That night, in the Flower Capital, beneath the General's residence.
The long staircase descended deep into the darkness, and the crisp sound of footsteps echoed through the dimly lit corridor.
Caesar held a torch as he made his way down the stairs.
This was the area beneath Kozuki Sukiyaki's secret room, connected to the seabed beneath Wano Country, and also the place where the four Road Poneglyphs leading to Laugh Tale were hidden.
In the darkness, the torchlight flickered faintly, and the surroundings were eerily quiet.
As the air grew increasingly damp, Caesar finally reached the bottom.
The massive red Poneglyph suddenly appeared before Caesar's eyes. Its crimson stone surface was covered with green moss at the corners, sitting quietly in the darkness.
Caesar raised his hand, and a card with the image of a beautiful woman suddenly appeared in his grasp.
The card shattered, and a flash of golden light burst forth. A figure clad in black leather materialized in front of Caesar.
Creak…
The leather boots lightly stepped on the decaying wooden floor. Nico Robin quickly steadied herself, her crimson eyes scanning the surroundings with caution before she turned her wary gaze to the man before her.
"I apologize for keeping you confined for so long, Miss Robin."
Caesar gestured with his hand, and a faint mist of blood began to dissipate from Robin's body. As the mist faded, her crimson eyes returned to their original dark color.
Noticing Caesar's pajamas, Robin's eyes flickered slightly as she quickly extracted useful information from his words.
"It seems a long time has passed. Where are we now?"
"Wano Country, the stronghold of Kaido of the Four Emperors."
Caesar gave her an appreciative look. "You're very composed."
"Well, my mind is still stuck in Sleepy Hollow Town."
Robin smiled, suppressing the unease in her heart. "So, Mr. Vampire, have you joined forces with Kaido of the Four Emperors?"
"For now, yes. But in two or three months, we'll be leaving."
Caesar chuckled, slowly raising his hand and pointing his slender finger in the direction behind Robin. "But before that, didn't I promise you? The Poneglyph…"
Robin followed the direction of Caesar's finger, and the crimson Poneglyph came into view, causing her pupils to tremble slightly.
"This is…"
"The Road Poneglyph."
Caesar spoke calmly. "Unlike the other Poneglyphs, this one contains information on how to reach the final island, Laugh Tale. However, it's only one-fourth of the whole. The remaining three are elsewhere."
Robin looked at Caesar in surprise, noticing that his demeanor was completely different from when they were in Sleepy Hollow Town.
Back in Sleepy Hollow Town, Caesar had given her the impression of being polite and elegant, yet with a hint of tension beneath the surface. After gaining his abilities, he had shown a touch of youthful arrogance.
Now, however, he exuded a more carefree and composed aura. His physique had also become more robust, and beneath his calm exterior, there seemed to lurk a dormant beast, exuding an indescribable sense of pressure.
"So, how long has it actually been? Was I sealed away?"
"Sealed… you could say that."
Caesar smiled apologetically and briefly recounted the events of the past few months.
"That day, I wasn't very lucky. I had just awakened my Conqueror's Haki, and unfortunately, Kaido happened to be passing by the sky island above us. He noticed me. Counting the time, it's been over two months since Kaido captured me and brought me here."
"Two months..."
Robin gave Caesar a complicated look. "This shouldn't be the ability of a Vampire, right?"
"That's my secret... Let's just consider it a Devil Fruit ability for now."
Caesar raised his index finger to his lips. "A lot has happened in these two months, but considering your special identity, I never let you out. Of course, your time was completely frozen during this period, so for you, it was just a brief moment."
"So, you're letting me out now to fulfill the deal between us?"
"That's one reason."
Caesar nodded gently. "The other reason is that I should have enough power to protect you now."
Robin looked at Caesar with some surprise. "Protect?"
"Aren't you my secretary?"
Caesar spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. "As the boss, isn't it my duty to protect my subordinates?"
Recalling their previous conversation in Sleepy Hollow Town, Robin's eyes flickered. "Speaking of which... Boss, you still haven't told me about Saul's whereabouts."
"He's in Elbaf, the Land of Giants."
