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differentpostrebel · 1 day ago

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Lost and Found: A Pirates Promise

CHAPTER 62: Revelations PART 2

A/N: And we are back with part 2! here we are having flashback sequences, water 7, revelations, and Lucci moments, the next part is enies lobby, and more is to be revealed as we are finally heading to Wano. Also let me tell you them edits... Thank you guys so much! with out further a do let the adventure begin!

Y/N POV…

Hours had passed, and the fading light outside signaled the arrival of evening. The day had been a mix of chaos and fleeting moments of peace, and I was grateful for a quiet moment to myself. I had already indulged in my second bath of the day, the warm water a small reprieve from the tension that hung in the air. Now, I was resting in my room, letting my mind wander. Just then I heard a faint knock on my door. “ Come in! And be sure to lock the door, we wouldn’t want any intruders now,” I said, grinning at the thought of having some privacy with the crew. Nami made her way to the bed, and Carrot followed suit, while Chopper, as usual, climbed into my lap.

“Now, start talking,” Nami said as she uncorked one of the bottles and took the first sip, clearly eager to dive into whatever was on her mind.

“What do you want to know?” I asked, matching her with a sip of my own, feeling the warmth spread through my chest.

“You know... about your time with the little warmonger, who happens to be Sanji’s older brother also,” Nami said with a knowing look, and I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks.

“Well, Ichiji is something…” I trailed off, trying to find the words, but I knew they’d already figured it out.

“Oh, don’t hold out on us,” Carrot chimed in with a grin. “Besides, he gives you a giant engagement ring, lets you keep it, has a built-in raid suit, drops you flowers, writes you a note, does this whole declaration thing, and on top of that, the man saved your life.” Nami raised an eyebrow at me, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

“Yeah, yeah,” I muttered, rolling my eyes, though I couldn’t help but smile at the absurdity of it all. “He does have a flair for the dramatic.”

Nami leaned in closer, her curiosity piqued, her sly grin betraying her true intentions. “So, did you guys…” she trailed off, her tone practically dripping with implication. She didn’t need to finish her sentence; we all knew where this was going.

With a smirk, I reached over and covered Chopper’s ears, making sure the poor little guy wouldn’t be subjected to this part of the conversation. Turning back to Nami and Carrot, I took a deep breath and let the wine do the talking. “Yes,” I said, my voice soft but sure. “It happened.”

Both Nami and Carrot froze, their eyes wide as saucers. Carrot gasped, clutching her cheeks in excitement. “You didn’t waste any time, huh?” she said, practically vibrating with energy.

“To be fair…” I started, preparing to explain myself, but a sudden knock at the door interrupted me.

“Y/N… are you in there?” came Brook’s voice, unusually hesitant.

“Brook, what’s wrong?” I asked, narrowing my eyes. Knowing him, this was likely some elaborate excuse to crash the night.

“Can I come in? Luffy is asleep, and Sanji is… um… cooking!” Brook said, his tone suspiciously exaggerated, like he was trying to make his story sound more convincing.

I exchanged glances with the girls—Nami shrugged, clearly as curious as I was, while Carrot was too busy lounging and sipping her drink to care.

“Fine, you can come in,” I said with a sigh. Nami walked over and unlocked the door. In walked Brook, his skeletal frame casually strolling into the room like he belonged there.

Nami locked the door again, crossing her arms. “What part of girls’ night don’t you get, Brook?” she asked, exasperated.

“But Chopper is in here too!” Brook protested, gesturing towards the little reindeer, who was now looking at us all in confusion.

“Chopper is a doctor, and he was invited,” Nami shot back, glaring at Brook.

Carrot giggled, throwing an arm over Chopper’s shoulder. “It’s true! He’s like one of us for the night!”

Brook tilted his skull, clearly unimpressed with the logic but unwilling to argue. “Fair enough, I suppose,” he said, plopping himself into the nearest chair.

I shook my head, trying not to laugh at the sheer chaos. “Alright, fine, Brook. But if you’re staying, you’re sworn to secrecy. No blabbing to Luffy or Sanji.”

Brook raised a bony hand in a mock scout’s honor. “You have my word, my dear.”

I rolled my eyes again and took a sip of my drink. “Okay, so where was I?”

Carrot immediately perked up. “We were at the part where you and Ichiji…” she trailed off with a sly grin, clearly enjoying this more than she should.

I groaned, shaking my head but unable to hide the smirk creeping onto my face. “Oh, right. That.”

Brook’s skull lit up like he’d just stumbled into treasure. “Oh ho ho! This sounds scandalous! Please, do tell!”

Nami waved a hand. “Let her talk, Brook. We were just getting to the good part.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at how invested everyone was. “Fine, fine. But no interruptions!” I declared, pointing at Brook for emphasis.

He mimed zipping his non-existent lips. “Not a word, my lady. Continue!”

Taking a deep breath, I leaned back and started again, much to their delight. “First, let me take a sip of the wine…” I trailed off, raising the glass bottle to my lips, feeling my cheeks flush. “Okay… so, to be fair, we were technically married, and right after you guys left through the mirror, Ichiji just… took charge. And no matter what, I just… succumbed. My defenses dropped like they were never even there.”

Nami’s eyebrows shot up as she leaned forward. “So, that’s why you were glowing when we saw you again!” she teased, grinning mischievously.

“It was just one time,” I said quickly, holding up a finger as if that made it any less shocking. “And it’ll never happen again.” I took another sip of my wine, hoping to cool down my flustered expression.

“So… he was that good?” Nami teased, her smirk widening.

I groaned, covering my face with one hand. “If we’re talking scales, he’s definitely up there,” I admitted, my voice muffled behind my fingers.

“Ohhh, I could tell when he was kissing you during the battle,” Nami said, taking a slow, deliberate sip of her wine like she was savoring her victory in teasing me.

Carrot nearly spilled her drink in excitement. “And don’t forget when he beat Caesar for you! That’s what I call love!” she chimed in, her voice full of admiration.

Brook, who had been unusually quiet, finally broke his silence with a dramatic sigh. “Ah, young romance! So fiery, so unpredictable. You may as well have written a poem together, sealed with a kiss during battle. Truly magnificent!” He wiped an imaginary tear from his eye socket.

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t stop the laugh that escaped me. “Brook, please, it’s not that dramatic. And Carrot, that wasn’t love; that was… I don’t know, adrenaline or something.”

Carrot shook her head, wagging a finger at me. “No way! You should’ve seen the look in his eyes. He was ready to throw down the whole world for you!”

Brook clasped his hands together. “Ah, to be so passionately defended… You are quite the lucky lady, Y/N. Though, I must admit, I don’t recall such grand gestures in my day. Perhaps I’ve been dead too long.”

“Brook!” Nami snapped, her tone both scolding and amused.

I sighed, shaking my head. “You guys are impossible. It wasn’t some grand romantic moment—it was just… a moment. One that I’m leaving firmly in the past.”

“Wait, Y/N, what about the letter he wrote you?” Chopper piped up from my lap, his big eyes full of curiosity.

“Oh, right! Let’s hear it!” Carrot said, practically bouncing with excitement.

I groaned, knowing there was no escaping it now. “Okay, okay!” I said, pulling out the letter from the desk beside me. The parchment felt heavy in my hands, the elegant handwriting stark against the page. “But no interrupting, got it?”

They all nodded eagerly, even Brook holding up a solemn skeletal hand in agreement. Clearing my throat, I began to read aloud:

My Dearest Y/N,

I never imagined myself writing this, but here I am, trying to put words to something words can barely express. The day we sang together, “Point of No Return,” I knew I was doomed, in the best way possible. Seeing you in your wedding dress, walking toward me down that aisle, was like seeing a storm and a sunrise all at once—a force of nature wrapped in beauty. It stole my breath and my words, and for a moment, I forgot everyone else in that room.

And then, later, in the quiet of our room, when it was just the two of us, I finally understood what people mean when they say time stands still. That moment, filled with promise, passion, and stolen breaths, was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. The way you defy me, challenge me, match my strength with your own—it’s maddening and intoxicating all at once. You are brilliant, infuriating, and utterly captivating.

I’ll never forget the moment, after we consummated our marriage. When I sang to you in the bath:“Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime;Say the word and I will follow you.Share each day with me, each night, each morning.”That wasn’t just a song; it was a promise. My promise to you.

You make me want to be better, stronger, not for my family, not for appearances, but for you. Because you deserve nothing less. And if I have to fight the entire world to keep you safe, I will. Because you’re not just anyone, Y/N. You are my storm, my sun, and my everything.

Forever yours,Tiger

The room was silent as I finished reading, the weight of his words hanging in the air. My heart was racing, though I tried to keep my face calm as I folded the letter and placed it back on the desk.

Carrot’s eyes were wide, her hands clasped over her chest. “That’s… that’s like a romance novel! Y/N, he’s completely smitten!”

Brook, ever dramatic, wiped at his non-existent tears. “Oh, what a declaration of love! I can almost hear the melody behind his words!”

Nami, however, gave me a knowing look. “You can’t just leave something like that in the past, Y/N. That’s not just a ‘moment’—that’s a connection.”

I shook my head, letting out a nervous laugh. “You guys don’t understand. It’s complicated. Besides, he’s just… good with words.”

“Good with words?!” Carrot exclaimed. “Y/N, he sang to you! In the bath, no less! That’s not just ‘words.’ That’s devotion!”

“And don’t forget the way he looked at you during the wedding,” Nami added. “Even in the middle of all that chaos, his focus was entirely on you.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I’m not saying it wasn’t… something. But that doesn’t mean it’s something I can keep.”

Chopper looked up at me from my lap, his big eyes filled with understanding. “Do you… miss him?”

The question caught me off guard. Did I? I wasn’t sure. All I knew was that the memory of his voice, his touch, and his promises lingered, no matter how much I tried to push it aside.

“I don’t know,” I admitted quietly, taking another sip of wine. “But I do know one thing—he made me feel like I was the only person in the world, even for just a moment. And that’s something I’ll never forget.”

"I mean, we shall see what life has in store for me," I said, smirking as I sipped more wine straight from the bottle. “Besides, I still have other suitors in line...”

Nami raised an eyebrow, leaning in with a mischievous grin. “Oh? Care to elaborate on who else made the list?”

Carrot clapped her hands in delight. “Yes, yes! Spill the tea, Y/N!”

Brook, ever the dramatic one, placed a skeletal hand over where his heart would be. “My dear Y/N, am I not on this list of suitors? Yohohoho!”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Brook, I didn’t think skeletons could fall in love, but for you, I’ll consider adding you to the list.”

“Yohoho! My heart—if I had one—is yours, my lady!” Brook declared, earning a round of laughter from everyone.

“Alright, alright,” I said, setting my glass down. “Let’s see… there’s Sabo, of course, Law, Kidd, Killer, Zoro—” "Lucci" coughs Nami.

I sighed, rolling my eyes at Nami. "Oh, come on, Nami! Why would you bring him up of all people?"

Nami grinned slyly, taking a sip of her wine. "Because it’s true! When we were in Water 7 looking for a shipwright to fix the Merry, the moment Luffy, Usopp, you and I arrived at the Galley-La, his eyes were locked on you! Not to mention his pigeon flew straight to you and perched on your arm. And don’t even get me started on how you petted it like you two were best friends!"

Carrot tilted her head curiously. "Wait, who’s Lucci?"

I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Rob Lucci. He’s a member of CP9—well, he was at the time. Long story short, he’s basically a super-strong government assassin with a superiority complex and a serious poker face."

Carrot’s eyes widened. "A government assassin had a thing for you?!"

Brook chimed in, dramatic as always. "A tale of forbidden love between a pirate and a government agent! Yohohoho! Truly a tragedy worthy of song!"

"It was not love, Brook!" I protested, throwing my hands up in exasperation. "He didn’t even say a word to me; he just… stared. And that pigeon? What was I supposed to do, shoo it away? It was cute!"

Nami smirked, clearly enjoying my flustered state. "Come on, Y/N. Admit it—you didn’t mind the attention. He’s not bad looking, after all."

"I minded it because he was trying to kill us!" I shot back, crossing my arms.

Carrot giggled. "Sounds like there’s more to this story than you’re letting on, Y/N!"

"There is not," I insisted, trying to sound firm but failing miserably as my cheeks warmed.

Nami laughed, leaning back in her seat. "Denial is a powerful thing, Y/N."

I took another sip of wine, sighing as the memories came rushing back. "You, Usopp, and Luffy were at the Galley-La," I began, giving Nami a pointed look, "talking with Kaku while I was making my way towards you guys. I was carrying bags filled with stuff for us—food, clothes, you name it."

Nami smirked knowingly. "What were you wearing, though? That’s always important in these kinds of stories."

I rolled my eyes but obliged. "You already know because you lent it to me! I was wearing that cross-top and low-rise short skirt of yours, remember? My two swords were strapped to my hips, and I had my black heeled boots on—the ones with the hidden blade inside."

Carrot tilted her head, her curiosity clearly piqued. "Sounds like you were ready for anything! What happened next?"

I exhaled. "I told you guys all the stuff I got was given to me for free, even some jewels—"

"Of course it was," Nami interrupted, smirking. "You do have that effect on people."

"Right," I said with a mock glare. "But then, things went south fast. The Franky Family showed up, grabbed the two luggages with all our money, and bolted. That’s when I dropped everything and was about to run after them. Paulie, the foreman, managed to land on the same boat as two of the Franky Family members. He was planning to handle it himself—until I decided I wasn’t going to just let them get away with it."

Nami and Carrot leaned in, hanging onto every word.

"I was ready to sprint after them," I continued, "when he appeared."

Carrot's ears perked up. "Who?!"

I sighed, staring into the bottle as if it held the answer. "Lucci. He walked in out of nowhere, completely calm, and grabbed my shoulder, halting me in my tracks. That pigeon of his spoke first, and I was too stunned to even react."

I took another sip of wine, a wry smile tugging at my lips as I added, "The pigeon said, 'I'll get your money back,' which they did. Paulie came back with Lucci and his pigeon, Lucci holding the two briefcases... and Paulie’s ear."

Carrot gasped, eyes wide with amusement. "His ear?! Seriously?!"

I nodded, chuckling at the absurdity of it all. "Yep. All of us were stunned because Lucci’s lips didn’t move, but his pigeon, Hattori, kept talking for him."

Brook leaned in, clearly enthralled. "Then what happened next?"

I glanced at Nami, rolling my eyes before continuing. "Well, Nami said that Lucci couldn’t take his eyes off me."

Nami grinned smugly. "I still stand by that, by the way."

Ignoring her, I laughed softly. "And then there was Luffy, who blamed the pigeon for Lucci hitting Paulie in the head. That was hilarious." I couldn’t help but giggle at the memory. "After that, both Lucci and Hattori introduced themselves. And when Hattori spoke for Lucci, the pigeon flew onto my arm. I started petting it because, well, it was cute."

Carrot gasped dramatically. "What did Lucci say then?"

I smirked, enjoying the suspense I was creating. "His pigeon, when it flew back to Lucci, said, 'I see you’ve already won my companion.’ To which I just shrugged and smiled, telling him, 'What can I say? I have a soft spot when it comes to animals.'"

Nami jumped in, raising a brow. "And that’s when I noticed Lucci’s eyes darkened just a little, but he quickly hid it. "

I nodded. "Exactly! And at the time, we all thought it was just a ventriloquist act!" I laughed at the memory. "Luffy and Usopp clapped and cheered, praising the whole ventriloquism thing. Meanwhile, I was laughing, saying, 'It is pretty neat if you ask me.'"

