Chapter 4: The Gathering Storm

After Franky and his sisters, Mozu and Kiwi, joined the Straw Hat Pirates aboard the Going Merry, the atmosphere aboard the ship was tense yet charged with determination. They gathered in a circle on the deck, facing each other with eyes filled with resolve and questions.

Luffy, always direct and eager for answers, spoke up first. "Franky, tell us everything you know about Robin and Pluton."

Franky took a deep breath, his expression grave. "You all know what Pluton is, right?" He glanced around at the crew, receiving nods of affirmation. "Let's go back to the past then, shall we?"

Sanji and Usopp exchanged uneasy glances, but Itachi interjected calmly, his Sharingan activated and focused. "The past is crucial. It can illuminate our path forward," he stated with a hint of authority.

Franky nodded, recognizing the weight in Itachi's words. "Alright, here's what happened," he began, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Tom was like a father to us, the best shipbuilder in Water 7. We were all happy, working under him alongside his wife, Kokoro."

Nami chimed in, recalling their encounter with Kokoro at the Water 7 rail station. "I remember her. She seemed kind."

Franky nodded sadly. "Yeah, she was. But then came Spandam," he continued, venom seeping into his voice. "He was a former member of CP5, working under the World Government."

A collective gasp filled the air, everyone except Luffy, Itachi, Zoro, and Sanji visibly shocked by this revelation. Itachi's expression remained impassive, though he was clearly absorbing every detail with intense focus.

"So, Spandam approached Tom for the Pluton blueprint," Itachi surmised calmly.

Franky nodded grimly. "Yes. Tom refused, of course. But Spandam used my warship against us, attacking Water 7 and falsely accusing Tom of treason." His voice tightened with emotion. "Tom was executed."

All eyes turned to Zoro, who spoke up with his characteristic directness. "So, you're saying Spandam is behind this?"

Franky nodded again, his fists clenched in anger and determination. "Now they're after Iceberg. He was shot as a warning."

Itachi's voice cut through the tension once more. "So, they'll likely attack again," he concluded, his tone grave. "Especially with the weather indicating a nighttime assault, before the tide rises."

Sanji nodded in agreement. "Itachi's right. We need to move quickly."

Luffy, cracking his knuckles in anticipation, interrupted with his trademark determination. "It doesn't matter. We'll bring Robin back, no matter what. And we'll beat whoever stands in our way!"

A ripple of determination spread through the crew. Itachi couldn't help but notice the interaction between Franky and his sisters, Mozu and Kiwi. They stood close together, their bond evident in their supportive gestures and shared glances. Itachi's gaze flickered briefly with a grim expression, a fleeting reminder of his own past with Sasuke and the complexities of sibling relationships.

Nami, Zoro, and Sanji noticed Itachi's somber expression and exchanged concerned glances. "Hey, Itachi, you alright?" Nami asked gently, her voice tinged with empathy.

Itachi blinked, momentarily lost in memories before focusing on his crewmates. He offered a small, reassuring smile. "Yes, just old memories," he replied quietly. "No need to worry about it."

The crew nodded understandingly, silently acknowledging Itachi's unspoken thoughts. They turned their attention back to Franky as he continued to recount the events leading up to the present crisis.

Franky turned to his sisters, Mozu and Kiwi, with concern etched on his face. "You should go to the upper levels. It's dangerous here."

Mozu shook her head defiantly. "No, we want to stay with our brothers," she insisted, glancing at Franky with unwavering loyalty.

Franky sighed, but a small smile played on his lips. "Alright, but be careful. There are rules in our family, after all," he said softly, his gaze lingering on his sisters with affection.

Kiwi nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. "We have to stick together."

Franky then turned to the crew with a serious expression. "Where's your ship, Straw Hat?"

Nami's face darkened slightly. "It's in bad shape, beyond repair," she admitted reluctantly.

Usopp's expression turned grim as he recalled the sorry state of the Going Merry. "Yeah, it's beyond anything I can fix," he added sadly.

Franky nodded thoughtfully. "I'll try to restore it one last time," he said decisively. "And then, I'll build you a new ship."

Usopp's eyes widened with gratitude and a hint of tears. "Really? That would be amazing!"

Luffy grinned broadly, slapping Usopp on the back. "Thanks, Franky! We're counting on you!"

With their plan set in motion, the crew made their way towards Iceberg's mansion. Unbeknownst to them, in a secluded location not far away, masked figures stood in shadowy silence. Among them, Robin stood with an inscrutable expression. The lead figure spoke quietly, their words carrying an ominous weight.

