The next day, the Straw Hats, now wearing explorer outfits, prepared to sail toward the Upper Yard. Some of them were more enthusiastic than others.
“Can't we stay here? There's probably tons of cool stuff left to find!” Usopp protested, his face full of dread.
“Yeah, like this toad! It's got wings!” Nami added, holding up a tiny, strange amphibian.
“That’s boring.” Luffy dismissed. “We're heading to God! Captain's orders!”
“Why does he only act like a captain when it’s a death sentence?” Nami and Usopp mumbled in defeated unison.
“You guys don’t have to come if you’re that scared.” Ryomen teased with a smirk.
“Yeah, you can just guard the ship.” Zoro added, crossing his arms with a grin.
“Why did we have to leave so fast? I couldn't even say goodbye to Conis-chan!” Sanji sighed, his shoulders slumping.
“It’s better if they don’t know we’re heading for the Upper Yard.” Robin pointed out calmly.
“All we could do was leave a letter.” Chopper chimed in, looking concerned. Robin gave him a gentle pat on the head.
“Nehee!” Stronger suddenly neighed from above.
“Does he want to meet Pierre again?” Ryomen asked, his tone slightly amused.
“Huh? Yeah, actually. How’d you know?” Chopper tilted his head curiously.
“Just a hunch.” Ryomen smirked as he caught a glimpse of Stronger’s blush.
With that, the crew sailed off, aiming for the Upper Yard, home of the God Enel.
…
“There’s the entrance!” Luffy shouted, spotting two giant torches flanking a gateway into a thick forest.
“Alright! Last chance to back out, Usopp.” Luffy grinned.
“Actually, I’d love to–”
“We’re going in!!”
“Then why’d you ask!?”
They barely had time to adjust to the forest before an enormous sickle came hurtling toward them from behind.
“AAHH!! We’re gonna die!” Nami screamed, clutching onto the railing.
“AAA–”
“Cursed Dismantle!” Ryomen swung his arm, sending a pulse through the air that severed the chains holding the sickles, sending them crashing harmlessly to the ground.
“We didn’t doubt you for a second!” Nami, Usopp, and Chopper chorused with shaky thumbs up.
“Uh-huh.” Ryomen replied with a smirk.
The relief didn’t last long, as a giant, river-dwelling lamprey lunged at them next. Sanji jumped up to intercept, kicking the beast back into the water.
“Let’s keep moving. This place is crawling with creatures.” He advised.
Soon, they found themselves at a clearing with four large gates, each bearing a different label.
“Challenge of the Swamp, Iron, String, and Ball…” Ryomen murmured, examining each entrance. “Looks like these are the Trials of the Priests.”
“Which one should we take?” Zoro asked, eyeing each gate with suspicion.
“Ball! That sounds fun!” Luffy decided, looking eager.
“Maybe we should think this through a bit.” Ryomen suggested. “Each trial is bound to have a priest, which means a fight.”
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...
