Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

Ruins of Shandora

After defeating the man with a bazooka, the search team soon reached the ‘Skull’s right eye.’

In front of them lay the ruins of Jaya, and, surprisingly, an immense vine reaching further into the sky than any of them had ever seen.

“Gold!” Luffy cheered, his eyes shining as he bolted toward the entrance of the ruins.

“Slow down, Luffy! Wait for us!” Ryomen called, unable to help a small smile as he tried to keep up.

Robin paused, studying the ancient buildings with narrowed eyes. “Something’s strange… This should be the city center, but it doesn’t match the map.”

“Huh? So we’re in the wrong place?” Chopper asked, glancing nervously around.

“Not necessarily. Those maps are old; maybe things shifted over time.” Zoro commented plainly, though he was more focused on watching for danger than the landscape.

Ryomen shook his head. “That’s not how geography works, Zoro.”

A strange balloon-like shape caught Luffy’s attention. “Hey, what’s with this weird balloon? Is the treasure inside?” He asked, already winding back his arm to strike.

“Wait!!” Ryomen shouted, reaching out to stop him, but he was too late.

Luffy’s punch hit the ball, triggering an explosion that sent him flying backward.

“Ahhh!” Luffy yelped as he was blasted through the air.

“Luffy!” Ryomen hurried over as the others braced for a possible attack.

“Hahaha! Do none of you have any sense of danger?” A large man laughed, stepping into view.

“Who are you?” Chopper asked, his voice laced with caution.

The man grinned widely. “Me? I’m Satori, one of the four priests of God Enel.”

Zoro scoffed. “So, the only priest left, huh?”

Satori laughed, seeming completely unfazed. “Indeed! The others just got in the way of my fun. Hohoho!”

Zoro’s eyes narrowed. “This guy’s got no loyalty whatsoever.”

Robin nodded. “It seems they were only competing for favor.”

“Exactly! They simply interfered with my hunting.” Satori smirked, practically gloating.

Ryomen rolled his eyes. “Enough talk. Let’s take him down!” He helped Luffy back to his feet, bracing himself for the fight.

“Yeah! You tricked me!” Luffy added, gritting his teeth. “I won’t let you get away with it!”

“Dismantle!” Ryomen slashed forward, sending a series of cuts toward Satori, who leapt nimbly out of harm’s way.

“Too slow! Hohoho!” Satori taunted.

Ryomen clenched his fists in frustration. Suddenly, dozens of glowing spheres appeared around them, floating ominously in the air.

“These are Ball Clouds! They could contain something harmless…or something deadly. Even I don’t know what’s inside!” Satori laughed, his grin widening. “Welcome to the Trial of Balls. All you have to do…is survive!”

“Chopper! Get Robin out of here!” Ryomen ordered, quickly scanning their surroundings.

Chopper shifted to his reindeer form and rushed to get Robin to a safer distance.

“Gomu Gomu no…Pistol!” Luffy’s arm shot forward, but Satori dodged effortlessly, weaving in and out of the attacks with ease.

Using the momentum of his punch, Luffy grabbed onto a nearby tree and launched himself straight at the priest. “Gomu Gomu no…Rocket!”