One Piece : Brotherhood

Queen Otohime and her delegation found themselves seated at an extravagant, polished marble table, the gleaming surface reflecting the opulence of the room. Gilded chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a soft glow across the ornate furnishings and the grandiose tapestries that adorned the walls. Everything in the room screamed royalty, yet none of that mattered. Not when seated across from them was Donquixote Doflamingo—one of the most dangerous men alive.

The minister, who had prided himself on being composed, could barely conceal the unease tightening in his chest. His eyes flickered nervously to Doflamingo, who sat relaxed in his chair, clad in a blood-red suit.

Draped over his shoulders was his signature flamingo-pink feathered coat, the massive, flamboyant garment only serving to heighten the unsettling aura that radiated from him. It was as if he wore his menace like a second skin—silk beneath feathers, with danger laced into every thread.

Queen Otohime, normally the epitome of calm, couldn't help but feel a knot of anxiety twisting in her stomach. She knew they were here as allies, but the man before her carried the same title as Whitebeard—the famed Emperor of the Sea.

Yet where Whitebeard's presence had a fatherly, protective weight to it, Doflamingo's aura was different. His felt sinister, a dark cloud of malice that lingered even as he flashed them his disarming grin.

"Fufufufu!" Doflamingo chuckled, his infamous laugh filling the room like a sinister melody. "Queen Otohime, you can relax," he said, leaning forward ever so slightly, his sharp eyes glinting from behind his signature tinted glasses.

"The way you all look right now, it's as if I've abducted you against your will!" He threw his head back with another round of that chilling laugh, but instead of easing the tension, it thickened the air.

The joke fell flat—horribly flat. Even though it was meant to break the ice, the fishmen visibly tensed. Otohime's gentle hands, which normally radiated serenity, clenched subtly in her lap.

Jinbe, her trusted guard, stood just behind her, his muscles visibly tightening beneath his skin. His sharp eyes flicked to Doflamingo, watching every movement, ready to pounce at the slightest provocation.

Arnold, who was seated to the side, rolled his eyes and sighed quietly. Doflamingo really knew how to pick the worst moments for his terrible humor. It was like watching a man throw a lit match into a room full of gunpowder, then pretend he had no idea what would happen.

Even Senor Pink, who had been stone-faced for most of the meeting, blinked in momentary confusion. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly, clearly at a loss for how to salvage the situation.

"Uh, perhaps some refreshments?" Senor interjected quickly, gesturing to the door. "Why don't we have something brought in to help us... relax?" His words hung in the air like a lifeline, and he signaled for attendants to bring in food and drinks.

Queen Otohime managed a soft smile, grateful for the distraction, but her heart was still beating a little too fast. The atmosphere had shifted, but the underlying tension remained, hanging like a heavy cloak over the room.

As the waitstaff brought in platters of exotic fruits, wines, and teas, Doflamingo leaned back in his chair, eyes fixed on Otohime, his grin still plastered across his face. He was calm, too calm, like a predator who already knew how the hunt would end.

Despite the attempt to lighten the mood, no one could quite shake the feeling of walking on thin ice. And with Doflamingo, you never knew when—or if—the ice would crack beneath your feet.

Senor Pink, sensing the rising tension in the room, quietly leaned over and whispered a few instructions to one of the maids. He asked her to notify little Shyarly, hoping that her presence might ease the Fishmen delegation.

After all, Arnold was a friend to them, but he wasn't officially part of the Donquixote family. Shyarly, however, was—a mermaid—and maybe seeing her would help break the ice. Senor knew that her playful yet mysterious nature might also help to give them some insight into the future of their relationship with the Ryugu Kingdom, should she happen to have one of her visions.

Minutes later, the doors swung open, and to the Fishmen's astonishment, a little mermaid floated in, completely at ease. Shyarly, her long purple frock trailing behind her, casually entered the room as though she owned it.

Even more surprising was how she settled effortlessly at Doflamingo's right-hand side, clearly at home. Her small frame seemed out of place at such a grand table, but the childlike confidence with which she moved made it clear—she belonged here.

Doflamingo, usually commanding every room he was in, didn't even seem to notice her odd behavior. His grin widened slightly, but his attention remained on the guests.

The Ryugu delegation, on the other hand, seemed to visibly relax for the first time since they had entered the grand room. They had heard rumors of a mermaid being part of the Donquixote family, but seeing her here, sitting so comfortably next to Doflamingo, gave them a sense of... relief. It felt like a sign—one of solidarity.

As platters of food and drink began to circulate, everyone took the chance to enjoy the brief respite. Laughter began to float through the air as the tension slowly bled away. Queen Otohime, always gracious, stood to offer her thanks, her eyes brimming with emotion.

