A.N: Welcome back to another chapter of the One Piece Campaign. Before we begin, I want everyone to know that I'm constantly working on improving the process and workflow of my writing (both fanfic and original content alike) to make sure things come out at a reasonable pace. I'm thinking at my next quarterly review, I'm going to ask for a 4-day work week with 10 hours each. That way, I can have Fridays to just write the whole day.

But now, let's see how this turns out. Chapter 34! Go!

Chapter 34: Godlike

Kakashi Hatake turned his headset on and began to speak into it, having opened up a channel between himself, Shunsui Kyoraku and Byakuya Kuchiki. The battle for Mary Geoise had been underway for an hour now, so it was time for all three parts of this pincer-assault to give an update. "Shunsui, Byakuya, do you two read me?" Kakashi asked.

"Of course," Byakuya replied, "though you know we can use Tenteikura to reach out to everyone, if an update on the battle progress is really that important."

"Tenteikura is a mass-communication system that everyone can hear. It's not safe to broadcast everything to the enemy like that." Shunsui pointed out. "Anyway, how are things going on your end, Kakashi?"

"The Third Fleet has spread out through Mary Geoise in an attempt to secure key locations throughout the massive island." Kakashi replied. "However, a few spots have been beaten back by particularly powerful enemy soldiers. Those incidents have given us a good understanding of which crucial locations are being heavily defended."

"Do you have a theory why?" Byakuya asked.

"According to reports, some of the more heavily guarded places are mansions. If I had to guess, I'd say those Celestial Dragons demanded their mansions be guarded by particularly strong individuals." Kakashi explained before scowling. "Honestly, I'm shocked that they kowtowed to the Celestial Dragons so much. Those mansions are not strategically beneficial locations to defend."

This actually struck a chord with Byakuya. Kakashi is right, he noted, any attack on the Soul Society, Grandfather never ordered the Kuchiki grounds while I was around, and I certainly never did the same. A true noble who serves his lands prioritizes the important things, not his own material possessions.

Konton is a monster...but he is not unintelligent. He must know this, just like I do. So why… Byakuya trailed off, unable to figure out just what Konton was planning.

"What about you, Byakuya, do you have an update?" Shunsui inquired.

"The 4th Fleet has entrenched itself in several locations." Byakuya replied, having been cut from his thoughts. "We are continuously bombarding the enemy, focusing particularly on buildings, clearing a path for the 1st Fleet. I take it you've appreciated our efforts, Head Captain Kyoraku?"

"Oh, but of course." Byakuya could practically hear Shunsui smiling on the other end. "The 1st Fleet has been charging ahead, taking more ground. Thanks to Igneel taking Sakazuki out of the equation for the time being, we're having a much easier time advancing. If I had to guess, I'd say what happened to Sakazuki has thrown the enemy into pure chaos."

"So we should take advantage of this chaos while we can." Byakuya noted.

"We may already be too late." Shunsui replied. "Unfortunately, I'm receiving reports that the enemy is attempting to form a new line of defense deeper into the city."

"I'm getting the same reports." Kakashi admitted. "They're trying to adjust to the fact that their leader is MIA for the time being. If Sakazuki does come back though…"

"He won't," Shunsui interrupted, "I have faith that Igneel will handle him just fine. Even if Igneel is unable to defeat him in a one on one fight, he'll at least be able to hold Sakazuki to a stalemate until we take all of Mary Geoise."

"If that's the case, then what should our next move be?" Byakuya inquired.

"As of right now, we are attempting to move through Mary Geoise's main city, which accounts for the majority of the island's landmass, with the 1st Fleet's efforts." Kakashi explained. "At the same time, the enemy is trying to form a defensive line deeper into the city."

"Meanwhile, we have pockets of the 3rd fleet that have already managed to position themselves all over the city. However, this is being met with strong resistance by some particularly strong foes."

"And finally, we have the 4th Fleet holding our already claimed territory, cleaning up any stragglers. With that in mind, our first move should be using the 1st Fleet to punch a single hole through this defensive line of theirs."

"How do you figure, Kakashi?" Shunsui asked.

"In the Shinobi World, we refer to this as the 'Kunai Stabbing' Maneuver." Kakashi explained. "By blasting through a singular hole, the enemy will naturally attempt to cover up the hole, patch it, like the human body naturally attempts to do after it has been stabbed."

"If we can successfully do this," Kakashi continued, "the enemy will be divided by the breach in their defenses. And in their attempt to reform and then fix this breach, they will be left vulnerable. From there, the 3rd and 4th Fleets will do their parts, to inflict 'injuries' to the enemy 'body' as well."

"We refer to this as the 'Shuriken' Maneuver, where the enemy is bombarded repeatedly and peppered with wounds that will leave them 'bleeding' as though shuriken are being tossed at them."

"You could always ask Shikamaru for clarification, Byakuya, considering he's an even better strategist than I am." Kakashi acknowledged. "Then again, it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if Shikamaru slept through all strategy classes in the academy and just made his own."

"Funny thing is, they'd probably be better than most maneuvers. Still, I'm confident in these two maneuvers for this particular situation."

"I agree with Kakashi, though I have one request I'd like to make." Byakuya spoke up.

"What is it, Byakuya? It's not like you to make a request on your own behalf." Shunsui noted.

"I will head to the residential areas and deal with the foe that is guarding the Celestial Dragons." Byakuya requested.

"Really, you're going to take that one alone?" Kakashi asked.

"I'm a bit suspicious on why the Coalition is allowing themselves to be so easily manipulated by the Celestial Dragons. I wish to find out if there's a reason for this." Byakuya responded before adding. "And I suppose I will admit I have a somewhat selfish reason for wanting to deal with the Celestial Dragons myself."

"Oh? It's not like you to be selfish." Shunsui teased.

"The Celestial Dragons are an affront to everything a noble should strive for. They are an affront to everything a noble stands for." Byakuya explained. "They've wasted away with a decadent, hedonistic lifestyle at the expense of innocent people."

"As the head of the Kuchiki Clan, a member of the Soul Society's noble class, it is my duty to right this injustice."

"Well, removing the Celestial Dragons from play will be a powerful symbolic gesture for the people of this world, and they'll be a good bargaining chip or morale crusher for the enemy. Either way, they need to be taken out of play for now. Byakuya, I'll trust you to deal with them the right way." Kakashi told him.

"Same here." Shunsui replied. "Over and out, fellas. I've got work to do."

"Same, best of luck, Byakuya." Kakashi did the same as the 1st and 3rd Fleet leaders cut communication.

Byakuya turned his attention to Shikamaru Nara, who wore a very deadpan expression on his face. He knew exactly what was coming and the lazy side of him really did not like what was coming in the slightest. Meanwhile, the 4th Fleet continued to rain down hellfire on the enemy from a long distance.

