A Little Piece of Kripton (One Piece x Superman)

"Look at that, a volcano!" Luffy shouted with unrestrained excitement, pointing at the fiery peak visible in the distance. His voice was full of awe, as if he had never seen anything so thrilling before.

Nami, wrapped in her raincoat to shield herself from the relentless drizzle, sighed in exasperation. "Luffy, the compass isn't pointing to that island," she reminded him, her voice sharp but tinged with concern.

Royal, standing at the ship's railing, gazed at Laboon and the pod of whales swimming away, their massive forms gracefully cutting through the waves. He felt a deep sense of gratitude toward the friendly whales for guiding them safely to the surface. It had been an unusual but comforting experience, traveling alongside such majestic creatures.

But his moment of reflection was interrupted as Luffy, true to his nature, ignored Nami's warning. "We're going to that island!" the captain declared with a grin, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Royal turned his attention to Kalex, whose display emitted a faint red glow. Text scrolled across the surface of the watch-like device, showing detailed warnings. "Geothermal activity: High. Atmospheric composition: Unstable. Extreme conditions. Proceed with caution."

Royal sighed deeply, running a hand through his dark hair. He knew there was no point in arguing with Luffy once the captain had made up his mind. Luffy's unwavering determination was both frustrating and admirable, a force that often led them to adventure—and danger.

As much as he wanted to protest, Royal couldn't deny his own curiosity. The sight of the island stirred something within him, reminding him of distant worlds he had glimpsed in his past. The island's fiery surface and volatile atmosphere mirrored the primordial landscapes of planets in the early stages of formation, where life struggled to take root amid chaos and raw power.

"Well," Royal muttered to himself, "here's to hoping no one gets hurt." He cast a glance at the rest of the crew. Sanji was lighting a cigarette under the shelter of the galley roof, while Zoro was already tying down the sails, his expression unreadable. Usopp stood next to Chopper, clutching his slingshot tightly, his nervousness barely concealed.

Not long after, the Den Den Mushi suddenly let out a loud, shrill cry, catching everyone's attention. Luffy wasted no time, grabbing the snail receiver and answering the call.

"Hello?" Luffy said, his usual grin replaced by a look of curiosity and concern.

The Den Den Mushi's face mirrored the distress of the voice on the other end. Tears streamed down its small cheeks as it wailed, "Please, help me!"

Luffy leaned closer, his brows furrowing as he tried to calm the frantic voice. "Hey, don't cry! What's wrong? Where are you?" he asked, his tone steady but full of urgency.

The desperate plea sent a ripple through the crew. Nami, still at the helm, exchanged glances with Sanji and Zoro, who had been quietly observing the exchange. Even Usopp and Chopper, who had been nervous about the mysterious island, seemed to grow more resolute.

With the call for help echoing in their ears, Luffy's resolve was set in stone. "Hang on, we're coming to help!" he declared, his voice brimming with determination.

The crew, inspired by their captain's unwavering spirit, shed their initial doubts. Even Nami, despite her logical hesitation, turned the ship's wheel with firm conviction, steering toward the island.

As the Thousand Sunny changed course toward the island, Royal steadied himself against the railing, his thoughts a mix of caution and intrigue. 

The crew decided to draw lots to determine who would venture onto the mysterious island. However, knowing how little weight these decisions often carried with their captain, Royal took the initiative to volunteer, ensuring he could oversee the group and react quickly if danger arose.

The lucky—or perhaps unlucky—crew members chosen were Luffy, Zoro, Robin, and Usopp, who would accompany Royal to explore the island.

Royal assessed the situation carefully before taking off, knowing that carrying four people mid-flight required a practical approach. With the group assembled, he addressed them. 

"Alright," he began, "I'll fly us down in pairs. I can't risk anyone falling or losing balance if we all go at once." 

Robin nodded in agreement, her calm demeanor unchanged. "That's a reasonable plan." 

Luffy, however, pouted. "But I wanna fly right now!" 

Royal sighed. "You will, just wait your turn. I'll take Robin and Usopp first, then come back for you and Zoro." 

Zoro crossed his arms, clearly uninterested in arguing. "Fine by me." 

Royal lifted Robin securely with one arm around her back and the other under her legs, much like carrying someone over a threshold. For Usopp, he placed a firm grip on the sniper's torso, ensuring a stable hold. 

"You sure you've got me?" Usopp asked, his voice shaky as he glanced nervously at the waves around them. 

"Trust me," Royal replied. "I won't drop you." 

As Royal stepped to the edge of the ship, the wind howled fiercely, shaking the sails of the Thousand Sunny. With that, he launched into the air, his movement smooth and deliberate. Robin remained calm, observing the volcanic terrain below with interest. Usopp, on the other hand, kept his eyes shut tight, muttering a prayer under his breath. 

