Chapter 63: A Peace That Was a Bit Too Short
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The underground port of Dressrosa was buzzing with activity as the Revolutionaries and Emi worked tirelessly. Under the orders of Sabo and Hack, a well-coordinated chain moved crates of weapons and ammunition to the ships discreetly docked at the entrance of an underwater tunnel.
Perched on one of the crumbling pillars, Karasu kept watch. His crows flew back and forth, carrying lighter loads in their shadow-black talons. Their silent comings and goings made them seem like ghosts gliding through the darkness.
Hack, focused, directed the operation.
"Handle those crates carefully! If they contain SMILEs, they need to be kept separate from the conventional weapons. I don't want any accidents!"
A group of revolutionaries nodded, immediately getting to work. Some dove into the water to guide the loaded rafts, while others climbed aboard the ships to carefully stack the cargo.
Standing on one of the ships, Sabo gave his orders loud and clear.
"Load everything, absolutely everything, before Cipher Pol shows up again! Make sure there's no evidence left behind of this operation!"
A sudden warning cry broke the rhythm. Karasu raised a wing, his crows clustering around him.
"Marines are approaching," he said in a raspy voice.
Sabo frowned and turned to Karasu. "How many?"
"About twenty, armed, but scattered."
Sabo smirked with a calm that was almost unsettling. "I'll handle it."
Taking a deep breath, Karasu launched his crows into the shadows like living projectiles, Sabo riding one of them. In mere moments, the first wave of scouts was neutralized, trapped in the flames of Sabo's newfound power.
"So this is the power of the Mera Mera no Mi…" Emi murmured, her gaze fixed on the swirling flames. Without meaning to, she caught herself thinking he was actually pretty cool—who wouldn't, with a power like that?
With his metal pipe in hand, Sabo rushed to intercept the remaining soldiers. In a fluid motion, he deflected their attacks and incapacitated them in a flash, cutting off any chance of them reaching the port.
Back at the entrance, Sabo wiped his hand. "Everything's under control. Keep loading!"
Karasu returned to his watchful position as Koala approached Sabo.
"Almost done. Once we're out, this port will be empty. They won't even know we were here."
Sabo nodded, satisfied.
"Perfect. This is a solid win. Once we're done, Dressrosa will be completely cut off from the weapons trade."
After an hour of meticulous work, the final crate was loaded. The Revolutionaries left the port, leaving it deserted, stripped of all secrets and merchandise.
Karasu, the last to leave, signaled with his wing, and his crows scattered a fine rain of ash, covering the ground in a black veil that erased all traces of their presence.
Koala, hands on her hips, gave the port one final look before boarding a ship.
"Mission accomplished."
.~~~~
Emi stood apart, gazing at the city with a pensive expression. Sabo approached her, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
"You look lost in thought," he said, crossing his arms, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
Emi startled slightly, pulled from her reverie. She turned to him, forcing a smile. "Oh… just thinking. There's still so much to do here."
"Don't worry about the people of Dressrosa. They've been through worse—they'll find a way to rebuild."
She nodded, but her silence spoke volumes. It wasn't just the island's future weighing on her mind. The pirates who had helped in this victory… what would happen to them? Would they manage to escape judgment, or would they be treated as criminals like Doflamingo, despite their role in liberating the island?
The soft flutter of wings broke through her thoughts. Karasu emerged from the shadows, his dark figure outlined against the starlit sky. He gestured toward Sabo, who nodded in return.
"You're leaving?" Emi asked, raising an eyebrow.
Sabo flashed her a bright, confident grin. "Not for long. I'm going to see my little brother."
Emi blinked, taking a moment to register his words. Of course—Luffy. It was still hard for her to connect the image of that carefree young captain with the composed revolutionary in front of her. And then, unbidden, a thought surfaced: if he was going to see Luffy, there was a chance he'd run into his crew… and maybe Law.
She shook her head, annoyed with herself. Why was she still thinking about him? Her hands curled into fists, frustration simmering just beneath the surface.
"Take care," she said simply, her voice firmer than she intended.
Sabo gave her a casual wave before vanishing into the night, carried away by Karasu. Emi remained motionless, her eyes fixed on the horizon. The silence that followed only magnified the turmoil in her mind.
