One Piece: Reborn in God's Valley

One year had passed. The current year was now 1496.

West Blue, Gangster Island Port

Over a dozen pirate ships of various sizes were docked in a neat semicircle along the harbor's edge. 

Though each crew flew a different flag, they all bore a common mark, a large, black cross-shaped greatsword emblazoned on the cloth.

And docked at the center of them all was the Blackthorn.

"Captain. Take us with you to the New World. West Blue is dead boring, there isn't even a single decent enemy left to fight."

The speaker was Larsen, captain of the Big Blade Pirates, a mid-tier pirate crew by West Blue's standards. 

He had joined the Helgrave Pirates six months ago and had come today to personally see them off.

Six months earlier, after finishing their training on Gangster Island, the Helgrave Pirates had set out under Ashen's command to test their mettle against other pirate crews across the West Blue.

The first crew they encountered at sea was none other than Larsen's. They were utterly crushed by Walton and the others.

Unwilling to accept defeat, the proud Larsen challenged Walton to a duel, wagering that he would join the Helgrave Pirates if he lost.

The outcome was inevitable. Walton didn't even need to use his Devil Fruit powers to defeat him. 

After the brutal war from a year ago, and half a year of intense training under Ashen, Walton had already awakened Armament Haki and was on the verge of unlocking Observation Haki.

And it wasn't just Walton, Salles and Parnell had also learned to use Armament Haki. Although still raw, they were capable of deploying it in a fight.

Parnell, in particular, had made huge strides over the last six months. 

In addition to awakening Armament Haki, his Devil Fruit powers had grown more formidable, and he had awakened Observation Haki just a month ago.

As for Lafitte, though he hadn't awakened any Haki due to his young age, his body had grown significantly, and his overall strength had improved. 

He'd even unlocked the hypnotic abilities of his Devil Fruit, just like in the original anime, and could now put ordinary animals to sleep.

Back at the harbor, upon hearing Larsen's plea, the other captains of the affiliated crews joined in, all begging Ashen to take them along to the New World.

These captains had also joined within the past six months, having been annexed after defeats in battle. 

But over time, witnessing Ashen's strength and the rising dominance of the Helgrave Pirates, their reluctance turned to loyalty. 

Now, they were willing to give everything for the sake of the crew.

"All of you, my comrades..."

Ashen stood at the prow of the Blackthorn, a black cloak draped over his shoulders. He looked as if he had become one with the ship.

The moment his voice rang out, the entire port fell silent. Every pirate there stared at him in awe.

"I understand your desire, and I'm proud to have earned your trust. But listen carefully. The New World is a stage for monsters. It's a graveyard for the weak. 

It might sound cruel, but I have to tell you the truth. If you go to the New World as you are now, there's only one outcome. Total annihilation.

So right here, right now, I'll make you a promise. I will carve out a place for the Helgrave Pirates in the New World. I'll be waiting to welcome you there.

And what you need to do is make it through Reverse Mountain and enter the Grand Line. Survive the Navy's pursuit, the brutal climates, and the countless battles that await you.

As long as you make it to the New World, no matter how far, no matter how strong our enemies are, the Helgrave Pirates will come to meet you.

Remember this, the New World has no place for the weak. And neither do the Helgrave Pirates.

If you want to go to the New World, then head for the Grand Line."

Ashen unsheathed his sword and swung it toward the direction of Reverse Mountain. 

A sweeping wave of sword energy tore across the sea, cutting open a massive swath several hundred meters long, as if carving a path for them to follow.

"Yeahhhhhh…. To the Grand Line…. To the New World…."

The harbor erupted in madness. Pirates everywhere raised their weapons high, shouting with wild enthusiasm.

"Boys… Set sail..."

"Aye, Captain..."

The sleek hull of the Blackthorn sliced through the waves, speeding out of the harbor.

...

The Next Day. The World Reacts.

News of the Helgrave Pirates setting sail from West Blue spread across the world like wildfire.

Marine Headquarters. Marineford

"What we feared has come to pass... Helgrave's ambition can no longer be contained."

Kong set down the newspaper in his hands and sighed.

"It was only a matter of time," Tsuru added, glancing at the photograph of Ashen. 

"After all, they were once on the same ship. With Whitebeard running wild in the New World, there's no way Ashen would stay idle in the West Blue."

"Actually," Sengoku chimed in.

"This could be the perfect opportunity. The Helgrave Pirates must pass through Reverse Mountain to enter the Grand Line. If we lie in wait at the entrance, we can take them out in one strike."

Without a doubt, the Marines were the most powerful organized military force on the seas. 

With branch bases in all four Blues, disciplined soldiers, elite equipment, and backing from the World Government, they were an unstoppable juggernaut. 

No pirate crew could hope to match them head on.

But the problem was, the sea made everything harder.

Even though the Marines were powerful, this was a world dominated by oceans. Encounters with pirates weren't always predictable. 

With an age of sailing ships, cannons, swords, and Devil Fruits, long-distance pursuit wasn't always feasible. Otherwise, Roger would've been captured long ago.

Which made West Blue, with its sprawling waters and unpredictable terrain, a nightmare to control. 

Hunting down a top-tier crew like the Helgrave Pirates was nearly impossible unless one of three things happened.

Ashen lost his mind and fought the Navy directly, the Navy committed an overwhelming force, or the pirates had a reason they couldn't flee.

Otherwise, if the Helgrave Pirates focused solely on escape, even the Navy would be powerless.

That's why, when Sengoku heard that Ashen was heading into the Grand Line, he immediately realized the opportunity.

"And that's why I've called you all here," Kong said firmly. 

"Sengoku, I'm assigning you five Vice Admirals and their fleets. You must eliminate the Helgrave Pirates before they enter the Grand Line. 

We cannot allow them to throw the seas into further chaos."

Kong slapped Ashen's photo, his expression grim.

"Yes, Fleet Admiral."

Sengoku responded with a resolute voice.

"And try talking some sense into that brat Garp while you're at it. He's too obsessed with Roger. 

The Navy needs him elsewhere. If he'd just take the role of Admiral seriously, like you, I might actually get some peace."

"Er… I'll do my best, Fleet Admiral," Sengoku said, scratching his head.

...

Twenty something days later…

Sengoku's fleet reached the entrance to the Grand Line, ready to strike.

But the Helgrave Pirates… appeared instead at the port of Kano.