She Came From Outta Space... I Think?

The Nightmare Is Over... November Already?

This wasn't part of the formula.

They're meant to have a big celebration, with food and dancing. Not another warlord coming to kick their ass, while their main fighter is down.

Tani had Luffy in her arms, he was completely knocked out. Zoro stood valiantly before them, swords at the ready.

"This is cruel!" Lola growled. "For years, we've fought for our shadows back. Now another warlord is after our heads." she took on a battle ready stance.

"Stand back," Zoro barked at Lola. The swordsman focused on Kuma. "This is my crew to defend. If I can't win this fight, then it shows my limits as first-mate... And as a swordsman." Zoro challenged. Nami called out to him.

"We can help," she assured him, already spinning her clima-tact around like a baton. Zoro held a sword out, blocking her from moving.

"You're all injured, Luffy would kick my ass if any of you got more hurt than needed." he stated. Only to turn back with a smirk. "It's my job to keep the crew safe, so sit down and rest." he commanded.

"Listen to the marimo," Sanji sighed, smoke escaping his lips. "This is his fight... But I'm jumping in if you're dumbass can't take it," Sanji promised. Zoro huffed.

"Like you can do anything, curly cue," Zoro teased. Sanji gave a huffed laugh.

"Then don't get your ass kicked." Sanji shrugged.

Tani held Luffy closer, his head resting comfortably in the crook of her neck. She sat on the rocky ruins of the castle courtyard, staring at Kuma and his wide form.

The crew had no idea what this guy was capable of. He hadn't uttered a word since showing up, and his appearance didn't give anything away.

"It appears Monkey D. Luffy has collected a number of skilled crew mates. His reputation is well earned." Kuma speaks in a hushed tone. His gaze drifting over every member of the crew.

"Leave them out of this," Zoro snarled. His voice taking on a tinge of something dangerous.

"It's not only Luffy, who has a reputation." the warlord said cryptically. Zoro narrowed his gaze before performing the first attack.

Tani didn't even blink, before Kuma was behind Zoro. His palm open, moving to press against Zoro's back. The swordsman was quicker, dodging the blast.

Dust settled, leaving behind a paw shaped indent into a wall that would have been Zoro.

Kuma fires another paw print blast, this time Zoro just barely dodged out of the way. His breathing already heavy with exhaustion. Usopp clenched a fist.

"He's already too tired..." the sniper commented. Zoro regains his composure, launching another attack at Kuma. Who holds up his palm, which has a cat-like paw print on it. The attack Zoro had sent, simply bounced off the paw. Repelling away from the warlord.

"That's what he did to that pink ghost girl!" Nami realized.

"What?" Tani asked. Usopp seemed curious too.

"The ghost girl, she was trying to steal Sunny. When Kuma showed up, asking her where she wanted to go for a holiday. Then poof," Nami made the poof hand motion. "He smacked her and she vanished," she recounted.

"So he can repel things? Or make them disappear?" Usopp examined. Tani just squinted.

"What does repelling things. Have to do with paw prints?" she pondered. Honestly she couldn't see the correlation.

"Perhaps the paws aren't cat paws," Robin suggested. Franky just sat back and laughed.

"What a super! Strange power. Kinda cute," he snickered. Only for Kuma to turn around and send a blast of air at Franky. Hitting him square (paw?) in the chest. The cyborg fell down, letting out a groan.