Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

The Straw Hats stood in a dimly lit bedroom, preparing for the night.

"Let's sleep and build our strength for tomorrow! Good night!" Usopp announced energetically, only to be met with a pillow thrown squarely at his face by Zoro.

"You've been sleeping all day." Zoro grumbled, eyes narrowed.

"That's not fair! I'm only human! Not a monster like you!" Usopp shot back, throwing the pillow back.

"Besides, you get the prize for fainting, blue nose!" Usopp chucked the pillow at Chopper, who caught it clumsily.

"I'm adapted to the cold!" Chopper protested.

"Who are you trying to fool!?" Usopp's next wild throw struck Sanji by mistake.

"Who threw that pillow! You've got a lot of nerve!" Sanji growled, his temper rising as he glared around.

"Don't you guys know the meaning of rest!?" Nami shouted from the corner, eyes blazing. Vivi, watching the scene unfold, couldn't help but chuckle at their antics.

…

Outside, the cold desert air surrounded Ryomen and Luffy as they watched the old man shovel tirelessly.

"So…why are you doing this?" Ryomen asked, confusion clear in his voice as he gazed at the aged figure.

"The king entrusted this place to me. I have to keep the oasis aliveYuba won't lose to the sand." The old man replied, his voice heavy with determination.

"That so? Well, I'll join in! Let's dig!" Luffy declared enthusiastically, using his hands to start digging in the sand like a child playing at the beach.

"Uh…you could just use a shovel…" Ryomen muttered, shaking his head with a small smile. Despite his comment, he grabbed a shovel and joined in.

The two dug until a deep, wide hole stretched out before them. After hours of effort, they collapsed into the hole, passing out from exhaustion. Above them, Toto gazed down with a grateful smile.

…

The next day, after resupplying, the crew bid farewell to Toto and set off once more. Not long after, they realized something was wrong.

"Luffy's not here!" Vivi pointed back toward a dying tree where Luffy stood, leaning against it in the desert wind.

"What's wrong, Luffy?" Vivi asked, concern lining her face.

"I quit." Luffy simply said, his expression blank.

"Huh!?" The crew blinked in shock, exchanging puzzled looks.

"You…quit?" Nami repeated, trying to understand.

"Luffy, we don't have time for your whims!" Sanji barked, clearly annoyed.

"You're going back, right?" Luffy asked, ignoring Sanji as he looked directly at Vivi.

"Of course! We need to stop the rebels before it's too late!" Vivi replied, her voice rising in urgency.

"It's boring." Luffy replied bluntly, his usual carefree tone laced with seriousness. He then turned his gaze to Vivi. "Vivi…I wanna defeat Crocodile."

The crew stared at him, surprised.

"Stopping the rebels won't stop Crocodile." Luffy explained. "If we're gonna do this, we should go after the real enemy. We're pirates—let's fight him head-on instead of wasting time at Katorea."

"Sometimes, he actually makes a lot of sense." Sanji remarked, causing Zoro to snicker.

"Where does his intelligence suddenly appear from?" Ryomen muttered, before stepping forward to support Luffy's point. "He's right, Vivi. Taking down Crocodile will expose the truth, stop the rebels, and save more lives in the long run."

"And how many people will die until then?" Vivi snapped, her voice filled with frustration.

"We're up against a Warlord, and a million people are ready to fight. You can't save everyone. That's just the harsh reality." Luffy replied, his voice firm.

Vivi, unable to contain her anger, slapped him across the face. "Shut up! Don't talk like that! I'm trying to stop the bloodshed!"

Luffy's face darkened, and he punched her back without hesitation. "And you're risking your life while trying to play savior!"

Ryomen immediately lunged between them, grabbing both Luffy and Vivi by the arms. "Enough! This isn't helping!" He yelled, holding them apart as they continued to glare at each other.

"You can't do this alone!" Luffy shouted. "You need us to beat Crocodile!"

"I have to do it!" Vivi shouted back, her voice cracking.

