Chapter 145: Nico Robin, You Wouldn't Want to Drag Your Companions Down, Would You?

"Lucci? It's me, Bruno."

His expression remained calm as he lowered his voice:

"An unexpected windfall: the Devil Child, Nico Robin, has suddenly appeared in my tavern and is currently heading with her companions to a nearby Life Card shop."

"There are still no leads on the Pluton blueprints, but capturing this woman would still be a great merit, wouldn't it?"

"You are helping someone repair their ship and cannot spare the time to come?"

"It doesn't matter; I can easily handle Nico Robin alone... Hmm? You want them to come over? That seems somewhat unnecessary... For the sake of caution, I understand."

About half an hour later.

Robin and her two companions walked out of the Life Card shop.

This shop was hidden in a small alley; combined with Water Seven's intricate three-dimensional terrain, it was extremely difficult to find. They had to split up, asking locals for directions, and only after much twisting and turning did they finally locate the storefront.

They had already placed their order and paid the deposit.

Once the rest of the crew aboard the Going Merry arrived, they could come directly here to create their Life Cards.

"Mission accomplished; what's the plan now?"

Robin turned to look at the two sisters, smiling lightly. "I saw a very large bookstore on the way; I plan to go in and buy some books. What about you two?"

"Ehh—"

Nami dragged out the sound. "That's too boring, Big Sister Robin! You spent every day buried in the library on the ship, and now that we're here, you want to bury yourself in piles of books again?"

"I'm definitely not going!"

She hooked her arm through Nojiko's. "Nojiko, let's go taste those Water-Water Meatballs we passed earlier! And Water-Water Sausages, Water-Water Tiger-Skin Cakes... I want them all! All of them! Those few stalls are clustered together; the aroma nearly starved me to death with craving!"

Water Seven boasted a wide variety of local specialty snacks, but nearly all were named with "Water-Water," reflecting the local residents' pride in their city.

"Eat, eat, eat; you only know how to eat every day."

Nojiko pinched her nose, speaking with displeasure. "Gluttonous and lazy, shameless; truly, my brother has spoiled you rotten..."

Despite her words, she still took out her wallet, preparing to set off with Nami.

"Should we bring some back for you, Big Sister Robin?"

"I..."

"Don't refuse! It's rare to visit such a big city; just open your stomach and taste everything!"

"... Alright."

Robin finally nodded, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

After watching her two companions walk away, she turned around, raised a hand to shield her forehead against the setting sun, and headed toward the bookstore.

The sunlight is truly warm.

No one noticed.

At this very moment.

On the orange rooftop at the top of this alley entrance, three figures hid in the shadows, crouching silently at the edge like cats in the night, quietly observing the three people below who had split up.

"It seems their bond is quite strong; even the Devil Child of Ohara managed to find companions willing to accept her?"

Kalifa adjusted her wire-rimmed glasses, speaking indifferently. "However, these two so-called partners of hers seem to be merely nobodies. Do either of you recognize their identities?"

"Hmm, let this old man think carefully."

Beside her, Kaku's long nose drooped as he pinched his chin, racking his brain to recall:

"That blue-haired girl; I seem to have seen her wanted poster somewhere. As for the orange-haired girl, I have absolutely no impression; her bounty must be low, not reaching the level that would catch my attention."

"Then there is no need to overthink it; let's act directly."

Bruno in the middle shook his head slightly, speaking in a deep voice:

"Leave Nico Robin to me; with my ability, she cannot escape... Given your abilities, it should take only a few minutes to subdue those two women. Bring them to me immediately afterward; we can use them as leverage to force her cooperation."

"Mm."

"No problem."

Kalifa and Kaku, their expressions calm, nodded simultaneously.

A few minutes?

They were underestimating people a bit; it would be a matter of a single exchange.

"Although this operation is a sure thing."

Bruno took a bundle from his bosom and opened it; inside were clearly various disguises, costumes, and props:

"But Lucci said that for the sake of caution, we must not easily expose our identities. Therefore, before meeting with you, I had already made preparations..."

————

On the outskirts of Bookstore Street.

Robin, wearing a long black leather coat and carrying a backpack, strolled alone along the canals of Water Seven. The glow of the setting sun spilled onto the shimmering water, reflecting her leisurely and contented expression.

Just then.

A tall figure cloaked in a robe, wearing a white mask and a wig, brushed past her.

During the ongoing Mask Carnival, such attire was seen everywhere; Robin glanced at it and paid no heed.

However.

At the instant the two crossed paths, a low voice audible only to Robin sounded indifferently:

"I am CP9."

Robin's steps halted abruptly, a trace of surprise appearing in her eyes.

Her first reaction was...

"The captain stealing a Devil Fruit—has that been exposed so quickly?"

No, that's not it.

If they knew it was that notoriously infamous 'Siano,' they would have had to dispatch an Admiral.