Carrot giggled, leaning closer. "And then?"

"Well, Hattori turned and flew back to me, landing on my shoulder this time and rubbing his head against my cheek. It made me laugh even more," I said, a smile tugging at my lips.

Brook laughed his signature yohohoho. "Sounds like the pigeon fancied you, Y/N!"

I snorted. "The pigeon, maybe. But then Paulie had to ruin the moment. He pointed at both Nami and me and started ranting about our outfit choices. How Nami was showing too much leg and how I was showing too much leg and stomach. He outright called us harlots! And wanting us to change into something less revealing"

Carrot’s jaw dropped. "What did you do?!"

I smirked, swirling the wine. "I tilted my head and said, 'Why don’t you make us? I’ll be damned if I let someone tell me what to wear.’

"You’re missing another part, Y/N," teased Nami, taking a swig from the same bottle of wine as me.

I groaned, dragging a hand down my face. "Ughhh, fine." I rolled my eyes but continued. "So, Iceburg showed us around inside the Galley-La building. I had my bags with me when Lucci, again, grabbed my shoulder and offered to carry them."

Brook leaned in. "And what did you say?"

"I said, 'Yes, thank you,' because what else do you say to a tall, brooding guy with a bird that talks for him?" I replied dryly, earning a laugh from Carrot. "Anyway, we walked to a little section of the building when Kaku returned and started talking about how the Merry was beyond repair."

"That was rough to hear," Nami added, her expression somber for a moment.

I nodded in agreement before continuing. "Then, three government officials started walking toward us. Iceburg told us to hide, and Luffy and Nami did just that. But I was too far away to join them. Lucci was sitting right in front of me, and I didn’t have time to think, so I just..."

(Flashback) "I am so sorry for what I am about to do," I whispered quickly, placing each leg across Lucci’s lap and leaning close. My long hair cascaded down, creating a curtain around us as I pressed myself against him. Hattori, his ever-loyal pigeon, flew to Lucci’s other shoulder, observing silently.

Lucci’s body tensed immediately. His breathing became shallow, and his hands gripped the wooden seat so tightly I thought he might break it.

"Relax," I whispered sharply. "Gotta make it convincing."

From behind me, one of the government officials sniffed the air and muttered, "I smell pirates."

My blood ran cold as I froze. My face was dangerously close to Lucci’s neck, my hands gripping the fabric of his white tank top tightly.

"Why is she like that?" asked one of the officials, his tone skeptical.

Before Lucci could react, Hattori spoke up, his voice perfectly steady. "Well, as you can see, I was in an argument with my girl here. She decided to wear outfits like that to a place full of men, looking far too tempting. This is her way of saying she’s sorry. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?"

I blinked, caught completely off guard. What?

But then a smirk crept onto my face. If Hattori’s committed, so can I.

In the most syrupy voice I could muster, I whined, "I’m sorry, Lu. I… I didn’t mean to make you upset. It’s just… you never make time for me anymore. I miss the way you’d hold me, the way you’d come home after long days at work, and we’d pick up where we left off… for hours."

Lucci’s jaw tightened, and his hands balled into fists, but Hattori played along effortlessly.

"You don’t think of the consequences, do you?" Hattori chastised, still ‘voicing’ Lucci’s thoughts.

I placed a hand on Lucci’s chest, dragging it down slowly. "Even when you’d touch and kiss me in ways no one else could," I whispered, barely suppressing a laugh. "So maybe I did choose this outfit for your attention. But can you blame a girl for trying to get her partner’s attention?"

Lucci growled low in his throat, the shift in his energy palpable.

"You know I’m at work," Hattori chided. "What if something had happened to you?"

Feigning a flinch, I pulled back slightly, my hands trembling. "I didn’t mean to upset you," I whimpered, hiding my face with my hands.

The officials exchanged awkward glances. One of them muttered, "Come on, she said she was sorry."

"Sorry doesn’t cut it," Hattori replied curtly.

"Maybe I should just go," I said softly, shifting as though to leave.

Before I could stand, Lucci’s hand shot out, dragging me back down with startling force.

"Sweetheart, don’t cry. It’s okay," said Hattori, flapping his wings in a soothing gesture.

Lucci, unexpectedly, patted my lower back, his touch surprisingly gentle.

"You mean it, Lu?" I murmured, peeking up at him through my hair.

"Only if you stop being so tempting while I’m at work," Hattori replied, though Lucci moved closer, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek.

The unexpected gesture left me stunned. Hattori didn’t direct him to do that…

“Oh, Lu!” I cooed, leaning in to pepper kisses across his cheek with exaggerated enthusiasm. Lucci tensed slightly but played along, his stoic mask barely cracking.

“Really? You know how I feel about public displays of affection,” came Hattori’s disapproving voice, his tone almost parental.

Seizing the moment, I sealed the charade with a kiss on Lucci’s lips. For a brief second, he froze, clearly caught off guard. Then, as if to counter any suspicion, Hattori chirped, “Sweetheart, not in front of the officials!”

One of the officials chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice. “She’s quite the temptress, isn’t she?”

I bit back a sharp retort, opting instead to bury my face against Lucci’s neck, hoping to hide my rising annoyance. My pulse quickened as I tried to focus on anything other than the growing heat.

Before I could calm down, Hattori cooed smugly, “Coo-coo, you have no idea! She’s quite the handful, I assure you.”

As if to emphasize his words, the pigeon’s wing flapped toward my shoulder. But before it could land, Lucci’s hand moved—firmly gripping my upper thigh instead.

My heart skipped a beat. “I know the pigeon did not just direct him to do this,” I thought, swallowing a gasp. My face stayed pressed against Lucci’s neck, using him as a shield to avoid meeting anyone’s gaze.

Just as I was processing the indignity of it all, Hattori added in a singsong tone, “Oh, don’t let her act fool you! She’s always been… persuasive. Isn’t that right, darling?”

The smugness in the bird’s voice made my jaw tighten. Deciding to level the playing field, I slid my hands to the back of Lucci’s neck, my nails scratching lightly against his skin. The reaction was immediate—a low, involuntary groan escaped his lips, loud enough for the officials to hear.

One of the officials raised an eyebrow but chuckled again. “Quite the dynamic you two have.”

Still hiding my face against Lucci’s neck, I leaned in closer and, with a syrupy tone, teased, “I mean, just look at him, he’s just my type.” I punctuated my words with a playful kiss on his neck, feeling his muscles tense under my lips.

Without warning, Lucci’s hand moved, lightly smacking my upper thigh. The sudden contact made me yelp in surprise.

“Behave,” came Hattori’s voice, almost sounding as though it were directly channeling Lucci’s thoughts.

Another official chimed in, his tone sly and laced with condescension. “I can only imagine. But I’m sure you know how to put her in her place, right?”

The words sent a wave of rage through me. My teeth clenched, and a low growl escaped before I could stop it. Bastards, I thought bitterly, my fists tightening against the suspenders on Lucci’s chest.

Just as I was about to let my temper take the reins, Hattori’s infuriating voice cut through the tension. “Coo-coo, she’s feisty, I’ll give her that,” he said with mock sympathy, flapping his wings for emphasis. “But don’t worry, gentlemen, I always know how to handle her… elegantly.”

Elegantly, my ass, I seethed, glaring daggers at the smug pigeon.

“Oh really?” one of the officials chuckled, clearly entertained. “What’s your secret? Does it involve those neck kisses, or is there more to the show?”

Hattori puffed up proudly. “Oh, it’s all about finesse, my good man. You see, when my kitten gets her claws out, Lucci—being the masterful partner that he is—knows exactly what to do. A few whispered words, a steady hand, and—bam!—she’s back to purring in no time.”

Lucci remained stoic, though I swore his grip on my thigh tightened just enough to warn me against any outbursts.

I decided to throw a wrench into their narrative. With an exaggerated sigh, I leaned back, feigning surrender. “What can I say?” I said sweetly, batting my lashes. “Lucci just makes me… submissive.”

The reaction was instant. The officials erupted in laughter, one even doubling over as he clutched his stomach.

“Well, there you have it!” another official said between wheezes. “Even the fiercest ones can be tamed, huh?”

Hattori, ever the instigator, cooed smugly. “See? Told you! She might act all tough, but deep down, she’s a soft little kitten. All thanks to my boy, Lucci.”

I stiffened, but Lucci surprised me yet again. He leaned in, his lips brushing the side of my neck in a deliberate, lingering kiss.

As the officials finally moved on, I exhaled sharply, the tension leaving my body. “Fuck, that was close,” I muttered, straightening up and brushing my hair over one side. I glanced at Lucci, who was still as composed as ever, his hand slipping from my thigh with practiced nonchalance. “Really sorry about that,” I added, feeling slightly sheepish despite myself.

Before Lucci could respond, Paulie stormed into view, his face an alarming shade of red as he jabbed a finger in my direction. “You harlot! Have you no shame?!”

I blinked at him, tilting my head to the side. “Paulie, what are you even talking about?”

Before he could answer, Nami, Luffy, Iceberg, Kaku, and Kalifa emerged from their hiding spots, their expressions ranging from curious to amused.

“This is a place where MEN work!” Paulie shouted, gesturing wildly. “You pulling a display like that—sprawled all over like that—might give the men the wrong ideas!” His face was practically glowing with embarrassment.

I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms over my chest as a smirk crept onto my face. “Oh, I see what this is about,” I said. “You’re upset that you’re not the one in this position, huh, Paulie?”

Paulie sputtered, his hands flailing as if he were physically batting the accusation away. “A-Are you insane?! That’s not—! I’d never—!”

Nami snorted, clearly enjoying the show. "Alright, let me stand up," I said, dusting myself off. From the compromising position I’d been in with Lucci, I adjusted my top and tugged down my skirt slightly for modesty—not that Paulie would let me live it down anyway.

Luffy, completely oblivious to the tension, doubled over with laughter. “That was awesome, Y/N!” he managed between chuckles, slapping his knee for emphasis.

I shrugged, brushing off the praise. “All in a day’s work, Captain.” Then I turned to Iceberg with a raised brow. “Also, Icepops, why didn’t you do something sooner? Could’ve saved me all the theatrics.”

Iceberg gave me a pointed glance, his expression deadpan. “You seemed to have it handled. Besides, it was... entertaining.”

I rolled my eyes, making my way over to stand by Nami and Luffy when Kalifa’s sharp voice cut through the moment.

“How dare you!” she yelled, her tone seething with rage. Before I could react, she lunged forward, aiming a precise kick directly at me.

With quick reflexes, I blocked her strike with my own leg, our limbs colliding mid-air as both our legs pointed upward in a perfectly balanced standoff. “Mind toning it down two notches,” I said with a smirk, holding my ground effortlessly.

Paulie groaned loudly, covering his eyes with his hand. “I can see everything! Both of you, lower your legs now!”

(End flashback)

I took another swig from the wine bottle before setting it down with a sigh.

"You're missing some details..." Nami chimed in again, a sly smile tugging at her lips.

"Nami," I whined, rolling my eyes.

"Go on, tell them!" she urged, leaning forward in anticipation.

I sighed but relented, continuing the story. "After that little stunt, we found out two of our luggages were swapped out with fakes, and—get this—Usopp was gone. To make it worse, all our money was stolen."

"That’s when I really lost it," Nami interjected, crossing her arms. "I was furious!"

"Yeah, you were," I agreed with a small laugh. "So we decided to track down the Franky Family. But guess who pops up again? Hattori. The pigeon flies right onto my shoulder and says, 'You're quite bold, sweetheart.'"

I mimicked the bird's deep, suave tone for dramatic effect, earning laughs from everyone. "I turned to him and said, 'Well, I should thank you for taking the lead with that whole lovers' spat.' Then, just to sell it, I planted a kiss on his head. Hattori used his wing to touch the spot where I kissed him, and then he asked me, 'Would you accompany me to dinner?'"

Carrot burst into laughter while Nami smirked knowingly. "Oh, I remember that!" Nami said, barely holding back her amusement.

"I was stunned," I admitted. "But before I could decline, someone decided to speak for me." I glared playfully at Nami, who only grinned wider.

"I said, 'Yes, she'd like that!'" Nami exclaimed, throwing her head back in laughter.

"Perfect, I'll pick you up at 6 PM," Hattori had said, and with that, Lucci turned and walked away.

"Then things got even more chaotic," I continued. "We found out Robin was taken by CP9, and we were framed for shooting Iceberg. So yeah, it was a mess. By the time it was 5:30, I was dreading the whole thing, but... I got ready anyways ."

"It was totally a date," Nami teased, winking at me.

"It was not a date," I retorted, pointing at her. "We had no leads, we didnt even know who the real culprits were. You even let me borrow one of your outfits—a black slit dress, open back, hair in a ponytail."

"Oh, I remember that dress," Nami said, grinning. "You looked stunning. No wonder Sanji and Zoro flipped when they saw you leaving with Lucci."

"Sanji nearly burst into flames," Chopper added with a giggle.

"And Zoro kept muttering about it being a trap," Nami chimed in, laughing at the memory.

"Zoro was so serious, he even pulled me aside before I left," I admitted, shaking my head at the memory. "He looked me dead in the eye and said, 'This is a bad idea. It’s clearly a trap.' I whispered back, 'It’s just a meal invite. Besides, maybe I can figure him out more.'”

"When Lucci arrived to pick you up, the tension in the room was insane," Nami added.

"It really was," I said. "But I went with him. When we arrived at the restaurant, it was completely empty."

"'I hope you don't mind, I rented out the whole restaurant for us,' Hattori said." I mimicked the bird’s voice again, earning more laughs. "Lucci handed me roses and pulled out my chair like a gentleman."

"Lucci's got game," Brook said with a laugh.

"Yeah, right," I chuckled. "So there we were, the table already set with two brandys and a glass of wine. I picked up my glass and took a sip, then I looked right at Lucci and said, 'I know you can talk.'"

Everyone gasped in mock surprise, leaning closer.

"He tensed up, but I pressed on. 'It's okay to tell me,' I said. 'I don’t bite. Much.'" I smirked, remembering the moment.

"'Very well then,' he finally said in his real voice. 'You're quite clever. How did you figure it out?'"

"I told him, 'It was during our lovers' spat. Hattori would say one thing, but you would do the complete opposite.'"

"And then what happened?" Carrot asked, practically on the edge of her seat.

"Well..." I smirked. "Lucci gave me this little smirk of his own, and he said, 'You’re observant. I underestimated you, sweetheart.'"

Flashback begins...

Lucci smirked, his dark eyes narrowing as he leaned back slightly, exuding an air of quiet confidence. “You’re observant. I underestimated you, sweetheart.”

I raised my glass of wine, meeting his gaze with a coy smile. “I’m more than just a pretty face, Lucci.”

Taking a slow sip, I let the words linger before adding, “But I will say, I’m surprised you still kept your word about this evening you set up—considering the whole town thinks we had something to do with Iceberg getting shot. and you did try to kill my captain and I along with Paulie, Kaku and the other foremen just a while ago."

Lucci’s smirk deepened, his fingers idly tracing the rim of his own glass. “I keep my promises, no matter the circumstances. Besides,” he said, his voice lowering to a near whisper, “who’s to say you’re not dining with the person who did it right now?”

