The Fight for the Treasure 9

Simon POV - Blue Star, Grand Line, Nanatsu Islands(Na) - 20 GAP 

I'm standing on the small rock at the center of the ring formed by the Nanatsu Islands, waiting for the last Gemstone needed to summon Na Island to finally arrive, and mutter with a grin on my face, "Just a little bit more... Just a little bit more... And I'll finally gain control of Shushibaruba and thanks to its immense powers, I'll take my rightful place as the King of this world ruling over all those inferior and imperfect beings!"

Then I look at the five-colored Gemstones lying on the ground in front of me, each Gemstones was taken from the ruins hidden on the six islands that make up the Nanatsu Islands Archipelago and sent to me through the use of the birds under Din's control.

Then my gaze moves to the wriggling cocoon made of paper sheets and I can't help but frown looking at it while thinking, 'This is a little more concerning... even if I used Din's birds to send out rumors about the treasures hidden on the Nanatsu Islands to lure many pirates here, I was only able to capture one of those imperfect Devil Fruit Users, and while it should be enough to awaken it, I don't think he will be enough to allow Shushibaruba to reach its full potential... I just hope that Zabal, Din, Marc, Gad, and the Précieuses were more competent than that failure of Niphtal...' 

But then I smirk and while shrugging my shoulders, I think, 'Oh well, even if they fail, I can simply get rid of them once and for all. After all, Shushibaruba is basically already mine, and with it, I don't need to care about those annoying dead weights any longer...'

After that, I look right in front of me where a small, old, and dilapidated temple stands right in the middle of this small piece of rock, it is a simple conical structure built fully in dark gray stone, and the temple is mostly empty inside, after all, anything that could be of value was already robbed clean many years ago leaving behind only the six stone statues of various animals considered sacred for the ancient civilization, they are positioned in a circle formation and in such a way that each one of the statues perfectly looks at the direction of one of the six Nanatsu Islands. 

While I'm looking at the small temple, I hear a water splashing sound from behind me, and turning my head I see Gad and his Précieuses jump out of the water and land on the ground just behind me.

They quickly kneel down and Gad starts his report, "Simon-sama, I, Emeraude, Rubis, and Saphir just arrived from Yo Island. As you can see we have successfully recovered the Gemstone from the Yondo Ruins but unfortunately among the pirates attacking the island there weren't any of the targets you have asked us to capture, only a bunch of lowly human Marines turned pirates."

Hearing that, I click my tongue in annoyance before I quickly fix my expression and say, "Very well... Anyway, I was lucky enough to grab one of the imperfect myself on Mi Island, unfortunately I was a little bit too late and Niphtal lost his life at his hand while trying to capture him..." 

As expected of him, the foolish Fish-man Gad is angered by the loss of his companion, clenches his fists, and mutters, "Danm it..." while I continue, "Don't worry the man will pay for what he has done. Moreover, Niphtal's sacrifice took us one step further in bringing true lasting peace to this world"

At the same time, I show a benevolent smile while thinking, 'Right I'll bring peace to everyone as long as they praise and obey me, their rightful ruler. As only I that am born superior to everyone else can rightfully rule over everyone and everything!'

After spending some more time waiting, I hear Saphir as she exclaims, "Ne, Ne! I see one of our ships quickly approaching us! It's Zabal-chi!"

Hearing that, I turn around and take a look, and indeed, Zabal is standing on the head figure of the ship with a big grin on his face, more importantly, what raises my expectation a little more is that he is carrying a big, heavy sack on his shoulders. 

Soon the ship stops right next to the small piece of rock we are all standing on, and quickly after that, Zabal jumps down and and says, "Oiya! I had some hiccups here and there, but it was still a successful hunt overall. As you can see, I was able to easily grab the Gemstone from the Hitoma Cavern."

