Translator: PapaSmurf0700
The masked man's words held elements of truth but were also veiled in deception. Nico Robin, with her unique ability to decipher ancient texts, had long been a figure of deep concern for the World Government, which was eager to eliminate her threat. However, they had never previously resorted to using the Buster Call against her.
The urgency of their decision this time was simple—the Straw Hats. The recent surge in their notoriety, fueled by a special feature in the newspaper, had not shaken the World Government's foundations but had certainly irked the Five Elders.
Normally, if Robin had been part of any regular pirate crew, the World Government's response would not have deviated from the standard protocol: a bounty increase, intensified manhunts, or swift imprisonment. Over the years, numerous pirates had caused greater disturbances than Luffy—Doflamingo's ascension to kingship and Kaido's occupation of Wano Country, a vital source of seastones, were largely overlooked by the World Government.
These disruptions were tolerated because, regardless of their scale, these figures were still just pirates—necessary evils in the eyes of the World Government that justified their ongoing campaign to uphold "peace."
But the Straw Hats were different. Their actions, which often involved direct confrontations with the nobility and resonated with the common folk, branded them not just as pirates but as symbols of rebellion. On their heads was effectively stamped a "Revolution" label—a distinction not even carried by Roger, the legendary Pirate King.
This label made the Straw Hats uniquely threatening, not just as outlaws but as catalysts for change, a prospect that the World Government found intolerably dangerous.
The implications of a potential revolution, sparked by the actions of the Straw Hats, were seriously unsettling for the World Government. The mere possibility of such a revolution was enough to deeply trouble them. The situation was exacerbated when they learned that Nico Robin, known for her ability to decipher ancient texts, had joined the Straw Hats.
If earlier incidents could have been dismissed as coincidental, Robin's association with the crew signaled a definite threat. Moreover, the World Government was already aware of the connection between Dragon, a known revolutionary leader, and Luffy. This knowledge made the Straw Hats an even bigger target.
In response to these developments, there was a moment when the World Government considered detaining Garp for interrogation to glean more insight. However, various complications prevented this from happening.
The consensus within the World Government was clear: the Straw Hats needed to be dealt with decisively. Beyond just capturing or eliminating them, there was a concerted effort to undermine their reputation. The government believed that only by discrediting the Straw Hats could true "peace" be restored to the seas.
This line of reasoning led to the CP9, after receiving reports from Aokiji about the current activities of the Straw Hats and Nico Robin, obtaining authorization to use the Buster Call against them—an extreme measure that even Aokiji had not anticipated.
CP9, now fully briefed, was prepared for the Straw Hats' arrival on the island. The masked man's revelation to Robin was part of a strategy to destabilize her emotionally, a tactic that proved to be effective.
As Robin's face reflected sadness and regret, the masked man seized the moment to press his advantage. "There are only two conditions to prevent the Buster Call from being activated," he declared confidently. "First, you must participate in an operation with CP9, and subsequently blame the Straw Hats for it. Second, you must cease resistance and allow the World Government to handle you as they see fit. Fulfill these two conditions, and CP9 will ensure the Buster Call is not used against the Straw Hats."
He delivered his ultimatum in one breath, then fell silent, his demeanor suggesting he was certain Robin would not dare to refuse.
The World Government's analysis department had calculated a 90% chance of success for this strategy. They believed the combined weight of her affection for the Straw Hats and her dread of the Buster Call would compel her to comply as if she were resigning herself to fate.
However, Robin met the masked man's gaze with unwavering resolve and declared, "I refuse, shithead!" thereby shattering their expectations.
With her hands clasped, she added defiantly, "As long as I can detain you here, I can buy time for my crew!"
Seis Fleur – Clutch!!
Instantly, six arms materialized around the masked man, grabbing and twisting at him from various angles. Despite her efforts, his body remained unyielding, not twisting in the slightest.
Unfazed and even slightly amused, the masked man responded, "With your strength, no matter how hard you try, it will be useless." His tone was cold and expectant as he shrugged off her grasp. "Since you reject the proposal, we will have to take you back by force."
He began advancing towards Robin, who, instead of appearing anxious, wore a smirk on her face. It was then he sensed that something was amiss.
Suddenly, the sound of rushing footsteps filled the air, and in an explosive moment, the atmosphere shifted.
Diable Jambe - Collier Strike!!
As the masked man looked up, Sanji's leg, wrapped in fierce flames, was already sweeping towards his face.
Boom! The impact was imminent.
Before the masked man could react with his iron block defense, Sanji's kick sent him tumbling down the narrow street. Stopping several meters away, he lay in a heap.
"Want to take Sister Robin away?" Sanji stood protectively in front of Robin, his voice dripping with disdain. "It's absolutely unforgivable."
"Sanji, you are here," Robin greeted with a relieved smile, as if she had expected his timely intervention.
"Ah, after receiving your signal, we rushed here immediately," Sanji replied. The signal was a talisman that Robin had activated, a precaution thoughtfully prepared by Bai Ye for such emergencies. This was its first activation.
From the side of the house, Nami, clutching her Clima-Tact, interjected with a feigned grievance, "That's right, Robin. To get here quickly, I had to leave behind all the clothes I just bought. I don't know if they'll still be there later, and it would be such a waste."
"Thank you, Nami," Robin responded, her gratitude genuine.
"Hahaha, we're friends, Robin," Nami laughed, then paused, sensing something amiss.
Whoosh!
The conversation was abruptly interrupted as the masked man sprang to his feet and lunged at Nami without warning. For a CP9 agent trained by the World Government, indulging in battle banter was seen as frivolous.
This surprise attack was calculated. The World Government's analyses had identified Luffy, Bai Ye, Zoro, and Sanji as the Straw Hats' strongest fighters, all possessing Haki and formidable combat skills. In contrast, Nami, Usopp, and others were considered less formidable, which the masked man exploited.
In an instant, he was at Nami's side. With a swift move, he kicked the Clima-Tact from her hands and reached to grab her neck.
Sanji, observing all this unfold with his Haki, couldn't help but smirk at the masked man's folly. "Idiot!"
The next second, a surge of electricity coursed through Nami, enveloping the masked man in a violent storm of thunderbolts.