"I must thank you sincerely, Donquixote Doflamingo," she began, her voice soft but clear. "The world may see you as something entirely different, but to me, you are someone who has achieved the almost impossible. You've created a place where our kind—where my people—can live in peace. You might very well be the key to our salvation, to a world where Fishmen can walk above the sea, in harmony with humans."

Doflamingo smiled—that chilling grin—but there was a hint of something else behind it, something softer. Perhaps he wasn't entirely the monster the world made him out to be.

However, before he could respond, Shyarly—seated beside him—had other plans.

The little mermaid had already started digging into the pastries on the table. Without a care in the world, she grabbed a handful of cream-filled buns, stuffing them into her mouth with such vigor that the cream smeared around her lips.

"Shyarly," Doflamingo said in a low, scolding voice, his grin fading as he looked down at the child next to him. "There are guests. Act with some decorum."

But Shyarly, cheeks puffed out with cake and her small hands reaching for more, barely glanced his way. She swallowed hastily and, without missing a beat, said, "I love these! More!"

Doflamingo's brow twitched, his attempt to appear stern utterly defeated by the sight of Shyarly reaching for yet another pastry. "I said, decorum, Shyarly!" he repeated, more sternly this time. Yet, the corner of his mouth twitched, as if he couldn't quite hold back his amusement.

Shyarly, unfazed by the Heavenly Yaksha's warning, stuffed another pastry into her mouth, her small lips turning into a defiant smile. "I am! I'm just eating—*hat's decorum, right?"

The Fishmen delegation, including Queen Otohime, tried to stifle their laughter as they watched this bizarre exchange unfold. Even Jinbe, ever the stoic bodyguard, let a small chuckle escape him.

Doflamingo sighed dramatically and leaned back in his chair, shaking his head, but the irritation was clearly feigned.

"Fufufu... Children," he muttered under his breath, crossing his arms in mock frustration. It was clear he wasn't truly angry. In fact, the sight of Shyarly enjoying herself seemed to lighten even his dark aura.

The tension that had once filled the room had completely evaporated, replaced by a warm, almost familial atmosphere. Even the normally silent and imposing Doflamingo couldn't fully hide his softer side in front of the little mermaid, and the Fishmen delegation could finally breathe easier.

With Shyarly still munching on her pastries beside him, Doflamingo turned back to Queen Otohime, his grin reappearing, though this time it seemed less sinister and more... genuine.

"As I said before, Queen Otohime, you can relax. We have much to discuss, but for now, let's enjoy the peace. After all, it's what we're here for, isn't it?"

The atmosphere shifted as the minister, emboldened by the harmonious scene unfolding before him, took a deep breath and squared his shoulders.

"Your Majesty," he began, his voice steady despite the precariousness of his position. "Arnold keeps telling me that the Donquixote family is trying to help us Fishmen out of good intentions, expecting nothing in return. But let's be blunt: there's no such thing as a free lunch in this world. So tell me, Your Majesty, what does your family truly want in exchange for forming such an alliance with us?"

His tone was direct, perhaps too direct. In a room filled with powerful figures, the minister's words hung in the air like a heavy fog. Normally, no one would dare speak so boldly to Doflamingo, the man known for his ruthless demeanor and chilling reputation. Yet, here he was, challenging the Emperor, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

Senor's expression tightened at the minister's bluntness. The man's rudeness was almost palpable; even the ever-composed Arnold felt a chill crawl up his spine. Queen Otohime's brow furrowed as she caught the minister's eye, a warning flickering in her gaze. "Please, Minister, let's not—" she began, but her words fell on deaf ears.

Doflamingo's face remained impassive for a moment, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before it was quickly replaced by a chilling chuckle. "Oh, you're brave, aren't you?" His laughter echoed through the lavish meeting room, laced with an unsettling edge.

"With regard to our upcoming alliance, I'll overlook this insolence just this once." The casualness of his tone was deceptive, and an icy dread swept through the room like a gust of wind. "But try this tone with me again, and I cannot guarantee your safety."

The minister's heart raced, his bravado fading as the implications of Doflamingo's words settled in. It felt as if death itself had glanced his way, a reminder of the precarious balance he had just disturbed. The once-assertive man suddenly found himself second-guessing every decision that had led him to this moment.

Shyarly, sitting innocently next to Doflamingo, paused in her pastry munching. Her wide eyes flicked to the minister, and a hint of pity crossed her small face. It was as if she sensed the foolishness of challenging a man like Doflamingo, a reminder of the consequences of teasing fate.

"But you are right, Minister," Doflamingo continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "There are no free lunches in this world. An alliance should be reciprocal." He leaned forward, the polished marble of the table gleaming under the opulent chandeliers. "And thus, we do have a proposal that will put your minds at ease."

