Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Salt water burned her lungs.

Aster shot up with a desperate gasp, coughing violently as seafoam and seawater poured from her mouth. Her entire body convulsed with each breath. Her knees slammed into the wet stone beneath her, palms splayed against the cold dock and her chest heaved.

The storm winds whipped around her. Rain slapped her face like needles, soaked clothes clung to her small frame. Her short brown hair was plastered to her forehead and neck, heavy with seawater. Her eyes blinked open but everything was blurry.

Then a silhouette appeared through the fog and rain panting, dripping and tense. Ain.

Aster stared in disbelief. “Ain…?” she whispered, voice hoarse, cracking from salt and cold.

Ain met her gaze, eyes wide and wild, then her features twisted into rage. Before Aster could process anything—before she could say thank you or ask how she was even still alive— a slap made her rethink her life choices.

A full-force palm struck the side of her head. She yelped in pain and surprise, her body jerking sideways from the blow.

“You IDIOT!!” Her friend shrieked, trembling from fury, exhaustion, and rain. “What the hell were you THINKING?!”

Elsewhere…

The Galley-La Company headquarters roared with flames, the building collapsing in chunks of blackened wood and twisted metal. A ring of shipwrights stood at the perimeter, watching helplessly as the fire ate their home.

“Gods above… this can’t be real!”

“Did we get everyone out?!”

“I don’t know! It’s too damn hot to go back in!”

“The place is a furnace!”

“Anyone seen Iceburg-san?!”

“He’s gotta be okay! Paulie, Kaku, and Lucci were with him, right?!”

Another worker shouted as he stumbled into the crowd, a limp figure in his arms. “Hey—HEY! Girl down! She fell from one of the upper floors!!” He laid her on the ground.

Someone gasped. “That’s… that’s one of the Straw Hats!”

“No doubt about it!”

“Restrain her! She’ll tell us where the others are hiding!”

On a Distant Rooftop…

CP9 stood atop a nearby tower, watching the inferno from above like silent gargoyles. The flames flickered in their eyes. Their silhouettes cut sharp lines against the stormlit sky.

Rob Lucci spoke, voice steady and cold, “No one will believe the words of pirates.” He folded his arms, unmoved by the spectacle of destruction. “This incident will be buried in the shadows. A whisper. A footnote.” He paused, glancing back toward the smoldering shell of Iceburg’s mansion. “Mayor Iceburg… you may have been a brilliant shipwright. A respected leader. But no ordinary citizen can stand against the will of the World Government.” He turned to face his team. “Let’s move. It’s time to retrieve the real blueprints… from Tom’s second apprentice.” His lips curled slightly. “Franky. No—Cutty Flam.”

With a whoosh of wind and cloak, CP9 vanished into the storm.

Elsewhere…

At a crooked, wind-blasted structure far from the flames, Kokoro stood on a balcony, clutching a bottle of booze in one hand and watching the city’s glow with narrowed eyes. Behind her, Chimney and Gonbe clung to a support beam, eyes wide with panic.

“Grandma!! The fire’s HUGE!!” Chimney cried.

Kokoro took a slow swig and exhaled, eyes never leaving the horizon. “That there’s Galley-La, ain’t it? Some pretty nasty things going on down there…”

“What do you mean?!” Her granddaughter squeaked. “Did someone start it?!”

She just muttered, “Dunno, sweetheart. Maybe. Maybe not.” She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “But this city’s been under a bad spell for a while now.” Her voice lowered, “Iceburg’s a good man… but he’s been hiding things. Things that don’t belong in this world. Or any world.”

Northeastern shore of Water 7, beneath the great waste-bridge…

In the hidden scrap-stuffed base beneath the bridge, things were… dramatic.

“WAAAAAAHHHH!!!”

Franky sobbed, waterfalls of tears streaking down his chrome cheeks. “THIS IS TOO MUCH!! BRO, BRO, BRO, YOU’RE RIPPING MY HEART IN HALF!!!”

Beside him, the twin sisters Mozu and Kiwi were bawling in sync.

“Waaah!!”

“Why would you ever part ways with the friends you came all the way from East Blue with—for a ship?!”

Usopp looked more irritated than moved. “Why are you crying?!”

The cyborg slapped his metal fist over his chest. “Shut up! I’m not crying! Okay fine—I am crying!! But ONLY because I respect you! You went THAT far to protect your ship?! That’s… beautiful, man!!”

Mozu and Kiwi wailed again, “We’re not crying either!! No one here is crying!!”

Usopp hammered a nail into the Going Merry’s battered hull, muttering to himself, “What the hell is wrong with these people…” Then, turning on them, he shouted, “Anyway, the point is—did you get it already?! It’s over!! I’m not one of them anymore! We’re not crewmates! We’re not friends!!”

Franky sniffed, wiping his tears and whipped out a guitar with suspiciously dramatic timing. “This kind of farewell deserves a song… I call it ‘Parting Winds from the North Pier’.”

“DO IT, BRO!” Mozu and Kiwi cheered, bawling louder.

Usopp clenched his fists. “ARE YOU MOCKING ME?!”

Back at the Blue Station…

Two girls sat on the edge of the dock, soaked to the bone, shivering beneath the stormclouds. The sharp wind of Aqua Laguna howled around them, rattling windows, pulling at hair and jackets.

Aster hunched over, still trembling from the cold, water dripping from her eyelashes. She raised her head weakly and croaked, “…Ain?”

Ain, crouched beside her, was panting just as drenched, just as exhausted. Her eyes met Aster’s… and then blazed with fury and there was a slap, again.

Aster’s head jerked sideways. “OW! AGAIN?!” she yelped, clutching her temple.

“What the hell is WRONG with you?!” Ain snapped, voice cracking with worry and rage. “You almost DIED!”

Still dazed, the brown haired rubbed her head. “How did you even find me…?”

Ain huffed, crossing her arms, clearly restraining the urge to slap her again. “Your grandfather told me you were off chasing pirates like some fangirl lunatic,” she growled. “So I went looking.” She gestured vaguely toward the train station behind them. “Then I saw Nico Robin—yeah, the Nico Robin—talking to a talking reindeer and a blond guy. I followed the blondie, figured he might lead me to you.”

Aster blinked, “reindeer..? Must be Chopper… and the blondie.. Sanji! Chopper was with him! You met Sanji?!”

“Guess that’s his name,” the other girl muttered. “He tried to blow me off, but I knew he was lying. I was THIS close to grabbing him by the leg when suddenly I saw YOU fall from the freaking SKY.” She glared at her. “I thought I was hallucinating. The blondie ran off while I was questioning my sanity. But I followed the splash, thank the gods, you were still breathing.”

Aster’s mouth opened, but no words came out. Her brain spun. “…Ain,” she whispered, voice cracking. “You were on your own little adventure this whole time…?”

“…”

“And yeah… that guy is from the Straw Hats, but I haven’t met him yet. He’s the only one I haven’t. I’m jealous of you!”

She smacked her on the head again. Not hard this time, more like punctuation. “Quit talking like it’s a game!” she barked. “What the hell are you doing out here? It’s Aqua Laguna! That’s literally the scariest storm in the world!”

Aster rubbed her head. “Ow! Okay, okay! Jeez. Did your mom even let you out?!”

Ain scoffed. “I told her I was going to one of the other shelters. Said I was following my idiot stepdad. He left saying his ‘friend needed help’ or something. Moron.”

That word—stepdad—hit Aster in the gut. She thought of Elias, and then Kaku, then Lucci, Kalifa, Blueno… Her lips trembled and her chest tightened.

Ain paused, catching the sudden change in her friend’s expression. Her brow furrowed. “…Hey. What?” she asked. “Was it the slap? Did I hit too hard?”

Aster choked on her breath and suddenly lunged forward, hugging her friend tightly. “…Ain,” she sobbed. “I’m so sorry!!”

The other froze. “HUH?! Wait—what?! Sorry for what?! What did you DO?! ASTER??!”

Back in the shadows of the Franky Family’s hidden base beneath the bridge, the storm roared far above, but inside, something far heavier filled the air.

Franky stood across from Usopp, arms folded, voice hard, “I’m saying I’ll help you take her apart.”

Usopp’s face twisted with fury. “That’s not funny!! I won’t let you lay a single finger on her!!! The Merry Go… she’s my ship!!!”

Franky’s usual grin was nowhere in sight. His tone was serious, too serious. “No. That thing’s not a ship anymore.”

The words sliced through the air like a blade.

Usopp reeled. “H-Huh?! What did you just say?!”

Franky’s eyes didn’t waver. “I asked you before: what are you planning to do after you fix her? If you’d told me you were planning to go down with her… I would’ve let you be.” He stepped closer, shadows casting harsh lines across his face. “But you said it yourself. You want to go back home… sail all the way to East Blue… on this ship?” He shook his head. “She won’t even make it to the next island.”

Usopp’s breath caught.

The other kept going. “All ships—whether they’re tiny rowboats or massive war galleons—they share one promise.” He raised his hand, palm slicing through the air like a captain charting a course.
“‘I’ll carry you from this shore… to the next.’ That’s it. That’s the promise of a ship.” He leapt aboard the Merry, boots hitting the deck with a metallic thud. “When a ship can’t keep that promise anymore…” He grabbed the railing.

