Chapter 76: Red Hair Pirates
Following their departure from Little Garden, Ashen, Dorry, and Brogy embarked on a perilous journey across the Grand Line towards Jaya, relying solely on a flimsy raft to brave the turbulent waters. Their voyage spanned over a week, fraught with numerous obstacles stemming from the unforgiving storms and inclement weather that ravaged the sea. Nonetheless, they persevered through each setback, driven by their unyielding determination to reach their destination.
As the crew arrived in Mock Town, they took a well-deserved break for a couple of days to rest and resupply. However, the giants Dorry and Brogy caused quite a commotion with their immense size, causing even the local pirates to steer clear of the town. Despite the initial intimidation, Ashen and the two giants eventually resumed their journey towards the Sabaody Archipelago, passing by notable locations such as Water 7 and the mysterious Florian Triangle. It was there that Ashen, quick to problem-solve, came up with the ingenious idea of commandeering one of the many deserted ships they came across. The ship was large enough to carry the two giants and so they wasted no time in claiming it for their journey.
Upon their arrival at Saboady, Ashen wasted no time and promptly headed to a shipwright workshop to repair his ship using the money he had at hand. After completing the repairs, he sought out Rayleigh for the necessary coating. Rayleigh was taken aback to see Ashen without his crew and with two giants by his side, but he remained professional and ensured that the job was done to the best of his ability.
Following the application of the ship's coating, the trio embarked on their journey towards Fish-Man Island, and this time around, it proved to be less arduous and perilous than their previous trip. Thanks to Ashen's ability to tame sea kings, they were able to steer the ship towards the island with great ease. Upon arriving at their destination, they halted for a few days to have the vessel recoated. Fortunately, Den, Tom's brother, was still present on the island and recognized Ashen, ensuring that the job was carried out without any hitches.
With the ship's recoating now complete, the trio set their sights on returning to the treacherous waters of the New World.
Dorry exclaimed with relief, "At last!...I can breathe in the crisp, refreshing air!" as he filled his lungs with a deep inhale.
"It's good to be back to the New World!" With a palpable excitement in his voice, Ashen declared his satisfaction at being back in the New World. After taking a moment to relish the fresh ocean air, he promptly retrieved his Den Den Mushi to notify Calvin of his arrival.
"Gabababa! I am thrilled to be heading back to Elbaf," exclaimed Brogy, his excitement palpable at the thought of returning to his homeland. "Ashen, I can hardly wait to meet your crew. When do you think we'll have the chance to do so?"
"I'm dialing them now... Purupurupuru... Purupurupuru..." After a few seconds, the Den Den Mushi finally ceased its ringing, and a familiar voice answered the call.
"Ashen, it's been a while" Calvin spoke through the Den Den Mushi being relieved that his captain was safe knowing the journey he was making alone.
"Hey, it's been quite some time. We've finally made it to the New World. Has everything been alright with you guys over the past few weeks?" Ashen inquired with genuine concern for Calvin and his crew.
"No, the sky islands have provided us with the safest refuge to hide ourselves. We carefully selected an uninhabited island, where the possibility of anyone discovering us is slim to none," Calvin reassured his leader with a tone of confidence.
"Good, but it's time for you to come down now. Let's plan to reunite in a week at our previous base on Tora Island. Unfortunately, Hachinosu may have already fallen to Big Mom's by now. Hopefully, everything is alright there." Ashen shared the news before Calvin stepped in to reassure that their crew would arrive on time.
"As soon as I end this call, I'll make sure to notify the Happo Navy about the matter at hand…Now I'll leave you to it-*Gatcha*" Calvin declared before they ended the conversation.
"Gyagyagya! It looks like we'll be crossing paths with them soon!" Dorry exclaimed with great enthusiasm.
"Yes" Ashen replied with a grin.
[New World, Tora Island],
As Ashen made his way onto the island, he was met with the sight of his crew eagerly awaiting his arrival. With a smile on his face, he proceeded to introduce them to the two towering giants who had joined him.
"You're huge as fuck!" Ian's voice burst with excitement as he gazed upon the two towering behemoths before him.
Calvin's face lit up as he clasped his captain's hand in a firm bro handshake. "It's great to see you again," he said, a smile spreading across his face. "I can't wait to kick that old hag's ass!"
Ashen's own grin widened. "Don't worry," he replied confidently. "We'll be there soon enough." His gaze shifted to the equally excited Don Chinjao.
"Yahoho! It's been too long, Ashen," Chinjao exclaimed. "I can hardly believe we're going to war again so soon, and with an emperor no less!"
Ashen chuckled. "As long as you're with me, there'll always be fighting," he replied, before getting down to business. "Now, as for our plan... We're heading to Elbaf to enlist the aid of the giants. Dorry and Brogy are already on board, and they'll help us convince the other giants to join our cause."
Calvin looked serious. "But is that really enough?" he asked. "Big Mom still has a lot of top-level commanders in her army. We could still be at a disadvantage."
"With no other options available, we must take the risk and gamble on this. It was inevitable that we would face a disadvantage while confronting an emperor. Nevertheless, this could be our prime opportunity. Even if we are unable to triumph over her, we can inflict substantial harm upon her, enough to make her think twice before attempting to harm us again," spoke Ashen, brimming with assurance.
