Solo Pirating - Chapter 91

Chapter 91

5th of May, 1522

Sabaody

Disco stared at his desk, every inch meticulously organized, each paper aligned to perfection. The room was immaculate, a stark contrast to the chaos roiling in his mind. Since Doflamingo’s death at the hands of Moria, the protection he once enjoyed was gone. Without the fearsome Joker shielding him, it was only a matter of time before vultures circled to tear apart his slave auction house. Yet, rumors persisted that Joker's operations continued, suggesting someone else had assumed the mantle. His hands trembled slightly as he recalled the cryptic letter he received that morning, signed by "Joker." It promised a visit today, but the clock ticked ominously, and still, no one had arrived.

A sudden, low voice from right behind him shattered the silence. Disco jumped, his heart pounding. Spinning around, he found himself face-to-face with Gecko Moria, towering and grotesque. Flanking him were Capone Bege, his cold eyes scanning the room, and Isabella von Carstein, her beauty as chilling as the aura she exuded.

"Good evening, Disco," Moria's voice rumbled, a sinister grin spreading across his face.

Disco stammered, his mind racing to regain composure. "M-my lord Moria, welcome," he managed, his voice thin and wavering. He gestured towards the plush chairs arranged around a low table. "Please, have a seat."

They settled into the seats, and Disco hurriedly poured wine, his hands still shaking. The crimson liquid swirled into the glasses, reflecting the dim light of the room. He handed each of them a glass, trying to steady his breath.

Moria took a slow sip, his eyes never leaving Disco. "So, tell me, how are the sales going?" he asked, his tone deceptively casual.

Disco swallowed hard, feeling the sweat bead on his forehead. "W-well, my lord. The auctions have been...profitable," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "And, of course, with you as the new Joker, I assure you that the tribute will continue as before. You'll have the preference right in exchange for the protection."

Moria's grin widened, showing rows of sharp teeth. "Good, good," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction.

Before another word could be exchanged, the room exploded into chaos. The wall behind Disco's desk shattered, debris flying as a figure burst through. Silvers Rayleigh stepped into the wreckage, his presence commanding and fierce. Despite the destruction, he wore a gentle smile that belied the menace in his eyes.

[Silvers Rayleigh] 

Class : Old Monster

Job : Proud Husband of Dracule Shaky

Dourikis : 26,845

Potential : SSS

Fate : SS

"Ah, I heard that Doflamingo is no longer in charge here," Rayleigh said, his tone casual yet dripping with cold authority. "Dealing with him, given his history as an ex-Celestial Dragon, would have been a hassle. Moria, you're no better, but... well, I'm an old man. I don't care much for politics anymore." His smile vanished, replaced by a deadly seriousness. "But let me make this clear—if you sell slaves on this island again, I will kill every last one of you."

The room fell into a stunned silence. Disco’s heart raced, and Moria’s eyes narrowed, a glint of rage sparking within them. Rayleigh then turned to Moria, his gaze piercing. "I know my son is dead. His vivre card burned out. And now... why do I feel the soul of my son within you, Moria? What trickery have you employed?"

Before Moria could respond, a blast of King’s Haki emanated from Rayleigh, washing over the room like a tidal wave. Isabella gasped, her face turning ashen as a wet stain spread across her dress. She collapsed to her knees, trembling uncontrollably.

Moria swore loudly, anger flaring in his eyes. He began to teleport, shadows swirling around him, but Rayleigh was faster.

In an instant, Rayleigh’s Haki-infused fist connected with Moria’s head, sending a spray of blood into the air. "Damn, old man," Moria muttered, his vision swimming. Rayleigh moved faster than he could track, his blade a flash of silver light as it sliced through the air, severing Moria’s hand with a precise, brutal cut.

Moria screamed in agony, clutching his bleeding stump. Rayleigh calmly resheathed his sword, his eyes cold and unyielding. "You’re lucky, Moria," he said, his voice a chilling whisper. "Lucky that your noble blood keeps you alive today. And that my son’s soul seems content in your shadows. But mark my words—the next time we meet, you will die."

With that, Rayleigh turned and walked out through the gaping hole in the wall, leaving a bloodied, furious Moria and a trembling Disco behind.

— — —

5th of May 1522

Wano

Kaido’s roars of fury reverberated through the crumbling palace, the very walls shaking as he trashed about in a drunken rage. Empty bottles littered the floor, and the acrid smell of alcohol permeated the air. Queen stood nearby, holding a photo that had ignited this latest outburst—a gruesome image of the mutilated Jack, nailed to the door of Alabasta Palace.

