One Piece: The Deadly

The Thousand Sunny sailed smoothly across the open seas, the crew enjoying a rare moment of peace after the tense events at Elbaf. But as the horizon began to change, a new island came into view. The sky seemed darker, the clouds heavier, and the faint outline of a massive fortress loomed ominously.

"What's that?" Usopp asked, his voice trembling slightly as he squinted at the distant landmass.

"That's our next stop," Nami replied, her tone serious as she studied her Log Pose. "The island's magnetic field is strong—this is the only route we can take to get to the next marker."

Zoro crossed his arms. "What's the big deal? Just another island, right?"

"No." Robin's voice was calm, but her words carried weight. "That island is controlled by a Yonko."

Everyone froze, their expressions shifting to varying degrees of shock.

"A Yonko?" Luffy repeated, his grin widening with excitement. "Let's go!"

Sanji lit a cigarette, exhaling slowly. "Who is it? Someone new?"

Robin nodded. "Yes. Vida 'Lion Heart' Swailes. She rose to power after Kaido fell and claimed her title as one of the Yonko. She's said to be ruthless, controlling not just this island but several others in the surrounding seas."

"She's a tyrant," Nami added. "From what I've heard, she rules through fear and violence. The people on her islands live in constant terror."

"Sounds like someone we need to take down," Luffy said, determination sparking in his eyes.

"Wait, wait, wait!" Usopp waved his hands frantically. "Are we seriously going to fight another Yonko? Didn't we barely survive Kaido?"

"But we did survive," Zoro said firmly. "And we'll do it again."

"Besides," Chopper added, his small fists clenched, "if people are suffering because of her, we can't just ignore it."

"Right!" Kikidori chimed in, gripping the hilt of his sword. "Let's take her down!"

Raiko smirked, leaning against the mast. "You're awfully confident for someone who can barely stand after falling off the crow's nest."

"Shut up, noodle-head!" Kikidori snapped.

"Make me, snake-boy!" Raiko shot back.

"Enough, you two," Robin said with a sigh, placing a hand on Kikidori's shoulder. "Save your energy. You'll need it."

As the Sunny drew closer to the island, the details of its landscape became clearer. Towering cliffs surrounded the main port, and a massive fortress sat atop a hill, its walls adorned with lion emblems. The town below the fortress was eerily quiet, with few signs of life.

"This place gives me the creeps," Franky said, adjusting his sunglasses.

"Do you think the people are hiding?" Ere'ana asked, peering over the railing.

"Probably," Robin replied. "If Lion Heart's reputation is accurate, they're likely too afraid to come out."

The Sunny docked at the empty port, and the crew disembarked cautiously. The air was thick with tension, the silence unsettling.

"Stay alert," Zoro said, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

As they moved through the deserted streets, they noticed signs of destruction—burned buildings, shattered windows, and tattered banners bearing the lion emblem.

"Looks like someone's been throwing a tantrum," Sanji muttered.

Suddenly, a loud roar echoed through the air, shaking the ground beneath their feet. The crew stopped in their tracks, weapons at the ready.

From the shadows of the fortress, a group of armed pirates emerged, their leader a towering woman with wild golden hair and a fierce expression. She wore a long coat lined with fur, her sharp eyes scanning the group.

"Well, well," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "The infamous Straw Hat Pirates. What brings you to my territory?"

Luffy stepped forward, his trademark grin unwavering. "We're here to stop you."

Lion Heart laughed, a low, menacing sound. "Stop me? Do you even know who you're dealing with, brat?"

"I don't care who you are," Luffy said, his voice steady. "If you're hurting people, we'll take you down."

Lion Heart's expression darkened. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But guts won't save you from me."

She raised her hand, and a deafening roar filled the air as a massive lion-like creature leaped from the fortress, landing in front of her. Its golden fur gleamed in the sunlight, and its eyes burned with feral intensity.

"Meet Regulus," Lion Heart said with a smirk. "He's hungry, and you lot look like a fine meal."

The crew prepared for battle, their resolve unshaken despite the odds.

"This is it," Nami said, gripping her Clima-Tact.

Kikidori unseated his sword and got in his position then.....

End of Chapter 40