Attacking Rain Dinner

The tavern was an inferno of smoke, flames, and rubber. I crouched behind a toppled table, peeking out at the three-way battle that had engulfed the room. Smoker's billowing clouds of smoke clashed against Ace's roaring flames, and Luffy zipped between them with unpredictable movements, turning the tavern into a battlefield of elemental chaos.

Reiju and I ducked into the shadows when the fight broke out. She leaned against the wall, watching the chaos with her usual calm. "This is a mess," she muttered. "We shouldn't even be here."

"I know," I hissed back. "But I couldn't have known that marines and pirates were here. What are the odds?"

Still, my eyes fixed on Ace, his hands blazing with fire. His sheer power made me sweat—though it might have just been the heat from the flames.

But something gnawed at my mind. If Ace has the Fire Logia, then what exactly did Carmen eat?

As the battle raged on, my thoughts raced back to Carmen. She had eaten a Devil Fruit back on Sixis Island, claiming it had given her control over fire. She'd shown us her abilities many times—igniting flames, creating firewalls, flying, and cooking with her powers. It was real.

But Ace was a textbook example of the Mera Mera no Mi—the Flame-Flame Fruit. His Logia flames danced with an intensity and precision that Carmen's didn't quite match. Something about it didn't add up.

Reiju glanced at me, noticing my distracted look. "What's on your mind, Long-nosed Captain?"

I shook my head. "Nothing. Just trying to figure out what kind of mess we're in."

"Doesn't take a genius to figure that out," she said dryly, nodding toward Smoker, who was launching himself toward Ace.

The fight escalated. Ace's fire roared, engulfing Smoker's smoke in a fiery cyclone, but Smoker dissipated, reforming on the other side of the room. Luffy, meanwhile, was laughing as he dodged attacks from both of them, his stretchy limbs flying in all directions.

"Gomu Gomu no Bazooka!" Luffy shouted, sending a double-handed strike toward Smoker.

Smoker blocked it with his jitte, his expression as cold as ever. "You're not getting away, Straw Hat."

Ace grinned, taking advantage of the distraction. "You might want to focus, Marine."

He unleashed a massive fireball, forcing Smoker to leap back. The fireball hit the wall, exploding with a force that shook the entire tavern. Reiju grabbed my arm, pulling me further into cover.

"This place is about to collapse," she said. "We need to leave."

"Not yet," I said, my mind racing. "There's something I need to know."

Reiju gave me a sharp look but didn't argue.

I focused on activating my Recall Recall Fruit. The air around me faintly shimmered as I teleported to a spot closer to Ace, just outside the chaos. My heart pounded as I concentrated on his fire, comparing it to Carmen's.

Their flames were different. Ace's fire was fluid, almost alive, while Carmen's was raw, sporadic, and dominating.

Could Carmen have eaten a different Devil Fruit? If so, what was it?

A roof section collapsed before I could dwell on it further, sending debris crashing. I teleported back to Reiju just in time before debris crushed me.

"Whatever you're doing, stop," Reiju said, her tone sharp. "This place is falling apart."

As the fight continued, it became clear the tavern wouldn't hold much longer. Flames licked the ceiling, and smoke filled the air, making breathing hard. Luffy, Ace, and Smoker were too focused on their battle to notice.

"Fine," I muttered, gripping Reiju's arm. "We're out of here."

Using my Recall ability, I teleported us outside, landing in a nearby alley. The sudden change in air pressure made Reiju stagger, but she quickly recovered.

"That's a useful power," she said, brushing herself off.

"Comes in handy," I replied, glancing back at the tavern. The flames engulfed the building, but the sounds of battle still raged inside.

"What now?" Reiju asked.

"We regroup with the others," I said. "But first…" I pulled out a Den-Den Mushi and dialed Kaya. The line crackled as it connected.

"Usopp?" Kaya's voice came through, tinged with worry. "What's going on?"

"Where are Carmen and Nojiko?" I asked. "Are they still at the docks?"

"Yes," Kaya said. "Why?"

"Nothing. Call everyone to go back to the ship. I have a plan. We attacked Crocodile in the morning."

"Is something wrong?" Kaya asked.

"No," I said. "Just stay safe."

As Reiju and I made our way through the city, I couldn't shake the questions swirling in my mind. If Carmen's Devil Fruit wasn't the Mera Mera no Mi, what was it? And why did it mimic Ace's flames so closely?

More importantly, what else didn't I know about my crew? And how many secrets would come to light as we delved deeper into the chaos of Arabasta?

One thing was sure: this wasn't the last time we'd cross paths with Luffy, Ace, or Smoker.

***

The Cloud Chaser softly hummed as it cruised through the fantastic night skies toward Rainbase, its reinforced hull gleaming under the light of the stars. Most of the crew had turned in for the night except for Carmen and me, who sat by the railing on the upper deck. The flames in her hands flickered softly, casting a warm glow that seemed almost alive.

