I do not One Piece
It is owned by Oda
I just own my OC's
Enjoy!
No POV
"Miss Goldenweek, what's going on?!" Miss Valentine exclaimed. Mr. 5 tried to escape his restraints until Jou stamped on his leg. Just one touch of the Sea Stone in Jou's boots caused him to go weak.
"Hold on a minute here," Jou said. "Before anything, you both need to know you aren't prisoners."
"Then why are we tied up?!" Miss Valentine questioned.
"Just a precaution," Jou said. We do have an essential passenger on board." He gestured over to Vivi. This is mainly for her, seeing as how you tried to kill her twice. Now, bringing you along was her idea. Jou looked at Miss Goldenweek. "She said something about once your boss figures out you two failed in killing the princess and us, someone will be sent after you."
The two agents put their heads down. Their faces seem to pale at the thought of something horrifying them.
"I see..." Vivi said. You're afraid of Mr. 00 being sent after you." Jou looked at Mr. 5, Valentine, and Miss Goldenweek until he looked at Vivi.
"That someone we should be worried about, Vivi?" Nami wondered.
"Mr. 00?" Jou asked.
"Yes," Vivi nodded. "Mr. 00. He's Mr. 0's chief enforcer. Like Miss All Sunday, he's the only one who knows the boss's true identity. Normally, other agents are sent to kill those who have failed the mission. But agents that have failed more than once are to be executed by Mr. 00."
"Well, he sounds like fun..." Jou smirked.
"So, I'm guessing you both don't even know your boss's identity," Nami said.
"Not even," Mr. 5 snorted. "That's why we were sent after you pirates and the princess."
"Really...?" Jou bent down to get to their level. "You two aren't even a little curious about his true identity? Well, once I say it, you'll be in the same boat as us." Jou shrugged. "No pun intended since we are on a boat. It's Warlord of the Sea, Crocodile." Once Jou mentioned that, collective gasps were heard from Mr. 5, Miss Valentine, and Miss Goldenweek.
"CROCODILE!" Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine exclaimed.
"This whole time we've been working under a Warlord...?" Miss Valentine questioned.
"I never would've expected that..." Mr. 5 sighed. "The boss just happened to be one of the dogs the government sends to do their dirty work."
"Anyway..." Jou said. "Look here, we may not look like much, but as of right now, we are the only things keeping you guys alive. And since our cook managed to trick Crocodile into believing we're dead, we're in the clear. So, honestly, it looks like our ship is the safest place for you. If you guys don't like it, we can easily drop you off somewhere, and you can find your own way."
Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine were quiet. They turned to each other and looked at Miss Goldenweek. The young BW agent stood close to Jou. She might have already trusted him that they'd be safe.
"Okay, we'll sail with you," Miss Valentine spoke. "If Miss Goldenweek is giving you a chance, then we can."
"Alright, we'll remove those ropes..." Jou said and paused when he looked at Nami. Jou had noticed that the navigator looked especially exhausted. It might've been from all the trouble on Little Garden or maybe the climate of the Grand Line, but something seemed off with her.
Jou POV
The adventure on Little Garden was quite the ordeal. They managed to save the others from being turned into statues and defeat Mr. 3. Jou didn't want to hurt Miss Goldenweek, so he brought her along. It was better that way rather than leaving her to die on the island filled with numerous beasts. With that came a deal that they also bring Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine.
If they had stayed, someone would have tracked them down and killed them—this Mr. 00. Thankfully, they won't have anyone come after them, thanks to Sanji getting their boss to believe they're dead, which was good. It let them reach Alabasta in safety.
The Baroque Works Agents are free to roam the ship as long as the rest of the crew can keep an eye on them. But they aren't being kept as prisoners. While Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine were unconscious, their weapons were taken away, as was Miss Goldenweek's color palette. Mr. 5 could be dangerous with his Devil Fruit powers, but Jou had Sea Stone in his possession, which stopped him from blowing them up, and that would be a bad idea on the open ocean, especially on a wooden boat.
"Guys, listen up!" Usopp exclaimed. "I will go to Elbaf someday! To the village of warriors!"
Usopp and Luffy started singing praises about Giants. Jou smirked at their antics and brought his attention to Nami. After leaving the island, Jou found Nami looking quite drained. He assumed it was probably due to the stress of almost turning into a statue. Jou wanted to suggest she go to bed if she was tired, but knowing Nami, she'd tell him it was nothing to worry about.
"Um, Vivi, could you watch for me?" Nami asked Vivi, holding out the Eternal Pose.
"Sure," Vivi agreed, taking the pose.
"You're on your way," Nami smiled. Soon, you will return to Alabasta. My rosy outlook assumes we can make it there safely without more surprises."
"Yeah," Jou nodded. "The faster we get there, the better."
"Yes, I must return," Vivi said. It's my obligation. I am the person everyone in the kingdom is counting on." Her grip tightened on the Eternal Pose. I will return home. Alive."
"You'll get home, but there's no need to push yourself so hard," Sanji assured her, holding a platter of small desserts. You've got me!" the cook grinned, jabbing his finger to himself. Here you go. Try these sweets. They'll help you relax. I've made some delicious tarts and your choice of coffee or tea."
"Thank you," Vivi smiled. Luffy, Usopp, and Carue eyed the sweets with excitement in their eyes.
"Yours are in the kitchen!" the cook barked at him. "Now, go!" They each dashed in a hurry to get their snacks.
"Yeah, Vivi..." Jou chimed. We'll get you home; there's nothing to worry about." He reached for one of the desserts on the platter held by the cook and popped it in his mouth. Mmm! Delicious."
"Wah...?!" Sanji mouthed. "Those aren't for you! Go to the kitchen and get your own if you want some!"
"It's all the same," Jou shrugged. "I know when it comes to the girls, you put more effort into their food." Jou felt someone come to his side. He looked down and noticed Miss Goldenweek. She seemed to be eyeing the sweets held by Sanji. They ate all of her rice crackers. Sanji seemed to notice her and bent to present the sweets to her.
"Would you like to try some of these, little lady?" he asked politely. The girl seemed a little hesitant.
"Go on and try one," Jou assured. "They're good. I promise." She slowly reached for one of the pastries.
