Storms of Fate: The Cursed Being's Revelation

Nami and Ryomen stood inside a small clothing shop, its walls adorned with vibrant fabrics and accessories. Ryomen sat on a bench beside the vendor, his eyes flickering between the changing booth and the front entrance, looking a bit out of place. He sighed, watching Nami step out in yet another outfit.

"How's this one?" She asked, donning a fur coat over a leather crop top and a wool skirt.

"It looks good." Ryomen replied, his tone as flat as ever.

"You look stunning!" The vendor chimed in, his enthusiasm far too exaggerated.

Nami's lips twisted into a tight smile, as though she expected more. She returned to the booth and emerged in a red cheongsam, its fabric glinting under the dim lighting of the shop.

"And this?" She prompted, her eyes searching Ryomen's face for a more engaging response.

"It's nice." Ryomen said again, his eyes wandering to a distant corner of the shop.

"So elegant!" The vendor echoed, this time clasping his hands together in awe.

Nami's patience visibly thinned. Her foot tapped once against the wooden floor. "Ryomen, can you actually give an opinion instead of just saying 'it's nice'?"

"S-Sorry." Ryomen mumbled, looking more confused than apologetic. He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at the vendor as if for help. "But…Why did I have to come here again?"

Nami shot him a sharp look before disappearing into the booth again.

The vendor leaned over, whispering conspiratorially. "Trouble in paradise?"

Ryomen blinked, perplexed. "Huh? No, why would there be trouble?"

"Well, just a tip—tell her what she wants to hear. Trust me, it's easier that way." The vendor advised with a knowing nod.

Ryomen nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. 'Poor guy doesn't know what he's up against,' He thought. 'Nami's practically the embodiment of greed itself.'

Nami emerged once more, now wearing a simple but elegant sky-blue dress. It clung to her frame in all the right places, softening her usual sharp edges.

"Well? What do you think?" Her tone was more hopeful, a slight vulnerability sneaking into her voice.

Ryomen stared longer this time, gathering his thoughts. He didn't want to give his usual indifferent answer. "It's… really pretty. It makes you look strong but delicate. It suits you."

Nami blinked, clearly taken aback by the sincerity in his voice. Her lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. "That so? Alright, next outfit."

…

After what felt like an eternity of outfits and Ryomen's increasingly elaborate compliments, Nami finally wrapped up her shopping.

"Will you be purchasing them all?" The vendor asked, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

"Nope, just this one." Nami replied, handing him the sky-blue dress.

Ryomen sighed in relief as they stepped outside. He glanced at the bag in her hand. "You bought the blue dress?"

Nami shot him a sidelong glance. "Hmm. Someone liked this one the most."

Ryomen's eyes widened slightly, a hint of panic rising in his chest. "Nami, don't misunderstand. You looked beautiful in everything you tried on. Don't waste your money just because of my opinion."

Nami paused, her expression softening for a moment. Then, with a quiet chuckle, she turned back into the shop. When she reemerged, she was empty-handed but still wore that small smile. "Let's go."

Ryomen glanced back at the vendor inside, who now sat slumped on the floor, devastated. He followed Nami out, the feeling of relief mixed with lingering confusion.

…

Meanwhile, in Loguetown's naval base, a man sat behind his desk, growing more frustrated by the minute.

"Isn't Tashigi back yet!?" Captain Smoker barked.

"Sergeant Tashigi went to pick up a sword from the shop." His subordinate replied at the door.

"Damn it! Doesn't she know we have orders from the World Government? If I don't stop Ryomen from leaving Loguetown, they'll never let me hear the end of it!" Smoker snarled, pacing the room. His eyes narrowed as he thought about the 'Cursed Being Ryomen.'

"That bounty…Why is the Government so

desperate to catch him?" He muttered under his breath, as if the title itself carried a hidden weight.

"Go fetch her, now!" He ordered.

"Yes, Captain Smoker!" The officer saluted and rushed out.

…

Back in the bustling streets of Loguetown, Ryomen found himself, once again, in another shop with Nami.

