journey to the end didn't have their light, and therefore, they didn't have their anchor. They didn't have Luffy.

Roronoa Zoro survived that day, but years have passed, and he still hasn't left the East Blue, still weak and unable to even stand up to Mihawk. His frustration and weakness have driven him to become a cruel and cold man.

Nami has been in an endless cycle of pain and frustration. She has collected the money more times than she can remember, only to have it taken again and again, chaining her to her home, from which she cannot leave or she will sign the death warrant of her people. She knows she will never be free.

Vinsmoke Sanji has stayed by Zeff's side, working tirelessly and ignoring the growing desperation to get out and be free from a past that still chains him.

Tony Tony Chopper lives in hiding, trying to hide from the disgusted looks even though all he wants is to be able to cure every disease in the world and be a doctor.

Usopp lives his day-to-day life defending his home, earning more and more injuries while losing his own childlike personality to try to survive in an unforgiving world.

Nico Robin continues working tirelessly, trying to remain unnoticed by the World Government or risk being killed and, with it, ending the Will of Ohara.

Franky lives in hiding, fleeing from the government that wants to use or kill him, still unsure of their plans.

Brook is still wandering in the darkness, wondering when he'll finally be able to die and leave his skeletal body behind.

Jimbei travels with Whitebeard, probably the only one with semi-stability, though he wishes he could do more for his people.

Monkey D. Dragon is slowly losing hope that the world will ever be free. His fight against the World Government increasingly seems like a distant dream.

Kozuki Momonosuke is barely twelve years old, but he has lost hope and has become a child with a deep darkness within him. More than twenty years have passed, and the person his father has been waiting for hasn't arrived. Now Wano is only a shadow of its former self, and he lives in the shadows alongside the Akazaya, all trying to keep hope alive.

Akagami Shanks travels with the straw hat perched on his red hair, feeling it heavier than ever. He has tried to follow in his former Captain's footsteps and claim the throne, but it's as if the waters themselves are preventing him. However, someone has to take the throne and change the terrible world they found themselves in.

Whitebeard grows older and older, and he increasingly tries to cling to Roger's words. However, he doesn't see among all the pirates the one who will change the world. All he sees is darkness and gloom.

Monkey D. Garp has seen so much evil that even he's losing faith in the Marines and their justice when he sees so much corruption. The worst part is that he's not the only one; even the hateful Akainu had his doubts.

The world had fallen into total chaos and a terrible corruption that began with the world's secret monarch, Imu. This ruined world was already lost, and there was nothing that could save them. There was no more hope.

Or at least, that's how it should be.

As if the Transmission Den Den Mushi had rebelled against the world, projectors appeared around the world in the center of every city, from the sky to the sea, without warning. Not even the high-ranking Navy and nobility understood where they had come from or why. Was it a pirate attack or something?

"A broadcast?" asked a Skypeia civilian.

"Is it another one?" asked another Zou civilian, equally puzzled and fearful.

"Hey, come out! It looks like there's going to be a broadcast!" announced a Dressrosa civilian.

The entire world fell into a state of great fear, but they still decided to walk and approach the Den Den Mushi until they reached the broadcast, which only showed a black screen.

But on the other hand, the Marines were just as confused.

"What the hell is going on?" Akainu asked suspiciously as he watched transmissions begin to appear without having received orders from the higher-ups and without any execution on the way.

Likewise, the pirates also watched equally puzzled by the strange things that were going on.

“Well, now what do those government officials want to show us?” Shanks smiled falsely, clearly not happy about having to pay attention to something coming from the hateful government.

Transmission beginning in
3...
2...
...1

“Welcome to this broadcast, everyone”

The people in the same locations looked at each other, confused and fearful at the unfamiliar voice that began to speak. The strange voice was a mix between a woman and a man, making it impossible to tell exactly who was speaking. Still, it didn't take away their fear of the unknown.

On the Moby Dick, Whitebeard narrowed his eyes, his gaze wandering over his children's with concern. After the war at Marineford had left him even weaker, he was beginning to fear the World Government's plans more than he already did in this world that have fallen into chaos and despair.

"What will they show? Another execution?" Such words were spat out from Pirate Empress Boa Hancock from Amazon Lily.

"There's been no news of a renowned pirate being caught," her sister Marigold replied suspiciously. "Besides, this isn't how executions carried out by those damned government members begin."

"I know you must be confused by what's happening and who I am, but I'm not here to engage in conversation, and my identity is of no importance. I'm here to show you the future that should have been, but is now forever beyond your reach."

"What?" asked a man from Wano, now known as New Onigashima. His body almost skeletal from hunger and the slavery of heavy labor.

"What future?" Robin whispered bitterly, already accustomed to a life where she saw the world increasingly fall into decay.

“This doesn't seem like the government's plans, though.” Shanks adjusted himself, now more interested.

“Showing the future? Could it be a Devil Fruit?” a pirate asked his crew, all equally confused.

Many didn't know if what they were seeing was real or a government trick meant to punish them. The fear of doing something wrong that would lead to slavery or a horrible fate caused many to remain silent, without asking anything. If it was a government plan, they hoped their silence would save them from some kind of punishment.

“The expected ruler was never born, and now the world has fallen into chaos. I will only show you the path this world should have taken if he were present. Unfortunately, you will only see him, the ruler of another world. Anyway, enjoy.”

The screen, which had been black, suddenly showed the white-fanged grin of an unknown being. It was a macabre, even cruel smile. Clearly, this was just entertainment for that creature.

"Ruler?" Whitebeard murmured. "Is this who Roger had waited for?"

The Captain snorted coldly. It was hard to believe, though, when that man was supposed to be here already. However, no liberator had arrived, and the world was under the yoke of the World Government. Slaves and deaths were increasing, and no one had claimed the throne.

In Zou, twelve-year-old Kozuki Momonosuke, in the body of a man over twenty, watched the broadcast with a coldness and calmness unnatural for a child his age, even if he was physically a full-grown man. Momonosuke was more focused on the words of the being on the screen. He himself had been waiting for that person, the one who would liberate Wano, whom his father had prophesied. And now he was being told that he simply hadn't been born and that another world enjoyed his presence?

Momonosuke narrowed his eyes as he clenched his fists, furious at the implication that they were indeed already doomed from the start to be nothing more than slaves. That couldn't be true. Why were they being punished? They needed a savior! They'd done everything possible to free themselves, but every time they were defeated.

Beside him, his fury was visible to the Akazaya, who understood their young leader's anger all too well. They weren't getting any younger, and they still hadn't been able to destroy Kaido. And day by day, hope left them.

From his throne, Imu narrowed his red eyes, somewhere between amused, curious, and angry. It was amusing because the world was clearly his playground, and he moved every piece as he pleased. Nothing and no one was a contender to his throne, much less a threat to his plans. Even the Clan of D ceased to be a nuisance. However, that didn't stop him from being curious about who this... ruler was.

Imu clenched his fists. Was it Joyboy?

No. It couldn't be him. That cursed fruit hasn't appeared in eight hundred years, and it can't appear now that the world is completely under his yoke. No pirate was a threat, not even the Yonkou.

Imu stopped and smiled; he didn't have to worry. After all, his world was in his hands; it wasn't his problem what the other Imu was suffering. That only showed him that he was indeed superior.

"Wow. A ruler, how magnificent," Kizaru grinned, his fake smile ignored by his fellow Admirals and Fleet Admiral Akainu.

"That voice..." Roger's voice began.

Shanks quickly looked up, recognizing that voice even after so many years.

"Captain..." the redhead whispered, his emotions somewhat mixed.

On the Moby Dick, Whitebeard watched with anticipation, knowing the voice of his old friend and rival very well. He hoped Roger or someone on the screen would give him an idea of ​​where that person was, because the world seemed to be coming to an end, and he couldn't allow that.

"So we start with Roger," the old, mustachioed Captain laughed softly.

Portgas D. Ace grimaced from his place on the Moby Dick, not at all happy that they had to start with that man. However, he understood very well that Roger had not only discovered many things on his voyage, but that he was an important figure who drove forward the Age of Pirates.

Elsewhere, with a glass in hand, Rayleigh, for the first time in years, felt his shoulders relax slightly at the sight of his former Captain and brother.

"Oh, brother, if only you could see this," Rayleigh commented sadly, wondering if they hadn't made a mistake by not revealing the truth to the world now that it had taken such a terrible turn.

Civilians and pirates around the world didn't remember the voice of the former Pirate King, so they didn't understand the magnitude of his presence and why, in a palace, Imu felt his anger and disgust growing.

"Gol D. Roger, the one who started it all." While Roger wasn't Joyboy, he had still launched the world into another great Pirate Age that threatened his plans, or so he'd thought years ago.

After all, no one rebelled, and the Revolutionaries were slowly ceasing to be a threat.

"Roger?!" Monkey D. Garp shouted, then burst into laughter. He hadn't heard the voice of his friend and rival in years.

"Voice?!" exclaimed a surprised Kozuki Oden.

Out of nowhere, Whitebeard began to laugh, perhaps to hide the pain of seeing two men he had once held immense affection for. Marco followed suit, his mind bringing back old memories.

"Oden, my old friend," laughed Whitebeard, causing those who were unaware to look at the man on the screen.

Ace smiled. "So he's the famous Kozuki Oden."

"Oden-sama!" the Akazaya cried out in surprise as they saw the image of their living, smiling Daimyo. Despite all these years, a part of them maintained faith in him and his words, even when everything seemed to go against them.

In other times, they would have wept at the sight of that great man, and yet, they watched in surprise, but with dry eyes.

"Father." Momonosuke bowed his head in respect, feeling sad and furious at the sight of his father. He felt sad to see him so alive, but he was so frustrated at not being able to fulfill the mission his father had left behind.

He wished he could be powerful enough to kill Kaido and all his allies and finally free his country. But one day, one day Kaido would die on his knees, his body shattered and with Momonosuke smiling.

On New Onigashima, Kaido looked at his old rival and decided it was a good time to start drinking sake. If they were starting with two monsters like Roger and Oden, the dragon suspected that what was coming would not be easy to manage while he was sober.

The people of New Onigashima choked back their tears, many feeling even more despair at seeing the only man who truly wanted to see the country succeed. However, now they were tied to a tyrant they wished they could devour while listening to his screams of pain and ignoring him, just as he ignored theirs.

Roronoa Zoro smiled slightly, causing those around him to flinch, at the sight of the samurai.

"I suppose it’s telling the truth. Someone will be born," Roger replied to his crew, which consisted of men of different races.

The inhabitants of Fish-Man Island couldn't help but feel amazed at the sight of a Gyojin and other races on the Pirate King's ship. Something like this was all they wanted: for their people to be accepted. However, like all races, they were taken as slaves and driven to the point of despair. It was disappointing that the world had taken a path where slavery was the norm.

King Neptune closed his eyes as he looked to the side, unwilling to remember his beloved Otohime, who longed for good relations between the Gyojin and other races. It was disappointing to him that he couldn't fulfill his beloved's dream, especially now that humans were becoming bolder, taking more and more of their people. Clearly, the higher-ups seemed to want to keep them down, humiliated and enslaved.

Several civilians around the world watched the sight in amazement. For many, it was rare to see a Gyojin, and even rarer to see them coexisting with humans and other races without bad blood. It was a strange sight when many were raised to believe that Gyojin were lesser beings.

"And that person will surpass us," Roger affirmed.

Shanks grabbed the straw hat and pulled it lower, covering his eyes, which hid a darkness that hadn't been there years before.

"Sorry to disappoint you," Shanks whispered. "But that person won't come."

He still hadn't found the one who would carry Roger's will and wear the hat. He had traveled to thousands of islands and met thousands of people, and none had been able to show him that will.

In fact, all he saw was slavery, war, famine, and discrimination. Shanks grew frustrated with the World Government and the Celestial Dragons. Didn't they see the terrible state of the world? This only reaffirmed that turning his back on his family had been the right decision. Those people weren't humans, much less gods; they were just monsters.

"Will anyone really surpass the monster that was Gold Roger?" a pirate mocked.

"I find those words amusing," a pirate captain laughed arrogantly.

Roger is seen giving his straw hat to a young Shanks.

Shamrock Figarland raised an eyebrow, not at all impressed by the sight of his younger brother.

"Oh," his father said, looking at the image with mild interest.

While the Figarlands had a vague understanding of what had happened to Shanks and how famous his name had become, they also didn't know the innermost details of the man who renounced his noble family and decided to become a pirate. That day, when they had invited him, Shanks didn't hesitate long before turning them down, looking at them as if they were the scum, before leaving without looking back.

In the past, Shamrock and the entire family had criticized him, calling him scum. They had decided to let Shanks remain with the filth of the world, like a disgusting traitor who didn't know what was best for him. To them, Shanks was an idiot seeking the foolish idea of ​​freedom at sea as a pirate.

However, many years have passed since that day, and they themselves have seen how the world has taken such drastic changes that even they hadn't expected. The Gorosei itself had become a prison for nobles, even more so for those who dared to think differently, for those who began to have the same thoughts as the late Donquixote Mjosgard. Fortunately for the Gorosei, most of the Celestial Dragons were idiots and useless, happy to have their slaves.

However, the Donquixotes, and now the Figarland themselves, were beginning to touch forbidden ground with their thoughts of wanting to free themselves from the bonds that imprisoned them.

On the Red Force, Shanks watched the scene with a smile. Those years were adventures he would never forget, especially since Roger was more than just his Captain.

"It's Akagami Shanks!" one of the new pirates shouted in admiration.

"So that's how Akagami Shanks got that hat." another pirate murmured.

"We've come too early..." lamented the Pirate King.

"So are we too early?" Whitebeard commented coldly, because that great future and that great truth were still a secret. Did the world still have to wait longer? How much longer before the world is destroyed even more than it already was?

Imu wondered what had happened on that island for Roger to say that. Did it have to do with Joyboy's return? Perhaps they had encountered something related to that man, but then, if so, what did he say to them?

But while a few knew what Roger was talking about, the vast majority were completely confused. The sheep had no idea what was going on, puzzled by the words of a man who changed the entire world.

"Why does he say that?" asked a prisoner from Impel Down. "What is he waiting for?"

"Yeah, how could he be late when he was the one who shook the entire world?" asked the prisoner beside him.

“I'm starting to think there's more to this than what we think,” commented another prisoner, creating a foreboding silence.

“The One Piece, huh? I wonder who will find it.”

“I've been wondering that myself for the past few years,” Rayleigh sighed in disgust, feeling disappointed that no one has been able to arrive and finish the mission Roger started. Pirates today don't seem to be the same as they used to be back in the days.

However, Rayleigh's eyes gleamed with a dark curiosity as he remembered that they would reveal the person his former friend had been waiting for. Once he saw him, it was only a matter of time before he had him in his hands. Never mind the fact that he didn't exist, he will be found.

“I'll find it!” a pirate shouted, gaining further inspiration.

“That treasure is mine!” another pirate affirmed, smiling as he raised his glass of alcohol.

"I'll be the new Pirate King!" another pirate screamed.

But after so many years, would the One Piece really be found? Those cries of excitement were filled with hope, but also with false hope. Many of them only wanted to turn this world upside down to change the state it was in.

Roger's big smile appeared.

Buggy felt a lump in his throat at the sight of his Captain's smile, a smile he still misses from a man who may have been a devil to the world, but to him, he was his friend, father, and Captain.

Roger's surviving allies stared at the image of their former Captain, alive and with his signature smile that hid a man of great power, kindness, and cruelty when necessary.

Imu stared with disgust at that cursed smile, so characteristic of the Clan of D, his worst enemy.

Then, an image of someone unknown to everyone appeared: a young man with black hair, large onyx eyes, a scar under his left eye, and a familiar straw hat.

"Oh, who's that?" Kaido asked curiously. If they're showing him, it must be because he's important. And yet, it's not a face he had seen before, not even on bounty hunting posters. More importantly, he had a very familiar hat.

"He..." Shanks's eyes widened in shock, as he clenched his fists.

"He has that hat," Whitebeard muttered, wondering if what he was thinking was what the image of that boy meant.

"Perhaps... is that him?" Rayleigh blurted out, feeling his breath catch. His eyes lit up. Yes, there was no way it wasn't that boy when he was wearing that hat that carries with it so much symbolism.

"So it's him," Imu whispered to himself, staring at the image of the black-haired man with that damn hat.

"He's got that straw hat!"

"He's got a Yonkou's hat!"

"But, who is he?"

And wasn't that the most important question?

"My treasure?" asked the grinning figure of Gold Roger at his execution.

"Oh, it's that day!" exclaimed a civilian from Arabasta, somewhat excited to relive that historic day.

Around the world, many leaned forward, as if wishing they could enter the screen and stand among that crowd to relive that day that changed the winds.

"If you want it, you can have it! Find it! I left everything the world has to offer there!" smiled the Pirate King.

"Yeah!"

"Kampai! Kampai!"

"Let’s go for that treasure!"

"Let's conquer these seas, boys!"

Around the world, many pirates laughed and drank, happy to hear again the inspiring words that prompted so many to seek that great treasure. Within them grew the desire to take their ships and set sail to find everything the world has to offer, everything that Gold Roger left them.

And for a moment, the wind felt lighter, before the burden of knowing they live in a chaotic world slapped them.

The figure of a black-haired kid appeared in front of Akagami Shanks himself, who was wearing his familiar straw hat.

"That boy again," said Monkey D. Dragon, recognizing the scar previously seen on the black-haired young man shown earlier.

"I wonder how he'll impact the world," Robin commented to herself.

"Hey, that boy has had that hat since he was a child."

"How did he earn it? It's a very historic hat."

People whispered among themselves, interested in the story of how such a small boy managed to earn that special hat, worn by two great pirates, the Pirate King himself and a Yonkou.

Imu narrowed his eyes, having a very bad feeling about that child.

“Someday I’ll have a crew like yours. I’ll find the greatest treasure in the world and become the King of the Pirates!”

“WHAAAAAAAAAAA?!” was heard collectively around the world.

“Bwahahahahaha,” laughed Monkey D. Garp, earning a dirty look from the retired Sengoku. “What an interesting kid!”

“That only means more trouble,” muttered Sengoku tiredly, staring at the image of the boy.

The Pirates were shocked to see such a young child say such bold words. That kid definitely couldn’t be normal.

Imu frowned. No, there couldn’t be another Pirate King who would find the truth and decide, unlike Roger, to tell the whole world. He couldn’t allow Joyboy and Nika to return if he wanted to maintain the full power over everything and everyone.

“Fufufufu.” Donquixote Doflamingo let out a Machiavellian laugh upon seeing that boy. If he had existed in this world, he knew he would have been a terror to the Navy and the government.

Shanks's crew can be seen smiling at the boy.

"A toast to us and the boy!" Shanks shouted with a smile, feeling his heart pound with an excitement and hope he hadn't felt in a long time upon hearing those words.

"Kampai!" the crew shouted with equal excitement.

Shanks drank his sake, his eyes completely fixed on the image. He had to find that boy. He had to talk to him. He had to meet him.

The image of Shanks can be seen, his eyes wide open with a smile.

Shanks wasn't surprised to find himself surprised; those words were the ones he'd been waiting for. He was jealous that another version of himself had been able to hear them.

Shamrock looked at the image of his younger brother and found it so amusing that their appearances were the same, yet they were so so different.

"I'd be surprised too if a brat told me that," Dracule Mihawk whispered.

"Oh, so you are planning to surpass us?" Shanks asked.

Shanks is seen placing his hand on his head.

"So that's how he earned the hat," a civilian commented, somewhat astonished.

"That hat has quite a legacy! It went from the Pirate King's head to a Yonkou, and now that kid has it," a Marine blurted out, earning nods from his fellow Marines.

Suddenly, the Marines looked at each other. As if they could read each other's minds, they looked at the boy on the screen and were afraid. They sensed he would be a big trouble for the Navy.

"In that case..."

Shanks' straw hat is placed on the boy's head.

"...I'll leave you this hat."

The straw hat's significance was special among the pirates and the Marines. Everyone understood that it was almost a crown in itself, having passed from the Pirate King to a Yonkou as powerful as Akagami Shanks.

The pirates in different places looked at each other, all with the same thought.

And the Marines thought the same.

"Was Akagami Shanks approving of the next King, Roger's successor?"

Shanks's figure is seen bending slightly in front of the boy who was now wearing his hat.

"Come and bring it back to me one day, when you've become a great pirate," he says as he walks away from the boy to enter his ship.

"He's literally approving of him to be the Pirate King," a pirate commented with a poker-faced expression.

"I won't let that kid get all the glory! I'll go after the One Piece!" another pirate shouted.

Garp sighed at seeing Shanks inspire a child to become a pirate. Still, Shanks was better than some other pirates. However, in these dark times, being a pirate was surely the best thing to be.

Garp chuckled. He truly never thought he'd one day think being a pirate was better.

"Who are you?" asked Zoro, tied to a log, shocked to see the black-haired young man stand in front of the bullets.

“Oh, what am I doing there?” asked Zoro, putting down his sake.

Beside him, several East Blue pirates watched Zoro on the screen with some fear. Roronoa Zoro was known for hunting pirates, but he also hunted anyone who dared to get in his way.

“Isn't that the Pirate Hunter, Roronoa Zoro?” asked a civilian.

“What's he doing there?”

But the sight of Zoro on the screen caught the attention of several powerful pirates around the world, who thought that the green-haired boy must be important if he was being shown. Several began to record his face and write it down in their minds.

“I am Monkey D. Luffy. The man who will become the King of the Pirates.” the young man declared with a smile identical to Roger's.

Garp opened his eyes and choked on his crackers.

"Monkey?" the old Marine whispered in shock.

"Garp, it's your damn family again," Sengoku exclaimed in a sigh, not at all surprised and saying it without any anger.

"He must be my stupid son's child," Garp stated. "Shanks turned my grandson into a pirate?!"

Garp's shout drew a laugh from Sengoku, who was happy to see Garp distraught after everything the old man had done to him and still does to him.

"Wait... you don't have a grandson named Luffy?" Sengoku reasoned instantly, almost rising from his chair when he realized that the nonexistent person they were told about was shown before his eyes, as the grandson of his old friend.

Garp remained silent, looking at the face of the young man who could have been his grandson and was surprised to feel that he wished he could have held Luffy in his arms. His eyes scanned Luffy's face, and it was a soft, smiling face, totally unlike Dragon's.

"I wish he had existed. My stupid son decided not to have him in this world," Garp grumbled.

At the revolutionaries' base, Dragon was in shock. That child couldn't be his father's son; so then it should be his. Him with a son? He'd never seen himself with one, much less with the world as it was, which is why he's still single. And now they were showing him another world where he had a son so different from him, much more smiley and with a soft, round face.

"D?" Law opened his eyes from his ship.

"Oh, Garp’s D family. How funny," laughed Whitebeard.

"That old man had a grandson!" Ace shouted. "Poor kid!" he lamented, remembering the Marine's famous Fists of Love all too well.

“Of course he's a damn D,” Imu commented coldly. “However, Dragon never had a son.”

Imu laughed as he realized that yes, that stormy D in the picture wasn't born into this world. Everything was fine.

“Monkey D. Luffy, huh?” Shanks said with a cold smile that would have terrified anyone else. “So you're what this world needs.”

Shamrock stared at Luffy's smile. It looked big and even innocent, though also full of mischief. The boy was thin and cute, it was even hard to imagine him as a pirate. However, he radiated so much light that it was as if he were the sun itself, and Shamrock was surprised to wish he could feel that light amidst so much darkness in the world.

He wanted that light.

“What a kind and cute face for a pirate,” Kizaru laughed.

And although many laughed and mocked, they quickly understood that Monkey D. Luffy was the cataclysm that didn't exist in their world.

And he was the cataclysm they had to obtain.

Luffy is seen punching a Celestial Dragon with immense fury.

"That kid has balls!" Kizaru said with a laugh.

Akainu snorted, feeling a terrible satisfaction at seeing a Celestial Dragon beaten so hard. He truly hated those idiots, and he hated it even more when they ordered him around for little things when they were doing nothing while he had to protect their fat asses.

The slaves felt tears start to fall out of nowhere at the sight of one of their enslavers being beaten like that by a pirate. Beating one of those nobles was a crime that would send an Admiral hunting anyone like an animal, and that pirate had dared to do it. Why were they being punished like this, punished with the feeling of hope when they had already been told that such a man didn't exist in their world? However, what this punishment was causing was a growing obsession with a man who didn't exist, but whom they now loved.

"He hit a noble?" Boa Hancock whispered, feeling a chill run through her, feeling her heart skip a beat.

"He's definitely your son, Dragon," Emporio Ivankov nodded. "Only a person with the blood of the Monkey D family would be capable of such a bold act."

Dragon nodded in satisfaction, seeing his son do what he and many others wanted to do. However, he also understood that Luffy would now be chased by an Admiral, and he hoped everything was okay.

Shanks burst out laughing as he watched the Celestial Dragon get punched and sent flying.

"I want to meet you, Luffy!" the redhead shouted.

"Yes!" the rest of Shanks's crew agreed, laughing.

Shamrock felt a smile grow on his lips without being able to stop it. His interest in the character that was Monkey D. Luffy was beginning to blossom even more. And now he'd punched an untouchable being, Shamrock wanted to know more. Why did he do it? Who was Luffy? How could he find him?

Elsewhere, in the Holy Land of Mariejois, the Celestial Dragons were screaming, demanding protection and for the Admirals to do their job. They were furious that someone had dared to touch them and were asking for punishment.

But they were only a small portion, as the rest of the world was on the verge of falling to their knees to pray to Luffy, the only one who so far seemed to be the closest thing to a liberator, unafraid to attack the monsters that were the Celestial Dragons. For the people, that was a symbol of liberation. They saw that young pirate beat that noble and they saw hope.

"Where is Luffy?" a civilian asked with tears in his eyes, seeing his calloused hands, his skin stuck to his bones.

"I want Luffy," a girl cried, seeing the chains adorning her wrists and ankles.

"Where is our liberator?" a slave wondered.

"What should we do to keep him with us?"

"I don't care if I die from it."

"He has conviction and willpower," Rayleigh smiled. "Just like you, Roger."

"He who is afraid of dying shouldn’t be born!" Ace commented in agreement.

"That doesn't make sense, idiot," Marco said, looking at him strangely.

The silhouettes of two people can be seen, one stabbing the other in the chest, lifting him off the ground.

Sengoku looked at his partner, feeling the air change around him. It didn't surprise him; it was Gael’s grandson from another world who was being stabbed.

"Don't let me find out who it was. I don't care if he didn't do anything here, I'll kill him," Garp stated, his gaze serious and dark. Sengoku was used to seeing this version of Garp, so he just let out a soft snort.

"Hm." Was all Dragon said, but Ivankov could feel the cold change that occurred around him. Clearly, Dragon was very angry.

“Oh?” Shanks asked in disgust, his Haki flaring slightly. “Who dared to do that?”

“An idiot, Captain,” Benn Beckman blurted out, equally disgusted.

Around the world, civilians and slaves watched in fear.

“Don’t die, Luffy,” they whispered.

"They say the age where pirates have dreams will end, huh? People's dreams never end!"

The Whitebeard Pirates began to hurl insults upon hearing the traitor's voice, a voice they will never forget.

"Die, traitor!" Haruta shouted furiously.

"I hope Luffy finishes him off," Izo said in disgust, as if he were seeing the worst scum in the world.

On the Red Force, Shanks closed his eyes to control his Haki, furious at recognizing that filthy man's voice.

But on the other hand, Marshall D. Teach smiled, interested in hearing himself. Could that be a sign? Just because they were showing that brat with that hat didn't mean he would be the one to take the throne.

"It was a big shock, Rayleigh-san," Shanks's voice was heard. "There was a boy in the East Blue who said the same words Captain Roger said."

"It’s him," Shanks repeated to himself over and over, obsessing over Luffy, the one who should have been King. The one who would change this rotten world.

Where are you?

How do I find you?

How do I get to you and never let you go?

Shanks was clinging on like a man in the desert thirsting for water. But little by little, the government was taking more control and more power, and the change Roger predicted was increasingly distant. He was desperate.

"Oh, that's why he gave him the hat," people commented among themselves.

"Did he see Roger in that boy?" others wondered.

An image of Roger smiling was shown.

"The same words as our Captain!" Shanks exclaimed, even more excited.

Rayleigh looked at his drink, wondering why they didn't have Monkey D. Luffy. Were they being punished? Would he be born later? Would he never be born?

No.

That couldn't be possible.

The Monkey D's had to bring the young Luffy to life. Monkey D. Luffy had to be born; there was no other option. They would have Luffy one way or another.

Luffy was seen holding Vivi, the Princess of Arabasta, in his arms, as they both escaped.

Imu clenched his fist, furious at what the sight could mean. Those two families shouldn't be united. Even worse, he was saving the princess, gaining allies. That child would have been such a big problem.

"He's saving me," Princess Vivi commented, feeling touched by Luffy's act. "Could he save us?"

Vivi wished she could have Luffy so he could save them from Crocodile's clutches. She loved her country and hated seeing them suffer. But... if Luffy existed as shown in the screen, then that was a sign, right?

"Saving princesses? He's gaining powerful allies," Mihawk observed. It seems Luffy was pretty smart.

"Do you think you can do it? Do you think you can conquer this great sea?" Rayleigh asked Luffy with a smile.

"I don't want to conquer anything!" Luffy exclaimed with a smile. "It's just that the person with the most freedom on the seas is the King of the Pirates!"

"That's right," Shanks nodded, his eyes twinkling, delighted by Luffy's words. The boy was totally different from what he was used to, and he wished with all his might that he could have him.

"These days, pirates indeed have the most freedom," Akainu murmured, disgusted at having to admit that because it was the sad truth. Now, even the Marines were slaves to the government. They always had been, but now it was much more obvious.

The slaves tried to swallow their tears in vain at seeing a being who loved freedom so much, something many had taken for granted before ending up in chains. Their eyes shone with admiration for the words and for his desire for freedom.

The civilians found themselves analyzing those words and how true they were in these times. Pirates were the only ones guaranteed freedom as long as they weren't caught. While at sea, traveling the world, the chances of being taken as slaves were low.

Pirates around the world raised their glasses, agreeing with Luffy and thinking the same thing as the civilians. Many of them were grateful for having decided to become pirates, as many had been able to escape being taken as slaves like those on their islands or villages.

"No! Shut up!" Imu suddenly blurted out, furious at hearing such words. He didn't want people to be inspired and decide to challenge the World Government's ideals.

Rayleigh smiled in surprise.

"I see..."

Likewise, Rayleigh smiled as he felt he could see in Luffy the figure of his late Captain. Luffy was apparently just as adventurous as Roger, their motive for traveling the seas being totally different from what the world might think.

Conquering the seas was the last thing on Roger's mind, and apparently on Luffy's too.

Whitebeard is seen bleeding.

"Oyaji!" Whitebeard's sons exclaimed with concern at seeing their father in such a state, one quite familiar to them.

“Looks like Marineford will occur in any world,” Whitebeard observed angrily at the thought of Ace once again being taken by the Navy.

“That fucker Teach is a rat,” Jozu commented furiously.

