68 Infamous
It was late at night with clear starry skies, a few floating clouds, and three full moons in the sky dyed the world in its silver glow. The flickering lights from the lanterns of the peaceful seaside village were in a festive celebration after Sabo's return... The aroma of freshly baked bread, rich wine, and barbequed meat wafted through the air, mingling with the music and laughter filled Partys Bar. Robin, Dadan, Makino, Woop Slap, Ace, Sabo, and all the bandits were present in the bar for the homecoming party arranged for Sabo.
"I am Monkey D. Luffy and I am going to be a Pirate King." A little kid wearing a red shirt introduced himself as he stood on the chair at the bar counter.
"You sure will Tuffy!!" Victor smirked playfully as he poked his chubby cheeks.
"It's L-U-F-F-Y, not Tuffy!!! Do you understand Bictor??!!" Luffy replied with his noodle arms at his waist and pouted in protest.
"Ohhh sure sure!! Here have some more meat Fluffy," Victor used his telekinesis to float a plate of barbecue in front of the little glutton. Like magic, it disappeared at a moment's notice, if Victor didn't have Observation Haki he would have never guessed the culprit was in front of him.
*Chomp**Chomp*
"How did you do that? How did you make it float?" Luffy asked curiously while relishing the taste of the bear meat barbecue cooked by Robin and Makino.
"It's a secret but I can do a few magic tricks!! Do you want to see Fluffy?" Victor winked playfully at Luffy.
"Really? Show me...Show me!!" Luffy's eyes twinkled like stars with anticipation and childlike curiosity when he heard the prospect of seeing magic.
"Alright, watch closely now, Fluffy!" Victor grinned mischievously, his eyes glinting with amusement as he focused his telekinetic powers on Luffy. With a dramatic flick of his wrist, he whispered a few words under his breath, channeling his power into lifting the young pirate off the ground.
Luffy's eyes widened in astonishment as he felt himself rising slowly into the air, defying gravity with each passing moment. His arms flailed about, a mixture of excitement and bewilderment coursing through him as he floated above the bar counter, the patrons of Partys Bar gasping and cheering in amazement.
*Click~Snap*
"Whoa! Sogoiii!! Look everyone, I am flyinggg!" Luffy shouted with glee, arms outstretched like wings. Victor twirled Luffy around gently, creating a spectacle that drew the attention of everyone in Partys Bar. The entire bar erupted into cheers and applause as they witnessed the young boy floating in mid-air.
"That's amazing, Bictor! You're like a real magician!!!" Luffy exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder. "Do you want to join my pirate crew?"
"Fufufu!! Sorry kiddo!! He's mine already," Robin couldn't help but chuckle at Luffy's enthusiasm, ruffling the boy's head gently with a motherly smile as he descended back to the ground. "Maybe we'll cross paths in the Grand Line someday when you become a strong pirate!"
"T..then you both must join my crew when I become stronger!!" Luffy blushed a little when the beautiful 'Robin nee-san' praised him like this. He had already determined them as 'good people' after Sabo's praise, further emboldened when they shared their portion of the meat with the kids. Victor and Robin had also brought with them various snacks, the sauces and spices from BlackRock which helped to greatly enhance the gourmet experience.
"Moriarty brats!! Don't you dare give him ideas like that insidious bastard! My grandson will become the great marine!!" Garp roared angrily from the kitchen holding a ladle and removing his flowery apron. Makino who was helping in the kitchen instantly became startled and blushed with embarrassment when she realized what Garp was talking about. How long has it been since she last felt his warmth??
"Old man, stop scaring the kid!! Pirates, Marines... all are stupid labels," Victor said confidently as he took a sip of the wine and leaned back against the bar counter, his gaze steady and unwavering. "What matters most is the heart and soul of a person, not the flag they choose to fly under."
Garp took a seat on the table, and took a sip of the sake to clear his throat, "Tch!! Brats these days have no respect for the elders. Pour me another glass, will ya..."
The party went on for a few more hours, after the sumptuous dinner with everyone, Victor was a 'little' tipsy after getting into a serious drinking competition with Garp with their dignity at stake. If Victor lost he would have to join the Marines and if Garp lost he would have to sing in front of everyone. Unfortunately, Garp lost...well, Victor's healing power is a little broken at this point resulting in Garp reluctantly taking to the stage as he showed off his skills as a bathroom singer stealing the show.
[Sings Ocean Guide-Film Z]
As the party came to an end, Ace was in complete shock. This was not the first time he had seen Luffy get close to strangers with his personality but what shocked him the most was Garp's wierd behaviour!!
