"So, Luffy, what will your answer be?" Imai asked, her arms crossed as she leaned against the ship's railing. Her tone was casual, but there was an underlying seriousness in her expression. "And just so you know, I didn't ask her to come with me. This is all her decision."
Luffy tilted his head, his carefree grin softening into a thoughtful expression. He turned to Nico Robin, meeting her calm yet determined gaze. "Do you want to go with her?"
Robin nodded without hesitation. "I'm certain."
"Alright, then you can go," Luffy replied simply, his smile returning as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Imai blinked in surprise. "That's it? No questions, no second thoughts?"
Luffy shrugged. "You're not forcing her. If she wants to go, that's her choice. And besides," his grin widened, "I know she'll come back when she's ready. Everyone always does."
Imai couldn't help but smile at his simplicity. He's so straightforward. It's no wonder people are drawn to him. Still, it's hard to imagine this guy ruling the world someday.
"Say your goodbyes," Imai said as she pushed off the railing. "I'll be waiting at my ship. Just follow the path; you can't miss it."
Robin nodded, her usual composed demeanor unwavering as she turned to the rest of the crew to bid her farewells.
Imai ran her fingers over the smooth wood of her new ship, her red eyes scanning every inch of its construction. The craftsmanship was impeccable—sturdy, polished, and built for long journeys through treacherous waters and skies alike.
"Jimbei really outdid himself," she murmured.
Stepping inside, Imai explored the interior. The ship was well-furnished, with a cozy kitchen, a comfortable seating area, a storage room stocked with supplies, and even a modest sleeping quarter. She opened a cabinet to find it brimming with food supplies.
"A month's worth of provisions," she muttered, smiling faintly. "Thanks, Jimbei. You really thought of everything."
A familiar voice called from outside. "Imai? Are you there?"
"Come aboard!" Imai shouted back. "I'm at the helm, setting us up to sail. Check out the ship and make yourself comfortable."
"Okay!"
While Robin explored, Imai prepared the ship for liftoff. She adjusted the mechanisms and infused the ship's sails with just the right amount of wind energy. As the vessel lifted into the air, Imai glanced back at the receding island below. The Straw Hat Crew stood at the edge of the dock, waving and shouting their goodbyes.
It's been fun, guys. A soft smile tugged at her lips.
As the ship ascended into the clouds, Robin joined Imai at the helm. She leaned against the railing, taking in the breathtaking view of the world below.
"This ship is incredibly well-made," Robin remarked. "It's spacious, equipped with everything we need, and even has katana holders on the walls. Jimbei must have spared no expense."
"He really overdid it," Imai chuckled, her hand resting on the helm. "So, do you regret coming along?"
Robin's gaze lingered on the horizon. "Although I'll miss the crew and the adventures we shared, I don't regret this decision. I have a feeling this journey will show me a side of the world I've yet to see."
Imai laughed, her red eyes glinting in the sunlight. "You're only the second person to ever volunteer to come with me."
"Really?" Robin's curiosity was piqued. "Who was the first?"
"A daughter of someone very powerful," Imai said, her voice softening. "She had to return to her family because of... responsibilities. But maybe, someday, our paths will cross again."
Robin felt a pang of emotion she couldn't quite identify. Was it jealousy? She pushed the thought aside and focused on Imai's words.
"But let me ask you something, Robin," Imai said, turning to face her. The sunlight framed her figure, casting her red eyes in an almost ethereal glow. Her dark blue hair danced with the wind, and her hand rested on the hilt of her katana.
"If I told you I wanted to rule this world," Imai began, her tone calm but laced with intensity, "would you fight by my side—or would you leave me?"
Robin's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Imai extended her hand, and a bubble formed in her palm, filling with dark smoke.
"This is our world," she said. "A world that has always had a ruler. That cannot change. But what can change is the way it's ruled."
She clenched her fist, and the bubble shattered.
"I plan to destroy the world as it is," Imai continued, her voice steady. "I'll break every law, challenge every institution, and have both the World Government and pirates after me. They'll have no choice but to cooperate to take me down. And in the chaos, I'll change the world—force it to evolve—with me at its center."
She opened her hand again, and a new bubble appeared, this time filled with soft blue smoke.
Robin stared at the bubble, her mind racing. The implications of Imai's plan were staggering. A single individual strong enough to unite enemies through sheer force? It seemed impossible. Yet, as she looked at Imai, she saw a woman determined enough to attempt the impossible.
"Imai..." Robin's voice wavered. "Your plan..."
Imai smiled faintly. "You don't need to answer. I don't know if I'll even go through with it. The plan has countless flaws. For now, let's focus on the present. We have somewhere to be."
Robin watched as Imai turned her attention back to the helm. Her calm demeanor made it impossible to decipher what she was truly thinking.
Without a word, Robin stepped closer and wrapped her arms around Imai's waist, pulling her into a gentle embrace.
Imai stiffened for a moment, then relaxed, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "You're getting bold, aren't you?"
Robin feigned innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Mm, fine," Imai said with a playful smirk. "I like this, though. If you let go, I might just throw you off the ship."
"What?!" Robin gasped.
"Yep. So you better hold on forever if you don't want to fall to your death!"
"That's not fair!"
"Life isn't fair," Imai teased, her grin widening. Then, an idea struck her. "Speaking of which..."
Robin frowned. "What now?"
"Since you're committed to following me, you'll need to get stronger. Much stronger."
Robin's eyes narrowed. "You're going to train me, aren't you?"
"Exactly! By the time we're done, you'll be able to go toe-to-toe with admirals."
Robin shivered at the thought. Letting go of Imai was starting to feel like a tempting option.
What have I gotten myself into?