Water 7's downtown district was silent beneath the darkening sky.
The empty streets were swept clean by violent gusts, each carrying the thick, salty smell of the sea as the approaching Aqua Laguna announced its arrival. The normally bustling island felt like a deserted ruin.
Creak.
A rusted metal gate slowly pushed open.
"..."
From the ship-scrap recycling yard, a small deer's head peeked out, eyes darting left and right.
"Safe!"
Satisfied that no one was around, the little figure stepped out cautiously on tiny hooves.
It was Chopper, adorable as ever, worth as much as cotton candy, and completely on edge.
"Why are you acting like this? Shirogai already used his Observation Haki and confirmed there's no one nearby."
Nami stepped out next, watching Chopper's exaggerated sneaking with a helpless look.
"Maybe it's similar to how he felt in Drum Kingdom," she murmured. "He was always being chased back then, so this place is probably triggering some old instincts."
Shirogai was the third to emerge, calm and relaxed as usual.
"Well, hiding in the basement of Water 7's Chief of Security was a good plan," he said with an easy smile.
Sanji followed shortly after, smoke curling from the cigarette in his mouth as he threw a glare toward Zoro.
"It was a good plan," Sanji said drily. "Until someone got lost again and wandered into the Chief of Security's bedroom. And because of that, we had to hide here in a junkyard."
"I wasn't lost. I was getting some fresh air."
Zoro rolled his eyes.
"That house is huge. I planned to wait near the basement door, and somehow ended up in the wrong room."
"Hehe, but it's lucky Shirogai has a food ability . With him around, we don't have to worry about food or drinks!"
Luffy hopped out last, belly swollen and satisfied, gnawing happily on a giant bone.
Despite the split in the crew and Usopp's departure weighing heavily on him, Luffy had eaten enough for three people, determined to make up for the portions Robin and Usopp didn't take.
Shirogai pointed toward the upper levels of Water 7.
"So our mission is clear. Since those people sent a letter saying they'll kill Mayor Iceberg tonight, we protect him from assassination."
Sanji struck a match, inhaled, then exhaled calmly.
"Their intentions are obvious. They want to kill Mayor Iceberg and pin the entire crime on us."
Smoke drifted up as he looked at the group with a composed smile.
"Technically, we didn't have to get involved. But Robin is still in their hands. We can't abandon her."
"Of course not."
Luffy tossed the bone aside, eyes sharpening.
"Robin is our friend!"
Shirogai nodded.
"So the mission is simple. Save Robin, then find the mastermind behind the assassination attempt."
"Great. Then let's go," Zoro said bluntly. "Standing around won't help."
"We're just making sure you don't wander off again," Sanji muttered.
"Heh," Zoro snorted. "And didn't you lose track of Robin earlier today?"
Sanji's eyelid twitched.
"Damn it…"
Nami stepped in like an exasperated mother.
"Enough! Sanji, stop beating yourself up. We'll save Robin. And Zoro, do not get lost in a storm like this. You'll be impossible to find!"
Shirogai smiled lightly, trying to ease the tension.
"Alright, let's head to where Mayor Iceberg lives."
Nami shot him an irritated glare.
"I almost forgot about you! And don't you dare run off alone again, Shirogai!"
"This time, I won't," he replied with his hands up.
But then—
His expression froze.
"…Well. Something unexpected happened."
Nami stiffened.
"What do you mean?" she snapped. "Are you leaving again?! Why is it that whenever there's a fight, you're always the first one to disappear?! You're the Vice Captain!"
"I don't have a choice," Shirogai said, shrugging. He pointed at the backstreets of Water 7.
"Nami, I have to step out for a moment. Something important. I'll catch up right after."
"Ugh! Idiot Shirogai!"
Nami smacked him on the head and stormed off toward Dock 1.
"Whatever! You're the Vice Captain, but only the Captain can control you. And he's an even bigger idiot!"
"Me?"
Luffy blinked, offended. "Nami! I'm smart!"
"Quiet, Big Brain!"
"Hehe! Nami says I'm a Big Brain!"
Luffy grinned proudly, waving to Shirogai.
"Shirogai! Hurry up when you're done!"
"Got it."
Shirogai watched them leave, then turned toward the distant, foul-scented alleys.
A cold smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"So the Gorosei decided to come personally, huh? Impatient as ever."
He vanished instantly.
"Perfect. Now I get to see your true strength."
…
Meanwhile—
A massive inverted pentagram glowed in the deserted backstreets, its outline carved with eerie precision. The air shook as dark smoke poured upward.
The number [5] slowly materialized within the circle.
Two masked agents, CP-0 Blue Oni and CP-0 Hidden Snake, bowed deeply, silent and unmoving.
A voice, cold and devoid of emotion, drifted from the center of the ritual.
"Water 7, a doomed island… how pitiful."
From the swirling black mist, an immense figure emerged.
"Shirogai Yamikuro," the voice rumbled. "You've always hidden your true intentions behind power."
The figure's monstrous silhouette took shape, surrounded by black flame-like clouds as it stared toward the direction where Shirogai was approaching.
"You must have sensed me already… come."
It was none other than Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, the Scientific Defense Martial God, one of the Five Elders.
---