"If you'd like more, just ask," Sanji smiled.
"Mind if I have one?" Jou turned and saw Miss Valentine with a broad smile and a hand on her hip. Just as Jou figured, Sanji went heart-eyed when she flashed a smile.
"Of course~!" Sanji said. The woman giggled and took one of the pastries.
"Glad to see you're making yourself comfortable," Jou crossed his arms.
"Might as well, right?" Miss Valentine shrugged. "Considering we're not prisoners on your ship. Plus, the food is free."
"I'll gladly prepare a meal for you, just let me know," Sanji gave a goofy smile.
"Thank you, I'd love that," Miss Valentine smiled. Sanji gave her a lovestruck look before retreating to the kitchen. After that, Vivi made her way over to Miss Valentine.
"Don't think for a second I'll let my guard down around you guys," Vivi told her. "You may have failed your mission, but that doesn't mean you guys aren't still loyal to Baroque Works."
"Calm down, princess," Miss Valentine folded her arms. "Even if we could contact the boss, we can't, and now we know his identity thanks to what you guys are telling us. Plus, we failed to kill you guys more than once, so that's not going to end well, and all of you are technically dead, so that means you'll be left alone. And I doubt any of the Straw hats would leave you alone with us which means you can't trust us."
"That's true," Jou agreed as Miss Valentine gave a short laugh. "Look, Vivi, it's okay..." Jou said. "I get you're pretty anxious to get back to Alabasta. No need to worry; we'll make sure you get there. You trust us, right?" Jou's assurance made Vivi smile.
"You're right, Jou," Vivi nodded. "And with this..." she looked at the Eternal Pose. "I'm almost there."
"You sure are, right Nami?" Jou turned to where the Navigator was sitting and found her walking toward the door that led to the lower deck. Jou went up to her before she could reach the door.
"Nami, are you alright?" Jou wondered. "Are you - Do you need any help...?"
"No, I..." Nami mumbled as her legs seemed to give out. Jou quickly dove to catch her before she could hit the deck.
"Nami!" Jou shouted and fell to his knees, cradling the Navigator. He had a feeling something was up with her but now he was certain and took in how she looked. Her face flushed red, and her breathing was labored.
"Jou!" Vivi exclaimed, springing over. "What's the matter with Nami?"
"I-I'm not sure...?" Jou replied, removing one of his fingerless gloves with his teeth and placing his hand on Nami's forehead.
"How does she feel?" Vivi asked worriedly.
"She's burning up," Jou stated.
"Hey, everyone!" Vivi alerted the others. "Come quick!"
"What's wrong, Vivi?" Luffy wondered while stuffing his face. "Are you okay?"
"Nami has an awful fever!" Vivi voiced.
"What?!" Sanji shoved his way out of the kitchen through Luffy and Usopp.
"Come on," Jou picked up Nami in his arms. "We need to put her to bed."
No POV
Tears were pouring down Sanji's face while he cried like a baby. Usopp and Luffy only stared at the sick, bedridden Navigator. Nami lay in the bed; the covers pulled over her form. Jou was kneeling beside Nami's bed, silently looking at her, worry evident on his face and Vivi was soaking a cloth in a bowl of water.
"Vivi..." Jou spoke. "Do you have any clue what's wrong with her? Could it be something from the Grand Line?"
"It's most likely the climate," Vivi mentioned placing the cloth on Nami's forehead.
"The climate?" Jou wondered.
"Yes," Vivi nodded. "It's quite normal."
"What does that mean?" the lookout asked.
"You see, sailors in the Grand Line aren't used to the strange weather and can become quite ill," Vivi explained. "There are countless stories of tough, notorious pirates who suddenly died. Their immune systems were attacked and ravaged by colds and fevers. Ignoring the symptoms can make even the slightest cold deadly."
"Nami!" Sanji cried into his handkerchief.
"Is there anyone aboard the ship with even the slightest amount of medical experience?" Vivi wondered among the guys. The captain and sniper jabbed fingers at the princess.
"Not much, I'm afraid," Jou shook his head. "I looked after my kid brother and sis whenever they got sick. But this..." Jou kept his gaze on Nami. "This feels like something else."
"Well, when you're sick, eating lots of meat always helps!" Luffy said with a smile. "Right, Sanji?"
"Meat is protein that gives the body energy to operate properly." Said the Cook. "I can cook some foods that will boost her energy, but there are no guarantees. I'm not a Doctor." Sanji looked down at Nami. "Besides, if my cooking made that big a difference, she'd never get sick. I put 100 times more care into preparing her meals than I do, you losers. I serve Nami fresh meats and vegetables to ensure a balanced diet. Anything rotten or moldy..." He points to Luffy and Usopp. "Goes to you."
"Jerk!" Shouted Usopp, slapping the Cooks' hand.
"Oh well!" Luffy said happily. "Still tastes good to me! Hahahaha!"
"My point, as long as I'm this ship's cook, nobodies gonna feed Nami better in nutrition," Sanji said. "I can do anything in the kitchen. Still, I know there are specific foods for different illnesses. But I can't make that call, she needs to be diagnosed by a doctor who'll tell how to help her."
"Just feed her everything we've got," Luffy added.
"Oh, shut up! She doesn't have the energy to eat," Sanji said. "She's sick." Vivi took the thermometer out of Nami's mouth.
"Vivi, what's her temperature?" Jou wondered.
"Let me see..." Vivi looked shocked when she saw the number. "104! No! This isn't good!"
"Neither of us are doctors, but I don't think it's normal for someone to have a temperature of 104," Jou remarked.
"There's bound to be doctors and nurses in Alabasta that can help?" Usopp asked. "Right? How much longer 'till we get there, Vivi?"
"I don't know?" Vivi said, head down. "At least a week. And that's too long."
"Okay, so she's sick," Luffy said. "Maybe we're overreacting."
"I don't know?" the sniper and cook tilted their heads. "I've never been this sick."
"Morons!" Vivi shouted with shark teeth. "Have you all lost your minds!? This is serious! She shouldn't have such a high fever unless her body is fighting an infection. This is bad. Whatever is wrong, it's possibly life-threatening." Hearing this caused Luffy, Sanji, Usopp, and Carue to panic.