She sighed, her fingers tightening around her satchel. A part of her wanted to see him again, to know he was okay. But she knew Law wasn't the type to show weakness. Maybe it was better to give him space...
"He's safe—that's all that matters," she murmured, as if trying to convince herself.
But despite her words, her gaze lingered on the darkness, carrying a mix of regret and longing she couldn't quite suppress.
Taking a deep breath, she whispered to herself, her voice trembling faintly, "It's better this way… isn't it?"
And yet, her heart seemed to disagree.
.~~~~
As the night went on, the last preparations were nearing completion. The Revolutionaries, gathered in a quiet, focused manner, were waiting for Sabo. Karasu, with his soot-covered crows, had gone out to find him a little earlier.
Emi was also waiting, leaning against a crate with her arms crossed. When Sabo jumped onto the deck with his usual ease, she hesitated for a moment. She wanted to ask him about his brother and the others, but the words got stuck in her throat.
Sabo immediately noticed her, a sly smile forming and one eyebrow raised. "From the look on your face, it seems like you're holding back a question."
She looked away, feeling uneasy. "Not at all. I'm just tired."
A light laugh escaped him. "You're not very convincing."
Emi opened her mouth to retort, but he cut her off. "He was sleeping soundly."
She blinked, surprised. "Who? Luffy?"
"Luffy, yes. But not just him." Sabo locked eyes with her, his expression becoming more serious. "Trafalgar Law was there too."
Emi's heart skipped a beat. She froze, trying to keep a neutral face. "Oh..." she murmured, her voice a bit too flat for her liking.
Sabo kept going, as if he hadn't noticed her discomfort. "They're resting in a cabin a bit off to the side, Kyros's place. Luffy's recovering from his fight, and they are too."
Emi nodded quietly, but her mind was already elsewhere.
"They plan to head to Zo," Sabo added, crossing his arms.
"Zo?" Emi furrowed her brow, intrigued. "The Straw Hats are there?"
"Half of them. They got separated and had to run with Caesar Clown."
Emi's eyes widened in shock. "Caesar Clown? That crazy guy? He's still alive?"
Sabo shrugged, amused by her reaction. "Apparently, yeah. And he's heading to Zo with the Heart Pirates and the Straw Hats."
She clenched her fists, trying to hide the excitement rising inside her. Zo.
"Why are you telling me all this?" she asked finally, trying to mask her interest.
Sabo adjusted his hat, his smile softening. "I thought you might be interested."
Their gazes met, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief meeting her amber ones. Emi felt a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. Sabo had this subtle way of guessing her thoughts, even the ones she tried to keep buried.
She lowered her head slightly, murmuring a simple, "Thank you."
Sabo smiled, satisfied, before moving off to join the others. Emi stayed still for a moment, lost in thought.
.~~~~
Emi had decided to stay a little longer on the island, determined to tend to the injured civilians. Meanwhile, the first revolutionary ships were leaving the port, carrying the most precious cargo recovered from Doflamingo's weapons trade.
As she finished bandaging an elderly man's wound, she wiped her forehead with a sigh and glanced up at the starry sky. Fatigue weighed heavily on her shoulders, but she knew she still had a bit of energy left to carry on. Yet, the need for a short break tugged at her.
Slipping away quietly, she wandered through the silent alleys of Dressrosa. Debris littered the ground, and ruined houses cast eerie shadows under the moonlight. She walked without a clear destination, letting her thoughts drift.
After a few minutes, she stumbled upon a tavern that had miraculously remained intact, untouched by the fighting. In contrast to the desolate landscape outside, the place seemed to overflow with life. Through the windows, she could hear bursts of laughter, shouts of joy, and even some singing.
Curious, she hesitated for a moment before finally pushing the door open.
Inside, the atmosphere was electric. The townsfolk were celebrating their newfound freedom, tears of joy streaming down some faces. The air was filled with laughter and song—a striking contrast to the devastation outside. Emi couldn't help but smile.
She walked to the bar and perched on a stool. Nearby, people were speaking loudly.
