A Little Piece of Kripton (One Piece x Superman)

"But we're already in trouble, Baron!" Pekoms shouted at his companion. His face flushed as he stomped his foot on the ground impatiently.

Baron realized that Pekoms had a point. The truth was, the candy production at the factory hadn't met the quota demanded by Big Mom every month. Cold sweat trickled down the side of the long-legged man's face, his expression pale with dread.

He could not bear the thought of facing the wrath of Big Mom, one of the Yonko.

Suddenly, a loud ringing interrupted the escalating tension—the Den Den Mushi on Pekoms' side began croaking, signaling a call from Big Mom herself.

Pekoms and Baron looked on the verge of fainting, their faces turning a shade of blue. The two exchanged desperate glances, silently throwing the responsibility of answering the Den Den Mushi on the table back and forth. The snail-phone squawked impatiently, its voice growing louder, demanding that someone—anyone—pick up the call.

Royal sighed deeply, recognizing that the drama was about to reach its peak. He glanced at Captain Luffy, whose face lit up with excitement, as if he'd just stumbled upon an opportunity too good to pass up.

"Captain Luffy, may I head back first?" Royal asked, already preparing to leave. "I'd rather not be on the receiving end of Nami's wrath. I'll let you entertain these idiots in peace."

Luffy waved his hand dismissively, giving Royal permission, while still focusing intently on the phone. Zoro and Sanji looked like they wanted to leave with Royal, but neither of them was willing to leave their captain alone in this mess.

With a shake of his head, Royal took off into the air, putting distance between himself and the candy factory. He flew high above the Fishman settlement at a leisurely pace. Not only did he want to avoid drawing attention to himself, but he also wanted to ensure he didn't accidentally damage the buildings that the residents were in the process of rebuilding by using his super speed.

My instincts were right, Royal thought bitterly, overhearing faint snippets of Luffy's voice in the distance as he promised to hand over all the treasure to Big Mom.

Royal wore a sour expression on his face, unsure of what fate awaited Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji if they dared to face Nami empty-handed. "Kalex, I'm just glad to still be alive," Royal muttered with relief.

The robotic watch on his wrist responded immediately. "You have nothing to fear, Master Kal-El. The expected lifespan of a Kryptonian can span hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Additionally, at 21 years old, you're still considered to be in your developmental phase."

Royal scowled, annoyed by the overly literal reply. His remark wasn't meant to be taken as fact. "Oh, shut up, Kalex," he grumbled at the watch.

Royal slightly increased his speed as he approached Ryugu Palace. The palace guards paid little attention to his entrance, as they were already aware that Royal was one of the Straw Hat Pirates and a special guest of the royal family. At the palace hall, he was greeted by a high-pitched squeal from Nami. 

"My treasure is here!" she exclaimed, dancing in delight before giving Royal a pointed order. "Hurry up and open those sacks!"

Obediently, Royal did as instructed, behaving like a loyal puppy under her command. The piles of treasure soon formed a glittering mountain nearly six meters tall, brimming with jewels, coins, and golden weapons. The gold shimmered brilliantly, reflecting the light in a dazzling display that left no doubt about the authenticity of the treasures. Gems and pearls of various colors were scattered across the pile, adding to the mesmerizing allure of the hoard.

Nami and Chopper dove straight into the hoard, laughing with unrestrained glee.

"This is super! We're rich pirates!" Chopper cheered while imitating Franky's signature pose.

But Nami's excitement quickly turned into suspicion. She turned her sharp gaze toward Royal. "Is this all of it?" she asked, suddenly remembering Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji had been with him earlier.

A bead of sweat trickled down Royal's temple. He absolutely did not want to explain that this was all that remained after their captain's questionable decision-making. "U-uh, Captain Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji stayed behind," Royal stammered. "So, um, I guess they have the rest of it?"

Nami's scrutinizing glare pierced through him, sharper than anything Sherlock Holmes could muster. Royal tried to hold his ground, putting on his most innocent expression. To his immense relief, it worked. Nami finally relented, walking away with a much-improved mood. 

Royal exhaled quietly, relieved he had dodged that storm—for now.

The sense of relief lasted only a moment. Royal's body tensed as faint voices reached his ears.

"Are you sure this is the legendary Noah ship, Admiral?" a woman's voice asked, her tone skeptical.

"Headquarters has confirmed it," replied another voice, deeper and raspier.

"What are we supposed to do with a ship this massive?" a third voice chimed in, curious yet cautious.