“So that war also happened,” Teach mused with a mocking smile. “I wonder if the results were similar.”

“From now on, support Mugiwara Luffy with all your might!” Whitebeard shouted to his crew.

“Oyaji...” Marco blurted out in shock. He's been with Whitebeard longer than anyone else; those words spoken by the Captain weren't just simple words.

“Looks like he's the one. The one we've been waiting for,” Whitebeard said.

“But he doesn't exist,” Marco whispered to him.

The other Whitebeard pirates watched as their father's large hands clenched into fists, understanding his frustration. Since Roger's death, the world seemed to have taken an express ticket to hell. Roger's death had unleashed the true demon that was the World Government, and mass enslavement was only the beginning of the despair.

"Even Whitebeard has chosen him!" shouted a Gyojin from Fish-Man Island.

And Fish-Man Island wasn't the only ones going crazy at what Whitebeard was saying on the screen. All with their own opinions and theories, but equally excited by what those words could mean. If Whitebeard was backing him up, it was definitely because he believed in him.

"One by one, he's turning the people around him into his allies," Dracule Mihawk said. "That boy possesses the most terrifying power."

Imu narrowed his eyes at Mihawk's words. That Luffy had Shanks on his side, the powerful Monkey D. family, and even the mighty Whitebeard. Who else was under that pirate's banner? He wondered what Devil Fruit that D had eaten, if he had even eaten a Devil Fruit at all.

Mihawk understood why he said that, especially after seeing Luffy save the Princess of Arabasta. Besides that princess, Luffy knew Shanks, and Whitebeard was backing him up. His acquaintances weren't just people, they were people with power.

The scene changes again to show Whitebeard.

"The man Roger was waiting for..." Whitebeard says.

Teach is shown kneeling in front of Whitebeard, staring at him in shock.

"Could it be the person mentioned at the beginning?" asked a civilian from Drum Island. "The one who will surpass Roger?"

"It has to be him, that's the only thing that makes sense," another replied.

"It must be the same person my father spoke of," whispered Momonosuke, his black eyes fixed on the image.

"...it's definitely not you, Teach," declared the old captain.

Marshall D. Teach watched with frustration and humiliation the words of his former captain. He couldn't accept that a brat could actually be the Pirate King. He didn't want to accept it, and he wouldn't.

"Bah, that brat doesn't exist here," Teach commented maliciously.

Imu and the Gorosei had a similar thought to Blackbeard. While Luffy existed in another world, he didn't exist in theirs. The voice that started the broadcast had said it: Luffy didn't exist, and the future shown was beyond the reach of this world. Therefore, they would maintain power over the entire world.

"A man like him would never be the person Roger spoke of," Whitebeard stated with disgust. To him, Teach was an embarrassment to the Clan of D and to what they, according to Roger, represented.

Shanks and Rayleigh were in different places, but both nodded in agreement with Whitebeard's words on the screen. Teach could never be the person someone like Roger would expect.

By now, it was clear to everyone that Luffy was that person. There was no way it wasn't him.

Whitebeard is shown being pointed at by several people with guns, while the man is already horribly injured, but standing.

Everyone on the Moby Dick watched the screen in anguish; the sight of Whitebeard in that state was bringing back more memories than anyone wanted to recall.

Although they had won the War at Marineford and managed to save Ace and Whitebeard, they had lost many allies and brothers. Furthermore, Whitebeard had been severely injured, and the crew feared he didn't have much longer to live.

However, they could also accept that they had probably won because the Marines themselves weren't happy with the World Government. The Admirals themselves had barely moved from their seats, with Teach being the one who had caused the most damage.

Sengoku watched the image with a serious face, remembering that terrible war that had killed many people on both sides. By then, the Marines were losing faith in the government, and Whitebeard managed to survive alongside Ace because the Admirals hadn't done much.

But it seems that the same didn't happen in the world shown on the screen.

"Someday someone will appear, carrying the history of all those decades on their back, and will challenge the entire world to a fight," Whitebeard prophesied.

Whitebeard heard his own words with interest, words he hadn't said during that war. His mind then turned to the image of that young man with black hair and a big smile. Had that boy been the reason for his words? After all, he had ordered his beloved crew to support him.

"So where is that person? Where is Luffy?" Rayleigh asked, as if he could manifest Luffy. He knew he didn't exist, but he simply didn't want to accept it because somehow, someway, they will have Luffy.

The Gorosei watched furiously, imagining a new D creating storms in the world, while at the same time feeling tremendous relief that Monkey D. Luffy, who seemed to be at the center of everything, didn't exist. Monkey D. Garp didn't have a blood grandson and he never would.

But they had to make sure that was the case, so what they would have to do was give the order to make Monkey D. Dragon disappear from the face of the earth.

Luffy is shown wearing the distinctive straw hat.

The image only fueled the obsession with Monkey D. Luffy and what he symbolized to the desperate people who clung to the image of Luffy as a liberator to stay alive and believe they could be saved from their terrible lives.

Even those blessed, or cursed, with the knowledge of the truth Roger was hiding, were staring with a dark thirst at the image of Luffy, a liberator who would bring the world out of its shadows.

Luffy was being elevated to a god, simply because the world, sunk in despair and pain, was searching for something or someone to believe in. The image of Luffy yearning for freedom and beating up a Celestial Dragon was all people needed to begin a belief.

"You people in the World Government fear the immense battle that will eventually come and engulf the entire world. But as soon as someone finds that great treasure..."

"The final battle..." a civilian whispered.

"The end of this slavery," a slave whispered.

"We are slaves, and that's how the government wants us. But Monkey D. Luffy... he is our liberator," another slave cried.

Hope was beginning to grow in the world. Luffy would save them; someone the government itself feared would free them.

"But... he's not here," a child whispered, bringing the civilians around him to the terrible reality that Luffy didn't exist.

"Then it's up to us to bring him back," another man commented, his eyes darkening with a feeling that was soon reflected in everyone present, from the most conscious child to the oldest person.

Luffy was their god, their liberator. He was the only being they could cling to so they could continue forward, knowing that what they were suffering was merely tribulations to prove they were worthy of being saved. And then... their god would arrive and take them to paradise.

Sengoku's eyes widened, his face filled with fury and worry.

"Ah," Sengoku commented. "Yes, in another world, one less destroyed than this one, those words would have worried me. But how sad that even I, too, am waiting for that liberator, a pirate."

Garp ate his crackers, as if ignoring Sengoku, even though he was well aware of the words spoken. The Vice Admiral wasn't surprised by what he said, knowing full well that a feeling of rebellion was beginning to grow among the Marines. More and more they saw how the government they trusted was enslaving all beings, plaguing the world with even more crime, war, and hunger.

However...

Before everyone's eyes, a hope had appeared.

His grandson.

A grandson who didn't exist.

But should that be the end of the road?

"...the whole world will be turned upside down. And someone will find it. That day will definitely come sooner or later."

Shanks knew this was true. Once the One Piece was found, the world would never be the same. That was why he himself had tried to find the great treasure so he could change the world that was increasingly falling into decay.

And yet, it was as if everything was against them. No matter how much they sailed, no matter how much they investigated, it was as if divine forces were stopping their progress toward the One Piece. It was as if the whole world had been against them!

But now it was abundantly clear, it was because none of them were Monkey D. Luffy.

Shanks snorted. One way or another, he would find his Luffy. There was no other option.

"The One Piece is real!" Whitebeard shouted, announcing it to the whole world, ignoring Sengoku's glare.

The uproar his words caused was felt even among the Celestial Dragons themselves. Everyone was now even more excited and nervous at the revelation that the One Piece was real, and therefore, the title of Pirate King was within reach of anyone who found it.

"It does exist!" shouted a pirate, happy that his search hadn't been in vain.

"To the sea, boys, the throne awaits!" shouted a captain, smiling.

Shamrock raised his eyebrows, interested.

"So the treasure does exist," he smiled. Now he was even more interested in Monkey D. Luffy, and in the history of the world that no one except Imu-sama seemed to know. Just how much was the King of the World hiding?

Imu's eyes narrowed in anger at seeing those words shouted by Whitebeard. If Roger's words sent the world back to the Age of Pirates, he was sure Whitebeard's would also make an impact. He hated pirates, and he hated Joyboy even more.

Luffy was shown sitting at a bar, while the semi transparent silhouette of the former Pirate King, Gold Roger, could be seen over him.

Dragon watched this comparison with interest. If it weren't for what was shown, he would have sworn Roger was Luffy's father. Their similarities were quite striking; even physically they were somewhat similar, not to mention their personalities. Besides, it wasn't the first time similarities had been shown, recalling the words Luffy had said that caused Shanks to give him his straw hat.

He wondered what it would be like to have a son like Luffy, so similar to himself in his quest for freedom, even capable of doing what few others could do, such as beating up a Celestial Dragon.

"They're comparing him to the Pirate King again. That's a sign, right?" a Marine asked.

"I gave him that hat for a reason," Shanks began to laugh.

Rayleigh was more determined than ever.

"Whatever the case may be, Luffy has become a man worthy of wearing that hat."

"More than worthy."

Rayleigh raised his glass, agreeing with the words. It was both exciting and sad to see someone so similar to his Captain. It was like seeing him again, only in the body of a child perhaps even bolder than Roger himself.

Luffy threatened to be a flood that would swallow the entire world.

People around the world listened to Rayleigh's words in awe, taking them almost as an affirmation that Luffy was the heir to Roger's will.

Luffy is seen walking, wounded and poisoned.

Dragon looked at the image of his injured son and wondered who else he should kill for leaving his son in such a state.

Garp laughed, but it only made Sengoku look at him with some real nervousness as the Haki wave he felt clearly told him that Garp was very angry.

"Luffy." Momonosuke thought worried. Would Luffy die?

No, his savior would be fine.

He had to be fine.

"Hm." Shamrock looked at the image, unhappy. He didn't like seeing someone as interesting as Luffy injured. He still wanted to see him turn the world upside down and see what he had to offer.

"I think... Luffy and his crew are... the ones our tribe and the Kozuki Family have been waiting for for centuries."

Momonosuke widened his eyes upon hearing his family's name. His dark eyes quickly scanned Luffy's every feature, wanting to imprint every detail in his mind.

He had to know him.

He had to have him.

Luffy was his only hope, the only thing he could hold on to.

There was no other option for Luffy.

He had no other option.

On the Moby Dick, Whitebeard became more interested upon hearing the name of his former Commander, Kozuki Oden.

Shanks remained serious, memories of Kozuki Oden and his wife, Kozuki Toki, flooding his mind.

Kaido now let out a growl, feeling discontent at the words spoken, but wondering if Luffy was that person. The one who would defeat him.

Joyboy.

Luffy is seen holding a little girl in his arms, both dressed in traditional Wano Country clothing.

"Ah," Tama blurted out from her small house. "It's me!"

"That's right," Hitetsu replied, his gaze fixed on the pirate. "Could it be...?"

Momonosuke watched excitedly. He was in Wano. His savior was in Wano! Oh, those were such good news.

"Ah." Several of the Akazaya felt their hearts pound as if they'd run a marathon. Could it... could it be possible?

Kaido grunted at the sight of another pirate in his territory. He decided to let it go; he was interested in what Luffy had to show.

"Those who will lead the world to a new dawn!"

Around the world, slaves clasped their hands, praying for Luffy's arrival. Luffy had to be real, he had to exist in their world. If not, why were they shown this? To punish them? Luffy had to exist; one way or another, they had to have him. The screen had said it, he would lead them to a new dawn.

Shamrock smiled, a small smile but one that held a lot of meaning. Yes, Luffy was the light he'd been waiting for. And now that he knew that, he couldn't just let him go.

The Gorosei knew Luffy didn't exist, but it didn't stop them from feeling a certain way as they watched Luffy being declared the symbol of a new dawn. They feared what consequences those words and the actions shown on the screen could have for the world they lived in.

"Someday, Mugiwara Luffy will change the world! I know he's still young, but I don't think one of the current Yonkou will become the King of the Pirate," Jimbei's voice affirms.

Jimbei raises his gaze in astonishment at hearing his voice speak such words so firmly. Was he part of the crew of that being of such light? Could his dream for the Gyojin become a reality in that world? Was there even hope for them?

The Gyojin, those who longed for change, looked at the image of Jimbei, one of them, speaking such words as if they were written in stone. If Jimbei trusted that young pirate so much, didn't that mean something? After all, it was that same pirate who had punched a Celestial Dragon.

The Yonkou and those powerful pirates increasingly paid close attention to the words being said about Luffy.

Luffy can be seen dodging attacks with great ease.

"I'm going to become the King of the Pirates!" Luffy shouts.

"You're looking very far into the future," Kataturi's voice replies in amazement.

"He is, but if it's him, it doesn't seem too far from reality." Kataturi thought, critically observing the huge impact Luffy was already having on that world.

"Mamamama, that kid's fighting my powerful son. How fun!" Big Mom laughed as she gobbled down candy.

"Oh, he's fighting one of Big Mom's most powerful sons!" exclaimed a rather excited pirate.

"I wonder who'll win?" another equally excited pirate commented, almost jumping in his seat.

"Wororororo!" Kaido laughed as he saw Big Mom being attacked by Luffy.

"So he's starting his hunt against the Yonkou." Shanks observed with a faint smile.

Luffy is seen alongside Zoro, Killer, Law, and Kid. All of them are facing the terrifying sight that is Big Mom and Kaido. Even so, Luffy begins to walk toward them without any fear.

“Wororororo,” Kaido’s laughter filled the entire room. “So they’re challenging us. How interesting, but useless. Only one person can defeat me.”

But even as he said that, he wondered, given what the have seen till now, if Monkey D. Luffy was Joyboy.

“Big Mom and Kaido teamed up?!” a fearful Marine asked.

“It can’t be!” a person in Baratie shouted.

“Aren’t those Eustass Kid and Trafalgar Law?!” other pirates shouted upon seeing two powerful rookies.

“Zoro?!” several in Shimotsuki Village shouted.

Zoro's eyes widened in shock as he saw himself not only clearly more powerful, but challenging one of the most powerful beings in the world, Kaido. Luffy. Luffy was the answer. If Luffy had existed, he would surely have been more powerful. Luffy was his Captain, he knew it, he sensed it. There was no way he would accept any other man as captain other than someone like Monkey D. Luffy.

Law's eyes were wide open, shocked to see himself going up against a being as powerful as Kaido. Although he wanted to fight the dragon, Doflamingo was still his priority, and the pirate proved to be too powerful and cunning, a very dangerous enemy.

Kid simply began to laugh maniacally, ignored by his already accustomed crew.

"Mamamama," Big Mom laughed, but she was as furious as she was amused. "Those brats must have been a problem if I made an alliance with Kaido."

New Onigashima watched with hope in their eyes as the other version of their country had pirates ready to fight against their tyrant and oppressor, Kaido. They wondered if the attack would be successful, if the country would finally be liberated and returned to its former glory.

"Momonosuke-sama..." Kin'emon murmured, his gaze glued to the image feeling shock and hope.

"Yeah," Momonosuke murmured back, sensing what his guardian and mentor was trying to tell him.

"Apologize to me, Mugiwara," Big Mom says with a smile, but it falls when she notices Luffy continuing to walk past her and Kaido.

"Oh, so Monkey D. Luffy is the problem," Big Mom observed, her eyes taking on a malicious gleam. "I'm not surprised. Look how disrespectful that brat is."

On the other hand, Garp began to laugh when he saw Luffy ignoring the two Yonkou.

"He’s worthy of being my grandson," he mocked, seeing Luffy being a problem for the Yonkou.

"He’s ignoring them!" shouted the Giant Warriors pirates, then burst out laughing at seeing Big Mom humiliated. To them, it was beautiful to see Big Mom in such a situation.

Likewise, the people around them laughed at seeing Luffy not afraid of someone as powerful and feared as the Yonkou Big Mom.

Although Kaido was amused to see Big Mom being ignored, he wasn't at all pleased that Luffy had ignored him.

Luffy stood before the defeated bodies of the Akazaya.

The people of New Onigashima wept as disappointment filled their souls at the state of the Akazaya. Years ago, the Akazaya had tried the same thing, but failed and barely managed to escape with their lives before disappearing again.

The Akazaya turned their heads, unwilling to see the sight of themselves defeated, just as they had been years ago, when they were powerless to fight Kaido before he defeated them until they had to flee once again, leaving Wano behind.

But Momonosuke clenched his fists, feeling a dark desire welling up within him. On one hand, he wanted to kill Kaido once and for all, and on the other, he wanted to hold the sun that was Luffy in his hands and never let him go.

He had to save his country, and Luffy seemed to be the answer.

"Forgive me for being late," Luffy said, crouching down in front of Kin'emon.

"Luffy, can you carry the Country of Wano on your back?" a tearful and hurt Kin'emon asked, clinging to Luffy.

"Carry an entire country?"

"You're asking a pirate to save the country..."

"Isn't that too much for such a young man?"

"If it's Luffy, he can."

"Luffy will save them."

"Luffy will save us."

The world was in shock that a samurai would ask a single person, let alone a pirate, to carry an entire country and its people on his backs. That he would ask a stranger to save them while clinging to him as if he was air itself.

Still, a feeling began to grow within them. Admiration, hope, wonder. Would Luffy accept such a burden?

Shanks was in shock, and Whitebeard wasn't far from feeling the same upon seeing the screen and hearing the request.

Would Luffy really accept that almost suicidal request?

Kaido smiled.

"Fool! Of course I will! This is the country of my friends!" Luffy shouted.

The inhabitants of New Onigashima continue to cry, many of them kneeling and begging for Luffy's arrival, the one who would save them from the terrible tyranny Kaido had subjected the country that had once been called Wano. They shouted his name between screams, cries, and sobs, begging him to please come, to save them, to take off their chains.

On the other hand, Momonosuke began to breathe erratically. Luffy would save them. Luffy was their ally. Luffy was their light and savior.

Luffy was the only one who had dared to save them. Akagami Shanks and Whitebeard had both known Oden and his family, called him a friend, and loved him. However, none of them did anything when Kaido took Wano, Oden's beloved home, and led it into tyranny, where his people couldn't even drink clean water. They had turned their backs on Wano, and that was something Momonosuke would never forget or forgive. No matter the reason behind that decision.

However, Luffy hadn't hesitated. Younger than the Yonkou, he had agreed to take on a country he didn't fully know just because a friend had asked him to please save them.

He needed him.

He needed him.

He needed him.

He had to have him.

Those words had touched the hearts of others in the world who saw how Luffy decided to fight such a powerful enemy just to protect his friends, it was such a pure act.

"What a simple pirate," Shamrock smiled.

Luffy's bounty poster was seen in someone's hands.

"I think I'll see you very soon... Luffy," Shanks said with a smile, holding Luffy’s poster in his hands.

The screen went black again.

"Wait! I need to know more! I need to see Wano liberated!" Momonosuke shouted in anguish, wanting to see how it would all end.

Likewise, the world was anguished and upset, wanting to see more of Luffy and his exploits. What else would the young man do? Who else would he challenge on his journey to earn the title of Pirate King?

Imu and the Gorosei breathed a sigh of relief that it was finally all over. They suspected that the world was indeed being impacted by what had just been shown, and they had work to do to correct it. Furthermore, they had to give the order to eliminate Monkey D. Dragon.

"Yes, I'll see you very soon. One way or another, I'll see you, Monkey D. Luffy." Shanks smiled, an act empty of innocence and filled with a dark possessiveness.

“Captain, they're calling for you,” Benn commented, showing him the Den Den Mushi.

Because all around the world, several powerful figures began communicating, determined to meet to discuss what to do with the appearance of the character that was Monkey D. Luffy and what they could do to obtain him.

The world needed Luffy.

And they were going to get him.

Maybe it hadn't been that being's plan, but what it showed had awakened an obsession with Luffy in that world.

Monkey D. Luffy was their savior, and they wanted him, needed him.

And if they had to travel to another world to have him, that's what they would do.

(And if they ended up merging with their parallel versions of themselves and becoming one being just to be bathed in Luffy's sun rays, well, the young man didn't have to know that.)

Chapter Text

"Monkey D. Dragon, huh?" Shanks took the call excitedly once he found out who the mysterious person who had called him was. It was none other than Luffy's father. "What can I offer you?"

"It's more like what I can offer you," the serene voice of the Revolutionary replied.

Shanks raised an eyebrow at Dragon's words. What could he offer him that wasn't Luffy? That was all he wanted. He cared very little about the age difference or the fact that he wasn't the Shanks Luffy knew. He was a pirate; if he had to steal, he would do it without flinching, even if he had to steal from his own counterpart.

"Go on," he said slowly, but curiously.

"I'm close to Vegapunk. He can help us, he wants to help us, so we can have my son with us," he blurted out, without giving it any further thought. He seemed to be very aware that Luffy wasn't just his, not when too many eyes were already targeting him. Dragon knew he had to share his son with the entire world. After all, he was just another believer in the masses, while Luffy was the god.

For Shanks, those words were like a breath of fresh air for his dead body. If there was anyone who could bring Luffy back to them, it would be Vegapunk, the most brilliant mind in history. Perhaps there was hope for the world and for himself, who longed to be able to touch the young man he had barely seen behind a screen, but who had brought him light and hope.

"Getting there won't be easy. The World Government has him in their sights, and they'll attack if they see a bunch of pirates on the way to Egghead Island." Shanks's Den Den Mushi was surely seen narrowing its eyes, the same thing the man was doing with suppressed fury at the obstacle.

"Not when we have people inside." The Den Den Mushi took on an almost macabre smile, mirroring the smile that adorned Dragon's face.

"Who?" he asked, although he suspected who they could be since not everyone had enough power to do something like that, and Garp couldn't do it now that he was surely in the World Government's sights due to his connection to Luffy.

"The Admirals and the Fleet Admiral." The voice full of satisfaction let him know that Dragon was more than happy, not only because of the powerful allies he gained, but also because these allies were supposedly the government's most loyal dogs.

Shanks let out a soft laugh, but one capable of causing terror to the weakest minds. The Yonkou found it funny that even the marines themselves were against the government. But that only showed how dire things were for the government's loyal dogs to decide to defy them. Especially if among them was Akainu, who has never denied his hatred for pirates.

"I've already contacted Vegapunk, and he's already started working. We just need to go to his island."

"We? How many people will be going?" Shanks asked, looking up at the sky, watching the clouds move slowly while his heart seemed to be beating with nervousness and excitement. It seems what people say is true; hope is the last thing you lose.

"Several trusted and powerful people." Dragon didn't say anything else, and Shanks wasn't going to ask. It was enough that they included him in the mission to have Luffy with them.

"Very well, I'll see you at Egghead."

When the call ended, Shanks placed his hands on his waist and his face twisted into a smile that evolved into a loud laugh capable of raising anyone's hair. It was a macabre laugh, full of evil and promising bloodshed if necessary. It was a laugh that reflected that this Shanks was much different, a much darker one, even if he seemed to smile a lot.

But it was understandable, for the red-haired demon had just received exquisite news, and his entire being burned with desire and happiness. He didn't care what he had to do, only that one way or another, he would have Luffy in his hands and never let him go.

"You'll be mine. You have no other choice." Shanks smiled, watching the sun reflect off the blue ocean.

The Den Den Mushi that had gone dark came back on out of nowhere, causing the world to turn to them with immense speed, like people in the desert who had seen an oasis after wandering for days. Fearfully, the people approached, eyes shining with the desire to enter the world shown on the screen.

Luffy's world. The world where he rebelled against the enemy who wanted to bind him. The world where he sailed the seas and protected those he called nakama. The world where he simply existed. The world they were able to witness for a few minutes, and the world they long for with the intensity of a thousand suns.

And now, they will be able to see that world they thought they would never see again after the Den Den Mushi went dark a few minutes ago. But no, the Den Den Mushi came to life, and everyone was sweating at what was coming.

What will be shown?

Will they see something different, or will they once again revel in the ray of light that is Luffy?

Perhaps an idea of ​​how to see him, how to have him?

Unwilling to avoid it, many around the world fell to their knees before the Den Den Mushi as if they were gods. Bony knees hit the ground hard, causing pain. Chained hands clasped in prayer, and dry lips murmured or screamed for salvation, for a chance, for Luffy.

"We beg you to save us, Luffy," a prisoner from Impel Down dared to ask.

"Break our chains and lead us to the light," a civilian from the Sabaody Archipelago murmured.

It was an incredible sight for those who had never seen so many slaves kneeling, praying for a savior while ignoring the blood surrounding them from the lashes on their backs. Their backs were battered and the floor was covered in blood, but it was as if they didn't feel the pain, their minds far from reality as they stared at the screen that showed nothing but black.

It hadn't even started yet, but they were already praying for their savior, to see that butterfly who had been able to change the course of the world if only he had been born into this world.

Imu, sitting on his throne, clenched his hands into fists, not at all happy that anything related to that world was being shown again, much less that boy from the D Clan. He didn't know who Monkey D. Luffy was, and he hadn't seen much either, but he feared that more would be shown, and that it would show that there was still someone with the ideology of that kingdom, of that man. He has always been afraid, and that's why he tried his best to erase him from history. But like a cockroach, he kept coming back to life again and again.

Sitting down, Akainu inhaled his joint, pressing his lips to it as he tried to control the slight trembling in his hands. When he started out as a Marine, he was very clear about the hatred he felt toward the unruly pirates. It was this, along with his great power, that led him to rise through the ranks to become Fleet Admiral. But now... now he thinks he made a mistake, that things shouldn't have happened this way. How could he live in a world chained down? How could he ignore all the damage done?

Luffy. He was the last hope that something could change. That the world he was in could change and people could be free. Luffy was the answer to everything, but his presence has already change things, even when not much was shown. But now, watching the Den Den Mushi, he wondered what would be revealed, and how it would change his plans.

Shanks almost broke his neck turning his head to the Den Den Mushi as soon as he knew it was lit. Since then, he hasn't left its side, ready to bathe in Luffy's light once more. He wanted to see him and know that he was seeing hope. He wanted to see him and know that even if the entire world burned to the ground, his plans to see Luffy would be worth it. Although...

"Getting to Egghead Island will be more difficult," the redhead blurted out, knowing that whatever was revealed would change things forever. "Let's begin our way towards Egghead!"

"Aye, Captain!" Lucky Roux replied.

Shamrock looked at his father as soon as the Den Den Mushi showed signs of igniting. Both feared what would follow. The world that was revealed was interesting. Luffy was even more so. And Shamrock accepted that he wanted to see Luffy with all his might. He also wanted to feel that there was a way out of the title of Celestial Dragon that he once held in such high regard. But the one sitting on the throne was already furious, and he sensed that what was about to be revealed would make him even more furious.

Momonosuke felt a great relief to see that, indeed, more of Luffy would be revealed. Perhaps, more of Wano would be revealed. Perhaps, he would find the answer to how to free his country. Perhaps, that answer was Luffy. No. He knew it was Luffy, and well, Momonosuke would accept that he isn't a good person, not when his childhood has been cruelly stolen from him and he's had to mature physically and mentally to survive the darkness of the world. And if Luffy is what he needs, he'll have no choice but to have him. There's no other option.

Yamato, Kaido's son, watched from his chains with faint hope. Could it be...? No, he didn't want to raise hopes that would then be dashed. Besides, more than twenty years have passed and nothing; no one has been able to fulfill Oden-sama's prophecy. But then, why couldn't he erase that glimmer of hope that was beginning to blossom within him? Why did the mere sight of Luffy provoke in him a feeling of freedom, of answered questions?

Nico Robin had lost hope. A long time ago, she thought she'd given up. To her, the world was over, and her people had died in vain, without even being avenged. She could infer the future, and she knew that all there was was darkness, and surely her death one way or another. Perhaps very soon the World Government would decide she'd lived for far too long. But she also remembered that even though the government controls everything, there are rebellious souls willing to revolutionize the world. Robin believed that if they too had ever given up, they wouldn't give up now, not after seeing Monkey D. Luffy.

And what's even worse, she wasn't willing to give up either.

The profile of a man with long white hair tipped with green and blue, two horns on his head, and Wano clothing was shown.

"Yamato?" Ace said in shock at seeing such a familiar face, though he also felt embarrassed at seeing his old friend, the one he hadn't been able to visit or free again in a long time, even when Wano was destroyed so that New Onigashima could be born from its ashes.

"Is that Kaido's son you met years ago?" his father asked, looking at Yamato's image with interest.

"Yes... but what's he doing there?" he whispered to himself, knowing full well that Yamato was in chains, and he knew that it was most likely that way in that world as well.

But Whitebeard knew what he was doing there. Clearly, he was someone important. And it was no wonder as he was the son of Kaido himself. The old pirate narrowed his eyes and regretted not having followed Kaido's actions more closely, as his son now seemed to be an important piece on the board.

"Yamato?!" That son of mine doesn't know what to do except defy me, even in another world!" Kaidou growled, furious that his heir kept defying him and proclaiming himself to be the cursed Oden. He cursed his rival for somehow influencing his only son and heir.

Kaido wondered where he got such a mean and rebellious personality from.

But Yamato's eyes lit up. He didn't know what was happening, but something inside him told him that he would definitely be free. One way or another, his father would never be able to chain him again. And that meant that Wano, because it would never be New Onigashima for him, would also be freed from the old dragon's tyranny.

"Who the hell is that boy?" a puzzled pirate asked.

"I have no idea, Captain. But he must be important if they're showing him off," his vice-captain replied.

"Yamato!" Momonosuke exclaimed, vividly remembering Kaido's son, who had helped him when he and his allies attacked Wano to reclaim it. They lost terribly, but Yamato had been of immense help even when he couldn't defeat Kaido.

He was relieved to know he wasn't dead. Kaido wouldn't kill him, but he would chain him up. And perhaps that's even worse.

"More than twenty years in the future."

Yamato let out a laugh that slowly grew louder.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Yamato jumped in place, taking Oden's journal and raising it to the sky. "I recognize those words! They are your words!"

Yamato knew very well what those words meant.

Someone had appeared.

Ace opened his eyes wide, remembering the words Yamato had said to him that day. Could it be... Luffy? The only thing different about that world from this one was Luffy's presence. And he knew that even after the prophesied twenty years, no one had appeared in Wano to free it. In fact, those who fought lost terribly and disappeared. That meant one thing: Luffy must be part of that prophecy.

Kawamatsu of the Akazaya felt his eyes water at the words his beloved Oden-sama had said to them. He felt disappointed in himself, because when they attacked twenty years later, they lost terribly, and one of them was even a filthy traitor. They knew Wano was lost to them, even though Momonosuke-sama clung to the hope that was slowly fading.

That was until Luffy appeared, and it was as if a divine being had descended from the heavens to bless them. Luffy, who hadn't turned his back on them even when, in that world, Kin'emon asked him to take care of a country that wasn't his own. Still, Luffy hadn't refused.

Kawamatsu knew deep down that Luffy was who Oden-sama had waited for. Luffy was the pirate leader who would turn the tides in their favor. Without Luffy, he knows they would have lost even if other strong, young pirates had allied themselves with them all those years ago. After all, in that world, three other men had joined Luffy in his fight against Kaido and Big Mom; in this world, he'd never seen these men.

