Robin was stunned.
This didn't feel like a pirate's dream at all.
From the beginning, she had suspected that Rolan knew she was an orphan from Ohara. Even with a bounty, not just anyone could casually say her name—her bounty had been placed when she was only eight.
But now, hearing Rolan speak, she was certain he knew.
She studied him, wary.
Rolan caught her expression immediately. Calmly, he said, "I need your help. My dream cannot be realized without you."
A wave of desolation swept over Robin. Of course… Rolan is no different from other pirates; they're all after the ancient weapon.
She had assumed a pirate who dared to attack the Celestial Dragons might be different.
But her thoughts were transparent to Rolan, who could sense emotions and intentions with his Electromagnetic Fruit powers.
"I'm not after the ancient weapon," he continued. "Don't you think this world is absurd? A band of thieves founded the World Government, claiming descent from the Creator. They even named themselves Celestial Dragons. It's ridiculous."
Robin stared at him blankly, but she believed much of what he said. The poneglyphs she had studied all pointed to the same truth.
"I have a dream," Rolan said, appearing atop the turtle's hat. He extended his right hand to the sky, opening his fingers before clenching them tightly. "This world is sick, you know? I plan to overturn things."
Robin's gaze burned with emotion, unsure what to say.
Rolan turned back to her with a sincere smile. "So, Nico Robin, will you help me?"
Robin froze. She couldn't follow him on words alone. Over the years, she had witnessed deceit and hidden agendas countless times. Many spoke more smoothly than Rolan yet hid their true intentions.
Rolan returned to his seat. "I know you don't trust me yet. Time is the best test of hearts. Are you willing to take a gamble?"
He extended his hand.
Robin hesitated, studying his sincere, youthful eyes. Finally, she reached out and took his hand.
"Then, it's a pleasure to work with you, Captain Rolan."
"Pleasure to work with you!" Rolan squeezed her hand gently. "I know about your past, So from now on, I will protect you."
Adults often break down in a moment. Robin met his gentle gaze, and tears streamed like broken pearls.
Rolan held her close.
She had lived through separation from her mother at age eight, watched everything she knew burn, became an orphan, and carried a bounty of 79 million berries. Survival forced her to rely on various organizations, and even adults would struggle to endure such a life.
This embrace was one of comfort, not romance.
After a while, Robin pulled back, her eyes red. "I'm sorry. You saw my weak side."
Rolan gently wiped her tears. "It's alright. There are countless others suffering in this world. As long as we stand together, I believe we can change it."
Now, Robin fully trusted him. She nodded. "It will be difficult, but I will lend you my strength."
"Let's go. Time to pick up the others."
Using his Electromagnetic Blade, Rolan cut the chains binding the turtle and carriage, controlling it to fly toward Kuro and the crew. The vehicle moved swiftly, soon arriving in front of them.
"Hey, Rolan, who's she?"
Nami eyed Robin suspiciously, pointing at her. Lina's gaze also flickered with curiosity.
Rolan landed the carriage smoothly. He and Robin stepped out together.
Nami clutched Rolan's arm as if fearing Robin would take him away.
Rolan introduced them patiently. "This is Nico Robin, a historian who can decipher the history left by our predecessors."
"This is Kuro, the strategist of the crew."
"This is Roronoa Zoro, the swordsman."
"This is Lina, the chef."
"This is Nami, the navigator."
Rolan patted Nami's head. "Alright, Nami. She's one of us now. Be sure to get along."
Nami looked up at him. "You smell like her perfume!"
Rolan scratched his head awkwardly. Zoro and Kuro suppressed chuckles at seeing him like this.
Robin pulled a cloth bag from her bag, shaking it. "I just found some jewels in the desert. Who should I give them to?"
"Rolan-kun, you're the best! I love you!"
Watching Nami clutch the jewels with sparkling eyes, Rolan shook his head with a small smile.
"Let's go."
Snap!
With a snap of Nami's fingers, clouds lifted them, speeding them toward the oasis.
---
Rainbase
"Go quickly! Find Rolan!" Crocodile barked at the kneeling special agent, voice sharp with anger.
"Crocodile, no need. I'll handle this myself."
"Who is it?"
Crocodile's gaze snapped to the doorway. His pupils constricted. "You're Rolan?"
"The one and only." Rolan spread his hands, smiling.
Crocodile stared, trying to read him, but Rolan's grin remained effortless.
"What brings you here?"
Rolan's crew entered slowly, taking their seats with ease. Only now did Crocodile notice Robin was with them.
"Nico Robin! Why are you with them?"
Crocodile had not been in Alabasta long, and Baroque Works was still forming. He hadn't expected Robin, intelligent and efficient, to side with them.
Robin remained silent, sitting quietly.
Rolan spoke calmly. "Crocodile, let's make a deal."
---