Ryo forced himself to breathe.
The unease that had seized his chest earlier slowly loosened as he centered himself, feet planted firmly against the pristine floor. He drew in a slow breath, then another, letting the hum of the lab fade into the background.
He lowered himself into a meditative stance and closed his eye.
Observation Haki spread outward like ripples on still water, layered carefully atop his natural instincts. Sound sharpened. Scent stretched farther than it should have. Presence became weight.
Ryo (thinking): dammit, he's too far away, all I can tell is that his aura is strong and yet familiar, we've definitely met before, but that's all I can get
The presence lingered at the edge of his awareness — immense, controlled, unmistakably dangerous. Whoever it was didn't feel frantic or aggressive... just inevitable.
Ryo exhaled hard and opened his eye.
Ryo: Ugh, geez..we can never just have a chill adventure can we, I like fighting strong enemies, but so much is happening that I don't understand, it's very confusing and I haven't fought anyone that's actually worth my new strength
Almost on cue, the alarms ceased. The harsh red lights dimmed, returning the corridor to its usual sterile glow.
Announcer: Frontier dome fully restored. Defence system operational
Ryo sagged slightly in relief.
Ryo: well that's good to know, I bet CP0 is already inside though
He pushed himself smoothly back to his feet and stretched, rolling his shoulders until the last remnants of tension cracked out of him.
Ryo: better go and catch up with luffy and the others
He broke into a jog — then abruptly slowed, glancing down at his bare chest.
Ryo blinked.
Ryo: Crap..
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he remembered ripping his shirt off earlier and abandoning it somewhere in the city.
After a few turns, he spotted another changing room tucked into the corridor wall.
Ryo: Oh..
He stepped inside casually.
Mechanical arms whirred, lights flashed—
—and in an instant, his loose black Hawaiian shirt patterned with bold red hibiscus flowers was draped open over his frame once more.
Ryo glanced down at himself.
Ryo: Much better
He jogged back into the hall, then sweat-dropped slightly as he realized how relaxed he was acting.
Ryo (thinking): why am I acting like this..I guess I just like this look
He picked up speed, boots echoing through a long corridor before spilling into a high-tech control room filled with glowing panels and holographic displays.
Luffy, Chopper, Jimbei, Nami, Sanji, Franky, and Robin were already there.
Ryo leaned casually against the doorway.
Ryo: Oh am I late to the party?
Several heads turned. A few smirks followed.
Robin: so finally decided to show up did you
Ryo chuckled.
Ryo: yeah got distracted
Nami crossed her arms.