'From one hell to another,' He thought, silently resigning himself to the endless cycle of shopping. 'Did my opinion even matter?'

When they stepped outside, Nami suddenly stopped, her eyes narrowing at the horizon. "The air's different."

Ryomen blinked, confused. "And that means…?"

"A storm's coming." She said with calm certainty. "We need to head back to the ship."

Before they could make a move, they spotted the crew near the execution scaffold—minus one, very crucial member.

"Where's Luffy?" Zoro asked, scanning the area.

"He should be at the scaffold." Nami replied, her brows furrowed.

"Isn't that…right here?" Usopp pointed toward the towering platform, his voice laced with unease.

Ryomen's heart skipped a beat. His eyes locked onto the scaffold. "Luffy's been caught by Buggy's men!" He shouted, his voice tight with urgency.

"What!?" The crew turned in unison, their expressions filled with shock and dread as they saw their captain standing on the execution platform, a blade looming dangerously close to his neck.

…

"Let the execution begin!!" Buggy shouted atop the platform, his voice echoing across the square. "Any last words? You have a big audience after all." He sneered, glancing at the hundreds of onlookers below.

Luffy, undeterred by the situation, grinned defiantly. "I...am going to become King of the Pirates!!" He yelled, his declaration sending waves of shock through the crowd.

Buggy's face twisted in frustration. "Is that all you have to say, rubber head!?" He raised his sword, ready to bring it down. "Let's end this!"

"Stop the execution!!"

"Ryomen, Zoro, Sanji!! Help!" Luffy shouted, desperation lacing his words as the sword drew closer.

"It's too late!" Buggy cackled as he swung the sword down. But before it could connect, his hands were suddenly severed. "What!?" Buggy shrieked, watching his sword-wielding hands fall to the ground.

"Don't even try it, clown!" Ryomen growled, his eyes blazing with fury.

"Tsk! That won't stop me!" Buggy's severed hands continued their trajectory toward Luffy, defying expectations.

…

Further away, Smoker watched the scene unfold, his brow furrowed.

"What's happening?" He asked one of the officers.

"It's Roronoa Zoro!" The officer exclaimed, pointing to the swordsman.

"Why is he here!?" Tashigi asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

Smoker smirked. "What great timing."

"But Captain, there's someone else… the 'Cursed Being' Ryomen! And they seem to be working together!" The officer added.

Smoker's eyes widened in disbelief. "What!?"

…

In the town square, the Straw Hats struggled against Buggy's crew, trying to reach their captain.

"Sorry. I'm a goner." Luffy grinned as the sword hovered above his neck.

"No!"

"Don't talk crazy!" Zoro and Sanji shouted, panic in their voices.

"Dismantle!" Ryomen slashed toward the base of the platform with desperation, but it was too late.

Just as the blade was about to strike Luffy, a bolt of lightning cracked through the sky, obliterating the platform. Rain began to pour down as if the heavens themselves intervened.

"Haha! I'm alive! Lucky me!" Luffy laughed, grinning broadly, while the crew let out a collective sigh of relief.

"Surround the square and capture the pirates!" A Marine officer shouted from afar, sending the Straw Hats into a sprint.

They tried to reach the ship but Zoro was stopped by Tashigi, so he stayed and fought.

The others continued running, but they're path was blocked by Smoker.

"Who are you?" Luffy demanded.

"Captain Smoker." The man replied coolly, crossing his arms. "And I'm not letting you get away!"

Ryomen suddenly found himself surrounded by smoke, his body restrained. "Damn it!" He cursed, struggling to break free.

Luffy and Sanji charged at Smoker, but their attacks passed harmlessly through his smoke form.

"I don't have time for weaklings." Smoker said dismissively.

"Dismantle!" Ryomen tried to slash him but was unsuccessful. "You're a logia user aren't you!?" He shouted with caution.

"Hm? No wonder the world government pays special attention to you. You're not from the East Blue, are you? No small fry would know about Logias." Smoker asked with interest.

