Chapter 19
ARLONG PARK 2.0
Psycho was in his office reading a book at his desk when he heard a knock on the door.
"Yes, come in." Psycho said.
Cyclone walked in.
"Bad news." Cyclone said.
Psycho turned his head.
"What happened?" Psycho asked seriously.
"Eneru was beaten in Drum. And so was… Onawagi." Cyclone said.
Psycho looked at the wall.
"I see."
"So now we've lost our doctor, a place to get great medicinal supplies, and our island securer." Cyclone explained, "It's only a matter of time before they come back here."
Psycho chuckled.
"I already told them what would happen if they came back here, don't expect them to be coming this way any time soon, but…" Psycho paused, "That's what I've been meaning to talk to you about."
"What did you want to talk about?" Cyclone asked.
"Relocation. I've honestly grown tired of hiding out here with Kuro and Arlong… I need a base that's more suited to my status." Psycho explained.
"Hmph. I have to say I agree, but where exactly did you have in mind on making your new personal base?" Cyclone asked.
Psycho looked down at his book and smiled.
"Marineford."
DRUM KINGDOM
Everyone watched on as Kureha hugged her deceased son. Chopper, in walk point, walked to her and set his head on her lap. Kureha put her hand out to pet the blue-nosed reindeer.
"Thank you Chopper…" Kureha said.
As everyone looked on the mourning doctorine, civilians started coming from the rubble mumbling amongst themselves.
"Is that really him?"
"Did he save us?"
"Impossible he's a demon!"
"But he couldn't be, he shielded that explosion!"
Kureha shook. Luffy started to say something but Zoro stopped him by grabbing his shoulder.
"DON'T DISRESPECT MY SON!" Kureha yelled. The villagers froze up.
"He just gave his life for this village… just like Hiriluk did… I won't stand for any disrespect on his name…" Kureha said softly.
Naruto walked over to the doctor and knelt down.
"Hey, I had the same hate thrown at me by my village for having a demon inside of me, they'll realize they're wrong about Onawagi soon. I know I was!" Naruto said as Kureha looked up at him, "I spoke to him in private, he was just confused, he never meant to do what he did. That's why he sacrificed himself, because he knew his death would make people happy and that's all he wanted at the end of the day."
In hearing the truth behind Onawagi's sacrifice the villagers cried and cheered.
"WHY DID YOU SAVE PEOPLE LIKE US ONAWAGI!"
"THE EXPLOSION SHOULD'VE TAKEN US INSTEAD!"
"WE'RE SO SORRY DOCTORINE KUREHA!"
Kureha looked up at the villagers.
"BAAA! I'm fine! And so are all of you! Although, I'll have to take some things with me back to my tree house…" Kureha said, standing up and pulling out a note pad.
"YOU HAVEN'T CHANGED YOU OLD HAG!" The crowd said in unison.
"OLD HAG?!" Kureha jumped into the crowd and began smacking people down.
As Kureha brawled with the crowd the crew spoke to each other.
"Hey! That's three big DEATH members down right?" Naruto asked, "The guy Franky and I fought in the sand, the cannon man, he got blown up!"
"Sasuke and I killed the guy we fought too. The swordsman Uzanda." Zoro added.
"So, four tough guys down! HE HE!" Luffy laughed.
"Actually, that would be five." Sabo said.
Everyone looked at Sabo with confusion.
"Crocodile and Onawagi were the only ones to come back to base the other day after the loss in the Sand Village and Psycho killed Crocodile for the deaths of Uzanda and Kumama."
The Straw Hat Shinobis' eyes all widened.
"Crocodile is dead?!" Robin asked.
Sabo nodded.
"Killed him in cold blood… pierced his body with that big black sword he always carries." Sabo finished.
"Wow… well… I guess that works." Sakura added.
"So how many big wigs are left Sabo?" Sasuke asked.
"Kumama, Onawagi, and Uzanda were the three enforcers underneath the lieutenants Kuro, Arlong, and Eneru. Kumama and co. are all deceased as well as Eneru I'm assuming since he can't swim and was knocked unconscious into water. That leaves Arlong, Kuro, Psycho's brother Cyclone, and Psycho himself." Sabo explained, "The subordinates they have with them are DEATH members, but they're small fry for the most part.
"Well what are we waiting for? We're on a roll! Let's go get the next guy!" Naruto yelled out.
"Hold it buddy." Sabo said.
"Huh?" Naruto asked, concerned.
"There's also another DEATH member I've heard Psycho mention… but I've never seen her." Sabo said.