Because Luffy was simply that storm, that being who could change everything.

Luffy is now shown, his straw hat covering his eyes as his cape flew behind him.

The eyes of those who felt depressed took on a shine at the sight of the young man they so longed to see. The prayers that had previously been barely whispered grew louder, all repeating the same name. The name of the one who could solve everything. The one who could save them.

Luffy.

Luffy.

Luffy.

LUFFY.

The only sounds were the strong lashes tearing off skin and the blood running like a river. But the slaves ignored everything, focused on the image of that young man with the iconic straw hat as if in a trance.

"What the hell is wrong with these slaves?" asked a nobleman, somewhat frightened to see how the slaves ignored the lashes, more focused on worshipping Luffy.

Shanks, on the other hand, felt such ecstasy that his Haki even went wild, unable to control his feelings. But how could he do so when he saw the young man of his desires walking like a king with the hat that was his?

"We will touch Egghead Island, even if it means destroying everything." Shanks's deep voice was an order, and his crew didn't hesitate.

Doflamingo, from the throne of Dressrosa, looked at Luffy's image with a smile. The young pirate was a very interesting figure, and perhaps a weapon against the World Government and the Celestial Dragons.

Trafalgar Law didn't know how to feel, although something inside him did feel some admiration for Luffy. Truly, Luffy was worthy of bearing the D in his name. Even more so when, unlike him, Luffy was shouting from the rooftops that he was a D. Luffy might not have known the meaning, but Law sensed that even if he did, Luffy would embrace it without fear. On the other hand, Law was hiding it. He was hiding a part of his parents, a part of his heritage, and a part of himself.

Law clung to the knowledge that he knew Luffy in that world. He clung to the fact that they were allied and fought together, as the previous video had shown.

"Young, strong pirates who will lead the next era."

Kaido let out a mocking laugh upon hearing those words he knew all too well. His old enemy was an intelligent man, and perhaps far ahead of his time. But his words ultimately turned to sand in the wind, disappearing. No rookie has ever shown themselves to be a storm. And no rookie has ever been able to even challenge him. Luffy clearly challenged him in that world, and Kaido was curious. But in this one, Luffy didn't exist.

In the end, in this world, those words didn't come true.

Imu narrowed his crimson eyes upon hearing those words. Pirates will always be a threat, from the cursed Joy Boy, to the very curious Gol D. Roger, whose death began a new golden age for pirates. And now, these words from the cursed Kozuki Clan. Imu didn't know how his counterpart was doing things, but it seemed the world wasn't under his control, not when even he could see the symbol Luffy represented to the world.

Luffy reminded him too much of Joy Boy, and that was already a problem.

"Yeah!" shouted a rookie pirate, laughing.

"We rule the seas now!" affirmed another rookie, raising his drink.

The rookies laughed and nodded in agreement, forgetting that none of them could be considered on the same level as the pirates shown in the Den Den Mushi. They were rookies, but they could never compare to the young pirates of that world who fearlessly stood up to the two Yonkou. Luffy himself single-handedly challenged all the Yonkou except for Shanks.

In that world, those pirates truly did lead the next era, with Luffy at the front.

Luffy raised his head, revealing that he was in the center, while on his left side were Killer and Eustass Kid, and on his right were Roronoa Zoro and Trafalgar Law. All ready for what would be a battle.

"Even after seeing this scene in the other video, I truly look amazing," Kid smirked, causing Killer to nod happily along with him.

Law couldn't help the smile that spread across his lips. It pleased him to know that in that world, he was close to Luffy. He wondered what their relationship was like, and what it meant to him. Had Luffy helped him defeat Doflamingo? If so, then how could he reach Luffy?

"Captain," Zoro whispered, knowing that Luffy was his captain. There was no other man he would accept as his leader other than the man capable of challenging them all. "I'll find you."

Zoro didn't know how, but one way or another, Luffy would be his Captain. The other Zoro had already enjoyed him; now it was his turn, and he wouldn't give him up.

"What a bunch of interesting brats!" Whitebeard laughed, still surprised that mere rookies had actually challenged two Yonkou at once, and one of them was even Kaido.

"What cheeky rookies!" Garp laughed.

"Your grandson is at the center of everything!" Sengoku yelled back at him.

"Where are those rookies now?" Kaido mocked. Those pirates hadn't even been present when the Akazaya and Oden's son returned twenty years after Oden's death to take back Wano.

"I must admit, they do look cool," a somewhat jealous pirate grumbled.

Big Mom's children watched the silence in the room in terror, their mother watching Den Den Mushi with a face devoid of emotion. Their mother was probably cursing Monkey D. Luffy; in the previous video, her counterpart did say she wanted his head. But now, she was silent, and sometimes what's scariest isn't the scream, but the silence.

"Mama, are you okay?" asked Pudding, the bravest of them all.

"Mamamama," Big Mom began to laugh. "Of course I'm fine, Pudding. After all, none of these rookies would dare challenge me."

And even though she said that, everyone knew it did infuriate her to see her counterpart being challenged. After all, no one liked to see their throne threatened, much less by much younger pirates. And although in this world no one had touched her, in another, the threat of these rookies was so great that she even allied herself with Kaido.

Suddenly, Luffy was surrounded by his Supreme King Haki, filling the screen with red.

Imu felt a chill. He couldn't feel that Haki, he could only see it. But just seeing it was enough to remind him of that man, even though it didn't seem as strong as his. The more he saw, the more he believed Luffy was too similar to his old enemy. He was grateful that at least there was no Luffy in his world. And there never would be, even if he had to kill any being with the D in their name.

Dragon wasn't surprised that Luffy, his son in that world, had such Haki, but he was surprised that it was so powerful. Even if Luffy wasn't what he was, that Haki alone would put him at the center of the storm. It was too powerful to be normal.

"We're getting closer to Egghead," he heard Sabo say, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Dragon said nothing more, his gaze fixed on the Den Den Mushi.

"He has tremendous Haki," Katakuri muttered to himself, watching as his own mother watched Luffy's Haki with interest.

Not only was the Supreme King Haki a rare Haki, with very few people capable of using it, but the one Luffy was displaying was incredibly powerful.

"Mamamama. Monkey D. Luffy isn't that simple," Big Mom observed, now more curious than angry about the pirate who dared to challenge her in that world.

Ace stared at the screen in shock, unable to believe that such a young person could possess such powerful Supreme King Haki. Ace had Supreme King Haki, and it was quite strong. But Luffy looked younger than him, and his Haki seemed worthy of a Yonkou. Clearly, Luffy's Haki was far more powerful than his own.

"I'm not surprised someone so similar to Roger would possess Supreme King Haki, much less one this strong." whispered Whitebeard, remembering the times Roger used his magnificent Supreme King Haki. It was during those moments that he could understand why Roger was the Pirate King.

"Of course he has Supreme King Haki," Sengoku complained, looking at his old friend who also had Supreme King's Haki. "After all, he's this idiot's grandson."

"Wha-what's that?" asked a civilian from Dawn Island.

"Such power," said a pirate, amazed to see a power he'd never seen before.

"Can anyone have it?" asked another pirate, curious and ambitious.

"This world hides many secrets," muttered a civilian woman from Water 7.

Suddenly, Nico Robin is seen standing in front of a large blue poneglyph filled with weeds.

Robin opened her eyes at the sight of herself. Until now, it hasn't occurred to her what her life would be like in that world with Luffy. She hasn't thought about whether she's dead or alive. Clearly, she seems to be alive and doing what she's always wanted to do: read the poneglyphs and learn more about the Void Century.

Could it be...?

No. She shouldn't be so arrogant. But what if...?

Did she actually know Luffy, or was she just deluding herself to maintain hope?

Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro gripped his katana, not at all pleased to see Nico Robin, the last survivor of Ohara, on the screen. For him, after the little they'd seen, it was more than obvious that Robin must be connected to Luffy in one way or another. And for a young man too closely similar to Imu-sama's former enemy and with a desire to find One Piece and become Pirate King, his closeness to the woman who could read the poneglyphs and possessed too much knowledge was dangerous.

"I knew we should have killed her as soon as we knew she was alive." Saint Topman Warcury commented, watching the scene with a critical eye.

"Even if it's not our world, the order will be given. Nico Robin must be eliminated at all costs," Saint Marcus Mars declared.

The Gorosei was satisfied with their decision, which they knew Imu-sama would agree with.

But they weren't the only ones with plans for the last survivor of Ohara.

"This will cause trouble for Nico Robin," Dragon said, almost able to see what the government would do after what had happened. "I'm sure Robin will be seen as a threat now more than ever."

"Then we'll bring her with us," Ivankov affirmed, agreeing with the leader of the Revolutionaries.

Aokiji leaned back in his seat, thinking of the girl he let escape so many years ago. He'd known Robin had her own wanted poster since she was a child, but as the years passed and she was still alive, he thought the government would ignore her. However, seeing this, he knew Nico Robin was now more than ever in the government's sights.

His Den Den Mushi rang, and he knew Kizaru must be on the other end of the line, plotting plans that would give this world a chance at the light Luffy has to offer.

Akainu was grateful that Aokiji had been sentimental enough to correct his terrible mistake and let at least one Ohara survivor escape. However, he knew that after this, Nico Robin would be in danger. Perhaps, he could still correct the terrible act he committed so many years ago.

"Isn't that Nico Robin, the Ohara survivor?" asked a civilian from Alabasta. "Wasn't her island destroyed for researching weapons?"

"I don't believe things are that simple anymore," another civilian at his side replied.

"This is unlike any other poneglyph I've seen before," the woman said.

Several poneglyphs were shown, including a red one.

The Gorosei knew Imu-sama wasn't there with them, but they couldn't help but feel he was watching them. And knowing him, he was most likely watching them. They knew he was furious that Nico Robin was still being shown, and even that the existence of the poneglyphs was being revealed to the masses. They were well aware that if they didn't eliminate her, they would be eliminated.

Big Mom looked at the poneglyphs, and at Nico Robin herself, with interest. She wanted the woman on her crew, and would even marry her off to one of her favorite sons if only she knew where she was. The Ohara survivor has kept a low profile for years and has freed herself from the clutches of the government and several pirates. And with her disappearance, the only person capable of reading and deciphering the poneglyphs was gone. In the past, she believed that Pudding, with her third eye, could achieve such an ability. But years have passed and nothing, so Big Mom gave up.

But Nico Robin, she was the answer.

Scopper Gaban nostalgically remembered the poneglyphs the Roger Pirates had seen on their journey across the seas in search of the final island. He remembered the emotions, faces, and words of his crew every time Oden revealed what the poneglyphs said. Each of the poneglyphs hides secrets that would turn the world upside down if ever revealed. But Roger said that wasn't their job; that they arrived too early.

But when would the right moment be? Was there even a right moment when Monkey D. Luffy didn't exist? What if Luffy was the one Roger had waited for, but wasn't born into this world? Were they then doomed from the start to a world of slavery, pain, and darkness? Gaban feared the answers to his questions.

Kozuki Sukiyaki was a man who was dead to the world. And he knew the government must surely be happy about that if they haven't revealed anything related to the poneglyphs or the Kozuki Clan. But Sukiyaki was alive, and he was one of the few people left who could read the poneglyphs created by his clan. But he was dead, a little safer, so he prayed that his partner in reading the poneglyphs, Nico Robin, could survive the storm that was sure to descend upon her.

"What are those things?" a young waitress from Foosha Village asked.

"The poneglyphs," King Cobra whispered, afraid that if the connection between one of the poneglyphs and Alabasta was revealed, it would endanger the country.

Alabasta and her royal family were already hiding too many secrets that could destroy them. It was because of this fear for his daughter and his country that Cobra said nothing, not even to his own daughter, even though one of those secrets was the fact that the Nefertari were part of Clan D.

"This is like a letter. A letter of apology."

Rayleigh narrowed his eyes slightly at the sight of the familiar poneglyph with that letter of apology from Joy Boy, that incredible man. It seemed that in that other world, in Luffy's home, Robin was getting closer to the truth. He hoped she had people protecting her in that world, because knowing the truth comes at a price.

Robin felt her palms sweat. So close. Her counterpart was so close. Would she discover what history was hiding?

"How much is the government hiding?" a pirate asked, putting his legs on the table.

King Neptune feared that the fact that this poneglyph was in his kingdom would mean trouble for it and its people. He feared that his knowledge of Joy Boy would mean a war that would wipe out what little remained of them.

Whitebeard said nothing, but it was abundantly clear to him that an attack on the Ryugu Kingdom was an attack on him. And his children were very aware of this. They had gone to war for Ace, and although they suffered casualties and their father nearly died, they managed to survive. For one of their territories, they would do exactly the same.

Robin now looked at the blue poneglyph, this time sitting across from it.

"Who are you apologizing to?" she asked.

Rayleigh held his breath as he watched her talk about the poneglyph and what it contained.

Would she say it?

Would this screen reveal the name that history had buried?

Could this be the beginning of the prophecy Roger left behind but no one fulfilled?

Imu lowered his eyes, thoughts of destroying the Ryugu Kingdom just due to having that cursed poneglyph with them running through his head. Considering what has been shown, he suspects the name he had worked so hard to keep hidden will be revealed. For many, it holds no meaning, but for others, that name meant hope.

And hope is what he had tried hardest to erase for centuries.

Once again, King Neptune felt a drop of sweat trickle down his temple. Unknowingly, he found himself praying to Luffy, as if he were a god, to protect his kingdom and his people.

The civilians and pirates, who had no idea about the meaning of that poneglyph and what it contained, were curious about who was apologizing, and why.

"And who are you..?"

Robin's gaze was raised, staring at the poneglyph.

"...Joy Boy?"

The place felt cold, as if a blizzard had suddenly descended around them. But that cold belonged to Imu, who watched with fury and disgust as the name of his worst enemy was spoken. That name, that name he tried to erase. And he did. But Joy Boy left too deep a mark on history, and several took it upon themselves to keep his name alive. And then came the curious pirates who managed to find that name and, little by little, began to spread it. That curiosity has been his enemy.

He cursed Joy Boy, his name, and his cursed ideals that stood in his way no matter how many times he squashed them like the cockroaches they were. Yes, just for him, just because his name dared to appear, Imu would take it upon himself to keep the world in an even worse predicament, even if that predicament ended with sucking the air out of many and killing them.

He would never allow Joy Boy's shadow to destroy everything he'd built for nearly a millennium. He would never allow Monkey D. Luffy to be born, not when he seemed to be a threat, just as Joy Boy had been so many centuries ago.

They would all fall, the D Clan would fall. And if they didn't fall by fair means, they would fall by foul means. Once an entire kingdom had been wiped out, wiping out a clan that was nearly extinct wouldn't be half as difficult.

"Not even the ashes of Nico Robin must remain." That was the order Imu gave to the Gorosei, his voice low but filled with fury. He knew the Gorosei had already ordered Robin's death, but he had ordered it himself with the threat that she and her name better disappear from history from now on.

The five elders looked at each other and understood that at the slightest mistake, they would lose their heads, for Imu-sama would not accept any failure, much less about something that could threaten his throne. They cursed the entity that decided to ruin everything and show them a universe they weren't even a part of. Why now? Why, after conquering everything, show them a world where a figure stood as a rebel? Was it to give the world hope?

"Joy Boy? Who is he?" asked a civilian from Drum Island, feeling his heart flutter for some reason.

"Doesn't that seem like a... happy name?" whispered a resident of Skypiea.

"Oh, Joy Boy, your name finally resurfaces," murmured King Neptune. "And our promise still stands."

"Who is Joy Boy, and what does he have to do with the World Government?" Dragon wondered, feeling his body shiver.

Yamato opened his mouth, but no sound came out, shocked to hear that name so familiar to him. The name of the person Oden had mentioned in his journal. That dead name, after so many centuries, was resurrected to once again turn the world upside down. Could Luffy be Joy Boy or a simple descendant?

Kaido did crack a smile this time, a real one. Joy Boy. The name of the person he'd been waiting to fight in a legendary battle that would end in his defeat. Only someone could defeat him, and that someone was Joy Boy. And that brat had a connection to Joy Boy.

King couldn't believe that the figure he thought was a mere legend actually existed. So, was what Kaido said true? Would Joy Boy defeat him? However, Luffy was very important, and he didn't exist in this world. Could it be possible that Luffy is Joy Boy?

Rayleigh started laughing out of nowhere. He didn't know if it was because he remembered his arrival in Laugh Tale, or because the world was hearing for the first time the name of the man who changed everything, the one who shaped the Void Century the government so desperately wants to hide.

"Luffy, how blessed is that world that have you in it," Rayleigh said with a bitter smile.

A collective shudder ran through the world. Everyone felt within themselves that that name, Joy Boy, had immense meaning.

"When I was behind bars, I heard a story."

The slaves, those with knowledge that could lead to their deaths, straightened their shoulders, their backs straighter, firmer.

Yes, they knew what that story was. After all, there was only one story that those chained and imprisoned told day and night to maintain hope.

"Nika," a slave whispered, tapping his forehead against the ground in reverence.

"O' Nika, save us," another slave pleaded, this time looking up with his hands stretched out in a plea to his god.

"Your name will be spread and known today, Nika," another slave cried, his tears mingling with his blood.

"Please. Please. Save us, Nika," a slave begged, her voice hoarse from cries of pain.

The slaves were so mesmerized that they interchangeably said Luffy's and Nika's names, unaware that they were thinking of them as if they were one person.

Who's-Who opened his eyes, recognizing his own voice and those words. That story, yes, that story that guard had told him, only to never see him again. So, Nika was more than a legend, more than a simple figure used by the slaves to keep themselves sane and keep hope alive?

The Gorosei looked among themselves with concern. They've long known that the slaves pray to Nika, and that many guards have also heard his name. The same guard who was guarding the idiot who lost Nika's fruit was guilty of speaking about the god. A person in that world was imprisoned, and during his stay, he learned about Nika. That same person clearly escaped and now speaks about the god.

Had they made that same mistake with the same person in this world? If so, where was that rat who escaped?

Imu watched with terrifying coldness. First Joy Boy, and now they want to reveal Nika? What game was this being who orchestrated all this playing at?

People in power, like the Yonkou, the Admirals, and even the Revolutionaries, paid more attention. They'd never heard of a story told between prisoners and slaves, but if it was being mentioned, it meant it was important.

Luffy was walking, his hands chained and his face bandaged, leaving only his eyes exposed.

"Luffy-sama. What have they done to you, O' Lord?" asked a slave of Mary Geoise, feeling anguish at seeing that light chained like them. But that shouldn't be the case, for Luffy was much more than a mere mortal; he was much greater.

It was difficult for the slaves to see their symbol of freedom in chains, like just another slave. Like just another prisoner.

Imu was pleased to see him in chains. He could almost see Joy Boy in his place. Unfortunately, he knew full well that things weren't that simple. Luffy would break free. He knew it and accepted it. After all, capturing Joy Boy wasn't that simple, and Luffy was more than just a human; he was an enemy from the D Clan. Imu ignored the small whisper that told him Luffy was Joy Boy.

Shamrock clenched his fist, his knuckles forcibly turning white. He didn't like the sight of Luffy in chains at all; it wasn't something someone like him should be going through. However, he knew it wouldn't be for long, because the fire of freedom still shone in Luffy's eyes.

Dragon clenched his jaw when he saw the terrible state his son was in. He would never let his son be treated like that, even if he knew it was part of the path he must take to fulfill his dreams.

Momonosuke recognized that outfit very well. Luffy was in Wano! But why was he chained up? What had happened? Momonosuke swallowed, only relaxing slightly when he felt his sister's hand.

"While receiving a severe punishment..."

Slaves around the world listened to those words in pain, remembering their own cruel punishments. And remembering those who disappeared for daring to tell that story.

The nobles, the government, didn't want them to cling to the slightest hope that someone or something could save them from the slavery they found themselves in. But humans are rebellious by nature, and the more you try to keep them down, the more they will want to rise up.

Who's-Who let out a small sigh. He knew there was more to that story. It wasn't just a simple tale for the slaves; it was a belief powerful enough to make the guard who told it to him disappear.

What was that fruit?

Why did they guard it so closely?

What secrets was the World Government hiding, and what role did the Sun God Nika play in it?

Tama's cheek is seen being grabbed and crushed.

"What the hell?!" Ace shouted, furious at seeing the girl he considered a sister being abused like this.

"Do you know her, yoi?" Marco asked, seeing him so furious.

Ace nodded, wishing he could finish Kaido off and free Tama as he had promised. It seems impossible in this world, but he prays that at least in that world, she was able to obtain her freedom.

In New Onigashima, Tenguyama Hitetsu, formerly known as Kozuki Sukiyaki, hugged the no-longer-little Tama tightly as he watched her suffer. He was doing everything he could to keep her away from all the bad things that had befallen his country since Oden died and Kaido took control.

He can't help but look at himself with shame and regret for acting like a coward and doing nothing for the country his son loved so much. Oden loved this country so much that he didn't hesitate to sacrifice himself for it. And he, his father, was nothing more than a coward who ran away, leaving everything behind, with nothing to do but pray for salvation.

"They have no mercy, not even for children," a mother spat, hugging her children.

"In this world, there is no mercy," her husband replied, hugging them.

Big Mom felt fury rise at seeing such a small girl mistreated like this. She cursed Kaido; that idiot was truly a beast.

"... They mockingly told me to pray for salvation..."

And praying is what many around the world were doing, not just the slaves.

Many have spent a long time like this, on their knees, but none of them care about the pain that has become their best friend when in front of them stands a savior who, in a short time, has given them back the hope that things can change.

"Please, Luffy, save us."

"Break our chains, Nika."

"I beg you, save me."

"Take my blood, my life, or my soul, but set me free."

"Come to us, please."

"Aren't we your children too? Aren't we your faithful believers too? Why do you abandon us while that world is illuminated by your light?"

The slaves began to wonder: Is Luffy related to Nika? Maybe Luffy was Nika's avatar, and that's why their world was doomed, because they didn't have Luffy?

"... To the Sun God..."

The Giants of Elbaph felt the world stop for a second as such a figure was announced. Nika. Nika. The god who could be salvation or destruction. Who really is Nika? And what did Monkey D. Luffy and Joy Boy have to do with him?

King Neptune thought of his beloved Otohime, who seemed to love the sun. Always telling him that the sun was a symbol to them. And wasn't it a symbol when the slaves turned to it for salvation?

Imu already knew what was coming.

That name.

That fruit.

He had to prevent it from being revealed.

"Find a way to shut down those Den Den Mushi!" he ordered the Gorosei. Although, like them, he knew nothing could be done.

It was too late, and one of the greatest secrets in history was about to be revealed.

One of the names that had been most secretly hidden would finally be revealed to the masses. No longer would just a select few know about Nika.

The scene shows the silhouette of a skinny man, holding a spear and sword, as he leaps while the sun shines down on him.

"Nika!"

Prince Loki of Elbaph let out a somewhat maniacal laugh from his chains. Oh, Nika, the Sun God the giants so worshipped. A warrior they respected so much that they dared to call themselves Sun Gods. He even sinned by calling himself a Sun God. However, it seems all of them were wrong. It seems Nika does exist, but Luffy is the one who bears that name.

"Why weren't you born here, Luffy?" Loki asked the solitude, curious for the answer to his question.

Imu's face reflected nothing. Even his eyes were cold.

"It seems there must be another Void Century." Imu contemplated, his voice calm, as if he weren't talking about mass genocide.

The Gorosei prepared themselves. They knew something would happen, Imu-sama would do something. They thought about what could be done, but the only thing that came to mind was the creation of another Void Century. They had to erase people and names from history until they disappeared once more.

Kuma recognized that silhouette, that name. He listened, and didn't want to believe it only to have his hopes dashed. But no. There it was, Nika's silhouette. Kuma knew Nika existed. He knew Nika would bring the sun and scare away the moon that had let night fall on the world for so many centuries. There was hope for a better world for his daughter.

Bonney simply cried, remembering her father's words, and the dance that was said to be Nika's. She never doubted her father's words, but something in her collapsed when she saw that he did exist. Nika was as true as the sun that illuminated the day.

"Nika," said a slave, his voice a whisper of wonder, almost reverence.

"The Sun God Nika," whispered another slave.

"The liberator of slaves!" shouted a slave, uncaring of the punishment that would come.

Shirahoshi parted her lips slightly, but said nothing as she let her watery eyes speak for her. A liberator. Was Luffy truly that savior? Could he truly free the Fishmen and the other races who were chained? Could he be the one to bring a new dawn to the world, just as her beloved mother had said, had wished? Could Luffy be Nika's avatar?

Kaido and Luffy traded blows, lighting up the sky with fire and light.

Kaido began to drink more alcohol, his excitement for a fight with the person who could be Joy Boy filling him with life.

King watched his Captain and could see how excited he was, probably having found a good opponent in Luffy. But King wasn't so sure. Luffy could be Nika, he could be Joy Boy, but he still believed Kaido was untouchable. He knew his loyalty was what spoke for it, but that mattered little to him. He would have to see Kaido defeated with his own eyes.

New Onigashima watched with hope. Luffy had truly decided to take the country on his back! And he was standing alone against Kaido for them! They didn't know about Joy Boy or Nika, but surely, Monkey D. Luffy was their god. Their liberator.

Momonosuke prayed, prayed that Luffy would win and avenge Wano, his father, his mother. That he would win and avenge all those who suffered at Kaido's hands. Momonosuke prayed, so that he could meet Luffy.

"He is a legendary warrior from ancient times."

Robin widened her eyes, her eyes shining with intelligence.

"The Void Century?" she asked herself, excited, feeling her heart pound like never before and her hands tingle.

Vegapunk was ecstatic to witness the return of Nika, that being who in the ancient texts was almost nonexistent. It didn't matter if it was another world, this sight was enough for him. A little light amidst so much darkness is all he needed.

The giants grew more and more excited. They knew Nika's story, or at least part of it, but that didn't take away the thrill they felt upon hearing his story, his name.

A giant elephant is seen walking.

"Zunesha," Imu spat, watching furiously as those historical secrets were simply revealed.

Imu didn't laugh, but smiled as he looked at the Den Den Mushi.

"Have you forgotten that no matter how much hope you give the world, it's in my hands? There's no Nika here! There's no Joy Boy here! There's no Monkey D. Luffy here!"

But the Den Den Mushi continued to show, ignoring Imu's words.

"What's Zunesha doing there?" Kin'emon asked in shock, forgetting how old the giant elephant is, and fearing that people would want to attack the elephant that had become their home.

"Don't forget how old Zunesha is. He's probably seen things he shouldn't have," Nekomamushi said.

"That ghost island really exists!" a pirate shouted, staring at the large elephant in shock. His crew, beside him, was equally shocked.

"Mommy, how could such an elephant exist?" a girl asked her mother, amazed at what she saw.

But her mother didn't know the answer either.

"And the slaves believed..."

"He will free us," affirmed a slave.

The slaves believed that Nika would free them. And they were beginning to believe that Luffy was an avatar of Nika. Luffy was Nika on Earth who came to free them.

Luffy was as divine as Nika.

That's why the prayers began to use both names as one.

Luffy is Nika, and Nika is Luffy.

Kaido and Luffy were about to collide, until Luffy was stopped and beaten by Kaido.

Saint Jaygarcia Saturn watched this scene closely. It was easy for him to deduce how and why Luffy was stopped.

"We probably lost a good agent and angered Kaido in that world, but at least Nika won't be back," said Saint Shepherd Ju Peter approvingly.

But Imu wasn't as relieved as they were.

"Luffy!" shouted Garp, every trace of a smile erased by concern for Luffy, his grandson in another life.

"Please, Luffy, don't fall to evil. May your infinite light never go out," prayed a slave.

"He can't die. He can't," cried a girl.

"He's a god, he won't die," affirmed one, trying to deny reality.

"Those damned government officials must have done something." Shanks spat without a second's hesitation.

Dragon, more than ever, wanted to take down the World Government. He knew they had something to do with it. Someone had stopped Luffy's attack.

Zoro gripped one of his katanas, furious that his captain had been attacked by a third party. However, he knew he was alive. Luffy was alive, and he was going to wake up and kick Kaido's ass.

"Who dared?!" Kaido growled, his fury so great that his Haki had gotten a bit out of control. Who dared interrupt their fight? He hoped the culprit had died at his hand.

Shamrock sighed at the scene. It was more than obvious to him what had happened, and he closed his eyes in an attempt to calm his fury at seeing Luffy attacked like that.

"The Gorosei must have ordered an agent to intervene," his father, Garling, blurted out.

For the world, the mere thought of Luffy's fall was more than enough to create a feeling of anguish and despair within them. They didn't want to, and couldn't, believe that Luffy could lose. He was a God. He was Nika's avatar. They had no proof yet, but there was no doubt.

"...that one day, he would free them."

"Please. Please. Please." a man begged, crying as he couldn't bear the greatness of the words he was hearing.

"Wake up, Luffy. Wake up, Nika." a woman prayed, feeling that only Luffy could fight the darkness.

"You will free us. Wake up, please."

"Our liberator. Our savior. Our promised god who will one day free us."

"Nika..."

"Luffy..."

"Nika..."

"Luffy..."

The slave masters looked at them in terror. These beings were being whipped and beaten, but they all just cried and smiled, shouting Luffy's name, Nika's name. It was as if they couldn't feel the pain, only the happiness of having reveled in the sight of Luffy, of a savior who didn't even exist in this world.

Several slaves, civilians, and even several Marines and pirates watched in fear as the less sane among them entered a trance of religious worship. The sight was frightening, for never before had so many people worshipped a single god to the point that it seemed more like obsession than spiritual love.

But it was hard to blame them when many of those slaves had suffered terribly and were now seeing a ray of light, of hope. Their minds had simply reached their limit.

Jimbei, however, touched his chest, where the Sun Pirates' mark rested. Having learned about Nika and his connection to the sun and the freedom of slaves, he wondered if Fisher Tiger had a reason for choosing the sun as his symbol. Had he known something?

Luffy was lying unconscious on the ground, but white smoke was rising from him.

"No, Luffy! Please, no!"

"Get up! Please, get up!" the slaves cried.

"Shut up!" the masters shouted, whipping the rebels who were screaming for Luffy, but their hands were shaking, the vision of these same slaves in their religious trance still fresh in their minds.

"No, it can't be," Garp growled. "Luffy can't die, not just like that."

"Luffy won't die, Garp," Sengoku affirmed, agreeing with Garp not only because he believed in Luffy, but because he wanted to reassure Garp so he would stop expelling his Supreme King Haki.

Shanks clenched his fists, wishing he could enter that world and finish Kaido off himself for daring to touch what wasn't his. Luffy was untouchable. He was a being only a few could touch and admire up close. And Shanks was one of those few.

Kaido growled, still furious that such an interesting fight had been interrupted.

Dragon didn't realize it, but even he was, unconsciously, praying to Luffy.

"Please wake up, my son. I know you won't die," he whispered, unwittingly making his wish sound like a prayer.

"I can hear the Drums of Liberation!" said the giant elephant.

