Chapter 39
Looking into Arlong's sincere eyes, Robin fell silent.
Over the years, she had switched allegiances many times—none ended well.
The "Devil Child" label grew ever more solid.
She couldn't understand—Arlong clearly knew her identity. Why extend an olive branch?
Was it really just lust, as he said?
Could someone like that reach a 900 million bounty?
Robin didn't buy it.
After a moment, she looked at him expectantly. "Why?"
"I want to protect you!"
Arlong gazed at her earnestly. "Nico Robin—be my woman!"
(⊙▽⊙)# Robin was stunned—Arlong was serious.
Her heart turned chaotic.
Past confessions ended the moment her identity was revealed.
But Arlong seemed to know her well.
He continued.
"I know you're chasing the truth of the 100-year Void Century. I'll be your solid shield—shelter you from storms."
Saying this, Arlong felt nervous and expectant.
Two lifetimes—first time confessing so solemnly.
With Nami and the others, he'd used less-than-honorable tricks.
So he didn't mention the Poneglyphs—he didn't want Robin thinking it was a trade.
He might never mention them, at least until she untied her heart's knot.
Uncovering the truth was Robin's conviction. Arlong feared that knowing it would rob her will to live.
She seemed mature and poised, but inside she was still a little girl.
A tough facade to protect herself.
Arlong's words pierced that armor, touching her soft core.
Robin too wanted someone to protect her.
Her enchanting eyes curved into crescents ヾ(o′?｀o)?: "Big Bro Arlong seems nervous!"
She stood and walked to the rail, gazing afar—lost in thought.
Sea breeze gently lifted her long black hair.
The address changed!
Agreement or refusal?
Arlong touched his saw-toothed nose, stood beside her.
"Big Bro Arlong… please take care of me from now on."
Robin hugged him from behind.
Two soft mounds pressed against his back—yet Arlong felt no lust.
He gently patted her hands. "Don't worry. I've got you."
Voice soft, promise heavy.
Silence.
Slap Slap
Only waves lapping the hull.
Long after, Robin stepped back. "Big Bro Arlong… make me a real woman."
Arlong turned—Robin's purple vest open, scenery fully revealed.
His heated gaze made her wheat-colored cheeks flush o(////▽////)q.
She dressed boldly daily, but never this exposed.
Arlong spread a blanket on the deck. Robin lay down willingly.
(òωó?ゝ∠)
"Life Return."
His nose visibly shortened.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host. Successful bonding with Nico Robin. Reward: 1 Bronze Treasure Chest.]
Waves slapped the hull.
The Shark Sparb rocked hard.
Kung Fu Jugon heard its master crying—paused curiously, lifting its head toward the ship.
Just as it neared seeing—two hands covered its eyes.
It realized and ducked back down.
(?????)
…
Twin Capes
Onigumo's warship supplies ran low.
Two more days delay—no food for the next island.
Onigumo dismissed the logistics officer.
About to request orders—Sengoku called first.
Onigumo answered. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Vice Admiral Onigumo. Instructions?"
Sengoku: "Arlong entered the Grand Line. No point guarding Twin Capes."
"What?!"
Onigumo paused, guessing. "Calm Belt?"
He didn't feel negligent—no fly had passed in days.
Sengoku: "How doesn't matter. Put Arlong aside—return to the New World."
"Yes, Fleet Admiral."
Wasted trip—Onigumo grumbled but obeyed.
Inside Laboon
"I'm getting out!"
Luffy punched the walls wildly.
Pain made Laboon thrash—tsunami inside.
"Luffy, enough!"
Krara shoulder-threw him.
Luffy tried again—Zoro and Sanji pinned him.
"Hey, Luffy—calm down."
Krara urged. "That's a vice admiral—second only to admirals. We're no match."
"Remember Smoker in Loguetown?"
"Who's Smoker?" Luffy blinked.
Krara facepalmed (/▽╲). She described desperately.
"The Logia guy on a motorcycle who smokes cigars."
"Smoke man?"
Luffy remembered—calmed.
Fists clenched. "Next time, I won't lose."
"(ˉ▽￣～) 切~~"
Krara scoffed. "Without Haki, you'll never beat Smoker."
"Haki?"
"Ba-ki?"
Luffy and the others stared.
"Krara, you know that… kingly thing?"
Luffy pouted.
Krara roared (╬◣д◢): "It's Haki!"
"Whatever."
Luffy waved dismissively. "Same thing."
Krara: ￣へ￣
"Onigumo's warship left."
Crocus's voice broadcast.
"Yay! Adventure time!"
Luffy jumped three feet high.
Under Crocus's guidance, the Going Merry headed for the exit.
"Krara, tell us about Haki?" Zoro asked.
"There are three types."
Krara didn't hold back.
"Armament, Observation, and Conqueror's."
"First two can be trained. Conqueror's—one in a million…"
"Sugoi! Awesome!"
Luffy exclaimed.
"Shut up—listen to Krara."
"Krara, teach us?"
"If you want—sure."
"Great!"
BAM~
"No hugging Krara!"
Amid the roughhousing, the Going Merry passed the long canal to open sea.
Seeing countless ship fragments on shore, they gasped.
How many pirate ships destroyed these days?
The East Blue kids finally felt the Grand Line's cruelty!!!
…
Robin's height advantage finally showed—plus her fruit.
Arlong's first time lasting only two hours.
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