ALL NOVEL Chapter 11: 11. Treasure
"Royal!" Nami's voice echoed sharply, snapping the young man out of his thoughts. For a moment, he was startled. Even though the sound came from a different floor than where he was, his sharp hearing easily caught it, allowing the noise to reach him without hindrance.
Quickly ending his conversation with Kalex, Royal watched as the liquid geo shifted into a sleek watch, wrapping itself around his left wrist. Without hesitation, he sped off like a bolt of lightning, arriving before Nami in an instant.
"What's wrong, Nami?" he asked, his expression genuinely curious and innocent. He noticed Nami's face, her frustration clear and her fiery expression intensifying as she turned sharply to glare at Royal.
Nami crossed her arms. "Go with these three idiots and retrieve my treasure." She pointed her finger at Luffy, Zoro and Sanji.
Royal blinked, tilting his head slightly, he still hadn't grasped the full context of the treasure Nami was talking about, but if there really was a treasure nearby, he secretly hoped to claim a share for himself. He need to buy a clothes and trousers, because he really didn't brought anything with him.
"Your treasure?"
Nami froze for a moment, realizing what she'd just said. She take a peek at Royal face before hurriedly correcting herself. "...I mean our treasure." She twirled her flowing hair around her fingers, her face flushed with a deep shade of red.
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Royal's mouth. "Understood. Miss Nami," he teased lightly before glancing toward the 'three idiots' she had pointed out who were already getting into some sort of chaotic argument over who would carry the loot.
Nami huffed, "Just make sure my—I mean, our—treasure makes it back safely, got it?"
Royal gave a small nod, masking his amusement at her slip-up. "Consider it done." It crossed his mind that Nami might actually be the true leader of the Straw Hat Pirates, given her bossy demeanor and the audacity to land punches on Captain Luffy himself. The Straw Hat crew was undeniably one of a kind.
Jogging to catch up with the others en route to retrieve the treasure, Royal couldn't hold back his curiosity and addressed his captain. "Is the party over?" His eyes scanned the room that had once been lively with the festivities but was now quiet and deserted. Only a few fishmen remained, tidying up the plates and empty chocolate boxes scattered around.
"Of course! You were gone forever!" Luffy exclaimed, his tone equal parts accusatory and playful.
Ah, it seems I've been away for too long, Royal thought with a resigned sigh. Though he didn't need food or drink to survive, he couldn't help but feel a pang of envy toward the captain, who had spent his time indulging in every dish the feast had to offer.
"What exactly were you doing?" Zoro asked, casting a side-eyed glance at Royal, suspicion evident in his tone.
"Personal matters," Royal replied curtly, his expression unreadable.
For a few seconds, they remained silent, attempting to process Royal's response. Then, as if a complex puzzle had just been solved, their expressions shifted, a flicker of realization dawning on their faces. The crew's reactions were immediate, their faces contorting in disgust as they interpreted his vague answer in the worst possible way.
"Ugh, did you really have to share that?" Sanji whined, holding his nose theatrically.
Luffy giggled. "Maybe he ate something bad..."
Sanji scoffed than lighting a cigarette as he running. "Next time, keep your 'personal matters' to yourself."
Royal, unbothered by their assumptions, walked ahead without offering further explanation. After all, there was no need to disclose anything about Kalex. Let them think what they wanted. It was easier that way. But it seemed he wouldn't be able to avoid an explanation from Robin, as the woman had been by his side when he discovered Kalex. For now, though, he decided to push that complicated problem to the back of his mind and deal with it later.
Trying to follow the flow of his friends' thoughts, he responded to the conversation by playfully shifting the blame onto one of them. "Well, it's not my fault. Zoro was the one who asked," Royal muttered defensively, glancing back at the crew with a flat expression.
"Shishishishi!" Luffy burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. "Now you're making me want to go to the bathroom too!"
And then it happened.
A loud, unmistakable fart escaped Luffy, echoing in the narrow passage they were running through.The people around, busy with their own activities, turned their attention toward Luffy. Among them was a child with tentacles enjoying an ice cream while a trail of mucus dripped from his nose.
