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"Are you sure you know how to ride these things?" Chopper asked nervously, clinging to Nojiko as their Yagara Bull navigated the water streets of Water Seven.
"Of course!" Nojiko replied confidently, right before their bull took a sharp turn, causing water to splash over them. "...More or less."
Robin, elegantly perched on her own bull, couldn't help but chuckle. "At least your bull seems livelier than mine. This one appears to have the personality of a Marine captain during tax season."
"Did... did Robin just make a joke?" Chopper whispered to Nojiko, who was trying to get her bull to stop chasing a particularly interesting piece of floating seaweed.
"I have been known to possess a sense of humor," Robin replied with a mysterious smile. "Though I must admit, it's usually darker than these canals."
Their bulls swam through the elaborate network of water streets, climbing higher into the city via the aqua elevator. Nojiko noticed how Robin's eyes constantly scanned their surroundings, taking in every detail of the city's architecture.
"The medical texts mention that Water Seven's upper levels have some of the rarest botanical specimens," Chopper explained, now more relaxed on their mount. "Something about the unique elevation and salt air creating perfect growing conditions."
"Much like how your riding skills are creating perfect splashing conditions?" Robin teased as Nojiko's bull did another unexpected turn.
"Hey! I'd like to see you do better with these reins!" Nojiko protested, though she was laughing. "They're not exactly like steering a normal horse!"
"No, normal horses typically don't try to eat passing gondolas," Robin observed as Nojiko had to yank their bull away from attempting to take a bite out of a nearby boat.
As they ascended to the upper levels, Nojiko felt something off. Her power allowed her to sense the flow of blood in nearby bodies, and something about Robin's circulation had changed. Her heartbeat was slightly elevated, her blood flowing faster than the casual ride would warrant.
"Look!" Chopper pointed excitedly. "There's the bookshop district! Each store specializes in different subjects!"
"Perfect," Robin nodded. "We can split up to cover more ground. I'll check the historical texts section for any mentions of ancient medicine."
"And I'll look for current medical journals!" Chopper added enthusiastically.
"Guess that leaves me with the herb and botanical guides," Nojiko said, keeping her voice casual while maintaining her awareness of Robin's unusual vital signs.
They tied their bulls to a nearby post, though Nojiko's seemed more interested in trying to eat the post than staying tied to it.
"No eating city property," she scolded the bull, who responded with what could only be described as an aquatic pout.
As they walked through the book district, Nojiko noticed Robin's blood pressure spike again. Following her line of sight, she caught a glimpse of a dark figure watching from between two buildings. The presence was powerful – not overwhelming for someone of Nojiko's capabilities, but definitely noteworthy.
"Oh my," Robin said, maintaining her composed smile despite her racing pulse. "The selection here is quite impressive. Chopper, why don't you check that shop over there? I believe I saw some medical texts through the window."
"Really? Great!" Chopper bounded off excitedly, completely unaware of the tension in the air.
Nojiko pretended to be fascinated by a nearby shop's display while keeping her senses focused on both Robin and the mysterious figure. The stranger's blood flow indicated they were ready for action but not immediately hostile.
"The architecture here is fascinating," Robin commented, casually positioning herself between Chopper's location and the shadowy figure. "Some of these buildings appear to be from a very long time ago, though heavily modified."
"Is that so?" Nojiko replied, matching Robin's casual tone while subtly adjusting her own position to give herself a better angle if things went south. "Any particular features stand out?"
"The water drainage systems are quite innovative," Robin continued, her eyes briefly meeting Nojiko's. "They allow for quick escape routes in multiple directions."
"How practical," Nojiko nodded, understanding the subtle message. "Though I imagine the water pressure at this height could be quite dangerous if someone were to, say, suddenly release it in the wrong direction."
Robin's lips curved slightly, acknowledging Nojiko's implied backup plan. "Indeed. Water can be quite unpredictable. Much like certain government agents who might find themselves in unfamiliar territory."
The figure in the shadows shifted slightly. Nojiko could sense their surprise – apparently, they hadn't expected to be detected so easily.
"Hey guys!" Chopper's voice rang out as he emerged from the shop. "I found some amazing books on rare diseases! And the shopkeeper says there's a special section on experimental treatments in the back!"
"Wonderful," Robin smiled warmly at Chopper. "Why don't you show us? I'm particularly interested in historical treatments that might have been... forgotten by certain organizations."
