One Piece: Reborn in God's Valley

Salles didn't let Ashen down when it came to efficiency. As the former heir to the Fernando Family, he immediately got in touch with their old partners. 

With the help of the other five great families' networks, it only took two days for the entire West Blue to hear the news, the Helgrave Pirates were recruiting crew members on Gangster Island.

Fernando Club, Top Floor.

"Captain, the island's gotten a lot livelier these past few days. Most of them are probably here for the assembly ten days from now," Salles said as he ate lunch.

"Well done, Salles. Looks like the Fernando name still carries weight in West Blue," Ashen praised him.

"That name alone wouldn't be enough to attract this many people. They're here for you, Captain. 

An 800 million bounty, that's a big deal, even in the New World," Salles said, not daring to take the credit.

"Still, make sure the island stays under control these days. Most of these people are the lawless type, no telling what kind of trouble they might stir up," Ashen warned.

"Don't worry, Captain. I've got men stationed all over. There shouldn't be any problems," Salles assured him.

"Don't be too sure," Ashen said with a slight smirk.

Boom.

As if on cue, just as Ashen finished speaking, the doors to the dining hall were blasted open. 

Two mafia guards stationed outside were sent flying through the room.

Salles shot to his feet and turned toward the door.

Under the chandelier's warm glow, the intruder stepped into view, a man around thirty years old, standing nearly three meters tall and massively overweight. 

His silver-white hair was shaved into a mohawk, and his round face was obscured by a pair of black sunglasses.

Despite wearing a designer suit, he carried none of a gentleman's poise. The buttons were all undone, showing off his massive beer belly. Gaudy rings sparkled on all ten of his fingers.

At first glance, everyone in the room had the same thought: This guy is nothing but a thug.

"You bastard. Who the hell are you, barging in here and causing trouble?" Salles barked, his earlier confidence quickly crumbling.

"Bwahahaha. Listen up, my name's Ernest Walton. Heard your captain got an 800 million bounty. 

Tell him to get his ass out here and fight me. If he doesn't, I'm tearing this place apart." Walton roared.

"You want to challenge our captain? Then you'll have to get through me first."

"Terror Dread." 

Salles slammed his palms through the air toward Walton, activating his Devil Fruit ability.

"Hah? What are you doing? Putting on a magic show? Take that crap to the first floor. Get the hell out of my way." Walton barked, throwing a punch.

Crash.

Salles was sent flying, crashing through a row of chairs before coming to a stop.

"Salles, are you okay?" Lafitte rushed over to help him up, concern in his voice.

"You… What the hell? Why didn't my power work on you? You didn't show even a flicker of fear. 

Are you some kind of idiot?" Salles narrowed his eyes, regaining composure as he probed for answers.

"You're the idiot. Fear? Hah. I've never been afraid of anything in my life. Bwahahaha." Walton boasted shamelessly.

"No fear, huh? I see… Then how about this?" Salles swung his hand again.

"Shame Amplification: Utter Humiliation."

"I'm sorry, everyone… I'm just a worm who doesn't deserve to live…" Walton collapsed to the ground on his knees, squirming like a pathetic maggot.

"Pfft, Hahahaha. Salles, your ability is hilarious." Lafitte burst into laughter, clutching his stomach.

"Arghhh. Bastard. What the hell did you do to me? I've never been so humiliated. I'm gonna kill you." Walton suddenly snapped out of it. 

His face twisted with rage as he remembered his recent disgrace. His body started to expand, thick fur bristling out from his skin as he transformed into a beast over five meters tall.

"Pffft. No way… Is that a honey badger?" Ashen choked on his drink as he saw the transformation.

"Honey what? Hmph. Don't think I'll go easy on you.

Ah, you must be Ashen. Come on then, fight me. If I win, you become my lackey, and your pirate crew is mine. Are you in or not?" Walton roared, finally recognizing Ashen.

"A fight? Sure, no problem. But what if you lose?" Ashen replied, honestly amused by this walking cartoon character.

"If I lose, then I'll be your crew member for life. You're recruiting, right? I don't ask for much, just give me honey every day."

"Alright. In that case… Let's go." Ashen beckoned him forward with a curl of his fingers.

Seeing that Ashen was about to go toe to toe with this oversized honey badger, Salles quickly ushered everyone outside.

Boom. Boom. Boom.

Inside the room, man and badger clashed.

Walton fought like a wild beast, brute force and instinct driving his every move. He charged and snapped at Ashen like an animal, no technique, just raw power.

Ashen, on the other hand, danced around the room with ease, dodging blow after blow. He didn't even bother using Haki at first, only striking back occasionally, toying with his opponent.

"You bastard. Is your 800 million bounty just for running fast? Quit running and fight me like a man." Walton bared his fangs, frustrated with the cat and mouse game.

"Alright, alright… I'll give you something to remember," Ashen said, coming to a stop.

Walton saw the opening and lunged, claws spread wide.

"Walton Claw."

Ashen ducked under Walton's swipe and slammed a Haki-coated fist into the beast's black-furred belly.

Walton staggered, throat catching a metallic tang, he nearly coughed up blood. But instead of backing down, he opened his jaws wide and lunged for Ashen's head.

Ashen leapt out of range, more to avoid getting drooled on than out of danger.

"Yep… you really are a honey badger. Guess I'll have to knock you out cold if I want this to end," Ashen said with a sigh.

Ashen launched himself into the air, black Haki coating his right arm. Then, like a falling meteor, he brought his fist down on Walton's giant skull.

Thud.

Walton's eyes rolled back, and he dropped like a sack of bricks, completely unconscious.

A few minutes later, the dust settled. Salles and Lafitte cautiously stepped back into the room, finding the beast sprawled on the floor.

"Captain, are you alright?" Lafitte asked.

"I'm fine," Ashen replied, brushing off his coat. "Take this guy to the clinic and patch him up. I'd say… It'll be a few days before he can walk again. Haha."