I couldn't shake the memory of her abilities from my mind. Her fire wasn't just destructive—it had something else I couldn't explain. And then it hit me: her flames could heal. She healed Sham and me back in Cocoyashi.

I leaned against the railing, my gaze fixed on the horizon. "Carmen," I said, breaking the silence, "do you remember when you healed Sham's wounds back on Cocoyashi?"

She glanced at me, her fiery hair catching the light of her flames. "Yeah, what about it?"

"Your flames," I said slowly, "they're not likeMeraMera no mi that I know. It is not just fire. They do more. They heal."

Carmen frowned, her eyes narrowing as she extinguished the fire in her palm. "What are you getting at, Husband?"

I hesitated, trying to put my thoughts into words. "When you use your flames, it's almost like they're alive. Like they're not just an extension of you but something separate. Have you ever felt that?"

Carmen leaned back, her arms crossed. "You're not the first to notice," she admitted. "I've always felt like my fire had a mind. Sometimes, when I push it too far, I see things."

"What kind of things?" I pressed, my curiosity piqued.

She hesitated, her confidence faltering for a moment. "A firebird," she said quietly. "Whenever I'm at my limit, I see this massive bird made of flames, its eyes glowing red. It feels like it's watching me, mocking me."

"A firebird?" I repeated, the pieces slowly clicking into place. "That's not just fire, Carmen. That's something much bigger."

She looked at me, her usual bravado replaced by uncertainty. "What do you mean?"

I leaned closer, my voice dropping to a whisper. "There's a legend about a Phoenix-like power—flames that don't just burn but also heal. It's not the Mera Mera no Mi that you eat. It's something else, something ancient. Maybe what you ate wasn't just regular devil fruit."

Carmen's eyes widened, her flames sparking to life involuntarily. "You think I ate some kind of mythical fruit?"

"It's possible," I said. "Your flames heal wounds, Carmen. That's not normal, even for Devil Fruits. If this bird you see is real, your power might be tied to it."

She stared at her hands, the flames flickering softly. "If that's true… then what does it mean for me? For us?"

I placed a hand on her smooth shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile. "It means you're even stronger than you thought. And it means we need to figure out exactly what you're capable of."

She smirked, some of her usual confidence returning. "So, I'm a mythical healer now? Great, just what I needed—more responsibility."

"You're more than that," I said. "You're part of this crew; whatever your powers are, we'll figure it out together."

Carmen's smirk softened into a genuine smile. "Thanks, Husband. I'll try not to let you down."

I called the crew to discuss what I'd learned the following day. Carmen hesitated at first but eventually shared her experience with the firebird. The crew listened intently, their reactions ranging from awe to curiosity.

"That's incredible," Kaya said, her eyes wide. "If your flames can heal, they're more than just a weapon. They're a gift."

Sham snorted. "A gift? I'd call it a cheat code. I remember that she healed me in Cocoyashi. I am supposed to have a piercing wound, but I don't. That's cheating."

"Carmen's powers could save lives if we're ever in trouble," Nojiko added.

Bellemere crossed her arms, her expression serious. "It's not just about what she can do. If word gets out about her abilities, others will come after her. We need to keep this quiet."

Aerwyna nodded. "Agreed. Mythical powers attract attention, and not the good kind."

As we continued toward Rainbase, the crew seemed more united than ever. Carmen's powers were a revelation, but they were also a responsibility. We needed to protect her and determine the full extent of her abilities.

Standing at the helm, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The Cloud Chaser wasn't just a ship—it was a sanctuary.

"Cap," Nojiko called, her voice breaking through my thoughts. "Rainbase is on the horizon."

***

The casino loomed before us like a fortress of sand and stone, its golden glow cutting through the desert night. Rainbase wasn't just any city—it was the beating heart of Crocodile. And we were about to tear that heart out.

I crouched in the shadows near the casino's rear entrance, my rifle slung across my back and my Observation Haki buzzing. Emotions swirled around me—fear, greed, determination—all blending into a chaotic hum that made my nose itch.

"Long-nosed san, the front's secure," Reiju's voice came through the transponder snail in my hand. "Carmen and Nojiko are holding off the reinforcements."

"Good," I whispered. "Stay alert. This casino is Crocodile's territory, and he won't let us walk out of here without a fight."

I motioned for Aerwyna and Bellemere to move in, their weapons ready, swords and rifles, as they flanked me. Sham darted ahead, her flash-step technique making her a blur in the moonlight. In her Transport Titan Form, Kaya had already cleared the nearby streets, ensuring the citizens were out of harm's way.

The casino's rear entrance was heavily guarded, but nothing we couldn't handle. Aerwyna's kitetsu blades, Sendai and Kagegiri, flashed in the dim light, her strikes precise and deadly, while Bellemere took to the skies in her hybrid Zoan form, raining down cover fire with pinpoint accuracy.

I stayed back, picking off guards with my trick bullets—explosive rounds, smoke bombs, and even a net shot that tangled two guards in a web of cables.

