The sun shone brightly over Amazon Lily that morning, illuminating the lush forests and sapphire blue ocean. However, within the majestic walls of Kuja Castle, the mood felt cloudy, enveloped in the melancholy of farewell. After living there for two years, Nico Robin felt that Amazon Lily had become more than just a temporary stopover.
Her growing closeness with the Boa sisters – the arrogant yet protective Hancock, the formidable Marigold, and the gentle Sandersonia – as well as the genuine hospitality of the entire Kuja tribe, made Robin feel as if the island were her second home.
This situation was in stark contrast to Guts. His gloomy and reclusive nature, coupled with the fact that he was a man on an island inhabited solely by women, meant he wasn't particularly comfortable or enjoying his stay there.
If it weren't for Robin, and the rigorous training he had to undergo with Rayleigh, Guts would surely have preferred to return to Shell Island, a quieter place more suited to his disposition.
Now, the time had come for Robin to say goodbye. Her thirst for knowledge was unquenchable, and her decision was firm: she would continue her search. Their next destination, according to the latest clues she had gathered, was Alabasta. Guts, as always, would accompany her.
Today, they would bid their farewells.
All the Boa sisters and most of Amazon Lily's inhabitants gathered in the courtyard of Kuja Castle. Robin and the Boa sisters embraced tightly for the last time, a hug that felt heavy with uncertainty.
No one knew what would happen on the vast ocean, whether fate would bring them together again, or if this separation would be their last. The Boa sisters felt a great sadness at parting with Robin; they thought they had gained a new sister in the archaeologist. Likewise, Robin, who had only ever lived with Guts, felt the warmth of true sisterhood from them.
"Must you go, Robin?" Hancock asked, her beautiful face now adorned with a rare pout. The Pirate Empress was well aware of Robin's unique hobby, often seeing her talking to small birds and animals around Amazon Lily.
She also knew Robin's incredibly strong thirst for knowledge, a fire that could not be extinguished. Hancock realized this day was bound to come, the day they would part, and she knew she couldn't hold back Robin's desire to explore the sea.
"Won't you just stay here?" Marigold coaxed, she who had been Robin's Haki instructor and training partner for two years. Marigold had also learned a great deal from Robin; everything from the unique flora and fauna of different parts of the world to the peculiarities of life in the outside world. Robin often told interesting stories, and whenever she returned from her explorations of nearby islands, or from her trips to Fish-Man Island, Robin always shared fascinating new tales with Marigold.
"If you leave, who will teach me to sew?" Sandersonia said, her voice a little hoarse. Robin, who subscribed to fashion magazines and enjoyed observing outside world trends, often made her own unique clothing. Robin also frequently made clothes for Sandersonia, which gradually sparked Sandersonia's interest in fashion and self-beautification; she wanted to look as beautiful as her older sister, Boa Hancock. She had asked Robin to teach her to make her own clothes, and Robin, of course, gladly taught her.
The Boa sisters' words, laden with genuine affection and sadness, only deepened Robin's own sorrow at parting. Tears welled in her eyes, but she held them back, offering a soft, heartfelt promise.
"I will return, after I've finished my explorations," she vowed, her voice gentle but firm. "And I promise I'll always send letters whenever I have a moment. I'll tell you all about my adventures and everything I see."
Hancock finally released Robin from her embrace, stepping back with one hand on her hip, her gaze shifting to Guts. She pointed an accusatory finger at him.
"Take good care of Robin, black lobster!" she commanded, her tone softer than usual, a subtle shift in her haughty demeanor. It was a sign that Hancock was beginning to open up to Guts, just a little.
Her profound trauma regarding men had kept her at a vast distance from him, but after all this time, the Pirate Empress had slowly come to understand that Guts wasn't just a man; he was a father. A father who was incredibly caring and fiercely overprotective of his daughter, a father who might be cold and withdrawn to the world but was warm only to Robin. Boa, who had never known a father figure, sometimes felt a pang of envy towards Robin's bond with Guts.
"Of course," Guts replied, his voice firm and filled with unwavering confidence. He would allow nothing to harm Robin. He extended a clenched fist towards Hancock.
Hancock's lips curved into a slight smirk. She met his fist with her own, a solid fist bump that seemed to seal an unspoken understanding between them.
It was a silent testament to their solidarity and the unique alliance forged between two fellow Warlords—an almost sacred bond, sealed by the exchange of sake cups in a Sakazuki ritual, witnessed and blessed by Silver Rayleigh and Shakky after their return from the conference in Sabaody.
With their farewells complete, the Boa sisters and a contingent of Kuja warriors escorted Guts and Robin to their ship, where Rayleigh and Shakky were already waiting. Several of the Kuja warriors even helped them fill their ship with necessities, ensuring their journey would be well-stocked. The last goodbyes were exchanged, promises of future letters and reunions echoing across the port as the crew prepared to set sail.
***
The salty sea spray misted over the deck by Gargar's tentacles as he happily towed their humble ship cut through the waves, leaving Amazon Lily behind. Their next destination was Sabaody Archipelago, to drop off Rayleigh and Shakky.
Shakky's Rip-Off Bar and Rayleigh's workshop had been closed for far too long.
Nico Robin leaned against the bow railing, watching the shimmering horizon. Despite the brisk wind, her body felt warm and secure within the folds of the black fur coat she wore. It was the same fur coat Guts had gifted her for her 20th birthday.
