One Piece: Grand Harem Adventures

Ben, Alvida, Zala, Saphir, and Tashigi sat in a quiet circle, waiting for Maya to get ready. Alvida rested Seraphina on her shoulder. Saphir examined her spear. Tashigi cleaned her blade with a cloth, inspecting it closely.

Ben smiled. “Shigure is a beautiful sword,” he remarked.

Tashigi looked up, her expression softening slightly. “It is very beautiful,” she responded.

“It’s a Meito grade sword,” Ben added.

“It is,” Tashigi replied. She smiled. “I am happy with my sword,” she added. “Hey, don’t talk like we are friends,” Tashigi suddenly retorted.

“I know we’re not friends,” Ben replied. He paused and smiled. “We’re crew members,” Ben said.

“Part of the harem,” Alvida interjected with a teasing grin.

“I am not,” Tashigi snapped, aiming her sword at Ben.

Ben's smile didn't waver. “I know you’re not going to hurt me,” he said confidently. Alvida smiled.

“She does have a fire,” Zala commented.

Tashigi looked a little annoyed however she could tell they were joking. “We are not friends,” Tashigi replied, however she did not sound convenienced. She lowered her blade.

“Any grade sword can be turned into a black blade with haki,” Ben remarked casually.

Tashigi nodded, her interest piqued. “I know,” she replied, adding, “You seem to know a lot about swords.”

“My love knows a lot,” Alvida chimed in.

Tashigi's eyes went towards the mace in Alvida's hand. “Your mace is different,” she said, intrigued. “Where did you get it?” she asked.

“You'll have to join us to find out,” Saphir joked.

“But she already has,” Alvida said. “My love, gave it to me,” she added.

“I have not joined,” Tashigi insisted, her voice was not very firm, and her cheeks flushed slightly. The others giggled at her flustered response.

At that moment, Maya entered. She wore a large, cylindrical hat. It had white with yellow bands and red ribbons hanging from the sides. She wore a long, flowing outer robe that was predominantly black with yellow and gold decorative elements. The sleeves were wide and had a design. The red robe went down to her feet. She wore traditional wooden sandals.

“Beautiful,” Ben commented, his eyes reflecting genuine admiration.

Maya blushed, momentarily caught off guard. Tashigi cleared her throat, breaking the moment. "We need to head to the Altar," Maya said, regaining her composure.

"Right," Tashigi replied, nodding.

“Okay, lets go, Maya we are with you all the way, you are part of us now,” Ben said.

“I have not joined, remember our deal,” Maya said.

“I do and I know the girls have saved them and now we will beat and free them,” Ben added.

"Let's go," Saphir urged.

"I'm with you, Captain," Zala added.

They all nodded and began making their way to the Altar. Maya, Alvida, and Zala walked ahead, chatting among themselves. Ben noticed Maya looked a bit flustered and couldn't help but feel a twinge of suspicion about their conversation. He knew Alvida wanted to keep growing the harem. He thought there would be a cap, he thought not with the dreams of the girls.

Tashigi, Saphir, and Ben trailed behind. “Tashigi, I know you can do this. You're the key here, and I'll be with you every step of the way,” Ben said, his voice full of conviction.

Tashigi glanced at him. “You’re a pirate,” she stated flatly.

“And?” Ben replied, flashing a roguish smile. “I think you’re cute,” he added.

Tashigi couldn't help but smile, though she tried to hide it. “Don't change the subject,” she countered. Saphir, watching the exchange, smiled knowingly. Her lover and Captain had a knack for charming those around him. “This is a temporary alliance. We can't call for reinforcements right now as they will take too long to arrive, so we’ll work together for now,” Tashigi added.

“We’ll be working together a lot as the Love Pirates,” Saphir remarked, her tone teasing.

“No, we won’t,” Tashigi shot back, through her eyes held a hint of amusement. Ben and Saphir exchanged smiles, enjoying the banter.

“My love, don’t tease her,” Alvida called out, glancing back with a playful grin.

“They do,” Tashigi pouted, her smile widening as she looked at Alvida. She thought Alvida was strong, much stronger than her for now but she will catch-up. She remembered when they clashed in Alabasta.

They all caught up. “Maya everything okay?” Ben asked, noticing her red cheeks.

“Yes,” she replied. “I am just nervous,” she added.

“We are with you,” Zala replied. They all nodded.

They walked through the forest and saw the Altar. It was towering nearly 100 feet above the treetops. It was made of the limestone blocks arranged to form nine steep levels. The pyramid's had a central staircase. The sides of the pyramid had drawings depicting gods and celestial bodies. At the summit, there was a small temple. There was a small stone surrounded by four pillars which had hieroglyphics with ancient goddesses and sacred rituals.

“There it is,” Maya remarked.

“The Altar is beautiful,” Saphir said.

Maya nodded. “It is,” Maya said. She was holding the orbs in her pocket.

“We have company,” Zala remarked. They looked to see a group of Marines ahead of them. Ben could see all their eyes were red.

“We need to get to the top of the Altar,” Maya said.

“We will not let you,” Bismarck said.

“Saga has ordered us to stop you here,” Toma added.

“Hand us over the orbs,” Boo Kong shouted.

“They are here again,” Saphir commented.

“Saga must be on top of the altar,” Maya said.

“My love, we will take care of them here,” Alvida said.

“We will make sure they don't get to the top,” Zala added.
“Okay,” Ben replied as he transformed into his hybrid form. His hands morphed into sharp black claws, and his back sprouted black wings. A sleek, black tail extended behind him, and two small horns protruded from his head. His eyes turned a menacing red, devoid of pupils.

With ease, Ben grabbed Maya and Tashigi by their waists. “Hey!” Tashigi exclaimed.

Maya, however, smiled. Ben took to the sky, his powerful wings beating against the air as they ascended rapidly. They headed towards the top of the Altar.

Alvida, Saphir and Zala looked at the group of the Marines.