"I never thought I'd say this, but those pirates… they saved us. We owe them everything," said a man, raising his glass in gratitude.
Emi's smile widened. She couldn't disagree with his words.
"What can I get you, miss?"
The warm voice of the bartender pulled her from her thoughts. He was a middle-aged man with a small mustache that twitched whenever he smiled. He seemed just as joyful as his patrons.
"A Sunrise, please," she replied with a grin.
The bartender nodded and walked away to prepare her drink. Left alone with her thoughts, Emi once again lost herself in reflection.
Dressrosa was in ruins, but the people seemed determined to rebuild. Meanwhile, the Heart Pirates were probably on Zou, ready to reunite with their captain.
A soft smile brightened her face. Despite his obsession with revenge, Law had managed to protect his crew, keep his promises, and make a difference.
She took a deep breath. He's probably stronger than ever now, she told herself. Maybe he'll finally find some semblance of peace, even if this world isn't built for that.
"Here you go, gorgeous."
The bartender placed her drink in front of her and moved on to take another order.
Emi was about to take a sip when one of her Den Den Mushi vibrated in her pocket.
Curious, she pulled it out and paled when she saw the sender: a distinctive snail painted in the gaudy colors of Big Mom's Pirates. She hadn't heard from this contact in months.
"What does he want now?" she muttered, frowning.
Standing up discreetly, Emi walked quickly away from the bar, searching for a quiet corner. She was determined to tell this person off once and for all—she never wanted to deal with them again. Answering sharply, she was ready to let them have it.
"It's been months since you left me alone. So why the hell are you bothering me now?" she snapped, her tone laced with annoyance.
"Tsk! You've been playing me this whole time! Acting like you knew where Caesar was! But you didn't know jack, did you?"
Emi's brows furrowed, her grip tightening on the Den Den Mushi. There was no way she was letting this idiot ruin her evening. "Listen to me, you two-bit pirate. Even if I did have info on Caesar, I wouldn't share it with you. You paid me peanuts last time, and it wasn't even in the damn contract! So now you can go fu—"
She didn't get the chance to finish. A deep, gravelly voice sounded behind her, so close she could almost feel the breath on her neck.
"Well, is that how you talk to a Big Mom pirate?"
Emi froze, her heart pounding in her chest. Slowly, she turned to find herself face-to-face with an anthropomorphic lion in a suit, a pair of sunglasses perched on his snout.
"W-What…?" she breathed, incredulous.
The lion sneered, his expression a mix of amusement and menace. "So, you thought you could insult us and get away with it, huh?"
Realizing she was in serious trouble, Emi cleared her throat and raised her hands in a placating gesture. "Alright, look… this is just a misunderstanding, okay? No need to get worked up…"
But the pirate didn't seem in the mood for negotiations. His fist clenched, and Emi sensed that things were about to take a turn for the worse.
"You better give me a good reason to leave you alone."
Emi tightened her fists, her eyes flashing with defiance. She had no intention of backing down, but before she could retort, her breath hitched as a short, stocky man stepped out of the shadows behind the lion. Impeccable suit, hat tilted just right, and an air of barely concealed menace: Capone "Gang" Bege, one of the Eleven Supernovas, stood there with a smug grin.
"Bege?" she whispered, stunned.
Bege raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained. "Well, looks like my reputation precedes me. You look nervous, kid."
Emi swallowed hard, stepping back. She knew she couldn't handle this alone. What do I do? What do I say? Her thoughts raced, but she forced herself to stay calm.
The lion growled, his claws scraping the ground. "You've got a big mouth, but you've also got information. If you don't want us to make you regret taking us for fools, you'd better start talking."
Emi raised her hands again, trying to find the right words. "Look… I don't have much information…"
Pekoms crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes. "We know that's a lie."
Emi took a deep breath, her heart hammering in her chest. "Caesar Clown… He's on Zou."
A cold shiver ran down her spine as she bit her lip, guilt creeping in. She knew she shouldn't have said anything. Now the Straw Hats—and maybe even the Heart Pirates—were in danger because of her.
What have I done? she thought, her stomach sinking.
