Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

Enies Lobby

Puffing Tom – First Car

In the dimly lit car, two familiar figures sat in strained silence.

“They really care about you, you know?” Franky, now awake, leaned back in his seat with a weary grin.

Robin stood across from him, her gaze fixed on the floor, her fists clenched tightly.

“I’m sure you know that already.” He continued. “You wouldn’t look like that otherwise.”

Robin’s lips quivered, barely holding back her tears. Her voice came out sharp and defensive. “It’s none of your concern. I had to do this.”

Franky sighed, shrugging. “Right, right. Whatever you say.”

The silence returned, heavy and uncomfortable, broken only by the rattling of the train. Then Franky spoke again, his voice quieter this time.

“So, I have the blueprints for the weapon…and you, well, you’ve got the power to awaken it.” He tilted his head back, staring at the ceiling.

Robin froze.

“Now that the government has both of us…” Franky continued. “Armageddon’s just a matter of time.”

“My master—Tom—sacrificed his life to keep these blueprints hidden. Escaping isn’t enough for me. I need to get you back to those pirates.” He turned his head toward her, his eyes filled with resolve.

Robin snapped her head up, glaring at him. “I can’t! If I go back, I’ll only put them in danger!”

Franky scoffed. “Danger? They’re already in danger, lady! And it sure doesn’t look like they care. They’re risking their lives for you.”

Robin faltered, confusion flickering in her expression. Before she could speak, Franky leaned forward, his voice filled with conviction.

“To be honest, you’re the one in the most danger. The government says your very existence is a crime. But listen—no matter what kind of weapon you hold, that alone…is never a crime!”

Robin’s eyes widened in shock, her breath catching as his words struck a chord.

“It’s never a crime to just exist!” Franky’s voice echoed in the car.

For the first time…Robin found herself speechless.
…

On the Rocketman.

Rain battered the Rocketman as it hurtled through the stormy seas.

“We need to turn back!” Luffy’s voice boomed through the chaos, startling everyone.

“Huh? Why!?” Nami shouted over the roar of the wind. “We’ve come this far already!”

“Why the hell would we turn back now, Straw Hat!?” One of the Franky Family members demanded.

“The frog—he’s on the tracks!” Luffy pointed ahead, where Yokozuna had planted himself, taking a defiant stance.

“Yokozuna!?” Chimney and Gonbe cried out in unison.

“Damn it, we don’t have time for this!” Ryomen growled, raising his hand.

“No need for that.” Kokoro interjected, stopping him with a hand on his arm.

Moments later, Yokozuna leaped onto the shark-shaped front of the Rocketman, glaring at them with determination.

“Is he gonna attack us!?” Sogeking peered nervously out the window.

“Gero!” The frog bellowed.