I turned to look at him, furrowing my brows. “Why would you…” I began, but just as I was about to finish my sentence, I nearly choked on my wine when a familiar voice interrupted.

“Welcome to our restaurant. My name is Zolo. Are we ready to order?”

I turned my head slowly, resisting the urge to groan as I saw Zoro standing there, dressed as a waiter. Really, Zoro? And Zolo? Couldn’t have come up with a better alias?

Lucci raised a brow, eyeing the swordsman suspiciously but saying nothing. Hattori broke the silence. “We’ll have the steak, medium rare. For my date here, she can get whatever she desires.”

I smiled tightly. “I’ll have the special for today.”

“Very well,” Zoro said, giving me a sly grin. “I’ll have our chef prepare them. Might I say, ma’am, you’re quite the looker.”

I blushed faintly at his audacity while Lucci chuckled. “She is, isn’t she?” said Hattori, mimicking Lucci’s voice.

As Zoro walked off, I leaned toward Lucci, maintaining a calm facade. “So, where were we?” I asked, hoping to coax him into repeating what he’d said just moments before Zoro interrupted.

Lucci swirled his brandy again, his piercing gaze studying me intently. “You’re really something, Y/N. It’s rare to find someone who can match my wit.”

I smirked, lifting my wine glass for another sip. “What can I say? I aim to please,” I replied, setting my glass down gracefully, my smile never faltering.

Lucci’s gaze darkened further, his demeanor shifting into something even more predatory. “Let’s cut the games, Y/N. I know you’re after something.”

“And what might that something be, Lucci?” I shot back, locking eyes with him, my tone steady as I rested my hand on my head, feigning indifference.

Without breaking his gaze, his finger lightly grazed my arm, trailing down with a calculated slowness that made my breath hitch for just a moment. The touch was subtle but deliberate, his silent way of asserting control over the moment.

“You tell me,” he said, his voice low and smooth, like a dangerous melody. “You’re the one playing both sides so effortlessly.”

I held his gaze, refusing to flinch. “Maybe I’m not the one playing, Lucci. Ever think of that?”

A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “Oh, I’ve considered it. But I know better than to trust appearances.”

I leaned forward slightly, my eyes narrowing. “Good. Neither do I.”

Lucci let out a low growl, the sound deep and feral, as he stood up from his chair. His movements were deliberate, calculated, like a predator circling its prey. He closed the distance between us, his towering figure casting a shadow over me.

I remained seated, unbothered, my posture confident. I crossed my arms and legs, the slit of my dress revealing a glimpse of my left leg. My gaze never wavered as I met his piercing eyes.

“If you think intimidation is going to work on me, you’re dead wrong,” I said evenly, my voice steady and sharp, daring him to challenge me.

His lips curved into a faint, calculating smile, and he leaned closer, his sharp features just inches away from mine. I stiffened as his hand moved, fingers brushing lightly against my cheek before trailing to the nape of my neck. His touch was both unsettling and deliberate, a mix of control and taunting. Despite the involuntary shiver that ran down my spine, I held my composure, my smirk unwavering.

“So,” he murmured, his voice dipping into a dangerous purr, “you’re not opposed to a little… action?”

“Not at all,” I shot back, smirking. “In fact, I enjoy playing with my food.”

Before Lucci could reply, the kitchen door burst open, and Sanji appeared, balancing two plates. “I have your meals!” he announced, his tone slightly strained.

“Sanji? Really?!” I thought, hiding my irritation. I turned to look back at Lucci as I saw he was now with the stoic face once more, and seated in his chair. “That quick?” I thought.

“For the mademoiselle, our special,” Sanji said, placing my plate gently before me. Then, with a bit too much force, he slammed Lucci’s steak onto the table. “And for this… thing.”

“What do you think you’re doing?” Hattori snapped, while Lucci’s expression tightened.

“Just serving dinner,” Sanji replied, smoothly ignoring the tension. He turned to me, his tone softening. “Would you like a wine refill, mademoiselle?”

“No, thank you,” I replied, waving him off.

As Sanji retreated, Lucci resumed eating, his eyes never leaving me. He set down his fork and stood, pulling my chair closer to his. His knee brushed against mine as he leaned in, his face close enough for me to feel the heat of his breath. His voice came low, a velvety growl that sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. “You’re full of surprises, Y/N,” he murmured, his piercing gaze locking onto mine with a mix of curiosity and something darker. “But tell me…” He paused, letting the words linger, his smirk widening ever so slightly. “What do you think of animals?”

The question caught me off guard, but I held his gaze, refusing to let him see me falter. I leaned back slightly, my lips curving into a smirk of my own. “That depends,” I said, my voice steady. “Are we talking about the ones that follow orders? Or the ones that bite?”

Lucci’s smile sharpened, his amusement barely masking the intensity simmering beneath. “Interesting distinction,” he said, his tone laced with intrigue. His hand brushed the edge of the table as he leaned closer still, his presence dominating. “But let me rephrase. Do you think predators can ever truly be tamed?”

I arched an eyebrow, my heartbeat quickening despite my best efforts to appear unaffected. “Tamed?” I echoed, my tone matching his. “I think predators only play nice when it suits them. But deep down, they’re always waiting for the right moment to strike.”

Lucci’s eyes glinted with something feral, his smirk turning predatory. “Smart answer,” he said, his voice a purr. “But it sounds like you’re speaking from experience.” His fingers brushed against mine briefly as he reached for his glass, the touch intentional and electrifying. “Perhaps… you’ve been too close to the wrong kind of predator before.”

“Or,” I countered, leaning in slightly, my voice dropping to a low whisper, “I know how to handle them.”

His gaze darkened further, the hint of a predatory grin tugging at his lips. “What about leopards?”

I chuckled lightly, taking a sip of wine. “Leopards? I love them—just as long as they can keep up with me.”

Lucci’s low growl sent a chill down my spine. His sharp fangs glinted faintly in the dim candlelight as he leaned closer, gripping my chin. “You’re bold. I’ll give you that much,” he murmured, his thumb brushing against my lips to wipe away a stray drop of wine. I froze for a moment, eyes narrowing slightly. His touch was deliberate, his gaze even more intense. "Sharp fangs... just what in the hell is he?" I thought, my heartbeat quickening.

I swallowed my wine, the deep red liquid swirling in my mouth before I composed myself. I watched as Lucci slowly brought his thumb to his own lips, licking off the wine with a languid, almost sensual motion. The taste of the wine lingered on his lips, his eyes never leaving mine.

Before I could retort, Sanji returned, “accidentally” spilling a glass of wine onto Lucci’s shirt. “Oops. My mistake,” he said with an exaggerated bow.

Lucci growled menacingly, his patience clearly wearing thin. I quickly stood, grabbing a napkin. “Here, let me help,” I offered, dabbing at his shirt. As I leaned in, I noticed his breathing hitch slightly, but he quickly composed himself.

“Is everything alright, Lucci?” I asked, raising an eyebrow, my tone teasing yet pointed.

He smirked faintly, that predatory look still glinting in his eyes. “Better than ever.”

I straightened up, smoothing the fabric of my dress, and forcing a smile that didn’t quite mask the curiosity swirling in my mind. “Thank you for the meal. But I think it’s time I take my leave.”

As I turned to go, feeling the tension dissipate slightly, his grip on my wrist stopped me. In one swift motion, he spun me around to face him, his eyes dark and filled with intent.

“I won’t have you ignoring me,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous, the weight of his words making my pulse quicken.

I tilted my head, feigning indifference, though a small smile tugged at the corner of my lips. “Now, Lucci, I’m not ignoring you. I’m simply standing up, getting ready to walk out, and head back to my hotel room.” I raised an eyebrow, studying him carefully. “Why did you want to walk me to my room?”

Inside, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something deeper was at play. He’s hiding something more, I thought, my gaze never leaving his. I could feel the tension building between us, thickening with every second.

Then, without warning, I leaned in and planted a soft kiss on his cheek, watching as his eyes widened slightly in stunned silence. It was a brief, almost playful gesture, but it was enough to catch him off guard.

"Thank you for tonight," I said softly, my voice betraying a hint of warmth despite my earlier guardedness.

I quickly grabbed the flowers from his hand and turned on my heel, making my way toward the exit. My heart pounded in my chest as I strode confidently toward the door. As I stepped outside, I broke into a sprint, adrenaline flooding my veins. I needed to regroup with the others, to figure out what Lucci was truly up to.

Flashback ends…

I took a sip of my wine, letting the memories settle before continuing. “And then what happened?” Carrot asked, practically bouncing in her seat.

“Well…” I sighed, gathering my thoughts. “This is where shit gets real.” said Nami as I recounted the tale. “So we were hiding up in the trees, I was still wearing the dress Nami lent me for when I had to go to dinner with Lucci, Sanji was somewhere, so up in the tree in front of Galley La, was Zoro, Luffy, Nami, Chopper and I, Chopper was keeping watch since Galley-La forman was everywhere surrounding the perimeter. Luffy grabbed me and made our move, though I went through the window of Icepops office, and Luffy was stuff in a wall.

Flashback…

"Damn it, Luffy, at least tell me when we are making an entrance like that." I said as I tried to carefully remove the glass from my surrounding, and on me. "Bad enough im still wearing Nami's dress, she lent me, cant have..." I said as I looked at the scene in front of me.

As I straightened, I caught sight of two masked men standing inside, one of them clutching a stack of documents. Paulie was slumped on the ground nearby, his face contorted in pain, blood dripping onto the floor from a wound on his shoulder.

"Immoral girl," Paulie groaned weakly, glaring at me despite his condition.

"Now's not the time, Paulie," I shot back, already drawing my swords. The tension in the room crackled like fire, my grip tightening on the hilts of my blades.

"What's going on in here?! Hey, are you okay? You’re covered in blood! You sure did surprise me!" Luffy exclaimed, still stuck in the wall. His head swiveled as he took in the masked figures, Paulie on the ground, and me standing ready for battle.

"Luffy, from what I can tell, those two in the masks injured Paulie," I said, my tone sharp as I kept my focus on the intruders.

"At least I'm not crashing through walls and windows," Paulie muttered under his breath, attempting to sit up but failing miserably.

I glanced at him, doing a double take before smirking. "This is how we always make our entrances—iconic."

"Strawhat Luffy, how kind of you to take the blame for the crime," the man in the bull mask said, his voice cold and calculating.

I frowned, narrowing my eyes as recognition tugged at the edges of my memory. That voice sounds familiar…

"As for you, Y/N," the bull-masked man continued, stepping forward, "I have something special for you."

"Listen, I don’t need any more surprises," I snapped, irritation bleeding into my voice. "I just—quite literally—came back from having dinner with a foreman who not only surprised me by renting out the whole restaurant for us but also by the insane meal selection!"

Luffy, still firmly lodged in the wall, blinked and tilted his head. "Wait… you mean pigeon guy?"

"Yeah, Captain," I replied, casting a quick glance at him as I maintained my defensive stance. "Have to say, that meal was quite delicious. You would’ve loved it."

The bull-masked man chuckled darkly, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Ah, yes… Rob Lucci. Quite the charmer, isn’t he? Tell me, did he wine and dine you as part of his little game, or are you truly as naïve as you seem?"

My jaw tightened as the mocking tone in his voice struck a nerve. "First of all, how the hell do you know him? And second, keep your cryptic ass comments to yourself."

The man in the other mask laughed, the sound sharp and mocking. "She sure has a temper," he said, his amusement evident as he folded his arms.

I shot him a glare that could’ve pierced steel. "Say another word, and I’ll make you eat that mask."

"Feisty," the bull-masked man said, tilting his head as if analyzing me. "But I’d expect nothing less from someone who would willingly sit across from Lucci. Tell me, Y/N, what did you think of his ‘charm’? Did it feel genuine, or could you sense the predator lurking beneath the surface?"

I narrowed my eyes at him, still trying to piece together what he was getting at. "What are you guys, friends or something?" I asked, my tone dripping with skepticism.

The bull-masked man chuckled, a deep, unsettling sound. "Friends? No. But we are… acquainted. Let’s just say we’ve been part of the same game for a very long time."

"Game?" I echoed, my grip on my swords tightening. "You’re going to need to be a lot less cryptic if you want me to take you seriously."

The man in the other mask laughed again, the sound grating on my nerves. "She’s got spunk, I’ll give her that. But she’s not exactly the sharpest sword in the sheath, is she?"

I shot him a glare that could’ve scorched metal. Without wasting another second, I swiftly raised my left arm and sent a slash with my sword, the blade whistling through the air. The edge caught the hem of his cloak, slicing clean through and sending a tattered piece of fabric fluttering to the ground.

"You flinched," I said, smirking as I straightened. My voice carried just enough arrogance to needle at his composure.

The bull-masked man remained still for a moment, his head tilting slightly as if to gauge me. Then, to my surprise, he chuckled softly, the sound low and calculated. "Impressive," he admitted, his tone almost amused. "I can see why Lucci fancies you."

My smirk faltered, and I blinked, caught off guard by the remark. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I demanded, my grip tightening on my sword. "Wait, pigeon guy likes Y/N?" Luffy said, his jaw dropping in disbelief from the wall.

"Wait! I get it! You guys in the masks must be the ones forcing Robin to do all the bad stuff!" Luffy yelled, suddenly agitated. "You give her back, you bastards!"

"Yeah! You bastards!" I echoed, stepping forward, ready to strike.

"Tempest kick..." the guy in the skull mask muttered, his voice cold as his leg swung in an X-pattern, heading straight for Luffy.

"Tempest wha—?" I started, but then I saw the devastating attack coming in fast. "Luffy, get out of there!" I yelled.

I didn’t wait. In a blur, I jumped, narrowly dodging the attack just in time to see Luffy escape from the wall, the move just a hair's breadth from him.

"What the hell was that?" I asked, stunned as I landed, my eyes glued to the damage caused by the attack.

"He cut through the wall," Luffy said, barely recovering from the close call.

"Hey! Behind you!" Paulie suddenly shouted.

I whipped around just as the bull-masked man appeared out of nowhere behind Luffy. Before we could react, he landed a crushing blow to Luffy’s face, sending him sprawling and separating us.

"Luffy!" I yelled, fear flashing in my chest as I gripped my sword tighter, preparing to rush in.

But before I could move, the bull-masked man impaled Luffy with semi-circular nails, pinning him to the ground, holding him in place.

"What the hell is that?!" I demanded, my eyes widening at the horrific sight.

"This is an emergency situation," the bull-masked man said, his voice cold and detached. "We don't have time to deal with you, restrain Paulie too."

The skull-masked man nodded, moving swiftly as the bull-masked man turned his attention back to me, blocking my path to Luffy.

"Y/N!" Luffy yelled, struggling to move but unable to free himself from the strange restraints. "Run, head to Robin!"

I hesitated, the desperate look in Luffy's eyes making my chest tighten, but I knew what I had to do. "Damn it," I muttered under my breath.

I quickly placed my swords back into their sheaths and turned on my heel, running at full speed. I had to get to Robin, no matter what it took. But just as I was about to make my way toward the stairs, the bull-masked man appeared right in front of me, his silhouette blocking my path.

"Going somewhere?" he asked, his voice like gravel as I took a cautious step back.

I backed up slowly, feeling the cold air shift around me, but the instant my heel hit something hard, I froze. My heart raced as I realized I’d run straight into someone else. I didn't turn, but my hands instinctively reached out behind me, brushing against strong arms, a ripped cloak, and the unmistakable skull mask. I swallowed hard, dread creeping up my spine.

