One Piece: Reborn in God's Valley

Under the full force of the World Government's propaganda machine, by that very afternoon, Ashen's bounty poster had already spread across most regions of the world.

The New World. Somewhere at Sea

A massive whale-shaped pirate ship cruised slowly through the waves, it was none other than the Moby Dick.

"Pops. There's a new guy from the West Blue named Ashen V. Helgrave," Marco called out as he held the freshly-delivered bounty poster. 

"This guy's first bounty is a whopping 800 million Berries. I don't even know what he did to make the World Government slap such a high price on his head."

"Gurararara. At first, I thought it was someone with the same name... but this brat's actually still alive. Looks like he's grown up quite a bit, huh?" 

Whitebeard chuckled as he took the poster and studied it closely, a pleased smile spreading across his face.

"Wait, Pops, you know this guy? But we haven't been to the West Blue in ages," Jozu asked, surprised.

"He's no newcomer, Jozu. Back in the day, Ashen sailed on the same ship as me. He was a pirate under my flag. Of course, back then, his bounty was only 100 million Berries."

"Huh? He used to be one of your crewmates?" Everyone around was stunned.

"That was more than ten years ago now. That kid used to get smacked around by my fists more than anyone," Whitebeard laughed, lost in a fond memory.

"Alright, let's throw a party. Time to celebrate."

"Yeahhh. Party time again."

....

The New World. Golden Lion Pirates

"Shihahaha. That kid's got guts. Grow stronger, Ashen, this boring world needs a shake-up."

Shiki grinned wildly, staring at the radiant smile on Ashen's bounty poster. His eyes burned with anticipation.

"Look at all those brats who used to be on my ship... now just making fools of themselves in the New World. Hurry up and catch up, boy. Come join me in turning this world upside down."

…..

The New World. On a Certain Island

The room was dim, the only light flickering from two lit cigars.

"So, Umit, you planning to make contact with him?"

A tall figure broke the silence. "You two have some potential business. And if you don't make a move now, your rivals sure won't wait around."

"Hmph. If we're talking business, you need him more than I do," Umit scoffed. 

"The West Blue has the highest number of gambling dens. High-interest loan clients are crawling all over the place."

"Then start with a meeting. We've only just gained a foothold in the New World, more allies means more opportunities."

"Fine. Let's see how it goes."

…..

Big Mom Pirates.

"Mamamama. You really are a lucky one, Ashen."

Charlotte Linlin drooled as she gazed at Ashen's picture on the bounty poster. 

"But don't think I've forgotten how you turned me down. If you hadn't refused me, our kid would be bigger than Cracker by now."

West Blue. Gangster Island

Wah. Wah. 

Ashen V. Helgrave: 800 million Berries.

Did you see the look on those gangsters' faces? Absolutely priceless." Lafitte was beside himself with excitement, waving the bounty poster around.

"Lafitte. How many times do I have to tell you, stop flying over our heads." Salles snapped.

"Let him be, Salles." Ashen smiled as he watched Lafitte being his usual eccentric self. Deep down, he was proud of the change he had brought.

"By the way, why aren't you handling things on the island? Did something happen?" Ashen asked, turning to Salles.

"Actually, yes, and it's good news. Take a look, Captain." Salles handed over a document, beaming with pride.

"Oh? You really managed to get it out of him, huh? So, how'd you make him talk?"

What Ashen held was none other than the training manual for the Six Powers of the Navy.

"Nothing much. Just a little application of my Emotion-Emotion Fruit. First, I amplified his pleasure until he felt like he was in heaven... then dropped him straight into hell by maximizing his pain. Did that for a few days. Guy completely broke, spilled everything."

Salles explained smugly.

"Well done. You and Lafitte start training in the Six Powers immediately. If you hit any walls, come to me. As for that Cowen... he's outlived his usefulness. Put him down quickly and cleanly."

"Also, the recruitment plan needs to move forward. Only take in elites, weed out the trash as fast as possible."

Ashen's tone was cold and commanding.

"West Blue pirates can be brought into our ranks, but they must follow orders. If anyone causes trouble, I'll deal with them myself.

If we spot any promising talents, we can offer incentives. And for those who prove their loyalty, they'll be taught the Six Powers."

"Yes, Captain. I'll make it happen."

Grand Line. Enies Lobby.

"Director Spandine, Agent Cowen's Vivre Card has just burned out. Confirmed KIA," a CP agent reported.

"Understood. What's the Navy saying?" Spandine asked with a scowl.

"The Navy replied that they're under too much pressure in the New World. Their top forces are stretched thin and can't assist in the West Blue. They told us to handle it ourselves."

"Tch. Useless bastards. The government gives them mountains of funding every year just to sit around eating and drinking?" Spandine fumed.

Puru~ Puru~

"Sir, Den Den Mushi is ringing," the agent said, looking toward the transponder snail behind Spandine.

"Let it ring. Can't you see I'm already pissed off?"

"But... sir... I think it might be a direct line from Mary Geoise."

"What?"

Spandine shot to his feet, quickly switching to a flattering smile. The agent wisely retreated from the room.

"Hello. This is Spandine speaking, awaiting your orders."

"Spandine. What the hell is CP9 doing? The Celestial Dragons are furious." The transponder snail took on the features of one of the Five Elders, his voice stern.

"Great Elder, please listen. This is all Ashen V. Helgrave's fault. He stole the Devil Fruit meant for the Celestial Dragons, and my top agent has just been confirmed dead. We're victims too." Spandine stammered, sweating.

"I don't want excuses. I want results," the voice from the snail boomed, making Spandine shiver.

"Yes, sir. But... the enemy is extremely powerful, and with the Navy refusing to help…"

"Hmph. I know what you're trying to say. But compared to the Navy, you have more than enough funding. I'll put pressure on them. As for Ashen V. Helgrave, CP0 will handle him. You will coordinate with them."

"And keep your house in order. Stop disgracing the name of the World Government." With that, the Elder ended the call.

"Phew... terrifying..." Spandine wiped cold sweat from his brow. 

"Damn you, Ashen... Let's see how arrogant you are once CP0 gets involved."

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