Disclaimer: Godzilla and One Piece are the sole properties of Toho Co. LTD and Eiichiro Oda respectively. KP360 claims no ownership of anything save for any OCs, abilities, and locations.
Sunken Kingdom Arc opening: Netsujou no Spectrum (Nanatsu no Taizai Op 1)
The morning after, the men of Straw Hats were roused from slumber in their shared room by a steady knock at the door. When Usopp groggily went to go open it they found the little boy they met yesterday, Kubo, along with a more familiar face in the form of Sara, greeting them with big smiles on their faces. They witness a scene of disarray, with Luffy, Zoro , Sanji all piled up and still sleeping, while Gian was sleeping backwards with Chopper lying dozed off on his head. Meanwhile the girls have already gotten ready, with Nami shaking her head in exasperation and Robin only smiling slightly.
"Should we give you a few more minutes?" Sara giggled at that.
"Ugh sorry, we're still all tired. It was a long trip down." Usopp yawned.
"Well hurry on up!" Kubo explained excitedly "Captain Tal'shir and the rest of the Fangs of Manda have other duties to attend to, and as much as I would love to accompany them they've assigned me to act as your guide today!"
"Oh, yeah, isn't Robin also supposed to be helping out you guys?" Gian stretched as he awoke, Chopper plopping onto a pillow and muttering drowsily on whether or not it was morning yet.
"High Priest Axor will be overseeing that himself after breakfast." Sara assured him "He's the one that… requires her. Though we'd like for you all to stay together for the morning meal."
"Oh, we should've gotten up earlier then." Gian said before poking his crewmates a little. "Oi, guys! Time to get up it's time to go touring!"
"MEAT!" Luffy woke up with a shout, knocking the other two members of the Monster Trio down to the floor with a hard thump.
"Why did we have to share a bed with him?" Zoro snapped as he rubbed his head.
"These beds are wide enough to fit 3 people each, and there's 3 of them." Gian reminded him.
"Still, why couldn't you share the bed with him?" Sanji asked.
"Because Usopp and Chopper were sharing with me." Gian shrugged, much to the other two's exasperation. He would sooner take insomnia over his captain periodically waking him up in the night with his groans of hunger.
"Gian, you were supposed to look after them…" Nami shook her head again from the door.
"I'm tired too…" Gian shrugged before putting on a T-shirt and yelling at everyone else to get ready as well. They have a long day ahead of them, though at the moment they didn't know just how long.
Later:
It took a lot of arguing on who gets the bathroom, more waiting, and squeezing through the halls, but when the crew's meal was served they were thoroughly impressed. Mountains of bread and baked goods, different variety of fish and seafood related dishes were served accordingly, it was a surprise to even call something this hefty breakfast.
"WOOOOWWW THISH ISH DELISHISH!" Luffy cooed as his mouth stretched with the amount of food he stuffed himself with "SHANJI THISH ISH ALMOSHT ASH GOOD ASH YOURSH!"
"Hey! Learn to chew!" the cook snapped, though he had to agree. The seasoning and balance of spices on the fish was amazing to say the least, and the paring with the other dishes made it even better. He made a note to try and get some recipes later.
"Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day!" Kubo smiled as he ate his ow rice bowl "enriches you and prepares you for a day of commitments!"
"This really is great," Gian nodded as he ate his own "You mentioned something about having fish for almost every meal?"
Sara nodded "Living down here, we've managed to create tastes suitable for our palates, but we don't have as diverse as a food choice as yours. Geothermal energy allows us to farm, but our crops were passed down since the day Mu supposedly sank into the sea. As for meat, it's mostly what lives in the surrounding waters; we don't have the necessary steps to actually raise animals down here."
"Still, this is quite splendid." Robin agreed.
Tapping on the mason floor alerted the group as they saw Axor dragging his robes behind him, his face still covered by the mask.
"I see breakfast is going well?"
Robin looked up "Are we going now?"
Axor nodded "I've retaken a look at some of the archive's notes, they indeed documented that the people of Mu have had a rather formal relationship with this royal family of the surface world. From this I'm certain that those steles were left behind by them, but the meaning behind them is still lost to me."
"Then let's see if we can crack some of the codes today." Robin smiled.
"After you, Miss Robin." Axor gestured, and followed as the two of them walked off.
"They must be headed to the Great Archives," Sara noted "Aside from the Empress and High Priest, only a select few scholars are allowed in. I've only been inside once, and that was with High Priest Axor's discretion."