"YOU MEAN NAMI'S GONNA DIE?!" Luffy shouted.
"Your screams aren't helping!" Vivi exclaimed to them.
"WE HAVE TO HELP NAMI AND A FIND A DOCTOR BEFORE SHE DIES!" Luffy declared over Sanji's wailing while the sniper and duck ran to and fro in alarm.
"Okay, everyone just calm down!" Vivi called them. "You're only going to make her feel worse!" Jou who'd been by Nami's side the whole time, stood abruptly and stepped toward the frantic group. "Jou...?" Vivi wondered as he walked past her.
BONK!
BOOM!
CRASH!
BANG!
Jou stood over the group of four with a clenched fist, each with a lump upon their head.
"Would you jackasses quiet the hell down!" Jou exclaimed. "You think Nami appreciates the noise you all are making? Look, I don't know what's wrong with her, but she needs quiet to rest properly!"
"Listen..." Nami spoke up, bringing everyone's attention to her. "I'm fine."
"Nami...?" Vivi blinked at the navigator, who leaned from the bed.
"YAY!" Luffy cheered. "SHE'S CURED!"
"SHUT UP!" Usopp shouted, chopping the captain on the head.
"Nami..." Jou said, taking a seat at the edge of the bed. "You need to lie back down." Nami didn't acknowledge the lookout's words, keeping her attention on the princess.
"V-Vivi needs to see something..." Nami huffed.
"What is it?" Vivi wondered.
"Go to my desk; open the second drawer," Nami explained. "There's a newspaper in the bottom."
Jou's POV
Vivi rushed out of the room; a newspaper clenched in her hand. Jou noticed the color had drained from Vivi's face when she read what was written on the paper.
"No!" Vivi exclaimed wide-eyed. "That's not possible!"
"What's up?" Luffy asked. "Something wrong?"
"Is it about Alabasta?" Sanji wondered. "Tell us?" Vivi's hands were wrapped tight around the paper, her knuckles becoming white.
"According to this article, 300,000 Royal soldiers defected to the resistance!" Vivi explained. "Until now, we've been embroiled in a cold war with 600,000 Royal Soldiers against 400,000 Rebels; with this, the balance has shifted."
"The uprising in Alabasta will seriously escalate now," Nami added. Things will get ugly. That paper you're looking at is three days old. I'm sorry I didn't say anything about it. We can't change speed, so I didn't want to worry you. There's nothing anyone can do right now." The bedridden navigator looked at their captain. "You understand, Luffy?"
"Things are bad, and they're beyond our control," Luffy said.
"That sunk in better than I'd hoped," Nami quirked.
"Nami, look..." Usopp spoke. "You need to see a doctor right away."
"Exactly," Jou nodded, turning to Nami. Nami, listen. You need to stay in bed until we can find you help." He sat on the bed. "Please." Jou tried to reason with her, but the Navigator only shook her head.
"I'm fine, Jou," Nami said with a weak smile. That thermometer's broken. I mean, come on, nobody has a temperature of 104. It's probably just a mild case of sunstroke." She put her feet on the floor. There's nothing a doctor can't do for me that time won't." She made her way to the stairs. Besides, we don't have time to hunt for one. We need to head straight for Alabasta. Right?"
"Nami, putting on a brave face isn't helping this," Jou stated, standing from the bed. "All you're doing is worrying us..." Jou sighed. "Worrying me." Nami turned her head to everyone, her eyes stopping on Jou.
"I appreciate the concern," she said with a small smile of reassurance. "Thank you." With that, she continued up the stairs leading to the upper deck.
"Huh..." Luffy blinked. "She sure recovered fast."
"No, she hasn't" Jou shook his head. "She's lying."
"Now that this conflict has escalated, more blood will be shed throughout the kingdom!" Vivi cried. "We're at war! If I don't put a stop to his insanity, the entire kingdom of Alabasta will be doomed! Crocodile will move in and seize control!" she crumbled the newspaper, putting her head down. "You're trying to get me home safely, but there's no time! I need to get home as quickly as possible! If I don't make it back in time, then a million innocent citizens will give their lives needlessly.
"There's a million people there?!" Luffy questioned at that revelation. "Wow!"
"What a horrible burden you have to carry..." Sanji frowned at the princess. "I'm sorry."
Jou may have been worried about Nami's condition, but he did feel bad for Vivi. The princess just read horrible news regarding her home. Things seemed to have become dire in her country. Crocodile is trying to take it over, and her countries soldier's have also joined the Rebel army. It seemed things could only worsen the longer she was away from home.
"Well, it looks like things are getting more complicated," Jou commented, looking at Vivi, who wept in the newspaper.
Nami's POV
Nami stumbled her way onto the deck. She didn't see the Baroque Works agents; they might've been in the kitchen. She mightn't have trusted them, but they were their only chance of escaping death from their boss. That wasn't a concern to Nami at the moment.
The only one on deck happened to be their swordsman. Zoro was lifting a weight, staring at the view ahead. He wasn't even paying attention to the Eternal Pose in his hand; the ship was heading straight, and the Pose's arrow was pointing right. Nami sighed in irritation, storming up to Zoro
"Zoro, what the hell have you been watching all this time?!" Nami questioned.
"What're you talking about!?" Zoro wondered. "We've been going straight ahead as you ordered!"
"Oh yeah, straight at a right angle!" Nami said. "Look at the Eternal Pose! It doesn't lie!"
"I don't need to look at it," Zoro said, jabbing a finger at a cloud. "I've been using that big cloud as my guide."
"Moron!" Nami yelled. "Clouds move and change shape constantly!" she groaned, placing a hand on her head. "Geez, my heads killing me."
"So leave the navigating to me and go to bed!" Zoro told her.
"I wish that I could, but I'm here because I can't trust you with this!" Nami exclaimed, placing her hands on her head. Nami took two steps and felt the air around her. "The air? It's changed."
"What do you mean?" Zoro asked. "The weather's been nice like this all day."
"Never mind," Nami sighed. "Just get the others."
"Hey, get your butts out here!" Zoro shouted. "Right now!"
"What do you want?" Usopp wondered.
"You know..." Sanji started. "I find it hard to get motivated when you're giving the orders."
"Not the time, Sanji," Jou sighed. "What's going on, Zoro?"
