"But the Merry is..."
"Usopp! That's enough!"
Luffy interrupted Usopp, placing his straw hat on his head with a grin at Kaku. "Please fix the Merry; she's our partner!"
Kaku was taken aback, giving Luffy a long, thoughtful look.
Luffy's words struck a chord within Kaku.
Although Kaku hadn't been a shipwright for very long, he had encountered all sorts of pirates. However, those pirates typically viewed their ships as mere tools, ready to abandon them at a moment's notice.
Hearing such words for the first time today, even the heart of the secret agent was moved.
Is this the Fifth Emperor? He's definitely different from ordinary pirates!
Kaku pulled out a price list. "This is the material price list. We will repair it according to the customer's order requirements. Please make your selection."
Luffy looked at Nami. "Nami, let's use the best materials."
Nami nodded firmly. "Don't worry. Even if I go bankrupt, I won't let anything happen to the Merry."
Although Nami's words were partly influenced by their recent windfall, even if they were broke, she would have said the same. Like everyone else, she deeply cherished the Merry, regarding her as a true companion.
With the decision to repair the ship made, the Straw Hats temporarily occupied the submarine of the Heart Pirates.
Although the submarine looked small, its interior space was surprisingly spacious, making it acceptable for a temporary squeeze. Originally, they had planned to find a hotel in the city, but due to the inconvenience of carrying large amounts of gold, they had asked the Heart Pirates for accommodation.
Law hadn't refused.
While the Straw Hats went shopping yesterday, Aisa had also gathered some information.
Law was also aware of rumors regarding upcoming attacks from some major forces. Therefore, he felt that the two pirate crews shouldn't separate at this time and shouldn't stray too far from their ships.
In the event of a special situation, it would be easier to respond.
Law's reasoning was sound, but cooperation from the Straw Hats was practically impossible.
The gold and some furniture were temporarily stored on the submarine, and it was expected that they would sleep there at night. However, they would undoubtedly head into the city to have fun during the day, and no one could stop them.
If their enemies intended to target the Straw Hats, they would definitely choose a moment when the crew members were scattered!
Law was very troubled by this.
The Straw Hat crew members were inherently restless, and staying in the port for an extended period was out of the question.
Moreover, the current Straw Hat crew was incredibly strong, and each member was fearless, unafraid of attacks from any force or individual.
"Really, the head of the Carl family is nowhere to be found at a time like this, even if you wanted to discuss it with him!"
Law also harbored some resentment towards Carl.
But thinking of the combined strength of Carl and Luffy, he felt a temporary sense of relief.
With the power of those two, even if Kaido appeared again, it shouldn't be a problem.
At this time, the Straw Hats teamed up to enjoy themselves in the city.
Yesterday was mainly for purchasing, but today was all about having fun. And because Nami had become rich, she generously gave everyone more pocket money, so everyone naturally wanted to go to the city and spend some of it.
Robin formed a group with Mari, Sanji, and Chopper.
After asking some of the locals for directions, they headed to the busiest street.
Robin also kept an eye out for Carl along the way, but she couldn't find him. She wondered if Carl had some important business to attend to.
"CP9!"
A voice suddenly whispered in her ear.
The voice was very soft, as if meant only for her, and no one else seemed to hear it.
Robin froze for a moment, turned her head, and glanced at the masked man passing by. A faint smile appeared on the corner of her mouth. Sure enough, the World Government still intends to do something to me.
However, the current her was different!
Robin said to Sanji, Mari, and Chopper, "I'm going to the restroom."
After she finished speaking, she turned and walked away. But Robin didn't notice Sanji and Mari exchanging a look as she turned, both their eyes narrowing dangerously.
Don't think they didn't hear just now!
Don't underestimate people with knowledge!
(cbdc) Sanji had always been deeply concerned about Robin's safety since learning about her past. So, his following her today wasn't just out of infatuation but to protect her.
As for Mari, as Robin's closest sister, how could she not be attentive?
The CP organization, if she remembered correctly, was a spy agency trained by the World Government. Their approaching Robin at this time definitely didn't bode well. No, no matter when people from the World Government approached Robin, it couldn't be for anything good!
"Mari, you go to the restroom too," Sanji said while lighting a cigarette.
"That's right, I just wanted to wash my hands," Mari replied, following Robin as a matter of course.
Sanji also led the oblivious Chopper forward, pretending to shop but constantly keeping his eyes locked in the direction where the masked man had disappeared. As soon as he got the chance, his kicks wouldn't be gentle with these guys!
Robin followed the masked man into an alley.
The masked man immediately smiled and said, "Nico Robin, it seems you're very sensible. Come with me now. As long as you're obedient, the World Government can promise not to target the Straw Hats... huh?!"
Robin crossed her arms over her chest.
On the masked man's shoulders, hands sprouted, gripping his neck.
Robin sneered and said, "The CP organization, the running dogs of the World Government, are as self-righteous as ever. But I think you've misunderstood. I followed you here not out of understanding, but because I don't want to cause a public scene when I deal with you."
The masked man struggled, unable to utter a single word.
Robin didn't seem to have any intention of interrogating him, and the grip of her hands tightened.
"Let go of Nico Robin!"
A deep male voice echoed, and a door suddenly appeared on one of the alley walls. The person who opened it was a tall, muscular man with horn-like hair.
Robin merely glanced at the man but didn't release her hold.
"Blueno, it seems the situation isn't optimistic. This new member is called Nero, right? Sure enough, newcomers are so unreliable. He's a Superhuman who has mastered the Six Powers, yet he was easily taken down by a woman. It's truly disappointing!"
Another voice chimed in.
Another man stepped out of the doorway.
This man was dressed in black with black hair tied into a large single ponytail and sported a thin black beard, giving him the air of a martial artist.
Blueno, the man with horn-like hair, said, "Jabra, it's not that the new members are bad, but that the Straw Hats are tough to deal with. Pirates who can be called the Fifth Emperor – how can they be so simple? It's better to be careful!"
Jabra shrugged. "So, you guys are still too timid. Straw Hat Luffy might be very powerful, but Nico Robin hasn't been a member of the Straw Hats for long, and she's a woman. How powerful can she be? Don't worry; nothing will happen with me here."
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