Location: Across the Grand Line — Broadcasts, Rebellions, and Reverence
A rogue news co-op known as The Lantern Press aired a montage that lit up every den den mushi screen across the seas, captivating audiences from humble fishing villages to bustling port cities:
The clip opened with Luffy, his straw hat casting a shadow over his eyes, grinning wildly as he launched a powerful punch. His fist collided with a Vice Admiral, sending him crashing through a thick fortress wall, the stone crumbling like sand under the force.
Next, the screen shifted to Lila, her auburn hair billowing around her like a protective cloak, as gusts of wind swirled at her command. She stood steadfast, arms raised, creating a barrier between terrified villagers and a barrage of cannon fire raining from marine ships offshore.
The final scene showed the Straw Hats and the Driftborn fighting side by side, their movements a dance of chaos and coordination in perfect harmony. Swords clashed, and the air was filled with the crackle of energy and the roar of battle.
"The Monkey siblings," the anchor declared with a voice full of awe, "have become the storm the World Government cannot contain."
The footage spread like wildfire, igniting imaginations and sparking defiance.
In Alabasta, children, their faces flushed with excitement, crafted paper hats resembling Luffy's signature straw hat. They spun in circles in the dusty streets, arms outstretched, shouting, "I'm Lila! I'm Luffy!" as they pretended to summon wind and punch through walls.
In Water 7, shipwrights, inspired by the siblings' bravery, painted vivid murals on the sides of the shipyards. The artwork depicted Luffy and Lila standing back to back, with swirling wind and roaring flames forming a dramatic backdrop, turning the docks into a gallery of heroism.
In East Blue, Marines, ordered to shut down the broadcast, were met with fierce resistance. Crowds gathered, voices rose in protest, and the streets erupted in riots. People, united by a newfound hope, refused to let go of the images that had lit a fire in their hearts.
Even pirates took notice, their reactions a mix.
Law, leaning against the railing of his ship, smirked as he watched the broadcast. "That's one hell of a family reunion," he mused, his eyes glinting with intrigue.
Kid, fists clenched in mild irritation, growled under his breath. "They're stealing the spotlight again," he muttered, a grudging respect lacing his words as he watched the screen, unable to look away.
***
Back aboard the Tenshū, the Driftborn huddled around the flickering screen, their eyes glued to the footage replaying in front of them. Buzz leaned back in his chair, a wide grin spreading across his face. "We're famous. Again," he said, his voice tinged with amusement. "Although that was old news."
Zin folded his arms, glancing at the others. "You think Luffy minds?" he asked, his brow slightly furrowed with concern.
Vexa chuckled, shaking her head. "He's probably loving it," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of pride.
Lila, standing a little apart from the group, spoke softly, almost to herself. "It's not about fame," she murmured, her gaze thoughtful and intent on the screen.
"It's about showing the world that the D. doesn't bow," she added, her quiet words carrying a weight of determination that resonated in the room.
Gorren was engrossed in a book while also tuning into the conversation. "You'd think the government would have figured it out by now, given that everyone with a D in their name is causing a commotion," he remarked.
***
The Lantern Press wrapped up the broadcast with a powerful declaration from Lila, her words crackling through the airwaves like thunder. She wanted to leave no doubt that no matter the obstacles thrown by the government or the relentless pirates, she would endure with unwavering resolve.
"We don't fight for mere recognition."
"We fight so others can live without fear."
"And our battle is far from over."
***
The Five Elders stood in a vast chamber, their expressions grave and unyielding. A large screen flickered before them, looping footage of Lila and Luffy triumphing over their foes. The roars of the crowd echoed in the background, a cacophony of cheers that seemed to shake the very walls. Outside, pirates gathered in fervent clusters, their spirits ignited by the victories, while the world watched in awe, the events searing themselves into history.
"Enough," one Elder barked, his voice slicing through the air like a knife. "Send them."
From the shadows, a figure emerged, cloaked in mystery. Their attire was pristine—a white suit tailored to perfection, contrasting sharply with the black gloves that concealed their hands. Their face was hidden, identity a secret even to those who commanded them.
"Cipher Pol Six awaits," the Elder continued, his words heavy with the weight of imminent action.
The Assassins.
CP6—the World Government's most elite and secretive force, known only in whispers among the highest ranks. They are not enforcers of the law, nor are they diplomats. Their purpose is singular and deadly: eliminate threats with precision and without a trace.
Three agents were dispatched under the cover of darkness:
Agent Umbra, a figure cloaked in white, glided through the shadows like a wraith dressed in white to have his foe's blood cover him. His movements were so silent that even the wind didn't dare to rustle his presence. He was a master of silent kills and shadowstep, his blade as invisible as his footsteps.
Agent Vox, a chameleon among men, possessed the uncanny ability to alter his voice and appearance at will. With a flick of his wrist and a subtle shift of his features, he could become anyone, a gift honed through rigorous Rokushiki training. His eyes held a thousand faces, each as convincing as the last.
Agent Pale, once a revered marine admiral, now moved like a specter, his presence as eerie as his rumored lack of a heartbeat. His transformation into a ghost operative left no room for empathy, only a chilling precision in his deadly tasks.
Their mission was clear and brutal: "Infiltrate. Divide. Eliminate the Driftborn." The words were etched into their minds with an unyielding resolve. And there was an added directive: "And if Luffy interferes… erase the D." A chilling reminder that no obstacle would be tolerated, not even the infamous Straw Hat himself.
***
Back in Stonewell, the crew celebrated another victory.
The villagers twirled and spun in a joyous dance, their feet kicking up dust in the twilight glow. Nearby, children smeared vibrant colors across the sails of a waiting ship, their laughter mingling with the rhythm of the celebration. Lila stood at the edge of the cliff, her hair whipping around her face as the wind playfully tugged at her clothes, a serene smile playing on her lips. Buzz lifted a wooden mug high into the air, his voice booming above the noise. "To the storm!" he shouted with a wide grin. Zin's eyes sparkled mischievously as he added, "And the thunder it brings."
Gorren, sitting cross-legged on the ground, took a massive bite of a chicken leg, juices dribbling down his chin as he grumbled through a mouthful, "To peace." Bits of meat fell from his lips, landing on the ground with a soft plop. Milo, standing nearby, wrinkled his nose in distaste and shook his head disapprovingly. Veyra and Juno, breathless and flushed, leaned against each other, still catching their breath from the lively dances they shared with the villagers. Riven was sipping his drink with joy.
Meanwhile, away from the festivities, Vexa's brow was furrowed in concentration as she stared intently at her handheld scanner. Her frown deepened, and she spoke with a note of urgency, "Something's wrong." She tapped the screen again, frustration creeping into her voice. "There's no signal." Her eyes lifted to the horizon, where the once lively breeze had stilled. "No wind," she murmured, her concern growing as the air hung heavy and silent around them.
That night, the village, usually filled with laughter and music, fell silent, as if the very air had been sucked out. A shadow of unease settled over them. Then, the comms tower, their beacon of communication, blinked out unexpectedly, leaving the community isolated and anxious. The following morning, Riven stumbled upon something chilling—a single white glove, stark against the rusted metal, was nailed to the gate, fluttering ominously in the breeze. Lila's eyes narrowed to sharp slits as she examined the glove. "They're here," she said, her voice low and tense. Her gaze met Riven's. "And they're not pirates."