"Even the Fangs of Manda, who protect the palace, have never seen the inside!" Kubo added.
"Why all the secrecy?" Zoro asked.
"The Archives are detailed remnants of Mu's history, of which only the Empress and High Priest, as to maintain our society, accesses. Such material would be wasted on a normal citizen." Sara explained.
"Though there are other libraries around the city!" Kubo added.
Breakfast was soon completed, and the two Mu citizens began to lead the remaining Straw Hats to explore more aspects of the city. Sara and Kubo both volunteered to take them to places.
"Nami-san why don't you come with me?" Sara suggested "I always love stories about the surface and you look like you can tell them great! Not to mention I'd love the girl time we'd have!"
"Oh! Ok…" Nami grinned awkwardly, not sure how to respond being singled out.
"Then the rest of you can come with me!" Kubo grinned "It'll be like a big assignment and I'll have to escort you all safely!"
"We have a lot of people." Gian noted "You can just take them, I think I'll be fine on my own so you guys can take the rest."
"I'll stay with you." Zoro said.
"Same with me." Sanji added "Usopp, Chopper and Luffy should be fine with Kubo."
"Yeah, I'd rather not wander off…" Usopp nodded.
"Ok, we'll trust you not to do anything crazy then!" Sara giggled, before handing everyone a coiled object shaped like Manda.
"These are our communicator devices, we use them to send messages long distance. Just click the button on the side to use them should you get lost within the city." The priestess informed them.
"Alright! Let's go explore!" Luffy grinned.
"Ok, we'll meet back here in a bit! I have a feeling there's going to lots to see." Gian agreed.
With Kubos' Group:
Luffy, Usopp and Chopper were full of wonder as they observed more of the city. In the morning sun, the buildings seem to give off an ocean green sheen as the geothermal light shone upon them. Kubo to them is a great guide, if not a little over the top sometimes. Luffy and company noted that he both tries to sound authoritative and like an excited little kid at the same time.
"Wow! Everything is so shiny and warm!" Luffy observed "It's so sunny down here!"
"That sun you guys made is so bright, yet it doesn't feel like we're overheating or anything!" Usopp noted.
"You guys may have noticed how the geothermal sun isn't a perfect replica. From what I've read the real sun isn't actually supposed to be that that low in the sky or else everything it will burn everything." Kubo explained as he led them towards a large industrial building "The scientist that originally created it created a way to regulate the amount of energy output, allowing them to control the amount of heat just right. The geothermal sun is powered by an underground generator, and this building is where some of our engineers make sure nothing goes wrong and constantly maintains it." The trio peeked in and wowed at the group of white-clad workers inspecting every inch of a machine that appears to extend further underground.
"You guys have to maintain that thing all day?" Chopper asked.
"We have to, or else if it overloads it will expel too much energy and the generator will immolate, or if it isn't regulated enough we'll be stuck in the dark." Kubo revealed "It isn't just a sun we managed to create, we have to replicate many aspects of the surface environment, such as wind, rain and clouds. We have specific devices for that too."
"You have to make those?" Usopp gawked "Just how innovative are you people?"
"Living down here we have to resort to creativity to keep up with the times, perhaps even be ahead of it." Kubo sighed "Take the buildings for example, you notice how they have a green tint to them?"
"It's really pretty." Chopper agreed.
"That's because we didn't just use simple stone to build them. Supposedly we used to, back ages ago when my ancestors lived on the surface, but now that we're down here we figured out the creation of a particular metal compound that made our lives infinitely better."
Kubo pointed to the green buildings "Those buildings are made from a creation known as Zenith Metal, an alloy that is a mixture of every available element we can find, mixed with the stone and superheated at the core of the world. Not only is it many times more durable then what we've used before, it also has a unique property when it comes to heat. The metal absorbs heat and distributes it evenly within itself while releasing an equal amount, keeping it warm enough to maintain a suitable temperature yet cool enough so we don't overheat. Zenith Metal is the reason why you don't feel as hot as you think you should, Usopp-san."
"No way! I knew something looked different when we came down here, but you've made that many advancements?" the sniper gasped.
"We not only use it for our buildings, but for other technological aspects too. Our submarine hulls are laced with it, as are members of the Fangs of Manda's armor plating and weapons. The metal is really malleable and shapeable, you can make it into all kinds of cool tools, like this one!"
Kubo revealed the large circular brace on his left arm and gave it a flick, with a whir of mechanical sounds the piece extended, revealing an intricate ornate bow.
"WOW A BOW JUST CAME OUT OF HIS ARM!" Luffy's eyes bugged out.
