-Usopp-

I lost… I mean I let him win. Yep, that's right… no, don't lie to yourself. You fought hard, you showed him what you are capable of. I don't regret it… this was the right call. This was the decision. I got the Merry and… left the crew… on my own terms. I mean, they invited me in the first place and I just leapt aboard without a second thought. I figured hey, I get some experience, I get to be with people I know and not be by myself for awhile. So here's what I need to do, get Merry fixed and see what else is out there. I'll be the bravest warrior of the sea and show the others no force can topple the Brave Captain Usopp!

Yep, this was a good decision. No regrets… yep... no regrets.

Next Day

-Nami-

I ask myself this daily. How can I make sure everyone on the crew does not end up drowning? That's my job. I'm the navigator and treasurer. Okay here's the next daily question. Are my tangerines ripe enough to eat? Next one, do we have enough money?

Ugh, everything from last night was possibly the worst I have seen on the Grand Line, since I joined the crew. Since last night the mood is still present. Robin never returned to the ship and since then we never heard from her. Of course we stayed at a hotel, but with her skills she could've found us. We ended up in a hotel where I persuaded the clerk to let us stay on the roof.

After that... just trying to keep it together. I'm still upset, but I'm trying to stay my usual self. I just lost a friend and brother to a stupid dispute. The others... well. Zoro seems to be taking it in stride, but he's just as upset. He needed to make the decision due to Luffy not being in the mood to lead. Like a Vice Captain. Chopper is still upset about it, Sanji is still bothered by it, I wonder if he blames himself. Anya looked miserable, she did not become a spaz at the sight of a stray cat on the way to the hotel.

Ugh, what can go wrong now? It's okay, it's life right? People tend to blow things out of proportion. I get that Merry is important, Kaya is important to Usopp and maybe that's why he reacted that way.

There is no reason to dwell on this now. Time will tell if this was the correct decision… even if I think the answer was and is a stupid one. Currently, I am standing outside the hotel, wondering if Robin would see me.

"EXTRA! EXTRA!

I ignored the kid riding on a horse drawn wagon, flicking papers in every direction. Wonder what's wrong?

"EXTRA! THE HERO OF WATER SEVEN, MAYOR ICEBURG WAS STRUCK DOWN BY AN ASSASSIN LAST NIGHT!"

!

"WHAT!?" I shouted in shock as the paper landed near me. I grabbed it and read it, my eyes widening with each word read. What? Who would try and kill him? I rushed back inside the hotel, past a bunch of confused people and ran all the way up the roof top.

I burst open the door and found the others exactly where I left them. Luffy perched on a nearby roof overlooking the city, still moody over last night. Anya laying on her back looking at the sky, who changed into a blue polo shirt, also unhappy. Zoro sitting against the wall. Sanji and Chopper standing around, probably taking. I bleeped out and immediately told them about the news.

Luffy looked alarmed by the news. "Ice Guy?" He frowned deeply. "That's not right, the guy was loved by everyone."

"Well someone didn't." Anya muttered. "Who is he?"

"The man we talked to at the shipyard and the mayor."

She scowled. "Mayor huh."

Luffy gave her glance. "He's not like the others." He stood up. "Ice Guy is better than them."

"I never met him." The girl spoke with a sneer. "He did ju-."

"Anya." Luffy spoke up. "Trust me, I made that the decision."

"Fine." She spoke out and closed her eyes.

Was there something here that I should be worried about? No, if there is another riff I don't think I can take it.

"Anyway, I want to check things out." said the captain

I nodded and told him I was coming with him. I asked the others what they would do. Sanji said he, Chopper, and Anya were looking for Robin. Chopper frowned deeply, possible feeling guilty while Anya stood up and gazed at the city with a deep frown.

This situation is very wrong. Normally Luffy would give off this smile and optimistic attitude, but he's not smiling at all. That usual feeling from him is not completely there. Anya she would be just as upbeat and try to be witty, but that aspect is not there. It's like a switch for the twins have turned off.

-Enies Lobby-

"WHY IS IT EATING MY FOOD!"

"Well, it is hungry."

"Shoo it away!"

The creature ate the food known as eggs and bacon and gobbled up the coffee. When morning came it went back inside in search of food. It spotted the food set and immediately dove in, that's when the man named Spandam and the woman entered.

