"What?"
Nico Robin's expression changed slightly.
On her way here, she had thought a lot about Crocodile's reaction.
for example.
Leave Arabasta, abandon Baroque Works, and go into hiding for now.
for example.
They brought their own forces and chose one of the Four Emperors to serve.
For example.
Following in the footsteps of Dracule Mihawk, he chose to remain silent, voluntarily donned the collar, and temporarily became a lackey of the Marines.
Because Rosen has already become a Marine Admiral, and is only one step away from becoming a Fleet Admiral, and can take that step anytime, anywhere.
Time is running out for the Shichibukai.
Crocodile simply didn't have time to execute any more Utopia Operation.
Therefore, Nico Robin was not surprised that the other side abandoned the Utopia Operation Plan; what surprised her was Crocodile's choice.
It has come to this point.
Crocodile is still unwilling to give up the Ancient Weapons, and instead seems to be desperate.
I'll let you have it.
"Think about it."
Crocodile stared at Nico Robin and spoke slowly and deliberately, as if he would kill her if she couldn't come up with a satisfactory solution.
"Feel sorry."
"Mr. Crocodile."
"Even someone as important as you needs to devise the Utopia Plan to acquire ancient weapons. Now you want me to come up with a method that is superior to yours? I really can't do it."
Sensing the palpable murderous aura emanating from every corner of the office, Nico Robin remained calm and composed.
"snort!"
Upon hearing this, Crocodile was unsure whether he was pleased by Nico Robin's flattery or simply hadn't expected her to come up with a solution.
After he let out a cold snort, most of the chilling killing intent that had spread out in all directions dissipated.
"You didn't expect that, did you?"
"So that's how it is."
"Your only value lies in interpreting Poneglyphs."
Crocodile rose from his chair and said something rather meaningful.
"That's enough."
"Isn't that so?"
Nico Robin met Crocodile's gaze with a slight smile.
You'd better not lie to me.
"after all."
"The Poneglyph, I will soon place it before you."
Crocodile naturally understood Nico Robin's implied meaning.
past.
The other party's role becomes incredibly significant.
Now.
In an era of rampant chaos, Nico Robin's value has only increased.
"I don't quite understand what you mean, Mr. Crocodile!"
Nico Robin was startled.
"Don't you understand?"
"Then follow me."
"That way you'll understand."
As Crocodile brushed past Nico Robin, he left behind a message:
"Of course, you don't have to come."
"After all, Rosen is only targeting the Shichibukai, not you."
"But if you miss this opportunity, you may never see the Poneglyph again."
After saying that.
Crocodile walked out of the office without looking back.
"Poneglyph".
Nico Robin watched Crocodile's retreating figure, her eyes flickering uncertainly.
She had already been considering leaving.
Just as Crocodile said, Rosen has his sights set on the Shichibukai.
Having dealt with two Yonko in quick succession, she didn't believe Crocodile could offer her protection.
The premise for their initial cooperation was that Crocodile would provide shelter in exchange for her ability to decipher the Poneglyphs.
Now that Crocodile is no longer qualified to protect her, she naturally had the idea of leaving.
"Is this why you called me here?"
Crocodile.
Nico Robin sighed inwardly.
As expected of Crocodile, he sensed that she might be considering leaving, but he didn't react. He even pretended not to know and then, with just a few words, not only dispelled her idea of leaving, but also used the Poneglyphs as bait to extinguish her plan to leave Baroque Works.
"You win."
Crocodile.
Thinking this, Nico Robin murmured to herself, then turned and followed Crocodile in the direction he had left.
Nothing preserves her better than the Poneglyphs.
"Congratulations."
"Made the right choice."
Nico Robin.
Hearing footsteps behind him, Crocodile, who was standing at the entrance of the Rain Dinners, grinned.
"Mr. Crocodile, what do you intend to do?"
Nico Robin, who followed, didn't answer but asked a question instead.
