Chapter 11: New Member

The next day, aboard the Thousand Sunny, the crew went about their usual routines. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the ship as it sailed through the calm seas.

Luffy was perched at the figurehead, gazing out at the horizon with a big grin on his face, always on the lookout for the next adventure. Usopp was tinkering with his gadgets and making adjustments to his slingshot, occasionally calling out to Chopper for assistance. Chopper, in turn, was bustling about, checking on everyone's health and making sure his medical supplies were in order.

Nami was at the helm, skillfully navigating their course, her eyes scanning the sea and the sky for any signs of changes in the weather. Franky was in his workshop, working on new modifications and upgrades for the ship, the sound of his tools echoing through the sunny deck.

Sanji was in the kitchen, preparing a delicious meal for the crew, the enticing aroma wafting through the air. Zoro was off to the side, training with his swords, his focus intense as he practiced his techniques.

Robin, however, found herself unable to concentrate on her book. She kept stealing glances at Itachi, who was meditating quietly on the deck. His composed expression and graceful posture only added to his enigmatic charm, making Robin's heart flutter. She admired his looks, a blush creeping up her cheeks each time their eyes met.

Itachi noticed Robin's glances and gave her a small, reassuring smile. It was a rare sight, but it warmed Robin's heart and made her blush even more. She quickly looked away, pretending to read her book, but her thoughts were still on him.

Itachi, feeling a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time, was leaning against the railing, watching his new crewmates with a small smile. Robin approached him, carrying a book, and joined him by the railing.

"It's a beautiful day," Robin remarked, her eyes sparkling in the sunlight.

Itachi nodded. "Yes, it is. It's nice to see everyone so happy and at ease."

After some time, Luffy's sharp eyes caught sight of something unusual floating in the sea. "Hey, what's that?" he called out, pointing toward the object bobbing in the water.

The rest of the crew gathered at the ship's railing, following Luffy's gaze. There, not too far from the Thousand Sunny, was a large wooden barrel, drifting aimlessly in the ocean.

"Looks like a barrel," Usopp said, squinting to get a better look.

"Maybe it's full of food!" Luffy exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with excitement at the thought of a potential treasure trove of snacks.

Nami said, "Is that all you look?" She had berries in her eyes and said, "I think it might be some treasure."

Sanji stepped up, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Or it could be a trap. We should be cautious."

Chopper let out a sweatdrop and said, "I don't think so, Nami."

Robin nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's best to approach it carefully. It could be something harmless, or it could be something dangerous."

Franky, always eager for a bit of adventure, grinned. "I'll get the crane ready. Let's reel it in and see what we've got."

As Franky prepared the crane, Zoro and Itachi stood by, ready for any potential trouble.

With the crane in position, Franky expertly maneuvered it to hook onto the barrel and lift it out of the water. The crew watched with bated breath as the barrel was brought aboard the Thousand Sunny and gently set down on the deck.

Itachi observed it and said, "It looks old." Robin nodded and said, "Yeah, it does." Nami, with barriers up, said, "All the treasure boxes look old." Zoro just signed and Sanji also looked at the box.

"Alright, let's see what's inside," Luffy said, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

Nami stepped forward, carefully prying open the barrel's lid. The crew leaned in, curious to see what secrets the mysterious barrel held.

As Nami carefully pried open the barrel's lid, the crew leaned in with anticipation. Suddenly, there was a loud hiss, and a bright flare shot out from the barrel, soaring into the sky. The flare burst into a brilliant display of colors, illuminating the sky with a fiery red glow.

Everyone stepped back in surprise, shielding their eyes from the intense light.

"What the heck?" Usopp exclaimed, his eyes wide with shock.

"It was a signal flare!" Robin said, her voice filled with concern. "Someone might be using it to call for help or to alert others."

Luffy, always ready for action, looked around eagerly. "Does that mean we're about to have some company? Maybe a new adventure!"

Sanji scanned the horizon, his expression wary. "Or it could mean trouble is headed our way. We need to be prepared for anything."

Zoro, with his hand on his sword, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, let's be on guard. We don't know who's coming."

