Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece, only my own characters.
I told myself it wouldn't happen.
I would remain strong, I wouldn't give in.
But I gave in.
... *Sigh* Despite my vows, I started watching Naruto. I told myself to avoid that one until my story was over at least. But I got into it a few weeks ago and I will admit, it's not bad. I avenged my vows by spoiling things for myself and I don't feel guilty in the least. For the most part, this is like when I started watching Fairy Tail during this story. I got a bit distracted, but managed to keep working. Hopefully it will be that way for this. (PS: I like Kakashi, Neji, Shikamaru, and Sai the best!)
In other news, it's been over a year since I started this story! With 267 reviews, 346 favorites, and 412 followers, this is my most popular story ever! I was hoping I would have it finished by now, but alas, it's not to be. Thank you all for being with me during the journey! (Anybody want to make a TV Tropes page or fan art for this in my honor?)
Also, response to Llama Lamb72: Nope! This takes place between Fishman Island and Punk Hazard for the 3D2Y!Straw Hats! More specifically, right after Film Z! (Yes, I know it's technically not canon, but I just pretend the inconsistencies never happened.)
This chapter isn't very action-packed, I'm afraid. It's a lot of talking and explanation, mostly from Robin (as the title implies). That's why this chapter is going to be a bit shorter than past ones have been. But don't worry; you're in for a lot of action in the coming chapters, as well as a few surprises.
SBS 9!
Chapter Question: "If you could have any Devil Fruit, what would it be?"
Hmm... I already don't know how to swim very well, but I still probably wouldn't eat one if I had the choice. But if I were to eat one, I think I would want the Gum Gum Fruit. I used to get hit with balls a lot during gym, so it would have been be nice if they didn't hurt (blunt force and all that).
Chapter 18: The Legend of the Lost Time Island Kāla, As Told By Nico Robin
Location: The Lesser Ruins, at the base of the giant woman statue
Time: Still Day
"So, to summarize: like with the Sunny, Merry got trapped in a super current and was dragged to this island, which is the island of Kāla. While looking for food, Mr. Cook, Mr. Doctor, Princess Vivi, and Carue came across 'Roronoa' unconscious in the woods. After bringing him back to your ship, you concluded that both a past crew and a future crew were on the island, as well as bounty hunters and a native girl. You then met up with Brook and separated to look for the Sunny and Luffy, who went after 'Lysopp.' Nami and Lysopp were temporarily captured by a hunter named Erity, and Luffy was defeated by a red-eyed sniper/swordsman named Vaughan. After that, 'Tony' attacked in Monster Point due to hypnosis. Meanwhile, the Going Merry was ambushed by a swordswoman named Yari, then rescued by Franky, who was actually hypnotized the entire time. At the moment, Franky, Future Sanji, and possibly Future Nami are under the control of a hypnotist named Runo, and Mr. Swordsman, Brook, and Longnose as well as the little native girl have also been captured. You still don't know where the future Luffy is, the hunters are also looking for a lost treasure, the island is time dysfunctional, we might be in Ape's Concert, Observation Haki is hard to use here, and the island may or may not be alive." Robin leaned forward on her hand. "Did I get all that right?"
"Yup," Roronoa said plainly.
"As we told you," Nami said with a nod.
"You have such a good memory, Robin-chwan~!" Sanji cooed.
"Merry's here?" Lysopp said with wonder, as if it had just occurred to him.
"Humph," Vivi grumped.
"Quaw!" Carue added.
Robin sighed and took a thermos of tea offered to her by Sanji. "It seems our captain has once again gotten us into another crazy adventure. One would think I'd come to expect it by now."
"Yeah, no kidding," Roronoa agreed. He crossed his arms. "While we're on the subject of the captain, I don't suppose you have an idea as to where we could find our time's, do you?"
Robin shook her head. "Unfortunately, no. I haven't seen our Luffy since he left the Sunny. I suppose this is what we get for neglecting to hand out baby Den Dens before going ashore."
"You're telling me."
"And as you said, while we're on the subject of our captain..."
Roronoa's gaze flicked over to the giant lady statue. Said captain was climbing all over it enthusiastically while the group's two resident reindeer were shouting up at him to get down. They apparently thought this activity would strain his injuries.
The swordsman twitched in irritation.
