Freedom Party

As my mark appeared on the shoulder of every slave, I couldn't help but smile. It felt good to have so many people fly under your flag. But after the moment of celebration, it was time for action.

There was one immediate problem. We were way over maximum capacity. My pirate crew had suddenly gone from six to nearly a thousand, and Akuma in its current state could only hold a hundred.

But my powers had changed. I didn't know why but I had a theory it was due to me shedding the scars of my past. Akuma started to grow with a simple command, the pure white bone turning into a pitch black.

My new subordinates looked around in awe, and a little fear as the ship around them came alive before their eyes. Soon Akuma rivaled the size of Moby Dick(A/N: Whitebeard's Ship), and suddenly the deck was no longer crowded.

"Welcome to your new home. From this day forward, you are part of the Chainbeaker Pirates. Together we will break down the infrastructure that put those who enslaved us in power." I smiled, emitting all my natural charisma.

I looked over to my five generals standing by my side, "But for now, let's get all of you clothed in fed. I know it's been too long since you've had a warm meal." Waving my hand, I created a long bone dining table with seats for everyone, "Anyone with cooking experience, please join me in the kitchen. As for the rest of you, my Generals will start organizing everyone into groups based on age, sex, and history."

I was joined by a group of fifteen in the kitchen, and to my surprise, I saw several children who looked right at home among the stoves and pans.

"Okay, we have a lot of people to feed, and not that much time. So make any dish you can. Stir-frys, soups, and stews are a good place to start. Pair up and groups of three to start planning, this will be the first meal we eat together, and I want it to be memorable." I got a few silent nods, but most still looked a bit out of it.

Understandable, given that they've gone from an existence of pure hell to cooking for their fellow crewmates. But in my experience, diving in headfirst was a good way to start the recovering process.

Realizing no one had moved, I clapped my hands, "I said, move, we have hungry people to feed, and it is our duty as chefs to feed them." Taking the role of head chef, I snapped them out of their revelry and into action.

They transformed from a group of lost individuals to a singular machine, barely needing to communicate to each other to understand what someone needed. And I was right alongside them. I hadn't had the pleasure of cooking with other professional chefs since I was a part of Whitebeard's crew.

My knife stopped, "Oh god, Pop's is going to kill me." Sighing, I returned to cooking. My knife resumed its quick chopping pace. Making short work of the vegetables and herbs, I slid them into the pot of blanched pork bones before someone whisked it away to fill it with water.

After two hours of cooking, the meal was ready to be served. On the deck, I was surprised to see that everyone had been sorted and clothed. A group of children surrounded Leana climbing over her and petting her tails and ears.

The crowd made way for my group of chefs as we set down the food. Within seconds my subordinates formed a buffet line with people pushing at each other to get a warm meal in their stomachs. There were a few conflicts that I had to break up, but once everyone saw I wouldn't tolerate any bullshit, things settled down.

Deciding I needed something just a little imposing. I created a throne of skulls that was surprisingly comfortable. Looking over my new army, I could pinpoint certain problems and issues that needed to be addressed.

One thing was relationships. Love could be a dangerous thing to have onboard a ship. The last thing I needed was a love triangle, gone tragic. As people finished eating, the tables were pushed aside, and a melodic tune filled the air.

Everyone broke out into song and dance, and a steady flow of rum kept everyone in high spirits. I had the pleasure of overlooking it all, Ace was flirting with a shy-looking girl, and even Evos was sitting next to a girl his age.

Though I knew about the oncoming battles in the back of my mind, I was outgunned and outmanned by the World Government. If things didn't change, most of the people in front of me would die as soon as they stepped onto the battlefield.

"You seem to be thinking about something," I looked over, and Robin was standing next to me dressed up on a knotted shirt showing her midriff and a purple skirt. "I always am. After all, my brain can process everything four times faster than the average man. Though it makes it hard to focus on any one thing."

Robin didn't respond for a second as she looked out at the sea of freedmen, women, and children. "You know I didn't believe it when you proposed this plan. I thought one of us might die."

"But you still choose to follow me?" I asked while taking another glass of amber liquid, "Of course I did. You are my captain. I had faith in your ability, and you proved me correct. After this party, there will be a period where you will have to prove yourself, again, and I know you will excel."

Smiling at Robin, I saluted her with my cup, "Thanks, I needed that. Also, nice outfit." Robin blushed and touched her cheek, "Thank you, and you're welcome." Standing up, I walked to the party with my subordinate. The time to worry would come later.