Embarking on their next adventure, the Straw Hat crew found themselves in a rare moment of peace as they set out for the next island.
In a quiet corner of the deck, Zoro and Robin sat together quietly talking. The early evening's sun casted a golden glow on them.
"So, you did say you're okay with us having an actual wedding ceremony, right?" Robin asked again looking up at Zoro.
He smiled down at Robin and nodded. "I already told you; I want the day to be about you, so whatever you want is fine with me."
"Well, what would you think about getting married on an island then? Maybe a spring island? I think it would be pretty to have plenty of cherry blossoms surrounding us." Robin suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Zoro couldn't help but smile more at Robin's excitement, "As long as I'm with you, I don't care where we are," he replied, his gruff voice softened with affection.
Nearby, Olivia played with a small, intricately crafted version of the Thousand Sunny, a gift from Franky. Her laughter, pure and uninhibited, filled the air, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
Robin turned her head to watch Olivia for a moment, "She's so happy here, with everyone. It's hard to believe how quickly she's growing."
Zoro followed Robin's gaze to their daughter. "Yeah, she's strong and beautiful, like her mother." He said as he pulled Robin closer to his side.
As they continued to discuss their plans, the rest of the Straw Hat crew went about their tasks with an unusual air of joviality. Luffy was perched at the ship's head, gazing eagerly towards the horizon, while Sanji prepared a special meal in the kitchen. Nami charted their course, occasionally glancing over at the engaged couple and their daughter with a soft smile.
Usopp and Chopper were having a playful debate, while Brook strummed his guitar.
High above the crew, Franky sat on watch, keeping an eye on the horizon for any potential dangers or islands.
As the sun began to sink further towards the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Robin leaned further into Zoro, her head resting on his shoulder. "This will be an exciting new chapter for us," Robin mused.
The Thousand Sunny sailed peacefully, the laughter and chatter of the Straw Hat crew blending harmoniously with the sounds of the sea. However, this serene moment was abruptly interrupted when Franky shouted from the crow's nest, "Ship approaching! Starboard side!"
The crew instantly sprang into action, their relaxed demeanor replaced by focused alertness. Luffy, with his innate sense of adventure, was the first to reach the starboard, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the approaching vessel. "Who are they?" he murmured, more curious than concerned.
The ship in question was grand and ominous, its black sails billowing against the sky. Emblazoned on the sails was an emblem – a siren entwined with a heart – the insignia of the Charmed Pirates.
Nami, joining Luffy with her telescope in hand, observed the ship. "They're not flying a government flag... but I've never seen that symbol before."
"It's the Charmed Pirates," Robin said, her voice laced with a hint of recognition. "Their captain, Sirena Vex, is known for her use of the Charm-Charm Fruit. She can bend people to her will."
Zoro gripped the hilt of his sword, his expression turning stern. "So, a Devil Fruit user," he muttered. "We need to be careful."
The Sunny braced for impact as the Charmed Pirates' ship drew closer. Without warning, a loud, melodious voice echoed across the water, "Well, if it isn't the notorious Straw Hats. I must say, I'm delighted to finally meet you."
The crew watched in wary silence as Sirena, a woman of striking beauty with long, flowing red hair and captivating green eyes, stood proudly on the deck of her ship. She exuded an aura of confidence and charm, her smile both enticing and dangerous.
Luffy stepped forward, his usual grin plastered on his face. "If you want to fight, then let's fight!" he declared, his enthusiasm for a challenge undimmed.
The air was thick with tension as the Charmed Pirates, with a ruthless efficiency, unleashed a barrage of cannonballs towards the Thousand Sunny. The Straw Hats quickly sprang into action, their battle-hardened instincts taking over.
Usopp, Chopper, and Franky manned the Sunny's artillery, their faces set with determination while Zoro protectively stood in front of Robin and Olivia. On the deck, Sanji and Brook prepared to repel anyone who tried to board.
As the first wave of Charmed Pirates swung across to the Sunny, Zoro leaped forward, his swords drawn. As he ran into the fray, he shouted over his shoulder, "Robin, protect Olivia."
