Disclaimer: Nami, Luffy, Zoro and the others still don't belong to me.
Author's Note: I have a lot of trouble writing Robin. I would very much appreciate any reviews with suggestions on how I can do a better job writing her dialogue and personality.
Diffraction
by Mako-clb
Chapter 3: Set and Drift
"Alright, the log pose will reset tonight, so we set sail tomorrow morning. I want everyone back by sunset, no exceptions. Got it?" Nami waited until Luffy nodded to make sure he was paying attention. "Zoro, you stay to guard the Sunny."
"Fine by me." Zoro stretched his arms up above his head. "I could use a nap."
"Lazy marimo," Sanji muttered.
"What did you call me?" Zoro unsheathed a sword.
"Knock it off," Nami shouted. "We can't afford to have you two damaging the ship already."
Sanji bowed. "My apologies, Nami-san."
Zoro growled, but he sheathed his sword and settled into a comfortable position on the deck. He was asleep a few seconds later.
"Okay, who's going with who?"
"I thought I would visit the bookstore Chopper mentioned," Robin said. Turning to the doctor, she said, "Perhaps you can show me the way."
"Oh." Chopper looked from Robin to Zoro and then to Luffy. "Well, um…"
"I see you had other plans," Robin said. "Please don't trouble yourself. If you give me some directions, I'm sure I can find it."
"I would be happy to accompany you, Robin-chan."
"That would be lovely."
Sanji began dancing around Robin with hearts in his eyes.
"Chopper."
The reindeer jumped when Nami said his name. She noticed he kept looking between Luffy and Zoro, clearly wanting to spend the day with his idols, but Zoro was staying on board and Luffy would certainly want to explore. Taking pity on the little doctor, she bent down and whispered something in his ear.
"Really, really?" Chopper asked, clapping his hooves together in excitement.
"Yes, but if you don't keep your end of the deal, you'll owe me."
"I will!" Chopper said, running off.
"Sanji-kun, Chopper is going with Luffy."
"Of course, Nami-san." Sanji stopped dancing around Robin and headed off after the doctor. "I'll be right back, Robin-chan."
"He is?" Luffy asked. "That's cool. Chopper can tell me what those funny fat squirrels were laughing at."
"I believe they were gophers," Robin said.
"Nami, come with me today." It was a statement, but Usopp said it more like a question.
"What, why?" Nami asked.
"You didn't give me enough money," Usopp said, hesitantly, shaking the pouch she had given him yesterday that he hadn't had a chance to spend. His voice took on more confidence as he added, "I need you to go with me and get a good deal on supplies for Captain Usopp's awesome ammo."
Nami's first instinct was to reject Usopp's request. She had some things to do on her own today. But looking at him now, the way he wouldn't quite meet her eyes and the hesitant way he had talked to her, Nami had the same feeling she did yesterday about the Merry. Maybe if she, if they had all, put a little more effort into how they treated Usopp, things would have been different on Water 7.
"Fine, but don't think you're getting a single beri extra."
Usopp smiled at her.
"Hey, Franky, you wanna come?" Usopp asked, and Nami noticed there was none of the nervousness the sniper had when asking her.
"I wanted Franky to come with me," Luffy said. "If Chopper turns big, he can walk next to Franky, and I can stand on their shoulders. That would be cool."
"Nah, I'm going to look for a place that sells cola," Franky said. "All those SUPER experiments Longnose and I've been working on used up some of our cola reserves."
"Franky." The cyborg turned to Nami just in time to catch the pouch of beri she tossed his way. "That's for cola and to buy yourself some pants."
"Pants are not SUPER, but thanks."
Nami shook her head as Chopper, now in his Walking Point form, and Sanji rejoined them.
"Be back at sundown," Nami reminded everyone as they headed out. "And don't get into trouble."
-N-N-N-N-N-
When the den den mushi rang, the Diamond Pirates' first mate picked up. "Fram, here."
"It's Gen."
"What's the word?" Fram prompted the taciturn sniper.