"Hm... Fleet Admiral Sakazuki has plans for this vessel," the one addressed as Admiral responded firmly.

This time, Royal caught snippets of another conversation, not far from where the Admiral and their subordinates were speaking.

"This ship is enormous—almost as big as an island." This time, the sound of a man's voice filled the air, his heavy breathing resembling that of someone who had indulged in far too many cigars during his lifetime.

"You're right. Do you think there's treasure inside?" Shouted someone in a high-pitched, overly enthusiastic tone.

"Shh, keep your voice down. Admiral Fujitora can hear us if you're too loud."

"Good point. We'd be in trouble if Captain Teach's orders failed."

"Then stay quiet from now on." The owner of the heavy voice warned his partner.

Shaking off the distraction, Royal turned his attention back to King Neptune. He weighed carefully how much of the conversation he had overheard should be shared. Technically, the Noah ship belonged to the Fishman Kingdom, and it was only right to leave the decision in the hands of their king.

"I think there's trouble, King Neptune," he said gravely.

"What kind of trouble?" the king asked, raising an eyebrow in concer.

"Noah—it's been found by the Marines at the surface. " Royal reported, his voice steady but laced with tension. "I apologize for my carelessness; my attempt to save this island has instead brought new problems upon you all."

Hearing this, King Neptune's expression shifted to one of unease. The Noah was not just a historic relic but a symbol of Fishman Island's identity and dreams. The ship was an incredibly valuable asset, even before the rebellion's assault. Its very existence was like a legend among the fishman. In fact, several beliefs had emerged within their community that elevated the ship to a revered status, almost as if it were sacred.

After a moment of silent reflection, the king let out a long, weary sigh. His shoulders slumped slightly as he resigned himself to the situation.

"I suppose... just like the royal treasures, as long as my people remain safe, there's little else I can ask for," he said, his voice tinged with quiet sorrow.

"Father! You can't give up on Noah like that!" Everyone in the room turned their gaze toward Princess Shirahoshi. The once timid and cry baby mermaid now spoke with a boldness that defied her usual demeanor. She stood firm, voicing her convictions loudly, even if it meant opposing her own father.

"My daughter," the king began, his voice heavy with regret. "As a ruler, I lament this decision deeply. But if the Marines have already claimed Noah, there is nothing more we can do. I cannot risk inciting their retaliation, leading us into another battle when we have only just emerged from the horrors of war."

"But father—" Shirahoshi began, her voice trembling with concern.

Neptune raised his hand, signaling his daughter to stop. "I understand, Shirahoshi," he said gently.

"Noah is indeed a part of our nation's identity. But what is done is done. Perhaps now, Noah's fate is to sail up there."

Royal furrowed his brows, watching how easily King Neptune seemed to surrender to the situation. He sympathized with the king, who had just emerged victorious from the turmoil within his kingdom.

Perhaps it was true—there were times when a king had to retreat for the sake of his people. Especially when faced with the Marines, whose influence and power spanned the entire world.

Royal glanced at the hand on his shoulder, his calm expression betrayed by the worry reflected in his dark eyes. "What's wrong, Robin?" he asked the woman.

The black-haired woman raised an eyebrow, silently signaling that she should be the one asking him that question instead.

Understanding her meaning, Royal gave a faint smile. "It's nothing, I just lost in thought for a moment" he said, shaking his head lightly. "Seem like I thinking too much."

Robin observed him for a moment before nodding in acceptance. "If King Neptune says it's fine to sacrifice Noah, then there's no point in overthinking it. And you don't need to keep spying on the Marines' movements all the time. You'll miss out on the surprises and the thrill of the unknown if you do that. Enjoy the moment and more importanly stop filling gulty."

Royal frowned slightly. Robin's words seemed nonchalant, but they carried a grain of truth that he couldn't deny.

It didn't take long for Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji to arrive back at the Ryugu Kingdom. Their footsteps were heavy as they approached the throne room, but not from exhaustion—it was the weight of dread that filled the air around them. They knew exactly what awaited them, and no amount of courage could prepare them for the storm brewing within the palace walls.

The grand doors to the chamber creaked open, revealing Nami standing in the center, arms crossed and her gaze sharper than a blade. The glittering piles of treasure behind her made the contrast even more pronounced, as if the gold itself highlighted her fury.

"So, you're back. Where is my treasure?" Nami said coldly, her tone calm but laced with an unmistakable edge.