“HEY!!” Usopp’s scream cracked. “STOP!! DON’T YOU DARE—!!”

“…then it’s no longer a ship,” he declared and ripped the railing clean off.

“NOOO!!!” Usopp lunged.

But Franky turned and hurled him into the water like he weighed nothing.

Usopp jumped. He dragged himself back onto the dock, dripping, shivering, clutching something in his hands. The broken piece of Merry’s railing. He staggered upright, breath ragged. Every movement hurt, but his hands moved anyway. With shaking fingers, he pressed the wood back where it had once stood and hammered it back in place.

Tears streamed down his cheeks. “I’m sorry, Merry… I’ll fix you. I promise, okay?” His voice cracked, wild and desperate. “Again and again… every time you break… I’ll fix you!! Over and over!! No matter what!!”

Mozu and Kiwi sniffled, eyes misty. Franky clenched his teeth but then finally exploded. “Would you just knock it off already, long-nose?!”

Usopp blinked up.

Franky stepped forward, eyes blazing. “I’ve seen the underside of this ship! The keel’s snapped!! The whole damn skeleton’s rotting! Every wave you hit is one more nail in her coffin!! You think some amateur like you can hold her together?!”

Usopp’s hand slipped. The hammer dropped, scattering nails across the floor. His voice dropped to a growl. “Shut up…”

Franky blinked.

“I warned you to shut up!!!” He shouted, voice raw. “I don’t care if you’re right!!! If you say one more word, I’ll knock your stupid square nose right off your face!!!” The tears returned with a vengeance. “I already know, okay?! I knew Merry was done for!!!”

Franky and the girls fell silent.

Usopp collapsed to his knees, fists pressed against the deck. His whole body trembled. “The moment I heard the shipwright’s verdict… it just confirmed what I’d known all along.” He took a shaky breath. “I thought… maybe it was just a bad dream. I didn’t think something so stupid could happen. But…” He looked up, eyes distant, caught in another night, one he’d never spoken of. “One night… no one was supposed to be on board. The ship was empty. Or so I thought. I heard footsteps. Someone… hammering.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “The fog was thick… but I swear, someone was there. I didn’t know who. And the next morning—some of the damage was fixed.”

Mozu gasped and Kiwi leaned closer, eyes wide.

“I thought I was going crazy. But then… these words just kind of echoed in my heart. Like she said it, or maybe I imagined it. I don’t know.” He closed his eyes, voice trembling. “‘It’s okay. I’ll carry you… just a little longer.’”

Franky said nothing. Just sat down slowly, staring hard at Usopp deeply.

“I know it sounds nuts. Maybe I am. Maybe it was all in my head. But…” He looked up, broken and defiant. “…I really thought it was the Merry.”

Franky’s voice was quiet now, “Was it a guy… with a raincoat and a wooden mallet?”

Usopp’s heart skipped. “Wh—what?! How did you—?!”

Franky nodded. “You saw a Klabautermann.”

Usopp’s face twisted in confusion. “A what now?”

Franky grinned, eyes softening just slightly. “Klabautermann. An old sailor’s legend. A spirit that appears only on ships that’ve been truly loved. Treated like family. Given heart.” He leaned forward. “They say he carries a wooden hammer and wears a sailor’s coat. Comes to warn the crew when disaster’s near. Maybe even saves lives.”

Usopp stared, wide-eyed.

“I’ve never met anyone who’s seen one. Ever.” Franky’s voice held something like awe. “That ship… she must’ve really loved you guys. Loved you enough to take a form… just to say goodbye.”

Usopp’s mouth opened. His voice was a whisper. “…Merry…” He looked up to the mast, wind rattling the canvas. “…So it really was you… that night… you came to see me…”

Franky sighed. Then stiffened, his gaze shot over Usopp’s shoulder. “…Well, great,” he muttered. “We’ve got company.”

Usopp turned. And there, standing in the shadows five figures.

Back at the Waterfront…

Ain trembled.

Her hands were balled into fists on her knees, knuckles bone-white, teeth clenched so tight they could’ve cracked. She was shaking—not from cold, but from betrayal.

Aster sat nearby, tense and unsure, still reeling from what she’d just told her. That Elias, Ain’s kind, steady, almost-too-perfect stepfather, wasn’t who he claimed to be.

Ain hissed through her teeth, her voice low and boiling, “That idiot… I knew it.” She sucked in a sharp breath, and the dam broke. “I knew. He was too nice. Too sweet. It was weird! Suspicious! I never trusted him, not really! I kept wondering—why would someone like him choose to live with us? With me and my mom? What’s the catch?!” Her voice cracked with fury and self-hatred. “I’m such an idiot…”

“No you’re not!” Her friend blurted, instantly holding out her hands. “You couldn’t have known. None of us could! They were… they were so good at pretending, Ain, you’re not—”

But her voice trailed off when she saw it. A single tear slipping down Ain’s cheek. She froze, her hands hung in the air.

Ain kept going, voice cracking under the weight of everything, “And my mom—she’s just as stupid! She loved him so much…” her voice rose to a harsh sob. “She was so proud, and happy, and stupid, stupid, stupid—!” Then came the gasps and hiccups. The full-body shake as Ain broke.

And in the next heartbeat, Aster threw her arms around her. No words. Just the desperate grip of someone who couldn’t take away the pain but would hold it with her.

Galley-La Headquarters…

Smoke poured from the shattered windows of the Galley-La estate as flames devoured the once-proud building. Firefighters—shipwrights turned emergency crew—desperately sprayed the upper floors with pressurized water from fire pumps.

“It’s no use!” one shouted. “The wind’s too strong!!”

“It’s spreading faster than we can fight it!!”

“If anyone’s still inside, they’re not coming out alive—not in this heat!!”

Then, a collective gasp ripped through the crowd as a shadow burst from the fire. Chopperleapt from the second floor, landing with a heavy crash. On his back, clinging for life, were two unconscious men.

“HE’S GOT MAYOR ICEBURG AND PAULIE!!” someone screamed.

Chopper wheezed, his hooves barely holding him up, smoke and ash clinging to every inch of his fur. His eyes were bloodshot, his antlers scorched, but he stayed upright.

“He’s… he’s alive!!” shouted one of the workers. “THEY’RE ALIVE!!”

Another wiped his eyes in disbelief. “But what about the others?! Where are Lucci and the rest—?!”

Nobody had an answer.

Chopper swayed and his blurry gaze locked onto the unconscious figure of Nami lying nearby. “Nami… hoff… she…” he coughed hard, stumbled a step forward then collapsed, hitting the ground hard, motionless.

For a moment, no one moved. Then the workers snapped to action. “GET THEM MEDICAL HELP, NOW!!”

“Grab stretchers!! Prioritize the burns!”

“Wait, what do we do about the reindeer?!”

One man knelt beside Chopper, placing two fingers on his neck and blinking in awe. “He saved them… of course we’ll treat him as well!”

Back in Franky’s hideout… or what was left of it.

The scrap-metal walls were torn open, half the ceiling was gone, and everything smelled like smoke and sea salt. Ash fluttered through the air like snow. It wasn’t a hideout anymore, it was a ruin.

Franky was on the ground, bound by Kalifa’s whip, arms twisted behind his back, his nose dripping blood onto the concrete. His breaths came in ragged gasps, but he kept glaring like a cornered wolf. Usopp stood nearby, sweating bullets, his slingshot drawn, but his hands were trembling. In front of them stood the agents of CP9, faces bare, hearts colder than steel.

Lucci stepped forward, calm and sharp as ever. “The man we’re after… Tom,” he said. “He was skilled, no doubt. But he was also a dangerous Fish-Man, a creature of chaos with Herculean strength. When we asked the people of this city about him, they lied. Dodged questions. Covered for him.” He paused. “It must be hard to hide a master like that, Cutty Flam.”

Franky spat blood into the dirt.“Hiding? You people make me sick… You government dogs are nothing but polished trash.”

Usopp squeaked, eyes wide. “Whoa, whoa, whoa! Maybe don’t antagonize the assassins!”

Lucci ignored him completely, voice flat, “That day… eight years ago… over a hundred Marines and officials were critically injured. And the one responsible—was you.”

Franky tensed, jaw clenching.

“It was an act against the World Government. But as luck would have it… you were declared dead. Train accident, remember?” He smirked. “Case never closed. Crime never punished.” Then he looked to Blueno, who was adjusting the Den Den Mushi receiver. “Blueno. Status?”

He nodded. “Just got the call. He wants to speak with him.”

Lucci held out the snail-phone toward Franky. “Your invitation to Enies Lobby just arrived.”

Franky narrowed his eyes.

“HOT!! HOT HOT HOT!!” came a panicked, squawking voice from the Den Den Mushi. “AHH! My COFFEE!! STUPID STUPID COFFEE—GAHHH, IT GOT ALL OVER MY DESK—!!”

Everyone blinked.

Then the voice cleared its throat. “Ahem. Is… is this thing on? Hello? Ah… Cutty Flam, is that you?”

Franky sneered. “Who the hell are you supposed to be?”

