West Sea, Kaldor Island:
"Hahaha, I heard that the Child of the Devil, Nico Robin, has come to our island. This is a big deal worth 79 million Beli! I really wonder if I'll have the luck to meet her. If I do, I'll be rich!"
"Don't mention it! Just a few days ago, I saw her, but then somehow she slipped away from me, and now I can't find her no matter how hard I try. What a pity!"
"That Child of the Devil is just a kid. Why is the Navy offering such a high bounty? What has she done?"
"Who knows? That's not our concern. We just need to catch her and turn her in for the bounty!"
"Speaking of which, it makes me angry. I heard that the Navy base in the West Sea has been destroyed by 90%. Now I don't even know where to find a Navy base!"
In the bar of the West Sea, many people were discussing Robin, but they had no idea that the real Robin had disguised herself to look like a boy and snuck into the bar's kitchen to cook.
"Gurgle, gurgle!!!"
However, cooking on an empty stomach while smelling the delicious food made Robin's stomach growl uncontrollably, and she felt hungrier by the minute.
"Kid, this is your dinner for today. Eat up and get lost!"
After waiting for dinner time, what she received was just leftover food from others in the bar. The worst part was that there was no meat, and not even a full bowl!
"Wuwuwuwu!!"
After finishing the leftovers, Robin went to the drafty woodshed, lay in the corner, and cried silently. She didn't even dare to cry out loud, fearing that others would discover someone was hiding there.
"Mom, Dr. Clover, where are you? Robin misses you so much!"
It had been over two months since Robin escaped from Ohara, and she had seen much darkness outside, living in constant fear every day.
She was afraid of being caught and turned in for the bounty, afraid of being captured by slave traders, and afraid of going hungry every day.
Now, she missed her life in Ohara terribly. Although the people there disliked her, at least she didn't have to worry about being caught. Even though she often went hungry, at least the doctors would help her, she could forage for wild fruits, and she could read her favorite history books every day. She even had a giant friend.
But that unforgettable Ohara had been destroyed under the Navy's cannon fire. Her mother, her giant friend, and Dr. Clover were all gone. She was the only one left from Ohara! On this lonely and cold night, Robin shed tears, reminiscing about the past, and gradually cried herself to sleep! "I can't stay here any longer; I need to find another place. If I stay here any longer, that cook will start to suspect me!"
After six days of cooking in the bar's kitchen, Robin decisively chose to leave. After two months of fleeing, she could roughly tell if others were suspicious of her.
"Go to the port area and see if there's a chance to leave this island!"
While cooking in the bar's kitchen, Robin occasionally eavesdropped on what people were talking about outside. Many were discussing their own matters, which made Robin feel a huge sense of crisis; she needed to leave this island as soon as possible!
However, just as Robin was running down a small path to the port, she saw two people at a turn.
One was a beautiful sister in a blue long dress, and the other was a tall man who looked intimidating, and she felt he looked very familiar, as if she had seen him somewhere!
"The world's greatest swordsman, the world's strongest man, Li Yuan!"
Upon taking a second look, Robin finally recognized who the man in front of her was. At that moment, her heart felt like thunder had struck it. Even the so-called world's strongest man was here to find her, the Child of the Devil?
"Kid, don't think too much. Your bounty of 79 million Beli is nothing compared to me!"
The moment Li Yuan saw Robin, he knew what she was thinking. After all, he was the world's strongest man. How could he only be seen as a bounty in this little kid's eyes? "W-well, since there's nothing going on, I'll just leave!"
Hearing Li Yuan's words, Robin suddenly remembered that with Li Yuan's status, how could he possibly come looking for her, the Child of the Devil? Perhaps in his eyes, she was completely dispensable. Saying that, Robin just wanted to leave quickly, to escape this man's gaze! "If you leave like that, don't you want to see Dr. Clover and the others from Ohara? They're still alive!"
Just as Robin was about to turn around, Li Yuan's light remark instantly cracked the ice around her heart! "Y-you mean, Dr. Clover and the others are not dead? They're still alive?"
Upon hearing Li Yuan's words, Robin immediately turned back, her eyes filled with endless hope as she looked at him.
For the past two months, she had fantasized every moment that Dr. Clover and the others were still alive, but that was just a fantasy. She even knew it was impossible, but now, hearing those words from Li Yuan, even if it was just a lie, she hoped it was true! "That's right, they're not dead. When Ohara was destroyed, we saved them. They are currently living in a hidden place. If you want to see them, come with us!"
Li Yuan nodded.