"Well, it doesn't matter. White fist!" He sent Sanji crashing into a wall with a powerful punch.

"Sanji!" Luffy cried. "Gomu-Gomu no… Pistol!!" His fist extended toward Smoker, but it was useless. Smoker then quickly restrained him.

"You're the pirate with a forty million bounty, right? Looks like your luck ran out kid." Smoker said as he reached for his sword.

"Luffy!" Ryomen shouted in concern, desperately trying to break free, until a familiar figure appeared behind Smoker.

"You!!" Ryomen remained frozen in shock, remembering the day he finally attained freedom.

"Whose luck did you say ran out?" The hooded man asked, his voice calm and controlled.

"Dragon!" Smoker's face twisted in disbelief.

"What? Who!?" Luffy asked, confused by the name.

Before Smoker could react, Dragon unleashed a powerful gust of wind. "Wind Blast!" The force sent everyone flying into the air.

"You guys, run! We'll be trapped on this island if we don't!" Zoro shouted as he sprinted toward the group, urgency in his voice.

Dragon, standing amidst the chaos, grinned. "Go ahead. If that's your path."

"Why are you helping them, Dragon!?" Smoker demanded, his voice shaking with fury.

"What reason would I have to get in the way of another man's voyage?" Dragon replied cryptically, his grin widening.

…

Back on the Going Merry, Sanji burst onto the ship with hearts in his eyes. "Nami! I'm back!"

"Come on already!" Nami yelled, trying to urge everyone aboard.

"Is everyone alright?" Ryomen asked in concern.

"Yeah, we're fine." Usopp replied.

"What are we waiting for? Let's go." Zoro said with a little impatience.

"Yeah! To the Grand Line!!" Luffy excitedly yelled out.

…

"We're going after them. Get the ship ready." Smoker told one of the officers. "We're heading for the Grand Line." His words shocked every marine.

"I'm going with you!" Tashigi suddenly shouted. "I won't let Zoro get away! I'll capture him with my own hands!"

"But the Grand Line is out of our jurisdiction! What will our superiors say?" One of the officers protested.

" 'You don't tell me what to do' Go tell em that."

…

On the stormy sea, the Going Merry sailed along the waves. The crew sat in the cabin, gathering their breath.

"Haha!" Luffy was bouncing around in happiness.

"Finally, leaving the East Blue, huh? What adventures will await Captain Usopp now?" Usopp mumbled to himself, while Zoro looked weirdly at him.

Ryomen approached Luffy, his voice uncertain. "Luffy, can we talk for a moment?"

Luffy blinked, his usual grin still plastered on his face. "Sure! What's up?"

"I wanted to say I'm sorry." Ryomen told him, his tone heavy with guilt.

"Huh? Why?" Luffy asked, tilting his head.

"Because…I couldn't help you. Not at the execution platform, or against Smoker." Ryomen admitted, clenching his fists in frustration.

Luffy laughed. "Haha! That's all? I'm fine, don't worry about it!"

Ryomen's expression didn't lighten. "Maybe. But if I lost one of you…I don't know what I'd do."

Luffy's grin softened. "It's fine! That'll never happen!"

Before Ryomen could respond, Sanji approached him, his expression serious.

"Ryomen, before we head to the Grand Line, we need to talk. Smoker mentioned something about the World Government paying special attention to you. Care to explain?"

The crew looked at Ryomen curiously. Even Luffy's carefree expression dimmed slightly.

"He did say that, didn't he…" Luffy mumbled, staring off into space.

"Special attention!? What does that mean!? Are the navy gonna kill us just as we enter the Grand Line!?" Usopp exclaimed in fear.

Zoro curiously looked at Ryomen, while Nami gave him a concerned glance.

Ryomen sighed heavily. "Sanji's right. I shouldn't hide this from you anymore…"

The cabin fell silent as Ryomen began to speak. "Until two years ago…I was a slave to the Celestial Dragons." His voice was thick with bitterness.

Nami, Usopp, and Sanji looked at him in stunned silence.