Zoro moved with lethal speed, almost like he was a green blur amidst the chaos. Each swing of his blade cut down enemies with a ruthless efficiency. His brow furrowed in concentration as he focused on the battle at hand.
Robin, standing protectively in front of Olivia, used her Devil Fruit powers with a calm that contrasted the chaos around her. Giant hands materialized swatting away any pirates who dared come close. As one of the pirates lunged towards Olivia, Robin's hand swiftly intercepted, grabbing the pirate and tossing him back towards his ship. "How dare you try to touch her!" Robin shouted at the man she sent flying.
The Sunny rocked with the impact of the ongoing battle, cannonballs splashing dangerously close. Luffy, now at the forefront of the crew, surveyed the chaos. His rubber limbs stretched, knocking away incoming projectiles and enemies with equal ease. "No one messes with my friends!" Luffy roared, his determination as strong as the punches he delivered.
Under Sirena's charm, her pirates fought with a zealot's fervor, but they were no match for the Straw Hats' skill.
Luffy caught the sight of Sirena, her commanding presence now on the deck of the Thousand Sunny. He propelled himself towards her, ready to use Gum-Gum Gatling, however, she was agile. She was able to easily dodge his attacks. Quickly she used her charm to summon other members of her crew to fight Luffy as she surveyed the men of the Straw Hat crew.
On the other side of the Sunny, Zoro found himself surrounded. With a smirk, he easily used three-sword style causing his foes to fall all around him. Unfortunately, as they fell, they were quickly replaced with more men.
Sanji, his eyes scanning the deck for any threat to his crewmates, especially the ladies, delivered a series of powerful kicks, each imbued with his fiery passion. "Stay back!" he shouted with irritation in his voice.
Amidst the chaos, Sirena's voice rang out, clear and mesmerizing. "Such a lively bunch, aren't you? But I wonder, how long can you resist my charm?"
When the words left her mouth, a mist managed to radiate from her. Almost like tendrils, the mist wove its way through to the men of the Straw Hat crew.
As the mist swirled around the deck, panic set in. Sanji, his expression turning from determination to confusion, faltered mid-kick. "What's... happening to me?" he muttered, his movements slowing. Usopp and Chopper, too, succumbed, their usually lively faces turning blank.
Luffy, witnessing his crew falter, roared in frustration, "Snap out of it, guys! We need to fight together!"
One by one, the Straw Hats became puppets, their wills entirely subjected to Sirena's control. Soon Sanji, Franky, Usopp, Brook, and even Chopper had fallen to her control.
Luffy, seemingly unaffected, charged at Sirena again, his fists ready to deliver a powerful blow. However, he was swiftly intercepted by her charmed crew, their movements synchronized and eerily precise.
Meanwhile, Zoro found himself now staring down Sirena. The mist swirled around him, its sweet scent clouding his thoughts. His usually unwavering gaze faltered as he struggled to maintain focus. "You won't get inside my head," he growled, though his voice lacked its usual conviction.
Sirena stepped closer, her smile widening. "Oh, but I think I already have, swordsman. You intrigue me greatly." Her voice was silky as she spoke.
Zoro's head pounded, the mist tightening its grip. He shook his head, trying to dispel the haze. "I'm… not… yours…" he stammered, his resistance visibly waning. "You… won't… break me…"
From only a few yards away, Robin's heart raced with fear and anger. "Zoro! Fight it! Please!" she yelled, her voice cutting through the noise of the battle. She sent her giant hands crashing through Sirena's minions, desperately trying to reach Zoro.
But it was too late. Zoro's swords lowered, and the fiery spirit in his eyes was replaced with a hollow emptiness. He turned, his expression void of recognition for his crew, his family.
Sirena circled Zoro like a predator, her eyes appraising. "Such strength and tenacity," she whispered into his ear, her words dripping with intention. "You'll be very useful to me."
Robin's anger boiled over as she saw Zoro succumb. "You won't get away with this!" she shouted; her fists clenched.
