"As expected of the Garp's grandson…"
Aokiji, observing from the clouds above, sighed with quiet admiration.
Though CP9 members had trained in Six Styles since childhood, Blueno had mastered them with remarkable proficiency. Coupled with his command of Observation Haki and Armament Haki, he was undeniably formidable.
Yet, in the face of Luffy, there was a subtle unease. It was as if a conventional soldier could never overcome an unorthodox fighter. Luffy's unpredictable rhythm constantly disrupted Blueno, preventing him from landing a single decisive blow before being defeated.
Aokiji felt a sense of familiarity with Luffy's wild, unrestrained combat style. His mentor, the legendary Marine Hero Garp, had fought with the same chaotic freedom.
Outsiders might find it amusing, but those facing it as an enemy would quickly realize its danger.
"Hehe, Aokiji. Looks like this bet is tipping heavily in my favor,"
Shirogai teased, a faint smile on his face as he watched the contemplative admiral.
"Does this kid have the same untamed intuition as Teacher Garp?"
Aokiji shook his head, sighing. Why were all those connected to the teacher so troublesome?
Whether it was the world's most notorious criminal, Monkey D. Dragon, or this chaotic young man, Monkey D. Luffy, who brought pandemonium wherever he went. Was this family protected by angels or cursed by devils?
They simultaneously produced members of the Marines, the Revolutionary Army, and pirate crews—three entirely different paths.
"The most intriguing part of the Will of D is that it is not about who one wants to be, but who one is capable of becoming."
Shirogai's gaze drifted toward Robin, trapped in the detention cell.
"The D. way of thinking may seem ordinary, but in an oppressive world, it manifests in extraordinary ways."
"So… you are one of the D. Clan?"
Aokiji studied Shirogai intently. He had long suspected that Shirogai might be a mysterious figure from an ancient, hidden land. How else could a Devil Fruit as formidable as the Talent Fruit remain undiscovered for so long?
"Me? Hahaha, no, I'm not," Shirogai replied with a self-deprecating laugh, shaking his head. He raised his gaze from Robin's anxious eyes to Aokiji.
"The meaning of the D. Clan is simple: a lineage that refuses to bow to the tyrannical rule of the World Government's Celestial Dragons, yearning for boundless freedom."
"Hmm?" Aokiji's interest sharpened.
"Just a guess," Shirogai said with a faint smile.
"After all, I come from a land vast beyond the islands of this world."
"A country with vast land…" Aokiji repeated, silently considering which nations might fit such a description. He resolved to gather intelligence for the Marines, seeking the truth behind Shirogai's origin.
"History will not remain buried; eventually, it will be revealed to the world," Shirogai murmured, gazing at the sun.
"And when history is unveiled, the world will never forget that unforgettable day. Even if those who lived then are gone, there will always be those who remember."
...
"Robin. In Water 7, choose your path. No matter your decision, you are safe. I've got everything…"
Shirogai's voice echoed in Robin's heart inside the detention cell.
"Nightmares aren't easily erased. The only way to confront childhood fears is to face them head-on!"
In her mind, the lush, vibrant tree of her childhood appeared, soon engulfed in flames and cannon fire.
"Save us! We are innocent!"
"No! We haven't done anything wrong!"
"Monster! You cannot set foot on the ship!"
The screams, curses, and explosions repeated vividly. Those memories had never faded.
In that terrifying past, figures existed who had shaped Robin's young life—people whose kindness and praise had made her tremble with hope.
"Robin, you've worked hard. Becoming a scholar isn't something everyone can achieve. You're truly remarkable."
But joy was fleeting. Minutes later, that woman and her scholars were annihilated in the cannon fire of those fleeing the Marines. The island of Ohara, where Robin had lived and learned, was reduced to ashes. The pursuit of historical truth had been deemed a crime.
Enforced by the Celestial Dragons' order, those who refused to give up knowledge were destroyed. Young Robin, once innocent, had been forced to embrace the darkness of the world, hiding her true self beneath a cold, ruthless exterior to survive decades of pursuit.
...
Robin's eyes trembled, drawing Franky's attention. Bound in chains nearby, he noticed her unease.
"Nico Robin, you seem scared," he said, sitting cross-legged in the corner.
"Did that idiot threaten you to come here? But something feels off," Franky muttered, tilting his head toward the dusty cell ceiling.
"There's a monster hiding in your crew, isn't there? I read the underground newspaper recently. If even a tenth of what it says about him is true, it's incredible."
Robin met Franky's gaze with a complex expression.
"With such a powerful ally nearby, you still got caught by CP9? There must be hidden factors in your crew too."
"It's not what you think," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
"He seems to know my past, my secrets. He wants to help me face those head-on."