I slowly turned around, now face-to-face with the skull-masked man, and realized I was completely cornered. My breath quickened, my instincts screaming at me to escape, but it was already too late.

"Did I ever tell you, you look..." I began, my voice trailing off as I suddenly dashed under the bull-masked man’s arm, desperately trying to make a break for it.

"Damn, she's fast," the skull-masked man muttered, a hint of admiration in his voice as I sprinted, fueled by the adrenaline pumping through me.

"GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!" I shouted, fury and fear mixing in my chest. I could hear Luffy's voice in the distance, but before I could even make it toward him, a sudden, sharp force hit me, sending me crashing to the floor.

"Y/N, no!" Luffy yelled, but it was too late. I gritted my teeth, my arms flailing to push the figure off me, but the bull-masked man’s grip was like iron.

"You're not going anywhere," he said, his tone chillingly calm as he lifted me effortlessly, the pressure in my chest building with every second.

"Let me go! You have no right to do this!" I yelled, trying to elbow his face, but my struggles were in vain. He twisted me in his hold, forcing me to the side.

With one swift motion, he slammed me down onto Iceburg’s desk. I winced at the sudden pain as I felt my arms being pinned above my head with strength I couldn't overpower.

The cold, sterile surface of the desk pressed against me, and I had no choice but to glare up at the bull-masked man. My heart raced with frustration and anger.

The bull-masked man shoved me to the ground, pinning me with a strength that left me momentarily breathless. My arms were locked above my head, his body weight pressing down on me, rendering me unable to break free. I gritted my teeth, my chest heaving with every breath.

"The hell are you made of steel?" I growled, struggling against his unrelenting hold. But he remained calm, as though my resistance was nothing more than an annoying inconvenience. He nodded his head toward the guy in the skull mask, who responded by handing him a set of half-circular metal bars—just like the ones used on Luffy and Paulie.

This time, there were four.

I shot the bull-masked man a glare, trying to regain some semblance of control. "You know, any other day, I'd find this a turn-on," I said through gritted teeth, "but on a day like this..."

I kicked my feet, trying to shake free, but in doing so, I unintentionally exposed more of my left leg, the slit in my dress revealing my skin.

The bull-masked man stopped for a moment, his attention momentarily shifting. "She truly is remarkable," he murmured to the skull-masked man. "Again, Lucci fancies her for a reason."

I clenched my fists in frustration. I didn’t care about their twisted fascination. I was getting out of this. I had to.

Before I could react further, I heard Luffy’s voice, filled with anger and desperation. "HEY, LEAVE HER ALONE! I DON'T LIKE THE WAY YOU GUYS ARE LOOKING AT HER!"

His words were fueled with emotion, and it gave me a small sense of relief, even if he was also bound and restrained with those same metal bars dug into the ground. The bull-masked man seemed unfazed by Luffy's outburst.

One of the cold metal bars was pressed against my right wrist, digging into the floor, holding me down. The second followed, locking my left wrist in place. The cold metal bars dug into my wrists, and I could feel the pressure building with each passing second. My heart raced, fury boiling in my chest, but I refused to show them the extent of my fear. The guy in the bull mask was smug, watching me with an almost casual amusement as I struggled beneath him.

"Two more. Think you can be a good girl for me, or do I need to hold you down again?" the bull-masked man taunted, his voice low and mocking.

"Fuck you," I snarled back, my voice cold with defiance.

The guy in the skull mask, clearly not enjoying the challenge, reached down and grabbed one of my legs, trying to force it still. I jerked it away, kicking him in the side of the head with all the strength I could muster.

"Let go of me!" I screamed, kicking again, trying to break free of his grip.

But he didn’t let go. Instead, he tightened his hold, his fingers curling around my ankle as he added pressure, forcing a groan of pain from me.

"You have three minutes," the skull-masked man gritted out to the bull-masked one, his voice gruff. "Hurry it up."

The bull-masked man stepped forward with a twisted smile, placing the remaining two metal bars on my ankles, pinning me further to the cold, unforgiving floor. My body was completely trapped now, and I could feel the anger and helplessness surge inside me.

"Get these off me!" I yelled, straining against the restraints. I thrashed, trying to break free, but it was no use. The metal bars were too strong, too tightly anchored to the floor.

"Stupid metal bars, stupid masked people," I muttered, trying to control my breathing as I fought against the restraints.

The guy in the bull mask and the guy in the skull mask turned and left, leaving me restrained.

"Hey! Y/N! You okay?!" Luffy's voice echoed from somewhere nearby.

"Getting there, Captain," I said, still thrashing against the metal bars.

"Hey, you alright?" Paulie asked, his voice closer now.

"You kidding? This is nothing," I replied, trying to sound confident even though frustration bubbled under the surface.

"Yeah, this is totally nothing," Luffy chimed in.

"That’s good, I guess. But why’d you guys come here in the first place? Everyone here thinks you guys shot Iceberg. Sorry about that—kind of jumped the gun on that one," said Paulie as I rolled my eyes.

"No big deal. We are pirates, after all," said Luffy with a laugh.

"Anyways, those guys in the masks took one of our crewmates, so we’re here to get her back," Luffy explained.

"Nico Robin," Paulie said, recognition dawning on his face.

"So, you two are good at fighting?" Paulie continued, his voice still a little unsteady from earlier exertion.

"Hell yeah, we are!" I said with confidence.

"Good, then we can beat those guys together, ‘cause I’m ready to fight," Paulie declared, determination clear in his tone.

Just then, Paulie’s emotions got the better of him, his face tightening at the thought of something happening to Iceberg.

"Don’t worry, we won’t let anything happen to Ice Pops, right, Y/N?" Luffy said with a reassuring grin.

"You bet!" I agreed.

"So... anybody know how to get these metal bars off us?" I asked, laughing a little despite the situation.

"Good thing they didn’t put one on my waist, neck, or thighs," I added with a smirk.

"Immoral girl," Paulie muttered, his tone laced with mild exasperation.

"Why am I that, Paulie? Besides, you’re not in the best position to do anything about it either," I shot back teasingly.

"Yeah, and the guy in the bull mask was looking at her weird. I don’t like it," Luffy said, his tone shifting to a rare seriousness.

"This sucks!" yelled Paulie, glaring at the floor where he was firmly stuck.

"Yeah! This sucks!" Luffy echoed, just as loudly, his frustration matching Paulie's.

"Would you two quit yelling? Luffy, try to break free from your bars! You’re made of rubber, so it should be easier. Then you can help Paulie and me," I suggested, keeping my voice calm and focused despite the tension.

Luffy blinked, as if suddenly realizing his advantage, and started stretching and pulling against the restraints. With a grunt of effort, his rubbery limbs expanded and twisted, finally snapping the bars apart with a satisfying clang.

"Good job, Captain!" I said, grinning.

"Easy! ‘Cause I’m rubber!" Luffy declared triumphantly, shaking out his now-free arms.

"You’re going to pay, you masked bastards!" Paulie growled, his fists clenching in anticipation as Luffy knelt to work on his restraints.

With a bit more stretching and effort, Luffy freed Paulie, who stood up and cracked his knuckles, ready for action.

"Good! Now me, Captain!" I said, wiggling in my restraints impatiently.

Luffy nodded, turning his attention to my bars. His rubbery fingers stretched and twisted, tugging at the stubborn restraints. After a moment of struggle, the bars gave way with a loud snap.

"Finally free!" I said, getting back to my feet and stretching out my arms. "Okay, now, Paulie, lead the way!"

We all started running, but of course, Luffy, being Luffy, ended up creating a hole in the wrong door.

"RA!!!" Luffy yelled as he punched through the wall with all his might.

"This is the wrong room, you idiot! It’s the one next door, you hear me?!" Paulie shouted, exasperated.

But Luffy didn’t even pause. He just started punching through the adjoining wall to get to the correct room.

"Well, that’s one way of doing things," I muttered, standing beside him as the dust from his punches filled the air.

With one final blow, Luffy broke through. "Ahh!!! Give Robin back!" he yelled as we all charged into the room.

Inside, the chaos escalated. "Luffy?! Y/N?!" came a familiar voice. Zoro, Nami, and Chopper stood at the other side of the room, Zoro’s blade still raised after slashing through another door.

"Would you look at that, the gang’s almost complete," I said with a smirk, glancing at them.

"Well, if it isn’t kitten," said a familiar, mocking voice. I turned sharply to see the man in the bull mask stepping forward.

"Lucci?!" I exclaimed, my body tense with recognition.

"Hey, Luffy! Y/N! Where were you when we had to beat up all those shipwrights?" Zoro demanded, his tone accusatory.

"ME? Where the hell were YOU when we were getting pinned to the floor with metal bars?!" I shot back, throwing my hands up in frustration.

Nami sighed, rubbing her temples. "Would both of you stop arguing? We’ve got bigger problems!"

"Well, well, well," came Lucci's voice, his smirk as sharp as a blade. He stepped forward, his arms crossed casually, as though this was nothing more than a game to him.

My eyes darted around the room, and that’s when I spotted him—Iceberg. He was slumped on the ground, bruised, blood staining his clothes as he struggled to lift his head.

"Paulie..." Iceberg’s voice was weak but filled with a mixture of pain and urgency.

"Icepops," I whispered, feeling a pang of dread sink into my chest.

Flashback ended…

That’s when Paulie found out the truth—that his team, Kaku, Lucci, Kalifa, and Blueno, were all part of CP9, and were ready to kill Iceberg for the plans he had for Plutton that were handed down to him. It hit him hard, finding out his friends of five years were spies. Hell we were all in shock as well, since we all thought they were shipwrights.”

“Betrayal’s always rough,” Brook said with a melancholic tone.

“We tried to convince Robin to come back to us, but she refused. We were confused, and refused for her to go with the world government. I continued as I detailed the events.

Flashback

I continued, "So, Nami had me go to dinner with the ‘head honcho’ over there," I motioned toward Lucci. "Guess what? He just happens to reveal he works for this secret agency."

"Now is not the time for that, Y/N!" Nami yelled, her voice sharp with urgency.

Before I could snap back, Hattori suddenly flew over to me, nuzzling my cheek like we were old friends. "Sweetheart, you’re okay," the bird cooed.

"What the hell..." I muttered, frozen in place.

"Hattori, come here," Lucci commanded, his voice low and steady.

The bird obediently flew back to his shoulder, and just like that, Paulie snapped. He lunged at Lucci with everything he had.

"You traitorous bastard!" Paulie roared, aiming a punch square at Lucci’s face.

But Lucci moved too fast. With a flick of his wrist, he delivered a devastating Finger Pistol to Paulie’s chest.

"Paulie!" I screamed as he staggered backward, clutching his wound.

"You still haven’t learned, have you?" Lucci said calmly, shaking his head as though he were dealing with a stubborn child.

He pulled his bloodied finger back, and Paulie dropped to his knees.

"Our abilities far surpass the average human," Lucci began, his tone almost clinical. "After years of training, we’ve mastered the art of the Six Powers. These techniques transform the body into a living weapon, giving us the strength of a hundred men."

"You’ve got to be kidding me," I whispered, feeling my heart race in fear.

Luffy, however, wasn’t fazed. He charged at Lucci with everything he had, launching himself with a fierce kick.

Lucci caught his foot effortlessly, his expression unchanged.

"Take this! Gomu Gomu no Gatling!" Luffy yelled, his fists raining down in a rapid blur.

"Iron Body," Lucci said simply, his body unmoving as Luffy’s punches bounced off him like raindrops.

"What the... that didn’t work at all!" Luffy muttered as he landed back beside us.

"You’re nothing but a pest," Lucci said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Shave."

In an instant, he vanished.

"Where did he—" I started, but my words were cut off as Lucci appeared behind Luffy, landing a Finger Pistol to his neck.

"Luffy!" I screamed as he crashed into the wall, landing near Zoro, Nami, and Chopper.

Lucci turned to me, his cold eyes locking onto mine. "If you weren’t made of rubber, you’d be dead with a hole in your neck. Lucky you."

"You bastard!" I yelled, throwing a punch with everything I had.

But he caught my fist with ease, twisting my arm behind my back in one fluid motion. Pain shot through me as he grabbed a fistful of my hair, yanking my head back.

"Let me go!" I spat, struggling against his hold.

Lucci smirked, his grip unrelenting. "No, you walked into the lion’s den. And now you’ll deal with the consequences."

He shoved my head to the side, his breath hot against my neck.

"You really should’ve changed out of this dress, you know," he said mockingly. "You still look far too good."

Before I could respond, he leaned in and pressed a slow, deliberate kiss to my neck, his smirk widening as he pulled back.

"You son of a—" I growled, thrashing against him, but his grip tightened, and I could feel his strength—unrelenting, inhuman. "Y/N!" Nami and Chopper screamed, their voices filled with worry, but I could barely focus on them with Lucci's grip on me tightening.

I winced, trying to pull my head away. "Don't worry, guys, I'm..." I paused, hissing in pain as his fingers dug into my scalp, "oww, damn it!"

"My hair..." I muttered, frustration bubbling up as I tried to wiggle free. I reached my right hand up, grabbing onto Lucci's wrist, trying to at least loosen his grip on my hair. But the more I struggled, the more his hold tightened.

"Sweetheart, papa’s just... territorial, if you will," Hattori said, his voice almost soothing, as though this was just another one of Lucci's quirks.

"Territorial... OWW!" I yelped, unable to hold back the pain as his grip tightened. I bit down hard on my lip to stop myself from crying out any further. The pressure on my scalp felt like it was going to rip my hair out, but I wasn't about to give Lucci the satisfaction of seeing me break.

Lucci’s smirk remained ever-present, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Kitten, you look so good like this," he taunted, voice low and dangerous. His mocking tone only fueled my anger.

Gritting my teeth, I gathered every ounce of strength I had left. With a swift motion, I jabbed my right elbow into his ribs. The hit landed with enough force to make him loosen his hold on me, giving me just enough freedom to break away.

Before Lucci could react, Luffy rushed in, grabbing me and pulling me to safety. "Y/N!" Nami and Chopper called out in unison, their voices filled with concern.

"I'm fine, guys," I reassured them, my voice still a little shaky but filled with determination. As Luffy set me down, Zoro moved quickly to my side, offering me a hand up.

"Thanks, Captain," I said, giving Luffy a grateful smile.

"Clever girl," Luffy remarked, a rare compliment slipping out as he flashed me a grin.

I didn't waste time as I reached over to Nami, who handed me a scrunchie. I quickly tied my hair up, securing it into a ponytail. "Better," I said, now feeling more like myself despite the lingering soreness.

"Ready to fight back?" Zoro asked, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword."Always," I replied with a fierce determination. Luffy's voice was filled with determination as he addressed Lucci, his eyes locked on the CP9 agent. "Y/N and I made a promise to beat the crap out of anybody who hurts Icepops," Luffy said, his grin wide and unwavering.

"Really, Y/N?" Nami asked, her expression a mix of surprise and concern.

"Yes, Nami," I replied, giving her a firm nod. I wasn’t about to back down, especially not now.

Kaku, standing off to the side with a smug look, sneered. "I see you decided to trust him over us."

"Hell yeah!" I shot back, my tone equally firm. "When you betray your friends, don’t expect us to stand by you."

Luffy then turned to Robin, his face full of confusion and concern. "And you guys took one of my friends! Robin, what gives? Why are you acting like this? If you want to leave the crew, at least tell me why."

