Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

Burden of a Captain

After Usopp's statement, Ryomen and Sanji focused on looking for their missing crewmate, but soon returned with nothing.

“No sign of Robin…” Ryomen mumbled, disheartened.

“I should have reached her faster…” Sanji began to blame himself.

“Don’t blame yourself. Right now, we need to stay strong for Robin and Usopp.” Ryomen stated, steadying his gaze.

“There’s nothing we can do now but wait.” Zoro said, leaning against a wall with his arms crossed.

“Yeah…” Ryomen replied, trying to calm his own frustration. ‘If I'm right, they'll contact me either way.’

Nami then approached them. “Luffy isn’t budging. He says he needs to do this.” She said in exasperation.

“Yeah, it’s not something that can be fixed by an apology.” Sanji nodded.

“Why not? We’re a crew. We can’t let this break us.” Ryomen retorted, frowning.

“Usopp’s not part of the crew anymore. He left.” Zoro stated sharply, causing Ryomen to glare at him.

“He didn’t mean that. I’m sure he’ll come around.” Ryomen shot back, unwilling to believe otherwise.

“Hmph. If he does, he better not act like nothing happened.” Zoro scoffed, then stayed out of the discussion.

Just then, Chopper came through the door.

“How did it go? Is he feeling any better?” Ryomen asked, concerned.

“I tried to treat his wounds…but he brushed me off. Usopp’s staying at an inn.” Chopper replied, looking down sadly.

“He said ‘you and I…are no longer shipmates, so go back to your ship!’” Chopper lifted his head, tears starting to fall down his face.

“Chopper…” Ryomen pulled him close, embracing him as the reindeer sobbed.

“All those good times…they feel like a lie now.” Nami murmured, her voice trembling. “And if something’s happened to Robin…”

“I feel like our crew…is falling apart.”

Ryomen clenched his teeth, trying to calm himself as he looked at each of them. “It'll be fine. We'll get through this…all of us will.”
…

Night arrived, and at exactly ten o’clock, Luffy stood on the shore, waiting for his challenger.

“Usopp will be here. You guys stay on board, don’t interfere.” Luffy told them firmly.

A figure then appeared through the fog.

“Usopp!” Chopper and Ryomen exclaimed, their worry evident.

“He’s here…” Nami mumbled, her eyes filled with concern.

Luffy and Usopp faced off, staring each other down with fierce determination.

“Damn it…what am I supposed to do? I want to stop this, but I know it won’t solve anything.” Ryomen muttered, feeling torn.

“So you didn’t chicken out…no matter what happens, don’t regret it! You chose this fight!” Luffy shouted.

“Damn straight. Go ahead and try to kill me. I’ll beat you at your own game!” Usopp shot back. “I’ve already figured out how to bring you down!”

“Can’t we stop them? Usopp’s seriously injured!” Chopper cried out in desperation.

“If you can’t bear to watch, go to your room.” Zoro told him.