"This is going to be a drag for me, isn't it?" He asked knowingly.

"How did you ever guess?" Byakuya responded in a tone of voice that was both sarcastic and annoyed with his proxy. "I need you to take over while I go deal with whoever's guarding the Celestial Dragons."

"I don't think I need to tell you this, but be careful. If those guys really are important to the World Government...for whatever reason...then they have a real monster guarding them for sure." Shikamaru reminded Byakuya.

"I know," Byakuya nodded.

"Are you gonna give me all the rules before you leave me in charge, Dad," Shikamaru sarcastically inquired.

Byakuya rolled his eyes, having long grown accustomed to Shikamaru's sarcasm. "No, I think you know the rules." He responded, immediately wanting to kick himself for falling into Shikamaru's pace.

"Well, if you'd permit me to make a suggestion, you should probably take at least one person with you. Frankly, I'd prefer you take a medic with you." Shikamaru admitted.

"You think I should have a medic with me?" Byakuya raised an eyebrow, taking that as a slight against his pride. "You think I'll lose, Shikamaru?"

"It's not a question of whether I think you'll lose or not, Commander." Shikamaru raised his hand. "I just don't think you're going to get out of this fight unscathed. And I think you know that as well. Like I said, whoever's guarding the Celestial Dragons has to be a real monster. And I don't need to know the current state of the fight for the residential area to know that."

Byakuya sighed. "I suppose you make a valid point."

"Then bring a medic with you." Shikamaru insisted. "It's a drag, having to look after someone else in this situation, but you'll need the help."

Byakuya nodded in agreement. "Then I suppose I'll just have to bring someone who I know I can trust." He noted. "Someone who I can take my eyes off without having to worry for their wellbeing."

Shikamaru sighed. "Well, besides me, being your proxy, there's probably only one person I can think of that fits that description, sir." He noted.

Byakuya nodded once more. Elsewhere, Wendy Marvell sneezed and found herself wondering if someone was thinking about her.

Meanwhile, at the residential district of Mary Geoise, a single guard was firing off beams of light randomly, like a hunter without a target. He wore a perpetually bored, lethargic look on his face. He watched explosions blossom like flowers throughout the area.

"They're getting awfully close to the Celestial Dragons. They're getting awfully close to the gods of this world." Admiral Kizaru noted. "Man, these Alliance kiddies get scarier and scarier with every fight."

"Of course, my boss is still way scarier than them...guess that's why I'm still hanging around here." Kizaru noted.

Meanwhile, Alliance soldiers were hiding behind a perimeter as Kizaru's beams of light continued to rain down in front of them. Thankfully, they seemed to have moved out of his range. Or perhaps Kizaru was so lazy he could not be bothered to increase his range? Or perhaps Kizaru could not step too far away from the Celestial Dragons, the individuals he was attempting to protect?

None of them knew, and they were incapable of getting closer. Lethargic, lazy individual he may be, Borsalino was still the man known as Kizaru, a marine admiral. He was one of the strongest men in the Navy and not a man to be trifled with. A man who took Kakashi Hatake and several of the best soldiers in the 3rd Division to the brink not once but twice back in Fiore. They could not go after this man without a plan. Or at least without a one-man army of their own.

Meanwhile, on literally the other side of the island, fiery and volcanic explosions rang out and set the area on fire. Igneel and Sakazuki's elbows slammed together. Fire danced around Igneel's body while Sakazuki's body was covered in hot, boiling magma.

"Man, you are as much of a spitfire as the magma that covers your body. I guess Devil Fruits kind of fit the personalities of the users, don't they?" Igneel could not help but grin, saying that without knowing a thing about guys like Kuzan and Borsalino, who were the exact opposites of their Devil Fruits.

"Do you ever shut up?" Sakazuki demanded.

"Nah, ask my son." Igneel chuckled. "Of course, I couldn't shut up because he wouldn't. The effort I had to expend in order to get a word in edgewise against him was something else."

"Hellhound!" Sakazuki responded by raising his free arm and launching a magma claw at Igneel, intent on taking half his face off like he did to Whitebeard.

Igneel then snapped his head to the side, avoiding Hellhound. "Fire Dragon King Purgatory!" Igneel yelled as the flames of the Fire Dragon King exploded around him, incinerating Sakazuki as well.

Sakazuki was blown back by the explosion of flames. The Fleet Admiral quickly emerged and growled in anger. Why am I being burned by these flames? They should be no different than Fire Fist Ace's flames!

"You look confused, Fleet Admiral." Igneel grinned.

"Our powers are in a relationship of superiority." Sakazuki snarled. "Someone like you shouldn't even be able to touch me."

"Lava beats flames in your world? Well that's just pitiful." Igneel shook his head. "These are the flames of the Fire Dragon King."

Igneel leapt into the air, staying airborne with fire at his feet. "As if measly magma could ever hope to extinguish my flames!" He declared.

A ball of fire then appeared in the palms of Igneel's hands. "The flames in my left hand, and the flames in my right hand." He chanted. "Put them together and you get…"

Sakazuki's perpetually cold and angry expression vanished and was replaced by a look of attentiveness. This attack was definitely getting his attention. His right arm then enveloped itself in magma. His attention this attack shall have.

"Great Eruption!" Sakazuki yelled, firing off an oversized fist of magma like a rocket.

"Fire Dragon King Brilliant Flame!" The fireball expanded and was then shot downwards towards Sakazuki and his Great Eruption like a meteor.

The two attacks collided and another massive explosion burst forth in a massive ball of fire. The force of the explosion blew both men away. Igneel felt himself lose control as he was knocked away from his shared battlefield. Meanwhile, Sakazuki managed to remain on his feet, but was nearly blown all the way into the sea. That would have been fatal, even for him.

Sakazuki's fists clenched with rage. He was really beginning to hate this man, dragon, whatever. He was beginning to hate this man with every fiber of his being. Really, really, really hate this man.

"Fine," Sakazuki snarled, "if burning him like I did to Roger's brat won't work…

Sakazuki hardened both of his fists with Armament Haki. "...Then I'll just have to beat this dragon to death the old-fashioned way, with a little bit of magma sprinkled in."

"You want to get on my nerves like this, Fire Dragon? You've succeeded. Now, have a taste of Absolute Justice."

Elsewhere, in a darker, deeper part of Mary Geoise, the Elder Stars were reviewing the battle themselves. "Sakazuki is all the way on the other end of the island." The bespectacled elder noted. "Kizaru is defending our fellow Celestial Dragons."

"And it seems that a massive battle is about to take place...and Ichigo Kurosaki and Natsu Dragneel are right in the center of it." The youngest elder added.

"This battle is, so far, not going our way, though. The enemy is already too deep into our holy land. It's despicable that they got this far. Sakazuki was supposed to implement a stronger justice, but it's clear the marines are only stronger in mind, not in body." The birthmark elder pointed out.