"Mama, that man just farted!" the tentacle child said, pointing innocently at Luffy while still licking his ice cream. The fishmen quickly backed away from Luffy as the unpleasant smell began to spread around them. The tentacle child was yanked away by his mother, who ran off in a panic, her voice rising into a hysterical shriek.
Before the commotion unfolded, Royal had already vanished from his friends' side, using his super speed to escape the smell that mercilessly pursued his heightened sense of smell. "Oh, come on!" he groaned, trying to outrun the incoming wave of foul air. Fortunately, he was faster than the speed of the drifting air.
"I told you, you ate too much!" Sanji yelled, equally appalled, waving his tiny arms around in frustration.
They broke into a cacophony of protests, all directed at their carefree captain, who was now laughing even harder.
"LUFFY!" Zoro screamed. He couldn't help but grumble, "Next time, I will leave him behind."
But none of it fazed Luffy. He laughed uncontrollably, clutching his stomach and nearly doubling over. Meanwhile, Royal ran ahead, determined to put as much distance as possible between himself and the chaotic crew.
"Where's the treasure?" Royal asked, jogging alongside the crew as Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji quickly caught up.
"It's on Decken," Zoro answered calmly, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world.
Royal frowned and glanced at Zoro. "Ah, that guy…" He recalled the name, his mind flashing back to the cowardly fishman who he was knocked unconscious with a single blow. Just thinking about his face was enough to make him feel annoyed. Suddenly, he pointed southward. "He's over there!"
The crew followed Royal's lead to where Decken lay sprawled out, unconscious and clearly defeated.
"Wasn't he already locked up in prison?" Royal asked, puzzled, as they approached the limp body.
"Probably his secret Devil Fruit power," Sanji theorized, lighting a cigarette. "It's likely how he stored the treasure."
"Ah, makes sense," Royal nodded, his curiosity piqued. Even though he said that Sanji's explanation made sense, Royal couldn't fully believe his words. After all, wasn't the person they were talking about a notorious criminal? But it wasn't his problem if there were traitors in the kingdom who had freed that fishman. It didn't concern him as long as he wasn't directly involved.
"So… how do we get the treasure out?" Luffy tilted his head, clearly stumped.
Zoro smirked, gripping one of his swords. "If it's inside him, like mochi filling..."
Before anyone could stop him, Zoro swiftly slashed at Decken—enough to break the skin but not cause serious harm.
Gold and jewels spilled out of Decken's body like a shimmering cascade. The crew's eyes widened as the wealth poured out, the sheer volume reminiscent of crashing waves.
"WHOA! TREASURE!" Luffy cheered, diving into the golden pile with uncontained glee, his arms flailing as he tried to grab as much as he could.
Sanji sighed, rubbing his temples. "Did you really have to slice him open, Marimo?"
Zoro shrugged. "It worked, didn't it?"
Royal, meanwhile, stood off to the side, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This… is far more chaotic than I anticipated."
"Shishishishi! Look, Royal!" Luffy waved a giant ruby in the air. "We're rich!"
Royal sighed, shaking his head and murmured. "I can't believe I'm part of this crew."
"ONE, TWO, THREE!" Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji counted in unison as they hoisted massive sacks of treasure onto their backs. Each one struggled under the weight, their faces red with exertion.
Meanwhile, Royal stood nearby, arms crossed, watching them with a bemused expression. Unlike them, he had already gathered and was carrying a collection of treasure at least four times the size of what they managed to lift—effortlessly balanced over his shoulders. Not a bead of sweat graced his brow.
"Alright! Time to head back to the palace!" Luffy declared with his signature enthusiasm, his grin stretching ear to ear despite the strain on his arms and legs.
Royal shifted slightly, preparing to follow. However, Luffy turned to him and let out a loud laugh.
"Royal, you look like a giant hot air balloon with all that treasure!"
Royal shot Luffy an unamused look. "And you look like a bent noodle under that sack," he retorted dryly.
Sanji chuckled under his breath while Zoro smirked. "At least he's carrying his share," Zoro said, throwing a glance at Luffy's wobbly legs.
