-Orange Pirate- 

Julius ‘Orange’ stood at the head of his ship as he watched the Umbra pirates fire themselves onto the mainland ahead of the vanguard. He sighed, what had he expected from them. 

“Alright crew, they got a head start on us, let's give em hell!” Julius yelled out. With that, the Suneater made for land, meanwhile the Crimson Conquest sprouted legs and arms. “Alright serious what the hell!” He was completely dumbfounded. “Have they had that this whole time?”

Once they reached landfall the army of pirates and rebels began to flood the streets. The Orange pirates took one section of the docks, they planned to secure the ships in case of things going south and they needed to make a hasty retreat. They were counting on the Umbras as the main spearhead force, and if they failed, well then they better hope that the Umbra’s weekend the Emperor enough. 

“Well, one of you worst generation members huh.” A voice said. Orange turned to spot a member of the Great Wind pirates, Lancaster ‘Smalls’. He was a higher member of the Great Winds, serving directly below Haruka ‘Sure Shot’. Julius knew this man possessed the shrink-shrink fruit, and had some martial abilities. Behind him was a swarm of smaller Great Wind pirates, probably from the fifth division based on the insignia. 

Julius looked to his crew, they were raring to go. “Alright guys, let's show em how we deal with pirates that get in our way.” With a cheer the Orange pirates engaged the enemy. 

Julius sent a quick wave of acid in a lash, one that splashed against the skin of many of the front line enemies. Lancaster shrunk suddenly, vanishing from sight in the dark dock light. Maroon, Indigo, and Pink threw themselves into the second wave as the fire came crashing down from pain. Violet had vanished, but was more than likely flanking the back lines. Julius was proud of how his crew was taking down the enemies, so he left them to it, and focused his haki. 

He dodged by stepping back slightly just as Lancaster grew back to his regular size, throwing an uppercut as he returned to his normal size. Julius then lashed out, attempting to grab at the man's arm. Lancaster threw himself back, avoiding the grapple. 

“Seems we hit an impasse.” Julius said with a cheeky smile. “This isn't a battle of endurance, it's a battle of who hits first. One hit from you will shrink me to the size of an ant, while one hit from me will melt you.”

Lancaster smiled wickedly. “Seems to me like you're just trying to buy time for your crew.”

“Nah, they know better than to get in my way, else they get an Ulcer.” Julius darted out at Lancaster with his left hand open, attempting to grab at his face. Lancaster ducked it then aimed a punch at Julius' stomach. He quickly shifted his weight, his body turning to the right so the punch flew by harmlessly. 

Continuing his shift he shot his right grip at Lancaster, who had to fall back to avoid the melting grasp. This brought both of Julius’s fists close enough together to grasp onto one another and bring a downward swing onto the man. The fists slammed into Lancaster’s knee cap, breaking the bone as Julius flared his Armament Haki into his fists. 

WIth a cry of pain Lancaster fell to the ground, hands on his shattered knee. Julius stood over him for a moment, pleased with the results. “Guess I was wrong, this was a two shot fight. Luckily for ya, I just don't feel like melting ya.” Lancaster threw a pained look up at Julius. “That's right, you can praise me for my mercy, though to be honest I can only do it so much, and some small fry like you just isn't worth the time.” With that, Julius swung his interlocked fists to the side, smashing Lancaster across the nose. The pirate fell to the cobbled stone with a sickening crunch, then remained still. 

“Too slow captain.” Pink said, standing atop two defeated pirates with another in her hand that she had just knocked out. “You're behind the rest of us.”

Julius smiled. “Guess I gotta catch up.” 

-Monkey Paw-

Karma was deep into the city now, pirates and guards all around. Before him was Iridian, a member of the Great Wind Pirates. He ate the Monkey-Monkey Fruit model Orangutan, the two pirates were in a heated battle of clashing fists.

“Im just saying! Join us! You fit so well with our theme!” Karma shouted. 

“Hell nah, you should join us! Captain would love a tiger user!” Iridian shouted back. 

“Captain, are you sure you should be discussing this here?” Aisake asked as he and Alfonso were battling the threats all around them. Slowly the guards were being turned to their side thanks to the gem stone warriors.

“There is no better time!” Karma shouted. He dodged a long arm swing that smashed into a street lamp, bending the frame. He rushed forward and tackled the man into a cabbage stall, sending the vegetables sprawling wildly. “Now, you will join my crew!” He shouted this then punched Iridian in the face.

Iridian took it like a champ, spitting a tooth out to the side and swinging an arm that smashed into Karma like a whip. “I will do no such thing!” He shouted as Karma fell to the side, rolling and squashing cabbage below him. “You'll join us!” 

