(AUTHOR'S NOTE: THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU FOR 3K READS!!! It means the absolute world to me that so many have read at least a little bit of this silly lil self-indulgent story! Also despite him not being into OP, this chapter is dedicated to my brother because it's his 19th birthday today! He's my number one best friend and I would literally die for him, he's my buddy he's my pal and the best brother I could ask for! Even if he won't watch OP with me. Enjoy the chapter!)

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Chapter Twenty-Four:

"  A Princess, A Deal, and a Display Of Affection"

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(ISAAC'S POV)

I've easily come to learn that big parties still aren't my thing, despite being in a new world. It was fun for a little while but became overwhelming really quickly. I felt bad that I wasn't able to enjoy this as much as the others but there wasn't much I could do in the bar where the celebration was held. I didn't drink, I didn't gamble, sing, or dance. I used to be known by some as a bit of a 'wet blanket', but it wasn't like I discouraged the fun or anything, I just didn't indulge in a lot of it myself. So here I was, alone on the deck of the Merry, drawing in my journal after having eaten a nice dinner I'd made myself and a bit of sword training, as the sound of celebration flowed into my ears from the distance. 

My mind drifted to what I'd been told by Crocus of this mystery woman who was also a part of the Z-Clan named Evergreen Amaryllis. She most definitely was the same person who'd attacked the Krieg Pirates while they sailed on the Grand Line and had wiped out a good chunk of their crew before Mihawk had. Ghin described her as a young woman with long green hair who would glow green and could manipulate the growth of underwater plants. I tried imagining what Amaryllis would look like in my mind and it came up to either a woman made of plants or some kind of nature-themed she-demon. These thoughts turned into just barely coherent scribbles in my journal. I closed it and sighed, "I have so many questions I'll need to ask her..."

I then realized the sounds of music and cheering had stopped. As much as I didn't want to leave the ship, I also didn't want to be alone on the ship throughout the entire night so I grabbed my belt that held my sword and slung it over my shoulder. "Like Zoro said in our last lesson, a good swordsman doesn't go anywhere without his sword," I said as I made my way back onto the island grounds. Naturally, the streets were empty since everyone was probably inside the bar or in their homes asleep. I then noticed the mayor, Igarappoi, outside of the bar and my suspicious side had me hiding behind a building watching attentively. 

"They've worn themselves out partying, and are fast asleep. Sweet dreams, Pirates." Igarappoi mused as he gazed above at the stars. "You're such a poet Igarappoi-I mean-Mr. 8." I saw those other two weirdos, Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday sitting on the 2nd floor of a building next to the bar. 'Mr. 8!? So he's with them!?' I thought. "Oh, it's you..." Mr. 8 groaned. "Where's Miss Thursday?" He asked. As Miss Wednesday and Mr. 9 jumped down by one of the doors, it then opened revealing Miss Thursday. "Right here, Mr. 8." She said. "So where are they?" Miss Wednesday asked. "They've fallen...Straight to Hell." Mr. 8 said. 

A tall nun I had seen earlier came out of the door to the bar, frustrated. "Geez, they were so stubborn I had to tamper with their drinks a little. Otherwise, they'd still be drinking us all into oblivion. So tell me, was it necessary to put on such an elaborate act for those idiots?" She asked as she stripped herself of what I now knew was a nun disguise. "We could've easily ambushed them at the harbor. We were already low on food and supplies. It's not like any of us actually thought you three were going to get that whale meat." She said. Mr. 9 put his hands on his hips, "Well then, you try killing that damn whale! We tried our best!" He retorted.

"Both of you calm yourselves. Before any of you question my plan, you should see this." Mr. 8 interjected. He then pulled out and showed Luffy's wanted poster, shocking everyone but Miss Thursday. "30 MILLION BERRIES!?" They exclaimed. Miss Thursday chuckled, "Don't forget about the cute one with the pink-hair, Mr. 8." She said. Mr. 8 nodded, taking out my wanted poster. "THAT SHRIMP IS WORTH MORE THAN STRAW HAT!?" Mr. 9 shouted. Miss Thursday nodded, "The young man's a rare creature. A member of the Z-Clan. Hasn't been a sign of any of them or their kind since the Sea Witch." Mr. 8 explained and I glared at him. 'Okay, rude. As far as I know, I'm not a creature.' I thought.