A heavy silence fell as the two pirates exchanged a glance. Bege let out a rough laugh that echoed down the dim corridor. "Zou, huh? Well, that's an interesting piece of news."
The lion, however, narrowed his eyes, his expression hardening. "Zou? Why would he go there? Are you messing with us?"
"I'm not lying," Emi insisted, her voice trembling. "Risking my neck to tell you a lie isn't really my style."
The lion wasn't convinced. He stepped closer, his sharp claws gleaming in the moonlight. "You think I'm gonna buy that without proof? You're coming with us. If you're lying, you're dead."
Before she could protest, he grabbed her arm with a vice-like grip. Emi winced, trying to pull free. "Hey, let go of me, you overgrown stuffed animal! I told you what I know, so why don't you go back to your little pirate business?"
Bege stepped forward, his smile still in place but his gaze ice-cold. "You're coming with us, sweetheart. If you're telling the truth, maybe we'll let you go in one piece. If not…" He shrugged, letting the threat hang in the air.
The lion finished with a sneer, "Big Mom will be thrilled to meet you in person."
Emi felt another chill run through her, but she refused to show any fear. She tried once more to break free, but Pekoms lifted her as if she weighed nothing. Emi gritted her teeth, a bitter thought flashing through her mind:
Damn it, I should've gone with Sabo. But no, I had to play the hero. And now? I'm screwed. Completely.
.~~~~
On the way, Emi learned that the lion, Pekoms, and Bege were on a mission for Big Mom. They were delivering an invitation to Sanji for his arranged marriage with the Vinsmoke family—a political alliance of terrifying scale that tied Big Mom's interests to one of the most influential families in the world. By chance, they had crossed paths with Emi before heading to Zo.
Standing on the deck of Bege's ship, Emi stared at the dark waves stretching endlessly into the horizon. It felt like she was trapped in a waking nightmare. How did I get myself into this mess again? she thought, stealing a glance at Pekoms. The Mink looked pleased, a cruel smile playing on his lips, as though he was already savoring the idea of handing Caesar Clown over to Big Mom.
But it wasn't just Pekoms that worried her. A heavier, darker thought lingered in her mind, refusing to let her rest. She had revealed Caesar Clown's location. Not only that, but she might have also put the residents of Zo, the Straw Hats, and the Heart Pirates in danger. Big Mom wasn't just any pirate—she was one of the Four Emperors, an unstoppable force who would do anything to get what she wanted.
Emi clenched her fists, the weight of her guilt crushing her. What was I thinking? She had acted under pressure, but that didn't excuse her actions. Law and Sabo had trusted her, and she had betrayed that trust in a single moment. A burning shame rose within her, mixed with quiet anger directed at herself.
She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. They're only focused on their current mission, she tried to reassure herself. They want to find Sanji and take Caesar back to Big Mom. Maybe it won't go any further than that.
But even that thought, as comforting as it seemed on the surface, wasn't enough to ease her mind. She knew Big Mom's reputation. If she found out Caesar Clown wasn't alone on Zo, it could set off a chain of disastrous events.
As the ship cut through the waves toward Zo, Emi felt a mix of fear, regret, and anger rise within her. She didn't yet know how she was going to fix this, but one thing was clear: she wouldn't let Big Mom or her underlings destroy everything Law and the others had worked for. She would find a way to make things right, no matter the cost.
.~~~~
Emi leaned against the ship's railing, arms crossed. The sea breeze carried a salty scent that tickled her nose. She was thankful to be out on the deck for a bit, even if she was technically still a prisoner.
At least they were feeding her, and she was still alive—that was something.
Today's meal, a bland stew that tasted more like wet socks than actual food, wasn't impressive, but she'd take it over a bullet to the head. Still, boredom was starting to eat away at her, especially without her Den Den Mushi to contact Sabo and Koala about her situation.
What annoyed her most, though, was the attitude of her captors. They barely paid her any attention. Pekoms spent his time scanning the horizon, and Bege often seemed to forget she even existed. They treated her like she was nothing more than an insignificant extra, a second-rate passenger.
She straightened up and glanced at the crew, busy with their tasks, not even bothering to watch her. No guards, no threats, not even a dirty look. It was almost insulting.