"You know what to do," the masked figure instructed Robin, their tone firm. "After you've dealt with Iceberg, bring us the blueprint. Play smart, Robin. You know the consequences if you fail."

Robin's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of tension betraying her thoughts. She knew the gravity of her mission and the risks involved. Her mind raced with conflicting emotions—loyalty to her crewmates and the weight of her past decisions.

Back aboard the Going Merry, the crew navigated through the bustling streets of Water 7, drawing curious glances from the locals. They moved with purpose, each member deep in their thoughts and preparations for the impending confrontation.

As they approached Iceberg's mansion, a sense of urgency hung in the air. The crew braced themselves for what lay ahead, knowing that their next actions could determine the course of their journey and the safety of their friends.

Inside Iceberg's mansion, tensions ran high as Iceberg himself prepared for the inevitable attack. He stood resolute, his mind racing with strategies to protect himself and the valuable information he possessed. Khalifa, his loyal assistant, moved quietly around him, her expression one of concern and determination.

Outside, on the mansion's perimeter, Paulie and the Galley-La foremen stood watchful, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of impending danger. They were prepared to defend their leader and friend at all costs, their loyalty unwavering in the face of uncertainty.

Back on the Going Merry, Itachi leaned against the railing, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. His Sharingan eye glowed faintly, a testament to his readiness and vigilance. He sensed the approaching threat, his instincts honed by years of training and experience.

Sanji approached Itachi quietly, a cigarette dangling from his lips. "You seem calm, even in the face of this," he remarked, his tone respectful yet curious.

Itachi turned to Sanji, his expression unreadable yet tinged with a hint of weariness. "I've faced similar challenges before," he replied cryptically. "But this time, I fight alongside comrades I trust."

Sanji nodded knowingly, understanding the weight of Itachi's words. "Yeah, we've got each other's backs," he affirmed, a sense of camaraderie evident in his voice.

Meanwhile, Zoro stood at the ship's bow, his swords gleaming in the sunlight. His mind was focused on the battle ahead, his senses attuned to every movement and sound. He was prepared to unleash his full strength to protect his captain and crewmates.

Usopp busied himself with checking his ammunition, his face set in determination. He had faced countless dangers alongside the Straw Hat Pirates, but this new threat posed a different kind of challenge. His fingers moved deftly as he prepared his weapons, his thoughts racing with strategies and contingencies.

Nami approached Luffy, her expression serious yet filled with unwavering determination. "We need to be ready for anything," she reminded him, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. "Iceberg's counting on us to protect him."

Luffy nodded solemnly, his fists clenched in determination. "Yeah, we'll keep him safe," he declared, his gaze unwavering. "And we'll bring Robin back, no matter what."

The crew assembled outside Iceberg's mansion, their resolve palpable in the air. They exchanged knowing glances, their bond strengthened by shared experiences and unwavering trust.

Inside the mansion, Iceberg stood before a map of Water 7, his finger tracing the city's intricate layout. He knew the stakes were high, his every decision critical to the outcome of the impending confrontation.

Khalifa approached Iceberg quietly, her presence a comforting presence amidst the turmoil. "We're ready for them," she assured him, her voice steady despite the underlying tension.

Iceberg nodded, his expression resolute. "Thank you, Khalifa," he replied gratefully. "We must be prepared for whatever comes."

As night fell over Water 7, the crew of the Going Merry stood vigil outside Iceberg's mansion. The air was thick with anticipation, each member poised for action at a moment's notice.

Suddenly, a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness, their movements swift and purposeful. It was Robin, her face a mask of determination as she approached Iceberg's mansion with purpose.

The crew tensed, their eyes fixed on Robin with a mixture of relief and apprehension. They knew that her allegiance was torn between loyalty to her crewmates and the weight of her past.

Robin paused before the mansion's gates, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. She knew the gravity of her mission and the risks involved, yet her resolve remained steadfast.

Inside the mansion, Iceberg and Khalifa stood ready, their eyes trained on the approaching figure. They knew that the next moments would determine the course of their fate and the safety of Water 7.

With their plan set in motion, the crew made their way towards Iceberg's mansion. Unbeknownst to them, in a secluded location, masked figures stood in shadowy silence. Among them, Robin stood with an inscrutable expression. The lead figure spoke quietly, their words carrying an ominous weight.

"You know what to do," the masked figure instructed Robin, their tone firm. "After you've dealt with Iceberg, bring us the blueprint. Play smart, Robin. You know the consequences if you fail."

Robin's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of tension betraying her thoughts. The stage was set for the next move in this unfolding drama.