Chopper and Usopp were scared and shouted, "What, why are you so excited, Luffy?"

Franky, still holding the crane's controls, added, "I'll keep the ship ready to move if we need to make a quick escape."

The crew members quickly took their positions, preparing for whatever might come their way. The atmosphere was tense, each of them ready for the unexpected.

Itachi, standing beside Robin, kept his Sharingan activated, scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger. "We should remain vigilant. Whoever sent that flare might have intentions we can't yet see."

After the flare's light faded, a dark mist began to appear on the horizon, slowly creeping toward the Thousand Sunny. The eerie fog surrounded the ship, casting an ominous shadow over the deck.

Usopp, Nami, and Chopper huddled together, their eyes wide with fear. "What is this?" Usopp stammered, his voice trembling.

"I don't like this at all," Nami added, her hands gripping the railing tightly.

Chopper, in his small form, clung to Usopp's leg, shivering. "This is really scary!"

Sanji, seeing their fear, decided to lighten the mood—or so he thought. "You know, this reminds me of a story," he began, his voice low and dramatic. "There was once a ship that sailed into a dark mist just like this. They say the crew was never seen again, swallowed by the darkness."

Usopp, Nami, and Chopper's eyes widened even further, their imaginations running wild with fear. "Stop it, Sanji!" Usopp yelled, trying to cover his ears. "You're making it worse!"

Meanwhile, Luffy, Zoro, and Franky were giving the scene their own unique reactions. Luffy, seemed more excited than scared. "This is awesome! It's like a real ghost ship adventure!"

Zoro, unfazed, kept his hand on his sword, ready for any potential threats. "Just stay alert. This mist could be hiding anything. And shut with your stupid story"

Sanji smirked and said, "Ahh, our Swordsman is shitting his pants." Zoro got angry and said, "Ahh, you want to go there, huh, Sanji? Yeah, I want to too!" Itachi intervened and said, "That's not the time for that." Zoro glared at Sanji and turned around.

Franky, though cautious, couldn't help but chuckle at the situation. "This is turning into quite the spooky adventure!"

In the midst of the chaos, Itachi and Robin found a moment of calm. Standing slightly apart from the others, they talked quietly, their conversation taking on a more serious tone.

"This mist... it could be a trap or a sign of danger," Itachi said, his eyes scanning the dense fog.

Robin nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yes, it feels unnatural. It's like it is lurking us somewhere."

Noticing the concern in Robin's eyes, Itachi smiled and told her. "We'll get through this together," he said softly, his calm demeanor providing a reassuring presence.

Robin blushed her heart fluttering. "Thank you, Itachi," she replied, with a smile on her face.

As Sanji continued his horror story, the tension on the Thousand Sunny grew. The dark mist thickened, and the eerie atmosphere seemed almost tangible. Suddenly, out of the swirling fog, a large, ancient-looking ship appeared, sailing silently beside them.

The ship had an old, ghostly appearance, with tattered sails and a weathered hull. It looked like it had sailed straight out of a bygone era, its presence adding an air of mystery and fear.

Usopp, Nami, and Chopper clung to each other even tighter, their fear escalating. "It's a ghost ship!" Usopp whispered, his voice quivering.

Nami nodded, her eyes wide with terror. "This is worse than any horror story!"

Chopper, trembling, could only manage a squeak of agreement. "Y-yeah!"

The rest of the crew turned their attention to the ghostly vessel, each reacting in their own way. Luffy was practically bouncing with excitement. "This is so cool! A real ghost ship adventure!"

Itachi's eyes narrowed as he observed the ship, he was in front of robin. "Stay sharp. This could be dangerous."

Franky, though cautious, couldn't help but appreciate the ship's design. "That's one impressive piece of work, even if it is creepy."

As they watched, a figure emerged on the deck of the ghostly ship. It was a man with a skeletal appearance, calmly sipping tea as if the dark mist and eerie surroundings were of no concern to him.

The sight of the skeleton sent Usopp, Nami, and Chopper into a frenzy of fear. They screamed loudly, their voices echoing across the misty waters. "It's a ghost!" they shouted in unison, their terror palpable.

Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Look at that! A skeleton drinking tea! This is the best adventure ever!"

Itachi, sensing the potential danger, activated his Sharingan. His eyes focused on the skeletal figure, analyzing every detail. "There's more to this than meets the eye," he muttered, his voice low and serious

Luffy, his excitement uncontainable, turned to the crew. "Hey, let's get to that ship and find that skeleton guy! Come on!" He started dragging Nami along, who protested vehemently.

"Luffy, are you crazy? This is dangerous!" Nami shouted, trying to pull away. But Luffy's enthusiasm was unstoppable, and he managed to convince Zoro, Nami, and Franky to join him.

"Let's go!" Luffy cheered, leaping over to the ghostly ship with Zoro, Nami, and Franky in tow. Itachi watched them with a sweat drop, shaking his head at Luffy's impulsiveness, while Robin giggled softly at the scene.

The four of them landed on the deck of the ghost ship, looking around warily. The ship's eerie atmosphere was thick, the creaking wood and mist adding to the sense of unease.

"There he is," Franky said, pointing towards the skeletal figure they had seen earlier.

The skeleton, now standing with a cane, turned to face them. "Yohohoho! Welcome to my humble abode!" he greeted them with a cheerful laugh.

Luffy, completely unfazed, beamed at him. "Hey, join our crew!"

Nami, Zoro, and Franky all shouted in unison, "That's not gonna happen!"

Brook, the skeleton, tilted his head thoughtfully. "I'd be honored to join your crew, but first I must ask something important." He turned to Nami with a grin. "Miss, may I see your panties?"

Nami's face turned bright red with anger, and she kicked Brook hard. "You pervert!"

Despite the chaotic introduction, Luffy was determined. "He's perfect! Let's bring him aboard!"

The four of them brought Brook back to the Thousand Sunny, much to the shock of Usopp and Chopper, who were still trembling in fear. Sanji eyed Brook warily, his cigarette hanging from his lips.

Itachi, observing Brook closely, spoke up. "I don't sense any hostility from him."

Robin smiled and nodded. "Then let's hear what he has to say."

Brook approached her and got to her side, saying, "I have a very important question for you. Can I see your panties?" Robin looked at him with a smile, while Itachi gazed at him with the Mankyo Sharingan. As Brook felt the tension from behind him, he quickly changed his tone and sweating said, "Never mind, young lady."

Zoro explained the situation briefly, and Sanji sighed. "Alright, let's get to the cabin. We need to hear Brook's story."

The crew gathered in the cabin, sitting around the table as Brook began to recount his tale. His voice carried a sense of melancholy and nostalgia as he shared his backstory.

"Fifty years ago, I was the musician of a pirate crew called the Rumbar Pirates. We were a lively bunch, bringing joy wherever we went with our music. But one day, we were attacked, and my entire crew was killed. I had eaten the Revive-Revive Fruit, so I came back to life, but by then, it was too late for the others. I've been wandering the seas alone ever since."

The crew listened intently, their hearts heavy with sympathy for Brook's tragic past. Luffy, his eyes shining with determination, spoke up. "Brook, you're not alone anymore. You're part of our crew now!"

Brook sighed, shaking his head. "I can't join your crew because I can't go out in daylight. Someone has taken my shadow. Without it, I'm practically a ghost."

Everyone's eyes widened in shock. "Your shadow?" Usopp repeated, incredulously.

Itachi, stepped forward. "So, where is your shadow now?"

Brook's expression grew serious. "You don't have to know that. It's a very dangerous place. I will go myself and get it back."

Luffy, ever the determined captain, walked up to Brook and placed a hand on his shoulder. "No way. We'll help you. You're part of my crew now."

Brook's eye sockets seemed to glisten with gratitude. "Thank you," he said, then added with his classic joke, "Yohohoho! By the way, have you ever seen a skeleton blush?"

The crew couldn't help but laugh, the tension easing for a moment. Even Robin chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. Itachi, standing beside her, smiled warmly, his gaze lingering on Robin.

