Feeling the hostile gazes surrounding him, Don smiled faintly.
"I've gone easy on you."
And he truly had.
Under normal conditions, his abilities produced nothing more than ordinary flames. But even so, ordinary flames were not something an average person could withstand. A single touch could cause severe burns.
Capone Bege, however, didn't take it personally. Beyond some superficial burns, he was fine.
"What I need to remind you is this," Capone said carefully, his voice measured. "I can agree to help you find someone, but I will not come into conflict with the Marines or the World Government over this."
Capone was no longer a reckless youth. In his thirties, he had the clarity and wisdom that came with age. He knew that even as the head of the West Blue underworld, standing against the World Government or the Marines directly was impossible.
"Understood! I only need information," Don replied, nodding.
With Capone's assistance, the task became far simpler. Don no longer had to fish for needles in the vast sea.
A single command from a godfather-level figure like Capone Bege set the entire West Blue underground in motion, with intelligence exchanges happening at an unprecedented pace.
They sought news of Nico Robin's appearance.
A tall woman, clad in a dress, strode briskly through the streets. Standing over six feet, her height and presence were commanding. A hat partially concealed her face, but her cautious movements revealed her alertness.
She ducked her head slightly, weaving through the crowd, slipping into a side alley, and eventually reaching her temporary hideout.
A bounty of seventy-nine million Berries, coupled with her being a child prodigy, made Nico Robin a treasure to many for decades.
Ever since Ohara's destruction, Robin had lived a life of constant evasion, trusting no one. Through anonymity, betrayal, and relentless vigilance, she had survived into her twenty-first year without capture.
Yet, she had been spotted multiple times, sharpening her instincts.
Given her choice of hiding place, she naturally had some contact with the West Blue's underworld. She could sense those seeking information on her, as well as the persistent agents of the World Government.
Even after more than a decade, none of them had relaxed their pursuit.
"Huff!"
Robin removed her hat and exhaled deeply, revealing her delicate but weary features.
These years had been spent under constant caution. Every day felt like walking on a bowstring, every step tense.
She placed the purchased food on the table and headed to the bathroom. Stripping off her clothes, cold water splashed over her, refreshing her senses.
"Looks like I can't stay in the West Blue any longer," she murmured, wiping her arms.
She had long intended to leave, but her identity made sudden action impossible. She had to wait for the right opportunity. Any path out of the West Blue was surely watched by many, and passing safely required timing she could not yet predict.
"Why would they suddenly seek me out now?"
For money?
Robin shook her head slightly. If it were merely about the bounty, this sudden attention wouldn't have occurred. Her information network indicated that this news had only recently appeared in the underground world.
Deep in thought, she casually wiped off remaining droplets of water and slipped into a loose outfit.
But as soon as she stepped out of the bathroom, her body tensed.
She saw a man sitting at the table, eating the food she had purchased. His back faced her, his identity obscured, but a long blade rested against the table beside him.
Robin crossed her arms over her chest, eyes fixed on the sudden intruder.
"You're eating this? Not very tasty, not much nutrition either," Don said, chewing the rough bread before swallowing.
"Who… are you?"
Robin's vigilance remained unshaken, her gaze sharp and wary.
"Don," he said, turning to face her fully. "Relax, and sit."
He gestured toward the chair, placing the half-eaten bread down. Robin frowned, scrutinizing him carefully, then cautiously took a seat.
Don studied her face, noting every detail.
"Eat something. We'll be leaving soon. The World Government has sensed this place; they'll probably be here any minute," he said calmly.
"Who… are you?"
Robin's caution didn't waver, and rightly so. Without it, she wouldn't have survived this long in hiding.
"I'm Don. Fifteen years old. From the East Blue. Let me think… right, a bounty hunter," he answered.
"You're here to capture me!" Robin exclaimed instinctively.
Two slender arms extended from Don's shoulders.
"Don't use your powers; they won't work on me right now."
Don glanced at the arms briefly and even pinched them, making Robin stiffen, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I'm not here to capture you. I'm here to find you," Don said calmly.
"Why? Is it because of the bounty?"
Robin's eyes narrowed. With this young man's sudden appearance, she realized she had been discovered. Now, she had to figure out how to vanish from his sight.
He had also just mentioned that the World Government would arrive soon, and that urgency gnawed at her.
"You'll know soon enough. Are you sure you want to keep talking here? The World Government is almost here."
"I need to change my clothes!"
Robin tried to rise, but a hand pressed firmly on her shoulder.
"Eat something first, or you won't have the strength to run."
Don placed the partially eaten bread before her. Tightening her outfit, Robin sat back down, quickly taking a few bites before swallowing and retreating to the bathroom.
The rustle of clothing filled the air briefly, then fell silent.
Don, seated outside, shook his head slightly.
His arrival had indeed been abrupt.
This girl, having fled to the bathroom, had even installed a secret exit—truly cautious.
Yet there was no alternative. Though he had pinpointed her hideout via the underground intelligence network, such a commotion was bound to alert the World Government's agents. Most importantly, the whereabouts of Aokiji had also been discovered.
Drawing his sword, Don stood, opened the door, and stepped out. Turning a corner, he emerged onto the main street. Life continued as usual, people tending to their business.
Don extended his Observation Haki, following Robin discreetly from a distance.
END OF CHAPTER
patreon.com/MrBehringer
Fireborne Legends
🔹 Rising Bounty – Read up to 15 chapters ahead
🔸 Legendary Bounty – Command up to 35 chapters ahead