"Lord Konton blackmailed us to stay on his good side, he better at least have the decency to send us the backup he promised." The bearded elder added.

"He will, we are far too useful to him right now. He may be 'blackmailing' us with the knowledge of our master's existence to keep us in line, but our military strength still makes us an asset to Rakuen." The dreadlock elder assured his fellows. "So he will not discard us. Not yet."

"But we cannot allow him to continue holding such leverage over us." The birthmark elder pointed out to his comrades.

"Then you suggest we reveal his existence?" The bearded elder glared at his fellow. "To do so would legitimize the Revolutionaries and what they stand for. To do so would destroy everything we worked for. A united World Government that loyally worships its only gods. Ruled by a united coalition of kings and queens. That is the world we have maintained."

"He's right, revealing the master's existence isn't an option."

"Then we simply wait and see what happens next?"

"That is the only option. For now, let us monitor the actions of Ichigo Kurosaki and Natsu Dragneel."

"Let's see their worth and power compared to Straw Hat Luffy."

It was indeed time to see the worth of both Ichigo Kurosaki and Natsu Dragneel, compared to Monkey D. Luffy. The two stood back to back, staring down the four foes who were all eyeing them like they were hunks of meat for a variety of reasons. Rob Lucci and Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez both wanted to rip Natsu and Ichigo apart with their bare hands after an incredibly enjoyable fight to the death. Kimimaro wanted to bring Ichigo back to Orochimaru to use him as his newest vessel to gain the powers of a Soul Reaper. And Donquixote Doflamingo, being Doflamingo, just really wanted to watch this little piece of the world burn for his own amusement.

"So we've both fought Grimmjow," Ichigo spoke up, "you've fought Lucci, I've fought Kimimaro, and neither of us have fought Mr. Shades over there."

"So, what? We worry about him the most?" Natsu asked.

"Obviously," Ichigo nodded, "the unknown variable is always the most troublesome. Kisuke taught me that one. We're both aware of the capabilities of the other three, so we know what to expect."

"Doesn't make the other three any less dangerous though." Natsu pointed out in a surprisingly sage tone.

"Yeah, you're right, buddy." Ichigo nodded.

"So, you watch my back and I watch yours, right?" Natsu requested.

"Hey, why do you feel like you have to ask?" Ichigo countered with a grin. "You know I'm with you."

"If you are done, I think we're ready to begin." Doflamingo grinned. "We were being courteous by letting you have your final chat, but I think the cats and the sickly one are ready to tear you both to shreds."

"I, of course, would like a piece of you boys first."

Doflamingo pointed his index finger at the two boys. "So, let's get started." He grinned. "Here's to death, destruction and bloodshed, gentlemen. Bullet String!"

Ichigo and Natsu quickly took note of the long, nearly invisible string that extended from Doflamingo's index finger. "Scatter!" Ichigo quickly exclaimed to Natsu as the two leapt to opposite sides.

Grimmjow and Lucci immediately went after Natsu while Kimimaro went after Ichigo. "Stay out of my way, Leopard-Bastard!" Grimmjow screamed.

"As if I'd let you take this prey from me, Espada!" Lucci shot right back before leaping into the air and transformed into his leopard-hybrid form. "Flying Finger Pistol!"

Grimmjow instinctively ducked underneath. The dodge stopped his momentum, allowing Lucci to get a few paces ahead of the former sixth Espada. "Bastard!" Grimmjow snarled as Lucci quickly moved up to Natsu.

"Finger Pistol Yellow Lotus!" Lucci yelled, shooting off rapid-fire Finger Pistol's at Natsu repeatedly.

Natsu grinned as he began to lean in and out of each finger pistol. Watch your opponent carefully, use your superior dragon senses to predict each and every one of his moves and respond accordingly.

And then, Natsu ignited his fist as Lucci finally left an opening, counterattack!

"Fire Dragon Iron Fist!" Natsu punched Lucci square in the jaw.

Lucci grit his teeth before being launched backwards from the force of the blow. "Flying Finger-" He recovered and attempted to fire off a counter.

"Nope!" Grimmjow grinned as he suddenly leapt onto Lucci, planting his feet on the Cp0 agent's face and pushed off, knocking him back further.

"Grimmjow!" Lucci yelled in anger.

"I've waited since Hargeon for another crack at you, Salamander! First I'll break you to pieces, then I'll break Kurosaki!" Grimmjow declared, throwing punches at Natsu repeatedly.

Natsu narrowed his eyes and blocked and parried each of Grimmjow's punches. "Don't overdo it too early," he remembered what Ichigo had said to him, "if Mary Geoise really is that important to these people, they've got monsters all over the place. So we need to give the exact amount of necessary effort to keep us fresh and ready for the long haul."

Grimmjow immediately took note of the fact that Natsu was clearly holding back. "Are you mocking me, Dragon Boy?!" He snarled. "Come on, after two rounds with me, you should know that you have to take me seriously if you want to survive!"

"So come on! Whip out that Dragon Sage Mode of yours! Or something even better if ya got it! You have been getting better at Dragon Sage Mode though, right? You lost its form before you could finish things! So let's finish things properly this time!"

Grimmjow threw a roundhouse kick at Natsu that Natsu was quick to counter. "Fire Dragon Talon!" He yelled, throwing a fiery kick right back at Grimmjow.

The two kicks collided. Lucci then leapt above them both. "Perish!" Lucci screamed, brandishing his claws. "Tempest Kick Victory Bird!"

A Tempest Kick in the shape of a large bird rained down on both Natsu and Grimmjow. The two fighters separated from each other and leapt away as the bird crashed into the ground. "Damn leopard, so you're trying to kill me now too?" Grimmjow demanded.

"You keep getting in my way, so maybe I should kill you both." Lucci responded.

The two glared at each other, idiotically taking their eyes off of Natsu, who immediately charged in between them. "Dragon Slayer's Secret Art!" He exclaimed, deciding to take advantage of their distracted state and bust out one of his stronger moves. "Crimson Lotus Exploding Flame Blade!"

With that, Natsu ignited his arms and generated a torrent of flames that assaulted both Grimmjow and Lucci, sending them flying with repeated fiery strikes. The flames then exploded, enveloping both men. Both bodies fell from the cloud of smoke that resulted. However, much to Natsu's surprise, the two cats both landed on their feet.

"Well, I guess it was never going to be easy." Natsu muttered.

"Grind, Pantera!" Grimmjow drew his Zanpakuto and ran his hand across the blade, quickly transforming into his Resurrecion.

Lucci scowled and cracked his neck. "I guess you're not going to run away and leave this to me." He noted. "Fine, don't blame me if I kill you in the crossfire."

"Same to you, bastard." Grimmjow replied.