As Doflamingo leaned back in his chair, a knowing smile played on his lips, and the atmosphere shifted once more. The tension from the previous exchange faded slightly as curiosity ignited in the room, particularly in Queen Otohime's eyes.

She was intrigued by what this exalted force—the Donquixote family—was truly after. Doflamingo's mention of a give-and-take alliance seemed to resonate with her. After all, the nature of pirates was often to take, not give, so perhaps there was truth in his words.

"I want your help," Doflamingo began, his voice smooth and confident. "The help of the Fishmen race to tap into a treasure trove that has been discarded by everyone. A treasure trove that only you can truly get your hands on. In exchange, I will help you achieve your dreams. I will help the Fishmen build an island that you can call home above the surface." He smiled, revealing a glimpse of his ambition.

Confusion rippled through the gathered Fishmen as they glanced at one another. What treasure trove was he referring to? The Ryugu Kingdom had struggled to provide for its people for years; they had recently improved their condition through trade with Dressrosa, but Doflamingo's deal left them perplexed. It sounded too good to be true, and the implications of such a proposal weighed heavily on their minds.

"Uh, I'm not sure what you're referring to, King Doflamingo," Otohime said cautiously, her brow furrowed in concentration. "As far as I'm aware, Ryugu Kingdom doesn't possess anything of that nature." Her mind raced as she tried to recall any mention of hidden treasures in Neptune's discussions, but nothing came to mind. The minister beside her, equally bewildered, searched his memory for anything relevant in the kingdom's archives.

"Fufufufu! Queen Otohime, you seem to have misunderstood," Doflamingo said, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "The treasure trove I'm referring to is the very sea itself! Do you have any idea how much treasure the ocean holds?" He gestured dramatically, his voice rising with excitement. "The Fishmen can access all of it—wealth beyond what any other race could even dream of!"

He motioned to Senor, who nodded, and soon a maid appeared with a lavish platter covered in silk. As she pulled away the cloth, a dozen glittering items were revealed. The delegates leaned in, their curiosity piqued, while Arnold himself strained to catch a glimpse of what Doflamingo was getting at.

Senor stepped forward, picking up a small ore and raising it high for everyone to see. "Can any of you recognize what this is?" he asked, his voice steady yet inviting.

The room fell silent as they leaned in, trying to discern the item. But it was Jinbe, the most knowledgeable among the Fishmen, who felt a flicker of unease as he noticed Senor's face twitch with discomfort. "Kairoseki…" he whispered, realization washing over him. Senor nodded solemnly and placed the ore, roughly the size of a fist, back on the tray.

"Yes, it's Kairoseki, commonly known as seastone. It's one of the most expensive ores in the world, even more valuable than gold," Senor explained.

"However, only a scant few islands in the New World have deposits of seastone, with Wano accounting for more than 60% of the total quantity. But are you aware that the entire seafloor is littered with hundreds, maybe even thousands, of such seastone mines? The seastones harvested from within the sea are much more potent than the ones unearthed above the surface."

Jinbe stepped forward with Otohime's permission, examining the ore closely. His sharp gaze confirmed Senor's estimate; this particular stone had indeed been mined from deep within the ocean.

"It's not just the seastone," Senor continued, gesturing toward the other treasures on the tray.

"Rubies, gems, gold coins, even devil fruits, relics from ancient civilizations that have sunk into the ocean. While others might struggle to find these treasures, for the Fishmen—who call the sea their home—gathering such priceless items is practically effortless."

Doflamingo leaned forward, his voice smooth like silk as he added, "In exchange for helping you build and protect your Fishman island above the surface, we would like to employ your help in acquiring these treasures for the Donquixote family exclusively." His tone was casual, but the underlying gravity of his proposal lingered in the air.

The Fishmen delegates stared in awe at the items on the tray, their minds racing. How foolish they had been! It wasn't that they hadn't encountered such treasures before, but their deep-seated disdain for humans had caused them to overlook the wealth that lay right at their doorstep. Items that seemed trivial to them—dropped like breadcrumbs along the ocean floor—were considered treasures by those who dwelled above.

The realization settled heavily upon them, a weighty truth that exposed the blindness of their prejudices. They had been suffering all these centuries, yet the bountiful resources of the sea were theirs to take. It was time to embrace the potential that lay before them and transform their home into a true sanctuary, not just for their people but for all Fishmen who sought a better life.

******

Uncharted Island, New World

Vinsmoke Judge stood before a complex instrument, intently recording readings that flickered across its screen. The laboratory was dimly lit, the hum of machinery creating a sterile ambiance. Suddenly, an immense shadow loomed over him, casting a pall over his work. A rasping breath and a low growl sent chills racing down his spine.

