Hi all! Legal stuff: I do not own any One Piece characters, settings, or plots, nor did I receive any revenue for writing this fan fiction. Enjoy Chapter 27!

The silence that followed his statement was so all-encompassing, Zoro thought that he could hear the waterfalls outside. The giraffe laughed nervously.

"You really say a lot of absurd things. Why don't you show me your basis for that belief?"

Zoro gathered his strength. The assassin wanted a demonstration. Fine.

"Santoryu: Leopard Spinning Shot," Zoro growled deep in his throat.

This attack would be difficult for anyone to block. He spun through the air, launching himself at the enemy. His spinning let him attack at all angles and see how the enemy reacted. The animal's eyes grew large in surprise when the attack began. He made a move and tried to strike Zoro in the back. But his attack wasn't that simple. He smiled when his katana found purchase and pushed the giraffe through an unbroken wall. The foreman finally struggled up in shock. Blood dripped from the assassin's left side.

"A back attack? That move was impossible! You saw my reaction?"

"You shouldn't be so surprised. Don't tell me that this was the first time that you've been cut," Zoro rumbled.

The giraffe grunted. "That siren girl managed to scratch me in Water 7. She claimed that if she could cut me that her nakama could defeat me."

The animal paused to think before smirking. "Oh. I guess she was talking about you. Where does she get her ridiculous faith in her nakama? No one can defeat us. I just underestimated you once. I promise that it won't happen a second time!"

As soon as the enemy started talking about his encounter with Magina, Zoro kept a tight rein on his temper. The fact that the siren managed to draw blood on the assassin was impressive. The giraffe degrading her achievement pissed him off.

And yet, he felt calmer than ever. This assassin wasn't undefeatable. Magina cut him. Zoro cut him. And the siren had absolute confidence that he would defeat the foreman. He leapt forward to attack. As soon as the giraffe's neck connected to his side, Zoro recognized his error. Damn! This animal's reach made defending nearly impossible.

"Whiplash!"

The enemy shouted the same time that he was slammed into the ground. Then, he laughed obnoxiously. Zoro grit his teeth. This gi-riff-raff didn't know when to stop bragging and shut the hell up!

"I'm a Master of Rokushiki, I now have Giraffe powers—technique, speed, strength. Face facts, pirate, you never had a chance to defeat me! Fierce Whiplash!"

Time and time again, the giraffe pounded him into the ground. Zoro felt the floor cave underneath the pressure. There was a slight pause. It was enough of an opening for Zoro to roll out of the way.

"You think that I'm going to let you get away that easily? Prepare yourself. Here I come! Fury Slash!"

The room filled with the sound of metal clashing. Zoro had his hands full blocking the foreman's movements. What a fierce attack! Maybe he also underestimated this assassin.

"If you can only defend, then you can't defeat me!"

Zoro's left shoulder exploded in pain. Moments later, his right side sported a similar wound. He kept his grunt silent. This enemy would only gloat more if he showed weakness now.

"Pirates should know better than to defy the World Government. There is no mistake that could be bigger."

He missed his block and another cut appeared below the first side wound, but he hardly noticed. If this animal kept provoking Zoro, then he wouldn't live much longer.

"Since you're fighting against us, the only thing left for you to do is to die in the name of Justice. Of course, that will be the same fate for Nico Robin and the siren girl. In fact, your whole crew will be put to death for rising up against the World Government."

There was a lull while the giraffe talked. Zoro's expression darkened as soon as he mentioned Magina and Robin. There was no denying the fury that coursed through his veins.

"You bastard!"

He barely registered the assassin's surprise, but his derision fueled Zoro's resolve to end this quickly.

"I think you're getting ahead of yourself, CP9. You should be more careful who you spout your shit too. Your big mouth is going to get you killed," Zoro growled.

The giraffe smirked. "What, are you tired of my voice already? Then, I'll use my most powerful attack. We can end this battle immediately. My previous attack was just a demonstration. You should just give up now!"

"Baka. You are the one who should give it up. Demon Aura Kyuutoryu Asura."

Zoro controlled his will, his energy. Now, that victory was dependent on one strike, he was going to go all out. The giraffe was powerful, to be sure, but the strength of his opponent didn't matter. He would be the only one left standing after this strike. So focused on the assassin, Zoro could feel the moment that the animal's surprise turned into excitement and anticipation. The giraffe revolved on one leg, building his attack strength with speed and momentum.