"We gotta get moving," Zoro ordered. "Take the seat and catch the Portside wind."
"Nami, what's up?" Sanji questioned. "It's a perfect day. The sun is shining, the waves are quiet."
"The wind," Nami answered.
"The wind?" Jou asked.
"There's a powerful wind," Nami voiced. "It's heading this way. I think...? Luffy?" Nami turned her head to look at the captain. He placed his hand on Nami's forehead. His palm rested on her forehead until it somehow burnt his hand.
"Her head's on fire!" Luffy shouted in alarm. "You gotta stay in bed, and we need to get you a doctor!"
"Maybe you should mind your own business!" Nami shouted. "This is my normal temperature! Now quit being so stupid and pull the damn ropes!"
"Nami, I know you're acting brave for Vivi, but if you keep pushing, your body won't have a chance to heal." Sanji reasoned.
"I told you guys I'm fine!" Nami said. "Let it go!" She gripped the railing as she let out a few quiet breaths.
"Woah, hey..." Usopp said. "Take it easy."
"Not another word, damn it!" Nami shouted.
"Nami..." Jou approached her
"Jou, I don't wanna hear it," Nami glared at him. "I'm fine."
"No, you're not," Jou looked her in the eyes. "I'm going to give you 10 seconds to get back to bed, or I'm going to toss you over my shoulder there myself.
"You wouldn't dare," Nami hissed.
"It wouldn't be hard," Jou stated. "You know how strong I am, and you aren't at full strength to resist me." Nami's glare at Jou didn't relent. Jou wasn't wrong, he could easily carry her back to the bed. Nami knew she was lying to the others about her condition even though it was obvious. Nami didn't say anything to Jou. Despite her struggling to stand at this point, she kept eye contact with him. She knows Jou trusts her and knows to question her on navigating the ship. She resisted the urge to smile when he sighed, turning to the others. "Get the ship moving."
The rest of the guys became bug-eyed as Jou said that.
"You guys heard him!" Nami exclaimed. Hurry and move this ship!" Everyone followed Nami's order to get the Going Merry moving. Sheesh," she breathed. Something... I don't know... but something's headed this way... and soon." Miss Goldenweek, Miss Valentine, and Mr. 5 exited the kitchen.
"What's going on out here?" Miss Valentine wondered.
"You three!" Nami pointed at them. "You don't get to freeload on this ship! Help get this ship moving!"
Jou, Zoro, Sanji, Mr. 5, and Miss Valentine pulled the ropes. Usopp, Carue, and Miss Goldenweek manned the steering rudder. As the Merry turned Luffy took his place on his special seat. Nami looked at the Eternal Pose, the needle facing straight ahead to Alabasta's magnetic pull. Nami bit her lip to fight whatever pain she felt in her head.
No POV
"I have to ask you all a favor!" Vivi said, joining everyone on deck. As a passenger on your ship, it's not my place to ask this, but I have no choice!" Vivi's voice was filled with determination. "My homeland is in jeopardy of being destroyed, so I would really appreciate it if we could move even faster. Every minute I'm out here puts more of my people in danger of losing their lives. We need to head to Alabasta at full speed."
"Of course we will," Nami smiled. "Just like we promised."
"Then it's settled," Vivi grinned. "Let's find an island with a doctor on it right away." Nami's eyes widened in surprise. "First things first: we need to hurry and get Nami healthy again. Then we head for Alabasta. After all, we need her at the helm to move at top speed."
"Right," Luffy agreed. "No one makes this ship move like Nami."
"Princess, hold on?" Usopp chimed. "Won't finding a doctor for Nami take time the citizens of Alabasta just don't have?"
"That's right!" Vivi nodded. "The sooner we get Nami a doctor, the sooner we can get to Alabasta."
"Those are wise words, Vivi," Sanji commented. "You're beautiful and brilliant."
"The girls got guts," Zoro said. A smile on his face.
"Yeah, she does," Jou nodded.
"Thank you, Vivi," Nami said as she stumbled toward the Princess.
"Don't overexert yourself, Nami," Vivi warned. She placed a hand on Nami's shoulder.
"I'm sorry..." Nami said. "I may need to... lie down..."
"Nami!" Vivi exclaimed, catching Nami before she hit the deck.
"AAAAGH!" Luffy screamed. "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!?" Everyone was alerted toward a large wind spiral that reached the sky.
"It's a cyclone!" Vivi stated.
"It's huge!" Luffy commented.
"Wait!?" Vivi wondered. "That's the same path we were headed on!?"
"Vivi's right!" Sanji said. "That's the exact same direction!"
"It would've been a direct hit if we kept going straight!" Usopp added. "We'd be dead right now!"
"No ship would've made it if they got hit by that!" Miss Valentine claimed. Thunder crackled in the sky and struck the water, causing the sea to tremble.
"We wouldn't have had a chance," Mr. 5 said beside his partner.
"See that?!" Luffy pointed. "Way too close! We barely missed it!"
"That's right!" Jou peered out through his telescope. "If Nami didn't tell us to turn, we would've been fried, and the ship would have been destroyed!"
Incredible, Vivi thought. Cyclones in the Grand Line are said to be impossible to predict! But somehow, Nami did. However she did it, it was obvious her technique wasn't based on any conventional method. It was as if she was detecting the weather with her body.
"It's beyond reason..." Vivi looked at Nami. "A miracle."
"Alright!" Luffy clenched his fist. "What're we waiting here for? Let's find Nami a doctor!"
"Yeah!" The crew cheered, fist-pumping the air.
"Here, I'll take her," Jou said, holding Nami in his arms. Before going below deck, he turned to Miss Valentine.
"Thanks for coming out to help," Jou said with a small smile. Miss Valentine grinned back, Miss Goldenweek nodded, and Mr. 5 folded his arms.
"It's the least we can do," Miss Valentine shrugged. "It'd be a shame if our only way to escape being killed by the 'enforcer' was thrown into a cyclone."
"Still, it's appreciated," Jou stated. "Also, if you don't mind, I need to speak with you later."
"Don't mind at all," Miss Valentine smiled. Jou continued toward the lower deck to Nami's room. Her face was red from the fever she had.
