"Huh? Why didn't you become negative?"
Perona hovered in the air, her crimson umbrella casting an eerie shadow over her face as she scrutinized Finn with confusion. Her delicate features twisted in puzzlement, a rare crack in her usual smug demeanor.
Finn smirked, rubbing his chin theatrically. "Maybe it's because I'm just too handsome?"
Perona froze for a moment before breaking into a high-pitched laugh. "Hehehehehe~ You're pretty full of yourself! I've never seen someone so thick-skinned!"
Her amused tone carried a hint of intrigue, but she quickly regained her composure, folding her arms. "Let me make something clear, handsome boy. My Negative Ghosts drag anyone into a pit of despair, forcing them to wallow in their darkest, most pathetic thoughts. Resistance is futile!"
"Oh?" Finn raised an eyebrow, feigning deep thought. "And you're just… telling me this? Aren't you afraid I'll figure out how to beat you?"
"Beat me? Hah! That's impossible!" Perona scoffed, floating closer until she was just above Finn, looking down with the air of a spoiled princess. "Even if you know my power, you're still powerless against me!"
Finn shrugged nonchalantly. "We'll see."
Perona's curiosity piqued, but she kept up her haughty demeanor. "Alright, big talker. Prove it!"
Without waiting for a reply, she darted toward Finn, arms wide as if to embrace him. Yet, her body passed straight through his like smoke.
"That's it?" Finn asked, unbothered, even taking a moment to produce an ice cream cone from his jacket and take a bite.
Perona gasped, her frustration boiling over. "Hey! You're in the middle of a fight! You can't just eat ice cream!"
Finn grinned. "Why not? Your powers are all bark and no bite. Didn't you just say you're a ghost fruit user? Makes sense you'd pass right through me. Thanks for the heads-up, by the way."
Perona clenched her fists, practically vibrating with anger. "You're the worst! I wanted to scare you, not get lectured about my own powers!"
Her tantrum was cut short when a familiar voice chimed in Finn's mind:
"Ding! Please choose."
Get scared by Perona. Reward: Top Conqueror's Haki (Early Stage).Ignore Perona. Reward: Top Conqueror's Haki (Mid Stage).Scare Perona. Reward: Top Conqueror's Haki (Late Stage).
Finn's smirk widened. Late-stage Haki? This would be fun.
Perona pointed toward the massive, gothic castle looming behind her. "See that? The west wing is my personal domain. If you dare, follow me inside. I'll show you something so terrifying you'll be crying for your mommy!"
"Sure thing," Finn replied coolly, licking his ice cream. "But first, make those Negative Ghosts stop messing with my crew."
Perona's pout softened slightly. She didn't care much for violence and found Finn's confidence strangely charming. With a dramatic wave of her umbrella, the Negative Ghosts surrounding Finn's allies dispersed.
Nami, Robin, and the others shook their heads, snapping out of the ghostly effect.
"What just happened?" Nami asked, rubbing her temple. "Why did I say such embarrassing things?!"
"That was awful!" Robin agreed. "Was this her doing?"
"Yep," Finn confirmed. "Meet Perona, a ghost fruit user. Her ghosts mess with your mind, dragging out insecurities. But don't worry, she's harmless."
Perona bristled at the insult. "Harmless?! I'll show you harmless! Let's go, pretty boy!"
With that, she spun around and floated toward her castle. Finn followed, still smiling.
"Let's see who ends up crying, little princess," he murmured, his steps unwavering.