Natsu rushed both of them, enveloping himself in flames. Grimmjow pointed his hand at Natsu and began charging up a Cero. Lucci, meanwhile, leapt into the air. "Overheat!" A new person cut in.

A large whip made of string suddenly whipped down between the three of them, shattering the ground. Natsu turned to see Doflamingo standing in the air. He then tossed something up into the air. "Now, Fulbright!" He yelled.

Natsu's nose suddenly picked up Doflamingo's scent coming towards him. To be more accurate, it was coming towards him from above. He looked up and managed to pick up the sight of five thin strings falling from the sky towards him. His eyes widened, realizing he was going to impale him with that attack.

"Fire Dragon Talon!" He kicked the air, sending out a wave of fire that immolated Doflamingo's strings.

Doflamingo chuckled. "He's sharp." He mused.

Doflamingo then looked over his shoulder. "But, let's see how the Soul Reaper is doing, the so-called god of death."

"I left a Black Knight clone to supervise that fight, after all, and out of all the Acts of Order...that one interests me the most. I do hope he doesn't disappoint me."

Doflamingo then pointed both of his hands at the ground. "Though I have to admit, the so-called Dragon Slayer has piqued my interest as well."

"Bullet String - Volley!" Doflamingo exclaimed as he fired off ten Bullet Strings from all ten of his fingers. And each string was trained in ten different positions, positions that included the spots Grimmjow and Lucci were in.

"Damn you, Doflamingo!" Lucci cursed furiously.

Doflamingo just laughed. "I'm really glad I came here." He said. "This is already turning out more fun than I ever could have imagined."

Meanwhile, Kimimaro quickly covered himself in the markings of the Cursed Seal of Earth. Then, his body contorted and twisted as he took on a more demonic, dinosaur-like appearance. "Already going...what was it, Level 2?" Ichigo asked.

"Camellia Dance," was all Kimimaro said in response before he began stabbing at Ichigo repeatedly with such speed he was leaving behind afterimages of himself.

However, Ichigo was prepared. I can pick up Kimimaro's movements pretty easily thanks to my spiritual awareness. But, thanks to the Haki I picked up back in Mystoria, I can practically see his movements before he even makes them!

Ichigo swung both Zangetsu blades and easily countered Kimimaro's Camellia Dance. Kimimaro's eyes widened. With my body restored to its prime, I'd say I'm normally considered Jonin-class. At Level 2, I'm probably an elite Jonin. But with the training I've undergone since coming back and joining the Coalition, I like to believe I'm a Kage-level fighter.

However, Ichigo Kurosaki is parrying all of my attacks with the greatest of ease. I suppose I'd expect nothing less from Lord Orochimaru's chosen vessel.

"Clematis Dance!" Kimimaro reached back and dragged his spine out of his back, creating a large whip of bone. "Vine!"

Kimimaro cracked the whip at Ichigo, who easily leapt to the side. Just like I thought, Ichigo noted, when I told Natsu to scatter, I knew we could take advantage of the fact these guys all hate each other and that they all want us dead for various reasons. So we can split them up and give ourselves a more manageable workload.

Actually, now that I think of it, Natsu is taking on three of those guys. I can sense that Doflamingo guy is nearby too. Thankfully, from what I can tell, he's giving Grimmjow and that Lucci guy trouble as well. But that freelance attitude of his might actually make him the most dangerous of them all.

Wait...I can sense him coming close to me as well? Does he use some sort of cloning ability like Naruto does? This is why I told Natsu the unknown variable is the most dangerous one of all.

Kimimaro and Ichigo's eyes moved to the side just as 'Doflamingo' suddenly came upon them both. "Pentachromatic Strings!" He exclaimed, swinging his hand and whipping forth five strings with shimmering colors.

Kimimaro quickly shielded himself with bones while Ichigo blocked the attack with the larger blade. "String manipulation?" Ichigo was surprised.

"Bastard…" Kimimaro growled, knowing that 'Doflamingo' had attacked him as well on purpose.

Hold on, if this guy manipulates strings, then why is this clearly not him? I'll never understand Devil Fruits…

"It's so nice to finally meet you, Ichigo Kurosaki." 'Doflamingo' said to him.

"Didn't realize I had a fan." Ichigo countered. "Well, I can't really call you in particular a fan because you're clearly not the actual Doflamingo."

"Sharp lad," 'Doflamingo' laughed, "I'd like to introduce you to Black Knight, this is a clone that allows me to cover a much larger ground or allows me to get more done at once."

"But, as you can see, while it's nowhere near the real 'me's' power, I can still hold my own." Black Knight then pointed his fingers at Kimimaro. "Now, Parasite!"

Kimimaro grit his teeth as he suddenly felt his body stiffen. "What are you doing?" He demanded.

"Oh, don't worry, I won't kill you, Kimimaro, if this goes south, I'm going to need your help." He explained. Black Knight then pointed his fingers at the sky. "Now, Marionette!"

Kimimaro was suddenly yanked into the air. Ichigo gasped as he looked up. I can sense something attached to Kimimaro's body! He noted. Are those...strings? And they are attached to...they're attached to clouds? Now I get it. Between that string attack from earlier and now this, I definitely get his powers. String manipulation, he can manipulate strings. And he just used some sort of trap to hang Kimimaro like it was some kind of crucifix.

"Too many prying ears to listen in on our chat." Black Knight claimed, only for Ichigo to suddenly impale him on the larger Zangetsu blade.

"Do you have any idea how much easier you made this fight for me, taking him out of the equation like that?" Ichigo demanded.

"Like I said, if this little chat does go south, I'll be releasing him to fight again. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm well aware that he'll be pissed, but I kinda figured unity wasn't going to be possible for this little group. I'm sure you can agree with that, right?"

"Can't argue with that." Ichigo acknowledged.

"And besides, like I said, I want to talk for a bit. I'll have you know that I'm being quite sincere about that."

"A lot of my old foes have just wanted to talk. None of them have ever made sense. Usually I understand them better after I kick their asses." Ichigo replied.

"Come now, Ichigo, you should hear me out. You might find my offer to be intriguing." Black Knight said to him.

"Do you seriously not know who you're talking to here? There's not a single thing you could offer me that I'd want enough to turn against my friends."

"At least hear me out, after all, you and I are one in the same: two gods in human flesh."

"Don't you dare compare me to you."

"Ichigo, Ichigo, Ichigo, I've been thinking about this for a long time. After all, I spent a long time studying you, Natsu Dragneel and Naruto Uzumaki when this war broke out." Black Knight admitted. "I wanted to see how similar you are to Straw Hat."

"And I must admit, out of the four of you, you're the one who fascinates me the most."

"I'm not sure how I should feel about that. Last guy who was interested in me wants my body for his crazy boss." Ichigo pointed out.

"Just. Hear. Me. Out." Black Knight insisted.

