One Piece: Reborn in God's Valley

The next morning.

The sky was a bright, cloudless blue, and seagulls circled endlessly overhead.

Onboard the Blackthorn, Ashen sat cross-legged with his four core crewmates. 

The ordinary crew members had dwindled to just nine, all of whom were busily hauling out fine food and wine.

Yesterday's fierce battle had reduced the club to ruins, so Ashen had decided to hold the victory feast on the Blackthorn instead.

"Salles, make sure the fallen members are given proper burials. If they have family, send extra money. And if possible, arrange stable jobs for their loved ones on Gangster Island."

Ashen knew all too well, most who became pirates were either orphans or had no place left to turn. The ones who truly set out to sea chasing dreams were few and far between.

"Don't worry, Captain. I'll have the list sorted by today. Gangster Island is our turf now, we'll take care of our own first," Salles replied, patting his chest confidently, his hands wrapped in bandages.

"Lafitte, how's your injury?" Ashen turned to him.

"No big deal, Captain. The wound's already started healing. I'll be back to normal in a few days." As he spoke, Lafitte exaggeratedly puffed out his belly.

"Hey. Captain, you can't play favorites. I took the worst beating, I fought two CP9 agents on my own." 

Walton's entire body was wrapped in bandages like a giant cocoon, looking utterly ridiculous.

"Oh, shut up. With all that blubber on your belly, a couple of holes won't kill you," Parnell rolled his eyes and muttered.

"All right, enough. No matter what, our pirate crew's first real battle ended in total victory. We wiped them out, a flawless win. To our triumph. Cheers." 

Seeing the feast was ready, Ashen raised his glass to signal the celebration's start.

"Cheers...."

…

At the same time, at Marine Headquarters, Marineford, 

"What's your take on this, Sengoku? The World Government wants the Marines to rescue Ulysses, who's been captured by the Helgrave Pirates. What do you think?" 

Kong held the intelligence report sent from Mary Geoise, and Sengoku was the first one he turned to, the strategist among strategists.

"I think the government's pushing this onto us not because they want us to capture Ashen. We simply don't have the top-tier forces to send to the West Blue right now.

And with the Helgrave Pirates' current strength, even if we engage, they'll slip away.

Worse still, if they manage to make it into the New World, we'll be at an even bigger disadvantage."

Ulysses was someone on the level of a young Marine Admiral so with Ashen rising strength we can't take that chance.

Sengoku spoke calmly as he snatched the intel report back from the goat munching on it.

"Exactly. I agree with that analysis," said Tsuru. 

"If the government really wants to get Ulysses back, they'll have to send multiple CP0 agents. But for security reasons, the Celestial Dragons won't allow that.

So, the government's too proud to negotiate directly and is hoping we'll serve as their convenient scapegoat."

"If that's the case," Sengoku added, "then I suspect the government actually wants us to negotiate with the Helgrave Pirates and ransom Ulysses back. 

Word is, Ulysses has already pledged loyalty to that certain family. The pressure on Gorosei must be immense."

Sengoku's expression turned grim. He was already furious, not only had 300 marines died, but a CP0 defection had occurred on top of that. 

And now the government wanted the Marines to step in and embarrass themselves publicly?

"That's enough, Sengoku. The Marines are still the government's employees, this isn't the first time we've had to clean up their mess," Kong said firmly.

"I'll contact Gorosei. If negotiations are the route they choose, I'll handle the talks with Helgrave myself."

He understood Sengoku's anger. But as Fleet Admiral, he also understood how little weight the Marines truly carried in the eyes of the World Government.

…

Back on the Blackthorn, the celebration was in full swing. 

Cups clinked and laughter echoed, as no one seemed concerned about their injuries. It had to be said, the people of the pirate world were made of tough stuff.

"My, my, what an enviable atmosphere," a tall, lanky voice rang out from the railings of the ship. It belonged to Jean DeGault.

Everyone turned their heads toward the unexpected visitor.

"Hey. You… where the hell did you come from? What are you doing here?" Walton blurted out without a second thought.

"Forgive the interruption, Captain. I bring greetings from our boss, Lu Feld," Jean Degault said with a gentlemanly bow, removing his hat.

"Oh? Feld, huh? I've heard of him. What does he want with me?" 

Ashen remained calm, though the name alone told him everything, Lu Feld, the man who would one day become the Loan Shark King.

"Boss admires your strength and wishes to cooperate with you. Given your power, the West Blue can't possibly contain you for long.

So, if you don't mind, Boss would like to speak with you directly."

Jean pulled out a Den Den Mushi and placed it before Ashen.

…

New World.

Inside a sprawling casino, pirates and professional gamblers filled the building to the brim, even during daylight hours. It was packed wall to wall. 

Those who lost everything and were about to leave were quickly intercepted by attendants offering them loans, ensuring they could keep gambling.

Beneath the casino, in a hidden chamber.

Feld and Umit sat face to face.

"I'm fine with cooperating," said Feld, "but the people you send had better be reliable. If anything goes wrong, I'll erase them myself."

From the Den Den Mushi between them came Ashen's voice.

"You have my word, Ashen. They're brothers who've fought and bled beside us. No chance of government spies. They'll reach the West Blue within a month," Feld and Umit promised in unison.

"I hope so. Also… Give me Morgans' contact info."

Ashen didn't push the issue further. He simply made his request, contact with Big News Morgans. 

After all, aside from the World Government, Morgans' intel network was the most efficient in the world. An ally worth having.

"No problem. Jean will pass it on to you," Feld agreed without hesitation.

…

Back on the Blackthorn, Jean set down the Den Den Mushi, then pulled out another and placed it on the deck.

"Ashen, this one is a direct line to Morgans. I've left it here for you. 

Also, here's the latest newspaper just faxed from the New World, it includes updated bounties for the Helgrave Pirates. Consider this our parting gift." 

Jean said, pulling out a thick stack of newspapers before turning and leaving.

"Whoa. Captain, your bounty went up again. Wait, ours did too." Lafitte picked up the papers and posters with wide eyes, astonished.

"Let's see… 

'Captain of the Helgrave Pirates, Ashen V. Helgrave. Bounty: 1,000,000,000 Berries.

Thomas Parnell. Bounty: 230,000,000 Berries.

Ernest Walton. Bounty: 120,000,000 Berries.

Fernando Salles. Bounty: 80,000,000 Berries.

Fernando Lafitte. Bounty: 30,000,000 Berries.'"

Salles read the bounty list aloud.

"Ohhh. Long live the Captain. Long live the Helgrave Pirates."

After a brief silence, the ship burst into loud cheers once more.