At this point, Gad asks, "What about Marc? Where is he?" making Zabal spit on the ground as he replies, "I killed that fucking useless piece of shit!" then before Gad could say anything else he adds, "He not only threw my whole plan in the drain, but he even shat on it making us lose more than 100 men! That fool started an all-out three-way battle against some pirate crews. Moreover, there were more than 5 Devil Fruit Users on Hi Island, but three of them were way too powerful for good ol' me to do anything about them..."

While saying that, Zabal carefully lays his sack on the ground and opens it as he continues, "...But luckily I was able to fool everyone and capture two of the weaker ones fixing the mess he caused."

At the same time, seeing the content of the sack, Rubis exclaims, "What the fuck Zabal!? Simon-sama said that we need them alive! This one is basically butchered! And what's up with that fucking jar!?" 

I too am surprised as inside the sack, there is the body of a man cut into many small pieces and a jar that contains some kind of lilac-colored syrup-like liquid.

But soon Zabal explains, "Calm your tits, Rubis! Despite his unusual condition the man, whose name I already forgot, is perfectly fine and alive, this is the result of the strange power of one of the other three Devil Fruit Users. Meanwhile, the jar contains the other Devil Fruit User whose power is to transform into that kind of liquid, but in that form, she is too weak to even break the frail glass that makes up this jar that imprisons her."

As he says that, I can't help but take a closer look at the various body pieces scattered on the ground and notice that Zabal is right, none of the scattered body pieces are actually bleeding, and from their healthy color it is obvious that they are still alive as they continue to slightly move and twitch from time to time, moreover, the chest area is clearly slowly rising and falling, following the pattern of the breath of an unconscious person, and all that without talking about the detached head who is calmly snoring on the ground.

At the same time, Saphir, Rubis, Emeraude, and Gad also notice the same details and exclaim out loud in both amazement and disbelief, "What the..?", "Ehhhh!!?", "Oh my...!", "What kind of power is able to do such a thing?"

Sometime after that, I once again heard the familiar birds' call coming from the distance, and looking at where the sound was coming from, I saw the usual sight of Din's flock of birds which was quickly heading toward as they carried the last of the Gemstone needed to summon the "unseen island" Na Island, the island hidden in the sky by the ancient civilization that sealed Shushibaruba.

Soon the birds drop the Gemstone right next to the other five and after completing their mission, they quickly disperse, scattering in many different directions.

Finally having everything I need, I don't waste any more time, and quickly order Zabal, Gad, Saphir, Rubis, and Emeraude, "Quickly grab the Gemstones on the ground and come with me into the temple..." but a confused Gad asks me, "Wait, Simon-sama! Won't we wait for Din to return before-."

Starting to get annoyed with his useless question, I snort out loud and say, "There is no need to wait for Din. I don't want to wait for him! I already waited too much time for this, and now that we are closer than ever to completing our dream, I can't stand to waste any second longer! More importantly, I don't want to waste my time on someone like Din! He did his part perfectly, and the best way to show him our gratitude is to finally complete what we all have been aiming for! Peace for everyone in this world! Are we clear?"

Seeing them all nod with reverence, I smile and start to head toward the small temple with a confident gait, at the same time, I say, "Good. Pick up the Gemstones and follow me." 

Once inside the temple, I look once again at the six statues and mutter, "Now we have to be careful because for this to work we have to install the Gemstones in a very specific order, if we make even a single mistake the temple will become inactive for the next 100 years making it almost impossible for me to take control of Shushibaruba..." 

After going over everything I have learned from that ancient scroll once more, I don't hesitate anymore and command full of tension, "Saphir take the Eye of Quicxic that we found on Itsu Island in the Gozan Ruins and install it in the statue that is facing the north the exact direction in which Itsu Island can be found, the one that represents the Vulture."

Saphir nods, and without any hesitation, she grabs the bright orange Gemstone and heads toward the Vulture Statue, then she installs the Eye of Quicxic in the socket that can be found in the middle of the pedestal, and in response, the eyes of the Vulture Statue briefly flash in bright orange light, showing that the installation is successful.