The voice responded with smugness so thick it could drown a man. “Oh, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten! That hurts, you know. After all the pain you caused me… for eight long years, every time my wounds throbbed, I endured it without complaint… because the man who scarred me was supposedly dead.” The snail’s face shifted into one wearing a small iron chin-guard with a crooked sneer. “Remember me now? Spandam—from CP5. I’m your old friend!”

Franky’s eyes blazed. “YOU… you’ve gotta be kidding me. Don’t tell me you’re— Spanda!!”

“That’s right!” the voice barked, way too pleased. “It’s Spandam, not ‘Spanda’! Don’t forget the M, dummy! WAHAHAHAHA!” Then came the order, “Bring that criminal to me. I can’t wait to see his smug face dragged into Enies Lobby in chains!”

“Roger that,” Kaku replied calmly.

Elias stepped forward. Without a word, he wrapped Franky in a large burlap sack, leaving only his furious head poking out.

“ARGHHH!! Let me go, you circus clowns!!” Franky screamed, thrashing. “I’M GONNA SQUASH YOUR STUPID METAL MASK LIKE A SOUP CAN!!”

Usopp, panicking, aimed his slingshot again. “W-Wait a second! STOP!! You can’t just take him!!”

Lucci locked eyes with Usopp, and the air froze solid. “You dare interfere?”

Usopp buckled instantly, sweating rivers. “S-S-Sorry! My bad! Carry on!”

Franky’s voice echoed from the sack, furious. “THAT’S IT?! That’s your big stand?! You buckled in three seconds!!”

Kaku tilted his head, peering closer at Usopp. “Wait a moment… I know you.”

Moments later, Usopp lay face-down in the dirt, twitching, thoroughly thrashed. His slingshot rolled from his fingers. “Ugh… my everything hurts…” he groaned.

Franky, still bundled like angry garbage, muttered from Blueno’s shoulder, “They got him…”

Kaku dusted his gloves. “You say you left the Straw Hat Pirates. But if you’re still a pirate… we’ll be taking you along.” He looked to Kalifa. “Handle it.”

Kalifa drew one of her whips with a flourish and stepped toward the fallen Usopp.

Meanwhile, Kaku approached the Going Merry, boots clacking on the dock. He touched the ship’s battered hull with a shipwright’s hand. “So this is the vessel. You were abandoning it?”

Blood still running from his nose, Usopp growled through gritted teeth, “Don’t touch her. I mean it.”

Kaku didn’t flinch. “Even if it’s just a temporary disguise, in this city, we’re real shipwrights. And when we tell you something’s no longer seaworthy…” His eyes narrowed. “You’d do well to listen.”

Usopp screamed, “IT’S NOT YOUR SHIP!! LEAVE HER ALONE!!”

But Kaku turned and walked to a small lever near the edge of the dock. He wrapped his fingers around it. “This will release the floodgate, right?”

Usopp’s eyes went wide with horror. “WAIT!! DON’T TOUCH THAT!! I’M BEGGING YOU—SHE’S ALL I HAVE!!”

But the lever clicked. The Going Merry slid off the dock, screeching metal on wood, and fell into the churning ocean below.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!” Usopp’s scream ripped the air in half. He collapsed forward, eyes wide with terror and pain, gasping like he’d been stabbed.

Galley-La Headquarters…

The place reeked of smoke and seawater, its walls cracked and scorched. Medics and shipwrights scrambled across the floor, yelling orders, dousing embers, and dragging out debris.

“He’s waking up! Mayor Iceburg is conscious!”

A cheer went up like a wave of relief crashing through the room. “He’s okay!!”

“The old man pulled through!”

“Praise the sea gods!!”

Someone added with awe, “It’s thanks to that reindeer… I think he’s one of the Straw Hat pets?”

Near, Nami stirred, groaning as she sat up slowly, face pale but conscious.

Another cheer erupted. “The girl’s awake too!”

“Should we interrogate her now? Maybe she knows where the Straw Hats are hiding!”

Iceburg slowly sat up with a grunt, ignoring the cries of protest from his workers.

“Sir! You shouldn’t move yet—!”

“You’ve got third-degree burns and a concussion!!”

He waved them off like flies and limped toward Nami, eyes grim. “Give us a space,” he said, voice raspy but firm. “I want to speak with her. Alone.”

The shipwrights hesitated, but obeyed, casting curious glances as they shuffled out.

The two sat apart from the chaos. Nami cross-legged, still shaky. Iceburg leaned against the wall, breath ragged.

He started quietly. “First of all… I owe you an apology. I accused your crew of a crime they didn’t commit. I’ll make that right.”

She didn’t answer right away.

He pressed on. “But I’m not here to talk about me. I’m here to talk about… Nico Robin.”

That got her attention. “You know something?” she asked.

He nodded slowly. “When your crew first arrived in Water 7… did she start acting strangely?”

Nami’s brows furrowed. “She disappeared. Just like that. And this morning, she became the reason you nearly died. We found her eventually. She told us she was leaving… and that she wouldn’t come back.” She lowered her head, hands clenching. “I just… I didn’t understand. We came tonight to ask her again. To beg her, even. Why would she abandon us? What kind of wish is worth throwing everything away for?”

Iceburg exhaled, rubbing his temple. “Let me tell you what I know.”

Nami sat straighter, bracing herself.

“Around the time Nico Robin vanished, the government’s operation had already begun. CP9 was moving. And there’s a reason why she acted the way she did.” His voice dropped lower. “But first… you need to know that both Nico Robin… and I… have the potential to awaken an ancient weapon.”

Her face paled. “A weapon?”

He nodded. “One powerful enough to destroy the world. The government believes I hold the blueprints to Pluton. And they believed she held the knowledge to read the Poneglyphs. That’s why CP9 came for both of us.” He looked her dead in the eyes. “I told Nico Robin: even if she killed me, I’d never hand over the real plans. She didn’t care. She said she wasn’t trying to awaken the weapon, she just wanted to learn the truth. The real history.” His voice grew softer, “She told me… the government ruined her life. After the Ohara incident, she had nowhere left to go. She’s been on the run for twenty years. Betrayed, hunted and alone.”

Nami whispered, “Then why help them now?”

Iceburg’s eyes darkened. “Because they gave her two choices. One: frame the Straw Hats for my assassination. Two: surrender herself to the government.”

Her fists clenched. “But why would she agree?!”

His voice cracked just slightly. “Because they told her… if she refused, the Buster Call would be enacted on you. On the Straw Hats.”

She flinched. “Buster… Call?”

He nodded grimly. “A military purge. Five vice admirals. Ten warships. Enough firepower to flatten islands. Authorized directly… by Admiral Aokiji.” He continued, his voice raw now. “Nico Robin told me: I’ve run for twenty years. I’ve survived everything… because I had no one. No heart. Nothing to protect. But now… now I do. She said: ‘The people who made me laugh again… they reminded me who I was. They gave me a dream I thought was dead.’”

Nami’s breath caught.

“I asked her what her wish was. And she said…” He paused. “‘Aside from me… I want the six remaining Straw Hats… to leave this island alive.’”

Nami’s hands flew to her mouth, eyes brimming with tears.

“She doesn’t care about awakening any weapons. She doesn’t care about the world’s fate. She just—” His voice trailed off and looked away. “I pointed my gun at her, but… I couldn’t pull the trigger. That woman… chose to save you.”

She sat frozen. Eyes wide. Then her breath hitched, and she fell back, legs folding under her.

Iceburg panicked. “Hey! What’s wrong?!”

But Nami… smiled. A quiet, trembling smile that wobbled at the edges. “I’m just… so happy. She didn’t betray us.” A minute later, she shot up, determination flooding her face. “I have to find the others, NOW!”

Iceburg groaned. “Wait! The Straw Hats were already defeated! What can you do?!”

She turned with a fire in her eyes, one fist clenched. “What can I do? Everything starts now!! Luffy and the others… they don’t go down that easy. We’re taking Robin back. No more doubts. No more waiting. Now that we know—now that we know she needs saving…” Her voice rose with blazing confidence. “We’re unstoppable!”

WHAP! WHAP! WHAP!

Nami was joyfully slapping Chopper across the face. “Chopper! Wake up! Get up, you adorable emergency trauma kit!! We have a Robin to rescue!!”

Chopper groaned.

“WE DON’T HAVE TIME FOR SLEEP!”

Galley-La workers gasped, “Stop slapping the reindeer!! He’s critically injured!!”

But Chopper… remembered. Sanji’s voice echoed in his head: “Chopper… a real man forgives the lies women tell.” He opened one blurry eye. “Let’s… go…”

At the far end of the hall, someone growled.

“STAY DOWN, OLD MAN!!”

“You’re in no condition to move!!”

But Rody kept walking, step by thunderous step. His shirt was torn and his face was bruised. But his eyes were fire. He stopped just behind the two Straw hats members, his shadow swallowed them whole.

Nami turned, mid-slap, and froze.

His voice was low, “Hey… you Straw Hat bastards…” He leaned forward. “…Where is my kid?”

Water 7 Blue Station, 10:30 PM…

The loudspeaker crackled over the storm-laced air: “Final Sea Train to Enies Lobby departs at 11 PM. Due to rising water levels, all passengers must board from the second floor.”

A slow-moving crowd gathered at the elevated entrance, cloaked figures shuffling through the gloom. Among them, shrouded in a heavy cloak and hood, was Nico Robin. Her steps were slow, measured, as if each footfall took her farther from herself.