As I regain my shadow, I want to meet my friend who's waiting for me at the lighthouse in Calm Belt. Nami's curiosity was piqued, and she asked, "Who is that friend?" Luffy replied, "His name is Laboon. We met him at the lighthouse when we were passing through Calm Belt. He was head-butting the different ships we met." Zoro, Usopp, and Sanji widened their eyes, exclaiming, "Laboon, that whale!" Brook gazed at Luffy with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, saying, "You know him?" Luffy nodded, "Yeah, he was at the lighthouse when we were passing through Calm Belt. He was head-butting the different ships we met."

Sanji added, "Yeah, he was still waiting for his friend." Itachi and Robin looked at each other with a hint of intrigue, asking, "Is there something missing here?" Luffy's expression turned solemn, saying, "Yeah, you weren't with us that time. It was a whale guarding the Calm Belt who head-butts any ship that enters the Grand Line. And he was waiting for his friend." Itachi and Robin nodded in understanding.

Zoro remarked, "Who would have thought?" Brook's expression turned somber as he asked, "Is he okay?" Luffy replied, "He's great and still waiting for you." Brook's empty sockets welled up with tears as Itachi said, "He is a loyal friend." Brook nodded while wiping away his tears.

Franky spoke up. "So, where do we start?"

Brook hesitated before answering. "The place where my shadow is kept is dangerous. It's on an island called Thriller Bark."

"Thriller Bark?" Nami repeated, her fear resurfacing. "That sounds ominous."

"It is," Brook confirmed. "It's ruled by a powerful warlord named Gecko Moria. He's the one who took my shadow."

Zoro clenched his fists, his resolve unwavering. "Then we'll just have to defeat him and get your shadow back."

Sanji nodded, his usual confident smirk in place. "Yeah, its sound simple to me "

Robin turned to Itachi, her expression serious. "Are you ready for this, Itachi?"

Itachi gave a determined nod. "I'm ready. Brook is one of us now, and we'll do whatever it takes to help him."

Nami's fear still lingered, but she never missed an opportunity to tease. She turned to Robin and said, "Robin, we're also here. I remind you." Robin's face blushed, and she replied, "Are you all ready?" Luffy's excitement was palpable as he exclaimed, "Yes, let's kick their ass!"

Luffy, continue pumped his fist in the air. "Alright, crew! Let's set sail for Thriller Bark!"

After setting sail toward Thriller Bark, the crew finally arrived at the ominous island. As they approached, they saw a large mansion looming in the distance, its eerie appearance sending chills down their spines.

Itachi narrowed his eyes, taking in the sight. Usopp, Nami, and Chopper huddled together, their fear evident. "It looks so scary," Usopp muttered, his voice trembling.

Nami nodded, her eyes wide. "I don't like this place at all."

Chopper, in his small form, shivered. "Me neither."

In stark contrast, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji were filled with excitement. "This place looks awesome!" Luffy exclaimed, his enthusiasm undeterred.

Zoro smirked, his hand resting on his sword. "Let's see what kind of challenges await us."

Sanji, ever confident, added, "This should be interesting."

Franky, though slightly nervous, was ready for action. "Let's do this, guys!"

Robin, sensing the tension, reached out and held Itachi's hand tightly. Itachi gave her a reassuring squeeze, his calm demeanor providing comfort.

As they disembarked from the Thousand Sunny, a figure resembling a bat fluttered down from the sky, landing gracefully in front of them. The creature introduced himself with a bow. "Welcome to Thriller Bark. I am Hildon, and I bring you a message. I was sent by Dr. Hogback."

Chopper's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Hogback? The doctor Hogback? He's a legend!"

Itachi studied Hildon closely, his expression serious. He leaned in and whispered to Robin, "He doesn't look trustworthy."

Robin nodded, her eyes narrowing. "Yes, he seems... off."

Itachi continued, "It's not just his appearance. His behavior is strange. It's almost as if he's not really alive."

Robin's eyes widened in realization. "You mean... a zombie?"

Itachi nodded. "It's possible."

Luffy, overhearing their conversation, looked intrigued. "Zombies? That sounds awesome!"

Hildon, suddenly appearing nervous, glanced around shiftily. "I, uh, just remembered I have some urgent work to attend to. How about you go straight ahead? You'll find the way to the gate easily," he stammered before hastily flying off.