The woman gazed at it with disinterest and took out a harmonica. "This is the song of move away."

Spandam groaned as the woman played the harmonica fervently. It rolled its eyes before spreading its wings and flew away. It did not need to hear the annoying music. What else was there to do other than annoy them? The man was proving to be a weakling after all. It stopped when it saw the elephant eating hay. The creature was just like it. An object given life by Dr. Vegapunk. It glared at the pachyderm, making it freeze upon its glare.

It smirked as the elephant knew its place, before itself flew away.

-Franky-

There are days where you feel good about yourself. Days where things are just SUPER great. I finally got enough money to get special quality wood for my dream ship and what happened when I get back? My bros! My bros got trampled like slugs by the Strawhat pirates? I admit, maybe I should've expected retaliation from hurting their friend, but I was sure my boys would've handled it. Nope, four of them came here, kicked their asses and left without breaking a sweat.

I'm mad! Super mad. Nobody messes with the Franky family and gets away with it. Strawhat Luffy is going to get his butt kicked in. How do I do that? By putting on show for my adoring fans, of course! Yeah, I know they despise me, but that's how you put on a show. Stir up trouble, controversy, and show them you don't care about their feelings.

Me and the girls went to harbor 1. You know the place with a giant one in the middle. Yep, that place. I figured go there and get that pirate to reveal himself. We hid ourselves by a curtain and started with the beat and song.

Me and the girls stood up on top of the tower, posing, dancing and demanding Strawhat Luffy to show himself.

"THERE HE IS!"

"GET OFF THE ROOF!"

"FRANKY IS GOING TO RIOT!"

"DON'T STARE AT THAT MAN!"

Stare, don't stare. I'm the man who will be remembered long after I'm dead.

"THE NUMBER ONE HERO OF WATER SEVEN! THE ONE AND ONLY! SAY IT WITH ME! YEAHHH!"

The curtains pulled away, revealing myself and the girls in all of our glory! The man you can rely on!

"FRANKY!" And Kiwi and Mozu of course. In my signature cool pose, for all to see, we revealed ourselves much to the shock of our adoring fans. I flicked up shades as I called out that idiot pirate. Make enough noise and they will surely come.

...

Any minute now…

"SPEEDO GUY!" I looked down at the person, searching around until I found a kid in the strawhat looking at me.

"I'm Luffy!" He roared while glaring at me.

Well, well. That scrawny little kid is Strawhat Luffy. I expected him to be bigger, but who cares. I won't underestimate him like my boys did. Here I come Strawhat! You better put up a super good fight!

-Chopper-

A pirate is someone who loves freedom, brave warriors of the sea, adventurers who seek the unknown… it depends on who you ask. Luffy believes in the type who loves to go on adventures and having the freedom to go where they want. Usopp believes being a pirate is being a brave and strong warrior. I follow their example by keeping their ideology close to my heart along with Dr. Hiriluk's belief.

Somewhere in history being a pirate meant you were evil and downright heartless. Maybe those who want to explore on their own terms weren't called pirates at first, but due to have no affiliation with the government they were called that.

History is not my strongest desire, unless it involved medical breakthroughs. Something in the past can help me understand how to home my skills to be the best doctor around to help crewmates. I will treat the injuries they accumulate through battle and other health conditions. I am surprised Sanji hasn't gotten any complications from smoking, it's like his body refuses to succumb to it. Although, there are people who have smoked for years and never experienced the conditions associated with smoking… you won't catch me doing it though.

Although, I suspect he smokes for personal reasons.

Speaking of personal issues, Sanji and I just escaped from Usopp. Why? Well… we learned about a huge scary tsunami called the Aqua Laguna that would flood the city. Our natural response was to race to where we left Merry and act coy by shouting as if we were scared about Aqua Laguna. It's the only thing we can think of other than facing him.

I hope he heard it, if he died from it… no he heard it, he has to have heard it. That's how awesome he is, his hearing range is 10 yards or more… maybe too far-fetched, but it's something.

I still don't like what happened, we were family and now we are not. This is what being an adult is all about, right? Making tough decisions that will affect your life, even ones that you will hate, but must accept.

I hate it.

