Staring at Aokiji, a flood of information about Robin flashed through Hawke's mind.
Nico Robin, 27 years old this year, known as the "Devil's Child," has a World Government bounty of 79,000,000 Belly.
Robin of Wano.
She is the sole survivor of the archaeologists' sanctuary — Ohara — and the only person capable of deciphering the "Poneglyphs."
At present, she serves under one of the Shichibukai, "Sand Crocodile" Crocodile, acting as the vice president of Baroque Works, codenamed Ms. All-Sunday.
"Hawke, her name is Nico Robin."
Aokiji's voice pulled Hawke's drifting thoughts back to reality.
"She was given a bounty of 79,000,000 Belly at the age of eight."
"Originally, I wanted to see what kind of fruit the seed that Saul protected would eventually bear…"
"But I've changed my mind now. I want to see…"
"If it were you, what would you do?"
"Or rather… under your command, what kind of person would she become?"
"…"
"Kuzan-san, she's a wanted criminal by the World Government."
Hawke directly pointed out the core issue.
If they wanted to bring Robin into the Marines, the first obstacle would be her wanted status.
"Do you think the World Government would believe that a highly driven Headquarters Admiral isn't as important as a 'Devil's Child'...?"
Aokiji shrugged, clearly indicating he would handle the matter.
"I'll personally vouch for her with the Elders."
"Don't worry."
"...."
Seeing Aokiji speak with such certainty, Hawke instantly understood.
Kuzan-nii was undoubtedly hoping from the bottom of his heart that he would recruit Robin into the G-3 Branch.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have already prepared himself to negotiate directly with the Elders.
But still…
This formula… this flavor…
Why did this feel exactly like when Admiral Akainu shoved Hibari into his team, or when Vice Admiral Tsuru pushed Kujaku onto him?!
What the hell was going on?!
Did all the Marine top brass want to stuff people under his command?!
Hawke's thoughts began spiraling.
Admiral Akainu had shoved his "daughter" Hibari to him.
Vice Admiral Tsuru had pushed her granddaughter Kujaku to him.
And now Admiral Aokiji wanted to throw his "historical leftover problem," Nico Robin, his way too.
And if Corazon Rosinante hadn't died, would Fleet Admiral Sengoku also have shoved him into Hawke's team?
And what about old man Garp?
Would he send over that crybaby deserter, Koby?
In that case…
With his personality, Hawke would absolutely blow Koby's head off with a single punch!
And you — trying to lecture a battle-worn Admiral with that face full of bruises?
"Hawke…"
Seeing Hawke's hesitation, Aokiji continued.
"Based on my years of observation, Robin knows exactly what to say and what not to say."
"If you choose to bring her in, I'll personally warn her."
"Mm."
Hawke nodded in agreement.
Robin's rough childhood meant she wasn't as naive as the scholars of Ohara had been.
Those scholars, without any means of protecting themselves, not only touched the forbidden history but even openly provoked the World Government.
In this world where power reigns supreme, having no strength… is the original sin.
On this point, they should all take a page from Dr. Vegapunk.
He conducted his research on the Void Century right under Saint Saturn's nose.
And when he was discovered, not only was he able to release the historical truths to the world, but he'd also already prepared multiple escape routes for himself.
Now that… was true intelligence.
"Alright, Kuzan-san."
"Leave Robin to me."
Hawke tucked the box containing the eyepatch and the golden Den Den Mushi under his arm.
Kuzan had gone this far — carefully chosen gifts, full authorization to use a Buster Call…
Even solving potential future troubles in advance.
If he still refused, he'd come off as completely ungrateful.
"Maah~ then I'll leave it to you."
Hearing Hawke's promise, a relaxed smile appeared on Aokiji's face.
"Come on, let's grab breakfast."
"Sure."
The two walked side by side toward the Marine cafeteria.
...
While Aokiji and Hawke were talking, another discussion was taking place in the Fleet Admiral's office.
"Tsuru!"
"Why are you messing around too?!"
Sengoku glared at his old friend, who was leisurely sipping tea, and felt his blood pressure climbing sky-high.
A brand-new giant battleship had already been a rare, special approval.
And now, Tsuru wanted one and a half times the funding plus three large battleships sent to the G-3 Branch?!
If he agreed, what would the other branches think?
"What's the problem, Sengoku?"
Tsuru slowly took another sip of tea.
"Isn't my granddaughter's future worth all this?"
"..."
Sengoku almost choked on his own breath.
Holding his forehead, he vented all his frustration at once:
"It's not a matter of worth!"
"The point is — if you do this, with so many eyes watching us at HQ, what will the other branch commanders think of G-3?"
"What will they think of that brat Hawke?"
"And what will they think of me, the Fleet Admiral?!"
"Hmph…? If they have doubts, let them come to me."
Tsuru set down her teacup, her gaze suddenly sharp as a blade.
"I won't mind personally cleansing their souls!"
"I've dedicated my entire life to the Marines. Now, at the end of it all…"
"I just want to secure a slightly better environment for my granddaughter's education. Is that so wrong?"
"..."
Sengoku stared at Tsuru's domineering expression, feeling utterly suffocated.
Fine!
You're the one making promises.
You're the one handing out favors.
You're the one getting Hawke's gratitude.
But the one who has to grovel, smile, and sweet-talk the Elders for military funds… is me!
Me! The once mighty Sengoku the Buddha!
"Sengoku…"
Noticing Sengoku's "suffering in silence" face, Tsuru's lips curved into a faint smile.
"Yesterday, that brat Hawke went to visit Yamakaji."
"When I went to the senior officers' mess for dinner, I happened to run into Yamakaji."
"Sengoku, do you know what Hawke told him?"
"Hm? What?"
"Hawke told him that the balance of the Yonko is an illusion — ready to explode at any moment."
"Whitebeard is old, and his health is the biggest variable…"
Tsuru calmly relayed Hawke's entire analysis of the current Great Pirate Era and its power dynamics.
"..."
"..."
The Fleet Admiral's office fell silent.
Sengoku's expression shifted — from confusion… to gravity… and finally to…
Unrestrained joy!
"Whoosh—!"
Sengoku shot up from his seat, bolting straight for the door without another word.
"What are you doing?!"
"What am I doing? I'm going to drag that brat back!!!"
Sengoku's roar was so loud it nearly blew the office roof off.
"Hawke's not going to any damn G-3 Branch!"
"That kid's staying right here as the Fleet Admiral's assistant!"
"A talent like that — I'm going to teach him personally!"
"Sengoku, you're being ridiculous—!!!"
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