"Excellent! Save your boasting until after you block this! Tempest Kick Sky Slicer!"

Zoro struck at the exact same time. "Asura Silver Mist!"

The enemy's attack broke into pieces; he felt his katana connect with the giraffe a split second later. The man's disbelief was evident with the faltering words.

"My attack…turned into mist? Im…possible…"

Zoro sheathed his katana. "Defeating impossible enemies and hardship is fine by me. I walk the path of Asura."

The assassin crumpled to the ground, already transforming back to that square nose bastard. Zoro panted for just a second before unwrapping the bandana from his head. He had a message to deliver.

"The head foreman at Galley La had one last thing to tell you guys. You're fired."

"Paulie, huh? I guess I underestimated him and the siren girl. I'm in real trouble if he fired me. There isn't a lot of work that an assassin can fall back on…"

Zoro glanced back. "You could always work in a zoo."

The dying man choked on his laughter. "A zoo, huh? That might be nice…"

He held out the key with trembling fingers. His arm dropped and the key fell to the ground. He didn't move after that. Zoro glanced down. It wasn't often that he met an enemy that he actually regretted killing. This time, he had no choice.

"Sorry."

Zoro turned away. The giraffe was a troublesome opponent. He needed more training. He lost his cool more than once during the battle. He picked up the key and jostled it in his hand.

"Hey! Shitty swordsman! Do you have that key yet?"

Zoro growled under his breath. That damn Love Cook!

"Yeah, I got it just now," Zoro tossed the key at Sanji.

The cook caught it and whistled as he glanced around the garden space.

"You sure went wild. Were you trying to destroy the tower, marimo? I know at one point that I felt the whole building shake."

"Who cares what happens to the building? It doesn't matter. Let's get to Robin. We have all the keys now."

Dart-brow smirked. "Yes, I now have the means to rescue the fair Robin-chan and make her fall for me."

Zoro rolled his eyes. The damn cook never changed. They took off running to meet up with the others.

…

Magina would be the last to admit it, but she was too distracted to properly sing Sogeking's song. She wasn't even sure that she could really help. She tried wrestling her wayward thoughts back into place, but it wasn't easy.

Her long-distance hearing improved without her even realizing it. Maybe she couldn't hear the songs of her nakama across a large city like Water 7, but Robin wasn't that far away. Magina could hear her desperation and determination clearly. The strength of Robin's emotions was enough to clog Magina's throat.

That wasn't the only thought on her mind. No matter how focused on helping Usopp she should be; the parting words of Sanji and Zoro's unspoken agreement weighed heavily on her mind. Maybe she had things wrong all along…

Magina forced herself to stop thinking about it. Robin was desperate because she was still fighting. Helping Usopp now was the only real solution to saving Robin. As for Sanji and Zoro… thinking about what they said at this time was too dangerous. She needed to concentrate on the task in front of her. There wouldn't be time to think about that conversation until after they escaped Enies Lobby.

She was concentrating so hard that she didn't even notice that Zoro and Sanji were already there with the other two keys. Nami appeared at the tower a few moments later, a huge grin on her face. She handed the red bundle and the Den Den Mushi off to Magina.

"Here, Magina. Call that idiot Franky when he gets on the bridge and let him know that the Straw Hats got the last two keys. We'll have to leave freeing Robin to him. I'm going to go ahead with Kokoro-san and Chimney. Did you want to come with?"

Magina opened her mouth to reply but Usopp answered first.

"Nami-kun, I need Magina-kun's power, starting now. It's no small feat to shoot accurately over these distances. I need every advantage that I can get."

Nami grinned wickedly. "That's right. Besides, you practiced the song so much, Magina. It would be a shame if you never got to sing it. Catch up with us when you can. Magina, I'm counting on you to lead that directionless swordsman!"

Magina swallowed her growl and saluted. "Roger. Leave it to me!"

Nami hurried down the tower stairs. Magina snuck a glance over at Sogeking, waiting for his signal. Usopp peered through his goggles intently.

"Robin-kun is still on the bridge. I hate to delay her moment of freedom but without Franky-kun there, I'm afraid that I can't do much to save her. Now, Magina-kun, the time to start singing is now. I'm going to need all the concentration and power that I can get!"

Magina took a calming breath and focused. She did think that the song was stupid but if Usopp believed that it would help him, then she was going to give it her all to support him! She saw fire and smoke coming from the bridge's entrance. She swallowed down her heart. It must be Franky. He'd better be alright. They were counting on him to free Robin!

