Chapter 4: Chapter 4: To Enies Lobby
The Rocketman surged forward, slicing through the stormy seas as chaos erupted on board. Jiro perched on the edge of the carriage roof, hidden in the shadows, observing the eclectic group of allies—Straw Hats, Franky Family, and Galley-La Company. Their determination to rescue Robin fascinated him, but he couldn't suppress the nagging doubt in his mind.
"These people…" he muttered, his sharp eyes scanning the bustling crowd below. "Why risk their lives like this? Is she really worth all of this trouble?"
Suddenly, a deafening roar interrupted his thoughts. His gaze snapped to the horizon, where a massive wall of water loomed ominously—the Aqua Laguna.
Jiro's breath hitched. "It's... enormous." He gripped the edge of the train tightly as the towering wave approached.
Up ahead, members of the Franky Family and Galley-La Company worked frantically, firing cannon after cannon at the Aqua Laguna. Explosions rippled across the water's surface, but the wave remained unyielding.
"Keep firing!" one of them yelled. "We'll break through it!"
But their efforts seemed futile. The sea train hurtled closer to the wave, and panic began to ripple through the passengers.
Jiro's eyes narrowed. "They're going to get swallowed alive…"
Before despair could take hold, two figures stepped forward—Luffy and Zoro. Their unwavering confidence radiated like a beacon amidst the chaos.
"Don't stop the train!" Luffy shouted, stretching his arms back. "We're punching through this thing!"
Zoro unsheathed his swords, his voice calm but commanding. "Leave it to us."
The two launched simultaneous attacks. Luffy unleashed his Gomu Gomu no 300 Cannon, while Zoro followed with his 300-Pound Cannon. The combined force tore through the Aqua Laguna, creating a gaping hole in the massive wave.
The Rocketman roared through the opening, the sea spray drenching everyone aboard. Cheers erupted as the train emerged unscathed on the other side.
Jiro stared in awe, his usually calm demeanor shaken. "They're insane… but they pulled it off."
Meanwhile, aboard the marine-controlled sea train, Sanji moved stealthily across the rooftops of the compartments. Franky and Usopp followed closely behind, the latter still visibly shaken.
Sanji activated his den den mushi and called Nami to update the crew. "I've got Franky and Usopp, but Robin's still with the marines."
"Then go save her!" Luffy's voice came through the receiver, brimming with determination. "Give those guys hell!"
Zoro, standing nearby, frowned. "Sanji, don't be reckless. You don't have any backup."
Luffy interrupted, his tone resolute. "Zoro, if it were you, what would you do? Knowing Robin sacrificed herself to save us?"
Zoro fell silent, his teeth gritting as he looked down.
Sanji smirked, mocking his rival. "Worried about me, moss head? Don't worry—I'm not about to do anything stupid."
Zoro scoffed but didn't argue further, giving his silent consent.
At the train rooftop, Franky's voice broke the tense atmosphere. "Why's she staying with them, huh? What's her deal?"
Sanji's expression hardened. "She's sacrificing herself for us—for the group's safety."
Franky's eyes filled with tears as he wailed dramatically. "What a comrade! Wahh!! She's too good for us!"
Usopp, who had been quiet until now, clenched his fists. "She's... doing this to protect us?"
Sanji nodded solemnly. "That's why we have to save her."
Usopp suddenly stood and began walking away.
"Oi! Where are you going?" Franky demanded, confusion and anger in his voice.
Usopp paused, his back to them. "I… I can't help her."
"What are you talking about?!" Franky shouted. "She's your crewmate, isn't she?"
Usopp's shoulders slumped. "I said I can't. I'm not part of the Straw Hats anymore. I quit… I don't have the honor to save Robin."
Franky bristled with anger, but Sanji placed a hand on his shoulder. "Let him be," he said quietly. "He needs to sort this out himself."
Franky watched Usopp walk away, frustration written all over his face.
Suddenly, a marine burst onto the scene, spotting them. Before Franky or Sanji could react, a sharp shot rang out, and the marine was thrown overboard.
The source of the attack? A masked figure with a long nose, striking a dramatic pose.
"I am Sogeking!" the figure announced, his voice theatrical. "King of Snipers, from the Land of Snipers!"
Sanji sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Here we go again…"
Franky's mouth twitched in disbelief. "Isn't that just Usopp?"
"Don't mind him," Sanji replied. "I'm used to his antics."
Back on Rocketman, Jiro leaned against the train's side, his mind racing. He had overheard snippets of conversation about Robin sacrificing herself just to save her comrades.
The weight of her sacrifice hit him hard. Robin wasn't just a pirate. She was someone worth relying on…, someone that is willing to sacrifice herself just to save those important comrades of her, Jiro admired Robin because she found the strength to put others before herself.
Jiro clenched his fists, a strange sensation stirring within him. A faint spark flickered within him, growing stronger. But something held it back—a barrier he couldn't quite understand.
"What is this feeling?" he muttered, shaking his head. "Why does this... move me so much?"
As Rocketman neared Enies Lobby, Jiro finally stepped out of the shadows. Landing on the main platform, he startled the passengers.
All eyes turned to him as he raised his hand in a gesture of peace.
"I'm not a pirate," he began, his voice steady. "And I don't owe any of you anything. But what you're fighting for—it's something I can't ignore. I'll help you. Not for your sake, but because it's worth it."
Luffy grinned widely. "Alright! Another ally!"
Nami and Chopper exchanged uncertain glances, while Zoro simply nodded, recognizing the determination in Jiro's eyes.
As Rocketman approached Enies Lobby, Jiro stood with the Straw Hats, Franky Family, and Galley-La Company. Despite his outward confidence, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was holding him back.
The flame of determination burned within him, but the barrier remained.
"There's something I need to figure out," he thought, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "But for now... I'll make sure they succeed."