Half a month later.
Drawn by the legend of the golden city—Shandora, the expedition team to Jaya Island finally concluded their historical exploration there and prepared to set sail once more.
And this also meant that Olvia had to make a choice: whether to leave with Rob and Robin, or to keep Robin safe and continue the next journey with the expedition team.
That day, at the port of Mock Town—
The members of the expedition team were busy transporting various nautical supplies and the treasures they discovered during their exploration of the Golden City on Jaya Island onto their large expedition ship.
On the shore, with reluctance in her eyes, Olvia hugged Robin tightly:
"I'm sorry, Robin. Mom can't turn back. Researching historical texts is prohibited by the World Government. Whether I take you with me or leave with you, it could bring you great danger."
"Mom is already very sorry for you! At the very least, I can't put you in any possible danger. But don't worry, when I fulfill your dad's last wish and dream, I will definitely come back to find you!"
"We will meet again, just not now!"
Hearing Olvia's words, Robin understood her choice, but tears still streamed uncontrollably from her eyes, sliding down her fair and tender face.
With a voice full of reluctance, she whispered:
"Mother..."
Rubbing Robin's little head, Olvia glanced at Rob, who was standing aside respectfully, giving her and Robin time to say goodbye.
Olvia looked at Robin again:
"You have met a very good Oni-chan, who can be called family more than even me. He is very strong and can protect you well. He protects you wholeheartedly, more competently than I could."
"I'm very relieved to leave you in his care. This way, I can continue my journey with peace of mind."
With that, Olvia stood up and gave Robin a reassuring smile. Then she turned around:
"Goodbye, Robin!"
After saying her farewell, Olvia held back the tears threatening to fall from her eyes and walked directly toward the expedition ship without looking back. Once she boarded the ship, she did not reappear until the expedition ship sailed away.
Rob stepped over to Robin's side. Looking at the expedition ship fading into the distance, he squeezed Robin's little hand:
"If you want to cry, you can cry out loud! We are still children, so we can cry freely! This is a special privilege that adults like Aunt Olvia don't have!"
Biting her lip and keeping her head down, Robin's little body trembled.
After a moment:
"Wah!!!"
Robin's cries of heartbreak echoed through the port of Mock Town. Nothing stopped her from crying loudly.
Rob watched the expedition ship sail away. He had anticipated Olvia's choice, so in the past half month, he made sure not to disturb the precious time Robin spent with her mother.
The happiness of this half month would become a lifetime memory for Robin, filled with the experience of maternal love.
"Good luck," Rob silently blessed Olvia in his heart, knowing that her quest to study the historical texts was fraught with danger. Despite the near certainty of her fate, he wished her well from the bottom of his heart.
...
Half a month later.
Once Robin had fully recovered emotionally, Rob initiated his new sailing plan. Having fulfilled his promise to Robin by reuniting her with Olvia, it was time to follow his own plans for their voyage.
The small sailboat sailed smoothly on the sea.
On the deck, Robin, her spirits restored, sat on the railing with a happy smile. She looked at Rob, who was holding the rudder, and asked cheerfully:
"Oni-chan, where are we going next?"
Gazing at the sea ahead, Rob smiled:
"First, we'll go to Twin Capes, then to East Blue! There's a legendary swordsmith there. I want to learn the art of sword-making from him and forge myself a blade of renowned quality."
"Also, the Grand Line is still too early for us! When we're older and stronger, we can return to this sea of adventure and miracles!"
Talking about their next steps, Rob felt a mix of anticipation and patience. His journey had started a bit early, making many of the familiar events and characters not yet in place. Therefore, many opportunities that typical travelers might seize were not yet available to him.
At this time, notable characters like Nami, Vivi, and Shirahoshi, who he considered promising, were not even born yet.
For now, Rob focused on improving his strength and becoming truly formidable. The first half of the Grand Line was currently in a state of chaos, and the New World's seas were even more turbulent, with figures like Whitebeard, Kaido, and Charlotte Linlin vying for dominance.
Rob knew that if he ventured into the New World now, he might be able to hold his own in battles, but with Robin in tow, it would be much riskier. They needed time to grow stronger and prepare.
"When we return to the Grand Line, it'll be time to challenge the strongest in the world!" Rob thought.
"Give me a few years to develop, and I'll be ready to take on anyone!"
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