The Hell Pirates' crew was still bickering over their next move when the massive silhouette of their destination came into view. Rising from the peak of Omatsuri Island's tallest mountain was a colossal plant trunk, its cross-section sliced clean as if by some monstrous blade. The sight silenced their chatter instantly.
This was Lily Carnation—a plant so bizarre it could spawn leaf-like humanoids from its spores or leaves. These "Leaf People" carried the memories and strength of the deceased, sustained by nutrients from Lily's leaves sprouting from their heads. They could shrug off fatal wounds, but if Lily ran out of energy, they'd wither away in moments.
To survive, Lily devoured powerful beings, channeling their energy to fuel itself and its Leaf People. It could even possess humans, luring them with promises to trick others into becoming its next meal. Worse, Lily was a master manipulator, sowing discord among pirate crews that stumbled onto the island. Most ended up turning on each other, only to be consumed one by one.
As Merveille, the Hell Pirates' floating island, hovered above Omatsuri Island, Brook recalled a chilling detail: Lily Carnation could even mimic buildings, creating illusions so vivid they seemed real. This thing was straight out of a nightmare—pure, unadulterated magic!
Brook's mind raced. He needed to find the human Lily was possessing. What was the situation now?
...
The moment the Hell Pirates leaped from their ship to the island's surface, music erupted—drums pounding, gongs clanging. A crowd of Leaf People, each with a telltale leaf sprouting from their heads, swarmed forward, cheering wildly to welcome Brook and his crew.
"Listen up!" Brook called out, his skeletal grin gleaming. "Lily Carnation's a trickster. It can mimic anyone, even us, and loves to mess with your head. If any of you fall for its lies, start doubting the Hell Pirates, or—yohohoho—think about turning on your nakama, you're in for a shock! Literally! Redfield will personally administer a week of electrotherapy to straighten you out!"
He pointed a bony finger at the crew.
"Lily's hiding in someone right now, disguised as a little yellow flower. Spread out and find it!"
Brook scanned the festive chaos. No sign of Lily yet. Their arrival, with Merveille looming overhead, must've spooked it into hiding.
Probably because of Shiki and his lot, Brook thought, shaking his skull. They can't help but radiate their aura like it's a contest! Always itching to flex their Conqueror's Haki every second of the day!
"Got it, Captain Brook!" the crew roared in unison.
"Jahaha!" Golden Lion Shiki spun around, his grin wicked as he eyed Kaido and Tiger. "So, it might fake one of us, huh? Well, tough luck, newbies! Time for a little test from your ol' pal Shiki. Fail, and you might just get sliced to bits!"
"Gurarara!" Whitebeard Newgate laughed, cracking his knuckles as he shot Shiki a sly glance.
"Perfect timing—my fists are itching. If a fake Shiki shows up, I'll have fun figuring out if it's the real deal!"
Redfield smirked, giving Shiki a knowing look.
"Real or fake, a quick zap'll sort it out."
"Oh, and if it's a fake, it'll have a leaf on its head—" Brook started.
"Oi, Brook, hush!" Shiki cut him off, his eyes glinting mischievously as he scanned Newgate and the others.
"Let's make this a proper challenge. Time to settle some scores!"
Brook shrugged. "Fine, have it your way! This is a test, everyone. Enjoy the adventure, keep your wits about you, and hunt down Lily Carnation!"
With that, Brook led Charlotte Linlin, Stussy, and Shakky into the vibrant playground of Leaf People—a dazzling resort that felt all too real. Despite being an illusion, everything was flawless. Rides, stalls, music—it was like a dream. Lily's powers were unreal, maybe even surpassing a Mythical Zoan. Brook couldn't help but wonder: could they harness this ability to craft illusions? It was like a cheat code for the New World!
The ability to conjure lifelike scenes and create Leaf People with the memories and strength of the dead? That alone made taming Lily Carnation worth the effort. Brook suspected it might be a Plant-Type Mythical Zoan, maybe? If the Sun God Nika could be a Devil Fruit, why not this?
Plant-based powers weren't to be underestimated. If a blade of grass could slice stars or a willow tree could ascend to immortality, then Lily Carnation had potential to bloom into something extraordinary!
...
As the crew fanned out, Shiki's grin widened, while Kaido and Tiger shivered, sensing trouble.
Why do I feel like we're about to get screwed? they thought.
In the crowd, a figure without a leaf on his head watched the Hell Pirates scatter. A sinister smile curled his lips.
Divide and conquer. Perfect.
He zeroed in on the weakest-looking target: a red-skinned fishman, young and brash. Fisher Tiger, the hotheaded star of Fishman Island, seemed like the perfect mark for manipulation.
As the crew dispersed, a small yellow flower sprouted on the stranger's chest. A spore fell to the ground, rapidly growing into a horned, fierce-looking teenager—a Leaf Person version of Kaido, complete with a leaf sprouting awkwardly between his horns.
The fake Kaido sprinted toward Tiger, shouting,
"Oi, dumbass! Don't go that way! You're too weak to wander off. Go hide behind the captain and play in the mud or something!"
Tiger spun around, eyes blazing. "What'd you say, Kaido?!"
"You heard me, loser!" the fake Kaido sneered, practically spitting in Tiger's face. "You're a weakling. Deaf, too? Pathetic!"
With a mocking laugh, the fake Kaido bolted in another direction, leaving Tiger fuming.
True to form, Tiger's pride took over.
He charged after the fake Kaido, determined to teach him a lesson. Even if he couldn't beat Kaido, Fisher Tiger, the pride of Fishman Island, wasn't about to let an insult slide!
...
In the shadows, the stranger smirked, watching his plan unfold. The fake Kaido was running straight toward the real Kaido, setting the stage for chaos.
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