"I have reached this place and guided these words to their final destination."
"Pirate, Gol D. Roger."
Robin softly read the ancient inscription carved into the golden wall, her expression shifting rapidly.
"Could it be… no, wait—did the Pirate King come to Skypiea? But then what does this inscription mean—"
She turned sharply toward Ren, as if hoping this "prophet" could give her the answer.
Even without Gan Fall's confirmation, Robin's sharp mind had already begun piecing the clues together.
"In theory," Ren said with a shrug, "that would normally cost extra. But since you helped me install the lightning rod array, I'll tell you this much."
"Yes, just as you've guessed—the truth you and Ohara, and all who seek history, have long desired—the Void Century—is tied to the Poneglyphs. Whether the ones that record the whereabouts of Ancient Weapons or other historical records, only by linking them all together can one uncover the full tale of the lost century.
Of course," he added mildly, "I can't guarantee this is absolute fact like I could about the Poneglyph here. But I'd say there's a ninety-percent chance it's correct."
"…Even so, that's enough," Robin murmured.
Her eyes shimmered with renewed light. "Compared to wandering without a clue, this is already enough to give me the motivation to move forward again."
"The Revolutionary Army will provide any assistance you require," Karasu said solemnly. "You should already know—we are the true enemies of the World Government. To topple that monster which bleeds the entire world dry, we are willing to pay any price. Our lives, our everything—so long as it serves that purpose."
"Conversely," Robin replied quietly, regaining her composure, "if it's necessary—or valuable—you'd be willing to sacrifice me too, wouldn't you? Please don't deny it. I am, after all, the so-called Devil Child of the underworld. I know enough about the Revolutionary Army's deeds. Your spirit of sacrifice is admirable… but I'm someone who lacks a sense of security."
Her tone was calm yet cutting.
Ren narrowed his eyes. Things were developing differently than he had expected.
It seemed Robin hadn't truly become one with the Revolutionary Army. Rather, their relationship was one of mutual use—temporary cooperation at best. Then again, maybe that was the natural state of things.
In the original timeline, Robin had joined the Straw Hat crew because they had risked their lives for her, giving her a sense of safety no one else ever had. That's why she returned to them after the two-year separation.
But now… she clearly hadn't found that same security. The Revolutionary Army wasn't a group that treated comrades' lives as sacred. Their enemy was the terrifying World Government and the enormous powers behind it. If they cared too much, they'd be destroyed the moment they hesitated.
Cutting off the tail to survive—like a lizard—that was practically the Revolutionary Army's trademark move.
Of course,this applied to captured or cornered members; those still in action might be rescued if possible. If someone's value was great enough, they might even mount a joint rescue.
But for Robin, that was still far from safe. She could still be abandoned, and so the Army, despite sharing her stance, wasn't her true home.
As Ren's thoughts turned, he began to understand why she was questioning Karasu this way.
Karasu's answer was both clever and clumsy—evading the blade of her question while offering a passable reply.
"…You are the world's only living archaeologist," he said. "In principle, you would never be one of those sacrificed."
"A very rational answer," Robin said with a faint smile. "Just as I imagined from the Revolutionary Army. Then I can tell you the content of the first Poneglyph—the location of Pluton. As payment for protecting me and aiding my pursuit, since our goals align."
"…Thank you," Karasu said, caught off guard.But before he could say more, the situation turned again.
Robin extended a hand to Ren, biting her lip lightly.
"Then, Captain Ren—would you mind taking in a poor, homeless woman? I can do anything—wash, cook… even warm your bed, if you wish. As long as you continue leading me to the Poneglyphs, I'm willing to give anything."
Ren: "…"
As expected, the moment she began speaking, he'd sensed something off.
A woman as clever as Robin wouldn't have risked offending her next benefactor with such sharp words earlier—so she had been planning this from the start.
But why? Wasn't the Revolutionary Army her natural ally? Both stood against the World Government…
Ren's thoughts spun—then it clicked.
Robin's obsession was uncovering the Void Century. The World Government, determined to bury that history, was her mortal enemy. Thus, the Revolutionary Army—also the Government's enemy—was, by logic, her ally. The enemy of her enemy.
But as mentioned, the Army could never give her true safety. And deep down, few in this world believed the World Government could ever be overthrown. It was like the Han Dynasty of old—its "Mandate of Heaven" so strong that even centuries later, people still dreamt of restoring it.
To Robin, toppling the Government must have seemed impossible. Fulfilling her and her mother's lifelong dream—to uncover the lost history—was far more attainable.
So then…why Ren?
There could be only one reason—the Void Century itself.
"If I travel with you," Robin said softly, "perhaps I can quickly encounter other Poneglyphs. That's why I wish to join you. "Seeing Ren hesitate, she continued, "Even that princess you've taken under your wing—you've sheltered and nurtured her. Surely taking in one more like me won't be a problem?
I'll never betray you, so long as I have something to gain from you. In combat I have some skill, and I'm an expert at gathering intelligence. Your foresight—it must have limits, doesn't it? Or at least, you can't use it everywhere, anytime. Otherwise those white ghosts wouldn't exist."
"…"
Karasu, listening at the side, felt his scalp tighten.
He suddenly recalled his earlier report to Dragon—how he'd promised to bring Robin back safely. And now, the "duck" was flying straight into another man's arms!
