Shadows of the North Blue

***One Piece - Dreamer: Shadows of the North Blue*** is an event originally started on June 29th, 2023, and completed on July 2nd, 2023. This is the first *One Piece: Dreamer* event produced by Pyrrhus Abaddon. It features an original story intertwined with the canon, with its status quo fitting the period between the Polarhaven Arc and the Reverse Mountain Arc.

## Synopsis

After the Shadow Tides escape a Marine Vice Admiral, they flee to the North Blue in an effort to capture a little girl, Ainya, who possesses knowledge of one of the three Ancient Weapons. Their goal is to acquire the weapon and its power. Through an encounter with a Bandit group sent by the Shadow Tides, the Olympian Dreamer Pirates discover Ainya had became a stow away on The Sailing Pantheon and are forced to fight the Shadow Tides.

With the knowledge Ainya has over the Shadow Tides, the Olympians must overcome these dangerous individuals, prevent the Ancient Weapon from falling into their hands, and save the little girl to continue on their journey to the Grand Line.

## Extended Summary

### (Act 1) Wynn's Target: Ainya & The Ancient Weapon

A week prior to the current day in the East Blue the Marines under the command of the Vice Admiral, Uronos are in the midst of battle and are being fired on out at sea. Several cannon balls are heading toward their ship when Uronos leaps up off the ship and deflects them using his Ryujin's Claw thanks to his Haki. After noting that it was five people attacking them, Uronos told the Marines under his command to alert headquarters, because they were going after the Shadow Tides.

Back in the present day in the North Blue, The Pantheon was currently under attack thanks to Bounty Hunters under the pay of the Shadow Tides while heading toward the Grand Line. While doing so, one of the bounty hunters identified the Olympian Dreamer Pirates as part of the New Generation with a total bounty of ฿350,000,000 Beli. Defending their ship, Athermos identified the people attacking them as bounty hunters and deflected the cannon balls back onto the bounty hunters' ship. One of the cannon balls hits the ship and several bounty hunters fall onto The Pantheon. While they were talking, Vhagar told them to get off the ship and sliced through the bounty hunters before throwing them off the ship, stating they had the numbers but couldn't muster the strength required to win.

Noting they were being overpowered, one of the bounty hunters steered the ship toward The Pantheon, putting the two ships onto a collision course. Rayne walked out from inside the ship, heading to the deck to peek over the rails and spotted on the side of the bounty hunter's ship that it belonged to the Shadow Tides. She then questioned why they were being attacked, to which Hestuser stood up and just questioned if they should stop the two ships from colliding. Pancho agreed, stating he should be able to melt it, while Al stated he could just take out the person steering the ship toward them to stop the ship from coming toward them. Athermos sat down next to Vhagar, telling Al to take the person out to avoid damaging the ship and putting them all into harm's way. Doing so, Al watched as the ship was sunk to the bottom afterward due to the built up damage.

Raijin was distracted while watching the ship sink before stating someone was still on the ship. Vhagar just patted Athermos on the head, sliding Ace into his belt as he still had no sheathe for the sword. Pancho questioned what Raijin meant by still on the ship, while Rayne told Raijin to bring the person out there if it was a bounty hunter as she had a question for them. Raijin just nodded and went to go find the person, using his abilities to sense the person as he went into the hull and moved things to get to her. Buried beneath the cannon balls, was a little girl named Ainya. Confused by how she had gotten on the ship, Raijin lifted her up and brought her back to the deck so the others could see her.

Confused as to how she got there, Athermos was just thinking as Hestuser stated he recognized her. He then explained that she bumped into him back on Polarhaven and mixed him up for someone that worked for one of the Shadow Tide members. Rayne moved closer to Ainya in order to analyze her, stating that she seemed uninjured and was just unconscious. Pancho however was stuck on what Hestuser said, asking if Ainya had met Athermos when using the word him. Athermos told Rayne that Ainya might have been working for the people who had just attacked them, and told Pancho that she couldn't have met him because they never met. Athermos then asked if Hestuser could make some food for the unconscious girl while also asking if Raijin could shock her awake. Al merely questioned if they were going to hurt the kid, to which Vhagar said they wouldn't unless the girl managed to harm them. All the while, Hestuser went to cook while Vhagar was thinking about his sister.

Raijin wasn't sure if he could but attempted to anyways, placing a finger on Ainya's head after setting her down, releasing a light shock to wake her up. This immediately startled her as she looked around before crawling back and into the mast. Thanks to being scared of the six Olympians surrounding her, she pulled out her gun and said she had thought this was a marine ship, questioning if they worked for the same Shadow Tide member she confused Hestuser for working with. Coming back outside and onto the deck with a plate of Sea King meat, vegetables, and rice, he set it down in front of Ainya and slid it to her while stating he wasn't sure how she confused a Pirate and Marine ship. Rayne merely asked her to lower the gun because they had no idea who Ainya was talking about. Pancho merely commented on the fact it was rude to pull a gun on someone who hasn't done anything wrong, while Al asked if Raijin, Vhagar, or Athermos would take the gun.

Athermos was analyzing the situation as he simply told Ainya that they wanted to just try and understand how she had snuck aboard. Meanwhile, Vhagar took a different approach and just said that if she was a badass, she'd shoot the gun, putting his head to the barrel. He then explained that she was clearly on the run from whoever it was she was confusing them for, stating that either she was to get off the ship or let them help her. Raijin simply responded to Al since no one else did, stating they would all be fine either way as he watched Vhagar be unreasonably brash. This caused Ainya to shake rapidly, dropping the gun and trying to backup only to bang against the mast. Hestuser however was angry about the approach Vhagar took, telling him he needed to relax and not intimidate her the way he did.

Al walked over, grabbing the gun and throwing it to Pancho as he told them they should try again. Pancho caught the gun, melting it and reforging it into a bracelet and noticed Hestuser's reaction, just staying quiet though as Rayne smacked Vhagar against the head before grabbing the plate of food and handing it to Ainya. She then told Ainya that they just wanted to understand and asked if the person that she was confusing them for working with was part of the Shadow Tides. Athermos in the meanwhile was trying to reiterate the fact that they didn't mean harm, taking note of Vhagar and Hestuser's specific approach and response respectively, asking her to let them help. He similarly tried to ask for the food Hestuser made for her, though this was quickly shut down by Rayne's gaze as Vhagar had covered his mouth. Ainya just nodded to what they were saying, asking if it was poison and apologizing for pulling the gun on them. Raijin stated she should stop asking questions, because if it was poison she would have already been drowning by now or dying a different way. Vhagar just told her that if any of them were in her position they would have also pulled the gun, before telling her that Hestuser would not poison someone besides himself.

Hestuser did not deny this allegation, instead telling Athermos that he would cook him some food later. Then, Hestuser asked Ainya if she knew who specifically was after them, since the Shadow Tides was just too vague. Eating the food, Ainya informed them that it was Emanuel Wynn, the person behind the Shadow Tides, who was after her. Rayne turned toward the others asking if that sounded familiar, trying to jog their memories back to the newspaper they had all read a week ago. Hestuser nodded, stating that it was the guy who escaped from Athermos' grandpa's clutches and the East Blue by extension. Pancho questioned that if he had escaped from a Vice Admiral, doesn't that make him insanely strong. Al simply said that he could have gotten lucky so he might not have been strong, or the Shadow Tides were in fact incredibly strong, questioning what they should do. Athermos had said they probably got lucky, and that knowing his grandpa he was likely chasing them, though he wasn't sure because she was with them. He asked Raijin and Al what they thought, with Vhagar stating that there was nothing to think about because if someone was after the little girl they should help her like they usually help the people they come across. He then had fallen asleep, moving Ace into his lap as well. Raijin just said he didn't care how strong the guy was, but wanted to know why he was after Ainya because it was sounding bad. Al stated that if that was in fact the case, he had several bullets for Wynn.

Ainya quickly told them that it wasn't because of that, but rather because she possessed something and had knowledge of what she possessed as well. This was why she couldn't go back and had to get away from them, but they were still following them. Hestuser stated that this was a good explanation for her reaction when she had bumped into him on Polarhaven. Pancho just confirmed they were helping her before asking what they should do as they no longer had a lead due to sinking the ship that was attacking them. Rayne walked inside and came back out with a newspaper, a compass, and several maps of nearby islands as she said that they're near the base of Reverse Mountain and that they had only recently come to the North Blue. As a result, they had to be close and likely on an island nearby. Athermos just stated he was glad everyone agreed they should help her, before stating that it was time to defeat them. Ainya couldn't believe they were really going to help, with Raijin asking what knowledge she possessed and what she had.

Ainya simply stated that she had the key to an Ancient Weapon, and the knowledge of how to get it. Pancho was in shock and questioned if she was being serious, as having that knowledge meant she had knowledge on one of the three most powerful weapons in existence. Rayne was immediately alerted by this, asking Raijin to use his powers to see if he could sense anyone nearby, as she stated that it was impossible for her to have gotten away due to the knowledge she possessed. Al immediately wanted to know if she was wired, as he used his own abilities to try and see if anyone was around before stating he couldn't see anyone. Hestuser was still trying to reaffirm if she actually knew about the weapon and how to get it, while Athermos had told Vhagar to get up because he should expect trouble. Vhagar was only half listening to the conversation before fully getting up, confused as to what the Ancient Weapon was referring too. Raijin regretted asking, nodding to Rayne and getting into the Crows Nest to try and sense out any disturbances.