"The point is to not underestimate them based on appearance, that goes for you too-" Mr. 8 performed another vocal stim, "You too, Miss Monday." The tall woman, Miss Monday nodded. "Sorry." She said. "It's no matter, our prey has been trapped, and that is news the boss will enjoy. Now, confiscate all money and everything of value from their ship." Mr. 8 ordered. "And what do we do about the pirates? Kill them?" Miss Monday asked. "If we kill them the bounty drops by 30%. Thought all bounty hunters would know that." Miss Thursday replied smugly, causing Miss Monday to roll her eyes. "Miss Thursday is right. We will capture them alive."

"YOU WON'T BE CAPTURING MY FRIENDS ON MY WATCH!" I drew my sword and revealed myself. The five of them noticed me and Mr. 8 turned to Miss Monday angrily. "I thought you said you were sure that all of them were asleep in the bar!" He scolded. "I-I did! He was there when I last checked!" She stammered. I gripped the hilt of my sword tightly, "Well that must've been way too long ago because I left hours ago! I don't like parties!" I shouted trying to sound cool. 

"Foolish, boy! You may be one of the Z-Clan but our strength lies in numbers." Mr. 8 said. I then realized that I was surrounded by the various civilians, or who I thought were civilians, all armed with guns. Miss Thursday shook her head at me as if disappointed, "It's such a shame. If you had stayed quiet, I was just gonna keep you for myself instead. Guess you'll have to get turned after all." She frowned. I knew I was capable of taking out a Fishwoman on my own at least, but these many people were a stretch. 'Well, crap...' I thought. Miss Thursday frowned, "It's too bad. I really did think you were cute, Pinky..."

"Sorry to interrupt but..." I knew that voice anywhere. "Do you mind letting my friends sleep? I've been told the journey was exhausting for them." I looked where everyone else seemed to look and saw Zoro with his overconfident smirk holding out one of his swords.

 I gasped, "Zoro!"

(NO POV)

Two men exited the bar, "Mr. 8! Miss Monday! One of them escaped from the room when we weren't looking!" One of them exclaimed. Miss Wednesday scoffed, "He's right over there." Mr. 8 glared at Zoro, "You bastard! You should've stayed asleep with your friends!" He shouted. "A good swordsman never makes the mistake of letting his guard down, plus I took a nap earlier. Now let's see if I got this right. This is a nest of bounty hunters. You specialize in robbing drunk pirates who fall for your hospitality. It's original, I'll give you that at least." Zoro stood up on the roof. "I count 100 of you scumbags, give or take. And I'll fight every last one of you. You hear me...Baroque Works!?" Isaac glanced at the people around him, 'Baroque Works?' 

All the bounty hunters were stunned, "How do you know our name!?" Mr. 8 cried. "I was in a similar line of work, once upon a time. Your company tried to entice me with a job offer, but naturally, I said no. Though I see you managed to convince my old rival, June, to join your shady group." Zoro explained. Miss Thursday, aka June, crossed her arms. "Employees don't know each other's identities and go by cheesy code names. Of course, the boss' identity and whereabouts are also a mystery. Baroque Works, a company that faithfully carries out its orders like herded sheep." Zoro scoffed, "Some secret."

'Guess that explains how Zoro knew her...' Isaac thought. "Well then, if you know all our secrets then we have no other choice but to kill you." Mr. 8 said. Isaac put his guard back up, getting ready for a fight. "KILL HIM!" Mr. 8 shouted. Everyone then gasped, "He-He disappeared..." Miss Wednesday stuttered in disbelief. 

"HE'S GONE!"

"BUT HOW DID HE DISAPPEAR!?"

Everyone was distracted by Zoro's sudden vanishing act, and even Isaac was left wondering where he'd gone. A few of the bounty hunters let out a scream and Zoro stood among them, saluting, before grinning cheekily. "Who do you think you are!?" One shouted as they all aimed at him and fired before they all fell over, each with a gun wound. "Idiots! They all shot each other!" Mr. 8 barked. "Yeah, and the pirate disappeared!" Mr. 9 added. Mr. 8 growled in frustration, "How could they not kill him!? He's only one man!" He shouted. He then saw Isaac and grabbed him by the overall straps, "This must be your doing!? Where is he!? How did you make him disappear!?" He yelled. Isaac struggled in his grip, "I-I don't know. None of that was me!" He replied. Mr. 8 then swiftly dropped Isaac back to the ground when the sword's blade was right next to his head. 

