One Piece: Reborn in God's Valley

Several days later, in the early morning, the reorganized Helgrave Pirates set off once again. 

This time, the ship was being pulled by a smaller, serpentine Sea King, the previous one had long since fled these waters.

Lafitte stood at the helm, steering at the bow. After breakfast, the rest of the crew were either training or passing time idly.

"Tesla, come to think of it, how did you end up in the Calm Belt? And what about your family's hereditary illness? It hasn't affected you, has it?"

Ashen's curiosity was genuine. After all, no ordinary person could reach the Calm Belt by accident.

"That's a long story," Tesla replied. 

"Five years ago, I set out with a team aboard an expedition ship from the South Blue, searching for clues. 

We wandered, pausing and pressing on across all seven routes of the Grand Line, still, nothing. So we took a gamble and entered the New World.

"Who would've thought? Barely a month in, and we were hit by an unprecedented storm. Our ship was torn apart like paper. 

Every crew member was dragged into the sea, none survived. I only made it out because I launched myself in a hot air balloon I'd designed. 

But the storm was too fierce… the balloon was thrown into the Calm Belt.

"When the fuel ran out, I just happened to drift above that Island. Call it luck, I didn't expect to stay there for two whole years."

Tesla's voice carried the weight of his memories. He paused to collect himself, then continued.

"As for the hereditary illness, over a hundred years of selective marriage and childbearing have greatly reduced its occurrence. 

And for the past century or so, our family's emphasis on physical training and martial arts development has made it so that, even if someone does inherit the illness, they can still live to about fifty."

"I see. That explains your strength, it's in your blood," Ashen said thoughtfully.

Thinking back to the fear the island's beasts had shown, and how easily Parnell and the others had been defeated, Ashen estimated that even if Tesla's hand to hand combat wasn't quite on par with his own, it wasn't far behind.

…

Grand Line. Jaya Island.

7,000 meters above sea level, a pirate ship floated upon a pure white sea of clouds.

"Wahaha… Finally shook off that bastard Garp."

Though Roger had already contracted an incurable disease, his spirit remained as lively as ever, unshaken, undimmed.

"If he wasn't concerned about the safety of those soldiers, he would've chased us to the ends of the sea," said Rayleigh, his tone one of familiarity. 

"Knowing him, he's probably already headed to the next island to wait for us. That guy never pulls his punches."

As Roger's old partner, Rayleigh understood Garp all too well.

"Don't worry, Rayleigh. Being able to chase my dream in the twilight of life… I have no regrets. 

Let's just say Garp's giving me a proper sendoff. Without him, our journey would've been a lot duller."

Roger knew Rayleigh was worried about his health. But he was not a man to be bound by pain or disease.

…

New World. Dressrosa.

After emerging from the Calm Belt, the Helgrave Pirates continued their journey into the New World.

Abbas had transformed into a giant sea eagle, scouring the skies above nearby waters. A few days later, he located the closest island to the Blackthorn, Dressrosa.

They dropped anchor on the island's southern coast.

At this time, Dressrosa was still under King Riku's rule, far from the dazzling spectacle it would become two decades later under Doflamingo. 

Few ships lined the shores, and the people, upon spotting the Blackthorn's flag, didn't seem particularly alarmed.

Whenever pirates caused trouble, King Riku's army was quick to intervene. That confidence ran deep.

Ashen left a few ordinary crew members to guard the ship and led the rest ashore.

After passing the massive rock formations that ringed the island, they arrived at the southern township of Sebio.

Most buildings here were low and humble, the streets sparsely populated with simple, down to earth residents.

Two hours later, beneath the King's Plateau.

In a modest restaurant, the crew sat around a large table, digging into their lunch.

"Man, I didn't expect there to be so much seafood here that we don't even have in the West Blue. 

And the cooking style is completely different," Salles said, stabbing a piece of fish with his fork and savoring it. His praise was heartfelt.

"Yeah, I felt that too when I first entered the New World," Tesla replied. 

"They say the closer you get to the second half, the more diverse the life forms become. Probably due to some strange geographic phenomenon."

Once they were full, the crew left the restaurant and split up to purchase supplies.

"Hey, hurry up. If we don't go now, we'll miss it, today's the thousandth match for Kyros."

"For real? That guy fights like a beast…"

Walton had been wandering aimlessly until he overheard the townsfolk. His interest piqued, he quickly followed the crowd heading toward the Corrida Colosseum.

…

Elsewhere, Salles and Lafitte, the two brothers, walked into a weapons shop.

"Welcome. We carry all kinds of firearms and blades. Feel free to browse. Let me know if you need anything," the shopkeeper said with a warm smile.

Meanwhile, Ashen brought Tesla and Parnell to the base of the King's Plateau.

"Halt. Outsiders are not welcome here." shouted Tank, captain of the royal army, blocking their path.

"We'd like to request an audience with King Riku. Ashen V. Helgrave of the Helgrave Pirates seeks an audience," Parnell said, handing Tank a bounty poster.

"Ah… wait here. I'll be back shortly."

Tank looked at the bounty and flinched in surprise. But seeing that the three didn't seem hostile, he turned and headed inside.

A few minutes later, inside the Dressrosa royal palace.

"I must ask, Ashen-san, what business brings you to my country? We're not a wealthy land, you know. We barely have enough to eat."

King Riku's tone was cautious. He had no idea what a pirate with a bounty of one billion berries might be planning.

"Hahaha, to be honest, I do admire a kingdom that's gone 800 years without a single war. But the era is about to change, and no one can stay untouched.

Besides, letting your people live in such poverty isn't exactly what I'd call wise leadership.

Let's work together, King Riku."

Ashen spoke plainly, getting straight to the point.

"Absolutely not. This country may be poor, but we will never ally with pirates. That would only bring death to our people."

Riku refused firmly, as if Ashen had threatened to destroy the country then and there.

"Don't be naive, King Riku. I told you, the era is shifting. The days when you could trade prosperity for peace are ending.

Take a look at this. I got it from Morgans before I arrived."

Ashen pulled out two sheets of paper and placed them before the king.

"This… this can't be. They actually gave up that power? And this child…."

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