One Piece: Blackbeard the Mad

…

In a giant white room an ethereal energy began to condense and shift. Slowly it was molded into the shape of a human male. The figure seemed to be made up of pure ethereal energy and featureless. 

[Initiating Implementation]

A robotic voice rang out.

[Awakening Traverser- 2%...31%...57%...89%...99%]

[Complete]

Ding! A loud ringing sound could be heard.

[Hello Traverser]

…

"Huh? Where am I?" The voice of a young man sounded out from the featureless figure.

…

[Unable to Answer]

"Who said that!" The man frantically looks around and sees nothing but a white room.

[...]

"Hello?"

[Yes..] 

The man flinches again.

"Wh… where are you?"

[Everywhere]

"Huh?"

[Traverser has Died. Due to the high amounts of good Karma, you have been given a precious opportunity; to traverse to a world of your liking!]

"I.. I died?"

[Yes]

"But… I don't remember dying. The last thing I remember was exiting the gym and then…."

[You were killed by a drive-by shooting.]

"Ehh! Are you…kidding me?!"

[No, I am not joking.]

"Who the hell killed me and why?"

[...]

"Wait… did it have to deal with me not accepting to throw the fight?"

[...]

"It has to be because of that! Those bastards! How dare they?! They got their panties in a twist just because I refused to play their little scheme. I already clarified that I would never willingly lose, that's just bullsh*t!"

[...]

The man was extremely frustrated. Not only that he got killed but because his next fight was for the UFC Middleweight title! He died just short of reaching the title. The man couldn't help but sigh.

"Talk about tripping at the finish line. Alright whatever, so you said I'm able to traverse to a world of my liking?"

[Affirmative]

"But what does that mean?"

[Do to your High amounts of Good Karma, '?*$^/&%' has given you the chance to choose which world you wish to traverse to, whether it be through reincarnation or transmigration is up to you.]

'So I'm guessing that gibberish it just said refers to some higher being. Huh… Interesting!' The young man thought.

"When you say worlds, does that include works of fiction? For example, anime."

[Yes]

"Really?" The man was beginning to get extremely excited.

[The reality in which you came from is resides in a root point of all realities]

"Meaning…?"

[The 'Fictional' realities you believe to be created are in fact real. Because your reality is a root point, some individuals have a spiritual connection to these realities and are given memories of these realities. However, they are tricked into believing these memories are imaginary and just 'Fictional' thoughts.]

"So, the writers of Dragon Ball, Bleach, Naruto and One Piece are all people who are somehow connected to their own work?"

[Correct]

The man pondered for a while. He knew that this situation was highly unlikely and maybe just a dream, but on the off chance it was actually real, he was going to take this opportunity.

"Alright, I choose One Piece, the world of my favorite anime!"

" Wait…Do I get any other perks from Good Karma other than being able to reincarnate/ transmigrate and also do I get to keep my memories?"

[…Keeping your memories is a perk. Other than that, no.]

"Okay."

Although the man said this he couldn't help but think, 'Jeez…How stingy'.

[Since you have chosen the world of 'One Piece', please select which way you wish to traverse. Reincarnation or Transmigration?]

"What's the difference?"

[Selecting Reincarnation will cause you to be reborn as a random baby. Transmigration will involve implanting your soul and consciousness into an already living being in the world.]

"Transmigration definitely sounds the way to go, there is no way I'm going to be stuck in a baby's body! That would just be torture!"

"Do I get to choose the person I transmigrate into?"

[Yes. Due note that there are some individuals you are prohibited from selecting.]

"Like?"

[The following individuals include Edward Newgate(Whitebeard), Gol D. Roger, Imu, Joyboy, Charlotte Linlin(Big Mom), Kaido, Rocks D. Xebec and Monkey D. Luffy.]

"Why?"

[Because they are too closely related to the world's causality. Meaning if any of these figures are altered, it may very well throw the world into chaos, directly or indirectly.]

"Intresting! So other than those individuals I can choose anyone?"

[Yes]

The man placed his hand on his chin in contemplation. Silence enveloped the room for some time before the man finally spoke.

"When I transmigrate, at what point in their life will I appear? Do I get to choose?"

[You will be placed at a point that is relatively early but a very important point. For example, if you chose individual Monkey D. Garp, you will be inserted at the point where he was deciding to join the Marines or not.]

"Okay I think I got it."

The man was stuck on this decision, he needed to be able to defend himself in this new and dangerous world. He needed a way to gain strength quickly. How would he do that? By choosing someone that has enormous potential and a somewhat safe environment.

"Should I choose a Celestial Dragon or something? No… Although I would be safe, I loathe the idea of being related to those trash."

"Ace? No, I don't want the world government on my ass 24/7 for just being related to Roger."