"How about you leave Pinky out of this? Your real problem is me." Zoro said, cooly. A group of bounty hunters surrounded Zoro who still had his sword next to Mr. 8's head. "There he is! Now!" One of them shouted. Mr. 8 grimaced, "Idiots! Wait! Don't shoot or you'll shoot me!" He cried. "STOP! IGARAPPA!" Mr. 8 shouted before raising what appeared to be a saxophone and shooting bullets out of it, distracting himself and his comrades. Zoro picked up Isaac in the way a knight would a princess, quickly dashing away into a hiding spot. "Alright, where did he and the Sky Boy escape to?" Mr. 8 asked the surviving Baroque Works members. Isaac and Zoro kept quiet before both sighing in relief. "So that's a shotgun? That thing sure is dangerous." Zoro whispered. Isaac was shaking as he mumbled a thank you to Zoro.

"It seems as if he may actually be able to put up a fight. Even against us." Mr. 9 said. Miss Thursday, now known by her true name June, couldn't help but laugh a bit. "Well, I tried to warn you not to underestimate the Pirate Hunter, but none of you wanted to take my words into account." She smirked. "Does that arrogant bastard seriously think he can take all of us on by himself!? What kind of man would even consider challenging us when knowing we're from Baroque Works!?" Mr. 8 complained. "Either way, we must find him and the Sky Boy!"

Zoro looked down at his 3 swords, gripping one of the hilts. "Ah yes, my new recruits from Loguetown, Yubashiri, and Kitetsu the 3rd...Now's a good time as any to see what you two are made of." He said to himself. He then looked at Isaac who was looking at him with worry for the situation. "Hey, just take a step back from the fight this time. Got that?" Zoro asked. Isaac blinked twice before looking at Zoro, "But why?" He asked. "Because you and Luffy are who they're after, and so you'll need to keep your strength in case those Baroque Works bastards send out stronger foes." Zoro gave him a confident smile, "Just let me take care of you, okay?" Before Isaac could possibly protest, a man's voice from above them shouted, "I GOTCHA' NOW!" As he fired his bullets, Zoro grabbed Isaac and jumped back into the door behind him, the force he used enough to break it down. 

Several Baroque Works members were behind them pointing their guns at them. Zoro jumped over a table, flipping it up to shield himself as they fired their guns. Isaac yelped as he rapidly dodged bullets before rolling behind the table. "First up, Yubashiri." He drew his sword and sliced the table in half, dashing behind their attackers who passed out from being cut down. As Zoro fought all of the attackers, keeping them distracted, Isaac decided to do his best to begrudgingly follow the swordsman's instructions. 

Isaac ran around for awhile until he had figured it was far enough from the chaos to rest. He leaned against a wall, closing his eyes and taking some breaths. "Isaac!" Someone shouted and Isaac flinched before noticing it was Nami. He sighed in relief, "Nami! Don't scare me like that!" He hissed. "Sorry." She replied. "Wait a minute, I thought you were passed out with the others at the bar?" Isaac asked. Nami explained how she was acting and how she also was aware of the truth behind the welcoming town of Whisky Peak. "Yeah, Zoro kept me from joining him in the fight. Apparently, they wanted mine and Luffy's bounties." He said. 

"I can't die here! I have an important mission to complete!" 

Isaac slowly and carefully peered over the side of the building and saw Mr. 8, Miss Wednesday, Mr. 9, and Miss Thursday on the ground, clearly having been defeated by Zoro. They also appeared to have...a giant duck? He raised a brow, 'Are ducks normally that size here? It almost looks more like an ostrich.' He mused. "All four of you lost to a single pirate? Now that's just sad." An unfamiliar voice said. Isaac looked to where they were all looking and saw a woman with a lemon-patterned dress and umbrella and next to her was a man in a long dark brown coat with the number 5 printed on. Mr. 8 gasped, "Mr. 5! Miss Valentine!" 