Quickly after that, I take a deep breath and continue with my instructions, "Rubis take the Eye of Ahalbu that Gad found on Yo Island in the Yondo Ruins and install it in the statue that is facing the north-west, the direction in which Yo Island can be found, the one that represents the Catfish. Be quick! If too much time passes between the installation of these gemstones then the process will fail!"

In response, Rubis snorts, grabs the bright red Gemstone, and heads toward the Catfish Statue, then she installs the Eye of Ahalbu in the socket that can be found in the middle of the pedestal, and in response, the eyes of the Catfish Statue briefly flash in bright red light, showing that this installation is also successful.

More confident in the information I gathered thanks to the previous two successes, I continued to give orders, "Emeraude take the Eye of Chamiapac that the late Nipthal found on Mi Island in the Mitsukado Ruins and install it in the statue that is facing south-east, the direction of Mi Island, the one that represents the Deer, hurry!"

Emeraude tenses up and nods then she grabs the bright green Gemstone and heads toward the Catfish Statue, then she installs the Eye of Chamiapac in the socket that can be found in the middle of the pedestal, and in response, the eyes of the Catfish Statue briefly flash in bright green light, showing that this installation is also successful.

I grin forms on my face knowing that half of the Gemstones are successfully installed, and then I continue, "Yes, this is great! Zabal! Next is the Eye of Ahalmez that Din just sent us, the one he found on Fu Island in the Futate Ruins! Install it in the statue that is facing south, in the direction of Fu Island, the one that represents the Snake, and for the love of god don't waste too much time!"

Zabal chuckles, grabs the bright yellow Gemstone, and heads toward the Snake Statue, then he installs the Eye of Ahalmez in the socket that can be found in the middle of the pedestal, and in response, the eyes of the Snake Statue briefly flash in bright yellow light, showing that this installation is also successful.

My grin transforms into a confident smile as I exclaim, "Good! Good! Good! We are very close now! Very close!" then I give my next instructions, "Gad! Grab the Eye of Xiquiripat, the one that Zabal found on Hi Island in the Hitoma Cavern! Quick bright it to the Turtle Staute over there, the one that faces south-west, you already know just like the others that is the direction of Hi Island!" 

Gad smiles, grabs the bright sky-blue Gemstone, and heads toward the Turtle Statue, then he installs the Eye of Xiquiripat in the socket that can be found in the middle of the pedestal, and in response, the eyes of the Turtle Statue briefly flash in bright sky-blue light, showing that this installation is also successful.

With that I don't hesitate anymore, I quickly grab the deep blue Gemstone while thinking, 'The Eye of Quicré, the first Gemstone I recovered, the one found on Mu Island in the Rokkaku Cavern, whose entrance is now covered by the Fortress of Zahado I built as our headquarters. With this and those three Devil Fruit Users, I'll finally gain control over Shushibaruba and with its immense power I'll become the King of this world and create the perfect world... A peaceful world where everyone will equally stand on their knees, worshipping, obeying, and satisfying all my orders, whims, and wishes. Human, Giants, Fish-men, Minks, it doesn't matter, everyone will be equally beneath me how it should be!!' 

With that thought, I don't waste any more time and head toward the last statue the one that faces north-east, in the exact same direction as the biggest island of the Nanatsu Islands Archipelago, Mu Island, the one that represents the Jaguar.

I walk toward the Jaguar Statue and quickly install the Eye of Quicré in the specific socket that can be found in the middle of the pedestal, and as soon as I install it, the Jaguar Statue eyes briefly flash in a deep blue light.

After that, I take a step back and wait, for a moment nothing else happens, and I'm starting to worry that I made a mistake somewhere, but just as I start to get anxious, all six of the statues start to glow in the colors of the Gemstones, and such glow starts to quickly expand way beyond the statues mixing together into a multicolored light and soon even the floors and the walls are glowing.