Ichigo still looked tense, the Doflamingo clone let out a chuckle. "If you don't like what I have to say, then you can fight me afterwards." Black Knight promised. "But at least have the courtesy to hear me out first. Because I honestly want your opinion on this."

Ichigo grimaced at the thought. He could hear the sounds of Natsu continuing to fight Lucci, Grimmjow and Doflamingo all at once. The Substitute Soul Reaper really hated the idea of leaving Natsu to fight alone while he talked with this clone. "Of course, if you don't, I could just go ahead and set my strings on other people." Black Knight flexed his fingers. "And make no mistake, Ichigo Kurosaki, with a little concentration and can-do spirit, I can do that. I basically got to sit back and watch the fun while I ruined Riku Dold's life and reputation."

"And if I listen you won't do that?"

"I'm a man of my word, Ichigo. Hear me out, and you'll have my undivided attention, whether you take me up on my offer or not."

"Fine, then let's hear it." Ichigo finally relented.

"Are you sure?" Ichigo heard the sound of Old Man Zangetsu in his head.

"Idiot! Just kick his stringy ass already!" Hollow Zangetsu snapped.

Look, if he can use his Devil Fruit Powers at that kind of range, it's best we play along for now. Ichigo pointed out. Besides, maybe he's defecting...in a weird villainous kind of way.

"A villainous defection?"

Yeah, like the Suicide Squad.

"...You realize a lot of those guys didn't join that team willingly, right?"

Just shut the hell up and let me listen to this creep. Ichigo ended his conversation with his two spirits before turning his full attention to Black Knight. "You want to talk, Doflamingo, so let's talk. Or rather, you can talk and I'll just listen."

Black Knight chuckled. "Always good to see obedience." He mused. "Anyway, let me ask you a question, Ichigo Kurosaki, do you honestly think your life is fulfilling in the slightest?"

"Huh? An existential question right off the bat?"

"Here you are, a young man with the power of a god, and what have you done with it?" Black Knight inquired before answering the question for Ichigo. "You can't possibly be content with living your life as nothing more than a hired gun for the Soul Society."

Ichigo remained silent at this. "Straw Hat Luffy wishes to become King of the Pirates. An idiotic dream, but an inevitable one for those who have that accursed initial in their names." Black Knight noted. "Naruto Uzumaki wishes to revolutionize his world and usher in an era of peace and cooperation."

It's actually kind of terrifying how much this guy knows about us. Ichigo noted. Is he like some sort of information broker or gatherer?

"But then there's you...and Salamander too, but it's you who has my attention." Black Knight admitted. "You, who arguably have more power than any of them. The power of a god of death."

"But you do nothing with it! You fight war after war, battle after battle, and then nothing!" Black Knight exclaimed. "You have no ambition, no goals of your own!"

"All that power and no desire to make some goal, some dream a reality." Black Knight shook his head. "Honestly, when I first came to know this about you, it made me want to puke. When I first learned all that, I despised you so much for wasting your gifts."

"Something changed, right?" Ichigo asked knowingly.

"I had an epiphany. You see, I too am a god who has to take on the flesh of a disgusting mortal." Black Knight acknowledged. "However, unlike you, Ichigo, I have dreams, I have goals, I. Have. Ambitions."

"Alright, I'll bite, what are those ambitions?" Ichigo asked.

"To take my rightful throne in the heavens." Black Knight replied, throwing out his arms in a grandiose gesture.

"And to do that, you allied with a lord of chaos who's basically a god in all but name?" Ichigo deadpanned. "Doesn't that seem...counterproductive."

"You misunderstand me, Ichigo Kurosaki. I joined Konton because he is a god. Do you know what I realized when I became part of the Coalition? I realized just how small my world really is by comparison to this big, big universe we really live in. And though I was forced to live amongst the rabble, I now realize that all of my life has led up to regaining my status as a god during this war. The strength I gained in the 'mortal realm', it has taken me higher than the other gods of my world. It has given me the chance to live among far greater deities."

The more I listen to him, the more I realize how insane he actually is… Ichigo realized.

"You see, Konton claims he will leave the other Celestial Dragons in peace once the Coalition wins, but I can't help but doubt that. He has resorted to some...very underhanded methods to keep the World Government in line. And to be honest, they are methods I'm almost jealous of for not using them myself."

"A man like that plans for multiple contingencies." Black Knight sagely pointed out. "And one of those contingencies could very well include treating the Celestial Dragons and the Elder Stars as loose ends that need to be tied up."

"Why? Other than their political power, from what I've heard, they're no threat to anyone." Ichigo pointed out.

"Loose ends are loose ends, as long as there are people who worship the Celestial Dragons and swear fealty to the Elder Stars, they can easily be construed as a threat. Of course this is all hypothetical. To be perfectly frank, I don't even know what Konton plans to do with them after he wins. That being said, I will admit that the idea of doing a little dance if he does get rid of them is...very tempting."

"Get to the point, Doflamingo, what the hell does any of this have to do with me?" Ichigo demanded.

"Think of this as a job offer." Black Knight extended his hand. "Let us form an alliance of our own in secrecy. The only person who can be made aware of this, of course, is Konton. But if we ally, the two of us can pave the way to something incredible. A seat at the table of gods that is coming in the future."

"You must be crazy if you think I'll join up with you." Ichigo narrowed his eyes.

"Oh I'm not as crazy as you think I am, Ichigo." Black Knight shook his head. "In fact, I really do see us as quite similar. It was maddening, to walk around the mortal realm, knowing what I was and not having the ability to take what was mine. I had the ambition but I didn't have the power to obtain what I desired."

"Then fate brought my Devil Fruit and loyal allies to my side and I took control of my life and gained the ability to work towards my goals."

"And then I see you, a young man with all this power and no ambition, no drive. It saddens me to see a young man live such an unfulfilling life." Black Knight admitted.

"Let me give you that goal. You are a god, Ichigo. We both are. If we fight for our seats at the table, we can live as we please!"

Black Knight began walking up to Ichigo. "I may be merely a clone, but if you take my hand now, the real me will know that you have accepted my offer."

"Natsu doesn't exactly have dreams of his own, you know." Ichigo pointed out. "Why not give him the same offer?"

"Because Natsu Dragneel is nothing more than a rabid attack dog, a human dragon." Black Knight shook his head in disgust. "I have no interest in a vulgar creature such as him. No, not like you."

"So what do you say, Ichigo?" Black Knight egged him on with that signature grin of his. "My offer has plenty of perks you know. The most important perk, of course, is a goal to work towards. An ambition of your own. You have ideals, certainly, but no ambition. I can give it to you. The goal of true godhood, standing above every mortal in this plane of existence. You won't have to fight like a hired gun for thankless allies any longer."

