Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

"Hey…is it just me, or are they glaring in my direction?" Ryomen whispered, eyeing the civilians passing by, their expressions sharp as some muttered and pointed at a newspaper.

"No…something's up." Usopp replied, his gaze following the tense crowd.

"Do you wanna check it out? I've got a feeling it's something important." Ryomen suggested, masking his unease.

"Leave it to me. I don't think they'd tell you much, seeing how they're looking at you." Usopp said, then approached a civilian nearby.

Ryomen watched as Usopp left, leaning against a wall and waiting, but his mind churned with uncertainty.

'Could it have something to do with the shipwrights?' He wondered, a faint dread settling in. 'I hope the others are okay. I should go check on them soon.'

He remained deep in thought, so distracted he didn't notice a large man in a long cloak stop beside him, face and body hidden.

"The 'Cursed Being' Ryomen." The man stated, his voice sharp, pulling Ryomen from his thoughts.

Ryomen's eyes narrowed as he took a step back. "Who are you?"

"Cipher Pol number nine. The Five Elders have an offer for you." The man replied, his voice leveled.

"Cipher Pol…" Ryomen repeated, furrowing his brow. "What do they want with me?"

The man's tone was matter-of-fact. "You are invited to join Cipher Pol number zero. Accept, and your past and crimes will officially be erased."

"So if I become their dog, they'll stop hunting me? No thanks." Ryomen spat, a hint of anger in his glare.

"Is that so?" The man's eyes darkened. "Then we'll have to take you by force."

"You can try." Ryomen gripped the hilt of his dagger, readying himself.

The man's hand shot out, gesturing to Usopp, who was speaking with the civilian across the street. "He is your friend, isn't he?"

"What?" Ryomen's gaze darted to Usopp, where he saw two shadowy figures hovering too close for comfort.

"Who do you think will be faster?" The man taunted, eyes glinting. "You…or them?"

"…Leave him alone." Ryomen muttered through clenched teeth. "I'll come with you."

"Good. Follow me." The man turned, leading him toward a narrow alley.

Ryomen acted quickly, cutting his finger and letting blood drip along his dagger, which he tried to drop in a discreet place before he followed the man through a green door.

…

"What!? N-No way Robin would do that!" Usopp exclaimed, eyes wide.

"Kid, that's what the newspapers say! Her and the Straw Hats are dirty criminals!" A civilian grumbled, thrusting the paper toward Usopp.

"I-I'm sure it's a misunderstanding…" Usopp mumbled, his gaze dropping. "Thank you!" He turned away, determination forming in his eyes.

'Ryomen needs to get out of here fast…he's the only one with a bounty here.' Usopp thought, scanning the street until he realized Ryomen was nowhere to be seen.

"Ryomen?" He called, his voice tinged with worry.

"Ryomen!" He shouted, his words echoing as he searched the area. "Where…where is he?" He muttered, frustration growing.

That's when he spotted it—a dagger lying under a bench, blood slowly pooling along its edge.

His mind flashed back to their conversation

"Why'd you even buy that?"

"Just in case. You never know when you might need one."

'Did he know this would happen?' Usopp thought, heart racing. "Dammit…both Robin and Ryomen are missing…"

Clutching the dagger tightly, Usopp took a shaky breath. "What…should I do?"

…

As Ryomen stepped through a shimmering portal, he found himself back on the same street, but everything was cast in an eerie green glow, giving the area an otherworldly quality.

"What is this?" He murmured, glancing around, unsettled.

"You don't need to know. Put these on." The man held out a pair of handcuffs.

"Sea-stone handcuffs?" Ryomen eyed the cuffs warily. "Tell me…what's stopping me from killing you right here?" He asked with a dangerous smirk.

"You'd remain trapped in this space." The man's voice was cold, unfazed. "And I believe you'd like to see the condition of Nico Robin, yes?"

Ryomen's glare hardened, but he held his hands out, letting the man fasten the cuffs. Instantly, his strength began to drain, leaving him weaker.