"Clear," Aerwyna said, wiping her blade on her sleeve.

"Good," I said, stepping over the unconscious bodies—they must be billions or millions; I don't remember which one belongs to which. Let's move before they send reinforcements."

The casino's interior was eerily quiet, the luxurious halls deserted as we approached the main chamber. But as we entered the heart of the building, we weren't greeted by Crocodile—or even one of his agents. Instead, a figure stepped out of the shadows, her every movement as fluid and calculated as that of a predator.

Black hair down to her shoulder, blue eyes reflecting. The woman in front of me must be Nico Robin. A dangerous woman with a mind sharper than any blade, she hid a tragic past behind all that facade. She was so gorgeous in a mysterious way, and I think I've been his simp in my previous life. 

"Well, this is a surprise," she said, her voice calm and relaxed. "An unknown rookie crew barging into Rain Dinners like they own the place. I must say, I'm impressed."

"Where's Crocodile?" I demanded, leveling my rifle at her.

She smiled, unfazed by the weapon. "There is no Crocodile here; whoever you're looking for, he is not here."

Reiju stepped forward, her calm demeanor matching Robin's. "We're not here for games. If you will try and stop us, get on with it."

Robin's gaze flicked to Reiju, her smile widening. "Ah, The Princes of the Vinsmoke family. I have a file about you, though I doubt they do you justice."

Reiju didn't respond, but her stance shifted slightly, her body tensing like a coiled spring.

"Enough talking," I said, my finger tightening on the trigger. "Tell us where Crocodile is, or—"

"Or what?" Robin interrupted, arching an eyebrow. "You'll shoot me? You're bold, Ghost of East Blue, but you're not heartless, especially to pretty girls. You wouldn't fire."

Her words stopped me cold. "How do you know that?"

She took a step closer, her arms crossed. "Let me tell you something. Long-nosedkunCrocodile's plans go far beyond this kingdom. He's after something much bigger. And if you think you can stop him with brute force, you're sorely mistaken."

"Brat, haven't you had enough girls around you? What took you so long? Just shoot her," Bellemere growled, her rifle trained on Robin.

Because she was the Onee-San type, I needed to be on her good side.

"You can kill me now," she said, unfazed. "But you'll regret it and need information to survive what's coming."

Robin raised her hands, but not in surrender. A dozen arms sprouted from the walls, the floor, and the ceiling, each poised to strike.

"Think carefully," she said, her voice calm but dangerous. "You could fight me here and now. Or you could hear what I have to say and maybe, just maybe, get out of this mess alive."

I glanced at Reiju, her sharp eyes locked on Robin. "Reiju, Don't you recognize her?"

"Who?" Reiju said.

"Black-haired, victim of a massacre?"

Reiju responded to me by tilting her head.

Before we finished talking, I heard the sound of a swift, brutal impact—a muffled thud—followed by Sham's familiar, smug voice. All the arms Robin summoned changed into a petal and fell slowly onto the floor.

"Well, that was easy," she said, stepping into the dim light with a triumphant smirk. "You were just going to let her join, weren't you, Captain?"

Nico Robin—lay unconscious on the ground, a small lump forming where Sham's metal claw had struck her head. I stared in disbelief.

"Sham! What did you do? Don't kill her," I shouted, running toward them.

"What you clearly couldn't," she replied with a shrug, crossing her arms. "Relax, she is still alive. If the enemy is a pretty girl, you always act like that, Captain. It's becoming a pattern."

My face burned with frustration and embarrassment. "That's not true! I was just—"

"Staring at her like she was the queen of the desert," Sham interrupted, her smirk widening. "Don't worry, Captain. I took care of her without scarring her pretty face."

Despite my irritation, I couldn't deny Sham's accusations. Robin was too precious—I mean, dangerous—to let go. She was Crocodile's right-hand woman, and having her as a prisoner could give us a critical advantage.

"Fine," I said, pulling a clear bracelet from my pocket. One of my inventions was a condensed sea bracelet designed to suppress Devil Fruit users. "Put this on her wrist. Carefully."

Sham gave me an exaggerated salute, clearly enjoying herself. "Your wish is my command, oh fearless leader."

She snapped the bracelet onto Robin's wrist with a satisfying click, the metal humming faintly as the condensed seawater inside activated. I watched as Robin's body seemed to sag slightly, the effects of the sea prism already taking hold.

"Will she still be able to use her devil fruit? Because Carmen can still use her?" Sham asked me.

"Carmen's was to suppress; this one has more density than the one I gave Carmen, and this one is to incapacitated," I explained to her.

"Okay, Sham, can you please get her to the ship," I ordered, my tone firm. "Lock her in the holding cell and make sure she stays there. We'll question her when she wakes up."

"On it," Sham said, dragging Robin toward the exit. She glanced back at me with a mischievous grin. "Try not to rape her while she's tied up, Captain."

I groaned, rubbing my temples. "Just go.