Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

Echoes of Malice

On the Going Merry, the crew busied themselves with preparations to set sail.

“Damn it! Those bounty hunters rigged our boat so we wouldn’t leave during the party.” Nami exclaimed, frustration boiling over.

“So, how long do we have to stay here for?” Ryomen asked, leaning against the ship’s railing, glancing out at the water.

“A few hours.” Nami replied, crossing her arms, her irritation palpable.

“Great.” Ryomen leaned back, his gaze inadvertently landing on Vivi, who still looked shaken.

He couldn't help but recall when they first met, years ago. She had been just a child then, but she was the only one who showed him kindness. Her intervention had stopped the abuse he suffered, if only for a moment. She likely wouldn't remember, but he had never forgotten. She was one of the few to treat him with compassion when he thought no one ever would.

“What are you doing?” Zoro interrupted, pulling Ryomen from his thoughts.

“Nothing. Just…thinking.” Ryomen replied, his eyes shifting to the side, avoiding Zoro's piercing gaze.

“That so? Here.” Zoro handed him a bottle of alcohol, the glass glinting in the sunlight.

“What for?” Ryomen asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

“You just seemed really distracted today. It might help.” Zoro shrugged, his tone casual yet slightly concerned.

Curiously, Ryomen stared at the bottle, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. For the first time in his life, he lifted the bottle to his lips and drank alcohol.

…

A few hours had passed, and things were finally looking up. Usopp then approached Ryomen.

“Hey, when we were looting those guys, we left a room unchecked. It had a lot of locks on it, but then we started hearing the explosions, so we ran out of there.” He exclaimed.

“And you want me to go check it out?” Ryomen replied, his words slurred and his cheeks flushed from the alcohol.

“Hmhm.” Usopp nodded.

“Why can’t you do it? Are you afraid of the dark?” Ryomen asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

“Pfft, no! Captain Usopp doesn’t fear anything!” Usopp declared, puffing out his chest as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “I just thought you wanted to move a little.”

“I see. Sure, I’ll go.” Ryomen said with a nod. “C’mon, Karoo, let’s go for a walk.” He called to the giant duck, who waddled over with enthusiasm.

“Quack!” Karoo replied, following Ryomen eagerly, ready for their little adventure.

…

Ryomen and Karoo walked slowly toward the warehouse, the road barely visible in the dim light of the moon. Every so often, Ryomen stumbled, using Karoo as support to keep from falling. His steps were heavy, and his mind clouded from the alcohol.

“Damn it. I knew I shouldn't have drank so much.” He mumbled, frustration laced in his voice.

Just then, the sound of footsteps reached his ears, approaching from the shadows. Ryomen immediately straightened, his instincts kicking in despite his intoxicated state. He squinted, trying to make out who—or what—was coming toward him.

“So, you're the ‘Cursed Being Ryomen,’ huh?” A curious voice called out from the darkness.

Ryomen tensed, his eyes scanning the area for the source of the voice. "Who the hell are you?" He demanded.