The mysterious figure's heart rate increased at Robin's words. Nojiko suppressed a smile – Robin was clearly sending a message.
As they followed Chopper into the shop, Nojiko's bull suddenly broke free from its post and caused a commotion by attempting to eat a merchant's cart of watermelons.
"Oh dear," Robin said with just a hint of amusement. "How unfortunate. Nojiko, perhaps you should help catch your enthusiastic friend while we browse inside?"
"Of course," Nojiko nodded, understanding that Robin wanted Chopper protected inside the shop while Nojiko maintained a presence outside. "Try not to buy out the entire store before I get back!"
The bull led her on a merry chase through the plaza, though Nojiko made sure to keep circling back to maintain surveillance of the area. The mysterious figure had retreated further into the shadows but hadn't left entirely.
"You know," she said loudly while wrestling with her bull, "some people think they're good at hiding in shadows. But water finds its way everywhere, doesn't it? Into every crack and corner..."
The figure's blood pressure spiked again. Message received.
Finally getting her bull under control, Nojiko led it back to the post, this time using her powers to subtly affect the water around it to keep it in place.
"Found anything good?" she asked, rejoining Robin and Chopper inside the shop.
"Several promising texts," Robin replied, her stack of books already impressively tall. "Though some seem to have certain pages mysteriously missing. How curious."
"Very curious," Nojiko agreed, noting that the mysterious presence had finally retreated. "Almost as curious as how my bull suddenly broke free."
Robin's eyes twinkled. "Water creatures can be so unpredictable. Almost as unpredictable as the company one keeps."
"Speaking of company," Chopper interrupted, struggling under his own pile of books, "can someone help me carry these? I found a whole series on adaptive medicine!"
"Of course," Robin smiled, sprouting additional arms to help with the books. "Though perhaps we should discuss water-proofing methods before we attempt to transport these back on our bulls."
"Good point," Nojiko laughed, watching her bull attempting to make friends with a passing cat. "Though I think my bull has finally tired itself out."
"Or perhaps it simply achieved its intended purpose," Robin said softly, meeting Nojiko's eyes with a knowing look.
Nojiko nodded slightly. Whatever game of cat and mouse was being played here in Water Seven, she had just witnessed a small but significant move. And while she had questions – many questions – she understood that now wasn't the time to ask them.
"Well," she said brightly, "shall we see if we can make it back without giving these books an impromptu bath?"
"That would be preferred," Robin agreed. "Though I must say, your bull's performance today was... surprisingly helpful."
"Sometimes the best distractions are the ones that look completely natural," Nojiko replied with a wink.
As they loaded their purchases onto their bulls, Nojiko kept her senses extended, monitoring Robin's now-steadier pulse and the surrounding area.
Sanji
"Sanji, I don't think that's how you're supposed to..." Vivi started, watching as Sanji attempted to reason with their particularly stubborn Yagara Bull.
"Listen here, my fine aquatic friend," Sanji addressed the bull formally, "I respect that you have your own way of doing things, but perhaps we could reach a gentleman's agreement?"
The bull responded by splashing water directly in his face.
"I think he just vetoed your proposal," Vivi giggled, having somewhat better luck with her own mount. "Maybe try treating him less like a maitre d' and more like a... well, a bull?"
"Ah, but you see, Princess," Sanji wiped his face with a handkerchief, "even in nature, one must approach all interactions with elegance and style. Though I must admit, this fellow's table manners leave something to be desired."
Vivi's bull seemed to understand the situation better, gently guiding itself alongside Sanji's to demonstrate the proper way to navigate the water streets.
"See? Your bull is learning from mine. Just like how a good dance needs both partners to be in sync."
"Speaking of partners," Sanji finally managed to get his bull moving in a somewhat straight line, "how are things with our captain?"
Vivi's cheeks turned slightly pink. "It's... interesting. Sharing him with Nami and Nojiko is actually easier than I expected. Though sometimes I wonder how he manages to be so..." she searched for the right word.
"Authentically himself with each of you?" Sanji suggested, surprising her with his insight. "A man's heart can be like the sea – vast enough to hold many treasures, yet giving each its own special place to shine."
"That's... actually quite poetic, Sanji."
"Well, I do have my moments between kicking people and cooking," he grinned. "Oh speaking of cooking – look at that!"
Their bulls had brought them to a section of Water Seven filled with restaurants, the aromas of various cuisines mixing with the salty sea air.