Zunesha's eyes were shining for the first time in a long time. Oh, how blessed was that Zunesha to have been able to delight himself in hearing the Drums of Liberation and witness Joy Boy's return after nearly a millennium. Because if Zunesha knew one thing, it was that those Drums of Liberation meant Joy Boy's return; there was not the slightest doubt about that.

Imu opened his eyes. He quickly got up from the throne, staring at the screen. That damn Joy Boy had returned, and he had obtained that cursed fruit. No matter how much he tried to deny it, he couldn't. He could no longer ignore the signals connecting Monkey D. Luffy to Joy Boy and then Nika.

In that world, Joy Boy had returned, and with him, the power of Nika, the Sun God.

And in this world, showing that would be a problem.

"Those damn drums," Imu said, wanting to cover his ears so he wouldn't have to hear them.

Nika wasn't in this world. Neither was Joy Boy, much less Monkey D. Luffy. But that damn ideology could cause trouble. Those damn drums would cause trouble. And now, that same ideology was there, in front of him.

"Prepare to destroy islands and kill slaves if you even think about rebelling," was the order Imu gave to the Gorosei, an order they passed on to the God's Knights.

Garling accepted the order, knowing that now more than ever, things would get worse. Imu will finish off anyone, even if it means the world has to have another Void Century.

The slaves began to move their chains, creating a sound that moved to the beat of the drums. To them, it was the most beautiful sound they had ever heard, one that prompted them to dance and laugh, even when they couldn't and had no reason to. And yet, that was what their bodies wanted.

The giants of Elbaph had no restrictions, so they moved to the beat of the drums. Unbeknownst to them, in the distance, Kuma was doing the same, dancing a dance very familiar to him.

And many around the world, unknowingly, began to move to the beat of the drum, many laughing or with simple smiles on their faces without knowing exactly why. The music lasted for a minute that felt like hours, and by the time it ended, everyone felt a weight lighter.

And then the screen began to move once more.

Suddenly, Luffy's hair began to turn white, and his lips formed a wide smile.

Imu leaned back in his throne. His gaze never moved from the image of Luffy dressed in white, with the clouds surrounding him like a crown. He cursed Nika. He cursed Joy Boy. He cursed Lily. He cursed the D Clan. But now, he cursed Monkey D. Luffy for the problem, the symbol, that he had become. He may not exist in this world, but he had become a giant problem. Yes, Luffy truly reminded him of Joy Boy.

"He's alive!" a prisoner from Impel Down shouted euphorically, causing the prisoners and guards around him to scream as well, ignoring everything but the immense excitement and happiness within them.

"Luffy-sama is alive!" a slave cried, her forehead hitting her closed hands.

"I knew you wouldn't die just like that, Luffy." Dragon smiled with a sigh of relief.

"There was no reason to doubt him," Ivankov smiled.

"But what is that transformation?" Sabo asked from beside Dragon. The three revolutionaries looked at each other, equally confused.

"That transformation! The White Warrior!" Vegapunk shouted, as excited as he was distressed.  "Let's work faster! After this, the World Government will get worse, and Dragon might not be able to reach Egghead in time!"

The other Vegapunks nodded, fully understanding what was coming once Den Den Mushi shut down. They had to work as quickly as possible, or the world would never have the chance to have Luffy with them.

Garling looked at Luffy's smile and thought that Luffy was indeed a D.

"Joy Boy has returned!" the elephant declared, his eyes lighting up.

Imu felt those words were like a sentence. He never thought he'd hear those words. And yet, he was hearing them. And even if those words came from another world and not his own, that didn't take away from the immense meaning they held and how much they impacted him. Joy Boy will be a shadow that will always haunt him. The shadow of a person he had once truly admired, even loved, and for whom he now feels only immense hatred.

The Gorosei looked among themselves, fearful of what this revelation could mean, and what it could bring. For them, who had been with Imu-sama for many years, it was easy to see what the one on the throne would do. It wouldn't be a surprise if Imu-sama ordered the death of everyone with a D in their name and the creation of another Void Century. What they feared was whether it would be possible this time. The entire world knew those names, and one entity had wielded enough power to make them peer into another world.

The Gorosei feared that all this was done for a purpose, and that perhaps, this time it was their turn to lose. This time, Joy Boy would win, as should have happened so many centuries ago if the might of twenty kingdoms hadn't united against a single man.

Kaido smiled, happy to finally find the worthy opponent he had sought. Finally, Joy Boy was here. How fortunate his counterpart was, blessed with the privilege of facing such a legendary figure.

King simply stared in shock, his mind still unable to grasp the weight of what he had seen. Joy Boy was real...

Zunesha let out a long trumpet blast, his happiness so great that if he could, he would have jumped to the point of creating tidal waves or tsunamis. And those close to him could hear it, feeling a chill run down their spines.

Rayleigh was in shock, his eyes wide open before he burst into laughter, ignoring the tears running down his eyes. Joy Boy. The one Roger had waited for, the man Roger had prophesied. He was real. And he was seeing him before him. How he wished he could be there and witness such a vision.

Yamato shed tears of emotion. Luffy was Joy Boy! Luffy was the person Oden had waited for! The person he wanted to open Wano for to welcome when he arrived! Yamato wanted to. He wanted to meet Luffy. He wanted to touch him. He wanted to know him. He wanted to be there.

The world didn't know who Joy Boy was, at least, not the vast majority. And yet, they held their breath because they felt something magnificent was happening.

Luffy stood, with the Supreme King Haki swirling around him, so strong it cracked the earth around him, creating smoke.

"He's strong," Shanks smiled, his smile hiding his thoughts.

Whitebeard thought that Luffy was indeed very similar to Roger. Or was Roger similar to Luffy? How interesting. He was grateful to be part of this story, even if it meant just seeing another world, the real world Luffy was saving.

"Luffy-senpai is so powerful!" Bartolomeo shouted excitedly, his eyes shining with admiration.

"He's powerful," Zoro observed with a smile. "Worthy of being my captain."

"Wow," a pirate said, his eyes marveling at Luffy's power. He wondered how much fun that world must be with Luffy in it.

"The brat is powerful." Teach's observation, unlike before, was made more seriously. With that Haki and everything else displayed, it was abundantly clear to him that Luffy wasn't a simple pirate. He was a powerful enemy, and one he was grateful not to have to face in this world.

Big Mom thought Luffy looked too much like Roger. If it weren't for his name being revealed, she would have thought he was Roger's son. Even their Haki was similar.

Kizaru watched with interest. Haki like that was rarely seen, much less in someone so young. But for someone so young to have such powerful Haki was almost like finding a needle in a haystack. He didn't know how he reached that level, but he knew he must be a strong opponent. Kizaru thought that if he continued like this, Luffy could indeed be the next Pirate King.

"This is my peak!" Luffy shouted happily, almost laughing.

The slaves' hands trembled as they watched him laugh.

Luffy was better than they had imagined. His laugh was the softest but most chaotic laugh they had ever heard. Everything about Luffy screamed freedom.

Out of nowhere, they too began to laugh. Of pain, of happiness, of hope, of despair—that's what their tears tasted like. They ignored the lashes that were their daily bread and began to laugh their heads off.

Imu wanted to look away from the screen, not wanting to see his enemy as he had always seen him, smiling. But he couldn't. His entire body told him to stay there, his crimson eyes fixed on Joy Boy's return. Seeing him was both a blessing and a curse. He cursed Joy Boy, because none of this would have happened if he had said yes and joined him. Unfortunately, there were no such things as ifs.

Usopp looked on in admiration at how powerful Luffy was. He had once wished to be a brave and strong warrior of the sea. He wanted to sail the seas like his father and perhaps have a crew as great as his. But he found himself stuck in this village, which it seemed he'd never leave.

But Luffy... he wanted to be like Luffy. He wanted to be free. He wanted to sail the seas. He wanted to spread his name like him and have his own reputation. He wondered if he knew Luffy in that world. He wondered if Luffy had influenced him to go out to the sea.

Whitebeard smiled with interest as he watched Luffy claim to be at his peak. How powerful was he now? He wanted to fight him.

Kaido was jealous of his counterpart, but he hoped the fight between his counterpart and Luffy would be grand, worthy of the King of Beasts and Joy Boy.

"I want to fight you too, Luffy!" shouted a pirate, drunk enough that the people around him laughed at him and his crazy dream of facing the avatar of a god.

"My grandson is so cool!" Garp cried proudly, earning an exasperated look from Sengoku, who was already used to his old friend's personality.

"You really are amazing, Luffy," Dragon smiled smugly at having such a magnificent son.

The rookie pirates murmured under their breath, jealous of Luffy and his immense power.

Luffy is shown in white, from his clothes to his hair, white clouds surrounding his neck and hands, while his arms are raised in front of the large moon.

"Gear 5!" Luffy names his transformation with a smile.

"He looks so cute," Katakuri laughed, causing his siblings near where he sat to look at him in shock, almost fear.

Big Mom looked at him and took a thoughtful look. Luffy with Katakuri didn't sound bad either... Katakuri was one of her most powerful sons.

"What a hopeful vision," Bonney cried, remembering her father's stories. "What must we do for you to bring us our hope, Luffy?"

"He looks like a god," Shamrock whispered to himself, in shock. Once, to him, the Celestial Dragons were the gods of the world, those above all filthy mortals.

But before him was the vision of a true god. And it's something Shamrock will never forget, because he realized that everyone has been worshipping the wrong gods, false gods, simple demons who disguised themselves with divinity. Luffy was the true god, and the only one who should be worshipped. And like all gods, only those powerful and worthy could stand by his side.

Shamrock knew he was more than worthy.

"We must get to Egghead as soon as possible," Shanks growled, the vision of Luffy too powerful for the World Government not to do something.

And indeed, the world looked at that image. That simple image of Luffy gazing at the great full moon seemed worthy of being on a large canvas. It was a beautiful vision, a vision that showcased Luffy's divinity.

"Thank you for blessing us with this vision, Nika," a woman thanked him, bumping her forehead against the ground in an immense display of reverence and respect.

"He really does look like a god." Nami whispered, her eyes glued to the Den Den Mushi broadcast.

The Gorosei watched worriedly. Nika had returned, and once again reunited with Joy Boy.

Imu swallowed, trying to ignore the feelings and thoughts he thought he had killed centuries ago. And he must kill them; Joy ​​Boy was his enemy and nothing more. And if he hadn't killed him, Joy Boy would have killed him.

It was a sight no one would ever forget.

Luffy's new form lit up his eyes red, looking almost demonic.

The giants of Elbaph watched with a critical eye, knowing that Nika could also be a destroyer. They admired him as much as they feared him, especially since they knew very little about who Nika really was and what his role in the world's history was.

Imu gave a small smile at how those eyes looked so similar to his own. That didn't surprise him; he'd always thought that he and Joy Boy were two sides of the same coin. Joy Boy, even with all his laughter, was just as capable of destruction as Imu, especially if they messed with those he considered nakama. He wouldn't deny that he enjoyed seeing that scene.

Those eyes were supposed to have frightened the slaves and civilians. The red eyes were beautiful, but demonic. Clearly, Nika had a dark side that he could unleash if he wanted to. But everyone understood that Nika was both merciful and cruel, depending on who he was dealing with.

"He's a god; he can be loving and cruel," a slave whispered.

Teach gulped, for a moment feeling afraid. Luffy had acted as if he were all smiles, but he was clearly also a pirate, and could be cruel if he wanted to.

Rayleigh nodded. Roger was also all smiles, but he was a demon if someone messed with his people. Many seemed to want to forget that.

Five elders are shown.

"The World Government," said Dragon, ready to memorize anything those powerful men revealed.

"So now it's their turn to shine," Doflamingo laughed mockingly.

The five elders looked at each other, hoping that for the sake of their heads, nothing important would be revealed. They knew too many secrets, and if any of them were revealed to the world it could be catastrophic. Besides, it could end with them losing their heads and being replaced.

Akainu sighed, blowing smoke around him. He knew what was coming would give him quite a bit of work on the orders of the five elders. The Fleet Admiral knew that if it was those five, things wouldn't be so simple.

Garling crossed his legs, interested in what the five elders would say and how it could help him with the plans that were forming in the shadows. He hoped this wouldn't get in the way of his twin sons.

"For 800 years..." an old man commented.

The ears of many perked up.

800 years.

The Void Century.

That was the clearest answer. Something would be revealed about that century, shrouded in darkness and secrecy, of which nothing could be studied.

Robin closed her eyes, remembering the day Ohara was destroyed and what Professor Clover had said before he was killed. What will they say? Will it be related to Joy Boy? Perhaps something about Nika? Or even worse... something about the Great Kingdom whose name is unknown? The woman's hands trembled, and she couldn't stop her eyes from watering.

"Will they really say something about that century?" Rayleigh contemplated with amusement.

Saint Shepherd cursed the entity that decided to do this, for although he didn't know what would be revealed, he was sure it would be something important and forbidden.

Imu knew that the Gorosei of this world hadn't done anything, but he couldn't help but feel furious with them simply for the fact that they did it in that world, and now this world would pay the consequences for opening their mouths.

The world watched, and questions filled them.

What would be revealed?

What does the Void Century hide?

What is the truth that the World Government is fighting to hide?

How much history has been hidden or erased?

Unfortunately, they didn't know if those questions would ever be answered.

Luffy expulsed more of his Supreme King Haki, shattering and raising the ground.

"It's like that Devil Fruit is trying to escape from us," said another old man with a long mustache, Saint Marcus.

"Oh?" asked Teach, interested in such a curious fruit that even seemed to have a mind of its own.

The Gorosei nodded in agreement with their counterparts, as they still don't even know where Nika's cursed fruit is in this world since Who's-Who let it be stolen. They still felt some distress knowing they were talking about that Devil Fruit.

"A Devil Fruit is capable of doing that?" Haruta asked in shocked.

"Not normally," Marco replied, equally shocked.

"But what kind of fruit is that?" Buggy asked, almost in tears.

Vegapunk listened attentively to what was said.

Those with Devil Fruits took a minute to look at themselves and wonder if they found the fruits or if they were chosen by them. Were the fruits influencing them? What if the fruits could see everything? The users began to feel a mild existential crisis.

"Zoan-type Devil Fruits have their own will," another elder, Saint Shepherd, confirmed.

"Oh," Teach said softly, only to let out a completely maniacal laugh that filled even his crew with mild uncertainty.

"Huh," Marco blurted out, wondering if his Phoenix Fruit chose him, and if it had influenced him in one way or another.

Now only Zoan-type Devil Fruit users wondered if they were chosen by the fruit or if they chose the fruit.

The Gorosei almost breathed a sigh of relief. It wouldn't be such a bad thing if the masses found out that Zoan-type Devil Fruits had a will of their own.

Momonosuke remembered how he obtained his Devil Fruit and thought that perhaps he was chosen by it to face another dragon. The fruit chose him to give him the same power so he could face his worst enemy, Kaido.

A round, purple Devil Fruit is shown.

"Another name for the Gomu Gomu Fruit is..."

The Red-Haired Pirates fell silent, before bursting into laughter.

"We have that fruit!" Benn mocked, remembering the theft.

"Bad luck for the government!" Yassop laughed.

"We must protect it. They'll come for it," Shanks declared, smirking at the knowledge that he had screwed the government by taking it.

"But what's its other name?" Limejuice asked curiously.

The Red-Haired Pirates fell silent, contemplating the question.

"We don't know now, but I'm sure it will reveal itself," Shanks said confidently.

"Even now it's slipping through our fingers," Saint Shepherd complained, remembering how the fruit had been slipping through the net for years, and when they finally got it, it was stolen.

That fruit had to know what was going on, no matter what, to escape the government's clutches time and time again over the years.

Who's-Who opened his eyes at the sight of the purple fruit he knew so well. He could never forget the appearance of that fruit when it was because of that fruit and the theft that he ended up in prison.

"I recognize that fruit," he said, causing the other members of Tobiroppo to look at him. "Akagami Shanks has it! He stole it from the World Government! It's because of that damn pirate that I ended up in prison!"

At Who's-Who's shouts, the other members of Tobiroppo looked at each other.

"Kaido-sama must know this," Black Maria said.

To the world, who hadn't seen Luffy use his Devil Fruit as they imagined, the image of the fruit and its name held no real meaning.

But for Vegapunk, who knew there was no such fruit with that name in the encyclopedia, it was an eye-opener.

Luffy's Supreme King Haki soared into the sky in a pillar of red light.

"Zoan, Hito Hito no Mi."

"The name will be known," Saint Jaygarcia said, almost resigned. There was nothing they could do to prevent the truth about that fruit and Nika from coming to light.

"Say it. Say its name," Shanks whispered.

Tony Tony Chopper jumped slightly upon hearing the fruit's name. Hito Hito no Mi? Like his own fruit?

Imu accepted the fact that the name would be revealed; all he had to think about was how he would counterattack the resulting commotion.

"Why am I trembling?" Rayleigh asked.

"Why is my heart beating?" Kuma asked.

"What is that fruit, that it can awaken these feelings in me?" Teach asked, seeing his hands tremble slightly.

The world knew.

This fruit was different.

But they didn't know just how different.

Luffy starts running.

"Mythical Type, Model..."

"Run. Run. Run, Luffy," a young civilian repeats.

"That's Luffy's fruit!" someone shouts from the crowd.

"Who are you, Luffy?" a woman asks.

"What are you, Luffy?" a man asks.

"What fruit did we steal? What fruit did we steal?" Shanks thought excitedly.

Luffy jumps, creating the same silhouette seen not long ago, with the moon behind him.

"Nika!"

"Luffy isn't Nika's avatar! He is Nika!" a slave shouts, as if revealing a great secret to the world.

Kuma begins to dance and laugh, ignoring everything around him as he bathes in the beautiful reality of witnessing a god, his god.

"Nika!"

"Our savior, Nika!"

Zunesha let out a trumpet blast, unable to contain his own happiness at seeing such an old comrade awaken.

"Ha! That was a tremendous fruit we stole," Hongo blurted. The Red-Haired Pirates nodded.

"We stole the fruit of a god," Gab said, as if he still couldn't grasp that. He wondered if that was considered blasphemy.

Jimbei opened his eyes, unable to believe that before him was the sun itself. It was so close, yet so far away. But it existed.

"You will come and it will rain down the blood of sinners, of all who dared to sully your name."

"You will come like a rain of fire, and burn those who chained your people."

"They will die! All masters will die!" a slave shouted, bursting into laughter.

"Nika will have revenge! He will avenge us!"

"It will rain blood! All the Celestial Dragons will pay!"

"Nika! Nika! Nika!"

The slaves were losing their minds, shouting words of revenge and blood. Shouting promises that Nika would avenge them.

The world understood that the fruit gave its user the power of Nika. But that fruit has been slipping through everyone's fingers until it fell into the hands of its chosen one. That meant Nika, the fruit, the god, chose Luffy to become Nika. Luffy is Nika.

"So his power comes from the fruit?" a curious pirate asked.

"If we have that fruit, couldn't we be a God?" another ambitious man commented.

"The fruit only confirmed what is already known," Law said. "Luffy is a god."

Ignoring the world burning around him, Imu paid attention only to the image in front of him. He thought he would never see that image again. But there it was, before him after so many centuries.

On the other hand, the Gorosei looked worriedly at the call they had just taken. The news were disturbing, saying that the slaves were screaming and rebelling in ways never seen before, not even when Fisher Tiger dared to invade the Holy Land.

Luffy begins to jump up and down with amusement, still dressed in white.

"What a fun power," Nami laughed softly.

"That power suits him very well," Rayleigh laughed.

"It has always been such a ridiculous power," Imu admitted, lost in his memories of old. Yes, Luffy really was too similar to Joy Boy...

Dragon looked at his son's smiling figure with curiosity. He found it so interesting, and even somewhat amusing, that Luffy was so different from him. He was much more smiley, and even more rebellious. He seemed to have taken the best of both his father and himself. From Garp, he got his smiley personality, and from Dragon, he got his rebelliousness and desire for freedom. He wondered who the mother of his beautiful boy was.

"It looks fun!" exclaimed a child, laughing as he tried to imitate Luffy, only being able to jump from side to side since he didn't have Luffy's Devil Fruit power.

Kaido raised an eyebrow, drunk. Weren't they fighting?! Why was Luffy playing around and not fighting?! And why didn't they show more about their fight?!

"The Warrior of Liberation..."

With the moon behind him, and jumping, Luffy is seen laughing.

"The Sun God, Nika!"

"Freedom!"

"Nika will free us!"

"Nika is the warrior of liberation!"

The world was turned upside down, with the slaves showing a rebellion never seen before. Even chained, they fought against their masters. Many ignored the pain and broke their wrists and ankles to get out of their chains, only to move like worms, unable to walk or crawl.

The civilians, those free from chains, beat drums and bells, as if announcing an arrival.

The world, for the first time in years, was causing an immense stir, everyone excited to know there was a savior, that there was someone who could save them and overthrow the tyrannical government. They didn't know how they could get to Luffy. They didn't know what they should do or who they should sell their souls to, but there was no way they wouldn't get Luffy after what they'd seen.

Imu was receiving the news of the slaves and their rebellion. The king of the world wasn't happy at all. His Gorosei should have been grateful this was another world, or he would have killed them for daring to say such words that were currently turning the world upside down, throwing all his plans into the fire.

But Imu was cruel. And if he had to squeeze and squeeze until he killed, he would do it. He didn't work so hard for one video from another world that wasn't even his own to ruin everything he'd created. If he had to kill hundreds, he would do it. If he had to make entire islands disappear, he would do it. He did it once, he'd do it again if necessary.

"After this, I hope I never hear about the slaves rebelling again. I don't want to hear anything about Nika, Joy Boy, or Luffy. I don't want to hear anything about the D Clan," Imu ordered the Gorosei.

The elders understood the order clearly.

The D Clan had to be completely wiped off the face of the earth.

Luffy falls on a dragon-transformed Kaido.

"What?! That brat!" Kaido shouted in shock at seeing himself like that. Although he wouldn't deny that he found the scene amusing.

Luffy was definitely one of the most bizarre opponents he'd ever seen.

"Mamamama!" Big Mom laughed at seeing her former crewmate in that state.

"Wow," Ace whispered, amazed to see such a young boy able to match Kaido himself.

"I think that's where my fear and respect for Kaido ends," Kid said with a straight face.

"They say that when the fruit awakens..."

Luffy inflates.

Several children laugh, finding it amusing how Luffy looked when he inflated himself or used everything around him as a toy. It was a bizarre sight, especially for those who in the past hadn't even believed Devil Fruits were real.

"That fruit has a tremendous awakening," Mihawk observed.

"Hmm." Doflamingo looked at his hands. "Luffy's awakening is unlike any other I have seen."

"It's not a simple awakening anymore when the user becomes a god," a marine murmured.

"...it gives its user a rubbery body, even more strength..."

Luffy falls to the ground, but turns the ground into rubber, jumping on it.

"...and freedom."

That word.

That word was all the world wanted.

They wanted freedom to escape the despair they found themselves in. The world was increasingly filled with more slaves rather than free people. Every day there was more hunger. Every day people had to kill for scraps of food. Every day more people were killed. Every day, the end of a free and decent world drew ever closer.

For a long time, it seemed like there would be no end. Many had already resigned themselves to the future: to be born into slavery and to die in slavery. Hope had hit rock bottom, and everyone thought nothing could save them, nothing could give them freedom.

Then Luffy arrived with smiles and sunshine, offering them what they had been searching for for years. Luffy was that ray of sunshine. That cloud of hope that would cover the night and grant the world a new dawn. Luffy was that missing piece they had been searching for, but who never appeared simply because he wasn't born. This world was doomed from the moment Luffy wasn't born.

But now they have seen him. Now they have bathed in his light. How could they let him go just like that? How could they let the sun go down after seeing how bright it was? Luffy was the sun. Luffy was freedom, and they had to have him with them no matter what.

"There has to be something. Something that will lead us to him, or bring him to us."

"There must be a way to be a part of that, of Luffy, of his world, of his story."

"There's a reason they're showing us this, right? There must be a way to have Luffy with us."

"Only he can give us freedom."

"We must beg him. We must pray to him."

"We must kneel and ask the sun god to give us a bit of his light as well."

Using the ground as a springboard, Luffy jumps.

The children didn't have a trampoline, they didn't have the power of rubber, but they jumped here and there, unaware that they were beginning to dance in a way only seen in the ancient texts of the Sun God Nika.

They didn't know, but every pore in their bodies did.

Sabo watched the scene with a gentle face, finding it even somewhat tender and amusing. Luffy seemed free, even ignoring his fearsome opponent as he used everything around him with amusement.

"For some reason, that power suits him very well," Sabo said to himself, letting out a slight smile.

"I heard it's the most ridiculous power in the world."

And the screen went black.

"The slaves still haven't calmed down even though several of them have died from whipping," said Saint Marcus.

"Then let more of them be punished and killed. Let their deaths be broadcast to the entire world. They must serve as an example of what will happen if they dare to rebel against their sovereign," Saint Ethanbaron added.

"Imu-sama has also ordered strict security on Egghead Island," Saint Topman said suddenly.

"So be it," Saint Jaygarcia affirmed.

"Because if anyone can make the impossible possible, it's Vegapunk," Saint Shepherd said.

The Gorosei connected with Akainu, the Fleet Admiral, with the order that Egghead Island had to have strict security where no one left and no one entered without their knowledge. Akainu took the order and promised that it would be followed to the letter.

No pirates would enter.

The Gorosei felt a little relieved; at least they had succeeded in one thing. And just to make sure, they sent the powerful Figarland Shamrock to make sure the job was done right. No one was supposed to leave or enter the island where the man who could make the slaves' wishes come true resided.

What they didn't know was that in another life, everything would definitely have worked out the way they wanted. No one would have left or entered Egghead Island. Unfortunately for them, Akainu was also tired; he, too, wanted light amidst so much darkness. The world should never have ended like this. He also loved Luffy, so he took his Den Den Mushi and connected with Kizaru, who connected with Vegapunk, who finally connected with Dragon.

"Don't worry, we've arrived at Egghead Island in time," Dragon affirmed.

And indeed, surrounding Egghead Island were Dragon the Revolutionary, Akagami Shanks, Whitebeard, Akainu, Kizaru, and even Shamrock.

The men met and entered the island, all knowing they were on a mission. One that would change the course of everything they knew.

Shanks's lips moved into a smile, satisfied that Vegapunk's machine had worked. Although he didn't doubt the scientist much either; he was the most brilliant mind in history.

He looked at his arms and moved them. Yes, he had lost an arm to Luffy, and he would do it again if necessary, but with the dimensions colliding, and both Shankses flickering between the original Shanks and the imposter Shanks, his arm returned, just as he was attacked by the memories of the original Shanks, who had in fact known Luffy and felt a fatherly love for him. What a shame, since Shanks wanted to be anything but a father or a friend to Luffy.

"Your minds will be sent to that world, and in this one, your bodies will simply disappear. For they will merge into one person."

Shamrock sat, staring at Luffy's simple bounty poster of 300,000,000 berries. Apparently, they had arrived where Luffy hadn't yet awakened as Nika, but was making waves by interrupting Enies Lobby to save Nico Robin.

"However, keep in mind that you'll have to eliminate your counterparts, or fuse with them while maintaining your original personality. Or you'll simply be swallowed by your counterpart and disappear."

Whitebeard looked at his sons. It was too late to save Thatch from Teach's betrayal. But he could prevent Ace's execution and the war that would affect his health. He still wanted to see Luffy awaken.

"You are the cataclysm. If you manage to take control of your counterparts' bodies, then the more time you spend in that world, the more our dimensions will merge until they become one. And then, Luffy will be ours."

Dragon saw the news about his son and knew they had arrived early. Vegapunk truly was a genius, and his last words had given them an understanding of what they should do and how the dimensional journey they had just made would work. Now he had more time to shape things in his favor with what he knew of this world thanks to this Dragon's memories as he compared them with his own.

"Remember, I can only prevent the Gorosei and the one who sits on the throne from having memories of this world. The others will gradually join their counterparts from that world as well."

Kizaru thought he should now wait for Aokiji to take control of his counterpart's body so they could begin their plans until Sengoku and Garp did the same. More hands would be needed if they wanted to overthrow the World Government while trying to flirt with a god.

"You all were chosen for the power and influence you possess. There, with Luffy, you will be able to influence the world to keep him safe until he awakens."

Akainu took Luffy's poster, staring at the image of his smiling face. He looked younger than in the second video, but no less bright and smiling.

They had done it.

They had ended up in Luffy's world, near him.

And they were just the beginning, as the entire world would slowly change with the arrival of impostors from another world who would come to take control of their counterparts' bodies to be near Luffy.

Luffy didn't know it, but soon, from his crew to the Marines, everyone would be praying to him, seeing him as a liberating god.

The whole world loves Luffy.

The whole world adores Luffy.

And soon they will show him that.

Chapter Text

BUTTERFLY EFFECT || WATCHING ONE PIECE

⇢ ˗ˏˋ DISCLAIMER

One Piece is owned by Eiichiro Oda. This story is from a fan for fans.

⇢ ˗ˏˋ BEFORE READING

• This story is a watching that will be less than about 20 chapters.

• The chapters will be long, of more than 5-7 thousand words each.

• This story is bl, gay, mxm, yaoi, or whatever you want to call it.

• This story will be based on a dark alternate universe where Luffy does not exist.

• The main couple will be AllxLuffy, with couples being male and of older age except for a person.

• UNDERAGE! Momonosuke is a minor in an adult body with not so innocent thoughts towards Luffy. Momo will be among Luffy's couples, please take that into account.

 • As a dark alternate universe, expect for the characters to be out of character (OOC).

• In case of doubts, Yamato is a man, so he will have a penis.

• The characters will have obsessive personalities pulling Yandere with ideas of not leaving Luffy.

• For those who read my two previous One Shots in this book, you all got half of spoilers with the end but here I will go more thoroughly.

• Likewise, for those who read my two One Shots you will see that there are things that are literally a copy and paste or that are moved out of order but it is for this to make sense and to save myself work.

• I have other stories in drafts and several Watching also so I regret to inform that the updates may be slow.

• Please take these warnings into account because I will not give them again and I am not one to tolerate offensive comments, I delete them and I save myself the drama of people who did not read this. Thank you.

• This story will be available in Spanish on my Wattpad @QishanWenSect. That account and this account should be the only ones having this story unless stated otherwise by me. If you see this in other accounts or profiles, please report.

• As far as I'm tracking I'm probably the first one with this idea as I have not seen a Watching like this in Spanish or English, I can't say if it was done in some other language as I only understand the two mentioned prior.

• The original chapters based on this idea were posted on March in my Wattpad and in AO3, this story is just a continuation/remake that will be continued in this same book, so stay tuned for the next chapter.

Thank you all for the love, the kudos, and the comments. I am not the best and may get some things wrong, but please bear with me, One Piece is a lot and I also have other stories I cannot just leave. I will try to bring to you all something that I myself would like to read. On the meantime, leave ideas since I'm pretty much kinda starting from the beginning and I'm still trying to built this AU.

Once again, Thank you.

