One Piece: Reborn in God's Valley

West Blue Waters near Gangster Island.

A massive ship bearing the emblem of the World Government cruised slowly through the waves.

Merchant vessels and pirate ships that spotted the flag immediately turned their bows, steering wide away to avoid any potential conflict.

"This is Abbas." A deep voice came from the Den Den Mushi held in Ulysses's hand.

"Yo. Finally answered. So, Abbas, did you take out Ashen or not? You don't sound too good," Ulysses said with a slight smirk curling beneath his mask.

"You did it on purpose, didn't you? Ulysses, you bastard, once I return to the Holy Land, I'll definitely report this to the higher-ups." 

Abbas's furious expression was faithfully mirrored on the face of the Den Den Mushi.

"What's the matter? Just a small time pirate from the West Blue. How could he possibly rattle you like this?" Ulysses teased.

"Shut up. You think a mere pirate from the West Blue could injure me? You withheld critical intel on purpose, didn't you?" Abbas growled, clearly aggrieved.

"Alright, enough. At least you tested his strength. Once the mission's over, I'll make sure your efforts are recognized," Ulysses said, his tone turning serious.

"Hmph, that's more like it. How much longer until you arrive?" Abbas, noticing the change in tone, seemed to soften and took the opportunity to let things slide.

"Tomorrow morning, I'll reach Gangster Island and join up with you. Just keep a close eye on Ashen, leave the rest to me." Without waiting for a reply, Ulysses ended the call.

…

Gangster Island, Fernando Club.

In the meeting room, core members of the Helgrave Pirates gathered around the Den Den Mushi.

"Abbas, tell us what kind of forces the World Government assigned to your team," Ashen ordered.

"Yes, Lord Ashen. The World Government is treating this mission quite seriously. 

Including myself, there are two CP0 agents. Ulysses possesses strength near that of a Marine Admiral. 

CP9 has dispatched five operatives to assist us, and we've been reinforced by 300 standard soldiers on loan from Marine Headquarters," Abbas reported.

"Only three hundred marines? I could wipe them out myself." Walton bellowed, slamming down his jar of honey.

"You idiot. Do you think Marines from Headquarters are the same as the ragtag troops here in the West Blue? Those are handpicked elites. 

Until you've been to the Grand Line, you can't grasp the real strength of the Navy." Parnell snapped, unable to tolerate Walton's ignorance any longer.

"Look who's talking. You went there and got flattened by a kid. Also, I'm a honey badger, not some backwater fool."

Walton retorted without missing a beat, when it came to verbal sparring, he feared no one.

"Enough." Ashen cut in. 

"Three hundred soldiers might be a problem, but as long as we fight properly, even if they doubled in number, it'd just be a matter of time before they're eliminated. 

Leave the CP0 agents to me and Abbas."

Ashen's gaze swept toward the four standing before him. 

"What worries me are the rest of you. CP9's agents shouldn't pose too much of a problem for Parnell and Walton, but it's still four of you against five of them, including Lafitte. 

Fight if you can, retreat if you must. Don't be reckless."

"Relax, Captain. If I can't win, I've got wings," Lafitte chimed in coolly.

"Yeah, Captain, I'll protect them," Parnell added firmly. Among the four, he was currently the strongest and naturally took on the responsibility.

"Salles, tomorrow keep the club running as usual. Have your men close it the moment gunfire breaks out. Work with those other members and mafia forces to deal with the marines," Ashen instructed.

"Yes, Captain. I can mobilize around six hundred elite fighters. The rest will keep order on the streets, once the fighting starts, I worry some folks may get ideas," Salles replied. 

As the head of the Fernando family, maintaining control over Gangster Island was also his duty.

"Good. Everyone get some rest. Tomorrow, the Helgrave Pirates will shake the seas."

"Yes, sir."

…

West Blue, behind Ulysses's ship.

A transport vessel sailed swiftly in its wake, packed with soot-covered black market merchants.

"Boss, we've arrived in the West Blue from Paradise. We should reach Gangster Island by tomorrow," reported a tall, thin man with a pair of thin mustaches, holding a Den Den Mushi in his hands.

"Good work, Jean DeGault. Ashen isn't your average pirate, don't try to coerce or bribe him like the small fry of the Four Blues. 

If we can build a relationship with him, then once he reaches the New World, we'll gain a powerful ally. That's why I sent you in person," said Lu Feld, who had only just begun establishing his footing in the New World and desperately needed someone like Ashen.

"Understood, Boss. I'll report back to you tomorrow," DeGault replied respectfully before ending the call.

On the other end of the line, on an island in the New World…

"Feld, since you're already in the West Blue, there's no need for me to send my own people. 

But don't act like this is all for your benefit, if you try to keep him to yourself, I won't let my ship bring him back," said Umit in a low, threatening voice.

"Haha. Relax, Umit. We've been partners for years, how could I leave you out of something this big?" Feld chuckled, chomping on a thick cigar.

"But who would've thought… Ashen was once part of the Rocks Pirates. No wonder the World Government put such a high bounty on him. 

Didn't they claim all the Rocks pirates were wiped out except for a few?" Umit muttered, poring over the intelligence in his hand.

"Haha. That's just the government covering their shame. This intel came from that bird Morgans, it's legit," Feld explained.

"If it's from Morgans? Then no doubt, it's solid. That bird might be crazy, but he's got a nose for information."

…

Time passed quickly. By noon the next day, the massive World Government ship entered the dock of Gangster Island, boldly and without disguise, just like CP0's usual style.

Whoosh. A massive bird landed on the deck, then transformed into Abbas.

"Right on time, Ulysses," Abbas said with a smirk, his body wrapped in bandages.

"What are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to be watching Ashen?" Ulysses demanded.

"Relax, Ulysses. Ashen's not the type to run. He's already prepared and waiting for us," Abbas replied indifferently.

"Hmph. Just like a remnant of Rocks, arrogant and defiant, thinking they're above the World Government. 

This kind of man must be crushed here and now. We can't allow him to reach the New World. Abbas, lead the way." Ulysses barked as he marched ashore with his troops.

"They're coming. All hands, prepare for battle." Ashen's voice echoed from the top floor of the club, commanding his crew with fierce resolve.