Karma got to his feet, then moved into a stance. “You leave me no choice, I will end this in one move, and then youll join us!”

“Not if I defeat you first!” 

Karma smiled. “You can't convince me, because the Umbra Force will win the day, this is the end of the Great Wind Pirates you hear me!” Karma lowered his body, he was in his hybrid form, channeling his Haki into his palms. “Monkey Fist, Third Wish, Regretful Choice.”

Those watching from the outside would say that Karma simply slide across the ground directly at Iridian, but his had intruth sent so much force into his feet that he had only appeared that way. Iridian went to defend and retaliate, but as Karma neared Iridian realized pain shoot up his arms, forcing them to spread out, opening his body to the brunt of the clawed fists attack. In one solid motion Karma slammed the palms of his hands into the main, and sent him flying into a building with a crash. 

Iridian sat dazed. Then smiled. “I guess I lost this one, captain.” With that, he collapsed unconscious. 

-Boar Pirates-

Renshu held his left hand to his bleeding shoulder. Before him stood Leafy, a man with the Pocket-Pocket Fruit. He kept drawing out weapons of explosive calibers or blades at the last second before a strike. Renshu was pissed, but he could only play defense. 

“What's the matter?” Leafy said in his annoying tone of voice, as if he was superior to everyone always. “Afraid that you'll hurt your crew mate?”

Renshu would have refused to admit it, but Leafy was right. He had sucked Nekroz into his pockets, trapping him inside. If Renshu struck him wrong, Leafy could direct the damage to Nekroz. He wondered why he held back, the person he was before wouldn't have carried, he would have just gone for it. Yet, he couldn't bring him to strike knowing it could hurt Nekroz. How long had that been something he thought about? He didn't worry about Leafy hurting Nekroz, there was no way this small fry could hurt him in anyways, but Renshu was a different story. 

“Looks like you'll just have to take this then!” Leafy shouted, pulling out a rocket launcher from his pocket. Rneshu stood there, he could slice the rocket as it launched, causing it to explode on Leafy, but then Nekroz would take the damage too. Renshu thought for a moment, then realized he was okay. He would take this, Nekroz would defeat him, even if Renshu died in the process. There was something sobering about that thought. 

Luckily Renshu didnt need to think on it long, as he noticed that the launcher was slashed across the barrel, leaving it useless as Leafy pulled the trigger. 

“I see.” Renshu said. “Nekroz, your breaking his weapons on the inside arent you.” 

It was true, inside the pocket a smaller version of Leafy was trying to kill Nekroz, but Nekroz was dodging him, destroying everything inside the dinosaur suited man's playroom, all to remove threats to his Captain. 

“To think I was about to give up.” Renshu said, pulling up his blades. “Nekroz, if you can hear me, then prepare yourself, Ill finish it in one, but you gotta not take it.”

Nekroz could not hear him, however he had already destroyed all the weapons in the toy room, thus he returned his attention to Leafy. “It seems you are the last thing in here to break.” 

Two simultaneous strikes hit Leafy at once, internally and externally, he could not stop them both, and they sent his mind into a panic as he was overcome with pain. His pockets opened wide, allowing Nekroz to escape. 

“Nice work.” Renshu said, fist bumping his friend.

“Shall we head for the palace?” Nekroz said, looking towards the battle going on.

Renshu saw Emma fighting Baihin in the sky. “Nah, she better win, after I wasted so long on training her. Let's just clear up the rabble.”

Nekroz smiled. “As you say Captain.” With that, they continued attacking pirates in the streets. 

-Sebastian-

The ground was covered in thorny vines, the communication snails were strewn upon the floor, unable to do their job as the vines grew around them. Many of the Great WInd pirates that were in the room were knocked unconscious from Sebastian's first strike and Cherry’s assault. Yet one stood, dropping Sebastian from his grasp. 

How many volts had he taken from Priamos Volt-Volt fruit? Sebastian struggled to get up as Priamos began to vibrate, generating more electricity. 

“ComeonUmbrayoucandobetterthenthat!” Priamos shouted quickly. “Showmewhatyougothuhuhdontdieonmeyet!” 

Sebastian couldn't focus, his muscles were not responding to him properly. His body must have been thrown into shock. Was this the best he could do?
“Sebastian!” A familiar voice shouted. Sebastian turned to see Benito standing in the doorway, he looked ragged, as if he had flown through a building or something. “Would you like my assistance, my friend?”

Sebastian looked at the Skypian, then felt tears well in his eyes. Was he that weak? He needed saving? He needed someone else to fight for him? Cherry was counting on him. Was he that weak? 

Emma flashed in his mind, alongside Ed. 

