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CHAPTER 36: Lawless Town
When things cooled down after the eruption that was their entire day, the crew rummaged through what the boys had found on the ship. Which turned out to be nothing of note to clue them in on how to get to this sky island. Even so, the Going Merry was on course to a set destination, all thanks to Robin's proactive sense to steal an eternal pose off the salvager ship while the crew was distracted trying to bring the galleon to the surface.
She figured that with their Log pose indisposed, and at the risk of being unable to find any information regarding Skypea, they would need a plan B that didn't include sailing aimlessly through the Grand Line.
And that moment when Robin showed them the eternal pose, was when all scales of uncertainty towards Robin was removed. As the realization dawned on Nami and Sakura that they finally had another crew-mate who was proactive and had for lack of better description common sense. Her ability was also very handy.
The eternal post was leading them towards a place called Jaya. Robin explained that eternal poses were typical of sailors who intended to return to the same place more than once, likely using the area as a base of sorts or their home. Then Robin pointed out why would salvagers stay in one place because perhaps there were more ships to salvage here than anywhere else. Perhaps those ships had also fallen from the sky, which means the key to moving upwards might be close to the area as well.
The Going Merry was making it through calm seas like a knife through silk, and after the fiasco they had experienced, everyone hoped it would stay that way until they reached Jaya. Sakura chose to enjoy this peace, letting the winds carry away her worries, and enjoying the salty taste of the sea. She stood at the top of the crow's nest. She was still thinking about those silhouettes that appeared. They were standing taller than the ten tails ever could. But somehow managed to disappear when the light came back. Things were so fast-paced in the Grand line that dwelling became a luxury. But Sakura enjoyed clarity. There had been too many times in her world, that she was wrapped in situations without knowing the context of them. And rarely did anyone ever try to clarify them for her.
In this case she knew that no one here would be able to give her an answer to what they witnessed.
Her thoughts had become an impervious barrier to her senses because she didn't even notice someone creeping up behind her until she heard her 'hey'.
Tsunade had programed Sakura to always swing first, ask questions later. This landed an unfortunate result for Zoro. He attempted to block Sakura's swinging hand, but still ended up getting knocked down. Hand she swung sideways he probably would've been sent out of the crow's nest.
"What the…hell?" He groaned, trying to pick himself up quickly.
"Why are you sneaking up on me?"
"I called you on the deck you didn't answer me!" Zoro snapped back, clutching his throbbing head. He attempted to initiate a conversation with her at the time by asking if she saw anything. They were still following the eternal pose to Jaya, so it was a good excuse but Sakura didn't respond to him.
He had been mulling over what to say to her for the better part of the day, debating if he should even approach her and he was already regretting his decision. He already didn't enjoy unnecessary conversations that were worth forgetting, but he didn't know if he would be able to withstand her cold demeanor toward him either. It tugged at him, though he couldn't put his finger on the reason, he felt desperate to address it. Why did it become so hard to deal with her?
Clearing his throat to indicate he was ready to speak, Sakura watched him incredulously.
"Hey," he said, his voice low but firm. "You've been staring out at the ocean are you even watching for the island? What's with you?"
Sakura's hand tightened on the edge of the crow's nest, for a brief moment, but she didn't respond. Instead, she straightened up and turned away, preparing to leap down onto deck.
"Hold it!" He moved, too quick to register consciousness of his actions, grabbing Sakura's wrist. He held in a flinch when Sakura turned to give him an icy glare and he was certain she had already prepped her fist to punch him but he realized she was waiting for him to explain himself.
"You got something to say?" He must've been thinking longer than intended, but he still couldn't figure out what to tell her. But it was like trying to approach a bird perched on the edge of flight.
He noticed how the breeze played with her hair like loose silk threads. She was trying to keep her expression against him.
"Why aren't you talking to me?"
She stopped but didn't look back. Her voice was soft but carried an edge of bitterness that caught him off guard. "I wouldn't want to annoy you."
Zoro's jaw tightened. The weight of his own words from earlier that day came crashing back to him like a poorly executed swing of his sword. But instead of what would be considered the socially acceptable response in the form of an apology, Zoro's tongue chose to take another route. "Why are you so upset over something so stupid?"
Sakura bit her tongue, unwilling to drudge up the past even if Zoro had it by the air. He wouldn't be able to yank out its head from where she buried it.
She just stepped away and responded with a blizzard in her tone. "Don't follow me,"
Her back kept to him, like a wall that promised to remain impenetrable. Zoro ran his fingers through his head, his short nails scraping across his scalp. He wanted this irritation on his chest to finally settle already.
"Dammit,"
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There was a reason Crocodile had come to make Robin his right hand. He may not have trusted her, but her abilities were as solid as emeralds. Especially in the art of espionage. Her devil fruit allowed her to sprout her body parts on anything she could see, and that included eyes and ears. She wasn't above sprouting on her new crew-mates to get a feel for them either. You never know when someone might decide to turn on you. And just as they chose to be cautious at her arrival, she did the same with them. It was incredible to note they were as genuine as they appeared.
