Ren and Robin wandered around the West Blue.
At every island they visited, they would explore briefly, stock up on some food, and then leave.
Robin found Ren's way of searching for people completely baffling.
Ruska Island was a small country.
Its people suffered greatly under the tyranny of the Celestial Dragons.
Inside the city, some areas were relatively wealthy, but outside, it was dirty and chaotic.
Observing all of this, Ren immediately concluded that this place was likely a target of the Revolutionary Army.
At this stage, the Revolutionary Army was lying low, and countries like this were easy targets.
"The people here are already suffering because of the Navy and the pirates," Robin said, sharing what she knew.
"Such a small country is perfect for the Revolutionary Army," Ren said silently.
He activated his Observation Haki, scanning the entire island carefully for any strong presences.
Soon, Ren sensed a presence with very strange emotions.
After confirming its location, he led Robin toward the target area.
"Entering the city requires identity verification."
"We won't go through the front gate."
Ren carried Robin and used the Moon Walk, leaping over the wall in a few steps.
This area wasn't exactly clean, but compared to outside the city, it was worlds apart.
"Get lost, you worthless civilian!"
A woman dressed in luxurious clothes kicked an old man lying on the street.
Boom.
"Damn it, which lowlife kicked up this dust?"
The woman spat out dirt angrily, furious.
"Perfect target, natural prey," Ren muttered to himself.
"Kill him!" The woman swore to avenge the dirt in her mouth.
Ren just furrowed his brows, and the woman and her guards collapsed instantly.
"What is this?" Robin was shocked.
Just one look, and people were knocked unconscious.
"What ability is this?"
"Conqueror's Haki. Let's go."
Ren stepped over their bodies and continued toward the target.
"That guy's target is us!"
A large-faced monster shouted.
"Should we leave?" Kuma whispered.
With his power, they couldn't stop Ren.
"Where are you going? I want to get a closer look at this man."
A man with a slipper mark on his face said.
He had seen this unusual Celestial Dragon in the Holy Land.
He practiced swordsmanship every day, and collecting slaves seemed more like protecting them.
"We're close."
Ren led Robin right in front of them.
"Finally found it, almost ended up searching the entire West Blue." Ren said half-jokingly.
"Donquixote Ren and Nico Robin, what a strange combination," said the big-faced guy.
"Ren, I've seen you before. I don't believe the things in the news are true," Dragon said directly, showing his goodwill.
"Yeah, I came here this time because I need your help with something."
The Revolutionary Army members remained silent, waiting for Ren to explain.
Ren took a deep breath and said, "The war is about to start, between me and the World Government. That means most of the World Government's forces won't be paying attention to you. I need you to help draw their attention."
The Revolutionary Army stayed quiet. Dragon was thinking—revealing their existence now would be risky, but it was also an opportunity.
While most of the World Government's forces were focused on Ren, they could take the chance to overthrow several countries.
In other words, they only needed to stop hiding during this event and accelerate their progress.
The risk was exposing themselves too early, which could hurt their development, but the potential benefits were huge.
Time passed by second after second. Soon, Dragon spoke, "Alright, I agree. But I want to know the truth behind your betrayal."
"Sure, but there's not much secret information here," Ren said.
"It's fine."
Robin was very interested in Ren's story. After spending time with him recently, she didn't think he was the type the news made him out to be.
Over the next period, Ren briefly explained how he became stronger in the Holy Land, his reasons for going to sea, and his experiences in Fish-Man Island and Zou.
He also recounted rejecting positions offered by the World Government twice, which eventually led to him being labeled a traitor.
Ren's explanation was logical and honest. Only then did everyone understand why he was called a traitor—just for refusing the World Government's orders, he had to suffer that kind of treatment.
"Phew~ What are you planning to do?" Dragon exhaled.
"Morgans isn't affiliated with the World Government. Whoever's news has more heat, he'll print them." Ren sneered. Otherwise, he wouldn't have come for Robin.
"It seems you already have a plan." Dragon gazed deeply at Robin.
Robin shivered slightly. A plan? Just thinking about it, it must be about shifting the public's attention toward history. Surely she wouldn't get some Poneglyph to interpret herself.
"Since you've agreed, we'll leave now. Watch the news for your signal. In a war like this, news spreads fast." Ren said, then led Robin away.
"Let's go too. Strategy needs to change." Dragon and the rest of the Revolutionary Army left the scene.
Robin was quiet the entire way.
Ren spoke first. "Don't worry. You don't need to do anything. Just stay by my side. You will also get Poneglyph to interpret. It's your dream, isn't it?"
"How did you know?" Robin asked, staring at Ren in surprise.
"I'm a former Celestial Dragon. I know what happened in Ohara. Since you didn't hide away and live in secret, it means you've inherited Ohara's will. Am I wrong?" Ren looked at her.
Robin stayed silent. He had seen right through her. He was completely correct, and it left her feeling exposed.
When they reached the shore, another small boat awaited. Robin couldn't help but complain, "You, with a 4.8 billion bounty, are taking a boat like this?"
"A boat is just a tool for crossing the sea." Ren didn't care and boarded.
Robin smoothly took a seat across from him, finding a comfortable angle to lean.
The target of this journey was clear: the Calm Belt.
Robin saw the direction and her face turned pale. The Calm Belt was a paradise for Sea Kings.
Some of them were hundreds of meters long.
For a Devil Fruit user like her, coming here was pure suicide. Especially on such a small boat, there was no sense of safety at all.
The small boat soon stopped at the edge of the Calm Belt, and Robin could clearly see the ripples in the distant ocean, signs that a sea monster was definitely there.
After waiting for a while, Robin couldn't help but ask, "What are we waiting for here?"
"A ship to pick us up."
They didn't have to wait long. A ship slowly approached, being dragged by two enormous sea snakes.
"The Kuja Pirates?" Robin was a little surprised.
"Yeah, finally here." Ren stretched lazily, having waited for quite some time.
"Lord Ren." The two sisters greeted him.
"Hmph, am I just a ferryman specifically for you?" Hancock looked at Ren, then at Robin beside him, her expression turning cold.
"Well, don't mind her." Ren led Robin onto the ship and into a spacious area, making him want to lie down.
Once on board, Robin felt a strange sensation. The stunning woman's gaze was somewhat terrifying, and it seemed directed at her.
She couldn't help but glance at Ren, but then, the gaze felt sharper and more piercing.
**********
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