"IT CAME OUT OF HIS ARM!" Chopper beamed.
"SHOOT AN ARROW FOR US!" Usopp begged "I BET THEY GO SO FAST!"
"THEY DO GO FAST!" Kubo chittered, unable to hold back his own excitement "CAPTAIN TAL'SHIR GAVE IT TO ME HALF A YEAR AGO AND I'VE BEEN TRAINING WITH IT EVER SINCE I'M SO GRATEFUL FOR-"
The boy paused, realizing his predicament before coughing in embarrassment.
"Yeah, it's really nice~!" Kubo laughed shakily "the wonders of Zenith Metal~!" Luffy and company just grinned.
From then on, the group explored around for a bit more, really getting to know the Mu boy, the three of them found him to be rather excitable yet modest boy, with aspirations he wishes to achieve someday. This soon became even more apparent around noon.
"Hey, you guys want to see something cool?" Kubo asked suddenly, and naturally the crew agreed, wondering just what else can top their excitement.
Leading the group of pirates towards a large glass like tower, the trainee had them boarded an elevator and ascended towards the top observation deck. The view from above is breathtaking, something the 3 pirates were quick to agree on.
"We can see the whole city from up here!" Luffy's eyes were sparkling.
"Mu really is great…" Usopp sighed dreamily.
"I can see the Merry docked all the way from here!" Chopper pointed excitedly.
"This is my favorite spot in the city." Kubo smiled softly "When I come up here I'm reminded where I live and what a great place it is."
"I'm actually kind of jealous, the view's amazing from up here!" Usopp agreed.
"I come here around noon every day, here the rays of light strikes the main palace right on the tip and emits a golden shower of light so warm and soothing it bathes the entire city from this angle." Kubo sighed "I want to see that light shine forever on the Mu Empire." His face then lit up with a determined smile.
"Which is why I swear that, one day, I will work my way into the Fangs of Manda and forever defend the Empress and the Kingdom!"
Luffy and company smile at this. They have dreams of their own, and knowing what drives their dreams always makes it better.
"…But it takes so long… every step I take it's like I get no further…"
"Huh?" Luffy frowned, he was so positive just a second ago! What's with the negativity? "I don't see anything wrong?"
"It's just that, Captain Tal'shir and the Empress, no matter what I do, they've never shown much more than simply noticing me and waving me off…" Kubo mumbled "I've studied our texts every day, trained in their shadows, and strive to make myself worthy of the ranks but no one notices my efforts! They've never shown disproval, but they just keep telling me to be more…"
"Why do you want them to see?" Luffy shrugged "That's stupid."
This forced Usopp to intervene "AH- I think what Luffy meant was that, maybe instead of seeking approval from others, you need to take a closer look on why you want your dream!"
"What I want?" Kubo asked "Of course I know what I want! I want to become a member of the Fangs of Manda to serve my Kingdom!"
"Then why do you need the validation of other people?" Luffy asked "You know what you want to be, isn't that good enough?"
"I…I guess…?"
"Luffy is right," Chopper smiled "Our dreams are worth reaching because they were inspired by others, but we chase them because they challenge ourselves."
"Yeah, what's the fun in becoming what you want to be if you're just doing it for someone else?" Luffy smiled.
"For myself…" Kubo mumbled "Become what I want to become…"
He then felt Usopp place a hand on his shoulder with a reassuring smile.
"You're scared aren't you? You're not sure you're going to succeed?" the sniper asked "It's the same with me, my dream of becoming a brave warrior of the sea. I've seen so many terrifying things since I started this voyage that it makes me wonder how I'm going to get through it all. My friends are the strong ones and they're always defending me."
A determined look then crossed his face "But that only means I have to continue! I know that I can stand alongside them and help them the same way they've helped me! They have dreams of their own, and I'm going to support them as much as following mine!"
Kubo stared for a while longer, before also nodding with determination "Yes, to be a member of the Fangs of Manda, that's my dream. I will prove it to myself that I can do it, and one day Captain Tal'shir and the Empress will see that too!"
Luffy and Chopper beamed, this positive attitude was infectious!
"Well, let's both work towards our dreams, with no fear!"
"Right!"
The group shared one more laugh together before they continued to watch the city.
Meanwhile:
"These train systems are amazing!" Nami praised as she and Sara passed under them again "There's so many of them going everywhere at once, it's like an interconnecting web within an interconnecting city!"