Ichigo fell silent at all of Doflamingo's words. Thankless allies...fighting battle after battle like nothing more than a hired gun. I guess it has sometimes felt like that. Ichigo admitted inwardly. Between the truth of Ginjo and the Substitute Soul Reaper Badge...and the fact I've constantly been one of the most important factors in all their victories, I just can't help but feel like nothing more than Soul Society's attack dog.

But lacking in ambition? Lacking goals? It's certainly true that I don't dream big like Luffy and Naruto…

Ichigo was cut from his thoughts by the voice of the former Warlord. "I'd normally be more than happy to let you think over my offer, Ichigo, but we do have a war going on around us. And frankly, I'm getting a chilling feeling that things may start moving much faster than anyone could have predicted."

"So I'd like to know your answer before everything hits the fan."

Ichigo took a deep breath. So, he wants my answer, huh?

"You want to shake on it then?" Ichigo inquired, sheathing the smaller blade and holding out his hand.

Black Knight's smile widened. "I knew you'd see things my way." He seemed genuinely happy about the fact. "You and I are going to accomplish incredible things together, Ichigo. Welcome to the Donquixote Family."

Then, before Black Knight could even blink, the larger blade was protruding from the other side of his body. He looked down in surprise to see that Ichigo had stabbed him right through the chest. "Shake this then, ya friggin psycho." Ichigo growled.

Black Knight sighed in disappointment. "I thought you were smart."

"Happy to disappoint you." Ichigo countered.

"It was quite bold of you to assume that my life is unfulfilled just because I don't dream big like Luffy and Naruto." Ichigo claimed. "Don't get me wrong, I respect those two for how big they dream, but who are you to tell me my life is empty because I don't?"

"Everything's just ambitions, goals and tools to be used along the way for you. If anything, it's your life that's empty. Never once have I felt my life was unfulfilled. I have two sisters who I love very much, a crazy old man for a father who I'd step in front of traffic for as a human, and friends who depend on me and I do the same for them."

"I say I'm surrounded by people I love, and you say my life is empty. All because I have no ambition. And I say: 'what's so wrong with that' when I've got all that other stuff?"

"Besides, I've never needed a big dream in the first place. All I want is to spend my days in peace with my friends and family. And jerks like you are ruining it." Ichigo got right in the clone's face and stared directly into his eyes. "So, Doflamingo, I know you can hear me, you get your ass over here right now and let's settle this man to man."

Ichigo purposely emphasized 'man', knowing that Doflamingo would not appreciate being called anything other than a god. He could tell that much after knowing the man for not even an hour. And with that, Ichigo exerted spirit energy from the larger blade and practically incinerated Black Knight after enveloping him in it. Ichigo watched as a few stray strings floated to the ground.

Ichigo then heard a large crash behind him. He looked over his shoulder to see Kimimaro had landed. "Kurosaki…" Kimimaro growled. "Where is he? Where's that bastard Doflamingo?"

"Hey, wait a couple minutes and you'll get your shot at him." Ichigo shrugged. "You know, you could stop trying to kidnap me for Orochimaru for five minutes and we could double team him."

Kimimaro responded by rushing towards Ichigo with the 'flower' of his Clematis Dance. Ichigo sighed. "Or keep trying to take me to your creepy boss, that works too." He groaned, blocking Kimimaro's flower with both Zangetsu blades.

And Doflamingo's on his way too, Ichigo added, well, at least I took the heat off of Natsu. You better make it count, bud. I know I can handle a two-on-one fight and so can you.

Meanwhile, the real Donquixote Doflamingo's seemingly permanent smile was replaced with an irritated frown as he stood in the air with the help of his strings connected from building to building, even the ones that were getting wrecked in the fight.

"So he's refused my offer." Doflamingo muttered. "How disappointing. And I had such high hopes for him too."

And he moved so fast that my Observation Haki couldn't track his movements, I guess that's the speed of a death god who has surpassed other death gods for you.

"Sorry, Natsu!" Doflamingo called out to the Dragon Slayer, who was blocking the claws of both Lucci and Grimmjow with his arms. "But it appears something far more important has been brought to my attention."

"I don't like it when a possible business partner spits in my face."

And with that statement, Doflamingo began to run towards Ichigo and Kimimaro. Natsu's eyes widened, immediately realizing where Doflamingo was going. "Ichigo!" He exclaimed.

"It's bad to lose focus, Salamander!" Lucci claimed. "Finger Pistol Spots!"

"Not if I kill him first, Lucci!" Grimmjow exclaimed, raising his claws into the air to tear Natsu's face open.

Natsu leapt back, allowing both men to stumble slightly. He quickly inhaled. "Fire Dragon Roar!" He yelled, enveloping both men in flames.

Natsu's focus was slipping, though. He wanted to make sure his buddy was okay. He could tell that out of the four people that had come after them, Doflamingo was the most dangerous. He never needed Ichigo to tell him that. The senses of a dragon never lie, after all.

Hang on, Ichigo. I'll be bringing an even bigger party to you, but hang on.

Meanwhile, Ichigo continued to block and parry all of Kimimaro's attacks while desperately trying to draw blood himself. Every time I try to slash him, another bone just sprouts up and blocks it before I can pierce the flesh. His mastery over that bloodline technique of his is incredible. Ichigo acknowledged.

Ichigo managed to put some distance between himself and Kimimaro. "Getsuga Tensho!" He exclaimed, sending out a Getsuga from the smaller blade.

Ribs then sprouted out in front of Kimimaro's body like a shield and blocked the Getsuga. Ichigo narrowed his eyes. And every time I try to use Getsuga Tensho to try and harm him that way, he just uses his Kekkei Genkai defensively.

The smoke quickly cleared, revealing that Kimimaro's bones had been destroyed by the attack. However, the Shinobi himself looked no worse for wear. At least the bones themselves are destroyed with the attack. And I cut into the bones as well when I fight directly. Ichigo remembered. That means, the gap isn't too great.

I could use Bankai or use Haki...but using Haki would mean revealing that trump card a bit earlier than I thought. I'd much prefer using it on a Logia Devil Fruit user and taking them by surprise. Natsu and I both had the same idea when we came here to Mary Geoise, hold back as much as possible to keep some semblance of the element of surprise, and to make sure we were still fresh enough for what may very well be the biggest threat here: Sakazuki. And with Doflamingo on the way here, I'd rather he did not see my Bankai until he's already in the thick of it. If I pulled it out before he got here, he might choose to hang back and study it...see if he can find any weaknesses.

"Bullet String!" Ichigo instinctively whipped his head to the side, barely avoiding a string that came streaking out of nowhere.

Speak of the devil and he shall appear. Ichigo groaned inwardly.

Doflamingo suddenly leapt from the heavens and landed on the ground. "You forced me to deal with this by getting on your level." Doflamingo scowled. "I don't appreciate that, Ichigo Kurosaki. You took my offer...my mercy...and then you spat in my face. Now, I have to kill you out of principle."

