Never again!

Hello again, guys! I have two important announcements for you. First things first, I plan on speeding the next two chapters up in order to deliver you fast plot progress. Do you like that? Second, this is regarding the first point. You see, if you're a famous youtuber with many views and subs, no matter what, you're gonna get dislikes. Some guys in the review section said my story was bad because I rush things too much and do some things fast without many details. Fast pacing and slow pacing are things that are preferred by either one or another side. Personally, I'm a big fan of fast-pacing, and therefore adjust my story to my preferences. The author still has the final say, but I want to hear your opinions. Are you a fan of slow-pacing or fast-pacing? Now to the reviews!

Answer to Lightningblade49: Thank you for your opinion!

Answer to raynisia: Thank you a lot, yeah, that part will be so much fun to write.

Answer to Meazm: Not just Luffy, the entire crew will :)

Answer to Bloody Rogue dragon deity king and Rogue Deity Master: Just to let you know, I won't kill off ALL of CP9, just some. Guess who'll be my main target.

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece

Chapter 25: Weight Reduction

*Splash!* *Sploosh!*

The rain raining down on Sanji and Usopp was cold, and partially salty. Those two'd never been sick, but if it continued like that for a long time, they'd both get sick for the first time. And it wasn't just the rain. The wild sea during the Aqua Laguna season created massive waves, which came crashing down on the duo that was standing on the rear side of the last passenger car. If their clothes dried up now, they'd leave ugly salt spots.

"Let's just get inside, Sanji!", Usopp urged, grabbing his arm. He looked at his blond nakama with puppy eyes.

"Fine.", the cook said. "We've been outside for long enough.". Next the Vinsmoke raised his legs and kicked the door in, the Government agents inside looking at them wide-eyed.

"WHO'RE YOU, ASSHOLES?!", the bunch in black exclaimed furiously in disbelief. As they pointed their guns at the two pirates, the long-nosed hid behind Sanji.

"Hold up! You can't be ordinary civilians!", a white-haired man with a beard called out. And he was right.

"Let's report this to Lucci-san!", somewhone similar looking added.

Majority of the agents seemed to agree with that, one man stopped them. He was unique, yet only half unique. That man was much taller than everyone else, up to three times the size of an average human, yet the same as the government agents in terms of the black suit, AND the third person already with white hair and facial hair. "No. I don't think this concerns CP9.", Jerry spoke in an arrogant tone. "Cuz in this car, there's ME!"

Neither one, nor Usopp nor Sanji, liked arrogant guys. This one got more arrogant as time passed. "Am I the Boxing Champion coming from South Blue's Karate Island? Yes I am."

The blond-haired was not impressed. "Then do some karate.", he muttered out.

Apparently, such a simple statement made the remaining Government agents scared. "Hey! That's asking for death!", they yelled comically.

"Jerry Aurora Flicker Jab!", the overly tall man spoke, sending a flurry of several fast punches at the two pirates on board. While the technique itself wasn't super weak, his aim was. That's why Jerry kept hitting his own men who were screaming in pain.

When he finally realized his attack wasn't effective, he proceeded to boast more. "Oh? Nevermind, don't think you have an advantage for being small, my boxing is better in such a small space!"

To prove this, the man just sat down – awkwardly, his legs crossed behind his legs. "Yoga 1-2!"

"Your reach got shorter!", the chef and the sniper shouted with short teeth, now finding the man embarrassing.

"Really? Let's see. Screw Drive Kick!"

"You're already ignoring the rules of boxing!", they yelled out again.

Deciding it's a waste of time, the Vinsmoke leaped in the air, exactly over Jerry, then slammed his leg down vertically. "Brochette!"

And that's how CP6's Jerry was defeated. The sharpshotter clapped at his nakama for beating the loud-mouth down. Jaws were dropped by the men in black.

Now standing tall and without bowing again, Sanji fixed his gaze at the agents. "Usopp, you know what to do next?"

"Yeah, I know.", the marksman murmured, fiercely looking at the still jaw-dropping agents. During the next 10 seconds, every jaw was kicked back into its place. Severe pain was just a small side effect.

…

After the seventh car was taken care of, the two made plans on how to approach the next cars. Usopp just came up with an idea.

"Sanji, if those guys wake up, there's gonna be more trouble. I say we cut each car with enemies loose.", he suggested. Sanji actually liked that idea. "Sure thing. Now, this is more important. Robin-chwan could be in every car, we have to peek from the windows on the front and back of each car. Therefore we need to walk on the train. Got it?"

