Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

After their feast, Cobra led the group to the great bath, a magnificent room adorned with golden lions that poured water from their mouths.

"This is amazing!" Usopp shouted in awe, running toward the bath. "I'm gonna be the first one in!"

"No, I will!" Luffy declared, racing beside Usopp, only for both of them to slip and crash into the floor.

"Having fun, you two?" Sanji asked, giving them a weird look.

"I planned on spending the evening in a quiet and orderly manner, but with your crew involved, everything becomes a party." Cobra remarked, standing beside Igaram.

Luffy and Usopp, recovering quickly, called Zoro over. "Hey Zoro! You can train under this waterfall!" They gestured to the water streaming from the golden lions.

"For what?" Zoro asked, eyeing them skeptically as he washed Chopper.

"It looks like fun. I think I'll join too!" Ryomen shouted, running toward the bath with a grin. "Woohoo!" He launched himself into the air, preparing to dive.

"Wait! The bath isn't built for that—it'll break!" Cobra warned.

Luffy and Sanji immediately sprang into action.

"Gomu-Gomu no…Bazooka!"

"Mouton Shot!"

They both hit Ryomen, sending him flying to the other side of the bath.

"Hoo. That was close."

"I suddenly feel much better after hitting him."

Luffy and Sanji exclaimed with no regret for their actions.

"You probably killed him." Usopp muttered.

…

Ryomen landed with a thud on the far side of the bath.

"Ugh…" He groaned, dazed.

"What are you doing!?" A startled voice cried out.

"Huh?" Ryomen blinked, confused, until he noticed two figures shrouded by the mist of the bath.

"V-Vivi! Nami! I-I'm sorry, I…It isn't my fault!" He tried to explain, only for Nami to storm over and kick him square in the face, sending him flying back into the men's side.

…

Back in the men's bath, Sanji screamed at Igaram. "What do you mean it's the women's bath!?"

"I…I have to go there! To bring Ryomen back of course." He righteously said, but Zoro held him from leaving.

"Hey, leave it be." Zoro told him.

"Why are you standing in the way of my happiness!?" Sanji shouted, but before another fight could erupt, a shout of pain echoed from across the bath.

"Aaaaah!!" Ryomen cried out as he crashed back onto the men's side.

"Just why…?" He muttered.

…

Nami sighed as she watched Ryomen disappear. "I can't believe him."

"Are you okay?" She asked, turning to Vivi.

"H-Huh? W-Well, it's not that big of a deal." Vivi mumbled, her face red.

"Of course it is, Vivi. Even if he's the one who sees you." Nami advised her.

"What do you mean if he's the one–" Vivi trailed off as she saw a knowing look on Nami's face, then turned away in embarrassment.

"We're thinking of leaving, if possible tonight." Nami suddenly told her, trying to ease the awkwardness.

"What!? Really!?" Vivi exclaimed in disbelief.

"Well, there's no reason to stay here anymore, now that Luffy's awake. And I'm sure the marines will search for us soon."

…

"Thank you." Cobra expressed his gratitude to the group by bowing.

"Your highness! A king shouldn't lower his head to others!" Igaram exclaimed.

"Rank is worn above one's clothing…but this here is the bath. There is no such thing as a naked king. As a father, and as a resident of this land…I'd like to express my gratitude."

"Shishishi!" Luffy grinned happily.

"No problem." Ryomen replied, slightly embarrassed.

"Thank you." Cobra told them once again.

…

As they left the bath, their laughter fading into the quiet corridors of the palace, Vivi approached Ryomen, her steps soft and hesitant.

"Ryomen." She called, her voice gentle. "Could you come with me for a moment?"

Ryomen looked at her curiously, then nodded. "Of course."

They moved silently through the winding halls, the only sound being the soft padding of their footsteps. Eventually, they emerged into a secluded courtyard nestled deep within the palace grounds.

"Flowers?" Ryomen mumbled as his eyes wandered over the garden, filled with vibrant blooms that stood in stark contrast to the harsh desert outside.

"Come on, this way." Vivi said, taking his hand. She led him to a small, tranquil pond that shimmered under the moonlight. The soft glow of the water reflected a cluster of delicate blue flowers.

Vivi knelt by the pond, carefully plucking one of the flowers from the water. "This is a Blue Lotus." She explained, holding it out for Ryomen to see. "Ever since the rain stopped, they've become endangered. So...don't tell anyone about this." She smiled, her tone playful but her eyes sincere.

"I won't." Ryomen replied, his voice low but serious, as if the weight of her trust hung between them.

"In Alabasta, this flower symbolizes Love and Rebirth." Vivi continued, her fingers brushing lightly against the petals before offering the flower to him.

Ryomen accepted it cautiously, holding it as if it were as fragile as the emotions woven into its meaning. He gazed at it for a moment, admiring the beauty of its soft blue hue. "Why give this to me?" He asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Vivi smiled gently, a mix of warmth and something deeper in her expression. "You've done so much for me...for Alabasta. You gave me hope when I thought there was none. It's the least I can give in return."