"'Ya really can't do your job? Hm?" Mr. 5 asked. The woman, Miss Valentine, laughed as she twirled her umbrella in her hand, "Well that is the clear difference between our rank and yours." She said. Mr. 8 groaned, "Did you come here just to laugh at us!?" Mr. 5 shook his head. "Nah, that's just a bonus." Another laugh came from Miss Valentine, "We're here under the Boss' orders." She explained. Mr. 9 sighed in relief, "Thank goodness! With you guys here to fight, we can finally defeat him. He doesn't stand a chance against you!" Miss Wednesday nodded, "That's right! Let's track him down and show him what Baroque Works can really do!" She insisted. 

"Seriously Miss Wednesday. Stop with the bad jokes. We didn't come here to clean up your mess." Mr. 5 said. "You really think we'd come all the way to the Grand Line to hold your hands? You're even more pitiful than you look!" Miss Valentine taunted. "Then what mission are you here for?" Mr. 9 asked. "You mean you haven't figured it out? There are people here whose crimes against the company are great enough that he sent us to deal with." Mr. 5 explained. "Says someone learned his secrets. I don't know what secrets, and I don't wanna know. Obviously, someone else did, and knowing them is against company rules as our motto is 'mystery'. Everyone's identity is to be strictly kept secret no matter who they are. And if someone is dumb enough to stick their noses into the boss' secrets, then that's a crime punishable by death." 

"So, while we were investigating to find out who uncovered the boss' secrets, we learned something!" Miss Valentine exclaimed. "It turns out a rather high-ranking individual from a certain kingdom has somehow managed to infiltrate Baroque Works." Isaac narrowed his eyes, confused and intrigued. "A certain kingdom? W-Wait a sec! I know I'm wearing a crown but I'm not a king or anything, I swear! It's just a little hobby!" Mr. 9 cried. "We're not talking about you, idiot!" Miss Valentine yelled. "You still don't get it? We mean the people from Alabasta. They're the ones who angered the boss. As well as a certain famous bounty hunter from the East Blue hired by them as support."

Isaac could see visible concern and worry on Miss Wednesday, Mr. 8, and Miss Thursday's faces so he could tell it was obviously referring to them. And if that wasn't enough, Mr. 8 opened fire on Miss Valentine and Mr. 5 shouting, "You will not lay a hand upon our princess! Not while the Captain of Alabasta Security stands!" "Igaram!" Miss Wednesday cried. When the smoke dissipated, the two were still standing, "Igaram, Captain of Alabasta Security. Princess Nefertari Vivi of Alabasta Kingdom, and hired protector of the two former huntress Song June. We've come here in the name of the boss of Baroque Works to see that you are all eliminated." Mr. 5 announced. 

Mr. 8, now revealed as Igaram, continued his rapid fire. "Miss June! You have to take Princess Vivi and escape!" He shouted. "Igaram!" Miss Wednesday, aka Vivi, cried. Mr. 5 flicked his finger and an explosion blew in front of Igaram, knocking him down. "Igaram!" Vivi tried to reach out for him, but Miss Thursday aka June held her back. "It's no use!" Miss Valentine laughed as she kicked Vivi, her hairband breaking making Vivi's hair fall down. Vivi pulled out her peacock slashers attempting to attack Miss Valentine but missed as the woman flew backward.  "Princess Vivi! I know you want to save Igaram, but we have to leave, now!" June shouted. 

"Well I've had enough fun for one night. See 'ya!" Isaac recognized that voice and before he could turn around he was flung over Zoro's shoulder, again, as the swordsman ran to the side out of the crossfire with him and also dragged a sleeping Luffy.

"Princess Vivi..." Igaram spoke weakly. "Igaram, are you all right?" Vivi asked worriedly. "Princess, Miss Song is right, you must forget about me and leave here! For our homeland! If you were to be harmed, Alabasta Kingdom would suffer! Please, go with Miss Song and hurry!" He pleaded. Mr. 5 picked his nose, "If you think you can escape from us, you're mistaken." He said. June pulled out a whip with one hand and with a flick of her wrist, another appeared in the other. "Sorry Booger Boy, but I've got a job to do! You're not laying a finger on this girl!" She declared. Mr. 9 stepped in front of her and Vivi with his metal bats, "This whole princess thing is confusing, but we've been fighting together for a long time so get going you two! I'm going to buy you both some time!" 