How could some nameless nobody have the guts to come knocking?

So...

They're purely here for me?

CP9, the World Government's second most mysterious intelligence agency, doesn't know who struck in the dark last night, nor do they realize whose ship I'm on now?

She turned her head, intrigued, wanting to get a good look at this tactless fellow.

But that figure did not stop, instead striding directly into a secluded alley nearby.

It seemed he was certain she would follow on her own.

"..."

Robin stood still, pressing her forehead and shaking her head, momentarily at a loss for words.

If this were the past.

She would have felt fear and despair welling up from the depths of her heart; since childhood, she had been in endless hiding, dealing with numerous government agencies.

She knew all too well the terror of the organization known as 'CP9.'

But now.

Having followed Siano and witnessed grand scenes, even having faced Admiral Aokiji, that layer of terrifying and mysterious aura shrouding this organization had long since completely dissipated.

To dare come knocking so brazenly without even figuring out who her current boss is.

Compared to that even more mysterious CP0, which takes orders only from the Celestial Dragons.

How utterly amateurish, CP9...

She sighed, casually dialing Nojiko's phone, whispered a few words to the other end, and only then leisurely followed after him.

Inside the alley, it was damp and cold, with plenty of moss growing in the corners.

The atmosphere was vastly different from the warm streets outside, bathed in the setting sun.

Robin walked slowly forward, catching up to the burly figure not far ahead.

"How nostalgic."

She suddenly spoke, her voice echoing in the narrow lane, "The last time a CP department 'invited' me like this seems to have been seven years ago in the West Blue."

"Your voice may try to remain calm, but I can still hear the unease and panic in your footsteps."

A faint voice drifted over; the burly figure, draped in a checkered cloak and wearing a white mask, turned his head, gazing at her indifferently.

"Nico Robin."

Bluno's voice was low and cold, "The remnant of Ohara, the Child of Demon who destroyed five warships at the age of eight... I needn't say more; you should know why we are looking for you."

Robin stopped in her tracks.

"Of course."

She quietly watched him for a moment, then sighed lightly, "Many people I've encountered in the past have said the same thing to me... Your opening lines aren't even willing to change."

"However, I'm more curious about one thing: do you really know nothing? Why, exactly, do you dare to come looking for me?"

Bluno's brows furrowed slightly.

This woman's reaction was completely different from what he had anticipated.

It didn't seem acted; she truly appeared confident, showing not a shred of panic, and even in those pale blue eyes...

There was a hint of mockery, faint yet present?

According to intelligence, Nico Robin should have a cautious personality, filled with fear of the government's pursuit, to the point where it had become a childhood trauma buried deep in her heart.

When did she become like this?

"Hmph, stop pretending."

Bluno stepped forward, closing the distance, "I roughly know where your confidence comes from; did you just notify your two companions to rush over and save you?"

"Too naive, Nico Robin!"

He coldly looked down upon the calm-tempered black-haired woman opposite him:

"Did you think we wouldn't consider such a thing? Your two companions, the girl with orange hair and the girl with blue hair, should already be under control by my colleagues; don't count on them anymore, give up resistance, and come quietly with me!"

Saying this, Bluno deliberately paused, observing Robin's reaction.

Robin did not answer, merely smiling slightly as she elegantly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze calm as she watched him.

"It seems you still don't understand your situation."

Bluno's voice grew even more gloomy, "Do you still have other companions you think you can rely on?"

"Stop deluding yourself! It doesn't matter how many people there are, and it doesn't matter who your captain is; in front of us CP9, they are simply no match! You clearly understand this, don't you? Or do you intend to drag them all to their deaths as well?"

Even Supernovas with bounties over a hundred million don't matter!

In the first half of the Grand Line, we CP9 are like gods looking down on all beings, an existence completely above all pirates!

The captain is no match in front of CP9...?

Hearing these words, Robin was slightly stunned, a trace of strangeness finally appearing in her eyes.

Those profound memories left by that black-haired, black-eyed man along their journey flashed through her mind one by one like a rewind.

From easily killing the Warlord of the Sea Crocodile to confronting Navy Admiral Akainu;

To punching a hole through a mountain range and hurling a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex back and forth;

To clashing head-on with the legendary Navy Hero Garp and being issued a ten-billion bounty by the infuriated World Government...

A man like this, could he possibly lose to CP9?

"Oh my..."

As if hearing the funniest joke in the world, Robin finally could not hold back.

At first, she covered her mouth and chuckled lightly, but then her laughter grew louder and more unrestrained, until finally, disregarding all image, she clutched her stomach and leaned against the wall, laughing until she could barely catch her breath.

"Ha... ha, haha, hahahaha~!!!!"

The loud laughter echoed wildly through the alley.

It was as if she intended to pour out all the grievances, anxieties, and fears she had endured over so many years right here, dumping them out like trash!

