Chapter 2: Bonds Tested and Strengthened

The Merry's Fate

The news hit the crew hard. Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Itachi stood on the deck of the Going Merry, looking at the ship with heavy hearts. The shipwrights had confirmed their worst fears: the Merry was beyond repair.

"We can't sail on Merry anymore," Luffy said, his voice heavy with regret. His usually bright and energetic demeanor was dampened, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.

Nami nodded, her expression serious. "We need a new ship, Luffy. It's the only way we can continue our journey safely."

Usopp clenched his fists, his eyes filled with determination and defiance. "No! I can fix her! I don't care what anyone says, I won't give up on Merry!" His voice cracked with emotion, and his eyes were wide and desperate.

Itachi watched silently, observing the reactions of his new crewmates. He noted Zoro's stoic expression, masking his inner turmoil. Zoro stood with his arms crossed, his jaw tight, as if holding back his own sadness. Nami's practical, albeit saddened, approach contrasted sharply with Usopp's emotional outburst. Luffy, though visibly conflicted, made up his mind. "We have to build a new ship, Usopp. It's the only way we can continue our journey."

Usopp's eyes burned with frustration. "You just don't understand, Luffy! Merry is more than just a ship to us. She's our home!" His voice rose in pitch, almost pleading.

Luffy's fists tightened, his knuckles turning white. "I know, Usopp. But we can't keep sailing on a ship that's falling apart." There was a hint of frustration in his voice, but also a deep sense of responsibility.

Usopp glared at Luffy, tears of anger welling up. "You can't just give up on her like this! I won't let you!" His hands were shaking, and his whole body seemed tense, ready to explode.

The tension was palpable. Itachi, with his sharp perceptiveness, noticed the subtle shifts in everyone's posture and expression. He saw Nami biting her lower lip, her eyes darting between Luffy and Usopp. Zoro's grip on his swords tightened, a silent testament to his readiness to step in if things escalated.

Luffy took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Usopp, I'm not giving up on Merry. She's given us so much, but it's our turn to let her rest. We'll build a new ship in her honor, one that can take us to the end of the Grand Line."

Usopp shook his head vigorously. "No, Luffy! You don't get it. You don't understand what Merry means to me, to all of us!" His voice was hoarse, and his eyes were red from holding back tears.

Sanji and Chopper's Arrival

The next morning, as the crew prepared to set out, Sanji and Chopper arrived on the deck. Sanji, always smooth and confident, immediately noticed the tension in the air. The atmosphere was thick with unresolved emotions and unspoken words.

"Nami-swan, did you miss me?" Sanji asked with a flirtatious smile, striking a pose. His attempts to lighten the mood were clear, but they fell flat against the somber backdrop.

Nami, rolling her eyes, replied, "Now's not the time for that, Sanji." Her tone was gentle but firm, a clear indication that the usual banter would have to wait.

Sanji, undeterred, continued his antics, and Itachi watched with curiosity. Zoro, noticing Itachi's interest, decided to introduce him.

"Itachi, this is Sanji," Zoro said, gesturing toward the blonde cook. "He's our cook."

Sanji turned his attention to Itachi, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And who is this guy?" His voice had a curious edge, assessing the newcomer.

Itachi stepped forward and introduced himself. "I'm Itachi Uchiha. I've recently joined the crew." He spoke calmly, his voice carrying a sense of composed strength.

Sanji raised an eyebrow but before he could say anything, his attention was drawn to Chopper, who was hiding behind Nami. The little reindeer was peeking out nervously, clearly feeling the tension as well.

"And that's Chopper," Zoro continued. "He's our doctor."

Itachi smiled at Chopper. "Are you a reindeer?" he asked, his tone gentle and kind.

Chopper's eyes widened in surprise and happiness. "Yes, I am! How did you know?" His voice was filled with a mix of curiosity and excitement.

Itachi chuckled. "It was a lucky guess. You must be a sharp doctor." His compliment was sincere, and it seemed to put Chopper at ease.

Chopper, delighted by the compliment, started dancing around and cursing playfully. "I'm not sharp, you're sharp! You're a sharp guy, Itachi!" He danced with joy, his earlier shyness forgotten.

Sanji, still curious about Itachi, asked, "So, what exactly do you do, Itachi?" There was a hint of skepticism in his voice, as if he were still sizing up the new crew member.

"I'm skilled in ninjutsu and other forms of combat," Itachi replied simply, his expression calm and confident.

Sanji nodded, accepting the explanation for now. "Well, welcome aboard." His tone was more welcoming now, though the curiosity lingered in his eyes.

The News About Robin

The cheerful moment was short-lived as Sanji shared the news about Robin. "There's something else. Robin... she said she won't join us anymore." His voice was heavy with the weight of the news, and the cheerful atmosphere from moments ago vanished.

The crew fell silent, shock and disbelief written on their faces. Nami was the first to speak. "How can that be? Robin is our friend!" Her voice was filled with a mixture of confusion and concern.

Itachi, puzzled, asked, "Robin? Was she one of our crewmates?" His tone was calm, but his eyes showed genuine curiosity.