"They left," Gen said, his low voice at odds with the mini den den mushi. "The Pirate Hunter stayed behind on the ship. Straw Hat and some reindeer took off into the forest. The rest went into town."
"So the two strongest are out of the way." He didn't like the idea of going up against any of the Straw Hat pirates, but Captain Blu might pull this off if they got lucky. When Gen didn't elaborate, Fram prompted, "And the others?"
"The big guy in the speedo took off on his own. I lost the rest."
"I'll tell the captain. Keep an eye on things, and keep me updated."
-N-N-N-N-N-
Things were so not SUPER. Franky had already tried several shops, and nobody knew where he could buy large quantities of cola. Sure, there was a sweet shop that sold it by the bottle, and he bought a few for his own systems. But he needed a whole lot more than that to power the Thousand Sunny. He couldn't show off the most SUPER features if he didn't have enough cola.
Maybe he shouldn't have used so much of their stores on those inventions he was working on with Longnose. But he really liked the guy. Nobody who loved his ship that much could be a bad guy. And as much as Franky loved his bros back in Water 7, it was SUPER to invent new weapons with a bro who really got it. Nobody since Tom had really encouraged Franky to make his ideas a reality like that. Not even Iceburg got him the way Longnose did.
It probably would have been more fun to hang out with his new bro today, but he didn't feel like spending another day with the girlie. She was too bossy and violent.
Franky saw a restaurant ahead. Maybe if he was lucky, they sold cola and they would tell him who their supplier was.
-N-N-N-N-N-
"Wow! I can't believe you talked them into giving us half off everything."
Usopp gently organized the jars of chemicals in the bag. He didn't want anything getting broken. Not only did he need every last ingredient to make his usual stars and experiment with a few new ones, but if some of these ingredients mixed together, he and Nami could be in big trouble.
"It's just a matter of negotiating with the confidence to convince people that it's in their best interest to give you a good deal."
"Or distracting them from what you're saying by showing off you body," Usopp whispered.
Nami spun around, fist raised. "Did you say something?"
"Nothing, nothing. Absolutely nothing." Usopp cowered, one arm raised in a futile attempt to protect his head. But the blow never came.
"You know, you could probably get the price down yourself. I mean, it would never be as good a deal as I can get. But I'm sure with some effort you could manage."
The sniper stood up straighter, head raised toward the sky. "Of course I, the great Captain Usopp, could get a good deal." His bravado fled just as quickly as it came. "Maybe."
"Stop it."
Usopp looked up, but his expression clearly said he didn't understand.
Nami smiled. "Let's grab some lunch, okay?"
Usopp shook his head. "Let's head back to the ship."
"I thought you wanted to get out since you were stuck on the ship all day yesterday," Nami said, turning her back to Usopp as she scanned the street for a decent place to eat.
"Yeah, but all I have left is a single beri. I spent everything else already. Not that I'm complaining," Usopp said. "With all of this, I'll be able to make some stars that will really help out the next time we get in trouble."
Nami spun around, and stomped her foot. "Don't do that. You always help. Even when you're being a total coward, you help. So just stop."
"Nami…"
Nami stuck her finger right in Usopp's chest. "We are going to celebrate by enjoying a nice lunch."
"Sure, that sounds nice, but I don't have any money," Usopp said as he took a tiny step back from the fiery navigator. "Sanji probably left something back on the Sunny for us. And his food is better than most restaurants. So I'm going to head back."
"No. I'm taking you out to lunch."
"Look, I appreciate all the help." Usopp held up his bag. "But I can't afford the 300 percent interest you'll charge me just for a sandwich."
"I'm not going to charge you 300 percent interest."
"Geez, what is it now, 400 percent? At this rate, none of us will be able to pay you back–"
"Don't leave ever again! That's what you owe me for lunch. Never leave us again." Nami's eyes were watering, but she refused to look away. "I never want to watch you and Luffy fight like that again."
"Nami," Usopp whispered. "I didn't…I don't want…"
"Promise." Nami clenched her fists at her sides. "Promise me."
"I promise." Usopp swallowed the lump in his throat. "I promise I'll never leave again."
