The evening air was pleasantly chilly as the small group made their way down the street. They wound their way through the crowded sidewalks, with Chopper in the lead. Usopp followed the little doctor, Brook's bony hands on his shoulders. The two were singing the conga song as Nami nagged them from behind Brook's tall form. Robin couldn't stop laughing, her arm slid through Sanji's extended elbow. She could walk on her own, almost without pain now. But Sanji offered her his arm just to be safe. And Franky was the last, his eyes constantly scanning as he brought up the rear. Chopper had warned them that they were heading to a bad part of town, so they were all on guard, even as they laughed and talked.
But conversations died down significantly as Chopper turned down a wide alley, no streetlights to be seen. Usopp gulped loudly as the rest of them tensed. Sanji felt Robin's grip on his arm tighten, and he scanned the backstreet again for good measure. The two towering building were both made of brick, the lights on either side casting eerie shadows on the dark pavement. Franky glanced over his shoulder, just to be safe.
The doctor walked through confidently, so the others followed without saying a thing. The uneasiness lessened as they came through the other side, but didn't quite vanish. Everyone paused for a moment to take in the abandoned yard in front of them. There were quite a few warehouses spread out across the space, some lit up, some dark.
"Chopper, are you sure this is the right place?" Sanji asked, glancing down at Robin in concern.
Chopper just nodded, "Positive."
He didn't say another word as he strode forward again, headed toward one of the buildings. Sanji scanned the windows, light filtering through some kind of thin fabric, or paper that was blocking the view to inside. Smart.
They all watched as Usopp helped Chopper pull open the big door, everyone almost holding their breath.
The warehouse was empty. Chopper motioned for them to follow him as he slid inside, and they did, hesitantly. Everyone scanned the place, clearly on edge. Chopper looked like he was about to call out when something suddenly came crashing down from the rafters.
Nami screamed as they all stumbled back, Sanji stepping in front of Robin protectively.
Dust swirled around the man as he glared up at them from where he sat hunched over. Robin shivered as she watched him, a dangerous vibe emanating from his crouched form. His dark hair was wild and spiked, his eyes a piercing black. A thin scar ran under his left eye, stitched up carelessly. He stood up slowly, his eyes never leaving them.
But then a massive grin split his face, any aggression or danger vanishing.
"Chopper!" He laughed, scooping the small doctor up. Robin watched in utter shock as the two of them laughed and giggled together. The dark haired stranger pulled himself up, and she was surprised to see he was unusually short. The top of his head was barely past her shoulder. Who was this…boy?
"Wait, wait! I gotta introduce you. These are my friends." Chopper hopped out of the boy's arms, and skipped back toward the group. One by one, he filed through them, telling each of their names. Then he scampered over to the boy's feet, and turned toward the group.
"Everyone. I'd like you to meet an old friend of mine. One of the most powerful men in town."
The stranger laughed heartily, "Not just in town. I'm gonna be the strongest in the world!"
Chopper grinned, "Meet Monkey D. Luffy."
Zoro woke on his own, his body finally fed and well rested. Woah that felt nice. He reached up to rub his eyes before pushing himself off the pillow. Sengoku had suggested he go home to sleep, but Zoro had wanted to get right back to work the minute he was able. And now that he was back at a hundred percent, he was itching to get back on Raven's tail.
He slid into the briefing room, in a fresh change of clothes. Sengoku glanced up before waving him over. "Perfect timing. I was just sorting through these files again." He handed the young detective a pile of pictures. "Look through those and tell me if you recognize anyone. And tell me if there's anyone else not in that pile. I've got a list of a few residents who don't have criminal records themselves, but are connected to someone who does."
Zoro nodded, beginning to sift through the mugshots. The first few he didn't know, but soon came upon Franky's photo. He internally smirked. So he had been right. Franky did have a record. He pulled Franky's mugshot from the pile, and set it down on the table next to pictures of Nami and Raven.