"You know, for someone as smart as you, Nami..." Jou said. You're kind of an idiot." He also couldn't help but grin. "But that's why you're one of us."
It's been about a day, and the Navigator's condition hasn't improved. Vivi and Jou tended to her as best they could, but nothing seemed to improve Nami. The rest of the guys and the BW agents were on deck. Snow had begun to cascade from the sky, covering the pirates' caravel while it sailed across the ocean.
"Hey!" Zoro called from the crow's nest to everyone.
"See any doctors yet!?" Luffy questioned.
"Luffy, you can't be serious?" Usopp frowned.
"There's no way we're gonna find any doctors out there," Sanji mentioned. Zoro stared through a pair of binoculars from atop the crow's nest.
"Guys?" Zoro spoke. "You think people...? Can stand on top of the ocean?
"What? Do I think it's possible?" Luffy wondered.
"What kind of question is that?" Usopp asked. "It's impossible, of course!"
"You having trouble with your eyes, Mosshead!?" Sanji commented. "Quit playing games! There's no such thing as people who stand on the ocean."
"Yeah...?" Zoro pointed. "What's that?"
"What's what?" Luffy followed the direction the swordsman pointed.
"Say what?" Usopp wondered. As everyone noticed there was one lone oddly-dressed guy casually standing on the ocean like it wasn't a big deal. But it was a big deal to everyone watching.
"Hey?" Luffy looked at the three Baroque Works agents. "Have you guys seen someone stand on water?"
"What?!" Miss Valentine stammered. "How would we know? It's impossible to do that, to start with. This is the Grand Line; you all have seen our abilities and know what we can do. He may have a Devil Fruit power. But that wouldn't be possible..."
"True," Mr. 5 agreed. "Even if he had Devil Fruit powers, there's no such thing as a fruit that can eliminate the effects we feel in water."
"Hello!" the guy greeted. "Sure is chilly today!" Usopp, Luffy, and Miss Goldenweek all sneezed in unison.
"Yeah, it is chilly today," Luffy agreed.
"Definitely, it's very chilling," Usopp chimed. "In fact, I would even say it's freezing!"
"True, I'm still cold even in this coat," Miss Goldenweek shivered slightly. She and Miss Valentine were borrowing Nami's jackets. Mr. 5 settled for a scarf wrapped around his neck.
"Really?" the guy on the ocean questioned. Everyone frowned at the man, wondering if he was for real. Then, a metallic dome-shaped ship lifted from the sea at that moment. It easily loomed over the Going Merry in its monstrous size. The ship caused the water to rock back and forth. Luffy, Sanji, and Mr. 5 hung onto the railing, Miss Valentine and Miss Goldweek held onto each other, but Usopp tumbled across the deck.
"What is that thing?!" Luffy questioned. "A watermelon?!" Judging by its shape, that seemed like an accurate description.
"What the hell is that?" Zoro wondered. "Is that a ship?"
"That doesn't look like any ship I've seen before!" Sanji added.
"Looks like somebody's coming out to say 'hi, '" Mr. 5 stated. The Dome surface split apart, revealing an actual ship. Several men were aboard the ship. Up top, a flag, a skull, and crossbones appeared. The design depicted a skull wearing a crown with a metal jaw and its tongue sticking out.
"Oh crap!" Usopp screamed. "It's a pirate ship!"
"It's huge!" Luffy exclaimed.
"Great," Zoro scowled. "Just when we needed to hurry."
"These bastards are blocking our way to get Nami a doctor," Sanji grunted.
"Hahahaha!" a pirate laughed. "What's the matter? Don't tell me our underwater raid ship, the "Tin Tyrant," surprised you!? Hahahaha!"
Hearing a bit of commotion on deck, Jou stood and headed toward the steps.
"Vivi, something's going on up there," Jou said. "I'm going to check out."
"Alright," Vivi agreed. "I'll stay with Nami." Jou ran to the upper deck, slipping into a black and grey snow jacket with a black scarf wrapped around his neck, pushing through the door.
"Guys, what's going-" The lookout paused at the sight of a large, built, rotund man, eating a piece of meat on a knife. "Hey, captain..." Jou turned to Luffy. "What's happening?"
"Well, we're under attack," Luffy replied. "And it's still snowing."
"Yeah..." Jou said. "It seems like we're surrounded by jackasses aiming rifles at us. Anything else we should be concerned with."
"You consider yourself a band of pirates?" the large man questioned while eating. "That's amusing." he munched through his chewing. "There's quite a handful of ya." the man raised the knife to his mouth and ate the meat and the blade.
The man eating the knife aboard their ship had violet hair and a cylinder-shaped jaw made of tinplates. His outfit consisted of tinplate armor, a hood of white-furred animal skin, brown gloves, purple and orange shorts, a brown belt around his waist, and boots. The crew and former Baroque Works agents all grimaced in disgust at seeing this man eating a knife like it wasn't a big deal.
"Kay, that's just weird," Luffy stated. "What kinda guy likes to eat knives?"
"Gah!" Usopp shivered. "My gums are bleeding just watching!"
"Guy's gotta be a Devil Fruit user..." Mr. 5 mentioned. "There's no way he'd be able to otherwise.
"Alright," I'll keep this simple," the man said. You see, my men and I wish to travel to Drum Kingdom. You wouldn't happen to have an Eternal Pose or a Log Pose, would ya?" Jou shook his head before he chimed in.
"We can't help you," Jou said. "We've never heard of Drum Kingdom."
"Well, I have," Miss Valentine smirked at Jou with a side glance.
"Well, now that we have that all settled," Luffy growled. "Would you guys just leave already?! We're in a hurry! We don't have time to deal with all this!"
"You'll never enjoy life if you're always in a rush," the man replied. But if you have neither pose, what can be done? I suppose I'll have to settle for your treasure on this ship. First things first! I'm feeling a bit hungry!" He turned around, opened his mouth wide, took a massive bite out of the Going Merry, and chewed on it.
"He's a ship-eating monster!" Usopp shouted in alarm.
"Hey! Our ship isn't your lunch!" Luffy yelled.
"Be quiet!" a guard shouted at Luffy. "Wapol doesn't like to be disturbed while he's eating!"
"Shut up!" Luffy was having none of it and punched the two guards beside him.