Ryomen looked at her, his brow furrowing slightly. "But that's not the only reason, is it?" His tone was soft but probing, sensing there was more she wasn't saying.

A faint blush crept into Vivi's cheeks, but she didn't look away. "You're right," She admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "If you want to know the real reason, then, after you leave Alabasta…when we meet again, I want you to show me this flower." She glanced down at the lotus in his hand. "Based on that…I'll tell you."

Ryomen stared at the flower for a long moment, feeling the weight of her words and the unspoken promise they carried. Finally, he nodded. "I'll keep it safe. I promise."

Vivi's lips curled into a soft, knowing smile. "I know you will."

…

By morning, the crew reached the Going Merry, arriving on the supersonic duck squadron. The ship stood anchored, undisturbed.

"Nice to see you all!!" A familiar voice called from the ship's deck.

"How did he even know where our ship was?" Ryomen mumbled under his breath.

Luffy simply shrugged, unconcerned.

"Hey! Wait a second!" Mr. 2, Bon Clay, exclaimed as the crew boarded the ship, ignoring him entirely.

"What's with your attitude!? Is that any way to greet a friend!?" He questioned, his voice dripping with theatrical indignation.

"Friend? You tricked us!" Luffy shot back, narrowing his eyes.

"I didn't know either! But now that Baroque Works is gone, we're no longer enemies!" Bon Clay defended himself, his hands gesturing dramatically.

"Then why did you take our ship?" Luffy asked, crossing his arms.

"Do you have any idea how many Marines are swarming the country right now!? They would've confiscated your ship for sure!" Bon Clay explained, puffing out his chest proudly.

"So…you protected the Merry?" Luffy asked, a hint of doubt in his voice.

"Why!?" Usopp demanded, his voice filled with skepticism.

"Yeah, why!?" Chopper echoed, standing on tiptoe, his big eyes wide with curiosity.

Bon Clay's expression softened, his voice dropping into a heartfelt tone. "Because, my dears…we're friends." His eyes filled with tears, his emotional performance reaching its peak.

"I knew you were a good guy all along!" Luffy declared, breaking into a wide grin. In an instant, he, Usopp, and Chopper began dancing with Bon Clay, their laughter filling the air.

"Idiots." Ryomen muttered under his breath, though a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

…

As the Straw Hats sailed toward the open sea, the Merry and Bon Clay's ship soon found themselves surrounded by the Navy.

"Why don't you shoot some cannonballs at us, you bastards!" Luffy angrily exclaimed. "At least then I could bounce them back!"

Ryomen grimly examined the iron spears embedded into the Merry's hull. "At this rate, we'll sink soon."

"Can't you destroy them!? You've got those flame thingies, use them!" Luffy shouted in frustration.

"You think I haven't tried?!" Ryomen growled, his eyes narrowing at the spears. "These things are reinforced with something else...they're too strong for me. Whoever we're up against...is at least on par with Crocodile." His words sent a shock through the crew, their faces growing tense.

"This is the Black Spear formation!" A marine with pink hair shouted from the deck of one of the ships.

"You're doomed, stupid pirates!" Another marine with heart-shaped glasses yelled from the neighboring ship.

Ryomen squinted in their direction. "Hm? Those guys…Ah! They're that hypnotist...and the marine from the restaurant!" Ryomen exclaimed in surprise.

Before anyone could respond, a sudden explosion rang out. A cannonball obliterated both ships, sending debris into the air.

"Whoa! Did you do that, Usopp?!" Luffy shouted in shock.

"Uhh, yeah! That's what happens when you mess with Captain Usopp!" Usopp replied, trying to sound confident despite his shaky voice.

"We have to escape! All we need to do is sail through the gap in their formation, and we're swan free!" Bon Clay exclaimed.

"If you wanna go, go." Luffy told him calmly.

"You can't!? You'd risk staying?!" Bon Clay gasped in disbelief.

"We need to meet someone at noon at the east port." Nami interjected, her voice firm.

"What!? That's suicide! What would make you risk your lives like that?" Bon Clay asked, his voice rising.

"We're going to pick up a friend." Luffy replied simply, stunning Bon Clay.

'It's for a friend!?' Bon Clay thought, a wave of emotion surging through him. Tears welled in his eyes. "I see. How could I possibly abandon you now?" He exclaimed, his heart full of resolve.

…

On the main marine ship, an officer reported his observations.

"Lady Hina! They're splitting up! The duck ship is heading south!"

"It's probably a diversion." Hina replied calmly.

"No! The Straw Hats are on the duck ship! The sheep ship is the decoy!" The officer corrected, handing her binoculars.

Hina spotted Luffy standing on the deck of the duck ship. "After them!!" She commanded, her voice sharp.