### (Act 2) Verdant Isle & The Five Commanders

Immediately, a person who could use Fishman Karate had sent a massive wave of water into the air, it towering over the ship before coming crashing down toward it. Ainya fainted at the sight of this while Rayne, Pancho, and Raijin was freaking out about the attack because most of them were Devil Fruit users and would die if that had struck them. Vhagar said he couldn't do anything about that, before stating that he was kidding and unsheathed Ace from his belt, asking if Athermos could get him close. Athermos had nodded, stretching his arm to Hestuser as he told Vhagar to grab his hand, stretching his other arm to him. Vhagar grabbed Athermos's hand. Vhagar exclaimed that he wanted a 10 star meal if this worked, while Hestuser agreed and delivered a kick with Athermos using that to swing around and throw Vhagar toward the wave. The wave crashed against the crows nest, destroying it just as Vhagar attempted to absorb some of the wave with Ace and then redirect the rest of the wave away from the ship. Ace also released the water it had absorbed back at the wave to try and redirect it as well. As a result, the wave had completely crashed against the ship, sending it hurdling several miles away and toward an island, heavily damaging the ship. The person who used Fishman Karate simply pulled out a Transponder Snail, telling their boss that they were on the way to Verdant Isle.

The heavily damaged ship was sent rocketing to the nearest island, Verdant Isle, wherein for several minutes the crew was unconscious and forced off the ship thanks to their crash landing. As they were slowly coming too and waking up, they all suffered injuries to various extents, with each Olympian and Ainya still alive. As they all began recovering, Rayne was struggling to her feet as Al had protected Ainya and as such his wings were severely damaged, along with his body. Pancho was bruised but otherwise fine, and stated that whoever damaged them and their ship like this was going to die at his hands. Hestuser was coughing up blood and just stated that the Iron Body ability would have been handy against what they had faced. Athermos' body was completely drenched and shooting out water as he made sure no one was dead. Ainya however was horrified by the fact that Al had protected her, thanking him and said she was hurt. Vhagar was slowly getting up, grabbing Ace as he made his way toward Al trying to help him up, making sure he was okay. Raijin was healing thanks to his own abilities but was quite damaged because he hit every wall on the ship as they were being sent toward the Island. Hestuser walked toward Raijin, telling him to start moving if he was still alive as he told Rayne and Ainya he was glad they were alive.

Now able to confirm that everyone was alive, Athermos stood up and stretched his arms in order to help Pancho and Rayne up fully, questioning who did that. Rayne had gotten up, before noticing The Pantheon's damage as Pancho admitted he was killing everyone part of the Shadow Tdies group because of the ship's damage. Walking toward it, he apologized to the ship and Sindri, remarking that he hoped they would forgive him. Ainya apologized for the fact all of them gotten hurt, identifying the one who had attacked them as Torrent. Raijin began moving and dusted himself off, as Vhagar shook his head in disappointment as he felt the fact he could not save the ship was his fault, making sure the others were okay. Suddenly, a massive wave carrying Torrent shot over the group, as he smiled and continued riding the wave deeper into the island.

Athermos noticed this, before stating that their goal was just to send them onto the island. Al questioned if they were going to find them, still damaged from the way they crashed. Hestuser walked toward Ainya, noticing she was still slightly injured as he motioned for her to get on his back so he could carry her. Thanking him, Rayne just grabbed her compass and maps, leaving the newspaper on the ground, stating they were heading north and the island was south of Reverse Mountain. In doing so, she said that if they made this their base of operations they should expect traps. Vhagar immediately went north, wanting to get revenge as Raijin just followed Vhagar cautiously. Athermos however immediately told them all to stop, stating they needed to wait and think because if they go in blind they might make the situation worse.

Rayne questioned if Athermos had a plan, with Hestuser telling Vhagar to wait because they had to make a plan. Pancho stated it sounded fine with him as long as they made the Shadow Tides pay for damaging their ship, with Al hoping it was a good plan and moving his gun back onto its holster. Ainya was confused by the fact they were still helping because she had caused this, mentally thinking that they weren't as bad as what the newspaper was stating. Raijin asked if they really believed Athermos had a plan considering Athermos typically did stupid things and never thought, while Vhagar stated that if the plan fails he was going to kick Athermos' ass. Athermos simply told them to have faith in their captain, as he turned toward Ainya and told her that they didn't know her name. He additionally said that she must have a basic idea about who they are and what they're facing, because she identified the fishman who attacked them.

Hestuser immediately figured out what Athermos was specifically planning, breaking it down for the rest of the crew by saying he wanted to know who they were and what they could do. Alchuss stated it was a smart plan, before stating it was not geared toward finding them as he turned toward Rayne to ask if she was going to handle that part. Rayne was dumbfounded by Athermos' genius, questioning who he was and what they did with their captain in a joking manner before stating she would make a plan for finding them. Pancho stated he had to get something off the ship for Vhagar and told them to catch him up, immediately heading to the ship to find what he was looking for. Vhagar simply agreed to what Pancho said and praised Athermos for the plan, before telling Ainya to tell them everything about them. Ainya just agreed, formally introducing herself and then stating she didn't know the real specifics behind their abilities, just their names. She went on to list their names, identifying them by their titles and what she could see on the surface. The Shadow Tides consisted of five people, with Wynn being their leader and going by Shadows. His second in command was Whisper who was a swordsman and had black wings with a flame on them. Their was the fishman who they had briefly ran into named Torrent, a girl named Viper who used guns, and a giant named Bane who carried an axe that appeared like a dragon.

Rayne listened and continued staring at the maps and her compass, stating that it was safe to assume that the five could use Haki. Hestuser, using this information, quickly came up with a plan for combating them. Hestuser stated he would fight Torrent, Ather would take on Wynn, Vhagar would fight Whisper, Raijin would fight Bane, and Al, Pancho, and Rayne would take on Viper. Everyone agreed to this plan, with Pancho finding what he was looking for and coming off the ship. As Pancho was coming off the ship, Athermos asked if Rayne had a navigational plan, to which she said that they were on the shore and identified specific locations of interest. She explained the island held a cavern, ruins, a village, and a waterfall, and they should assume the base would be where the locations intersected. She also stated the places were scattered and on different ends of the island. When Pancho got back to the group to hear the end of that, he spoke to Vhagar specifically, throwing him a repaired Snow Flower, to which Vhagar caught, giving a genuine laugh. He then said it was good that Snow Flower was back, telling Pancho he was eternally grateful and telling the others that it was time to go take down the Shadow Tides. Athermos gave Vhagar a thumbs up about recovering his sword, stating the quicker they could kick their asses the better.

Raijin noticed this but didn't comment on that, using his abilities to sense around the island as he sensed five people before they left his range, and several people clumped together, likely in the village. Pancho just nodded to Vhagar before stating he heard who they were fighting and the locations, before asking what they should do with Ainya. Quick to speak up, Ainya said she wanted to help and go with them because they were fighting for her. Hestuser agreed to this quickly, stating he personally would keep watch of her and asked if they knew which way they should go. Rayne asked if Raijin sensed out their positions, while Al dusted his wings off as best he could, stating they had an advantage but wanted to know if they could pinpoint them because their enemies knew they were on the island. Raijin said he was able to sense five people far from them before they left their range, along with adding that the closest location was the village more than likely due to the fact he sensed groups of people there. Everyone agreed and began to head in that direction, seemingly evading traps and any real trouble.

While walking, Pancho asked what Ancient Weapon Ainya had knowledge of, because this seemed like an appropriate time to do so. Hestuser agreed with this, stating she had claimed she had the key and knew what was required to get the weapon. Ainya agreed, stating the ancient weapon was Pluton, and that their key was the Poneglyphs, asking if they knew what that was. Raijin stated he was vague about it because he didn't know if they were true, while the others didn't know about it but Al. Al stated that he knew about them because of Sky Island and was unaware of the fact they existed elsewhere, asking if Ainya could read them if she knew about them. Ainya stated no, and that the person who can read them was someone who saved her named Robin, describing what the Poneglyphs were. She then claimed that Robin read and explained what was written on a Poneglyph when they visited Alabasta, stating that they learned what Pluton was because of this. A battleship with the power to vaporize islands with a single attack, making it the most powerful battleship in the world.

Everyone was shocked by this, each having different reactions as Al stated it made sense why they were after Ainya now since the knowledge she had made her valuable. Hestuser was thinking about his sister and questioned if Robin was a three-eyed person because she could read the Poneglyphs, shaking this off. Athermos just asked if all three of the weapons were as powerful as that, while Vhagar wanted one. Raijin stated they were all with that much power, and said everyone should have heard about Robin, going so far as to identify her full name as Nico Robin. Athermos was just curious if she would join their crew, with Rayne telling them they had arrived at the village, stating that it was gorgeous. However, she was confused and asked if Raijin was sure he sensed people, because the village was full of buildings and animals, but no people.

