{"id":201,"date":"2022-11-19T22:15:51","date_gmt":"2022-11-19T14:15:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/?p=201"},"modified":"2023-06-25T09:57:31","modified_gmt":"2023-06-25T01:57:31","slug":"strength-of-a-coward","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/201\/","title":{"rendered":"strength of a coward"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Usopp was a coward. He wouldn\u2019t normally gloat about such a thing, but at that moment, he would readily admit it if it got him and the crew out of this situation.<\/p>\n

Luffy had been caught off-guard on this island they thought uninhabited. He had been ambushed by a group of persuasive pirates and willingly walked himself right into a seastone prison. Why? Because there was a platter of meat awaiting him inside.<\/p>\n

So, yeah. Typical Luffy stuff. But now Luffy was powerless thanks to the seastone cell he was imprisoned in. As for the rest of the crew? They too were in disarray. Zoro had wandered off, so Sanji chased after him, Usopp and Robin had fallen through a trap hole in the ground, and who knew whether Chopper and Nami were okay.<\/p>\n

Suffice to say, things were not looking good. The room Usopp and Robin had fallen into was a vast empty space. There was one lookout point up high in the corner where a man equipped with a rifle was positioned. The guy was rather scrawny and looked to be struggling to just hold the weapon.<\/p>\n

But then the safety clicked off and Usopp shrieked.<\/p>\n

\u201cRobin! He\u2019s gonna shoot!\u201d Usopp said, scrambling to hide behind Robin. Robin crossed her arms into an x shape, summoning her devil fruit powers but was interrupted by the gunshot. She stumbled backwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cRobin!\u201d Usopp cried, catching her in his arms. He searched for where the bullet hit but couldn\u2019t see any blood.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m okay, Longnose-kun. But we do have a problem,\u201d Robin said and nodded at her arms. They were still crossed into an x but a solid mesh was wrapped around them. Her arms were stuck that way, unable to move. Was that the bullet the guy had fired? \u201cIt\u2019s seastone,\u201d Robin said, confirming Usopp\u2019s fears. How were they meant to escape if Robin’s powers were nullified?<\/p>\n

Usopp pulled at the solidified seastone but it wouldn\u2019t budge. Then, without warning Robin used his grip on her to pull them both back. A searing pain burned his right arm. He looked down and saw a bullet had grazed the skin there. That was lucky. He thanked every god for Robin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna die!\u201d Usopp said, stumbling back onto his feet, hiding behind his forearms. \u201cPlease don\u2019t shoot me! I\u2019m too young to die!\u201d<\/p>\n

The shooter took aim and fired again, narrowly missing Usopp. Usopp ran to the corner furthest away from the shooter and tucked himself into a ball. \u201cThis isn\u2019t happening. This isn\u2019t happening.\u201d<\/p>\n

But then there was a thud. He looked up. Robin had stumbled down. Shit. Yeah. He wasn\u2019t alone! Robin was here too! And without her devil fruit powers she was a sitting duck just like him. He still wasn\u2019t certain how much he or the rest of the crew could trust her, but even he couldn\u2019t be as callous to abandon her like that.<\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, Usopp stood. Robin was lying on the ground, struggling to get back up without the use of her arms. He rushed forward, scooping up his slingshot that he\u2019d left near Robin, and felt his pocket for ammunition. He stood in front of her, effectively shielding her from the shooter, and aimed his slingshot at the enemy. He launched a direct attack, using a bunch of smoke bomb ammunition he had to try impair the shooter\u2019s vision followed by a few big rocks\u2014they were his only option, he still needed to restock his ammunition supplies.<\/p>\n

A heavy smoke field from the ammunition explosions covered the view. Usopp was standing there, puffing with his slingshot in hand. And when the fog finally dissipated, his eyes widened. The guy was still there, coughing, but apart from that he appeared mostly unaffected by the onslaught of attacks.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? How?\u201d Usopp started, getting his breath back. He looked back at Robin, who was now back on her feet. That woman was remarkable. She couldn\u2019t be kept down\u2014the seastone should\u2019ve rendered her completely incapable. \u201cRobin, what do we do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDodge,\u201d Robin said, evading backwards just as another shot sounded. Usopp dodged too, though not nearly as effortlessly as Robin. His dodge was more throwing his arms in the air and running around in different directions while screaming. But hey, it had worked in his favour so far in life. He was just grateful that this shooter was rather mediocre. However, he was also rather trigger happy, making Usopp and Robin endlessly run and dodge.<\/p>\n

\u201cRobin! We can\u2019t keep this up!\u201d Usopp said, his voice wavering with each bullet shot in their direction. He looked over, Robin was breathing heavily and breaking a sweat. The seastone was really doing a number on her yet she was still moving\u2014Usopp didn\u2019t know whether to be impressed as a fellow crew member or scared as a potential victim (in case she did end up turning on them).<\/p>\n

He shook his head. Those thoughts were unhelpful at a time like this. He needed to save them first before worrying about what the infamous Nico Robin may or may not decide to do.<\/p>\n

When the shooter was busy reloading\u2014thankfully clumsy at even doing that, Robin tilted her head up for Usopp to come close. \u201cYou have to outsmart him. It\u2019s our only way,\u201d she said under her breath.<\/p>\n

Usopp bit his lip. \u201cHow? He\u2019s up there and we\u2019re down here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure, but I believe in you. Of course, if you would rather we wind up dying here, that\u2019s fine too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Geez, why did Robin have to be so morbid? \u201cThanks\u2026 I think?\u201d He gulped. \u201cNo pressure or anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Robin just chuckled, but not a moment later she barrelled into Usopp. The clumsy shooter had reloaded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis has been fun but it\u2019s time for you dogs to just die already,\u201d the shooter said, before taking aim. It was the first time hearing his voice\u2014he sounded young, a teenager like Usopp perhaps. Perhaps he could bluff his way out of this. Lying came naturally to him, after all. A skill he had honed over the years. A dishonest, but very useful one.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t do that if I were you,\u201d Usopp said.<\/p>\n

