Another purpose

Pt.2

Itachi exited the exchange shop, leaving behind the shocked expressions of everyone in it. He had just about cleaned them out for all their cash, about 100 million. Of course, they had tried to swindle him, but he had none of it, as this money was going to the Straw Hats, not his own pocket.

"I'd like to find a bookstore. Perhaps it'll have something on the architecture here."

Seeing how the buildings had been stacked on top of pillars had intrigued Itachi greatly. Looking around, Itachi took in the city around him. Usopp had been right, it was awesome. People were milling about on the stone pathways next to the canals, chatting and laughing. Shops filled with a multitude of interesting goods lined the waterways as well, individuals visiting them to and fro on their Yagara Bulls. People with intricate costumes and masks passed by him as well. He had heard in passing about a costume festival at one of the islands that were connected to Water 7 through the Sea Train.

Looking back in front of him, Itachi spotted Robin walking towards him. He was about to wave when he noticed that she was following a large masked man. Her Voice was strained. Frightened. He tried to meet her eyes, but she immediately looked down, but he had seen the fear. The shame in her eyes. With just a look he knew who she was following.

A World Government agent.

Just as they passed by each other, Itachi viciously gripped the man's arm. He grunted in pain at the sudden action.

"What do you want with Robin?"

The man didn't say anything, but his left arm shot out towards Itachi, killing intent filling the air around them.

It was fast, but Itachi was faster. Before the hand reached him, he had it gripped in his other hand.

The man grunted in surprise.

Itachi was prepared to kill the man before he felt Robin's hands on his arms. He turned to her and saw the pleading look in her eyes, the message in them quite clear.

Please, don't get involved.

He let go of the masked man, shrugging off Robin's hands. He started walking away, but not before whispering to Robin, "Luffy won't let you go that easily."

She didn't respond, rooted to the spot as the masked man watched Itachi walk away. Unnoticed by her or the agent, a light blue seal glowed on Robin's dress before disappearing.

Itachi didn't want to walk away, but he knew Robin was doing what she thought was the best way to protect the Strawhats from the World Government.
He doubted it would end well, though.

On his way back to the ship, a long-nosed man had jumped over him, running across the rooftops. He had assumed it was Kaku as Iceburg had described the man to Itachi as well as the nickname he had gotten from the citizens: Mountain Wind. Now, as he approached the Going Merry, he could make out Zoro's snoozing form.

'Seems like nobody else has returned. Guess I'll drop my books off and then head back to the city see if I can learn anything else.' Thought Itachi.

He dropped off his sketchbook in the men's quarters, pocketing some of the money he had made from Durandal and headed back out.

"Aqua Laguana is coming soon. I haven't finished sealing my windows yet."

"Oh, you should get on it then. It's supposed to come in tomorrow night. This storm's picking up and it's not even close to how harsh Aqua Laguana's gonna be"