Then, Li Yuan and Shakky walked toward a nearby room.
Upon hearing Li Yuan's words, Robin's body involuntarily followed behind him.
Even though her rational mind told her that this could very well be a lie, her body was completely out of her rational control.
When Robin followed Li Yuan into the room, her vision went dark, and she instantly fell into a hypnotic sleep.
"Darling, you're too cautious. She's just a child!"
Seeing Robin about to collapse from being hypnotized, Shakky picked her up and then walked into the mirror, directly arriving at the Sky Island where the scholars from Ohara lived.
"Captain Li Yuan, what brings you here?"
Seeing Li Yuan and Shakky, Dr. Clover was very surprised. Although he knew that the Infinite Pirates had saved them, it was Li Yuan's first time coming here.
"I happened to run into your little doctor from Ohara wandering outside, so I brought her back!"
Li Yuan said lightly.
"This is Nico Robin; I'm leaving her in your care!"
Shakky handed the sleeping Robin to Dr. Clover.
"Robin, it's really you!"
Dr. Clover exclaimed excitedly as he recognized the girl Shakky had handed over.
"Captain, we scholars are fine living here, but Robin is still young. Can she really live in the sea?"
After the excitement, Dr. Clover began to worry about Robin's future. In his view, they scholars were already dead, and living in the Sky Island was fine, but Robin was still young; her future should be in the vast sea, not confined to this small Sky Island for her entire life! "It's fine; I'll take her to the Limitless Sea Area to live in half a month, but only if she wants to go. If she doesn't want to, I won't force her!"
Li Yuan nodded.
Robin was a talent for the future, and he naturally wouldn't refuse such a request. After all, for such talent, Li Yuan's thought was the more, the better.
The destruction of Ohara happened just as Li Yuan was preparing to hunt Saint Mars. Shakky had only saved those scholars and hadn't directly rescued Robin.
One reason was that he didn't want the World Government to know about the Infinite Pirates' connection to Ohara, nor did he want them to think that the Infinite Pirates were also pursuing the blank hundred years, which would raise Imu's suspicions.
The second reason was that he didn't want any mistakes to occur at a critical moment while hunting the Five Elders, which could alert them.
That's why Li Yuan didn't send the Infinite Pirates to rescue Robin directly.
"Thank you, Captain!"
After receiving Li Yuan's response, Dr. Clover said joyfully. It could be said that Robin was the heir of Ohara and would continue to walk the seas in their stead!
"Dr. Clover? Am I dreaming?"
After Li Yuan left, Robin woke up from her hypnosis, looking at the familiar Dr. Clover in front of her, feeling confused and helpless! "Robin, you're not dreaming. Come and see, everyone is here!"
"We were saved by the members of the Infinite Pirates and have been living here in hiding."
Dr. Clover explained to Robin what had happened and the outcome.
"Wuwuwuwu, Dr. Clover, it's really you! You're really not dead! I miss you all so much!!"
After Dr. Clover's explanation, tears streamed down Robin's face, and she cried out loud, releasing all the grievances she had felt during these days. As she cried, she fell asleep again. These days had been too hard for her, and once her nerves relaxed, she fell into a deep sleep. This was the only time Robin didn't have nightmares and slept very deeply! When Robin woke up, she saw the familiar faces of many doctors and scholars, the large library, and numerous books, making her feel as if she were still in a dream.
During this half month, Robin lived a happier life than before.
"Robin, how have you been feeling these days?"
Dr. Clover asked gently.
"Hmm, Dr. Clover, I feel great! I really like life here; it feels like a dream."
Robin said happily. After all, compared to the two months of wandering and fleeing, she felt even happier than when she was in Ohara because the scholars and Dr. Clover cared for her so much.
"Robin, half a month has passed; you should be leaving here now. I spoke with Captain Li Yuan, and he will take you to live in the sea below and join the Infinite Pirates. You won't have to fear the Navy or other pirates anymore because the Infinite Pirates will protect you!"
Dr. Clover said.
"Doctor, can I not go to the Infinite Pirates? I don't want to leave Dr. Clover; I don't want to leave everyone!"
Having finally reunited with Dr. Clover and the others, the young Robin didn't want to leave.
"Robin, the Sky Island is too small. Your future should be in the vast sea, not trapped here."
"For the sake of Ohara's legacy and for yourself, you shouldn't remain here. The Infinite Pirates are very strong, strong enough that you won't have to fear the Navy. So as long as you don't betray Captain Li Yuan, you can live very well in the Infinite Pirates, find companions your age, and go on adventures with them."
