DEVIL

The story begins with a haunting memory of Nico Robin. Her face is shown in close-up as she speaks her parting words: "AFTER TODAY... WE WILL NEVER MEET AGAIN. THE SITUATION WILL WORSEN." On a windy rooftop in Water 7, the Straw Hat Pirates discuss her warning. Zoro, sitting with his swords, asks Chopper to confirm if she really said those exact words. Chopper, looking downcast, quietly replies, "UH HUH." Zoro analyzes the situation, noting that by saying they won't meet after "today," it sounds like she is announcing she is going to do something that will make things much worse for them.

Nami joins the discussion, pointing out that the attempt on Mayor Iceberg's life has already caused a massive uproar. She reasons that if someone wanted to make matters worse, there is only one logical next step. Her face is shown in a tense close-up as she delivers her conclusion: "THIS TIME... THE SUCCESSFUL ASSASSINATION OF THE MAYOR." Zoro agrees that it is the natural thing to assume. However, knowing that they are being framed, he warns that this could be a trap designed to lure them to the crime scene. If they are found there, they will automatically be blamed for the assassination.

Nami reacts defensively, shouting at Zoro for sounding like he already considers Robin an enemy. Zoro calmly replies that he is just exploring the possibilities and isn't taking sides. He places his hand on his sword hilt with a sharp "CHK" sound, explaining his philosophy: if he commits to believing one side and the truth turns out to be the opposite, the hesitation will slow him down when he needs to make a move. Luffy, listening quietly, looks up with absolute determination. He declares that if something is going to happen, it will be tonight. When Zoro asks if they are going to the crime scene, Luffy firmly answers, "WE GO."

Nami agrees with Luffy's resolve but brings up another crucial detail. She mentions that Sanji saw Robin walking with someone, and Iceberg also reported seeing a "masked person" who doesn't belong to their crew. She suggests this mysterious figure might be the reason behind Robin's sudden change in behavior. Chopper gasps, wondering if the masked man is controlling her. Zoro presents two possibilities: the optimistic guess is that she is being controlled, while the pessimistic guess is that Robin and the masked man are actually partners. Nami sighs, noting that knowing about a masked person doesn't help them much. She asks what their ultimate goal is, and Luffy shouts with fierce determination, "ROBIN!!!"

Luffy stands up, stretching his arms and declaring that sitting around and overthinking is just a waste of time; they will never find out the truth otherwise. Zoro points out the sheer difficulty of their task, reminding them that Robin is someone who has successfully evaded capture by the World Government for twenty years. Nami insists that going to the scene is their only option. Chopper pumps his fist, determined to do his best. With their minds made up, Luffy leads the way, shouting, "THEN... LET'S GO."

The scene shifts to the windy streets of Water 7, where shopkeepers are hurriedly closing up due to the impending Aqua Laguna storm. One shopkeeper, Happa Yamao, yells at a customer to go away and come back tomorrow because he needs to evacuate. A heavily bandaged hand reaches out, offering a small handful of coins. The bandaged customer, Usopp, desperately begs for whatever supplies he can get with his meager money: wood, tar, rope, nails, latches, and tin plating. Yamao tells him he is closing up, but Usopp continues to plead. Grudgingly, the shopkeeper relents, muttering that Usopp won't be able to buy much with such a small amount.

Usopp offers to trade some of his own tools to make up the difference, but Yamao angrily rejects the offer, stating they only sell and do not trade. Usopp weakly backs down. As he turns, he stumbles heavily, groaning in pain. Yamao notices his terrible physical condition and asks if he is okay, noting that he is badly injured. Despite his pain, Usopp drags a massive pile of lumber and supplies down the street. Yamao watches him struggle and asks why he doesn't have any friends to help him carry such a heavy load. Suddenly, Usopp collapses under the weight with a loud crash. Yamao sighs, saying, "TOLD YA," while Usopp lies on the ground, gasping for breath.

Usopp lies exhausted among the scattered lumber. Yamao walks over and calls out to him. Usopp tries to brush it off, claiming he is fine, but Yamao tells him to shut up and hands him some food, realizing the young man is starving. Usopp is deeply moved and quietly thanks him. Yamao tells him to take care of himself. As Usopp walks away, carrying his heavy bundle of wood and supplies, Yamao waves from the street, shouting, "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!!"