Full of antics, smiles, and genuine laughter unlike any other crew she had been with before. But there was also trouble brewing amongst some members.
She watched Sakura stomp off towards the cabin, her face puffed out like she was holding in all her anger in her cheeks. While Zoro who came down from the crow's nest too, went up to the back of the ship, a secluded spot, grabbed his weights and began swinging.
"Taking the edge off I see," Robin chuckled lightly as Zoro stumbled in his stance, unaware of her presence until now. She had that talent to mask her presence, and without malice, she could move like the wind at times. "This isn't quite what I'd call a good dynamic for crew-mates."
Zoro gave a particularly angry swing, "I was just trying to talk to her," Because if he could push down how uncomfortable she's been making him, then she should be able to get over a little comment he made right?
Robin seemed to give an exasperated sigh, but there was a mischievous glint in her eyes. Even though Zoro barely shared anything with her, it was more than enough for her to understand the underlying situation.
"Well, if you truly want to fix things. Then there's just one thing you need to do,"
"What is it?" Zoro asked. Mentally kicked himself for sounding so eager, but if it would put an end to whatever this was between them, then he would hear her out.
"Apologize,"
And he was done.
"For what?" Zoro became incredulous, his stance offensive. "I didn't do anything!"
Robin sighed, shrugging out her arms, "I you can't understand why you have to do it then no point in explaining,"
"How about she apologizes for what she did to me!"
"What is that exactly?"
Zoro felt like he had just stepped into quicksand and was going under fast, and he was now squirming to get out. He didn't mean to confess that to Robin, or anyone. But she had a way with words that mellowed a person into a sense of security that their lips would loosen.
He didn't know why but he felt embarrassed to say it out loud. It made him feel like a whiny child, and how could he say that he's been feeling perturbed by being close to Sakura?
Usually, he doesn't mind how he comes off to others but Sakura was a part of their crew and was supposed to be one of his friends. No, she was one of his friends, yet he was acting that way towards her. He felt like something was off about Sakura. But he couldn't admit that, and not to Robin of all people. It wasn't that long ago she was an enemy, and now he was treating her with more courtesy than the woman who saved his and his friend's lives on several occasions.
"I just can't deal with her anymore," He turned away, placing his hands on his hips and pulling his lip into a thin line.
"I believe I know what your problem is, pirate hunter," Zoro felt a chill run through him for some reason.
"How do you fix it then?"
Eerily Robin smiled, "That's up to you. Though you may end up worse if you're made aware of the cause,"
"Just tell me!" Zoro hit the side of the railing, portraying his impatience. He did not enjoy traveling on winding roads, and he felt like Robin intended to take him for a long walk if he didn't push back for the shortcut. He nearly regretted it when the woman started stepping closer and he realized she had no intention of stopping until she was right in his face, and he had been backed against the ship. He wanted to swallow but refused to give any indication that he was intimidated by her.
And then she said something that officially ruined his entire day.
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The Going Merry pulled into the harbor of Jaya, and instantly the crew was taken aback by what they saw. The ships that lined the rest of the harbor, were all standing with pirate flags. An overwhelming amount of them. That it stood to reason something was off about this town if they would allow pirate ships to dock at the front gate.
"It's like a pirate hangout!" Usopp muttered, shifting nervously. "This can't be good."
Sakura didn't know if she could credit the rubber head, but it seemed any sense of caution or danger bounced off Luffy's. The moment they dropped anchor, he was leaping off to explore the town.
"Oi, Luffy, wait up!" Zoro called, following after him without much thought. He, too, seemed eager to get away.
Nami, Usopp and Chopper were crouching between the railings trying to scope out the two from a distance, but it was evident by the rowdiness that this was not your ordinary townsfolk. It was a landmine for trouble.
Nami groaned, "Those two are impossible."
Usopp adjusted his goggles and pointed toward the rowdy streets. Laughter, shouting, and the clinking of mugs rang out from every direction. The entire town seemed alive with chaos. Pirates of all shapes and sizes stumbled about, causing a commotion.
"Look at that place!" Usopp whispered nervously. "It's filled with pirates."
"That's exactly what I'm worried about," Nami muttered, her brow furrowed. "We won't get any information if Luffy and Zoro start a fight. And you know they will."
Nami took a plunge off the deck and rushed after the two boys, intent on keeping them firmly on a short leash.
"Are you going too?" Sakura saw Robin about to make a quiet exit, though it didn't appear intentional.
"I'm going to look around for information,"
"I'll go with you,"
Robin smiled. "I'd appreciate the company."
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The town was rambunctious, she could hear glass breaking, rough laughter, everyone who walked the roads acted as if they were the only one's there, standing high with their chins in the air, expecting everyone to make way for them. Courtesy was completely lost. It almost seemed to be wishful thinking for Luffy and Zoro to keep out of trouble.
"We should get the information we need as soon as we can before we get driven out of town,"
Robin let out a breath, taking in the reckless energy."From this crowd, I don't think we'll have to worry about that."