"Doflamingo!" Kimimaro snarled at the very sight of Doflamingo.

"Kimimaro, let's let bygones be bygones." Doflamingo immediately went to his old, smooth-talking self. "Ichigo no longer interests me, so what say I help you take him to your boss? I'm sure that'll make up for my transgression earlier."

"Every fiber of my being wants to kill you for that stunt." Kimimaro admitted. "However, killing you would cause Lord Orochimaru a political headache...and I suppose your help would also benefit his goals."

"That's my boy," Doflamingo chuckled. "Holding grudges just isn't good for allies like us. But I'll be getting the first blood, if you don't mind."

Doflamingo rushed towards Ichigo. "Pentachromatic Strings!" He exclaimed, waving his hand and generating five shimmering strings.

Ichigo raised the larger Zangetsu blade and blocked the Pentachromatic Strings. Doflamingo was not done. "Athlete!" He yelled, kicking his right leg into the air, attaching sharp strings to his feet in the process.

Ichigo managed to block two of the strings with the smaller Zangetsu blade, but was still cut up by the other three and was sent flying. Doflamingo chuckled. "Overheat!" He exclaimed, generating a large red rope and whipped it towards Ichigo.

"Getsuga Jujisho!" Ichigo countered, sending out the cross-shaped slash of Spirit Energy to block Doflamingo's Overheat.

The two attacks collided and exploded. Kimimaro quickly moved through the resulting cloud of thick smoke and reappeared on the other side, brandishing the 'flower' of the Clematis Dance. Ichigo crossed the blades into an x and blocked the stab. Doflamingo then swung upwards by attaching his strings to a broken building.

"Fulbright!" He threw his free hand up in the air. Five strings arced upwards and then came down, impaling Ichigo through the back in five different places but thankfully managing to avoid his spine.

"Urk…" Ichigo grunted as a bit of blood trickled out of his mouth.

Doflamingo then detached the strings and began falling towards Ichigo. "Leg Saw!" He exclaimed, attaching a very sharp string that started from his heel and moved to the other end of his leg.

Ichigo's eyes widened. "Oh crap…"

Doflamingo let out a yell as he dropped an axe kick down onto Ichigo, intent on incapacitating him or at least slowing him down with a severed limb and a lot of resulting blood loss.

The Leg Saw collided with Ichigo's right shoulder, however, there was no resulting gore. Doflamingo raised a curious eyebrow. He then saw Ichigo's right arm had blackened. "Damn it," Ichigo cursed, "I was hoping to keep that secret for a bit longer."

"Oho? So you awakened Haki? Very impressive." Doflamingo praised.

Kimimaro's eyes widened in excitement. "So Lord Orochimaru will not only gain the powers of a Soul Reaper, but also Haki? Excellent! Most excellent!"

Ichigo grit his teeth in frustration. I mean, I guess this means I can fight a bit harder than before. Still…

Ichigo was cut from his thoughts of frustration at the sound of another familiar voice. "Fire Dragon Wing Attack!"

Ichigo gasped as two masses were suddenly thrown behind him. Fire streaked behind them both. Rob Lucci and Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez both landed on their backs. "What the-" Ichigo began, only to be cut off again.

"Ichigo, get out of the way." Kimimaro and Doflamingo both turned at the sound of Natsu Dragneel's voice.

Ichigo gasped and quickly Flash Stepped away from what he knew was about to be the line of fire...literally. "Fire Dragon King Roar!" Natsu bellowed.

"Not good…" Doflamingo muttered, hardening his entire body with Armament Haki.

"Willow Dance: Tree!" Kimimaro generated so many bones around his body that they enveloped him like a suit of armor.

Both men had set up their defenses just as they were enveloped in the mighty Dragon King's Roar. Grimmjow and Lucci both barely managed to get to their feet and roll out of the way, avoiding it themselves.

When the flames cleared away, Doflamingo and Kimimaro had both been stripped of their defenses, but were otherwise alright. If I hadn't put up my Tree...that attack might've caused serious injury. Kimimaro realized. It might've even killed me!

Doflamingo's permanent smile faded once again with a scowl. How irritating...the fact that he's a 'dragon' makes that attack even more infuriating. I really can't stand dragons...mainly because I'm terrified of one in particular.

"Natsu!" Ichigo exclaimed as Natsu Dragneel stepped in.

"You look like you could use some help." Natsu replied simply.

Ichigo fell silent for a moment before sighing. "Yeah, I guess there's nothing getting past you." He admitted. "Dragon ears, dragon eyes, dragon nose...dragon everything."

Natsu grinned as he ran up to Ichigo's side. "I know we said we'd divide up, and I know it was to try and make things a bit easier on the both of us, but I got to thinking."

"For you and me, it's not about what's easier, it's about what means we win in the end." Natsu pointed out. "And for us, the best way for us to win is to fight together, yeah?"

Ichigo's eyes widened. "So what do you say, man? Let's forget about fighting smart and making things easier and just do what we know will lead to victory?" Natsu suggested with a big, toothy smile.

Ichigo sighed, realizing that they may have indeed overthought things. That really was not their style. "Yeah, you're right." He responded simply.

This is why, Doflamingo. Ichigo admitted to himself. This is why I don't need some big lofty goal or ambition to fight for like Luffy and Naruto. I've already got what I want in life. Friends I'd do anything for. A family I love.

Ichigo's thoughts drifted to his fellow Acts. And three brothers who are everything to me.

As long as I have all that in my life, I can fight and keep pushing forward, goal or no goal. Because I'm the number one guardian, the one who protects.

And I won't lose someone I love ever again.

"Okay, Natsu," Ichigo grinned, "let's show them the two-punch combo of two of the Acts of Order."

"Hell yeah," Natsu nodded.

"Now we're talking." Grimmjow forgot his nerves regarding the Dragon King's Roar attack and grinned at the thought of killing them both at once.

Lucci gave a feral grin as well. Kimimaro, on the other hand, was frowning at the thought of Natsu getting in the way of his mission. Even with the other three, this may become difficult. He acknowledged.

Doflamingo just laughed. "It would appear that I have to take this a bit more seriously." He mused, palming the ground

The ground began to shake. Lucci narrowed his eyes, realizing what Doflamingo was doing. He leapt into the air. Grimmjow and Kimimaro both realized something was wrong and did the same.

"Natsu." Ichigo warned.

"I know," Natsu nodded.

"Allow me to show you what the real power of a Devil Fruit is, boys. My awakened power!" Doflamingo declared. "Ever White!"

A vast amount of the surrounding ground transformed into string. It nearly took both boys off balance. Natsu and Ichigo quickly regained balance and began leaping onto the less violent moving masses of string. They looked like they were surfing atop waves.