Dr. Clover patiently persuaded Robin.
"Hmm, Dr. Clover, I understand!"
In the end, Robin was convinced by Dr. Clover.
Not long after, Li Yuan and Shakky returned to take Robin away! "Dad, you're back!"
"Lord Li Yuan!"
Li Yuan brought Robin to his daughter Asuna, who was there with Sharley. Upon seeing Li Yuan, they immediately ran over.
"Sharley, Asuna, I've brought back a good friend for you. Her name is Robin!"
Li Yuan wouldn't take a little girl like Robin with him, so he directly handed her over to Asuna and Sharley, who were also kids, letting them play together. After all, they were all children and should be able to play together.
"Robin, I'm Asuna. Let's play together from now on!"
"And me, and me! I'm Sharley. I'll play with you from now on!"
Asuna and Sharley were very happy to see the new friend Li Yuan had brought them.
"I-I'm Robin. Please take care of me!"
It was Robin's first time seeing children her age willing to play with her, and she was naturally very happy.
Before long, the three little ones were playing together and having a great time.
"By the way, Asuna and Sharley, didn't you both want to go to Elbaf to see the giants? In a few days, Esdeath and Barrett are going to Elbaf, so you can go with them."
"And Robin, you can go with them too. There's someone you know there, and I'll arrange for you to meet him!"
Just as the three little ones were having fun, Li Yuan casually agreed to let them go to Elbaf.
"Really, Dad? I can finally go to that land of giants? You're the best, Dad!"
Asuna jumped up in joy upon hearing Li Yuan's words!
"Giants, are they really big?"
Sharley asked curiously. Although the Infinite Pirates had giants, Sharley hadn't been to many places since arriving at the Limitless Sea Area, so she had never seen a giant.
"Of course, they're huge! One of their fingers is bigger than Sharley!"
Asuna said excitedly.
"Wow, that's really big! I want to see the giants too!"
Sharley exclaimed in surprise after hearing Asuna's description.
"Giants, could it be him? Is he still alive?"
Upon hearing Li Yuan's words, Robin immediately thought of Saul, who had been frozen while protecting her! Three days later, Asuna, Sharley, Robin, and Perona, who had just returned from playing with Akame, happily boarded the large ship where Esdeath was.
"Sister, I miss you! You never come to see Asuna!"
Asuna ran over and hugged Esdeath's leg as soon as she saw her.
"Sister misses Asuna too! Now sister is taking Asuna to Elbaf to see the giants!"
Esdeath gently picked Asuna up, smiling as she spoke.
Although Esdeath appeared very cold and decisive in front of outsiders, she was gentle with her younger siblings. All her coldness was directed outward, not inward.
"Sister, these are my friends! This is Sharley; she's a little fortune-teller. This is Perona; she was brought back by second sister and can release little ghosts. This is Robin; she was brought back by Dad, and she's amazing! She's a doctor!"
Asuna happily introduced her friends to Esdeath.
"Hello, I'm Esdeath, Asuna's older sister. Nice to meet you all."
Esdeath said with a smile.
"Hello, Sister Esdeath!"
Robin and the other two little ones politely greeted Esdeath.
After that, Esdeath didn't continue playing with the little ones, as it was impossible for her to play with them.
Once Esdeath left, Asuna and the others excitedly ran around the steel giant ship, as it was their first time on such a battleship.
Upon arriving at Elbaf, Esdeath took Robin and the others off the ship and into a village in Elbaf.
"Wow, it's so big!!"
"Giants, they're so tall!"
"They're amazing! How many Peronas would it take to be as tall as a giant?"
"…"
As they walked along, every time Asuna and the others saw a giant, they would exclaim in awe. Except for Robin, the other three little ones were seeing giants for the first time.
"Ha ha ha, isn't that Li Yuan's daughter, Esdeath? The little girl from back then has grown up so much!"
Dorry greeted them warmly as he saw Esdeath and the others approaching.
"Uncle Dorry, can you please drop the title 'Li Yuan's daughter' next time? Just call me Esdeath!"
Esdeath said, feeling speechless.
"Ha ha ha, no problem, no problem! I'll remember next time. Did you come alone? Is Li Yuan here?"
Dorry asked curiously.
"My dad didn't come, but Uncle Barrett is here. Last time he lost to the Giant King, but this time he's stronger and is here to challenge the Giant King. If you hurry over, you should still be able to catch their duel!"
Esdeath shook her head.
"The Giant King is going to duel Barrett? Great! I'm going over now! I can't let the Giant King get ahead of me and challenge Barrett first!!"
