Although he hadn't known Don for long, Capone Bege sensed that the "minor conflict" Don mentioned was far from simple.
Still, when it came to Doflamingo, even an unstable person like Bege didn't want to get involved in such a so-called "small conflict."
One was a Shichibukai, and the other was someone who could go toe-to-toe with Admiral Aokiji.
Bege thought for a moment, his gaze drifting back toward Robin.
"The World Government has already received word. I've noticed the East Blue as well—they're frantically searching for this woman."
Don glanced at Robin, who was clutching her sword.
"So?"
"Our previous plan is no longer viable."
Bege bit down on his cigar.
"There's another way. I can get you to the Flower Country. Their fleet is heading toward the Grand Line—you might be able to sneak aboard one of their ships."
He added quickly:
"Of course, if you prefer, you could stick with the original plan. I just won't intervene as much."
He had no desire to directly oppose the World Government.
"Flower Country?"
Don looked toward Robin.
"Flower Country is technically a pirate nation, but it's also an allied member of the World Government."
Robin noticed Don's gaze and explained softly:
"I know."
Don stroked his chin. "Leader of the Eight Treasure Navy."
"Green Pepper. Once a formidable fighter who clashed with Marine Hero Garp. Bounty over 500 million Beli, though he seemed to sail less after his fight with Garp."
Robin replied immediately, her knowledge of these events clearly extensive.
Meanwhile, Bege, who had been quietly observing Don, felt a sudden unease.
That expression… it's interest, isn't it?
Still, it wasn't really his concern. If anything, he was curious to see what might happen next.
"Then let's head to Flower Country!"
Don Monstere the decision instantly.
"There will definitely be a lot of World Government eyes there!"
Robin cautioned.
"Doesn't matter. One of my reasons for sailing is to find and test strong opponents," Don waved dismissively.
Real battles accelerate growth far more than solitary training.
After clashing with Aokiji, Don had a clear understanding of his current strength.
In his normal state, he could spar with someone like Jinbe, and if he revealed his trump cards, even an Admiral wouldn't be a mismatch. Though brief, that window allowed him to throw all defenses aside and employ high-expenditure techniques, possibly deciding the outcome—or at least escape safely.
Given this, there was no need to overthink.
His mindset had subtly shifted after the fight with Aokiji.
"In that case, I'll send someone to get you to Flower Country."
Seeing Don make the decision, Bege didn't hesitate. He signaled, and soon a large ship had someone waving from it.
Don didn't pause—he boarded the ship with Robin, and the vessel set sail.
"Godfather, it seems unlikely we'll have much interaction with this man!"
Negotiation expert Monster Gun Vito leaned toward Bege.
"Yes, you're right—but who knows what the future holds? If he becomes a major figure at sea, I profit greatly. If not… no loss. What I'm doing now doesn't cost me anything."
Bege puffed calmly on his cigar.
"The Godfather is correct," Vito nodded.
"We'll eventually have to go to the Grand Line anyway."
Bege's words sparked excitement among those nearby.
The Four Blues were vast, but the Grand Line was the world's core. Countless treasures and formidable figures resided there—everyone longed for it.
…
Aboard the ship.
"Why is he helping you? Capone Bege, I know him—he's caused countless deaths in the East Blue."
In the brightly lit cabin, Robin watched Don train alone, unable to restrain herself from speaking.
"Curious, are you?"
Don tilted his head at Robin, smiling.
"Yes. He's not a simple man."
"That has nothing to do with me. I only returned a favor, and he will need opportunities to repay it later," Don waved his hand.
His dealings with Bege wouldn't be frequent.
If Bege eventually sailed to the Grand Line as in the original timeline, that would be far in the future.
What happens in the meantime? Nobody knows.
Robin scrutinized Don, reflecting on everything that had happened during their brief acquaintance.
She couldn't shake the feeling that Don had known her for a long time.
That feeling wasn't wrong.
But she was certain—this was their first meeting at her hiding place.
As a fugitive, Robin remained wary and alert. She didn't believe Don was simply seeking her as a companion.
After all, with Don's demonstrated strength, finding any companion would be easy.
"Don't overthink it."
Don's voice interrupted her thoughts, as if reading her mind.
Robin had always been calculating, even when she joined the Straw Hat crew, she had her own agenda.
It wasn't until post-Enies Lobby that Robin truly began to change.
"By my side, no matter how bad things get, it won't be worse than before, right?"
"Seems so," Robin said, pausing, a faint smile forming.
Don blinked at her smile, taken aback—not by her beauty, but by a sudden mental image of women in this world aging.
In this world, women's appearance bore little resemblance to their youth.
Take the old lady from the Rocks Pirates, once identical in appearance to the Empress in youth, or Charlotte Linlin, once hailed as the most beautiful female pirate.
And there were countless others.
Don's gaze toward Robin slowly turned strange.
The look unnerved her.
What did that look mean? Disgust?
Truly a capricious man.
Robin, exasperated, turned and returned to the adjacent cabin.
"Don't overthink. Shelf life—at least twenty more years. Maybe by then I'll be gone anyway."
Don shook his head, muttering to himself before resuming training.
In the neighboring cabin, Robin lay on her bed, replaying Don's words after he hugged her:
"It can't get worse than before, right?"
She reached for the blanket, covering her petite form.
…
At Marine Headquarters.
Sengoku surveyed Garp, who was picking his nose, eyes scanning up and down.
"That Don—he cut down Doflamingo's men in the East Blue and sent their heads to Loguetown. I approved the bounty."
END OF CHAPTER
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