"Despite Big Mom's imposing presence, there are a handful of individuals who will pose a significant challenge," Ashen declared, his expression grave. "Charlotte Katakuri is undoubtedly the most formidable foe we will face. He has honed his Observation Haki to such a degree that he can anticipate events a few seconds before they happen. The extent of his precognition is unknown, but it's certainly a cause for concern." The crew was stunned by Ashen's revelation, as they had never heard of anyone using Haki to glimpse into the future.
Enel's expression was one of incredulity as he processed the realization. "So, he has the ability to see into the future? That seems far too preposterous. With that power, he would be able to anticipate and thwart every one of your actions before you even attempt them." Enel's skepticism was evident in his tone as he grappled with the implications of such a formidable ability.
"Indeed, that is Advanced Observation Haki, but even its user is not impervious to attacks. If one possesses the swiftness to move faster than the Haki user can react, even with foresight, there exists a slim chance of victory, albeit at a disadvantage," Ashen elucidated to his comrades. " There is also Charlotte Cracker, he poses a significant threat. As a matter of fact, all of Big Mom's commanders are exceptionally formidable adversaries. Do not make the mistake of underestimating them; this battle will be far from easy."
"Ah, I see now. It's surprising to see such formidable individuals still exist. I had thought Perospero was the strongest, but it seems that's not the case," Calvin remarked as he surveyed the situation. "Ultimately, the key to victory lies in defeating Big Mom herself. If that cannot be accomplished, everything we do will be for naught."
"You're right," Ashen replied. "But taking her down alone is a Herculean task, especially with her entire army against us. We can't forget that the Navy won't remain idle, either. If we manage to win, they'll undoubtedly send an Admiral to finish off the weakened victor."
"We don't have time to waste. Let's get moving before Big Mom catches up with us on this island" Ashen ordered, his tone firm.
"Right, let's prepare the ships!" As Calvin issued orders, a fleet of twenty ships readied themselves. Ten belonged to Don Chinjao, five to the Inaki Family, and the remaining five to the Ashen Pirates. Altogether, the fleet comprised around 3000 pirates.
Using a vivre card belonging to Dorry and Brogy, the fleet set sail for Elbaf, the island of giants.
A week later,
[New World, Elbaf],
On the horizon, a fleet of twenty ships, hoisting the Ashen Pirates jolly roger, slowly made their way towards the island's waters. The inhabitants of the island, including a certain group of pirates who were currently residing there, took notice of the incoming danger.
In a village near the port of Elbaf, a rowdy group of infamous pirates were reveling and carousing inside a local bar. Their merrymaking was abruptly halted by the sudden sound of shouting, as a figure burst through the entrance, flinging the door wide open to announce the arrival of incoming ships.
The man let out a deafening cry of "Booss!!!" as his expression contorted in horror, his eyes wide with fear. He frantically gestured towards the outside, as if trying to convey a dire warning.
The tall, muscular man with a sun-kissed complexion and striking crimson hair let out a hearty laugh, but paused abruptly with a quizzical expression. "What's the matter? Aren't we having a blast?" he exclaimed.
"Boss, we have a problem," the man gasped for air before continuing, "The Ashen Pirates have arrived with a fleet of twenty ships!" His words hung in the air as Shanks' previously carefree expression hardened, a sense of gravity settling upon him.
"That bastard is here?! I heard that he took a copy of the Road Poneglyph from Big Mom!" exclaimed Lucky Roux, speaking through a mouthful of succulent meat "What should we do?"
"Of course, we'll be taking it," Benn Beckman stated confidently from his seat beside his captain. "She must be in her way here as well, that guy keeps bringing trouble with him whatever he goes"
"Ohh…I guess we need to say hello to them" Shanks flashed a subtle grin and downed the last of his drink, rising to his feet. His first mate, Benn Beckman, joined him, cigarette still dangling from his lips, followed by Lucky Roux, Hongo, Limejuice, Bonk Punch, Monster, Building Snake, and Gab, along with a raucous group of giants who were merrymaking with him.
…
As the Ashen Pirates approached the port, ready to dock their ship, they were suddenly confronted by a surprise appearance of the Red Hair Pirates, accompanied by a handful of towering giants. Amidst the commotion, the renowned Captain Shanks stepped forward, his smile beaming as he gazed upon the approaching Ashen crew.
"Yoo Ashen, it's been a long time…" Shanks gripped the hilt of his sheathed sword as he spoke "How about you give me your Road Poneglyph and piss off?" As his words trailed off, his once cheerful smile slowly dissolved, giving way to a menacing stare that sent shivers down the spines of those in his presence.
"Shanks? I'm going to be honest, the last think I expected is to meet in this place" Before grinning maniacally at him, Ashen said "And what's that about giving you my Poneglyph, you red headed bastard?"
"I see, so you want the hard way" With a deep growl, he drew his sword, causing the veins on his forehead to bulge even further. As he unsheathed the blade, a fiery aura ignited around it, lending it an intimidating glow "Then this island will the last stop in your journey"
"Cocky bastard!...I still haven't paid you back for what happened in East Blue" Ashen unsheathed his sword, Shusui, and enshrouded it in flames before leaping off the ship. He soared through the air, hurtling towards Shanks "I need to finish this before Big Mom shows up!".
Shanks expertly imbued his sword with both Advanced Armament Haki and Advanced Conqueror's Haki. With a mighty swing, he unleashed the force of his Haki-coated blade towards the airborne Ashen "Kamusari!"
"Demonic One Sword Style…Oni's Inferno Cascade!"
*BOOOOOOM*
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone