Being in the process of repairing Merry, Usopp felt a gust of wind sweep across the area.
"The wind is really strong." He remarked, watching the sun set. "Tonight's storm will prove to be very severe."
Starting to think, he wondered.
"I can find a hotel...but where should I store Merry? If I leave it here, I doubt it'll be untouched by the waves."
" Hey, Usopp. "
Surprised, the man turned around and saw a man walking towards him.
"Light?" Usopp was surprised, recognizing him.
Smiling at him, the young man approached the boat.
"I assume it's Merry! You finally decided to listen to my advice."
"Indeed! It was impossible for me to separate from it." Usopp assured. "Besides, I'm sure the carpenters were lying."
Placing his hand on the hull of the Merry, he declared.
"Merry is able to travel on any sea! I know he can! It's thanks to it that I managed to sail the Grand Line! It's not a ship that can sink so easily ."
"I believe you." Light affirmed. "Still, I don't think your boat can withstand the power of the Aqua Laguna."
"Huh?" Usopp was surprised.
"The strength of this storm should not be underestimated! It is very violent and feared by all! No matter how strong your boat is, you must prevent it from being hit by the gigantic waves that this storm can produce. "
"I...I understand but...what do you want me to do? Should I hand Merry over to the carpenters to keep him safe until the storm calms down?"
"Very bad idea." Light retorted. "Have you forgotten that they're just crooks? They'll take advantage of you giving them your boat to damage it! Or they'll refuse to give it back to you until you pay them a huge sum of money."
Looking out at the ocean, he stated.
"You need to leave the island."
" What ? "
"Think! You have no other way! In a few hours, the Aqua Laguna will arrive here! So that your boat is not damaged, you must leave the island and take it far away from here! Of course, the weather won't be great, but at least you can avoid the worst of the storm."
Hearing this, Usopp looked undecided, as he stared out at the ocean.
"Huh...that's...I've never traveled alone! And, I don't even have a Log-Pose."
In response, Light stretched out his hand towards him and gave him an Eternal Pose.
"Take this!"
" What ? "
"It's the Eternal Pose that can allow me to return to my home island! All you have to do is use it to leave the Grand Line! Then, all you have to do is use a compass to back to your home. "
"But, what about you? Why are you confiding this to me? Don't you want to go home?"
"I have a mission to accomplish on this island." Light affirmed. "Just like with you, I have to warn as many people as possible about Galley-La's scams! There is no way I'm leaving this island without having managed to close their shipyards! Otherwise, the loss of my ship will have been useless. "
Hearing this, Usopp looked at the Eternal Pose, before bowing to Light.
"Thank you! I really don't know how to thank you."
Giving him a simple wave, Light began to walk away, while declaring.
"The day I finish my mission, I will return home! Let's manage to see each other again! You can tell me about the trips you took with your boat."
"Okay!" Usopp assured. "Thank you again for what you did for me."
But as Light walked away, he had the greatest difficulty hiding his sinister smile.
" Bakayaro. "
Next to him, Ryuk's sinister smile could be heard.
"Sometimes I think I'm more of a humanist than you, Light."
"I'm just making sure our plan goes well." The young man replied simply. "Now that Mugiwara is accused of murder, no carpenter or civilian will want to entrust him with even the smallest boat to leave the island! And to prevent him from stealing one, all the boats on this island are under surveillance."
Turning to Merry, he declared.
"Since Kaku said that this boat can no longer sail, the carpenters must think that Mugiwara will not run away with him! However, if this world has made me understand anything, it is that the illogical can be possible ."
Showing a serious face, he affirmed.
"I wouldn't take any risks! If Mugiwara ever decides to leave this island to follow CP9, we must reduce his possibilities which are represented by the Sea Train and this boat! And if Usopp leaves with his boat, then Mugiwara will have no chance of leaving the island tonight."
"And where does the Eternal Pose that you gave him lead to?"
"Navaronne! It's a place where an important Navy HQ is located! I don't know if this boat can go that far but, in any case, I fear that this will truly be its last journey."
Chuckling again, Ryuk questioned him.
"Didn't you promise Nico Robin to spare her companions?"
Showing an innocent smile, Light retorted.
"I promised her that the Cipher Pool won't kill her companions and let them leave the island! Is it really my fault if the Navaronne soldiers will bomb this boat, if it manages to get to them ? I can't predict everything that might happen."
But as he walked away, he didn't see a few figures going around the rocky area, to get closer to the Merry.
"Is that the boat?" Zambe asked.
"Affirmative! It's Mugiwara's Jolly Roger."
Seeing Usopp alone, finishing his repairs, Zambe affirmed.
"Long-nose seems to be alone! You have to take advantage of it."
"And his beetle?"
"He doesn't seem to be here too! If that's the case, we need to capture this guy like before and not give him time to use his gadgets."
Being watching the sun set, Kaku had put his carpenter uniform back on as he murmured.
"Tonight our mission ends."
Letting out a sigh, he couldn't help but think back to the times he had spent in Water-7. His work, his relationships with the people of this island, his life here... it was all just a facade. And yet, he couldn't help but feel a slight pang in his heart.
"Life to ensure the maintenance of justice doesn't only have advantages."
Then, to his surprise, a face came to mind. Blushing again, he thought of Velvet and quickly shook his head.
"Why do I constantly think about her? She's a pirate."
Suddenly, hearing footsteps behind him, Kaku turned around and blocked a kick at the last minute, crossing his arms in front of him. However, feeling pushed back, Kaku performed a backflip before landing on his feet. Then raising his gaze, he stared at Lucci, before asking him.
"Can I know the reason for your action?"
"I had the strange feeling that you hadn't been concentrating for some time." Lucci admitted. "I'm glad to see I was wrong."
Saying nothing, Kaku simply shook his arms. Finally, he retorted.
"Nothing could distract me! Especially not today."
Hearing this, Lucci showed a slight smile. Then he turned to Blueno.
"Have you received any news about the sea train?"
"Everything is perfectly operational." Blueno affirmed. "His last trip of the day, towards Enies Lobby, was entirely reserved for the Cipher Pol! Additionally, to ensure that Nico Robin was under good escort, Enies Lobby sent a few extra people! is one of CP9's newest recruits, while the other belongs to the Black Knights organization."
"Black Knights? What a ridiculous name." Lucci growled.
"I think that's great." Fosha retorted. "Their name isn't great but knowing that an entire group decided to join the Cipher Pol to uphold justice is something to applaud! Right, Coro-chan?"
Remaining silent, Robin seemed thoughtful. Trying to clear her head, she cursed Vivi while she could still hear her voice in her head.
"We'll come get you, Robin."
Seeing her undecided, Lucci frowned.
"Is there a problem, Nico Robin?"
"Not at all." Retorted the young woman. "I'm perfectly ready."
"Perfect! In that case, Kaku and I will return to Galley-La and you will attack the HQ at the agreed time! And I advise you not to repeat the same mistake as earlier."
Pointing one of his fingers at Blueno and Fosha, with a threatening look, he assured.
"Otherwise, you know what could happen."
In response, the duo felt a shiver, while knowing that he was serious.
" ROBIN !"
Screaming in rage, Luffy still faced the area where Robin had disappeared. Despite his injuries, Luffy felt only rage, while his companions behind him attempted to recover from their injuries.
"Who were these guys?" Gin growled.
"Damn it! I feel humiliated." Wiper roared.
"Their powers were really strange." Lucy remarked. "But in any case, they acted like supermen."
"We don't know anything about them." Raynare remarked. "Immigrants? Devil fruits? Special powers? We have no idea who they were."
"And now?" Menma asked. " What do we do ? "
In response, Zoro sat on the ground, while retorting.
"I don't see why we would do anything."
Despite being frustrated by the humiliating defeat, he declared.
"Luffy gave Robin an order and, just like Usopp, she decided to disobey him! She wanted to leave the crew! So, I don't see why we should still make efforts to get her back."
"Are you stupid or something?" Vivi roared. "There must be a reason why Robin did this! Have you listened to her story?"
"Yes." Zoro assured. "And I don't understand why she decided to associate with these guys! It doesn't matter if they're Navy soldiers or otherwise, these guys are our enemies and she preferred to work with them rather than us trust."
Looking at the others seriously, he stated.
"We gave her a chance, but she still decided to leave! It's her choice."
"Bakayaro!" Sanji growled. "I'm willing to bet Robin-chwan did this to protect us! It's obvious."
"It doesn't matter whether her actions were to protect us or not." Zoro retorted. "Rather than trust us, she wanted to kill someone! If it was to help me that she did this, I want to say that she is wrong! On the contrary! This kind of gesture Makes me want to vomit."
"Whatever." Luffy said, putting his hat back on his head correctly. "I haven't finished talking to Robin."
Then he started to leave.
"I'm going to find her."
Nonetheless, Raynare positioned her foot in front of his legs and knocked him to the ground.
"Baka!" She growled. "Where do you think you're going?"
"In your opinion?" Luffy questioned her, getting up. "One of the guys said they were going to kill Ice-ossan! Which means they're going to Galley-La HQ."
Letting out a sigh, Bruno retorted.
"Think for two seconds."
Seeing everyone staring at him, the man declared.
"Why do you think these guys gave us this kind of information? It's not to be helpful or anything like that."
"Everyone thinks we wanted to kill Iceberg." Lucy remarked. "So we will never be able to get to him, because of the carpenters who will stand guard around his building."
"If these guys warned us of their plans, it's for two reasons." Bruno affirmed. "First, they're hoping we go to Galley-La and get spotted! Because of that, the Carpenters will want to fight us, which will make it easier for these guys to sneak inside from Galley-La HQ! And secondly, if we get spotted and they manage to kill Iceberg..."
"Everyone will think we are the murderers." A few pirates said.
"In short, it's as if they were using Robin so that we become responsible for their crimes." Bruno affirmed. "I don't know if these guys are Navy, but they act very intelligently."
"Now is not the time to compliment them." Nami retorted. "On top of that, we can discreetly go inside the building, thanks to you! Your power allows you to do that, right?"
"It doesn't matter whether or not we get inside the building without being detected." Bruno retorted. "After that, we'll be forced to fight these guys and that will surely attract the attention of the carpenters! And when they come to fight, I think they'll try to pin us down first."
Scratching the back of his head, he stated.
"Our situation is like a chessboard and at the moment, our opponents have the advantage and can afford to play with us before finishing us off! And with Robin with them, it's as if they have taken a pawn away from us. "
Looking seriously at the others, he declared.
"So, there are two solutions before us! Either we decide once again to put ourselves in danger, which could allow our enemies to achieve their objectives, while blaming their actions on us! Or we decide to listen to Robin's words and we begin to come up with an idea to get off this island before the carpenters start looking for us again."
"Hey, stop talking like Robin is our enemy." Vivi retorted.
"No, he's reacting in the right way." Zoro retorted. "Until we know all the details of this story, we won't be able to say if Robin is still a comrade or if she has become an enemy! But now, it's up to us to decide whether or not we want to go ask her to her face."
Then he turned to Luffy.
"Captain?"
"We're going." Luffy affirmed, without the slightest hesitation. "We're going to get Robin back."
" Letting out a sigh, Bruno muttered.
"Why do I exhaust myself trying to speak like a wise old man?"
However, getting up, he declared.
"I would like a map of Galley-La HQ! That way I could more easily get us to Iceberg's room without being spotted."
Galley-La Company
"Unless the enemy attacks us, it is forbidden to break our formation."
" AYE ! "
being in fact surrounding the Galley-La building, all the carpenters were armed and ready to fight against the slightest person wanting to infiltrate inside the building.
And, of course, the five best carpenters sat outside Iceberg's room and were the last line of defense.
"I don't know how Mugiwara managed to sneak into Iceberg's room yesterday without being seen." Paulie confessed. "But today, there is no question of this happening again."
"If he shows up, I'll burn him to ashes." Tilestone assured.
"Do you think Mugiwara would be crazy enough to come here with such strong security?" Kaku asked.
"This guy has a bounty of 100 million berries." Lulu remarked. "In my opinion, he must consider us second-rate fighters! It will be our role to prove him wrong."
Suddenly the door behind them opened and Kalifa came out.
"Paulie! Iceberg-san wants to talk."
"Huh?" The man wondered. "He wants to talk to me?"
"Maybe he wants to talk to you about his will," Rilestone said.
Joke or not, his comment resulted in him being hit several times and landing on the ground with his face bloodied.
But while the carpenters were all ready to fight, they did not see a few pirates watching them, while remaining on the top of a roof.
"There are a lot of guards." Chopper remarked.
"And the most powerful carpenters aren't even here." Nami stated.
"They're probably inside the building, near Iceberg." Lucci said.
Accompanying the trio, Luffy, Zoro, Raynare and Bruno also looked at the HQ which seemed impregnable. Yet, perfectly calm, Bruno declared.
"For the moment, we will stay here and only move if there is trouble! We must avoid being spotted as much as possible."
Then, grabbing a map of Galley-La, he declared.
"Iceberg's room is here! With my power, it won't be difficult for us to get there! On the other hand, we don't know the number of our enemies and above all, we don't know how Robin will behave towards us! Priorities will be to neutralize it and prevent Iceberg from getting killed."
Looking at his companions, he affirmed.
"Our enemies could disperse and while some attack the carpenters, others could infiltrate the building to kill Iceberg! As such, I propose that we split up together! If we are forced to go to "The building, Raynare and Lucy will stay here! And if enemies attack the carpenters, you will have to neutralize them to prevent them from helping their colleagues that we will face."
Letting out an admiring whistle, Raynare noticed.
"For someone who didn't really seem to want Robin back, you're pretty damn invested in this plan."
"It's common sense." Bruno stated simply. "Our crew is like a puzzle."
Remembering their battle at Upper Yard, he asserted.
"During our fight against Enel, our victory came down to very little! In truth, knowing that we were helped by the Shandians and the Navy, I can say that our luck was a crucial factor in our victory ! And knowing that our enemies will become stronger and stronger, we are obliged to do as they do."
Bending his plan, he retorted.
"Unfortunately, now that Usopp is no longer with us, our puzzle is now! And if Robin also decides to leave the team, it is the puzzle that risks being reduced to pieces and no one knows if we will succeed to complete again! In any case, I doubt we can become stronger without them."
Staring at his companions seriously, he declared.
"No matter what we think of each other, we all know that we need our entire crew if we want to stay alive! That's a fact that even a fool can understand! And although my trust in Robin has declined greatly, I know that we will always have her and her knowledge to go as far as Raftel."
Hearing this, Luffy nodded, while he still stared at the HQ.
"To become the Pirate King...I need everyone, including Robin and Usopp."
Meanwhile, on the other side of the island, Sanji was in the company of Velvet, Vivi and Wiper.
"Hey, Cook," The Shandian called. "Can you explain to me why we're not at Galley-La HQ with the others?"
"Use your brain for two seconds." Sanji advised him. "If the enemy has told us their plan, it may simply be to force us to go to HQ."
Thinking for a few moments, Sanji stated.
"But even if those guys are there, there's nothing that requires them to take Robin with them."
"Huh?" Wiper wondered. "There's no logic to that."
"Of course it makes sense." Velvet retorted. "By claiming to want to kill Iceberg, the enemy is encouraging us to go to Galley-La HQ! However, one of them could perfectly well take Robin elsewhere! If so, they want to take advantage of us being busy at HQ, to take Robin off the island."
"Do you really think they'll want to leave the island when a storm is coming?" Vivi asked.
"If these guys have no fear of fighting against a pirate with a bounty of 100 million berries, I doubt a storm could stop them." Sanji retorted.
"Then where should we look?" Wiper asked.
"Easy! We have to search the places that allow you to leave the island! The ports and the sea train station! For that, we have to separate! I'll take care of the sea train! You're going to inspect the ports! But what if you come across these guys, don't try to fight them alone! Warn Luffy and the others."
Not liking the idea of being considered weaker than their enemies, Wiper and Velvet showed their displeasure on their faces. However, both ended up going in different directions.
"I take care of the ports of Block 1." The Indian affirmed.
"I'll take care of block 2." Velvet said.
"In that case, I will inspect block 3." Vivi assured.
"Good luck everyone." Sanji said, running towards the station.