"The Sea Sage's Kitchen," Vivi read from an ornate sign. "It says they specialize in dishes using ingredients from different sea levels."
"Different sea levels?" Sanji's visible eye lit up with professional interest. "Now that's something you don't see every day. Shall we investigate, Princess?"
"As long as you promise not to critique their kitchen setup too loudly this time," Vivi teased. "Remember that incident in Alabasta?"
"That chef was cooking royal cuisine in copper pots! Copper! It was an affront to culinary dignity!"
They managed to dock their bulls – Sanji's still giving him suspicious looks – and made their way into the restaurant. The interior was designed to look like an underwater grotto, with different levels representing various ocean depths.
"Welcome!" A waitress greeted them. "Table for two?"
"Yes, please," Sanji replied smoothly. "And if possible, somewhere we can see the kitchen. I'm a chef myself, and I'm quite interested in your techniques."
"Ah, a fellow culinary enthusiast! Right this way."
As they were seated, Vivi transformed a small portion of her hand to sand, letting it drift in the air currents. "The ventilation here is fascinating. They've designed it to carry different aromas to different sections."
"A woman who appreciates the finer points of restaurant design? Your perception is as sharp as ever, Princess."
"And your compliments are as smooth as ever," Vivi laughed. "Though I notice they're less... intense than they used to be."
"Let's just say I've learned that true appreciation doesn't need to be announced at maximum volume," Sanji smiled, studying the menu. "Oh, interesting – they age their fish in pressurized chambers to simulate deep-sea conditions."
"Is that good?"
"It's brilliant, actually. The pressure changes the texture and concentrates the flavor. Though I wonder..." he trailed off, making notes in a small notebook he always carried for recipe ideas.
Their food arrived – a selection of dishes from various ocean depths, each more intriguing than the last. Vivi watched with amusement as Sanji analyzed each bite with the intensity of a scholar studying ancient texts.
"The way they've balanced the mineral content in this sauce..." he muttered. "It's like they've captured the essence of a specific ocean current."
"You know," Vivi said between bites, "sometimes I wonder if you love food more than you love women."
"Ah, but Princess, they're not so different," Sanji replied with a philosophical air. "Both require attention to detail, respect for their unique qualities, and most importantly – patience to understand their true nature."
"Now you're just showing off."
"Perhaps a little," he admitted with a grin. "But tell me I'm wrong."
Their bulls had apparently made friends during their meal, and they found them playing some sort of aquatic version of tag with other bulls when they returned.
"At least they're getting along better now," Vivi observed as they resumed their exploration of Water Seven.
"Indeed. Much like how our crew has evolved. Remember when you first joined us? Everyone was so..."
"Chaotic?"
"I was going to say 'energetically uncoordinated' but chaotic works too."
They ascended to higher levels of the city, their bulls now working in perfect sync. The view of Water Seven spread out below them, a maze of waterways and architecture.
"It's beautiful," Vivi breathed, watching the sunset paint the water in shades of gold and pink. "Almost as beautiful as Alabasta, but in a completely different way."
"Beauty comes in many forms," Sanji nodded. "Like how Nami's strength shows in her leadership, Nojiko's in her healing, and yours in your determination to protect what matters."
"My, my, Sanji. You really have grown."
"Don't tell the others. I have a reputation to maintain."
Their bulls suddenly perked up, attention drawn to something in the distance.
"What is it?" Vivi asked, squinting to see better.
"If I'm not mistaken," Sanji said, "that's the famous Galley-La Company. Their shipwrights are supposed to be the best in the world."
"Should we take a closer look? We'll need to find them tomorrow anyway."
"Might as well do some advance reconnaissance. Though..." he glanced at the setting sun, "perhaps we should find somewhere to eat...again. I noticed several interesting techniques in that last restaurant that I'd like to try with different ingredients."
"Already planning to improve their recipes?"
"A true chef never stops learning, Princess. Just as a true leader never stops growing."
"Now you're definitely showing off."
"Guilty as charged. But you have to admit, it's much more charming than my old behavior."
"True," Vivi laughed as they guided their bulls toward another promising-looking restaurant. "Though I do sometimes miss the entertainment value of watching Nami hit you with her wings."
"My dear Princess, a gentleman can appreciate beauty without losing his dignity. Though..." he rubbed his head reflexively, "some lessons were admittedly learned the hard way."
As they found a new place to dock, Vivi noticed how their bulls now waited patiently, a far cry from their earlier chaos. "Sometimes the best growth happens without us even noticing it," she mused.
