Multiversal Recruitment

The dock was in ruins, flames everywhere while loose wood fell into the sea. Five meters below, Salazar was sinking, his back wrecked by the sudden impact with the water.

But feeling the lack of air, he clenched his teeth and swam to the surface.

—Agh! D-Damn it...

Breaking through to gasp for air, he panted and coughed up water, clinging to a floating plank, his hair and clothes drenched.

I looked up at the ships above me, relieved to see the fire hadn't reached them and the damage was minimal—nothing that would prevent them from sailing.

Climbing onto the floating plank, which was thick and large enough to support his weight, he stood up and looked at the destroyed harbor bridges, the ships floating without crews.

—Did he die? —he asked himself, referring to the CP0 agent, but his question was answered by a movement on land.

Rubble shifted, revealing the man in what used to be a pristine suit, now covered in dust and partially torn. His mask was broken over one eye, which remained locked on me like a damn Terminator.

—Big mouth, that's me... —I sighed, tired and exasperated. My thigh was still bleeding heavily, and my back ached like hell, but I braced for another fight—which didn't take long to arrive.

I saw him vanish. Without thinking, I used an explosion to propel myself to where I had been before, summoning my sword with the intent of catching him off guard.

I slashed vertically, but he dodged with Kami-E. Taking advantage of that, I used a second explosion to launch myself back toward the ground, sliding across it while panting.

—Why don't you just die already?

For the first time in the entire fight, a deep voice came from behind the mask. His visible eye was bloodshot as he stopped mid-air using geppō, landing atop a ship.

—Well, turns out you can talk. What a surprise —I looked at him with open mockery, weighed down by water. The agent just stared.

—It's useless to resist, worm. Accept your miserable fate and die.

—Talking about fate like that reminds me of a certain northern Hyūga, y'know?

I said it more for myself than for him, but it only made the agent angrier.

—You're like a fucking cockroach refusing to die.

—I'll take that as a compliment.

Pulling out one of my pistols, I fired relentlessly in his direction. He dodged everything without flinching and, using Soru, launched himself at me again.

Alarmed, I raised my hand and stepped forward, forgetting my injury, which made me grunt—and that split second was all he needed.

He reappeared behind me, raised his leg, and delivered a sideways kick that hit me hard. I clenched my teeth from the pain and spat blood. My entire right side, including my arm, was crushed and sent flying.

I rolled across the ground, taking multiple hits, getting filthy, yelling from the effort as I tried to stop myself—only to crash into a concrete wall. That finally stopped my momentum as I coughed up blood.

—I-I seriously hate the world right now... —I muttered, mouth full of blood, my right side bleeding from everywhere. I clutched my probably broken ribs and looked up with difficulty, seeing the man arrogantly approaching with his hands in his pockets.

—I told you to give up. Now your death will be painful—an execution, to set an example—while all those you try to save will die...

Right in front of me, battered, he grabbed my hair, making me grit my teeth as he lifted me, leaving me hanging in front of him.

Then came small tremors, stronger than the ones the giants had caused before—and despite everything, I smiled, bloodied.

—Hey... o-one question.

—Mhmm?

—W-where... cough are your teammates?

—What—?

He didn't have time to answer.

Blood splattered across my battered face. He dropped to the ground. I laughed softly.

—Mine's over there, bastard —I turned my head with effort and saw the bullet hole right in the middle of his forehead, eyes wide open.

Summoning strength, I stood with one hand, limping, looking into the distance—specifically two kilometers ahead. I could make out the silhouette of two giants, followed by a crowd of people running.

I spotted a head of purple hair on the shoulder of one of the giants. I chuckled quietly.

—I really like that damn woman... Ugh!

Clutching my side in pain, I leaned against the wall, waiting for everyone to arrive.

But while I waited, something caught my eye. I turned and my eyes widened in shock and horror.

I didn't have time to react. A bright light lit up my face. I gritted my teeth, turned my head—and he was there.

—K-Kizaru... —I said with difficulty, my mind racing a mile a minute trying to devise an escape plan.