Chapter Text

They say the flapping of a butterfly's wings can cause a disaster on the other side of the world. They say even our smallest decisions are capable of causing immense change in the future. Perhaps staying home on that sunny day will save you from the terrible future accident that would kill several. Our decisions have an effect, no matter how small.

Monkey D. Luffy was that butterfly. He was that small decision, that existence, whose every step was capable of shaping the world and the people around him, causing great changes. His mere birth stirred the winds and caused the Sea Kings to chant. His first cry made the sun shine with terrible intensity, as if they could already see the destiny Luffy had laid upon him.

His mere presence and decisions would change the entire world, placing him as the protagonist of a fun but mysterious play that was coming to an end. Whether or not it was his intention, his actions were slowly leading the world to liberation and the discovery of the terrible secrets hidden by the government. His mere birth had created a butterfly effect that wouldn't just cause a tornado, but would turn the world itself upside down, unlike anything seen since the days of the famous Pirate King, Gold Roger, or for those in the know, since the days of Joy Boy.

Monkey D. Luffy was the light. He was the sun. He was that necessary ingredient to free the world from the terrible chains that bound every being, even if many believed themselves free. Monkey D. Luffy was necessary to fulfill a role that no one else could, because he was him. He was the only one with the determination, the personality, and the heart to free it. Luffy would free the world; only he could, so it was written in the tapestry of destiny.

But unfortunately for mere mortals, no matter how powerful some might be, they were nothing more than entertainment for the divine forces watching all. The divines didn't even have to do anything; they just had to let humans be, and they would naturally bring worthy entertainment. Although sometimes they would move a tiny thing just to see that butterfly effect, just to kill that boredom.

And it was that tiny movement that condemned a world to never see that light. A world doomed to remain stuck in a loop of fear and cruelty, where the masters would not release the chains. It was a world filled with anguish and violence, where tears were the order of the day. A world where the darkness was so enveloping that even those who were fighting alongside that darkness were slowly beginning to see the terror in it. That was no life, that was no future.

And it was all because there was no Luffy in that world.

In that world, without Monkey D. Luffy to serve as light and guide, there was only slavery, war, hunger, and sorrow. The people needed for the great journey to the end didn't have their light, and therefore, they didn't have their anchor. They didn't have Luffy. And the world paid for it.

There was no Luffy, so no one set sail to Shells Town and attacked the corrupt marines to free a man, taking him as his first crew member. Instead, Roronoa Zoro was secretly freed that day by a civilian, but years have passed, and he still hasn't left the East Blue, still weak and unable to even stand up to Mihawk, stagnant. His frustration and weakness have driven him to become a cruel and cold man, easily capable of shedding enemy blood.

There was no Luffy who later traveled to Cocoyashi Village to free his future navigator from Arlong. Instead, Nami was left there, in an endless cycle of pain and frustration. She has collected the money more times than she can remember, only to have it taken again and again by Arlong, chaining her to her home, from which she cannot leave or he will sign the death warrant for her people. She knows she will never be free, but she must still shed blood and fight to live.

There was no Luffy who arrived in Syrup Village, fighting the Black Cat Pirates, and giving a liar the opportunity to sail the seas as a member of his growing crew. Instead, Usopp lives his day-to-day life defending his home, having to leave behind the dreams of a proud child of his pirate father to make way for a defender willing to kill if he had to defend his home in an unforgiving world.

There was no Luffy who set foot on Baratie, taking a great chef with him to sea. Instead, Krieg was soundly defeated by Dracule Mihawk, but a few years later, Vinsmoke Sanji was taken as a political husband to marry Charlotte Pudding, or Zeff and his home would be destroyed. He now lives on Whole Cake Island under the watchful eye of Big Mom and her crew. He lives desperately, wanting to get out and be free from a past that still chains him.

There was no Luffy who climbed the great mountains of Drum Island, taking a small reindeer with him. Tony Tony Chopper, on the other hand, lives in hiding, trying to hide from the looks of disgust and fear, even though all he wants is to be able to cure every disease in the world and be a doctor.

There was no savior, so Alabasta was now controlled by King Crocodile, with its royal family imprisoned and its new monarch without the plans to the coveted Ancient Weapon Pluton.

There was no Luffy who accepted Franky, so Franky lives in secret protecting Water 7, acting as a simple carpenter to avoid being used or killed by the government agents who were after the Pluton plans, which he destroyed.

There was no Luffy who arrived in Alabasta, so there was no Luffy who interrupted in Enies Lobby and ordered the World Government flag to be burned, defying them. Instead, Nico Robin continues to work under King Crocodile's command at Baroque Works, trying to remain unnoticed by the World Government or risk being killed and, in doing so, end Ohara's Will.

There wasn't one Luffy who defeated Enel, but someone else did, and while Skypiea was saved, there was no bell rang.

There was no Luffy who, guided by the seas, was able to reach the Florian Triangle, so Brook is still wandering in the darkness, wondering when he can finally die and leave his skeletal body behind to reunite with his former crew and end his torment.

There was no Luffy who once again dared to defy the government by striking a Celestial Dragon, so the mermaid he broke the rules to defend was taken as a slave.

There was no Luffy who further marked his name in history by breaking into Impel Down to save his brother, freeing hundreds of prisoners. The prisoners simply stayed there until the Revolutionaries broke in to save Emporio Ivankov, although they were only able to free a few prisoners.

There was no Luffy who fell from the skies into Marineford, once again defying the government. Instead, Shanks arrived much earlier and stopped the war, saving the Whitebeard Pirates.

There was no death at Marineford, so there was no danger on Fisherman Island with Whitebeard's flag there. Therefore, Jinbe travels with Whitebeard, even though he knows that nothing more can be done for his people and that they will never escape this vicious fate of slavery.

There was no Luffy driven by an alliance and the love of his brother to set foot on Dressrosa, so the kingdom remains under the cruel control of Donquixote Doflamingo. The kingdom is extremely wealthy, but it's thanks to the slavery suffered by the dwarves. Everyone lives with rose-colored glasses, unaware of the cruel king who rules them.

There was no Luffy who met an innocent boy with dreams of liberating his country, so Kozuki Momonosuke is barely fourteen years old, but he has lost hope and has become a child with a deep darkness within himself. More than twenty years have passed, and the person his father prophesied has never arrived. Now Wano is New Onigashima, a mere shadow of its former self. And he lives in the shadows alongside the Akazayas, all trying to keep hope alive when it was already dead.

Monkey D. Dragon is slowly losing hope that the world will ever be free. His fight against the World Government increasingly seems like a distant dream. Unbeknownst to him, he's fighting against government entities he can't see and of which he has no knowledge of, while the government is five steps ahead.

Akagami Shanks travels with the straw hat perched on his red hair, feeling it heavier than ever. He has tried to follow in his former Captain's footsteps and claim the throne, but it's as if the waters themselves are preventing him from reaching the throne. However, someone must take the throne and change the terrible world they found themselves in before it is completely destroyed.

Whitebeard grows older and older, and increasingly he tries to cling to Roger's words. However, he is unable to see among all the pirates the one who will fight against the world. All he sees is darkness, gloom, and a world already completely lost.

Monkey D. Garp has seen so much evil that he long ago lost faith in the Marines and their justice when he sees so much corruption. He wonders why Dragon hasn't revolutionized the world, turning it upside down and perhaps creating a change within it. He wonders what's missing for a ray of light to filter through so much darkness.

Even Fleet Admiral Akainu, known for his blind and cruel justice, now commanded his subordinates with regret and a desire to change things. What was happening, what he was seeing, was not the justice he wanted. This was not the future he had longed for when he preached the need to wipe out criminals. Now, in his eyes, there is no worse criminal than the very nobles he protects.

And while the people suffered, Imu, like the cruel and indifferent leader of the world that he was, simply watched from his throne, happy to know that there was no other Joy Boy dressed as Nika who could ruin his plans. The Celestial Dragons grew more cruel, their number of slaves grew more numerous, and Imu held the world in the palm of his hand, unchallenged. There was no noble, marine, civilian, revolutionary, or pirate who could now change the fate of the world.

The world had fallen into total chaos and a terrible corruption that began with the world's secret monarch, Imu. This lost world was already ruined; nothing and no one could save it, not even those who boasted of being powerful rulers of the seas. No one was a Joy Boy with Nika's powers, so no one was his opponent.

There was no hope anymore; it was dead. And that was what Imu wanted: for hope to die forever.

And so it should have been. However, those who watched from above grew bored.

As if the Transmission Den Den Mushi had rebelled against the entire world, projectors appeared in every corner of the world, in the center of every city or in private locations, from the sky to the sea, without warning. The Navy's high command didn't understand where they had come from or why. Not even the Gorosei, already putting contingency plans in place, understood what was happening, and even worse, how to stop it.

"A transmission?" asked a Skypeia civilian.

"Another one? But it's only been a few days since the last one!" asked another Zou civilian, equally puzzled and fearful.

"Hey, come out! It looks like there's going to be another one!" announced a Dressrosa civilian, seeing the fearful faces of civilians emerging from their homes with uncertainty.

The entire world entered a state of great fear even though they knew what was coming, so each of them walked and approached the Den Den Mushi until they reached the broadcast, which only showed a black screen.

But on the other hand, the Marines were confused.

"What the hell is going on?" Akainu asked suspiciously as he watched broadcasts begin to appear without having received orders from the higher-ups and without any executions in the works.

"Bah, now who will those old suckers in the government execute?" Monkey D. Garp growled, eating his cookies alongside his friend and longtime companion, Sengoku. The World Government, to instill fear and prevent more rebels from appearing, held their executions publicly, where the entire world could see them with the Den Den Mushi.

Therefore, the civilians and pirates watched, already knowing what would happen. But only those pirates with knowledge that not everyone possessed narrowed their eyes, doubtful of what might be revealed. There had been no news of anyone notorious being caught, so who would be executed?

"Hm, who messed with those government people for them to pull on an execution like this out of nowhere?" Akagami Shanks contemplated, clearly not at all pleased about having to pay attention to something that had to do with the hated World Government, especially an execution. Several of those executed were guilty, yes, but there were also many innocent people executed.

And yet, the Gorosei themselves looked at each other in fear, having received Imu-sama's call. The Gorosei had nothing to do with those Den Den Mushi, and neither did Imu-sama. Something external was capable of causing that transmission, and worse still, none of them had been able to stop it, not even Imu-sama, and that was what caused them the most uncertainty.

What kind of power was capable of overcoming the powers of Imu-sama, the King of the World?

Transmission beginning in
3...
2...
...1

“I welcome you all to this broadcast.”

The people in the same locations looked at each other, now even more confused and fearful at the unfamiliar voice that began to speak. The strange voice seemed like a mix between a woman and a man, making it impossible to know exactly who or what was speaking. Still, it didn't take away their fear of the unknown, even more so when several were beginning to suspect that perhaps it wasn't the World Government speaking. No broadcast of executions had ever been like this. It was always the one executed along with several Marines.

On the Moby Dick, Whitebeard narrowed his eyes, his gaze wandering over his sons' with concern. After the war at Marineford, which had left him even weaker, he was beginning to fear the World Government's plans even more than he had since Roger's execution. Since the King's death, the world seemed to have taken a very different course than Roger had expected.

Luckily for them, this didn't seem to be the work of the government, so it might be beneficial to them. Perhaps something that would help them, because Whitebeard knew very well that the world was in a terrible state.

"What will they show? Another execution?" Pirate Empress Boa Hancock of Amazon Lily spat, her eyes taking on a gleam of disgust and anger.

"There's been no news of a renowned 'criminal' being caught," his sister Marigold replied suspiciously. "Besides, this isn't how executions by those damned government officials start. I'm afraid there's something else going on here."

From his mansion, Figarland Shamrock narrowed his eyes, an action his father did as well. As part of the God’s Knights order, they would know better than anyone if there had been an execution by the orders of the Gorosei or Imu-sama, but this clearly didn't seem to be the case.

The two Figarlands' thoughts toward Imu-sama had been twisted in a way that would surely lead to their deaths if anyone knew, and although they admitted to being less than happy with Imu-sama's way of ruling, they wouldn't do anything either. The King of the World was too powerful for them to even think they would be able to stand up to him.

"I wonder who dares to challenge the King of the World," Shamrock said.

"I know you all must be confused by what's happening and who I am, but I'm not here to engage in conversation, and my identity isn't important to you. I'm simply here to show you the future that should have been, but is now beyond your reach."

Kizaru tilted his head as he heard a certain tone of mockery emanate from the being as it spoke that last sentence. Was it mocking them? And what future was it talking about? What future has been stolen from them? A better one? Kizaru thought that seemed to be the case, given the way the being said those words. But how? How was that future so far beyond their reach now? And if it was impossible to have, why was the being showing it to them then? Kizaru narrowed his eyes, suspicious and furious that an unknown being was mocking the pain of thousands of people, clearly punishing them for some reason.

Kizaru gritted his teeth and felt like showing the being that it shouldn't have played with them. But first, he had to see what that future, now beyond their reach, was like. What if it was a future even worse than the one they were experiencing? But... what if it was better?

"How?" asked a man from New Onigashima, his body almost skeletal from hunger and the slavery of laborious work under Kaido's command.

"The future that should have been?" Robin asked silently, her mind reeling at what those words could mean. "What does this mean for us? Why are they showing us this? And... who are you?"

"This doesn't seem to be part of the government's plans," Shanks adjusted himself, now more interested. Who had been able to outwit the government and make a broadcast of such magnitude, capable of showing a future that doesn't exist? Could that future be about the words of his former Captain? Had the person he'd spoken about... appeared in that future that should have been?

"Show the future? Could it be a Devil Fruit?" a pirate asked his crew, all equally confused.

Many didn't know if what they were seeing was real or a government hoax intended to punish them. The fear of doing something wrong that would lead to slavery or a horrible fate caused many to remain silent, without asking questions. If it was a government plan, they hoped their silence would save them from some kind of punishment.

"In this world, in its past, present, and future, the long-awaited ruler was never born nor will he be born here, and now the world has fallen into chaos. But that's no longer... entertaining. So I'll show you a glimpse of the future of another world with him present, a future of how things would have happened in this world if he had been born. Please react well so we can be entertained.”

The screen, which had been black, suddenly showed the white-fanged grin of an unknown being. It was a grim and cruel smile. Clearly, this was just entertainment for that being at the expense of the suffering of an entire world.

"Ruler?" Whitebeard muttered. "Is he who Roger had expected? Does he really exist in that world? But why not in this one?"

The Captain pursed his lips in fury. He didn't want to believe that the ruler simply wasn't born here and would never be born. He wanted to believe he would appear at any moment, yet no liberator had arrived, and the world was under the yoke of the World Government. There were more and more slaves and deaths, and no one had claimed the empty throne. But he wanted to believe, he wanted to believe in the truth Roger had told him and that this liberating soul would return to finish what he had started hundreds of years ago.

And now they were telling him he would never be born here. They were telling him this world was practically doomed while another enjoyed that being. No. Whitebeard didn't want to and couldn't accept it because it simply wasn't fair. Why this world? What was the difference? Why should they suffer?

In Zou, fourteen-year-old Kozuki Momonosuke, in the body of a man over twenty, watched the broadcast with a coldness and calmness unusual for a child his age, even if he was physically a full-grown man. Momonosuke was more focused on the words of the being on the screen. He himself had been waiting for that person, the one who would liberate Wano, the one his father had prophesied. And now they were telling him that he simply hadn't been born and that another world enjoyed his presence while his own died? Were they really telling him that he would never be born, therefore his country would never be liberated?

Momonosuke narrowed his eyes as he clenched his fists, furious at the implication that they were indeed doomed from the start to be nothing more than slaves fighting ghosts. That couldn't be true. Why were they being punished? They needed a savior! They had done everything possible to free themselves, but each time they had been defeated.

Beside him, his fury was visible to the Akazaya, who understood their young leader's anger all too well. They were growing older and still unable to defeat Kaido. And day by day, hope was fading away.

"Wow, a ruler, huh?" Kizaru grinned, his fake smile ignored by his fellow Admirals and Fleet Admiral Akainu. It was clear that despite his smile, the Admiral was furious.

As Marines, and especially as Admirals, they knew a few secrets that others didn't, they understood very well that Roger was wanted not for having been a pirate per se, but for the secrets he discovered on his travels until he reached the last island. So they wondered if that ruler had something to do with Roger and the many mysteries he solved on his journey.

"How annoying that they are clearly making fun of us," Dracule Mihawk commented from his home in his typical indifferent voice, although his eyes shone with something that wasn't indifference.

But Dragon focused on his last words. That being had spoken in the plural. There were more people behind this. Who were they? What did they want? Were they really doing this just for cruel entertainment at the expense of the suffering and hopes of a desperate world? Why were they giving them this drop of hope when they knew full well that this ruler wouldn't be born here? Was it also part of the entertainment, giving hope and a bit of light only to have it be destroyed before their eyes?

The fearful civilians from the different islands looked at each other, fearful and confused, but with a strange feeling within themselves. Was it hope, or just excitement? Why were their bodies trembling in anticipation, as if their souls knew something they didn't?

But from his throne, Imu narrowed his red eyes, feeling both curiosity and fury. For the secretive monarch of the world, the world was clearly his playground, and he moved every grain of sand as he pleased. Nothing and no one was a contender for his throne, much less a threat to his plans. Even the D Clan ceased to be a nuisance. However, that didn't stop him from being curious about who this... ruler was.

Imu clenched his fists; only one person came to mind when faced with that title. A person he hated. Was it really Joy Boy?

No. It couldn't be him. That cursed fruit hasn't appeared in eight hundred years, and it can't appear now that the world is completely under his yoke. No pirate was a threat, not even the Yonkou. Besides, he wouldn't be born. The being said that that ruler wouldn't be born, and no matter how much hope the insects he ruled over gained from seeing that cursed future, no one would be able to defeat him. He was invincible.

Imu smiled; he didn't have to worry. After all, his world was in the palm of his hand; it wasn't his problem what the other Imu was suffering. That only showed him that he was indeed superior, even against his counterpart from another world.

Everything was fine.

However, although the butterfly effect hit this world and prevented the birth of Monkey D. Luffy, that same effect would now hit this world in the way of them watching a future of another world where Luffy was born. And this fluttering of wings would bring consequences that neither those beings, nor Imu, could have seen coming.

Chapter Text

After the message, the fear felt by many around the world did not disappear.

It increased.

People already lived in fear thanks to having to live under the total control of the government and the nobles. Now they were being told that beings were watching them. They were not like the so-called gods, the Celestial Dragons. No, these were different beings. Perhaps, they were the true gods. And if that was true. What did it mean for them? Was Nika real too?

Those nonbelievers began, for the first time, to truly believe that Nika was real, that dreams of liberation could come true and not just a fairy tale for those who refused to accept the cruel reality.

The pirates were not so surprised if gods existed, as most of them believed that the sea was a deity they should respect in order to sail on its seas. The sea was older than all of them; it knew the secrets of the world and of all who passed through its waves. They owed respect to such a natural storm.

Imu didn't have that same doubt. He knew this strange being must be a god, because he knew gods existed. That damned sun god was proof of that. A god who came down to the land of mortals and was born as an avatar in Joy Boy.

That's why, although he had no doubts, he did feel a slight fear of what they would reveal. Who else would be the ruler if not Joy Boy, the first to sail the seas with the title of pirate?

But why? Why now, when the world was completely his? What were those damn deities playing at?

"That voice..." Roger's voice began.

Shanks quickly looked up, recognizing that voice even after so many years. How could he forget the man who raised him in the sciences of the sea and piracy?

"Captain..." the redhead whispered, his emotions somewhat intertwined.

On the Moby Dick, Whitebeard watched with something resembling nostalgia, knowing the voice of his old friend and rival very well. He hadn't expected Roger, but there was no denying Roger's impact on the world, even though he hadn't even revealed the truth about the world. He assumed Roger or someone on the screen would give him an idea of ​​where that person was, because the world seemed to be coming to an end, and he couldn't allow that.

"So we start with Roger," the old, mustachioed Captain laughed softly.

Portgas D. Ace grimaced from his place on the Moby Dick, not at all happy that they had to start with that man. However, he understood very well that Roger had not only discovered many things on his journey, but that he was an important figure who drove the Age of Pirates forward.

Elsewhere, with a glass in his hand, Rayleigh, for the first time in years, felt his shoulders relax slightly at the sight of his former Captain and brother.

"Oh, brother, if only you could see this," Rayleigh commented sadly, wondering if they had made a mistake by not revealing the truth to the world now that it had taken such a terrible turn.

Civilians and pirates around the world who didn't recognize or remember the voice of the former Pirate King were confused about who he was talking about, having immediately expected the image of that ruler who had changed the course of that other world.

"Gol D. Roger, he who started it all," Imu spat out. While Roger wasn't Joy Boy at all, he had still launched the world into another great Pirate Age that threatened his plans, or so he had thought.

In the end, no one rebelled, Nika didn't show up, and neither did his old enemy. The Revolutionaries were slowly ceasing to be a threat; now they were more than just a nuisance.

"Roger?!" Monkey D. Garp shouted, then burst into laughter. It had been years since he'd heard the voice of his friend and rival. He'd never realized how much he'd truly missed him.

Buggy's teary eyes didn't shed tears when he heard his former Captain's voice, but other survivors of Roger's crew did let theirs fall like waterfalls.

"Voice?!" exclaimed a surprised Kozuki Oden.

Out of nowhere, Whitebeard began to laugh, perhaps to hide the pain of seeing two men he had once held in immense affection, or perhaps to try to forget the feeling of having failed Oden after letting Kaido destroy the country the swordsman had loved so much.

Beside him, Marco just smiled, his mind bringing back old memories of that powerful but good swordsman with big dreams.

"Oden, my old friend," Whitebeard smiled, causing those unfamiliar with that name to look at the man on the screen.

Ace smiled. ‘So he's the famous Kozuki Oden, my predecessor.’

"Oden-sama!" the Akazaya cried out in surprise as they saw the image of their living, smiling Daimyo. Despite all these years, a part of them maintained faith in him and his words, even when everything seemed to go against them.

In other times, they would have wept at the sight of that great man, and yet, they watched in surprise and joy, but with dry eyes after shedding so many tears.

"Father." Momonosuke bowed his head in respect, feeling sad and furious at the sight of his father. He felt sad seeing him so alive on that broadcast, but he was so frustrated at not being able to fulfill the mission left by his father.

He wished he could be powerful enough to kill Kaido and all his allies and finally liberate his country. But Momonosuke was weak and had no allies other than the Akazaya. But one day, one day Kaido would die on his knees, his body shattered and Momonosuke smiling over him, victorious.

On New Onigashima, Kaido observed his former rival and decided it was a good time to start drinking sake. If they were starting with two monsters like Roger and Oden, the dragon suspected that what was coming would not be easy to manage while he was sober.

The people of New Onigashima choked back their tears, many feeling even more despair at seeing the one man who had truly wanted to see the country succeed. However, now they were tied to a tyrant they wished they could devour while listening to his cries of pain and ignoring him, just as he ignored theirs.

Roronoa Zoro smiled, causing those around him to flinch slightly, at the sight of the samurai. He could recognize the aura and body of a great swordsman when he saw one. He wished he could trade swords with him.

"I suppose it’s telling the truth. Someone will be born," Roger replied to his crew, which consisted of men of different races.

The inhabitants of Fishman Island couldn't help but feel amazed at the sight of a Fishman and other races on the Pirate King's ship. Something like this was all they wanted: for their people to be accepted. However, like all races, they were taken as slaves and driven to the point of despair. It was disappointing that the world had taken a path where slavery was the norm and no one did anything.

King Neptune closed his eyes as he looked to the side, unwilling to remember his beloved Otohime, who longed for good relations between the Fishmen and other races. It was disappointing to him that he couldn't fulfill his beloved's dream, even less so when humans were becoming increasingly bold, taking more and more of his people. Clearly, the higher-ups seemed to want to keep them down, humiliated and enslaved.

Several civilians around the world watched the sight in amazement. For many, it was rare to see a Fishman, and even rarer to see one living alongside humans and other races without any bad blood. It was a strange sight when many were raised to believe that Fishmen were lesser than them. However, the Pirate King himself had one on his crew.

"Weren't we going to see the ruler? What's the Pirate King doing there?" a slave asked, his hands rubbing together in anxiety. He didn't want to see Roger; he wanted to see the ruler.

"There's no denying the impact that pirate made on the world," a slave at his side murmured, her almost skeletal face making her look more dead than alive.

Imu watched this scene, tilting his head. Sometimes, for a few moments, Roger had reminded him of Joy Boy, and he had felt all kinds of different feelings about it. However, even with a few similarities, he was absolutely certain that Roger wasn't Joy Boy.

"And that person will surpass us," Roger affirmed.

Shanks grabbed the straw hat and pulled it lower, covering his eyes, which hid a darkness that hadn't been there years before.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you," Shanks whispered. "But that person won't come."

He still hasn't found the one who would carry Roger's will and wear the hat. He had traveled to thousands of islands and met thousands of people, and none had been able to show him that will.

In fact, all he saw was slavery, war, famine, and discrimination. Shanks grew frustrated with the World Government and the Celestial Dragons. Didn't they see the terrible state of the world? Didn't his own noble family understand that if things continued like this, the world would be destroyed? This only reaffirmed in him that turning his back on his family had been the right decision. Those people weren't humans, much less gods, they were just monsters.

And now he was even more certain that he would never find him. After all, that ruler wouldn't be born in this world, and he would have been Roger's successor.

"Someone will surpass the monster that was Gold Roger?" a pirate asked worriedly. "So what kind of demon will that ruler be?"

Although the pirate didn't say so, he was grateful for that ruler's power. The world was full of powerful people, and the ruler should be a demon of greater power to be able to stand up to his enemies.

"I'd like to see that ruler," a pirate captain laughed excitedly, his cheeks flushed from the alcohol.

Garp didn't let his smile fall, but he wondered what kind of monster could surpass Roger. Roger, even without a Devil Fruit, had been immensely powerful with just his physical strength and incredible Haki. That anyone could surpass that was something difficult to imagine.

Roger is seen giving his straw hat to a young Shanks.

Figarland Shamrock raised an eyebrow, not at all impressed by the image of his younger brother.

"Oh," his father said, looking at the image with mild interest.

While the Figarlands knew a little about what had happened to Shanks and how famous his name had become, they also didn't know the innermost details of him, who renounced his noble family and decided to become a pirate. That day, when they had invited him, Shanks didn't hesitate long before rejecting them, looking at them as if they were trash, before leaving without looking back once.

In the past, Shamrock and the entire family had criticized him, calling him scum. They had decided to let Shanks remain with the filth of the world, like a disgusting traitor who didn't know what was best for him. To them, Shanks was an idiot who sought the foolish idea of ​​freedom at sea like a stupid pirate.

However, many years have passed since that day, and they themselves have seen how the world has taken such drastic changes that even they hadn't expected. The Gorosei itself had become a prison for the nobles, even more so for those who dared to even breathe differently, for those who began to have the same thoughts as the late Donquixote Mjosgard. Fortunately for the Gorosei, most of the Celestial Dragons were idiots and useless, happy to have their slaves without seeing beyond the horizon.

However, the Donquixote who had turned their backs on their own, and now the Figarland themselves were beginning to tread on forbidden ground with their thoughts of freeing themselves from the bonds that imprisoned them. Those nobles with common sense could see that if the government remained the same, a rebellion would erupt and deplete all resources, leading the world to a possible mass extinction.

"It's Akagami Shanks!" one of the rookie pirates shouted in admiration at the sight of a Yonkou, even if he was just a child. “He sailed with the King!”

Such a revelation caused murmurs around the world, many becoming more fearful and cautious of Shanks.

“So that’s how Akagami Shanks got that hat?” another pirate murmured in shock.

“Put it on the front page! Akagami Shanks sailed alongside the Pirate King himself and inherited his hat! Put it up, put it up! Get it out as soon as possible!” Morgans shouted excitedly, swaying from side to side at such news.

Rayleigh’s lips moved slightly into a smile. Shanks was Roger’s successor—not to the throne, but certainly in personality and ideals. That’s why Roger left his hat to him, because he knew Shanks would have known who the true successor to the Pirate King was, passing it down as if it were an inherited crown.

On the Red Force, Shanks watched the scene with a smile. Those years were adventures he would never forget, especially since Roger was more than just a Captain to him.

"Ah, it seems your secret isn't so secret anymore, Captain," Bonk Punch mocked, earning laughter from the crew.

Shanks cared very little that this piece of information about him had been revealed. Now he was strong enough to protect himself if someone truly dared to come after him.

"We've come too early..." lamented the Pirate King.

"So we're too early too?" Whitebeard commented coldly, because that great future and that great truth were still a secret. Did the world have to wait any longer? How much longer before the world is destroyed more than it already was? How much more could the people endure?

Imu wondered what had happened on that island for Roger to say that. Did it have to do with Joy Boy's return? Perhaps they had encountered something related to that man, but then, if so, what did he find? Joy Boy? A legacy from him? A secret that the former pirate of the Void Century never revealed?

Imu cursed the fact that Joy Boy, even after his death, had so many tricks up his sleeve.

On the other hand, although a few knew what Roger was talking about, the vast majority were completely confused. The sheep had no idea what was going on, puzzled by the words of a man who changed the entire world.

"Why does he say that?"

“What's he waiting for?" asked an Impel Down prisoner.

”Yeah, how come he's late when he's the one who shook the whole world?" asked the prisoner next to him.

"I'm starting to think there's more to this than that," another prisoner commented, creating a foreboding silence.

What would become of them if the Pirate King himself arrived early?

“The One Piece, huh? I wonder who will find it.”

"I've been wondering that very same thing for the past few years," Rayleigh sighed with disgust, feeling disappointed that no one has been able to arrive and finish the mission Roger started. It seems the seas don’t forge pirates like they used to.

However, Rayleigh's eyes shone with a dark curiosity as he remembered that they would reveal the person his former friend had been waiting for. Once he saw him, it was only a matter of time before he had him in his hands. Never mind the fact that he didn't exist, he would be found. The one who would change the world, and who would bring laughter and liberation.

"I'll find it!" shouted a pirate, gaining further inspiration.

"That treasure is mine!" affirmed another pirate, smiling as he raised his glass of alcohol.

"I'll be the new Pirate King!" toasted another pirate.

But after so many years, would the One Piece really be found? Those cries of excitement were filled with both hope and false hope. Many of them simply wanted to turn this world upside down to change its current state.

No one was blind to the apocalyptic future that would come if no one rose up with a flag of revolution, a true one, because unfortunately, not even the Revolutionaries were a threat to the World Government.

Roger's big smile appeared.

Buggy felt a lump in his throat when he saw his Captain's smile, a smile he still misses from a man who may have been a devil to the world, but to him, he was his friend, father, and Captain. The one who showed him true freedom, what it meant to be a pirate and sail the seas.

Roger's surviving allies stared at the image of their former Captain, alive and with his signature smile that hid a man of great power, kindness, and cruelty when necessary.

Garp bit into a cookie, trying to ignore the feelings of nostalgia and sadness that rose within him at the sight of a man he considered his rival and friend.