He kept flipping through without recognizing anyone else. Until he paused at a picture that wasn't a mugshot, but instead a photo taken of a man in uniform. He stared at the Army soldier for a few moments, something vaguely familiar about his…nose. He blinked. He hadn't even recognized the man with his wild hair cropped short, but that nose was unmistakable. He slid the photo out and laid it on top of Franky's.
There were a few more men that he didn't recognize, but the very last picture showing a ghoulish face with dark sunken eyes, and an oddly contrasted afro was someone he could pick out anywhere. He added that to the pile. Sanji wasn't anywhere in the stack. He wondered, where had the man learned to fight so well?
"That everyone?" Sengoku interrupted his thoughts, and Zoro glanced back up at the Commander.
"Uh, no sir. There are two others. Nami called one of the men 'Sanji', and I don't know the other's name, but from what I saw, I'm pretty sure he's a doctor."
"Sanji…" Sengoku muttered, reaching down to flip through some other files on the table. "Ah, Sanji Vinsmoke?"
Zoro just shrugged. He hadn't heard any last names from anyone.
"Look familiar?" Sengoku pulled a small photo from the file, and turned it around to face Zoro.
The young detective studied the picture for a moment. It looked like it had been cropped out of a group photo of some sort, zoomed in on a young boy with the biggest smile. His blond hair and blue eyes were unmistakable. "Yes, Sir." He nodded, handing the picture back to Sengoku.
The Commander nodded. "Although he doesn't have any kind of record himself, he's got close ties with an old criminal, uh, 'Red Foot' Zeff. You heard of him?"
Zoro internally sighed. Of course. It all made sense now. "Yes, Sir, I have." The infamous ex-gangster was known for his signature fighting style, using only kicks. Sanji's style was a carbon copy of the older criminal. "Are the two related, Sir?"
Sengoku shook his head, absentmindedly moseying over other files, "No, not by blood. Apparently, Zeff raised the boy as his own when the kid's parents abandoned him. We've got quite a file on the boy due to keeping tabs on Zeff." He handed Zoro a folder, "See if anything in there is of any help.
"You had mentioned a doctor? This is one of the only people in town who has any kind of medical training. A, uh, Tony Chopper. Actually quite an accomplished doctor. No record. But suspiciously close friends with a mafia boss who's been gaining momentum recently. Uh, notes says he's called by his last name. And that he's abnormally small. Sound familiar?"
Zoro nodded, "Yes, Sir. He was pretty short."
Sengoku nodded approvingly, tossing Tony's file onto another stack. He reached over to the photos Zoro had picked out. "So, there's seven of them altogether?" He asked, flipping through the various photos and mugshots.
Zoro ran a quick count in his head before agreeing, "Everyone I saw, Sir."
The Commander grunted. "Well, that's quite a group she's collected for herself. None of them are too big by themselves, but they might cause trouble all together. Sit down, let me give you a briefing on all of them."
Zoro complied, pulling up a chair. Sengoku pulled Raven and Nami's photos from the stack, and held up Sanji's.
"Sanji Vinsmoke. Third son of the prestigious Vinsmoke family, who owns quite a few major corporations across the country. He was disowned for unknown reasons, and ran away from home, where 'Red Foot' Zeff found him and raised him as his own. Zeff taught him to fight, and the kid grew up helping out the old man in an diner he owned. A few years ago, he left Zeff's side to start out his own business and that's what he's been doing ever since."
Franky was next. "Cutty Flam. Better known as 'Franky'. He had his own gang a while back, called themselves the Franky Family. He used to be a big name in the underground, got pulled in a few times for little things like scavenging, stealing, public nudity. Nothing too serious. We knew he was up to bigger things, but we could never get any proof. He was well respected by those under him, and even some of the other gang bosses. We don't know what happened, if he retired or what. But one day, he just vanished, the Franky Family disappearing soon after. Of course he chooses now to resurface." He grumbled.
