Chapter 7 – Thunder God's Ultimatum: Robin and Tina Cornered!
Robin's breath caught in her throat. When she first saw the man cloaked in lightning standing before her, she thought he was CP0. But to her surprise, he wasn't here to kill her—he was here for her.
For her beauty.
[So... that's what this is?] she thought, stunned. Then her eyes sharpened with a sly gleam. [Let him clash with the Navy first. Then I'll think of a way out. If worst comes to worst… maybe I can make him fight Crocodile.]
Robin's lips curved into a captivating smile. "Alright~ but I'm in the middle of being chased by the Navy, you see. Why don't you deal with them first? Then we can talk about... us~"
Lucien caught every nuance in her voice—and every stray thought in her heart.
He smirked. "Don't worry. I'll be back soon."
Lightning sparked and danced around him. As waves surged toward Robin's small vessel, Lucien casually raised his hand. A lightning cage shimmered into form, crackling and sparking with energy.
"Three-Billion Volt Thunder Cage. Stay right here."
Robin's seductive smile twitched with mild irritation. "Is this how you treat someone you want as your consort? If you don't trust me, why even come looking for me?"
Lucien chuckled, his eyes glowing with faint menace. "Don't get it twisted. I've already decided you're mine. When that day comes, you'll have all my trust. But for now, you're not running anywhere."
In a flash, he disappeared—and reappeared above the Marine warship.
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The ship was still rattling from the thunder strike. Marines rushed to recover. Smoke and seawater battered the decks. Colonel Tina stood at the helm, her long pink hair blowing in the wind. Her justice coat fluttered behind her as she barked orders.
Then, Lucien appeared.
"You must be Hina—no, Tina. I've heard of you. A woman of justice, strong, elegant." His eyes gleamed as he floated above the ship, bolts of lightning dancing around him.
Tina glared. "Tina is not amused. You are the user of the Goro Goro no Mi, yes? That's a dangerous power for a civilian."
"I'm no pirate, no revolutionary. But yes, I've come here to interfere. I'm taking Nico Robin," Lucien said calmly. "And you."
"You're what?"
"I'm going to make you my consort."
The marines froze. Then outrage exploded.
"Don't you dare touch Colonel Tina!"
"We'll protect her with our lives!"
"You scumbag!"
Tina's brow furrowed. "Tina is surprised and insulted. If you're so strong, then join the Navy. Win honor by our side."
Lucien laughed. "No. I'm not asking for your permission. I'm informing you. You're coming with me—willingly or not."
Lightning snapped louder, bolts forming a crackling storm above the ship.
"You say no, and this ship goes under—except you. You'll float... but not by your own will. Think it over, my lovely Goddess Tina."
"You—! You dare threaten Tina!?"
She was livid. But she looked back at the brave marines behind her, all of them defiant and ready to protect her.
Her chest tightened. They were loyal to her. They trusted her. She clenched her fists.
Then a young marine shouted, "Colonel Tina, don't do it! Don't sacrifice yourself for us!"
Lucien's face darkened. "Chatterbox."
"Three-Billion Volt Thunderbird!"
A massive lightning bird exploded forth and struck the soldier. His scream was brief before he collapsed, smoldering.
"NO!"
Tina hurled her iron bars, but she was too late.
Her eyes burned with fury. But Lucien was not done.
"One-Billion Volt Thunder Chains."
Dozens of lightning whips erupted and wrapped around every marine on the deck. They cried out in agony before falling unconscious, their bodies bound in a glowing knot of electricity.
"You... you didn't... kill them?" Tina asked, trembling with rage and despair.
"No. I knocked them out. Killing them would be a waste. But this way, you'll have to come with me. I'm not risking rebellion."
He floated closer, hand extended.
"Make your choice, Colonel Tina. Or would you rather follow in Zephyr's footsteps?"
That name hit her like a hammer.
Zed, her mentor… betrayed by the world he served… left broken after watching his students slaughtered by pirates… and ignored by the same system he bled for.
Tina's eyes glistened. She remembered the grief on his face. The fury. The broken pride.
She shut her eyes, then opened them, resolved.
"…I promise to become your divine consort," she said bitterly. "But on one condition: don't harm my men again. And don't sink this ship. Their lives are still mine to protect."
Lucien smiled. "Agreed. You'll be well treated—as all goddesses should be."
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To be continued…