A Little Piece of Kripton (One Piece x Superman)

Once the chaos subsided and the crew finally settled down, Nami clapped her hands with a determined smile. "Alright! Now that everything is taken care of, it's time to go shopping!"

She grabbed Robin's hand, pulling her along without waiting for a response. Robin chuckled lightly, already anticipating the trip. "Well, I suppose a little shopping wouldn't hurt," she said with a knowing smile.

Nami then turned her sharp gaze to Royal, who was trying his best to blend into the background. "And you're coming too, Royal"

Royal froze, his expression remaining stoic as always, but internally, he groaned. Despite his reluctance, he knew better than to argue with Nami when she was in this kind of mood. Resigned, he stood up, giving a small nod. "Alright," he muttered under his breath.

"You three, don't you dare touch my gold." Nami said sweetly to Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji while everyone in the room couldn't help but shiver.

As the three of them made their way into the bustling markets of Fishman Island, Robin appeared to be thoroughly enjoying herself. She admired the intricate jewelry crafted from pearls, inspected rare books displayed by vendors, and even shared lighthearted conversation with Nami.

Nami, of course, was in her element. She moved from stall to stall with boundless energy, haggling fiercely with the merchants and tossing various treasures into her growing pile of purchases.

Royal, on the other hand, walked behind them silently, his face betraying none of his inner turmoil. To an outsider, he might have looked composed, even indifferent, but inside, he was dreading every second. Shopping with Nami was akin to being caught in a relentless storm—one that drained his energy and patience with every passing moment.

As Nami argued with a vendor over the price of a particularly dazzling bracelet, Robin glanced over her shoulder at Royal. She couldn't help but notice his stiff posture and the faint crease in his brow. "You're not enjoying this, are you?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Royal's eyes shifted to Robin briefly before returning to the ground. "It's… tolerable," he replied curtly.

Robin chuckled softly, finding his discomfort oddly endearing. "You'll survive," she said with a teasing smile.

Royal sighed, knowing there was no escape. As Nami continued her shopping spree with enthusiasm, he resigned himself to his fate, silently vowing to endure the ordeal with as much dignity as he could muster.

As they walked through the lively market, a vendor's loud voice rang out, drawing attention. "Step right up! Try your luck at the guessing game! A prize for anyone who can find the red ball!"

The trio paused as the vendor gestured toward a small table. On it were three plastic cups, lined up neatly, with one small red ball hidden beneath one of them. The vendor's smile widened as he held up the prize for the game—a stunning Den Den Mushi with a glossy purple shell that shimmered under the market lights.

Nami's eyes sparkled with interest the moment she saw the Den Den Mushi. "Oh, that's perfect! We need that," she declared, gripping Royal's arm tightly.

Before Royal could protest, Nami dragged him to the vendor's table. "We'll play," she announced confidently, pulling out the required fee to participate.

The vendor smirked, clearly amused. "Alright then, little lady, let's see if you've got what it takes."

He placed the red ball under one of the cups and shuffled them rapidly. His hands moved with practiced speed, making it nearly impossible to keep track of the ball. When he finally stopped, the cups were still for only a moment.

"Now, where's the red ball?" the vendor asked, his grin smug.

Nami didn't hesitate. She turned to Royal and whispered firmly, "Use your powers."

Royal blinked. "Seriously?" he muttered, keeping his voice low.

"Yes, seriously!" Nami hissed, her grip on his arm tightening.

Royal sighed, knowing there was no arguing with her. He focused his super vision, easily seeing through the cups. His sharp eyes pinpointed the exact location of the red ball in seconds.

"It's under the middle cup," Royal said quietly, crossing his arms as if it were no big deal.

Nami beamed with delight. "The middle cup!" she announced confidently.

The vendor chuckled, lifting the cup to reveal… the red ball. His jaw dropped in disbelief. "What?!" he exclaimed, staring at the ball as if it had betrayed him.

The small crowd that had gathered around cheered and clapped for Nami's victory. The vendor, still dumbfounded, reluctantly handed over the purple-shelled Den Den Mushi. "I don't believe it. No one's ever won before!"

Nami grabbed the prize with glee, holding it up triumphantly. "Of course! It's all about skill," she said smugly, sparing a wink at Royal.

Royal simply sighed, his expression unreadable, as Robin chuckled softly beside him. "It seems you're quite the secret weapon," she teased.

"I feel like I've been used," Royal muttered under his breath, earning another laugh from Robin as Nami happily added the Den Den Mushi to her growing collection of treasures.

After their small victory at the guessing game, the trio decided to take a break. They wandered into a cozy underwater café with decor that mimicked the deep ocean—blue walls, glowing jellyfish lanterns, and seaweed drapes. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly cooked seafood and exotic spices.

They found a quiet corner and sat down, with Robin admiring the aquatic ambiance and Nami eagerly scanning the menu. "They have so many dishes you won't find on land! Look at this—sea grape salad, shellfish stew, and even coral tea!" Nami exclaimed.