He pulled the photo of the young soldier forward and scanned over a file. "Usopp Sogeking. Army sniper. Went AWOL about a year after enlisting. He was known for his cowardly behavior, and running from battles instead of fighting. It says he was an excellent marksmen, but lacked the will to fight. Apparently his location's been known for a while, but he was so far out of reach, and the Army wasn't too interested in having him back anyway."
He moved on. "Brook Humming. A well known mercenary. He's credited with over a dozen deaths of notable persons, criminals and civilians alike. Not much is really known about him. No statistics, background, nothing. Apparently, he just appeared one day, and vanished just as quietly.
"And you've already seen Nami's and Raven's files, so that's pretty much it." Sengoku sighed, pulling up a chair for himself.
Zoro hesitated, scanning over the photos, his eyes resting on Raven's face.
"Sir, about Raven…" He wasn't sure at all how to phrase the question. "What happened at Ohara?"
He mentally flinched as Sengoku stiffened, his steely eyes fixing the young detective in a piercing stare. He didn't say anything for a while, his eyes boring into Zoro.
"You read the files." He said slowly, "You know what happened."
Zoro's mind worked a million miles an hour, trying to gauge Sengoku's reaction. Was the Commander being defensive? Honest? Did he know the truth? Was there even anything else to tell? Who was lying? Raven? Or the Government? Who could he believe?
"Yes, Sir. But that file was so brief. I was curious about more of the details." He watched the Commander for a moment, studying every inch of him. Sengoku remained stoic, but Zoro caught the way his narrowed ever so slightly.
"Why are you asking?" The question had so much pointed second meaning behind it, Zoro didn't quite know how to respond.
"No reason, Sir. I was just wondering. After seeing Raven up close, I just wanted to know a little more about what I was dealing with."
Sengoku leaned forward a little. It wasn't much, but Zoro could feel the intimidating intention of the move. "Why?" Sengoku asked again, this time the question a slightly different inquiry. "Did you talk with Raven? Did she say something to you?"
"No, Sir." Zoro had to think fast. The Commander's sharp insight was making him backpedal. "I just find her and her story…" He thought for the right word, "Intruiging."
Sengoku leaned away, crossing his arms. "I don't know if that's good or bad news, Roronoa. Are you still going to be able to do your job?"
Zoro gulped. Well, he sure knew how to cut to the chase. "Yes, Sir." He nodded, although deep down, he was asking himself the same question.
The Commander nodded, satisfied. "Good man. Then get back on the job as soon as you can. We've managed to track Raven and her group following the bus routes, and we've been watching them for a while. Although last report I got said they've moved into gang territory. From what our intelligence has told us, they're in Straw Hat's territory."
Zoro blinked, "Straw Hat, Sir?"
Sengoku nodded, sliding away from the table and gathering up various papers and folders, "Monkey D. Luffy. Better known as 'Straw Hat' Luffy. He's a young mafia boss who's been gaining a lot of attention and popularity recently. He comes from quite an interesting family I'm told, but that's not really important. If Raven's run to him for help, we'll be hard pressed to get her out again. We need you back out in the field as soon as possible."
Zoro nodded, sifting back through the files as Sengoku left the room. He held up the photo of Raven, taken from a distance as she glanced over her shoulder. A few days ago, he could have easily stared at her face with nothing but disdain and borderline disgust. Now he saw her with different eyes. It was impossible to ignore how beautiful she was, especially after seeing her fiery determination and fierce loyalty.
He just stared, his mind cluttered. Talking with Sengoku had done nothing but produce more questions. Sengoku's instant clam up hinted at Raven's honesty. That maybe he really didn't know anything. Or at least not everything. The more he thought about it, the more it was becoming clear the Government was hiding something. But what?
He groaned, tossing the photo away and running a hand through his hair. This whole case was becoming a bigger problem than he was prepared to deal with. Why was he feeling so frustrated? So conflicted? So lost.
He grit his teeth, and pushed himself away from the table, turning away from the pictures and files and words he didn't really want to read. Why was it, that the more he knew, the more discord he found in himself? Why was his gut going the opposite direction of his head?