"Like how you've grown more confident in using your powers?" Sanji observed, noting how she absently shifted parts of herself to sand and back while thinking.
"I suppose so. Though I still have a long way to go."
Later
Vivi leaned against the restaurant's doorframe, trying not to laugh as Sanji engaged in what could only be described as a passionate culinary debate with Water Seven's head chef.
"But have you considered," Sanji gestured enthusiastically, "infusing the sea king meat with pressurized vapor from South Blue kelp before grilling? The enzymes would..."
"Impossible!" the local chef, a burly man named Marco, slammed his hand on the counter. "The protein structure would..."
"Not if you stabilize it with crushed shell powder from..."
Vivi covered her mouth, shoulders shaking with silent laughter. She'd seen Sanji in many moods – fighting, cooking, serving – but this scholarly side of him always amused her the most.
"Sanji," she finally called out, "I think you're giving the poor man an existential crisis."
Indeed, Marco was staring at his own dishes like he'd never seen them before, muttering calculations under his breath.
"But Princess, he needs to understand that the traditional Water Seven method of preparing octopus, while respectable, could be revolutionized by..."
"The same way you 'revolutionized' that chef's kitchen in Alabasta?" she teased. "The one who threatened to retire on the spot?"
Sanji had the grace to look slightly embarrassed. "He saw the light eventually. After the third demonstration. And the broken spatula incident."
"Three years!" Marco suddenly exclaimed. "Three years I've been preparing it the same way, never thinking to..."
"See?" Sanji turned to Vivi triumphantly. "He understands!"
"What I understand," Vivi replied, transforming part of her arm to sand to fan herself in the hot kitchen, "is that we've created another cooking monster. Nami's going to kill you if you make us late getting back because you're revolutionizing every kitchen in Water Seven."
"Ah, but consider this, Princess – if we improve Water Seven's cuisine, we improve the whole city's culture! It's practically a diplomatic mission."
"Nice try," she laughed. "But I don't think 'culinary diplomacy' was what Luffy had in mind when he sent us to scout the area."
"Speaking of diplomacy..." Marco interrupted, having recovered his composure, "would you consider staying to demonstrate that kelp infusion technique?"
Vivi saw the gleam in Sanji's eye and quickly grabbed his arm. "Perhaps another time. We really should be getting back before our bulls decide to go sightseeing without us."
"But Princess..."
"Out," she ordered, trying to maintain a stern expression despite her amusement. "Before you start another cooking revolution."
As she dragged a protesting Sanji away from the kitchen, she could hear Marco still muttering about kelp enzymes and protein structures.
"You're impossible, you know that?" she told him once they were outside. "Every single restaurant..."
"I prefer to think of it as being helpfully passionate about my craft."
"Is that what we're calling it now?"
"Would you rather I went back to my old ways of expressing passion?"
"Point taken," she conceded. "Though I have to admit, watching you completely derail professional chefs with your ideas never gets old."
"I live to entertain, Princess," he bowed with a flourish. "Now, shall we find our bulls before they decide to start their own restaurant?"
"Knowing our luck, you'd probably end up trying to teach them how to cook too."
"Now there's an idea..."
"Don't even think about it!"
Later
"Oh, they have the latest edition!" Vivi brightened, exchanging a few coins with the newspaper vendor. Their bulls waited patiently nearby, Sanji's attempting to nibble on a nearby flower box.
"Anything interesting, Princess?" Sanji asked, trying to stop his bull from destroying the local flora.
"Well, there's quite a commotion in Mary Geoise," Vivi's eyes scanned the page, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Seems like someone caused quite a disruption during an important ceremony. The article's being rather vague about the details, which usually means..."
"That someone doesn't want the full story getting out," Sanji nodded, finally succeeding in distracting his bull with a treat.
"Exactly." Vivi turned the page. "Oh, Emperor Kaido is causing trouble. Something about him rampaging through... honestly, when is he not rampaging through somewhere?" as she read the next headline, Sanji decided to see what she was reading, and his eyes widened in shock, without thinking, he grabbed the newspaper from her hands.
"Sanji?"
His visible eye quickly found the headline: "The Empire of Germa makes alliance with-"
The color drained from his face as he read further. His hands began to tremble, causing the paper to shake. His cigarette, forgotten, dropped from his lips into the water below.
"What have they done?" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the gentle lapping of water against the canal walls.
