Riccardo Island, West Blue:
"Hahahahaha, I heard that the Devil Child, Nico Robin, has come to our island. This is a big deal worth 79 million Berries! I wonder if I'll be lucky enough to meet her. If I do, I'll be rich!"
"Don't even mention it, I saw her a few days ago, but I don't know how she managed to slip away. Now I can't find her no matter how hard I look. It's such a pity!"
"This Devil Child is just a kid, why would the Marine offer such a high bounty? What did she do?"
"Who knows? That's not our concern. We just need to catch her and exchange her for the bounty with the Marine!"
"Speaking of which, that pisses me off. Ninety percent of the Marine branches in the West Blue have been wiped out. Now I don't even know where to find a Marine branch!"
"…"
Many people in the bars of the West Blue were discussing Robin, but they didn't expect that the real Robin had disguised herself to look like a boy and was working in the back kitchen of a bar, stoking the fire and cooking.
"Grrr! Grrr!!!"
However, stoking the fire on an empty stomach and smelling the aroma of the food made Robin's stomach rumble uncontrollably, and she became even hungrier.
"Kid, this is your dinner for today. Eat it and scram!"
After finally enduring until dinner time, the meal she received was just leftover food from others in the bar. The most important thing was that not only was there no meat, but the bowl wasn't even full!
"Wuwuwuwu!!"
After eating the leftovers, Robin went to the drafty woodshed, lay in a corner, and cried silently. She didn't even dare to cry out loud, afraid that others would know someone was hiding and sleeping in the woodshed.
"Mama, Dr. Clover, where are you? Robin misses you so much!"
It had been over two months since Robin escaped from Ohara. She had seen a lot of darkness outside and lived in fear every day.
She was either afraid of being captured for the bounty or being caught and sold by slave traders, and she was also afraid of going hungry every day.
She now deeply missed her life in Ohara. Although the people there disliked her, at least she didn't have to worry about being captured. Although she often didn't have enough to eat, at least the Doctors would help her out, and she could also find wild fruits to eat. She could also read her favorite history books every day and had made a Giant companion.
But that unforgettable Ohara had been destroyed by the Marine's cannon fire. Mama, her Giant companion, and Dr. Clover had all died. Only she was left from the entire Ohara!
In this lonely and cold night, Robin shed tears, reminiscing about the past, and gradually cried herself to sleep!
"I can't stay here any longer. I need to find another place. If I stay, that fire cook will become suspicious!"
After six days of stoking the fire in the bar kitchen, Robin decisively chose to leave. After two months of fleeing, she could roughly tell whether others were suspicious of her.
"Go near the port and see if there's a chance to leave this island!"
While stoking the fire in the back kitchen of the bar, Robin occasionally went outside to eavesdrop on what people in the bar were talking about. Many people were talking about her, so Robin felt a great sense of crisis and needed to leave this island as soon as possible!
However, just as Robin was running along a small path to the port, she saw two people at a turn.
One was a beautiful older sister in a blue dress, and the other was a tall, imposing man who looked daunting. She also felt that this man looked very familiar, as if she had seen him somewhere before!
"World's Greatest Swordsman, the World's Strongest Man, Nox!"
After taking a second look, Robin finally knew who the man in front of her was. At this moment, Robin's heart exploded like thunder. Was even the man known as the World's Strongest Man coming for her, the Devil Child?
"Little one, don't overthink it. Your 79 million Berry bounty is far less than mine!"
The moment he saw Robin, Nox knew what she was thinking. He was the World's Strongest Man, so why did he seem to be only about money in the eyes of this little one?
"Then, then if there's nothing, I'll go first!"
After hearing Nox's words, Robin immediately remembered that with Nox's status, how could he specifically come for her, the Devil Child? Perhaps in his eyes, she was simply insignificant. With that, Robin just wanted to leave this place and get out of this man's sight as quickly as possible!
"If you leave like this, don't you want to see Dr. Clover and the others from Ohara? They are all still alive."
Just as Robin turned around, Nox's light words instantly cracked Robin's heart, which had been frozen!
"You, you mean, Dr. Clover and the others didn't die? They are all still alive?"
Hearing Nox's words, Robin immediately turned back, looking at Nox with endless hope in her eyes.
For the past two months, she had imagined every moment that Dr. Clover and the others were still alive, but those were just fantasies, and she knew it was impossible. But now that these words came from Nox's mouth, even if it was just a lie, she hoped it was true!
"That's right, they are all still alive. When Ohara was destroyed, we rescued them. They are now living in seclusion in a certain place. If you want to see them, come with us!"
Nox nodded.
Then, Nox and Shakky walked towards a room next to them.