What CP division, what World Government...

Those shadows that once loomed over her head were truly laughable!

"What is so funny, Nico Robin!"

In Bruno's eyes, hidden behind his mask, a trace of chill instantly appeared:

"Originally, I still held a shred of sympathy for you, but now it seems those reports did not exaggerate; you are indeed a cold-blooded and ruthless person, moreover mad and erratic, caring not a whit for your comrades; those two girls who seemed so close were likely just chess pieces manipulated by you..."

"Hey, don't slander Robin-sis like that."

A lazy girl's voice suddenly came from behind, interrupting his words:

"And what is this, actually assuming we were defeated? How rude, isn't that looking down on people a bit too much?"

This voice is...

Bruno frowned slightly and turned his head back.

That blue-haired girl had somehow already appeared at the alley entrance, currently leaning against the wall and stretching.

Seeing Bruno look over, she paid no attention to his gaze, but instead casually raised her right arm toward Robin, grinning and waving:

"Sorry, Robin-sis, we were a bit far away, and the journey took a little extra time, making you wait so long."

How long has it been? Only a few minutes; Robin shook her head slightly, smiling helplessly.

Nojiko then turned her head to look at Bruno; she grinned, clenched her fists, and squeezed out a series of crackling sounds like exploding beans:

"Anyway, as long as the opponent hasn't escaped, leave this place to me now; rest assured, I can take this guy down very quickly."

She walked toward them step by step with a casual gait.

Take me down?

Bruno sneered; although he did not know by what means this girl had evaded the pursuit of Kaku and Kalifa, yet...

Being able to escape was already your great fortune, and you actually dare to come here to seek death?

Heh...

Stupid, yes, a bit, but at least loyal and righteous.

You truly let down your partners, Nico Robin!

Watching the fist shadow rapidly enlarge in his field of vision, a trace of coldness flashed in his eyes; she was just a little girl in her teens, what strength could she possibly have?

Thus, expressionless, he stood motionless in place, only tightening the muscles of his chest and abdomen.

Iron Body!

The next second, Nojiko's fist had already smashed forth!

"Ripple Fist Style · Avalanche!"

Boom—!!!

The moment her knuckles made contact with his chest, Bruno's pupils constricted sharply—Wrong!

Something is wrong!

That seemingly slender and weak fist had, at this moment, erupted with terrifying power like a mountain collapsing.

His proud Iron Body defense, in the face of this immense force, was as fragile as paper; his breastbone immediately emitted a cracking sound under the unbearable burden, and his entire person was sent flying backward like a cannonball!

"Waaah!"

Bruno spat out a large mouthful of fresh blood and collapsed powerlessly to his knees within a spiderweb-shaped crater.

Amidst the swirling dust, he trembled as he looked down at his sunken chest, his face filled with disbelief.

The Iron Body, which he had painstakingly cultivated for many years and was most skilled in...

Was actually pierced through by a single punch?!!

Who exactly is this girl?

"Is that all there is to it?"

A disappointed voice rang out.

Bruno struggled to lift his head, only to see that blue-haired girl walking over with utter disinterest, even shaking her head:

"That young man with the long nose managed to withstand three of my punches before falling; I thought since you are older, you would be a more powerful leader, but it turns out you cannot even withstand one punch."

What?

Even Kaku was also...

No, impossible.

She must be lying; Kaku is much stronger than I am... With anxious and restless eyes, Bruno searched all around the alley entrance, attempting to find the figures of Kaku and Kalifa, however—

"Hey, old man, where are you looking? Are you searching for these two guys?"

A crisp girl's voice suddenly rang out from above.

Thud! Thud!

Two black shadows fell from the sky, smashing heavily onto the ground before him, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Bruno focused his gaze.

It was unmistakably Kaku and Kalifa!

Both had their masks torn off, and both were unconscious.

Kaku's face was bruised and swollen, his abdomen deeply caved in, frostbite covering his entire body, while Kalifa was in even worse shape, her whole body scorched into charcoal, barely recognizable.

"..." Bruno's eyes were filled with horror, his mouth hanging open involuntarily.

Kaku, Kalifa...

How could this be?!

He knelt there in a daze, unable to believe everything happening before his eyes.

Yet the pitiful state of his comrades and the burnt smell filling his nose told him just how real this scene was...

"Truly pathetically weak; so this is CP9? Just a school of small fry who don't even know Haki. With such ability, you dare to ambush a Logia user?"

Bruno stiffly and slowly raised his head.

There, sitting atop the wall, was that youngest orange-haired girl, legs swinging leisurely, looking down at him from above with a grin as she said:

"This four-eyed woman really struck hard, but the way she went all out yet couldn't hurt me in the least was truly hilarious... Don't you agree, small fry, small fry~"

(End of Chapter)