As it had been decided, Nami had led the group to the base of the ruins' giant statue. Once they arrived, Luffy had immediately started climbing it, much to Chopper and Tony's distress. Nami left the doctors to their scolding while she started appraising her new jewelry. Sanji and Lysopp decided to take inventory of their supplies while waiting for Roronoa and Robin to catch up. Vivi, meanwhile, simply sat on a fallen pillar with Carue lying next to her feet. She just stared down at the ground with a moody look on her face, and Carue occasionally nudged her foot in an attempt to get her attention. It was a futile effort; Vivi clearly wasn't up for it given the recent turn of events. It was silently decided amongst the group (that is, the ones not climbing the statue) to let her stew. She wasn't going to make nice with Robin any time soon, that much was obvious.
Soon enough, Roronoa and Robin arrived at the statue, and the group saw it prudent to inform Robin of what had occurred in her absence. Thus leading to the archaeologist's very long summary above.
Roronoa stood up and called out, "Oi, Luffy! Get off that thing before you break it!"
"Aw, come on, Zoro-ossan! This thing is so cool!" Luffy called back, looking very similar to his surname as he grappled onto the statue's fingers. "I want a statue just like this for the Merry! Only bronze!"
"That's not a good idea, Captain!" Robin shouted up to him. "A statue this size would undoubtedly sink the Going Merry and drown you all!"
"Robin!" Lysopp snapped. "Don't say that kind of stuff so casually! Especially not when it comes to the... the..." He flopped to ground, tears streaming from his eyes. "... Merry..."
"Usopp!" Tony cried out worriedly, forgetting temporarily to use his new name. He ran over to him. "It's okay! There's no need to be sad about the... the..." The reindeer slumped to the ground as well, also crying. "... Merry..."
Roronoa simply sighed at the display.
Nami and Sanji sweatdropped at Lysopp and Tony 's miserable appearance. What happened (or was going to happen) to the Going Merry to evoke such a reaction? And why did Robin feel the need to say something so morbid? They thought Tony and Lysopp had been joking about that! Still, to avoid upsetting the pair further they chose not to question them on it. Vivi wasn't paying attention anyway, so she didn't say anything either.
Despite wanting otherwise, Luffy reluctantly but carefully lowered himself from the statue. Once his feet were on the ground, he let his doctor lead him to where the group was sitting.
Robin gave Luffy a quick smile before turning back to the rest of the crew. "Now, while I appreciate being filled in, I have to admit that there were a few things you told me that I was already aware of."
"Oh yeah? Like what?" Vivi asked blandly.
Robin sipped her tea calmly and answered. "For starters, I knew about the bounty hunters, this island being Kāla, and the treasure. I know the basics as well as the lieutenants' identities from my own... encounters with some of the lesser hunters"
The way she said 'encounters' made it sound like the most horrible thing in the universe. Lysopp, Tony, (both of whom had managed to recover some) and Roronoa winced in unison. The rest of the crew- save Luffy- sweatdropped again.
"Um, big sis? Mind if I ask you something?" Nami piped up innocently. "This treasure... you wouldn't happen to know what it is, do you?"
Robin blinked.
"You're still on that?!" Roronoa barked.
"Ooh, ooh, is it meat?!" Luffy asked excitedly.
"What about gold?! Doctor said pirates love gold!" Chopper threw in.
"I remember that!" Tony added.
"I once found a lost treasure in an island in the sky..." Lysopp reminisced.
"Liar," Nami snorted.
"Am not! That actually happened!"
"Usopp-ossan! No future stuff!
"Everyone who's not Nami, shut up!" Sanji demanded, breaking into the exchange. "How is Robin-chan supposed to answer if you don't give her a chance to?!"
"It doesn't matter; I can't really answer," Robin admitted. "I have no idea what the treasure is- all I know is that in lore it is referred to as the 'Star of Kāla" and it's very precious. No one knows what it could be."
"Humph," Vivi grunted. "The bounty hunters obviously have some idea of what it is, or they wouldn't be trying so hard to find it."
"Not necessarily. When people hear of a lost treasure, they usually don't think about what it could be. They only care about the riches and prestige that comes with finding it."
Vivi scowled, but silently conceded that point was correct.
Robin leaned back in her seat. "In all honesty, my knowledge about Kāla itself and the lore surrounding it is very limited. It was never something that really took up my interest beyond hearing the story when I was a child." She gained a thoughtful expression. "Although..."
"What is it, Robin?" Chopper asked.
"I do recall that back on my..." She swallowed. "... my home island, the archaeologists were sometimes visited by a colleague from Śapatha Island. His name was Barun, I believe. He was researching a lost civilization, but he always asked if they had new information about Kāla. In fact, he was the person I originally heard the legend from..."
She recalled the instance. It felt like so long ago...