"Good." Nami turned around before wiping away the tears in her eyes. "Since I'm paying, I'm picking the place."
Usopp nodded and followed Nami down the street. As he did, he suddenly felt a little more at ease than he had in a long time.
-N-N-N-N-N-
Fram knocked on the door to the captain's quarters with some trepidation. Certainly he was pleased to finally have an update for Captain Blu, but he had a sick feeling in his stomach that going against a pirate crew that earned bounties for just about every member including their pet was a bad idea.
"Come."
Fram walked in, shutting the door behind him. Nobody challenged the captain, at least not in the open, but as first mate, Fram had the privilege and the duty to question his captain in private.
"Gen found the girl. She's with a member of their crew."
"Just one?"
"Just one right now. Gen thinks it's their sniper. Even though it's difficult to be certain since the wanted poster shows him in a mask, Gen said he doubts there are two men on the same crew with that nose."
"Did he say where?"
"They're eating at Pike's Place right now."
"I'm heading out," Blu said, grabbing his pistol and checking the knife strapped to his thigh.
"Captain, before you go, are you sure about this? Direct confrontations like this aren't really our style, and the Straw Hats seem to be a rough crew."
"All reports are that they've been pretty tame," Blu said. "Unless there's something you're not telling me."
Fram glared at his captain.
"No, of course not," Blu said. "So why the concern?"
"Just because they've been well-behaved so far doesn't mean much." Fram stood as tall as he could, even though he only came up to his captain's chin. "They may be laying low. Maybe they're planning something and don't want to draw too much attention to themselves until they're ready to strike."
Blu nodded. "If everything goes as planned, we'll be setting sail before they have a chance to cause any trouble for the town or us."
"And if it doesn't go as planned?"
Blu clapped his first mate on the shoulder. "You have my word that if there are too many of them or something goes down, I'll toss up an illusion and head right back to the ship."
Having said what he needed to say, Fram stepped aside. As his captain headed out, Fram said, "I'll recall everyone but Gen so we're ready to sail one way or another."
Blu raised a hand to acknowledge his first mate, before disappearing behind an illusion of a large dog.
-N-N-N-N-N-
Robin gently ran her finger along the spines of the books in the history section. She didn't expect to find anything particularly rare or unusual in a small town like this, but sometimes a bookstore could surprise you. Mostly, she was hoping for a local history book. The ruins in the forest had been interesting, if only from a purely archeological standpoint, even if they were not that old and didn't hold any great secrets of the distant past.
Sanji stood close by, though not so close that it was uncomfortable. In fact, since her rescue from CP9, Robin found herself enjoying the company of her nakama more and more. The quiet, comforting presence of their swordsman was just as welcome as the lavish attentions of the cook or the childlike wonder of her captain and the doctor. And now, nakama truly meant something to her. Oh, she had begun to feel close to them before that. Luffy, especially, had earned her trust after he faced Aokiji for her. But deep down, she had still believed that eventually they would betray her or hate her.
Now, she knew better.
"You are welcome to browse if you like," Robin said to Sanji as she pulled a book from the shelf. "I promise not to leave the store without you."
"Ah, it's not that Robin-chan." Sanji took a drag off his cigarette. "I just enjoy your company."
"That is very kind, but I know your interests lie in a different area." Robin stopped skimming the book long enough to point toward the front of the store. "I think I saw cookbooks when we walked in."
"I was fortunate enough to pick up a few new recipes in Water 7, as well as a special ingredient."
"Is that what's made your food even better than usual?"
"Ah, Robin-chwan noticed," Sanji said, hearts dancing in his eyes as he wriggled in happiness. "You are truly a woman of sophistication."
Robin laughed softly. She knew the others, especially a certain swordsman, found the cook's attitude towards women to be annoying, but once she realized it was honest expression of who he is, Robin had found it endearing. And on a ship where she had the freedom to be herself, how could she deny that opportunity to others.
"Are there any particular recipes that you haven't tried yet that you are looking forward to?"
"How kind of Robin-chwan to ask." Sanji danced around her as much as he was able in the aisle. "I want to make steamed mikan bread."