Kaido, swaying and hiccuping, glared at the picture through bleary eyes. His massive form heaved as he spat out curses. "That bastard Moria! He’s lucky I’m busy dealing with Big Mom for control of this damn region... Once I’m done, once that damn fucking Akainu stops attacking my territories, I’ll take care of him myself!"

The headliners around him exchanged anxious glances, caught between their fear of Kaido’s wrath and the hopeful anticipation of possibly replacing Jack. Who's-Who, in particular, stood at attention, his eyes gleaming with ambition.

Kaido’s gaze fell upon Who's-Who, and with a drunken hiccup, he pointed a massive, trembling finger at him. "You! Who's-Who! You’re Jack’s replacement. Don’t screw it up, or you’ll end up like him!"

The headliners collectively held their breath, the atmosphere thick with tension. Who's-Who stepped forward, his face a mask of determination. "I won’t disappoint you, Kaido-sama."

Kaido’s eyes, bloodshot and filled with rage, bore into Who's-Who. "You better not," he growled, before taking another swig from his bottle and smashing it against the wall. "Moria thinks he can humiliate me? He’s got another thing coming."

Kaido turned his gaze back to the picture of Jack, his face contorting with disgust. "Jack must have been a fucking weakling to be beaten by Moria!" he spat. "Pathetic! I should have known better than to rely on him."

His words hung heavy in the air, a harsh condemnation of his fallen lieutenant. The headliners could only watch and wait, knowing that the storm was far from over.

Finally, Kaido’s eyes narrowed with a deadly focus. "Once the Marines ease their pressure on us," he growled, "Who's-Who and a few of the Tobiroppo will go to Moria’s island and teach him a fucking lesson. Make sure he knows what it means to cross the Beasts Pirates."

— — —

5th of May 1522

Thriller Bark

Moria’s rage echoed through the desolate corridors, his furious screams reverberating off the cold stone walls like the roar of a wounded beast. Before him stood Caesar Clown and Dr. Hogback, watching as blood seeped through the freshly sutured cut on Moria’s hand, a grim testament to his encounter with Rayleigh.

"That old bastard!" Moria bellowed, his eyes wild with fury. "I’ll kill him! I’ll tear him apart, limb by limb, once I’m one with Kaido! He’ll regret ever crossing me!" His massive frame trembled with rage, each breath a ragged, furious exhale.

Caesar Clown, ever the opportunist, merely shrugged, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Look on the bright side, Moria. This unfortunate incident gives us the perfect chance to test my latest prosthesis idea. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this. I just need to find how to make it change size when you change form…"

Hogback, his expression a mix of fear and fascination, nodded eagerly. "Yes, Lord Moria. With Caesar’s new technology, we can give you a replacement that’s stronger and more powerful than your original hand. It will make you even more formidable."

[Countdown : Fifteen days before the reveal of Pombero's Questline]

— —

6th of May 1522

Alabasta

Gecko Moria stood in his office, the cold stone walls reflecting his simmering rage. Shadows from the flickering candlelight danced across the gothic shelves, casting eerie shapes that seemed to mock his pain. His bloodshot eyes fixated on the bandaged stump where his hand once was, the pain a relentless reminder of his defeat at the hands of Silvers Rayleigh.

“Fuck him,” Moria growled, his voice a low, guttural rumble that seemed to reverberate off the walls. “Fuck that old man and his cursed Haki.”

With a swift, frustrated motion, he invoked the mysterious, intricately carved box that had been his reward at Marineford. Moria had hesitated to open it, fully aware of the danger of opening it now, instead of later. But now, with his hand severed and his pride shattered…Perhaps the box held the key to his restoration.

[Cursed Box]

It contains something you need, though you may not want it.

Drawing a deep breath, Moria approached the desk. His remaining hand brushed against the cool, ancient wood, feeling the carvings that seemed to pulse under his touch. Without further hesitation, he lifted the lid.

Inside, nestled in black velvet, lay a Devil Fruit unlike any he had ever seen. It was a deep, blood-red color, its surface smooth yet disturbingly organic. Jagged, teeth-like protrusions jutted out, giving it a sinister, almost predatory appearance. He lifted the fruit, its weight surprisingly heavy in his hand. The teeth-like parts felt sharp against his skin, as if the fruit itself were alive and eager to bite. Moria stared at it, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.

“Another Devil Fruit?” Moria muttered, a mix of curiosity and dread in his voice.

[Ie Ie no Mi]

Type : Paramecia

Concept : Nebbercracker's House

Soul Increase : from 200 to 2 000

Why the hell would he need that ?