Breaking free from the fray, Robin rushed to Zoro's side, her voice echoing with desperation, "Zoro, please!" As she reached out to him, his eyes flickered with a brief glimmer of recognition before dulling again, a small wince of pain showing his internal struggle.
With anger continuing to spill out, Robin sprouted arms out of Sirena holding her still. "Let him go, now!"
With a cocky smirk, Sirena looked behind Robin as she spoke, "Be careful with your next move, dear," she taunted, inclining her head to the direction behind Robin.
Robin's heart stopped as she turned to see Olivia, tears streaming down her face, held back by one of the Charmed Pirates. "Mommy!" Olivia cried out, reaching for her.
"The swordsman or the girl, make your choice," Sirena's voice oozed cruelty. "Though personally, I'd prefer keeping the swordsman. He seems like he would be quite fun to play with."
Fury and fear warred within Robin. With a quick gesture, she created a clone to rescue Olivia.
As Robin turned back around trying to move forward to attack Sirena, Zoro, under Sirena's control, moved between them, his sword drawn and aimed at Robin. "Zoro, please, you don't want to do this!" Robin pleaded, sidestepping his blade.
Zoro's movements were conflicted, his body trembling as if fighting an unseen enemy. "Robin..." he murmured, his voice strained, the sword in his hand wavering.
Robin quickly materialized several arms, attempting to restrain him as he got ready to attack, but Zoro's strength, even under Sirena's control, was immense. He broke free, his blade narrowly missing her. Robin's heart raced as she realized how close she came to being struck down. "Zoro, honey, it's me!" Robin shouted, frustration in her tone.
In the depths of Zoro's mind, a fierce internal struggle unfolded. He could faintly perceive Robin's voice, her familiar tone resonating within him, stirring a sense of recognition. Her face, etched with fear and concern, flickered in his consciousness. The pain of resisting Sirena's control was immense, like countless needles pricking at his thoughts, each attempt to fight back sending jolts of agony through his head.
Sirena observed the scene with a twisted amusement. "Oh, 'honey'?" she cooed mockingly, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "How utterly charming. You're together? I'm afraid it's going to be short-lived." Her smirk widened, enjoying the emotional torment she was inflicting. "You see, the more he tries to resist, the more it hurts him. Why endure such pointless suffering?" she mused aloud, her tone casual yet laced with malice.
With a flick of her hand, she commanded, "Enough of this. Swordsman, take me back to my ship." Her words were like a leash, pulling Zoro away from his struggle, guiding him towards compliance.
Determined not to surrender without a fight, Robin watched intently as Zoro stepped onto the deck of the Charmed Pirates with Sirena. With a deep breath, she focused on creating another clone of herself, one that embodied her desperate resolve.
The clone grabbed Zoro's arm and tried pulling him back to the Sunny. "Zoro, please," the clone implored, its voice echoing Robin's own. "Look at me."
Sirena, watching now from a distance, issued a silent command. In response, Zoro turned sharply towards the clone. His eyes, once warm with love for Robin, now showed only cold emptiness. Raising his sword, he prepared to strike, his movements mechanical yet precise.
The clone, just a manifestation of Robin's will, held its position, its expression mirroring the determination and anguish on the real Robin's face. As Zoro's blade descended in a swift arc, aimed directly at the clone, Robin acted instinctively.
With a quick mental command, she dissipated the clone into a flurry of cherry blossoms just before the blade could make contact. The petals fluttered in the air, almost like a symbol of the hope Robin had that vanished.
From the deck of the Sunny, Robin's heart felt like it was breaking at the sight. She had witnessed a Zoro that she only saw in her nightmares. The Zoro she feared would leave her and Olivia. The reality of his condition – the extent of Sirena's influence – was painfully clear.
Sirena watched with a smirk, thoroughly amused by the show. "Such a futile attempt," she taunted, her voice carrying over the water. "Your tricks won't work on him now. He's mine."