Hildon flew, his face flushed with sweat. He thought to himself, "How did he know about that?" He had to tell Hogdog about this.

Itachi watched Hildon's retreating figure, his suspicions confirmed. "Now I'm sure something's off."

Brook said "Because they are Zombies."

Usopp, Nami, and Chopper huddled closer together, their fear palpable. "This place keeps getting worse," Usopp whispered.

Chopper nodded, trembling. "Yeah, it's really scary."

Meanwhile, Luffy, completely unfazed, grinned widely. "Let's go! This is going to be fun!"

As they proceeded, Sanji, noticing Itachi and Robin holding hands, felt a pang of jealousy. He walked up to Robin, extending his hand. "Robin, would you like to hold my hand instead?"

Robin, with a gentle smile, shook her head. "I'm fine, Sanji. Thank you."

Sanji's face fell, and he dramatically started crying. "Why, Itachi? Why does Robin prefer you?"

Itachi sweatdropped, feeling awkward. Zoro, finding the situation amusing, laughed heartily. "You're hopeless, cook."

Sanji's sadness quickly turned to anger. "What did you say, moss head?"

Zoro smirked, drawing his sword slightly. "You heard me, ero cook."

Before things could escalate, Nami stepped in, her patience worn thin. "Enough, you two!" She smacked them both on the head, her frustration evident. "We don't have time for your nonsense."

Zoro and Sanji, rubbing their heads, muttered apologies and fell silent. The group continued their way towards the gate, the tension easing slightly but the sense of danger still lingering.

As they approached the gate, Luffy, ever the bundle of energy, couldn't contain his excitement. "I can't wait to see what's next!"

s they journeyed on, they came across a dog with three faces. The dog approached them, trying to intimidate them. Luffy, however, got excited and tried to pet it.

Zoro looked on, surprised, and said, "Look, a three-faced dog! Who's the good doggie?" Ahh, and the dog bit him on the head and arms. Luffy exclaimed, "How strong is your jaw?!" The dog replied, "Don't bite Uncle Luffy!" and opened its jaw, releasing Luffy.

Luffy then petted the dog and said, "That's a good boy! Now, listen... Okay, I said sit!" The dog didn't listen and gave Luffy a punch instead. It stumbled back, shouting "I said sit!" and knocked out the three-faced dog.

The people at the back all wore sweatdrop expressions, and Itachi uttered an "Ahh, that was unexpected!" Zoro nodded in agreement, while Sanji exclaimed, "Ahh, Luffy!"

As they made their way through the eerie landscape, the Straw Hat Pirates stumbled upon a graveyard. The sight of countless tombstones, shrouded in mist, sent shivers down their spines.

Luffy, wandered around, peering into graves. Suddenly, a person emerged from one of the graves, causing Usopp, Nami, and Chopper to scream in fright.

Luffy, completely unfazed, approached the person and nonchalantly pushed him back into the grave. "What are you doing, you bastard?" the person shouted, struggling to get up.

Luffy, tilting his head, looked at the figure wrapped in bandages. "Ugly old man with bandages," he remarked bluntly.

Suddenly, more figures began to emerge from the graves, surrounding the crew. Luffy grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Alright, this is gonna be fun!"

Usopp, Nami, and Chopper cowered in fear, but Zoro, Sanji, Itachi, Robin, and Franky immediately took defensive stances, ready to fight.

Zoro drew his swords, a determined look on his face. "Let's get rid of these guys."

Sanji, lighting a cigarette, smirked. "I couldn't agree more."

Itachi activated his Sharingan, scanning the area for any threats. "Stay alert. We don't know what these creatures are capable of."

Robin, her eyes narrowing, prepared her abilities. "We'll handle this quickly."

Franky, flexing his muscles, grinned. "Let's show them what we're made of!"

Brook took his sword and said "I will assist you all."

The battle commenced with the Straw Hat Pirates taking on the undead figures emerging from the graves. Luffy, with his Gum-Gum abilities, knocked out several with powerful punches and kicks. Zoro's swords sliced through the attackers with precision, while Sanji's swift kicks sent them flying. Franky uses his mechanical strength to overpower the enemies, and Robin's powers allow her to immobilize multiple foes at once.