"Ah, Robin-chan!"
Five-year-old Robin turned from the bookshelf she was perusing. She was approached by a tall, tan man in his late twenties, with dark hair and dark eyes. He smiled widely at her, leaning over her. The shiny medallion he always wore hung in her face.
"Hello, Mr. Barun," she said politely. "It's been awhile. Are you here to see Professor Clover again?"
"Just finished talking with the geezer. As usual, he had nothing for me." He sighed morosely. "First Chimp has nothing, then Clover has nothing... it's like I've hit a rut." He gave the little girl a mockingly serious expression. "Never hit a rut, Little Robin. It's the most depressing thing ever."
Robin nodded. She found Barun to be an odd person- it was best to just humor him when he got like this. "You shouldn't call Professor a geezer."
"He calls me a brat, so it's only fair." Barun stuck out his lip and pouted. "I'm married and I have a two year old. I'm hardly qualified to be classified as a brat."
Robin dimly remembered him forcing baby pictures on the archaeologists last time he came to the library... that had been a little less than two years ago. She had only recently started going to the library herself around that time. "How is your son?"
"Vajra? He's doing fine- a little sickly, but the doctors said he'd grow out of it." He whipped out pictures. "Wanna see his most recent photos? I got one of him in the bath tub, and one of-"
"No, thank you," Robin told him bluntly.
When she saw the unbearably-hurt expression of his face two seconds later, she felt a little guilty. She was about to apologize when Barun suddenly took the book she was holding out of her hands.
"What's this?" he asked. He read the title aloud. "'The Tale of the Island of Kāla,' huh?"
Robin shrugged. "It's just a silly bedtime story."
Barun gasped, aghast. "Nico Robin! I thought you wanted to be an archaeologist."
"I do."
"Then how can you dismiss this as a silly bedtime story? All legends have roots in history, and this one is no different." He shoved the book back on the shelf and sat Robin on the ground. "Listen up, Robin-chan. I'm going to tell you the legend, since it's obvious you've been deprived in some way. I hope you can find the history in it. And who knows, maybe you'll be able to help find it someday."
"You want to find Kāla?" Robin asked curiously. "Why? I thought you just asked the professor about that lost tribe all the time."
Barun sat down as well. He gave her a playful smile and held a finger to his lips. "It's a secret."
Robin puffed out her cheeks in mild annoyance.
Barun laughed and poked her cheek. "Maybe I'll tell you when you're older. Now, let's go on with the story, ne? Robin-chan?"
"... Robin-chan? Robin-chan!"
Robin shook herself out of the memory and willed herself to pay attention. "I'm sorry, what?"
Sanji, who was standing in front of her, crossed his arms. "You kind of just blanked out. Is something the matter?"
She shook her head. "No, of course not. Now, where was I?"
"The legend!" Luffy supplied for her helpfully. "Vivi and Brook said they'd heard it before, but they didn't remember any of it! But you said you heard, so that means you can tell us, right?"
"You want to hear it? I thought you didn't like long stories."
Roronoa reached over and shoved Luffy's hat over his face before the latter could reply. "Taking into account we're on the crazy-messed-up island the legend is about, it might help us if we got some insight."
Luffy pushed his swordsman's hand away. "I figure this will be like listening to one of Usopp's stories, and those are always pretty good!"
"Please," Lysopp scoffed. "My tales of greatness are way more fantastic than any mere dusty legend."
"Then luckily for you, this story is actually not that long, but it isn't terribly exciting I'm afraid," Robin admitted. "It also tells little about the time travel and what not. Still, if you all think it will help, I'll tell you it."
"What about that Barun guy you were just talking about?" Nami asked.
"I'll come back to him. Allow me to tell the legend first."
Almost immediately, the entire group was now sitting in front of her, like preschoolers anticipating a story from their teacher. Luffy, Chopper, and Tony took the front- looking the most excited- while Vivi and Carue purposely hung in the back.
"Let's see..." Robin muttered. How did Barun tell it? "Ah, yes. A long, long time ago..."
A long, long time ago (or not, given the subject of this story), there was an island. An island with beaches the color of cherry blossoms and forests that glittered in the sunlight. An island where night and day interchanged at an irregular pace. An island that did not call any one sea it's home, or existed in any one time. This island came to be known as Kāla, or more simply, Time Island.
The island was seen in the Four Blues and the Grand Line, never appearing in the same place twice. Those who had seen it claimed that it was surrounded in a mysterious fog, effectively hiding it from the outside world. But if the island was so elusive, then how was it known that it had a jungle and strange sunsets and sunrises? That is because one day, someone was actually able to disembark on the island.