When Robin heard Nox's words, her body couldn't help but follow behind Nox.
Even though her reason told her that this was likely Nox's lie, her body was completely out of her rational control.
When Robin followed Nox and the others into the room, Robin's eyes immediately went black, and she was instantly hypnotized and fell asleep.
"Husband, you are too cautious. She is just a child!"
Seeing Robin being hypnotized and about to fall to the ground, Shakky picked Robin up, and then they walked into the mirror together, directly arriving at the Sky Island where the Ohara scholars lived.
"Captain Nox, why are you here?"
Seeing Nox and Shakky, Dr. Clover was very surprised. Although Dr. Clover knew that the Limitless Pirates had saved them, it was the first time Nox had come here.
"I happened to meet your little Doctor from Ohara who was wandering outside, so I brought her back!"
Nox said lightly.
"This is Nico Robin, I'll leave her to you!"
Shakky handed the sleeping Robin to Dr. Clover.
"Robin, it's really Robin, this child!"
Dr. Clover said excitedly after seeing Robin clearly, whom Shakky handed over.
"Captain, it's fine for us scholars to live here, but Robin is still young. Can she live in the Sea?"
But after the excitement, Dr. Clover worried about Robin's future. In his opinion, they scholars were already dead people and it was fine to live in seclusion on Sky Island, but Robin was still young, and her future should be on the Sea, not spent on this small Sky Island!
"Yes, I will take her to live in the Limitless Sea in half a month, but only if she wants to go. If she doesn't want to go, I won't force her!"
Nox nodded.
Robin would be a talent in the future, and of course, he wouldn't refuse such a request. Anyway, Nox's idea for such talents was the more, the merrier.
The destruction of Ohara happened just as Nox was preparing to hunt Gorosei Mars. Shakky only saved the scholars and didn't directly save Robin.
Firstly, he didn't want the World Government to know that the Limitless Pirates had a connection with Ohara, and he didn't want the World Government to think that the Limitless Pirates were also pursuing the Void Century, thus arousing Imu's suspicion.
Secondly, he didn't want any mistakes to occur at the critical moment of hunting the Gorosei, which would make the Gorosei vigilant.
Therefore, Nox didn't directly send the Limitless Pirates to save Robin at that time.
"Thank you, Captain!"
After getting Nox's answer, Dr. Clover said happily. It could be said that Robin was the inheritor of their Ohara and would represent their Ohara to continue walking on the Sea!
"Dr. Clover? Am I dreaming?"
After Nox left, Robin woke up from the hypnosis. Looking at the familiar Dr. Clover in front of her, Robin was full of confusion and helplessness!
"Robin, you are not dreaming. Come and see, everyone is here!"
"We were rescued by the members of the Limitless Pirates before and have been living in seclusion here…"
Dr. Clover told Robin the process and outcome of what had happened.
"Wuwuwuwu, Dr. Clover, it's really you, you really didn't die, Robin misses you so much!!"
After Dr. Clover's explanation, Robin's tears immediately flowed down, and then she cried out all the grievances of these days loudly and unrestrainedly. She cried and cried and then fell asleep. She had lived too hard these days, and once her nerves relaxed, she fell into a dream. This was the only time Robin didn't have a nightmare and slept very deeply!
When Robin woke up, she saw the familiar Doctors and scholars, the large library, and numerous books. Robin felt as if she was still in a dream.
In the past half a month, Robin had lived a happier life than before.
"Robin, how have you been feeling these days?"
Dr. Clover asked gently.
"Mm-hmm, Dr. Clover, I feel very good. I really like living here, it's like a dream."
Robin said happily. After all, compared to the past two months of wandering and fleeing, she felt even happier here than she did in Ohara, because the scholars and Dr. Clover here cared for her very much.
"Robin, half a month has passed, and you should leave here now. I have told Captain Nox that he will take you to live in the Sea below and join the Limitless Pirates. Then you won't have to be afraid of the Marine and other Pirate groups capturing you, because the Limitless Pirates will protect you!"
Dr. Clover said.
"Doctor, can I not go to the Limitless Pirates? I don't want to leave Dr. Clover, I don't want to leave everyone!"
Having finally reunited with Dr. Clover and the others, the young Robin didn't want to leave.
"Robin, Sky Island is too small. Your future should be the wider Sea, not being trapped here all the time."
"Whether it's for the inheritance of Ohara or for yourself, you shouldn't be trapped here all the time. The Limitless Pirates are very powerful, powerful enough to make you not fear the Marine. So in the Limitless Pirates, as long as you don't betray Captain Nox, you can live very well, find companions of your age, and go on adventures with them…"
Dr. Clover patiently guided Robin.
"Mm-hmm, Dr. Clover, I understand!"