Caesar spoke indifferently. "I'm not entirely clear about his experiences over the years, but if you want to go find him, I suggest you wait a little longer."
"And the reason?"
"Although I don't really care about such things, it seems only you can bring the truth of history to the world. Of course, I don't care about the world either..."
Caesar's tone was serious. "If I had to say, it's because I need you."
Robin couldn't help but chuckle. "Ara, that sounds like a confession."
"This isn't a joke..."
Caesar smiled faintly. "The world, history—none of it matters to me. But you, who can influence the future of the world, matter to me."
Hearing this, Robin's smile faded slightly. "Then, Mr. Caesar... what is your goal?"
"I want to try... to overturn this sea!"
Caesar held up a torch, taking two steps forward. The firelight illuminated the crimson Poneglyph, breathing a bit of life into the ancient, weathered inscription.
"To drag down those arrogant pigs from their high thrones, to bring freedom and hope to every corner of the world, to become the one and only emperor, to unify the world, to make all seas bow, and to accomplish a feat no one has ever achieved in history!"
His young voice echoed resolutely in the darkness. Robin's mouth opened slightly as she stared at Caesar in astonishment.
"That's quite... an extraordinary dream."
"It's an ideal."
Caesar laughed heartily. "You might not believe it, but in my homeland, this was an ideal every man once had."
And more than one person had even achieved it...
Robin hesitated. "Just... the two of us?"
"It's three now."
Caesar laughed again. "Kaidou's daughter is my girlfriend. Her strength isn't inferior to Kaidou's right-hand man. We've agreed to set sail together."
Robin: "???"
Kaidou's daughter?
Your girlfriend?
What on earth happened in these two months?
Thinking of the photo of Kaidou she had once seen in the newspaper, Robin couldn't help but imagine a muscular, devilish woman, five or six meters tall, with a blue face, fangs, and a Spiked Club slung over her shoulder.
Then she glanced at Caesar's tall, handsome figure.
Robin's tone was complicated. "It seems you've had quite a tough time."
"You seem to be thinking something very rude..."
Caesar glanced at her: "Yamato is quite beautiful! Just a bit tall."
"How tall?"
"About two meters sixty-seven."
Hearing this, Robin's gaze towards Caesar became even more impolite.
"I have ways to alter my physique!!"
"Ara, my apologies…"
A melodious laugh lightened the oppressive atmosphere brought by the dark surroundings.
"So, what's your answer?"
"...I'll be in your care from now on, boss."
Robin smiled slightly. Caesar seemed to know a lot about the Poneglyphs, which was exactly what she needed.
And just as Caesar had said, she, who could influence the future of the world to some extent, was also what Caesar needed.
From this perspective, joining Caesar was the best choice for her.
She wasn't sure if this choice was right or wrong, but at this stage, she didn't have any better options.
"What I'm more concerned about now is, what will happen in the next few months? Will you seal me away again?"
"Your bounty should still be from when you were a child, right?"
Caesar had no intention of keeping Robin hidden again: "I've successfully taken control of this country's power. I can arrange a suitable identity for you, but of course, don't casually reveal your abilities."
As he spoke, Caesar casually tossed a ring to Robin.
Robin instinctively caught it, but suddenly felt a wave of weakness throughout her body.
"Is this… Sea Prism Stone?"
"Wano Country is the source of Sea Prism Stone. The craftsmen here have mastered the technique of processing it. The Poneglyphs you're pursuing were also engraved by the former ruling family of this country—the Kozuki Clan."
Caesar explained: "Just wear the ring at all times. Prolonged exposure to low-purity Sea Prism Stone will help you quickly adapt to this feeling of weakness."
Robin looked at Caesar: "Aren't you curious? About Laugh Tale?"
"I'm not interested in that. Besides, reaching Laugh Tale doesn't automatically make you the Pirate King. Before that, you need to sail the Grand Line first. I plan to find a few companions first."
"Does the captain plan to become a pirate?"
"I don't care about titles. Who knows, I might suddenly feel like declaring war on the World Government halfway through."
Caesar held a torch and walked ahead, while Robin silently followed him, heading towards the surface.
Early the next morning, at the General's residence.
Yamato yawned as she woke from her sleep, reaching out to the side but unexpectedly finding it empty.
