The figure ahead was not unfamiliar to Eli, though the familiarity did not stem from any real-life encounter. Rather, it came from memories of an anime he had loved before his time travel a character that had left a deep impression on him.
A smile naturally spread across Eli's face, and without hesitation, he strode toward the café that filled the air with the rich aroma of coffee.
Inside, Eli first ordered a cup of strong coffee at the counter, then walked confidently to where the figure sat and took a seat beside her as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
The woman did not show the slightest surprise or shock at his sudden appearance. Calmly, she shifted her gaze from the window to Eli and said softly, with a captivating smile,
"How did you recognize me?"
Eli smiled faintly in return.
"I've been keeping an eye on you for some time. Honestly, I never expected to meet you here, Nico Robin."
Indeed, this woman was the legendary "Devil's Child" Nico Robin. Ever since Eli and his companions had set foot in the land of Alabasta, she had silently trailed them like a shadow. Now, it seemed she had been waiting here specifically for Eli.
Hearing his words, Robin's beautiful face softened into a gentle smile. She wore a sleek black dress that accentuated her graceful figure. Yet beneath the charm of that smile lay a tinge of sorrow, as if it carried years of unspoken grief.
The smile faded quickly, replaced by her deep, thoughtful eyes as she stared earnestly at Eli. Quietly, she said,
"Thank you, Eli."
Though simple, her words were full of sincerity and emotion.
Eli understood the gratitude behind them but shook his head gently, lips curling into a soft smile.
"You don't need to thank me. It was merely my way of expressing my own frustration and anger at what happened."
"Perhaps so, but I must sincerely thank you on behalf of the innocent people of Ohara who perished. Without your courage and intervention, who knows how long they would have had to wait for peace or if they would have been remembered at all," Robin replied, her voice heavy with the weight of memory. Even after more than a decade, the horrific events remained vivid in her mind, flooding her with sorrow, anger, and helplessness.
Unable to contain the emotions any longer, tears streamed down her face like a breaking dam. She collapsed forward onto the table, trembling with sobs that echoed through the quiet café, stirring deep empathy in anyone who heard.
For over ten years, she had been on the run, facing countless dangers, betrayals, and hardships. These experiences had taught her that the world was full of threats and untrustworthy people, forcing her to hide her fragile heart behind a strong facade.
But in this moment, facing Eli, the years of suppressed emotions surged forth uncontrollably. Robin removed the mask she had worn for so long, releasing her grief and pain in a torrent of tears.
As her sobs filled the air, memories of those she had lost family and friends flashed vividly in her mind. She whispered their names softly: "Mama… Dr. Clover… Saul…" Each name deepened the ache in her heart.
Eli remained quietly beside her, offering no words of comfort, understanding that sometimes silence and presence are the most powerful forms of support.
Gradually, Robin's sobs subsided. Eli handed her a tissue, and she accepted it, whispering a heartfelt,
"Thank you."
Once her emotions had stabilized, Eli asked gently,
"So, what are your plans now? Have you considered joining my crew? We happen to need an archaeologist as talented as you. And my companions are all trustworthy and fun!"
Robin looked up at him, meeting the warmth and sincerity in his smile.
At that moment, a rare sense of peace and reassurance washed over her. She returned his smile, radiant and genuine, like a flower in spring. Extending her slender, graceful hand, she said softly,
"I will follow you, Captain."
Eli's face lit up with joy. He quickly grasped her hand warmly.
"Welcome aboard, beautiful scholar! With someone as brilliant as you, our adventures are going to be even more exciting!"
Over the next moments, Eli and Robin exchanged stories and experiences. When she learned that Eli's journey to Alabasta aimed to decipher a historical text, her eyes sparkled with excitement, and her smile grew even brighter.
"Captain, may I join you? Studying all the world's historical texts has always been my dream. Seeing this precious document firsthand would be an incredible opportunity," she asked earnestly.
Eli smiled without hesitation.
"Of course! Honestly, without you, we wouldn't understand the complex writings on that text. Having your expertise might help us unlock its secrets."
Time pressing, Eli rose and said to Robin with a smile,
"Let's go find the others."
Robin nodded and followed. Outside, Eli paused briefly, sensing the location of Big Pan and the others. A moment later, he smiled.
"I know where they are. Follow me," he said, striding confidently toward their target.
Meanwhile, across the street, Felina and the other girls excitedly examined delicate accessories at a stall, chatting and laughing like a flock of happy birds, adding liveliness to the bustling market.
Soon, Eli led Robin to the tavern where Big Pan and the others were drinking. Pushing open the worn wooden door, they were greeted by the boisterous clamor of the tavern smoke curling in the air, laughter and cheers echoing off the walls.
Big Pan raised his cup but froze as he spotted Eli at the entrance, accompanied by a striking woman. For a moment, he was stunned, then quickly broke into a wide grin.
"Hey, Big Brother! Who's this beautiful lady?"
Eli smiled, seated himself, and patted Robin's shoulder.
"This is Nico Robin. From today, she's part of our crew. Don't underestimate her she's an incredible archaeologist."
Big Pan, Simon, Dotey, and Kree warmly welcomed Robin aboard.
Robin returned their greetings gracefully, even addressing each by name, which endeared her further to the crew.
Eli smiled brightly.
"Alright, let's head out and meet up with Felina and the others."
The group left the tavern, chatting and laughing as they walked. Soon, they arrived at the crowded shopping street where Felina and the girls were exploring. Seeing the new addition to Eli's group, they glanced curiously but remained polite.
After brief introductions, Robin's natural charm and social skills quickly won them over. They became fast friends, sharing laughter and conversation.
Once everyone had grown comfortable, Eli turned to Vivi.
"Vivi, could you take us to meet your father? I need to ask him for a favor."
"Of course, Big Brother Eli! Let's go," Vivi replied cheerfully, leading the group toward the palace.
Along the way, passersby stepped aside respectfully as Vivi guided them. Soon, they arrived at the palace gates.
From a distance, a formation of guards stood at attention. At the front was a tall, middle-aged man with striking curly hair and a commanding presence.
As they approached, Vivi ran forward excitedly.
"Uncle Icarus! What are you doing here?"
Icarus' stern face softened into a gentle smile.
"Princess Vivi, the king knew of Eli's arrival and sent us to meet you in advance."
Turning to Eli and his companions, Icarus bowed respectfully.
"It is an honor to welcome you all. I am Icarus, captain of Alabasta's royal guard. The king has prepared a grand banquet for you. Please allow me to lead you to the hall."
With Icarus guiding them, Eli and his companions entered the palace without hindrance, arriving at a massive banquet hall laden with food and rich aromas.
Soon after, King Nefertari Cobra entered with a warm smile. The king, known for valuing his people, earned Eli's respect. Eli stood, offering a handshake.
"Thank you for caring for my daughter," Cobra said gratefully.
Eli waved it off casually.
"It's nothing."
After the meal, Eli spoke to Cobra.
"Your Majesty, I need your help with something."
"Please, do not hesitate, Eli. What is it?" Cobra replied warmly.
"We would like to visit the Mausoleum to see the historical text," Eli said.
Cobra's expression turned to shock. How could Eli know about the text hidden in the Mausoleum? His gaze lingered on Eli, the room falling silent.