"Damn pirate! We're under attack!" another guard called. "Shoot him!" the men fired at the straw hat captain.
"Now things are finally starting to get interesting," Zoro smirked, tossing his blanket.
"Perfect!" Sanji smiled, taking off his scarf. "This is more like it!"
"Time to crack a few skulls," Jou stated, removing his scarf and jacket.
"Stop it!" Usopp screamed, clambering up the mast. "Can we discuss this?!" Wapol's guards didn't listen and opened fire on the pirates and former agents. A fight had broken out on the deck of the Going Merry. Sanji dodged bullets by leaping into the air, placing a foot on the back of a guard's head.
"You shouldn't take on anything you can't handle!" Sanji remarked. "Reception!"
Three more men aimed at the cook, who lifted his right leg and delivered a single kick that knocked them all back and hit two more that came at him. Two more dashed at him with a sword. Sanji bounded over the man and kicked him once he landed on the deck. That kick sent several guards crashing into each other and into the mast. Usopp avoided the three men Sanji kicked into the mast.
A few guards ran at Mr. 5 with blades. One agent grasped the man by the arm and placed a hand on his chest, sending him flying with an explosion. Another swung his sword, causing Mr. 5 to duck under and grab the man by the face, igniting an explosion and throwing him into a few other guards. A third ran with a battle cry. Mr. 5 dug into a nose and tossed an explosive booger, which sent the man flying into the ocean with a scream.
Miss Valentine avoided gunfire by floating into the air. A man leaped at her with a sword. The woman grabbed him by the arm and tossed him into a group of enemies. Miss Valentine kicked the face of another guard who tried to jump at her. She floated back onto the deck, and another tried to get to her, only to be intercepted by Sanji, who kicked the man overboard. Miss Valentine smiled at the cook, only for Sanji to become heart-eyed at the gesture.
Zoro had leaped from the crow's nest to join the fight, brandishing two katanas while dashing down the mast. The guards staring at him didn't get a chance to attack the swordsman who sliced through them, causing them to fall on the deck. Another gang of guards tried to attack Zoro, but the swordsman easily avoided them and cut the men down.
"All bark, no bite," Zoro commented.
With his red chain on his shoulder, Jou watched as four guards wield swords.
"You jackasses attacked the wrong ship," Jou glared. "And we don't have time for this!"
Jou swung out with his red chain, lashing all four men with one strike. Three attacked with swords as Jou ran toward them. He ducked under the first slash, easily dodged it with a side-step, and then somersaulted over the third man's head. Jou twirled his chain, gathering the wind and hurling it at the three guards, causing them fall into the sea. A final guard aimed at Jou and fired; the lookout ducked, pulled a knife from his sheath, and threw it into the man's leg. The man screamed and fell onto one knee. Jou ran at him and kicked him in the face, knocking him overboard.
"Hey! Um, Wapol?!" shouted one of the remaining guards. "We need help!" Wapol was busy eating, helping himself to more of the Going Merry.
"YOU STILL EATING?!" Luffy yelled, punching through a group of guards.
"This ship doesn't taste half bad!" Wapol remarked happily.
"HEY, YOU!" Luffy shouted, running after Wapol.
"You fool!" a guard shouted. "You're no match for Wapol!"
"Now you'll be eaten by powers of the Munch-Munch fruit!" another chimed.
"Luffy, no!" Usopp shouted. Once Luffy reached Wapol, the captain gobbled up from head to torso.
"Hey, it looks like your captain's about to get eaten..." Mr. 5 said next to Jou.
"Just watch," Jou replied nonchalantly. Vivi bursts through the door, noticing the defeated guards on the Going Merry.
"What's this?" Vivi wondered.
"Oh, hey there, Vivi," Sanji greeted. "Is everything okay with Nami?" Wapol continued to eat Luffy. The Straw hat captain outstretched his arms behind him.
"I prefer someone less chewy," Wapol stated. Vivi noticed them and gasped once her eyes fell on Wapol.
"I said...!" Luffy shouted. The captain's hands slammed into Wapol, sending the large man soaring into the sky. "LEAVE!"
"DAMN YOU!" Wapol cursed. "ONCE I TELL MY BROTHER WHAT HAPPENED, YOU'LL BE SORRY!" After Wapol's exclaim, he disappeared into the sky with a tiny twinkle of light.
"This is bad!" Chess shouted. "He sent Wapol flying out into the ocean?!"
"Bad!" Kuromarimo added. "It's worse! It's a disaster! Wapol's going to drown! He can't swim!"
"We have to rescue him before he sinks to the bottom!" Chess stated and turned to the pirates. "This is far from over! You'll pay! I promise you'll pay!" Wapol's people got onto their ship and sailed, leaving the pirates, former agents, and princess. Usopp and Miss Goldenweek hid behind a few barrels that came out once the fighting ended.
"Wow, crazy," Usopp said. "Those guys are upset. What were they calling that old garbage can? Wapol?"
"Who cares about what his name was," Sanji commented. Don't worry about it."
"Before Luffy sent him flying..." Usopp continued. "Didn't he mention he had a brother? I wonder what he's like compared to him?"
"Don't know, don't care," Jou sighed. "Now we can keep trying to find Nami a doctor."
Jou went back below deck, wrapping his red chain around his wrist. Vivi, staring out at sea, kept wondering where she saw Wapol.
"I know him," Vivi voiced. "But from where?"
Rana POV
It had been pretty quiet on the sea since that last attack. The pirates were so out of control out on the Grand Line that the East Blue seemed like a piece of cake. Their Marine vessel rocked against the waves; her green eyes fixated on the view as they sailed. A nice breeze blew through the air, causing Rana's wine-colored hair to flow with the wind.
"Captain Smoker!" a marine soldier called. "I just intercepted a very intriguing signal!"
"What is it?" Captain Smoker, who was lounging in a chair, eyed the soldier. When Rana heard that, she was interested in hearing the signal and made her way over.
"It might be important," Rana commented. "I think we should all listen to this."
"Exactly," Smoker nodded. The captain looked around the deck and back at Rana. "Where's Tashigi, Rana?"