When their orders arrived, the table was soon filled with colorful and unique dishes. There were platters of steamed shellfish, glowing jellyfish pudding, and a fizzy drink made from fermented seaweed that bubbled like a potion.

As they dug into their food, Nami turned her attention to Royal. "So, Royal," she began casually, her tone friendly but curious, "you've been with us for a while now, but we still don't know much about you. Why don't you tell us a bit about your past?"

Royal, who had been quietly enjoying a bowl of clam chowder, froze for a moment. He glanced at Nami, then at Robin, whose calm gaze encouraged him to speak.

"My past?" Royal repeated softly, stirring his spoon in the bowl. After a brief pause, he nodded, deciding it wouldn't hurt to share a little.

"I grew up with my father," he began. "He wasn't exactly the kind of man who could settle down. Yeah. Being his son wasn't easy. He's a wanted man, as you probably know, and that made me a target too. We couldn't stay in one place for long. Every time someone recognized me as his son, it was only a matter of time before trouble found us."

Nami's eyes widened. "So, you were constantly on the run?" she asked, leaning forward slightly.

Royal gave a small, bittersweet smile. "You could say that. At first, I didn't understand why we had to move so often. I thought it was normal. But as I got older, I realized he was protecting me. It wasn't just about him being a fugitive—it was about keeping me safe."

Robin tilted her head thoughtfully. "That must have been difficult, never having a place to call home."

"It was," Royal admitted, his voice tinged with melancholy. "But my father did his best. He taught me how to survive, how to fight, and how to think on my feet. He didn't want me to be vulnerable in a world."

Nami nodded slowly, her expression softening. "Sounds like he cared about you a lot, even if it was tough."

Royal chuckled lightly. "He did. In his own way, he was both my father and my mentor. But it also meant I didn't have a normal childhood. No friends, no stability, just... survival."

The table fell quiet for a moment, the hum of the café filling the silence. Then, Nami smiled gently. "Well, at least you're with us now. I can't promise stability, but you'll always have friends here."

Robin nodded in agreement. "Indeed. The Straw Hat crew isn't exactly normal, but perhaps that's what makes it a family."

Royal glanced at them, his tense expression softening as he gave a small nod. "Thanks. That... means a lot."

They continued their meal, the conversation turning lighter as Nami excitedly pointed out more unique dishes to try and Robin shared anecdotes from her time exploring ancient ruins. For the first time in a long while, Royal felt a sense of belonging—an unfamiliar yet comforting feeling.

As they lingered in the café, the conversation naturally shifted from Royal's past to Nami's. Stirring her coral tea, Nami gave a wistful smile. "You know, hearing about your life with Rayleigh reminds me of how I joined Luffy's crew. My story wasn't as easy either."

Royal leaned forward slightly, curious.

"I grew up in a small village in East Blue, Cocoyasi Village," Nami began. "It was peaceful at first—just me, my sister Nojiko, and my adoptive mother, Bell-mère. She was a former Marine, strong and kind, but we didn't have much. We made do with what we had, and for a while, things were okay."

She paused, her eyes darkening slightly. "Then, Arlong came. He was a fishman and the leader of the Arlong Pirates. They took over the village, demanding tribute from every household. If someone couldn't pay, they were killed. It was... a nightmare."

Royal frowned, his jaw tightening as he listened. "And your family?" he asked softly.

Nami's grip on her tea cup tightened. "We didn't have enough money. Bell-mère refused to lie about how many people lived in our house. She chose to pay for me and Nojiko instead of herself." Her voice wavered slightly, but she kept her composure. "She stood up to Arlong, knowing it would cost her life. And it did."

Robin placed a gentle hand on Nami's shoulder, her expression somber.

"It was devastating" Nami admitted, her voice heavy with emotion. "But I couldn't let her sacrifice be in vain. Arlong took me in, forcing me to draw maps for him. He said that if I worked hard enough, I could buy back my village. So, I did. I worked for him, stealing from pirates and saving every last berry to reach the amount he demanded."

Royal's gaze softened with sympathy. "That's... a heavy burden for a child to bear."

"Heh, maybe it was," Nami agreed, her voice tinged with bitterness. "And when I finally reached the amount, Arlong betrayed me. He called the Marines and had them confiscate the money I'd spent years saving. It was hopeless."

"But then," she continued, her expression brightening, "Luffy showed up. He saw what Arlong had done to my village, to me, and he didn't hesitate. He destroyed Arlong Park, defeated Arlong, and freed everyone. For the first time in years, I was free too."

Robin smiled gently. "Your story speaks volumes about Luffy's character. He truly embodies the spirit of freedom and loyalty."

Nami nodded, her eyes glistening. "He gave me a new chance at life, and I'll always be grateful for that."