The shooter snorted. \u201cOh yeah? Why\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy captain\u2019s army of 1,000 people will come for you, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHa. As if.\u201d<\/p>\n

Usopp hummed and shrugged. \u201cI mean, if you wanna risk it, be my guest. But if I\u2019m dead, you will not be long to follow.\u201d<\/p>\n

And technically that was kind of the truth. If Usopp and Robin did perish here, Luffy would come storming in like a hurricane and deal some serious damage. Or at least Usopp liked to think he would. He would, right? Usopp shook his head, dispelling the doubtful thoughts. His lack of self-esteem was nothing but a hindrance. Of course Luffy would come. They were crewmates and friends!<\/p>\n

The shooter huffed. \u201cLike I\u2019d believe you. Besides, my captain is too strong to let anything happen to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Usopp chuckled. \u201cYou mean the same one that made you the shooter? Yeah, he\u2019d be really helpful.\u201d Usopp sighed, it added to the dramatics.\u00a0 \u201cIf only our swordsman hadn\u2019t defeated him already.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d the shooter said. \u201cYou\u2019re lying. I know it.\u201d But the wavering uncertainty in his voice was obvious. He was still so young. So naive. Usopp was all too familiar with that. It sprouted a plan in his head. He just hoped his bluffing had been enough; he needed a moment to speak with Robin.<\/p>\n

With his best acting skills Usopp shrugged and held his hands up. \u201cBelieve what you want. Either way, this doesn\u2019t end up good for you. I may not pose much of a threat, but my crew sure does.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUgh!\u201d The shooter growled. \u201cI\u2019ll be back.\u201d He said before turning and leaving through the door frame behind his shooting spot.<\/p>\n

Usopp turned to Robin. \u201cHere\u2019s the plan. When he starts shooting again, I\u2019m going to fire a smoke bomb in front of us. You\u2019re gonna go down before the smoke dissipates and I\u2019m going to clutch my side and let him watch me go down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re playing dead?\u201d<\/p>\n

Usopp nodded. \u201cYes and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou lying dogs are dead!\u201d came the shooter\u2019s voice. He was back in the room and holding his rifle up again, repositioning himself.<\/p>\n

Shit. Usopp clenched his fist. He hadn\u2019t had the time to explain the whole plan. Still. He had to believe in Robin. From the short period he\u2019d known her, she had proven to be very intuitive.<\/p>\n

But it would be so easy for this to go so wrong. The plan only had a slim chance. But a slim chance was still better than no chance. They had to do it.<\/p>\n

The shooter shot. His shooting had improved in the time they\u2019d been there, but it was still not consistent. Nevertheless, Usopp considered them lucky to have not received any major wounds yet.<\/p>\n

Usopp grabbed hold of his slingshot and pretended to stuff up his shot, sending the smoke bomb in front of him and Robin.<\/p>\n

The shooter laughed. \u201cHa! Pathetic.\u201d<\/p>\n

Robin managed to wriggle her hand up slightly, despite the seastone mesh, and clutch her shoulder and fell to the ground. It was very good acting, if Usopp did say so himself. But then he paled, his eyes wide.<\/p>\n

There was a stream of red spilling out her shoulder and onto the white ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cRobin!\u201d Usopp cried out.<\/p>\n

But Robin shook her head. \u201cWe needed blood,\u201d she said, under her breath. \u201cIt\u2019s fine. Stick to the plan. You can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Usopp gulped. How could she say that when there was blood coming from her arm? Why would she do this intentionally! Obviously blood would make it more convincing but to go this far? The woman was something else! This plan had to succeed now.<\/p>\n

Usopp reeled himself in and as the smoke in front of them started to dissipate. He too clutched his arm and dramatically fainted next to Robin\u2019s bleeding shoulder, hoping Robin\u2019s sacrifice worked.<\/p>\n

He calmed his breathing and remained as still as possible. Robin did the same. Usopp hoped that was intentional and not because of her blood loss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHa! So weak,\u201d the shooter said. There was the sound of some shuffling and eventually footsteps that got louder with each step closer. Usopp had to rely on his hearing, he was facing the opposite direction.<\/p>\n

The footsteps finally stopped, right next to Usopp\u2019s head if his hearing was accurate enough. His heart was racing.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain is gonna be so proud,\u201d the shooter said.<\/p>\n

The feeling of cold metal pressed against Usopp\u2019s cheek. He clenched his jaw. This was the time.<\/p>\n

As soon as the safety was released, Usopp pushed the barrel of the rifle upwards and away. He tackled the shooter and watched the rifle slide a few feet away.<\/p>\n

Usopp and the shooter clawed at one another, trying to get to the rifle first. In a surprise move, the shooter headbutted Usopp, gaining the upper hand. But as he stood up tall he had forgotten one thing. Or perhaps one person: Nico Robin. Her shoulder and arm were drenched in blood, but she kicked between the shooter\u2019s legs, hitting his family jewels with force. Usopp winced, but quickly used the opportunity to get to the rifle.<\/p>\n

In the moment his back was turned to retrieve the rifle, the shooter fought back. He produced a knife from his pocket and had hold of Robin, knife to her throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut the rifle down or she gets it,\u201d the shooter warned, pushing the knife slightly into the flesh of Robin\u2019s neck. Robin, however, didn\u2019t appear one bit fazed.<\/p>\n

\u201cShoot, Longnose-kun,\u201d Robin said, a knowing look in her eye. What was she thinking? Did she want to die? Or did she have that much faith in Usopp\u2019s aim? Usopp\u2019s heart wouldn\u2019t stop racing. He was sure if this pirate didn\u2019t kill him, a heart attack would.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Usopp said, his voice wavering. \u201cLet her go.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a frenetic energy about the shooter now. He was getting desperate. \u201cI said drop the weapon!\u201d His hands were shaking.<\/p>\n

