start of trip.

Axel wiped the sweat dripping from his forehead; it's been days since he took a break. Ever since he became a pirate, the constant voyages across the sea, the clashes with the navy, and the relentless storms didn't allow him much respite. However, his recovery was good, and a hearty meal coupled with hours of sleep rejuvenated him, although he still felt exhausted.

-You took much longer than expected, Dragon, - Axel said, observing the sinister smile and villainous demeanor of the leader of the revolutionary army, towering over Luffy and Garp. Dragon's furrowed brow, imposing appearance, and demon-like gestures commanded respect, akin to a hungry beast.

-I encountered some issues in the North Blue. Let me introduce you to my companion, Karasu, the commander of the North Blue. He's my right hand, one of the first to join the revolutionary army, - Dragon explained.

The bald man, with a beak-shaped mask, wore a black coat that occasionally fluttered due to the crows hovering around, creating a dramatic effect.

-Pleasure, - Karasu greeted with a deep voice.

It was almost dawn, and only Metal was awake, as usual. His cyborg part stripped away some of his humanity, using the nights to read books or practice karate. The sun, food, and even energy drinks fueled his constant training.

-I see you have a new companion with impressive abilities, - Dragon remarked, sensing Metal's power.

-A valuable addition to my crew under these circumstances, - Axel replied.

Dragon shifted his gaze, and through the night fog emerged Crocus, scrutinizing the surroundings. The old man, wearing sandals, entered cautiously. His Haki was astonishing, comparable to the great monsters in Axel's new and old crew.

Axel missed those three years; his time with the pirates brought unimaginable happiness—deadly fights, grand feasts, nights of singing, and mysterious adventures that lightened his heart in lonely days.

-I see you're a much more mysterious young man than I could imagine. Good day, everyone! - Crocus said, returning to his cabin, reassured that it was only Dragon and not a more dangerous person.

-Better let the young ones have their privacy; he can keep sleeping. I'll have a bit of wine to relax; the young lad deserves good wines, - Crocus thought, as Laboon's distant roar echoed.

-I see you have a good relationship with the lighthouse guardian, - Dragon remarked, sitting in a lotus position. Karasu stood behind him, a gesture of familiarity, acknowledging Dragon as their leader. Dragon admired Axel once again, recognizing his charisma in captivating people.

-We've had some good celebrations, - Axel said. - Well, let's get down to negotiations. We'll head to the Grand Line tomorrow morning, and I'd like a few hours of rest before we set sail. -

-Very well, let's begin. The anticipation has piqued my curiosity, - Dragon replied, with Karasu's inquisitive gaze focused on Axel.

-It's a Logia-type Devil Fruit, - Axel revealed.

-A Logia-type Devil Fruit! - Dragon exclaimed slowly and astutely.

-Yes, it's a Logia-type Devil Fruit, the Swamp-Swamp Fruit. I have a brief description, and among its special abilities is the power to swallow everything, containing thousands of kilos within the Logia body, along with the inherent Logia abilities. Give it to someone substantial, and you'll have a great transporter, - Axel commented.

A Logia-type fruit could aid the revolutionary army with its combat abilities. A loyal minion with enough strength could be a significant asset in the fight against the World Government. For now, only Karasu possessed the Logia-type Devil Fruit, a potent and efficient one.

-The Swamp Fruit is indeed excellent when you consider its uses. A skilled user can unlock many abilities. However, I believe I can acquire an even better fruit, - Axel said.

-That's pleasing, that you consider us as the first sellers of the fruit. What is your price? - Dragon inquired.

-A test, - Axel replied.

-Speak, - Dragon urged.

-I have three Fish-Men in custody, each of them has committed unforgivable sins. Their leader is known as an unreasonable person. I'll give you the fruit on the condition that you reform these men, give them what they haven't found—peace, redemption. Four years, if you don't fulfill your promise, the one who eats the Devil Fruit will join my crew. What do you say, Dragon? Do you accept my request? - Axel proposed.

-So, you want me to educate some punks. From what I see, it's Arlong, said to have ruled in East Blue, - Dragon remarked.

-Exactly, I'm not asking for much. I just want a positive change from their side. Make him understand the world's reality, straighten his path. I only need Arlong to comprehend his actions, to repent, to seek redemption not for me, but for his compatriots, - Axel said.

The seriousness on Dragon's face was evident; losing a member of the revolutionary army wasn't entirely beneficial, but the fruit had to be entrusted to someone of utmost trust.

-You're asking for something more challenging than money, but I'll do it. However, I want an out. There are few capable members, and losing one from my organization would be a disaster, - Dragon said.

-A Logia-type Devil Fruit has a minimum value of 500,000,000 berries, but it's not the money that interests me, - Axel replied.

-Training, - Dragon responded.

-As long as you're in the right place, I can help you choose effective masters. I'll send someone special who can assist you with those locations, - Dragon said.

Following this, Karasu also interrupted the conversation; his deep voice added a sense of gravity.

-I can help your comrades train their Logia powers, as long as they visit the North Blue. As a commander, it's my duty to lighten my leader's burden, and a Logia fruit, which is evidently one of the most powerful, will help in any way I can, - Karasu said.

-Hmm, and I can also ask for your contacts. I need connections in the black market; I'm looking for a branch of the Adam Tree to build a ship. The current one is getting small, - Axel stated.

-That's easy to do; we'll see each other later. For now, I want to check on the individuals I need to teach some responsibility, - Dragon said.

Axel called Metal from afar, who moved to fetch the three Fish-Men. After days of hunger, Arlong's absolute strength had changed, and now the chains weighed enough to hinder some strong movements. His compatriots Kuroobi and Chew were in the same conditions, beaten and chained.

-Time is pressing; I have to leave, - Dragon said.

-They are rude and rebellious; it won't be easy for you, Dragon, - Axel remarked.

The storm began to intensify in the sky, with strong lightning. The black clouds started to mix into the shape of a violent tornado, clearing the air in a powerful movement.

A dome of wind enveloped the Fish-Men, raindrops began hitting the port more frequently, and in a fierce wind, Dragon disappeared in a swift motion. Seeing the farewell, Karasu tapped the ground, and his black coat sprouted some wings, carrying him above the red line.

Here lies the last vestige of the Arlong Pirates. Tomorrow, they will have to navigate the harsh waters of the Grand Line.

Axel didn't sleep all night; he watched the sunrise. The few rays signaled the ship's movement, with Deuce and Kuro being the first to wake up, followed by Emeraude and Tashigui, the early souls of the ship.

-Prepare the sails, Deuce; we need to leave now. With you awake and Metal, we have enough crew for the ship, - Axel said.

Deuce nodded, yawning a bit. He had been reading and asking Crocus many questions, gathering knowledge needed for navigating the Grand Line.

They set sail; the night before, they had bid farewell to old Crocus and Laboon; time was of the essence.

-See you later, Laboon, old Crocus! - shouted Usopp from the ship.

...