Royal, who had been silent for a moment, finally spoke. "You're stronger than you realize, Nami. To endure all of that and still move forward... it's inspiring."

Nami gave a small laugh, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. "Thanks, Royal. But I'm not the only one with a tough story. Everyone on this crew has faced something difficult. That's what makes us stick together."

Robin nodded thoughtfully. "It's true. Back in Water 7, I thought I could carry my burdens alone. But Luffy and the others showed me that some things are worth sharing, even if it means being vulnerable."

The three of them shared a quiet moment of understanding. Despite their different paths, they had all found a sense of belonging with the Straw Hat crew.

"Well," Nami said, breaking the silence with a small smile, "enough heavy talk for now. Let's finish our shopping before the boys start causing trouble again."

Robin chuckled, and even Royal managed a faint smile as they stood up and prepared to continue their day, feeling a little lighter than before.

Their next stop, predictably, was a clothing store. Nami and Robin, delighted at the prospect of dressing up their unsuspecting companion, practically dragged Royal through the shop's doors.

Royal let himself be guided, though his shoulders sagged slightly in defeat. He had quickly learned that resistance was futile when it came to the women of the Straw Hat crew.

"With your features, this shouldn't be hard at all," Nami said with a grin as she scanned the racks of clothing.

Robin nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Dark hair, striking blue eyes, and a sharp jawline. You could wear almost anything, and no one would complain."

Royal glanced at the two women, his expression unreadable. "I just need 3 or 4 pair clothes, undergarments, and two sandals. No need to try this amount of clothes" he muttered.

Ignoring him, Robin picked up a simple white shirt and held it up to his chest. "This is all you really need," she said with a satisfied smile. "Honestly, even if you wore coral as clothing, I doubt anyone would say a word."

Nami laughed, rifling through another rack of shirts. "She's right, but where's the fun in that? We're getting you more than just the basics."

Over the next hour, the two women enthusiastically selected various outfits for Royal. Casual shirts, tailored jackets, sturdy pants, and even some accessories were piled into their cart. Robin preferred clean, minimalist styles, while Nami had a knack for spotting pieces that were both practical and fashionable.

Royal remained silent through most of it, occasionally glancing at himself in the mirror as they made him try on almost twenty different outfits. Despite his reluctance, he had to admit that the clothes fit well, and the two women clearly knew what they were doing.

"Try this one next," Nami said, tossing him a lightweight navy jacket.

Robin tilted her head as she examined him in it. "Perfect. It highlights his shoulders."

"Absolutely," Nami agreed, folding her arms with a triumphant smile.

Royal sighed, but there was a faint hint of amusement in his otherwise impassive expression. "Are we done yet?" he asked.

"Almost," Nami replied cheerfully, grabbing a few more items. "We just need to stock up on a few more styles. You never know what kind of situation we'll end up in."

Robin smirked. "Consider it preparation for any unexpected social engagements."

Resigned to his fate, Royal followed them to the register, where they paid for their haul. Despite himself, he felt a small sense of gratitude. It had been a long time since anyone had cared enough to fuss over him like this.

They returned to Ryugu Palace with Royal carrying them effortlessly through the air. Nestled atop the mountain of shopping bags, Nami and Robin sat comfortably, enjoying their seaweed pudding.

Nami looked utterly satisfied, her face glowing with the triumph of having visited nearly every open shop and securing countless bargains. She leaned back, nibbling on her dessert as she admired the fruits of their shopping spree.

"That last shopkeeper didn't know what hit him," she said with a smug smile. "I practically walked out with half his inventory for the price of one item."

Robin chuckled softly, her demeanor far more subdued yet equally pleased. She glanced at the bags containing her newly acquired books and stationery. "I found some fascinating volumes on Fishman history. And this octopus-ink pen," she said, holding up the sleek writing instrument, "apparently guarantees an endless supply of ink. Quite the treasure."

Royal, flying steadily beneath them, didn't comment. Though his expression remained impassive, he was quietly relieved that the shopping expedition had come to an end. The weight of the goods he was carrying was nothing compared to the endurance it had taken to keep up with this ladies relentless enthusiasm.

As they soared closer to the palace, Robin glanced down at Royal. "You're quite the reliable companion, Royal. I can see why Rayleigh trusted you to make your own way in the world."

Nami nodded in agreement, stretching her arms lazily. "Agreed. You made this trip so much easier. We might have to make this a regular thing."

Royal didn't respond immediately, though his lips pressed into a thin line at the thought of becoming their permanent chauffeur. "Let's just focus on getting back for now," he muttered, eliciting a soft laugh from Robin and a satisfied smirk from Nami.

As they landed gracefully in the palace courtyard, the palace staff hurried to assist with the towering pile of shopping bags. Nami and Robin disembarked with poise, still savoring their puddings, while Royal stretched his shoulders, silently vowing to avoid the next shopping trip at all costs.