Nico Robin
She climbed onto the turtle with agile movements, sitting down as the creature began to swim away from the Going Merry. Silence reigned for a few moments, broken only by the sound of the waves. The horizon stretched out before her, a vast blue expanse that seemed endless. Robin crossed her arms, feeling the cool breeze caress her face.
'Riser... who are you really?'
She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to organize her thoughts. There was something about him that unsettled her. It wasn't just the knowledge he possessed, but the way he used it, as if he were always two steps ahead.
"What does he know about the Poneglyphs?"
Her voice echoed in the void, a sound muffled by the immensity around her. The idea that Riser knew the location of Pluton made her uneasy. It was knowledge that many desired, but few could bear the weight of.
'He mentioned Ohara as if he had been there... but that's impossible. He knows too much. And no one knows that much without wanting something in return.'
Robin opened her eyes and looked at the water. The reflection of the moon rippled gently, following the movements of the turtle.
"If he really knows where Pluton is... then he's more dangerous than I thought."
For a moment, a dark thought crossed her mind. She wondered if she should try to eliminate him before he became a greater threat. But uncertainty held her back.
'He's useful. And I need allies, even if temporary. At least until I find out what he really wants.'
PURURURU!
The shrill sound of the Den Den Mushi interrupted her thoughts. Robin pulled out the device with precise movements and answered.
"Miss Valentine."
"Miss All-Sunday, it's about Whiskey Peak."
Robin remained silent, listening attentively.
"Mr. 5 is dead. He was eliminated by a man named Riser."
"Riser? I've never heard that name. But by the tone of your voice, it seems he made quite an impression on you."
"He's dangerous. More than anyone I've ever faced. He knew too much about Baroque Works. He knew about... the princess."
Robin raised an eyebrow, a discreet smile appearing on her lips.
"Ah, so little Nefertari survived? That will complicate things."
"It's not just that. He said he has a spy within Baroque Works. Someone who's working for him."
Robin leaned slightly, resting her elbow on her knee and her chin on her hand.
"A spy, you say? Interesting. And do you believe him?"
"I... don't know. But he seemed so confident. And he knew details that no outsider should know."
"You seem shaken, Miss Valentine. I hope this hasn't compromised your loyalty."
"I am loyal to Mr. 0. I always have been. I just thought he needed to know."
Robin smiled enigmatically.
"Of course, of course. I'll pass this along. But be careful, Miss Valentine. Bringing bad news to Mr. 0 is never easy. Make sure you're prepared to answer his questions."
Robin hung up the Den Den Mushi before Miss Valentine could respond. She stood still for a moment, looking at the device in her hands.
'So Riser is making his moves. And Miss Valentine is more unstable than I imagined. This could be useful.'
She stood up, crossing her arms as she gazed at the horizon again. The sound of the waves was comforting, but her mind remained restless.
'Miss Valentine... what should I do with you?'
PURURURU!
The sound of the Den Den Mushi broke the silence of the cabin, interrupting Robin's thoughts. She calmly approached and answered, the familiar tone of Mr. 0 filling the room.
"Miss All-Sunday. Any news about Whiskey Peak?"
Robin kept her gaze fixed on the sea, showing no emotion.
"Unfortunately, nothing of relevance yet, Mr. 0. It seems the group we sent failed in their mission."
There was a pause on the other end. Mr. 0's heavy breathing indicated his displeasure.
"This is unacceptable. Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine can't even handle third-rate pirates? Where is the efficiency of Baroque Works?"
Robin didn't rush to respond. Her words came out calculated, almost indifferent.
"I'm sure your plan in Little Garden will be successful, Mr. 0. The Straw Hat and his allies shouldn't underestimate your strategy."
On the other end of the line, Mr. 0's silence was tense. When he spoke again, his tone was cold.
"I hope you're right. I don't tolerate incompetence."
The Den Den Mushi clicked off sharply. Robin remained motionless, holding the device, an enigmatic expression on her face.
