On the Judicial Tower, Spandam's eyes widened in horror.
"What! You won't make a move???"
No longer caring about Admiral Aokiji's status, Spandam pointed at Shirogai on the opposite courthouse roof, his voice trembling.
"But there's still that guy across the way—the one troublesome even for the Four Emperors! Are you just going to watch him? Let him kill all of us?"
"Oh, that guy won't move either."
Aokiji lazily scratched his curly hair.
"This is a bet I made with Shirogai. Neither of us will intervene; we'll just watch the fight between your CP-9 and his Pirate Crew. We won't step in until a winner is decided."
"This…" Spandam gaped at the Admiral he had once thought would save him.
The battle between CP-9 and the Straw Hat Pirates was nothing but a wager? A bet between a Pirate and an Admiral? How could such a wager even exist?
"It doesn't matter," Lucci of CP-9 stated calmly, looking straight at the renowned Admiral.
"Sir, your concern is unnecessary. Whether the Admiral intervenes or not does not change the outcome. Only we will win."
Spandam glared at Lucci, frustrated. Win? Win what exactly?
"Don't worry. All your CP-9 has to do is defeat these Pirates."
Aokiji yawned, dismissive.
"If he really feels compelled to intervene, I'll stop him."
"But, but…" Spandam glanced nervously at the young man on the opposing roof, chatting easily with the Straw Hat Pirates.
Shirogai. The so-called Arrogant Emperor.
The new-generation prodigy who had bested Kaido and Charlotte Linlin, two of the Four Emperors.
A man who had fought three Admirals alone without faltering, eventually forcing them to retreat to Marineford to defend Mariejois. His ambushes had devastated Marine reinforcements and nearly destroyed every rescue warship.
As CP-9's chief, Spandam knew of Shirogai's legendary path from emergence to his awe-inspiring reputation among the World Government and the Four Emperors.
He had assumed such a force was entangled with the Gorosei, impossible to confront directly. Yet now, Shirogai stood openly with his Pirate Crew.
When the World Government flag burned, signaling the Straw Hats' declaration of war, everything changed.
Shirogai's presence transformed an inexperienced Pirate Crew into a force capable of challenging the Four Emperors and deterring three Admirals. They had officially declared war on the Marines and the World Government.
This was no less than a Four Emperors crew openly defying the World Government—a turning point that could shift the balance of power worldwide.
"It's over… things are only getting more troublesome!" Spandam muttered, his heart racing as he stared at Robin, hopeful and smiling.
"You jinx! This is all your fault! When I get my hands on you, I'll extract the secret of Pluton from you and present you to the Celestial Dragons, using you as my stepping stone to become one of them!"
---
"A bet between an Admiral and a Pirate? You two really aren't reliable at all," Nami and Usopp complained in unison, exasperated.
"Oh, you seem unfamiliar," Shirogai teased, smiling at Usopp, who was fidgeting beneath his mask.
"Are you here to help rescue Robin too?"
"Uh, I'm…" Usopp stammered, eyes darting nervously.
Fortunately, Chopper stepped in.
"Hehe, Shirogai, this is Sniper King, a hero from Sniper Island!"
"Yes! That's right! I'm Sniper King, a hero from Sniper Island!" Usopp added, bowing with exaggerated formality and covering his embarrassment.
"Sniper King?" Shirogai grinned, scanning the mask.
"A fine name! I look forward to working with you."
"But, Shirogai, if you don't act, can we beat them…?" Nami asked, worry in her voice.
"Don't worry. Everyone here is strong." Shirogai smiled at his companions, resolute.
"Go fight boldly! I've got everything covered."
"Shirogai! Hehe, it's enough that you're here! You don't need to act—we can handle it," Luffy grinned, turning to his crew.
"Ready? We're going to war with the World Government!"
Zoro's grip tightened on his sword hilt, his face calm.
"Couldn't ask for more," he said.
Sanji, cigarette glowing, added with composed intensity:
"For Robin-chan, who cares about being enemies with the World Government!"
Chopper transformed into his muscular human form, roaring ferociously:
"We must get Robin back! Robin!!!"
Nami held her Weather Wand firmly, eyes unyielding:
"I won't retreat!"
Usopp brandished his White Bone Giant Slingshot, confident:
"The brave Sniper King will fight for Usopp's wish!"
Shirogai smiled at Luffy, seeing the resolve in every Straw Hat.
"Hehe!!! Of course!" Luffy laughed heartily.
Then, turning toward the Judicial Tower across the vast sea, he drew a deep breath and shouted:
"Robin! We haven't heard you say it yourself! Tell us—you want to live!!!!!!!"
---
Tears streamed down Robin's face as she gazed at her companions, willing to defy the World Government for her.
"I…" Memories of painful past events illuminated by the light of this moment, scattered like darkness shattered.
"I…"
Shirogai's smile reassured her.
Don't be afraid. You are not alone now. Your companions will protect you with their lives. Believe in them.
"I…" Robin's voice broke as she looked at her allies.
"I want to live!!!!!!! Everyone, take me with you! Let us continue our adventure!"
No further words were necessary.
The Straw Hat Pirates grinned in unison:
"Robin, wait! We're coming!!!!"
The essence of companionship—never to be alone, having these friends by your side—was eternal.
_____
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