In the end, Robin was persuaded by Dr. Clover.
Soon after, Nox and Shakky came here again and took Robin away!
"Father, you're back!"
"Lord Nox!"
Nox brought Robin to his daughter Asuna, where Shirley was also present. They immediately ran over when they saw Nox.
"Shirley, Asuna, I've brought you a good friend, her name is Robin!"
Nox wouldn't keep a little girl like Robin with him, so he directly handed her over to Asuna and Shirley, who were also child like Robin, letting them play together. Since they were all child and all girls, they should be able to get along.
"Robin, my name is Asuna. From now on, you can play with me!"
"And me, and me, my name is Shirley. From now on, I'll play with you!"
Asuna and Shirley, the two little ones, were naturally very happy to see the new friend Nox brought them.
"I, my name is Robin. Please take care of me!"
It was the first time Robin had seen child her age willing to play with her, so she was naturally very happy.
Before long, the three little ones were playing together and having a great time.
"Oh right, Asuna and Shirley, didn't you always want to go to Elbaf to see the Giants? In a few days, Esdeath and Uncle Barrett are both going to Elbaf, so you can go with them then."
"And Robin, you'll go with them too. There, there's someone you know, and I'll arrange for you to meet him!"
Just as the three little ones, Asuna, were having fun, Nox casually agreed to let them go to Elbaf.
"Really, Father? Can I finally go to that country full of Giants? You're the best, Father!"
After hearing Nox's words, Asuna jumped up with joy!
"Giants, are they very big?"
Shirley asked doubtfully. Although the Limitless Pirates also had Giants, Shirley hadn't been to many places since coming to the Limitless Sea, so she naturally hadn't seen a Giant.
"Of course they're big, very big. Even one of their fingers is bigger than Shirley!"
Asuna said happily.
"Wow, that's really big. Shirley wants to see the Giants too!"
Shirley said in surprise after hearing Asuna's description.
"A Giant, could it be him? Is he still alive?"
After hearing Nox's words, Robin immediately thought of Saul, who had been frozen while protecting her!
Three days later, Asuna, Shirley, Robin, and Perona, who had returned after going out to play with Rhea, the four little ones happily boarded the large ship Esdeath was on.
"Big sister, I missed you so much. You never come to see Asuna!"
When Asuna saw Esdeath, she immediately ran over and hugged Esdeath's leg.
"Big sister missed Asuna very much too. Now big sister is taking Asuna to Elbaf to see the Giants, right?"
Esdeath bent down and gently picked up Asuna, saying with a smile.
Although Esdeath was very cold and decisive in front of outsiders, facing her younger siblings, Esdeath was unusually gentle. All her coldness was directed outwards, not inwards.
"Big sister, these are all my friends. Her name is Shirley, she's a little fortune-telling expert. Her name is Perona, she was brought back by second sister, and she can release little ghosts. Her name is Robin, she was brought back by Father, she's really amazing, she's a Doctor!"
Asuna happily introduced her friends to Esdeath.
"Hello, I am Asuna's big sister, Esdeath. It's nice to meet you."
Esdeath said with a smile.
"Hello, Big Sister Esdeath!"
The three little ones, Robin, politely greeted Esdeath.
Esdeath didn't continue playing with the little ones after that, as it was impossible for her to play with child.
After Esdeath left, Asuna and the other little ones excitedly ran around on this massive steel ship. It was their first time on such a steel warship.
Upon arriving at Elbaf, Esdeath took Robin and the other little ones ashore to a village in Elbaf.
"Wow, it's so big!!"
"Giants, they're so tall!"
"Amazing, such big Giants, how many Peronas would it take to be as tall as a Giant!"
"..."
Along the way, every time Asuna and the other little ones saw a Giant, they would exclaim in surprise. Except for Robin, it was the first time the three little ones had seen a Giant.
"Hehehehehe, isn't this Nox's daughter, Esdeath? The little girl from back then has grown so big!"
Dorry watched Esdeath and the others approach, greeting them warmly.
"Uncle Dorry, next time can you please remove the words 'Nox's daughter' and just call me Esdeath!"
Esdeath said speechlessly.
"Hehehehehe, no problem, no problem, I'll definitely remember next time. Are you here alone this time? Did Nox come?"
Dorry asked curiously.
"My Father didn't come, but Uncle Barrett came. Last time he lost to the Giant King, but this time his strength has increased, and he's here to challenge the Giant King. If you hurry now, you should still make it to see their duel!"
Esdeath shook her head and said.
"The Giant King is going to duel Barrett? Great, I'll go right away. I need to challenge Barrett before the Giant King and Barrett duel, I can't let the Giant King go first!!"