Prior to hearing about Aqua Laguna, Anya left to cover more ground, but I think she just wants to be alone. She wasn't being her usual self. Sanji told me to leave her be for a while.

So now we're walking around looking for a friend while hearing about the others getting framed for trying to kill Mayor Iceburg. What happened? Did someone frame us? Were we scapegoats? I don't know what is going on, but this is not how I imagine staying in Water Seven. For now, they have pictures of Luffy, Zoro, Anya, and Robin. It won't be long until the civilians realize we're members of the crew.

I hope Robin did not board the sea train. That would give us more problems.

"Things are getting dicey." mumbled Sanji. "How did Robin get involved that night? I know she's been on the run, but this is making her more guilty. We need to find out the truth."

"Have you noticed there are fewer people out since the wind's pace keeps increasing?" I inquired to him. "I'm getting a bad feeling about Aqua Laguna."

"Yeah, this storm maybe more than we thought."

I nodded as we continued walking. I stopped as my nose picked up a familiar scent. My eyes widened as I looked to my left and gasped. Sanji heard my cry, then looked at what I saw and gasped.

Robin stood across the water road, looking calm and… tense. Something is wrong, but what is it?

"ROBIN!" Sanji shouted, dropping the honorific. I guess its that bad. "We've been looking all over for you. What happened? Are you okay? Want me to find the punks!? Just come back to the in and you can tell us what happened. We'll come to you."

"No, stay there."

My eyes widen. "What?" I stuttered.

She frowned deeply as she spoke. "I won't go back to the crew."

WHAT! Why? Why, why? This has to be a mistake. What brought this all of a sudden?

"Robin!" Sanji shouted in shock. "What are you saying? Is it about the paper? Whatever it is we'll figure something out. Pirates get framed all the time, they needed a scapegoat and they picked us."

"I'm sorry you were framed for that, but… that article is no lie. I was at the mayor's house house last night."

No… did she really? Why would she try to kill him. I thought she wouldn't do that!

"There is a darkness within me that the crew does not know and it will destroy you."

All thoughts went back to Admiral Aokiji. Was what he said true? Is there some trick or game or whatever going on? What is happening? Now she's saying it's convenient that we're framed and it will help her escape. Robin what happened? Did someone do something to make you do this? Don't do this! Sanji pleaded for her to stop what she was doing, but she was insistent on parting ways.

"I never deserved your kindness… thank you for everything." She turned around as she spoke. "Goodbye."

I froze in shock when she walked away without a second thought. I stood there as the distance kept growing with each step.

"HOLD ON!" Sanji shouted as he rushed forward and dove in the water. He tried swimming, but the current held him back. Unfortunately we lost sight of her as she turned a corner. This is not good. Why is this happening? First Merry can't be repaired, then Luffy and Usopp fought and now this? What's going to happen to the crew? This is not what I had in mind when I became a pirate… am I naïve?

Sanji plopped himself on the steps and wrung out his clothes. We didn't say anything, we knew what happened. 20 minutes passed while silence echoed in the air as Sanji let his clothes dry for awhile. He stood up as he put his clothes back, no matter how wet they were.

"Chopper, go find Luffy and the others. Tell them what happened, every detail."

"But… what about you?"

Looking fully clothed, he stood up and turned to me. "I'm going to do my own thing." He saw my surprised look. "Don't worry, I won't be rash."

I looked down at the ground, feeling saddened. I can't help, but feel this was my fault "Do you think she hates us?"

Sanji sighed as he walked away. "Chopper, remember one thing in this life. A man… forgives a woman's lies."

He walked after saying it… it sounds cool, but… I don't know. It's a cool moment… but is he right? Doesn't matter I need to find Luffy."

-Iceburg-

It felt like as soon as the Strawhat crew arrived in Water Seven, things started turn bad quickly. I have heard from Mr. Tom that those with D are those who would bring a storm, those who don't allow death to overcome their rampage… or so he says. Two who have the Will of D. have arrived and brought trouble in Nico Robin, the devil child.

I questioned the reason she got the bounty. Did she really sink those ships or did the organization create the lie to cause the girl pain and suffering because of some close-minded reason? Did Ohara need to be... silenced? This is the same organization that took Mr. Tom away and nearly killed Franky. If the information about her is a lie, then those years of escaping the law may have manifested hatred in her heart.