Lost in her thoughts, she was startled by a loud voice booming behind her.
"MY SWEET LITTLE ANGEL!"
Emi flinched and whipped around. Bege, the stone-faced captain, stood there holding a Den Den Mushi in his hand.
"What?" she muttered, completely thrown off.
Bege, as usual, ignored her, but this time he was fully absorbed in his call.
"Yes, my love! Of course, Daddy misses you. How's our little prince doing today? Did he eat his veggies?"
On the other end of the line, a soft, feminine voice replied, mixed with the coos and giggles of a baby.
Emi nearly choked on her own spit.
"Wait, what did I just miss?"
She blinked, trying to process what she was hearing. Hold on… this guy had a wife? And… a kid?!
Her eyes darted between Bege and the Den Den Mushi. Was this really happening? Bege, the stone-cold mafia boss with all the charm of a brick wall, was cooing like a love-struck bird into the phone.
"You're the king of my life, you know that? And you too, my little angel. Daddy will be home soon, I promise!" Bege continued, his voice dripping with sweetness.
Emi stood there, frozen in place, utterly dumbfounded.
The contrast between the hardened gangster and the ridiculously affectionate dad was so absurd she briefly wondered if she'd eaten something hallucinogenic.
Seriously… if this got any cheesier, she was going to puke. She looked away slightly, as if that would somehow lessen the awkwardness.
Eventually, Bege ended the call, looking uncharacteristically radiant. When he turned and noticed Emi's raised eyebrow and stunned expression, he frowned.
"What? Got a problem, revolutionary?" he asked, arching a brow.
"…No…" Emi replied, hands raised in mock innocence, though her tone dripped with sarcasm.
Bege stared at her for a moment before grunting.
"Hmph. Shut up and go back to being bored, kid."
He turned and headed back inside, but Emi couldn't stop herself from muttering under her breath:
"So, the big scary mob boss is a total softie dad… The world is full of surprises."
.~~~~
After what felt like an eternity at sea, the ship finally docked at its destination: the fabled island of Zou. But to Emi's astonishment, the "island" wasn't an island at all. She stood there, slack-jawed, as the truth sank in—it was a massive elephant, so enormous it defied every natural law she'd ever known. Its colossal legs vanished into the waves below, and its wrinkled skin told tales of countless centuries, maybe even millennia, of existence.
Her wonder was cut short, however. Before she could take it all in, she was herded along with the group toward one of the elephant's towering legs, their mission clear: to capture Caesar Clown.
Bege activated his Devil Fruit ability, transforming into a gigantic, fortress-like tank bristling with cannons. Despite Emi's loud protests, she was shoved inside the transformed mob boss.
"Wait, seriously? You expect me to get inside that thing?" she had exclaimed, disgust evident in her voice.
But once inside, her disgust turned into reluctant awe. It truly was like a fortress—solid walls, fully furnished rooms, and even a patrolling army. Still, her amazement didn't last long. The Big Mom pirates wasted no time locking her in an isolated cell, leaving her with little hope of escape.
"Great," she muttered, slamming her fist against the wall. "Now that we're on Zou, I need to figure out how to get out of this... metal nightmare."
She ran her hands along the walls, feeling for even the slightest imperfection, some kind of weak spot she could exploit. Nothing. The walls were smooth and impenetrable.
Eventually, frustration got the better of her. She slumped against the cold wall, sliding down until she was sitting on the floor. A creeping sense of despair began to take hold. How was she supposed to stand up to Big Mom's pirates and a Super Rookie? She was way out of her depth.
"Think, Emi. Think," she whispered, trying to psych herself up.
She closed her eyes for a moment, attempting to still her racing mind. But an unwelcome thought wormed its way in: What if Caesar Clown wasn't even on Zou? What if they'd never made it here?
She shook her head fiercely, banishing the idea. "No, not now. I can't afford to think like that."
Her gaze drifted aimlessly around the sterile cell, but her resolve remained firm. If there was a weakness, she'd find it. If she had to face impossible odds to escape, then so be it. After all, Emi wasn't the type to give up without a fight.
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Thanks for sticking with me! Buckle up for the next chapter—you're in for a treat hehe