"Bon-Chan!" Luffy cried out in anguish as the marines attacked his ship, an explosion soon engulfing it.

"Bon-chan! We…We'll never ever…forget you!!" Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, and Sanji wept openly, their tears flowing as they watched Bon Clay's ship consumed by the flames.

Even Ryomen, usually so composed, felt a tear slide down his cheek. For someone like Bon Clay to sacrifice everything for them…it stirred something deep inside him.

…

The Merry docked at the east port, the crew anxiously waiting for their friend. Suddenly, a broadcast began, and Vivi's voice echoed over the town.

"I've been on an adventure…" Vivi's voice was filled with emotion as she spoke of her despair and how one small ship helped her regain her hope.

"That's Vivi's voice." Zoro noted, his tone laced with melancholy.

"Don't think she's coming." Sanji added, a tinge of sadness in his voice.

"No, that was somebody pretending to be her!" Luffy protested, unwilling to accept the truth.

"It's past noon already. Let's go." Nami said softly, her voice carrying the weight of reality.

"Vivi's coming! We just have to find her, she must be around here!" Luffy shouted in defiance.

"Luffy...give it up. She made her choice." Ryomen put a hand on his shoulder, his words both firm and gentle.

"The Navy's coming!" Usopp urgently yelled.

"Set sail! Take the helm!" Nami ordered.

…

As they sailed away, trying to shake the Navy off their tail, a shout from the shore caught their attention.

"You guys!!"

"Vivi!?" Luffy shouted, his eyes widening in surprise.

"Karoo!?" Usopp added, spotting the large duck beside her.

The two waved desperately from the port, their figures growing smaller with each passing second.

"I told you she'd come!" Luffy said with a bright grin.

"Turn the ship around!!" Usopp exclaimed.

"Vivi-chan!!" Sanji shouted, hearts practically popping out of his eyes.

"The Navy's right on our tail!" Chopper reminded them, though the smile on his face revealed his excitement.

Karoo handed Vivi a microphone.

"I can't go with you!! Thank you for everything!!" She cried, her voice trembling with emotion.

The crew fell silent, her words hitting them harder than any cannonball.

"I'd like to continue my adventures…but when it comes down to it, I love this kingdom! So I can't go!" Vivi continued, her voice barely holding steady.

"I see." Luffy said quietly, his grin slowly fading.

"I…I'm going to stay here!! But if we ever meet again, will you call me your shipmate!?" Vivi asked, tears streaming down her face.

"Some day, we'll–" Luffy began, but Nami quickly stopped him.

"The Navy's here! If you agree, she'll be treated as a criminal!" Nami warned, her eyes sharp.

As the ship sailed away, the crew raised their arms, revealing X's on the back. The silent symbol of their unbreakable bond.

"Until we meet again!!" Vivi shouted, her face filled with hope as she and Karoo raised their arms. "And I hope…I will finally be able to be with the one I love!!" Her final words echoed across the sea, sending shockwaves through everyone.

…

Back in Alubarna, the citizens gasped, some covering their mouths in surprise at the princess's declaration.

Inside the castle, Cobra was sipping his tea leisurely, listening to the broadcast with a peaceful smile.

"And I hope…I will finally be able to be with the one I love!!"

"Pfft!!" Cobra spat out his tea, nearly choking in shock. "What!?" He shouted, disbelief and panic filling his voice. "Dammit, Igaram!! Why did you stop me from following them!?" He cursed, recalling the moment of Ryomen and Vivi's departure after they left the bath.

Atop the castle, Igaram, still dressed as Vivi, suddenly sneezed. 'I'm sorry, Your Highness. But if that's what makes her happy, then I'll continue to support her,' He thought, gazing down at the crowds gathered to hear their princess speak.

…

On the Merry, chaos had already ensued.

"Vivi-chan!! Why didn't you tell me earlier?! I would've stayed with you!!" Sanji wailed dramatically, collapsing to his knees in despair.

"I got this weird feeling she wasn't talking about you." Usopp deadpanned.

"Leave him with his delusions, Usopp." Zoro said, smirking.

Meanwhile, others weren't as carefree.

"The one she loves, huh…? I wonder…who it could be?" Nami mumbled, glancing at Ryomen with a raised eyebrow.

Unlike many other times, the meaning behind those words didn't escape Ryomen.

'She…loves me?' He thought in disbelief, his mind flashing back to the flower she had given him. He shook his head, trying to dismiss the thoughts. 'No, it has to be a misunderstanding. Or maybe…she just wasn't talking about me.' He tried to convince himself, but his mind kept wandering back to her words. 'There's no way…someone could possibly hold such feelings for me.'

He was snapped out of his thoughts by Luffy's booming voice.

"Let's sail!!"

With that, the Merry continued its journey through the Grand Line, as the crew set their sights on their next adventure.