The Revolutionaries had come first—offering comfort, ideals, shared purpose—so why had it turned out like this? Where had it gone wrong!?
But he couldn't speak up. The Revolutionary Army's stance toward the "Lantern" was one of deep respect. Even if Robin joining them would benefit the cause, they would never stoop to coercion—that would make them no better than the World Government's dogs.
Ren, having stayed silent for a while, finally sighed. "Robin, I plan to become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
"Indeed. In that case, my presence would become a liability. If the World Government discovered me, they might demand you hand me over—and that would be dangerous for both of us," Robin replied thoughtfully. Then, with sharp insight, she added, "But I also know you're not the type to bow to the World Government.That position is just a shield to protect yourself from the Marines, isn't it?"
"…You really are sharp."
"Then, if I return at a suitable time—would you accept that?" she asked.
"?"
"I mean, I'll leave for now, but once you no longer need that title, I'll come back. All I ask is that you remember what you've seen of the Poneglyphs."
"…Alright."
Robin's persistence had paid off. Ren, already wavering, agreed at last.
After all, Robin's worth was undeniable—he'd seen it firsthand back in Alabasta. Her unique skills as a historian made her incredibly valuable. And besides… this was the first time someone had earnestly asked to join him.After sharing battles together, he couldn't outright refuse.
In the end, the so-called Devil Child's troubles weren't that big of a deal—and he didn't have to pay anything now. All he needed was a single word to "acquire" Robin for free. Two fish from one hook—the Poneglyph and its reader.
Why hesitate?
Karasu stood by, speechless, torn between protest and acceptance. Before he could decide, Robin turned to him with a dazzling smile.
"In exchange for deciphering this Poneglyph," she said, "could you protect me until my captain summons me back?"
"…Of course. The Revolutionary Army welcomes you."
It felt like being the backup option, but Karasu couldn't refuse.
After all, the Army's deal with Ren was only to learn the Poneglyphs' locations—not to interpret them. If Robin joined them, the work of deciphering would naturally fall to her, guiding the Army's next moves.
But now she'd refused—and chosen Ren instead. Which meant deciphering became a transaction, not an obligation. Trading the location of Pluton for her protection wasn't a bad bargain. At least legally speaking.
Karasu tried to convince himself, already dreading how he'd explain this to Dragon.
Damn it—this was not how it was supposed to go!
Ren, meanwhile, didn't care in the slightest. He was, after all, the one who profited most—no losses at all.
In the cloud seas outside Upper Yard, on a small island called Cloud Hidden Village, the Shandians who had returned from battle were met with grim faces and bloody wounds.
"Medicine! Quickly, bring the medicine!"
"This one's hopeless—his arm's gone!"
"Forget the scars—save their lives first!"
"Damn it, what happened? Did Enel move personally?"
"Wyper's awake—the elder's gone to speak with him."
"To think it's come to this… that Blue Sea man who controlled fire must have a Devil Fruit."
Inside a tent, the elder—draped in a beast-hide cloak—nodded silently.
"Forgive me, Elder… I—"Wyper, wrapped head to toe in bandages, struggled to sit up, fists clenched. In his mind burned the image of that overwhelming man who wielded fire like a god.
He didn't understand why that man hadn't finished them off—but being spared like insignificant insects was a humiliation all the same,especially for one who carried the blood of his warrior ancestors.
"No, this isn't your fault," the elder said. He hesitated, then added, "Come with me. There's someone you must meet."
"Someone?" Wyper blinked. Normally, the elder would never make a wounded warrior move so soon—so this must be important.
He rose, leaning on the elder's arm, and together they left the village on a Waver,heading toward a nearby protruding reef of cloud.
There, sitting atop it, was a knight—his armor old and dented, his spear weathered, his face behind the helmet wrinkled with age.A strange-colored giant bird circled warily overhead.
"Gan Fall!?"
The moment he saw the knight, Wyper stiffened, moving protectively in front of the elder.
"Gan Fall! Why are you here!? You were replaced by Enel—why haven't you vanished, old god!?"
But before he could say more, the elder pressed him down.
"Calm yourself, Wyper."
"But Elder—"
"I know he's here," the elder said gravely. "That's why I brought you."
"Why? He's our enemy!"
"Because something major has happened, Wyper."
Gan Fall stepped forward, leaping lightly onto the Waver. Ignoring Wyper's glare, he spoke to the elder.
"It's confirmed. Enel is dead.The god of Upper Yard was defeated by a group of Blue Sea people. The priests, the divine soldiers, even my old subordinates—they're all under that crew's watch now. I suspect your men were defeated by one of them."
"I see… so that feeling that day wasn't wrong," the elder murmured, nodding.
Their conversation left Wyper stunned.
"What did you just say—Enel is dead!?"
"Yes," Gan Fall said simply. "Two days ago, a battle broke out in your homeland—Upper Yard. At the same time you were defeated, a band of pirates from the Blue Sea crushed the Divine Soldiers of Angel Island, then stormed Upper Yard, defeating the four priests and the divine army. Finally… something happened, and Enel fell. I've confirmed it many times—it's true. You can rest easy."
"How… how is that possible!?"
Wyper's eyes widened, fists trembling.
(End of Chapter)