"That should be Franky-kun. At last, I can start doing something useful. Help is on the way, Robin!"

Magina couldn't see that far away but Sanji had a pair of binoculars. His excitement told her that Usopp's attacks were very effective. But even a sharpshooter couldn't attack everyone at once. The sultry melody line turned worried. Even Usopp paused his shooting.

"Damn! I'm too far away to do anything!"

Magina sang on. There wasn't much that she could do either. The tense emotions lasted for a brief second more before being replaced by profound relief.

"That Franky! He cut it close. Once more, Magina-kun!"

Soon after, he launched the keys over to the bridge, all the while shooting officers and soldiers to distract them. Magina picked up the Den-Den Mushi and called Franky.

"Franky, are you there?"

"Yo!"

"Franky, that red bundle behind you has the rest of the keys from CP9. Free Robin and we'll be coming to you on the bridge!"

"Understood, Fisher Girl. Nico Robin and I will take care of things here until then!"

Magina opened her mouth to protest but the connection was cut off. She gritted her teeth. She really hated this new nickname.

Usopp was snickering under his breath. "Fisher Girl… Franky sure has you pegged, Magina-kun!"

Magina didn't even get a chance to retort.

"I've freed Nico Robin!" the call came over the Den Den Mushi.

The four of them cheered. Magina couldn't stop grinning. Robin was finally free! And they would be reunited soon. A large explosion rocked the area. She took a breath. It was too soon to celebrate. They still needed to escape. Warships appeared in the distance, sailing unconcernedly beyond the open gate. Robin's terror was back. It knifed through her.

"Oi, you two, jump down!" Zoro called urgently.

Usopp scoffed. "That's insane!"

Magina grabbed Usopp by the cloak. "We have to go…now!"

The Tower shuddered beneath their feet. Magina pushed Usopp off and jumped into space. His scream was drowned out by the cracking of stone and the explosions happening around them. Magina could hear the ice-cold moment of terror that her nakama had. She wished that she had more rope now.

"Usopp!"

"Magina!"

She winced while she picked herself up. Usopp didn't look to be in much better shape.

"Did you call? You could have caught us. We risked our lives, you know!"

There was instant relief when Usopp spoke.

"Are you going to be able to run? We still have to get to the Bridge."

Usopp moaned. "I can't run. I broke all of my ribs, all eight of them!"

Sanji scoffed. "You have more ribs than that. But if you can't run, then we'll carry you."

Zoro turned to her towards him, to look her over.

"Are you okay?"

Magina had to take a second to answer. She opened her mouth but Zoro's growl cut her off.

"Don't lie to me, siren."

Magina rubbed her forehead. "You don't have to assume that I'm going to lie to you."

Zoro snorted softly. "You obviously don't know how stubborn you are. Are you going to be alright?"

Magina breathed in deeply. Her left side ached. She made sure that her daggers were in their sheathes.

"Well, I probably can't rely on my voice from now on. I can still fight."

Zoro gave her a calculating look but then nodded.

"Okay, let's go!"

They all ran down the hallway; Zoro and Sanji each carried a side of Usopp's makeshift stretcher. They were arguing. Normally, Magina would stop them but she thought that she heard a noise. Panicked songs, and something else was approaching.

"Quiet! Do you guys hear that?"

Everyone froze, shouts and screams echoed in the underground tunnel. Rushing water deadened the noise. Zoro quickly put down Usopp.

"Cutting through the wall is our only chance. We'll drown if we're trapped underground!"

Magina nodded. Zoro prepared his strike. His blades didn't even scratch the wall.

"They must have reinforced it. This isn't stone or steel!"

The water filled the exit, chasing Nami and the others their way. They were trapped. Magina dragged in a breath before the wall of water hit. She managed to grab Zoro's hand before tumbling headlong in the current.

It's been a crazy year, guys. Here's to hoping that 2021 will be less turbulent! There are some Japanese words/phrases in this chapter, besides our normal favorites. The ones that I remember off the top of my head:

Rokushiki: Literally the 6 powers or 6 styles.

Santoryu: 3 Sword style

Kyuutoryu: 9 Sword style

Anyways, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and here's to the New Year. Stay safe and healthy and thank you all for reading! Because of health and work, I'm going to try a new posting schedule. I will post a new chapter every other month, again on the first. I wish that I could post more often than that but I don't like feeling like I did a rush job for writing these chapters either. March isn't that far away. Thank you all for being so understanding! See you in Chapter 28!