'This is bad. I don't have many options left. I don't know how strong this guy is or if he's just bluffing.' Ryomen thought darkly as he was led through yet another door.

This time, they arrived in a lavish room that looked more like a resort.

"Robin!" His eyes landed on her immediately. She was seated at a table with a man in a suit, her gaze distant.

"Are you alright?" He took a step forward but was held back by his escort.

"Ryomen…!" Robin's face lit up with surprise and then quickly fell to concern. "Why…why are you here?"

"Why? To see you, stupid!" He shouted, frustration breaking through. "Why would you just leave with these guys?"

"You don't understand…this is something I have to do." Robin replied, her voice tense.

The man with her glanced at Ryomen. "I assume he refused the invitation?"

"Yes, sir." The escort confirmed.

"Good. Well done, Blueno." The man said calmly.

He looked at Ryomen and Robin before giving a sarcastic smile. "We'll give you some privacy. Maybe you can convince him, Nico Robin." He turned to leave, but not without a final warning. "And don't forget about our plan."

Robin and Ryomen were left alone, agents lingering in the distance, watching them closely.

"Robin, did they threaten you? What's going on?" Ryomen demanded.

"It doesn't matter. You should have stayed away. You shouldn't have looked for me." She said coldly, her face blank.

"What do you mean? You're part of our crew! Of course I care if you disappear!"

Robin's expression hardened, her eyes averted. "I'm not one of you. I'm a criminal. I just used all of you as scapegoats."

Ryomen's brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"

"You don't know?" She looked at him, startled. Her face turned to stone as she added, "I tried to assassinate Iceberg, then put the blame on the Straw Hats."

Ryomen's eyes widened, his heart twisting. 'So that's why the civilians looked at me like that?'

He gritted his teeth, shaking his head. "I don't buy it. Not when these people are involved." He shot a glare at the agents in the distance.

"Stop deluding yourself. I'm the one—" She began, only for him to interrupt.

"No, you're not. I know it, and nothing you say will change my mind."

Robin stared at him, her mask slipping as uncertainty flashed across her face.

"Please…stop lying to me, Robin. We're both hunted by the World Government. Let me be someone you can rely on."

Before she could respond, Blueno and the man approached.

"So…what is your decision?" The man asked, his voice calm, even smug.

Ryomen met his gaze defiantly. "No matter what I choose, you're not letting me leave."

The man chuckled. "That's right. The Elders consider you useful, so we'll spare your life…for now." His smirk widened. "But that can easily change."

The agent nodded to Blueno. "Watch him." He ordered, leaving with a satisfied glance.

…

Meanwhile, on a rooftop in Water Seven, Luffy, Nami, Zoro, and Chopper huddled, tension high.

"I think it's clear now." Zoro stated grimly.

"Clear!? You were the one being chased by shipwrights!" Nami snapped. "Luffy and I were doing fine till you showed up!"

"Look, they would've spotted you soon anyway." Zoro replied.

"Hey, where's Sanji?" Luffy asked, his gaze shifting.

"He…said he had a plan." Chopper mumbled, head lowered.

"A plan? For what?" Nami asked, her face puzzled.

…

"She really said that!? Robin actually said that!?" Luffy's voice was filled with disbelief as he looked to Chopper for confirmation.

Chopper nodded solemnly, his expression troubled.

The others stood silent, uncertain how to respond.

"We should have expected this." Zoro broke the silence, his tone hard. "Regardless of the circumstances, she first showed up as an enemy…and we let her on the ship. If she's suddenly scared and has decided to leave, then there's no point in dragging her back if she's only gonna run off again."

He looked at the crew with a serious gaze. "Isn't it about time we settled this? Is she an enemy…or a friend?"

"I…I'm sure it's a misunderstanding!" Nami exclaimed, worry etched on her face. "Why would she just do this out of nowhere? And what about Ryomen!? He's been gone for a day! We don't know anything about him since he went off with Usopp!"

"I can help with that." A voice suddenly cut in.

"Who—!?" They all turned, startled, to see a figure clad in a star-shaped mask, goggles, and a red cape.

