One Piece: Reborn in God's Valley

Ten days later. At Clock Tower Square in Gangster Island

The flag of the Helgrave Pirates fluttered in the wind atop the highest structure on Gangster Island, the old clock tower.

Beneath it, a temporary platform had been erected. 

Sitting atop it, from left to right, were Ashen, Salles, Lafitte, and Walton, who had his head wrapped in bandages and was noisily licking honey.

The square below buzzed with noise and excitement. Most of those gathered were pirates from the West Blue, along with a few thugs and bounty hunters.

"Everyone, today is the Helgrave Pirates' recruitment day. Thank you all for coming to Gangster Island," Salles began as the time approached.

"Now let me explain the rules of the trial.

It's pretty simple, if you pass Captain's test, you'll be accepted as a regular member of the Helgrave Pirates. 

If you perform well over time, you can apply to become a core crew member. 

Those who fail the test won't be leaving empty-handed either. You can choose to stay on Gangster Island and join the Fernando Family. Of course, if you slack off, you'll be kicked out."

"Haha. Then what are we waiting for? Let's get started already."

"Yeah. I've been stuck on this island for days. I'm sick of waiting."

…

Ashen listened to the rising noise below and knew it was time to make his entrance. He stood up and walked to the edge of the platform.

"Everyone."

At the sound of his voice, the square fell silent in an instant.

That's the Dark Swordsman, Ashen V. Helgrave, with a bounty of 800 million… I can't even look him in the eye, many thought in awe.

As all eyes turned to him, Ashen continued calmly.

"Let's not waste time. My trial is simple. If you can withstand my aura without fainting, you pass."

"What kind of joke is this? Are you underestimating us?"

"Hahaha. That easy? No way anyone fails that."

"Fools," muttered a pirate with a black bandana.

"You've never even stepped into the Grand Line, so you don't know what real despair feels like when facing true strength." His fists clenched, as if reliving a painful memory.

…

"Looks like you're all ready," Ashen said a few minutes later as the murmurs died down. "Then let's begin."

Soul Intimidation.

Wmmmmm.

In a flash, Ashen's soul pulsed with a unique frequency. Centered on him, a tangible shockwave of spiritual force surged out, blanketing the square.

More than two thousand people stood frozen in place, as if caught in a spell. Then, thud, thud, thud, they began collapsing like dominoes.

Seconds later, Ashen withdrew the ability. Any longer, and those with weaker spirits would suffer real damage.

Now, only 17 remained standing on the square, including the bandana-wearing young man.

"Hahaha. Captain, what was that, some kind of magic? Why can't anyone else stand up?" Walton was the first to react.

"Idiot. That was the captain's Haki and ability combined," Salles said, having just regained his composure.

"You're the idiot. Wanna taste my fist?"

"Hmph. Or do you want me to remind you what being a worm feels like?"

Ashen ignored their bickering and addressed the survivors. 

"Congratulations. You've passed the trial. Salles will explain the rules of the Helgrave Pirates shortly."

He turned to leave when, 

"Wait." the young man in the bandana called out.

"Oh?" Ashen looked back. "You have something to say?"

"That guy earlier said once we become regular members, we can apply to be core crew. Is that true?" He pointed at Salles.

"Hey. Are you nuts? You just got accepted and you're already challenging core members?" one of the other sixteen cried out.

"Haha, I like your spirit," Ashen replied seriously. "Tell me your name, and how do you plan to apply?"

"Thomas Parnell. And as for how... I figure if I beat one of them," he glanced at the three behind Ashen, "that should be enough, right?"

"Haha, of course. Out here, strength is everything. If one day you decide you want to be captain, you can challenge me too," Ashen said with a smile, reminded of himself when he first boarded the Rocks Pirates' ship.

"Captain. Let me take him on." Walton jumped off the platform before anyone else could speak.

"Oi, fatty. What kind of pirate crew sends a guy with bandages to fight? Don't you people have any compassion?" Parnell taunted, eyes locked on the bandage atop Walton's head.

"You cocky punk. Watch how I deal with you." Walton immediately transformed into his animal hybrid form and slashed with his claw.

Parnell didn't move. The strike landed, tearing across his chest, and yet, he didn't fall.

"Ah. Captain, this guy's a moron. Why didn't he dodge?" Walton looked up at Ashen, confused. Ashen just smiled at him.

"You're the moron. Ever heard of Logia users?" came a voice from the ground.

Parnell's body melted into black liquid and began spreading across Walton.

"Waaaah. What the hell is this? It's hot. Ahhh. Damn it, get off my hair." Walton shrieked in panic, completely helpless.

Ashen caught the acrid, familiar scent in the air and thought to himself, What a lucky find. 

A Logia user, Tar-Tar Fruit. The West Blue really lives up to its reputation.

"Alright, Parnell. Let him go, or he'll be bald in a minute," Ashen said, eyeing Walton's head.

"So I passed then?" Parnell stepped away and returned to his solid form.

"Of course. But with your strength, you should've been sailing the Grand Line long ago. Why are you still in the West Blue?" Ashen asked.

"I did go. Set out three years ago. But… back then I was twenty, and I couldn't even take a single blow from a fifteen year old kid. So I came back to train. 

Half a year ago I got this Devil Fruit, and when I heard you were recruiting, I figured it was time to sail again," Parnell said, his voice bitter as he recalled the humiliation.

"That kid… was his name Douglas Bullet?" Ashen asked, a strange look in his eyes.

"Eh? How'd you know, Captain?" Parnell said, wide-eyed.

"Hahahaha. Parnell, you poor bastard. That guy's strong enough to go toe to toe with Roger's right-hand man, Rayleigh. And you tried to fight him? Hahahahaha…" Ashen couldn't help but laugh.

"What? I thought all the Grand Line monsters were like that…" Parnell scratched his head, horrified.

"Hahahaha. Hahahahaha." 

The whole square erupted into laughter.

"Salles. Wake up the unconscious ones. Time for a feast."

"Aye, Captain."

"Salles. I want more honey. Don't forget."