Imu stared with disgust at that cursed smile, so characteristic of the D Clan, his worst enemy. That cursed smile that faintly reminded him of that man who centuries ago had refused to take his hand.

Then, an image of someone unknown to everyone appeared: a young man with black hair, large onyx eyes, a scar under his left eye, and a familiar straw hat.

"Oh, who's that?" Kaido asked curiously. If they're showing him, it must be because he's important. And yet, it's not a face he have seen, not even on bounty posters. More importantly, he was wearing a very familiar hat.

"His eyes look... kind," Tony Tony Chopper whispered.

"He..." Shanks's eyes widened in shock, as he clenched his fists. "It's him," he let out on a shaky breath.

"He has that hat," Whitebeard murmured, wondering if what he was thinking was what the image of that boy meant. Could that skinny young man be Roger's successor?

"Is that... is that him?" Rayleigh blurted out, feeling his breath catch. His eyes lit up. Yes, there was no way it wasn't that boy when he had that hat with him that carried so much symbolism.

Saint Charlos tilted his head, staring at the image of the young boy, and quickly opened his mouth.

"I want him! I want him! I want that boy!" he yelled like a little boy throwing a tantrum.

And Saint Rosward stood there trying to explain to his son that he couldn't have the cute boy because he didn't exist.

Imu let out a shaky breath, closing his eyes as the image of that boy and his enemy intertwined for a second. Physically, they looked alike, both with short black hair, a slim body, and black eyes. But it was that hat that truly made them look so similar in the eyes of the King of the World.

"Damn you, Joy Boy," Imu whispered to himself, staring at the image of the black-haired man with that damned hat. "No, that boy can't be you."

With another sigh, Imu calmed down. He had thought Roger was the second coming of Joy Boy; they looked kinda alike face wise and in personality, but in the end, he wasn't. That boy would be just the same.

"He has that straw hat!"

"He's got the hat of a Yonkou!" a civilian commented with mild admiration.

"Could he be the ruler?" asked an Impel Down prisoner.

"He must be," another prisoner next to him replied somewhat doubtfully. "I mean, he's got the hat that belonged to the Pirate King. Like him, this kid is sure to turn his world upside down, and since he's not in our world, ours remains the same."

"But who is he?"

And wasn't that the most important question?

"My treasure?" asked the grinning figure of Gold Roger at his execution.

"Oh, it's that day!" exclaimed a civilian from Alabasta, somewhat moved to relive that historic day.

Around the world, many leaned forward, as if wishing they could enter and stand among that crowd to relive that day that changed the winds and tides.

Others felt nauseous, remembering the execution of a friend and Captain.

And yet, they didn't take their eyes off the broadcast.

"If you want it, you can have it! Find it! I left everything the world has to offer there!" smiled the Pirate King.

"Yeah!"

"Kampai! Kampai!"

"Let’s go for that treasure!"

"Let's conquer these seas, boys!"

Around the world, many pirates laughed and drank, happy to hear again the inspiring words that had driven so many of them to seek that great treasure. Within them grew the desire to take their ships and set sail to find everything the world has to offer, everything that Gold Roger left them.

And for a moment, the wind felt lighter, before the burden of knowing they lived in a chaotic world hit them hard.

Imu narrowed his eyes. He wished Roger's death hadn't appeared again. Those words were enough to spark an Age of Pirates not seen before, perhaps since the days of Joy Boy. The D Clan, as always, was creating problems for him.

The figure of a black-haired kid appeared in front of Akagami Shanks himself, who was wearing his familiar straw hat.

"That kid again," said Monkey D. Dragon, recognizing the scar previously seen on the dark-haired young man shown earlier.

"I wonder how he'll impact the world," Nico Robin commented to herself, curious like the respectable scholar that she is.

"Hey, that kid had had that hat since he was little," whispered a Zou civilian.

"How did he earn it? It's a very historic hat," another wondered.

People whispered among themselves, interested in the story of how such a young boy managed to earn that special hat, worn by two great pirates, the Pirate King himself and a Yonkou.

Shanks smiled smugly at the sight of that boy, that ruler. It was abundantly clear to him that this young man was Roger's successor, the one his Captain had waited so long for. The other him gave him that hat after all, an action he himself hasn't taken yet, even years after Roger's death.

"So I know him in that other world." the Yonkou smiled, but his smile wasn't one that screamed innocent happiness.

Imu narrowed his crimson eyes, having a very bad feeling about that child. He hoped that child wasn't the aforementioned ruler. And if it really was him, then he hoped that he was simply the Pirate King and had nothing to do with Joy Boy or Nika.

“Someday I’ll have a crew like yours. I’ll find the greatest treasure in the world and become the King of the Pirates!”

“WHAAAAAAAAAAA?!” was heard collectively around the world.

“Bwahahahahaha,” laughed Monkey D. Garp, earning a dirty look from the retired Sengoku. “What an interesting kid!”

"That just means more trouble," Sengoku muttered tiredly, seeing the image of that child who had excessive audacity.

"He's got guts," Zoro nodded with satisfaction. Shouting out your dreams with such conviction is something he admires, because he would do the same with his goal of becoming the strongest swordsman in the world.

The pirates were shocked to see such a young child say such bold words. That kid definitely couldn't be normal.

"No wonder Akagami Shanks gave him that hat," Captain Cavendish said. He understood why; it wasn't every day a child claimed he would be the Pirate King, following in the footsteps of a legend like Gold Roger.

Imu frowned. No, there couldn't be another Pirate King who could find out the truth and decide, unlike Roger, to tell the whole world. He didn't know exactly what Roger had found, but it had to be something with Joy Boy. And he couldn't allow Joy Boy and Nika to return if he wanted to maintain his totalitarian power, not even just his ideals.

"Fufufufu." Donquixote Doflamingo let out a Machiavellian laugh upon seeing that boy. If he had existed in this world, he knew he would have been a terror to the Navy and the government. His words were enough for him to understand that. "You must be that ruler, the next Pirate King."

Shanks felt a chill run through his entire body upon hearing those words. He would never  e able to forget that feeling.

Most thought that this ruler was only the second Pirate King, who would indeed change the world with his presence as Roger had. It wasn't their fault for such ignorance; they didn't know the truth about the world and its history.

But others knew that this ruler wasn't just a Pirate King, but much more.

And although no one could feel or see it, the tides moved, as if they had heard those words too.

Shanks's crew can be seen smiling at the boy.

"A toast to us and the boy!" Shanks shouted with a smile, feeling his heart pound with an excitement and hope he hadn't felt in a long time upon hearing those words.

"Kampai!" the crew shouted with equal excitement. Finally, finally, they saw the face of the soul their Captain had sought for.

Shanks sipped his sake, his eyes completely fixed on the image. He had to find that child. He had to talk to him. He had to meet him. There was simply no other option.

"They're so good to that child," Nami commented, her gaze somewhat lost in the face of this reality. She hated pirates, but here was one of the strongest crews playing with a child.

The image of Shanks can be seen, his eyes wide open with a smile.

Shanks wasn't surprised to find the other him surprised or smiling. Those were the words he'd been waiting for, and he'd probably never thought he'd hear them come out of a child's mouth. He felt jealous that another version of himself had been able to hear those words face to face, that he had been able to witness that moment when the winds would change and the tides would stir.

Shamrock looked at the image of his younger brother and found it so interesting that their appearances were the same, yet they were so different. Their different upbringings had truly created two entirely different men. If their appearances weren't the same, no one would ever think the much-vaunted pirate was the son of a Celestial Dragon.

"I'd be surprised too if a child told me that," Dracule Mihawk whispered, his face impassive.

"Yes, I imagine you'd be happy with those words," Rayleigh smiled, for he was happy too.

"It's not every day someone surprises Akagami Shanks," a pirate laughed in a bar.

"Oh, so you are planning to surpass us?" Shanks asked.

Shanks is seen placing his hand on his head.

"That's how he earned the hat," a civilian commented, somewhat astonished, feeling like he was seeing something private, something almost... sacred.

"That hat has a tremendous legacy! It went from the head of the Pirate King to a Yonkou, and now that kid has it," a Marine blurted out, earning affirmations from his fellow Marines. "Great things are expected from that kid."

Suddenly, the Marines looked at each other. And as if they could read each other's minds, they looked at the boy on the screen and feared. They sensed he would be a big problem. And yet, they wished they had him in their world.

Shanks felt his breath catch at the scene. His Captain's legacy would be continued. The ruler was found. The world could finally change. Finally, this hell on earth could be dispelled with the arrival of this ruler.

Poor Shanks had forgotten that this ruler didn't exist in his world. His world wouldn't change, for it was already doomed.

"In that case..."

Shanks' straw hat is placed on the boy's head.

"...I'll leave you this hat."

The significance of that straw hat was special among the pirates and the Marines. Everyone understood that it was almost a crown in itself, having been passed down from the Pirate King to a Yonkou as powerful as Akagami Shanks.

Shanks himself understood this. He knew what he was doing by giving that hat to that bright-eyed boy. Even civilians understood very well the great significance of Shanks's act.

Imu said nothing, his face blank. He was a perfect statue, cold, unmoving in the face of the tide and suffering. Nothing about him showed that he was actually cursing his old enemy in his mind, whom he also couldn't get out of his mind. And now, worse than ever, the image of him kept spinning in his head.

Unaware of the thoughts of the hidden King of the World, the pirates in different places looked at each other, all with the same thought.

And the Marines thought the same.

‘Did Akagami Shanks approve of that child as the next King, as Roger's successor? Was that child the ruler that being had spoken of? That hat was a crown in all but name, wasn't it?’

Shanks's figure is seen bending slightly in front of the boy who was now wearing his hat.

"Come and bring it back to me one day, when you've become a great pirate," he says as he walks away from the boy to enter his ship.

"Yeah, he's literally approving of him to be the next Pirate King," a pirate commented with a straight face.

"I won't let that kid get all the glory! I'll go after the One Piece!" another pirate shouted, forgetting that they'd never seen that kid before.

Garp sighed at the sight of Shanks inspiring a kid to become a pirate. It wasn't a sight he'd would had previously liked, even though it was better to have Shanks as the inspiration instead of some worse pirate like Blackbeard. However, in these dark times, being a pirate was surely the best thing. They were the few who had some freedom, and where the fewest slaves come from due to that same freedom.

Garp laughed. He truly never thought he'd one day think being a pirate was better, but this is how far the world has come.

On the island of giants, Scopper Gaban watched Shanks' actions with a smile. They're growing so fast that now that kid is the one inspiring others to be pirates.

"Roger would be proud of how much you've grown, Shanks," Scopper smiled.

"Who are you?" asked Zoro, tied to a log, shocked to see the black-haired young man stand in front of the bullets.

"Eh, what am I doing there?" Zoro asked, putting down his sake and staring at the image in shock.

Perhaps... was he saved by that boy instead of the civilian? Was that the beginning of the deviation, of the change? If that child was truly such an important figure, what was that Zoro doing with him? Zoro had too many questions running through his head, wondering if the slight dizziness he felt was from that or from all the sake he drank.

Beside him, several East Blue pirates watched the Zoro on the broadcast with some fear. Roronoa Zoro was known for hunting pirates, but he also hunted anyone who dared to get in his way. And Zoro may have been nothing in other waters, but to those pirates who live in the East Blue, Zoro was a very powerful opponent.

"Isn't that the Pirate Hunter, Roronoa Zoro?" asked an East Blue civilian.

"What is he doing there?" asked a woman beside him, equally confused.

“Could he be part of the crew of the ruler, the second Pirate King?!” cried an excited boy, moving so much that his mother had to tighten her grip on him.

“Maybe he's not even someone important,” commented a West Blue pirate indifferently.

The Gorosei looked at each other, waiting to receive some order from Imu. However, they received nothing about that green-haired boy that they had never seen before.

“If Imu-sama hasn't said anything about that boy, ignore him. He must be of no importance,” commented Saint Topman Warcury.

But the sight of Zoro on the screen caught the attention of several powerful pirates around the world, who thought that the green-haired boy must be somewhat important if he was being shown. Several began to record his face and jot it down in their minds just in case.

"Hmm, aren't we near the East Blue?" Shanks asked suddenly.

His crew looked at him, knowing full well what was going through the redhead's mind.

"We'll head there right away, Captain," replied his navigator, Building Snake.

Shanks believed that the green-haired boy could be important, and he wouldn't let him fall into the hands of the government, the Navy, or even some other pirate who might want a possible crew member of the ruler. Not while he was still alive.

So while most thought he was nothing and others were somewhat interested, it was Shanks who made the first move. If Zoro was truly part of that crew, he would need protection.

And he was more than happy to provide that protection if it meant being one step closer to the black-haired boy.

“I am Monkey D. Luffy. The man who will become the King of the Pirates.” the young man declared with a smile identical to Roger's.

Garp opened his eyes and choked on his cookies, almost passing out.

"Monkey?" the old Marine whispered in shock upon hearing the name.

"Garp, how is it that even in another world, your family is always doing something crazy?" Sengoku asked with a sigh filled with mild concern.

"He must be my stupid son's child," Garp stated. "Shanks tricked my grandson?! Why does no one in my family want to follow in my footsteps and become Marines?"

Garp's shout caused a laugh to come from Sengoku, who was happy to see Garp distraught after everything the old man had done to him and what he still was doing to made him suffer.

"Wait... you don't have a grandson named Luffy," Sengoku reasoned instantly, almost rising from his chair when he realized that this nonexistent person standing before his eyes was the grandson of his old friend.

Garp remained silent, looking at the face of the young man who could have been his grandson and was surprised to feel that he wished he could have held Luffy in his arms. His eyes scanned Luffy's face, and it was a soft, smiling face, totally different from Dragon's and his own, but more beautiful than theirs.

"I wish he had existed. My stupid son decided not to have him in this world, I suppose," Garp grumbled.

But behind that facade, Garp worried even more. His son was already in the spotlight as the leader of the Revolutionaries. It's a miracle he hasn't been killed yet, Sabo was following in Dragon's footsteps, and Ace was almost executed years ago. Now, with such a revelation, Garp knew more than ever that his family was in great danger. The government and the nobles didn't like anything that could challenge or usurp them, and currently, Luffy meant both.

More than ever, the two Monkeys and their allies had to tread carefully.

Sengoku, beside him, was just as worried, even if he didn't show it. Once again, the Monkey family was in the spotlight, and the former Fleet Admiral feared this would bring trouble to Garp. No, it wasn't just a simple fear anymore. Sengoku knew this would bring trouble and put the Monkey family in the spotlight.

At the Revolutionary Army' base, Dragon was even more shocked, his dark eyes fixed on the image of that boy with a big smile that seemed to shine like the sun. The boy looked young and cute, with a face so different from his own. So soft, almost delicate. Anyone who saw them would never think that someone as thin and cute as Luffy could be related to the two hard-faced titans that were his father and him.

Because that same boy in front of him couldn't be his father's son, so obviously he should be his own. But him with a son? He'd never had one because of his... work, much less after seeing the world as horrible as it currently was, which is why he's still single. He doesn't even usually contact his own father to avoid the world's gaze and prevent them from getting into trouble.

And all of that was now being shattered by the vision of another world where he had a son so different from him, much more smiley and with a kind, round face, with a destiny that crowned him as a king.

"This... might bring trouble," Ivankov commented worriedly, looking at Dragon.

"The eyes of the world will be on my family in a way never seen before," Dragon nodded in agreement with Ivankov, his implacably serious face betraying none of the true concern he felt.

Dragon clenched his hands into fists, his hands itching to grab his Den Den Mushi and call his father. More now than ever, they might have to reunite if the world came crashing down on them.

"D?" Law opened his eyes from his ship. If he was a D, it wouldn't surprise him if he wasn't just the ruler, but the one who had been the cataclysm of new winds in his world.

The Ds were a storm, no matter how calm some might seem. For the analytical Law, it was more than clear that Luffy, that D, was that ruler, that being not born in this world. Before his eyes, Law was seeing a being capable of changing everything.

"Oh, so a relative of Garp's. Worse yet, one who wants to be not just a pirate, but the King. How interesting," Whitebeard observed critically, searching his memories just to confirm the fact that, indeed, that Monkey D. Luffy didn't exist in his memories.

"A grandson who doesn't exist here?" Marco asked with the same suspicion, although he thought the boy was too cute to be related to a madman like Garp. "It has to be him, right? The one described by the being or god, or whatever that thing was."

At his son's words, Whitebeard remained silent, not knowing the answer himself, although he had his suspicions. Monkey D. Luffy didn't exist, that was one point. He was a D, that was another point. He wanted to be the Pirate King, another point. It was abundantly clear to Whitebeard that the ruler described by that God and Roger himself was right before his eyes.

There seemed to be no other option.

"That old man had a grandson!" Ace exclaimed. "Poor kid!" he lamented, remembering all too well the famous Fists of Love of the crazy man who claimed Ace would be a Marine.

Suddenly, Ace stiffened.

A grandson... another brother? He knew Garp couldn't handle children; that's why he threw him into the arms of bandits. Then he met Sabo, with whom he swore an oath of brotherhood and whom Garp accepted as another adopted grandson. If Luffy had existed, Garp would have definitely thrown him into Dadan's arms. That meant that smiling boy would have been raised by him, and perhaps... he and Sabo would have had another brother, a little one to protect.

Something inside the man known as Fire Fist stirred. Luffy. Ace, Sabo, and Luffy. It sounded so good that he didn't know how he could have never thought of it, how he could have never imagined it. Ace felt furious, furious that his little brother had been stolen.

The young pirate took his Den Den Mushi and connected with Sabo.

Sabo, who was watching the transmission, also imagining a life as that cute boy's brother, took Ace's call.

For the first time in centuries, the King of the World's entire body was frozen, his eyes fixed on the transmission, which showed a face that reminded him too much of a man from long ago. For the first time in centuries, he felt his heart throb, too painfully, yet too happily. Oh, how could his heart still act like this after so many years for a man he hates with all his being?

It was that same thought of hatred that woke Imu from his reverie.

"Of course he's a damn D," Imu commented in a cold voice. "However, Dragon never had a son."

Imu narrowed his crimson eyes as he realized that indeed, that stormy D from the transmission who reminded him too much of his old enemy wasn't born in this world. Everything was fine. There is no ruler. No rowdy D. No Joy Boy legacy. No one and nothing that could threaten his throne. And so it had to remain. Monkey D. Luffy shouldn't—couldn't—be born.

"Keep an eye on the Monkeys. Monkey D. Dragon can't have Monkey D. Luffy under any circumstances." was the order Imu gave to the Gorosei.

He may not have been born in this world, but better safe than sorry, right? Imu couldn't allow Joy Boy or Nika to somehow threaten his plans again.

"So that's your name. Monkey D. Luffy, huh?" Shanks savored the name with a cruel smile that would have struck terror in hearts if other people had seen it. "So you're what this world needs. Now I have your name and face. You can't hide anymore."

The young king was everything he imagined and more. His face didn't remind him of Garp or even Roger; it was too cute and too gentle for that, but his smile... that smile reminded him of his old Captain when he talked about his dreams, when he sailed the seas, and when he arrived at Laugh Tale.

And in that moment, at first glance, Shanks decided Luffy was his. He'd already claimed him, hadn't he? That was his hat on that black-haired head, after all. Anyone who saw that hat and recognized it would know that Luffy was Shanks's.

Shamrock stared at Luffy's smile. It looked large—almost too large for his small face—and even innocent, though also full of mischief. The boy was thin and cute, making it hard to see him as a pirate. However, that smile and those eyes radiated so much light that it was as if it were the sun itself, and Shamrock was surprised to find himself gently moving his hands to touch that transmission.

Even subconsciously, his being longed to be able to feel and touch what seemed like a light amidst all the darkness that existed in his world. Was this obsession? Was this worship? But did that even matter? No.

He wanted that light, and that was all that mattered.

But he wasn't the only one.

"What a kind and cute face for a pirate," Kizaru laughed with interest. He had seen other pirates with overly beautiful faces, but this little pirate was the first with such an innocent looking-face.

Those onyx eyes shone with too much innocence and too much light. That pirate, Luffy, seemed to shine brighter than his own Devil Fruit. And perhaps it was because he was almost the incarnation of light itself when all he saw was total darkness that Kizaru found himself more interested than he should be. Not that they could blame him, he thought; Luffy was cute.

Alber, King, thought nothing of the boy, only that he was rather cute and had a big smile that reminded him too much of the sun.

Those with connections, those who observed more than they spoke, understood that no one had ever heard of a Luffy, much less a pirate with that face or name. They were the ones who quickly understood that Monkey D. Luffy was the cataclysm that didn't exist in their world. He was that ruler, that next King, they had been waiting for but who never came.

And he was the cataclysm they must obtain if they wanted to change the course of their world.

Luffy is seen punching a Celestial Dragon with immense fury.

The entire world seemed to hold its breath in fear, shock, and excitement at the sudden sight of a young pirate touching an untouchable.

"That kid has balls!" Kizaru exclaimed with a laugh, one that for a moment seemed filled with liberation and true happiness at seeing such a challenge.

Who would have imagined that this boy, who seemed somewhat weak, was capable of a feat that not even the greatest dared to attempt?

Akainu let out a satisfied snort, feeling a terrible joy at seeing a Celestial Dragon being beaten so hard. He truly hated those idiots, and he hated it even more when they ordered him around for little things when they did nothing and he had to protect their fat asses from even the wind. All because no one dared to rebel against them, and the world suffered because of it.

And yet, in front of him was a boy showing him otherwise. Showing him that he had no problem defying the entire world.

"I didn't expect them to show something like that out of nowhere," Aramaki commented, shocked to see such a sudden change of scene.

Beside him, listening to his fellow Admirals, Fujitora smiled.

"Did he just hit a noble?" Boa Hancock whispered, feeling a chill run through her body as she felt her brand burn. Oh, oh, how lucky that world was.

How blessed they were to have someone with such values, with such beliefs, of protecting their freedom.

Momonosuke watched the screen, his eyes shining with ambition. If he hit a Celestial Dragon himself, what else would that pirate have to fear? Maybe... he wouldn't even be afraid of Kaido. Maybe... he could save them.

"He's definitely your son, Dragon," Emporio Ivankov nodded in shock. "Only a person with Monkey blood would be capable of such a bold act."

Dragon nodded in shock and satisfaction at seeing his son do what he and many others would like to do but didn't have the courage to do. Even his father, who spoke ill of nobles, didn't dare touch them to avoid trouble. No pirate, no matter how arrogant and powerful, dared touch a noble. But here his son was, doing it as if the noble were just an ordinary being. But he also had mixed feelings about such an action because he also understood that Luffy would be hunted by an Admiral no matter what. And Dragon hadn't seen any of his son's power to know exactly how powerful he was, and that worried him. An Admiral wasn't just any marine.

Dragon cursed everything, wishing he could be there to defend his son and get him out of this trouble. He didn't know him, and he was already causing him stress, fear, and too many feelings that only a father could feel toward his son.

Shanks watched the broadcast in shock, his mind for a moment taking him back to his biological family, who also shared Celestial blood. A few seconds later, he burst out laughing, realizing that the other Shanks had indeed made a good choice.

"I want to meet you, Luffy!" shouted the redhead, wondering what his twin's reaction would be to the pirate's act.

"Absolutely!" agreed the rest of Shanks's crew, laughing.

Shamrock found himself smiling helplessly at that blow, which the celestial surely deserved. He knows that a few years ago, he would have condemned Luffy for his rebellion, for his lack of respect for his superiors, for the gods of the Earth. Although more powerful and sensible than the other nobles, his arrogant mentality had been the same as theirs at the time.

However, it was that same common sense that allowed him and his father, and the entire Figarland family, to see that the direction the world was taking was not the right one. There were too many wars, famines, and deaths. If a rebellion that would unleash a war capable of bringing the world to an end didn't arise, the lack of population would end them. Babies weren't born, and those that did died very early; children and young people died very quickly after being enslaved and forced into hard labor; and the elderly died every day from slavery or simply from lack of care. The world's population had declined at a frightening speed in less than thirty decades, and it was still declining today.

And yet, the nobles, the Gorosei, and Imu himself were ignoring of this. What would they be kings of after all this? Of a world gone? Kings and queens of ashes? The world was very close to being truly destroyed by a future rebellion or simply extinction, and those with the power to do something were doing nothing. It was when they came to understand this that the Figarlands opened their eyes and understood that the nobles' path was not the right one, not when they were about to end their own world.

And although they lived knowing that they no longer believed in the nobles' beliefs, there was little they could do against the abysmal power of the World Government. It seemed they had no choice but to let fate flow, and it would lead everything to its final destination.

After all, that same being had said it, this world was chaotic. A world where salvation did not exist because it simply had not been born. And now, they were doomed to watch their world crumble before their eyes while watching another being saved by a young pirate with too much freedom.

That's why his interest in the character that was Monkey D. Luffy began to grow more and more. Luffy seemed to be the salvation, the answer to this world fallen into an abyss. Luffy should have been theirs, should have saved them. And now he was untouchable, in the hands of another world.

And Shamrock wanted to know more. Why did he hit that noble? Who was Luffy really? And above all, how could he find him? After all, Shamrock wasn't just any man; he didn't give up when he set his eyes on something he believed was his. He may not follow the ideals of the Celestial Dragons to the letter, but one thing that will forever be a part of him is that what he wants, must be his. And now he had a goal, and not even the fact that Luffy was in another world would stop him from achievingw it.

Doflamingo let out a laugh that caused his family to look at him curiously, but they didn't ask anything, letting the former Celestial Dragon get lost in his thoughts. Doflamingo laughed because he had always known that one day, those nobles would be dragged to the ground.

Jinbe blinked, perhaps in astonishment or perhaps to stop the tears from falling. Fisher Tiger, that savior, hadn't struck a Celestial Dragon, yet he still dared to defy them by invading their holy land and freeing all kinds of slaves. Monkey D. Luffy, with that action, had brought back memories of the fisherman he admired. That world didn't know how lucky they were to have someone capable of doing what few others are capable of.

"I wish I could have met you, Luffy," Jinbe smiled slightly.

Charlotte Linlin, Big Mom to most others, watched that action in slight shock and her mind instantly took her to her late captain, Rocks, who had also dared to challenge the Celestial Dragons and attack them, although it ended with him being defeated. She didn't know why that boy had beaten that noble, but he is one of the few she who admits that had dared to challenge a Celestial Dragon, and thus, challenge the World Government.

"It would have been interesting if you and Rocks had met," the giant woman murmured to herself, shoveling more sweets into her mouth.

Meanwhile, in the Holy Land of Mariejois, the Celestial Dragons were up in arms, demanding protection and that the Admirals do their jobs. They were furious that someone had dared to touch one of their own and therefore demanded punishment. No! They demanded execution! And as being with little common sense, as most of them were, they ignored the fact that they couldn't touch Luffy, not only because no one wanted to touch him, but because he was simply in another world.

"How dare he?! And after I wanted him for myself! When I have him in my hands, I'll teach him a lesson!" shouted a Celestial Dragon, offended and angered by what he considered a great lack of respect toward his divine persona.

Such was their arrogance.

They might have screamed and kicked, but they were only a small portion of the people who cursed, as the rest of the world was just a stone's throw away from falling to their knees and praying to Luffy.

For those in chains, whether physical or mental, Luffy's touching of one of those nobles made them see Luffy as the only one who so far seemed to be the closest thing to a liberator, unafraid to attack the demons that were the Celestial Dragons.

For the people who saw the nobles as untouchable gods, seeing one of them being dragged into the mortal world was satisfying and liberating. For them, who hadn't known Rocks's daring, or Fisher Tiger's bravery, Luffy was their symbol of liberation. Luffy was their new myth, their new god. They saw that young pirate beat that noble and saw hope, freedom, and rebellion.

So the slaves felt, out of nowhere, tears fall as they saw one of their enslavers being beaten like that by a pirate. A blow that represented defiance, that represented the fact that he would not remain silent. The whole world can keep its mouth shut, but Monkey D. Luffy would not.

The whole world knew that hitting one of those nobles was a crime that would cause an Admiral to be sent to hunt the sinner like an animal.

But before them, like a ray of light and hope, stood that pirate, that overly brave and stupid pirate who had dared to commit such a sin. It was as if he didn't care in the least that his action would leave echoes throughout the world. His action was showing that freedom wasn't something that could be stolen just like that. His action was showing that there was no need to be afraid, not when your freedom was in danger. His action was teaching others to fight, to not be defeated, to defy.

Yes, Monkey D. Luffy was special. Unique. One of the few capable of attacking a Celestial Dragon without fear. Only a few knew that Rocks had done the same thing, but Rocks was immensely older and certainly more powerful than Luffy. And yet, the young pirate struck him down, without any fear.

What a vision it was for them. A vision that simply, in its purest form, meant liberation for all of them.

The slaves didn't understand why they were being punished like this, punished with the feeling of hope when they had already been told that this man didn't exist in their world. Luffy doesn't exist. There is no Luffy to challenge the known. There was no Luffy to change everything.

But that knowledge didn't prevent a growing obsession for this young man who didn't exist–but whom they still loved–from beginning to develop in them. In everyone. From the slaves, the civilians, the pirates, and even the marines.

Luffy meant change.

Luffy meant revolution.

Luffy meant freedom.

Challenging the gods meant revolution, it meant breaking the chains.

And Luffy, in that moment, showed them that he was that liberator.

"Where is Luffy?" a civilian asked with tears in his eyes, seeing his calloused hands and his skin stuck to his bones as if for the first time he was truly seeing himself.

He, too, needed someone to beat his master. He, too, needed someone to free him. He couldn't do it alone.

"I want Luffy," a girl cried, seeing the chains adorning her wrists and ankles. Like any child with eyes full of childlike innocence—what little she had left—hers lit up as she began to see in Luffy a new hero. And like any child, when one found themselves in a moment of pain and anguish, all they could do was pray for their hero to save them.

"Where is our liberator?" a slave wondered, unconsciously drawing a sun on the ground as his tears fell. In his mind, the newly revealed face of Luffy appeared everytime he thought of a liberator and savior.

‘What should we do to have him with us?’ was the collective question of all those with despair in their souls.

"I don't care if I die from it."

"He has conviction and willpower," Rayleigh said, with a trembling smile and his heart beating faster than usual. "Just like you, Roger."

But even with his words, and although he accepted that Luffy reminded him immensely of Roger, Rayleigh was beginning to understand that Luffy would reach a level where he would surpass Roger, just like how the Pirate King had said all those years ago.

"He who is afraid of dying should not be born!" Zoro commented, agreeing with the pirate. He had a dream, a goal, and if he dies along the way while trying to reach it, then he will die with his head held high.

"That doesn't make sense," said a pirate at his side, looking at him strangely.

Zoro, as always, ignored him.

"He has a good will," Doflamingo congratulated with a smile as he tilted his head.

"But even after death, dreams will never die, right?" Blackbeard commented to himself, a big smile on his face. After all, Roger died, but he fueled thousands of dreams and goals.

"He's a D, after all," Saint Jaygarcia Saturn muttered to himself, watching the broadcast bitterly.