The three froze in place, exchanging nervous glances. Luffy was the first to step forward, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Uh, Nami, we—"

Before he could finish, Nami's hand shot out, delivering a blow so swift and powerful that it left Luffy sprawled on the ground, stars circling his head.

"HOW COULD YOU COME BACK EMPTY-HANDED?!" Nami's voice echoed through the hall, a tempest of fury.

Zoro attempted to speak next, trying to appear nonchalant. "It's not like we didn't try, but—"

WHACK.

Zoro's words were cut off by a swift kick to his side, courtesy of Nami. He doubled over, groaning in pain, while Sanji tried to intervene, stepping forward with his signature charm.

"Nami-swan, please don't be angry! I can explain—"

But even Sanji, the self-proclaimed knight of the crew, wasn't spared. Nami's fist met his face with such precision that he stumbled backward, hearts flying out of his eyes as he fell.

Meanwhile, Usopp and Chopper stood off to the side, watching the spectacle unfold. Their expressions were a mix of disappointment and exasperation, their shoulders slumping as they exchanged a glance.

"I can't believe it," Usopp muttered, shaking his head. "All that effort, and they still managed to screw it up."

Chopper sighed, his tiny arms crossed over his chest. "Yeah."

Royal, who was leaning against one of the ornate pillars, observed the chaos with a bemused expression. He wasn't surprised at the scene unfolding before him—knowing that come back empty handed will kill him or at least shorter his life span.

Nami, now standing over the defeated trio, let out a huff of frustration. "Do you have any idea how much work it takes to maintain this crew? How dare you waste my time waiting like this!"

The three men groaned in unison, their attempts at defense silenced by Nami's righteous fury.

Usopp and Chopper, still watching from the sidelines, could only shake their heads in unison.

"They're hopeless," Usopp muttered, earning a solemn nod from Chopper.

Luffy, still rubbing his head from Nami's earlier blow, slowly sat up and raised his hand. "Wait, Nami, let me explain!" he said, his voice unusually serious for once.

The room quieted slightly as everyone turned their attention to him. Even Nami, though still fuming, crossed her arms and waited for his explanation.

Luffy gulped, then spoke, his tone uncharacteristically somber. "The treasure we found… I gave it to Big Mom."

The room fell into stunned silence. Nami's expression froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. Zoro and Sanji exchanged awkward glances, unsure of how to add to the conversation. Usopp and Chopper's jaws dropped simultaneously, and even Robin looked mildly surprised.

"You… WHAT?!" Nami's scream reverberated through the hall, her voice louder and more piercing than before.

Luffy quickly waved his hands in front of him, trying to calm her down. "Big Mom was angry! She called us (A.N: well not really, but Luffy feel like he is important enough to lie, even though his acting was absolutely terrible.) while we were at the candy factory. She said Fishman Island owes her a huge shipment of candy, and they didn't have enough to send to her. When I asked her to share some with me, she got even madder!"

"So what?!" Nami snapped, her face turning red with fury. "Why does that mean you had to give her all of the treasure?!"

Luffy scratched his head, looking sheepish. "She said if she didn't get her candy or something to make up for it, she'd destroy Fishman Island."

The weight of his words sank into the room like a stone. Even Nami, for all her anger, faltered at the thought.

"She threatened to destroy the entire island?" Robin asked calmly, her tone soft yet sharp.

Luffy nodded. "Yeah. She was really mad. She said she wouldn't forgive anyone who got between her and her sweets. I didn't want her to hurt the fishman, so… I gave her the treasure as a peace offering."

Nami's anger wavered, replaced by an uneasy silence. The room seemed to collectively hold its breath, processing what Luffy had said.

"That's… understandable," Chopper finally said, his small voice breaking the tension. "If it means protecting everyone on the island, it's the right thing to do."

Zoro grunted, leaning against the wall. "I still don't like it. Handing over treasure to someone like her doesn't sit right with me."

Sanji lit a cigarette, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "I hate to admit it, but the idiot's got a point. Protecting the island takes priority."

Nami, though still visibly upset, let out a deep sigh. "Fine," she muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I guess it was the right thing to do, but next time—" she jabbed a finger in Luffy's direction, "—you consult me before giving away all of our treasure!"

Luffy grinned, relieved. "Okay, Nami. I promise!"

Royal, who had been quietly observing, couldn't help but chuckle to himself. Despite their chaotic nature, this crew always managed to pull through together, even when faced with impossible odds.