"No, you don't." Ryomen's voice was softer now, and he released their arms. "I promised I'd help you, and the others feel the same. You're not alone."

Vivi's gaze shifted to the crew, who all stared at her with determination in their eyes. "Why?" She whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Because we're your friends, aren't we?" Luffy said simply, his tone now gentle.

Vivi dropped to her knees, her tears flowing freely as she wept. Luffy, looking awkward, scratched his head. "So…even princesses cry…"

Vivi, embarrassed, pulled her hood over her face to hide her tears. "I just...I want to protect them all."

"The truth is, you want to beat him the most out of anyone, right?" Luffy said with a grin, finally managing to lighten the mood.

"Alright! So where do we find him?" He asked, smiling brightly again.

…

The crew now marched toward Rainbase, ready to confront Crocodile.

"Hey! North is this way!" Ryomen called out to Zoro, who was, as usual, heading in the wrong direction.

"I knew that. I was just testing you." Zoro replied with a straight face, though Ryomen could hear the faint hint of embarrassment.

"Sure you were…" Ryomen muttered.

Meanwhile, Sanji was glaring at Ryomen. "What's with that look?" Ryomen asked, confused.

"What's with that look? Don't play dumb! First Nami-san, and now Vivi-chan! You think I don't know what's going on between you and them!?"

"Uh…you're imagining things." Ryomen replied, still confused.

Vivi, sitting on Ryomen's back, giggled softly, her face slightly red. "Maybe I should get off. This is pretty embarrassing."

"It's fine." Ryomen reassured her with a smile. "Consider it compensation for Luffy's punch. And don't worry—after this, Luffy's getting a lecture about why you shouldn't randomly hit women."

Luffy, hearing this, paled as he imagined his inevitable fate.

"At least we can agree on that." Sanji grumbled, though his jealousy hadn't entirely disappeared.

"Keep staring at Ryomen, and I'll think you've switched sides." Zoro teased, grinning at Sanji.

"You shut up, moss head!" Sanji snapped.

"Who asked you, perverted cook!?" Zoro retorted, and the two launched into their usual bickering.

"Ugh…my head is starting to hurt." Usopp groaned. "Got any sedatives, Chopper?"

"I wish I did…" Chopper mumbled, rubbing his temples as the noise escalated.

Fed up, Nami stepped in and knocked both Zoro and Sanji to the ground. "Shut up already! You're driving me crazy!"

"Who needs sedatives when we have Nami!?" Usopp and Chopper said in unison, trembling under Nami's fierce glare.

…

After hours of trekking through the scorching desert, they finally reached Rainbase. The sight of the tall buildings and casino was a welcome relief.

"There it is! Rainbase!" Luffy shouted, his excitement palpable. "Let's go beat Crocodile!"

"Hold your horses, Luffy." Ryomen said, ruffling his hair. "We'll get to him soon enough."

Later, Ryomen, Usopp, and Luffy went to a tavern to buy water and food, leaving the rest of the crew waiting nearby.

Inside the dim tavern, a woman with glasses sat at the bar beside a tall, muscular man with white hair.

"Why Rainbase, Captain?" Tashigi asked, confused.

"Call it a hunch." Smoker replied, his tone gruff but thoughtful.

Suddenly, a voice from the entrance interrupted them. "Woohoo! Water!" Luffy shouted gleefully as he burst into the tavern, followed by Usopp and Ryomen.

"There's something strange about this country. It's like there's a shadow hanging over it." Smoker continued, still not noticing the commotion behind him.

"Six barrels of water!" Luffy and Usopp exclaimed as they started guzzling down the contents, not even bothering with cups.

"Think it has something to do with Crocodile?" Tashigi asked, still focused on their conversation.

"I dunno." Smoker admitted, just as Ryomen turned toward them, his eyes widening in shock.

The moment he realized who they were looking at, Luffy and Usopp—mid-drink—sprayed water all over Smoker and Tashigi, their eyes bulging in horror.