"When we designed them, they were originally going to be a way for those in the countryside to reach the city." Sara explained "According to scriptures these were only developed about 400 years ago, a long while after Mu supposedly sank into the sea."
"You guys have a really long history…" Nami noted "There are things you've developed here that the surface haven't even heard of!"
"Well, being isolated from the world means you can spare a lot of time in taking care of your home."
The two walked beside one another for a while longer until they reached the edge of the city. The two sat and looked out towards the spanning fields of green. A few structures could vaguely be seen on the horizon, which sparked Nami's curiosity.
"Climate generators," Sara revealed "developed by our scientists in an effort to regulate growing conditions for crops. It uses the same geothermal energy the sun is powered by, though the heat from it is used to create either wind or clouds, which can lead to rain or snow."
"Wow, you actually have a way of making your own weather! And on such a large scale too!" the navigator gasped, before pulling out her Clima-tact.
"I thought this thing was incredible, but it can only make a few small lightning clouds and some wind." She traced the cool metal of the staff in her hand "If I could ever develop it further, maybe I can make bigger forces of weather."
Sara noted the Clima-tact with rapt attention "That's a really interesting staff, for it to be able to make weather to a certain degree. The people of the surface have been developing fine as well it seems."
"Well, Usopp came up with this, so most of the credit goes to him." Nami smiled sheepishly "Though it's good that I know a lot about the weather, it's really important for sailing."
"To experience real weather…" Sara wondered "That would be something, wouldn't it?"
Eventually, the two girls talked about other topics. The families they had, the people they've experienced, and of course the dreams they wish to reach.
"Drawing a map of the world, huh?" Sara smiled "You must have quite the artistic talent."
"There's so many places you get to visit when you're out on the sea, so many incredible things you see." Nami's smile got bigger "Here's a perfect example. I'm trying to map all of it, but it's such a great expanse I don't even think I got most of it!"
"It's funny, it's the places you never get to see that you think are the most incredible." Sara murmured, staring towards the sky "Mu is so beautiful, I can never deny that. But sometimes, many times actually, I just wonder what the surface world is like."
"Then why don't you go?" Nami proposed "It's not like you can't leave or anything, right?"
Sara's eyes became down cast at that, prompting Nami to reach out.
"Wait, don't tell me that-?"
"No Child of Mu has ever set foot on the surface, not since we've sank down below. Ever since we've been developing, a former Empress has issued a law that isolates Mu from the surface in order to prevent the surface from discovering us, and while we've frequently sent scouting vessels to see the situations above, we've never stayed for long." Sara sighed "I have my duties as a priestess here, and the only time I do spend on the surface are to do some reparations of the remaining ruins left behind such as the one Robin-san and Gian-san went to on Jinguji Island. Those moments I treasure the most, but I can never leave my Kingdom for long."
"You really want to travel the surface, do you?" Nami realized.
"More than anything, I've learned all I can from the books and scriptures left behind from our ancestors and still I want to go there. To feel the sun, the real sun, shining on my skin, and to feel actual wind blowing through my hair. It's something people down here can never experience. The more I learn about the surface the more I yearn for it." Sara smiled.
"I think I understand now, you want to reach the surface, but you can't in case people discover this secret kingdom." Nami realized "But if it were just you, couldn't you live a life on the surface? From what I've seen people of Mu and those who live on the seas above aren't any different from one another, and as long as you can conceal yourself you'd be able to stay up therw! Surely Her Majesty and High Priest will understand!"
Sara smiled at that "Thank you Nami-san, you really are a kind person. Rest assured, my longings are of little importance. I have my duties here to distract me, and if I do want to explore the surface, then it may be possible soon, the High-" she caught herself before she could reveal the High Priest's plans.
"Come again?" Nami blinked.
"…Sorry, I was distracted" Sara nodded again, but her thoughts are now elsewhere "Sorry, Nami-san, but I have to go, there's something I have to handle."
"Huh? But didn't you say you'd be our guide?"
"I know, and I'm sorry, please use those cartography skills of yours to try and find your way back." And with that she ran off back towards the palace.
"What?" a confused Nami mumbled "But that's not going to help me…"
Meanwhile:
"Ok, now I kind of wish I went with the others. It's been a nice run, but now I think I've seen enough."
Gian, Zoro and Sanji were on their own, wandering around looking for things to do. Some things included sampling some of the local food, visiting the local shops, and of course also trying to prevent the swordsman from getting lost in the bustle of the city. Now though, they're quickly bored and are sitting at a café wondering what to do next.