Itachi, with his Sharingan, moved swiftly and efficiently, taking down the attackers with calculated strikes. His coordination with the rest of the crew was seamless, a testament to his adaptability and skill.

Within moments, the graveyard was cleared of the undead figures, their bodies lying motionless on the ground.

Itachi observed that when Brook used his sword, the black mist flew from it. Itachi looked at him and asked, "Is there something special about your sword, or are you using something?" Brook looked at him and said, "I use salt on my sword."

Everyone's eyes widened in surprise. Robin thought for a moment and said, "I think it's because of that connection to the sea." Nami looked at her and nodded, "That might be possible." Zoro smiled with a smirk, "If that's the case, it makes it more easy." Luffy looked around, still unsure, and said, "Whatever it is... but..."

"Is that all they've got?" Luffy asked, his grin widening.

"Seems like it," Zoro replied, sheathing his swords.

Itachi said, "I was expecting more." Nami jumped in, "You should be relieved you idiots!" Chopper chimed in, "Yeah, it's right!"

Franky spoke up, "I thought it would be supper, but never mind."

As they continued their journey through Thriller Bark, a strange white mist began to swirl around them. The mist seemed almost alive, flowing and undulating in an eerie manner. The crew paused, their senses on high alert.

"What is this?" Nami whispered, her voice tinged with fear.

Usopp clutched his slingshot tightly, his eyes darting around. "This place just keeps getting creepier."

Chopper, in his small form, shivered. "I don't like this at all."

Luffy, ever curious, reached out to touch the mist. "Hey, what is this stuff?"

Before anyone could stop him, the mist coalesced into a ghostly figure, its hollow eyes staring at them with a malevolent gaze. The creature let out a low, haunting moan, sending chills down their spines.

As they stood there, one of the spirits passed through Luffy, and suddenly, Luffy's face contorted in a mixture of shock and despair. "N-no... I'll never be able to become the King of the Pirates... I'm just a fool...!" The group stared at Luffy in confusion, unsure of what was happening.

Nami's eyes widened in alarm as she shook her head, "What are you saying, Luffy?! You're not making any sense!" Sanji's expression was equally perplexed as he echoed Nami's question, "What are you saying, Luffy? You're an idiot!"

Zoro, who had been passed through by another spirit, looked like he was about to lose his mind. He rubbed his temples, trying to ward off the strange sensations. "I wish I was dead... This is all just too much..."

Ussop, who had been watching the scene unfold with growing unease, finally spoke up. "Snapp out of it, guys! What's going on?" He looked around at the group, his eyes wide with fear.

Itachi, observing the pattern, said, "It seems this mist lowers your self-esteem, making you feel negative about yourself."

Usopp looked confused. "What do you mean, Itachi?"

As the mist floated towards Usopp, Itachi said, "You'll see what I mean in a moment." The spirits passed through Usopp, but he didn't change. Itachi chuckled and said, "I guess it doesn't work on people who already have low self-esteem."

The crew laughed, even those who were still feeling weird. Usopp got red-faced and angry, saying, "Hey, that's not funny! I'm a great shot!"

Sanji patted Usopp on the back and said, "Well, you're not exactly the bravest guy in the world, Usopp." Zoro smirked and said, "But you're our secret weapon against this thing. You always make us laugh when things are tough."

Luffy grinned and said, "Usopp, you're awesome! You're the best!" Chopper cheered and said, "Yeah, Usopp! You're awesome!"

The group's laughter and teasing helped Usopp feel better. As they walked away from the misty clearing, Itachi smiled and said, "I guess we found a way to deal with these spirits. Who knew being a little bit silly would be our secret weapon?"

Ussop who was angry with his face red and said shut up

After the crew's spirits were lifted, they continued their journey and eventually found the gate leading further into Thriller Bark. However, as they approached, Itachi's instincts flared. He activated his Sharingan, scanning the area quickly.