With her fists tightly clenched and a fierce look in her eyes, Robin watched the enemy ship as it began to drift away into the distance. The realization of Zoro being taken away ignited a burning resolve within her. She swiftly turned to rally her crew, intent on pursuit, but her heart sank as she saw the situation on the Sunny. Aside from Nami, Luffy, and little Olivia, everyone else was still ensnared in Sirena's spell, their expressions vacant and distant.
At that moment, Olivia ran towards Robin, her small face streaked with tears. Robin immediately dropped to her knees and opened her arms, enveloping her daughter in a comforting embrace. Olivia buried her face in Robin's chest, her voice was muffled but was full of concern. "Why did Daddy leave? Is he coming back?" she whispered, each word heavy with the innocence of a child unable to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
Robin's heart ached as she held Olivia close, feeling the tremble in her daughter's small body. She stroked Olivia's hair gently, searching for words that could soothe her yet carry the weight of her own determination. "Daddy had to go away for a little while, but we're going to bring him back," Robin assured softly.
Luffy, with confusion written all over his face, spoke up, "What's wrong with you guys!? Why didn't you help us save Zoro!?" His gaze swept over Sanji, Franky, Usopp, Chopper, and Brook, who were still in a daze, their eyes distant and unfocused.
Nami, her voice full of worry, responded, "They might still be under her spell." Her eyes then fell on Robin, whose face was full of anguish, a sight that deeply pained Nami. She quickly moved to Robin and Olivia and wrapped them in a comforting embrace. As Nami held them close, Robin's resolve crumbled, and she allowed her tears to silently fall.
"We need to follow them before they get away!" Luffy shouted as he shook Franky and Sanji trying to snap them out of their trance.
Nami turned to look at Luffy, "We can't set sail as quickly as we need to without the full crew."
As the Charmed Pirates' ship retreated into the horizon, the Thousand Sunny was left in a somber quietude, the joyous atmosphere of earlier now replaced by a palpable air of loss and uncertainty.
Usopp, slowly regaining his senses, blinked and looked around in bewilderment. "What... what happened?" he stammered, his voice reflecting his confusion. One by one, the rest of the crew began to come out of their daze, each grappling with the lingering effects of Sirena's control.
Franky, his usual boisterous self subdued, clenched his fists. "That was a dirty trick," he muttered, his gaze fixed on the fading ship in the distance.
Brook, his expression grave, adjusted his hat. "It seems we've lost more than just a battle today," he remarked, his voice tinged with sorrow.
Luffy, his usual carefree demeanor gone, looked determinedly at the horizon. "We're going to get him back," he declared firmly. "We're not leaving anyone behind, especially not Zoro!"
Chopper, tears welling up in his eyes, nodded vigorously. "Yeah, we have to save him!"
Nami, still hugging Robin and Olivia, looked at Luffy. "We need a plan, Luffy. We can't just rush in blindly," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil she felt inside.
Luffy turned to her, his eyes burning with resolve. "Then we'll make a plan. We'll do whatever it takes. We're going to bring Zoro back to his family," he said, glancing at Robin and Olivia.
The crew gathered around, their expressions turning from despair to determination. They were the Straw Hat Pirates, and they had faced seemingly insurmountable odds before. This time, it was not just for adventure, but to reclaim one of their own.
Aboard the Charmed Pirates' ship, the mood was starkly different. In Sirena's dimly lit quarters, Zoro stood across from Sirena who was sitting elegantly on an ornate chair.
Amused by her newest acquisition, she observed Zoro closely. "You're a strong one, aren't you? Even now I can tell you're fighting me," she mused, her voice lilting. "But I wonder, what goes on in that handsome head of yours?"
With a flick of her hand, she released her grip on Zoro's speech, allowing him to talk freely, yet maintained control over his actions. "Speak, swordsman. Tell me what you're thinking," she commanded, a playful yet dangerous glint in her eyes.
Zoro's jaw clenched, his internal struggle evident. "I would love to end you right now, but I feel it's only fair to let Robin have the honor." He said, his voice laced with defiance. "My crew… they'll come for me. And when they do, you'll regret this."
