Water Seven.
Night gradually descended.
The once-bustling city slowly quieted, yet beneath that calm surface, powerful undercurrents surged unseen.
On the Going Merry, the Straw Hat Pirates were gathered together.
The atmosphere was heavy.
Nami sat at the table, her expression grim. Several documents and notes lay spread out before her—information she had gathered throughout the day.
"These are the repair estimates…" Her voice was low. "Every shipwright gave the same conclusion."
Usopp's face turned pale.
"…It really can't be fixed?"
Nami clenched her teeth.
"The keel is damaged. No matter how skilled the shipwright is, it's impossible."
Silence.
An oppressive silence settled over the deck.
Zoro leaned against the wall, arms crossed. He said nothing, but his expression was unusually serious.
Sanji lit a cigarette. The flame trembled slightly.
"…So that's how it is."
Luffy stood quietly.
He didn't speak.
He didn't move.
He just stared at the deck beneath his feet, as if trying to hear something.
Usopp's voice trembled.
"But… but this ship… This ship carried us all the way here…"
His eyes reddened.
Nami lowered her head.
"I know. I know that better than anyone."
She clenched her fists.
"But reality is reality. No matter how unwilling we are… we can't change it."
Luffy finally spoke, voice hoarse.
"…Is there really no way?"
Nami shook her head.
"No."
That single word hit like a hammer.
It struck heavily against everyone's hearts.
At that moment—
Footsteps sounded.
Robin emerged from the shadows. Her expression was calm, but her eyes were deep.
"Actually…" she said. "There might be a way."
Everyone looked at her instantly.
"A way?!" Usopp blurted out.
Robin continued calmly, "The Galley-La Company… they might have information."
She paused.
"But there's something else."
"The Franky Family."
Zoro opened his eyes.
"They again."
Robin nodded.
"They've been moving strangely. And…"
She looked toward Nami.
"There are rumors they've obtained a large sum of money."
Nami's eyes narrowed.
"Money?"
Robin nodded slowly.
"Two hundred million Berries."
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Two hundred million.
That amount was not ordinary.
Usopp's mouth fell open.
"Th-that's… a ridiculous amount!"
Sanji frowned.
"That kind of money… something's definitely wrong."
Robin's voice remained steady.
"That money came from us."
Everyone froze.
"What?!" Nami shot to her feet. "Our money?"
Robin nodded.
"Yes. The money that was supposed to be used for repairing the ship."
Her tone didn't waver.
"It was stolen."
For a moment, the Going Merry was completely silent.
Then—
Anger exploded.
"Those bastards!" Usopp slammed the table. "I knew those guys weren't good!"
Zoro's gaze turned cold.
"So that's how it is."
Sanji crushed his cigarette beneath his foot.
"They crossed the line."
Luffy slowly raised his head.
His expression was no longer blank.
It was calm.
Too calm.
"Where are they?" he asked.
Robin looked at him.
"The Franky Family's base. Under the city."
Nami gripped her staff.
"We'll get it back."
Robin shook her head.
"It won't be that simple. The Franky Family… they're not weak."
She paused.
"And more importantly… there are other forces watching."
Zoro smiled faintly.
"That's fine."
Sanji cracked his knuckles.
"Anyone who touches our money… will pay for it."
Luffy stepped forward, eyes firm.
"We're going."
No hesitation.
No doubt.
At that moment—
On a distant rooftop, Raifeng stood quietly, looking down at the Going Merry.
His gaze was deep.
He had already sensed it.
The flow of fate was accelerating.
"The storm…" he murmured, "…is coming."
He turned his head slightly.
In the darkness, several shadows moved in silence.
Cipher Pol. They had already begun to act.
Raifeng narrowed his eyes.
"The Straw Hat Pirates…" he said softly, "…are about to face a real disaster."
The night deepened.
The sea roared softly.
Unaware of everything, the Going Merry rocked gently—
Like a fragile leaf, poised on the edge of a violent storm.
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 60 chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/senpaistudios1