Raijin stated that he was positive because he heard people, unless he had confused it but said that unless they could talk he had no idea what this meant. Hestuser just commented on the fact that Devil Fruits existed in three varieties. Rayne asked if he was trying to say that the animals there were actually people in their Full Animal states and that they consumed Zoan fruits. Everyone else was looking around in confusion, with Al stating that they had Doriki like humans do, but asked if maybe they were experimented on. Athermos repeated one of the Shadow Tides names, Viper, before asking if they thought the animals ate Devil Fruits since weapons could do it. Alchuss asked if this meant they were people, as Pancho said that it didn't matter because staying there was leaving themselves open, and so asked Raijin to use his sensory ability once more. Ainya simply commented that the animals were speaking and she could hear it. Raijin used his technique, before identifying that the five people he sensed before was split up, stating one was north, another south, another east, and the last west, while there was a person in the village.

When attempting to sense them out more, he was incapable of doing so, and just stated that he couldn't find their exact location because they were mixed in with the animals. He also said that if that wasn't the case, their electromagnetic waves was not able to be read or sensed. Rayne listened and formulated a brief plan, before asking if Ainya thought Viper might be a Zoan user. Ainya said it was possible, but wasn't sure why they were all spaced out. Pancho questioned what was in the directions Raijin identified, as it was possible they could figure out who was what based on the name and locations alone. Rayne said that if they assumed Viper was in the village, the ruins would likely be Whisper as that was East, with Wynn being at the caverns because that was west. North was the waterfalls, so she said it was likely Torrent. Then, she said they should assume Bane was south which was back toward the shore.

Now identifying this, Athermos stated he thought they should all split up, with Vhagar heading south without another word. Al noticed this and told Vhagar that if he was fighting the swordsman he had to go east, not south. Hestuser told Ainya to stay on his back and hang on, as he told the others to stay safe and began dashing North toward the Waterfalls. Athermos told them all to survive because they were ditching this island afterward, using his rubbery powers to propel himself west. Vhagar was confused about the direction he was heading in, before heading in the proper one as Raijin commented that the two retards made this troubling. He was even contemplating why he left the Warlord Boar, before heading south. This then left Rayne, Alchuss, and Pancho in the village, stating that one of the animals there was giving off larger Doriki than the rest.

### (Act 3) The Olympians vs The Shadow Tides

#### Bane vs Raijin

On the shoreline, Bane was sitting there holding his Axe, having noticed that one of the Olympians were coming toward him, waiting to see who it was. Raijin had arrived, commenting on the fact that Bane was giant, to which the man's response was his Devil Fruit granted him the ability to make him giant. He returned to a normal size and explained that his devil fruit was the Jiku Jiku no Mi, stating that he didn't think he needed its power to combat Raijin considering Torrent was able to throw him around. He then stated that Raijin was fast, but wasn't sure if he was faster than him. In response, Raijin told him what he thought:

❝ *Well you’ll need it’s power to get a bigger dick than mines but hey, your choice pal!* ❞

In response to this, Bane was immediately in front of Raijin, showcasing he was much faster than him and sliced him in half with his axe. However, he said that he didn't use Haki and wanted to try and figure out if Raijin would die, to which Raijin told him that he should have and turned into lightning. His Logia reflexes kept him alive, as he reformed and tried melting Bane's Axe and deliver a kick enhanced by Godspeed to no avail. Bane simply took the attack, not moving as the Axe also didn't melt, identifying that Raijin was made of lightning. He then asked if Raijin was familiar with Devil Fruit consuming weapons, removing his Axe from Raijin's hand and throwing it into the air.

Raijin just watched on and moved back with Godspeed, cursing about the fact that the weapon was about to turn into a Dragon because of what it looked like. Bane simply asked if he was aware of dragons then if he ever ran into a certain person, he would like him before stating the weapon consumed the Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Stegosaurus. Although, the weapon was altered by Vegapunk and as such the result of its Zoan form was as well, as the Axe turned into a Dinosaur. As soon as the weapon transformed and landed on the ground, it immediately attacked Raijin as Bane said it was special, before imbuing his feet with Haki and appearing above Raijin to kick him across the shoreline.

Not sure who Vegapunk was, Raijin had dodged the attacks and stated that he was going to take the fruit the weapon had eaten for himself after killing it. He then turned his ring into the Blade of Olympus, before firing off max voltage thunderbolts at the duo. Bane simply watched this go down and coated his hands in Haki to deflect the thunderbolts into the ground, slow walking toward Raijin, explaining he wouldn't want that to happen. Bane's axe had took each thunderbolt before returning to its normal state and flying past Raijin to touch Bane. When it did touch its owner, it suddenly darkened as it was imbued with Haki before being sent flying toward Raijin to cleave him in half.

Raijin used Godspeed to dodge the attack as his hair was sliced slightly, with him remarking that the dinosaur axe was able to control itself being impressive but annoying. He then said he had to figure out a way to win, especially if he could apply Haki to something he wasn't in direct contact with, and that the crew was trusting him to take out an opponent like this. The axe had taken the thunderbolts, returning to its Zoan Full Dinosaur state, using the Haki to let its endurance take the blows, despite being in clear pain. Raijin began circling them while firing thunderbolts, as Bane defended against them with Haki while asking if he could really take his opponents down when all he did was run around. Using his powers to grow, Bane got to 45 feet tall as he grabbed the dinosaur and stomped on the ground.

Before he could finish his sentence, Raijin was sent flying into some rocks as he split into lightning, reforming and explaining he had smitten giants before, and that he would add another to his list. Throwing lightning landmines at Bane, he let them release electricity and explosions that did little to no damage. Throwing his weapon that was in its full Zoan State at Raijin while imbuing it with more Haki, it reverted to Axe form and produced a shockwave as it sped up. Barely able to dodge with Godspeed, he felt the speed and lightning he channeled grow. Running up Bane's leg, he had his weapon in the shape of the Blade of Olympus as he was above Bane.

Attempting to grab Raijin to no avail, Bane channeled Haki into his fists and attempted to punch Raijin while the axe was trying to pull itself out of the ground. Dodging the fist and onto Bane's head, Raijin slammed the Blade of Olympus on Bane's head while firing off several bolts of lightning with higher voltage than typical. Leaking blood and falling against the ground, Bane had returned to normal and grabbed his Axe out of the ground, asking if the weapon Raijin used amplified his attacks. Ignoring this, Raijin stated that he could use 8 Million Volts now, and fired them at Bane after slamming the Blade of Olympus on the ground to increase its power. Blocking the attacks only for his Axe to be knocked out of his hand as Bane began running toward Raijin while attempting to kick him using his Haki-infused leg.

Making a shield of lightning to block Bane's attack, he admitted that his voltage increased to 12 Million as he explained Bane would need his Devil Fruit to match his power. Then, Bane skidded back as he noticed Raijin vanished and asked if he was invisible. He then noticed that Raijin's blade was on his chest, as Raijin fired the lightning through his weapon and slammed it into Bane's chest. All the while, he had made sure not to let Bane fall unconscious without giving him a piece of his mind.

❝ *By the way...I'm not a 'lightning brat' as you called me! I'm the Thunder God..! Now bow!* ❞

The attack sent Bane flying and knocking Bane unconscious, with the man relinquishing his shadow. Noticing this, Raijin sensed out everyone's locations as he identified Athermos as the last one fighting before noticing Asher dissipating and then returning to normal. He began to leave for the Village afterward, not noticing that The Pantheon was repaired.

#### Hestuser & Ainya vs Torrent

Near the waterfalls, Hestuser was holding Ainya on his back as he told her to continue hanging on tightly. After she secured herself, she asked what he was planning to do before Hestuser began running toward the waterfall and kicking off the sky repeatedly, allowing them to fly with Sky Walk. Afterward, the duo crashed at the base of the waterfall as they made a note about the fact the top of it was actually the base, meaning there was an even higher place to go. Ainya questioned how he could fly, to which he responded that he saw a Marine do it to harm his friends, and because he specializes in kicks, he figured he could do it. He even explained that the technique was simply kicking off the air to move around, explaining that he was able to replicated it as such, before telling her to stay close.

However, just as he told her to stay close, Torrent shot out the water and landed on the ground, asking if the duo to be his opponents was a kicker, before identifying Ainya being brought to him. Hestuser moved in front of Ainya and told Torrent that he was not letting the Fishman get her, before explaining he and the Olympians knew that they were after Pluton. Torrent simply laughed and said that was one thing they wanted, but the boss now wanted a plaything as well to which she was selected. In response to this and a fit of anger, Hestuser said that he had lost his mind and that he was going to cook Torrent alive, dashing toward him ready to attack.

Noticing this, Torrent fell into the ground stating that Hestuser couldn't attack him as he was capable of maximizing Fishman Karate on land and in the water. When he fell into the ground, the ground became waterlike and moved toward Ainya. Shouting out for Hestuser, Ainya noticed Torrent was directly in front of her as she also spotted the liquid earth in his hands. Noticing this and identifying it as a Devil Fruit, Hestuser began dashing forward and sped up as he released oily seeds around his body to speed up, dashing at Torrent and getting into the air above him. Telling Torrent to get away from Ainya, Torrent simply used the liquid earth to throw it at Hestuser, causing the Olympian to be sent crashing into the ground. The attack itself was so strong Hestuser compared it to Jaspar, before stating it was even stronger and near the levels of Butley's kicks.