"His will and conviction for his dreams is something to admire," Nico Robin smiled sweetly, feeling amused and curious about the young man.

The silhouettes of two people can be seen, one stabbing the other in the chest, lifting him off the ground.

Sengoku glanced at his companion out of the corner of his eye, feeling the air shift around him in a way that caused him some fear. He could rarely say he'd seen that look on Garp's face. Though it didn't surprise him either; it was his grandson from another world being stabbed by a figure he clearly recognized as Crocodile. And he wasn't happy with the sand-powered pirate's actions either. Luffy was more than a pirate, he was a symbol.

"Don't let Crocodile show up in front of me for a while. I don't care if he didn't do anything here, I'll kill him," Garp stated, his gaze serious and dark. He was clearly taking the idea that Luffy was his grandson very seriously, even if he didn't exist here.

"I think he's smart enough to know what he should and shouldn't do," Sengoku replied indifferently whether Crocodile lived or died. If he showed up in front of them, Garp wouldn't be the only one who would try to kill him.

Sengoku and Garp weren't the only ones who weren't at all happy about the actions of the man who, judging by his hook, was clearly Crocodile.

"He attacked Luffy," a civilian from Alabasta whispered, his voice filled with astonishment, as if he couldn't believe someone like Luffy had been attacked.

"He should die," another civilian from Skypeia whispered, her voice filled with disgust.

"He dared to put his filthy claws on the liberator," another from Water 7 muttered, her voice filled with anger.

"Hm," was all Dragon said, but Ivankov could feel the cold change that occurred around him. Clearly, Dragon was furious that someone had dared to touch his son.

"Oh?" Shanks asked in disgust, his Conqueror’s Haki rising slightly. "Someone like Crocodile dared to touch him? Someone like him who is nothing in comparison?"

"He's an idiot who doesn't know who his betters are, Captain," Benn Beckman blurted out, equally disgusted.

"Let's hope he's careful," Aramaki commented, drawing the attention of the other Admirals present. "Lest something strange happen to him."

The Admirals said nothing, but their silence was sufficient response to the clear threat against Crocodile. After all, this silent was consent.

Crocodile felt a chill and was grateful to be alone in the room, even though he felt he was being watched with eyes that promised pain and death. For him, and for those who'd seen him before, they knew perfectly well that the silhouette stabbing the man who was clearly Monkey D. Luffy was him, using his hook. And he, like everyone else, was beginning to see Luffy as a symbol.

And although he hated seeing himself hurting someone who seemed to be a light, he hated even more knowing he was in danger. That feeling in his chest, that feeling of being watched—if Crocodile wasn't careful, he'd end up being the one stabbed by anyone powerful enough.

Around the world, powerless civilians and slaves watched with fear and anger. They lacked the power to confront a pirate, but that didn't mean they couldn't hate him. They had no way to heal Luffy, but that didn't mean they couldn't fear that something would or could happen to him.

"Don't die, Luffy," whispered the voices of the weak, who, just like the strong, only wanted to be saved.

"They say the age where pirates have dreams will end, huh? People's dreams never end!"

Blackbeard was slightly surprised that the words he had said earlier were being slightly repeated in a similar manner, but then he burst out laughing. Some things simply never change.

On the Moby Dick, the Whitebeard Pirates began hurling insult after insult upon hearing the voice of that traitor, a voice they would never forget even if they wanted to. How could they forget the voice of someone who killed one of their own and tried to do the same to another? How could they forget the voice of someone who almost killed their Captain, their Father?

Whitebeard himself clenched his fist, his face clearly showing his immense fury at the sight of this traitor who had nearly brought about the ruin of the Whitebeard Pirates.

"Die, traitor!" Haruta of the Twelfth Division shouted furiously.

"Die!" Fossa of the Fifteenth Division literally spat.

"I don't care if he maybe he didn't even betray us in that world. I hope he dies," Izo blurted out in disgust, as if he were looking at the worst scum in the world.

And in the eyes of a loyal family like the Whitebeards, Teach was the worst scum in their eyes.

On the Red Force, Shanks closed his eyes to control his Haki, furious at recognizing the voice of that filthy man he knew so well thanks to his scar.

"That damn pirate is so annoying," Akainu commented, his lips letting out the smoke from his cigar.

On the distant island of Whole Cake, Vinsmoke Sanji lowered his eyes, thinking about his own dreams he had to abandon, that he had to end because his family wouldn't let him continue. He wondered what things were like in that world. Was his counterpart locked away like him, forever chained to a past he hated? Is his counterpart's life better or worse? Did Luffy touch his life? What idiocy, why would Luffy know him?

"If dreams have no end, then I will never stop dreaming, wishing, and praying. Nika will set us free," a slave murmured, touching her chains as if they might turn to ash and bring her freedom.

A young mermaid from Fishman Island lowered her gentle gaze to the tiny baby in her arms, who was moving her small violet tail from side to side in amusement and innocence. She had dreams. She dreamed of being able to go to the surface. She dreamed of being able to live without fear of being taken as a slave, or worse, having her little baby taken as a slave. She dreamed of a world where wars and famine weren't the order of the day. She dreamed of a better world for her daughter. She dreamed and dreamed, but nothing improved.

Her eyes lifted to the broadcast, and she dreamed of a world where Luffy existed, freeing them from the nobles.

"It was a big shock, Rayleigh-san," Shanks's voice was heard. "There was a boy in the East Blue who said the same words Captain Roger said."

"It's him," Shanks repeated to himself over and over again, as if reciting a mantra.

The redhead was becoming obsessed with Luffy, the one who should have been King. The one who should have been born into this world. The one who would change this rotten world.

Where are you?

How do I find you?

How do I get to you and never let you go?

Shanks was clinging to Luffy like a thirsty man in the desert clings to the first drop of water he drinks. And his crew, who were watching, couldn't blame him, not when they themselves were clinging to the image Luffy seemed to portray with just that action of hitting a Celestial Dragon.

As the days passed, the World Government took more control and more power. The number of slaves increased while the number of free people died down. When was the last time they saw a baby? When was the last time they saw a child without chains adorning their body? How many places that were even remotely away from the influence of the government and its nobles existed?

The world was declining further and further, and the change Roger predicted would come was slipping further and further away, slipping from the world's grasp like sand.

"So that's why he gave him the hat," Rayleigh smiled, because even considering how little he'd seen of Luffy, it made sense to him that Shanks had given it to him. Luffy's actions alone, in his eyes, were enough for him to inherit that straw hat. That's how much Luffy reminded him of Roger.

But if Luffy had said those words... then all the more reason for Shanks to give him that hat.

"But what are those words exactly?" a simple pirate asked, causing the room to fall silent.

Whitebeard was in shock. Could it be...? Had that child really said those words, that dream? How could two people from two different generations share the same dream, the same ideal? Luffy. His mind led him to that boy. Luffy, who seemed to inherit Roger's will, who seemed to breathe revolution and exhale freedom. Luffy, who would be the one to challenge the world, the one Roger said he had hoped for. Luffy was that person. And Luffy... he wasn't born into this world.

The strongest man in the world found himself thinking that wouldn't stop him.

Imu didn't know what those words were, but there was one thing Joy Boy, Roger, and even Luffy seemed to have in common: that strange desire to be completely free. And that word, that dream, is what has brought him so much trouble from the very beginning.

An image of Roger smiling was shown.

"The same words as our Captain!" Shanks exclaimed, even more excited.

The survivors of the crew that had been known as one of the most powerful and famous, those who sailed with the Pirate King, found themselves with teary eyes. They wished their Captain could have seen this, the one he had hoped for, even if it was through the eyes of a world other than their own.

Because now they knew that Monkey D. Luffy was the one for whom, on that last island, Roger had laughed for.

Rayleigh looked at his drink, wondering why they didn't have Monkey D. Luffy. Were they being punished? Punished for what? And why them? Why their world? Would Luffy truly never be born here?

No.

That couldn't be possible. This couldn't be the end of his world, of his life. He had lived so much and lost so much more for things to end like this. That magnificent journey to the last island and the truth couldn't be the end of the story.

The Monkey D's had to give life to the young man who would become Luffy. Monkey D. Luffy had to be born; there was no other option. They would have Luffy one way or another. Not only because it’s what should have happened, but because the world depended on it, and after so much suffering, the planet's inhabitants were selfish enough to desire happiness and freedom at the expense of another world, at the expense of their own counterparts.

And Rayleigh’s own thinking wasn't far from the truth of what others were also thinking.

The kneeling slaves, the civilians with their hands clasped together, the marines with their eyes lowered, and the pirates with their fists watched the broadcast with a simple desire that seemed to burn them from within. That world had enjoyed itself enough; now it was their turn to be illuminated by that sun. Their counterparts were their counterparts, they were themselves. They would have Luffy at the expense of their counterparts, at the expense of an entire world if that was what it took. They were selfish and possessive with what little they had, and now they considered Luffy theirs.

Luffy was seen holding Vivi, the Princess of Alabasta, in his arms, as they both escaped.

Imu clenched his fist, furious at what that vision could mean after what the traitor Nefertari D. Lili had done centuries ago. She seemed to have played both sides while secretly plotting against the very World Government she helped create, even at the expense of her own clan.

Those two people shouldn't be united.

Not Vivi, being Lili's descendant, and certainly not Luffy, who was proving to be too similar to Joy Boy. Even worse, he was saving the princess, gaining allies. That boy would have truly been a big problem if he'd been born in this world. At least Crocodile ruled Alabasta and kept the royal family, composed only of the princess, in line. Cobra was a threat for knowing and confirming that Lili was a D; his daughter was saved by not knowing said truth.

"He's saving me." Princess Vivi commented, feeling moved by Luffy's act even though she didn't exactly know what had happened for such thing to occur. “I wonder if he could save us, or if he saved my country in that world.”

Vivi was filled with uncertainty, not knowing exactly what had happened in that world or even if her counterpart had suffered at the hands of Crocodile, but she still wished she could have Luffy to save them from Crocodile's clutches. She loved her country and hated having to see them suffer. Just as she hated not being able to avenge her father's death. She knows her father was murdered and the government's words are a lie. However, she could do nothing. But Luffy dared to attack a Celestial Dragon. Luffy was the answer.

And Luffy may not exist in this world, but if he exists in another, wasn't that a sign, an answer?

“Saving princesses? He's gaining powerful allies.” Mihawk observed with interest. It seems Luffy wasn't just bold and beautiful, he was also quite smart.

"Oh oh, Luffy was in Alabasta," a civilian from Alabasta said excitedly. "He was in our country!"

And just as the people of Alabasta murmured among themselves, excited that a figure like Luffy had been in their country, other countries weren't so happy about it.

"Do you think you can do it? Do you think you can conquer this great sea?" Rayleigh asked Luffy with a smile.

"I don't want to conquer anything!" Luffy exclaimed with a smile. "It's just that the person with the most freedom on the seas is the King of the Pirates!"

"That's right," Shanks nodded, his eyes twinkling, delighted by Luffy's words. The boy was totally different from what he was used to, and he wished with all his might that he could have him. It was as if, after simply sailing through the abyss, he could finally see a light leading to the exit.

Rayleigh wiped the treacherous tear that fell from his face. If he didn't know better, he would have sworn Luffy was Roger's son, or even his reincarnation.

"These days, pirates do indeed have the most freedom," Akainu murmured with a snort at having to admit that, and why it was the sad truth.

He would never have thought of speaking positively about any pirate or anything related to their lives or ideals, but that was before. Now, even the Marines were slaves to the government. In fact, they always had been, but now it was much more obvious. And that's why it was now much clearer that pirates were the only ones with anything resembling true freedom, and those called Yonkou were perhaps the freest.

And here he was, the Fleet Admiral, but a mere servant, a dog, a slave forever tied to ideals that blinded him until it was too late for him to finally open his eyes.

"Oh," whispered a slave, feeling the pain of a lump in his throat as he tried not to let his tears fall at the words spoken by that young man, by Luffy.

The slaves, those truly chained, tried to swallow their tears in vain at seeing a being so in love with freedom, something many had taken for granted before ending up in chains themselves. It was beautiful to see someone so in love with freedom, even more so because Luffy wasn't a slave, but he still wanted to be the freest.

An inhabitant of Pirate Island found himself analyzing those words and how true they seemed in these times. Currently, pirates were the only ones guaranteed freedom as long as they weren't caught by marines or nobles capable of enslaving them. While they were at sea, traveling the world, the chances of being taken as slaves were low. The same couldn't be said for the others, as not even marines were safe.

Nami's eyes shone with admiration at the words and a desire for freedom. She, chained to serve Arlong for the good of her people, desired freedom with all her might. And Luffy simply seemed to be the very embodiment of it.

Pirates around the world raised their glasses in celebration, agreeing with Luffy's words. Many of them were grateful for having decided to become pirates, as many had been able to escape being taken as slaves like on their islands or villages. Being a pirate wasn't easy, and there were always threats from nobles, civilians, marines, and other pirates, but they were the closest to being free. The closest to truly feeling the sun on their skin.

"No! Shut up!" Imu suddenly blurted out, furious at hearing such words and losing his usual calm and collected composure.

That damn ideal. He didn't want people to be inspired and decide to challenge the World Government's ideals. He didn't want those words, those thoughts, to cause everything he had built to be threatened by a pirate who didn't even exist in his world.

Rayleigh smiled in surprise.

"I see..."

Likewise, Rayleigh smiled, feeling like he could see in Luffy the figure of his late Captain. Luffy was just as adventurous as Roger, apparently, with a motive for traveling the seas that was completely different from what the world might think.

They weren't after treasure or a throne. Conquering the seas had been the last thing on Roger's mind. And apparently, on Luffy's as well.

Dragon, as a Revolutionary seeking to free the world from the clutches of the World Government, found himself feeling proud of this boy he'd never seen before, but who had ideals and dreams worthy of admiration. A boy whose smile alone seemed to light up everything.

"You're a box of surprises, Luffy," Dragon smiled slightly.

Beside him, Ivankov felt a small smile grow on his lips as he saw his friend and leader look, for the first time, a little more relaxed.

Luffy's actions and words didn't seem like much, but they were already having an immense impact on the world. And from above, those beings who started all this out of boredom were beginning to be entertained by what was happening, unaware of what was to come.

Whitebeard is seen bleeding.

"Oyaji!" Whitebeard's children exclaimed with concern at seeing their father in such a state, one quite familiar to them.

With fearful memories, the great man's crew leaned closer to him, as if his body heat could remind them that although Blackbeard tried, Whitebeard wasn’t defeated, although he had been seriously injured.

"It seems the Marineford War happened in that world too," Whitebeard observed angrily at the thought of Ace being taken by the Marines once again.

"That damn Teach is a rat," Jozu commented furiously, clenching his fists tightly.

Marco said nothing, but thought about how things would turn out in that world with Luffy present. If things would be similar to how they happened in their world... or if they lost even more.

"So that war happened too?" Teach reflected with a mocking smile. "I wonder if the results were similar, or if I managed to finish off that old man.”

Big Mom narrowed her eyes at the sight of Whitebeard wounded—and seriously wounded on top of that. While the Yonkou were independent, and she admitted she had rivalries with Kaido and Whitebeard, her relationship with both men was more of a strange siblinghood created by their past, having been on the same dangerous and powerful Rocks crew.

At this, the Yonkou bit into her sweets in anger, something her children could clearly see.

"Damn brat," Big Mom cursed, remembering how the so-called Blackbeard managed to get Whitebeard so wounded in this world.

King Neptune gripped his trident with slight nervousness, remembering those days of uncertainty when he didn't know if Whitebeard would live or die. Great was his relief when he learned that the Yonkou lived and that, therefore, his kingdom was still under his protection. Neither the government, nor the Marines, nor any other pirates dared to mess with them while they lived under the protection of the Whitebeard Pirates' flag.

At least, for now.

"Even that world wasn't spared, huh?" Kizaru observed.

"Some things are just written in fate, I guess," Aramaki added, shrugging his shoulders with a slight smile.

Akainu thought that his counterpart definitely acted like how he used to act back then, eager to wipe out the pirates and willing to do anything to do so. That was before he had to wake up the hard way to understand that the government didn't mean justice and that the pirates weren't just criminals.

“From now on, support Mugiwara Luffy with all your might!” Whitebeard shouted to his crew.

"Oyaji..." Marco took a step back in shock.

He's been with Whitebeard longer than anyone, and he knows perfectly well that those words the Captain said weren't just for the sake of it. He didn't say them on a whim or for any stupid reason. His Captain had seen something in that young black-haired man.

And that was something Whitebeard himself knew, for his equally shocked face let Marco and the entire crew know that the decision made by his counterpart wasn't one that was made lightly.

"It's him," Whitebeard said in a barely audible sigh. "The one Roger had been waiting for. The one we've been waiting for."

Marco looked at his father with sadness in his eyes.

"But he doesn't exist here," Marco whispered.

The other Whitebeard Pirates saw their father's large hands clench into fists, understanding his frustration. Since Roger's death, the world seemed to have taken an express ticket to hell. Roger's death had unleashed the true demon that was the World Government, and mass enslavement was only the beginning of despair.

And now they were seeing what seemed to be the light of revolution, and knowing they couldn't have it with them wasn't easy.

"Even Whitebeard has chosen him!" shouted a Fishman from Fishman Island with an emotion he didn't understand why he felt or where it came from.

And Fishman Island wasn't the only ones going crazy at what Whitebeard said on the screen. Everyone had their own opinions and theories, but were equally excited at what those words could mean. If Whitebeard was backing him up, it was definitely because he believed in him. Because there was something about him.

Big Mom opened her mouth so wide in amazement that candy fell out of her mouth. She couldn't believe that Whitebeard, who loved his crew like family, was giving such an order.

"Mama!" cried her daughter, Charlotte Brûlée, seeing her condition.

"One by one, he's turning the people around him into his allies," Dracule Mihawk said. "That boy possesses the most terrifying power."

Imu narrowed his eyes at Mihawk's words, his calculating eyes taking on a macabre gleam.

That Luffy had Shanks on his side, the powerful Monkey D family, and even the mighty Whitebeard. What places were under that pirate's flag? Who else allied with him? Who was on his crew? Who else had seen in Luffy the silhouette of a liberator?

For the first time in all this time, Imu wondered what Devil Fruit that young D had eaten, if he had eaten a Devil Fruit at all. Luffy reminded him a lot of Joy Boy, and even worse, of Joy Boy with the powers of that elusive fruit.

On the other hand, even though he wasn't there, Mihawk understood why his counterpart said that, especially after seeing Luffy save the Princess of Alabasta. Not only did he have a princess as an ally, having likely gotten Crocodile out of the country, but Luffy knew Shanks, and Whitebeard was backing him up. His acquaintances weren't just ordinary people; they were people with political and maritime power.

If Luffy was such a monster and hadn't even shown himself using powers, what kind of people would his crew be? He was excited to see, because he knew they would show them. If those beings wanted to be entertained, they'll show them the crew of this clearly young king.

"Who are you, Luffy?" Usopp asked from the distance of his village, curious about this very young, but very brave pirate. "I wish I were a brave pirate like you. I wish... I had met you."

The scene changes again to show Whitebeard.

"The man Roger was waiting for..." Whitebeard says.

Teach is shown kneeling in front of Whitebeard, staring at him in shock.

"Could it be the person the Pirate King mentioned at the beginning?" a civilian from Drum Island asked. "The one who will surpass him, that ruler that being talked about?"

"It has to be him, it's the only thing that makes sense," another man at his side replied. "Luffy is the ruler who wasn't born, but for whom Roger had still hoped."

Elsewhere, on the elusive island atop Zou the Elephant, a fourteen-year-old boy listened to Whitebeard's words as if he were telling him a vast secret. Though in retrospect, it was a secret, albeit an incomplete one.

"He must be talking about the same person my father spoke of," Momonosuke whispered, his black eyes fixed on the image.

He knows that his father sailed not only with Whitebeard, but with Gold Roger himself. It was abundantly clear to Momonosuke that the person his father spoke of and the person Roger and Whitebeard spoke of were the same person. They may have had different titles, but they were the same person with the same goal: to liberate the world.

The Gorosei unconsciously leaned forward at what Whitebeard would say next.

And the quintet of old immortals weren't the only ones. Around the world, almost at the same time, all sorts of people of different races found themselves leaning forward as well.

What would the Yonkou say?

What secret was he hiding?

What name would he reveal?

What would he say?

"It's not Teach," Whitebeard confirmed in the solitude of his ship, surrounded by his family.

He knew that this person is not, and will not, be Teach.

"...it's definitely not you, Teach," declared the old captain.

Marshall D. Teach listened with frustration and humiliation to the words of his former Captain. He couldn't accept that a brat would actually be the Pirate King, the ruler even confirmed by beings who were perhaps gods. He didn't want to accept it, and he wouldn't.

"Bah, that brat doesn't exist here. Who can stop me?" Teach commented maliciously, disguising his anger in front of his subordinates.

Imu knew it.

Teach simply couldn't be that ruler, that long-awaited king, that unparalleled enemy. Teach could be a D, he could be part of that unbreakable clan that only seemed to breed storms and enemies. But Teach wasn't Joy Boy. How could he be that revolutionary light when he was a restless darkness? How could he be Joy Boy, be Nika, be the Sun God, when his entire soul was an abyss?

Of course, he was in that same boat. Imu wasn't innocent, and he wasn't a good person. He knew that better than anyone. But unlike Teach, he had the power to be King of the World; after all, he had been King for centuries. Teach couldn't remove him from his throne, because Imu only had one true enemy, and that was Joy Boy.

And Joy Boy was dead and would never return.

The Gorosei had a similar mindset as Blackbeard. While Luffy existed in another world, he didn't exist in this one. The voice that initiated the transmission had said so: Luffy didn't exist, and the future shown was beyond the reach of this world. Therefore, they would retain power over the entire world, and Imu-sama would never be dethroned.

"A man like him would never be the person Roger spoke of," Whitebeard stated with disgust. To him, Teach was an embarrassment to the Ds and to what they, according to Roger, represented.

Shanks and Rayleigh were in different places, but both nodded in agreement with Whitebeard's words on the screen. Teach could never be the person someone like Roger would expect. Despite all the chaos Roger caused, he was never truly evil, much less treacherous.

Uncertainly, as if they had learned something delicate, the people looked at each other in silence.

Now it was abundantly clear to everyone that Luffy was that person. There was no way it wasn't him. They didn't know exactly what it meant to be that person, but it was something big, something immense, something that threatened to drag the entire world into a new era.

A new era they would never see.

Whitebeard is shown being pointed at by several people with guns, while the man is already horribly injured, but standing.

Everyone on the Moby Dick watched the screen in anguish; the sight of Whitebeard in that state was bringing back more memories than anyone wanted.

Although they had won the War at Marineford and managed to save Ace and Whitebeard, they had lost many allies and brothers. Furthermore, Whitebeard had been badly injured, and the crew feared he didn't have much longer to live, and what this would mean for them and their allies.

Shanks watched with a critical but cold eye. He had warned Whitebeard rather urgently about the kind of scumbag Teach was. The old Captain had been too blind, clinging to the idea that his son was innocent. And that very thing led to the loss of a beloved son and the outbreak of a war that nearly claimed his life and that of his crew.

Perhaps because he had been right, he felt a dark satisfaction, for he knew very well that Whitebeard regretted not having heeded his warning.

Sengoku watched the image with a serious face, remembering that terrible war that had killed many people on both sides. Back then, the Marines were still strong, fighting for a justice that didn't exist. Akainu himself had been a strong enemy. But he, the Fleet Admiral, was losing faith in the government after learning of dark secrets and dirty deeds. It was thanks to his near-indifference that Whitebeard managed to survive alongside Ace until Shanks stopped the war.

But it seems that wasn't exactly the same in the world shown on the screen.

"That war shook the pirate world for quite some time," commented a pirate, watching the broadcast with the rest of his crew.

"Someday someone will appear, carrying the history of all those decades on their back, and will challenge the entire world to a fight," Whitebeard prophesied.

Will challenge.

Will challenge.

Will challenge.

Those were the key words that moved the entire world.

Luffy will challenge the world.

Luffy will turn the world upside down and destroy those who thought they could hide from the light, the light that brings warmth, but can also burn.

"Win, Luffy. Please, win." Those words were spoken by a simple girl, a girl in a terrible state of malnutrition. But with hope, with faith, she clasped her little hands and simply said that small prayer to Luffy.

And that was the first prayer of many to come. Because that simple prayer was as if a knot had been untied.

Whitebeard listened with interest his own words, words he hadn't said in that war. His mind then turned to the image of that young man with black hair and a big smile. Had that child been the reason for his words? Had he seen in him what he saw now? After all, he had ordered his family to support him.

"Do you really not exist here, Luffy?" Rayleigh wondered, as if he could manifest Luffy so he could answer. He knew he didn't exist; the being had confirmed that, but he simply didn't want to accept it because somehow, they would have Luffy.

He didn't know how, but they would have him. They had to have him. They had to free the world from the pain, from the slavery, from the eternal night. They wanted to save themselves, they wanted to be free, and Luffy seemed to be the key that would unlock their chains. How could they let him go now that they knew this? How could they allow a world to separate them?

No.

Nothing could stop them, not now when they finally felt a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

The Gorosei watched furiously, imagining a new D creating storms in the world, while at the same time feeling tremendous relief that Monkey D. Luffy, who seemed to be at the center of everything, did not existed. Monkey D. Garp didn't have a blood grandson, and he never will. Not if they want to remain the world power they currently are.

But they had to make sure that happened, so what they would have to do was send the order to wipe Monkey D. Dragon off the face of the earth. Without Dragon, there is no Luffy. Without Luffy, there is no sun.

Luffy is shown wearing the distinctive straw hat.

The image only fueled the obsession with Monkey D. Luffy and what he symbolized for the desperate people who clung to the image of Luffy as a liberator, who clung to him to stay alive and to believe they could be saved from their terrible lives.

Even those blessed, or cursed, with the knowledge of the truth Roger was hiding, were staring with a dark thirst at the image of Luffy, a liberator who would bring the world out of its shadows.

"Win, Luffy."

"Please, challenge the entire world and win."

"Win for us, Luffy."

"Please, please, I beg you, Luffy."

Luffy was being elevated to divine status, being seen as a god only because this world, sunk in despair and pain, was searching for something or someone to believe in. They were clinging to a small shred of hope that their lives might change.

And the image of Luffy yearning for freedom and beating up a Celestial Dragon was all the people needed to begin believing in a young man who didn't even know them, and who didn't know the immense weight an entire world was placing on his thin shoulders.

They, ignorant of everything but their pain and desire to have Luffy with them, forgot that no matter how much they prayed, Luffy couldn't hear them, Luffy couldn't see them, and Luffy couldn't save them.

Because Luffy didn't exist in their world.

"You people in the World Government fear the immense battle that will eventually come and engulf the entire world. But as soon as someone finds that great treasure..."

"The final battle..." a civilian whispered.

"...where the fate of the entire world will be decided," another civilian continued.

"The end of this slavery," a slave whispered.

"The beginning of a new era," another slave murmured.

"A new life where the sun will shine upon us," a boy smiled, his missing baby tooth becoming apparent.

"We are slaves, and that's how the government wants us. But Monkey D. Luffy... he is our liberator," a slave sobbed.

Hope was beginning to grow in the world. Luffy would save them. Luffy, with his smile and big eyes, would save them. He hit a noble; who else wouldn't he hit now? Who should he fear if Luffy was clearly a god?

"But... he's not here." a little girl whispered, bringing the civilians around her to the terrible reality that Luffy didn't exist. Not in their world.

But he did exist in that world.

“Then it's up to us to bring him back,” another man commented, his eyes darkening with a feeling that was soon reflected in everyone present, from the most conscious child to the oldest.

Luffy was their god, their liberator. He was the only being they could cling to in order to continue forward. Perhaps... perhaps what they were suffering was only tribulations to prove they were worthy of being saved. And then... their god would arrive and take them to paradise. To the Dawn of the World.

But their god was sent to another world, and he can't save them. Their god can't reach them. Therefore, there was no choice but for them to go to their god.

Sengoku's eyes widened, his face filled with fury and worry.

"Ah," Sengoku commented indifferently. "Yes, in another world, one less destroyed than this one, those words would have worried me. But how sad that even I, too, am waiting for that liberator, a pirate."

Garp ate his cookies, as if ignoring Sengoku, even though he was well aware of the words spoken by the former Fleet Admiral.

The Vice Admiral wasn't surprised by what he'd said, knowing full well that a sense of rebellion was growing among the Marines. More and more, they saw how the government they trusted was enslaving all beings, plaguing the world with even more crime, war, and hunger. With injustice.

However...

Before everyone's eyes, a hope had appeared.

His grandson.

A grandson who didn't exist.

But does that fact have to be the end of everything?

They say people are capable of anything for their loved ones, and what wouldn't Garp be capable of when faced with a grandson who promised a new world free of the World Government and its cruelty?

"...the whole world will be turned upside down. And someone will find it. That day will definitely come sooner or later."

Crocus, who had been Roger's doctor, thought about those words that stated the entire world would fall into chaos when that treasure was found, and smiled. Roger had, indeed, turned the world upside down, putting his name and the names of his entire crew on everyone's lips. If he had been able to live longer, perhaps things wouldn't be the same, or perhaps they would be worse. Crocus only knows that Roger would have caused more trouble. And that thought made him smile once more.

Saint Marcus Mars thought about One Piece and Laugh Tale, two things left behind by Imu-sama's great enemy and that not even the government itself has been able to destroy or completely erase from history. The Saint now feared that what they were seeing would reveal more than expected, perhaps more than they could bear.

'Sooner or later,' Imu thought.

Shanks knew that was true.

Once the One Piece was found, the world would never be the same. His own Captain wasn't the same once he arrived on that island and found that treasure. He never wanted the treasure, believing himself not to be Roger's successor, but rather the one who should find that successor. A sentiment his Captain understood, for there was a reason he had left him that straw hat.

However, as the years passed and he watched the world fall into an abyss, he began his own journey to try to find the great treasure so he could change the course of a world that was increasingly falling into decline, and nothing and no one seemed able to stop it.

And yet, it was as if everything was against them. No matter how much they sailed, no matter how much they investigated, it was as if divine forces were halting their progress towards the One Piece. It was as if the entire world were against them! As if the seas themselves were keeping him from the truth!

Shanks never understood why neither he nor anyone else in so many years could reach that treasure after Roger.

Until now.

It was now abundantly clear that the reason no one had claimed that throne was because none of them were Monkey D. Luffy, the one awaited by the gods and the seas.

Shanks snorted with a smile. That was fine; he never wanted the treasure. And now he wants it even less. The only thing on his mind was finding his Luffy so he could save the world and finally be worshipped by Shanks as he deserved.

There was no other option.

"The One Piece is real!" Whitebeard shouted, announcing it to the whole world, ignoring Sengoku's glare.

The uproar his words caused was felt even among the Celestial Dragons themselves. Everyone was now even more excited and nervous at the revelation that the One Piece was real, and therefore, the title of Pirate King was within reach of anyone who found it.