Sirena laughed, a sound that was both melodic and chilling. "Such loyalty! It's almost touching. But you see, I have plans for you," she said as she stood. Approaching his side, she ran a hand over Zoro's chest, "And while you're here, you'll do as I command." She whispered the last part in his ear.
Zoro made a sudden move, an instinctive attempt to attack her, but his body was stopped mid-action, betraying his intentions. Sirena's control was still over his movements. "Now, now, we can't have that," she scolded playfully as she circled Zoro. Her steps were like a predator sizing its prey.
"I enjoy a good challenge. And you, my dear, are quite the challenge," she taunted, her voice full of fake affection.
Zoro's eyes followed her every move, his anger simmering just below the surface. "The only challenge here is not breaking free and slicing you in two," he spat out, his disdain palpable.
Sirena halted just inches from Zoro, her head tilting suggestively as if to kiss him, provoking Zoro to recoil and struggle against her influence, his head jerking back in defiance. "Such passion, shame that it is wasted on such a frail woman," she taunted, "Think of the things we could achieve with you by my side."
At the insult to Robin, Zoro's fury peaked, and he attempted another aggressive move only to be stopped once more. "I know where my loyalty lies, and it's definitely not with you," he shot back, his tone resolute.
Feigning a sigh of disappointment, Sirena played the part of a spurned lover. "Sadly, what you want is irrelevant at this moment. You are under my command, and I plan to exploit that fully," she said, her eyes gleaming with a cruel mixture of excitement and malice.
As she leaned in further, Zoro's body tensed, his every instinct screaming to attack her. "I'd rather die than do anything with you or for you," he declared, his resolve unbroken.
Sirena's smile turned sinister. "Be careful what you wish for swordsman. I could easily grant your wish, especially if your precious 'Robin' attempts a rescue. Imagine, the last thing you witness is her heart shattering as I end your life." She watched closely, a perverse satisfaction in seeing Zoro's stoic façade crack at the thought of causing Robin pain.
"I won't lie, your resilience does remind me of well, someone I once was." Sirena said, her voice softening some.
Zoro looked at her, confusion mingling with his hostility. "What are you talking about?"
Sirena sighed, her eyes reflecting a distant past. "Long before I became the captain of the Charmed Pirates, before I had the Charm-Charm fruit, I was a woman on a small island. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but there are no women on this crew besides me." She stated, her gaze lost in memories.
"My island was not a pleasant one. I was constantly used and left in the gutter only to be picked up by the next grimy man." Her voice hardened as she continued speaking. "When I discovered the Charm-Charm Fruit, it became my escape, my chance to break free."
Sirena continued, "It was my chance to become the user, to bend those men to my will. Unfortunately, with that power comes isolation. The more I used my abilities, the more I realized that control and affection are not the same. People followed me, but out of enchantment, not loyalty or love."
Sirena's eyes met Zoro's. "I've learned that true power is not just taking what you want; it's having others willingly give it to you."
Zoro laughed in disbelief, "And you think you can get that by continuing to control people?"
Sirena chuckled, "No, not anymore. Old habits die hard, no? And power no matter how it's achieved… well that's an addictive thing." Her gaze turned cold again. "But let's not forget why you're here now. You're still under my command, and I have some fun plans for you, 'honey'."
The use of Robin's endearment for him hit Zoro like a physical blow. A surge of defiance rose within him, and he instinctively tried to lunge at Sirena, to wipe that mocking tone from her voice. Just as his muscled tense for the attack, the charm's grip tightened once again, pulling him back into a state of helplessness.
The last thing Zoro was acutely aware of before his consciousness faded was the feel of Sirena's hand, cold but gently, caressing his face. "Don't worry," she whispered, her voice feigning sympathy. "In time, you'll enjoy it."
Sirena stepped back, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips, as she watched the strong-willed swordsman succumb to her power.
As the Thousand Sunny gave chase to the rival ship, the Straw Hats gathered on deck, their faces set with determination. Luffy stood at the forefront, his eyes fixed on the enemy vessel.