Flanking her on either side were CP9 agents, walking in silence, their presence subtle but suffocating. Beneath the arching shadow of a bridge, hidden in the dark, a cigarette flared to life.

Sanji exhaled smoke slowly, eyes narrow, voice barely above the hiss of steam, “Bingo…”

Behind him, Aster dragged Ain by the wrist, who was loudly complaining.

“Ow ow ow! My legs aren’t built for spy chases!”

“Too bad!” Aster snapped. “We’re doing this before Aqua Laguna turns this place into fish soup!”

Galley-La HQ…

Back at the charred remains of the Galley-La estate, Chopper slowly opened his eyes. He was back in his tiny form, limbs swaddled in bandages, fur singed but face beaming with joy.

“She doesn’t hate us… Robin doesn’t hate us!!”

Nami, sitting beside him, gave a teary nod, a smile breaking across her exhausted face. “That’s right. So now, we’re gonna save her!”

In the background, Galley-La workers blinked in confusion, one whispering to another, “Wait… did he just turn into a raccoon?”

“Pretty sure that’s a raccoon.”

“Yup. It’s a raccoon now.”

Chopper puffed out his little chest and squeaked heroically, “Okay! Let’s find the others! Where are they?”

Nami deadpanned, “I don’t know. That’s why we have to find them.”

His form shimmered into his massive beastly Monster Point, muscles bulging.
“Alright! I’ll search EVERYWHERE!!!”

The workers panicked.

“IT’S A GORILLA NOW!!”

“WHO LET IT EVOLVE?!!”

Iceburg limped forward, leaning on a cane with one hand and his pride with the other. “Wait,” he called out. “You two.”

Nami and Chopper turned.

He looked directly at them. “I won’t stop you if you want to chase after Nico Robin. But there’s something you need to know. The government sea train leaves for Enies Lobby at 11 PM sharp. Nico Robin will be on it.”

Nami gasped. “What?!”

“The train won’t just be your only ride off the island tonight,” he said. “Once it’s gone… you’re stuck. Aqua Laguna is incoming. After that, no ships, no trains, no nothing.”

She paled. “What time is it now?”

He checked the pocket watch again. “10:30.”

“WE ONLY HAVE HALF AN HOUR?!”

“Correct,” he said grimly. “And I can’t stop that train. It’s government-only. Even I have no say in it.”

Nami clenched her fists. “Then I’ll just get to the station myself and talk to her face-to-face!” She turned to Chopper, “Luffy and Zoro got blown off earlier… go search in that direction. Find them!”

He saluted. “Roger! I’m off!”

Paulie sat up slowly, wincing but alive. His eyes scanned the wreckage, then locked onto the Pirate girl. He barked at his crew, “Oi, you guys!”

Galley-La workers turned, relieved. “Paulie! You’re alive!”

He grunted, pointing at Nami. “Help this girl get out of here.”

They blinked. “Help her?! But—she’s one of the pirates that—!”

Hr stood tall, voice sharp. “The Straw Hats aren’t the ones who tried to kill Iceburg-san. They’re innocent. It was those masked freaks!”

“…”

He jabbed a finger at the stunned crowd. “You saw it yourselves! Those pirates fought for us. Thanks to them, Iceburg-san and I are still breathing.”

”What? What about Kaku and Lucci?!”

He looked away, voice tight. “Forget Lucci. Forget Kaku. They’re not coming back.”

A murmur rippled through the crew. “Wait—what happened to them?”

“They ran home. To their mommies.”

“…What? In the middle of this?!”

“Doesn’t matter!” The blonde roared. “Find the Straw Hats, and find Aster! Now!” He pointed at Nami. “You! Loud-mouthed woman!”

“HEY!” She barked. “Don’t call me that!”

“You’re heading to the station, right? I’m taking you.”

She blinked. “You’d do that?”

Behind them, Galley-La workers hesitated. “Paulie… wait… are you sure?”

“SHUT UP!” He snapped. “Grow some damn spine! You wanna shame the name of Galley-La?!”

They all snapped to attention. “NO, BOSS!”

“WE’RE SORRY!”

“ORDERS PLEASE!!”

“Get the bulls! Open the cages!”

The men scattered like ants.

Iceburg limped over to Paulie. “They went home, huh?”

He didn’t look at him. “Too much to say. Too much we shouldn’t say. It’s enough you, I and that brat knows about their betrayal.”

The mayor stared at the dark sky. “Aster, ha… poor kid. She was wrecked.”

Paulie finally sighed, rubbing his face. “You think she’s… dead?”

Iceburg turned to Rody, “I don’t know.”

…

In the Narrow Alleys of Water 7…

The storm had turned the cobblestone alleys into slick rivers, and Aster slipped hard, arms flailing.

“GAHH—!”

Before her face could kiss the ground, Ain yanked her back by the collar like a seasoned bodyguard. Aster landed on her feet, wheezing, hand clutching her chest.

“Oh my God. I almost DIED!”

SMACK!

A palm landed on her head.

Ain glared. “You’re such an idiot.”

The other pointed ahead dramatically. “To Galley-La!”

“Could you not yell that out loud?!” She hissed. “We’re fugitives!”

“We’re in a hurry!” Aster shot back. “Unless you have a Yagara in your pocket, we’re running!”

They bolted down the twisting streets, wind and rain chasing them like hounds.

Elsewhere…

Aboard a Yagara bull, a soaked Chopper held Zoro’s sword like a flag, standing heroically on the saddle while Rody and Galley-La workers shouted through loudspeakers.

“LUFFY!! ZORO!! ASTER!! SANJI!!”

Chopper’s voice joined in. “LUUUUFYYY!!!”

On another route through the canals, Paulie pointed ahead for Nami.

“This way’s faster, shortcut to Blue Station. You’ll make it if you sprint.”

Nami nodded and sped down the narrow bridge, glancing at her pocket watch. “Twenty minutes left… Robin, don’t go yet! Going alone, sacrificing yourself… we’re not letting that happen. Never again!”

Blue Station…

“Last train to Enies Lobby now boarding. Departure at 11 PM from Blue Station, Water 7…”

Inside the train, Robin sat by a fogged window, her reflection staring back at her. In the same train, Usopp and Franky were shoved into their seats by CP9 agents.

“Stay put,” one agent said dryly. “Behave.”

Franky groaned, bruised and bandaged. “OW! Hey, maybe TRY not breaking my spine next time, you clowns!”

Usopp echoed, “Yeah! Be gentle, jerks!”…then looked nervously at the armed agents. “Uh, not that I’m complaining or anything…”

Outside, Sanji stood in the shadows, cigarette dangling from his lips.

“Damn it… they’re really leaving?”

Inside the Engine Car, Kalifa crossed one leg over the other, her expression smug.

“Our mission is nearly complete, isn’t it?”

Lucci didn’t even glance at her. “Keep such careless thoughts to yourself. We’re not there yet, fool.”

“…Sorry,” she replied coolly.

Back at the Ruins of the Mayor’s Mansion, Iceburg sat alone on a crate outside the smoking rubble. Rain pattered down as he rested his head in his hands.

“Franky, you idiot… I hope you’re okay.”

All Across Water 7, Galley-La workers stormed the streets, calling through the rising floodwater.

“LUFFY!!”

“ZORO!!”

“ASTER!!”

“SAAANJIIII!!”

“…Uhh… USOPP!! Maybe?”

Back in the Alleys…

Aster scratched her ear. “…Weird. I think someone’s calling me.”

Ain rolled her eyes. “You’re imagining things. Keep running.”

Somewhere else…

“GUYS!!! HELP!!”

There, suspended horizontally between two buildings like human laundry, was Luffy, wedged into a gap headfirst, legs kicking.

“GET ME OUT!! I’M STUCK!!”

Some other place…

Zoro was jammed upside-down in a chimney, swords sticking out like antennae.

“Damn it.. I’m stuck!” He muttered, voice echoing from inside the flue.

…

Blue Station, Water 7, 10:50 PM…

WOOOOOOO!!

The train’s whistle cut through the stormy air like a cannon blast.

Nami flinched, spinning toward Paulie with panic in her voice, “Wait! Was that the train whistle?!”

Paulie’s brow furrowed. “Weird. It’s not supposed to leave yet. But with passengers like them onboard… maybe they took one look at the weather and decided to leave early.”

“This is the final Sea Train departing Water 7 for Enies Lobby… now leaving the station.”

The engine roared and thevtracks rumbled. The last train began to move.

Standing at the edge of the platform, Sanji narrowed his eyes and took a long drag of his cigarette, the ember flickering in the wind. “…Tch. Damn it. They’re actually leaving.”

Just then, Nami’s Yagara Bull arrived outside the station with a loud splash.

“Thank you, Bull-san!!” she shouted, leaping off without hesitation.

Paulie waved her down the right path. “Middle entrance! Down the stairs!”

She sprinted with everything she had. Her boots pounded the stairs. She shoved past confused guards who yelled at her to stop. She didn’t— she couldn’t.

She reached the platform just as the last car of the train was pulling away. Her hands slammed against the railing, her voice raw with desperation.

