“They’re definitely going to get into trouble.” Nami muttered, watching Ryomen, Luffy, and Zoro disappear into the bustling town.
“Yeah, but Ryomen's with them. He should keep them in line.” Usopp reassured her.
“He better. I’m not in the mood to start running for my life.” Nami grumbled.
“Where’s Robin-chan?” Sanji suddenly asked, scanning the deck.
“Oh! She’s gone!” Chopper exclaimed in surprise.
…
As the trio wandered through the town, they passed by a multitude of colorful characters—thieves, wrestlers, gamblers. The town was alive with chaos.
Suddenly, a man collapsed in front of them, falling off his horse.
“Oh! He fell!” Luffy exclaimed.
“He sure did.” Zoro replied, his tone flat.
“Koff!” Blood spattered from the man’s mouth.
“He coughed up blood.” Luffy observed with wide eyes.
“Yeah, he did.” Zoro repeated, equally unphased.
Ryomen rolled his eyes at the two. ‘Do I strangle them now, or later?’ He wondered.
“Pardon me, folks...Could you help me up?” The man wheezed.
“Are you even trying?” Zoro asked, unimpressed.
Without a word, Luffy walked over and helped the man back onto his horse.
“Much obliged,” The man rasped. “I was born with a weak constitution...Huff...Alright, let’s go, Stronger...” He urged his horse forward, though the poor animal promptly began coughing blood as well.
“The horse too!?” All three yelled in disbelief.
“I don’t have money to offer, but please, take one.” The man held out a basket of apples.
“No thanks. They look suspicious.” Zoro declined, while Ryomen nodded in agreement.
“Oh, apples! Thanks!” Before either could stop him, Luffy had already grabbed and eaten one.
“Luffy!!” Ryomen shouted, wide-eyed.
“Why’d you eat that!?” Zoro barked.
“Aaaah!” A nearby building suddenly exploded.
“What happened!?” Someone cried out.
“That weird guy gave out apples, and when people ate them—boom! Five people exploded!!” Another man yelled.
Ryomen's face went pale. “Hey, spit it out!” He rushed to Luffy, trying to force his mouth open.
“I can’t! I already swallowed!” Luffy replied, looking more concerned about the commotion than his own wellbeing.
Zoro’s hand moved to his sword hilt, his eyes locked on the mysterious man. “What’s the big idea!?”
The man chuckled weakly. “Don’t worry...If that one was bad, you’d be dead by now. Seems you’re a lucky boy.”
“You bastard!” Ryomen growled, stepping toward the man, rage simmering in his voice. “Do you get a sick thrill from playing with people’s lives?”
The man’s coughing intensified, but he looked at Ryomen with amusement. “Luck, my boy...It’s all luck.”
“How about testing your luck against my swords?” Zoro challenged, his tone deadly.
YOU ARE READING
Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides
FanficRyomen lived a life of imprisonment. After finally tasting freedom, he decides to join Luffy on his quest to become the Pirate King. Will he fulfill his own dream, or will he give up on his thirst for revenge in exchange for the people he now sees a...