Usopp looked at Robin and she winked at him. He frowned. Where was she going with this? Multiple times she had willingly sacrificed herself in this fight. Did she want to die? Usopp made a note to discuss her lack of survival instincts with her later on.<\/p>\n

The shooter\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cDon\u2019t make me repeat my\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Bam.<\/p>\n

Robin threw her head back with force, sending the shooter stumbling a few steps back. \u201cNow, Usopp!\u201d she said, while running out of the firing range. Robin\u2019s use of his name was new, but it felt significant now, in the situation.<\/p>\n

Usopp fumbled the rifle but managed to aim before the shooter guy recovered. Next to telling lies, sniping enemies was Usopp\u2019s next best skill. He had extremely accurate aiming and, like lying, he knew he could do it well.<\/p>\n

He took the shot.<\/p>\n

The shooter collapsed to his knees, blood pouring out his left leg. Usopp figured crippling him would be a good approach, especially if they still needed answers from him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do we get out of here?\u201d Usopp said. But the guy was too busy shrieking about his wound.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a lever-activated staircase down from where he was shooting us. I watched him use it to get down to us. It\u2019s still there,\u201d Robin said.<\/p>\n

Usopp looked over in the corner and so there was. A staircase. If only that had been there during all the shooting. However, there was no point reflecting on what ifs. Usopp grabbed the shooter\u2019s abandoned knife and started using it to try to cut through the seastone, but it was no use. The seastone was too strong. They needed something strong to slice through it.<\/p>\n

Or maybe not a thing, but a certain green-haired crewmate. Zoro could slice through a lot. Could he slice through this without harming Robin?<\/p>\n

Usopp nodded at the staircase. \u201cLet\u2019s go. We need to find the others. Zoro will get it off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI imagine Swordsman-san won\u2019t be very happy about that,\u201d Robin said.<\/p>\n

Oh shit. Yeah. Usopp forgot that. Zoro had zero trust in Robin.<\/p>\n

But he did in Luffy. And that was what mattered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it\u2019s what Luffy would want, then Zoro will do it,\u201d Usopp said, climbing the staircase behind Robin. Robin just hummed.<\/p>\n

Usopp wasn\u2019t a coward. Not really.<\/p>\n

\u2014 \u2014<\/p>\n

Nami was a coward. She normally wouldn\u2019t gloat about such a thing, but as far as this island was concerned, it had kept her and Chopper safe.<\/p>\n

She had heard the pirates discussing how Luffy willingly ran himself into the seastone prison. She had seen Zoro wander off with Sanji chasing after him. And on top of that, she had seen Robin and Usopp fall down a traphole. All in all, the situation was not good.<\/p>\n

Nami and Chopper had not yet been caught; they had been the last to disembark from Merry. She was glad she and Chopper were some distance behind. Nami was able to pull Chopper behind a bush as soon as she heard Usopp scream.<\/p>\n

Yes. She had her cowardice to thank for making her cautious and observant. But she did not account for one factor. That factor being Chopper.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to save Usopp and Robin!\u201d Chopper said, gesturing at the trap hole said crewmates had fallen down.<\/p>\n

Nami put a hand over Chopper\u2019s mouth. She looked around, but the coast was clear. \u201cShh! I know, Chopper! But running in there blindly isn\u2019t going to save anyone!\u201d Nami said. Even if her inaction was partially the result of fear, she knew she was right.<\/p>\n

Chopper shook his head, tears starting to form in his eyes. \u201cBut! But we can\u2019t just leave them!\u201d<\/p>\n

An uneasy feeling settled in Nami\u2019s stomach; she hated seeing Chopper cry. She pulled him in for a hug. \u201cWe\u2019re not. We\u2019re going to save them. Just you watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nami pulled back and smiled as Chopper wiped the tears from his eyes. \u201cOkay,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

But then Chopper\u2019s gaze shot to behind Nami, his eyes widening. \u201cRun, Nami!\u201d Nami turned around. But it was too late. Forceful hands quickly tied up her wrists and blindfolded her. Nami kicked and punched but it was to no avail. She shouted out for Chopper and could hear him shouting out for her. A hand covered her mouth and she bit down on it as hard as she could.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re gonna pay for that!\u201d her captor said. The last thing she felt was something pricking her arm.<\/p>\n

When Nami came to, she was somewhat delirious. Her head was aching, her body felt stiff, and was that two Choppers looking down at her?<\/p>\n

\u201cNami!\u201d the Choppers exclaimed, pulling her tight into a hug.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened? Why are there two of you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were drugged. You\u2019re still recovering from the effects of it. I just managed to transform into my bigger form before they pricked me, so the drug wasn\u2019t as potent on me,\u201d Chopper explained. The two Choppers Nami saw finally merged to make one Chopper. He must\u2019ve transformed back into his small form.<\/p>\n

Nami looked around. It was artificially bright and she didn\u2019t recognise where they were. Directly in front of them laid an entrance to some sort of maze built with bricks that reached the ceiling. There was nowhere else to turn to, blocked in by the room\u2019s walls.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess they want us to get through this maze, huh?\u201d Nami said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so,\u201d Chopper said. \u201cThere\u2019s seastone embedded in the brick, so I don\u2019t even have the strength to smash it down. I can\u2019t focus on smells either.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nami lifted him up in her arms, grateful he was in his small form. \u201cDoes me carrying you reduce it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Chopper frowned. \u201cNot by much. Conserve your strength, we might need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, if you\u2019re sure.\u201d Nami said. Chopper nodded. Nami wasn\u2019t so eager to agree but trusted Chopper’s choices. Her attention turned back to the maze. \u201cIt seems easy enough.\u201d She approached the entrance.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s be careful. Who knows what\u2019s in there,\u201d Chopper said before joining Nami.<\/p>\n

Nami nodded and the two stepped into the maze. As soon as they did, the entrance behind them was instantly concealed with bricks. \u201cThat can\u2019t be good,\u201d Nami said.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s just get out of here quickly,\u201d Chopper said. She could already see the effect the seastone was having on him. She just hoped he could endure it for a little while.<\/p>\n