Last night felt I was verified when she and a masked individual tried to kill me. Although that might have been a warning shot if that masked person is from the government. Killing me would not get them the blue prints to the Ancient Weapon Pluto. Cutty Flam… no… Franky. Cutty Flam does not exist anymore… only Franky.

As long as Franky keeps the real blueprints it will be fine. I can't let Nico Robin nor the Government get a hold of a dangerous weapon.

Strawhat Luffy… the kid did not look like a captain and acted like child about getting a new ship. Why is he commander of a crew if he has no sense. Does he know what Nico Robin is doing? Is he involved somehow. I feel something is going to happen that will shake the city.

Hmm… I have been having these thoughts since I woke up and it does not please me that there is no resolution… and I hate being here in this stuffy old room with it's dull interior. I'm getting this redecorated at first opportunity, then knocking that wall to replace it with an even better wall. I am the Mayor, this building will be remodeled to oblivion and bac—wait what's that noise. Sounds like someone crashed through the window.

Whatever the problem is, the others will take care of it. Speaking of others, Kalifa entered my room just as I am monologuing.

"Sir, I am terribly sorry about the noise outside."

"What happened?"

"Strawhat Luffy has broken into the mansion."

What a reckless brat… and he calls himself a captain. But… I can play this to my advantage. I told…TOLD Kalifa to get Strawhat to meet me. There are a lot of things I need to discuss with him, notably Nico Robin. After she left I waited a while. Each passing second felt like an eternity. Waiting for this so-called captain to appear in front of me.

Then the door quickly opened up and closed, revealing 100 million beli man in front of me. He was tired from running, obviously, but he looked different. His appearance was the same, but his demeanor was different. Something had changed last night. Might as well get this out of the way.

"I heard you want to see me, Strawhat."

"Yeah." He spoke calmly. "You calling me here has saved me the trouble."

I frowned deeply. What is his aim? "Being enticed with anger to kill me is far-fetched for someone like you."

He snorted. "I want to know the real truth! They said Robin attacked you last night!"

He didn't know? Something is wrong… or he's bluffing. If then. "Last night, one of your crew members attacked me. That person was Nico Robin." He looked shocked at my words. Is that genuine? "That is the truth."

"How can you be sure its here?"

Arrogant brat. I pulled my gun from under the covers. He looked shocked, but not concerned.

"Silence, boy! I don't have the energy to listen to your mouth run. I called you here because I have one favor to ask."

"What favor?"

"I want to see Nico Robin… one more time."

"Ah." He looked… I don't know concerned. "Can't help you. We don't know where she is since yesterday."

Damn, that's not the answer I wanted. He's lying!"

"I'll say it one more time. Bring Nico Robin here."

"I said, we haven't seen her since we arrived in town. She separated from the others under their noses."

BANG!

My aim was off because of my weakness. The bullet struck inches beside him. He growled and approached the window quickly. "I'm made of rubber." He rushed to the window and pushed it opened. He looked back at me with an angry look. "I don't believe you!" He jumped out the window after that remark.

Just as he left, my merry band of carpenters emerged through the doorway to check the commotion. I told them I was alright. I am… but something is in the air. I don't like it. Strawhat is either feigning ignorance or he lost control of his crew. Someone like that does not deserve to be captain if he does not have any way of controlling members of his crew. I gambled on getting the truth and look where it got me?

"Capture them. All of them must be brought in, alive!"

"YES SIR!"

Boy, if you don't know where she is then you are in over your head.

-That evening-

-Paulie-

So... how do you think one spends their evening? I would go to the casino, to play blackjack, poker, roulette... what? Yes I got debt, but I'm going to pay it all back. It's not a problem, it's my hobby. It's just who I am, so shut up.

As I said, it's what I usually do, other than grab a drink with friends. No. I ended up in a conspiracy. So much crap happened in this city. We thought Strawhat tried to kill the boss, but it turned out to be some crazy assholes in costume. Ugh.

These crazy assholes were looking for blueprints to steal. They were fake, but I was a decoy for the real ones.