Suddenly after hearing that, the more cowardly one of the two got mad. "And what if I slip and fall off?!", he angrily exclaimed.

"You won't."

"Better be so!", Usopp let out his last words on this topic.

Following that, the cook peeked through the next car's rear window, eyeing tied-up Franky. The blond was intelligent and proficient in lip reading. Apparently, the cyborg roared out words he'd never even say to Zoro. But his biological dad? Maybe.

"Oi, Usopp!", the Vinsmoke began. "That Franky guy is inside the next car, let's get going!"

"Aye aye!", the long-nosed shouted, even though Sanji wasn't even his captain.

*Smash!* Another door broken with a powerful kick, another group of agents in suits gaping at the intruders. "Let's just do this quick.", Sanji mumbled to himself. Within less than five seconds, every minor agent was down, the only one missing was the leader, though not for long. "Collier Frit!"

It didn't even make a difference.

Franky was hit by surprise there. Two of the Straw Hats came onto this train, were they there to rescue him? "You guys…", he started in awe, "that was SUUUUUUPEEEEER! Have you come to rescue me?"

The cook shook his head, which kind of disappointed the shipwright. "No, we didn't come for you.", the blond explained, breaking the heavy cyborg free of his heavy chains. "However, you're not an enemy, rather an ally, that's why we're freeing you here."

"Right!", Franky called in excitement. "I'll help you in taking out this blasted Government trash! Are you the strategist? If you are, what should we do?"

Anticipating such a question, the Vinsmoke told the sniper to explain him his plan, on which the next minute was spent.

While the explanation was going on in the background, Sanji both peeked through the next window and called Nami on his Den Den Mushi. Conclusion: no Robin, at least not from this perspective, and his friends were following on another Sea Train with loads of allies. "Alright you two, we're gonna walk over the car now. Don't slip, it'll cost you your life."

"Dammit Sanji!", the sharpshooter snapped in annoyance. Despite that, he knew he was right. So he prayed his feet wouldn't slip and keep him safe.

…

Contrary to the marksman's expectations, the surface of the car roof wasn't that slippery. Actually, it was pretty easy to get from Point A to Point B, as in rear and front end. Once that was done, the cook took a look again. "Eh, just some Marines.", he reported to his nakama and future nakama, before unhooking the car. "Good Riddance!"

Thus, Captain 'Ship Cutter' T-Bone and his men were left far behind. Few minutes later, same thing happened to CP7's chef Wanze.

…

Exactly one minute later, the blond told the second stage of his plan to his friends. "Alright, here's what we're going to do. Franky and I'll take care of that rat guy down there, quietly. Usopp, you get to the first car where Robin-chan most likely is. If she's there, get her out without making any noise and return. We'll detach the third car and wait for Luffy and the others while those jerks in front of us can get ready for a nasty surprise. If she's in the second car with the assassins, use a smoke bomb and RUN FOR IT! Understand?"

The future Straw Hat shipwright and Usopp blinked, and then smirked at the brilliant plan. The latter fully realized how much of a genius strategist the former royal was. "Roger that!", both called at the same time.

"Good.", the Vinsmoke said, getting ready to fight. While the stronger ones prepared themselves to take out CP9's newling Nero, the weakest one put on his Octopakutsu, sticky pink shoes in octopus-design. Using them, he would move forward on the car sides. 'Yosh! This isn't a time to back down! Show yourself how fearless you are, oh brave warrior Usopp!', he thought, slowly advancing forward, very slowly, almost as slowly as a geezer tortoise.

…

3 minutes later, after narrowly avoiding CP9's field of view by crawling sideways the train, the long-nosed arrived just at the side of Robin's window. His Octopakutsu were super reliable, as he was a genius inventor. Unluckily, his carpentry skills weren't as great.

*Chong* *Chong*

Upon hearing that, Robin turned her head sideways. She expected a bird or fish crashing into the window, since it was unlikely a human could knock from the outside. When a darker-skinned fist appeared, the Oharan was beyond surprised. To make matters worse, the 28-year-old just accepted she'd for sure never see her friends again. Now Usopp happened.

*Chongchongchongchongchong!*

"Sniper-san?!", the 79 Million Berry woman exclaimed, her blue eyes widened. Not only did he follow her up there, what the sniper did was also something dangerous. Any moment could he fall into the sea and die, and Robin wanted him alive like the rest.

As fast as she could, the archaeologist opened the window and let him in. Now that his life was out of danger, she could freely question him without worry. ""Why are you here…?", she demanded, acting furious. "How did you get here?"