"Eh." Robin smiled as she selected another book from the shelf. "Did you have a special request for that?"
"Please allow me," Sanji said, taking the first book from Robin's hand. "Nami-san doesn't know. It was a recipe I learned about in Water 7, although it was for steamed orange bread. I thought it might taste better with mikan."
"I'm sure it will be delicious." Robin gently flipped through the second book. "I promise not to say anything so it can be a surprise."
"Robin-chan is so kind."
Robin smiled. Truly, she wasn't kind, hadn't been for a very long time, but she thought that perhaps she could be again.
Robin checked the price on the book she held, then took the book Sanji was holding to do the same. Taking a few moments to decide, Robin put the first book back on the shelf.
"Just the one, Robin-chan? You read so quickly, I can't imagine that will last you very long."
"True, but it seems to be the more detailed of the two."
"Why not purchase both? Certainly, my dear Robin-chan deserves every book her heart desires."
"But I only have enough money for one."
"I would be happy to purchase it for you," Sanji said, reaching into his breast pocket for his beri.
"That's very kind, but Nami gave you that money to spend on yourself."
Sanji did a little bow as he said, "And it would be my pleasure to buy something for you."
"But you might make Nami jealous if you buy something for me and not for her." Robin laughed softly at the horrified look that flashed across Sanji's face. Taking pity on the cook, she said, "I'm happy that Nami is generous enough to give us all some spending money, so this book is quite enough for me. But I would enjoy helping you find something for yourself."
"Robin-chwaaaaan."
-N-N-N-N-N-
Usopp was in a great mood. Nami treated him to lunch at a seafood buffet. Sanji's food was better, of course, but eating with the crew always meant having to defend your food from Luffy's grabby hands. It was nice to be able to take his time and eat his fill.
He enjoyed spending the afternoon with Nami, just the two of them. It didn't happen very often, but it was nice. Usopp could be silly and boastful with Luffy and Chopper, but Nami, and now Franky, brought out the inventor in him. In fact, Nami had given Usopp an idea to create some kind of coating that could protect paper from water damage.
"I never did thank you for making the clima-tact for me," Nami said as they walked back toward the Sunny. "Not the first one. That one almost got me killed when I got party tricks instead of a real weapon."
"It's not my fault you waited until you were in a real fight to try it out."
"Hmph." Nami waved her hand dismissively. "The new one is amazing. Using the dials was genius."
Usopp nodded enthusiastically even though Nami couldn't see since she was walking a few steps ahead of him. "I was using dials to create Kabuto when I got the idea to use them to remake your clima-tact, too. Honestly, I never would have thought of it if I hadn't seen you practicing with the original. When I made the first one, I was just thinking of something that you could use as a distraction so you could run away."
"I knew it!" Nami spun around. "I knew you just made it for party tricks."
Usopp frowned. "I really was trying to make something to help you. You said you wanted to be able to protect yourself. I didn't think you would actually fight." Usopp smiled. "Anyway, you did things with the clima-tact I never thought of. It inspired me to make you a weapon that could really let you cut loose."
"Really?"
"When I saw you practicing on the deck after we left Skypeia, you reminded me of the time the Usopp Pirates faced off against the Weather Witch of the West Blue. Of course, she didn't need a weapon invented by the amazing Usopp. She was part of a tribe of witches. She specialized in weather magic, and she would dance to make the weather do her bidding."
"So I look like a witch?" Nami asked, a warning note in her voice.
"You looked like you were dancing," Usopp said, pleased to see Nami's frown turn into a smile. "It was mesmerizing, just like when the witch danced. She tried to scare me off with her rain dance and then push me back with her wind dance."
Nami nodded, content to let Usopp tell one of his tall tales. Even though she usually found them annoying, Nami realized she had honestly missed his stories just a little. Usopp really was a good storyteller. In fact, if he ever decided to write down his tall tales, Nami might be able to sell them. Of course, Usopp would need a pseudonym and they would have to find a way to print and bind the books themselves. Nami would have to look into the cost-benefit ratio for that.