"Thank you, Mr. 9." Vivi said. As Mr. 9 ran to attack, Mr. 5 flicked his booger at him, blowing him up and all the way back into the lake behind them. "Wait a second, did that just come out of his nose!?" Zoro exclaimed. "Zoro, you gotta start warning me before you decide to throw me over your shoulder! I keep telling you I am not a sack of potatoes you can just do this too!" Isaac scolded. Zoro put Isaac down before feeling a hand on his ankle, Igaram being the one grabbing it, "Hey, what the hell are you doing!?" "Swordsman! I have an unreasonable request but I need someone with strength such as yours!" He begged. "Yeah right, you've gotta be kidding. Would you let go of me!"

"Those two possess devil fruit powers, so I can't stop them! So I'm begging you, help Miss Song protect the princess in my place!" Igaram pleaded. June and Vivi had gotten onto Vivi's duck, Karoo, to run, Miss Valentine and Mr. 5 going after them. "Surely you will be rewarded if you can take the princess to our home of Alabasta! I humbly beg of you, please keep the princess safe!" Igaram continued begging. "Forget it! Up until a few minutes ago, you were trying to kill me and Pinky! You think I'm an idiot!?" Zoro retorted. 

"Zoro, the man's literally getting closer and closer to death cut him some slack!" Isaac shouted. "So about this reward..." Zoro, Igaram, and Isaac looked up to see Nami sitting on the roof of a building. "I'll take it! How does one billion berries sound?" She offered. "Nami!?" "Wh-What did you say!?" Zoro asked Nami why she was up, thinking she was asleep with the others and while they were talking Isaac couldn't help but think to himself, 'I didn't even notice she had left...Damn...'

"So why don't you promise us that one billion berri reward? Because if we don't help your precious princess, she's probably gonna die." Nami said with a cocky grin. Igaram tried to protest but Nami kept pushing. "If you're willing to take the princess to Alabasta, then you'd best discuss the terms of the reward with her directly." He explained. "Which means we have to save her first?" Nami asked, knowing she was gonna get her way. "Please! Even as we speak she's in danger!" Nami sighed, "Oh alright. I'll go ahead and save her for now." She then looked at Zoro, "Alright Zoro, now go get her!" She ordered. "Hell no! You can make money but don't involve me in it!" Zoro protested. He and Nami proceeded to argue and while doing so, Igaram weakly looked up to Isaac. "Sky-Boy! You seem to be someone the swordsman holds of value! Can you convince him to help? You can have anything you want! I will make sure of it!"

Isaac frowned, feeling bad for the poor man, "I'm sorry but I don't think I can help. I'm nothing special I only-" "But you're one of the Z-Clan! A powerful group that hasn't been seen in years! Surely you know of the power you hold, don't you?" Isaac's eyes widen for a moment before making a serious and determined look. "You know what. There is something I want." He said. Igaram nodded, "Yes! Anything!" He cried. "You seem to know some things about the Z-Clan. Contrary to what you may think, I actually don't know anything of it other than it's name. If I get Zoro to help, you have to tell me." Isaac explained. Zoro noticed Igaram talking to Isaac, knowing that Isaac had a soft spot that was easily accessible for someone in the man's condition. 

"Hey! Whatever you're telling Pinky, cut it out! You were going to turn him in so he shouldn't be doing you any fav-" "ZORO!" Isaac interrupted. Isaac looked into Zoro's eyes seriously, "Zoro. I know you have good reason to not want to help, and I know you don't care about the reward Nami wants but...This man has information that could help me find out more about who I am and where my powers came from. I can't just pass this up, but he wants your help." He into Zoro's eyes with a hint of desperation.

"Please, Zoro. I need to know who I am." 

Zoro grits his teeth, "Fine! I'll do it!" 

Isaac smiled, embracing Zoro, "Thank you Matcha-Boy!" He exclaimed before pressing a kiss to the swordsman's cheek. "You're the best!" Zoro's cheeks were visibly red and Nami smirked at him, "Now, get going Zoro. Wouldn't want to back out now would you?" Zoro shot a glare at the orange-haired girl before running off. "Thanks, Zoro!" Nami shouted after him. 

"SHUT UP! THIS ISN'T FOR YOU!" 

As he ran after the princess, Zoro couldn't help but curse himself internally for being so easily swayed simply by the pink-haired boy giving him puppy dog eyes. 'Damn that Pinky for being cute...' 

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TO BE CONTINUED...