Now... I am stapled to the floor with Strawhat next to me. He appeared like some random idiot through a wall and fell for the same trap by those mask loonies. That devil fruit of his comes in handy. However... I am pissed off. I can't let these guys who claim to be an intelligent agency kill Iceburg.

Strawhat and I agreed to work together. He just as pissed off as I am. Those masked guys took Nico Robin from him so I get why. She's also being used in this plot. So after yelling out our frustration, Strawhat managed to free himself by squeezing out, thanks to his fruit power. The power of Rubber is interesting to say at least. After freeing me I stretched myself and readied myself. I'm going to make them pay.

"ALRIGHT" The kid shouted and swung his arm. "Now let's go."

I nodded and proceeded to the door.

"No, the wall!" Luffy pointed. "It will be faster!"

"Hey, someone is going to have to fix that."

"Do you want to fight?" He looked at me as if I was an idiot. "Then come on."

I sighed. I'm going to regret this, but I have no choice. Time to bring down the house to save the boss. Without a second thought Strawhat ran straight into wall and into a vacant room. I realized this isn't it, but he still insist on breaking down the wall. Fortunately, he listened to me when I told him it was the wrong direction. After few broken walls we finally emerged in the correct room.

It wasn't just us in the room, Strawhat's crew broke down the door. Now I'm face to face with th... wait... I... expected a bunch of weirdos in costumes. Not... them. I ignored the other idiots in the room and Mr Iceburg yelling at me for not running away. My... my attention was on the four people I never would have expected to be my enemy. I couldn't even believe it. I yelled out about what was going on, why were Lucci, Kaku, Kalifa and Blueno from the bar standing here acting as they were the ones who tried to kill my boss.

Is this a sick joke? I yelled out in anger about the truth... no I am very pissed off.

To answer my question, Lucci gazed at me with this look on his face. A feeling came over me like I was the prey to his hunter. I never felt this from him. Normally he would be this stone cold, yet friendly jackass, but now it's like some kind of gate opened and death came.

"Paulie, truthfully we are World Government's agents, specializing in intelligence. This a shock to you I believe and... you may forgive us if we apologize. The time we spent together crafting ships from dawn to dusk. We are comrades after all. Although, if you need more convincing..." His eyes slightly morphed into some kind of oval shape for a moment. Almost terrifying. "Shall I cave in his face to prove it."

Okay, I'm done with this nonsense, of all the things that happened. This guy... this guy...

"YOU SACK OF CRAP! YOU COULD TALK THE ENTIRE TIME!" I rushed at him while pulling my ropes. "YOU MOCKED ME THE ENTIRE TIME!?"

I rushed forward with intent to maim this bastard.

"Grk"

Ah... that hurt. I looked down at what hit me... damn. It's as if he flew in front of me and pierced me with his freaken finger.

Damn.

I collapsed to my knees as he further mocked me about his fancy techniques. Six powers was it? Don't care. All I feel is betrayal from three people I trusted and Blueno.

But... despite being in pain, these guys still tried to kill the boss. I will try to fight even if it kills me.

-Robin-

It felt like time passed quickly as I watch what transpired. Lucci stopping the shipwright from attacking, the crew demanding and pleading for me to come back. It pained me to see CP9 attacking my... them to stop them from trying to get me. I told them to keep them alive and well in exchange for my life.

The struggle is real and they need to accept that. You can't stop people from leaving, you can't assume they stay with you forever. History has taught me that. The fate of my mom, Professor Clover, Saul, and the rest of Ohara has taught me that. I want to save them from the Buster Call, that's why I'm leaving.

Even if not for the Buster Call, CP9 has proven they are more capable with their six powers. Luffy and Zoro could not handle them with their strength, but give them enough time they will... no I can't have hope. They aren't strong enough.

I turned to walk toward the window, every intent to leave.

"ROBIN!" Luffy shouted. "STOP! THIS ISN'T OVER!"

I gazed back at him. "It's done, Monkey D. Luffy. We will never see each other again."

I ignored their pleas as I left through the window. What happens here is the beginning of the end... my end. I did this for you. I behaved this way to protect you. Understand that and move on. You don't need to have a burden like me in your crew.

I'm sorry... forgive me.

-Sanji-

When love is in the air, you are drawn to it. You find out where the smell is coming from and treat that special lady like she is the only one in the world.