"Maybe you should just settle down and enjoy some of the scenery." Sanji said as a waitress brought them their coffee "Try to appreciate a more artistic side of things."
"Yet you're the only ogling after every girl we come across." Zoro scoffed.
"Oi! I still have more class than you mosshead!"
"If that's class then I'd rather not have any!"
"Like you had any to begin with!"
"Alrighty, you two enjoyed married life while I think of something to do." Gian sighed as the two rivals continued to bicker "If I knew we were going to get this bored I'd have stayed with Robin."
Sanji was alerted by this "Why do you have to stay with Robin-chwan?"
"We sort of found out about Mu together, it's only fitting I'm there for her when she needs my help." Gian shrugged.
"She's the one that can read those stone blocks, can you?" Zoro asked the obvious question "Geez, you ought to relax for a bit. You can stand not being by her side for at least half a day can't you?"
"Hey, I'm just wonder what she's doing right now. That's it!" Gian protested.
"Yeah, sure and I no longer like booze." The swordsman snickered "Don't worry so much, the High Priest has things covered, you'll see her again at the end of the day."
"What have the two of you been up to?" Sanji questioned.
"Nothing! I'm- I'm just wondering what she's up to right now…" Gian mumbled.
Zoro sighed "I can't believe I'm getting involved with this, but if you got it that bad why don't you just back first?"
"I mean, that's actually not a bad idea…" and just like that Gian stood up and left a few silver pieces on the table. Prior to leaving this morning they were told that beri are not in circulation down here, and had to convert some to the local currency of gold and silver ingots.
"Huh, he actually went there." Zoro blinked "Maybe we should start heading back too."
"When did he become so concerned about what Robin-chwan is doing?" Sanji is still confused "I never seen him worried about anyone."
Zoro turned to him "You really don't see it?"
"What? What am I supposed to see?"
"Nothing at all? You haven't noticed how much Gian enjoys that woman's company?" Zoro shook his head.
"Now that you mention it, he has been spending increasing amounts of time with her… wait… WAIT…!"
"Yeah, kind of obvious when you think about it." Zoro drawled, and he didn't have anything else to say as flames lit up in the cook's eyes.
"WHHHHHAAAAATTTTT?! WHO DOES THAT SHITTY MONSTER THINK HE IS?!"
"…Well I can't say I'm surprised by this."
"A FAIR LADY LIKE ROBIN-CHAN WOULD NEVER FALL FOR A RUFFIAN LIKE THAT SHITTY MONSTER!" Sanji raged, much to Zoro's chagrin.
"No one cares about what you think, they're already really going along with each other's company, just mind your own business!" the swordsman snapped.
"I WON'T STAND FOR THIS! THAT BASTARD MUST'VE PUT HER UNDER A TRANCE, I'M GIVING HIM A PIECE OF MY MIND!"
"Since when could Gian use illusions?!" Zoro facepalmed, but Sanji was already running off. The green-haired swordsman gave a sigh of exasperation, payed for both their drinks, then hurried off after him.
Surprisingly Gian hadn't wandered too far away, it was only a couple of minutes that they found him looking over a corner of a building some distance from the rest of the city. Sanji immediately strode over.
"Oi, I'll have you know that-!"
"Shhh!"
"Huh? Don't give me that attitude this-!"
"Zip it!"
Zoro then managed to find them.
"Sorry, Gian. Ero-cook is being a dumbass right now and-"
"Don't speak! Listen!" was Gian's response, and it's then that the two other men were instantly alerted and realized something serious is happening.
"What's going on?" Sanji asked.
"Dunno, just keep looking." Gian pointed.
Peering over the corner, the group couldn't believe what they were seeing. A large number of armed soldiers, dressed differently than then Fangs of Manda in that they had less decorated armor, were gather at a large building just adjacent to them. As they have once again reached the side of the river, they realized the location is what appears to be a waterside storage building.
The soldiers were all carrying black crates into the large looming building by the river. The more the trio watched the more it seems that it wasn't just a simple resupply. At this distance they couldn't quite make out much, but they could see that their eyes seemed to be void of any pupils, and their expressions very flat and stoic.
"What are those guys up to?" Sanji muttered as they keep watching.
"Your guess is as good as mine, but from the looks of it they've been at this for quite some time now." Gian replied "And whatever are in those boxes can't be good."
"This place is far enough from other people that they don't see anything strange is going on, so how did you find it?" Zoro asked.
"Originally I didn't, I was just looking for a way back to the palace, but when I did notice it, there's just something not right about this."