The strings of Ever White grew more violent. Ichigo and Natsu immediately went to work. Natsu quickly leapt from his increasing violent perch, grabbing onto Ichigo and flinging him safely away from the shaking on his own perch. A large wave of strings came towards them, only for Ichigo to slice the strings in half, allowing him to land safely on a new perch. Natsu, meanwhile, quickly delivered a fiery roundhouse kick on some converging strings as well, burning them in the process. He then leapt next to Ichigo.

"So this is the power of an awakened Devil Fruit." Natsu muttered.

"I had heard what Crocodile had almost done to both our divisions with his own awakened powers, but seeing it in action is a completely different experience." Ichigo admitted.

Kimimaro, Lucci and Grimmjow then landed behind them, perching on several safe spots on Doflamingo's Ever White attack.

"Flying Finger Pistol: Sting!" Lucci exclaimed, flicking several devastating air bullets from his claws.

"Garra de la Pantera!" Grimmjow added his own attack to the mix, firing off the claw-like barbs from his elbows.

"Digital Shrapnel!" Kimimaro exclaimed, firing off several small bones from his body like bullets.

Ichigo spun around and began swinging Zangetsu, blocking several projectiles. Natsu spun around as well and began weaving around the projectiles, almost like a graceful swan.

"Ichigo!" Natsu exclaimed.

"Right!" Ichigo nodded, knowing exactly what his bro wanted.

"Getsuga Jujisho!" Lucci hardened his chest with Haki right when he was struck.

Natsu placed both his hands together and shaped them like claws. Fire started to gather around them both. "Fire Dragon Blazing Jaw!" He exclaimed as a giant blaze erupted from his hands. The flames then took the form of what seemed to be a dragon's jaws, which quickly enveloped Kimimaro with a burning chomp.

Both men were knocked off balance by the attack and vanished inside of Doflamingo's sea of strings. Grimmjow saw this as his chance to get both of them and leapt forward. "Desgarron!" Grimmjow exclaimed, creating several long claws of Spirit Energy to slice them both to ribbons.

Ichigo and Natsu both leapt to opposite sides. "That attack is as devastating as always." Ichigo acknowledged.

"No problem for us though!" Natsu responded with a grin of his own. "Flames in my right hand, and flames in my left! Put them together and you get Fire Dragon Brilliant Flame!"

"Getsuga Ransho!" Ichigo swung both Zangetsu blades repeatedly, firing several small but speedy blades of Spirit Energy.

Grimmjow's eyes widened at being left wide open before being enveloped in a combined explosion. We had to have gotten him with a combined attack like that… Ichigo noted.

Grimmjow then leapt out of the smoke and retreated into the sea of strings. "He's still going even after that?" Natsu was surprised.

Ichigo narrowed his eyes. Did he use...no way… He thought to himself.

Doflamingo then appeared from the sea of strings. "My turn now, gentlemen." He claimed as several strings suddenly rose up like a tidal wave. "Now, fall before these thousand holy arrows!"

"Flap Thread!" Doflamingo exclaimed as the strings all launched towards the duo like...well, a thousand arrows.

"That's a lot of strings." Natsu muttered.

"Don't falter, defend yourself!" Ichigo hardened his midsection with Armament Haki.

Natsu nodded in agreement. "Fire Dragon Burning Scales!" He exclaimed, enveloping his entire body in fire.

Doflamingo's Flap Thread collided with them both shortly after. Doflamingo's threads immediately burned away upon coming into contact with Natsu's 'scales' while they shattered against Ichigo's Haki-imbued body.

"Die!" Kimimaro exclaimed, leaping upon Natsu from behind.

"Black Finger Pistol!" Lucci hardened his right claw with Haki and aimed it right at Ichigo.

Natsu reacted first, however, and grabbed Ichigo by the arm, tossing him into the air, out of reach and behind Lucci and Kimimaro. He also proceeded to rocket upwards with flames around his feet. "Getsuga Tensho!" Lucci and Kimimaro had no time to react as a large Getsuga slammed into them both, sending them flying towards Grimmjow and Doflamingo.

Doflamingo sighed and used Ever White to catch them both and softened the blow. "I use my awakened techniques to give us an advantage, and you useless louts are wasting it." He complained.

"Your attacks are way too indiscriminate for us to use it as an advantage." Lucci countered.

"To put it simply, you boys suck at teamwork." The quartet was drawn to the sound of Ichigo's voice. Ichigo and Natsu were both standing in midair now, thanks to their respective flight abilities.

They were mocking us by not flying earlier. Grimmjow growled.

"The more you try to get away, the more you become a target for my strings! Billow White!" What was left of the buildings transformed into strings and converged onto Ichigo and Natsu.

Ichigo grinned as his body suddenly became more Hollow-like. A single horn grew out of his head. Natsu's body became more feral as he entered Dragon Force. Their combined energy incinerated the strings before they could even come close to them. Ichigo's grin widened as he raised the larger Zangetsu blade and began to gather a massive amount of Spirit Energy around it. Natsu raised his right arm and began to gather flames.

"Why don't we show you four…" Ichigo began.

"...What real teamwork looks like?!" Natsu finished.

Doflamingo's eyes widened. Not good! That attack is on the level of an Emperor of the Sea! He realized as he quickly erected a massive wall of strings with Ever White.

"You ready, bro?" Ichigo asked.

"Ready!" Natsu declared.

"Death Dragon's Crushing Force!" Both boys yelled in unison. Ichigo swung the larger Zangetsu blade while Natsu swiped his right hand forward.

The attack generated a massive wave of magic flame and Spirit Energy that only seemed to grow larger and larger. The attack burned its way through Doflamingo's Ever White, much to the horror of the four Coalition soldiers behind the defense. "Not good!" Grimmjow quickly charged up a counter.

Doflamingo's eyes widened. "No you fool! Creating an explosion like this would-"

It was already too late. "Gran Rey Cero!" Grimmjow screamed as arguably the most powerful Cero collided with Ichigo and Natsu's combined attack.

Alliance and Coalition soldiers alike watched in shock and awe as a part of Mary Geoise turned into ground zero for one of the most devastating attacks anyone had ever seen.

And with that mighty blow, Act 1 of the Battle of Mary Geoise had come to an end. Next we will turn back the clock, and show you what has been happening on the other side of the Grand Line in the Sabaody Archipelago.

A.N: Real talk, Death Dragon's Crushing Force might be the most metal-sounding attack name I've ever given.

Anyway, overall, I think this chapter turned out pretty well. A bit of an "update" on both sides and a good mixture of Ichigo and Natsu solo-badassery and some teamwork where I basically rewatched the Todo and Itadori vs Hanami fight in Jujutsu Kaisen for inspiration.

Hope everyone enjoyed it. I'll see you all next time!