Luffy just laughed harder. "Shishishishi! Come on, Royal! Don't be so serious!"
Royal sighed, shaking his head but unable to suppress a small smile. Being a member of the Straw Hat Pirates was a stark contrast to Royal's experience with the elite ranks of Kryptonians. He observed Captain Luffy, whose demeanor was worlds apart from Commander Zod's rigid and commanding presence.
Royal didn't regret joining this crew of misfits. Here, everything felt like taking a deep, refreshing breath after being trapped for so long in an airtight room.
"Eh, what's going on?" Luffy stopped abruptly, his eyes fixed on a crowd of fishmen gathered outside a large candy factory. The sweet aroma wafting through the air was enough to make his mouth water. "Let's check that place out first! We've got to try their candy before heading back to the palace!"
None of the crew protested. Sanji sighed, muttering something about keeping their captain fed, while Zoro just shrugged and adjusted the treasure sack on his back. Royal, still carrying his massive haul, raised an eyebrow but followed without complaint.
As they approached the factory, the sound of chatter grew louder. Royal immediately felt uneasy. The atmosphere was heavy, laced with tension that made his instincts flare.
Luffy wasted no time, squeezing his way to the front of the line with his characteristic enthusiasm. "Oi, oi! What's this? Smells amazing!" he exclaimed, practically drooling as he eyed the trays of candy.
Standing at the center of attention was a lion-faced man, dressed in sharp attire that contrasted with his menacing presence. He was barking orders at the factory workers—mostly fishmen—demanding they hurry up and produce more candy. His voice carried a tone of authority and danger that silenced anyone who dared hesitate.
Royal's sharp eyes narrowed as he observed the scene. Something about the man didn't sit right with him.
"Well, well, well," the man said, his deep voice dripping with mockery. "If it isn't the infamous Straw Hat crew." He stepped closer, his sharp teeth gleaming. "I've heard a lot about you troublemakers."
Luffy tilted his head, clearly unfazed. "Who are you?"
The lion-man let out a hearty laugh before straightening up. "I am Pekoms, of the Big Mom Pirates." His declaration sent a wave of murmurs through the crowd, the mention of Big Mom striking fear into many of the fishmen.
"Big Mom Pirates?" Sanji repeated, his voice low and his mind begin to wonder the beauty of a women name 'Big Mom".
Royal leaned slightly and murmured, "This could be a problem." Royal knew from his father's stories that Big Mom was one of the Four Emperors of the Sea. She was infamous for her insatiable craving for sweet foods and her numerous partners, whom she used to expand her pirate crew.
Pekoms smirked, flicking his sunglasses down to the bridge of his nose. "The sweets from this factory are a tribute to Big Mom. Anyone who interferes with her business... won't live to regret it."
The declaration sent a chill through the crowd, but Luffy simply grinned. "If it's about food, then maybe we should talk to this Big Mom ourselves!"
Pekoms' eyes narrowed, his grin twisting into a snarl. "You've got guts, Straw Hat... but don't think you can handle Big Mom's wrath!"
"Let's keep things peaceful, Pekoms," came a refined voice, calm yet firm. Stepping into view was a man with a peculiar appearance—an elongated, egg-shaped body, complete with a beard and long, stilt-like legs. He tipped his hat politely as his monocle gleamed under the light. "Greetings, Straw Hat Pirates. I am Baron Tamago."
Luffy tilted his head, intrigued by the new figure. "Baron Egg?"
"It's Tamago," the Baron corrected with a sigh. "I must admit, you have quite the reputation. What brings you here to this humble candy factory? Surely it's not to meddle in Big Mom's affairs?"
Luffy's eyes lit up at the mention of candy. "Oh, I just love sweet stuff!" he exclaimed, almost salivating at the thought of more treats.
Zoro crossed his arms with a disinterested grunt, while Sanji lit a cigarette, clearly unimpressed. "This is a waste of time," the cook muttered.
Baron Tamago chuckled lightly,adjusted his monocle and gestured toward the factory. "Unfortunately, this candy is already spoken for. It is a gift, you see, for Big Mom. Any disturbance here could be... problematic."