“ROBIN!!! GET OFF THAT TRAIN!!!” she screamed. “WE’LL FIGHT ANYONE FOR YOU!!!”

The train didn’t stop. It rolled on until it was just a blur in the storm.

Nami’s knees hit the ground as her breath came in broken gasps. Paulie caught up behind her and froze.

“…Didn’t make it,” he muttered. “Poor kid…”

Two railway workers stumbled in behind them, bruised and panting.

“Ohhh… that guy was nuts!”

“What’s he planning, huh? It’s a government train. Once they catch him, it’s over.”

They noticed Paulie. “Wait, you’re Paulie! From Galley-La!”

“You’re hurt! What’re you doing here?!”

Paulie waved them off. “Train left early.”

The workers nodded grimly. “Yeah. Sea’s getting crazy out there. Waves rising fast. Thought Aqua Laguna wasn’t due yet, but… something’s off. This whole station’s about to flood. You all need to get out of here.”

He nodded solemnly. “Yeah, yeah. Right.” Turned to Nami. “You can’t stop a train that’s already gone,” he said gently. “And Enies Lobby… isn’t exactly the kind of place you just waltz into.”

Nami’s shoulders trembled.

He blinked. “Wait. Are you… crying?” He scratched his head nervously. “Ah, don’t worry about it. I’m used to girls crying. Aster bawls all the time and she’s just a kid. But you—well, you’re a woman so maybe—”

“I’M GONNA FOLLOW THAT DAMN TRAIN!!!” Nami suddenly roared, fists clenched, eyes blazing with fury.

Paulie and the workers jumped like they’d seen a Sea King.

“She’s angry!!” one of them shouted.

“What the hell happened?!”

She turned on Paulie like a typhoon in heels. “Lend me a ship! A big, strong one!!”

He paled. “You want to sail in this ocean?! You don’t understand Aqua Laguna! You’ll die out there!”

“I’LL MAKE IT!” she screamed. “I don’t care how big the waves are! I have to do this!”

He growled back. “That’s not a wave! That’s a mountain! You’re not going to outrun it!”

“Robin’s throwing her life away!” She shouted. “For us! We can’t just sit here!”

Suddenly, a monstrous wave crashed into the station, obliterating the platform behind them. Paulie didn’t hesitate. He grabbed Nami and both rail workers, slinging them over his shoulders like sacks of flour and sprinting away as another wave surged in.

They collapsed onto solid pavement near a broken seawall. Nami coughed, soaking wet, still seething. The wind howled, and rain stung their faces.

Paulie stared grimly at a broken timetable nailed to a post. “The schedule’s been shredded by the tide… that’s never happened before. And these currents, Aqua Laguna isn’t supposed to hit for another hour. It’s already as strong as last year’s peak…”

Nami’s eyes went wide with fear. “Wait… will the train be okay?! Robin’s on it!”

He answered without looking at her. “If the train stays ahead of the worst… it’ll make it. Barely. As long as it doesn’t take a direct hit from the waves…”

A voice called from above.

“HEY! Is that Nami?!”

They looked up to see a Galley-La worker waving a soaked piece of paper.

“Someone left this for you by the station! I think it’s from one of your crew!”

“A message?” Nami blinked. “Now?!”

She ran toward the location he pointed to and stopped dead seeing a giant wall had been painted in outrageously large letters:

(“NAMI!! READ THIS!!”)

Complete with hearts, glittering sparkles, and a giant arrow pointing down. Smaller text beneath read: (If you’re not Nami, don’t read this, you moron!!)

A vein popped on her forehead. “Oh for the love of… it’s SANJI-KUN.” She snatched the note and unfolded it.

Paulie leaned over her shoulder. “What’s it say?”

She muttered, scanning fast. “The first part is mostly… love poetry and nonsense…”

“Yikes.”

“Wait—here! The real message starts!” She read aloud, “Note: I’ve confirmed Robin-chan, Usopp and a giant thug with a pompadour are aboard the Sea Train departing at 11 PM. I’m boarding it too. There should be at least one Den Den Mushi onboard—I’ll call you when I can. Not that baby snail in town. I want you to keep this one close to your heart. Just think of it as… your little love snail. Mwah.”

Nami’s eyes widened. “Wait… Sanji-kun’s on the train?! So is Usopp?!” She blinked again. “…‘A giant thug with a pompadour’—that’s gotta be Franky!” She grinned wildly, hope flickering in her soaked face. “That means Sanji-kun’s with Robin! We still have a chance! We’ll reach Enies Lobby too, no matter what it takes!”

Paulie stared at her for a moment. “…Crazy woman.”

Somewhere in the Alleys of Water 7…

“OH COME ON!!” Ain shouted, flinging her arms up as the rain started pouring even harder, thick as curtains, soaking both girls to the bone. “Stupid storm!”

“AIN—WAIT!” Aster suddenly skidded to a halt in the middle of the street.

The other nearly crashed into her. “What now?!”

The short one tilted her head, squinting through the downpour. “I swear… someone’s calling me…”

There was a beat of silence for a while…

“SISTEEEER AAASTEEEERRRRR!!! UP HEEERE!!!”

Both girls whipped their heads up, rain pelted their faces. They shaded their eyes and scanned the rooftop.

“Chi… Chimney?!” Aster cried.

There she was, waving both arms wildly, Gonbe clinging to her back. Just behind her, Kokoro stood calm and composed, watching the chaos like she’d seen it a hundred times.

“Sister Asteeer!!” Chimney called again. “Whatcha doin’ down there?!”

“What?!” Aster shouted back.

“I SAID WHAT—ARE—YOU—DOING—HERE?!”

“I CAN’T HEAR YOU!!”

Ain groaned, rubbing her temples. “Why are you like this?”

Meanwhile, With Nami and the Galley-La Workers…

“So Sanji did make it to the station!” Chopper exclaimed, tail wagging despite the rain.

Nami nodded with burning determination. “Which means we still need to find Luffy and Zoro before we can even think about reaching Enies Lobby.” She turned toward the Galley-La men. “I remember the direction they flew off in! Start your search that way first—and please, help us find them!”

“Leave it to us!!!” they shouted in unison, bolting off.

Behind them, Rody slumped against a drenched wall, water dripping from his hair. “I’m so done with this,” he muttered, barely audible under the roar of the rain. “Searched every damn street for that stubborn girl, and all anyone cares about is chasing down these damn pirates…” His eyes stung—rain, of course. Nothing else.

Elsewhere…

“Boss, this looks painful. Shouldn’t you be resting?” one of the Galley-La workers asked, glancing at Paulie’s bruised side.

“Shut it!” He barked, waving him off. “I’m fine! Keep looking!”

“Did you tell Iceburg-san about the situation?”

“Two guys went to report. Focus!”

Back in the Alleys…

Nami and Chopper sprinted side by side through the maze of drenched stone.

“This wind is horrible!” Chopper cried, holding his tiny hooves up. “I can’t smell anything at all!”

Still, they didn’t stop shouting.

“LUFFY! ZORO!”

“ASTER!”

Their cries echoed through the soaked city, until—

“GUYS! LOOK AT THE SEA!!”

“What’s going on now?!” Paulie asked.

One worker pointed, pale and trembling. “Boss… look! The tide… it’s… it’s gone!”

Atop the Rooftops…

Kokoro stood, drenched and steady, a bottle in one hand, her long curly green hair whipping in the wind. “The more the sea pulls back… the harder it hits when it comes home,” she muttered. “Watch the tide. It’ll tell you how high the wave’s gonna be.” She took another swig and narrowed her eyes at the horrifying sight unfolding. “I was wondering how far it’d recede this year. Well, kids… look below. The sea’s gone. Hehehe… NGAJAJAJA!!”

The girls and their animal companions balanced precariously on a rooftop ledge. Below them was nothing. No waves or water. Just cracked seabed… and dead fish.

Aster gripped the edge, her golden eyes wide with disbelief. “Oh wow… I’ve only seen one Aqua Laguna before, but I know it wasn’t like this.”

Ain clung beside her, voice tense. “Tell me about it. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life…”

Aster turned, noticing Ain’s hands trembling. She offered a soft smile. “Hey. Don’t worry. We won’t die like your father.”

Ain’s eyes snapped wide open. “What the—?! I wasn’t even thinking about that, idiot!”

SMACK!

She slapped her head so hard, the girl nearly flew off the ledge, but Aster reflexively caught Ain by the collar as she teetered, saving both her and Gonbe.

“DON’T BRING THAT UP OUTTA NOWHERE!” She shouted, red-faced.

Down Below…

“Is the tide… is it really going out this far?!”

“I’ve never seen it like this before!”

“Wait—listen! The ocean… it stopped making noise!”

Paulie’s voice dropped. “Then that means… the next wave… is gonna be huge. The back alleys… they’ll be swallowed whole!”

“Wait—no one’s still down there, right?! RIGHT?!”

“If they are, they’re dead!!”

Back On the Rooftop…

Aster looked toward the Galley-La mansion in the distance, frowning. “No way we’re making it there…”

“We’ll die,” Ain said flatly.

Suddenly, Chimney pointed. “LOOK! Look over there!”

Everyone turned. But before they could follow her finger, the sharp click of fast heels echoed across the roof. They turned just in time to see Nami burst into view, soaked and panting, with a squad of Galley-La workers behind her.