Upon hearing Esdeath's words, Dorry immediately ran out of the village.
After Dorry left, Esdeath continued walking with Robin and the others into the village, and Robin soon saw the giant she was so familiar with, Jaguar D. Saul!!
"Saul!!!"
Seeing Jaguar D. Saul, Robin shouted excitedly.
"Golly, Robin, I'm so glad you're okay!!"
Upon hearing Robin's voice, Saul immediately turned around and saw the little girl who had become his friend back on Ohara Island.
After being frozen by Kuzan and losing consciousness, when he woke up again, he found that his giant companions had brought him back to Elbaf.
Because of this incident, Saul was confined to Elbaf and could no longer go to sea.
He had thought they would never meet again, but unexpectedly, after more than two months, he saw Robin again!
"Saul!!!!"
Robin rushed over, tears streaming down her face as she held onto Saul's fingers.
During these days, she had seen that Dr. Clover was alive, made friends in the Infinite Pirates, and now reunited with her giant friend Saul.
Robin felt that she was truly happy, so very happy!
"Let's go first; we'll call them for dinner later!"
Esdeath took Asuna and the other little ones away, leaving space for Robin and Saul.
New World, Erikson Island: On the desolate edge of the island, three people were engaged in a fierce battle, one of whom was Doflamingo. This Erikson Island was the territory that Yadina had introduced to Doflamingo as a suitable base in the New World.
It must be said that after Doflamingo arrived here and surveyed the island, he found it to be quite large and, being located in the front part of the New World, it was also quite prosperous. Therefore, many pirates had their eyes on this island.
Upon arriving, Doflamingo, like a dragon crossing the river, defeated Kulik, one of the three major pirates entrenched here.
Initially, he thought he could take down the other powerful pirates in one go, but unexpectedly, after hearing about Doflamingo, the other two pirates joined forces to strike first! If it were a one-on-one fight, Doflamingo would not fear them at all, but once these two teamed up, they pressed down on Doflamingo fiercely! "Hahahahaha, Doflamingo, weren't you quite arrogant before? Why are you only defending now, not even daring to fight back?"
Lawsey Abbott swung his sword from the side, aiming for Doflamingo's head.
Doflamingo extended his hand to create a thick barrier resembling a spider web, covered in Armament Haki, to block the strike.
"Five Color String!"
Infuriated by Abbott's words, Doflamingo's other hand shot out like a claw, five strings of different colors piercing towards Abbott's heart like sharp iron needles.
"Don't embarrass yourself with such tricks, Doflamingo!"
Abbott snorted coldly, turning to slash horizontally, directly deflecting the Five Color String away.
Just as Doflamingo was dealing with Abbott, the other pirate, Kostadin Ali, swung a black spiked club covered in Armament Haki down towards the back of Doflamingo's head.
"Spider Web!"
At a critical moment, a thick spider web covered in Armament Haki blocked behind Doflamingo.
Although the massive force of the spiked club did not break through the spider web's defense, it deformed the web, and the club struck Doflamingo's head directly through the web, knocking him down to one knee.
"Bastard!!"
"Razor!"
Doflamingo was furious at being ganged up on by these two unscrupulous fighters. Seeing the situation was dire, he charged forward, using the technique of shaving and the strings arranged in the air to propel himself into the sky, flying directly towards the port.
He simply could not take on these two together; for now, he could only escape and plan for the future! "Damn Kostadin and Abbott, just wait, next time I will definitely twist off both your heads!"
Doflamingo touched the back of his head and found it was bleeding. Feeling his blood flowing, a sense of frustration weighed heavily on him.
He had previously sworn that he could take this island without the help of the Infinite Pirates, but now that he was here, he realized how strong the pirates in the New World truly were.
Even though these two pirates had no significant background, their combined strength had already surpassed his. If he continued fighting, his chances of losing were extremely high.
"This guy can actually fly, what a hassle!"
Watching Doflamingo fly away, Kostadin and Abbott did not pursue him further, as neither of them could fly.
"Let's agree in advance, we'll split Macao Alam's territory!"
Kostadin said.
Macao Alam was the unfortunate guy who had been taken down by Doflamingo first, and he was originally the weakest among the three.
"Sure, I think that newcomer will probably come back again. When he does, we'll team up once more and hopefully kill him directly to prevent him from eyeing our territory again!"
Abbott said.
"Just a stray dog, no matter how many times he comes back, we can drive him off!"
Kostadin said dismissively.
(End of chapter)