"I am…Sogeking! Here to help you, Straw Hats!" He declared with dramatic flair.

"Sogeking…" Zoro and Nami echoed, unimpressed.

"How exactly can you help us?" Luffy asked, his curiosity piqued.

"You're seeking information on your friend, right?"

"Yes! Do you know what happened to him!?" Chopper asked anxiously.

"Yes…not long ago, he was kidnapped!" Sogeking proclaimed.

"What!?" They all shouted in shock.

"Who could have captured him!?" Nami asked urgently, her face full of worry.

"That…was a very secret organization! Known by only a few in the outside world!" Sogeking replied ominously.

"Are they the ones who took Robin too!?" Chopper asked, his voice trembling.

"Those bastards!" Luffy clenched his fists in anger. "And Usopp—did they take him too?"

Sogeking was caught off guard, hesitating. "Uhm…Usopp, your very handsome former crewmate? He…was also taken! By another mysterious group! But he's safe, I checked on him personally!"

"Why is everyone being taken!?" Chopper exclaimed, his worry turning to panic.

"Wait…we can't just believe everything he says." Zoro interjected, his gaze skeptical as he sized up Sogeking. "How do we know we can trust you? You're still a stranger to us."

"You have a point, Zoro-kun." Sogeking acknowledged. "All I can say is that I hail from the fabled Island of Snipers! That should tell you everything you need to know about my reliability!"

"Where's that?" Luffy asked, intrigued.

Sogeking pointed dramatically at Luffy's chest. "In your heart."

"Whoaa!!" Luffy and Chopper exclaimed, stars in their eyes.

"Dumbasses." Zoro and Nami muttered under their breath.

"How did you even find us?" Zoro demanded with a sigh.

"I've been keeping an eye on you all for some time, waiting for the right moment to step in…and as for how I knew where you were…" Sogeking paused for dramatic effect. "I sensed your presence!"

"Sensed?" Luffy repeated, then gasped in realization. "You have Observation Haki!"

"Ryomen would be proud." Nami muttered with a sigh, unable to hide her slight amusement at Luffy finally getting the name right.

"Alright, that's enough of this." Nami then cleared her throat, getting everyone's attention. "We need to clear our names and find out who tried to assassinate Iceberg. If we follow that trail, maybe we can figure out who took Ryomen and Robin."

"Nami's right," Sogeking nodded thoughtfully. "We should come up with a solid plan before we rush in."

…

Back at the Resort.

Ryomen leaned against a window, staring up at the darkening sky as night settled in.

"All right, the operation is about to begin. Be prepared." The agent ordered, glancing between Blueno and Robin.

"You two will rendezvous with the others at Galley-La. Keep in mind, failure is not an option here."

Blueno nodded while Robin regarded the man with a neutral stare. "As long as you keep your promise, I'll keep mine." She replied flatly.

The man nodded, smirking. "Of course."

Robin and Blueno prepared to leave, passing by Ryomen on their way out.

"No matter what…I won't leave you to face this alone." He said softly as she walked by, his voice carrying an unspoken promise.

Robin tried to keep her expression neutral, but a faint, bittersweet smile found its way to her lips before she disappeared through Blueno's door.

…

Near Galley-La Company.

The Straw Hats, minus Sanji, crouched on a large tree branch alongside Sogeking, surveying the building ahead.

"It's so far!" Luffy whispered, squinting at the distance.

"And there are tons of people there." Chopper added, peering through a pair of binoculars.

"You can stretch your arms and jump across once the action starts." Nami instructed Luffy. "We'll use the distraction to our advantage."

"You're right. If we start something now, they'll just make things harder for us." Zoro agreed.

"I could easily draw their attention if necessary." Sogeking offered confidently.

"No matter what, we need to be cautious. This could be our only shot to find out the truth." Zoro added, voice firm.

Just then, a massive explosion rocked the side of the building, scattering the shipwrights who were guarding the building flying.

"Whoa! That was a big one!" Luffy gasped, unable to contain his excitement as he took off toward the company.