"Tashigi?" Rana repeated and remembered where her fellow officer was. "Oh yeah, she's in the confiscation room. Probably cuddling that new sword that that pirate from earlier was holding. I could go get her, Captain-"
"TASHIGI!" Smoker screamed. The captain's sudden shout for the Sergeant Major caused Rana almost to jump.
"Or yelling for her works too..." Rana said while rubbing the back of her neck.
"YES, SIR! COMING, CAPTAIN!" Tashigi shouted, bursting through the door, then tumbling down the stairs and landing on the deck. The katana she held lodged itself in the deck next to her. Tashigi screamed and scampered from the sword.
"STOP CLOWNING AROUND AND GET OVER HERE!" Smoker shouted at the Sergeant Major. Rana ran down the steps to her fellow officer.
"You need a hand, Tashigi?" Rana asked with a smile.
"Thanks, Rana," Tashigi nodded taking her hand, and was pulled to her feet. "I guess I should be more careful."
"Eh, we all have off days," Rana shrugged. "Guess what? We got some intel that you should hear." Rana jabbed a thumb at the marine soldier with a black Transponder Snail on his wrist.
"Oh neat, a Black Transponder Snail listening device," Tashigi said, staring at the snail.
"Listen close," Smoker stated. "We just picked up this conversation minutes ago."
"I got it all queued up," said the soldier. "Ready, Sergeant Major?"
"Uh, yes, play it back, please?" Tashigi nodded.
"It's Mr. 0. Now quit fooling around, you jackass. Have you eliminated Princess Vivi and the Straw hats as you ordered?"
"Straw hats?" Tashigi gasped. "Straw hat Pirates?!"
"Oh yeah? Our mission was successful."
"From this point on, all my orders will be sent via letter following the usual protocol. That will be all, Mr. 3." With that, the transmission cut out. After it was over, Rana folded her arms in thought.
"Was that all we were able to get?" Rana questioned.
"Yes," the soldier nodded. "And the rest of the message is undecipherable static."
"It's a faint signal," Smoker stated. "But there are key names and phrases laced into their conversation that stood out. Princess Vivi, Straw hats, orders via letter, and Mr. 0."
"Mr. 0," Tashigi wondered. "Could that be a codename for somebody?"
"Seems like one," Rana agreed. "It sounds similar to the name of that guy we caught over there." Rana gestured to a man tied to the mast wearing a blue hat and suit. "It's possible there could be a connection?"
"What did that guy say his name was?" Tashigi asked. "Mr. 11?"
"Possibly," Smoker added. "Part of a criminal organization that uses numbers for codenames and sends orders via letter. Sound about right?"
"Heh, Mr. 0, organization," Mr. 11 said. "I have no idea what you're talking about?"
"Then how do you explain the letter of detailed orders we found in your pocket?" Smoker commented, causing the man to grimace.
"W-Wait?!" Mr. 11 started to sweat. "That's not... not mine!"
"That's funny," Smoker snorted. "Because we didn't find anything in your pocket." The restrained man just let them know he's linked to whoever Mr. 0 was and was now crying.
"Alright then," Smoker sat in his chair. Princess Vivi, if I remember correctly, is from Alabasta, and reports say she's currently missing."
"Excuse me for interrupting? Tashigi spoke up. "But isn't the Alabasta Kingdom in the middle of a coup? I wonder if this mysterious criminal organization and Staw hat pirates could somehow be involved in the uprising?"
"Princess Vivi..." Rana pondered with a finger on her chin. "I could understand they'd want her out of the picture, but why are they after the Straw hats? Could they somehow be involved with the Princess, and that's why they want to kill her and those Pirates?"
"Who knows?" Smoker shook his head. "All I know for certain is that this is the only clue we have to the Straw hat's whereabouts."
"This means... we're going..." Tashigi said.
"To Alabasta," Rana finished with a nod.
"Yes," Smoker agreed. "I want you to contact headquarters and get an eternal pose." He ordered the Marine.
"Yes, sir!" saluted the Marine as he marched off.
"It's time we pay a little visit," Smoker grinned. "The Kingdom of Sand."
Rana looked back at the ocean, staring at it thoughtfully. Things were starting to become complicated yet interesting. Some criminal organization was after Princess Vivi, the missing princess of Alabasta, and she's linked to the Straw Hat Pirates. What was she doing with them? Could they have kidnapped her? Rana shook her head. It was still too early to make assumptions. But if the Straw hats are headed to Alabasta, that's where Jou will be.
I guess this means we'll see each other again soon, Jou...
No POV
Jou and Vivi were keeping an eye on Nami. Nothing changed as Nami was still very much ill.
"Vivi..." Jou spoke.
"Oh, yes?" Vivi wondered. "What's wrong, Jou?"
"Why don't you take a break," Jou mentioned. "I can look after Nami right now."
"Are you sure?" Vivi asked.
"Yeah, I'll take it from here," Jou said. "Also, I know you don't feel safe with those agents aboard our ship."
"I don't, but they haven't caused any trouble yet," Vivi looked down.
"It's fine," Jou nodded. "Plus, I told Zoro to keep an eye on them, just in case. Go on. I'll let you know if I need any help here." Vivi gave a smile and nod.
"All right," Vivi said, standing from her seat and taking a final look at the resting Nami. Nami, Jou's going to look after you now. I'll be back soon." With that, the princess left the room, leaving Jou and Nami. Jou removed the cloth from Nami's forehead and wet it in the bucket, wringing it out and placing it on her.
Nami POV
Nami eyes opened slowly, and she turned to Jou. She didn't see the others and noticed it was just her and Jou.
"Jou...?" Nami said.
"Hey there," Jou waved. "How ya feeling?"
"How could you even ask me that?" Nami groaned.
"Right..." Jou rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry about that."
"Relax, you're fine," Nami smiled at him. Nami couldn't help but think back to how they treated each other differently. But as time went by, they got used to each other. In Nami's case, she was trying not to get attached to him and the others. "It hasn't been that long, but we've been through a lot together."
"Yeah, we have..." Jou nodded.
"Well, I say that because..." Nami sighed. "I don't know a lot about you."
"Why does that matter?" Jou wondered. "I already told about my past."
"Yeah, but only about when your mom died," Nami stated. "Seems fair since you know about my past."
"Alright, I'll play along," Jou chuckled, folding his arms. What do you want to know?"