Pirates brawled in alleyways, boasted of their latest exploits over barrels of ale and squabbled over like children.
Robin walked leisurely, her arms crossed and her posture confident. She glanced sideways at Sakura, and the kunoichi had an eerie feeling.
"We should check out the stores, I can't keep borrowing Nami's clothes. She said she's going to start charging rent on them" Robin might have been saying this lightheartedly but Sakura knew that Nami was probably planning to add an interest rate to that rent amount.
"I can go along with you, but don't expect me to shop," Piracy only paid off when you were active in the plundering criteria which they haven't been doing since stepping into the Grand Line. Invading countries, and taking on other pirates, certainly but reaping the benefits of it, not so much.
"I've got us covered. This is my treat, for keeping me company,"
Before the girls could even reach the first store, their paths were intercepted. Five men, unsavory in Sakura's opinion from the expressions on their faces that had no discretion. Their grins were wide, their steps slow and deliberate as they made to weave a net around the two.
"What's a couple of lovely ladies like you doing in a place like this?"
Robin glanced at Sakura, who raised an eyebrow. They shared a silent exchange before Robin turned back to the men.
"Oh my friend and I are just shopping," Robin said smoothly, her tone calm and unbothered.
"Shopping?" one of the men repeated, laughing. "We can help you ladies with that, why don't you join us? Do you want some pretty dresses?"
Another chimed in, "Yeah, we've got some 'exclusive' places we could take you to."
Sakura sighed, clearly unimpressed. "You think that line works on anyone?"
Robin chuckled softly, folding her arms. "I don't think they're the type to take 'no' for an answer, Sakura."
One of them stepped closer. "You're smart. But let's not make this difficult, huh?"
Robin tilted her head, her smile turning sharp. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it."
She gestured subtly to a nearby alleyway. "If you insist on talking, perhaps we could have a private conversation over there?"
The men exchanged eager glances, clearly misinterpreting the suggestion. "Lead the way," the leader said, motioning for them to follow.
The two women walked into the shadowy alley, their footsteps echoing against the walls. The men trailed closely behind, laughing among themselves and cracking crude jokes. Moments later, the sound of thuds and muffled groans echoed out from the alley.
Sakura and Robin emerged from the shadows, dusting off their hands They strolled back into the bustling streets leaving the five men sprawled unconscious on the ground behind them.
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Sakura tilted her head back, stretching her neck as she groaned. "Ugh, what pigs." She shook out her shoulders as if trying to shrug off the lingering annoyance from the encounter.
Robin, walking with her usual serene composure, glanced at her companion. "You've been a bit tense. Are you alright?"
Sakura huffed, crossing her arms. "Tense? I'm fine. I'm glad we found some people to beat on."
"Hmm, tell me, were you perhaps imagining those men were someone else? Perhaps our swordsman?"
Sakura froze mid-step and shot Robin a sharp look, but what she didn't realize was that her tone was holding a shield. "What?! Why would you even say that?"
Robin smiled faintly "You tell me."
Sakura's cheeks burned slightly, but she masked it with indignation. "I don't know why you're even bringing up that jerk."
Robin raised an eyebrow but said nothing, Sakura didn't give her much space before she started filling it with a rant, showing that Robin had hit a nerve.
"You know what pisses me off about him?" she began, gesturing animatedly. "When I first came aboard, he was constantly watching me like a hawk! Suspicious of every single thing I did. It's like he thought I was going to stab someone in their sleep or something. But here's the kicker—he's already completely fine with you! No offense, but you were our enemy,"
Robin chuckled softly, folding her arms. "None taken."
"And just when I thought we were finally passed everything he goes and starts acting like I'm contagious!"
"Oh? When did this start?"
Sakura crossed her arms, huffing out, "After we left Alabasta," at the time it seemed that they were actually making progress.
"Interesting,"
They went shopping for new outfits and information, clerks and store owners who lived in Mock Town could offer both and that's what they were counting on. Sakura quickly caught up to Robin's intentions, and this was sufficient in gathering Intel. They were both familiar with the art of conversation and interrogation, better than their companions who were used to bulldozing through everything to get to the goal and leaving a trail of destruction behind. All in good fun, but intentions were hardly up for debate in those moments.
The girls passed over the loud and unapologetically rowdy pirates, heading straight for the owners of establishments for their answers.
However they weren't having much luck with the shop keepers, who had a tendency to hold their heads low in the presence of most of their customers, eager to serve them so they could leave their stores in tact.
The only thing they walked out with was a handful of shopping bags, but no new information that could benefit their current ambitions. They couldn't stay on the island for too long for fear the log pose would reset. Which would mean no sky island and a very pouty captain.
Reaching the Sky Island was something they wanted to give to Luffy. He was impulsive, wild, childish, and hardly thought anything through before plunging in and dragging everyone with him. And yet, no one could refuse his wishes. They were going to find the sky island because it was what Luffy wanted.
"One more stop,"
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