The paper slipped from his nerveless fingers, caught by a sudden breeze. Vivi quickly snatched it before it could blow away, folding it carefully and tucking it into her bag.
"Sanji..." she started, but stopped when she saw his expression.
He was staring into the distance, his normally confident posture rigid with tension. The last time she'd seen him look like this was... well, she'd never seen him look quite like this.
Their bulls, sensing the change in atmosphere, had stopped their playful behavior and were now floating quietly, occasionally making soft, concerned sounds.
"We should head back," Vivi said softly. "The others need to know about this."
"They wouldn't..." he muttered, then more firmly, "They couldn't. Unless..."
"Unless?" Vivi prompted gently.
But Sanji just shook his head, his hands gripping the bull's reins so tightly his knuckles were white. "We need to get back to the others. Now."
Luffy
"Woohoo! These bulls are awesome!" Luffy cheered, nearly falling into the water for the fifth time as his bull made a sharp turn.
"Luffy, sit down properly!" Nami called from her perfectly controlled mount. "And Usopp, stop telling the bull stories about your 'great naval victories' – it clearly doesn't believe you."
"But Nami, I'm trying to establish a rapport!" Usopp protested. "This bull could learn a thing or two from the tale of how I, the Great Captain Usopp, once tamed a sea king using only a rubber band and a-"
"The bull just rolled its eyes at you," Luffy pointed out helpfully.
They finally arrived at the Exchange House, a grand building with marble columns and gold trim. Nami's eyes sparkled at the sight, while Luffy just scratched his head.
"Now remember," Nami instructed, "let me do the talking. This gold is worth exactly-"
"Yeah, yeah, you're the money person," Luffy waved dismissively. "Can we get food after this?"
"After we get our 500 million berries, we can discuss food," Nami sighed, leading the way inside.
The exchange officer, a thin man with thick glasses and an even thicker mustache, looked up as they entered. His eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw the amount of gold they were carrying.
"Welcome, welcome!" he practically purred. "My, that's quite a collection you have there. Let me just weigh this and..."
He made a show of examining the gold, occasionally muttering numbers under his breath. Nami watched him like a hawk, while Luffy had found an interesting spot on the ceiling to stare at.
"Well," the man finally announced, "I can offer you 200 million berries for this lot."
Usopp started to speak but caught Nami's subtle head shake.
"Is that so?" she asked sweetly. "How interesting. Would you mind showing me your calculations?"
"Oh, well, you see..." the man shuffled some papers. "The current market rate, plus the processing fee, minus the quality adjustment..."
"Oi, Nami," Luffy suddenly interrupted, still staring at the ceiling. "Isn't gold worth more than that? Even I remember you saying something about 500..."
The exchange officer's mustache twitched nervously. "My good sir, I assure you that 200 million is more than generous-"
"You know what's really generous?" Nami's smile didn't waver as golden wings suddenly materialized from her back, their sharp points finding their way under the man's chin. "My patience. Right now, I'm being very, very generous."
"N-now see here..." the man stuttered.
"No, you see here," Nami's voice remained cheerful as one wing tip traced a delicate line along his neck. "I know exactly how much this gold is worth. I could quote you the current market rates for every major port from here to Reverse Mountain. I could explain in detail why your 'quality adjustment' is about as real as my friend Usopp's story about taming a sea king with a rubber band."
"Hey!" Usopp protested.
"So," Nami continued, "we have two options. Option one: you can give us the full 500 million berries this gold is actually worth. Option two: we can take our business elsewhere, and I can make sure everyone in Water Seven knows exactly how the Exchange House tries to cheat its customers. Your choice!"
The exchange officer's eyes darted between Nami's angelic smile and her decidedly less angelic wing points. "P-perhaps I should recheck my calculations..."
"What a wonderful idea!" Nami beamed. "And while you're at it, why don't you explain to my captain here why you tried to short-change us by 300 million berries?"
"I... that is... market fluctuations..."
"Market fluctuations?" Nami laughed. "The only thing fluctuating right now is my patience. Tick tock!"
"Five hundred million!" the man squeaked. "I'll prepare the transfer right away!"
"Now was that so hard?" Nami's wings retracted slightly, though they remained visible. "Oh, and let's not forget to include a proper receipt. For tax purposes, of course."
"Of course, of course!" He scrambled to prepare the documents.
"Nami's scary when it comes to money," Luffy whispered to Usopp.