…

Sounds corny? Love is corny and corny is love. Okay, back on track.

After seeing through Robin-chan's veil of deception. I decided to do a little snooping. On one hand it's good I can walk freely in my investigation because everyone and their mother is looking for my crew. Luffy, Anya-chan, and Marimo can take care of themselves… unless they accidentally end up get captured… I must trust Nami-swan to take care of things.

What I found were some government agents loitering around. Not enough to pose a problem, but enough to make me curious. Perhaps they decided now is the time to claim Robin. They must've gotten to her, spoken to her, and then she had to play coy until the time for her to board. I don't know why she didn't come to us, but I think she… might be tired of running or does not trust us enough. Me? I'm the prince you can trust, the gentlemen who uses the shadows to run afoul of the enemy.

When night came, I stayed around the train station and look at what I found, government agents. Huh, so what do you know. All I need to do is wait for Robin to show up… if she shows up. For all I know I could be overthinking and I am loitering in a dark alley way like a creep. Whatever the case I will wait here for her.

"Sanji?"

Ah, the familiar voice of the lovely dragoon. I looked around to see Anya-chan standing there, looking dirty and sheepish. What has she been up to? Did those bastards try and nab her? More importantly did she come to the same conclusion?

"So did you guess Robin would be here?"

"What?"

I blinked at her with a confused look. Did she not meet the others before coming here? There was chain of events since she separated from Chopper and I, but... I have to ask."

"How did you get here? What happened?"

She scowled deeply. "I got chased by people thinking we killed the mayor. They think we did it, but we didn't do it. We're not that petty." Her frowned morphed into sadness. "But… then I thought about Robin. Could she be tied to that?" She chuckled. "Then I saw a stray cat and tried to give it food, but then they found me and I ran all over the place." She sighed sheepishly. "Then I got lost and I have no idea where I was." She pouted. "I thought waiting until night would keep me safe." she groaned. "Then I ran before I got hit by that wave, that was scary." She beamed at me. "Then I found you because you're not directionally challenged."

This woman is troublesome in a cute way. She got lost and found me! It must be fate! However I dread she got Marimo's ability of getting lost... then i realized who she is related to... but that's not important.

"It's good you came by."

"What is going on?" She looked at the train in front. "Why are you here? You mentioned Robin. What happened?"

"Something strange is going on." I faced the train. "Keep an eye on the train."

"... Oh..." She peered over my shoulder. "Is... this the Mr. Prince thing? Are we spying?"

"In a way."

"Oh... Can I be the Violent Empress?"

"Don't you mean Violet."

"Sure." She shrugged.

Hm... We stayed there for a while until a cloaked person made their way to the train. They turned their face to the government agent... ah... just as I thought. I covered Anya's mouth before she could do anything.

"Don't."

She took my hand away. "Is that Robin? What's happening here? Why is there a Government agent there? What's happening?"

"That's something we need to get to the bottom of. Wait a bit and then we're get on that train."

Hold on Robin-chan your prince and the empress are coming.

A/N: What can say about the new chapters. Yamato didn't join, Carrot didn't join. Who knows where Vivi is. I wanted the Strawhat 13 with Yamato, Vivi, and Carrot. But... Yamato staying because of Greenbull is better than just wanting to explore Wano because ODEN ODEN ODEN!

Carrot becoming ruler will never make sense to me. Just make her the captain of the guard and make Wanda and Shishillian the rulers of night and day.

Poor Buggy, but he went in over his head and his crew are morons and cowards

Everyone, Emperor Luffy and his 9 Commanders... 10 in this story, but we came a long way from a guy that nearly drowned and emerged from barrel.

The main contender is not Blackbeard at Amazon Lily. Nope, it's the World G.'s new Pacifista's. Child versions of the Warlords. I bet it's all the Warlords, not seven of them. All of them. Originally I thought the Government was getting Big L's left and right... still think so. But these child clone lunarian super soldiers are giving them the edge.

Dr. Vegapunk. That's either a robot or clone or he separated his mind/personality/conscious in many robot clones. Why is there Punk 02 on her jumpsuit.

Dang, Sabo... he's fine, but Imu may Ancient Weapon Uranus. Like Ohara, Lulusia does not exist. All I see is Sabo and pages of ocean.