Robin, who meticulously collected and cared for every gift Guts gave her, had been reluctant to wear it, afraid it would get ruined or dirty. But Guts had insisted, telling her that if it got dirty or ruined, he would simply buy her a new one. He'd bought it for her to wear, not just to admire as a display piece. Robin had eventually relented.
A soft giggle escaped Robin's lips as she listened to Gargar's cheerful, guttural singing and observed the comical conversation unfolding between Guts and Rayleigh. Rayleigh, ever the optimist, still hadn't given up trying to persuade Guts to become a pirate.
"Come on, young man!" Rayleigh pressed, a twinkle in his eye. "I didn't raise you just for you to become a World Government employee!"
"You didn't raise me, old man," Guts grumbled back, his tone flat. "And I'm not a World Government employee. I'm a Warlord."
"Same thing!" Rayleigh exclaimed, putting on an exaggerated act of deep disappointment. "And that's what comes out of your mouth after all the trouble I went through training you! You ungrateful brat!"
Guts narrowed his eyes. "I already paid Shakky 20 million Berries."
At that, Rayleigh's jovial expression faltered. He immediately turned his gaze away from Guts, suddenly at a loss for words. Shakky had indeed been insistent that Rayleigh charge Guts and Robin for their training. Rayleigh had initially refused, but Shakky had forced his hand. Hearing Guts bring it up now, Rayleigh felt a twinge of embarrassment.
"Heh, pirates," Guts smirked, clearly enjoying his victory in the argument.
Rayleigh took immediate offense. "Hey, what kind of tone is that, young man! I won't stand by while you disparage the good name of pirates, even if you are my student!"
Guts sighed, rolling his eyes. "What good name does a criminal like a pirate even have?"
With Gargar pulling at full speed through the Grand Line, their humble ship arrived at Sabaody Archipelago well before noon. They docked at Grove 13, not far from Shakky's Rip-Off Bar — a familiar spot nestled between the tangled roots of the giant mangrove trees.
As they disembarked, Robin turned to the towering sea king still coiled protectively around the vessel. She reached out and gently stroked his briny, scar-slicked tentacle.
"Thank you, Gargar. Please wait here for us," she said with warmth in her voice. "We won't be long."
Gargar blinked slowly, his massive eyes filled with intelligence and loyalty. He let out a low, rumbling hum — somewhere between a purr and a foghorn — and sank slightly into the water, resting but alert.
Robin smiled. Even here, at the edge of the chaotic and lawless Sabaody, she felt safe. Because Guts was at her side... and Gargar was watching their backs.
The streets of Grove 13 were unusually quiet for that hour. The humid air hung thick with the smell of sea salt, metal, and sap from the nearby mangrove roots. Shakky's Rip-Off Bar loomed ahead, its familiar faded sign swinging in the breeze. But what caught their attention wasn't the bar — it was the man waiting in front of the one next to it.
He stood there like he didn't belong.
A middle-aged gentleman, tall and lean, his salt-and-pepper hair slicked back with immaculate care. He wore a pristine black suit with a high collar, adorned with an old-fashioned silver brooch that gleamed like moonlight. Every inch of him exuded the quiet arrogance of someone who never needed to raise his voice to command a room.
And yet... he bowed.
Deeply.
"Good afternoon," the man said, his voice calm and almost melodic. "I sincerely apologize for the imposition, but a certain individual of considerable importance has requested an audience with you — Sir Guts, and Miss Nico Robin."
Robin and Guts exchanged glances. Rayleigh, ever vigilant, strengthened his observation haki. Guts remained still.
Robin tilted her head slightly. "And who are you?"
The man straightened. "My name is More. I am merely a butler in service to a noble house of very old blood. My master is currently residing in Grove 31, and wishes only to speak. He offers no traps, no tricks — merely conversation."
Guts' voice was low. "I don't talk to nobles."
More smiled gently. "Yes. My master expected you might say that. He asked me to pass along this message, should you decline: 'I too have danced in hell.'"
At those words, Guts' brows furrowed.
Robin narrowed her eyes. "What does that mean? Who is your master?"
More's smile did not fade. "He was once known by many names. Now, he is simply a man with a debt to pay and a truth to confess."
More bowed again, lower this time.
"He will wait until sunset. If you decide not to come, there will be no further disturbance. You will be allowed to depart Sabaody in peace. On that, my master gave his word."
Rayleigh broke the silence with a whistle. "Well. That's either an elaborate trap... or something way more interesting."
Guts didn't answer immediately. He turned and looked up toward the bright sky above Sabaody, as if searching for something hidden behind the sunlight.
Finally, he said, "If someone who's 'danced in hell' wants to talk, then talk to me... Robin knows nothing."
Robin looked at Guts. "Do you know something, Father?"
Then, without changing his polite demeanor, More reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a flintlock pistol.
"My master deeply wishes to meet the two of you, especially Miss Robin," he said calmly, his tone still courteous. "And if you still refuse..." — he offered the pistol to Guts, handle first — "then please, feel free to shoot me in the head."
There was no tremble in his voice, no fear in his eyes.
"I would rather die here than return to him with bad news."
He felt the brand beneath his collar—quiet. No heat. No blood. Nothing. The cursed mark that linked him to Robin's safety remained dormant. That silence told him enough.
He glanced at Robin, full of questions, still unaware.
"Fine," Guts muttered.
Robin, ever curious, walked beside him—completely unaware of the darkness Guts hid from her.
Behind them, Rayleigh sighed and waved at Shakky through the window of the bar. "Put on the kettle, love. Looks like this is going to take a while."