Ainya attempted to back up and reflexively go for her gun, remembering that she didn't have it. Shouting for Hestuser, Torrent just grabbed her by the throat and told her to speak when spoken too. He then told Hestuser that he was not the target, and was to go deliver the girl before dashing toward the waterfall. In response to this, Hestuser delivered a horizontal kick and produced salt, firing it at Torrent while shouting for him to stop and drop Ainya. Being hit by the attack, Torrent threw Ainya to the ground and compared the salt to stone, questioning if Hestuser was using Haki to amplify the strength of the salt. Telling Ainya to go hide and that he would find her later, Hestuser dashed forward at Torrent and delivered a Food-Leg Style attack toward his chest, only for it to be blocked as Torrent stated he had no choice but to fight him now. Torrent also stated that the attack he delivered earlier did more damage than Hestuser was letting on while Ainya went off to hide.

With Torrent defending against the attack, the fishman asked if Hestuser really thought he could keep up with him because of the Devil Fruit powers he obtained. He went as far as to explain that he could use Fishman Karate on land and in water. Hestuser noticed this and was sent flying into the air when Torrent threw his leg up, watching as the fishman sunk into the liquidated ground. Spinning around, while in the air, Hestuser told Torrent to see how good his Fishman Karate was against his attack, releasing Whole Spice around his leg. Then, his leg caught fire as he came flying down and slammed his foot against the liquidated surface to release the flames on it. This resulted in the ground being ripped apart as he was sent flying out of the ground, asking what just happened. Holding some of the liquidated Earth, he threw it at Hestuser.

Quickly spinning around, Hestuser blocked the attack with his legs as he was sent flying to the ground, groaning in pain. Using Sky Walk, he began to leap into the air and kick off to move around, landing on the rock in the middle of the water while asking where Torrent was. Torrent had fell into the waterfall's water, before calling Hestuser an idiot for coming into his domain. He then explained that Fishman are ten times stronger than humans from birth. He then stated that when in the water, a fishman's power is amplified by at minimum double when in the water, while Human's powers are cut in half. Stating he didn't care, Hestuser said that Torrent did the unforgivable as he looked around the water. Concentrating the water around his fist, the water turned into a whirlpool as the water began flooding back in and throwing the water at the rock Hestuser was on, along with Hestuser. He stated that this was a technique that couldn't be defended against.

Hestuser, shocked by the attack, was consumed by the water as the rock around him was vaporized and he was sent flying in the air. Coming closer toward the water, he used Sky Walk to kick off the air and fire a shockwave down to the ground, propelling him into the sky. Torrent was bemused by the fact Hestuser managed to stay alive and defend against the attack, as the duo landed on the ground near some trees. Torrent then asked if Hestuser was a superhuman, before then asking if he could really keep up with his attacks. In response to this, Hestuser told Torrent that he was a bastard he intended on beating and that he was similar to a superhuman. He then admitted that he couldn't keep up with the Fishman Karate attacks while he was in the water, but said he would still cook Torrent before asking how he could swim in the water if he has a Devil Fruit.

Torrent explained that it should have been obvious, and that even though his ability to swim was taken away, he could breathe underwater and his Fishman Karate didn't require him to move. He also stated that he can fire shockwaves from his legs to move in the water, allowing him to move around faster than he could swim underwater. Hestuser was dumbfounded by the fact Torrent told him, before calling him a modified fish and stating that Pancho would have the time of his life dissecting him. Laughing at this, Torrent stated that even if the others were beaten, he was stronger and faster than them, and was in a league of his own. However, he stated that he wasn't as strong as Whisper or Shadow, but reaffirmed that it was impossible to beat him when Hestuser couldn't keep up with him on land.

Annoyed, Hestuser told Torrent that he would beat him because he did something unforgivable, as he released sesame seeds that were more oily than normal, allowing him to move faster than usual. He then delivered an attack, as Torrent was shocked by the speed and power, being kicked in the neck and slammed to the ground. Commenting that he produced more than he thought he could and that the properties were different than normal, he quickly followed up and slammed his foot into Torrent's eye with another attack. Attempting to block but to no real effect and now being damaged, Torrent asked what was happening to Hestuser as he sunk into the ground. Leaping into the air, Hestuser remarked that the Pepper and Sesame he had conjured for his attacks were still around his legs, and that the spices, herbs, condiments, and seasonings his body typically stored were leaking out.

Shooting out the ground and into the air above Hestuser, Torrent said that he doesn't care what's happening and said there were no more games. He then fired off a shockwave of water through the sky, with seemingly no immediate reaction. Mistaking this for a failed attack, Hestuser was about to counter only to be sent flying and heavily damaged, leaving a trail of spices as he crashed where Ainya was hiding. Immediately recognizing this, Ainya was freaked out and tucked to hide herself and curled up, only for Torrent to state that he took out her protector and told her to come to him and they wouldn't be harmed further. He then sent another attack at Hestuser, who had just stood up only to be knocked to the ground. Trying to tell Ainya not to listen to Torrent and that he would protect her until he died, Ainya told him not to do that because she wanted him to live.

Torrent said she had accepted her fate, and that he would let Hestuser live as long as Ainya gave herself up. He even stated that he would make sure the others lived. However, this proved unacceptable as Hestuser forced himself up, the spices, condiments, seasonings, and herbs continued leaking up around his body. Then, Hestuser vocalized how he was feeling with intense rage:

❝ *Even if it kills me...I'll never let another child feel how I felt**..especially not a girl I swore I'd protect!* ❞

As Ainya was attempting to tell Hestuser to stop, he had placed his hand on her head and she lowered her voice. Noticing this, Torrent stated he would just kill him and take Ainya, before telling him that he wasn't in a condition to stop him. He then proceeded to use another Fishman Karate attack, the one that had sent Hestuser flying to Ainya in the first place. The leaking spices, condiments, herbs, and seasonings wrapped around Hestuser's leg as he was hit by Torrent's attacks, coughing up blood and telling him that he would keep his word. Then, he leaped into the air. Watching this, Torrent used another Fishman Karate attack as he could no longer see Hestuser's leg, asking what he was doing.

Explaining that he was cladding his body, specifically his legs, with the seasonings, herbs, spices, and condiments to increase his offensive power, he named his technique Enrobage D'épices, before delivering a single attack by firing off salt from a horizontal kick. This overwhelmed Torrent's attack, pushing it back and them all firing at Torrent, taking heavy damage even when guarding with Haki. Questioning why the salt was as hard as iron, before Hestuser told Torrent he made a mistake, slamming his leg into his eye and causing the eye to fly out of its socket and send Torrent into the air. Remarking that he was too strong, Hestuser began firing Fishman Karate attacks that were aimed everyone.

In response to this, Hestuser saved Ainya and dodged the attacks, speeding up so he could use Sky Walk and move Ainya into a tree before going into the sky. While moving, Hestuser stated that Torrent was making a mistake. He explained that Torrent didn't understand that he was harming a child and attempted to do it again, all the while terrifying her. Noticing he couldn't keep up with Hestuser anymore, Torrent asked what Hestuser was, attempting to attack him with more Fishman Karate only for Hestuser to dodge and go into the air, before slamming his feet into Torrent's stomach while repeating the question. Being hit and sent hundreds of feet into the ground as a crater formed, and also barely able to move, Torrent stated he was losing consciousness from the attack.

After attacking Torrent, Hestuser kicked off him and flew higher into the air with Sky Walk, charging up an attack as he began making his way toward Sam. His leg was ignited as he used an Épices Entières, beginning to make his way toward Torrent as he answered his question. Just as he was giving the final piece to the answer, Hestuser slammed his legs, now caught on fire, into Torrent's body with full force as hard as he could.

❝ *You ask what the hell am I?! I'm Charlotte Shefu Hestuser...birth son of Big Mom, Adopted child of the Shefu Family..! But most damn importantly...I'm the Chef...of the Olympian Dreamer Pirates! And you pissed off...the wrong Olympian! NOW BURN...WELL DONE!* ❞

In a final built up attack, Hestuser's leg went right through Torrents' stomach as the flames began to incinerate Torrent from the inside out. With Torrent unable to dodge in time, nor able to defend himself even with Haki, he felt his life slowly slipping away as he gave up his shadow in his final moments. Then, his body was sent deeper into the ground by several hundred feet, while Hestuser's legs returned to normal and all the spices, herbs, condiments, and seasonings stopped leaking out his body. Then, Hestuser was sent flying near the water in the bowl that made up the waterfall, remarking that he said he would beat and fry him, heavily wounded. Ainya ran over to him trying to make sure he was alive, crying and attempting to move him as best she could.

Hestuser weakly coughed, apologizing for making her worry and putting her in harms way while asking if she was still terrified, along with asking for forgiveness. Ainya simply hugged him, tears streaming down her face as she thanked him for fighting so hard, and for winning.

#### Pancho, Al, & Rayne vs Viper

Pancho had melted the bracelet and reforged it back into a gun, stating that his awakening powers would aid them, before asking what the plan was and how they should figure out which animal was Viper. Al stated that Viper was able to control the amount of Doriki she was producing, and that he could no longer figure out which was which because she matched the other animals. Rayne had her necklace and wristbands activate, causing them to glow as she said they should attack all the animals and Viper would be forced to defend herself. At that very moment, Viper revealed herself by shooting out of the ground as a large snake, wrapping around the trio as she explained that her Hebi Hebi no Mi, Model: King Cobra was able to confuse them. She then stated she did not need her hybrid zoan state, able to defeat them without it.