"You just now noticed?" Usopp whispered back.
"I can hear you both," Nami called over her shoulder.
The exchange officer returned with a stack of papers, hands shaking slightly as he handed them over. Nami reviewed each document carefully, her wings flexing occasionally when she found something that needed "adjustment."
"Perfect!" she finally declared. "Luffy, could you help carry these bags?"
"Food now?" Luffy asked hopefully, easily lifting several heavy bags of money.
"Yes, yes, food now," Nami conceded. "But first, one last thing." She turned to the exchange officer. "If I hear about you trying to scam anyone else..."
"Never again!" he promised. "Honest business only from now on!"
"Wonderful! Have a nice day!"
Outside, their bulls were waiting patiently, though Luffy's had somehow managed to get tangled in a clothesline.
"I appreciate it that you let me handle by myself."
"Nobody cheats my navigator," Luffy declared, pulling her close. "Besides, you looked really cool with your wings out."
"Oh? Just cool?" she teased.
"Beautiful too," he grinned, creating a small heart-shaped cloud above them.
"You're such a dork," she laughed, kissing his cheek. "Now, let's find somewhere to eat before you accidentally cause a typhoon from hunger."
"That was one time!" Luffy protested.
"That was actually pretty smooth, Nami," Usopp commented as they loaded their newfound wealth. "Usually there's more screaming involved when you negotiate."
"I'm learning the value of subtle intimidation," she replied proudly. "Besides, did you see how bad he was at lying? Even Luffy caught on!"
"Yeah!" Luffy agreed. "He was worse than Usopp!"
"I'm not sure if I should be offended by that or not," Usopp muttered.
After loading their money onto the bulls, Luffy suddenly stiffened. His eyes narrowed, and the air around them grew heavy with static electricity.
"Luffy?" Nami started to ask, but before she could finish, Luffy's arm shot skyward.
The clear blue sky instantly darkened above them. With a sharp downward gesture from Luffy, a massive bolt of lightning split the air, striking a seemingly empty spot on a nearby rooftop. The crack of thunder was deafening, echoing off the buildings and sending ripples across the canal water.
Nami's golden wings burst forth instantly. Usopp's revolvers appeared in his hands as he took up a defensive position.
"What's wrong?" Nami asked, her wings spread wide as she scanned the rooftops. The bulls beneath them shifted nervously, sensing the tension.
Luffy's eyes remained fixed on the scorched spot where his lightning had struck. The air around him crackled with barely contained electrical energy, small arcs of lightning dancing between his fingers.
"Someone was watching us," he said quietly, his usual playful demeanor completely gone. "They've been following since the Exchange House. Thought I was imagining it at first, but..."
"They got away?" Usopp asked, revolvers trained on the surrounding buildings.
"Yeah," Luffy's jaw tightened. "Fast too. Whoever it was, they knew exactly when to move."
"Could they have been after the money?" Nami wondered, her wings flexing as she continued to survey their surroundings.
"No," Luffy shook his head, storm clouds still swirling above them. "They weren't watching the money. They were watching us."
"We should move," Nami suggested, one of her wings wrapping protectively around Luffy while the others remained on guard. "Staying in one place makes us an easier target."
"Agreed," Usopp said, keeping his revolvers ready. "And maybe we should take the less obvious route back?"
"Yeah," Luffy nodded, his expression still uncharacteristically serious. "Watch yourselves. Whoever that was... they weren't amateur. They knew how to hide their presence. I only caught it because..."
"Because you've been practicing sensing weather changes," Nami finished, understanding dawning on her face. "They disturbed the air currents?"
"Just barely," Luffy confirmed. "But it was enough."
They guided their bulls into motion, taking a winding path through Water Seven's narrower canals. Usopp kept his revolvers out, scanning their flanks, while Nami's wings remained extended, ready to strike at any threat. Above them, Luffy's storm clouds followed, a clear warning to anyone watching that the Storm-Storm Fruit user was ready for a fight.
"Should we tell the others?" Usopp asked as they navigated through a particularly narrow passage.
"Yeah," Luffy replied, his hand finding Nami's. "Something's not right."
The rest of their journey was made in cautious silence, all three pirates fully alert. The playful atmosphere from earlier had vanished completely, replaced by a tense vigilance that seemed to affect even their bulls, which moved through the water with deliberate stealth.
If you want to Read 9 More Chapters Right Now. Search 'Patreon.com/Drinor' on Websearch