"Where are you from?" Nami asked.
"Buoy village on Sunset Island," Jou mentioned. "The island is called 'Sunset' because the sunset is stunning."
"You know, I have made an entire chart of the East Blue and have Sunset Island on it," Nami stated. "Never really been there myself."
"That's my hometown," Jou smiled. "Well, if you want, if we ever find ourselves in the East Blue, I'll give you the grand tour. Then you can see how gorgeous the sunset is there."
"Oh?" Nami gave a coy smile.
"I'm serious," Jou grinned. "I wouldn't lie about that."
"I think I'll take you up on that," Nami said.
"Any other info you'd like to know?" Jou questioned.
"What was it like growing up?" Nami wondered.
"Well, you know it was just my mom and I," Jou said. "She raised me and taught me how to fight."
"If it was only you guys, what did you do for money?" Nami asked.
"Ah, we hunted in the forest for animals," Jou mentioned. "After that, we sold the skins and meat and got paid for it. Well, there were times when money became scarce, but hey, what can you do when you live in an entire village with other people?"
"Is there someone close to you?" Nami asked next. Jou didn't say anything just blinked his eyes at her. Nami didn't mean for it to come out like that. She was making it sound as if she was asking if he had a girlfriend back home. "I meant, do you have friends other than Rana."
"Well, I didn't come across Rana until I was 7," Jou said. Before that, I didn't have much or any friends." Hearing that, Nami's mouth went agape, giving Jou a sorrowful look in her eyes. "The other boys in the village didn't like me."
"Why not?" Nami wondered.
"Oh, they'd make fun of me for believing in the All Scope," Jou stated. "Or they away my hat. That set me off, then I ended up fighting to get it back and heading home with a black eye." Nami's face turned to a scowl after she heard that. Those other kids in Jou's village just messed with him because they could.
"Well..." Nami sighed. It's too bad we didn't know each other as kids." Nami hid her smile as she wondered what it would have been like if she and Jou had known each other as children.
"Boy, that'd be interesting," Jou snorted. "Look, things were fine. I had my Mom, Rana, Ashe-"
"Ashe?!" Nami questioned quickly.
"Not my girlfriend, she's my dog," Jou smirked. "You can relax."
"W-What?!" Nami stammered. "I didn't say anything about a girlfriend! I didn't know you had a dog."
"Yeah, she's the sweetest thing ever," Jou smiled fondly. "Very protective, too. Oh, and there was also Vic."
"Who's that?" Nami asked.
"Oh, Vic was a friend of my mom's," Jou mentioned. "Well, not just that, he was her first mate on her pirate crew. They had to keep a low profile since pirates aren't well-liked. Vic ran the local bar in Bouy. I worked there as a teenager. Vic raised me after mom died."
"That's good," Nami smiled. "I'm glad you had people looking after you when your mom passed."
"That's true," Jou said. "I better not forget to talk about my little brother and sister."
"Tell me about them," Nami said. She's heard Jou mention his brother and sister but not much.
"Met them sometime after Rana left for Marine training..." Jou stated. "I was an angry kid causing trouble anyway I could. But you could say those kids made me grow up a bit. Plus, I have a bit of a soft spot when it comes to children." Nami couldn't help but stare at Jou with pride.
"Makes sense why you're good with kids," Nami said. "You were pretty nice to Apis when she was with us."
"Heh, yeah..." Jou rubbed the back of his neck. "Anyway, I had others there for me after my mom died. That included Rana after she left..." Nami looked at Jou after once he paused. He must still think about what happened back in Loguetown between them. It shows how much he cares about Rana. It was honestly upsetting to see him like this.
"Hey..." Nami said.
"Hmm?" Jou looked at her.
"You know..." she said, staring into his eyes. You can talk to me. Anytime. Okay?" Jou blinked his eyes. Nami kept her face serious to show she meant what she said. A small smile finally came back to his face.
"I'll hold you to that," Jou commented. "Thanks, Nami."
Vivi POV
Vivi was seated on the stairs, just watching Jou and Nami. A smile on her face while they were too absorbed into each other to notice her. It was pleasant to see how comfortable they were with each other. Vivi could see they could be together someday. Seeing something good come out of her situation with Baroque Works was nice.
"You eavesdropping on the lovebirds?"
Vivi quietly gasped, turning around to find a smirking Miss Valentine. She didn't hear the woman sneak behind her. Vivi glared at her and walked past her, the agent following her up the stairs. Once they left the room, Vivi turned to her with hands on her hips.
"What do you think you're doing?" Vivi questioned.
"Calm down, princess," Miss Valentine raised her arms. "I'm just looking for dual-chain. He said wanted to talk to me later."
"Oh..." Vivi said. "Well, I suppose he will after he's finished with Nami."
"Also, I get you're paranoid around us..." Miss Valentine said. "But we have no reason to get after you. Honestly, I'm glad we're on this ship. It's safer than what would have happened to us since we failed to kill not once but twice."
"I see..." Vivi frowned. All three of them would have been killed by Crocodile's enforcer, Mr. 00. So I guess it is a safer bet. Eventually, Jou appeared from Nami's room and noticed them.
"Oh, hey there," Jou greeted.
"Jou, how's Nami?" Vivi asked.
"She's fine," Jou nodded. She went back to sleep." He looked at Miss Valentine. "Miss Valentine, it's been a busy few days. Are you ready to talk?"
"I sure am!" Miss Valentine laughed. "I was starting to think I wasn't good enough for you." she gave Jou a smirk. Vivi suppressed a groan from her.
"Right..." Jou chuckled. "Well, let's talk in the kitchen. Follow me."
"Um, I'd like to come, too," Vivi blurted out. "If you don't mind, of course."
"Not at all, Vivi," Jou smiled. 'Let's go."
And we're back! I have returned from beyond the realm!
Now, we are officially in the Drum Island arc, so that means a new opening next time. Other than working, I've been messing with Baldurs Gate 3's mod support and watching shows(I've been watching Demon Slayer in the Wordsmith Village arc).
Thank you to those who reviewed it and asked whether this story would continue. It lets me know that people still want to know what's going to happen.
Okay, next time, a new opening for a new arc.
I'll see you guys next time!
Later!