Sanji lit a cigarette, his expression serious. "So how are we going to bypass that power of Sirena's?"
Nami shrugged as she crossed her arms. "Her charm took down most of us without hesitation. We don't know what she would be capable of, especially if she gets the whole crew under her spell."
Robin, her eyes thoughtful, turned towards Luffy. "But not everyone was affected. Luffy, you seemed immune to her charm. How did you avoid it?" she asked, curious about his resilience to Sirena's powers.
Luffy just shrugged, "I dunno, I just didn't feel anything weird."
Nami nodded, her mind racing with strategies. "If Luffy's immune to Sirena's charm, he should be the one to confront her directly. We'll need to cover him and try to rescue Zoro without falling under her spell again."
Robin looked at Nami, "We'll need to be careful and coordinated. Zoro is strong, but under her control, he's a danger to us."
Nami nodded, recalling their earlier encounter. "We should limit our exposure to her. Wasn't there a kind of mist around her? It had a sweet scent."
Robin pondered Nami's observation. "Yes, it seemed almost like a pheromone. Chopper, any ideas on how we could counteract that?"
Chopper, his face determined, responded, "We can use cloth or medical gauze as makeshift filters. It might not be perfect, but it could offer some protection."
Franky, already surveying the ship's resources, chimed in confidently, "I can rig up some simple respirators. We've got enough materials on board to make enough for everyone."
As the crew busied themselves with the preparations, Robin contemplated the impending confrontation. She then addressed Luffy, "I want to join you in the fight against Sirena."
Luffy shook his head as he focused on her. "Your priority should be Zoro. I'll handle Sirena."
Robin's voice was firm, her resolve clear. "If she's with Zoro, I need to be there, I want to help bring her down."
Luffy placed a cautious hand on Robin's shoulder, his gaze earnest. "We need you to stay safe for Zoro and Olivia. It's important that you're there for them when we free Zoro from her control," he said with uncharacteristic seriousness. Robin just nodded instead of continuing to press the issue.
After the discussion, as the crew started to disperse to prepare, Robin lingered beside Nami. She glanced toward the horizon, her voice barely more than a whisper, "I have to get him back, Nami," her eyes reflected the turmoil within. "But the thought of facing Sirena... it terrifies me. What she can make him do… what if I lose him forever?"
Nami, understanding the depth of Robin's fear, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We're all here with you, Robin. We'll bring Zoro back, together."
Soon after, the crew spotted the Charmed Pirates' ship and prepared to come alongside them.
With makeshift respirators in place and a plan of action, the Straw Hats readied themselves for a confrontation that would test their strength and unity more than ever before.
Robin knelt down and gently wrapped Olivia in a warm, reassuring embrace. Gazing into her daughter's tearful eyes, she spoke with a soft but firm resolve. "I'm going to bring Daddy back, okay? I promise," she whispered, her voice laced with a blend of determination and tenderness.
She leaned in to plant a gentle kiss on Olivia's forehead, a silent pledge of her commitment. "I need you to stay here with Aunt Nami, Uncle Usopp, and Uncle Franky. Can you do that, sweetheart? I won't be long," Robin coaxed, trying to infuse confidence into her words, for both Olivia and herself.
Olivia clung to Robin with a firm grasp. "Don't leave me too, Mommy. Please come back," she murmured, her voice quivering with fear of another loss.
Robin held her daughter tighter, feeling the weight of her words. "I promise I will be right back, my brave little girl," she reassured, her heart aching at the thought of leaving Olivia, even for a moment. In her daughter's plea, Robin heard an echo of her own fears, reinforcing her resolve not just to fight, but to return.
As the Thousand Sunny came alongside the Charmed Pirates, an air of intense focus settled over the Straw Hat crew. Each member was acutely aware of the stakes of the upcoming confrontation.
The showdown was about to begin, and Robin knew that what lay ahead could change everything. The last thing she saw before plunging into the fray was Olivia's hopeful gaze from the ship, a gaze that Robin vowed to return to, no matter what.