They followed the path and chose a few passageways that led them to nothing but deadends. It was frustrating work, especially after the sixth time it happened. Nami scowled.<\/p>\n

When they went an alternative route, it appeared promising or at least Nami hoped it was\u2014it was really impossible to tell.<\/p>\n

She turned to Chopper. \u201cI think we\u2019re finally getting some\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Chopper cut her off with a shriek. She followed Chopper\u2019s gaze and let out a shriek of her own.<\/p>\n

There was an old man with a top hat and absurd white hair that pointed in three directions. He was wearing a colourful outfit, covered by his long black coat. Who was he? Was he stuck here too?<\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor?\u201d Chopper said, familiarity and hope in his tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cChopper!\u201d said the man, grinning. He got down on one knee and held his arms out wide. Chopper immediately ran into them, re-energised, like the seastone had stopped affecting him..<\/p>\n

Was this Doctor Hiriluk? The man Doctor Kureha had told them about?<\/p>\n

But as Doctor Hiriluk\u2019s arms encircled Chopper, his eyes turned black and his hold on Chopper began to tighten.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor?\u201d Chopper said when he tried to break the hold. \u201cDoctor,\u201d he giggled, \u201cyou\u2019re kinda crushing me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s Doctor Hiriluk, Chopper!\u201d Nami said. She felt for her clima-tact but hesitated\u2014she didn\u2019t want to hit Chopper too. Instead she mustered her courage\u2014something she could do when the situation called for it\u2014 and punched the fake Doctor in the face. It was enough for him to stumble backwards and lose his grip on Chopper, whom Nami quickly pulled out of the Doctor\u2019s reach.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw. Why\u2019d you go and do that now, Chopper? I thought you loved me,\u201d the Doctor said as he regained his composure. Chopper jumped when the Doctor\u2019s black eyes turned on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not real, Chopper! Don\u2019t fall for it,\u201d Nami said, blocking Chopper with her outstretched arm.<\/p>\n

The Doctor hummed. \u201cShe\u2019s right, Chopper. I can\u2019t be real. You\u2019d know that. After all\u2026\u201d Chopper was shaking against Nami\u2019s arm. \u201cYou killed me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chopper let out a sob. Nami wrapped an arm around him and pulled him in close. Seeing Chopper hurting was heartbreaking. \u201cDon\u2019t listen to him, Chopper. He\u2019s not the doctor you knew!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s true! I did kill him!\u201d Chopper said between sobs.<\/p>\n

Nami clenched her fists. Whoever was responsible for this was going to get it. How they knew Chopper\u2019s history, she didn\u2019t know, but she suspected the work of a devil fruit might be at play. Though, she didn\u2019t know how, given the seastone walls. She just had to find the source, but first she needed to help Chopper see reason.<\/p>\n

She crouched down to Chopper\u2019s height and held his hooves. \u201cDon\u2019t do this to yourself, Chopper,\u201d Nami said. \u201cYou know the truth. This man or thing or whatever it is, is not who you think it is! Don\u2019t let him tarnish the memory of your old Doctor! We can defeat him!\u201d<\/p>\n

Chopper nodded, his sobbing slowly coming to an end as he wiped his eyes. \u201cI know you\u2019re right, but it\u2019s hard\u2026. they look the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. You just have to look past that. I know you can do it, Chopper.\u201d She gave his shoulder a light squeeze and stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow. You,\u201d she said, turning on the spot to face the Doctor. \u201cIt\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes widened.<\/p>\n

It was her own mother. With her distinctive pink hairstyle, green checkered shirt, and cigarette in mouth. It was Bell-mere, exactly how Nami remembered her.<\/p>\n

\u201cM-mom?\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNami, no!\u201d Chopper said, he was panting from the seastone but his sniffles a thing of the past. He tugged on Nami\u2019s skirt. \u201cYou know it\u2019s not true! It\u2019s not her!\u201d Nami knew what Chopper was saying was true, but seeing her mother for the first time in over a decade. It was a lot to process. She understood why Chopper reacted so strongly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Nami. How I\u2019ve missed you,\u201d fake mom said. \u201cYou\u2019re so big now!\u201d<\/p>\n

Nami exhaled. \u201cAnd you\u2019re dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy, my. Aren\u2019t you happy to see your own mother, Nami? Or perhaps you\u2019re still mad that I couldn\u2019t afford fancy things for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy real mom would know that\u2019s not the case at all!\u201d Nami snapped, fists clenched. She had long since come to terms with the guilt she felt when her mother was killed. Bell-mere knew her better than that. Nami couldn\u2019t believe the audacity this person had to impersonate her dead mother, and to do it so incorrectly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould she really, though?\u201d<\/p>\n

Chopper was still tugging at Nami’s skirt, but Nami ignored him. Instead she launched forward, punching fake Bell-mere right in the jaw. Chopper gasped. Fake Bell-mere stumbled backwards, holding her jaw, while Nami cradled her sore fist. Punching really did hurt.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou little fucker! You\u2019re gonna pay for that!\u201d fake Bell-mere said, but even as she spoke, her appearance began to waver. It kept flickering on and off, like a broken visual den den mushi, until finally the appearance of Bell-mere was no longer. Instead it was a short middle-aged woman with scruffy brown hair dressed in white overalls with the only colour coming from her shiny gold headband. It looked expensive and out of place.<\/p>\n

Realising her identity was revealed, the woman quickly armed herself with a knife from under her long sleeve. She lunged forward, thrusting the knife forward. Nami dodged in the nick of time. The woman was faster than her appearance let on.<\/p>\n

Nami was just grateful Chopper was not being targeted, given how the seastone was affecting him, his moves growing more and more sluggish. Never in Nami’s nearly two decades of living did she think she would actually be grateful for getting attacked. Yes, she had been plenty selfless before\u2014her home village the prime example, but having Arlong boss her around had been very different and terrible to being the active target in a physical fight.<\/p>\n