Robin was silent, her gaze hard and distant, as if she was weighing something deep inside. Her silence was more painful than any words she could’ve spoken, and it made me angry. I wanted answers, just like Luffy.

"Yeah, and why would you want to side with the World Government?" Nami chimed in, her frustration palpable. She was always the voice of reason, but even she couldn’t hide the hurt in her words.

"Exactly!" I added, stepping up beside Nami. "They're annoying, and horrible. You know that!"

Lucci chuckled darkly, clearly finding our words amusing.

"Do I have to repeat myself? I believe I said goodbye to the cook and doctor before I left. Didn't you pass that along, Chopper?"

Robin's voice was cold, distant. "Of course I did. Just because I heard it doesn't mean I accept it! How could you do this?" Chopper’s voice cracked with emotion.

"I did it to make my wish come true. A wish that can’t come true..." Robin's words trailed off, weighed down by an unseen burden.

I couldn't let her continue, not like this. "That's enough, Robin!" I said, taking a small step forward, my eyes fixed on her. "Just because you're spouting this nonsense, doesn't mean we're going to let you go to the government."

Robin’s eyes flashed with anger, and she snapped, "You know nothing about the situation!"

"Maybe I don’t," I said, my voice firm. "But I’m not going to let you throw your life away like this. We’ve known each other way before joining the crew. When I was 17, Crocodile was looking for recruits for Baroque Works, and you happened to stumble upon one of my fights. When I refused, Crocodile didn’t take it lightly. That was when you intervened... Fast forward to when I turned 19, and I joined the crew back in Alabasta. You came shortly after, and we were departing Alabasta. You and I know what it's like to fight for things on our own, to have no one to turn to... I’m not letting you go through your life like this, all for the sake of one wish."

There was a long silence between us, the weight of my words hanging in the air. Robin’s expression softened, but she said nothing. I didn’t expect her to understand yet. But I wasn’t going to let her face this alone—none of us would. "So... you and kitten have known each other for some time," Lucci smirked, clearly amused. "Well, this just makes everything more interesting."

I gritted my teeth, but before I could respond, Robin spoke again. "You may not find it fair... but to accomplish my goal, I’ll make any sacrifice," she said, her tone sharp, almost cold.

I faltered for a moment, my mind racing with everything we had been through. "I see..." Zoro spoke up, cutting through the tension. "And that includes framing your crewmates for attempted murder? What is this wish of yours?"

"I don’t have to answer that question," Robin snapped, avoiding eye contact, as if her resolve was unshakable.

"You have no right to do this," Iceberg said from the ground, struggling but still defiant.

"I won’t let anyone get in my way..." Robin’s voice was full of rage, her usual calm demeanor replaced by a fury I hadn’t seen before.

"Please, Robin, come back!" Chopper’s voice cracked with desperation, but before anyone could say more, Lucci moved swiftly, blocking our view of Robin.

"Sorry to break up this reunion," Lucci said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I’ll have to stop you there. You see, we have a date this evening, with a very important individual. It’s been four years in the making. We’re finished here. That means we’re finished with you as well." His eyes locked onto mine. "Except for you, kitten."

A chill ran down my spine at the way he said my name. I steeled myself, trying to ignore the unease gnawing at me. There was no way I was backing down now. Robin, even though she was lost in her own path, was still one of us. And I wasn’t going to let her slip further into darkness.

"What do you want with me, Lucci?" I said, my voice steady, though my heart pounded in my chest.

"You’ll find out soon enough," he said with a smirk. "But for now... you’re coming with me." His words hung in the air like a threat, sharp and suffocating.

"Here’s the deal," Lucci continued, his tone cold. "This building will burst into flames in two minutes. I suggest you leave now, though I have no intention of letting you go." His eyes flashed, and his posture shifted as if he were preparing for something bigger.

"Robin is not one of us anymore, do you accept that now?" Zoro asked Luffy, his voice almost as hard as steel.

"No way!" Luffy shouted without hesitation, stepping forward, his eyes locked on Robin.

Nami readied her Clima-Tact, Zoro gripped his swords tightly, Chopper and Luffy also prepared themselves for whatever was coming. I stood there, heart pounding, ready to fight, but my focus was clear. We couldn’t let Robin fall any further into the government’s hands.

"I’ll take my leave now, this is farewell," Robin said, her voice distant, as she made for the window.

Before anyone could react, Luffy surged forward, determined to stop her. But Blueno appeared in his path, blocking his every move.

"Y/N, why aren’t you getting ready to fight?" Zoro whispered, noticing my calm stance.

"You’ll see," I replied, my gaze fixed on the window Robin was trying to escape through.

Zoro smirked at my response, clearly recognizing my intent. "Always reckless."

"Without a doubt," I whispered again, my eyes narrowing as I prepared for the next move.

Just then, Zoro shouted for us to get down, and a slashing technique sliced through the air, reminding me of the same one used when we first crashed into Iceberg’s office.

"That’s the same one used when we crashed into Iceberg’s office," I murmured, watching the attack with sharp eyes.

Zoro wasted no time and charged at Kaku, while Luffy, with determination in his eyes, charged toward Robin. But as expected, Lucci intercepted Luffy, knocking him back with ease. I didn’t wait for a second longer. I slid across the floor, narrowly avoiding another attack, and continued my sprint toward the window.

"I told you she’s fast," Kaku remarked, his voice almost admiring as he watched me move.

I didn’t stop. Robin needed me, and I wasn’t going to let her slip away without a fight.

The chaos of the moment still felt so raw. I stood on the edge, the rushing wind cutting through the tension as I leaned precariously over the ledge. Robin dangled just a few feet below, her grip slipping. My heart pounded in my chest as I reached out, my fingers wrapping tightly around her arm. “I got her, quick, someone pull me up!” I shouted, my voice rising over the sound of the wind.

“Don’t worry, Robin, I got you,” I said, flashing her a reassuring smile. Her gaze flicked up to meet mine, her expression unreadable. "What are you…" she started, her voice trailing off as her hand tensed against mine.

Suddenly, I felt a soft touch graze my bare back. The sensation sent an involuntary shiver through me, but before I could react, the touch became a firm grip around my waist, steady and insistent. The hold tightened, pulling me closer to the ledge.

“Good, quick, Luffy, pull me up!” I urged, urgency lacing my words. I felt a sharp tug around my waist, Luffy’s efforts straining against the combined weight of both Robin and me. Inch by inch, I was being pulled back to safety, but every movement felt agonizingly slow.

The dress I was wearing—Nami’s dress from our dinner with Lucci—was complicating everything. The fabric clung awkwardly, restricting my movements, but I bit back my frustration and focused on the task at hand. "Come on, Robin, work with me here!" I called out, gripping her arm tighter and trying to hoist her up.

Then, the hold around my waist tightened further, pulling me back abruptly. “Easy!” I yelled over my shoulder, not bothering to turn around. "I’m trying not to drop her here!"

And then, just as I thought we might make it, I heard a low growl from behind me. My heart skipped a beat. My eyes widened in realization.

“Captain... you're not holding me, are you?” I said, the words coming out faster than I could process them. Luffy’s voice cut through the air, full of panic.

"Let her go!" Luffy shouted, his tone carrying desperation. The force from behind me was too much, and before I could hold on, the pull on my waist was too great. My hand slipped from Robin’s, and I was yanked back into the room.

Flashback Ends

I nodded, recalling the vivid details. “He flung me into a wall like I was nothing. That hit hurt, and I mean hurt.” I paused, my hand instinctively brushing against the spot where the impact had been. “Luffy, Zoro, Chopper, and Nami were all worried after seeing the force of the impact. A few pieces of the wall even broke too. But I stood back up, gripping both of my swords, determined to face him.”

“Lucci had eaten a Zoan-type fruit—Cat-Cat Fruit—the Leopard Model. He was huge, a menacing creature. Even in his hybrid form, he was terrifying,” I continued, my tone more serious now, my thoughts lingering on how dangerous he had been. “When I went back to where the group was facing off, I felt something grab my leg. It was Lucci’s tail, wrapping around me like a vice.”

I shuddered at the memory. The force of the tail was powerful, and before I knew it, he had flung me up to the ceiling, his sharp eyes locked on me. He caught me in mid-air, holding me in place with an almost predatory gaze.

"Scared of me yet?" he growled, his voice full of malice.

I couldn’t let him see that fear. Not then, not ever. I smirked, despite the pain, despite the danger, and I told him, “Not at all.”

For a split second, I saw his expression falter—just a brief moment of hesitation. It wasn’t much, but it was enough.

As I went to land a strike, Lucci moved faster than I could react. He grabbed both my wrists and made me drop my swords. Before I could recover, he flung me into another wall, the impact nearly knocking me out. The building started collapsing, and Chopper got hurt in the chaos. Luffy and Zoro were flung out of a window, leaving me and Nami behind.”

Carrot gasped, clutching her chest. “What happened next?”

Flashback…

The Galley-La building was crumbling around us, the aftermath of Lucci’s tempest kick leaving destruction in its wake. My body ached as I struggled to rise, the impact of my last throw against the wall making every movement feel impossible. The situation was dire—my sword and Zoro’s were out of reach, Zoro and Luffy were nowhere to be seen, Chopper was injured and trapped in rubble, and Nami was far from safety with flames licking at the walls around us. The odds are really against us, I thought grimly.

Nearby, Paulie made a desperate attempt to shield Iceberg but was quickly cornered by the members of CP9. His cries echoed faintly over the chaos.

“Y/N!” Nami’s voice rang out as she appeared at my side, her face full of worry.

“I’m… fine… Nami,” I said, clutching my side and forcing a weak smile. “We need to get to Chopper and try to get out of here.”

Before we could act, Lucci emerged, his leopard form looming ominously in the flickering light of the fire. His eyes locked onto us with predatory intent.

“Now… it’s your turn,” Lucci said coldly, advancing toward us.

Without a second thought, I moved to shield Nami with my battered body. “You won’t hurt her,” I said, my voice strained but resolute.

“Y/N, what are you doing?!” Nami hissed, trying to pull me back.

I leaned closer, whispering so only she could hear, “Nami, I might not be able to do much… but I trust you guys. You’ll find me—and Robin—no matter what happens, right?”

“What are you saying?!” she exclaimed, her wide eyes darting between me and Lucci. “Don’t do something reckless!”

I gave her a small smile, trying to mask the fear that churned in my gut. "Please, Nami, I trust you... Also, if you don’t mind, bring me a change of clothes later—the freer, the better," I whispered with a faint attempt at humor, hoping to lighten the moment, even just a little.

Nami’s grip tightened, her eyes filled with desperation. “Don’t you dare—”

Lucci’s gaze shifted, and his lips curled into a sinister smirk. “Kitten, why would you defy me?” His tone was mocking, but there was an edge of irritation behind his words.

Despite the overwhelming danger, a small chuckle escaped my lips. “Honestly, Lucci? I just can’t take you seriously in that form… and with Hattori looking so tiny.”

For a moment, there was silence, and then Nami exploded. “NOW’S NOT THE TIME TO JOKE!” she yelled, her voice rising in sheer disbelief, her eyes wide as if I’d lost my mind entirely.

The moment of levity passed quickly as Lucci growled lowly, his form tensing as he prepared to strike. My heart raced, knowing this could be my last stand. But if it meant buying even a few moments for Nami and the others, it was a risk I was willing to take.

Lucci’s growl deepened, and before I could react, his clawed hand grabbed me with a grip like iron. He flung me effortlessly, as though I weighed nothing, sending me hurtling across the room. My body crashed onto Iceberg’s bed with a force so great that the wooden frame shattered beneath me, collapsing into splinters. Pain radiated through every nerve, sharp and relentless, as I lay there, struggling to breathe.

“Nami…” I whispered, my voice faint and trembling as I forced the word out. I could barely hold on—my body felt too weak, the toll of countless injuries making even the smallest movement unbearable.

Through the haze of pain, I could hear Nami’s panicked cries and the crackling of the fire growing closer. Please, Nami… get Chopper and get out of here, I thought, my heart heavy.

Lucci loomed over me like a shadow, his eyes cold and unfeeling. “Pathetic,” he muttered, his voice dripping with disdain. “This is what defiance gets you.”

Even as I lay there, battered and broken, I forced a faint smirk to my lips. “You... talk too much,” I rasped, defiance still flickering in my chest despite the odds.

Nami’s voice broke through the chaos, desperation lacing her words. “Y/N! Hang on!”

Just as I tried to gather what little strength I had left, Lucci turned his cold gaze toward Nami. With a sudden, ruthless motion, he struck her, sending her flying through the shattered window and out into the chaos outside.

“NAMI!” I screamed, my voice hoarse with desperation. Summoning every ounce of strength, I tried to push myself up, but my body trembled under the strain. “Bastard,” I spat through gritted teeth, fury burning through the pain.

Kaku stepped forward, his tone calm but laced with urgency. “Just what exactly are you planning to do with her, Lucci? We’re here to kill Iceberg, leave no evidence, secure Robin, and retrieve Cutty Flam. We don’t have time for distractions.”

My vision blurred as my injuries caught up with me, and I felt the pull of unconsciousness creeping closer. Through the haze, I saw Lucci approach, his smirk sharp and cruel as he knelt beside me. His hand moved to my cheek, trailing slowly and deliberately as if to mock my helplessness.

“I have plans for this one,” he said, his tone chillingly casual.

“Wha…” I tried to protest, but the words caught in my throat, my body betraying me. Before I could fully comprehend his intentions, Lucci struck with his infamous Finger Pistol technique.

A sharp, searing pain erupted in my side, stealing the last of my strength. My body collapsed back onto the broken remains of the bed as darkness began to close in. The last thing I saw was Lucci’s cold, predatory gaze, and the faint glimmer of his smirk before unconsciousness claimed me.

Flashback Ends..

Brook tilted his head. “What did he do next?”I swirled the wine in the bottle thoughtfully before taking a sip. “There were two times I woke up after that… once when we were boarding the train, and the second time when we were already on the Sea Train,” I explained, my gaze distant as the memories came flooding back.

Flashback…

My consciousness stirred as distant yells echoed around me. The world was blurry and disjointed, but the noise was enough to pull me out of the haze. Groaning, I tried to shift, but a firm grip on my thighs stopped me. Wincing, I gave in and rested my head against the hard surface beneath me.

“Hey! Are you okay? Put me down!” a voice shouted in protest.

“Listen, you better put us down, or I’ll have my 8,000 men come after you!” another voice added, the unmistakable tone of Usopp cutting through the chaos.

That sounds like Usopp, I thought sluggishly. “How’d he get in the crossfire?” I pondered.

I forced my eyes open, my vision swimming as pain rippled through my battered body. The voices around me grew clearer, each word pulling me further out of the haze.

"Aw man, that's Rob Lucci, huh?" a marine said, his tone filled with a mix of awe and fear. "He's got the eyes of a killer," another whispered. "Never thought I’d see CP9 in person," a third added, their words blending together until the last one snapped me to full attention.

"Never mind that—did you see the way Rob Lucci is carrying the woman?! She must be of some importance," the marine exclaimed.

Carrying? What the… My sluggish thoughts tried to piece everything together as I became more aware of my position. My eyes focused on the undeniable reality: Lucci was carrying me.

My legs were wrapped around his waist, and my arms hung limply over his broad shoulders as though I were a child being carried.