Only Sogeking noticed, sighing as he dashed after him. "Wait up, Luffy-kun!"

"Wow…it's really gotten chaotic down there." Chopper mumbled, watching as the shipwrights clashed with the mysterious assailants.

He suddenly realized they were down by two. "Uh, where'd Luffy and Sogeking go?"

"Huh!?" Zoro and Nami both did a double take, their jaws dropping when they realized the two had disappeared.

…

Back at the Resort.

'I've got to find a way out of here.' Ryomen thought, his gaze shifting around as he tried to estimate how many agents were stationed in the building.

'The guy who gave orders to Blueno…he has to have the key to these cuffs. Looked like he headed to his office.'

'But first…I have to deal with these guys…' He looked behind him, noticing two agents walking close to him. 'Seems I'm being underestimated.'

"Do you two know what CP9's real plan is?" He asked, turning with a casual, almost disarming look.

The agents exchanged glances, visibly taken aback. "If we knew, we wouldn't tell scum like you." One sneered.

"Is that so…? How about the Five Elders, then? Know anything about them?" Ryomen continued, unfazed.

"We follow orders—we don't question them." The second agent snapped, raising his weapon. "Now, shut it! Walking around freely is already a privilege for a captive like you."

Ryomen sighed, feigning disappointment. "Guess that's what I expected."

In a swift, fluid movement, a hidden arm shot out from beneath his shirt, gripping the first agent's gun. The agent barely had time to gasp before Ryomen yanked him down, slamming him into the ground.

"Bastard—!" The second agent fumbled for his own gun, but Ryomen flung the first agent's body into him, knocking them both back. Before either could recover, he delivered a sharp, precise punch, sending the second agent sprawling.

"Alright…" He muttered, adjusting his cuffs. 'Now, where's that office?'

Keeping his steps silent, Ryomen mapped out possible escape routes in his mind as he moved. He could feel time slipping by, but he forced himself to stay focused—each second mattered, especially with Robin in danger.

As he approached the door, he carefully nudged it open, stepping into the dimly lit office.

Inside, stacks of documents were piled haphazardly, and the faint smell of smoke lingered. The agent who had issued the orders earlier was seated behind a desk, hunched over paperwork with an annoyed expression.

Ryomen moved closer, but before he could reach the desk, the agent looked up, eyes narrowing.

"What are you doing here? Where are the guards?" He demanded, one hand reaching for a concealed weapon.

Ryomen stayed calm. "Just out for a little stroll." He said, his tone dry. "But it seems you have something of mine."

"Do I?" The agent smirked, drawing his gun and firing.

Ryomen didn't even flinch; the bullet hit an invisible barrier protecting his face, dropping to the ground with a metallic clink.

"What the—? Your powers should be suppressed!" The agent stammered, eyes widening.

"Haki, ever heard of it?" Ryomen replied coldly, shoving the desk aside with one solid kick.

"Don't bother—reinforcements are already on their way!" The agent sneered, attempting to stall for time.

"I have enough time to deal with you." Ryomen growled, grabbing the agent by his collar and shoving him against the wall. "Now, where's the key?"

The agent gasped, managing a defiant smirk. "Do you really think I'd keep something that could set you free?"

Ryomen's expression darkened. "Wrong answer." He tightened his grip on the chains of his cuffs around the agent's throat, forcing the man's smug look to falter as he began to choke.

"You…won't…get out…" The agent gasped, struggling to free himself. With a final pull, the agent slumped, unmoving.

"Mr. Gill! Are you alright!?" Shouts from outside were quickly followed by the sound of approaching footsteps.

"Damn." Ryomen muttered, glancing around. He darted toward the window just as agents burst into the room.

"There he is—shoot him!"

Gunfire erupted, bullets whizzing past him. One grazed his arm, but his Armament Haki blocked the worst of the impact. He smashed through the window, glass scattering as he leaped into the night air.

"Don't let him escape!" the agents shouted, firing after him as he dropped into the darkness below.

He laughed as he disappeared, his voice taunting them from the shadows. "Even with these cuffs on, there's no chance you'll catch me!"