He thought of several other characters, all having potential but not a safe environment or vice versa. 

"Enormous potential?"

"Ahh… Enel! That's a good one. Wait, what if I get inserted at a point where he doesn't have the Rumble Rumble Fruit yet and wasn't he treated like sh*t by the people of Birka? Ughh Crap, this is such a hard decision."

"I need to be protected in order to grow!"

"Protected with potential."

That one phrase rang in his mind like a chant. Over and over again he thought about that one phrase.

"Whitebeard!"

[No, you can't choose Whitebeard as he…]

Before the voice could finish the man interrupted it.

"No, no. He can protect me! If I become part of his crew, I will be treated like family. Now I just need to ch…"

His mind finally clicks when he thinks of a particular person. However, he somewhat grimaced at the thought of becoming that person. Afterall, the person he thought of was a traitor, a coward and ugly but he did have massive potential.

"Marshall D. Teech. Aka, Blackbeard."

"His body is full of secrets. Staying awake for long periods of time and the ability to hold two devil fruits, maybe more! Whether it's because of his body or the Dark Dark fruit or both was highly debated, regardless it shows his potential."

"I'll probably be inserted when he's deciding whether to kill Thatch, which I can stop. Thus, eliminating the traitor status, however, he's just so… ugly."

"Maybe I can find Trafalgar and ask him to perform some plastic surgery or something."

"Hmm. Alright, let's go with Marshall D. Teech.

[Are you sure of your choice?]

The man took another moment to think carefully before ultimately nodding his head in contempt. 

"Yes, I just hope I'm not too ugly."

[Initiating Implementation]

A piercing blue light appeared beneath the ethereal figure, as he suddenly vanished without a trace.

…

…

…

On the island of Foodvalten, somewhere in the New World. A young boy was jogging towards his destination before suddenly collapsing as if rendered unconscious. Then in an unnatural manner, he began to twitch. Sweat poured down the face of the boy and his eyes shot open.

Like a cascading river, images flashed in the mind of the young boy. He had long black hair, a bit overweight and sunken eyes.

The boy blinked over and over trying to make sense of what was happening. He rubbed his eyes in disbelief.

"Holy sh*t! I'm Blackbeard."

As he said this he couldn't help but chuckle. He chuckled at the thought of calling himself such a name, even though his chin didn't have a hint of hair on it. 

It would be weird if he did have hair, due to being only 10 years old at this time.

"That bastard said a bit early! And he didn't say that I would also receive the memories of the original Teech."

As he sorted through the foreign memories, he couldn't help but develop a grim mood.

"No wonder he turned out the way he did. It looks like those theories on his unique body were really close!"

When inspecting his memories he found that this boy had three hearts! Not one, not two, three! On top of that he had multiple personalities! It was quite freaky to think about and now witnessing it first hand was trippy. It was like remembering something from three different points of view.

For example, if a pirate ran away from a fight, one would think that he is a coward. Another, saw that as a smart idea to do a strategic retreat. And the last thought he should have fought harder, feeling pity.

Overall this boy had a lot of problems. Thankfully, with him being placed inside of his body, the multiple personalities instantly vanished. Leaving him with a clear and unperturbed mind. Although there were much darker memories he had witnessed, it no longer applied to him. It was not his trauma. He was still Teech, however, he was no longer the same traumatized boy.

"Wait, it seems I was on my way to beg Whitebeard to join his crew."

 Looking over in the distance he found the massive Moby Dick beginning its docking procedure.

"Wow. The anime didn't do it justice! That ship is massive!"

Looking at the monstrous ship, he couldn't help but compare it to a 5 or 6-story building on earth. And that was just the height, the length was even more outrageous.

"It seems this is the turning point for Teech. When he first joined Whitebeard! Now it all makes sense! Though it could've stated that the 'bit early' part was a 'bit' underplayed."

Sighing, he began making his way towards the town's docks. When etching ever closer he realized he had forgotten something!

How was he going to ask to join Whitebeard's crew? Then he thought back to what the original was going to do. Kneeling down and begging in an embarrassing way. Clinging to the foot of Whitebeard if needed.

Remembering this plan he couldn't help but turn red in embarrassment.

"Such humiliation! I will absolutely not be doing that! Even if I get rejected I will never grovel like a pathetic bug."

Nearby townspeople hearing him speak to himself, looked at him awkwardly. Ignoring their stares Teech continued on his way towards the docks.

Finally he caught sight of the man, the myth, the legend himself. The towering individual with muscles in places he didn't think possible. The man's physique surpassed even the "Greek God" physique, many strived for on Earth.

Long golden hair covered by a white pirate hat. A long white 'beard', was the most discerning feature.