Now... why the… The memories flooded back, sharp and vivid, the realization hitting me like a tidal wave.

“Finally, my kitten’s awake,” Lucci said in his deep, detached voice. He didn’t spare me a glance, his focus directed elsewhere.

From my elevated position, I could see the others. Kaku walked beside him, his expression unreadable, while Kalifa adjusted her glasses with a flick of her hand. The man with horns—I think his name was Blueno—carried two bodies wrapped in ropes and bags. One was unmistakably Usopp; the other, I wasn’t sure of.

“Put me down this instant!” I hissed, summoning what little strength I had to thrash weakly against his hold.

But Lucci’s grip on my upper thighs tightened, steadying me as though my protests were nothing more than an amusing inconvenience. The pressure made me wince, my body too weak to resist effectively.

“Settle down,” he said, his tone cool and calm.

"Like hell!" I snapped, struggling once more against his unrelenting grip. My body protested every movement, pain flaring with each futile attempt. Finally, exhaustion won, and I slumped against him, my head pressing involuntarily against his chest. A small, frustrated whimper escaped me before I could stop it.

A low, mocking chuckle rumbled from him. “Good girl,” Lucci murmured, the words dripping with condescension that made my skin crawl.

From somewhere nearby, a marine’s voice cut through the chaos. “Who would’ve thought Rob Lucci would find someone to settle down with?”

My head snapped up, fury overriding my exhaustion. “Settle down?! I AM NOT—”

“Enough,” Lucci interrupted coldly, his voice slicing through my protest. His grip on my thighs tightened, and I bit back a yelp, glaring daggers at him.

“Settle down with him?” I muttered under my breath, my tone laced with venom. “I’d rather jump into the sea.”

Without looking at me, Lucci’s lips curved into a faint smirk. “Tempting offer,” he said, his voice calm yet eerily dangerous. “But I don’t recall giving you that option.”

The marines around us exchanged nervous glances, their whispers growing quieter as they sensed the tension.

“I don’t belong to you,” I hissed, my voice shaking with a mix of rage and defiance.

Lucci finally turned his sharp gaze to me, his dark eyes narrowing. “You belong to me as long as I say you do.” His tone was as cold and unforgiving as steel, leaving no room for argument.

My fists clenched, and I looked away, swallowing the fire that burned in my throat. “Bastard,” I muttered under my breath.

“Better than dead,” he replied smoothly, his smirk widening ever so slightly as he carried me forward without a second thought.

Just then, Usopp’s groggy voice broke through the tension. “Alright, I’ll give you one last chance! Let both my crewmate and I go, and I’ll call off my men. But once we get on the train, they’ll tear you apart limb from limb!”

His voice trembled with fear, but there was a determined edge to it that made me glance over despite my own predicament.

“Child, please. You are hopeless,” I muttered under my breath, shaking my head at his bold but empty threat.

Kaku, clearly unimpressed, raised a hand and smacked the back of Usopp’s head with a resounding thwack.

“HEY!” I shouted, my protective instincts flaring up despite my weakened state. My glare turned to Kaku. “Don’t hit him!”

I squirmed in Lucci’s hold, my frustration bubbling over into outright defiance. His grip tightened like a steel vice, his golden eyes flicking down to me with an expression of calm dominance that only fueled my irritation.

“Stop moving,” Lucci commanded, his tone cold and unyielding, like ice cracking under pressure.

“Like I’m going to listen to you, you—” I snapped back, my words cutting off abruptly as his grip on my thigh suddenly elevated, pressing with just enough force to elicit a startled yelp.

The unexpected sensation caused me to bounce slightly in his hold, my cheeks instantly heating in embarrassment. “What the hell?!” I hissed, glaring up at him with wide eyes.

His lips quirked into a faint, infuriating smirk. “Are you done now?” he asked, his voice as smooth and detached as ever, the condescension practically dripping from his words.

“Y-you can’t just—” I stammered, too flustered to form a coherent sentence.

Lucci’s gaze never wavered as he leaned in just slightly, his presence suffocating. “I told you to stop moving. It’s not a request, kitten.”

My heart raced, frustration and indignation warring within me. “I’m not your ‘kitten,’ and I’m not going to—”

Lucci raised a brow, his fingers flexing against my thigh in a subtle reminder of the precarious position I was in. Begrudgingly, I fell silent, my glare simmering but my movements stilled.

For now.

“Excellent work as always, sirs and madam,” came a familiar voice, cutting through the tense atmosphere.

My gaze darted to the source. “It’s that government agent from before—over at Water 7!” I thought, recognition dawning on me.

The agent approached with a smug air. Around him, marines and CP agents stood saluting as CP9 passed. His eyes landed on me, his smirk widening.

“I see you also have the ‘missus’ with you. Couldn’t leave her alone in Water 7, huh?” he teased, his tone laced with mockery.

“Oh, it’s go time!” I muttered through gritted teeth, my determination flaring as I began to stretch my arms out, trying to grab him.

“Let me at him! I’ve dealt with enough of your stupidity!” I snarled, thrashing in Lucci’s hold.

The agent chuckled, clearly amused by my antics. “Your pigeon was right, Lucci. She is quite feisty.”

“I swear to god, take this beating like a man!” I yelled, my voice echoing in the corridor as I continued to flail.

Lucci’s grip tightened even further, a steady reminder of how little control I had in this situation. My long hair swung wildly around me, “looks like they took off my scrunchy” I thought, and the slit in the dress Nami had lent me continued to rise higher, exposing my left thigh. The agent’s eyes lingered a bit too long on the exposed skin, his laughter only adding fuel to the fire burning inside me.

“She’s got spirit. No wonder you’re keeping her so close,” the agent remarked, clearly entertained by my futile struggle.

Lucci remained silent, his expression stoic, but I could see the slightest twitch in his jaw. The lack of response from him only stirred the resentment inside me, and I fought harder against his hold, every movement fueled by pure frustration.

One good punch to that smug face of his would make my day, I thought, my body battered but not defeated.

“Why don’t you pull one of those special moves to calm her down? What your pigeon said before over at Water 7?” the agent taunted.

The mere mention of my previous encounter with Lucci only intensified my anger. “Ohhhh, you are really messing with the wrong girl...” I hissed, still thrashing in his arms.

Without warning, Lucci bounced me up and down in his grip, his strength making it impossible to break free. “Hey! Stop!” I snapped, my voice filled with equal parts fury and humiliation.

But instead of letting me go, he leaned in, placing a kiss on my neck.

“Now, kitten, are you calm down?” he smirked, his voice dripping with condescension.

“Like hell I am!” I spat, pounding my fists weakly against his chest, but it was useless. “You audaciously, infuriating, cat!” I continued, my voice rising in frustration.

Lucci chuckled, the sound deep and unsettling, his amusement clearly undeterred by my rage. “You’re a lot of fun to tease, kitten,” he murmured, his fingers flexing slightly on my thigh. “But you’ll learn soon enough that I’m the one in control here.”

My mind raced, trying to find any opening, any way to turn the tables, but for now, I was at his mercy. And from the way he held me, it was clear he enjoyed every moment of it. Kaku and Kalifa exchanged smirks, but neither said a word, clearly enjoying my struggle. My attempts to resist continued, fists pounding weakly against Lucci’s chest. “I will bite you, Lucci!” I hissed, but my efforts grew slower with each passing moment. My arms were sore, and exhaustion from my battered body began to catch up with me. Stupid, weakened body, I cursed inwardly. Despite my determination, I could feel my strength waning.

I rested my head again on Lucci’s chest, trying to steady my breathing, but my eyes flicked toward the government agent from before. He was too close. “Here Mr. Lucci, your coat.” he said.

I saw my opening as he handed Lucci a coat, draping it over his shoulders. Now! I thought, my pulse quickening. With a burst of energy, I clenched my fist and launched myself forward, using the last of my strength to punch the agent square in the nose.

“Ha! I’ve been waiting for that opening!” I laughed triumphantly, my voice filled with both victory and disbelief.

The agent stumbled back, clutching his nose as he grunted in pain. “You little—”

“I told you,” I said with a smirk, “you’ll take this beating like a man.”

Lucci’s grip on me didn’t waver, but I could feel his chest rumbling with a low chuckle. “Feisty. You never learn, do you, kitten?” he teased, his voice filled with amusement and slight admiration.

I glared at him, my chest heaving as I tried to regain some composure. “I’ll never learn because I don’t need to, not from someone like you.”

The agent straightened up, wiping blood from his nose with a frown. “You’ve got some fight in you, I’ll give you that.”

“You’re damn right I do,” I shot back, my resolve only strengthening. “And I’m not going to stop.”

"Stop it, it's foolish!" Lucci barked at the agent, his voice sharp and commanding.

The agent quickly saluted, his nose still bleeding, clearly caught off guard by Lucci's reprimand. "Right, sorry, sir!" he stammered, looking a bit flustered as he tried to stop the flow of blood.

"Haha! You just got told to behave!" I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound of my victory filling the air. I felt a small surge of pride, despite my pain.

“This isn’t over until we head to Enies Lobby. Everyone aboard the sea train immediately!” Lucci commanded sharply, his voice leaving no room for argument.

At the same time, I felt his grip tighten on my thighs, his fingers pressing firmly into my skin. A flush of heat spread across my cheeks, a mix of frustration and... something else that I couldn't quite place. My body tensed at the intimate nature of his hold, but I refused to let him see any sign of weakness.

I could hear the marines and the CP agents moving quickly to follow his orders, their footsteps echoing as they made their way toward the Sea Train.

I glared up at Lucci, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing my discomfort. "You're an insufferable bastard, Lucci. You won’t get away with this."

He smirked, clearly enjoying my defiance. “Oh, I think I already have,” he said, his voice low and confident, before his grip tightened even further, making me bite my lip to stifle a gasp.

"Let go of me!" I hissed, attempting to wriggle free, but the more I struggled, the firmer his hold became. His golden eyes glinted with amusement as he seemed to enjoy the struggle.

“You’ll be quiet soon enough,” he muttered, as if savoring the moment.

“The hell I won’t!” I spat defiantly, thrashing against his hold as best I could, the frustration evident in my every movement. I had to get free, I couldn’t let him win.

We finally reached the last phase—the staircase leading down to the Sea Train platform. The stairs were steep, and the sound of our footsteps echoed through the empty hallway. Lucci smirked down at me, clearly savoring the moment. He didn’t even hurry as he started walking down the stairs, deliberately taking his time, his grip on me unrelenting.

With each step he took, my body bounced slightly in his arms, making it impossible to find any comfort. I could feel his muscles beneath me, his body moving with the rhythm of the stairs, and every small jolt sent a sharp breath of surprise from my lips.

A small gasp escaped before I could stop it, the sensation of being pressed so close to him combined with the bouncing motion making it difficult to focus. My legs instinctively tightened around his waist, but it only seemed to amuse him more. His dark eyes gleamed with that same smirk, as though he had all the time in the world to enjoy my discomfort.

“You really can’t seem to stop, can you?” he murmured, his voice almost playful but with that dark edge I knew too well. “I wouldn’t mind if you stopped fighting. Makes this more enjoyable.”

“Like hell I will!” I said as I tried to break free from the constant bouncing and gripping.

Lucci’s voice dropped into a cold, almost amused tone. “Kitten, you leave me no choice,” he said, his eyes narrowing in amusement as he suddenly stopped on a step, pausing for a moment as he gripped me tighter.

Before I could respond, a soft voice cut through the tension. “Lucci, here.” Kalifa appeared, holding a needle filled with a clear liquid in her hand.

Lucci’s gaze flicked up to meet hers for just a second before he took the needle from her, his smirk widening. My heart skipped a beat, panic flooding my chest.

“What... What are you—?” I stammered, trying to pull away, but my body felt sluggish, a dull ache spreading from the exhaustion and pain. It was hard to focus as the world seemed to blur around me.

Kalifa’s gaze was almost too calm, too composed, “It’ll make her less troublesome,” she said with a soft smile, almost as if this were just another mundane task.

Lucci's hand tightened around my legs, his grip firm and unyielding as he lifted the needle. “Don’t worry, kitten,” he said, his voice low and taunting “You’ll come too in a few minutes.”

Before I could react, he swiftly injected the vial into my side. A sharp pain shot through me, and I gasped in shock as the liquid began to take effect. My vision blurred, my limbs feeling like they were made of lead, and I struggled to stay conscious, but the weight of it all was overwhelming.

“Shh…” Lucci’s voice was low, almost soothing. “Get some sleep. You’ll wake up soon.”

I tried to fight it, but my head grew heavy, my eyelids drooping. I managed to squeeze out one last defiant word. “I… I hate...”

But before I could finish, my head slumped against Lucci’s chest. The last thing I heard was his laugh, echoing in my ears, cold and triumphant.

“Sweet dreams, kitten,” he whispered.

Flashback ends…

“When I came to, I was tied up with barbed vines and seated next to Lucci and the rest of CP9 on the sea train,” I started, my voice rough from exhaustion. “I was too weak to move, and the vines dug into my skin every time I tried to shift. Lucci, of course, seemed amused by my state. He even had the nerve to wear a matching jacket with Hattori!”

I shook my head in exasperation. “The only thing I could do was wince and glare at him whenever I could keep my eyes open.”

Brook let out a soft chuckle but then pressed for more. “And?”

“And before all that, when I was getting Luffy, and Chopper was getting Zoro out of the Chimney, I told Luffy that Robin did all this to sacrifice her life for us,” Nami continued, her voice softening. “And that Lucci took you. I felt like I failed you and her that day.”

I could see her frustration and guilt in her eyes as she remembered that moment. “Luffy looked mad,” she continued, eyes distant. “Because not only did they take Robin, but the fact that Lucci took you, too. When I told him how you shielded me back in the fire… He was furious.”

I could almost hear Luffy’s voice in my mind as Nami spoke of the memory.

Flashback to Luffy's words“What? Pigeon guy? That bastard—” Luffy’s voice had thundered, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by a fiery anger. “And Y/N, protected you Nami? Don’t worry, I’ll get her back, and I’ll make him pay!”

“And when I found out you were taken by Lucci…” Chopper began, his voice trembling as he recalled the moment. “I had your two swords along with Zoro’s with me. So when Zoro saw I was holding your swords…”

Flashback to Crews reactionZoro had stared at Chopper in disbelief, his usual calm expression faltering as he gritted his teeth. “Damn it,” he had growled, his voice tinged with frustration. “This isn’t over. I’m gonna make sure we get them both back, no matter what.” His voice was rough, filled with a kind of anger that none of us were used to seeing in him.

Nami nodded, her expression darkening as she continued. “And since Agua Lauguna was happening, with rain pouring everywhere… it was hard for all of us to focus, but we couldn’t afford to waste any time.” She sighed, thinking back to the chaos of that moment.

“And to top it all off…” Nami said, her voice taking on a more somber tone, “When Sanji called us through the transponder snail he had, along with the one he left for me, he only knew Robin, Usopp, and Franky were on that train. He never knew you were taken by Lucci.” She paused, a faint smile playing on her lips despite the tense memory. “And boy... Sanji was—”

“Nami, pass the snail to Y/N, I want to tell her, not to worry about me,” Sanji had swooned, his voice practically dripping with concern.

Nami shook her head, remembering the scene. “About that, Sanji...”

“Listen, cook…” Zoro had interjected sharply, his tone cutting through the air.

