Chapter 3: Heading to Sabaody Together, Nico Robin
"Hiss~"
At Rock's words, little thief-cat Nami sucked in a sharp breath. Her raised fist dropped.
"Berries? How many hundred million exactly?"
"I'll give you 5 million Berries as apology. Fair?"
Rock held up five fingers, watching Nami with amusement.
"No way! You think a little cash fixes this?"
Nami shook her head. The crew blinked—Nami turning down money? Principles!
"9,999,999 Berries. Not a single Berry less!"
CRACK— The crew's newfound respect shattered.
Classic Nami.
Her eyes sparkled with Berry signs, hands on hips, waiting smugly. He said "a few million"—so at least 9 million, right? Hehehe… all Berries are MINE!
"Hahaha, deal!"
Rock laughed at the greedy genius, then instantly pulled a 10-million-Berry bank certificate from System Space and handed it over.
The system was convenient—300 billion Berries stored, withdrawable as cash or large certificates.
"Shakky's Rip-off Bar & Sabaody Bank—10 million Berries. Where's that? Far from Fish-Man Island? Whatever—real certificate! Hehehe, 10 million~!"
As a veteran money-lover, Nami verified it instantly. Still annoyed, but Chopper was right—he'd been half-dead, probably not intentional. Plus, no real harm done. She even had a sweet dream last night.
"Fine. Douglas D. Rock, get off. Pirate ships aren't hotels."
Money received—face flipped. She waved him off, reading his signature.
"Huh? You've got a D. too? I do! Hahaha, hi Nok, I'm Monkey D. Luffy!"
The "D." caught Luffy's eye. Rare club— instant buddy vibes.
Rock didn't reply immediately. System pinged again.
[Ding! Sign-in task refreshed.] [Current Task: Travel with the Straw Hats to Sabaody Archipelago and complete the adventure together.] [Rewards: SSS-Tech · Eternal Shackles (collar-type; victim cannot defy Host's will for life unless stronger than Host—until death), Iaido Master-Level Swordsmanship, Petrification Immunity, 50 Billion Berries!]
…
Tsk tsk. Every reward was insane. Petrification immunity? Super targeted—only the Pirate Empress had that. Haha.
"Ah, Straw Hat's fame echoes through the first half of the Grand Line. I'm Rock—pleased to meet you all."
Digesting the task, Rock greeted them warmly. Good start.
He'd been unsure about leaving—now? Stuck with them. Their route: Sabaody next. Which meant… Summit War incoming.
Sengoku had given him a key role—ruined by Momonga's betrayal. Probably branded a traitor by now.
"What? You want to stay aboard? No way—we're going to Fish-Man Island, not Sabaody."
After friendly chat, Rock asked to tag along to Sabaody. Nami shot it down first.
Joke's on you—letting the guy who almost assaulted her stay? Hell no.
"Hehe, c'mon Nami, Nok's cool. Give him a ride! We don't even know how to reach Fish-Man Island yet."
Luffy backed Rock—earning a facepalm. Eighth time mispronouncing my name, dude.
"I'll tell you how to reach Fish-Man Island. You have to go to Sabaody first. Nami, you took my 10 million—letting me hitch a ride isn't too much, right?"
Rock said calmly. He knew their failed attempts. Plot fuzzy, but big picture clear.
"Hmph. Lucky you."
Nami pouted, looking away. 10 million cooled her anger—but didn't mean she'd be nice. Pretty sure I cleaned him out anyway.
With Nami's reluctant OK, Rock earned temporary stay. Most warmed up after talk. Except Zoro—wary, quietly warned him not to try anything. Rock noticed Zoro's hidden severe injuries. Respect.
And one person stayed distant—Nico Robin, the Devil Child. Not a word.
But when Rock looked— Robin's gaze flicked away, flustered and guarded.
"Devil Child Nico Robin. Long time no see."
"Don't worry—I'm not Navy anymore. Won't touch your crew."
As others dispersed, Rock leaned in and whispered. Robin's body stiffened.
Old acquaintances. Early in Rock's elite Marine days, his missions: track Robin. She was older, Devil Fruit user—yet he nearly caught her multiple times. But he never reported her. Never arrested. Mutual unspoken understanding.
Later—Rock to Marineford, Robin to Baroque Works. No contact since.
"Long time, Rock. Don't know why you left the Navy—but congrats. The World Government doesn't deserve you."
"Thanks. Enough of that. Years apart—Robin-nee, you're even prettier."
"Oh? Then why didn't you crawl into my bed last night? Is my figure worse than Nami's?"
…
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