Suddenly, he noticed someone invisible lurking near Nami. Without hesitation, Itachi moved swiftly, grabbing Nami's hand and pulling her close. He positioned himself protectively in front of her, glaring at the figure.

"Nice try," Itachi said coldly, his Sharingan fixated on the would-be kidnapper. "That won't happen as long as I'm here."

Nami, still processing what had just happened, looked at Itachi with wide eyes. "What happened?"

Itachi kept his eyes on the figure, who was now stepping out from the shadows. "Someone was trying to kidnap you."

The rest of the crew turned their attention to the figure as well, their expressions a mix of shock and anger.

The lion-faced man, realizing his cover was blown, snarled and stepped forward. "You're quick, Demon-eye, but you won't always be able to protect them."

Luffy stepped up, cracking his knuckles. "We protect our own. You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us!"

Sanji lit a cigarette, his eyes narrowing. "Trying to kidnap Nami? Big mistake, pal."

Zoro drew his swords, his gaze intense. "You won't get another chance."

The lion-faced man growled and retreated a few steps, clearly outnumbered and outmatched. "This isn't over," he spat before disappearing.

The crew stayed on high alert, scanning the area for any more potential threats. Nami, still close to Itachi, looked up at him with gratitude. "Thank you, Itachi. You saved me."

Itachi gave her a reassuring nod. "It's what we're here for. Let's keep moving and stay vigilant."

Robin, standing nearby, gave Itachi an approving smile. "Good job, Itachi."

With the immediate threat gone, the crew continued through the gate.

As the crew entered the mansion, they encountered a tall man with a blonde woman standing beside him. Both had worried expressions, clearly not expecting company. The crew tensed, ready for anything, while Itachi kept his Sharingan activated, continuously scanning for threats.

Luffy stepped forward, his curiosity piqued. "Who are you?"

The man responded with a composed demeanor. "I am Dr. Hogback."

Chopper's eyes widened in recognition. "So you are the legendary doctor!"

Hogback nodded. "That's correct."

Robin, her eyes narrowing with suspicion, added, "If you're a doctor, are you the one behind the creatures we fought earlier?"

Dr. Hogback started to sweat, visibly nervous. "Ahh... I..."

Suddenly, his eyes rolled back, and he began speaking in a trance-like state, revealing everything. "This place is controlled by Gecko Moria," he said, his voice flat and robotic. "He uses his Devil Fruit powers to steal shadows and implant them into dead bodies, creating zombies. Perona and the others assist him." He paused, his gaze drifting upwards as if searching for something. "And you will find him... right above you. You will find the secret passage there... and that's where you'll find the way to find him... and some experiments as well."

The crew listened in shock, trying to process the information. When Dr. Hogback snapped out of his trance, he looked around in fear. "Who did that to me?"

Robin gave Itachi a knowing look. "Itachi, that was your doing, wasn't it?"

Itachi nodded, his Sharingan still active. "Yes, I used my Sharingan to compel him to reveal the truth. So, you did that, Hogback? You helped Gecko Moria create zombies using stolen shadows?"

Luffy's face contorted with anger. "So Moria uses his devil fruit powers to take shadows and put them in dead bodies? That's sick!"

Sanji and Zoro exchanged a glance, both smirking in anticipation of the coming fight. "Let's kick his ass," Zoro said, gripping his swords tightly.

Sanji nodded, his eyes burning with determination. "Yeah, let's show him what happens when you mess with us."

Hogback, realizing the danger he was in, backed away. "You can't defeat Moria! He's too powerful!"

Luffy, unfazed, cracked his knuckles and grinned. "We'll see about that. We're not afraid of anyone!"

Luffy quickly pulled out a Gum-Gum Bazooka and fired it at Hogback, knocking him out cold. Meanwhile, the blonde woman, Hogback's accomplice, began throwing the plates at the crew. Zoro, with his quick reflexes and swordsmanship, sliced through the plates and knocked her out as well.

After defeating Dr. Hogback, the crew continued their journey through the eerie mansion, their determination unwavering. They entered a large, dimly lit hall adorned with various pictures and paintings on the walls. The atmosphere was heavy, and the presence of the past occupants seemed to linger in the air.