But...

How do you fight light itself if you can't even touch it?

—Mhmm... Looks like you know who I am, huh?

He raised an eyebrow with irony. Of course I knew. Everyone did. He was one of the three admirals—some of the strongest powers in the entire Navy.

Clenching my fists tightly, rage and helplessness filled my gaze as I refused to look away from Borsalino.

—W-why'd you have to show up right now?

I asked, more to myself than to him. With no other choice, I pushed off the wall and took a basic combat stance, unsteady but with fire in my eyes, staring up at the much taller admiral.

Kizaru looked at me, expressionless. He knew just how desperate I was.

—I'll just say this: it's nothing personal, kid...

He raised his foot, which shone with a blinding, radiant light. I squinted but braced for the worst.

He fired.

Borsalino's head was pierced—but he didn't even flinch. He looked left, spotting the slaves now even closer, close enough to see the shooter: a purple-haired girl watching in stunned disbelief as her bullet did absolutely nothing.

—Damn, there sure are a lot of them —he muttered, gazing at the oncoming swarm of slaves.

They got closer and closer until they reached the gates. The giants led the way, smashing down the entrance that was far too small for them. Everyone stopped when they saw Kizaru—fear and hopelessness in their eyes.

—I-It's Admiral Kizaru!

—N-No w-way!

—Did we get here too late!?

Murmurs rose from all present, their dream of freedom clearly shattered by the man standing before them.

Seeing all of it, I clenched my teeth in frustration. Limping, bleeding, I took a step forward and looked at them all, throat tight. Kizaru, already bored, began charging up a light-speed kick in my direction. I knew it—but I didn't turn around. I looked straight at the slaves—and especially at Kaina, who stared at me, shocked.

The light grew even brighter behind me, but I stared forward with conviction in my eyes. Then, with a firm voice, unafraid, I shouted a command:

—GET TO THE SHIPS, NOW!!

—No one's going anywhere...

Flash.

A metallic sound rang out.

The light faded, but a huge impact sent up a cloud of dust that made everyone shield their eyes.

Even me. Confused, I looked behind—and what I saw stunned me.

—You've got great spirit, kid. I hope I live long enough to see what chaos you'll unleash across the seas...

A playful voice echoed through the dust, the silhouette slowly becoming visible.

—Dark King Silvers Rayleigh...

I stared in awe. Standing in front of me, facing Kizaru, was the former first mate of the Pirate King himself. A living legend.

The two stared each other down—Kizaru serious, Rayleigh more amused, his sword coated in Armament Haki.

Rayleigh glanced back, smiling confidently as he addressed the slaves:

—What are you all waiting for? Do what the boy says!

He blocked Kizaru's next move—not effortlessly, but with skill and strength.

The slaves, still in shock, finally snapped out of it. Kaina was the first to run toward me, pulling me away from the clash of those two monsters.

—You heard him! Everyone get ready! We're leaving! —shouted Kujori, now the spokesperson, as everyone cried out in joy:

—YEEEAAAH!!

—Are you okay!?

Meanwhile, Kaina and some human slaves supported me away from the battle. She asked, clearly worried, as she examined my many wounds—visibly shocked.

The others boarded the two galleons, using makeshift ramps placed by the giants.

—Well... ugh I've been better, honestly —I muttered with a bleeding smile, breathing heavily. Kaina, worried, decided to get me out of there, taking my good arm and slinging it over her neck to help me to the ship.

—A beauty's forcing me to hug her... coff I must be blessed...

I tried to joke to distract myself. Kaina didn't take it seriously.

—Shut up.

—You're the boss.

I laughed a little, then winced again from my injuries. My eyes were growing heavy—no strength left. I looked at my companion, who was sweating, probably not understanding any of this, yet still helping me. I smiled.

—T-Take care of me a bit more, yeah? I'm counting on you...

I closed my eyes, unable to stay awake any longer. The last thing I heard was Kaina shouting my name—and the sounds of the fierce battle behind me.

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Stones my friends, more, more, more