Hearing the wind blowing harder and harder, Yosaku raised his gaze to the roof of the abandoned hangar where he was still located.
"I feel like the wind is going to rip the roof off."
Behind him, Shun-Day looked frustrated, as she stated.
"The situation is already quite stressful... with this wind, it's impossible to sleep."
"Are you worried about Robin?" Yosaku asked.
"Tssss!" Said the child, looking away. "Ever since I've known you, you've just been bickering among yourselves over stupid things! I don't see why I should worry about you."
"I noticed that you are always so cold towards us."
Remembering her conversation with Zoro, she declared.
"You're just stupid adults who don't pay any attention to what children say! It's not because I'm little that I don't know the consequences of quarrels."
Not knowing how to respond to this, Yosaku turned his face towards Johnny who was lying on the ground again.
"Hey! What's wrong with you today?" Yosaku asked, walking towards him. "Are you trying to sleep more than aniki?"
Staying silent at first, Johnny eventually noticed.
"During the Battle of Alabasta, Aniki asked us to stay out of the capital, in order to protect Menma! And today, Bruno asked us again to stay behind, so that we could protect Azelma and Shun -Day."
" So what ? "
"You really don't understand why they entrust us with these kinds of missions?"
Straightening up, he sat cross-legged, before affirming.
"We are the weakest of the crew."
Feeling like he'd already had this conversation with him, Yosaku retorted.
"Stop always seeing the situation in the negative! It may be true what you say but, since Upper Yard, we have progressed and…"
"How much progress have we made?" Johnny asked.
" Huh ... our dials and ... "
"And do you feel like you've made progress?" Johnny asked. "For me, I don't see any difference compared to before! Sure, we've beaten a few people since we left Skypiea! But... we've never defeated anyone that Aniki might have considered a real threat. "
"Why do you say that? Besides, it's not like our crew only has powerful people like Luffy and Aniki."
Hearing this, Yosaku retorted.
"Since joining the crew, everyone has progressed! Vivi can easily control the wind... Nami can control the weather... Menma..."
Turning his gaze, he saw the child looking outside the building, through a window. Even though she was still just a child, Johnny couldn't help but be jealous of her abilities.
"Menma is the one who has progressed the most! In Alabasta, our mission was to protect her! But today, if this hangar is attacked! It is inevitably Menma who will protect us! We are the weakest! Even Usopp was stronger than us! And if he managed to make his pokemon obey, I can't even imagine the big difference there would be between him and us."
Hearing this, Yosaku didn't know what to answer. Then, he was completely surprised, as he heard Johnny say.
"Sometimes I wonder if we wouldn't be better off leaving the crew, before we become an embarrassment to Luffy-aniki."
Still facing the window, Menma watched as the first drops of rain began to fall. Like the others, she was stressed, while she had no idea of the situation at HQ. However, she did not consider her own mission secondary.
Knowing that their enemies already knew their hiding place, Menma had to be careful, while they could return at any time to attack them. Besides, there was no way the enemies would take over the hangar, if Luffy and the others managed to get back here with Robin. The protection of this place was essential.
"Zoro onii-san...this time, I will live up to your expectations."
At that moment, a hand touched the top of his head. Having moved her chair towards the child, Azelma affirmed.
"You really are a very brave child."
"I have no reason to be afraid." Menma assured. "Now that I am a phoenix, Loke has assured me that I am immortal."
" Really ? "
"Yes! And I'm a pirate! I don't have to fear the enemy." She affirmed, pretending to attack an invisible enemy. "I want to protect you and protect Shun-Day."
Hearing this, Azelma couldn't help but hug the child to her.
"You're so adorable."
Feeling her cheek press against hers, Menma couldn't help but feel a strange sensation inside her. Certainly, since she was on the crew, she considers Zoro and the others like her new family. But she considered everyone as older brothers and sisters.
The gesture that Azelma had just made seemed like something else. It gave her a feeling that Menma had almost forgotten. Letting Azelma hold her close, Azelma felt a sense of comfort that she had only felt when she was alive, during her former life. The comfort obtained from a maternal gesture.
For his part, Gin sat on the floor of the hangar, while unable to help but be preoccupied with something different. Finally getting to his feet, he groaned.