However, that all changed when Nami glanced at Chopper. He was struggling to hold himself up. Nami needed to end this fight, pronto, otherwise Chopper would likely fall unconscious. Unfortunately, the woman’s attention also turned to Chopper. Her eyes widened in what Nami could only call bloodlust as she took Chopper’s state in.<\/p>\n

The woman launched herself at him.<\/p>\n

“Chopper, run!” Nami called out. Nami equipped her clima-tact and instead of using any tempo skills, she swung it like a baseball. Its length managed to trip the woman up. Only, Chopper wasn’t moving.<\/p>\n

“I’m… not leaving.. you.. Nami,” he said, somehow finding extra strength to stay standing.<\/p>\n

“Sorry, Chopper.” With no time to argue, Nami used cyclone tempo. The lack of breeze made it rather weak but it still sent Chopper flying through the passageway the woman had come. Nami hoped Chopper could find a solution to the maze or at least avoid combat.<\/p>\n

The woman, who had also been sent flying by cyclone tempo in the opposite direction, was getting up. But this time she transformed into a copy of Luffy and made a display of throwing her knife away. \u201cI will hardly be needing that. You\u2019re the coward of my crew, after all. Always relying on me to save the day. Isn\u2019t that right, Nami?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nami’s jaw tightened as she wielded her clima-tact out in front of her. That wasn\u2019t Luffy talking, she reminded herself. She was the proud navigator of the Straw Hat Crew, worthy of the crew, and definitely not a burden!<\/p>\n

She thought she had rid herself of those insecurities, but evidently they still lingered. Nevermind, she would just repeat the mantra inside her head until it stuck.<\/p>\n

How dare this woman impersonate not only Chopper’s father-figure and Nami’s own mother, but now her captain? She remained calm. She needed to think strategically and work out some plan. What was this woman\u2019s weakness?<\/p>\n

And that was when Nami realised. She didn’t know what devil fruit the woman had, but it was definitely one. However, she was definitely not being affected by the seastone embedded in the walls around them. How was that possible? Nami\u2019s eyes searched all over the woman but the only peculiar thing she noticed was the gold headband the woman had on. It was a bit out of place; it looked expensive, not like something you would pair with plain white overalls. But what if they had something to do with blocking the seastone? Nami had never heard of such a thing before but surely it wasn’t entirely impossible. The grand line was full of mysteries, after all.<\/p>\n

So. All Nami had to do was remove the headband. Simple enough? Hardly. But she had a plan brewing; she only hoped it would work.<\/p>\n

Before she could commence, fake Luffy came at her, landing a punch straight in Nami\u2019s gut. She bent over, winded, and proceeded to cop an upward knee to the chin as a result. It hurt. A lot. And she was sure Chopper would tell her off later. But Nami was only grateful the woman could only copy the visuals and vocals, and not the actual strength. Had she been wielding Luffy\u2019s strength, Nami would be out cold.<\/p>\n

As Nami regained her footing, she wiped her hand across her bloody nose. \u201cSo. What\u2019s your devil fruit power anyway?\u201d she said, looking at fake Luffy.<\/p>\n

Fake Luffy laughed. \u201cHa. As if I would tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Nami\u2019s turn to laugh. \u201cThat scared of me knowing, huh? Where\u2019s that cocky attitude you had a minute ago when you threw the knife away?\u201d Adding more fire to the taunt, Nami spat some blood from her mouth and said, \u201cPathetic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHa! Your taunts won\u2019t work on me. But since I\u2019m about to finish you anyway, I\u2019ll let you know,\u201d fake Luffy said. She spun her leg out, taking out Nami\u2019s ankles. Nami landed on her butt and fake Luffy stood over her. \u201cIt\u2019s the nightmare devil fruit. I can transform into anyone\u2019s worst nightmare and insecurities.\u201d She crouched down so she was face to face with Nami. \u201cPretty sweet, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

But that was where she stuffed up. Nami seized the opportunity and with all her force, headbutted fake Luffy. It hurt like hell, but Nami didn\u2019t have time to dwell on it. She grabbed the headband off of fake Luffy\u2019s head and grabbed the knife the woman had thrown away. When she looked back, fake Luffy was gone and the woman was back, stumbling on her feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou fucker!\u201d she screamed and charged at Nami. Nami easily evaded as the woman\u2019s movements got slower and sloppier. She wasn\u2019t lasting as long as Chopper had up against the seastone.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do we get out of here?\u201d Nami said.<\/p>\n

\u201cFuck you,\u201d the woman said, lying flat on the floor. Nami didn\u2019t need to lift a finger; the seastone had her covered.<\/p>\n

Nami twirled the woman\u2019s golden headband on her finger in front of her face. \u201cThank you for this,\u201d she said and winked. The woman growled and tried to reach out for it, but with little energy remaining, she was beaten.<\/p>\n

Nami grinned as she walked through the passageway the woman had come through and where she had sent Chopper flying. \u201cChopper?!\u201d she called out. The passageway was long, but about 15 metres away, there laid Chopper\u2019s little body. Nami sprinted to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNami?\u201d Chopper said, managing to lift his head up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s me,\u201d Nami said. \u201cHere, this should help.\u201d She took Chopper\u2019s hat off and placed the gold headband on his head. It automatically adjusted to fit his head. Neat.<\/p>\n

Chopper\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cWow, what did you do?\u201d he said as he flexed his hooves in front of him. \u201cI\u2019m starting to feel better already.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Nami said. \u201cI\u2019ll get you up to speed as we get out of here. I have a feeling the exit is close.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chopper nodded. \u201cYeah, with my energy back I can analyse the scents I smell better. Fresh air and tree scents are coming from just around the corner down here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nami grinned. \u201cLet\u2019s go, Chopper!\u201d<\/p>\n