"Hold on, something is happening!" Zoro pointed and the three concealed themselves again. From the side door where the soldiers are entering stepped out a rather familiar face, much to the surprise of the group.
"Sara-chan?" Sanji whispered "What's she doing here?"
"Quiet, I think she's saying something." Zoro said.
The priestess did not seem to notice them, but even here the trio could see that her face seemed to have an array of emotions. She turned to one of the soldiers before giving him a few orders, the soldier stared blankly at the priested before nodding slightly and gave a few hand gestures. The troops that were finished carrying crates were now heading into the storage building in a single filed line.
"Ok… what's all this about?" Gian wondered.
He didn't get an answer, but rather it seemed to present itself to him. The side of the storage facing the river opened up with a dull rumble, and into the water sank Mu submarines, one after another.
"Well, that explains what the building is used for, but where are they going?" Sanji wondered.
"I have a bad feeling about this…" Zoro muttered, and that's when they could hear voices. It was faint, and could've been missed if they weren't paying attention.
"Arm the rest of the submarines with the mines, High Priest Axor will give your next orders shortly." Sara's voice was different, more emotionless and monotone now. The trio couldn't believe what they've heard.
"As you command." The soldier droned out before walking off. Sara gave one last forlorn look at the departing submersibles before activating her head gear.
"It is done, High Priest, the first of the submarines have launched and are ready to stand by."
A pause, before more voices can be heard.
"Yes, I will do so right away." And she left the scene, the trio unsure of what action to take.
"Mines? Did she say mines?" Gian gasped.
"What are they planning?" Sanji whispered.
"I don't know, but we now know this: the High Priest of Mu is behind this. And it seems like this isn't the only one they've got."
"We need to follow her!" Zoro grunted, but Gian stopped him.
"Too risky, we're lucky not to get spotted here but we can't be sure we'll be unseen next time."
"Then what are we supposed to do? I think you're onto something about the situation seeming off, but what action are we to take?" Sanji asked.
Gian gave one last look before sighing.
"I hate to say it but, for now, nothing." He explained "This seem to be a big secret, and if we reveal it unnecessarily, they'll have every reason to deny the claims. It's our word against theirs and with everything presented they have the advantage. We'll simply have to keep observing until we can gather enough evidence to know what's going on."
Zoro and Sanji looked at each other, each clearly not wanting this to be the result. But with no better option they have no choice except nodding in agreement. Gian complied and the three of them trudged back towards the palace, not knowing at this moment that what they've seen was about to reveal itself to them in an explosive way.
They were not aware that, upon the wall adjacent to them, their actions have been documented…
Later:
The thought of this discovery had not left the minds of the three men once they did manage to find their way back to the palace. They know they have to keep what they know under wraps, but they're not sure how to bring up the issue.
It wasn't until they were told that the Empress seeks their audience that moment did they realize how deep into the rabbit hole this plot truly was.
"WE HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME TODAY!"
Luffy, Usopp and Chopper were all in a great mood as Kubo led them back to the palace, while Nami was a bit more miffed after Sara left her to walk back on her own. Meanwhile, Gian, Zoro and Sanji were rather sullen, and such was the group that was being led to the throne room.
"HAHA! IF WE WEREN'T SAILING I'D SAY I WANT TO STAY HERE FOREVER!" Chopper grinned blissfully.
"Speak for yourself, I like the city and all but it's a bit too big for me." Nami sighed, though she had to agree that it's a very well designed place.
"What about you guys?" Usopp asked "How did your day go?"
"Oh, um, it was… alright." Gian mumbled absentmindedly.
"…Just alright? Did you guys not do anything?" Luffy frowned.
"We saw enough." Zoro snorted.
The same heavy doors opened once again, and views of the Empress sitting atop her throne with the High Priest by her side was the same as yesterday. This time however, it seems like the atmosphere within has changed, the Empress is as regal as she was before but this time the crew can't help but have a slight feeling that she seemed… detached.
"Visitors from the surface, you've returned." Her voice seemed normal at least.
"YEAH! We had so much fun today!" Luffy grinned "You really run this place well Red Hair Lady!"
"Fufufu, it appears your energy hasn't diminished. I too will admit that you have certainly brought some new life to our undersea domain."
"Unfortunately, it appears we will now have to part ways."
The crew's faces fell at that.
"Did we do something wrong?" Usopp asked hesitantly.
"The truth is, we are simply too separated in terms of existence. You of the surface have a far different lifestyle than those of the Mu Empire. It is of no fault of your own, though our people are incompatible together." The Empress' voice seemed off, though the crew never picked this up.