…

Outside, Zoro, Nami, and the others waited.

"Was sending Usopp and Luffy really the best choice?" Zoro asked, crossing his arms.

"They'll be fine. Ryomen's with them." Nami replied, though there was a trace of concern in her voice.

"Well…we should be ready to run, just in case," Zoro said, as if preparing himself for the worst.

"I gotta pee." Chopper mumbled awkwardly before wandering off.

A few moments later, loud crashing noises erupted from behind them. Sanji turned around and saw the trio—Ryomen, Usopp, and Luffy—bolting toward them, chased by a mob of marines.

"The Navy's on their tail!" Sanji exclaimed, eyes wide.

"Oh, are you serious!?" Nami groaned in exasperation.

"Wait! Chopper's not back yet!" Vivi shouted, panicking.

"Leave him, he'll be fine." Zoro said dismissively as they all started running.

"To Crocodile's place, Vivi!" Luffy shouted as they sprinted through the streets.

"There! That's his casino!" Vivi pointed toward a tall, pyramid-shaped building with a giant crocodile head perched on top.

They split up, agreeing to meet there.

Ryomen turned, firing a barrage of slashes at Smoker to get his attention. "Catch us if you can, Smoker-roo!" Luffy taunted, sticking his tongue out.

"You've got guts!" Smoker shouted, his face dark with determination. "But you can't run forever! White Vine!" A thick rope of smoke shot out, wrapping around Luffy.

"Gomu-Gomu no…Balloon!!" Luffy inflated himself, expanding and slipping free from Smoker's grip.

They reached the casino, panting as they found everyone except for Vivi, Sanji, and Chopper.

"Don't stand around!" Ryomen snapped, urgency in his voice.

"C'mon, enter!" Luffy added, grinning.

…

Inside the casino, Luffy wasted no time. "Crocodile! Come on out!" He yelled, fists clenched.

"Do you really think that would work?!" Ryomen said, shaking his head as they barreled through the building, security guards toppling like bowling pins in their wake.

Eventually, the group was led to the VIP room by the staff. But the moment they stepped inside, Smoker came charging after them.

"Dammit, there's no turning back now." Ryomen muttered under his breath, a growing sense of dread settling in.

"What's a VIP room!?" Luffy asked, clueless as ever.

"Later, Luffy!" Nami snapped, annoyed.

As they raced down a hallway, a sign appeared: "Left for VIP, right for pirates."

"To the left!" Ryomen said, moving toward the VIP area.

"But we're pirates!" Luffy exclaimed, veering right, and the others followed.

"Aaahh! It's a trap!" They all screamed as the floor beneath them gave way.

"What the—!?" Ryomen could only stare in shock as everyone fell through the trapdoor.

"I've got you now!" Smoker's voice boomed from behind. Ryomen turned, expecting a fight, but Smoker didn't even notice him, running straight into the trap himself.

"…"

Ryomen peered down, seeing the others trapped in a large cage below. "Of course, he didn't personally come for small-time pirates…" He muttered in disbelief, then quietly slipped out of the building.

…

Outside the casino, Ryomen hid near the pyramid, having already knocked out dozens of Baroque Works henchmen. He watched as Miss All Sunday dragged Vivi into the building. Ryomen's heart tensed with worry, unable to stay and wait for an opportunity any longer, he tried to follow them.

But a moment later, Ryomen spotted Chopper and Sanji wandering nearby.

"Chopper!" Ryomen exclaimed, his relief evident as he embraced the little reindeer. "And Sanji!"

"Who's there!?" Chopper yelped, startled. He turned around, only to see Ryomen and sighed in relief.

"Why am I an afterthought!?" Sanji growled, his eyebrow twitching with irritation.

"Ryomen! Where are the others?" Chopper asked, worry etched across his face.

"They're inside. Captured by Crocodile. I was just planning on going after them." Ryomen replied, his voice grim.

"C-Captured!? No way!" Chopper gasped.