Nami wasn\u2019t a coward. Not really.<\/p>\n

\u2014 \u2014<\/p>\n

Zoro wasn\u2019t a coward, but he was an idiot. Which some would argue was more frustrating. At least cowards remained back and knew not to get in the way unless they felt confident and capable enough to do so. Zoro, well, he went all in. All. The. Time. No hesitation.<\/p>\n

Which was how he landed himself locked in a seastone prison, without his swords, with Luffy and Sanji.<\/p>\n

How exactly did that happen? Well, Zoro had been following a swordsman interested in his swords. He led him to a little room that housed his swords right at the back. While Zoro regretfully entrusted him for a moment to inspect his swords, the man fled out the room with them and a prison gate sealed him in. And to make matters worse, the man\u2019s swords in the back were made of plastic. Zoro cursed in frustration.<\/p>\n

Shortly after, they had opened a wall in his cell that divided his cell and the one next to it. Which apparently Luffy and Sanji were in.<\/p>\n

\u201cUgh, not you too,\u201d Sanji said in greeting. His ankles had long chains connecting them to the wall. These people obviously knew their strengths and weaknesses, since they were targeting Sanji\u2019s legs and Zoro\u2019s swords. Luffy looked worse for wear too. He was clinging onto the bars of the cell and groaning.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to him?\u201d Zoro asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeastone cell,\u201d Sanji said, feeling his pocket for a cigarette only to sigh upon finding there wasn\u2019t one.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. Looks like we\u2019re stuck then, huh,\u201d Zoro said. He raised an eyebrow. \u201cHow did you get stuck here, shit cook? Actually, nevermind. It was a woman, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe it was. But if I hadn\u2019t been following a certain mosshead to make sure he didn\u2019t get lost, I probably wouldn\u2019t have encountered her!\u201d Sanji snapped.<\/p>\n

Zoro scoffed. \u201cOh, so this is all my fault?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, fuck you too,\u201d Zoro said, but it was lacking its usual heat, his focus was on their situation. \u201cI\u2019m guessing they used food to fool Luffy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep. And for you I\u2019m guessing it was something to do with swords.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zoro grunted in confirmation as he inspected their surroundings. It appeared to be fairly ordinary, like prison cells generally were, but of course there was seastone embedded all around in it. There was no sign of people outside of the cell, but instead just a bunch of other empty cells. Zoro grabbed the cell bars and pulled and pushed at them. They didn\u2019t budge.<\/p>\n

\u201cTypical,\u201d Sanji said, tapping his fingers along his bicep. \u201cYou can inspect all you want, but it\u2019ll do you no good. We\u2019re stuck here until the others find us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf<\/em> they find us,\u201d Zoro said.<\/p>\n

Luffy let go of the cell bars, but he remained with his back to Zoro. \u201cThey will. There\u2019s no \u2018if\u2019 about it,\u201d he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.<\/p>\n

Zoro didn\u2019t mean to doubt his crewmates, but with Nico Robin among them he wasn\u2019t so certain of their safety. He still didn\u2019t trust her and wouldn\u2019t be surprised if she capitalised on this opportunity.<\/p>\n

He shook his head. No. Luffy believed in her. He shouldn\u2019t be so quick to assume the worst.<\/p>\n

Luffy joined Sanji, sighing as he sat next to him on the hard ground. \u201cThis is boring,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need a smoke,\u201d Sanji said, also sighing. His hands kept hovering over his pockets; he was very fidgety without one.<\/p>\n

The sound of footsteps approaching captured all their attention. Zoro looked through the bars until he could see the person. It was the dodgy swordsman who had lured Zoro here.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou,\u201d Zoro said when the man was outside of their cell.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe indeed!\u201d the man said, smug smile on his face. Zoro was eager to wipe it off. If only he had his swords.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, asshole! Let us out,\u201d Sanji said.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately for you, I can\u2019t do that. But you can give this a go.\u201d The man tossed a small gold ball into the cell and before they could even react, it opened up and launched several gold wires. The wires attached to each of their wrists before pulling them close and connecting with each other in a tangled mess.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the fuck,\u201d Sanji said and pulled his tied up wrists, but he didn\u2019t get very far. Zoro tried next but the wire wouldn\u2019t loosen, instead he ended up just pulling Sanji and Luffy in his direction. Luffy tried but given the seastone, his pulling was even less effective.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the hell did you do?\u201d Zoro asked.<\/p>\n

The man hummed. \u201cJust think of it as a little\u2026 team building exercise. But don\u2019t try to lie; after all, honesty is the best policy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Luffy tilted his head. \u201cWhat\u2019s that meant to mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

Zoro scowled. \u201cI don\u2019t know but this guy is gonna get it as soon as we get out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBest of luck to you untangling that mess, boys!\u201d the man said before leaving. The three of them kept shouting at him to come back but he just continued walking until his footsteps were no longer audible.<\/p>\n

\u201cUgh. Suppose we have to try to untangle this somehow,\u201d Sanji said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should should lead. You\u2019re the smartest here,\u201d Zoro said to Sanji. Luffy and Sanji stared at him. Zoro wanted to stare at himself too. What the hell did he just say? He hadn\u2019t meant to say that at all.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. What the fuck,\u201d Sanji said. \u201cThat sounded too sincere to be sarcasm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it wasn\u2019t sarcasm,\u201d Zoro said, cursing at the words that came out of his mouth. \u201cWhat am I saying? It\u2019s like I have no control over my words.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanji laughed. \u201cWell. I\u2019m never gonna let you live this down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot funny, asshole.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder if I could bite through this wire?\u201d Luffy interrupted before proceeding to attempt such.<\/p>\n

Sanji rolled his eyes. \u201cLuffy, I love you, but you sure are an idiot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanji\u2019s eyes widened. It was Zoro and Luffy\u2019s turn to stare at Sanji.<\/p>\n

Zoro smirked. \u201cSo, you love Luffy do you?\u201d It wasn\u2019t that it was something bad to admit\u2014they were all nakama, after all\u2014 it was just\u2026 something Zoro would never have thought Sanji would vocalise. Zoro loved his captain too, but it was just not something people like them typically spoke up about.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. Platonically!\u201d<\/p>\n

