Reunion & Celebration

When we finally reached an island near Punk Hazard, the red fishman that I came to learn was Fisher Tiger and the rest of his posse, thanked us once more before exiting the ship. They stopped one last time, and waved at us before they dove deep into the sea. 

I had thought about it and remembered that Fisher Tiger was supposed to infiltrate Mariejois and free some more slaves. 

'I wonder if he'll stick to the plot and go back there to free them'

I really couldn't help but wonder, but that was food for thought for a later date. Right now, we were currently sailing towards our first stop before we reached our regroup point. It was a busy town within a country that was affiliated with the World Government. As a result, Whitebeard had decided to stay on the ship to nap while we resupplied within the town. 

I was also known throughout the New World, and it would've made sense for me to stay on the ship as well. However, my search for a light cigarrette brand took priority, and I was ready to risk a fight with the marines to get to it. Stussy immediately followed me, she claimed that it was her responsibility to keep an eye on me because of my so-called 'Reckless decisions'.

I really wanted to protest that, but her cold look when our eyes met told me that this wasn't up for discussion. I sighed and started my walk to the town, followed by the rest of the crew responsible for resupplying. When we got there, we immediately got looks of suspicion and fear. Those gazes were mostly focused on me, but I didn't mind them and kept moving. The crewmembers following me immediately dispersed as they all began to buy the essentials needed for the ship. 

I tried asking around for a good cigar store, but everyone I asked would either flinch and turn away, or they would straight up run away without asking. I couldn't help but think, 'Am I that intimidating?'

"You're demeanor has changed since you awakened, Boris" Stussy answered my idle thought, "Adding on to your already infamous reputation, the people fear you even more than they used to."

I could only shrug as I let Stussy do her thing. Her beauty and smile made her an easy to have pleasant conversations with, so she immediately got a good location from a passerby who was ogling at her boobs. As soon as he gave out the location, we immediately made a beeline for the store. I had also carried my box of cigars just in case the store owner needed a reference, after all, from what the last guy had told me. These cigars were incredibly easy to find anywhere within the New World. 

The storeowner was a gruff man who didn't seem intimidated by my presence. I had to respect that, and I politely asked him whether he had any cigarettes that were similar in taste with this. He gave numerous options after, and suggested the most expensive brand he had in stock. 

Looking at the cigarettes appearance. I was immediately captivated by its appearance, and I wasted no time draining all the stock he had. I got my transponder snail and told Ken to swing by here to pick them up. I also paid the storeowner handsomely and left a fair tip to boot. Raiding Mariejois had made me so rich that I had to get rid of some of this money.

.....

It took a few days to get to our desired destination, the rest of the crew had already arrived on the island and set up camp. So they were already cheering as we docked at the coast of the island. We celebrated and drunk to our heart's content. Since the raids were successful, we had plenty of money to splurge on drinks and food. Hell, one of the Division commanders managed to hire a band to come to the island and perform while we partied.

Whitebeard was drinking barrel after barrel like it was nothing. Jozu and Atmos seemed to be in an eating competion as they stuffed food down their throats competitively. Stussy and Toki, who was tended to the two children, were having a pleasant conversation while having some tea. Though, i could feel Stussy's Observation haki looking solely at me. Oden and Marco were recounting what they had done once they reached Enies Lobby.

Speaking of which, Marco was still sitting on the Celestial Dragon Marcus. He had been crying the entirety of the party, asking us to free him so he could go home. Nobody really paid attention to him, and they kept partying while he wept. Teach, on the other hand, was also drinking and partying with the crew; to be more specific, he was celebrating with the 2nd Division. However, it really didn't matter. Overall, everyone was having a good time.

This went on for a couple of days and nights, that was until one of our spotters detected a World Government ship coming our way. I had already guessed that it would probably be Cipher Pol who were on board. Moreover, they had been accompanied by several Marine ships that were led by Admiral Zephyr. I could see his scowl all the way from where I was. 

The rest of the Pirate crew immediately stopped what they were doing before turning to look at the World Government forces that were coming. It was only then, that Whitebeard stood up to say something.

"Don't Panic! They're probably here for the World Noble brat that Marco is sitting on. Marco, stop sitting on him," Whitbeard instructed casually as he twirled his naginata and stubbed it to the ground, "As for the rest of you, Celebrate! I want to party for another week before we get back to sailing!!"

The rest of the crew immediately cheered and went back to what they were doing. Marco brought Saint Marcus near Whitebeard as they waited for the World Government ships to dock at the coast and come to the camp. Everyone continued celebrating, but they're guards were now up. 

As for me, I was currently perched on the couch that Ken and another 0 Division subordinate thoughtfully brought to me. I was sitting near Whitebeard and enjoying my new cigarettes that we had bought back a few days ago. 

I watched as the World Government ship slowly docked.

The CP agents along with Admiral Zephyr immediately landed on the beach, I could see some more World Government agents slowly docking the ship on the beach as their leaders walked up towards where the party was. They were all wearing respective masks save for Zephyr.

The World Noble sobbed even louder at the appearance of the World Government and Marine ships. They kept walking calmly and finally stopped right in front of Whitebeard, who looked down on the group with an expression full of contempt. 

Marco pushed the World Noble towards the CP agents, and one of the agents rushed to tend to the wounds of the Celestial Dragon. However, the other CP agents that were behind their leader didn't seem to like Marco's actions. 

"How dare you push a World Noble! You must be asking for death, scum!" One of the CP agents yelled.

Just as they were about to attack Marco, the leader of the CP group raised his hand to stop him. While Zephyr continued to look on unfazed. He probably already knew the out comes of what would happen. It was then that the leader spoke to his surbordinate.

"Watch yourself, we do not have the initiative to start a fight. Look around."

The group looked around, only to find the Whitebeard Pirates flashing all manners of weapons towards the small group of World Government affiliates. Even Zephyr had a bunch of guns pointed at him, it was just a simple demonstration that showed them that they wouldn't be leaving here alive should they start a fight with us.

They immediately began to escort the World Noble towards their ship, while the leader remained standing in front of us. It also didn't help that Zephyr also remained with the leader while all of this was happening. The leader adjusted his outfit before looking at Whitebeard, he seemed to have something to say.

"We have much to discuss with you, Whitebeard."