Since explaining everything in detail would take away precious time, the sharpshooter just gave a brief answer. "Long story short, me and two others are here to save you."

"Sniper-san…", she wanted to reprimand him, but was interrupted.

"Sanji and Franky are also here.", the marksman informed. "Everyone else is following too, in another Sea Train with an army. I snuck in here while Sanji and Franky are holding the escape car ready."

The Oharan wanted to fake rant about how she wanted to die, but that would be a spit in the faces of those who went so far to save her life.

"We've been told the real story on Sanji's Den Den Mushi.", Usopp continued, reaching inside his bag. "Everyone knows everything, you can't leave anymore. Take these."

He pulled out four more of his octopus shoes. "Those four in the rear car look strong. By wearing these, you can sneak outside, without them noticing. Here, let's-"

"Just why are you doing this?!", the 79 Million Berry woman burst out. "Didn't I clearly tell you that I'd quit the group?! I'm not one of you anymore, go!"

Those were some strong words. Though, instead of shouting and yelling, the sniper only shook his head in disappointment. "Tsk tsk, don't you get it?", he asked in a quieter tone. "You don't have to worry about protecting us, you should've told us in the first place, before agreeing to this stupid deal. Do you actually believe we'd willingly sacrifice a friend to survive? Now that they know, they'll find your enemies and beat them up for what they did, me included."

"You don't understand what you're saying!", the 28-year-old shouted. "I never wanted for you guys to save me!"

Unfortunately for her, that shout had been a few decibels too loud. Corgi opened the door and stepped inside, immediately closing the door right after. "What're you yelling about, Nico Robin?! Are you crying about your future now?", the man mocked arrogantly. "You know it's too late for that, don't you-"

Corgi then noticed the long-nosed intruder. He was just about to report him to Rob Lucci, however, the Straw Hat wasn't unprepared. A lead ball hit the agent's temple, thus, he collapsed on the ground, unconscious.

Turning back, Usopp uttered out few more words. "Why won't you just have faith in Luffy?"

Faith. What a meaningful word, and an even more meaningful feeling. A feeling, Robin never had for 20 years. The situation she was in now, and her feelings towards her captain were a double-edged sword. She DID have faith, lots of faith in him and the crew. Nonetheless, she didn't want to be saved. For ONE reason.

"I told you, I'm not coming. I won't let you have your way!"

Sighing, the sniper turned his head to her face once again. "I didn't want to do this, but you leave me no other choice.", he spoke, raising his arms.

Next, he grabbed her body and climbed out of the window, greatly shocking the archaeologist. "What are you doing?!", she almost screamed, watching him crawl the sides of the train car. The sharpshooter didn't answer, rushing below window height.

…

Sanji nearly exploded out of happiness. "Awesome!", he yelled out in victory, striking hands with Usopp. Robin was back with them, their goal was accomplished. There was no reason to tag along further with the Sea Train, so Franky opened the front door of the car to unhook it. Just as was about to release the hook, a black shoe collided with his chin and sent him flying back into the middle section of the third car. That shoe belonged to Rob Lucci, standing in front of the other CP9 members. 'Shit! This is trouble!', the cook thought, gritting his teeth.

"Did you take us for fools?", Lucci demanded calmly, glaring at the pirates with killing intent. "Impressive, coming here and challenging us, but we have our mission. Nico Robin and Cutty Flam are coming to Enies Lobby with us. That is final."

Noticing how the glare was that murderous, the Oharan couldn't help but gasp for air and start sweating. "Y-yes. That is final. I'll go with you.", the 79 Million Berry woman said, walking towards the enemy.

A certain blond couldn't believe this. "Wait, Robin-chan! No!", he yelled, running after her. Blueno stepped in front of the angry running man, intending to stop him with Tekkai. "Don't bother, it's useless."

"I'll show you useless, you bastards!", the Vinsmoke exclaimed in fury, spinning his leg. "Concassé!"

As the accelerated kick connected, Blueno felt his Tekkai crumble, the effects being blood loss coming from the mouth. His fellow Government agents were very much surprised.

'He broke through Blueno's Tekkai!', Kaku thought warily.

Unexpectedly, Franky acted. He couldn't take it anymore. Those noble guys sacrificed so much to go after their friend, and she didn't want to go with them. He jumped at the CP9 agents, taking them with him into the second car. Only the strongest managed to dodge.

"And what do you think you're doing, Cutty Flam?", the Zoan asked in a mix of distaste and boredom.

"I can't stand this… she keeps doing this stuff, and her friends won't leave without her."