Seeing that, I started to laugh out loud while yelling, "Fuhahaha! It works! It works!! It works!!! Come on, guys! Let's get out of here and admire the descent of the mythical seventh island!"

Following my order, we all walk out of the old conical temple and watch as it continues to glow in a multicolored light that gets more and more intense, until, all of a sudden, the temple releases a thick, blinding beam of multicolored light which pierces the sky hitting a thick mass of white clouds right above us. 

Soon after that, the beam of multicolored fades away and the small, old temple returns to its normal state as it has fulfilled its function, but the spectacle it has just started as Saphir exclaims, "Ne, ne! Look, Gad! That cloud is falling!!"

Indeed, a big portion of the cloud above us is slowly descending, it is about the size of Itsu Island, maybe just a bit bigger, and the closer it gets to the sea, the easier is for us to notice what exists on top of that cloud, it is an island, an island full of mountains and with a thick forest all over its area, no sign of civilization can be seen.

Seeing that, I smile brightly and declare, "Fuhahaha! This is it! I present to you all the mythical seventh "unseen island" of the Nanatsu Islands Archipelago, the Na Island! The place where Shushibaruba rests waiting for someone to awaken it from its long sleep in exchange for its immense power! And of course, that someone will be us!" 

We continue to watch as Na Island slowly continues its descent from the sky until it gently settles into the sea right in front of the small rock we are standing on, generating little to no waves. 

Seeing that, I immediately command, "Zabal, Gad, Saphir, Rubis, and Emeraude! Quickly grab those imperfect beings we captured and follow me! It is finally time to awaken Shushibaruba! With its power, we won't have to fear the tyrannical World Government anymore and I'll finally take my rightful place as the King of this world, bringing a true lasting peace to everyone!"

Hearing my orders, they don't hesitate and quickly start to pick up the captured Devil Fruit Users, Gad picks up the cocoon of paper sheets that contains that mercenary called Eric, Saphir picks up the jar containing the syrup-like liquid Devil Fruit User, and Zabal grabs the sack containing the still alive Devil Fruit User despite being cut into many pieces, and after that, we all head toward Na Island, searching for Shushibaruba's resting place, the Ku Sivan ruins, and more specifically the Nu Sivan Kuru chamber in the depths of the ruins where the seventh and true treasure, Shushibaruba, is hidden.

Koby POV - Blue Star, Grand Line, Nanatsu Islands - 20 GAP 

After our encounter with the Fish-man Gad, and the three Fish-women, Saphir, Rubis, and Emeraude, I and Alvida-san quickly helped the people of Yo Island giving them some basic first aid and finding temporary shelter while the able-bodied started to fix the building damaged by the battle.

After that, Alvida-san basically dragged me back to her ship and told me to lead her to Jayr-san, and so, we are now on our way toward Mu Island, the place that Jayr-san chose to focus on since it is the island the Simon Pirates chose to use as their main base and the most likely location where Simon can be found.

The ship we are using isn't the old Miss Love Duck, the ship I was prisoner before when Alvida-san captured me and forced me to be her chore boy, no, it is a smaller and more agile single mast ship, one that can be controlled by even a single person.

The entire ship is shaped like a heart in design, it has hearts that encircle the entire ship across the sides, in place of a Jolly Roger on the sail, it has eight hearts in a line, another indication that Alvida-san truly left her pirate life behind, it also has a small table on one end of the ship, moreover, it is clear that the interior has only enough living space for one, maybe two people, making it obvious that only Alvida is using this ship.

As we sail toward our next destination, Alvida-san showers me with questions about Jayr-san wanting to know more about the man who defeated her and with whom she somehow also fell madly in love. 

Finding nothing wrong with it I start to answer each one of her questions as honestly as possible, especially since even if she doesn't have good intentions, there is nothing that Alvida-san can do against Jayr-san and his family, but more importantly, for as absurd and surprising this situation is, I truly feel that her feelings for Jayr-san are genuine.