The warehouse echoed in nonstop laughter. Robin didn't know what to think as she held her sides, giggling. She had heard a lot about this 'Straw Hat' Luffy, but she was not at all prepared for the real thing. He was only a boy, full of smiles and playfulness. He had welcomed them all eagerly, motioning them in to join him for food. So now, here they sat, eating and laughing together.
She watched the rest of the crowd, a smile settling on her lips. The two groups got along well, and seemed to be having a genuine good time. A contented sigh escaped her, and she leaned back on the worn love seat she was sitting in. Luffy had brought them to a living room type set up, where an assortment of cushions, sofas, and various kind of chairs were set up in an misshapen oval. In the middle was a picnic blanket, full of various snacks and goodies. Luffy had invited them to eat, but he seemed to be hogging most of it for himself.
Robin scooted aside as Nami came to join her. "Wow, what a weirdo." She shook her head, munching on an apple. "I can't believe that is the most powerful mafia boss in the city." She rolled her eyes, watching as Luffy shoved a pair of chopsticks up his nose, Chopper following suit.
"It is strange, isn't it. But from what I've heard, he's well respected by everyone around. Including the police. If the Government itself is willing to acknowledge his strength, I won't underestimate him." Robin glanced over at the ginger, who only cocked an eyebrow, clearly still skeptical.
"Robin, Robin!" Both women looked up as Chopper came running over. "Robin, we have to ask Luffy if he'll help you." She exchanged an anxious glance with Nami as Chopper pulled her back toward Luffy.
Everybody kind of quieted as the two approached Luffy. They all knew what was about to happen, and as welcoming as Luffy was, they weren't sure how willing he would be to help a stranger.
"Luffy! Sit down, we gotta talk to you." Chopper motioned for Robin to take a seat too. The young gangster complied, grabbing up another snack before plopping down on a cushion.
"We have a favor to ask." The small doctor started. "We need your help in protecting Robin."
"Okay." Luffy blurted, barely letting Chopper finish.
Robin blinked. What.
"She's wanted by the Government." Chopper muttered, just to be clear.
Luffy just shrugged, "Yeah, sure." He took a bite of the bar he was holding.
Robin glanced down at Chopper who beamed back up at her. She looked over at Nami, who was staring at Luffy, wide eyed. Did he really…?
"Are you really willing to help me that easily?" She asked, not sure how to react at all.
Luffy nodded, fixing her in a childish, yet deeply serious gaze. "Yeah, why not? You're Chopper's friend, so that makes you my friend." And that was it.
She had to sit for a moment and process. What kind of a man was this? How could he be so feared and respected, but so friendly and open? She found herself baffled by the person in front of her. In all her life, she had never met someone so blindingly kind. Was he honestly going to help her without even knowing her? Without asking questions? Without judging her?
Of course he was.
She paused. Her eyes traveled around the room, moving from face to face. From Nami's annoyed look to Brook's shrieking laugh to Sanji's contented smirk. If she had learned anything in the past few days, it was that there were good people in the world.
And that people were kind.
And that the darkness she had known her entire life was not all there was to know of humanity. That there was light. And love. And sunshine that she could see in the smiles around her.
This was the beauty of humanity. This was why she was alive.
Thank you for last chapter's reviews! They is making me feel very special~
Fyrloczek: Hello! I am very heppy you like my story :D That makes me smile x)
And ooh, I hadn't really been thinking about Sanji and Zoro fighting again-but I think they'll have to clash again. Weheheheh
Capritacorn: Huehuehue. You catch on faster than Zoro does (What a marimo smh)
Ya, I'm glad I could clear some things up about Robin, and what all went down. And Zoro's a little slow…but he'll definitely come to understand the truth. Eventually :0
Anyone: Welp, we'll have to see...what will Zoro do next? Who knows? You don't know. I don't know. He doesn't even know. *sigh* And no worries, I'll definitely be continuing!