Despite her being impressed by his sacrifice for her nakama's cause, the 28-year-old continued on her path towards the second car.

"Wait, Robin-chan!", Sanji called at the top of his lungs again. "We've come this far to save you! Even if we were targeted by the Government's Buster Call, we'd find a way out! Why won't you just come with us?!"

"The Buster Call", Lucci suddenly began with a dark voice, "is the problem. Listen closely. Once something's been targeted with a Buster Call, nothing remains, absolutely nothing. Now here's the real deal. Even if we leave out all the crimes Nico Robin has commited after that day, there are still two major crimes whose penalty is nothing short than death that she has committed. One, she has the ability to locate and summon ancient weapons capable of world destruction. A devil like that should just die for the better of the world."

Both Usopp and Sanji clenched their teeth at that remark, seething with rage.

"Second, at the age of 8, her home was targeted by a Buster Call which destroyed everything and killed everyone but her. From this day on, those memories burnt themselves into her brain, and the hate against the World Government into her heart. Because of her feelings towards the World Government, she must be eradicated. Following those two inexcusable crimes, her very existence is a sin."

Usopp nearly felt his heart drop. He thought he suffered a terrible past, but this one was heartbreaking. Even Sanji, whose past was also beyond terrible, felt infinitely sorry for her. All he and his sharpshooter nakama wanted to do was burning down the hideous World Government for its atrocities.

"To know that, and speak so lightly of that…", the ex-prince whispered, before roaring out, never that enraged before, "HOW ROTTEN CAN YOU GET, SCUM?!"

Those words were supposed to hit hard. Due to his emotionlessness however, the Leopard man just brushed the insults off like they were nothing. "Please, it's solely for justice.", he defended himself, now leaving the third car. "Oh, and as pirates, I wouldn't call others, especially Government workers, rotten."

By the looks of it, that was the last straw for Sanji, whose skin almost turned red. He sprinted towards Lucci, intending to kick his bones in. Very unfortunately, before unhooking the car, Lucci slapped Sanji back with a very strong hit.

"Ugh!", the cook let out, almost fainting.

"Sanji!", the marksman exclaimed in worry, rushing towards his friend to help him.

"Leave it.", the blond spoke, stopping him. "Let's just wait for our nakama, Usopp. Chopper can take care of us."

Deciding he was right, Usopp didn't bother to do anything but wait. He was a better doctor than Luffy or Zoro, but not anywhere near Chopper. Same thing with his carpentry and Franky.

…

10 minutes later, the two were picked up by their nakama and allies on the Rocket Man. There wasn't any time for a warm greeting, the Vinsmoke immediately told everything that happened and he learned, informing everyone about everything, including Robin's past and how they were shamelessly using those horrific memories to blackmail and force her into submission.

Luffy was the first to crack his fists. "I WON'T FORGIVE THEM!"

"WOOO! RIGHT!", Chopper agreed, ready to battle.

Some others didn't want to recklessly jump into battle, but no one had a chance against them anyway.

Meanwhile, Paulie was finished drawing a map of Enies Lobby. "I've been here once before for railroad maintenance.", he told, drawing everyone's attention. "I drew this based on what I could remember. The Gate of Justice is in front of the Judicial Tower. Behind that are the Court, the Front Gate, and the Main Gate. That black stuff is just a gigantic waterfall."

…

After some more details, Paulie went on with his main explanations. "The ideal way is to wait for 5 minutes on the beach, then fly with the Rocket Man straight onto the core island. That would be the most effective way to get there without many casualties."

Luffy nodded in understanding. "Good. You do it."

Everyone's face straightened up comically, then they all looked at him in disbelief. "WHAT?! Strawhat, you can't j-"

"Don't worry, I can get there faster than that. Kamisori!"

Within a split second, the black-haired was already gone. The ones who disagreed with him (pretty much everyone with few exceptions) wanted to both cheer and rant. They knew, he meant trouble for them, and could make their entrance easier by far, but he never listens, dammit!

"Alright, then!", Nami and Paulie yelled simultaneously, acting as co-captains. "Chaaaaaaaaarge!"

Phew, that was it. I knew I could've fleshed out more things on the Rocket man, but I wanted to write a Sanji and Usopp-centered chapter so bad. Usopp/Sanji fans will love it, the other ones will probably hate it :P . One of the biggest questions is, what is Robin's other reason she didn't leave with her friends? Find out next chapter! P. S.: It's gonna be hype! Constructive criticism allowed. Rate and review if you like.