'He's starting to worry. A clear sign that the game is changing.'
---
After some time reflecting, Robin came to a conclusion about what to do with Miss Valentine. She picked up the Den Den Mushi again, dialing with precision. The device began to ring, and soon, Miss Valentine's anxious voice answered.
"Miss All-Sunday? Any instructions?"
Robin closed her eyes for a moment, carefully choosing her words.
"I Know What You Did Last Summer."
On the other end of the line, the silence was almost palpable. When Miss Valentine finally responded, her voice trembled.
"What? Why are you saying that?"
Robin opened her eyes, a subtle smile playing on her lips.
"You heard perfectly. The phrase wasn't just to be said, it was to be understood."
Miss Valentine stood still, holding the Den Den Mushi with trembling hands. 'She's testing me... or maybe he is. It doesn't matter, I need to find a way.'
"Is this... some kind of code? Or a threat?"
"What do you think, Miss Valentine?" Robin's voice sounded so calm it was almost eerie. "Choose your next actions carefully. They will determine whether you continue to live or become a memory."
Robin hung up the Den Den Mushi before a response came, placing it delicately on the table. She walked to the window, watching the waves that seemed to dance under the moonlight.
'I've done what I can to save her life. Now it's up to you, Miss Valentine.'
The giant turtle swam smoothly, as if part of Robin's reflective silence. She crossed her arms, her fingers lightly touching her elbows.
___
The turtle slid smoothly through the water until its heavy paws touched the scorching sand. The sound of slow steps against the ground echoed in the emptiness of the desert. Robin remained seated on the creature, her eyes fixed on the horizon, where the heat distorted the landscape.
'Now all that's left is to cross this desert to reach the base. If all goes well, I won't have any surprises along the way.'
The hot wind blew in her face, bringing particles of sand that lightly scratched her skin. Robin adjusted her wide-brimmed hat, shielding herself from the intense sun.
The hoarse voice of a man interrupted the silence. He emerged from between the dunes, accompanied by four others. Their ragged clothes and malicious smiles made it clear they were desert pirates.
"Hey, sweetheart, why don't we stop for a bit and have some fun? You're alone in this dangerous place."
Another pirate stepped forward, pointing a rusty sword at Robin. "It can be dangerous to cross this desert alone. How about accepting our help?"
Robin didn't react immediately. She simply descended from the turtle with calculated movements, her feet sinking slightly into the hot sand. She adjusted her sunglasses and crossed her arms, observing the men with an enigmatic smile.
"Help? How generous. But I prefer to continue alone."
The first pirate laughed, the sound rough and unpleasant, echoing through the dunes. "Ah, you're feisty. I think it'll be fun to teach you some respect."
The others laughed, slowly surrounding her.
Robin sighed, tilting her head slightly to the side. 'They don't know who they're dealing with.'
Suddenly, she opened her hands, and a soft sound filled the air.
POP!
Hands began to appear in the air around the pirates, grabbing their arms and legs with force. They shouted, struggling to break free, but it was useless.
"What is this?! Let us go!"
Robin took a step forward, her smile becoming sharper. "You should choose your victims more carefully."
The hands twisted the pirates' limbs, knocking them out efficiently. One by one, they fell to the sand, unable to react. The leader, the last one standing, trembled as he tried to draw his weapon.
"Please... I... I didn't know who you were!"
Robin leaned slightly, her eyes gleaming with calculated coldness. "Now you know."
With a flick of her fingers, more hands appeared, grabbing the man and slamming him to the ground. He fainted instantly.
Robin adjusted her hat again, looking at the bodies scattered on the sand. 'What a waste of time. Men like this never learn.'
She climbed back onto the turtle, which began to walk slowly through the desert. The heat was still relentless, but Robin didn't seem bothered. Her eyes were fixed on the horizon.
'Crocodile's base is near. And with it, the real game will begin.'
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