"Who?" Luffy asked, scratching his head.

"They're world nobles," Nami explained, still recovering from her shock. "They hold the highest authority in the World Government."

"So, they're strong?" Zoro asked, his eyes gleaming with interest.

"No!" Ryomen's voice cracked with fury, emotions bubbling to the surface. "They're animals! They live only for their own pleasure, using the Navy to do their dirty work. Even though the World Government's laws, their actions are unforgivable, but they get away with everything!"

The weight of his words left the crew speechless.

Luffy blinked in confusion. "Then why do you have a bounty?"

"Because I know things I shouldn't." Ryomen muttered, averting his gaze.

"Cut the nonsense. No need to lie to our faces." Zoro simply said, then got punched in the head by Nami.

"It's not really a lie…" Ryomen said, then he sighed in resignation. "My bounty, and the real reason I'm called a 'cursed being'…is because of these."

Under their shocked gazes, Ryomen's 'marks' opened, revealing two additional crimson eyes.

"That's so cool!!" Luffy shouted, his excitement breaking the tension. "Do you also have two stomachs!?"

"What kind of question is that!?" Usopp yelled.

"I also have…two pairs of arms." Ryomen admitted hesitantly, avoiding their stares.

"Really!? Show me!" Luffy said, bouncing with excitement.

"No way! It's freezing!" Ryomen snapped.

Zoro, eyes narrowing in curiosity, asked, "How did that happen?"

"Well…from the bits and pieces I've heard, my mother…she had a less than stellar profession."

Ryomen insinuation passed by the heads of Zoro and Luffy.

"When she had me, she was at her lowest point in life. She was without a home, starving on the streets." Ryomen's words caused Sanji to remember his past, but he quickly shook the thoughts away and continued listening.

"If it continued like that, I would've died before even being born. But I didn't. I had a twin brother in the womb, but…I ate him to survive." His voice turned dark, sending shivers through the crew.

"After being born, my mother died. I don't really remember how I managed to survive, but it was at five years old that I had the unfortunate meeting with a Celestial Dragon. He took a fancy to my appearance, so he made me a slave." Ryomen took a pause to gather himself.

"From then on, I lived as they wanted me to, until two years ago when the Revolutionary Army attacked Sabaody Archipelago, and in the chaos, I managed to escape." He ended his story with a melancholic look.

The others couldn't do anything but digest all the information. Everyone beside Luffy, who was already emptying the fridge.

"Shishishi! I don't care about any of that! As long as you're part of my crew, than we'll always be together!" Luffy exclaimed with a grin.

The others also gave him reassuring smiles.

"Well…it's not like I have any reason to treat you differently just because of this." Sanji quickly told him.

"Yeah. I'll just have to get used to it." Nami added, looking at Ryomen with a soft gaze.

"Your scary appearance will help frighten our enemies, so it's actually a good thing!" Usopp tried to be kind, but Nami's glare made him shrink back in fear.

"I-I mean, your appearance doesn't matter as long as you're part of Captain Usopp's crew!" He tried to look straight into Ryomen's four eyes but quickly looked away.

"It doesn't really matter to me." Zoro plainly told him.

Tears welled in Ryomen's eyes as he looked at them. "Thank you…for staying by my side."

"C'mon, let's lighten the mood a little." Sanji said, then brought out a barrel. "We need to celebrate, we're reaching the Grand Line after all."

They all then went outside in the storm.

"Why do we have to do it in the rain!?" Usopp shouted in confusion.

"For dramatic effect." Ryomen replied with a small smile.

One by one, they placed a foot on the barrel.

"To find the All Blue."

"To become the Pirate King!"

"To be the greatest swordsman."

"To draw a map of the world."

"T-To become a brave warrior of the seas!"

"To destroy the World Government."

They all shouted in unison. "Off to the Grand Line!!" Their voices rang through the storm

These words echoed in the stormy air, a solemn but fierce promise of what was to come. The Going Merry sailed forward into the unknown, carrying with it a crew that had finally found where they belonged.