Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

A Rumble in the Jungle

The morning sun filtered across the deck of the Going Merry, casting a warm glow over the crew lounging lazily. With no one chasing after them, the tension from the previous night had evaporated.

“How is he?” Nami broke the quiet, her gaze drifting to Vivi.

Vivi sighed in relief, her shoulders relaxing. “Not in a serious state. He got off easy, thankfully.”

“That's good! Anyone who can throw such a great party must be a good guy!” Luffy chimed in, grinning as usual, his infectious energy cutting through the calm.

“Ah! How fortunate! I couldn't bear to see Vivi-chan so sad!” Sanji swooped in beside Vivi, his heart-shaped eyes as obvious as ever.

“Leave her alone. You’re disgusting her.” Zoro said with a smirk, leaning against the mast with his usual relaxed stance.

“Don't butt in, moss head!” Sanji shot back, the two quickly devolving into one of their million arguments.

“So, what are we gonna do now? We don’t even know where Alabasta is.” Usopp stated, breaking away from the argument to voice his concerns.

A new voice interrupted from the upper deck. “I can help with that.”

Everyone’s eyes snapped up, landing on a figure casually perched on the railing above. A woman in a cowboy hat, with an air of danger surrounding her.

“What are you doing here, Ms. All Sunday!?” Vivi’s voice trembled with a mix of shock and anger.

The woman’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Is that how you greet the one who saved your bodyguard?”

“You were the one who hurt him in the first place! What do you want!?” Vivi demanded, her fists clenched.

Ms. All Sunday’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “You seemed so earnest, I couldn’t resist. A princess declaring war on Baroque Works to save her country...How pathetic.” Her taunting words hung in the air.

“Don’t underestimate us!!” Vivi shot back, fire burning in her eyes.

The crew immediately tensed, prepared to strike. Sanji and Usopp positioned themselves beside the woman, weapons at the ready.

“Don’t point those at me. It’s dangerous.” She waved her hand lazily, and suddenly, both Sanji and Usopp dropped like stones from the upper deck to the floor below, shocking the others.

“Hey, she’s beautiful!!” Sanji cried out from where he lay, hearts in his eyes despite the fall.

“Don’t get too excited. I’m not here to fight.” Ms. All Sunday’s eyes scanned the deck curiously. “Hm? I’m not seeing our mutual acquaintance.”

“Who are you talking about?” Nami’s suspicion was evident.

“Why, Ryomen, of course. Isn’t he the one who brought Mr. 8 back?” She asked, her smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Nami’s eyes narrowed dangerously. Sensing Nami’s tension, Ms. All Sunday’s smirk widened. “I was hoping to meet him again. We had such a…deep exchange during our first meeting.” Her words were loaded with amusement.

“Ryomen!!” Nami shouted, her voice laced with frustration.

Inside the ship, Ryomen groaned as he stirred from his restless sleep, rubbing his aching head. He heard his name being called from above deck.

“Ugh…my head's killing me.” He mumbled, nearly losing his balance as the ship rocked gently underfoot. He clamped a hand over his mouth, trying not to hurl.