"And that's how the mighty Captain Usopp defeated the Weather Witch of the West Blue."
"Tell me about the time Sojeking did battle on the sea train." When Usopp just stared at her, Nami added, "Sanji-kun told me a little, but I want to hear it from you."
As Usopp launched into what Nami knew was an exaggerated version of a truly impressive act of bravery, the navigator led them into a few shops. With some pauses in the story while Nami did a little window shopping, they passed the afternoon together. But eventually Usopp got bored. The sniper lost count of how many clothing stores Nami had dragged him into and how many outfits she tried on before declaring that each one wasn't worth the price. It was a far cry from Loguetown when she bought so many clothes he and Sanji could barely carry them all.
As they left yet another store with still nothing to show for it, Usopp noticed the sun was getting low. Since it was spring on a summer island, the weather had been warm and the sun bright, making Usopp forget that at this time of year on this hemisphere, the sun set fairly early.
"Maybe we should head back. You did tell everyone to be back by sunset."
Nami shaded her eyes as she looked toward the horizon. "We've got a little over an hour. That's more than enough time to get back to the ship." Nami looked down at her bag. "There's something I need to get, but you go on back."
"I don't know that one more clothing store is going to make a difference, but I can wait," Usopp said.
Nami shook her head. "No, you go on ahead."
"I don't mind."
"Just go," Nami said as she got behind Usopp and started pushing him in the direction of the docks. "I'll meet you on board soon."
Usopp dug in his heels. "Why are you trying to get rid of me all of a sudden?"
"I have some personal shopping to do," Nami said.
Usopp turned around to face the navigator. "Yeah, so?"
"Personal." When Usopp just looked at her, she stomped her foot. "What part of personal do you not get?"
"Person…?" Usopp got a panicked look on his face. "Like girl stuff?"
"Personal," Nami repeated.
"Got it. Got it," Usopp said, holding his hands in front of him as if warding off danger. "I'll just go back to the Sunny."
"Good."
Nami turned to head off towards the center of town when Usopp's voice stopped her. "You'll be okay, right?"
Without turning around, Nami waved and said, "I'll be fine. Just one quick stop and then I'm heading back."
-N-N-N-N-N-
Gen recognized the "dog" coming down the street right away. Captain liked to use that illusion when he didn't want to be seen but also didn't want anyone bumping into him.
The man sidled up to the big red dog, and in a low voice said, "Perfect timing. The girl's on her own now. Follow me."
Captain Blu grunted an affirmative as his sniper led the way. He stayed close on Gen's heels, looking for all the world like a dog following his master.
-N-N-N-N-N-
"Hurry, hurry, hurry," Chopper chanted from his spot on Luffy's shoulder. "The sun already set."
"Hang on," the rubber boy said as he anchored the little reindeer with one arm and pulled back the other before launching it forward like a bullet. Luffy grabbed something in the distance and then the two flew forward.
Chopper screamed, sure they were going to crash, but Luffy managed to land on his feet, just barely. Then he was running up the gangplank.
As Luffy reached the deck, he skidded to a stop, looking around frantically.
"Is something wrong?" Robin asked from where she stood, leaning on the railing. "I hope there aren't any monsters chasing you."
"Monsters!"
"Calm down, Chopper," Zoro said around a yawn. He stretched his arms wide then slowly got to his feet and helped the reindeer down from Luffy's shoulder. "There aren't any monsters."
"Where's Nami?" Luffy whispered so loudly Franky heard it from where he sat near the mast.
"Girlie's not back yet," the cyborg said at the same time Usopp asked, "You didn't see her?"
Luffy laughed. "See, Chopper, I told you we could sneak back."
"Why were you trying to sneak on board your own ship?" Franky asked.
"Nami said we had to be back by sunset. She made me promise," Chopper said. "Nami gets mad if we're late."
"Are you sure you didn't see her?" Usopp asked from where he stood next to the gangplank, goggles on and staring into the distance. The sun had set several minutes ago, and there was only the barest hint of light bleeding over the horizon.
"Nami's not back?" Luffy asked, looking around as if she was hiding on deck.