Back at the shipyard where the damaged Going Merry is docked, Usopp sits on the deck, happily devouring the food given to him by the kind shopkeeper. He happily munches on the bread, thinking about how nice the man was. After finishing his meal, he notices the rising tide splashing against the dock. He looks up at the Going Merry's sheep figurehead, his expression turning serious as he observes the water level getting dangerously high.

Usopp gently talks to the Going Merry, telling the ship not to worry because everything will be okay. He fondly reminds the ship of its incredible journey, saying, "YOU'RE A SHIP THAT FLEW!!" He then gets to work, using his newly acquired tools and materials to hammer away at the damaged hull, determined to repair his beloved ship despite the rising waves and the approaching storm.

The scene changes to "ZOUSEN-JIMA, BLUENO'S BAR". Suddenly, a massive crash echoes as Franky bursts through the wall in a cloud of smoke and debris. Blueno, standing behind the bar, calmly asks what that was for. Inside the bar, Kokoro, Chimney, and Gonbe are sitting at a table, while Mozu and Kiwi look on in surprise. Franky's sudden, explosive entrance leaves everyone in the bar startled and confused.

Franky screams in frustration, declaring that he is feeling incredibly cramped and that it's time for him to go berserk again. He slams the door open and storms out of the bar. Mozu and Kiwi quickly follow him, thanking Blueno for the food as they run out. Inside, Blueno asks Kokoro what got into Franky, but Kokoro just laughs her signature laugh and says she has no idea. Outside, Franky walks down the street in his tropical shirt, grumbling that he has no interest in understanding how idiots think.

The rough seas crash violently against the stone walls of Water 7 as the sun finally sets. Outside, Paulie stands with a cigar in his mouth, looking out at the dark water. One of the Galley-La shipwrights urges him to come inside, warning that it is useless and dangerous to stay out in the storm. Paulie agrees and tells the men to head back while he goes to the headquarters to keep guard.

At Shipyard Dock 1, citizens and workers discuss the situation, terrified that the criminals haven't been caught yet and might make a move during the storm. Meanwhile, in the Shipyard Basement Hangar, a large group of shipwrights and citizens gather. They discuss the upcoming defense, noting that the Galley-La workers will be guarding the headquarters tonight. Rumors run wild about the Straw Hat Pirates; some claim there are 50 or 100 members, pointing out that the captain has a 100 million bounty. Another man wildly exaggerates, claiming that 3,000 pirates will attack from the sea tonight, causing panic among the listeners.

At the Galley-La Company Headquarters, a massive, formidable line of shipwrights has formed outside the grand building. Armed with ropes, hammers, and saws, they stand shoulder-to-shoulder, shouting in unison to form a tight defensive line. Their leaders rally them, shouting not to let even a single rat slip through. Inside the building's corridors, rows of armed shipwrights stand in silent, tense preparation, ready to defend their beloved boss, Iceberg, from any intruders.

Directly outside Iceberg's bedroom, the five top Galley-La foremen sit on chairs, guarding the double doors. Paulie, Peeply Lulu, Tileston, Rob Lucci (with Hattori on his shoulder), and Kaku sit in a row. Tileston suddenly roars, "COME IF YOU DARE!!!" Lucci immediately tells him to be quiet because he is too loud. Kaku notes that the suspects didn't board the Sea Trains, meaning they must still be on the island. Paulie remarks that they would have to be incredibly stupid to show up here with so many guards. Lulu adds that since one of them crashed through a window in broad daylight earlier, they cannot rely on normal logic to predict their actions.

Inside the quiet bedroom, Iceberg lies in bed, bandaged and recovering. Kalifa stands by his side, attending to him. Iceberg mutters that the workers don't need to go to such lengths to protect him, remarking that it feels as if he were a king. Kalifa replies that they did it entirely on their own. She then asks him why he keeps Nico Robin's wanted poster in his room. Iceberg remains silent for a moment before Kalifa asks if he wants to know why. Iceberg warns her that it is better if she doesn't know, staring intensely as he says, "SHE IS... A DEVIL."

Outside the heavily guarded Galley-La Headquarters, Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Chopper are perched in the trees, observing the massive crowd of guards. Luffy complains about how far away the building is, and Chopper is overwhelmed by the sheer number of people. Luffy suggests he could just stretch his arms and fly over if an uproar starts, but Zoro warns him against it. Zoro points out that if they are the ones to cause a scene, they will be playing right into Robin's hands. Suddenly, a dark silhouette of a high-heeled boot steps forward with a sharp "CLICK" sound effect, indicating that someone is watching them from the shadows.

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