Luffy laughed. \u201cIt\u2019s okay! I love you too, Sanji!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanji groaned. \u201cYeah, this thing is messing with us,\u201d he said, holding up his wrists. \u201cLet\u2019s try to untangle it.\u201d<\/p>\n

They spent the next fifteen minutes ducking under and going over the wires. But it was for nought. In fact, Zoro thought they might have made matters worse. It didn\u2019t help that they were all fighting over which way to go.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t working,\u201d Zoro said.<\/p>\n

\u201cClearly,\u201d Sanji said, he turned to Luffy. \u201cWhat happened to letting me lead?\u201d<\/p>\n

Luffy pouted. \u201cI\u2019m the captain! I\u2019m meant to lead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine. I\u2019m just the cook anyway, right?\u201d Sanji said. He cursed and looked away. \u201cIgnore that. I don\u2019t know what I\u2019m saying.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zoro frowned. Was Sanji doubting himself? That seemed\u2026 unlike him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Luffy said, tilting his head. \u201cYou\u2019re not just the cook, though. You\u2019re our friend,\u201d Luffy said. \u201cBut even if you were just the cook, that is a really important position anyway. Especially on our ship.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanji avoided eye contact. \u201cI suppose.\u201d His eyebrows were pinched together. It didn\u2019t suit him and Zoro had this weird compulsion to remove it. But how?<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re fun to spar with and your food always tastes great,\u201d Zoro blurted out. His eyes widened as he processed what he said. It was all true, he wouldn\u2019t lie about that. However, he was one to omit the truth by keeping these thoughts tucked away in his head. Yes they were true, but no he didn\u2019t feel the need to vocalise them. So why the fuck was he?<\/p>\n

\u201cUhh. Thanks, mosshead,\u201d Sanji said, but it was more of a question than anything. At least his expression was more at peace now.<\/p>\n

Zoro was curious as to what this gold wire was doing to them. It seemed to be affecting him the most, making him blurt out things he would usually keep to himself. An idea struck him. \u201cCan you guys say that my hair is another colour instead of green? I want to test something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Luffy shrugged. \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanji narrowed his eyes. \u201cNot sure where you\u2019re going with this but okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cZoro\u2019s hair is\u2026 green!\u201d Luffy said. \u201cHuh, what? I tried to say red but green came out! Weird!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cZoro\u2019s hair is green,\u201d Sanji said. He frowned. \u201cSo this wire thing is making us incapable of lying? Making us confess things?\u201d<\/p>\n

Zoro nodded. \u201cIt hasn\u2019t really affected Luffy much because he speaks with no filter all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanji slowly started to smirk. \u201cSo the nice things you said about me were true, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Zoro\u2019s cheeks turned red. \u201cObviously.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanji threw his head back in laughter. It wasn\u2019t that funny. But, Zoro supposed, it must have been a delightful change for Luffy and Sanji to hear some of what he would normally never let leave the confines of his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, that\u2019s priceless,\u201d Sanji said, wiping a tear from his eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cSanji thinks Zoro is great, too,\u201d Luffy said. Was there a hint of mischief in his eyes? Zoro couldn\u2019t tell. But he wouldn\u2019t be surprised. Luffy always spoke his thoughts honestly, but that didn\u2019t mean they were always without motive.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Sanji said. \u201cYou\u2019re strong and surprisingly kind, though that\u2019s mostly to Chopper. And I\u2019m jealous of your piercings.\u201d Sanji\u2019s eyes widened, red instantly colouring his cheeks. He cursed, covering his face with his hands. \u201cWhat the fuck.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zoro\u2019s eyebrows shot up, not used to hearing praise from Sanji. He was taken aback, but mostly by the last comment. He raised an eyebrow. \u201cYou\u2019re jealous of my piercings?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes! I just think they\u2019re neat, okay? I have seen some cool earrings.\u201d<\/p>\n

While this conversation was definitely entertaining, something about it was clawing in the back of Zoro\u2019s head. \u201cBut there\u2019s nothing stopping you from getting your ears pierced?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I could do it for you!\u201d Luffy said.<\/p>\n

Both Zoro and Sanji turned to Luffy. \u201cNo,\u201d they said in unison. There weren\u2019t many things Zoro and Sanji agreed on, but Luffy trying to pierce ears was definitely one they did. That was a disaster waiting to happen. Anyone with a single brain cell would know that much.<\/p>\n

Sanj sighed. \u201cI, um, was raised to believe it was not for men. It was a woman\u2019s thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zoro snorted. \u201cWho taught you that? Your old man at the Baratie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not him. He was great, actually.\u201d Sanji smiled, fond.<\/p>\n

But that didn\u2019t answer Zoro\u2019s question. \u201cThen who?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy birth family. Please don\u2019t ask me to elaborate. I really don\u2019t want to share more than that right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Huh. That was\u2026 not what Zoro was expecting to hear. Sanji had never said please to him before. He obviously had some kind of crappy family history, but Zoro wasn\u2019t one to pry. For all that they fought, Zoro still respected Sanji and wouldn\u2019t force him into explaining himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, um sure. But just so you know. I think they would look good on you.\u201d It was Zoro\u2019s turn to cover his face with his hands as his cheeks turned bright red. He hadn\u2019t meant to say that.<\/p>\n

But instead of teasing Zoro about it, Sanji just grinned, his eyes crinkling. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before an awkward silence could proceed\u2014they weren\u2019t used to such sincere conversation, after all\u2014Luffy laughed loudly and freely. \u201cYou guys are funny.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zoro was about to voice his dismay when a big boom sounded nearby. The three of them eagerly rushed to the cell bars to look out. There was no one yet, but voices in the distance were screaming out while the sound of guns went off.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the crew,\u201d Luffy said, confidently. He had renewed energy, despite the seastone still affecting him. Zoro gripped the cell bars eagerly, something that was made harder by the fact they were all tangled together.<\/p>\n

