Chapter 19: KING! Back from the dead.
The room fell silent. Everyone who heard my words stared at me with skeptical eyes, even Shanks. Their doubt was plain as day, and I could tell by their expressions they didn't recognize me at all.
With a sigh, I straightened up and looked at the gathered crowd. "Let me introduce myself properly," I began, my voice cutting through the uneasy atmosphere. "I am the captain of the King Pirates, and this place you're standing in is not just my base it's my ship." I gestured around with a sweeping hand. "Every beautiful and capable woman you see here is not just my crew but my family. My wives."
Gasps rippled through the gathered pirates, but I didn't pause. "I was once an apprentice aboard the Oro Jackson, GolD. Roger's ship, alongside my brothers Shanks and Buggy. At the age of ten, I served as the Vice-Captain of the Second Division of the Whitebeard Pirates."
The room grew tenser as I continued. "The World Government even gave me an alias during the time I was active on the seas "KING". That's who I am." Bowing slightly, I finished, "Now, perhaps this clears up any confusion."
As I spoke, I released my hybrid Devil Fruit form, letting them see my true appearance. My eyes swept over their stunned faces, some unable to process what I'd said, while others stood frozen, their disbelief apparent.
Suddenly, Rayleigh moved. In a blur, he launched a kick at me, his attack swift and precise. Without looking, I raised a single finger coated in Armament Haki and stopped his strike mid-air. Slowly, I turned to him, grinning. "You've gotten slow, Vice-Captain Rayleigh."
The old man jumped back, landing lightly before shaking his head. "No doubt about it," he muttered, his lips curling into a wry smile. "You're that annoying brat—the same defiant eyes, the same unshakable confidence."
"Gurarara!" Whitebeard's laughter boomed, his smile warm and genuine. "Where the hell have you been, brat? You had me worried for years."
I softened at his words but kept my focus. "I'll explain everything later," I promised, before pointing at Teach's crumpled form. "But first, let's deal with that bastard."
Shanks, already assessing Teach's broken state, shook his head and drew Gryphon. With a swift strike, he slashed Blackbeard's neck. Blood sprayed, but I wasn't done. Pulling out a fruit from my pouch, I began forming symbols with my free hand.
Dark gas started to seep from Teach's body, coalescing into a swirling mass of energy. Slowly, it was drawn into the fruit in my hand. The gathered pirates watched in stunned silence as the fruit twisted and transformed, its color darkening and strange patterns appearing across its surface.
The process completed, and a rope snaked from somewhere, snatching the fruit and pulling it away toward the castle.
"What... what just happened?" Marco's voice broke the silence, his tone laced with shock.
"Nothing," I replied nonchalantly, giving him a gentle smile brushing my hands off. "Just extracted Blackbeard's Devil Fruit."
The disbelief on their faces was almost comical. I chuckled lightly and clapped my hands together. "So, shall we continue the banquet? It's not good to leave food untouched for too long. Feel free to ask me anything while we eat and drink." My tone was casual, but the room's tension lingered.
Rayleigh, Whitebeard, Shanks, and the senior cadres of Red-Haired Pirates, division commanders, and subordinate captains of the Whitebeard Pirates followed me toward the castle. The others remained outside, already enjoying the food and spirits being served.
As we approached the grand castle doors, I paused, a thought crossing my mind. Turning back, I called out with a smile, "Big brother Buggy, are you not coming?" My tone was lighthearted, but the words carried a familiarity that silenced the crowd and Buggy feel awkward.
Buggy, who had been trying to stay inconspicuous in the back, froze. His face turned red as all eyes landed on him. He grumbled something under his breath but quietly joined the group of big shots.
Shanks, ever the opportunist, couldn't resist. He gave Buggy a teasing grin, chuckling softly as he said, "Looks like the brat still remembers you, Big brother."
Buggy shot him a glare but said nothing, his grumbling growing louder as he fell into step with the group. I couldn't help but smile at the interaction. It was good to see some things never changed.
Turning toward the grand, luxurious castle doors, I continued walking as they creaked open on their own, revealing a magnificent interior. The grand staircase dominated the entrance hall, its marble steps gleaming under the warm glow of golden chandeliers. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, depicting legendary battles, serene landscapes, and scenes of merriment.
The group behind me fell silent, their gazes sweeping across the grandeur of the hall. Even Whitebeard, who had seen his fair share of opulence, raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.
"This ship is your base?" Marco finally asked, his voice tinged with awe.
I glanced back at him with a grin. "Yes, It's named Delta after the the Island its made from" I replied casually, my tone nonchalant as if such extravagance was an everyday occurrence for me.
"The Delta Island which suddenly dissappeared from the Grand Line after two or three years after Captain's execution?" Shanks questioned to which I nooded.
Rayleigh let out a low whistle. "You've done quite well for yourself, brat Roger would've been impressed."
"That's high praise, coming from you, Old Man Rayleigh, I heard you somtimes sell yourself at auctions to clear your debts?" I said, inclining my head slightly with a smirk as we ascended the stairs gaining Rayleigh's embarrassed expression.
Behind me, Shanks and Buggy bickered quietly, their exchange adding a touch of nostalgia to the otherwise solemn march. Shanks, ever the troublemaker, nudged Buggy's shoulder. "Hey, Big Brother Buggy, maybe you should get a grand castle like this too. Wouldn't it suit a man of your stature?"
Buggy shot him an exasperated glare. "Shut up, Shanks! Not everyone feels the need to flaunt their wealth like some rich spoiled brat!" said Buggy with some embarrassment.
Their argument drew a few chuckles from Lucky Roux, Yassopp and the others, easing the tension that had lingered since my dramatic reappearance.
Reaching the top of the stairs, I gestured toward a set of double doors crafted from polished ebony. They swung open smoothly, revealing a grand dining hall. A long table stretched through the center of the room, laden with an assortment of delicacies and drinks that made the feast outside pale in comparison.
"Welcome to my humble home," I said with a smile, motioning for them to take their seats. "Eat, drink, and let's talk. I'm sure you all have plenty of questions you all want me to answer."
Everyone glanced at each other and settled in, the room buzzed with quiet chatter and laughter. It was a rare sight pirate legends, sworn rivals, and infamous warriors gathered under one roof, enjoying a moment of peace.
Sitting at the head of the table, I leaned back in my chair, observing the scene with a contented smile. For a brief moment, the weight of my responsibilities felt lighter. But I knew this was only the beginning there were still stories to tell, answers to give, and decisions to make.