"Click—"
Bahr leisurely lit his cigarette with a satisfied smile curling at his lips.
As a seasoned "Clam Hunter," he had his own standards. This "friendly exchange" with Princess Vivi ranked among his top experiences—even Nami and Robin paled slightly in comparison. The only one who might rival it was Shalria.
This wasn't about looks but purely the added thrill of status. After all, the title of "princess" came with its own Buff.
Moreover, the Nefertari lineage was originally a branch of the Celestial Dragons. Their ancestors had abandoned the Holy Land Mariejois to return to Alabasta.
The term "Blasphemer" was growing more appealing by the day.
Truth be told, while Shalria was detestable, her figure and face were first-rate—especially after Bahr had personally molded her to his preferences. Losing that toy was a slight pity.
Vivi tugged off her eye mask, her cheeks flushed like she'd been drinking, strands of hair clinging to her sweaty temples. She glared up at him reproachfully: "Igaram is right outside the door. How could you just now—"
Her voice trailed off, the mere thought of her guard captain barging in making her want to bury her face in the sheets from sheer embarrassment.
Bahr lazily draped an arm over her shoulders, his fingers tracing slow circles down her spine. "The mood struck. Can you blame me?"
The words made Vivi's ears burn, though she wasn't truly angry. After a hesitant pause, she suddenly met his gaze, a glimmer in her eyes. "Father mentioned... you want the Eternal Pose to Sabaody Archipelago?"
Bahr arched a brow, unsurprised by her intel, and nodded. "Yeah. Once I get it, I'll be on my way."
He'd already lingered in Alabasta for several days. Any longer and the World Government's intelligence might pick up his trail.
Vivi's eyes dimmed slightly at this. Already brimming with gratitude toward Bahr and having shared intimate conversations, the news of his impending departure left a sudden hollowness in her chest. Her fingers unconsciously clenched the sheets.
Pursing her lips, she stared at his askew mask and murmured, feather-soft, "Could I... see your face?"
Bahr blinked, studying the hope in her eyes before chuckling. "Not a chance. I'm a dangerous man. Knowing my identity won't do you any good."
It wasn't that he distrusted Vivi—his identity was simply too sensitive to share needlessly.
Disappointment flickered in Vivi's gaze. She'd only wanted to memorize the face of the man now etched into her bones, nothing more.
She quickly suppressed the emotion, forcing a smile. "The Log Pose should arrive tomorrow."
Bahr smirked in satisfaction, tilting her chin up with a finger. "In that case, we shouldn't waste time."
Vivi's face flamed crimson, but before she could protest, Bahr sealed her lips with his own, reducing her to muffled whimpers.
.....
The next day, the sun was high when Vivi finally pushed herself upright in bed.
The intermittent sounds from her chambers the previous night had spread throughout the palace. Igaram and the others exchanged glances in the corridors, assuming their princess had spent the night grieving the Straw Hats' departure.
Meanwhile, Bahr accepted the Eternal Pose to Sabaody from King Cobra. After a night's rest at an inn, he departed at dawn with Nico Robin and the others aboard an Alabasta-style ostrich-drawn carriage bound for the port of Nanohana.
Five hours later, they arrived.
Nico Robin, clad in a sleek denim outfit, scanned the bustling streets before turning to him. "BOSS, what's the plan now?"
"First, we secure a proper ship at the harbor."
Their numbers had grown—their previous vessel wouldn't suffice anymore. A larger ship was necessary for comfortable living.
They might be on the run, but roughing it was out of the question.
"Does the BOSS have funds for a new ship?" Robin inquired softly.
Bahr shot her a look that plainly said Are you questioning my intelligence? "Those pirate ships docked here aren't decorations. We'll just take one."
He had no qualms about plundering from pirates.
"Makes sense." Robin's lips curved as she produced a pouch from inside her snug denim jacket. "I brought a bag of gems from Crocodile's stash. Seems they won't be needed."
Bahr eyed it, mildly impressed by her concealment skills. "We'll need them for supplies."
A near three-week voyage required thorough preparation. While he had no issues strong-arming pirates, ordinary civilians were off-limits—that was his line.
Robin gave him an amused glance and shrugged. "Your call."
"To the docks first." Without hesitation, Bahr pulled Robin against him and strode toward the harbor.
Robin frowned slightly but didn't resist, allowing him to keep an arm around her waist.
Miss Valentine, trailing behind, immediately bristled. She hurried forward to seize Bahr's other arm, pressing her ample curves against him. "Boss~ Ships rock so much. I want a huge soft bed!"
"Done. We'll get a deluxe model that fits four." Bahr grinned, his palm sliding suggestively low on her hip.
Bring on the challenge!
"Naughty~" Miss Valentine cooed, tossing Robin a triumphant look.
Robin merely glanced at her dispassionately. Her arrangement with Bahr was purely transactional—she had no interest in petty rivalry.
The docks teemed with vessels. As Bahr assessed which ship was most spacious and sturdy, Robin's sharp eyes swept the area. She frowned and leaned in, whispering urgently, "BOSS, something feels off here."
Two decades as a fugitive had honed her instincts—she could practically smell World Government presence.
"You're being para—"
Before he could finish, chaotic footsteps erupted around them. Nearly a hundred armed men surged from behind crates and masts, rifles trained on the group.
"Marines!" Miss Valentine shrieked, her voice cracking.
Daz Bones' blade was already drawn, Paula's fingers morphing into thorns, while Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine assumed combat stances.
Bahr shot Robin a wry look. "You're a real jinx..."
Robin ignored him, her gaze locked on the towering figure emerging from the crowd—a man in a white suit vest and navy shirt.
When recognition struck, the blood drained from her face. She staggered back a step, nearly collapsing if not for Bahr's grip on her waist. "A-Admiral... Aokiji!"
Bahr's pupils constricted to pinpricks. Smoker and Hina were one thing—but why was an Admiral here?
Feeling Robin's violent trembling, realization dawned. Had Aokiji come specifically for Nico Robin?
The bond of the long-legged uncle?