Ryo lay back on the couch, one arm draped over his eyes, mind drifting despite the chaos that seemed to permanently follow the crew.
Ryo (thinking): damn Yamato... I really wish you had come with us. I miss you
For a moment, Egghead faded, replaced by memories of Wano's skies and the stubborn, smiling oni who had stood beside him.
Ryo (thinking): you never even got the chance to explore your own home. chained up on onigashima all those years... I couldn't apologise more for making you wait so long after I promised I'd free you
...
but enjoy it. enjoy wano. I'll see you soon
A crackle of static pulled him out of it.
From the tiny device at Luffy's ear came a distorted, broken voice.
Nami: L...Luffy...
The signal warped, fizzled, and cut in and out. Even with his hearing, Ryo couldn't make it out.
Luffy tilted his head.
Luffy: well that's weird
The static suddenly cleared—and Nami's voice blasted through at full volume.
Nami: Can you hear me or not!
Luffy flinched, yelping and clutching his ear.
Luffy (scared): uh huh!
Nami: Is everything alright over there! Has vegapunk come back
Luffy: No, mr apple man is still gone, but other than that everything's fine I guess
Nami scoffed so hard it crackled through the line.
Nami: I know he's a genius, but this is so dumb. where's zoro
Luffy: they're both here, just chilling. Ryo is here too
Nami: Well keep an eye on zoro, we don't need two people missing ok... we're on a tight timeline
Luffy: Yeah I know
Zoro grit his teeth, veins bulging slightly.
Luffy: anyway mr apple man's probably around here somewhere
The line collapsed back into static.
Luffy: ugh not again
Ryo pushed himself up and walked over, tail flicking.
Ryo: clearly not. I'm guessing your communicator isn't working
Luffy tapped the device.
Luffy: Yeah, it's not working. stupid ear thing
Zoro: first the shoes, then you break that too
Luffy: what, no
He turned and started off.
Zoro: where are you going
Luffy: I'm gonna talk to helmet guy for a minute
He paused and looked back.
Luffy: uh, don't go anywhere while I'm gone
Zoro: oh shut up!
Luffy jogged off. Ryo snorted.
Ryo: even luffy thinks you're bad at directions. that's gotta sting
Zoro growled low in his throat and deliberately sat down, folding his arms and closing his eyes like he was asleep.
Ryo sweat-dropped.
Ryo: wow... mature
He flopped back onto the couch—