Kokoro squinted. “Well well. The pirate girl.”

Nami gasped. “Kokoro-san?! And—Aster-chan?! You’re okay?! Everyone’s been searching for you!”

Aster blinked, overwhelmed. “Nami…?”

Before she could say more…

“ASTER-CHAAAN!!”

“YOU’RE ALIVE!”

“RODY-SAN’S GONNA CRY WHEN HE HEARS!”

“ICEBURG-SAN AND PAULIE-SAN TOO!”

Her eyes widened with hope. “My grandpa’s… alive?!”

They all nodded eagerly. “He’s been looking everywhere for you!”

She nearly collapsed from relief.

Meanwhile, Chimney squealed, “IT’S THE PIRATE LADY! LOOK—LOOK!! THERE’S SOMETHING DOWN THERE!!”

Everyone turned to follow her gaze.

Nami squinted. “…The ocean’s gone,” she muttered. “That’s bad. Really bad.”

Then her eyes sharpened. She focused hard on one crooked building and then she saw it.

“LUFFY!!” she shouted.

Aster gasped. “OH MY GOD. IT IS HIM! What’s he doing there?!”

Ain used her hands to block the rain and stared. “He’s… stuck?! That’s the dumb pirate you’re following around?!”

Kokoro, peering through the rain, chuckled darkly. “Straw Hat… so he’s the one trying to be Pirate King, huh? What’s he doing there of all places—HEY!!”

Too late. Nami had already bolted.

“HEY, GIRL!” Kokoro barked. “You can’t go down there right now! That area’s DEADLY in this weather!!”

Aster cried, “Nami, stop! You can’t! Aqua Laguna’s too dangerous! Ain’s dad DIED in this storm!!”

“Shut it!” Ain snapped.

She threw up her hands. “SORRY! I’m just trying to explain how dangerous it is!”

Nami was already gone.

Aster made to follow. but Ain yanked her back by the shirt.

“Are you insane?! Where do you think you’re going?! You’ll get killed down there!”

“I have to go! Luffy can’t die!” She shouted.

Ain stared at her. “What is that supposed to mean?!”

“It means…” Aster said, breath hitching, “…he’s important. And he’s not just some pirate I’m following around.”

The Backstreets of Water 7…

“OH NO!” one of the Galley-La workers shouted. “It’s her! The pirate girl’s charging down the stairs!!”

“Get back up here!” another yelled. “Stay on high ground!”

But Nami didn’t stop. She leapt from the staircase into the flooded alleys below.

“She jumped!!” they shrieked in horror.

Above, Aster gasped. “Oh no…”

“She’s dead,” Ain said bluntly.

But Chopper wasn’t watching Nami, he was staring at something odd. A chimney. No… someone on the chimney.

“Is that… sea anemone? On a chimney?” His eyes went wide. “WAIT A MINUTE.” He bolted. “ZORO!!!”

“Don’t chase them!!” Paulie barked, throwing an arm out to stop his men. “They’ll die if they go after them. That’s Aqua Laguna down there! I’ll go if anyone will, but no one else!”

From above, Chimney grinned down. “You’re amazing, Pirate Lady!”

But Kokoro’s expression had darkened. “Fools… It’s too late for them.”

Aster watched in silence, lips trembling. She glanced sideways, Ain was busy with Gonbe. Now’s my chance. She tiptoed away.

Out of sight, she let out a breath of relief… and smiled with fire in her chest. “I’m going to help Luffy!!”

She ran.

“HEY—look!” someone shouted. “The wave! It’s already almost here!”

“They’re not gonna make it!!”

“No one can survive that!!”

Down Below…

“ZORO!!” Chopper screamed, sliding to a stop beneath the chimney. “Can you hear me?!”

Zoro’s muffled voice came from inside. “Guh… OH. Oh. Oh. You’re tearing me in half, reindeer!!”

The reindeer wailed. “What do we DO?! The wave’s almost here!”

“Huff… huff… grrgh… How the hell should I know?! Wait! Chopper—do you have Kitetsu with you?!”

“The cursed sword? Yeah! I kept it safe—how did you know?!”

“Trust me,” the swordsman growled. “I know when that sword’s near. Now gimme—fast! In my hand!”

Elsewhere…

Nami stopped at the edge of a rooftop, panting hard. She stared down at the alley—at the gap between buildings. Luffy was stuck.

“LUUUUFFY!!!” she screamed, hands cupped around her mouth.

Luffy’s cheeks were squished between two stone walls. “Nya—Nami?! Whoa! You’re behind me?! Listen—you won’t believe this! Pigeon guy launched me, and I was doing good! Real good!”

Nami’s lips trembled and her eyes brimmed. “Would you stop playing around?! This isn’t the time!!” she shouted, voice cracking. “While you were STUCK, Robin was taken! ROBIN—she did everything for us!! She’s planning to DIE!! Don’t you get it?!” Tears streamed down her face. “She sacrificed herself to protect us from a government attack! She knew they’d kill her—but she still went!”

He blinked. “Wait… Robin… lied to us?”

“Yes!!” She cried.

“…I’m so happy!!!” He beamed.

Above…

The Galley-La crew’s jaws dropped.

“LOOK! The wave!”

“Holy crap, it’s MASSIVE!”

“It’s way bigger than last year!”

Luffy grinned. “Don’t worry! We won’t let Robin die!!”

In the chimney, Zoro’s voice called out, “Alright… Kitetsu…!”

SLASH!

With a clean vertical cut, the chimney split. Light and wind poured in, Zoro could see the wave now.

“Whoa…” he breathed. “Okay. That’s bad.”

Chopper grabbed his arm. “Let’s go!!”

They leapt.

Simultaneously, Luffy stretched his arm out, snapped the buildings apart with sheer force, sending them crumbling. Then he launched himself toward Nami’s rooftop, grabbed her mid-run, and slingshotted both of them out of danger.

The wave hit.

The alleys below were swallowed whole. Crushing water, shattered stone, and surging death.

But… Zoro and Chopper landed safely on a high bridge, Luffy and Nami landed across from them, at the same time.

“THEY MADE IT!!!” Galley-La screamed.

“They’re safe!”

“They reached the Grand Bridge!!”

“Water can’t reach that high!”

“They survived!!!”

On the rooftop, Aster burst into tears.

“WAAAAAH!! They’re alive!!! I’m so happy!!!”

Behind her, Rody crossed his arms, lips tight. He didn’t look nearly as joyful.

Below, Nami and Chopper met eyes and laughed through tears. Luffy and Zoro panted, catching their breath.

It didn’t last long, the wave hit the Grand Bridge. The one place the tide should never reach. And yet, it crashed down, engulfing everything, including the Straw Hats.

Aster’s smile collapsed and her eyes widened in pure horror. “No…”

Screams broke through the storm from the Galley-La workers.

“They’re gone!!”

“Aqua Laguna swallowed the Straw Hats!!!”

“Wait!! LOOK!!” someone shouted.

All eyes turned to the edge of the bridge.

There, on a thin section of stone not yet consumed, stood Paulie, his ropes whipping in the wind, soaked but determined. He pulled.

And one by one, Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Chopper shot through the storm, ropes tied around their waists, flung through the air like rag dolls, screaming the whole way. They slammed onto the stone, barely catching their balance.

“RUN!!” Paulie barked.

They didn’t argue.

The tide roared behind them like a beast. And together, the five leapt. Just as the bridge behind them collapsed into white water, they crashed onto the roof where the others waited.

Chopper clung to Zoro’s face, trembling. “I thought we were gonna die!!”

Luffy panted, collapsed beside Nami. “Huff… huff… Rope-guy… you saved us! That was AWESOME!!”

Nami sat hugging her arms, eyes wide and shivering. “So… this is Aqua Laguna. I-I can’t stop shaking…”

Paulie, hands on hips, barked, “If it was always like that, this island would’ve been gone years ago! This year’s different!”

Aster suddenly tackled Paulie from behind in a tight, joyful hug. “PAULIE!!! You’re the hero of ALL heroes!”

He blinked in confusion. “Aster?! You’re… you’re alive…”

She pouted, “Hmph! I’m not gonna die that easy.” Then turned to the Straw Hats, still clinging to Paulie like a sloth. “That was so scary! I’m so glad you guys are okay!”

The Straw Hats just stared in silence.

“…H-Huh?” She blinked. “Why’re you all looking at me like that?”

Luffy crossed his arms and said flatly, “You tried to kill Robin. We’re not talking to you.”

“WHAT?! But you’re talking to me right now!”

He slapped his hands over his ears. “BLAH BLAH BLAH—NOT TALKING TO YOU, ASTIE—I’M SO MAD!!”

Aster’s heart hit her stomach as her lip quivered. She almost burst into tears, until Kokoro appeared, stomping up with Chimney, Gonbe, and a furious Ain dragging behind.

“Well I’ll be damned,” Kokoro chuckled. “You kids are something else. Still breathing.”

Ain immediately yanked Aster’s cheeks outward like rubber, angry.

Luffy turned to Kokoro. “HEY! It’s the monster granny! You were still on the island?!”

She laughed, “What, you think I’d sit out the fun? If we were out there, we’d be fish food by now! Nya-ga-ga-ga!”