So as I control the ship, I also start to answer Alvida-san's questions one at a time, I tell her about Jayr-san's medical skills, and about his lovers. 

Talking about, Seika-san, Saori-san, Tio-san, and Eri-san, and their relationship with Jayr-san I'm surprised by Alvida-san's reaction, more specifically, lack of one, as she didn't show any anger nor jealousy as she listened to what I told her.

The confusion on my face is so clear that Alvida-san herself says, "Ara ara... Do you truly find my calmness so surprising? My man already honestly told me that he had 4 beautiful lovers in our first encounter..." 

Hearing that, I suddenly remember what happened that fateful day that changed our lives forever and realize that she told me the truth, 'Ah! That's right! That day when Jayr-san landed on the Miss Love Duck, Alvida-san invited him to spend an "enjoyable" time with her, but then he refused... Wait! Now that I think about it, Jayr-san also said that Alvida-san had the potential to become just as beautiful as his girlfriend if she took better care of herself... At that time, I thought he had a few screws loose, but seeing the current Alvida-san, I have to admit that he was once again right... as expected of Jayr-san...'

While I'm thinking that, at the same time, Alvida-san continues her explanation, "... And I also clearly remember that he said that he didn't mind having me by his side as I'm just as beautiful as his lovers, but he simply couldn't accept me because of his dislike for evil people who harmed innocents and so he had to regretfully let me go..." making me internally comment, 'Not exactly how I remember it went as I clearly remember that, at the time, Jayr-san also called her "fugly", but it is mostly right...'

Meanwhile, Alvida-san smiles brightly and says, "... But now everything is different! After my defeat at his hand, I decided that he was the only one handsome and strong enough to be my man and that I would do anything to make him mine no matter what! And to do that I had to change a little! That is also why I decided to quit piracy and become a bounty hunter while also helping as many people as possible." after saying that, Alvida-san spreads her arms wide and declares, "And now I'm not only the most beautiful woman among these seas! But also the most generous, loyal, and reliable! It is only a matter of time before Jayr becomes my man!"

Hearing that, I can't help but question what is actually going on, 'I still can't believe that Alvida-san changed so much... she was such a scary, cruel, and ruthless pirate... well, actually, she isn't that much different, she is still like that, especially to those she deems her enemies like those fake marine she slaughtered back on Yo Island, but at the same time, I saw her fight to protect defenseless people without any hesitation, and while she still has the same level of confidence as before, it is truly baffling just how much can someone change for love... that old saying I heard in East Blue is true, love is truly a hurricane!'

While I'm thinking that, I can't help but smile wryly and comment, "Indeed, Alvida-san changed a lot since our last encounter, I almost thought it was a different person altogether..." 

But quickly after that, Alvida-san rebuts, "Ara ara... The same can be said about you, boy. You too also went through an earthshattering change from the last time I saw you. The chubby, weak-looking, scared brat that was my chore boy is gone and in his place, there is a lean, strong, brave young man... I truly can't imagine what you went through to change so much..."

Hearing that, I scratch my cheek in embarassment as I reply, "Well, Jayr-san trained me... I was so hard that I thought that I would die many times, but Jayr-san was always beside me thoughtout everything ready to help me when I needed..."

At this point, I tell her about some of the things I went through in my training, but all of the sudden, I hear Alvida-san gasp in surprise, hearing that, I look at her and see that her gaze is locked on in a particular direction.

I turn my head in the same direction, and see a beautiful, bright multicolored pillar of light piercing the sky, soon after, the pillar of light fades away, and a few moments later, something unimaginable happens, a big cloud detaches and starts to descend from the sky, then, as the cloud continues it descend, I notice that standing on top of the could is actually an island, an island just as big as Itsu Island, maybe slightly bigger.

Just as I'm looking incredulous at the descending island, I hear Alvida-san's voice as she says, "Koby, quickly head toward that island! Whatever is happening over there is important and for sure my man is also heading there now!"