The crew spread out, examining the pictures. Some depicted grand scenes of parties and celebrations, while others showed individuals and families. Each image seemed to tell a story of its own.

Nami, still slightly shaken from the earlier encounter, approached a large portrait of a solemn-looking man with a stern expression. "Who are these people?" she wondered aloud.

Robin, always keen on history, scrutinized another painting of a grand banquet. "These must be the former residents of Thriller Bark, before it became what it is now."

Luffy, ever curious, looked at a picture of a man holding a large sword. "Hey, look at this guy! He looks strong!"

Zoro, standing beside Luffy, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he does. I wouldn't mind sparring with him if he were still around."

Sanji, still annoyed by the earlier incident with Robin, tried to focus on a picture of a beautiful woman. "These paintings... they almost seem alive."

Itachi, his Sharingan still active, scanned the room for any hidden dangers. As he approached a series of smaller pictures, something caught his eye. One of the paintings seemed to glow faintly under his Sharingan's gaze. "There's something strange about this one."

Robin walked over to Itachi, peering at the picture he indicated. "What do you see?"

"It's a hidden message," Itachi said, focusing his Sharingan. The faint glow revealed a series of hidden characters and symbols. "It seems to be a map."

Franky, overhearing the conversation, walked over and inspected the painting. "A map, huh? Might lead us to something important."

Nami, intrigued, joined them. "Can you decipher it, Itachi?"

Itachi nodded, his Sharingan tracing the hidden symbols. "Yes, it looks like it leads to a hidden chamber deeper within the mansion."

Luffy grinned, his excitement renewed. "Alright! Let's find that chamber and see what's inside!"

As they continued to decipher the map, the crew felt a mix of anticipation and curiosity. Each step brought them closer to uncovering the secrets of Thriller Bark and facing the challenges that awaited them.

As the crew explored the chamber, the atmosphere grew tense. Suddenly, the pictures on the walls began to shift and move, their occupants coming to life and stepping out of their frames. These ghostly figures, with malevolent grins and glowing eyes, advanced towards the Straw Hat Pirates.

"What's going on?" Nami exclaimed, her eyes wide with fear.

"The pictures are coming to life!" Usopp shouted, already panicking.

Luffy cracked his knuckles, grinning. "Guess we have more enemies to beat up!"

The living pictures attacked, attempting to drag the crew members back into their frames. Each frame showed a scene from a different period, and it became clear that once caught, they would be trapped inside the picture forever.

Itachi, his Sharingan spinning, quickly analyzed the situation. "Don't let them touch you! If they do, they'll try to trap you in their world."

Zoro drew his swords, slashing at the approaching figures. "Bring it on!"

Sanji, always ready for a fight, spun into action, his kicks sending the ghostly attackers flying. "You picked the wrong crew to mess with!"

Franky engaged with his mechanical strength, while Chopper transformed into his various forms to fend off the attackers. Usopp, despite his fear, used his slingshot to provide ranged support, hitting the figures with precision.

Robin used her powers to sprout arms and grapple with the enemies, keeping them at bay. Meanwhile, Itachi used his Sharingan to see through their movements and counter their attacks efficiently. His precise strikes neutralized several attackers, while his genjutsu created illusions that confused and disoriented them.

In the midst of the battle, one of the pictures showed a secret passage behind it. "There!" Robin shouted, pointing to the revealed passage. "We need to get through that passage!"

Luffy, leading the charge, grabbed the frame and pulled it aside, revealing a hidden door. "Let's go!"

The crew fought their way towards the passage, knocking back the living pictures and ensuring everyone made it through. With a final burst of strength, they pushed through the doorway and slammed it shut behind them, cutting off their pursuers.

Breathing heavily, they found themselves in a narrow, dimly lit tunnel. "That was close," Franky said, wiping sweat from his brow.

"It's not over yet," Itachi warned, his Sharingan still active. "Stay alert."

The tunnel led them deeper into the mansion, winding through dark, foreboding corridors. The sense of danger grew with each step, but so did their determination.

Feel free to leave your thoughts and feedback in the reviews. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and as always, thank you for reading! Stay tuned for more adventures. Don't forget to like and follow!