One Piece: The Freedom Fighters

Chapter 15: A One-Sided Deal

"L-Let go of me!" Genu pleaded as the elevator doors opened. He was back on the fifth floor, the quietness as bitter as ever. The two Marines ushered him across the hall, reluctantly refusing to obey his commands.

"Sorry kid..." One of them muttered, adverting their eyes from Genu. Clearly, neither of them wanted to do this... But they can't disobey a direct order! They approached the Vice-Admiral's office,. Genu started to panic, struggling harder and harder. However, the Marines walked past the room, continuing to their true destination. At the end of the hall stood a lone door. It was black and barred, standing out from the otherwise fabulous hall. The words Interrogation Room were written on a small sign next to it. The Marines opened the door and led Genu in.

The inside of the room wasn't very flattering. It was stone-black, with the only light source being a few hanging lamps. The area was utterly empty except for a dingy wooden table and chair. The Marines sat Genu down on the chair, tying his ankles around the legs of the chair. Genu was... confused. Why not tie up his arms too? Just then, there was a knock. The Marines softly shuddered and walked to the door, opening it up. They both gave a salute as a large blob squeezed their way inside. It was Vice-Admiral Rebound!

"Gah, why must they make these doors so small?!" Rebound complained, finally pushing his way through the door. He looked up at Genu and gave an evil smirk. "Hello again, Mr. Engum."

"Y-You!" Genu growled, trying to get out of the chair. "This is crazy, I already told you no!"

"Yes yes, I remember quite well." He professionally replied, giving a look to the Marines. "Guard the door. Don't let ANYONE in." He ordered, dismissing the two. They both froze, giving a look to one another. Rebound gave them both a soul-piercing look. "Well?" He barked, causing the two Marines to shiver before hastily leaving the room. Now that they were alone, he faced Genu. "Now, where was I?"

"The designs aren't ready, can't you wait? Just give me a few months!" Genu lashed out, gripping his blueprints to his chest.

"No, I don't believe I can." Rebound replied, waddling over to Genu and ripping the blueprints from him. He looked over them with a lust in his eyes. "Yes... Yes! Can't you see, Engum?" He asked, flashing the Pacifista Railcannon's design to Genu. "The World Government is going to pay so much for something like this! Imagine the money! The power! The MONEY! We could turn this dingy little Marine base into a palace!" He cackled, throwing the blueprints down before pulling out a white paper and pen, placing them on the table. It's the contract from before! So that's why they didn't tie his wrists down... So he could sign!

Genu looked at Rebound in disgust. How did this narcissistic fatass become a Vice-Admrial? "Ngh... You're a greedy pig!" He scowled, slamming his fists on the table. A palace? Isn't this fort fancy enough? He looked down at the contract and pushed it away. "I won't sign it, you can't make me!"

"Oh, I think I can." Rebound calmly replied, reaching into his uniform and pulling out a silver dagger. He admired its design, idly flipping it in his hand. "Just sign the bottom line, and things won't have to get messy."

Genu looked at the knife, fear slowly starting to flood his soul. "B-But according to the Navy guidelines-"

"Forget the guidelines!" Rebound smirked, sticking the knife into the table. "Forget the laws! Forget the rules! If you want something, you have to take it." He deviously monologued. "I suppose I could just commit forgery but... Well, I didn't think of that!" He shrugged, pushing the paper back at Genu. "Now. Sign. It."

"I... I..." Genu stumbled over his words. What is he supposed to do? This guy is insane! "W... Why?" He asked, bewildered by the fact that someone could be so evil. Rebound was a Vice-Admiral! They're supposed to uphold justice! Defend the people! Not... This!

"Because... I'm a greedy pig." Rebound saracticly revealed. Genu sighed. There really is nothing he could do... But... He can't stand this! The idea of unsafe inventions being used in battle. Unfinished, lazily designed blueprints being handed in for a quick buck? He... He could never forgive himself! Genu looked back up at Rebound. He stands no chance against him. He'll be killed on the spot if he fights back! But... But!

"... Sir. Before I sign this, would you like to see one of my inventions?" He asked, reaching into his pockets and pulling out a green cube.

"... Eh, why not? May as well see what's making the money!" He softly laughed, leaning in to look the cube. Genu nodded before tossing the weapon on the table. It began to expand and extend, the legs coming out from the bottom and the barrel protruding out at Rebound. It was a sentry! "Amazing! This is gonna make us- I mean, me rich!" He clapped, giving the cube a little poke.

"Yeah... You know what the best part is?" Genu asked, his heart pounding in his chest. Is this actually going to work? There's no way...

"Tell me." Rebound emptily replied, entranced by the device before him.

"... It uses infrared."

The Sentry beeped to life, quickly snapping onto Rebound. A screeching whir emitted from the device as it readied its ammunition. Rebound looked down in horror, realizing what was about to happen but unable to do anything as the cube opened fire!

RATATATATATATAT!

A flurry of bullets sprayed out of the sentry, hitting Rebound dead in the chest with insane accuracy. The Vice-Admiral cried out before falling back, holding the area where the bullets had hit. For safety and testing reasons, Genu had used rubber bullets, but that didn't make them hurt any less! Taking the opportunity he was given, Genu reached into his pocket again and quickly pulled out a swiss-army knife. He usually uses this for on-the-go tinkering, but it can still slice stuff! He flicked open the knife and quickly cut the ropes binding his legs. He jumped out of the chair and watched at his sentry worked it's magic. He always kept some Combat Cubes on hand for tinkering, but he might be able to fight with them!

The sentry quickly ran out of ammunition, closing back up into a cube the moment the last bullet was fired. Rebound laid still for a moment before quickly getting up. "You little BRAT." He muttered, holding his chest where the bullets were lodged. "... Very well, if you're not going to sign the contact..." He chuckled, crossing his arms in an X formation. Suddenly, his body brightly glistened before emitting a loud 'bo-oing!' The bullets that were lodged into his chest... They popped out!

Genu felt his heart racing. How did he do that? Is Rebound a Devil Fruit user?! Oh god, now Genu KNOWS he can't win! This is utterly futile, but... But he has to at least try!

"I'll just have to get rid of you!"