After a minute or so, several sets of rushed footsteps could be heard approaching.<\/p>\n

\u201cUsopp! Chopper! Nami! Robin! You\u2019re finally here!\u201d Luffy said, grinning.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean \u2018finally\u2019, huh? You\u2019re lucky we\u2019re here in the first place after you walked yourself right into a seastone cell,\u201d Nami said, hands on her hips. \u201cBut, I have the key thanks to Robin!\u201d She held up a set of keys in her hand and started to go through them to get the right one. She looked like she had been fighting, the bruises and cuts were evidence of that, but she still looked alright. Zoro was somewhat jealous; these people had him itching for a fight.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to you guys?\u201d Chopper said, gesturing at the wires connecting them. Chopper and Robin were both sporting gold headbands while Robin also had her shoulder bandaged up. It appeared they had a lot to catch up on.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome shitty guy tossed this golden ball and when it was released it connected us like this. We can\u2019t get out of it,\u201d Sanji said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it\u2019s making them tell the truth!\u201d Luffy said, laughing.<\/p>\n

Sanji stomped on Luffy\u2019s foot. \u201cYou just had to add that on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOw!\u201d<\/p>\n

Zoro ignored them as Nami opened the gate. She handed Luffy a gold headband, advising him to to put it on. Luffy did as told and immediately he began to jump about, stretching and flexing his limbs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the heck! I feel good!\u201d Luffy said, all giddy as he pulled his cheek out wide with his devil fruit power.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt counters the seastone,\u201d Nami explained. \u201cSo we stole a few. Robin had been covered in seastone when we met up with her and Usopp. She was able to break free once it was on.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was fascinating but Zoro was more interested in finding his swords. He felt somewhat naked without them. Usopp popped out from behind Nami and Robin. He too had some bruises and cuts but nothing major. And then Zoro noticed. Usopp has his swords.<\/p>\n

\u201cZoro!\u201d Usopp said, waving Zoro\u2019s swords.<\/p>\n

The biggest grin lit up Zoro\u2019s face. \u201cUsopp, you\u2019re amazing. I love you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The whole crew burst out at that, including Zoro himself. He was past caring.<\/p>\n

\u201cI say we keep this honesty thing on them a little longer,\u201d Nami said, a smirk taking over her face. \u201cFor science, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Luffy, Sanji, and Zoro said.<\/p>\n

Robin felt the wire between her fingers. \u201cIt\u2019s fine. I recall Crocodile using something similar once.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanji exhaled. \u201cThank god. How do we get out of it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSimple,\u201d Robin said. \u201cYou just have to untangle yourselves.\u201d She smiled innocently, but Zoro just knew she was deriving sadistic pleasure from their situation.<\/p>\n

Sanji and Luffy groaned at her answer.<\/p>\n

She chuckled. \u201cJust kidding. Something sharp can slice it provided there\u2019s enough force.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank fuck,\u201d Zoro said. He could see Sanji and Luffy sigh in relief. Zoro turned to Usopp. \u201cUsopp, hold up one of my swords and we\u2019ll run the wire into it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Usopp put his hands up. \u201cNo way. What if it accidentally slices you guys instead!?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do it,\u201d Robin offered, summoning extra arms. And this time, Zoro found he wasn’t hesitant to trust her. Maybe she could be bad news for them. Maybe she would use this opportunity to slice them up. But he was pretty sure she wouldn\u2019t. She was smarter than that; if she wanted to end them she wouldn\u2019t do it like this. And as for now she was part of their crew. He had to have faith in his captain\u2019s judgement. If any issues presented themselves, they could deal with that later. In any case, he was that desperate to get the wires off that he would trust just about anyone to do the job.<\/p>\n

It took a couple of goes to get the right amount of force, but they managed to slice it several times. Zoro had to admit, freedom had never felt better. He rubbed his wrists, the skin there red from where the wires rubbed.<\/p>\n

Nami clapped, getting everybody’s attention. \u201cLet\u2019s get moving. The log pose has set and we need to go before they send reinforcements. Also, Zoro, Sanji?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes my Nami-swan?\u201d Sanji sang.<\/p>\n

Zoro looked at her. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI took down four enemies. Usopp took down seven. Robin got ten. Chopper, two. How many did you guys beat?\u201d she said, smug smile on her face.<\/p>\n

Sanji still had heart eyes though. The guy really needed some chill when it came to the ladies. \u201cAs to be expected of the amazing Nami-swan and Robin-chwan!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood for you,\u201d Zoro deadpanned. Nami snickered.<\/p>\n

As they gathered back on the ship, they prepared to set sail. The sun was setting and they would be moving from a warm climate to a cooler one, no doubt. But for now the ocean was calm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat even was the meaning of all that?\u201d Usopp asked, once all the crew were sitting on the deck that evening. They had all shared their stories. Predictably, Zoro, Luffy, and Sanji\u2019s had been the least exciting out of the lot.<\/p>\n

Robin hummed. \u201cI overheard one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA pirate called Blackbeard put them up to it. Some kind of testing facility.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever heard of him,\u201d Zoro said. The others hummed in agreement. They were all just relieved it was over. That was the main thing.<\/p>\n

Zoro wasn\u2019t a coward. No. But sometimes he, and the rest of the monster trio, were idiots. Truly. Luckily for them, they had reliable crewmates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sometimes, due to poor decision making, the monster trio needed saving.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[55,7,66,54],"fandom":[13],"rating":[3],"ship":[],"class_list":["post-201","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-gen","tag-canon-typical-violence","tag-canonverse","tag-fiab-exchange","tag-post-alabasta","fandom-one-piece","rating-teen","wpautop"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/201","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=201"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/201\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":203,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/201\/revisions\/203"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=201"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=201"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=201"},{"taxonomy":"fandom","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/fandom?post=201"},{"taxonomy":"rating","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rating?post=201"},{"taxonomy":"ship","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ship?post=201"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}