Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

Battle of Little Garden: Bonds Tested in Wax and Flame

They ran through the dense jungle, until a flicker of light caught their attention. A giant candle stood out among the trees, its eerie glow drawing them in.

“You think that’s where they are?” Usopp asked, his voice low and hesitant.

“How would I know?” Luffy replied, as blunt as ever.

As they approached, they saw Nami and Zoro standing at the base of the giant candle, trapped in thick wax.

“What are you doing to them!?” Vivi yelled, her voice filled with anger as she glared at Mr. 3.

Mr. 3 smirked, adjusting his wax armor. “Ah, you finally arrived. I was beginning to wonder if you’d just let your friends die.”

“Nami! Zoro!” Ryomen shouted, relief washing over him when he saw them alive, but his expression changed as Nami beamed at him.

“Ryomen! You’re okay!” Nami called out, then her gaze shifted to the state of Ryomen and Vivi’s tattered clothes. “Wait…what were you two doing after you left the ship!?” She asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.

Vivi’s face turned beet red, flustered by the insinuation. “W-we were fighting Baroque Works agents! It’s not what you think!”

Ryomen blinked in confusion, completely missing the implication. “What are you talking about?”

Beside Nami, Zoro raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? You’re ignoring the fact that they’re covered in wounds?” He asked, clearly unimpressed.

Nami finally took a closer look, realizing the extent of their injuries. “Oh! Hahaha…sorry.” She laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of her head.

Mr. 3, clearly losing patience, stomped his foot. “Enough with the chit-chat! It’s time for you to die!” He roared, his voice full of irritation as he prepared to unleash an attack.

“Luffy, hold him off! I'll free the others!” Ryomen shouted, his voice commanding amidst the chaos.

“I don't think so! Kya Kya Kya!” Ms. Valentine and Mr. 5 stood in Ryomen's path, smirking confidently.

“Dismantle.” With a single word, Ryomen slashed the air, instantly shattering Ms. Valentine’s newly crafted umbrella into pieces.

“Hey! Do you know how much that costs?!” She screeched, fuming.

“Don’t care. Now get out of my way.” Ryomen replied coldly, his tone unwavering. He opened all four of his eyes, and the sudden, eerie sight of his second pair stunned both agents.

“This won’t stop—” Mr. 5 began, but was cut off as Karoo charged toward him with surprising speed.

Mr. 5, despite seeing the attack coming, was too slow to react. Usopp's "Egg Star!" shot blinded him, leaving him defenseless. Karoo took advantage of the opening, pushing Mr. 5 off his feet and slamming him onto the ground with a thud.

Ms. Valentine lunged at Ryomen, but Vivi intercepted her. “You’re not getting past me.” she declared, engaging the Baroque Works agent.

“Thanks.” Ryomen said, nodding at Vivi and Usopp. He then approached the giant wax structure imprisoning his crewmates. His hand brushed against the hardened surface, and he muttered, “Cleave.” A network of cracks splintered across the wax, and within moments, the entire structure crumbled to the ground.

“Freedom!” Nami cheered, beaming with relief.

Zoro, however, was less enthusiastic. “We’re still stuck in wax.” He noted dryly, with his body nearly covered.