"Thanks for the meal everyone!" Victor thanked with a smile as Robin put on his coat for him. He then turned to the blonde boy standing beside him, "Sabo! We'll be departing in a few days. Have you made a decision?"
"Yes, Godfather!! I'll carve my own destiny," Sabo said with a slight bow as he respectfully kissed Victor's hand. In his other hand hand, he held a yellow steel canister with his blue hat drawn on it, a gift from Victor.
"Tell us if you ever need any help!" Robin ruffled his hair worriedly. "Always remember, you're a part of the family."
Sabo nodded tearfully but he had made his resolve, "Then I'll be a little selfish a enjoy my childhood a little more Mother." Even though he said this, he has different plans in Goa Kingdom. The Game of Thrones, he'll play it too. This rotten kingdom filled with entitled nobles needs a little cleansing.
"Grandpa Garp, who were these people? I feel like I have seen them somewhere!!" Makino asked curiously as she looked at the scene from a distance. She carried Luffy on her bosom who had already fallen asleep after all the fun he had with his elder brothers and two new friends. Ace and Dadan who sat nearby were also curious as looked at Garp for answers.
"Confidential!" Garp said stoically as he tried to mimic someone.
"Don't need to act Garp! Not after you brought a bloody criminals into the village" Mayor Woop Slap said as he slapped a newspaper on the table. On the front page of the World Economic newspaper, there was a photo of a devilishly handsome man. Garp's expression turned serious as he glanced at the newspaper, his eyes narrowing slightly as he read the headline.
[Exposed: Prince of the Underworld!!] - Big News Morgans
[In preparation for the 1516 Reverie in two months, the World Government has released an official press release with the guest list. Surprisingly, in addition to the 40 Affiliated Nations, the World Government has invited The Syndicate to attend the meeting. The Cashino King, Gild Tesoro has confirmed that along with Don Sofia Sanchez, we will also get a look at the richest man in the world, Victor Moriarty in the event.
.
.
.
Controlling 33% of the world's economy, this billionaire Moriarty family has a track record for brutal violence, trade of illegal drugs, weapons trade, warmongering, organized crime, toppling governments, and contract killings just to grow the Blacklight Industries. One of the Celestial Dragons, Saint Ligma has praised CEO Victor for being a visionary who invented the 'best greens in the world' and wants to meet this man eagerly. Stay tuned for more updates!"
Garp, noticing the newspaper, chuckled as he read the headline. "Ah, the World Economic newspaper always exaggerates. You know how it is. They have to sell their stories with a bit of drama." Garp continued, his tone serious now as he folded the newspaper and set it aside. "Victor Moriarty may have his reputation, but he's not for what the papers make him out to be."
Dadan raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident in her expression. "And how exactly do you know that, Garp? Even though he brought Sabo back, he may have ulterior motives."
Garp leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant for a moment as he recalled memories of his recent battles, of alliances forged and enemies vanquished. "I've crossed paths with Victor Moriarty a few times," he explained. "He is a dangerous man but he has a code of honor just like an excellent marine."
"Is he strong?" Ace asked with a gulp.
"Nah! I'd win!!" Garp laughed at the 'ridiculous' question. "But I doubt there is anyone in the West Blue who is stronger than him!" The old man muttered thoughtfully causing Ace to clench his arms in excitement and fighting intent.
Makino listened intently, her curiosity piqued by the revelation. "But why is he here? And why now?"
Garp shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "That, my dear, is a question only Victor Moriarty himself can answer." He thought to himself, 'But one thing's for certain: wherever he goes, trouble follows.'
---
Two masked figures stood on top of a snowy bridge as they observed situation coldly.
"This is hell!" Dragon said in his cold voice as he looked at the scene.
Tequila Wolf is a country in the East Blue; it is the construction site of a massive bridge, instead of an island. The bridge has been under construction for the past 700 years, upon demand of the World Nobles. As usual, the enormous feat is being carried out by various slave laborers who are either criminals or people from countries that are not allied with the World Government.
Since the construction of the bridge has taken around 700 years, the civilization had to move forward as the bridge advanced. As a result, there are many ruins of work camps further down the bridge. The purpose of this seemingly impossible task is to connect various islands together, that have already disappeared in the annals of time, so did the World Noble but the slaves continue to build a bridge to nowhere for generations. "More than 200,000 lives lost, a meaningless death."
"I've seen worse," Fisher Tiger who has visited the Holy Land twice wasn't impressed.
