Grand Line, Sabaody Archipelago.
As the last stop before Fish-Man Island, Sabaody Archipelago has benefited immensely from the rapid development of Fish-Man Island.
Both economically and culturally, there has been a significant upward trend.
With the economic revival, the resident population of Sabaody Archipelago—once nearly halved by Michael and Gion's purge—has long surpassed its previous peak.
The transient population has more than doubled or even tripled.
And most importantly...
There is absolutely no so-called "lawless zone" in Sabaody Archipelago anymore.
It is now entirely under the Marine's control.
The population density has reached levels comparable to Fish-Man Island.
It's safe to say that for most people who don't intend to enter the New World, Sabaody Archipelago has become the final destination of their journey.
With such prosperity, however, comes...
Increasingly pressing civil issues.
More people inevitably bring more problems.
As the acting governor of Sabaody Archipelago, Rear Admiral Nico Robin, codenamed "Thousand Hands," finds herself increasingly burdened.
Given Sabaody's current importance, it is simultaneously garrisoned by Admiral "Kizaru" Borsalino, Admiral candidates Gion and Tokikake...
Though these three outrank Robin in military hierarchy,
Due to the actual distribution of authority, Sabaody Archipelago is effectively under Robin's command.
She even has the power to mobilize her superiors for operations.
Admittedly, this is partly thanks to Kizaru's penchant for slacking off.
But regardless, the reality is that the responsibility of governing all of Sabaody falls squarely on Robin's shoulders...
After all, she is the most highly educated officer in the Marine.
As for Borsalino, Gion, and Tokikake? Maintaining order and hunting pirates is right up their alley.
But governing a region...
Let's just forget about it.
"Still, is it really okay to burden little Robin with such heavy responsibilities every day?" Gion said with concern.
"Robin has been getting dark circles under her eyes lately."
"Honestly, I think we should just stick to our own duties... after all, every trade has its master," Tokikake shook his head.
"Besides, even if you combined the brains of the three of us, we still might not be as sharp as little Robin."
"Let's just say we should follow little Robin's lead," Kizaru said with a smile.
"Or have you forgotten the last time you tried to help and nearly burned down the entire office? Not causing trouble for little Robin is the best help you can give!"
The three of them exchanged glances, then sighed in unison.
"You're right about that."
And with that, they continued lounging leisurely on their recliners, basking in the sun.
The surrounding Marines couldn't help but whisper among themselves:
"A full Admiral and two Vice Admirals, yet all they do is laze around all day, dumping all the administrative work onto Rear Admiral Robin!"
"You must be new here. Actually, this is exactly what Rear Admiral Robin prefers... You have no idea how much of a hindrance these three are when it comes to handling office affairs."
"Let me put it this way—these three lying around here is the greatest help they can give to Rear Admiral Robin!"
The voices of the Marine soldiers were hushed, but they couldn't escape the ears of the three Marine powerhouses whose codenames followed the "color + animal" pattern.
However...
Everything they said was true.
Even though Gion and Tokikake felt somewhat embarrassed, they had no rebuttal.
"But... aren't things a little too peaceful these days?" Gion remarked lightly.
"We receive reports and news of battles from other regions daily... yet the areas around Sabaody Archipelago and Fish-Man Island remain unnervingly tranquil."
"Isn't that a good thing?" Kizaru glanced at Gion. "As marines, shouldn't we wish for the entire world to be like this, where all Marine forces have nothing to do?"
"I understand the logic..." Gion sighed, drawing Konpira from her side and placing it on her lap, carefully polishing it with her Marine cape.
"But ever since Michael appeared at Egghead and killed Shiki... I just can't seem to stay calm."
"Gion, I know what you're implying... but guarding Sabaody Archipelago and keeping watch over Fish-Man Island is also a top priority for the Marine," Kizaru said in a low voice.
"After all, it's currently one of the Marine's major sources of funding..."
Then, shifting the topic, Kizaru brought up Michael.
"Still... I have high expectations for Michael," Kizaru said with a smile. "You were both there—just recall the injuries Sakazuki and Kuzan suffered..."
"Tsk tsk tsk, truly terrifying."
...
"Report, Rear Admiral Robin! A group of unidentified individuals has landed on Grove 13!"
"However, they arrived on an official ship from the Kingdom of Alabasta!"
Behind the desk, Robin looked up with a cold expression, her calm gaze carrying an inexplicable pressure befitting a superior.
...Of course, that incorrigible Kizaru referred to this aura as "the resentment of a workaholic."
The reporting marine Shuddered involuntarily, suddenly tense.
"Unidentified... what do you mean by that?"
"They all claim to be from Alabasta, but none possess Alabastan identification... and their behavior doesn't quite match that of Alabastans either."
"Is that so?" Robin nodded, then rose from behind her massive desk.
At twenty-three, Robin's figure was nearly identical to her original counterpart's—if not even taller and more striking, thanks to ample nutrition and the absence of over a decade of life on the run.
As she stood, several equally slender arms sprouted from the back of her chair, lifting her Marine justice cape and draping it over her shoulders.
"Gather a team. We'll investigate the situation."
"Should... should we inform those three?"
"No need. This is just a minor issue..." Robin shook her head and strode out the door.
"Though Alabasta leans toward the Revolutionary Army, it has always been a safe nation."
...
Meanwhile, at Grove 13 of Sabaody Archipelago...
Inside Shakky's Rip-off Bar...
"My, my, what a rare guest." Shakky polished a glass as she smiled at the cloaked figure before her.
"To think the Revolutionary Army's Chief of Staff would grace my humble establishment in person."
"Shakky, it's been a long time... Last time we met was at Amazon Lily."
The visitor removed her cloak, revealing long white hair.
Her face bore an eighty percent resemblance to Nico Robin.
This was the current Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army, former archaeologist Nico Olvia.