After hearing Esdeath's words, Dorry immediately strode out of the village.
After Dorry left, Esdeath continued to lead Robin and the others into the village, and Robin quickly saw the Giant who was incredibly familiar to her, Jaguar D. Saul!!
"Saul!!!"
Upon seeing Jaguar D. Saul, Robin excitedly shouted loudly.
"Gurararara, Robin, it's great that you're okay!!"
Upon hearing Robin's voice, Saul immediately turned around and saw the little girl he had become friends with on Ohara Island.
After being frozen by Kuzan and losing consciousness, when he woke up again, he saw his Giant Race companions bringing him back to Elbaf.
And because of this incident, Saul was confined to Elbaf and could no longer go out to sea.
He had thought they would never see each other again, but unexpectedly, after more than two months, he saw Robin again!
"Saul!!!!"
Robin rushed over with tears streaming down her face and hugged Saul's finger, crying profusely.
During these past few days, she had seen Dr. Clover, who hadn't died, made friends in the Limitless Pirates, and now saw her former Giant companion, Saul.
Robin felt that she was truly too happy, too joyful!
"Let's go first. We'll call them for dinner later!"
Esdeath took Asuna and the three little ones away, leaving the space to Robin and Saul.
New World, Eriksson Island:
On the wasteland at the edge of the island, three people were engaged in a fierce battle. One of them was Doflamingo, and this Eriksson Island was the territory that Athena had introduced to Doflamingo as a suitable base for him in the New World.
It must be said that after Doflamingo came here and observed the island, he found that it was quite large, and being located in the front part of the New World, it was quite prosperous, so many pirate groups coveted this island.
Upon arriving here, Doflamingo was like a fierce dragon crossing the river, defeating Kulik, one of the three major pirate groups entrenched here.
He had originally planned to take care of the other two powerful pirate groups in one go, but he didn't expect that after those two pirate groups heard about Doflamingo, they would join forces and attack Doflamingo first!
If it were a one-on-one fight, Doflamingo would definitely not fear them, but after these two guys joined forces, they completely suppressed Doflamingo!
"Hahahahaha, Doflamingo, weren't you very arrogant before? Why are you only defending now and don't even dare to fight back?"
Laoshi Abbott slashed at Doflamingo's head from the side with a sword.
Doflamingo reached out and created a thick spider web-like barrier covered in Busoshoku Haki, blocking the slash.
"Five-Colored String!"
Infuriated by Abbott's words, Doflamingo's other hand suddenly clawed down like a sharp talon. Five thin lines of five different colors, like five sharp iron needles, pierced towards Abbott's heart.
"Don't bring out such petty tricks to make a fool of yourself, Doflamingo!"
Abbott snorted coldly, turned and swung horizontally, directly slicing the Five-Colored String away.
Just as Doflamingo was dealing with Abbott, the other pirate, Kostadin Ali, swung a black mace covered in Busoshoku Haki towards the back of Doflamingo's head.
"Spider Web!"
At the critical moment, a thick spider web covered in Busoshoku Haki blocked the area behind Doflamingo.
Although the immense force of the mace didn't break through the spider web's defense, it did deform the spider web. The mace smashed directly into Doflamingo's head through the spider web, knocking him down to his knees.
"Bastards!!"
"Soru!"
Doflamingo was furious at being ganged up on by these two guys who didn't fight fair. Seeing that the situation was unfavorable, Doflamingo directly burst forward, using the Soru technique and the fine threads he had set up in the air to fly towards the sky, heading directly towards the port.
He couldn't defeat these two guys together on his own. For now, he could only escape and make plans later!
"Damn Kostadin and Abbott, just you wait, next time I'll definitely twist both your heads off!"
Doflamingo touched the back of his head and found that it was bleeding. Feeling his own blood flowing, a sense of frustration weighed on his heart.
He had confidently said before that he could take this island without the help of the Limitless Pirates, but only after coming here did he realize how strong the pirate groups in the New World were.
Even though these two pirate groups didn't have any major backing, their combined strength had surpassed him. If he continued fighting, the probability of him losing was extremely high.
"This guy can actually fly, that's troublesome!"
Seeing Doflamingo fly away, Kostadin and the other guy didn't continue to pursue. Why? Because neither of them could fly!
"It's agreed beforehand, we'll split Makao Aram's territory equally!"
Kostadin said.
Makao Aram was the unlucky guy who was taken down by Doflamingo first, and also the weakest of the original three.
"No problem, I think that newcomer will probably come back again. When that happens, we'll team up again, and it would be best to kill him directly to prevent him from coveting our territory again!"
Abbott said.
"Just a stray dog, we can repel him no matter how many times he comes back!"
Kostadin said dismissively.