The salty sea breeze, laden with moist air, swept over them. After leaving the dry and hot waters of Alabasta, the air gradually became saturated with a humid essence, as if even the sunlight had softened a few shades.
The sails flapped in the wind, and the Infinite Space cut through the waves, a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere pervading the deck.
Yun Lie steadily lowered the barbell in his hand, and the metal clanked against the wooden deck with a dull thud.
He straightened up, wiping the sweat from his forehead, his gaze thoughtfully directed towards the cabin, a faint smile playing on his lips: "Well, Miss Robin, aren't you going to come out and meet your future companions?"
This sudden, out-of-the-blue remark instantly shattered the tranquility on the deck.
"Nani?"
"Who is Robin?"
"When did someone else get on the ship?"
Nojiko, Nami, and the others all looked surprised, their eyes scanning their surroundings warily.
Nojiko even instantly raised a barrier, shielding everyone behind her, her eyes full of vigilance.
"Oh my, it seems I was discovered long ago."
A voice, tinged with a hint of laziness and playfulness, came from the railing at the back of the cabin. Everyone looked over to see a tall, wheat-skinned beauty gracefully stepping out.
A gentle smile played on her lips, and her eyes, full of warmth, fell upon Yun Lie: "Hello everyone, my name is Nico Robin, and from now on, I am your Captain's person."
Her tone shifted, and she tilted her head slightly, her eyes sparkling: "I'm homeless now, and it's all because of you. You have to take responsibility."
As soon as she spoke, a subtle atmosphere instantly pervaded the deck.
Nojiko's eyes sharpened, Nami crossed her arms, her face full of suspicion; and Mitsuri, the little loli who had been quietly reading on a small stool, put down her book and cast a disdainful glance at Yun Lie, as if looking at an annoying small fry.
Yun Lie, however, remained composed and walked directly towards Robin.
To everyone's astonishment, he wrapped his long arm around Robin's slender waist, pulling her into his embrace, and before she could react, he leaned down and kissed her rosy lips.
"I never said I wouldn't take responsibility, did I, my dear?" He said with a mischievous grin, his tone full of teasing.
"You! Bastard!" Robin's pretty face instantly flushed crimson, and she pushed Yun Lie away forcefully, her almond eyes wide with shame and anger.
But the blush on her cheeks made her feigned anger appear more charmingly naive, adding to her alluring appeal.
Nami and the others, seeing this, immediately realized they had been played by Robin.
Nojiko leaned closer to Yun Lie, lowering her voice and asking, "Who exactly is she?"
Yun Lie smiled and put his arm around her shoulder, saying loudly, "From now on, Robin will be our new companion."
In fact, he would carefully inspect the ship every time he boarded, and he had already anticipated when Robin would come aboard.
Without Crocodile's protection, she had, as he expected, chosen his new path.
"Oh well, since the Captain says so."
Nami shook her head helplessly and was the first to extend her hand, a sweet, characteristic smile on her face, "Hello, I'm Nami."
Following her lead, Karina, Mitsuri, and the other female companions also stepped forward, enthusiastically introducing themselves.
Robin glared fiercely at Yun Lie, then resumed her elegant and composed smile: "Please take care of me from now on."
Just then, with a "clatter," a cloth bag slipped from Robin's arms.
The bag opened, and several dazzling gems rolled onto the deck, reflecting brilliant light under the sun, as if illuminating the entire sea.
"Oh dear, I dropped your welcoming gift," Robin said, feigning annoyance, but with a hint of an imperceptible smile on her face.
"Wow! Robin, you're too kind! What kind of welcoming gift do we need between companions, really!" Nami's eyes lit up, and she quickly picked up the bag, her eyes shining so brightly they almost glowed, even more dazzling than the gems inside the bag.
She skillfully divided the gems into five portions, deliberately skipping Yun Lie.
"Because you bullied Robin, you don't get any," Nami said, lifting her chin, her tone righteous, with a hint of triumph in her eyes.
Karina also chimed in, "Exactly! Robin is so kind, generous, and beautiful, and you, this bad guy, bullied her as soon as she got on the ship. I can't stand it either!"
As for Nojiko and Little Mitsuri, when Robin produced two books titled "Ancient Cuisine" and "Ancient Medicine" respectively, they had already gravitated towards her, their eyes filled with joy and curiosity, and without realizing it, they had positioned themselves behind her.
Yun Lie helplessly looked at Mikita, the only one who hadn't "betrayed" him yet: "You're still the one who loves me the most."
But before he could finish speaking, Mikita was pulled away by Nami.
He looked up at the crow's nest, only to see Little Kong and Xiao Mei chasing and playing, completely oblivious to the "commotion" on the deck.
Finally, Yun Lie raised his hands in a gesture of surrender: "I surrender, alright!"
....
Meanwhile, in various corners of the world, whether in bustling taverns or noisy, busy ports, countless people were shocked by the latest news.
The headline of the newspaper was emblazoned with striking large characters—SHOCK! The Seven Warlords of the Sea Crocodile's Plan to Usurp a Nation!
This Seven Warlords of the Sea, recognized by the Marine, actually dared to attempt to overthrow a nation's government.
Initially, many people pointed fingers at the Marine, questioning their inadequate supervision.
However, as the reports delved deeper, detailing how the Shichibukai Crocodile had been successfully sent to Impel Down by the Marine, the Marine's reputation not only remained untarnished but even saw another surge.
Even more noteworthy was the news's special mention of the Yun Lie Pirate Group's coordinated actions. This previously unknown group became the focus of the world overnight.
People speculated: What kind of pirate group is this exactly? In the future, what kind of waves will they create on this vast ocean?