"What!? I have to save Nami-san and Vivi-chan!" Sanji shouted, rushing toward the casino, but Ryomen grabbed his arm, stopping him.

"Wait! We can't fight Crocodile like this, even if we wanted to. It'll only put everyone in more danger. We need a plan first." Ryomen cautioned.

"Tsk. You're right." Sanji muttered, frustration lacing his voice. Then, as if an idea had struck him, he took out a Den Den Mushi from his coat. "Though I might have a different plan…"

…

Inside the casino, Vivi was desperately dodging the relentless attacks of a giant alligator with bananas on its back. Crocodile and Miss All Sunday were preparing to leave when suddenly, a Den Den Mushi call interrupted them, stopping them in their tracks.

"Hey, do you hear me?" A voice came from the other side of the den den mushi, startling the crew trapped in the cage.

"Ryomen!!" They all shouted in unison.

"Hm? You're the vice captain, right?" Crocodile asked with curiosity.

"Well, I'm sure that title would suit me better." Another voice chimed in.

"Stop it, Sanji! You're invading my personal space!" Ryomen snapped.

"Guys! We've been captured! There's not much time left!" Usopp's voice rang out, filled with urgency.

"Are those our shipmates? Don't worry, we'll save—aaah!" Sanji's voice was cut off, followed by a series of loud banging noises coming from the Den Den Mushi.

"What's happening!?" Nami asked, her voice full of worry.

A third voice broke through the commotion, panting heavily. "That'll teach you…Hello?... I've got them. What should I do now?"

"No way…" Vivi gasped in disbelief.

"Where are you? Tell me." Crocodile demanded.

"At the front gate." The voice replied confidently.

"How can they be so careless?" Zoro remarked, still in shock over what he was hearing.

"Ryomen! Sanji!" Luffy shouted with concern, pacing around.

Usopp began to panic, frantically pacing inside the cage.

"They should be alright…right?" Nami muttered, trying to convince herself.

Crocodile and Ms. All Sunday left the room, heading toward the front gate. Meanwhile, Vivi managed to escape the alligator's attack and sprinted toward the entrance of the casino. However, as she approached, the bridge in front of her collapsed, leaving her stranded.

"How am I supposed to leave now?" Vivi mumbled in frustration.

"You don't need to." She turned to see Sanji standing confidently nearby, wearing glasses.

"You're fine!" Vivi exclaimed with relief. "Where's Ryomen?" She asked, worried.

"He and Chopper are acting as decoys. Let's hurry; we've got a rebellion to stop." Sanji said with a grin.

…

"What the hell happened here!?" Crocodile fumed as he surveyed the damaged casino.

"The bridge collapsed!" A staff member exclaimed in shock.

Ms. All Sunday remained silent, observing the chaos unfolding.

Crocodile's sharp eyes caught two figures running in the distance. "Them!" He growled, immediately giving chase.

Ryomen and Chopper, still disguised in his heavy point as Sanji, sprinted through the streets, dodging Crocodile's attacks. Once they were out of sight, Chopper quickly switched to brain point, and they both hid within the bustling crowd, trying to blend in.

"Where'd they go?" Crocodile said, scanning the area with his cold, calculating gaze. He finally locked eyes with them. "Got you." He sneered.

"Run." Ryomen said quickly, grabbing Chopper and dashing away.

"You can't escape!" Crocodile shouted, his speed increasing as he closed the gap between them.

"Dismantle!" Ryomen attempted to attack, but the slash passed harmlessly through Crocodile's body.

"A Logia user!?" Ryomen muttered in disbelief but quickly adapted, using his power to bring down a nearby building, slowing Crocodile's pursuit.

"Chopper, go! Meet up with the others! I'll hold him off!" Ryomen ordered, determination in his voice.

"But…Are you sure!?" Chopper hesitated, unsure of leaving his friend behind.

"Yes! Now go! And take this with you! Don't lose it! It's important!" Ryomen urged, while giving Chopper his backpack.

Chopper reluctantly ran off, following their plan.