Noticing this, Rayne began releasing winds from her body thanks to Ogarashi's necklace and wristband state, using her Weather Arts as she told Pancho to help her force Viper to loosen them. Al began to bleed from his wings and cough up blood, exclaiming this was hurting him as he dropped his weapon, the Pulsator. Pancho upon hearing Rayne initiated his Forge Aura, coating his hands in the energy required to activate his devil fruits' awakening abilities, placing his hands on VIper's body as he used his Form Form Meltdown. This caused Viper to hiss in pain and return to her human state, burned as she stated that she didn't believe he really had awakening abilities, before confirming that Pancho used a Paramecia devil fruit. She then pulled out her guns, stating that the trio was dead as Pancho wiped blood and commented on how close that was, before noticing the guns pointing at them. Rayne noticed this as well, immediately acting and using her Weather Arts to throw Viper's hands up by firing off a wind of air. Shouting at Al to act, Al quickly grabbed his Pulsator before firing off several caltrops at Viper.

Dodging the Caltrops, Viper pulled her arms down and began firing on the trio, transforming into her Hybrid zoan state before circling around them while firing the gun. Acting hastily, Pancho slammed his hands on the ground and used his awakening powers to melt the ground around them and reforge it as a barrier to block the bullets. In response to this, Viper began using Haki and infusing it into her bullets, causing it to slowly break the barrier. Al was attempting to flag his wings, to no avail, as he asked Rayne to create some scythes. Nodding at this, Rayne fired off balls of cold air in front of air, as the Barrier was shattered. With this, Viper immediately began unleashing several more bullets as she had gotten directly above the trio.

The trio leaped away from the incoming attacks, with Pancho melting his gun into several throwing stars and throwing it at Viper. Rayne swung her hands as she was falling to the ground from leaping out the way, causing the balls of cold air to collide against each other as she fired a ball of hot air into it as well. Then, a storm cloud formed as she released several scythe-like winds toward Viper. Al however fired several gunpowder bullets at Viper with the intent to have them explode when they connected. Noticing this, Viper coated her body with Armament Haki, though the throwing stars still sliced against her, but fell to the ground afterward. The gunpowder barraged her and sent her upward as they exploded on contact, before the wind scythes crashed against her back, sending her into the ground.

While stumbling up, she admitted the trio were stronger than she had first anticipated, while the trio began landing and standing up. Al commented on the fact she wasn't strong enough to fight against all three of them, pointing Pulsator at her and telling her to give up and she'll live. Rayne formed two balls with cold and hot air respectively, with the interior having ice in the cold ball and a flame in the hot ball, telling Viper Athermos would not mind her dying. Pancho had his Forge Aura still active, stating that they wouldn't mind killing her because of what the Shadow Tides did to The Pantheon, them, and Ainya, asking her what she would choose. Pancho then took out several metal ingots, melting and reforging them into spears and putting his Forge Aura on them. Stating that Al was right she couldn't beat them in her human form, Viper transformed into her Zoan form and began firing masses of concentrated poison down at the trio.

Noticing this and trying to act fast, Rayne had both air balls collide and release a small tornado that she fired at the poison to reflect, only for it to fail. Quickly, Al pushed Rayne away, being hit by one of the poison masses and causing his body to begin searing. He then turned toward Pancho, as the blacksmith dodged the poison masses and threw the spears at Viper, only for her to dodge. Then, Viper in response consumed her guns, before firing off several bullets coated in the poison. Now with no other choice, the trio ran behind a building as they began to try and strategize.

Rayne commented on the fact they should have killed her instead of talking, stating that Hybrid forms were the strongest Zoan form, before her eyes began to change. Pancho had melted the ground into several throwing stars that he coated in his Forge Aura, stating that they had to try and force her back to normal before noticing Rayne and asking what was wrong. Al had been looking past the building to fire off several lead bullets at Viper, before dodging incoming poison and remarking on Rayne's eyes. Viper told the trio it was futile as they had given up and ran away, beginning to build up some more poison in her body, ready to fire it on the building.

Rayne produced three Weather Balls, one containing a lightning bolt, a fireball, and one containing a chunk of ice. Remarking on the fact that she could see Weather Patterns, Rayne threw the three into the sky and said they would fall on her and disrupt her attack. As Viper was about to release the poison, the ball with ice fell on her and froze her solid, only for the ball with fire to crash on her and set her on fire while melting the ice. Now in pain, Viper then felt the ball of lightning fall on her and release several bolts of electricity around her body and singe her. Pancho noticed this, deciding it was his chance to finish her off and told them they'd have to figure that out later.

In a final, desperate attempt to defeat Viper, Pancho gave Al the throwing stars infused with Forge Aura as Al loaded them into his gun. He then moved from the building in front of Viper, pointing his gun at her and telling her to fall. Explaining that all of the ammunition within the gun along with Dials would react together, the Pulsator charged up and he slammed it on the ground. The ammunition inside the gun melted together as the impact from slamming it on the ground caused it to release as a beam of fire and air. The impact caused Viper to return into her human state, as she stated she was giving up her shadow for Wynn, causing her to lose her shadow as it vanished mid-air. Then, she instantly collapsed against the ground, defeated.

Glad they won, the trio fell to the ground as Al let the Pulsator fall beside him. Al commented that it was stronger than usual, while Rayne said that was one of the five Shadow Tide members defeated, before asking what was in the sky. Pancho said it didn't matter, as it was up to the others to win now.

#### Vhagar vs Whisper

Sitting at the ruins and taking out a cigarette, Whisper simply waited for his opponent to arrive while remarking on how stupid it was for the Shadow Tides to split up. Though he quickly shrugged this off as a decision Wynn made, remarking that if they won it wouldn't matter. After moving the Cigarette against his back as it lit up in flames, Whisper began smoking just as Vhagar arrived after being lost. With Snow Flower attached to his belt along with Ace, Vhagar asked if he could have a cigarette before Whisper gave him one, trying to confirm if Vhagar was in fact the Olympian Dreamer Pirates second. Remarking it wasn't a pleasure, Vhagar asked for a light before they tried to kill each other. After lighting the cigarette for Vhagar, Whisper removed his own cigarette and incinerated it, Wynn apologizing for what this came to. Continuing to explain, he stated that they just wanted the knowledge and weapon's location, stating that they were unfortunate for finding Ainya, before telling Vhagar he was ready to fight whenever the Vermithor was.

Stating there was no reason to apologize and this all happened because of their jobs, Vhagar charged at Whisper while unsheathing both of his swords, cigarette still in his mouth. Not moving as Vhagar had yet to attack, Whisper asked if Vhagar practiced the Vermithor Style, still not attacking. Confirming this, Vhagar then said he was working on his own style, and attacking with an X-Slash using both swords, asking if Whisper practiced anything of his own. Letting the attack hit him, Whisper was unaffected and just said he didn't practice anything special before flexing his muscles as Vhagar was sent skidding away from him. Then, he remarked that he wasn't using Haki to defend, before asking what specifically Vhagar was trying to develop as the Vermithor Style was one of the strongest swordsmanship styles he has heard of.

Landing against the ground despite being stunned about how Whisper was unscathed by the blow, before stating he hadn't a real reason beside creating an ultimate fighting style with a Vermithor Style basis. He then remarked he was in a pickle, trying to think about what to do as his body was surrounded by a water bubble. Thanks to this, Ace absorbed the water bubble, with Whisper noticing this and stated he looked forward to seeing it if Vhagar lived long enough to develop it. Then, he remarked that Vhagar saw his own durability, and now Whisper would see Vhagar's, immediately going for a slashing attack on Vhagar's side as he asked if Vhagar was a Logia. Vhagar blocked with Ace, going for a counter-thrust with Snow Flower while telling Whisper he wasn't going to let himself get hit. Then, Vhagar confirmed he was a Logia and that it didn't matter because Whisper probably knew Haki and might have planned to activate it when being hit.

Remarking that Vhagar had durable swords and looked interesting as if he had saw or heard about them, he took Vhagar's attack with no damage as he released crescent moon winds toward Vhagar. Just remarking he wondered why, Vhagar flipped into the air to dodge the attacks before firing a large slash of water with Ace down toward Whisper. Moving his sword to his back as it was engulfed in flames, Whisper then swung his sword in a circular motion causing the flames to expand and defend against the water, evaporating it. Commenting on Ace's ability to absorb and then release the water, he questioned if it was a Meito weapon, to which Vhagar assumed it was because it belonged to Roger. Once more, Vhagar swung Ace and had it release lightning and water to enhance the technique, using Snow Flower's hatred to boost his attack power as he went to slice Whisper.

Surprised by his statement, the flames around his sword disappeared and Vhagar finally pushed past the natural defenses of Whisper, sending him skidding back. Remarking that having the Pirate King's sword and his strength was increasing along with the release of lightning, he asked if this was the first time Vhagar used two swords because it was with great efficiency. He then remarked they had relevant strength, and that he was impressed by this. Vhagar confirmed it was his first time using two swords, and he was liking this style as he said strength was a major factor because durability couldn't be reliable, and they also needed strategy. Swinging rapidly and wildly with his swords, Whisper began blocking it as he said he would show Vhagar something. The flames that were on Whisper's back disappeared, as suddenly he was 30 feet behind Vhagar and had delivered a rapid barrage of attacks in an instant.

