A Splash of Trouble

Chapter 9

Y/N chuckled softly, cheeks flushing at the attention. "It's... complicated," she said, tracing a pattern in the dirt. "I was born with the voice of the sea—able to manipulate water, and occasionally, emotions. My songs affect those who hear them, especially when sung from the heart."

Usopp's jaw dropped. "You have emotion-based powers?!"

"They're not mind control," Y/N clarified. "But... influence. I can soothe tempers, inspire bravery, or draw people in."

Sanji practically melted. "So you enchanted us the moment we met."

Y/N rolled her eyes. "No, Sanji. That was just me saying hello."

Even Zoro, leaning against a tree, glanced over with mild interest. "Sounds useful... in battle, I mean."

"I'm not a weapon," she said evenly, but with no malice.

Luffy grinned. "You're strong. That's what matters. You'll help us beat this Enel guy, right?"

Y/N nodded. "I'll do what I can. But Enel... he's dangerous. I felt it the moment that lightning came down."

Sanji's brow furrowed. "You mean the bolt that nearly killed Conis?"

"Yes," Y/N murmured. "It was like a god's fury. If Gan Fall hadn't shown up—"

Robin interrupted gently. "We've seen what Enel can do to his enemies. It won't be long before he realizes we're still here."

"Then we need a plan," Nami said, pulling out a weathered map.

The conversation shifted into logistics—pathways, potential traps, priest locations. As they strategized, the fire crackled and popped, casting flickering light on the crew's faces. For a moment, the gravity of their mission settled between them. They were intruders in a divine domain.

——

The air buzzed with laughter and warmth, an odd contrast to the day's chaos. We'd barely escaped death—not once, but multiple times—and yet here we were, seated around a crackling fire deep in the heart of Upper Yard, eating, drinking, and... partying with wolves. Literal, actual wolves.

Their fur glowed gold under the flickering firelight as they howled along to Luffy's terrible singing. He clapped his hands to the beat, completely off-rhythm, but his grin was infectious. Beside him, Usopp danced with wild abandon, pretending he was some legendary jungle warrior, while Chopper—bless his soft heart—tried to copy him with clumsy hooves.

I leaned back on my elbows, watching it all unfold with a soft smile tugging at my lips. Grimm, in his smaller cat form, was curled in my lap, purring softly despite the noise. He'd fought bravely earlier—big as a house and roaring like a storm—but now, he was content to loaf like a lazy house cat.

"You're quiet," Sanji said, suddenly at my side. He offered me a drink with a flourish, smiling in that way he always did around women—tilted head, cigarette perched on his lips, and eyes full of adoration. "Beautiful witches shouldn't sit alone."

I arched a brow, taking the drink from him. "I'm just enjoying the peace."

He laughed, low and smooth. "Fair. But still, it's a party. You should dance with me. Or sing something—y'know, siren-style."

Luffy popped up next to us like a spring. "Yeah! Do your siren thing again, Y/N! That was awesome earlier!"

"I already told you," I said, chuckling. "My powers aren't for entertainment. They mess with people's heads."

"Exactly!" Usopp chimed in, practically falling into the circle. "Which is why it's SO cool. You could like—make a Sea King dance if you wanted to!"

"Or make Sanji stop flirting," Robin murmured from the other side of the fire, her voice calm and amused.

Sanji gasped dramatically. "Why would she ever waste her power on that?"

I laughed, genuinely, and for the first time in what felt like days, I let myself relax. The weight of the sky, of Enel, of surviving—all of it faded for a while. Zoro was leaned against a log, arms folded, half-asleep. Nami and Robin were nursing drinks and talking quietly. Chopper had fallen asleep near the wolves, snuggled against one like they'd been lifelong friends.

—

Later, as the campfire died down, Luffy lay with his arms behind his head, gazing at the stars. "Hey, Y/N?"

She turned. "Hmm?"

"You said your voice can influence people. Can it stop fear?"

Y/N blinked, caught off guard by the honesty of the question. "Sometimes. Why?"

Luffy didn't answer right away. "Just thinking... we've got a lot of people to protect."

Sanji stood, brushing off his pants. "Well, whether it's your voice or my cooking, I'd say we're in good hands."

Usopp piped up, "And don't forget my gadgets!"

Zoro snorted. "Let's just not get captured again."

Y/N smiled, warmth filling her chest. She had found her place among them.

Grimm meowed and curled tighter into her side.

The night stretched on, stars wheeling above. And though the clouds shifted with unknown threats, for this one night, the Straw Hats were whole—and ready for whatever came next.