Crocodile emerged from the rubble, dusting himself off with an annoyed expression. "You think you can stop me?" His eyes scanned the area, finding Ryomen alone. "Where's your little friend? Never mind, I'll deal with him after."

Crocodile lunged at Ryomen with his golden hook. "I won't let you!" Ryomen shouted, narrowly dodging the attack and grabbing the hook. "Cleave!" The hook shattered into pieces, leaving Crocodile furious.

"You think that'll stop me!?" Crocodile snarled, revealing another hook beneath his cloak. "Annoying pest!" He charged again but abruptly halted. His expression shifted.

"They escaped." Crocodile said, his voice low and controlled, but brimming with frustration. He turned to leave.

'How does he know!? Damn it, I can't let him go!' Ryomen thought, launching himself forward, but Crocodile spun around faster than he anticipated, knocking him into a nearby building with a wave of sand.

…

"Why'd you save me?" Smoker asked, glaring at Zoro.

"I didn't. That was the captain's order. I would've let you drown." Zoro replied bluntly.

Smoker stayed silent. In the distance, the sounds of the approaching marines grew louder.

"Smokes, still want to fight?" Luffy asked, bracing himself for a possible clash.

Smoker hesitated. "Go." He finally muttered.

"What?" Luffy asked, not sure if he heard correctly.

"Just this once…I'll let you go. But next time…you and Ryomen are dead meat."

Luffy grinned. "You know, I kinda like you."

"Get out of here before I change my mind!" Smoker barked, his irritation flaring up.

The crew wasted no time, quickly escaping the marines' grasp.

"Captain, are we not chasing them?" One of Smoker's subordinates asked, clearly confused.

"No…I'm tired." Smoker replied flatly. "Contact HQ. Have every ship in the region set sail for Alabasta."

"But, sir, do you think the Brass would send reinforcements for some lousy pirates?" The officer asked, nervously.

"Do you think I care what the Brass thinks!?" Smoker shot back angrily.

"N-No, sir! I'll get right on it!"

…

"How are we going to get to Alubarna?" Usopp asked, looking worried.

"We'll grab some horses." Zoro suggested.

"Relax, look ahead." Sanji exclaimed, pointing toward the horizon.

Chopper and Eyelashes appeared, riding a giant crab.

"Looks tasty!" Luffy shouted, licking his lips.

"Where's Ryomen?" Nami asked, her worry palpable.

"Yeah, shouldn't he be with you?" Sanji added.

"Crocodile caught us! He stayed behind so I could escape and meet up with you!" Chopper replied, shame heavy in his voice.

"What!?" Vivi gasped, her face filled with disbelief.

"We need to go back for him!" Nami insisted.

"No," Vivi interjected, torn. "The rebellion has already started. We don't have time."

"He wouldn't want us to risk going back for him." Zoro added.

"Even so…" Nami trailed off, clearly upset.

Suddenly, Luffy was caught by an extending hook made of sand, pulling him away.

"Wha!?" Luffy shouted in surprise.

"Why is Crocodile here!? Don't tell me…" Vivi couldn't finish her thought, dreading the worst.

"Go on without me! I can handle this!" Luffy shouted as he was dragged toward Crocodile.

"Keep going, Chopper! To Alubarna!" Zoro ordered.

"You're abandoning them!?" Usopp shouted in shock.

Zoro turned to Vivi, his voice calm but firm. "Vivi, they're buying us time so you can stop the rebellion and save Alabasta. You need to survive, no matter what happens to the rest of us."

"But…" Vivi began to protest, her heart heavy with indecision.

"This is something you started. Years ago, you took it upon yourself to fight against Baroque Works. But you're not alone anymore." Sanji reminded her.

"Vivi! D-Don't worry! I-I'm with you!" Usopp chimed in, trying to encourage her.

Vivi paused before turning toward Luffy, shouting, "I'll be waiting for both of you in Alubarna!!"

"Kay!!" Luffy yelled back, his voice resolute.