"Damn it! Why do I have to be the one worried about this idiot?"
"Gin-aniki?" Yosaku was surprised, seeing him come out of the hangar.
"I'll be back as soon as possible." He said, running towards the rocky area of Water-7.
Who will join Luffy's crew?
Before Shells Town: Raynare - 38 million - (Highschool DxD) / Lucy Heartfilia (Fairy Tail)
Arc Shells Town: Roronoa Zoro - 60 million -
Kuro Arc: Usopp
Arc Baratie: Sanji / Gin -32 million-
Arlong Arc: Nami / Johnny / Yosaku
Drum Arc: Chopper
Alabasta Arc: Nico Robin / Eevee (Pokemon) / Bruno -52 million- (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure) / Nefertari Vivi -25 million- / Menma (Anohana)
Skypiea Arc: Velvet / Heracross / Hatterene / Wiper
Arc Enies Lobby: Franky
Arc Post Enies-Lobby:?
Thriller Bark Arc: Brook
Punk Hazard Arc:?
Treasure Arc:?
Dressrosa Arc: ? /?
Wano Kuni Arc: Jinbei /?
Post Wano Kuni Arc: ? /?
Arc Battle Teach:?
With other characters:
Buggy: Alvida - 21 million-, Magi - 29 million (OC), Bull (OC), Kuro - 37 million -, Morgan - 17 million -, Megumim - 105 million - (Konosuba), Zala (Miss Doublefinger) -35 million, Babe (Mr 4) - 3.2 million -, Drophy (Miss Merry Christmas) - 14 million -, Willy - 20 million, Needless - 57 million
Arlong: Syra (OC)
Milhawk: Alice (OC)
Wapol: Musshuru
Coby : Sakura (Zombieland Saga); Jin (My Hero Academy); Nakata ( OC )
Garp : Emma (The Promised Neverland)
Ym: Light Yagami (Death Note)
Cobra: Neni (M.9)
Shandian: Ayoho (OC), Bouffalant ( pokemon )
Ace : Isuka
Foxy : Dumdo ( OC ), Susumo ( OC )
Aokiji : Shizuo Heiwajima ( Duararara )
CP9 : Fosha ( OC )
Moria : Elsa Granhiert ( Re:zero ), Caruma ( Yu-gi-oh Gx ), Momana ( OC ), Camado ( OC ), Skroa ( OC )
Sengoku: Shinichi Kudo (Detective Conan)
Kaido: Doctor Frank (OC)
Shanks: Nana Shimura -840 million- (My hero academia), Utsuro -970 million- (Gintama)
Widos: Norland Cricket, Kalgara, Kuina, Quatro (Marco (SNK)), Cinca (Mina Carolina (SNK)), Suzuka (Akame Ga Kill)
Individual: Reiner ( Shingeki no kyojin ), Garou (One Punch Man), Babidi (DBZ), Orochimaru (Naruto); Mirko (My hero Academia), Samus (metroid), Team Rocket (Pokemon), Akoya Seishu ( Kengan Ashura), Hiyama Shunka ( Kengan Ashura), Black Knights (Code Geass), Suzaku Kururugi (Code Geass), Mosquito girl (One punch man), Pokemon ( 44 ), Ottis Toole ( Real World ), Henry Lee Lucas ( Real World ), Pit ( Kid Icarus ), Ladydevimon ( Digimon ), Hunter J ( Pokemon ), Zancrow ( Fairy Tail ), Ai Hoshino ( Oshi no Ko )
Gold D. Roger (formerly): Igneel -1.380 billion- (Fairy Tail), Acacia (Toriko), Bardock (Dragon ball Z), Hiruzen Sarutobi (Naruto), Utsuro -970 million (Gintama), Nana Shimura - 840 million ( My Hero Academia), Magi (OC), Zarax (?)
Xerec (formerly): Aizen (bleach), Sejus ( OC )
Crocodile ( formely ): Noscula (OC), Mr 6 (OC), Miss Halloween (OC)
Enel ( formely ): Hunter J. (Pokemon), Zancrow (Fairy tail), Ladydevimon ( Digimon ), pokemon ( 54 )