"So we need to leave?" Chopper pouted.
"The Empress decrees it so." Axor rumbled "We will allow you to pack your belongings, and will escort your ship back to the surface. I am sorry to say that this is essentially the last time we will meet each other."
"Sorry, it was truly a pleasure meeting you all!" Kubo called from the door "Especially you, Luffy-san! Usopp-san! Choppe-kun!"
"Well, it was fun while it lasted I suppose." Sanji shrugged as a group of soldiers came to escort them, they were just about to leave when they remembered one more thing.
"Wait, where's Robin?" Gian suddenly realized.
"Yeah! We need to leave together." Luffy agreed.
What they received as an answer was the last thing they thought they'd hear.
"You are all leaving, but there is one exception. Miss Nico Robin will be staying with us a bit longer, we still have unfinished business with her." Empress Mulines uttered.
"…What?" Gian's voice belied a hint of suspicion as he realized what he's heard.
"Robin's staying here?" Nami questioned.
"Our deal with her has not been completed yet, and it seems it may take some time yet." Axor emphasized "To this end, we still need her here."
"Then we're staying as well!" Sanji snapped "We're not leaving without her!"
"Sanji-san! You can't defy the Empress!" Kubo coaxed.
"Preposterous, we have no need for you to stay here, so it's best you be leaving now." The Empress sneered at them, her face now warped into one of contempt and darkness.
"Robin's one of us and if she stays, we stay! If she goes, we go!" Luffy shouted, and the rest of the crew affirmed that shout.
"Luffy-san! Everyone! Please trust us! We won't harm her and we'll bring her back once she's finished her work!" Kubo tried to coax again, but was pushed aside.
"Do not think you are in any position to make demands, surface dweller." Mulines' voice was cold "You are here by our grace and you will leave when I command it."
"Where is she?!" Gian snarled, eyes beginning to glow "Why are you hiding her from us?!"
"She's where she's been this whole time, and she'll stay there until she's done what she needs to do!" the Empress thundered "Though if you continue to be insolent, then perhaps you'll only be able to depart with her head on a pike instead!"
Gian's teeth were bared as he strode forward one step, and the Fangs of Manda immediately sprung to action, spears pointed at him. Zoro had to physically hold him back as Kubo just watched in confusion.
"Gian! Don't be rash!" the swordsman urged.
"Don't be rash? I'm not being rash here!" the Kaiju-Zoan user roared "They have Robin locked up somewhere and I'm telling them to bring her back to us!"
"Gian-san! What are you doing?!" fear began to creep into Kubo's voice. He'd thought the visitors to from the surface were peaceful, after all Luffy, Usopp and Chopper were all really great people! Why is such a violent man associated with them?
"Why don't you ask Her Royalness what She's doing?!" the Kaiju-Zoan user flared "If she thinks she can just hold our nakama hostage then I'll rip these walls apart to get to her!"
"Gian-san!"
"Sorry Kubo, but your Empress needs to give us Robin back!" Luffy joined in "We're not letting you take her!"
"YOU DARE ORDER ME?!" the ruler of Mu thundered from atop her throne "DO NOT FORGET WHOSE KINGDOM YOU ARE IN!"
"It's all about the kingdom isn't it?" Gian growled "Everything action that you do? Everything you command? Why don't you tell us just how many things you're doing right now?!"
"Gian? What are you saying?" Usopp questioned, before he heard Axor's deep cackle.
"My, My, you've certainly been seeing lots of things today, haven't you Gian-san?" the High Priest sneered behind his hood "Enough to even trespass on off-limits areas?"
"Wait, he knows?" Zoro was startled.
"What did the three of you see?" Nami balked.
"Oi, how do you know this you old creep?!" Sanji shouted.
Axor tapped his staff one time and a large flat screen appeared on the walls, showing the footage of the three hiding behind the building earlier in the day.
"So this is what it comes to? We offer you hospitality, our grace, and you decide you can just break our laws by going into our Submarine bunkers?" the High Priest sneered "You really set a fine example for your people."
"Oh don't give me that crap!" Gian snarled "Why were those submarines being loaded with underwater mines?"
"That, is none of your concern, though now that you've seen them, plans have changed."
"W-what? What plans?" Usopp stammered "What are these mines you speak of?"
"You wanted to stay with your nakama, did you? Well now you can." Axor raised an arm, and the ring of soldiers around them tightened as their spears still pointed forwards.