Everyone cringed.
"Do you know this woman's name?" Franky asked.
"I do. They call her… Kataka The Crypt Keeper." Sabo said.
Everyone's eyes widened.
"What the hell kind of name is that?" Nami asked.
"I'm not sure… she doesn't visit the DEATH HQ at all, but she's noted as a very important and high-ranking member of the organization. I need to do more research, maybe ask around about her at different islands." Sabo said.
Naruto and Luffy pouted.
"Come on guys. What if she's someone who can revive the dead or something crazy like that? I just want to thoroughly go through their members because somebody's going to have to fight her and I want to have the upper hand." Sabo explained.
"So, does that mean that you?" Kakashi stopped.
Sabo nodded.
"I'm going to be leaving for a bit, but I'll be back when I've learned what I need to learn about her and anymore DEATH members." Sabo said.
"Aweee don't leave Sabo! You just got here!" Luffy said.
"Sorry bro! But I've got to. I won't die, I promise." Sabo said with a smile.
Sabo looked at everyone and smiled.
"Everyone fought well today! Just kick back and relax for a bit! No need to go and get into a fight when everyone is hurt and fatigued." Sabo recommended.
A man walked over to the crew and spoke.
"I agree! You all saved our kingdom! Please stay the night and enjoy yourselves. In the past two years we've built incredible hotels and restaurants for visitors!" The man said as he led everyone away.
"Wow, Drum Kingdom is doing really well for itself!" Nami said.
"Drum Kingdom? We don't go by that anymore young lady! To honor the late Doctor Hiriluk we've named this beautiful island, Sakura Kingdom!" The man said happily.
"AHHHH DID YOU HEAR THAT SAKURA-CHAN?! A KINGDOM NAMED AFTER YOU! I'm not surprised at this beautiful place being named after someone as beautiful as you in expected." Sanji said.
"Fool! This place isn't named after her! I already said it's for the late great Hiriluk!" The man griped.
"Aye I heard you, who are you calling a fool?" Sanji asked.
"Hey, that Onawagi guy, he said a big reason he was hurting was because of that guy's death. What happened? Who was he?" Naruto asked.
"Doctor Hiriluk was a man who, no matter how much people hated him and his attempts to heal them, would continue trying to heal people and advance medicine. Eventually this care for others got him tricked into an assassination attempt by the former King Walpol, but the doctor blew himself up." Chopper explained, "He flew a pirate flag as it gave him hope, since pirates live free and on the edge, that's just the kind of life he wanted, he taught me medicine too!"
Naruto listened to everything the reindeer said and understood.
"One question though.." Luffy asked.
Everyone kept walking forward.
"How come he went crazy and you didn't Chopper? You both cared for him a lot." Luffy continued.
"I had the Doctorine there for me and Dalton, they both held me and told me it was going to be okay." Chopper said.
"Without someone in your life who can convince you that things will be okay, you can become a monster from the pain." Kakashi added.
Naruto and Luffy thought back to what Psycho said.
FLASHBACK
"some men go through certain pains more than others. You've gone through more physical pain than myself, so you could never compare to the emotional pain I've been cursed to go through."
END OF FLASHBACK
After walking in silence for about 10 more minutes they finally reached the big village in the Sakura Kingdom.
"Here we are! It's like a utopia here! Please enjoy yourselves and have fun! The hotel you'll be staying in is the big one in the middle of the city, your night's stay is on me so come whenever you like, and I'll check you in!" The man said with a big smile.
DRUM FOREST
Kureha placed the bandage over the cross-head stone and a picture of young Onawagi down on the ground next to it. Kureha stood up and looked at the two graves in front of her.
"Well… you've finally got each other for all eternity… I'm sure you have a bunch of catching up to do… remember to use your manners…" Kureha stopped thinking, "Onawagi…"
Kureha dropped to her knees and began to mourn for her son and his mentor.
SAKURA KINGDOM VILLAGE
All the guys were at a BBQ restaurant having a guy's night out, while Robin, Nami, Sakura, and Hancock all enjoyed some shopping. Usopp walked into the city and looked for his friends.
"Hey, have you seen a man about this tall? Straw hat?" Usopp asked a store owner.
"Oh yeah! He's at the BBQ down the street with a bunch of guys!" The owner said.
"Ah I see it! Thank you!" Usopp thanked.
Usopp ran into the BBQ and ran up to the table the men sat at.
"Usopp the brave has returned!" Usopp yelled.
"WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU!?" Naruto yelled out.
"YOU DIDN'T HELP AT ALL!" Luffy added.
"DAMN LONG NOSE! ROBIN COULD'VE GOTTEN HURT! YOU'RE LUCKY GREEN HAIR AND BONES WERE THERE TO HELP HER!" Sanji added.
Brook and Zoro glared at Sanji.
"Hey! Bones?" Brook asked with fire in his eyes.
"Who you calling green hair? Curly eye brows." Zoro spit.
"I'll take you both on right here and right now if that's what you want!" Sanji invited.
"Ugh… my "taking too much of the blame" disease is kicking in…" Usopp groaned.
"STOP MAKING MY PATIENT SICK!" Chopper yelled.
Kakashi smiled under his mask and Sabo laughed.
"Aye enough! I'm trying to eat!" Franky ordered.
"Luffy." Naruto called out.
Luffy looked at Naruto and smiled.
"This crew of yours… I'm glad we finally met." Naruto said, the table smiled.
"We're glad we met you guys too! You're fun and strong!" Luffy laughed.
"Which reminds me…" Naruto stopped, Luffy became confused.
"We still have to spar one day! Me and you!" Naruto invited.
Luffy pulled his hat down over his eyes and then back up.
"Damn right!" Luffy said with a determined smile.
SAKURA KINGDOM STORES
Sakura, Nami, Robin, and Hancock all came out of a store laughing and carrying bags. Sakura having the most.
"Who knew that a few ryo equaled so many Beri over here!" Sakura laughed.
"Definitely an interesting thing to find out!" Hancock added.
"Sakura…" Nami said.
Sakura looked over at Nami who had Beri symbols in her eyes.
"Is it easy to earn Ryo over where you stay!?" Nami asked.
Robin chuckled.
"I saw that coming." Robin said.
Sakura laughed.
"Tell you what, when we finally go back home I'll give you what I've earned for completing this mission. How's that sound?" Sakura asked.
Nami ran up and hugged Sakura.
"I love you sis!" Nami yelled.
Sakura smiled.
"Ha ha thank you!... Sis!" Sakura said happily.
Robin watched the exchange and smiled.
The women all grabbed a bite to eat with a view of the sea.
"So…. These DEATH members." Sakura started.
The girls looked at her.
"They're unlike anything we've dealt with before… well, there was this group who ravaged through the ninja world named the Akatsuki, but they're long gone, these guys though.. they're different." Sakura said.
"For sure… but we're all strong! We can beat them, slowly but surely." Nami said with confidence.
Sakura thought back to when Psycho shot through Naruto and Luffy's chests.
"That Psycho guy… he and the man with turban… I think they're the real problems, I'm not too much concerned about anyone else." Sakura said.
Hancock held her head down and Robin looked at her.
"Ms. Hancock. You were a member weren't you?" Robin asked.
Hancock didn't say anything.
"I understand you said it wasn't like you just wanted to join them and you understand how crazy and dangerous the leader is… why did you join?" Robin asked.
Nami and Sakura stared at the woman waiting for an answer. After what seemed like eternity, she finally did.
"I joined… through a deal." Hancock confessed.
Nami, Sakura, and Robin's eyes widened.
"What was the deal?" Sakura asked.
Hancock developed small tears in her eyes.
"The deal was that I'd join him and do what he asked as long as he didn't kill Luffy!"
FLASHBACK
Hancock's men fell over one after the other.
"Grgh… damn it… he's taking them all out." Hancock thought to herself.
Psycho walked towards Hancock, who shot a heart beam and turned him into stone.
"Yes! I got you." Hancock said, winding up a kick, she was knocked into the mast of the ship by a man in a turban.
The man elbowed the stone Psycho and all the rock fell off the recently frozen man.
"You'd best be careful Psycho; I'm not helping if that happens again." Cyclone said.
"Understood. I don't deserve to be saved if I get caught in something like that again." Psycho said.
"What the hell do you want from me?!" Hancock yelled.
"I already told you, your abilities would be a great asset to me… It's not like you have a crew to help you." Psycho joked.
"Go to hell…" Hancock said.
A bird flew over the boat and dropped a stack of WANTED posters, which Psycho juggled through, he stopped when he saw a particular name, Monkey D. Luffy.
"I know this kid." Psycho said, holding up Luffy's picture to show Cyclone, "I was there with Shanks when he decided to become a pirate."
Hancock stared.
"Do, you know him, Boa Hancock?" Psycho asked.