"You'll find out when we get to Alubarna."
"I promise."
"The Poneglyph will be placed in front of you at that time."
Crocodile gave a half-smile and then, without saying another word, set off for the capital of Arabasta.
To get to Alubarna faster.
He simply found two domesticated Bananawani to use as transportation, and then sped away.
However,
The two who left were unaware that in a shop not far from the Rain Dinners Casino...
at this time.
As the shop owner, she got up and went to a restroom, took out a Den Den Mushi from a dark corner, and dialed a number.
Crocodile.
Nico Robin.
"The casino the two left from was likely in the capital of Arabasta, judging from the direction they were heading."
As soon as the call connected, she briefly explained Crocodile and Nico Robin's whereabouts, and then hung up without waiting for a reply.
As a member of the Criminal Investigation Bureau of this headquarters.
She has only one task.
Hidden near the Rain Dinners, monitoring Crocodile and Nico Robin's movements.
As for the rest, it's not her responsibility, nor does it require her to.
Just do this one thing and you're good to go.
On the other side.
As the species in Arabasta with the second fastest long-distance running speed after the running duck, the Bananawani's long-distance running ability goes without saying.
Using Bananawani as a means of transportation.
They were on a relentless, day-and-night raid.
In less than two days, a city standing majestically in the desert came into view of Crocodile and Nico Robin.
Neither Crocodile nor Nico Robin are ordinary people.
Therefore, after the long journey, there was not a trace of fatigue on their faces.
Therefore, upon arriving in the capital Alubarna, they did not rest at all and went directly to the Arabasta Royal Palace located in the center of the capital.
Crocodile.
"He won't think about it."
Nico Robin looked at the palace that was so close by, then at Crocodile walking ahead of her, and a thought suddenly popped into her head.
Upon realizing the other party's intentions, her first thought was that Crocodile had gone mad, and her second thought was to leave.
"If I were you, I would never choose to leave at this time."
"That's right, as one of the Shichibukai, I am Rosen's prey. But are you really willing to miss out on the Poneglyph that's within your grasp?"
"Whether you leave or stay, my decision will not change. This incident will make you the focus of the Marines."
Although Crocodile has his back to Nico Robin, he seems to possess the ability to read people's minds:
"Nico Robin, what do you think your ideal is?"
"Can something be accomplished just by talking big?"
"You better remember this: so-called ideals are 'reality' that only those with the ability can talk about. And if you want to firmly grasp 'reality,' you have to bet everything."
Just as Nico Robin was having the thought of leaving, Crocodile suddenly spoke up.
"I am only responsible for interpreting the Poneglyphs; everything else is none of my business."
Nico Robin remained silent.
To achieve great things, one need not regret one's life.
Of course she understood this principle.
Knowing that whether she stayed or left, she could not stop Crocodile's ambition and madness, she had no choice but to stay.
Nothing more.
As Crocodile said, with his outburst, he, as the son of a devil, would inevitably become the focus of the Marines as well.
Once Crocodile is collared, everything that happens in Arabasta will be known to the Marines.
At that time, I will inevitably be unable to remain unscathed.
Since that's the case, why not take a gamble now?
I'm betting the Poneglyphs are in Arabasta.
However, Nico Robin made a final stand.
Since she couldn't stop Crocodile from going berserk, she could only choose to stand by and watch.
Anyway, she's not a Marine or a Sea Hunter, so there's no need for her to risk her life to stop Crocodile for the sake of the Marines, the World Government, or Arabasta.
"We don't need your help at all."
"I alone can conquer the Kingdom of Arabasta."
"As for you, just do your job as a translator."
Upon hearing this, Crocodile first scoffed, then uttered a shocking statement.
He never expected Nico Robin to help him, nor did he need her help.
From beginning to end.
He only believes in his own strength.
With this thought in mind, Crocodile's gaze was fixed on the Arabasta Royal Palace, which was getting closer and closer to him.
…
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