It wasn't anyone special, mind you. Just a simple fisherman in the Northern Sea who was trying to earn his keep. He'd heard of the disappearing island, but he never thought it existed until it appeared before him. In fear he tried to sail away from it, but found he couldn't. His fishing boat had been caught in a mysterious current that seemed to be dragging him towards the landmass. He eventually gave up and resigned himself to his fate as he entered the fog.
When he emerged he was stunned. Outside of the island it was the dead of winter, with snow falling and the seasonal fish swimming abundantly. Here, the sky was clear and the sun's warmth made it feel like summer. It was as if the season had been completely flipped. The fisherman managed to collect himself long enough to weigh anchor and head ashore.
The island (Kāla, as we know it to be) took his breath away. How was it possible for something so beautiful to exist? In a near daze, he moved from beach to the jungle of giant trees. He felt like something was leading him there and had no idea what it was. It wasn't long before he came across a wondrous sight- the remains of an ancient city. The remaining structures were built from white stone, and in the dead center of the ruins was a statue of a goddess. As he entered the ruins he took in his surroundings, not noticing he was no longer alone.
"I see I have yet another visitor."
The fisherman jumped in surprise and turned. Sitting on the wall behind him was a woman like he had never seen. She had hair the vibrant color of poppies, and eyes that shone like the finest gold. In her hand she carried a staff, like some sort of wise priestess, but that couldn't be so- she was so young.
But she was- she was Calypso, the guardian priestess of the island. He simply gaped at her, and she smiled.
"Did I surprise you that badly?" she asked. She leaned forward. "Tell me- are you really a visitor or are you here to claim what the island holds?"
"I'm just a visitor. I'm not entirely sure how I came to be here," he insisted. He paused. "You've had other visitors here? I never heard of anyone coming to this island before!"
"Before, after- it depends on how you view it. Time is fickle here, as is memory- it does whatever it wants." She pointed to the sky. "Look- it is only early morning and already the sun has begun to set."
Indeed it was. Calypso simply laughed at his gaping and took the fisherman deeper into the ruins. She told him of past visitors- of the eras they claimed to be and the positions that they held. This was when it was learned that the island traveled not just through space, but time as well. She showed him ancient treasure and technologies from the far future that had simply washed up on the island. She showed him the fruit glades where the fruit was always ripe, and even tamed a Lake Lord (the freshwater relative to the common Sea King) right before his very eyes. He was never sure of how much time was passing, but that could be chalked up to Kāla's influence.
"My lady," the fisherman said at one point.
"Yes?" Calypso replied.
"When I first arrived here, you asked me if I was here to claim what the island holds. What did you mean?"
Calypso frowned but answered. "This island serves a greater purpose than you could ever know. It hides something very important."
Important it was. Many years ago (or not, again, due to the nature of Kāla), an ancient people came to Kāla in order to hide a precious treasure. The treasure was said to have been given to humanity by the heavens, and all who saw it intended to grasp it. However, those who would grasp it always intended to misuse it. Thus it was sealed away on the Time Island, so those who were greedy and unworthy would not be able to possess it. This treasure became known as the Star of Kāla, named after the celestial bodies it was said to have originated from.
"And it is my solemn duty to watch over the treasure, and see to it that no one abuses its power," Calypso said. "Already many of my visitors have come here hoping to claim it. I do not even know how they manage to find this place."
"You watch over it, all by yourself?" the fisherman asked.
Calypso was the only human who lived on the island. The last surviving member of a long-dead race. She knew this and gave the fisherman a sad smile.
"Yes, but I endure it. I have promises to keep and I would rather die than break them."
The time eventually came for the fisherman to leave the island. As he sailed away, the current that had brought him there now taking him far from the paradise, he saw Calypso standing on a far off cliff. She was watching him leave with the most sorrowful of expressions on her face.
Once again, Calypso was alone. She may get more visitors, but she is left alone to watch over the Star of Kāla until the end of time.
And who knows? Perhaps, one day, Kāla will bring her there.
"... The end," Robin finished. "Like I said earlier, the legend's not terribly long or exciting, and information about time travel is nil. I apologize for that."
"... So this whole time there's been a hot priestess somewhere on this island?!" Sanji said almost immediately.
"THAT'S WHAT YOU GOT OUT OF THAT STORY?!" Tony and Lysopp yelled at him.
"Moron," Roronoa huffed.
"The legend barely told us anything about the treasure," Nami mourned.