"Tsk. No. Could care less about him!" Hancock answered.
"500 million Beri on his head…guess we know where we're going next." Psycho said.
"NO!" Hancock slipped up.
Psycho looked down at her.
"So… you do care about him? Good. Then you can watch him die." Psycho said before he got ready to leave.
"LEAVE HIM ALONE! I'LL DO ANYTHING!" Hancock yelled.
"Anything?" Psycho asked, kneeling down, grabbing Hancock's face. "Join my organization."
END OF FLASHBACK
"I joined to ensure Luffy's survival. I don't know what his connection his to the blonde kid, but I'm almost positive that's why he let you all leave and didn't kill Luffy when you fought him." Hancock explained.
"Why do all of this for Luffy? If he found out I'm sure he'd find a million ways to pay you back." Nami said.
Hancock looked to the side.
"That smile… that beautiful smile… his kind spirit, the way he puts others before himself… I couldn't help but fall in love with it all." Hancock confessed.
"Does Luffy know?" Nami asked.
"I try to show signs… but let's be real, he'd never get it on his own." Hancock said, "This organization we're at war with… they're unlike anything the world has ever seen. It's only going to get harder from here on out, I at least want to tell him once that I do love him and want him to be safe."
Sakura listened to Hancock's words and thought of Sasuke.
"There's… someone I need to tell some things before we continue our journey too…" Sakura said.
Nami looked at Sakura with a surprised face.
"Who…? If I may ask…Is it.. Sanji?" Nami asked.
"Huh? Oh no! Definitely not him! Ha ha! The one I like is Sasuke, well I guess you could say I've come to love him as well." Sakura said with a smile.
Nami's eyes brightened and she looked at Robin who smiled back.
"That's great! I always thought you liked him as much as he did you… I like Sanji and I tried telling him that already, but he didn't believe me." Nami said.
Sakura smiled and then became serious.
"IS THAT WHY YOU WERE BEING SO MEAN TO ME FOR A WHILE!?" Sakura yelled.
Nami held her hands up and made a scared face.
"I know I know! I'm a mess." Nami said.
All the girls laughed.
"So, Robin is it? Who do you like?" Sakura asked.
Robin's eyes opened slowly. Nami stared at her.
FLASHBACK
"Mr. Musician… that's one thing… but it's so much harder feeling about him how I do… it's like I've liked him for much longer than I have, I know he'll survive his wounds because he's who he is, but I don't want to see him in that state ever again." Robin said, wiping tears from her eyes.
"Robin-chan… do you know what this sounds like to me?" Brook asked.
Robin looked up at the skeleton man.
"The way you've been acting with him, the tears you've shed for him, not wanting to see him beaten up like that and you know for a fact he'll survive. It doesn't sound like you like him at all." Brook said.
Robin continued to stare, her eyes widened when she felt she knew where Brook was going with this.
"No no no. You aren't crying because he's hurt, you're not crying because you're confused, you're crying because… you're lying to yourself." Brook continued.
Tears developed in Robin's eyes again as she stared blankly at Brook.
"You say you just like him. But I think the truth, Robin-chan…" Brook paused.
"Is that you're in love with him."
END OF FLASHBACK
"I like… or um.. am in love.. I mean like…" Robin stuttered.
"Sis are you okay?" Nami asked.
Robin became teary eyed and got up.
"I'm going back to the hotel.. thank you for the fun night!" Robin said, running off.
"What was that about?" Hancock asked.
Nami smiled.
"So, she's finally realized it's more than just liking that idiot." Nami thought to herself.
"She'll be fine. She knows what she has to do. As for us… what are we going to do? The men are only going to get in tougher fights and so are we…" Nami said.
Sakura and Hancock already knew where the navigator was going with the conversation.
"Tonight. All four of us will tell those idiots how much we like them. Or even love if it's that serious." Nami said.
"But wouldn't that worry them in battle? Worrying about if we're okay?" Hancock asked.
"It might.. but these guys aren't regular, so maybe it won't, maybe they can put it off until they have time to worry about it. The guy Robin likes will be able to do that easy, and maybe even Sakura-chan's man, but yours and mine will be tough Hancock!" Nami said.
"Ugh… I don't even know how to start or what to say to that adorable idiot…" Hancock stressed.
"Just be natural! Speak from the heart and you'll be surprised what comes out." Nami assured.
The three women all stood up and looked at each other.
"We'll tell those guys how we feel and report back here, understood?" Nami asked.
"Right!" Sakura and Hancock said together.