Ryo walked back with his hands laced behind his head, posture loose despite the chaos that had torn through Egghead only moments earlier. The artificial forest gave way to polished metal floors again, and ahead of him the Seraphim stood in a perfectly straight line, unmoving. S-Wolf descended from above and landed among them, fire still burning quietly on his back, eyes blank and obedient.
Lilith was nowhere to be seen.
Ryo tilted his head.
Ryo: hmm guess they all stopped attacking huh?
A small green robot zipped over, hovering on a compact jet pack. Its head was round and oblong, oddly reminiscent of a football, and it spun once in the air before stopping in front of him.
??: that's the power of us Vegapunks, since we're higher in authority than cp0 it overwrote the previous command
Ryo nodded slowly. He didn't fully understand the hierarchy, but he understood one important thing — they weren't trying to kill anyone right now.
He looked back at the robot.
Ryo: and you are?
The robot did an exaggerated backflip with its jet pack, landing in a dramatic pose.
??: My name punk 03! Also known as Edison!
Ryo blinked once.
Then his eye twitched.
In one smooth motion, he stepped forward and punched Edison square in the head, sending the small robot flying backward through the air.
Edison: ahh!
Ryo lowered his fist, lightning still crackling faintly around his knuckles.
Ryo: you locked me in that room with S-Wolf! If I hadn't got lucky! I wouldn't of made it out!
Edison waved his hands frantically in front of his face as he hovered back upright.
Edison: sorry! I was curious how he'd react! I had no idea he'd actually try and kill you on sight! Please forgive me!
Ryo let out a long, tired sigh and shoved his hands back into his pockets.
Ryo: since my brother clearly wants us to keep all of you safe, then I won't hurt you
Edison visibly relaxed.
Edison: thank you
Ryo glanced past him just in time to see Sanji and Zoro arguing loudly, blades and legs almost clashing for reasons Ryo neither knew nor cared about.
Ryo: So..
Brook hopped into view, cheerful as ever.
Brook (cheerfully): yes, glad we survived that mess, but what's next in the agenda!
Franky struck a pose, stars practically in his eyes.
Franky: what else? Dr vegapunk gave us an important mission remember! We're getting him off this island safely! And we're taking all his satellites with us
Brook clapped enthusiastically.
Brook: aww heck yeah positive vibes
Franky: super!!
A heavy metallic clank echoed nearby.
Ryo turned and saw Lucci, Itsuki, and Kaku sprawled on the floor, unconscious. Sea prism stone handcuffs bound their wrists behind their backs, dull and unyielding.
Stussy's calm voice carried over as she spoke to Shaka.
Stussy: I put sea prism stone handcuffs on lucci, itsuki and kaku, so even if they wake up at least they won't be able to use their powers