Her granddaughter beamed, “You pirates are AMAZING!”

Finally, Zoro pried Chopper off his face and gasped for air. “GHHH—YOU WERE STRANGLING ME! This tiny reindeer was passed out on my FACE!”

Luffy turned. “Zoro! What the heck were YOU doing in the city?! Running from the wave too?”

His right hand man grunted. “Not exactly. I was stuck in a chimney.”

The captain laughed so hard he fell over. Aster mimicked his laugh, until both Ain and Rody slapped her upside the head.

“HAH?! Stuck in a chimney?! Zoro, you idiot!!”

Nami grabbed Luffy’s cheeks and stretched them to the moon. “YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO LAUGH!! You got stuck between buildings!”

When Luffy could talk again, he asked, “So, where’s Sanji and Usoo—I mean, only Sanji?”

Nami’s expression dropped. “Right… we have a lot to tell you.”

Zoro leaned in.

Nami explained it all: Robin’s deal with the World Government. The truth behind her betrayal. The ancient weapon, the threat of a Buster Call, and how Robin gave herself up to save them all.

Even Aster listened and her chest twisted.

She’d been wrong. Robin wasn’t the traitor, she was sacrificing herself. Aster had let her rage over Kaku and Elias blind her. Blame was easier than grief, hating Robin had been the coward’s choice.

Now she wasn’t sure the Straw Hats would ever forgive her.

Luffy clenched both fists. His eyes blazed. “Then it’s decided! We’re going after them. Right NOW!”

Zoro nodded. “No other option.”

Luffy turned to Paulie. “Hey, Rope-guy! Lend us a ship. Or better! are there any sea trains heading out?”

Paulie raised a brow. “Only one sea train exists in the world. The Puffing Tom. It’s a miracle ship, built by a legendary team from this island.”

Luffy grinned. “Cool. Then lend us a ship! The strongest, fastest one you’ve got!”

Paulie shouted, “Did you not just SEE that ocean?!”

The Galley-La workers backed him up.

“He’s right! That sea’ll rip any ship apart!”

“You’ll die before you make it ten feet!”

Paulie folded his arms. “Even the sturdiest vessels can’t survive an Aqua Laguna this size. We just watched the alleys vanish. This city is tough. That wave MOVED IT.” He jabbed a finger at Luffy. “Even the biggest warships would get shredded out there. If we send you out now, it’s murder.” He pointed toward the sky. “Wait until morning. Once the storm passes… we’ll loan you a ship.” He stepped back and added quietly, “Now come on. The search is over. Let’s get to the evacuation shelter.”

Rain poured and winds howled. But inside that soaked silence, Nami’s voice cut through, calm, but burning with urgency.

“If we wait until morning… will we even make it in time?”

Everyone turned to her.

She looked to Paulie, then to the others. Her hands clenched into fists. “I know about Enies Lobby. When I realized Robin was being taken to a government-owned island… it hit me. That’s where the Gates of Justice are, isn’t it?”

Zoro blinked, confused. “Gates of what now?”

Nami turned to him, face serious, eyes sharp. “Enies Lobby is a sham. A courthouse only in name. On the surface, it’s a place of law—but what lies beneath is worse than any battlefield. Behind those gates… are rows of torture chambers, execution halls, and the entrance to the worst prison in the world, Impel Down.” Her voice rose, cracked with emotion. “Once Robin’s dragged through those gates… it’s over. Even if she’s not executed, she’ll be tortured. She’s got a bounty. She’s a threat. Every second we waste here is another step she takes toward that hellhole. We can’t wait. We won’t wait.”

Paulie stood silent for a moment, then stepped forward. The wind whipped his coat. “If you already know what that place is… then I’ll say something else.” He raised his voice, loud enough for all to hear. “Even if the sea were calm, even if I handed you the fastest ship ever built, you’re not going to make it back. You don’t get it. That island… is the beating heart of the World Government.”

The air turned heavy.

“No pirate—no one—has ever dared take someone back from there. Because everyone knows exactly what it means.” He stepped closer, eyes narrowing. “You want to pick a fight… with the very center of the world?!”

The words slammed into the group like a cannonball.

Aster’s breath caught, heart pounded. This is it, she realized. This is the moment. The reason I followed him. The moment he makes the choice that changes everything.

She stared at Luffy.

Would he flinch? Would he hesitate?

No.

He took a slow breath. Then shouted, voice booming, raw and wild, “OUR CREWMATE IS WAITING FOR US!!!
GET OUT OF OUR WAY!!!!”

Aster stumbled back. Her hands trembled.

Paulie gritted his teeth. He uncoiled his rope, ready to restrain them. “Then I’m tying you all up before you get yourselves killed.”

Aster reached out. “Paulie—wait!! Please—!!”

The Straw Hats tensed, ready for a fight.

“Hold it!”

Kokoro’s voice sliced through the rising tension.

They all turned.

She puffed her cigarette, eyes narrowed beneath her wet bangs. Her usual drunken grin was gone. “You’re in the wrong here, Straw Hat.”

Luffy turned, growling, “Shut up! You don’t even—!”

“I don’t give a damn,” she cut in, sharp as a knife. “But I’m telling you this: if I left you all to your own stupidity, you’d be dead in minutes.” She took a drag, then exhaled smoke that vanished in the wind. “You want to get to Enies Lobby? There’s only one thing that can cross the Aqua Laguna in time. And it ain’t a ship.”

Luffy blinked.

“It’s the Puffing Tom. The one and only sea train, built by the legendary shipwrights of Water 7. That machine’s your only chance.”

His voice rose again. “But that’s already gone! So we’ll take a ship!”

Kokoro stepped forward, flicking her cigarette. “If you’re that eager to throw yourselves into the jaws of death… then follow me.” She grinned. “I’ll get you your sea train.”

…

The rain had softened into mist as Kokoro led them behind the junkyard, toward a forgotten brick warehouse. Her footsteps echoed on the soaked stone as she waved her hand dismissively.

“This place’s been abandoned for eight years,” she grumbled. “Hasn’t been touched in twelve. Might not even start up anymore. Nya-gya-gya!”

Nami’s eyes bulged. “It better start up!”

Inside, the warehouse creaked with age. Dust hung in the air like the breath of time itself. They reached a sealed iron door. Kokoro approached it, frowning.

“Huh. Locked. Weird.”

Click!

“Oh… well now it’s open.”

Luffy, Chopper, and Aster instantly bolted through the door.

What they saw stopped them cold.

The train before them wasn’t elegant. It was a beast, its front shaped like a shark’s head, complete with jagged metal teeth and a wide, wicked grin. The eyes were glassy and sharp, like it was watching them back.

“WHOA!!!” Luffy’s jaw dropped. “That’s AWESOME!”

Chopper sparkled. “It looks so FAST!”

Even Ain, despite herself, took a quiet step forward. “…Looks like a death trap,” she muttered.

Kokoro leaned casually on a rusted pipe. “This beauty ain’t for passengers. He’s no Puffing Tom. We call him… Rocketman. Sea train prototype, rejected model. Runs wild, shakes like crazy, and if the engine goes full speed…” She grinned, sharp teeth gleaming. “…You’re basically gambling with your life.”

Aster gasped. “Twelve years since it ran?!”

“Shark head’s a joke,” the old lady added. “Shipwright humor. Don’t overthink it.”

Suddenly, a new voice rang out behind them.

“So you found him, huh…”

They turned to see Iceburg.

Aster’s face lit up. “Iceburg!!” She leapt forward and latched onto his neck before he could protest.

He winced from his wounds but managed a soft smile. “Still got your energy, huh, brat?”

“I’m so glad you’re okay!” she said, beaming.

Rody stomped over and yanked her back. “Are you blind?! He’s injured!”

“Sorry sorry sorry sorry!!” she babbled, bowing repeatedly.

The mayor patted her head lightly and turned to the Straw Hats. “Straw Hat. I’m glad you’re still alive. Kokoro-san brought you here, huh?”

Kokoro lit another cigarette. “Guess we had the same idea, Iceburg. These idiots need all the help they can get.”

He chuckled, then groaned and sat on a crate. “Use it. I filled the steam tank, stocked it with coal and water. She’s building pressure now.”

Luffy’s face lit up like a sunrise. “You did all that for us?!”

He shrugged. “Don’t celebrate yet. Rocketman’s unstable. It’s an old prototype. The engine’s power balance is a nightmare. If it flies off the rails, you’ll die.”

The teenager grinned ear to ear. “Awesome. Thanks, Ice Guy!”

He took a step toward the train, butAster stepped in front of him.

“Luffy.”

He blinked. “Huh?”

She pressed her hand to her chest as her eyes were serious. “Let me come with you.”

Everything paused for a second.

“WHAT?!” Ain grabbed her by the shoulder. “What the hell are you saying?! This isn’t a game, Aster!! These pirates—they’re going to war with the World Government! Do you even understand what that means?!”

But she didn’t turn. She kept her eyes locked on the pirate.

Even as Ain begged Rody for help, the older man remained still. Arms crossed, watching his fake granddaughter with unreadable eyes.

Then Luffy stared at her for a long moment… and frowned. “I don’t really care.”

She flinched.

“But I still don’t like you,” he said flatly. “You tried to kill Robin.”