…

On a rooftop, a well-built man with short black hair watched Ryomen's retreating figure with a smirk.

"How lucky…" He mused, eyes glinting. "I thought I'd have to go through the World Government to finish my mission."

He spun his new weapon with practiced ease, his grin widening.

"Though...maybe I'll let him run a bit longer. Don't want to spoil their fun too soon."

He chuckled, the sound dark and low.

"I hope...you're as much of a challenge as Isgor claims you are."

…

Back at the Galley-La Company.

In Iceberg's office, the assassins stood unmasked before him. Two large holes gaped in each wall, with Zoro, Nami, and Chopper arriving through one, while Luffy, Sogeking, and Paulie entered through the other.

"Robin! I finally found you!" Luffy shouted, his face lighting up at the sight of her.

"Only thanks to my help, of course!" Sogeking declared, puffing his chest proudly.

"Hey, Luffy, Sogeking! Where the hell have you two been!?" Zoro barked, his tone irritable.

"Robin, I'm so glad I can see you again!" Chopper added in his reindeer form, his eyes wide with relief.

"What is going on here!? And where's Ryomen!?" Nami demanded, scanning the room anxiously.

Robin stayed silent, her expression unreadable as she watched them cautiously.

"Straw Hats…Paulie…" Iceberg wheezed from the floor, blood trickling from his mouth.

"Mr. Iceberg!? What…what happened!?" Paulie gasped, taking in the blood and the damage around him.

"Paulie, you idiot! Why didn't you run?!" Iceberg rasped in frustration.

Paulie clenched his fists, blood from his own wounds seeping down his arms. "What's going on!? It almost looks like…you guys are the ones trying to assassinate him!" He glanced at the agents in shock. "And why are you all dressed like that!?"

The agents remained still, their faces expressionless.

"Kalifa! Blueno! Kaku! Lucci!" Paulie cried, his voice shaking. "This has to be some kind of twisted joke!"

Luffy's eyes widened. "Wait…aren't these the shipwrights you worked with? That guy with the pigeon, right?"

Sogeking smacked his forehead. "How did you realize that just now?!"

"Now that you mention it." Zoro muttered, narrowing his eyes. "I recognize that square-nose guy."

"So the assassins…were inside the organization all along?" Nami whispered in horror.

Finally, Lucci glanced over, his face as cold as stone. "Paulie, the truth is, we work for the World Government. If we apologize…will you forgive us?" His tone dripped with mockery.

"All those days working together, building ships from dawn until dusk…" He continued, voice tauntingly smooth. "Such good times."

Paulie stared, fists shaking with barely suppressed rage. "Quit…messing with me! This is enough!" He pointed accusingly at Lucci. "The voice I just heard from that bull mask…it was yours! Why, you…"

"All this time, you could talk just fine! I'll teach you to make fun of me!" Paulie whipped out his rope, his face set in fury.

"Paulie, stop!" Iceberg warned.

"Pipe Hitch Knives!" Paulie hurled his rope with its knives tied to the end, aiming straight for Lucci—but in an instant, Lucci vanished.

"Finger Pistol." Lucci reappeared in front of Paulie, his finger stabbing into the shipwright's chest. "Haven't you learned anything?"

"Rope guy!" Luffy shouted, eyes widening as Paulie staggered backward, clutching his chest.

"That guy's…so fast!" Sogeking muttered, stunned.

"Why…? What would make you guys…?" Paulie struggled, blood trickling from his wound.

Lucci scoffed. "Don't even try to resist. We've mastered the Six Powers. Any one of us is as powerful as a hundred men."

Paulie gritted his teeth, still clutching his wound. "Why would you people…?"

Lucci smirked, placing a heavy hand on Paulie's shoulder. "It doesn't matter. You would've been eliminated anyway."

"Lucci, you…!" Iceberg began, only to be cut off as the window shattered and a figure landed beside Lucci, smirking through small cuts across his body.

"So, I was right…you guys are the assassins after all." Ryomen's gaze was fierce as he faced Lucci, amusement glinting in his eyes.