Barely able to realize and defend against all of the attacks, Vhagar blocked the rest of the attacks and remarked that they were good blows. Then, he released lightning to increase the speed and efficiency of his attacks, delivering two slashes that Whisper blocked by channeling Haki into his sword. Remarking that not using his flames would make this a difficult battle, Whisper's flames returned as he explained the flames increased his abilities, shrouding his sword in them. Then, he used the Haki and flame-coated sword to attack Vhagar's chest, letting his flames turn off on his back just as he was about to strike to drastically speed up. Shocked by the speed and force, he dodged the attack and back flipped, going for horizontal slashes while Ace absorbed some of the flames, a carbon smell ringing. With his flames still off, Whisper backed up as his neck began to bleed from the blow, remarking that Vhagar was able to keep up with his speed and he was improving the longer they fought. With his scabbard engulfed in flames as well, Whisper sheathed his sword and his entire body became engulfed with flames.

Now extremely focused and having not heard what Whisper said, Vhagar listened to snow flowers voice as he attempted a swirling upward slash to release all of the flames and lightning with it to try and damage Whisper. Noting this, Whisper swung his sword up as the flames on his back disappeared while the rest of his body was ignited, his body and sword cladded with Haki as he deflected the attack. Then, he delivered a counter attack as the scabbards' flames transferred around his sword and the scabbard disintegrated, allowing Whisper to fire a single slash in the shape of a crescent moon, the fire around his sword and body forming into a tiger that was sent flying at Vhagar. Unable to defend against the attacks, being sent flying as he took the blows, surviving because he used both swords to block the attack. Turning his body to water and using Ace to absorb some of the flames from the tiger, he felt himself get possessed as Snow Flower shrouded his body with cursed energy. Then in an instant, he sheathed Ace and used Snow Flower to deliver a swift strike in a zigzag motion on Whisper.

Whisper in a last ditch attempted to move back so that his chest was slashed instead of his neck, blood shooting from his wound as he remarked that both weapons were Meito Blades. However, his back flame reignited as the possessed Vhagar had Snow Flower speak for him, calling Vhagar impressive and confirming the weapons as Meito Blades. Releasing slashes in a horizontal manner, the cursed energy Snow Flower mustered fired off a cyclone as Whisper was struck by the blows. Thinking about how his power continued rising, Whisper thought that Vhagar was using a cursed weapon, concentrating the flames into a ball of fire as he fired it at Vhagar. Thinking that the flames on his back granting him increased durability wouldn't help if Vhagar continued rising in power, he knew he had to end this fast, while asking if it was a cursed weapon being used.

❝ *Cursed? Yes, that's what people like to call me. But I consider myself as a blessing more than anything.* ❞

In response to that, Vhagar countered and redirected Whisper's attack back at him, much stronger than when it was fired at Vhagar. Attempting to defend against it, Whisper's wings were singed and blood was leaking out of his body, questioning how Vhagar was able to use pure reflection. He then stated that the swordsman was lucky to have Snow Flower, before stating that this was an unfortunate event. Remarking that Vhagar's enemies would be stronger and this attack would be his strongest one, Whisper told Vhagar that if he beat him then the Grand Line would be a much harder place to conquer but he would be ready. In a final attack, he flew forward and coated his sword in Haki, along with his body, as he went for a slash on Vhagar's neck, his back losing the flames to speed up.

With nothing but silence, Vhagar countered and made a final step just as Whisper was about to strike him, causing an interruption in Whisper's attack and nearly being cleaved in half. His sword flung into the air as his wing was cut off, with the fire around his body dissipating entirely and him falling to the ground. Relinquishing his shadow in his final moments, Vhagar's possession thanks to Snow Flower ended as he still had the cigarette in his mouth. Praying for Whisper, he didn't check whether he was alive or dead, walking away and back toward the village. All the while, he remarked his final words to his defeated opponent.

❝ *You were a great opponent..If you're in the afterlife, I'll meet you there. If not, come find me when you're stronger.* ❞

#### Athermos vs Wynn

Several minutes before the defeat of Viper, Athermos had rocketed over to the caverns and was running toward the entrance, stating that his crew should be fighting and he was about to get into battle. Stretching his arms out to throw himself into the cave, a shadow stopped Athermos from entering and pushed him away. Wynn stepped out from the shadow of the cave, questioning if Athermos and his crew was the one stopping him from claiming his rewards. Immediately, Athermos told Wynn that Ainya and the Pluton weren't Wynn's rewards, stating that of course they were getting in the way to stop him. However, Athermos also asked if a shadow was what stopped him from entering. Wynn ignored that, instead telling the Straw-Cape Captain that they were his prize, grabbing Athermos by the head in an instant and slamming him into the ground. As he did so, he asked if Athermos knew what a victory reward was.

Being slammed into the ground, Athermos mentally remarked that it didn't hurt as he pushed Wynn's hand off his body and stretched his arm around a tree, pulling himself back as he stood on a branch, remarking that Wynn was stronger and faster than he had anticipated. In response to this, Wynn just confirmed Athermos was stretching as he commented he didn't need to fight. Immediately, he pulled the entire cave's shadow and condensed it into a replica of himself. In confusion, Athermos asked what just happened as Wynn claimed he ate the Kage Kage no Mi, allowing him to control and manipulate shadows. Wynn then said that it would waste his time lifting his hands to fight Athermos when his shadow could fight and he could get Ainya. When Athermos heard this, Athermos immediately activated his Gum Gum Weightless, telling Wynn he was out of his mind if he thought Athermos would let Wynn get Ainya and the Pluton.

Immediately after activating Weightless, Athermos proceeded to go on the offensive as he delivered an attack that slammed the shadow wynn into the ground. Noticing the speed increase, Wynn asked how he did that and also why he was emitting golden steam. Athermos stated he didn't have time to waste, delivering another attack toward Wynn. Immediately, Wynn had his shadow rise from the ground and defended against the attack only to be knocked to the side. Wynn commented on the power behind the attack, stating he could not get Ainya or Pluton until after he defeated Athermos. Athermos said he had spent a lot of time coming over here, and that he was not letting Wynn just go get someone he cared about, and also how he fought a war for a powerful weapon and that defending another was another Tuesday. Though he was immediately confused and asked which day it was.

Wynn imbued his fists with Haki as his shadow returned to the ground, before having the shadow replica made from the caves shadow, his shadow, and himself rush attacked Athermos all at once. All three attacks ended up dealing a moderate amount of damage as Athermos quickly took in a large breath of air and rapidly expanding, causing the shadows and Wynn to be thrown back. Hearing the naming convention of Athermos' attacks, Wynn asked if he was rubbery while also stating he wasn't expecting to meet someone who could take his attacks. Athermos decided not to confirm this, instead thinking about how his usage and duration with Weightless was extending, but he wasn't sure how long Wynn would last. He also thought about how he was essentially fighting three people, only to notice Viper's shadow in the sky.

Wynn was confused by the shadow, before telling Athermos that one of his Shadow Tide members were defeated, though said it wasn't a problem because he got their shadow. Watching in confusion, Wynn instead absorbed the shadow by eating it, before stating that their strength had increased his own. With doing so, Wynn explained that this level of strength would let him defeat Athermos with ease, as he ran forward and attacked Athermos with a Haki-infused kick. The blow sent Athermos flying through a tree and crashing against the ground, with the Olympian captain coughing up blood and remarking about Wynn getting stronger. Still confused and now panting, Athermos questioned that if he had the power of shadows, how was he able to grow stronger, returning to normal. As a response, Wynn had his shadow replica turn into a spear and shield made from shadows, coming into his hands. Then, he explained that by consuming another's shadow, he could amplify his physical powers and shadow powers.

In an instant after explaining, Athermos was struck with the spear across the head, resulting in Athermos taking severe damage and being sent flying into several trees. In an effort to force himself up and shrug off the damage, Wynn simply asked how he was able to still live after the attack even if it lacked Haki. Going so far as to compare Athermos' durability to that of a Zoan devil fruit, Athermos simply reactivated Gum Gum Weightless and advanced it, stating that he would be unable to keep up with Wynn if he didn't use it. Then throwing an attack once more, Wynn used his shadow shield to block it and called the boost Weightless granted Athermos weak. Mentally thinking that even with his greater control and despite pushing himself, he couldn't break through Wynn's shield, only to get above Wynn and deliver one of his strongest attacks.

Once more blocking the attack, Wynn commented that it was getting stronger and faster before having his own shadow turn into bats and sending them flying at Athermos to attack him and as a distraction. Athermos recalled his attack and rapidly began barraging the bats, attempting to break through the shadow bats only for his attack to hold it off. Noticing this, Wynn asked what kind of fool he had to be to let Athermos continue growing in power, attacking him once more with his shadow spear against Athermos' head. Despite the blow, Athermos was able to wrap his leg around the spear and slow it down, preventing some damage, though ultimately being thrown away. Commenting that the blow was too strong, Athermos stated that he was catching up.