"Nami! Roronoa said that's not a priority!" Chopper scolded her.
Vivi remained silent, and Carue simply looked on stoically (or about as stoic as a duck can get).
Luffy crossed his arms but made no comment either.
"Mr. Cook, please keep in mind that the legend may not be a hundred percent accurate," Robin warned. "Some parts are, obviously- such as the beach, the jungle, the interchanging day and night, and these ruins of course. However, I have a feeling that the priestess you're so excited about seeing is only twelve years old."
Sanji reeled back in horror. "What the-?!"
"Roronoa," Robin said, turning to the swordsman. "Your 'mystery kid' who was captured- do you remember what she looked like? Her hair or eye color perhaps?"
Roronoa thought back. "I do actually. Her hair was this ridiculous shade of red, the kind you think only exists in boxes of crayons. And I think her eyes may have been yellow or something. I wasn't really looking."
"'Hair the vibrant color of poppies, and eyes that shone like the finest gold,'" the archaeologist quoted. She smiled. "Sounds like our 'priestess' to me. And it just so happens that I met her."
The swordsman perked up. "You did?"
"Yes. She was the one who told me where to find these ruins."
"Was this before she got captured by the bounty hunters?" Chopper asked.
"No, it was after. I found her in a cage in the bounty hunters' camp-"
"You know where their camp is?!" Vivi blurted out. She looked more angry, if that was possible. "Then why didn't you try to free any of the crew, or the little girl for that matter?!"
"For starters, none of the captured crew was there when I was. I didn't even know any of us had been captured until I got there. Second, I offered to free her but Siobhan told me that she was going to wait."
Vivi scowled, then crossed her arms and looked away.
"You'll need to tell us where the camp is later," Sanji said, still sulking a little about the fact his 'hot priestess' was just a kid.
"Of course, Mr. Cook."
"Siobhan?" Luffy broke in, catching on the different name. "I thought the mistress-"
"Priestess," Lysopp corrected.
"- was named Cantaloupe," Luffy finished.
"You mean 'Calypso.' Siobhan is what she told me her name was." Robin smiled. "She was quite interested in the fact I was a pirate. I think you two are going to get along."
Luffy gave her a smile back. He liked the prospect of a new friend, especially one that appeared to all lonely on an island. She sounded like she could use friends too.
"So they're not the same person!" Sanji concluded hopefully.
"Not quite," Robin disagreed. "The name is possibly our next inconsistency. Over time, legends get muddled since most of them are passed down orally. However, this inconsistency is explainable. The legend originated in the West Blue, and it just so happens that there used to be an island in the West Blue called Calypso Island. On this island, there was a race who lived there known as the Saṅkalpa Tribe."
"And that matters because...?" Vivi said a little snappishly.
"According to the few surviving ancient texts, the Saṅkalpans were described as having red hair and golden eyes." Robin's face became serious. "They were also the members of the lost civilization Barun was studying on top of looking for Kāla. It's hardly a coincidence."
"Why did this Barun guy want to find Kāla anyway?" Nami inquired. "Did he want the treasure or was it just for adventure's sake like some people we know?"
'Some people', being the Goofy Trio, gave her a thumbs up. (Or just lifted their hoof, in Chopper and Tony's case).
Robin shrugged. "He never told me, and I never saw him again after I turned seven. Last I heard of him, he had apparently died in a pirate attack on his village back on Śapatha Island. I have no way of knowing he if ever even found Kāla or the lost civilization of the Saṅkalpa."
"Oh."
"How can a civilization get lost?" Luffy asked curiously. "Were they all idiots like Zoro?"
"Would you give that a rest?!" Roronoa snapped at him.
"Not that kind of lost, Captain," Robin, said shaking her head. "I meant it's lost in that the tribe and island no longer exist. In my years of research, I learned that nearly 700 years ago, both were annihilated by the then-new World Government. It happened in only one day."
Eye-widening occurred greatly. Not even Vivi could give Robin a dirty look at that declaration.
"Annihilated in a day?!" Chopper exclaimed. "How is that possible?!"
"According to reports I required thanks to some associates I gained in the last couple years, the World Government officially announced that the Saṅkalpa were planning a hostile takeover." Robin's expression darkened. "Since it was so early on when this happened and the attack was imperfect, more information about the race survived which is why I know what I know. This doesn't change the fact, however, that Calypso was the first island in known history to ever receive a Buster Call."
"Damn," Lysopp whispered.
Roronoa closed his eye. Tony gave Robin a sympathetic look.
"A Buster Call?" Vivi echoed. She sounded almost fearful.