Sebastian slammed his fist into the vine covered ground, a thorn stabbing in between his knuckles. He focused on that pain, tricking his body to ignore the other pains in him, regaining control. 

“No!” Sebastian yelled out. “I am a member of the Umbra Pirates! If our captain is going to become a Emperor of the Sea, then her crew needs to be just as strong!” He placed one foot under him, forcing himself up, facing Priamos down with determination. “Our Captain is the future Queen of the pirates! Don't you dare look down on us!” 

Benito smiled from the doorway. “You got this, friend Sebastian.” With that, he turned and ran off. 

Sebastian stared down Priamos with passion in his eyes. He felt it, the call of the Rhythm of Life. thinking of his captain, of Cherry, of Jaquar, Jericho, Kagu, Bei, Benito, Dag, Nyarl, Joro, of Ed. 

“Sixth Verse.” He began, his voice ringing around the room. “To Stand By Their Side” With that, he rang out a melody on his violin. The space between him and Priamos suddenly expanded, as the room seemed to double in size. With each note, floating representations of the notes began to spiral out, then began to wrap around Priamos. 

“Whatisthis!” Priamos shouted, trying to break free, but was unable. 

The song continued to play in a series of sharp reverberations. It was as these sharp notes began to hit Priamos that he began to feel its effects, now trapped he was prey to the effects of Sebastian's rhythm. Each sharp note hit into Priamos mind, hammering into his bones, rattling his insides and sending sharp sounds directly into his body. He could not escape as each note beat into him, causing his head to bounce from side to side in pain. By the time the song ended, Priamos was dropped to the thorny ground, defeated. 

Sebastian stood proud, sweat running down his face from the song of battle. He felt strong, with this perhaps he could even stand alongside his brother. 

-Dag-

Dag stared down the giant feathered Spinosaurus that was Cuixatli. Dag was afraid, shaken to his core. But Emma had counted on him, she trusted that Dag could win. So he would. 

Their battle had been raging for a long while, Emma and Baihin were already battling overhead. Dag was about to bring this to an end. 

Cuixatli went to slam his head down, but Dag was prepared. His Gauntlets were designed with four slots, but only two were filled on each, for Joro wished to expand on them later. Slot one held his Water Cannons, and Slot 3 on the opposite side held his Anchors. Currently, he had his right gauntlet set to slot 3, and his left set to slot 1. 

As the dinosaur came down, Dag shot his right anchor up, it slammed into the ceiling and broke in, grabbing hold of the upper floor. Dag dashed to the side, gaining momentum. He dashed up the wall, then jumped onto the back of Cuixatli, pressing down the spines on his back. He pulled free the anchor from the ceiling, retracting it automatically. Cuixatli turned to strike at his rear, but was met by Dag’s left water cannons. The salt water inside slammed into him, the effects causing the devil fruit user to stagger for a moment, turning his head away. Dag shot his right anchor out again as Cuixatli turned his head, catching the Dinosaur with the hook in his mouth, leaving him like a fish on a lure. 

Dag swapped his left Gauntlet to slot one, then pulled back hard on his right chain, retracting it towards him. Cuixatli’s neck was pulled back in an awkward angle, forced to look upon Dag upside down. 

“Betta Fish Anchor Shot!” Dag shouted as his left shot slammed into Cuxatli’s face, knocking the dinosaur out on its feet. It collapsed to the ground, leaving Dag standing proud as he gave a triumphant shout. At that moment Benito came into the room, spotting Dag, and smiled. 

-Undead Pirates- 

Issac sat against the ground, Erlang ‘Third Eye’ stood over him with a saber up to his throat, this fight was proving annoying.

“This is the man you choose to follow dear sister?” Erlang asked.

“That is correct.” Oriel said, sitting on a table with her chin resting on her palm. “With him everything is interesting.” 

Erlang smiled. “Is that so? Well, what if I defeat him here?”

“Unlikely.” Oriel said. “Issac is going easy so far. Mostly because he doesn't want to kill you.”

“Is that so?” Erlang said.

“Hugh would never forgive me if I made Oriel cry.” Issac said. 

“How sweet sister.” Erlang chidded.

“We're a bit of an endangered species, us Orikans.” Oriel said smugly. “You gotta start reproducing a bit brother.”

Erlang laughed. “I don't think you can tell me what I should be doing, dear little sister.”

“Why, we are going to win here.” Oriel said.

“Is that so? And what makes you think that if I dare ask?” Erlang said. 

“Because your about to lose.” Oriel said smuggly.

“Interesting, because neither of us can see the other’s future.” Erlang said as if it was a checkmate.

“Yep, but just a second ago, I stopped being able to see Issac’s.” Oriel said.