Aster’s heart sank.

Chopper puffed up his chest, trying to look brave next to Luffy and Zoro. “That’s right!”

Nami crossed her arms as her glare was ice.

Aster took a shaky breath. “Look. I know it was bad. I didn’t know her—”

Nami snapped, “That doesn’t make it okay—”

“I know!!” She shouted. “I know… but…” Her breath hitched. “Kaku.. Elias.. Lucci.. Kalifa.. Blueno.. They were my friends. For years. And Nico Robin… she wasn’t. She was just this stranger who shot Iceburg and didn’t even explain herself. I didn’t want to believe my friends betrayed me… so I blamed her instead.” Her voice cracked. “It was easier. And yeah, it was selfish and stupid and wrong… but I’m sorry.” Tears welled up in her eyes. “When we bring Robin back… I’ll apologize to her too. I swear.”

Everyone was quiet.

Nami’s frown wavered. Chopper looked away, ears drooping. Zoro just sighed.

Then Luffy asked simply, “You gonna try to kill her again?”

Aster wiped her eyes. “No! Never!”

He grinned. “Cool. You’re forgiven.”

Aster lit up like a lantern. “Really?!”

He nodded.

But before she could tackle Luffy with a hug, Nami beat her to it.

“Oh THANK GOD. Glaring at you was exhausting!!” Nami sobbed dramatically.

Aster laughed, a bubbling, relieved sound.

Chopper gave her a shy smile. “Okay. As long as you’re really sorry…”

Aster spun to Zoro. “What about you, senpai?!”

Zoro grunted. “Tch.”

Nami smacked him on the head. “Answer her properly!”

He growled. “Dammit, witch…” He looked at Aster. “Not like you could’ve killed Robin anyway.”

Ain grabbed Aster by the arm, yanking her backward with force. Her eyes burned with disbelief.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?!”

Aster blinked, tilting her head. “What?”

Her voice rose again. “WHAT?!” She turned to Rody, flailing her arm. “Come on! Say something! Yell at her!”

Rody let out a long, tired sigh. He turned to Aster, gaze level. “Is this really what you want, kid? Joining the Straw Hats on that sea train?”

Her face tightened. She nodded with full resolve. “Yes.”

He crossed his arms. “Is there anything I could say to stop you?”

“No,” she said simply.

“…Figured.”

“…”

Ain looked between the two of them, her mouth falling open in shock. “What is HAPPENING right now?! Did I fall into a different timeline?!” she cried.

Aster stepped forward, gently but firmly taking her friend’s shoulders. “Ain. Please. Just listen to me… once. What those pirates are doing… it’s not just a stunt. It’s not a game. But it’s something I have to do.”

She gritted her teeth. “They’re pirates, Aster! You’re just a civilian!”

She shook her head, soft but certain. “I’m not just a civilian. I have a purpose. A real one. And I won’t be able to fulfill it unless I follow Luffy to the ends of the world.”

Ain’s voice cracked. “What does that even mean?!”

Aster exhaled shakily. “There’s so much you don’t know about me… more than I ever told anyone. But I promise you, Ain… I’ll tell you everything. Everything. When I come back.”

Ain scoffed bitterly. “If you come back.”

Aster only smiled. “I will. That’s not how I die.” Her hands reached up and cupped Ain’s face gently. “I’ve made too many promises… and I plan to keep every single one. Even the one I made to you just now.” Then, her voice hardened. Her eyes glowed with something deeper—older—than teenage defiance. “But if you really want to know the truth… I’m doing this because I want to destroy the World Government.”

Ain flinched.

“The Celestial Dragons. The Holy Land of Mary Geoise. Slavery. Tyranny. All of it. I want it gone.” She pointed to Luffy. “And the truth is… I can’t do any of it without him.” She continued, “I.. also want to do it for you and your mother, Iceburg, Paulie and all Galle-La people! Elias’ and the others betrayal… won’t go unnoticed! I’ll make them regret it!

Ain opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water. But no sound came out. Instead, Aster stepped forward and hugged her. A long, warm, quiet hug.

Then she turned to Rody, face alight with a wild smile. “I’ll be back.”

He snorted. “Yeah, I know.”

She threw her arms around his waist. He stiffened, then awkwardly patted her on the back. Without another word, she turned and ran for the train.

She looked back, Ain still frozen in place, shock plastered on her face. Grinned, raised a hand, and waved with all her might. Then, she boarded the Rocketman.

Luffy stumbled in through the doorway, panting heavily, his straw hat dripping with water. He collapsed to one knee just inside.

Aster caught him. “Whoa—hey! Are you okay?!”

Chopper ran up, eyes wide with worry. “Luffy, you’ve been looking a little shaky… are you hurt?”

Zoro crossed his arms and muttered, “He’s probably lost too much blood again.”

Luffy groaned weakly. “Yeah… I feel kinda light. If only I had… some meat…”

Just then, the door slammed open, and Nami marched in, flanked by two Galley-La men dragging a massive, tarp-covered cart.

“Sorry I’m late!!” she huffed.

Luffy’s eyes widened in panic. “NAMI! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! GET IN ALREADY, YOU DUMMY!!”

“I am in!” she snapped back, yanking the tarp off the cart to reveal an enormous pile of food and drink.“Food and water.” she said, brushing dust from her hands with a satisfied smirk.

Without a second thought, Luffy and Zoro sat down like trained dogs.

“I’m so sorry for yelling at you!!” Luffy cried, bowing deeply. “Truly!! So very sorry!!”

Aster’s stomach audibly growled. “Uhh… Nami? Can I eat too?” she asked, eyes glittering with hope.

“Sure,” Nami replied warmly.

She sat cross-legged, grabbed a juicy chunk of meat and— It vanished, straight into Luffy’s mouth.

“Hey!” she snapped, her eyebrows twitching.

Luffy didn’t even look her way. He just grabbed again, instinctively, like a machine. She reached for another piece. So did he. It was also gone

“Luffy!!” Aster puffed her cheeks like a pufferfish. “Learn to share!”

She finally snatched a third piece, shoved it into her mouth with lightning speed, and chewed triumphantly.

“Ha!” she mumbled, cheeks stuffed.

She went for another as Luffy’s hand landed on it the same time as hers.

They both froze.

Their eyes met.

The meat glistened in their locked grip like a priceless treasure.

They narrowed their eyes and tension snapped tight.

It had begun. The Great Meat Duel.

“Don’t,” Luffy said, his grip tightening.

“You don’t own it,” Aster snapped, yanking back.

They started pulling back and forth, not fighting like trained warriors, but like toddlers.

“I touched it first!” He barked.

“You’ve had seven pieces already!!” She shouted back.

Outside, in the storm-misted dark, Kokoro leaned out the engineer’s window and looked down at Iceburg.

“It’ll shoot straight out the canal into open sea,” he warned. “If you can keep it on the rails… that’ll be a miracle in itself.”

Kokoro puffed her bottle and grinned, “Relax. I’m the best train driver this city’s ever had. Just sit there and patch your guts, will ya?”

Iceburg sighed gratefully. “Thanks, Kokoro. Really.”

She nodded toward the shadows. “Keep an eye out for Chimney and Gonbe, too. They’re probably messing around somewhere in here.”

But just as she turned back to the controls, a voice rang out from the train car entrance.

“STRAW HAAAAAAAT!!!”

Everyone turned as the Franky Family burst in, scuffed, bleeding, but standing proud.

Zoro groaned. “Oh, great. Now what?”

Zambai stumbled forward, panting. “Please… take us with you!! The guys from Galley-La said you were going to Enies Lobby!” He dropped to his knees. “They took our brother. We want to get him back! But we can’t get through Aqua Laguna alone!”

Aster froze, mid-chew. “They took… Franky?!”

Kokoro gave a grim nod. “You’re picking a fight with the World Government, after all.”

Zambai shouted, “We don’t CARE who they are! We’re getting our bro back! Even if it kills us!”

They all dropped to the floor, heads bowed in desperation. “Please!!!”

Nami fumed. “Do you guys have any idea the kind of trouble you’ve caused us?!”

Zambai sobbed, “WE KNOW!! That’s why we’re begging you now!”

Then Luffy stood up.

“All right. Let’s go.”

The Franky Family blinked in disbelief.

Aster’s eyes shimmered. “Luffy…”

“LUFFY!!!” Nami shrieked.

He just smiled. “It’ll be fine.”

Zambai slammed his forehead to the floor. “THANK YOU!!!” “But we won’t ride in the train!” he said, springing up. “We’ll follow behind! On our Royal Bulls!! Just let us be part of this!!”

Luffy grinned wider. “See ya at the back, then!”

The Franky Family cheered, wiping tears and racing for the rear couplings of the Rocketman.

Back inside, the train began to rumble.  Steam hissed, gears locked and wheels grinded.

The Rocketman lurched forward, slowly at first, then with terrifying momentum.

Aster stuck her head out the window, laughing, waving wildly at the two people still standing behind in the storm.

“Rody! Ain!!”

Ain’s face turned beet red. She flailed her arms, shouting over the storm, “I’M GOING TO KILL YOU, ASTER!!!”

The other beamed with joy. “LOVE YOU TOO!! I PROMISE I’LL COME BACK SAFE!!”