Sanji nodded, his expression serious. "Yes. She joined us not long ago." He ran a hand through his hair, clearly troubled by the news.

Itachi thought back to the wanted posters he had seen. "Is she a little girl?" he asked, trying to piece together the information.

Nami shook her head. "No, she's older than us. That wanted poster is old. It was from when she was a child." Her voice softened, her thoughts clearly drifting to Robin's troubled past.

Itachi's eyes softened with sympathy. "I see. She must have had a difficult past." His tone was filled with understanding, recognizing the weight of Robin's history.

Luffy, determined as ever, clenched his fists. "I'll find her and bring her back. Robin is part of our crew, and I'm not giving up on her!" His voice was filled with conviction, a promise to his crewmates.

The crew smiled at Luffy's resolve, and Itachi gave him a small, approving nod. "We'll support you, Luffy. Whatever it takes." His voice was calm, but it carried a weight of unwavering support.

Tension Among the Crew

Back in the cabin, the tension reached a breaking point. Usopp was beside himself with frustration and sadness. "You're so selfish, Luffy! How can you just abandon Merry like that?" His voice was filled with pain, every word a lash of his frustration.

Everyone was shocked by Usopp's words. Luffy was visibly trying to control his anger, and Itachi could sense the rising tension. The air was thick with unspoken emotions, the cabin feeling smaller with each passing second.

"Usopp, you're going too far," Itachi said calmly. "I understand your feelings, but—"

"You don't understand!" Usopp cut him off sharply. "You're new to this crew. You know nothing about how much Merry has done for us!" His voice was raw, filled with a sense of betrayal.

Luffy, unable to hold back his anger any longer, clenched his fists. "That's enough, Usopp!" he shouted and, in a swift motion, hit Usopp, sending him sprawling. The sound of the impact echoed in the silent cabin. Everyone was stunned into silence, including Itachi and Zoro. Sanji stepped in, grabbing Luffy to hold him back. "That's enough, Luffy!" he said firmly, his voice a mix of authority and concern.

Itachi looked at Usopp, lying on the ground, still struggling to stand. "Then I'll leave the cre—" Usopp began, but before he could finish, he suddenly collapsed, falling into a deep sleep. The room was silent, everyone processing what had just happened.

Zoro turned to Itachi, his eyes narrowing. "What did you do?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

Itachi's eyes were now three tomoe red, the Sharingan activated. "I used a genjutsu on him and made him sleep," Itachi explained calmly, his voice steady.

Sanji's eyes widened. "Why did you do that?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern.

"He was going to say he would leave the crew," Itachi replied. "I couldn't let that happen. So I put him to sleep."

Nami, noticing Itachi's red eyes, asked, "Is this your Devil Fruit power?" Her voice was filled with curiosity, her eyes wide.

Itachi shook his head. "No, it's a power from my family. It's called the Sharingan." His tone was explanatory, but there was a hint of pride in his voice.

Luffy's anger subsided, replaced by curiosity. "So cool!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with amazement.

Chopper quickly checked on Usopp, confirming he was just asleep. Everyone sighed in relief. Luffy looked at Itachi and said, "Thank you, Itachi."

Itachi gave a small smile. "I'm part of the crew as well. No need for thanks." His voice was warm, and his smile genuine.

Everyone smiled, appreciating Itachi's efforts to keep the crew together. The next day, they gathered to discuss their plan to find Robin. The mood was more hopeful, the bond between them feeling stronger despite the recent tensions.

Water 7 Arrival

The crew walking in the alie towards Water 7, a city famous for its shipwrights. They hoped to find Robin and build their new ship. As they approached, they were suddenly chased by the locals.

"What's happening?" Nami shouted, trying to steer the ship through the narrow canals.

"We didn't do anything!" Luffy yelled back, confusion written all over his face. The crew looked at their captain, suspecting he might have caused some trouble.

The locals were shouting, "You tried to kill Iceberg! You're not forgiven!"

The crew was shocked. "We didn't do anything!" Nami yelled back, trying to reason with them.

Zoro, as usual, was heading in the wrong direction, and Itachi stayed close to guide him. "You're terrible with directions, aren't you?" Itachi said with a deadpan expression.

Zoro flushed with embarrassment and anger. "Shut up!" he retorted, though his tone was more embarrassed than hostile.

The crew managed to find a temporary refuge in a high building. They sat down, trying to catch their breath and figure out their next move.

Luffy, determined, said, "I'll go see Iceberg and clear this up. You guys stay here."

The crew nodded, trusting their captain. Luffy made his way to Iceberg's mansion, entering through a window. He was met with hostility but dodged everyone and reached Iceberg's room. Iceberg, covered in bandages, dismissed his guards.

"I want to talk to Luffy," Iceberg said, his voice firm despite his injuries.

Luffy, standing at the edge of the room, was ready to hear the truth. The chapter ends here, leaving everyone on edge about what Iceberg would reveal and how it would affect their mission to find Robin and build their new ship.