"Huh?"
Groggily propping herself up, Yamato sleepily opened her eyes: "Caesar?"
"Over here."
Caesar's voice came from the window. Yamato turned towards the sound and noticed her man having a meal accompanied by another woman.
It was a very beautiful woman, with fair skin, a gentle low ponytail, wearing a sleeveless Japanese-style short dress, and a black kimono draped over her shoulders. Her fair legs were crossed, the soles of her feet glowing with a healthy rosy hue. Her posture leaned slightly towards Caesar, clearly showing a submissive attitude towards him. (Following the manga's depiction, as the fair-skinned Robin in the manga is more attractive and super sexy.)
"Huh?"
Yamato rubbed her eyes and sat up, looking at the two in surprise: "Is this a new woman you've found, Caesar?"
"Hehe…"
Seeing Yamato's adorable confusion, Robin couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle softly.
Previously, Caesar had mentioned that Yamato was very beautiful, but Robin found it hard to believe, especially since Kaidou's appearance was so deeply ingrained in her mind.
It wasn't until she saw Yamato with her own eyes that she agreed with Caesar's words.
Indeed, Yamato was a stunning beauty, arguably the most beautiful woman Robin had ever seen, and her personality was simple and adorable.
After all, most women wouldn't react the way Yamato did upon seeing their man in close proximity to another woman.
Caesar pointed at Robin and said, "This is our future companion, temporarily accompanying me as a concubine. You can call her—Ah Bin?"
"Call me Viola," Robin said indifferently. "Ah Bin sounds terrible..."
"Viola?"
Caesar raised an eyebrow. The name was likely derived from the latter part of Robin's mother's name, Olvia, and it did sound better than the Ah Bin he had come up with.
"Oh! Nice to meet you! I'm Yamato! Kaidou's daughter!"
Yamato sat up energetically, kneeling in front of Robin with her hands on her knees. "So, Viola is Caesar's woman, right?"
"Guess there's no need to explain... but whatever."
Robin chuckled softly behind her hand. "Aren't you angry?"
On the way back last night, Caesar had briefly explained what had happened during this period.
Robin found it hard to believe that in just over two months, Caesar had already taken control of Wano Country's political power and even managed to win over Kaidou's daughter!
How did he do it?
Just because he's handsome?
Or... because he can change his body size?
"Angry?"
Yamato scratched her head. "Isn't it a good thing that Caesar is liked by others?"
Robin was momentarily stunned, then turned to look at Caesar. "Boss, you're really lucky to have such a simple-minded girl."
"That's true..."
Caesar nodded in agreement.
Yamato's simplicity made him feel a bit guilty.
"Haha..."
Hearing Robin's words, Yamato smiled brightly. "Viola is also a very nice person, and so beautiful!"
"Oh my, that's such a compliment."
Robin propped her chin on her hand, a faint smile on her face. "By the way... how old are you, Yamato?"
"22!"
Yamato replied enthusiastically. "And you, Viola?"
Robin chuckled. "Two years older than you."
Caesar grinned. "I'm 18."
Robin instantly lost her smile. "Actually, even if you didn't say it, no one would care about your age."
"Caesar is only 18?"
Yamato looked surprised and started counting on her fingers. "That means I'm four years older than you. So, I'll grow old before you? And you have the Vampire Fruit, which keeps you eternally youthful. That's really troubling..."
"Don't worry, I've already thought of a solution."
Caesar had long considered the issue of lifespan and age limitations.
In the world of pirates, there are items that can break the limits of lifespan.
Since the Vampire Fruit from the official extended game exists, then the legendary Pure Gold couldn't just be a myth!
Pure Gold!
From the movie "Heart of Gold," a legendary substance with special radiation that can halt the wearer's aging and even diseases.
The world of pirates is truly fascinating.
In the Harry Potter universe, this thing would far surpass the value of the Philosopher's Stone.
Nicolas Flamel lived for six hundred years using the Elixir of Life,
aging until he was frail and his bones creaked.
The little girl with the Golden Heart has lived for two hundred years, yet she hasn't changed a bit.
He must get his hands on this thing!
(End of Chapter)