Palace Square.
King Cobra's reputation played a crucial role. Having ruled Alabasta for many years, his early benevolent policies had deeply won the people's hearts. Even after being misunderstood by the public in recent years, he still commanded immense prestige.
The moment he appeared, the standoff between the Royal Army and Rebel Army quickly ceased. Though Rebel leader Koza was severely injured, his life wasn't in danger. After some explanations, this prolonged war finally came to an end.
In a corner of the palace square, the Straw Hat Pirates were about to slip away quietly when Vivi caught up with them. After a brief exchange, the group decided to rest at the palace first.
At that moment, Nami's eyes flashed as she leaned close to Vivi and whispered, "Where's that guy?"
Vivi immediately understood who Nami meant. Her cheeks flushed red as she lowered her head, fingers nervously fiddling with her skirt hem. "Um... Mr. Obito disappeared after dealing with Crocodile. I don't know where he went."
Nami frowned and muttered, "That guy, still going solo as always."
She was about to say more when she noticed Vivi's unnatural expression. Suddenly recalling how Bahr had previously sworn he wanted no trouble, she wondered why he'd suddenly taken action against Crocodile.
There must be more to this.
Alarmed by the thought, Nami quickly whispered, "Vivi, did you make some deal with that guy?"
She knew full well that man never acted without personal gain.
Vivi's face instantly changed, a flash of panic in her eyes as she waved her hands. "N-no, Mr. Obito is a very good person."
"Oh..." Nami eyed Vivi suspiciously, finding her reaction odd. As she prepared to press further, Luffy and the others started urging them to move.
After some thought, Nami decided not to interfere too much. She patted Vivi's shoulder and warned, "Vivi... you should keep your distance from that guy. It's for your own good."
"Uh... I understand," Vivi replied somewhat stiffly.
Seeing this, Nami felt slightly relieved, yet found it strange how much she cared about Vivi's relationship with that man.
Hmm... Right, I'm just looking out for Vivi, making sure she doesn't get hurt.
.....
Burial Chamber.
"I heard you're looking for an Eternal Pose to Sabaody Archipelago?" Nico Robin stared at Bahr before suddenly speaking up.
"How did you know?"
"Heh..." Robin said coolly, "We've had our eyes on you since you set foot in Alabasta. Crocodile just didn't think you'd amount to much."
Bahr suddenly understood. Baroque Works had deep roots in Alabasta—their purchase of the Eternal Pose on the black market couldn't have gone unnoticed. But Crocodile had underestimated him, and got what he deserved.
Not that it mattered now...
Nico Robin gazed intently at Bahr, her eyes gleaming. "So... can I come with you?"
"Oh?" Bahr looked up at her, suddenly grinning. "Conquered by my strength and looking to latch on, are we?"
Nico Robin wanting to follow him? This was unexpected, yet strangely appealing.
Robin's mouth twitched as she replied coolly, "Crocodile failed, Baroque Works is finished. I've nowhere to go now. Rather than keep wandering, following you might at least offer survival."
As she spoke, her fingers twitched slightly. Two arms sprouted from Bahr's legs with a "poof," waving fingers at him. "After the unbearable treatment I've endured, it's only fair you take some responsibility."
"Cut the crap," Bahr rolled his eyes. "Our deal was clear-cut. Don't bring up irrelevant nonsense."
Responsibility? It was a fair transaction—what responsibility?
Unfazed, Robin continued, "I don't know who you are or what you want, but I'm quite capable when it comes to escaping and gathering intelligence. Assassination, infiltration, information collection—I'm proficient in all. You won't regret it."
Bahr raised an eyebrow. This sounded like she was handing him a resume.
As he was about to speak, he suddenly gasped, turning to glare at Nico Robin. "Enough already. Stop treating me like a lab rat—I'm not your guinea pig."
He figured this was Robin's revenge—she was just that kind of scheming person.
Robin shrugged as the arms dissolved into pink petals, feigning innocence. "I thought you'd like it."
Bahr didn't respond, though inwardly he clicked his tongue. Why did she have to say such misleading things in that flat tone? Her occasional dark humor was really hard to handle.
But that Flower-Flower Fruit... truly an interesting ability.
"Well?" Robin pressed, a hint of urgency in her voice.
Bahr sneered, "Cut the act. 'Nowhere to go' my foot—you're just trying to use me!"
He guessed that after telling Robin about the Historical Texts, she'd set her sights on him—both for protection and the texts themselves.
Robin didn't deny it, simply stating, "It's not using. Just mutual benefit."
This man before her was too mysterious, knowing more secrets than she'd uncovered in twenty years of searching. Catching hold of him seemed like grasping the hem of truth itself.
Besides, his destination was Sabaody Archipelago, with Fish-Man Island next—perfect for verifying his claims.
Bahr looked Robin up and down before suddenly smiling. "All that assassination and intelligence stuff is useless to me. The only thing that might be of use..."
He drew out his words, eyes roaming over Robin.
Feeling that scorching gaze, Robin frowned slightly but immediately understood. Spreading her hands openly, she spoke as calmly as discussing the weather: "Fine. Let me come with you, and you can do as you please."
Bahr hadn't expected such frankness from Robin—as if discussing the usage rights of a commodity without a trace of embarrassment. This almost cruel rationality left him momentarily speechless.
On reflection, someone who'd survived twenty years on the run would have rich experience. Compared to those easily blushing girls, this woman indeed possessed a weathered clarity.
"Then..." Bahr clasped his hands behind his head, leaning against the Historical Text's stone surface as his eyes signaled, "First prove your 'worth' qualifies."
If Nico Robin could be this open, what right did he have to hesitate about becoming "King"?
As for the Straw Hats? Screw them. Nico Robin being hunted by the World Government—could it be worse than his situation?
Robin naturally understood Bahr's meaning. Without refusal or coyness, she simply reached up to sweep the hair from her shoulders, deftly gathering it into a ponytail—every movement exuding a cold intellect.
The moment she lowered her head, her fingertips trembled slightly. Yet ultimately, biting her lip, she leaned closer.
Bahr tilted his head back to gaze at the faded reliefs on the chamber's beams, listening to the faint sounds above as a cry rose in his heart:
To hell with the Pirate King—this was living.