When he slowly turned around, he was met with a terrifying sight: two glowing red eyes glaring directly at him, towering ominously. Charlotte Linlin, better known as Big Mom, had finally awakened from her slumber after a year of unconsciousness.

"Vinsmoke, where am I? Where are my children?" Her voice boomed like thunder, deep and menacing. She realized, with a dawning horror, that she was no longer in the mirror dimension.

The last thing she recalled was the chaos at Sorbet Kingdom, where Brulee had opened a mirror just in time to save her from the catastrophic force of the Ancient Weapon. It had humbled her—an experience that shook her indestructible physique to its core. But that humiliation only fueled her resolve. Now, she needed to know the state of her forces.

Big Mom extended her massive hand, gripping Judge with terrifying strength. He felt as if he were a mere lamb caught in the jaws of a wolf, unable to escape her grip. Her Haki surged around her, a palpable aura that threatened to suffocate him. Vinsmoke gulped, his throat dry and tight under the weight of her pressure.

"An entire year…" he managed to stammer. "It has been more than a year since you fell unconscious. We're now on a remote island, trying to escape from those hunting us…"

Big Mom's rage ignited. She tossed Judge into a nearby machine, the impact resulting in a catastrophic explosion. As smoke and debris filled the air, she turned her fiery gaze to Smoothie, who had just rushed in after sensing her mother's Haki.

Smoothie, flanked by a few other Charlotte siblings—Cracker and Snack among them—felt the oppressive weight of Big Mom's presence as she scanned the room, her fury barely contained.

"Mama, you are finally awake?" Smoothie tried to steady her voice, but it trembled in the presence of her towering mother. Big Mom's eyes narrowed, her expression darkening as she observed the vitality of her children.

They bore her blood, but there was something unsettlingly different about them, a shadow of familiar presence reminiscent of her own. For now, she set aside those thoughts, focusing on the pressing matter at hand.

"Why aren't we in Totto Land? Did I not leave you in charge of our territory when I left for the South Blue?" Her voice was a thunderclap, booming with authority and anger as she moved toward Smoothie, dwarfing her daughter with an intimidating presence. The very air felt thick with tension.

Smoothie squared her shoulders, attempting to hold her ground, but the suffocating pressure made her heart race. "Mama, we lost our territory and many of our siblings during your absence. Even Brulee…"

Before she could finish, Big Mom's massive fist, coated in Armament Haki, descended with terrifying speed. Smoothie's instincts kicked in, her own Haki flaring in a desperate attempt to defend herself.

"Busoshoku Koka!" she shouted, a thick layer of Haki enveloping her arms and chest. Yet, despite her valiant effort, she was sent crashing through the walls, the impact reverberating throughout the laboratory.

The chaos barely registered as Big Mom launched herself forward, her mind consumed with rage.

"Tell me what happened to my territory! What happened to my Room of Treasures? What happened to the Road Poneglyph?" Her voice was a mixture of thunder and fury, each word a declaration of war against those who had dared to threaten her legacy.

The sheer force of her Conqueror's Haki shattered the walls around her, sending debris raining down like confetti. The Charlotte siblings scrambled to recover, wide-eyed and stunned, yet unable to speak as they witnessed their mother's rage manifesting like a storm.

Smoothie, still reeling from the blow, struggled to rise as she gasped for breath. "Mama, please, listen!" she shouted, her voice barely cutting through the chaos. But Big Mom was past reasoning; her fury was an uncontrollable force of nature, a tempest threatening to consume everything in its path.

"Silence!" Big Mom roared, her voice echoing through the ruins of the lab. She advanced, her eyes ablaze with wrath as she turned her attention to the rest of her children, scanning them for answers.

"You think you can just abandon my territory? You think you can allow my treasures to slip through your fingers?"

As she spoke, a wave of dread washed over her siblings, an almost tangible fear. The power radiating from Big Mom was bone-chilling, a reminder of why she was feared across the seas. This was a woman who had faced the mightiest of foes and emerged with her pride intact.

Now, she was fueled by a fury that could topple kingdoms, and her children stood in the eye of the storm, powerless against their mother's wrath.

"Mama, we can explain!" Cracker interjected, his voice shaky. "We tried to hold on, but—"

"Shut up!" Big Mom bellowed, cutting him off as her Haki surged, engulfing the room in an oppressive darkness. "You're all useless! You let my territory fall, and now I'll make you pay for your failures!"

With each word, she drew closer, her presence more suffocating. Her siblings stood paralyzed, understanding that any attempt to pacify her anger would be futile. They had to brace themselves for the wrath of their mother, a titan awakening from her slumber, ready to reclaim what was hers at any cost.

*****

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