Remarking on Athermos' incredible endurance and determination, Wynn asked why he continued to fight for a girl he didn't know. He then extended an invitation for Athermos to join the Shadow Tides as they were both pirates, and having the Ancient Weapon would let them do anything. Wynn then said he recognized Athermos' strength, before stating that if he joined he didn't have to die. In response to this, Athermos had forced himself up despite being tired, beginning to refine his Gum Gum Weightless, causing the steam to go from golden to golden-red. While doing so, Athermos began to explain why he couldn't join Wynn and why he still fought.

❝ *If I joined you...I'd compromise all that I was taught. I'd compromise my ideals...my dreams...my goal! I'd compromise my person...for power? No thanks...! I made a promise...and my crew and I care about Ainya..! That's reason enough!* ❞

By moving another 15 pounds through his body, Athermos was able to increase the effectiveness of Gum Gum Weightless, as Wynn in anger remarked he would kill this rival pirate and that he didn't care anymore. Wynn then said that because even if he was expending more energy, it wouldn't help and that because he was getting in his way, he would use the power of the single shadow to beat Athermos. Now more motivated than ever, Wynn channeled Haki into his shadow bats before throwing them back toward Athermos. Explaining that he was the captain of the Olympian Dreamer Pirates and losing would send the wrong message, he said he wouldn't give up his convictions and dodged the bats, attacking Wynn in the face.

The blow itself sent Wynn back as he questioned how Athermos was stronger and faster, the shadow bats moving behind him to catch him so he didn't fall. Telling Athermos he would regret it, Wynn noticed the shadow of Torrent, consuming it without a second thought. Attempting to try and stop Wynn from getting the boost, he had tried to stop Wynn while explaining he and his crew were doing everything they could to stop the Shadow Tides. Winding his fist by twisting it and stretching it back along with twanging it, Athermos sent it forward toward Wynn. Too late to stop him, Wynn quickly countered by channeling his spear with Haki and dashing forward, the two attacks collided, resulting in shockwaves before each one was sent flying in opposite directions to the ground.

Stumbling up, Athermos remarked that the shadow didn't boost him that much, or that maybe his Weightless was improving to the point where he could match Wynn. Throwing another attack, Wynn stated his boost was fine and that his ability to grow was unlike anything he had seen before. He then internally thought that the attack he had used to clash with Athermos was an advanced version of an attack, wondering how he was able to do so. Blocking the incoming attack, he continued thinking about how the crew was able to defeat two members of the Shadow Tides, before counter-striking Athermos. Moving his body to the air to dodge, Athermos wrapped his hand around Wynn and spun him while stretching his leg to kick him to the ground. Wynn crashed against the ground, stating that Athermos was able to match and slightly exceed his own strength, asking how he was able to fight Wynn despite him using Haki and the shadows he had absorbed.

Explaining that him being an Olympian gave him the power to do so, as he was fighting for his family and friends as they had supported and gave him strength. Athermos then said that he wasn't losing until only after Wynn had been brought down, calling Ainya family and explaining that Wynn was simply an actor because he thought he deserved the world's power. Annoyed and angry once more, Wynn said that he can't protect everyone and he'd eventually lose them. Wynn even watched Athermos aim and stretch his arms back, explaining that someone would beat them so bad they couldn't get back up, and that he was trying to avoid that fate by getting Ainya and Pluton. Telling Athermos he was preventing this, he attempted to attack Athermos once more as the latter explained he doesn't care what he's saying or doing as he wouldn't fail his crew like that, and he would protect her. Sending both his fists forward toward Wynn, he attempted to punch him twice but shaking his fist for a repeated effect, all the while Athermos was trying to snipe him with this attack.

Defending against it with his shadow shield, Wynn asked if this was the power of two hands using the same attack that let his blows get faster and stronger. Thinking that his Haki should be getting stronger against tougher opponents, but his wasn't growing in time to counter Athermos' attack, all the while Athermos' attack kept getting stronger. Turning his shield and spear into bats and imbuing them with Haki, Wynn sent them toward Athermos as he dodged the fists, telling Athermos to die. Recalling his fists, Athermos stretched his head back and threw it forward toward Wynn as fast as he could, with Wynn cladding his head in Armament Haki as he was sent back to the ground. Wynn said he was taking his offer that Athermos could join his crew back because his ideals and strengths was too conflicting, he told Athermos to try and keep up with his next attack as his shadow bats returned to a spear and shield form. He then had them combine into a sword.

Just as Wynn was about to attack, he noticed Whisper's shadow, remarking that it was impossible. Falling to his knees and coughing up blood, his head returned to normal as he called Wynn too strong. Thinking that he had to wrap this fight up, he noticed the shadow and silently remarked that Vhagar won. Asking if he really had someone on the crew that could defeat a Lunarian, he then absorbed the shadow while explaining there were still other Lunarians left even if Whisper wasn't the strongest. Explaining that the Olympian's abilities to defeat their foes was their real power, before stating he would kill them all as they had done their best. Just remarking that this was the third shadow Wynn absorbed, Athermos said he had to try and use strength since speed couldn't get it done, recalling his battle with Gaiko on Maple Island.

Noticing that Bane's shadow appeared, Athermos remarked that the entire crew besides him had ended up winning, dashing forward and delivering a barrage of quick punches toward Wynn. Dodging the punches, Wynn remarked that he can't be stopped now that Athermos is tired and tuckered, though he admitted he was too. However, he had his shadow sword wrap around Athermos' arms and snap them, the shadow imbued with Haki as it significantly damaged Athermos and caused him to recoil. Absorbing the shadow afterward, Athermos stated he no longer had a choice anymore as he knew Wynn was stronger and faster now. Noticing this, Wynn said that he'd put Athermos down quickly so he didn't suffer, his sword shadow being slammed into the ground as it and his own shadow melded together and stretched forward. The duo's shadows connected as Athermos lost his Weightless mode, with the duo being forced to walk toward each other.

Wynn explained that their shadows had to have the body follow them, and that with the technique he was using he was able to make Athermos mimic him. Channeling his fists with Armament Haki, Athermos was attempting to move with no avail, as both swung with Wynn releasing the shadows at the last second. Afterward, Wynn slammed his fist into Athermos' face, sending Athermos crashing just above the cave's entrance. Admitting he was losing consciousness, Athermos' breathing got shallower and shallower as he was thinking about his fights in the past. He was also thinking about how he promised to help Ainya, yet he couldn't do it anymore because he couldn't move, and how he was now letting his crew down.

Noticing this, Wynn stated that his durability really was like that of a Zoan because he didn't die, before stating the attack would have killed other people. Walking away while remarking he was going to kill the rest of the Olympians and claim Ainya and Pluton for himself, Athermos forced himself to his feet while telling Wynn not to leave because their fight wasn't done. Annoyed and angry, Wynn spun around and asked why he was still up and if this was how their crew won battles by killing themselves, as Athermos could barely even move. Coating his fists with Haki, Wynn had his shadow form several fists as he dashed at Athermos, explaining he'd make sure his crew saw him in hell, going for a killing blow.

Athermos let his body compress itself after taking a deep breath, as he was thinking back to the moments he first recruited his crewmates. He also thought back to how he had ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi for the first time as a kid, apologizing to Shanks for that and that he had to kill a certain person as a result. Despite being a kid, Athermos was profusely apologizing for this only for Shanks to tell him that it was fine because no one could expect a child to do anything, being happy he survived. He then explained that pirates kill, to which Athermos questioned if he killed because it was for people he cared about. As a result, Athermos explained that he would become a Pirate like Shanks and gather a stronger crew, protecting them just as Shanks protected him. In response to this, Shanks placed his straw hat on the boys head, telling him to return the hat to him when he had become a great Pirate.

Back in the present, Athermos dodged Wynn's attacks as his body rapidly expanded, to which his fists extended into Wynn's stomach as he explained he couldn't be a great pirate if he couldn't protect his crew from Wynn. Being sent flying back and crashing into the ground, Wynn failed to stumble to his feet. Explaining his resolve to Wynn, Athermos prepared his final attack, his body rapidly compressing as his hands were thrown down toward Wynn's stomach while coiling and twisting around.

❝ *If I let you live...! You'll search for Ainya...endlessly! I'll kill...because it's for the people I care about! If I let you live...that's just as dangerous! Now...you won't...get them...! I'll protect them...until I die..!* ❞

With his body rapidly expanding as his fists collided into Wynn's body, Wynn merely thought about how he was being pushed into a crater going deeper into the ground, and how he was beaten by children. Delivering several rapid attacks as his fists uncoiled and untwisted, Athermos exclaimed this was his CoEx Gum Gum War Fist Gatling, his fists retracting afterward as his body was sent flying back to the village.

### (Act 4) The Olympians' Depart

Now with all five Shadow Tide members defeated, the Olympians were slowly making their way back to the village. With Rayne, Al, and Pancho on the ground having rested, they were debating going to get the others and helping them. In the time everyone else was fighting, Rayne had bandaged them all up and administered basic first-aid, as Al noticed Vhagar and said they didn't need too because they were coming back. Pancho admitted he saw Raijin, asking if this meant they actually beat the Shadow Tides. Raijin arrived, stating he was glad he could see them all alive, while Vhagar whistled and wasn't banged up too badly as he walked over.