Luffy glanced at her. "You know what that is?"
"I've heard about it from my father- it's a devastating Marine attack. A fleet of ten navy warships led by five vice admirals converge on a targeted island and totally bombard it until nothing's left."
While Vivi was loathe to admit she had led a rather sheltered life, her father had actually only told her about this because one of their guests had brought it up and she hadn't known what it was. She wasn't even officially supposed to know about it. The whole time her father told her, he'd had this grim expression that she didn't like. It looked so wrong on him.
"My father told me one island in the West Blue received it twenty years ago," Vivi went on. "Some place called Ohara. The inhabitants were trying to destroy the world or something."
Robin stiffened, and only the future Straw Hats and Luffy noticed. Despite this, none of them said anything.
"That's terrible!" Nami shouted. "Guilty or not, how can the World Government wipe out two islands and their people so easily?!"
"As much as I hate to say it, we can discuss the justification of the World Government later," Sanji said. He turned to Robin. "Did you have point, Robin?"
"Oh, yes, I did," Robin replied, collecting herself. "The destruction of the Saṅkalpa confirms the part of the legend that dictates Calypso- or more precisely, Siobhan- as being the last of her race. But more importantly, the writing on the walls of these ruins are all ancient Saṅkalpan text. It's possible they originated here on Kāla." Robin reached into her bag and removed some of the papers. "Most of the text merely spoke of tribe, their beliefs, and their customs. But..."
She got up from where she sat and walked over to the base of the giant statue. It was only then the crew noticed that, like many of the walls in the ruins, it was engraved with the same strange symbols.
Robin placed her palm against the writing. "... this writing here is not ancient. In fact, if I had to estimate I'd say this engraving is less than five years old." She held up a piece of paper. "This writing here says, 'We leave this as a warning to those who would seek out the Star. May the blood of Saṅkalpa, Ike, and Vidyā never mix, lest you wish to unleash its horror upon the sea once again.'" Robin moved back to the group and sat down. "The Ike and the Vidyā are two other races in the West Blue, only they still exist today- but let's forget about them for a moment and focus on the second part of the text. Answer me this; why would something considered a precious treasure be called a horror?"
A perfectly valid question, but not one easily solved. They were pirates after all- treasure was usually considered a good thing no matter what it was.
It was Roronoa of all people who answered. "Unless it wasn't actually a treasure to begin with. You said so yourself, Robin. Legends get muddled."
Robin nodded. All of a sudden, expressions of terror appeared on Lysopp and Tony's faces. They too got what she was trying to imply. The rest of the group was left to wonder. It was so out of nowhere that Nami didn't even complain about the loss of a possible cash-gain.
"W-Wait, Robin. You're not saying..." Lysopp stuttered.
Robin nodded again. "That's our next inconsistency. The Star of Kāla may very well be some kind of ancient weapon, or even one of the Great Three; Pluton, Poseidon, or Uranus. It's most likely the last one."
The past crewmates had no idea what these 'ancient weapons' were, but going off of how serious all of the future crewmates looked, it was far from a good thing.
"That makes no sense! Why would bounty hunters be looking for this treasure or weapon or whatever of all things?!" Lysopp hollered.
"It makes sense that they're trying hunt us down, but this?!" Tony squealed. "It's totally out of character for bounty hunters!"
Luffy, upon hearing this, remembered something.
"Fact of the matter is, I've been ordered to take you down. Boss and Erity figure turning you in will place the former back in the good graces of the Navy."
"... Maybe it's because their boss is in trouble with the Navy," Luffy said.
Everyone turned and gave Luffy a slightly bewildered look.
"When I was fighting Vampire Guy, he said he wanted to take me down so his boss could get back on the Navy's good side," Luffy explained. "Maybe it has something to do with that."
"What, they're trying to take us down and get the Star just because they're trying to get their boss a better reputation?" Sanji theorized.
"That would mean the World Government knows exactly what the Star of Kāla is and they want it," Roronoa added.
Robin thought about that. "Hmm. It wouldn't be the first time the World Government has held vital information from the public. And taking what I already know of Carrion, it's a valid theory." She raised an eyebrow and turned towards Luffy. "It's unusual of you to draw such conclusions, Captain. I'm impressed."
Luffy didn't reply save a brief shrug.
Sanji frowned. He guessed Luffy, despite his earlier enthusiasm, wasn't completely back to normal.