"No."
Zoro and Chopper stood next to Luffy. Franky was still sitting next to the mast. Robin and Usopp stood by the rail on either side of the gangplank.
"Sanji?"
"Curly brow's in the kitchen."
"We were the first ones back," Robin confirmed.
"Usopp?"
The sniper didn't take his eyes off the harbor as he said, "She should be back."
"Robin-chan, Nami-san, dinner's ready. And the rest of you shit heads can come eat, too," Sanji called from the galley.
Luffy looked to Zoro, and the swordsman answered the unspoken question. "Shit cook doesn't know."
"I'll wait here," Usopp said, adjusting his goggles to compensate as full dark set in.
"Oi, didn't anyone hear me?" Sanji called, stepping all the way out onto the deck. "Dinner's ready."
"Nami's not back," Luffy said.
"What? Why didn't you say something, Marimo?"
"Girlie's got a lot of nerve, ordering us to be back by sunset and then taking her sweet time." Franky stood up and headed for the galley. "Serve her right if she doesn't get dinner."
Sanji blocked Franky with a raised leg. "Shitty cyborg, I'll let you starve before I let Nami-san go hungry."
"What's the big deal?"
"It's not like Nami to be late," Zoro said.
"Maybe she went shopping?" Chopper asked.
"She said she was shopping for some personal stuff when I left her," Usopp said.
"Eh." Robin turned towards Usopp. "Was she able to sell her maps, then?"
Four heads whipped around to look at Robin.
"What?"
"Why the hell would she do that?"
"You must be mistaken, Robin-chan."
"Nami wouldn't do that!" Luffy shouted. "You're wrong."
"It's possible," Robin said softly, trying to calm her captain. "But she was up late last night drawing maps, and I was certain I saw her place some in her bag this morning. I can't imagine why she would take them unless she was planning to sell them."
"Nami would never sell her maps," Luffy repeated, his voice low. "They're her dream."
"I'm sure Robin-chan just misunderstood," Sanji said, moving to stand beside the older woman.
"Girlie did go to a map shop yesterday" Franky said.
"But she didn't sell anything," Chopper said, clinging to Zoro's leg. "She bought some special paper for making maps."
"You see," Sanji said, pulling out a cigarette. "Just a misunderstanding. She was buying supplies."
Zoro turned to Robin. "Why would you think she was selling her maps?"
"I know she tried to sell some in Water 7, but she wasn't able. I assumed she would try again here."
"She wouldn't," Luffy said, his voice firm.
"Why would she?" Sanji asked.
"We are out of money," Robin said matter-of-factly, eyes on her captain.
"That…that can't be right," Usopp said. "Nami gave us all an allowance, just like always."
"It was a little less than usual," Zoro said.
"No," Sanji said. "She gave me the same amount as always for food."
"But our personal allowance was smaller," Usopp whispered.
"No!" Luffy shouted, hands curling into fists. "Even if we are out of money, Nami wouldn't sell her maps."
Chopper pulled on Zoro's leg. "But she gave me extra beri today. I spent all my allowance yesterday, but she gave me extra to buy candy if I promised to make sure Luffy got back to the ship on time." Chopper looked down. "And we were late."
"We can ask Nami herself when we find her," Robin said. "But I think our priority should be to start searching."
"I'll put the food away," Sanji said, running for the galley.
Moving to Usopp, Robin gently placed her hand on his shoulder. "Can you take us to where you last saw Nami?"
"Yeah."
"Perhaps, our doctor can track her scent from there."
"I can try," Chopper said.
"Franky, stay here with Sanji," Luffy said. "Send up a signal if Nami comes back before we do."
"Shit cook won't like that."
Luffy pushed his straw hat down firmly on his head and headed down the gangplank. "Usopp, let's go."
The sniper pulled something from his pouch and handed it to Franky. "You can signal us with this." Then he turned and followed the others.
to be continued
Author's Note: If you liked this story, even a little, please leave a review. Heck, even if you didn't like the story, please leave a review letting me know what you didn't like. That will help me improve.