One Piece: Reborn in God's Valley

Two days later, in the same third-floor conference room of the Capone Club, now fully restored and renamed "Fernando" by Capone himself.

In the grand reception hall, Ashen and his two companions were enjoying lunch while attendants moved silently in the background, refilling wine glasses and bringing fresh dishes.

"Salles, how's the consolidation of the mafia forces going? Any resistance?" Ashen looked over at Salles.

"You've got to be kidding, Captain. You wiped out all the core members of the five major families on Gangster Island."

Salles gave a wry smile. "The rest of them were scared half to death. There's no one left with the guts to resist."

Who would've thought his captain could be so ferocious?

"Anyone who doesn't stand with us is the enemy. Those who switch sides with the wind, we leave none of them alive." Ashen stood and walked over to the window, gazing out as he spoke.

"We need to absorb and train the remaining forces of the five families as quickly as possible.

 Also, use the name Fernando to put out word to the world, recruit strong fighters. I want Gangster Island to become an impenetrable fortress within a year."

"Captain, shouldn't we have them join our pirate crew?" Salles asked, puzzled.

"No need. The core crew of the Helgrave Pirates must be people I've personally approved. 

Everyone else can either serve as regular crew under core members or form subordinate pirate crews aligned with ours."

"So, you'll need to groom someone to take over as the spokesperson of the Fernando Family after you leave," Ashen continued instructing.

"I'll get right on it, Captain. Oh, and one more thing. Capone Dubi apparently had a son, about the same age as Lafitte. 

But the kid couldn't stand his father siding with the World Government, so he left and went out to sea on his own. Should we track him down and eliminate any future threat?" Salles asked.

"No need to seek him out deliberately. If we cross paths in the future, we'll deal with it then. For now, our priority is growing stronger." 

After giving his orders, Ashen turned to Lafitte. 

"Lafitte, don't just focus on your Devil Fruit powers. Flying around all the time will leave you with a fatal weakness down the line. Physical combat skills are the foundation of true strength."

"Understood, Captain," Lafitte muttered with a grimace.

"Take this, go plant it at the top of the tallest bell tower on Gangster Island."

Ashen reached under the table and pulled out a pirate flag he had finished crafting the night before, handing it to Lafitte.

"Whoa. Captain, this is our pirate flag? It's so cool. I'm going to make sure everyone on Gangster Island sees it."

Lafitte's face lit up instantly as he took the flag and shot out the window, soaring into the sky.

…

A few minutes later, a massive black pirate flag slowly unfurled atop the bell tower, visible from every corner of Gangster Island.

On the flag, a large cross-shaped greatsword was emblazoned across the center. Embedded at the intersection of the cross, a skull.

The skull stared directly forward, with two flaming orbs in its hollow eyes, burning fiercely, as if the whole skull had emerged from the depths of the underworld.

"Believe me, Salles. One day, this flag will be planted in every corner of the world."

Ashen gazed at the pirate flag fluttering in the wind, his heart surging with pride and ambition.

…

Two days later, the Grand Line. Enies Lobby

Inside the CP9 headquarters office, Spandine was leisurely sipping his coffee.

"Director Spandine. Agent Cowen's Vivre Card from his West Blue mission is almost completely burned, it must be serious."

A CP9 agent rushed in to report.

"What? Cowen was an elite agent, how could this happen? Bring me his direct line, now." Spandine bellowed.

Moments later, Cowen's Den Den Mushi sat on the desk. Spandine wasted no time and slammed the button.

Meanwhile, back on Gangster Island, Ashen was coaching Lafitte in swordsmanship when Salles suddenly burst in holding the Den Den Mushi.

"Captain. This CP9 line's been ringing nonstop."

"Hand it here. It's probably Spandine. I'm curious to hear what that clown has to say."

Ashen took the Den Den Mushi and pressed the connect button.

"Hey. Cowen, where the hell are you? Did you get the package? I already reported success to the Celestial Dragons."

Spandine's face appeared on the Den Den Mushi, spitting with rage as he screamed.

"Shh. Keep your voice down, idiot. I'm not Cowen. Can't you see the face?"

Ashen sneered, clearly annoyed by Spandine's voice and deliberately provoking him.

"You bastard. Who are you? What did you do to Cowen?"

"Me? Just a pirate. As for Cowen… he's probably dead by now," Ashen said casually.

"You idiot. Do you realize what you've done? Cowen is a direct agent of the World Government. 

Are you looking to taste the fury of the Government? 

Release him now, he was on a mission for the Celestial Dragons. If you don't, your bounty will be plastered across the world by tomorrow."

Spandine threatened, seething.

"Perfect. Time for an upgrade to my bounty poster. This Den Den Mushi got a camera function, right? Make sure you get my good side."

Ashen even struck a pose in front of the Den Den Mushi.

"Bastard. Bastard."

"Relax. We'll meet again, sooner or later."

Click.

…

Marine Headquarters, Marineford

"Ashen V. Helgrave, former member of the Rocks Pirates. Disappeared after that incident more than a decade ago."

"In the past month, he reappeared in the Kano Country and defeated Chinjao, who has a bounty of 500 million. A few days ago, he took control of Gangster Island."

Inside the Navy strategy hall, strategist Komei was reporting to Kong, Sengoku, and others.

"He even captured CP9's senior agent Cowen and intercepted a package meant for the Celestial Dragons."

"Ha. That punk? I remember him. Back then, even as a rookie, he had the guts to draw his blade on Roger. 

Never thought he'd survive," Garp said with a hearty laugh as he looked at Ashen's photo.

"Garp, shut your damn mouth."

Sengoku scolded immediately, seeing Garp had casually dragged Roger's name into the conversation again.

"He's not that kid anymore. Even if Chinjao was injured, it's no small feat to beat him," Tsuru said gravely.

"Rocks may be dead, but that devil still leaves trouble in his wake. As if the Emperors weren't enough, now another monster shows up."

"Fortunately, their relationships are strained. Otherwise, who knows what chaos the seas would face," Sengoku muttered.

"Enough reminiscing. Let's focus on how to handle this. The Celestial Dragons are furious," Kong said firmly.

"The New World is already in chaos, and we don't have the top-tier forces to spare for the West Blue. 

My recommendation is to raise Ashen V. Helgrave's bounty, it'll at least appease the Celestial Dragons. 

As for the rest, let the Government handle it. After all, it was their man who got captured."

"I second that."

"Agreed."

…

That very day, Ashen V. Helgrave's new wanted poster began circulating across the world.