Robin gave Luffy a concerned look before turning back to the group. "The World Government, like the majority of people, think Kāla is just a legend but they would indeed know of a great weapon's existence. Carrion, being a former marine, would definitely see the advantage of procuring a weapon to aide in the destruction of pirates. If you include that to apprehending the infamous Straw Hat Pirates, then his former superiors would definitely reinstate or even promote him."
Chopper raised his hoof, much like a timid student. "How did he get on the Marines' bad side in the first place, Robin?"
"I'm not sure. I heard he'd tried to access certain navy secrets and was discharged for betraying the Navy's trust."
"That bastard!" Luffy snarled suddenly, jumping to his feet. "He's attacking my friends, making them attack each other, just so he can his old job back?! And after he betrayed his own nakama for no reason?!" He pounded his fist into his palm. "He's going to pay for this!"
"Calm down, Luffy," Vivi said, pulling gently Luffy's arm. "Don't rush into this."
"I'm not going to!" Luffy yelled. He walked up to Robin. "Robin, are you sure you don't know where to find the older me?"
Roronoa raised an eyebrow.
"I'm sure. Why do you ask?" Robin replied.
"If we're going to rescue our friends and make the rotten meat guy pay, we need more future people," the rubberman replied. "We can't take him and Vampire Guy and the rest as we are now!"
The entire group now shared a similar thought- had Luffy actually thought this through?
... Okay, he was definitely still not all better from earlier.
"... I'm with Luffy," Sanji agreed hesitantly, stubbing out a cigarette. "If the fifth strongest bounty hunter was able to trounce Zoro, Vivi, Usopp as well as our future pervy skeleton, we're in need of a bit of back up."
"What are we, chopped sushi?" Lysopp asked, a little insulted.
"Yeah, we can take Carrion and his goons on, no problem!" Tony declared.
Nami hugged her arms. "Erity nearly killed me, and Vaughan nearly killed Luffy. I'm sure you guys are strong, but I'd feel better about this if future Luffy were here too. Besides, the hunters have an entire camp full of men- that's a lot for just four people. It's not like the rest of us will be able to help."
"Yeah, we're all too weak," Vivi muttered bitterly.
"Quaw," Carue added in depression.
The past Straw Hats hung their heads, remembering their failures up until this point. That is, except for their captain. Luffy just clenched his fists.
Roronoa scoffed. "Stop being stupid. None of you guys are weak. Not even the Cook."
The past Straw Hats gave him incredulous looks.
"But you said-" Chopper began.
"I didn't tell you not to fight those of us from the future because you're all weak. Sure, you may be weaker in comparison with most of the people here, but that doesn't make you weak people," he explained as if it were obvious. "It just means you have room for improvement, and if what you've seen here is any indication,you do improve in the next few years. I mean, just look at Lysopp."
Lysopp nodded. "Yeah, just look at- hey!"
"Look, I know where you're coming from. With Arlong, Krieg, and Wapol, you guys have had nothing but victory up until now. You've entered a mindset that tells you you're invincible when obviously you're not. That's why the fact you've been defeated so easily now is bothering you all so much. If anything, this is a huge lesson in humility that's long overdue."
"Is that why you called us 'overconfident rookies' before?" Luffy asked. He looked considerably less furious now.
Roronoa nodded. "I know how I was- how we all were- in the past. When reality rears its heads, it's ugly. That's why I keep telling you not to rush into this. You're not weak people, but you're not strong enough to defeat this kind of enemy. Not yet."
Luffy pursed his lips, then slowly nodded. "... Okay, I got it. What do you, Robin, Usopp-ossan, and Chopper-ossan think we should do then?"
Roronoa, Lysopp, and Tony all looked at Robin. She arguably the smartest Straw Hat there.
"I'd say that, for now, we focus on retrieving Mr. Swordsman, Longnose, Brook, and Siobhan- if she wants us to- from the hunter encampment," Robin suggested. "And, if possible, try to free Franky, Future Nami, and Future Sanji. Getting our respective ships back can wait. Once that's done, then we can find Future Luffy and discuss taking down Carrion and his men. But in order to do that, we'll need to be covert."
Sanji lit a fresh cigarette. "You have a plan?"
"The beginnings of one." Robin gave Sanji a soft smirk. "I'd like to go over it with our crew's best strategist, if that's alright with you."
Sanji, realizing that Robin was talking about him, blushed furiously. Then, as per usual, he went straight into mellorine mode. "Robin-chwan! I'd be honored to help you hone your brilliant beginnings of a plan!"
"Looks like we're getting some action," Roronoa said, a predatory grin on his face.