Chopper, who had been about to speak up, froze as a voice suddenly came through the other line.

“Yeah, bro, there was another girl that Lucci took, and he wouldn’t let her go. She was unconscious for the most part,” Franky’s voice had echoed as all of us heard it in Rocketman over the transponder snail.

Sanji’s voice had gone from confident to panicked. “What did you...”

“Yeah, Lucci had a tight grip on her,” Franky had continued, the words heavy with concern. “When I saw her, bruised and battered, after they took me and Long Nose, she looked out of it.”

Nami’s heart had clenched at the words. “Y/N...” she whispered to herself, pain flashing in her eyes.

Zoro, who had been holding Y/N's swords tightly in his hand, clenched his fist around the hilts. His expression had been unreadable, but anyone could see the fury building inside him.

Luffy’s voice had erupted next, filled with rage. “That bastard…” He had stormed around the deck, unable to stay still. “He’s gonna pay for this. I swear, I’ll make sure he does.”

Chopper, unable to hold back any longer, had burst into tears. “Y/N… I’m so sorry. I couldn’t protect you…” His sobs had echoed through the crew, each one feeling the weight of the situation as they fought to keep it together.

Flashback ends..

The weight of the situation still hung heavily in the air, but as I spoke, I could feel the determination in my own voice, trying to offer comfort despite the lingering pain of the past.

“It wasn’t your fault,” I reassured, my eyes softening as I took in the new pieces of the story. “We did everything we could that day. The outcome would’ve been the same. Lucci was hell-bent on taking me, and Robin was going to turn herself in regardless.”

I paused, my gaze flickering to the ground before I looked up again, pushing away the dark memories for a moment.

“But what happened after?” Carrot’s voice broke through the silence, her voice curious but filled with concern.

I rubbed my temple, recalling the intense and unsettling exchange. “Even in my weakened state, I glared at him when I regained consciousness in the Seatrain and said to him…..

Flashback…

‘What is it you want from me? None of this makes sense. And just so you know, we’re going to save Robin.’” My voice cracked slightly as I mimicked the defiance I had managed to muster back then.

Lucci’s smirk was maddeningly calm, as though my words were a mild curiosity at best. "What I want from you?” he repeated, his tone laced with a dangerous sort of amusement. “You’re hardly in a position to make demands, little pirate.”

I squirmed against the vines thorns, wincing as it dug deeper into my skin. “Why me?” I demanded, the words trembling on my lips but defiant all the same. “Why are you so focused on me?”

Lucci tilted his head, his sharp eyes studying me intently, as if examining every inch of my being. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and I could feel my body slowly betraying me from the exhaustion. I glared at him, trying to keep my defiance alive.

“It’s your scent,” he said finally, his voice low, deliberate, and unsettlingly calm.

“My scent?” I snapped, incredulous despite my exhaustion. It was absurd, but a part of me knew better than to dismiss it completely. My instincts were screaming at me to stay alert.

“Yes.” His smirk widened slightly, like a predator savoring its prey. “There’s something about it that’s driving me crazy. It’s… familiar. Almost like, in another life, we might have known each other.”

I scowled, my muscles aching as I tugged weakly at the restraints that held me in place. “Are you out of your mind?” I spat, my voice hoarse, fighting to keep the bitterness in my tone. The idea of him making such a claim, especially after everything, felt like a slap in the face.

“Perhaps,” he replied smoothly, leaning back as though he had all the time in the world. “But that doesn’t make it any less true.”

Before I could bite back a retort, I felt his hand graze my exposed thigh. My breath caught as his palm rested there, firm and unapologetic. My body tensed immediately, and I lashed out instinctively, trying to kick his hand away.

“Let go!” I hissed, fury and disgust boiling in my veins.

The movement caused the thorns to dig deeper into my flesh, and I couldn’t stop the sharp gasp of pain that escaped my lips. “Fuck…” I whispered under my breath, wincing as the sting flared.

Lucci didn’t flinch, his hand remaining exactly where it was as he tilted his head to regard me with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. “You’re feisty, even in this state,” he said, his tone calm but edged with something darker.

I glared up at him, my teeth clenched against the pain. “Touch me again, and I swear—”

“Swear what?” he interrupted, leaning slightly closer, his smirk unfaltering. “You’re in no position to make threats, sweetheart.”

The casual way he said it, like he held all the power in the world, sent a chill down my spine.

“You’re insane,” I muttered through gritted teeth, my voice trembling but defiant. Despite the sharp pain radiating from the thorns biting into my skin, I refused to look away from him. My gaze held his, even as tears threatened to spill from the corners of my eyes.

“Insane?” Lucci echoed, his tone light with amusement. A soft chuckle escaped him, his dark eyes narrowing slightly as if he found my resistance endlessly entertaining. “Perhaps. But you…” He leaned in just enough for his voice to drop to a low, dangerous murmur. “You’re fascinating. And I look forward to unraveling you.”

His words sent a shiver of both fury and unease down my spine. I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could utter a single word, his hand was on my cheek. The unexpected touch startled me into silence. His fingers were firm but not rough, holding me in place as if he were commanding my very attention. Gently, but with unmistakable control, he turned my head to the side.

“What are you—” I began, but my voice faltered, a mix of anger and unease threading through my words as I tried to pull away. My body wanted to recoil from him, but Lucci’s grip was unyielding, unshakable.

He leaned in closer, his breath warm against my skin. I could feel his presence, overwhelming and suffocating, as if the space between us had narrowed to nothing. And then, without hesitation, his lips pressed to my neck in a lingering kiss.

The sensation was jarring. My body tensed instantly, a rush of discomfort and confusion washing over me. I tried to bite back the involuntary reaction, but before I could stop myself, a subtle moan escaped my lips. It was the last thing I wanted to do, but the intensity of the moment caught me off guard.

I gritted my teeth, my mind reeling as I fought to regain control. I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction. “Stop...” I hissed, my voice strained, but Lucci’s lips remained against my skin, his hold unbroken. My heart pounded in my chest, anger warring with the confusion clouding my thoughts. “What the hell are you doing?”

Lucci pulled back just enough to meet my eyes again, his smirk more pronounced now. “What am I doing?” he repeated, his tone laced with mockery and a hint of amusement. “Marking what’s mine, Kitten.” Before I could respond, Lucci leaned back in, placing open-mouth kisses along my neck. A small whimper escaped my lips, and I cursed myself for the reaction. Lucci took it as a sign to push me further onto the seat of the sea train, his grip firm and relentless.

I winced as the vines digging into my skin pressed further, the pain sharp and unforgiving. My heart pounded wildly, the intensity of the moment suffocating. Anger, confusion, and frustration battled within me as I fought to regain some semblance of control. Then, without warning, Lucci nipped down on my neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin. A muffled moan escaped before I could stop it, shame and rage twisting in my chest. I felt the heat of his breath as he lingered for a moment, a low hum of satisfaction escaping him.

I could feel Lucci’s smirk against my skin as he pulled back, the ghost of his lips still burning where they had been. My fingers instinctively brushed against the spot, only to feel the sting of the fresh mark he left behind. A small bruise, deliberate and mocking, now adorned my neck.

“Perfect,” he said, his voice dripping with smug satisfaction. His eyes bore into mine, as if daring me to fight back.

His words ignited a new wave of rage within me. “I’m not yours!” I snapped, my voice rising despite the pain flaring in my body.

Lucci only chuckled again, his calm demeanor infuriatingly intact. “Keep telling yourself that,” he said, stepping back but never letting go of the power he held over the moment. “You’ll learn soon enough.”

.Flashback ends..

“Oh my… then what?” Brook asked, his voice tinged with both curiosity and concern as he leaned forward, skeletal fingers steepled dramatically.

"Sniper King—Usopp in disguise—managed to sneak his way to Robin. He was always good at finding the impossible path," I began with a small smile. "Meanwhile, Sanji’s eyes landed on me. The look of horror on his face was... priceless. I’d laugh if I wasn’t so beaten up at the time."

Carrot gasped. "Oh no, what did he do?"

I shook my head, a faint smirk tugging at my lips. "He froze for a moment, honestly, but his reaction gave me the distraction I needed. While Lucci was momentarily distracted, I managed to slip my hand down to my boot and grab the hidden blade I keep tucked away. Slowly and quietly, I started sawing through the viney thorns."

Nami raised an eyebrow. "You were already injured and cutting through the viney thorns? What were you thinking?"

"I didn’t have a choice, Nami," I replied, my voice serious. "But let me tell you, breaking through those thorns wasn’t as heroic as it sounds. As soon as I cut myself free, my body decided it was done. The moment the vines loosened, I tried to stand, but I barely made it two seconds before I collapsed straight onto the floor of the train."

Chopper gasped. "You could’ve reopened your wounds! That’s so dangerous!"

I winced at the memory, the pain from that day still vivid in my mind. "Oh, trust me, I felt every single inch of pain. But at that moment, I was too focused on not letting them see how weak I was. Of course, Lucci noticed anyway. He always notices."

Brook tilted his head, his voice somber. "What did he do next?"

I sighed, my voice low and steady. "When Lucci heard the thud from me hitting the floor, he turned and smirked. Hattori, his pigeon, flew down next to me as if mocking my state. My hair had fallen to one side, and the dress Nami had lent me was already in shreds—holes and tears from the thorns everywhere. I couldn’t move, no matter how much I wanted to fight back."

I clenched my fists as I recalled the scene. "Lucci loomed over me like a predator closing in on its prey. Then, without a word, he bent down, grabbed me, and slung me over his shoulder like I was nothing. My hidden blade—thankfully—was still within reach. I managed to slip it back into my boot before he noticed."

Carrot's eyes were wide with horror. "What happened next?"

Flashback…

"Let’s go, kitten," Lucci said coldly, as he threw me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"Put me down," I muttered weakly, my body aching, needing rest, even if just for a few minutes.

Lucci didn’t respond, his hold on me firm and unyielding. "Kaku, Blueno, deal with them," he said with barely a glance, his voice dismissive as he turned and began walking toward the others.

I could hear Franky’s booming voice in the distance. "Hey! Get your damn hands off her!" he shouted, his anger unmistakable.

Sanji wasn’t much better. "Y/N! You damn bastard, what are you doing to her?!" His voice was laced with fury, but I could tell it was mostly helplessness.

I couldn’t see them clearly, but I could imagine Sanji pacing, fists clenched, ready to charge at Lucci. But it was too late—Lucci was already walking away, his grip on me unrelenting. My frustration built to a boiling point, and as a last resort, I grabbed onto the seat of the sea train, tugging on it with every ounce of strength I had left. "I said, put me down."

Lucci glanced down at me, his cold smirk never wavering. "Still have some fight in you after all this," he observed, trying to tug at me to make me let go.

"I’m not letting go," I growled, determined. My fingers burned as I clung to the seat.

Then, just as I felt my strength beginning to wane, I was yanked out of Lucci’s grasp, tossed like a ragdoll and thrown across the train. I hit the floor with a heavy thud, gasping in pain as I gripped my side, trying to steady my breathing.

My eyes locked onto the person who had saved me. "Robin," I muttered weakly, relieved yet still in shock.

Robin stood there, calm as ever, her eyes piercing the air around us. "I told you," she said, her voice steady but firm, "I won’t run away if you don’t hurt her."

Lucci’s smirk twisted into something darker as he slowly stalked back toward us, his eyes narrowed. "She’s part of the package deal, Nico Robin," he said with a cold amusement in his voice.

Kaku, always ready for a fight, stepped forward. "Lucci, want me to grab her?" he asked, his eyes fixed on me, waiting for a signal.

Robin stood her ground, not giving an inch as she prepared for whatever came next. I struggled to rise, trying to focus despite the pain shooting through my body. Usopp, now Sniper King, crouched beside me, whispering urgently to Franky. "Detach the third car," he instructed, his eyes sharp and focused.

Franky looked at him incredulously. "Why? What are we going to do?" he asked, clearly confused.

"Run," Sniper King replied flatly.

"Run?! Are you—" I started, but then paused as I realized the gravity of the situation. I was exhausted, and my body felt like it was about to give out any second. "Yeah, I probably have a good ten minutes left in me," I thought, feeling my energy drain with each passing second.

Just then, I noticed a pair of familiar black boots and slacks step into view, followed by a green coat. I could already guess who it was.

"Kitten, playtime's over," Lucci’s voice rang out, cold and mocking, as he grabbed my wrist, tugging me to my feet.

"Bastard, quit calling Y/N that!" Sanji shouted from somewhere behind me, his voice filled with fury.

I struggled, pounding weakly on his arm, trying to dig my heels into the floor of the sea train car, but it was no use. His grip was too strong, and the exhaustion from everything that had already happened weighed me down.

In a moment of desperation, I twisted my body and sank my teeth into his hand, feeling a brief surge of satisfaction as he recoiled. He let go with a hiss, and I tumbled to the floor with a thud, landing on my backside.

"I... I told you... I'd bite you," I muttered, the words a small triumph despite the pain radiating through my body. My smirk barely held, but it was enough for me to feel a flicker of resistance.

Lucci’s glare deepened, his eyes full of frustration. His hand reached down and roughly pulled me back up, dragging me to my feet with ease. “Kitten, I’ve tried being patient, but it seems that won’t do. Naughty girl.” His voice was thick with menace, and I could feel the weight of his anger pressing against me.

Before I could react, he snapped his fingers, and I immediately understood what was coming. “Kalifa, got any more of those vials?” His tone was cold, expectant.

I knew exactly what he meant. Sleep drugs. I had no doubt that the vial she was carrying contained something that would knock me out, and he was prepared to use it on me without hesitation.

“Now hold still for me,” he ordered, his hand tightening around my wrist.

But just as Lucci was about to administer the needle, a voice rang out, cutting through the tension.

“Sniiipeerrrr Kiiiiiing!” Usopp’s voice rang loud and clear, followed by the sound of a smoke bomb being launched. The explosion of smoke enveloped the room, filling it with a thick, suffocating haze. Lucci cursed under his breath, and I felt his grip on my wrist loosen as the vial slipped from his hand, breaking on impact with the ground.

"Let's go, Y/N!" Sanji’s voice came through, urgent and sharp. His hand grasped mine, pulling me away from Lucci's grasp, and I couldn’t help but let out a cough from the sudden cloud of smoke filling my lungs.

“I’ve got her! Move it!” Usopp shouted, his voice strained, and I felt a sharp tug on my other arm as he grabbed Robin.

Just when Sanji was about to carry me to safety, heading toward the next car, Lucci lunged. His body slammed into mine with a violent force, sending me crashing back onto the seat. My breath was knocked out of me as I tried to regain some semblance of control. His grip on my wrist tightened, unyielding and almost painful, his fury radiating through the tension in his hold.

“She’s not going anywhere!” Lucci bellowed, his voice full of anger, his chest rising and falling in heavy, labored breaths. His strength was overwhelming, but I couldn’t stop now. Every second counted, and I felt my body teetering on the edge of exhaustion, barely holding on.

The smoke from the bomb was beginning to dissipate, and I felt the air clearing, though I was still choking on the lingering fumes. "What the hell is in these smoke bombs?" I thought, struggling to clear my lungs.

“Y/N!” Sanji's voice rang out in panic, a note of desperation in his tone, but there was nothing he could do now.

I stole a glance at Lucci, and for a moment, our eyes locked. There was something strange in his gaze, something I couldn’t fully comprehend. It was a fleeting emotion, a flicker of something beyond the rage. Before I could make sense of it, Lucci moved closer, his face stoic, but with something almost... soft in his eyes.