"For witnessing something you shouldn't have, all of you, including Nico Robin, will be fed to Lord Manda!"
A/N: This. Chapter. Was. A. PAIN.
Now that I actually have to think of fresh material on the spot rather than having canon to gain some footing, actually thinking up content is harder than I thought it was going to be. This chapter had many ideas that ended up not getting used, mostly because some of the ideas I've used before either didn't fit or doesn't seem right. Because of this, this chapter was actually supposed to be longer, yet I can't fit everything here at once due to still having to build up certain things, such as make some of the characters here not just feel like throwaways but actually have some flesh to them. As such, parts that were supposed to appear this chapter will be appearing in the next.
Along with that, this also means one more thing. I now see I've underestimated how long this arc is going to take. So as of now, the Sunken Kingdom Arc is going to be around 7-8 chapters instead of the previous stated 5-6. But because of this there is one thing I'm also changing and that is, after this, I am skipping most of Long Ring Long Island. That arc will now be only mentioned briefly, except for one major part which will take place as normal. This means that after the Sunken Kingdom, we are going straight to Water 7. It wasn't my first option, but in my view it's the best way to proceed since after thinking it over, I realized Long Ring Long Island actually isn't adding anything substantial to the overall lore of the story as well as this current arc has been actually draining me mentally more than I expected.
Last thing, keep your heads open, as things that appear in this chapter may not be what they seem! Although the Empress is kind of a bitch here, you'll see later that something more sinister is going on behind the scenes, something that even she didn't expect! For those that expected this arc to be overall similar to Atragon's actual plot, you'll be quite surprised. But until then, keep on living!
Responses to Reviews:
To Raidentensho:
G: What is God Eater?
Even I don't know, I haven't actually planned much of Strong World yet, even though it's coming up pretty fast. Though I will say that, Gian's Rumble Balls won't be used as much later on, mostly because he's developing his own fighting style more.
To SolanaLeonhart:
Manda, by the end of this story, will be something else entirely. Good observation though, you'll see some of the darkness this chapter!
To Matt:
G: You cannot grasp the true form of Axor's plan!
Holy balls, you just referenced one of the oldest memes in existence!
To: Vergil Leonidas:
G: THEY BACCCCCCC
Well good to have you with us again! You've been working really hard, not just on your own story but also taking time to read everything! But you're onto things with some of your analysis! Robin and Gian's relationship at this point is more testing the waters than anything else, but as this arc progresses, you'll see that actual feelings have taken root. And in the beginning, neither of them know what to do with it. They're discovering each other as much as themselves at this point.
The Dorei Dorei no Mi will be further expanded as the arc goes on. The inspiration behind it will be explained by the end of the arc as well. You might see some of the effects this chapter, but as for how it effects people, it's actually a lot simpler.
And don't worry, I don't plan on holding off actual romance for much longer. It's something I'm actually greatly looking forward to writing about, since, to tell you the truth, I've never actually had any experience with romance, let alone writing about it.
G: You see in real life he has this-
TMI! We're not talking about that here! But that aside, this is a test for me as well. Trust me, you're pretty close on the mark with some of it.
To Chance Green G King:
Hold onto that Dagarha thought, you actually are onto something and you may not even know it.
G: G
To Mekyaku:
Those bubbles may dive deep, but they can't shoot lasers and torpedoes!
G: BUT CAN THEY DO THIS?! *LEANS BACK
…stop
And not all the parts of Long Ring Long Island will be skipped, you'll see what I mean.
To Klexxsny:
It's a bit overused at this point, but I felt the context was fitting. Considering there's a blank space in Gian's memory before Punk Hazard, there actually might be more to that.
G: YA BOI WAS BOUT TA GET BODIED AND ALL YA CAN THINK OF IS CLICHES?
They're partly right though.
To C.S Skywalker:
Yeah, that's the thing of planning a backstory, sometimes you have to take into consideration what's already been done, and whether or not you can change it. In this case, changing it might not work so well, so it might not be what will be done. Though don't worry, when it's time to get to that point, I have something thought up.
To Brady420:
That's the unfortunate thing here. Since this is a One Piece fanfiction I have to abide by One Piece rules. That unfortunately includes the Devil Fruit aspects, unfitting as it might seem. Though as you've already seen, being unable to swim pales in consideration of what Kaiju-Zoan users can do.
To ats547:
I have things planned for the Big Mom Pirates already, don't you worry about that!
And that's all for this time, we'll see you next time!
Review or Gian will haunt your nightmares!
G: Redrum… oh wait, wrong movie.