Many thought the One Piece didn't exist, that it was just a legend, a lie by Roger, or just plain stupid. But the confirmation of its existence, and not by any trickery but by Whitebeard himself, sent everyone into a frenzy.

The pirates wanted that treasure, which meant, in their words and Luffy's, traveling the seas in freedom, and if there was gold and other precious stones, that was more than a bonus. And the nobles, greedy beings that they were, wanted that treasure just because.

"It does exist!" shouted a pirate, happy that his search wasn't in vain, that the freedom he wanted and that Luffy spoke of was truly real.

"To the sea, boys, the throne awaits!" shouted a captain, smiling but not moving from his spot.

"I fear things will be more chaotic from now on, Yohohohoho," laughed an interesting talking skeleton.

Shamrock raised his eyebrows, interested and even surprised that the famous One Piece was real.

"So the treasure does exist," the nobleman commented to himself.

Now Shamrock was even more interested in Monkey D. Luffy, and in the history of the world that no one except Imu-sama seemed to know in its entirety, or at least he thought so. So, how much was the King of the World hiding that he wanted to erase history?

Whitebeard said nothing, but the chill he felt was enough for him.

Imu's eyes narrowed in anger upon hearing those words being shouted by Whitebeard. If Roger's actions sent the world back to the Age of Pirates, he was sure Whitebeard's actions would also have an impact on this world. And he knew that would be terribly dangerous for him and everything he had hidden for all these centuries. Everything related to Joy Boy was a danger to him.

He hated pirates, and he hated Joy Boy more.

Luffy was shown sitting at a bar, while the semi transparent silhouette of the former Pirate King, Gold Roger, could be seen over him.

Dragon viewed this comparison with interest. If it weren't for what was shown, he would have sworn Roger was Luffy's father. Their similarities were quite striking, even physically similar, not to mention their personalities. Besides, it wasn't the first time such similarities had been shown, recalling the mysterious words Luffy had said that caused Shanks to leave him his straw hat.

And yet, he could see himself in Luffy, with his apparent rebelliousness and his goal of achieving freedom. And, surely, his obsession with ignoring his father, because Dragon was sure Garp would have wanted Luffy to be a marine. He probably wasn't very happy seeing him become a pirate with dreams of being King.

Luffy seemed like such an interesting son to have, even capable of doing what few could do, such as beating up a Celestial Dragon. He truly wished he could have had the same son.

Garp was a marine, and Roger was a pirate. Still, he admitted that he respected Roger not only for his immense strength, but for his ideals about freedom and for protecting his family and crew. The chaos he brought in life was just a bonus. If his grandson was compared to someone like Roger, Garp would admit it wasn't a bad comparison.

"They're comparing him to the Pirate King again. That's not just a coincidence, is it?" a Marine asked, tilting his head.

Shanks laughed at the sight, even somewhat surprised to find himself smiling and laughing so much.

"There's a reason I gave him that hat," Shanks said.

Rayleigh was more determined than ever to, one way or another, reach Luffy. And like the loyal crew members they were, what remained of Roger's Pirates felt the same, determined to reach Luffy, who seemed to have inherited Roger's will.

"Whatever the case may be, Luffy has become a man worthy of wearing that hat."

"More than worthy."

Rayleigh raised his glass, agreeing with his counterpart's words. It was both exciting and sad to see someone so similar to his Captain. It was like seeing him again, only in the body of a child perhaps even bolder than Roger himself.

Luffy threatened to be a flood that would swallow the entire world.

"Of course he's worthy. I was the one who found and crowned him," Shanks said, touching his own straw hat, which he had passed on to Luffy in another life.

Whitebeard gave a small, discreet nod, accepting the fact that Luffy was Roger's worthy successor, and that he should have been born into this world to follow and then surpass the footsteps taken by Roger, Rocks, and all the pirates he was now the successor to. Successor to something more than just a throne, but to a new era that he will create and then rule.

Or at least, that's how it should have been.

"Marco, pass me the Den Den Mushi, there's someone I need to call," Whitebeard ordered in a firm voice.

Luffy is seen walking, wounded and poisoned.

Dragon looked at the image of his injured son and wondered who else he should kill for leaving his son in such a state, besides Crocodile of course. He hadn't forgotten about that pirate.

Garp laughed, but it only made Sengoku look at him with some nervousness and concern, as the Haki the old Vice Admiral was displaying clearly told him that Garp was very angry.

‘Luffy.’ Momonosuke looked worried. Would Luffy die? Was he in grave danger?

No, his savior would be fine.

He had to be fine.

It was Luffy. Powerful, free, and beautiful Luffy. Luffy was untouchable.

"Hm." Shamrock looked at the image, unhappy; he didn't like seeing Luffy injured at all.

The Figarland was extremely interested in the pirate and really wanted to see him turn the world upside down and see what he had to offer. To see what changes, what light, threatened Imu-sama and the entire World Government.

"Oh, no," said a worried civilian.

"Luffy..."

"No, please. Be okay. You have to be okay."

Murmurs and pleas for Luffy's well-being filled the kingdoms and villages.

Elsewhere, the Red Force had made landfall.

"Captain, we've arrived," Benn announced, letting Shanks know they had arrived where Roronoa Zoro, a possible crew member of the Future Pirate King, Monkey D. Luffy, was currently located.

"Come on, there's a hunter I must find," Shanks smiled, his eyes brightening thanks to his Haki.

"I think... Luffy and his crew are... the ones our tribe and the Kozuki Family have been waiting for for centuries."

Momonosuke opened his eyes upon hearing his family's name. His dark eyes quickly scanned Luffy's every feature, wanting to imprint every detail in his mind as he felt a bubble swell inside him, simulating the happiness and hope he felt upon hearing those words.

He had to meet him.

He had to have him.

Luffy was his only hope, the only thing he could hold on to after living for so long in what Momonosuke considered hell.

What else could he do but have Luffy?

There was no other option for Luffy.

He had no other option.

Beside him, his sister, who managed to escape with him that time when he tried to liberate Wano, took his hand and squeezed it.

On the Moby Dick, Whitebeard became more interested upon hearing the name of his former Commander, Kozuki Oden. If there was one thing he hated, it was not having helped Oden's country. And he didn't know how he would ever be able to look Oden in the face, knowing he had let his country and his children suffer so much. Because even though Kaido was an old acquaintance, Oden and his family were his family.

Shanks remained serious, memories of Kozuki Oden and his wife, Kozuki Toki, flooding his mind. Memories of the entire family sailing with Roger. And now, Oden had died at Kaido's hands, nothing was known of the Kozukis' children, and Wano was now New Onigashima under Kaido's reign.

Suddenly, Shanks opened his eyes and quickly looked at the broadcast, realizing something.

"I'm afraid this confirms Roronoa is part of the crew," Shanks growled, moving faster.

Kaido now narrowed his eyes, letting out a growl that showed displeasure at the words spoken. After so long, Kaido couldn't see himself being defeated at all. There was a reason the rumors said he was immortal.

But if Luffy really did defeat him, that would only mean one thing.

Luffy is Joy Boy.

And that same thought was shared by King, who now more than ever found himself very interested in what Luffy had to offer.

"Wait, he has a crew?" Franky suddenly asked, earning a few puzzled looks.

"He's... a pirate. It was obvious he'd have one, right?" another carpenter replied uncertainly.

The world had become so wrapped up in Luffy that they forgot Luffy was a pirate, so he'd have a crew like any respectable pirate.

Luffy is seen holding a little girl in his arms, both dressed in traditional Wano Country clothing.

"Ah," Tama, who looked much older than the Tama on the broadcast, blurted out from her small house. "It's me!"

"That's right," Hitetsu replied, his gaze fixed on the curious pirate.

Momonosuke watched excitedly. He was in Wano. His savior was in Wano! Oh, but what good news! His country would be saved. Kaido would be defeated. Everything would happen just as his father and mother had wished.

Several of the Akazaya felt their hearts pound as if they had run a marathon. Could it... could it be possible? Would Wano be liberated? Would it be opened, as their Daimyo had wished?

"Momonosuke-sama..." Kin'emon began.

"You don't have to say more," Momonosuke interrupted, raising his large hand to stop the Akazaya from speaking.

‘Tama?’ Ace thought, seeing the image of little Tama in Luffy's arms, trying to ignore the guilt he felt at remembering the promise he had made with Tama years ago when he had gone to New Onigashima, back when the country was still called Wano.

Kaido drank a large cup of sake, irritated at seeing another pirate in his territory. Still, he decided to let it go, admitting he was more interested in what Luffy had to show, even if it meant his defeat.

"That kid and his crew..." Fujitora sighed, almost able to see the chaos to come.

"With that kid as Captain, I expect his crew to be just as... messy," Saint Ethanbaron V. Nasjuro said with disgust.

And yet, they didn't take Roronoa Zoro into account.

"Those who will lead the world to a new dawn!"

Around the world, as if connected by a greater force, the slaves clasped hands, praying for Luffy's arrival.

That was confirmation, wasn't it?

Luffy was the one who would free them from this hell.

So Luffy had to be real, had to exist in their world. If not, why were they shown this? To punish them? Luffy had to exist; one way or another, they had to have him. The screen had said it: he would lead them to a new dawn.

And suddenly, some of them woke up, listening closely to the words they had ignored.

"The Mugiwara? That has to be Luffy's crew," one muttered, and those words caused those around him to look at him.

Luffy wasn't alone. No, he had a strong crew following him for his goal of being the freest man in the world and bringing the dawn with it.

Shamrock smiled, a small smile but one with a lot of meaning. Life takes interesting turns, and one of those turns had hit him hard. Now he found himself here, like this, yearning for a man he would have seen years ago as the worst scum in the world. And now, when there was something he truly wanted, he couldn't have it. Perhaps it was his karma.

The Gorosei knew Luffy didn't exist, but that didn't stop them from feeling a certain way as they watched Luffy being declared the symbol of a new dawn. They feared the consequences those words and actions depicted on the screen could have for the world they lived in. The more they saw, the more nervous they became.

"That boy just keeps getting better and better," Doflamingo said with a big smile.

Pedro of the Minks felt his eyes water, and his tears kept falling.

Dawn.

The Dawn of the World. That for what he had waited so long for. What he had longed for, what still kept him alive despite the many times he simply wanted to give up, unwilling to continue living in this rotten world that seemed beyond saving, even for those who seemed to have a light within them.

But, Nekomamushi thought, those lights were just a bonfire while Luffy had a whole sun within him.

And now, his eyes were finally seeing the person the Mink Tribe had waited so long for.

Yamato, beside his father, opened his eyes, a smile forming on his slightly bruised but handsome face. He knew about that feeling. He knew, even if he couldn't see it.

"Someday, Mugiwara Luffy will change the world! I know he's still young, but I don't think one of the current Yonkou will become the King of the Pirate," Jimbei's voice affirms.

The Fishmen, those who longed for change, looked at the image of Jinbe, one of their own, uttering those words with such conviction as if they were written in the stone of destiny itself. He said it as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, as if he already knew that this human was the wind that would turn the tides.

And if Jinbe trusted that young pirate so much, didn't that mean something? After all, it was that same pirate who struck down a Celestial Dragon even when the consequences would be enormous.

"He'll change the world, huh?" Katakuri whispered to himself, ignoring the curious glances of his sisters and brothers.

"Uuuhh," Charlotte Flampe whispered with slight mockery to her sister, Normande. "Brother Katakuri likes someone."

Big Mom made a disgusted face when she saw that it was a mini-Roger, only much more chaotic, who seemed to want to steal the throne she believed was hers. She swore that damn Roger was chasing her even after he was dead.

Jinbe's eyes widened in astonishment upon hearing his voice speak such words so firmly. Was he part of the crew of that being of such light? Could his dream for the Fishmen come true in that world? Was there even hope for them?

"Gurararara," Whitebeard laughed with interest, without any anger in his voice. "You say that with such confidence, it seems that counterpart doesn't believe that even I will become king."

Jinbe blushed slightly in embarrassment, but he knew Whitebeard wasn't angry because neither the throne nor the One Piece were ever his ultimate goal; the old pirate only wanted a family. Still, it made him a little embarrassed that he had said something like that without fear, especially when it came to a pirate as young as Luffy. From a distance, it could be seen that Luffy was still a young man, perhaps no more than eighteen or twenty years old. And yet there Jinbe was, claiming that the old but powerful Yonkou couldn't become King.

"I don't blame you," the great Captain suddenly said. "The little I've seen has been enough even for me," he admitted.

Indeed, Whitebeard might not have thought much of Luffy in another life; he was still a rookie, very young, and seemingly arrogant. But in a world that's tantamount to being in hell, seeing a glimmer of heaven was enough for him to accept that Luffy was simply a special soul, one he wanted so badly to bring to this broken world he lived in.

"These brats no longer respect their betters," Kaido growled, being utterly ignored by his son, and even by King, who was more focused on Luffy.

Luffy can be seen dodging attacks with great ease.

"I'm going to become the King of the Pirates!" Luffy shouts.

"You're looking very far into the future," Kataturi's voice replies in amazement.

‘He is, but if it's him, it doesn't seem too far from reality.’ Katakuri thought, observing with a critical eye the huge impact Luffy was having on this world, and certainly on his own world as well.

He himself was feeling an interest not only in what seemed to be a rookie and somewhat crazy pirate, but in someone a few years younger than him. But how could they blame him? Luffy was simply like a magnet that attracts everything around him. Not only that, but who wouldn't cling to Luffy when seeing him is like seeing an oasis after walking in the desert for days?

"Mamamama, that kid is fighting one of my most powerful sons. How fun and interesting. I wonder if he'll win, although I don't see my son losing." Big Mom laughed as she swallowed candy, her eyes taking on a malicious gleam.

She didn't underestimate how powerful her son was, but now she couldn't underestimate Luffy either, no matter how small, thin, young, and weak the young Captain looked. Because he was clearly the captain of his crew if his dream was to be the Pirate King, Big Mom had no doubt about that.

"Oh, he's fighting one of Big Mom's most powerful sons!" exclaimed a rather excited and somewhat scared pirate. "Although I don't know if that's a good decision."

"Oh, I wonder who will win?" commented another equally excited one, almost jumping in his seat.

"Wororororo." Kaido laughed when he saw how Big Mom was clearly being attacked by Luffy if he was facing off against one of the female Yonkou's strongest sons.

"So he's starting his hunt against the big fishes," Garp observed with a slight smile full of pride.

Luffy is seen alongside Zoro, Killer, Law, and Kid. All of them are facing the terrifying sight that is Big Mom and Kaido. Even so, Luffy begins to walk toward them without any fear.

Kaido's laughter filled the entire room.

"So they're challenging us. How interesting, but useless. Only one person can defeat me," Kaido mocked, indifferently sipping more sake, as if he weren't the next to fight the force of nature that was Luffy.

But even as he said that, he wondered, given everything he'd seen, if Monkey D. Luffy was Joy Boy. He felt he was, and he secretly hoped he was.

King didn't know how to feel knowing his Captain was about to fight. On one hand, he believed no one could defeat Kaido, not even Joy Boy. In fact, he once thought that perhaps his Captain was that legendary figure himself. But now, faced with the vision that was Luffy, King was beginning to realize that Joy Boy existed, and that Luffy was him.

"Big Mom and Kaido teamed up?!" a fearful Marine asked.

"Two Yonkou against such a young, practically a rookie, pirate?!" another Marine shouted.

"It can't be!" a person on Baratie cried in shock at seeing so many powerful figures in one place.

"Aren't those Eustass Kid and Trafalgar Law?!" a pirate shouted at seeing two powerful rookies, who weren't so rookies anymore, facing off against two Yonkou.

"Zoro?!" several people in Shimotsuki Village shouted, recognizing that green hair anywhere.

“Who's that green-haired guy?”

“He’s been shown several times; he must be someone important.”

“Anyone know who that green-haired guy is?”

“The broadcast said earlier that his name is Roronoa Zoro.”

“Who is Roronoa Zoro?”

“Anyone know where he's from?”

“Where is Roronoa Zoro? He seems to be more important than I thought.”

“He must be part of Luffy's crew, right? I mean, Trafalgar and Kid don't have a Roronoa Zoro on their crew as far as we know.”

"Maybe he's a Captain in that world; we're only seeing Captains after all."

"Maybe I should get closer to that Zoro."

And so people began to wonder about the identity of Roronoa Zoro, who was clearly no longer a mere extra, but a man with the potential to be powerful enough to be part of the team standing up to Big Mom and Kaido.

And crazier still, he could be part of Monkey D. Luffy's crew, the savior of the world.

Zoro's eyes widened in shock as he saw himself not only clearly more powerful, but challenging one of the most powerful beings in the world, Kaido. He was there, looking strong, and facing legends of the sea. How did he get to that stage where only the greatest were?

Luffy.

Luffy was the answer; he had to be the answer.

He definitely wasn't powerful enough to dare confront Big Mom, much less Kaido, who was rumored to be immortal and incapable of being killed. But if Luffy had existed, he would surely have been more powerful, like the Zoro in the broadcast.

That's how Zoro came to a conclusion.

Luffy was his Captain.

He knew it, he sensed it. There was no way he would accept another man as captain other than someone like Monkey D. Luffy, with grand goals and a soul he foresaw as unbreakable and full of rebellion. It was obvious, because he knew better than anyone that he had no desire to be a pirate, not even as a Captain.

But for now, he was the only one who had come to that conclusion, or at least that's what he thought. He was beginning to feel the pirates' eyes on him, so he continued drinking sake as if nothing had happened so as not to arouse suspicion, even though he knew he was part of the crew of the light of this world, Luffy.

"Damn it, why does this place have to be so big?" Shanks cursed worriedly. He knows it's no longer a secret or something that will be ignored. Now it's been confirmed that Zoro was much more important than previously thought, and now they must be looking for him.

Luckily for him, he arrived first, but he has to find him.

Law's eyes were wide open, impressed to see himself going up against a being as powerful as Kaido. Although he wanted to fight the dragon, Doflamingo was still his priority, and the pirate was proving to be too powerful and cunning, a very dangerous enemy for him and his crew, with no one else willing to take on the Donquixote.

Kid simply began to laugh maniacally, being ignored by his now-accustomed crew.

"Oh, I can't wait to see what happens next," Kid said, with a somewhat maniacal, excited smile.

"Mamamama." Big Mom laughed, but she was as furious as she was amused. “Those brats must have been a problem if I made an alliance with Kaido.”

Doflamingo said nothing, just watching Law on the broadcast with some curiosity, wondering how he got there, facing off against two Yonkou.

New Onigashima watched with hope in its eyes as the other version of its country had pirates ready to fight against its tyrant and oppressor, Kaido. The country wondered if the attack would be victorious, unlike the previous one in this world. If, at last, the country would be liberated and returned to its former glory.

If Luffy would save them.

"Momonosuke-sama..." Kin'emon murmured, his gaze glued to the image in shock and hope, not knowing what else to say.

"Yes," Momonosuke murmured back, sensing what his guardian and mentor was trying to convey. Hope.

"We made a mistake by not paying attention to that young man," Saint Shepherd Ju Peter admitted, disgusted by such a terrible mistake of not having sought out Roronoa Zoro in advance.

"Let's give the order for the hunt for Roronoa Zoro, and increase his bounty if necessary. Zoro must not fall into anyone else's hands.” Saint Topman ordered. Any trace of hope must be eliminated from the minds of the people of this world.

"Apologize to me, Mugiwara," Big Mom says with a smile, but it falls when she notices Luffy continuing to walk past her and Kaido.

"Oh, so Monkey D. Luffy is the problem," Big Mom observed, her eyes lighting up as they rarely did. "I'm not surprised. Just look at how he punched that Celestial Dragon. If he doesn't respect them, I suppose he'll respect the Yonkou even less."

Of course, that didn't mean she wasn't furious that Luffy had disrespected her. Even though he was an important boy and she would still loved to have him in her world, it didn't mean she was going to let him disrespect her like that. She was a powerful Yonkou after all.

"It makes sense that he's the problem. He must have done something against Mama if he was fighting with Nii-chan," Brûlée commented.

On the other hand, Garp started laughing when he saw Luffy ignoring the two Yonkou.

"Worthy of being my grandson," he mocked, seeing how Luffy was being a problem for the Yonkou, just as how he had been a problem for Roger and vice versa. Of course, it wasn't the same since his grandson was also a pirate, but those were mere details.

"He’s ignoring them!" shouted the Giant Warriors Pirates, then burst out laughing at Big Mom being humiliated. For them, it was beautiful to see Big Mom in such a situation.

"He’s not afraid of Kaido," said a pirate, his sake forgotten at his side.

"I'm more afraid of Luffy just because of how bold he is," said a marine, letting out a sigh.

"I want to be like him!" shouted a child in admiration at how Luffy wasn't afraid of anything.

Although Kaido would have found it funny to see Big Mom being ignored, he didn't like at all that Luffy had also ignored him. These rookies really went out to the sea and already thought they were the rulers of said seas.

"He deserves it," whispered Yamato mockingly.

Whitebeard, on the other hand, was openly laughing, mocking the two Yonkou.

And New Onigashima felt great satisfaction watching Kaido be ignored by a pirate clearly younger than him, showing no fear in the face of two of the strongest pirates in the world. Even better, the entire world saw such humiliation.

For that moment, some people felt lighter than they had in years.

Luffy stood before the defeated bodies of the Akazaya.

The small happiness the people of New Onigashima felt quickly died as disappointment filled their souls at the state of the Akazaya. Years before, the Akazaya had tried the same thing, but failed miserably and barely managed to escape with their lives before disappearing again for another couple of years. And so, Wano was almost completely destroyed, renamed New Onigashima.

The Akazaya turned away or lowered their heads, unwilling to see the image of themselves defeated, just as it had happened years before when they were powerless against Kaido before he had defeated them until they had to, once again, flee and leave Wano behind, all while learning of the traitor who had slept beside them for years.

But Momonosuke clenched his fists, feeling a dark desire rise within him. For him, finishing off Kaido wasn't just a dream; it was a goal. It was the only thing keeping him alive, that pure hatred he felt toward that azure dragon. And Momonosuke wouldn't rest. He couldn't rest until he saw his people freed. He would keep fighting until he was put to his death.

That was the plan.

And then, the image of Luffy came into his life, and besides hatred, Momonosuke began to feel something else: obsession.

Obsession towards Luffy, who seemed to be everything he needed in his life to fulfill his mission and perhaps be happy afterward, if he even deserved such happiness. But he was selfish, wasn't he? Even if he didn't deserve it, he would get his happiness. He had a sun before him, and he didn't plan on letting it go.

Luffy was slowly becoming his everything, and that wasn't something he could come back from so easily.

"Those damn Akazaya, maybe they'll give up. It's not like they can really defeat me."

"The Akazaya aren't as simple and weak as you think." Yamato replied coldly at his father's words, his smile long gone at the sight of the defeated Akazaya.

Akainu put aside the Den Den Mushi and looked at the three Admirals who were with him in the room.

"We have orders," the Fleet Admiral said reluctantly, gritting his teeth.

"Hunt down Roronoa Zoro, huh?" Kizaru said. "Too bad."

"Isn't Akagami Shanks near the East Blue, where Roronoa Zoro resides?" Aramaki suddenly commented, causing everyone to look at him, even Fujitora turned his face to where he heard his voice come from.

Akainu smiled, letting out smoke from his cigar.

"How unfortunate, Akagami Shanks got there first, and the Marines couldn't catch Roronoa Zoro, who is now under the protection of the Yonkou." Akainu said with false disappointment in his voice.

"Forgive me for being late," Luffy said, crouching down in front of Kin'emon.

"Luffy, can you carry the Country of Wano on your back?" a tearful and hurt Kin'emon asked, clinging to Luffy.

"Carry an entire country?"

"He’s asking a pirate to save the country..."

"Isn't that too much for such a young boy?"

"If it's Luffy, he can."

"Luffy will save them."

"Luffy will save us."

"Wano is just the first step. Then, he'll save the entire world."

The world was in shock that a samurai would ask a single person, let alone a pirate, to carry an entire country and its people on their backs. To ask a stranger to save them while clinging to him like he was air itself. It wasn't an easy request, and it wasn't one anyone would accept just like that.

Still, a feeling began to grow within them. Admiration, hope, wonder. Would Luffy accept such a burden?

Of course he would!

Luffy was their savior, why wouldn't he accept such a plea?

And once again, the world placed its hopes, its pain, and its expectations on the shoulders of a young man who didn't even exist in their world.

Dragon froze in astonishment at such a plea. It was too much, he knew it was too much, especially for someone as young as Luffy. Would Luffy really accept such an almost suicidal request?

Kin'emon swallowed hard, feeling his palms sweat not only at the look on Momonosuke-sama and the other Akazayas' faces, but also at the expecting response to his selfish request, where he placed the weight of a country on the shoulders of a very young boy.

New Onigashima found itself with its inhabitants clasping their hands and closing their eyes, begging Luffy to accept, to save them. How sad that such a request would be granted, but for another version of Wano and not for them. But that false faith that they would be saved was what currently kept them slightly happy.

"Fool! Of course I will! This is the country of my friends!" Luffy shouted.

The inhabitants of New Onigashima began to shed tears, many of them kneeling and begging for Luffy's arrival, the one who in another world would save them from the terrible tyranny Kaido had subjected the country that had once been called Wano to. They shouted his name amid screams, cries, and sobs, begging him to please come, to save them, to remove their chains.

"Luffy!"

"Please, Luffy! We are here!"

"Save us, Luffy!"

On the other hand, Momonosuke began to breathe erratically. Luffy would save them. Luffy was their ally. Luffy was their light and savior. Luffy had truly dared to confront Kaido for them, for him.

Luffy was the only one who had dared to save them.

Akagami Shanks and Whitebeard had both known Oden and his family, had called him a friend, and loved him. However, neither of them had done anything when Kaido took Wano, Oden's beloved home, and led it into tyranny, where his people couldn't even drink clean water. They had turned their backs on Wano, and that was something Momonosuke would never forget or forgive. He didn't care about the reasoning behind that decision when he saw his people dying of thirst and hunger, unable to access the most basic rights that every living being deserves.

And yet, Luffy hadn't hesitated. Younger than both Yonkou, he had accepted the burden of a country he didn't fully understand just because a friend had asked him to please save them. Luffy had extended that hand. Luffy hadn't hesitated.

How could Momonosuke compete with his heart screaming for that pirate?

He needed him.

He needed him.

He needed him.

He had to have him.

And those simple yet powerful words had touched the hearts of others around the world who watched as Luffy decided to fight such a powerful enemy just to protect his friends in such a pure act.

"What a simple-minded pirate," Shamrock smiled, his gaze never leaving Luffy's image, his hands now itching to touch that round face more than ever.

Fujitora smiled softly at the simple yet beautiful words that came from the pirate's lips. He could only hear what they were saying on the broadcast, and visually, he was carried away by the descriptions his fellow Admirals were giving him. And yet, he knew those descriptions surely didn't do Luffy justice.

For the first time, he wished he hadn't blinded himself and taken away the privilege of seeing Luffy with his own eyes.

Dragon found himself slightly shaking his head at the simplicity of his mind and the sheer naiveté his son was displaying. Luffy had too pure a heart.

"I finally found you, Roronoa Zoro," said Shanks, announcing his presence in the small bar where Zoro and some pirates were drinking while watching the broadcast, the latters glancing at Zoro every ten seconds.

"Roronoa, what the hell did you do to make a Yonkou seek you out and even find you?" asked a pirate with false happiness and more suspicion.

"Huh? I didn't do anything," Zoro stated, confused, although he could imagine what Shanks wanted.

"You haven’t done anything wrong, and I'm not looking for you for anything bad. But I need you to come with me, for your own good." Although the words were spoken gently, they sounded like a threat.

And Zoro knew they weren't a threat to him, just the pure truth. Just as Zoro knew Luffy was his Captain, so too must Shanks have known, probably long before even Zoro himself.

Now that he had more eyes on him, Zoro would no longer be as lucky as he had been in the past. His face will surely soon be known around the world, and he isn't powerful enough to defend himself against the government or other powerful figures.

He had no choice but to go with Shanks.

At least, Shanks seemed trustworthy, or that's how Luffy saw him. And if Luffy trusted Shanks, then Zoro would trust his Captain.

"I'll follow you, then."

And Zoro's figure disappeared alongside Shanks's, both walking silently but quickly to the Red Force.

Luffy's bounty poster was seen in someone's hands.

"I think I'll see you very soon... Luffy," Shanks said with a smile, holding Luffy’s poster in his hands.

The screen went black again.

"Wait! I need to know more! I need to see Wano liberated!" Momonosuke cried out in anguish, longing to see how it would all end.

He didn't want to be left with uncertainty; he longed to see his country free. He had to see it.

Likewise, the world was anguished and upset, wanting to see more of Luffy and his exploits. What else would the young man do? Who else would he challenge on his journey to become Pirate King? Would he finally defeat Kaido and Big Mom? What else would they show?

"This can't end here, can it? We haven't seen anything!" a young woman cried, somewhat hysterically.

The Gorosei sighed in relief that everything was finally coming to an end. They suspected that the world was indeed being greatly impacted by what had just been revealed, and they had work to do to correct it before things got bad, or worse, before that being decided to reveal more, which was currently the highest probability.

More importantly, they had to give the order to eliminate Monkey D. Dragon, at least to eliminate any possibility of Luffy's birth.

"Give the order to CP0 to hunt down and kill Monkey D. Dragon," Saint Ethanbaron declared.

"I don't think this will end here," Sengoku said to Garp. "And I don't think your son will be safe from now on. Now more than ever, he must be in danger."

Garp was aware of this, so he took the Den Den Mushi.

"Old man?" he heard his stupid son's voice.

"You're not safe anymore," he began.

Nearby, Garp saw Sengoku's Den Den Mushi ringing, taking on the distinctive shape of Akainu. Judging by Sengoku's face, what the current Fleet Admiral was saying was troubling. And from the look on his face, and with his concern filling him with worry, Garp knew it had to do with him and his family.

‘Yes, I'll see you soon. One way or another, I'll see you, Monkey D. Luffy,’ Shanks thought as his ship approached. A darkly possessive smile spread across his face as he heard what his counterpart had said.

"Captain, Whitebeard is calling for you," Benn commented, showing him the Den Den Mushi, which Shanks quickly took while Benn guided Zoro around the ship, giving him a tour that would be useless given Zoro's terrible sense of direction.

"We need to do something, Akagami," was the first thing Whitebeard said as soon as Shanks answered.

And so, little by little, a chain around the world began to form, with various powerful figures beginning to communicate, determined to protect their interests and do something to have Monkey D. Luffy with them, or how they could get to him.

The world needed Luffy.

And they were going to get him.

Maybe it hadn't been part of the plan of that being when they decided to entertain themselves with the pain of an entire planet, but now it was too late, and what they showed had awakened in this world an obsession with Luffy and a plan that was in its infancy, but that would soon shake the entire world.

Monkey D. Luffy was their savior, and they wanted him, needed him.

Although he didn't show up a lot, Luffy impacted the world, and it was easy for people to worship someone like him. After all, people can't see gods and still worship them, so why not do the same with Luffy, whom they could see?