Then, to my shock, he lowered his head and pressed his lips to mine—just a fleeting peck. The action was so sudden, so unexpected that I froze, caught between anger, confusion, and something I couldn’t name.

“You really are her…” he whispered, so quietly I almost didn’t hear him over the pounding of my heart. The words sent a chill down my spine, and I could only stare at him in disbelief, not knowing how to react, my thoughts in disarray.

Flashback Ends…

"WHAT?!" Nami, Brook, Chopper, and Carrot exclaimed in unison, their voices ringing out in shock.

Nami nearly spilled her wine, staring at me incredulously. "What kind of game was he playing?!" she demanded, taking a hasty sip to calm herself.

"Could it be he was feeling something?" Brook wondered aloud, his voice unusually serious for a moment.

I shrugged, still baffled myself. "I have no clue what that was about. But before I could even process it, Robin's voice rang out from the next section of the train. She yelled, 'No, I won’t try to run! Just don’t hurt her!'"

Their shock turned to concern as I continued. "Lucci looked up at Robin, his expression unreadable. That was my chance—well, sort of. I rolled out of the seat and landed with a thud, crawling as best as I could. My body was wrecked, but I managed to lift my head just enough to see Robin, Sanji,Franky and Sniper King. I smiled at Robin and mouthed, 'Don’t worry, we’re going to rescue you.'"

I frowned, my hands instinctively rubbing my wrists as I recalled the next part. "But Lucci wasn’t about to let me get away. He grabbed me again, forcing my arms behind my back and pinning them. I couldn’t even fight—it was like my body had given up."

Carrot's ears drooped as she whispered, "That sounds awful..."

I nodded. "It was, but it didn’t end there. He lowered himself so that his weight was pressing into my injured body. I gasped from the pain, but I still managed to rasp out, 'You’re quite the sadist, aren’t you?' and I smirked at him."

Nami groaned, putting her head in her hands. "Oh, no...what were you thinking?"

I laughed humorlessly. "Not my brightest moment, I’ll admit. He growled, and then he did something that made me instantly regret it. He darkly chuckled, his breath brushing against my ear as he leaned in close and whispered, 'You haven’t seen anything yet, sweetheart.'"

“Luckily, Sniper King launched another smoke bomb, giving Sanji just enough cover to grab me again. We managed to get onto the escape sea train, but not without Blueno trying to pull us back. It was chaos

Flashback..

The car separated on the sea train as we began drifting further away from the CP9 base. My breath was ragged, my body still recovering from the assault, but Sanji held me tightly in his arms.

“Ohhh, my dear angel, you must have been so scared,” he muttered, his voice thick with concern, but also, oddly enough, something softer—relieved, almost. He held me tighter, as if afraid I might disappear at any moment. “Thank goodness your prince has arrived on time.”

“Sanji…” I muttered weakly, my body still fighting the exhaustion. “Thank you…” I whispered, though the words barely left my lips before I was coughing again, the remnants of the smoke still choking my lungs.

“What’s in those smoke bombs?” I asked, my voice hoarse.

Sniper King, ever the cool and collected one, stood tall nearby. “No need to thank me, madam. I’m happy to help.” He flashed a grin, his usual bravado intact.

I offered a tired smile in return, even as my mind reeled from everything that had just happened. “Doesn’t matter. Thank you for your quick thinking.”

Franky and Robin were already at the windows of the car, their eyes fixed on the receding form of CP9, watching closely to ensure we weren’t being followed.

Sanji laid me down gently near a seat, his hands lingering at my shoulders, careful not to hurt me. “Stay here for me,” he said, his voice gentle but firm.

I glanced up at Sanji, a weak smile on my lips despite the weariness settling in. "I mean, I can't do much anyway," I teased, my voice rasping as the coughs still wracked my body.

Sanji chuckled softly, but the concern never left his eyes. He adjusted the blanket around me, his touch gentle. "Just rest, Y/N. You've been through too much."

I couldn't help but wonder, These trains had blankets? I thought, staring at the soft fabric as Sanji joined Franky and Robin at the window. He lit a cigarette, clearly trying to ease the tension, but there was a lingering sense of unease.

"You know, I should be happy," Franky muttered, crossing his arms. "But I'm not a big fan of this running away stuff."

Sanji took a long drag from his cigarette and shook his head. "The smoke screen was such a stupid idea that it actually surprised them," he said with a grim smile, clearly impressed with Sniper King's quick thinking.

"Sniper King says the best plan of all is not to fight the scary guys," Sniper King piped up, his voice calm, but his eyes never leaving the horizon.

"Well... I'm just glad that's..." I started, before we suddenly felt a sharp pull, throwing off my balance. My heart skipped a beat. Those thorny whips again?!

"Those are the same ones that I got tied with..." I muttered, instinctively clutching the blanket around me, my breath shallow from the sudden tension.

"I've got them!" Kalifa shouted from the other car, her voice as menacing as ever. "Now, Blueno!" Blueno tugged the car back towards them with a force that nearly sent us all sprawling. I fell back onto the seat, groaning in pain as I tried to steady myself.

"They're pulling us back!" Sniper King yelled, his voice full of frustration as he fell too. We were losing ground, and it was clear the fight wasn't over yet.

"Did you actually think a smoke screen would stop us?" Blueno's voice echoed from the front, his tone mocking.

Despite my body feeling like it was on the verge of shutting down, I managed to sit up, my vision blurry from exhaustion. My body was about five minutes away from slipping into unconsciousness again, but I wasn't ready to give up yet.

"Jokes on you, it was two smoke screens," Sniper King said with a grin, despite the tension in his voice.

"Child, please stop," I muttered weakly, sinking back into the seat, fighting against the dizzying wave of exhaustion.

From my blurry vision, I saw the familiar figures of Kaku, Blueno, Kalifa, and Lucci, all walking toward us with a quiet, menacing presence. Hattori was perched on Lucci’s shoulder, his beady eyes scanning the surroundings.

"Now, remember, don’t kill any of the Straw Hats... that was our agreement," Lucci's voice rang out, calm yet threatening. But then, his gaze locked onto me, and a twisted smirk curled on his lips. "But bring me my kitten back."

Sanji’s body tensed, and he shot forward, aiming to get to Blueno. "I’m gonna have to ask you to let our car go!" he barked as he lunged, but Blueno didn’t budge. His stance was unshakable, his strength solid.

“I told you these guys have weird moves!” Franky shouted from the side as Sanji’s kick connected with Blueno’s body. The force of the attack made Blueno sway slightly, but his grip on the car remained firm.

“Now that was a pretty strong kick,” Kaku commented, his tone casual despite the tension.

“It almost broke through the iron body,” he added with a smirk, clearly impressed by Sanji’s attack.

“Careful, Blueno,” Kaku warned, his voice taking on a more serious tone. “Don’t take him lightly. He doesn’t have a bounty on him, but he is one of their main fighters.”

I caught Kaku’s gaze, and he turned his attention to me, a cruel glint in his eyes. “She, on the other hand, has a bounty,” he said, voice dripping with sarcasm, “and is one of their main fighters. Yet she looks like she’s on the verge of unconsciousness.”

I could feel my body trembling, my mind clouding with fatigue, but I wasn’t about to let them see me weak. I forced a smirk onto my lips, though my voice was weak and strained, “A bounty of 60 million. Great. Want a picture or an autograph?”

Kaku’s expression twisted with amusement, but I could see the curiosity in his eyes, as if he was wondering how much longer I could keep up my defiance. Despite the pain, despite the overwhelming exhaustion, I wouldn’t let them have the satisfaction of seeing me give in.

Lucci, still watching me closely, shifted his weight, his eyes narrowing slightly as though he was considering his next move. “Impressive, kitten,” he muttered, his tone turning almost intrigued. “But you won’t last much longer at this rate.”

Sanji’s eyes remained steely, unwavering as he faced off with Lucci and the others, his stance firm. "You’re not taking her. Not while I’m still standing." His words rang with conviction, as if he would fight to his last breath to keep me safe.

Suddenly, there was a shift. "Woah, wait, Robin, what are you doing?!" Sniper King shouted, his confusion laced with panic. I turned, just in time to see Robin’s hands moving swiftly, her expression colder than I had ever seen before.

Without warning, she placed her hands on Blueno, and with a sharp, calculated move, she twisted, causing Sniper King to bend backward and fall to the ground. “Now, Oshuer Fleur, with a clutch,” she said, her tone as detached as ever.

“Robin, what are you—?!” I gasped, watching in disbelief as she made quick work of Sniper King, his body now lying limp.

“Long nose, look out!” Franky yelled, rushing forward to shield him, but the damage was already done. Sniper King was down.

"Didn't you hear me? Stay out of my business. Leave me alone," Robin snapped, her voice sharp and full of frustration.

I felt a sense of confusion creeping in. What was happening? Robin had always been so calm, so composed, but now she was furious. "Robin, that’s enough!" I shouted, my voice filled with both anger and concern. I was already struggling to stay conscious, but seeing Robin like this, seeing her take control in such a cold and dangerous way, unsettled me. A heavy silence hung in the air after my words, the weight of my frustration and determination pressing against the tension that had built between us. I could feel Robin’s gaze on me, but her expression remained hardened, cold. Yet, as I continued to speak, there was a flicker of something—something vulnerable—behind her eyes.

"No matter how many times you push us away, hell, even pull that move that Sniper King just got reeling from, we are still going to the ends of the earth for you!" I shouted, my voice filled with both anger and concern, my strength waning with each breath. The pressure of everything crashing down on me made my body feel heavy, but I couldn’t let go. Not now.

Robin faltered for a moment. Her eyes locked onto mine, and for a brief second, it felt like she might actually listen. But then, she spoke, her voice colder than ever. "You know nothing."

"Maybe I don’t," I said, my words cutting through the air with a sharper edge than I intended. "But that doesn’t mean I’ll leave you to die with them."

I could see her eyes starting to waver, a crack in the armor she had built around herself. That small moment of vulnerability sent a pang through my chest. I wasn’t going to give up on her.

"And unfortunately," I added, the words coming out almost too bitter for my own taste, "I have an obsessive, government assassin who likes to call me 'kitten,' who has a thing for me." I shot a glance toward Lucci, my voice dripping with sarcasm, "No offense, or anything."

The entire CP9 team seemed to turn their attention toward Lucci as I spoke. Hattori, perched on his shoulder, cleared his throat before Lucci responded with that same eerie calm. "Sweetheart, I’ll take that as a compliment."

"Oh, you would," I muttered, my voice barely audible as I turned my gaze back to the ground, every ounce of my energy drained. My body screamed for rest, but I wasn’t backing down. Not yet. Just then, out of nowhere, Kaku appeared and launched a powerful kick at Sanji, sending him crashing into a nearby seat.

“Sanji!” I cried, my voice cracking as my concern overwhelmed me.

“Eyebrows!” Franky shouted, his voice filled with frustration and urgency.

“You Straw Hats are nuts! None of you make any sense. All of you are so stubborn, especially when it comes to your friends. So, you want to escape, huh? Well, now’s your chance!” Franky declared, breaking the frame Blueno was holding and propelling himself to the other side of the cart in the process.

“Franky!” I yelled, my voice trembling as I felt my body finally giving out. My knees buckled, and I collapsed to the ground, resting my head on the cold surface. “Fuck…” I muttered under my breath, my strength slipping away with each passing second.

“Hey, listen! Get out of here!” Franky shouted. “I have a plan. When you meet up with Straw Hat, make sure to get to Water 7.”

“Franky!” Sniper King yelled, panic evident in his voice.

“Hold on! I won’t try to escape! I won’t run!” Robin’s voice rang out, filled with a desperation that mirrored my own.

“Ro... Robin…” I breathed out, my voice barely a whisper.

“It doesn’t matter. Even if they Buster Call…” Sanji started, but his voice was cut off as Blueno suddenly appeared behind him.

“How the—” I started, but my voice was drowned out by the chaos. Blueno launched a devastating Tempest Kick at Sanji, who landed heavily on my weakened body, causing me to groan in pain.

“Y/N!” Sanji yelled, his voice filled with anguish as he tried to move.

Blueno began to stride towards us, his movements deliberate and menacing. He crouched down in front of me, his cold eyes locking onto mine. “Let’s go,” he said flatly, grabbing me with little effort.

As I struggled weakly in his grasp, Blueno created a small door out of thin air and stepped through it, pulling me along with him.

“How can you…” I managed to whisper, my head lolling as I struggled to stay conscious. My eyes flickered towards Robin and Usopp, who were shouting my name in unison.

“Y/N!” they yelled, their voices filled with desperation.

“You’re not even going to fight,” Blueno chuckled, his grip unrelenting as he carried me. My vision blurred as my eyelids grew heavier.

Blueno stepped aboard the CP9 sea train, his calm demeanor contrasting sharply with the chaotic energy surrounding him. Franky, already restrained and furious, struggled against his bindings. "Hey! You okay?!" he shouted, his voice laced with concern as Blueno unceremoniously dropped me onto the cold floor. My body, already weak and battered, felt the jarring impact, and I barely managed to move.

“You bastards!” Franky yelled, his voice echoing through the compartment.

Fighting the creeping darkness of unconsciousness, I forced myself to move. Crawling with what little strength I had, I managed to lift my head, just enough to glance through the missing door of the sea train where Sanji, Usopp, and Robin were. A faint smile crossed my lips as I weakly raised a trembling thumb, a silent message to my friends to stay strong.

“Bastards!” Sanji’s voice roared from the other train, filled with unbridled rage.

Lucci’s cold voice cut through the chaos, sharp and commanding. "Kitten, it’s time to come to me." He stepped closer, his towering figure blocking out the dim light as he crouched down. His strong arms wrapped around me, lifting my frail body effortlessly.

"Again, Lucci," Kaku remarked, his tone tinged with mild irritation. "She’s more trouble than she’s worth.You’re letting your emotions get the better of you"

Lucci growled lowly, his eyes flashing with irritation as he shot Kaku a sharp glare. "Stay out of this, Kaku," he barked, his words final and laced with warning.

From his shoulder, Hattori cooed softly, as if trying to soothe the tension. "Sweetheart, let’s go. I’ll help you fix those cuts." The pigeon’s oddly gentle tone contrasted with the chaos around us, and I found myself chuckling weakly through the haze of delirium.

"Aren’t you… a nice birdy," I murmured, my voice slurred as my head lolled forward. With no strength left, it landed against Lucci’s chest. My eyelids grew heavier with every second, and despite the faint glimmer of humor in my words, I felt myself slipping closer to unconsciousness. "This... this is a nice pillow." I said, as I nuzzled closer to Lucci’s chest. "And it smells really good too."

"Sweetheart, papa's cologne is pretty delicious, I wear some myself sometimes," Hattori added, his tone teasing in an almost affectionate way.

Lucci chuckled softly, his amusement barely contained. "Such a handful," he muttered, his fingers brushing through my disheveled hair. His eyes flicked briefly to the bruise on my neck, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "But you're my handful," he whispered, his voice low and possessive.

“Keep her alive,” Lucci ordered firmly, his voice colder now as he turned toward Blueno and the others. “She’s more valuable than any of you realize.”

The train rumbled forward, and though I couldn’t fight back, I clung to a single thought: my friends. If nothing else, they would come for me.

Flashback Ends..

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