"You better not fight!" Chopper and Tony cried out in unison. "You're still injured, and we're not going to sew up your shoulder again!"
"I-Isn't this a little s-sudden?" Lysopp tried to argue.
"No use, Lysopp. Luffy's already gotten it into his head that we're going," Nami sighed, jerking her thumb at the boy in question. Sure enough, Luffy was practically bouncing in place. She turned to Robin. "Robin, which way do we start going in?"
"Due east of where we're standing," the older woman replied.
"Yosh!" Luffy hollered. "Lead us to the camp, Robin, Nami! We're counting on you!"
With Luffy's order, everyone stood up and started moving straight due east (the two doctors were sure to keep a grip on Roronoa's wrist so he wouldn't get lost). Robin hung back briefly, then stepped forward to join them. As she moved toward the rest of the crew, Vivi suddenly stepped in front of her path.
Robin stopped and raised an eyebrow. "Is there a problem?"
"I don't trust you," Vivi said bluntly.
"That much was evident," Robin said in monotone.
"I don't trust you," Vivi repeated, "But for whatever reason, Luffy does and I trust Luffy and his judgement. So, for now, I'm willing to call a truce. At least until we rescue Mr. Bushido and the others."
The archaeologist's eyes widened uncharacteristically.
"Is that fine with you?" Vivi asked sternly, not really leaving room for argument.
"... That's fine with me."
Vivi nodded, then turned on her heel and jogged over to Luffy and the rest of the gang. Robin, meanwhile, was still a bit too shell-shocked to follow suit.
Finally, Robin tiredly ran her hand through her hair and slowly started moving to catch up with the others.
"Well," she sighed to herself. "It's a start."
Location: Carrion Bounty Hunter Base Camp, Jungle's Northern Sector
Time: Sunset
The air was filled with smoke. The sounds of cannon fire and clashing swords rang through the air. And...
... Holy crap, had he just jumped off a BRIDGE?!
The rest of the crew was doing the exact same thing, as far as he could see. Not a single one of them looked frightened- though a couple of them had tears falling from their faces, they all smiled.
"GO!" Nami and Sanji shouted.
"GO!" Chopper, Zoro, and who he assumed to be a pre-modification Franky shouted.
"TO THE SEA!" two unfamiliar women shouted- hold on, was that Miss All Sunday?"
They all free-fell without a hint of panic on their faces, despite the fact they were fast approaching the sea below and they had devil fruit users among them. Why were they all so calm?
"Let's go back everyone!"
Usopp was startled. That was a voice he'd never heard before. But where was it coming from? He glanced from side to side, ignoring another large explosion as it went off, and then he saw it.
No; he saw her. Sailing across the waters, unmanned, was... was...
"Back to the seas of adventure!"
"EVERYONE!" he felt himself scream. "GET ON BOARD THE MERRY!"
The Going Merry, looking more battered than ever, sailed directly beneath them. Her figurehead smiled up at them.
"MEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRY!" Luffy hollered.
It was only in that moment that Usopp realized where the mystery voice was coming from.
No way, he thought. That's impossible!
"I came to get you!" Merry announced.
"Rise and shine!"
Usopp was forced into consciousness by someone dumping cold water on him. He started awake, kicking his legs wildly and banging the back of his head against something hard.
The sniper blinked back the tears of pain that threatened to emerge, then fully opened his eyes. Five seconds later, he wished he hadn't.
He was tied to a wooden pole with thick chains, in the middle of a camp next to a small bonfire.
Joining him in being chained to the pole was Brook, who was looking listless and weak (for a skeleton).
Standing around him were countless people, each one armed to the teeth and staring at him as if he were a prime cut of ribs.
Runo stood in front of him, smirking and proudly swinging an empty metal bucket.
Lastly, his eyes fell on a cage that was situated in front of him and Brook. Inside the cage was a young girl sitting cross-legged.
"Wow," she commented sardonically. "And here I thought I woke up weird."
That did it. Usopp took a deep breath and lost it.
"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!"
Next Time:
Chapter 19: Camp Assault Part 1- Know Thy Enemy
Robin dimly remembered him forcing baby pictures on the archaeologists last time he came to the library... that had been a little less than two years ago. She had only recently started going to the library herself around that time.
I think Robin was about three when she started attending the library. She still looked really young in that flashback episode.
"The beginnings of one." Robin gave Sanji a soft smirk. "I'd like to go over it with our crew's best strategist, if that's alright with you."
Sanji has proved himself to be an excellent strategist on more than one occasion. Just see him during the Alabasta and Enies Lobby Arcs. He's awesome!