Robin: Man, you've sparked my curiosity
Looking at the people lying unconscious around them and the buildings destroyed in the wake of the fight, Robin still couldn't quite grasp what Don was saying.
Although she had seen a fair share of danger, her understanding of this world was still limited.
Don, however, knew all too well that the people of this world were, in one way or another, peculiarly straightforward in their own bold ways.
But even he couldn't fully comprehend them. He didn't yet know how to blend in—or if he even wanted to. Perhaps he hadn't met anyone worthy of the effort.
After glancing down at the fallen Bu Wu, Don retracted his foot and turned to Robin.
"Soon, I'll likely face Chinjao. Stay alert and don't get caught up in it."
"I'm strong enough. Don't underestimate me!"
Robin replied immediately, her voice carrying a hint of playfulness. She seemed a little more at ease, as if her cautious nature had loosened slightly in Don's presence.
"I know you're strong. That's why I'm telling you to listen."
Robin looked at this younger man before her, then nodded.
"Understood. I'll be careful."
"Then wait here. In the meantime, tell me about the Kano Country."
Don gestured with a hand, moving to a bench outside a nearby shop and sitting down.
"What do you want to know? I've been here before while hiding, but only briefly. Most of what I know comes from books and newspapers."
Robin stepped closer.
"For example, the situation in Kano Country… isn't it a pirate nation?"
Don looked up at her, seeing the shadowed face beneath her hood.
"Both yes and no."
Robin paused to think, then summarized the information she had gathered for him.
"Kano Country has existed for a long time, as has the Happo Navy. At least several centuries. The Happo Navy is half-pirate, half-guardian—serving Kano Country while maintaining their own fleet."
"So… the country survives by raiding others?"
Don tilted his head slightly.
"Not exactly. They raid occasionally, but it's more to intimidate other pirates. After all, Kano Country is allied with the World Government."
Robin hesitated, then mentioned something about the Happo Navy.
"They say the Happo Navy has amassed a treasure over hundreds of years. Many have tried to steal it, but none have succeeded."
"I know about that," Don replied casually, though Robin was carefully watching his expression.
"Don't you care about such a treasure? A centuries-old accumulation… the amount must be staggering."
Such a treasure would tempt anyone who heard of it.
"I do need money," Don said, glancing at Robin, "but the kind I need is just for buying things."
Robin blinked, momentarily thrown off by his logic. In this world, money seemed almost trivial to Don—a mere tool, like game currency. His expenses were minimal; a room and some supplies were enough. And with sums in the hundreds of millions casually thrown around, he almost seemed desensitized.
Robin fell silent, studying him, trying to understand what this young man was thinking—but she failed.
She couldn't read him, but she could see one thing clearly: Don currently had no real goals. Even the "fame across the seas" ambition he mentioned earlier seemed to have sprung from her suggestion.
A powerful young man without a goal.
Robin's curiosity surged. She wanted to understand his inner thoughts.
Don noticed her strange gaze and felt slightly awkward.
"Cough, cough," he said lightly. "Well, when there's time, I'll teach you how to grow stronger."
"Is there any point in becoming stronger if you're already by my side?" Robin teased.
Don was momentarily stunned. Seeing Robin's playful smile, his expression grew serious.
"I can't always be by your side. If you want to live freely, your own strength must be your support."
Robin's playful expression faded, replaced with solemn understanding, and she nodded.
"Of course. I'll protect you!"
Don smiled, teasing lightly in his tone.
Robin realized he was joking and sighed, turning to sit on the bench, facing away.
Don stroked his chin, then glanced in another direction. Suddenly, his Conqueror's Haki erupted.
A powerful air wave surged outward. Robin's pupils contracted sharply, and she turned toward him.
"A few little pests… those trying to take you? Let's put them to sleep first," Don explained.
World Government agents! Robin immediately understood what he meant by "pests."
"For someone familiar with history like you, you already know Observation Haki and Armament Haki. Your focus now should be on mastering those, as well as strengthening your body," Don added.
This, of course, was also the path most people in this world followed to grow stronger.
As for Devil Fruit abilities, he could give advice, but Robin would need to discover the rest herself.
Having Robin by his side wasn't just pleasant to look at—it had practical uses. Her historical knowledge, sharp analytical mind honed from years in hiding, even served as a kind of living memo.
Don studied her carefully, and Robin, feeling scrutinized, shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.
…
Since Garp had flattened his horn, Chinjao had remained with his treasure: countless riches frozen beneath the Jewel Ice Sheet. Garp's strike had flattened more than just his horn—it had crushed his spirit.
Now, looking at the treasure, he could no longer touch it personally. This was torment for Chinjao, accompanied by his enduring hatred for Garp.
As he had said, that hatred extended to Garp's grandson—and would curse his descendants for generations.
Yet, beyond the rage in words, Chinjao could do nothing.
Bang!
Lao G appeared from a distance, leaping in front of Chinjao.
Sitting cross-legged atop the Jewel Ice Sheet, Chinjao regarded the landing figure calmly, like a sage.
"Old man, there's an external threat. I'm no match for them."
Lao G spoke immediately upon landing. At this moment, he didn't yet have the aura to challenge Chinjao directly, nor was he a fully capable leader.
Chinjao, as usual, didn't react. His expression remained serene.
"He mentioned Garp!"
Lao G wasn't surprised at Chinjao's reaction and spoke firmly.
Suddenly, the previously calm Chinjao's eyes turned red. A terrifying aura emanated from him, his white beard ruffling, his expression like a wrathful god.
END OF CHAPTER
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