Offshore – Doflamingo's Line
The cold mist hung heavy over the sea as the first streaks of dawn broke through the clouds. A small ship drifted behind the escaping vessels—aboard it, Baby 5 and Beppo sat in silence.
Baby 5 gritted her teeth, her arms folded tight across her chest. "We failed him..." she muttered.
Beppo's ears drooped. "Boss Doflamingo won't forgive this."
Baby 5 slammed her fist on the railing. "He trusted me to bring Caesar back. And Kael too... he was important."
"We were outnumbered," Beppo said. "Too many surprises. The core… the Straw Hats... We didn't stand a chance."
A Den Den Mushi blinked to life between them. Joker's eyes appeared through the snail's mimicked features.
"You two are lucky you still have your lives," Doflamingo said, voice dangerously calm. "Return. Don't make me come looking."
Beppo and Baby 5 exchanged glances. "Yes, Joker," they said in unison.
The Den Den Mushi clicked off.
---
Main Ship – Toward Dressrosa
The Straw Hats' vessel rocked gently on the morning tide. The chaos of Punk Hazard now behind them, silence had settled over the deck.
Kin'emon stood at the prow, eyes on the horizon. "Momonosuke," he said softly, glancing behind him. "You're safe. That is all that matters."
Momonosuke stood proudly. "Yes, Father. But we must find Kanjuro. We promised."
Usopp leaned on the railing beside them, scratching his chin. "Another samurai? That makes three... Maybe we should start a club."
Chopper gasped. "A samurai club! With armor and swords and—wait, do reindeer count as samurai?"
Kin'emon turned with a polite bow. "You have the soul of one, Doctor Chopper."
Chopper blushed furiously. "S-shut up, idiot!"
Zoro sheathed Wado Ichimonji with a grunt. "Tch. We better not be picking up more strays. That last fight was enough drama."
"You're one to talk, Marimo," Sanji muttered, exhaling smoke. "At least the samurai have manners."
Zoro rolled his eyes. "Better manners than you, dartboard-brow."
Nami leaned back on a barrel, legs crossed. "Boys, behave. We're finally getting a moment of peace. Let's not waste it."
Robin smiled, sipping tea. "It's interesting. Even in chaos, there's comfort in familiar arguments."
Franky adjusted his shoulder plates. "Still, Kael's no small variable. That core—whatever it really is—might be dormant, but I don't trust tech that hums when it sleeps."
Luffy stretched lazily, perched on the figurehead. "I dunno, he's not all bad. He fought hard back there. Even saved Beppo."
Usopp cupped his hands around his mouth. "Yeah, and remember when he punched that wall apart? That was kinda awesome."
Zoro grunted. "Still feels like he's holding back. Or holding something in."
---
Below Deck – Silent Storm
Kael sat apart from the others near the mast, head bowed, face unreadable. Chopper had bandaged his arm, but the damage was deeper than flesh.
He said nothing, staring out the narrow porthole. The others didn't bother him. Even Robin, usually one to offer gentle insight, gave him space. Something in Kael's aura signaled a storm not yet passed.
Footsteps passed above. Kael remained still, the faint hum of the core echoing in the recesses of his mind.
---
Above Deck – Luffy's Laugh
The crew had gathered for a simple breakfast. Fish and rice steamed from plates as seagulls circled overhead.
"So, Kael's weird," Luffy said through a mouthful. "But he's our weird guy for now."
"Captain logic, everyone," Nami muttered with a smile.
"I trust my gut!" Luffy grinned.
Kin'emon stood with Momonosuke. "You Straw Hats have our gratitude."
"You're strong too, Samurai-dono," Franky said. "Next time we fight together, let's blow up a mountain!"
Zoro smirked. "As long as it's not ours."
Sanji laid down a plate near Robin. "Milady, extra honey-glazed rice cakes for you."
Robin chuckled. "Why thank you, Cook-san."
Usopp handed Chopper some tea. "You were great, Doc. Didn't even cry once."
"I almost did… but I didn't!" Chopper beamed.
Luffy's eyes scanned the sea ahead. "Next stop… Dressrosa!"
The wind filled their sails.