Above the volcanic island, the sky was alive with lightning that danced chaotically across the stormy clouds, while massive waves crashed against the sea below. Despite the chaos, his eyes sharp locked on the distant shore.

"Hold on tight. This might get a little windy," 

When Royal launched into the air, a lightning bolt struck close by, illuminating their silhouettes against the darkened sky. Usopp let out a panicked scream, his eyes squeezed shut. "WE'RE GOING TO BE FRIED!"

"No, we're not," Royal replied curtly, weaving gracefully through the bolts of lightning with uncanny precision. His movements were fluid, almost like a dance, as he navigated through the natural dangers with ease.

Below them, monstrous waves churned, threatening to swallow anything in their path. Royal maintained a calculated altitude, ensuring they stayed clear of the turbulent sea spray. Robin, while calm, tightened her grip slightly, impressed by his agility.

When they reached the island, Royal landed gently as though the storm had never been a threat. Robin stepped down with her usual composure, while Usopp immediately dropped to his knees, his face pale.

"I... I'm alive..." Usopp whispered, his voice trembling.

"That wasn't so bad," Robin remarked, dusting off her coat. 

"Speak for yourself!" Usopp said, still trembling slightly. 

"I'll be back," Royal said before leaping into the air once more. 

Returning to the ship, he motioned for Luffy and Zoro to step forward. Luffy was already grinning from ear to ear, bouncing with excitement. "Finally! Let's go!" Luffy laughed uncontrollably, pointing at the lightning around them. "It's like a lightning party! So cool!"

Royal grabbed Luffy first, securing his arms around the captain's midsection. For Zoro, he gestured toward his back. "Hold on tightly. You're strong enough for this." 

Zoro complied without complaint, wrapping his arms around Royal's shoulders. "Just don't take too long." 

With both men secured, Royal flew them toward the island. Luffy shouted with glee, arms outstretched like wings. "This is amazing!" 

"Stop squirming, idiot," Zoro grumbled, gripping Royal firmly to avoid slipping. 

Royal remained focused, twisting and turning in mid-air to avoid the near-misses of crackling electricity. The powerful winds tried to throw them off course, but Royal's strength and control kept them steady, even as the storm intensified.

They touched down near Robin and Usopp, who were already surveying the terrain. Royal set Luffy down quickly—before his excitement got the better of him—and then helped Zoro dismount. 

"Everyone safe and sound," Royal said, brushing off his hands. 

Robin nodded. "Efficient and careful. Nicely done." 

"Yeah, yeah," Zoro muttered. "Let's get moving." 

As the group reach in front of a massive gate with the bold words "Punk Hazard" etched across the top, they took a moment to observe their surroundings. The storm had quieted somewhat, but the air was thick with an oppressive heat. Lightning still flashed in the distance, illuminating the World Government's insignia prominently displayed on the gate. 

"Why is there a World Government logo here?" Robin asked, her voice calm but laced with curiosity. 

"Doesn't matter," Zoro muttered, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "This place is suspicious already." 

Royal placed his hand on the massive gate, his calm demeanor flickered for a brief moment. He activated his X-ray vision, expecting to scan the internal mechanisms and determine the best way to open it. However, his vision was immediately blocked by an opaque barrier within the gate's structure.

"Lead," he muttered under his breath, his brows furrowing in frustration. Of course, the World Government would reinforce their structures with materials designed to obstruct even his advanced vision.

Flames roared between them, devouring the already scorched earth beneath. The heat was relentless, crackling and spitting embers into the air as if the ground itself was rebelling against the chaos. Smoke curled and rose in thick plumes, blotting out the faint light of the setting sun and casting a grim shadow over the battlefield.

Meanwhile, Royal stood apart from the group, completely unaffected by the sweltering heat. His expression was as composed as ever, his breathing steady. The sweat-soaked faces of his crewmates didn't escape his notice. 

"You're not sweating at all, are you?" Zoro asked, narrowing his eyes at Royal. 

Royal shrugged. "Not really." His tone was nonchalant, but his eyes were scanning the area with precision, noting every detail of the surroundings. 

Robin nodded towards the gate. "It's locked from the inside. We'll need to find another way or break through." 

Luffy grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Breaking through sounds fun!" 

"Wait, wait, wait!" Usopp interrupted, panic clear in his voice. "What if this place is guarded by Marines or worse?" 

"Then we'll deal with them," Luffy said, stepping closer to the gate.

The group exchanged glances before Luffy declared, "Alright, Royal! Break it down!" 

Royal hesitated for a moment, glancing at Robin, who gave him a slight nod. Without further ado, he pushed against the gate with steady force. The metal groaned and creaked under his strength until it finally gave way, revealing the mysteries hidden behind Punk Hazard's ominous entrance.