This was none other than Whitebeard! Beside the hulking man were individuals he had seen from the anime. Such as Rakuyo from the Seventh Division and Kingdew from the Eleventh. All he really knew were their names and nothing more.

One figure caught his attention though.

A young man with an intresting shaped head.

"It really is the pineapple head himself! Marco!"

(A/N: Polo)

Staring at them with wonder his eyes, it showed the innocence in what you would only find in a kids eyes.

As if sensing someone's eyes burning through them. Whitebeard turned his head towards the crowd of people that had begun gathering.

Scanning the crowd his eyes finally found the individual he had felt stare at them. A young boy with long black hair.

Usually when Whitebeard stared just in the general direction of someone, almost every time without fail they look away in fear. But, no. This child didn't look away! In fact, his eyes gleamed even brighter as if scanning him in fascination.

"Interesting." Whitebeard's deep voice sounded out.

The massive man began walking towards the young boy.

"Pops?!"

The group of people beside him were confused at what he was doing. They followed closely behind.

As they approached, the crowd of townspeople blocking the way briskly moved out of their path.

*Thud*

*Thud*

*Thud*

Teech could feel the very ground tremble with the mere step of Whitebeard. The way he walked and the power behind his steps showed a resolve that few could carry.

Confidence practically oozed off of the man. A confidence that Teech wanted, no he needed.

"Is my appearance fascinating to you, brat?"

His booming voice caused every townsfolk to flinch. The only exception being the young boy in front of him.

"Yes. I find you fascinating."

Seeing the boys fearless response the massive man couldn't help laugh.

"Gurararara! Are you not scared even the slightest?"

The boy tilted his head in almost innocent way.

"Why would I be scared? You're not going to hurt me."

The confidence at which he said those words left the group behind Whitebeard in shock.

Rakuyo stepped forward intending to scare the young boy.

"Hey! We're no fisherman! We're pirates!"

Unperturbed the young boy answered.

"No…you're just free."

Whitebeard's eyes widened slightly. A grin crept its way onto his face.

"Brat, those words! Do you truly believe them?"

"Yes." He stood resolute.

Silence made its way to the group as they realized what the conversation was about.

"Brat…"

"Teech! My name is Marshall D. Teech"

The crowd was awestruck. The young boy had interrupted a notorious pirate. Even Whitebeard couldn't help but widen his eyes in surprise.

"Gurararara! Alright, Teech! Where are your parents? I wish to see them for a conversation on manners."

Hearing this Teech adopted a pained expression for a moment but quickly disappeared. However, this did not go unnoticed by Whitebeard.

His eyes showed pity as he realized the young boys parents might be dead.

"No need for such a face, Whitebeard! I don't like feelings of pity. I am an orphan."

The man nodded in resignation. An uncomfortable silence appeared.

"If I may be so bold, can I ask something of you?"

Whitebeard adopted a small smile before nodding.

"May I join your crew? I know I am young, younger than most that would go out to sea. However, I have nowhere else to go!"

The young boy reluctantly bowed his head a little to show his sincerity.

Whitebeard could tell this boy didn't like bowing to another and couldn't help but feel a tiny bit of admiration for his courage.

In the original timeline, Teech's first impression came off as someone who needed to be saved. He groveled to make himself look weak and pitiful. However, in this timeline, he showed himself as anything but weak and cowardly. He showed the tiniest flame of resolve. A spark that Whitebeard deemed worthy of nurturing.

The man adopted an almost fatherly smile.

"Because you are so young, I refuse to let you join our crew. I cannot in good conscience allow you to join."

When hearing this Teech couldn't help but sigh.

"Okay sir."

Seeing the young boy's disappointed look, Whitebeard laughed.

"Gurararara! You cannot join our crew, however, that doesn't mean you can't come with us! I'm willing to allow you to be an apprentice. Although the tradition is mostly lost, I find it oddly nostalgic to bring it back."

Teech's morale did a complete 180. From disappointment to excitement. An innocent smile that warmed even the hearts of the wary townsfolk.

"Thank you sir! I promise you won't regret it!"

"Call me Pops!"

"Okay, Pops."

Whitebeard then turned to the youngest of the group.

"Marco, please show Teech to an empty room on the ship. We will be departing shortly after we gather some supplies."

The young pineapple shaped head, smiled.

"Of course, Pops!" Turning towards Teech he gestured a 'follow me' as he walked to the ramp of the Moby Dick.

Quickly Teech nodded, walking after him.

When they left Rakuyo couldn't help but ask.

"Pops, why did you accept him?"

Looking of into the distance, Whitebeard shows an unreadable expression.

"Becuase he reminds me of myself when I was younger and… I have a feeling he's going to be something special."

…

…