Ainya was dragging Hestuser as animals were helping her move him, with snakes coiled around Hestuser's legs to support him walking, while another was wrapped around his body to keep him upright. Remarking that she could see the others, Hestuser and her made their way to them as he said he could see almost everyone. Rayne, however, asked how Vhagar was not injured before noticing Hestuser and his injuries, running in to hug him, glad he was alive. Pancho noticed there was six of them and asked if everyone had won their fights if they were here. Al remarked that even though Hestuser was banged up, he was glad Ainya was safe and alive as well. Raijin stated that Athermos was taking a long time, killing Viper by frying her alive with a 12,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt.

Asking if the others were dead, Vhagar said he wasn't sure if Whisper lived or died and explained what he had said to his defeated foe. Vhagar simply said they didn't have a fun time with their fights, as Ainya thanked them for protecting her. Hestuser gave Rayne a proper hug as best he could before patting Ainya on the head and asking if Vhagar planned on dying soon. Vhagar told Hestuser he didn't, while Pancho said he liked Ainya and that he was reminded of Aphroaus, being why he wanted to help her. Al stated he was glad they managed to win with their luck, especially after their battle against Butley, before vocalizing confusion at how Vhagar had the least injuries considering he was the one known for having the most injuries. Rayne just asked if it was because he got Snow Flower back.

Raijin was listening to them talk as he said that Wynn or Athermos was on their way here, but he couldn't sense two people anymore, as Vhagar explained he had been holding back at first. Then, he finished Whisper off after a bit of struggle by using the possession, and expressed delight in being complimented by Snow Flower. Rayne just told Vhagar not to make that a habit, to which Vhagar said he wouldn't but he needed to develop his swordsmanship style. Raijin just asked how it complimented him, asking if the possession allowed it to do so. Vhagar said that was the case, but was in his head otherwise. Ainya said they were something else, and that Robin would like them if they ever met. Hestuser simply remarked that the possession was what he did against Mihawk. Pancho was glad that Snow Flower was doing well and that Vhagar was in a better mood with it. Vhagar said that a piece of him felt like it returned and he was glad they all beat the Shadow Tides.

Rayne noticed the person coming toward them and said that their captain was coming, pointing in the sky at the figure. Hestuser confirmed it looked like him, telling Ainya to back up as she did so. Raijin just watched their captain, while Pancho stared as well. Athermos crashed against the ground unconscious and back to normal, with Al calling the trio Primordials. Lifting Athermos over his shoulder and the cigarette still in his mouth, he told the others that they should head back to their ship and rest. With no objections, they made their way back to the ship, only to notice the entire ship had been repaired and it was anchored in the ocean.

Noticing this, Pancho ran to the ship and was glad it was alright, while Rayne said she didn't remember them fixing it or returning it to the water before they left for the village. Al explained they didn't, stating that he couldn't see anyones Doriki that didn't belong. Raijin was thinking that he didn't pay much attention to his surroundings while fighting Bane, wondering if the giant's falling caused the ship to go into the sea, but that wouldn't be the cause for it being fixed. Ainya asked if they had another crewmate, as Hestuser and Vhagar said they were shipwright-less and didn't have another crewmate. Asking if they should depart and figure it out on the ship, Vhagar agreed and said his best guess was that someone fixed the ship for them because they had a great ship. With everyone boarding and the anchor being pulled so the ship could be steered to sea, they let it sail toward Reverse Mountain.

Rayne had looked around the ship in the important areas, while Al searched the less important areas, stating they couldn't find anyone on it. Rayne expressed interest in thanking them, while Al was glad they could leave the island. Hestuser stared at his legs while sitting, admitting it was unfortunate they couldn't thank them. Pancho said he was sure the person who repaired their ship knew they were thankful, admitting that he was despite his grievances with Pantheon's condition that forced it to be fixed to begin with. Raijin said he didn't sense anyone on the ship or the immediate vicinity, admitting he didn't know if anyone was on the island beside them, asking if Ainya was now a crew member. Vhagar told everyone to pray and thank whoever fixed the ship, to grant them eternal luck. After everyone did so, Athermos stirred awake to notice this. After being told to shut up, Athermos praid for a moment before standing up on his own when Vhagar put him down.

Back on the island, Uronos' ship had docked as he was somehow able to tell that they were all dead, with his eyes glowing red for a moment before returning to normal. The Marines all departed and came back with the bodies of the Shadow Tides, along with a Marine coming back with a photo. Uronos grabbed it, before realizing who beat the Shadow Tides as Uronos admitted that they killed for a reason. He then stated to the photo in particular that Sabo would be proud of his brother, tucking the photo into his shirt much to the Marines confusion. The marine questioned what they should do about the shadow tides, to which Uronos said they would bring them to headquarters as he told them they should take the backway into the grandline.

On The Pantheon, Raijin asked once more if Ainya was part of the crew now. Rayne said that it wasn't their call, and that they could go drop her off on Maple Island. Pancho admitted that Sindri would take her in if that was what they decided. Hestuser, however, said they were all strong enough to watch her and asked if they could take her with them. Alchuss brought out drinks while Hestuser brought out food, with Al stating it was up to Vhagar and Athermos respectively. Ainya was silently sitting and watching them, to which Vhagar said it was Athermos' choice despite the fact he knew what he was going to say. Leaning to Ainya, Athermos asked if she wanted to be an Olympian, especially because Hestuser liked her as a little sister. And none of the others minded her. Crying and saying thanks, Athermos said they all should party as they were departing to the Grand Line.

## Continuity Notes

* The elements introduced in this roleplay movie were based on the newspaper that debuted in Chapter 90 discussing the escape of Emanuel Wynn. The elements introduced in the arc along with character dialogue place this between the end of the Polarhaven Arc and the arrival to the Grand Line.
* The powerups introduced in this roleplay movie are all canonically added to the Olympians abilities, and the slight backstory Athermos received aligns with the dialogue from Chapter 12.

## Trivia

* This event went through three different planned ideas and basis before it was determined to have the plot surrounding Ainya with the knowledge of the Pluton.
* Each of the five Shadow Tides members are based on different obvious, and less obvious, DC Themes, with Wynn also being based loosely on the real life pirate sharing the same name.
	+ Emanuel "Shadow" Wynn was based on Batman, with his shadow themes, thus his power set consisting loosely of pure shadow usage along with martial arts.
		- Wynn is also based on the pirate Emanuel Wynn. This was specifically evident through the fact that Wynn had a motto that all of his crew followed, which was trying to get their enemies to avoid death through surrender. The Shadow Tides' Flag is also a one to one recreation of the Pirate Flag used by Emanuel Wynn.
	+ Sam "Torrent" Deepfin is based very loosely on Grundy and Swamp Thing, most notably in regards to their combative abilities loosely using the environment. In Torrent's case, he uses the water and liquidated Earth for his Fishman Karate.
	+ Asher "Bane" Nightshade is based loosely on Bane in design, being the most muscular with physical strength along with an altered physical body that alters his natural strength beyond its limits. Similarly, much like his DC counterpart, Bane is an escaped convict.
	+ Serna "Viper" Duskblade is based loosely on both Poison Ivy and Copperhead, with Viper's abilities involving the use of poison much like Poison Ivy. She also can become a snake-woman hybrid, much like how Copperhead became a Snake/Man hybrid.
	+ Marik "Whisper" Blackthorn is the one with the weakest reference, notably being a blend between Martian Manhunter and his weakness toward fire, notably wherein Whisper sets himself on fire. Likewise, Whisper's weapon is loosely based on the Sword of Sin, as his sword could be ignited with a mere thought by channeling his Lunarian Flames into it.
* This is the only time in the story as of this event where Vhagar has suffered the least injuries since his debut in Chapter 1.
* The ability CoEx that Athermos used first debuted in Chapter 38, but was not officially named until this event, making it the longest running powerup to not have been named during a Chapter.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *One Piece: Dreamer* Chapter 90 *—* A newspaper states that Emanuel Wynn escaped from Vice Admiral Uronos a week ago.
2. ↑ *One Piece: Dreamer* Chapter 90 *—* A newspaper lists the bounties of all the Olympian Dreamer Pirates, which totals to 350,000,000.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 *One Piece: Dreamer* Chapter 94 *—* Ainya bumps into Hestuser and mistakes him for a member of the Shadow Tides.
4. ↑ *One Piece: Dreamer* Chapter 98 *—* Butley uses Iron Body to defend himself from Raijin's 1 Million Volt Thunderbolt.
5. ↑ *One Piece: Dreamer* Chapter 3 *—* Rayne, Vhagar, and Athermos make their way toward Kurogaru's Base without properly planning for traps.
6. ↑ *One Piece: Dreamer* Chapter 97 *—* Butley uses Sky Walk to fly into the air and kick Rayne and Al to the ground.
7. ↑ *One Piece: Dreamer* Chapter 72 *—* Jaspar uses Fishman Karate against the Olympian Dreamer Pirates, but Hestuser deflects the attack.
8. ↑ *One Piece: Dreamer* Chapter 97 *—* Butley kicks Hestuser, Vhagar, and Athermos off The (Sailing) Pantheon in an instant.
9. ↑ *One Piece: Dreamer* *Hestuser's Light Novel* *—* Hestuser is terrified of Big Mom, especially when he realizes she was coming to kill him.
10. ↑ *One Piece: Dreamer* Chapter 85 *—* Al uses the same attack to defeat Gaspar.
11. ↑ *One Piece: Dreamer* Chapter 38 *—* Athermos fights against Gaiko, defeating him with two Gum Gum CoEx attacks.