Erlangs smile dropped. He turned his head behind him, down a dark hall way, where a set of brown eyes seemed to shine. 

“Bought time you got here buddy.” Issac said with a laugh. 

Hugh sighed. “Beyond the Veil” With that, one of the brown eyes shifted suddenly to a bright green. Meanwhile, one of Issac’s bright green eyes shifted to brown. 

“Alright bud, let's get to work, I got to catch up to a pretty lady up top.” Issac said. “Call of the Dead.” 

The battle ended swiftly after, the combined effort of two Supernova’s overpowered the Yonko commander, and he laid beaten on the floor, as his captain above was beaten. 

-Haruka-

Haruka struggled to carry Baihin, the large mink was not light by any sense of the word. He found Jaquar ‘Red Fist’ unconscious next to a crater, where Cristoff laid. 

“Wakey wakey” Haruka said, kicking Cristoff in the ribs hard. 

Cristoff gained consciousness with a cough, spitting up blood. “Wha?”

“We lost man.” Haruka said. “Come on, we gotta get captain out of here, Osumare is preparing our ship now.” 

Cristoff struggled to his feet, then looked at Jaquar for a solid moment. “He was a worthy opponent.” 

“At least you had one.” Haruka growled. 

“Cherry not meet your expectations?” Cristoff asked, taking part of the load from Haruka. 

“He finished the fight between Soge Wielders with a damn sword! Then he had the audacity to tell me to abandon the captain and join the Monkey Paws!” Haruka said angrily. 

“So you won't be joining the Umbra’s?” Cristoff said as they began to head out of the courtyard. 

“Once Captain kicks the bucket, I'll be joining Emma.” Haruka said. “However, she has no need for someone like Cherry at her side. He's not a man worthy to stand at my sister’s side. So if that day ever comes, I'll be dealing with Cherry personally.” 

Cristoff laughed at this. “Even though you're next in line to lead the Great Winds, you plan to leave?”

“I joined for Baihin, if he isn't there, there is no point in the Great Winds.” Haruka said. “Besides” He was cut off as he saw a group of people blocking their path. 

‘Skyfist’ Benito stood at the center of the gathered group. To his sides was Dag the Fishman, with Kagu resting on his back, though looking angrily at Baihin. Nyarl and Bei on the other side, along with Sebastian ‘Six Strings’. 

“Shit.” Haruka said. “Cristoff, what you thinking?”

“Not likely.” Cristoff said. “You?”

“Nada here.” Haruka said. 

“Do not worry.” Benito said in a commanding voice. “We have no intention of killing you.” 

“Thats a relief.” Haruka said, sensing a motive behind this.

“However, you must give up your Road Polyniglpyh.” Benito stated. “Do that, and you may leave.”

Haruka and Cristoff exchanged looks with each other. Giving up the polyniglyph. was the same as saying that Baihin was out of the running to be King of the Pirates. Both of them were struggling with what to do.

“Do it.” The voice of Erlang came from the side. Haruka saw him emerge with Priamos and Cuixatli on his shoulders, they struggled to walk from the palace. “Captain lost, plain and simple. Would you rather Baihin die here or let him get out and potentially get it back some day.”

They all knew there wasn't a chance of them getting it back, Baihin was already on a limited time. This was a disaster, their army was destroyed, they most likely had less than a hundred men left at this point. They could not wage their war, they had no chance of making Baihin king of the pirates before he expired. 

“Do it.” Baihin growled from Haruka’s shoulder. He could not move, but he managed those words. “I entrust it to Nash now. She will carry that dream, isn't that right Erlang?” 

Erlang smiled at his captain. “Of course Captain, this night confirmed it.” 

Baihin smiled. “Tell em where it is Haruka.”

Haruka struggled. “Its in a store house on the east side of the complex. You cant miss it.” 

“If you lie, out tiny friend in the giant robot ship will sink you, be aware of that.” Benito stated.

“You. you have a what?” Haruka said, stretching his Observation out to the sea. “Holy shit what is that!” 

They had not lied, and so Haruka and the rest of the Great Winds managed to escape with but one of the captain's treasures. The Tweet-Tweet Fruit model Phoenix, the one he acquired after defeating Roark Free Bird. Haruka had known of this fruit for along while, and knew of what Emma’s fruit could have been, though he wasnt sure until tonight. He thought back to the last parting words from the cook of the umbra pirates. 

“Here you go.” Kagu said, handing a small book to Haruka.

“What is this?” Haruka asked, taking the booklet. 

“A copy of Emma’s fan fiction” Kagu said. 

“I like you.” Haruka said as they dragged Baihin off. 

He settling into his cabin and began to read as the rest of the crew licked their wounds. “Who is Matsuno?”