When Robin had first separated from the people of Ohara, she returned to the West Blue, hoping she might somehow find Malverick again.
But she found nothing.
Later, she heard rumors — first that he was on the Grand Line, then that he'd been seen in the North Blue.
The Grand Line was far too dangerous for her right now.
So she chose the only option she could — to head for the North Blue.
It had only been a few days since she arrived when trouble found her.
Robin had only wanted to find a quiet place to rest —
but someone had recognized her.
Now, sitting on a pirate ship, she looked down at her bounty poster, then at the terrified faces of the men kneeling before her.
She sighed.
Robin had killed before, but only in self-defense — only those who had tried to capture her for a reward.
She had never killed so many at once.
"Forget it," she said softly. "Leave, before I change my mind."
If it were the Robin of eight years old — the lonely girl who'd lost everything — she wouldn't have hesitated.
But she wasn't that girl anymore.
"Y-Yes, thank you!" the pirates stammered, scrambling to leave.
But behind her back, several of them were already raising their guns.
Just as they were about to pull the trigger—
A black mist descended from the sky, swallowing the ship.
An immense gravitational force drew every pirate together, fusing them into a struggling heap.
Only Robin remained untouched.
Startled, she backed away — and suddenly bumped into someone behind her.
Turning around, she froze.
Standing there, calm and familiar, was Malverick himself.
She stared at him, eyes wide.
The face from the newspapers — the one she'd searched for years — was right in front of her.
"What's wrong?" he teased. "It's only been a few years — don't tell me you've forgotten me already?"
Malverick had only meant to pass overhead, but seeing Robin here had caught him by surprise too.
Nico Robin — Paramecia-Type "Flower-Flower Fruit" user — Power Level: Platinum — No points for defeating her.
Robin was still too stunned to speak — until Malverick reached out and pinched her ear.
"Ah—ouch! It hurts! Let go!" she yelped, clutching his hand.
He didn't. Instead, he tugged her back toward the deck.
With a wave of his hand, the black mist dispersed, revealing the mass of pirates still trapped together, unable to move or even speak.
"Don't give me that look," he said flatly. "You know what these people are, right? Pirates. They tried to kill you. Surely you realize that?"
"It's fine," Robin murmured. "I could have dodged their shots."
She had been careless, yes — but she truly believed she would've survived.
Malverick's expression hardened.
"How many times did I tell you when you were younger?" he said quietly.
"Mercy to your enemy is cruelty to yourself. You hesitated — I saw it."
Robin bit her lip, unable to deny it.
"Alright," she sighed, "I understand… just let go, my ear's red already!"
He finally released her — and then handed her a gun.
Robin froze. She understood immediately what he wanted.
The pirates were still alive for one reason — for her to finish what she started.
"Do I really have to?" she whispered.
His response was a flick to her forehead — and a cold, emotionless stare.
At last, Robin lifted the gun.
With her Devil Fruit powers, she sprouted dozens of extra arms, each one holding a firearm.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The air filled with gunfire and screams.
When it was over, silence.
Malverick nodded approvingly.
"Let's go. I'll take you to a nearby town."
The sky was darkening — time to rest.
He spread his wings to fly, but Robin tugged on his coat.
"I can't fly," she said softly, glancing up. "You'll have to hold me."
He gave her a look.
The Flower-Flower Fruit could let her fly — he was sure of it.
"You seriously don't know how?"
"I don't. So, are you carrying me or not?"
After half a minute of stubborn silence, Malverick sighed.
He slipped an arm under her knees and another around her back — and together, they rose into the air.
Behind them, the pirate ship trembled, collapsed in on itself, and sank beneath the waves.
"Boss, one room, please!"
In the nearest town, Robin dragged Malverick into an inn.
The owner looked them over — a young man and woman — and gave a knowing smile.
Before he could grab a key, Malverick tapped the counter.
"Make that two rooms."
The innkeeper froze, staring at him as if to say, Are you an idiot, kid?
Robin crossed her arms. "One is enough."
Clang!
A gold bar hit the counter with a heavy thud.
"Two rooms," Malverick repeated. "Your choice, boss."
The innkeeper swallowed hard — and handed over two keys.
Robin glared, but there was no arguing with money.
At the door to their rooms, she turned her key, opened the door —
then suddenly grabbed Malverick by the collar, yanked him inside, and slammed the door shut.
He stumbled, pressed against the wall as Robin jabbed a finger into his chest.
"What's the matter?" she demanded. "Sharing a room with me is that unbearable?"
"No," he said calmly, "I just think it's more comfortable when we each have our own space."
(Somewhere far away, Gion sneezed: "Wait—what? That's not what you said back then!")
"Also," Malverick added, pushing her gently aside, "don't crowd me."
He stepped into the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face.
When he came out, Robin had already started talking — telling him everything that had happened since Ohara, every close call, every escape.
And when she finished, she looked at him with determination.
"From now on," she said, "I'm staying with you."
Malverick frowned. "Don't. I'm leaving the North Blue soon — heading for the Grand Line. It's dangerous."
"Then I'll go myself," she huffed, crossing her arms.
He stared at her — then sighed in defeat.
He couldn't exactly tie her down, could he?
"Fine," he said at last. "You can come."
And just like that — Nico Robin joined Malverick's journey.
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