When an intellectually mature female voice echoed, the tense atmosphere at the port of White Earth Island dissipated significantly.
"Ah, Robin, long time no see!"
Shiro stood against the wind and greeted Robin, who hurried over with a smile.
This time they met, even though Shiro was mentally prepared, he was still somewhat surprised.
Because after the Enies Lobby incident, only a few months had passed, and Robin's change was truly remarkable.
She looked radiant and confident.
When Shiro was at Enies Lobby, he had learned that Robin was captured by CP9, so he infiltrated the island and beat up the likes of Spandam. He hadn't seen her since then—until now.
"It's really you!"
At this moment, Nico Robin, known as the Devil's Child, gazed at the imposing young man before her, her eyes brimming with warmth.
For her, before meeting the Straw Hat Pirates, the man before her was the only friend she trusted. The time she spent with Shiro wandering the seas was a rare light in her heart.
To Robin, Shiro was as important as her crewmates, but he held a different place in her life compared to the Straw Hats.
Robin, who had been in the underground world since childhood and faced countless hardships, couldn't hold back. She ran forward and hugged Shiro tightly!
Kerla watched the scene, feeling a mix of sweetness and surprise, while Sabo and other revolutionary fighters were stunned, unaware of Robin and Shiro's past connection.
"Robin, you've changed a lot," Shiro said, feeling the warmth of her embrace.
Now, Robin's presence was as impressive as that of Boa Hancock.
"Well, how could I not? The sailor of the Navy has become the world's most notorious criminal with a bounty of 3.58 billion Belly?!"
After their embrace ended, Robin smiled at Shiro, her beautiful face filled with both admiration and concern.
Years ago, Shiro, then just a young Marine, had met Robin by chance during a mission, and they had spent months exploring the seas together.
Back then, Shiro had expressed dissatisfaction with the World Government and the Navy after learning of Robin's tragic past. She thought Shiro was just venting, as he was still a Marine at that time.
But who would have thought? Now, Shiro had become one of the world's most infamous criminals, defying the World Government! This both shocked and moved Robin.
"Hahaha, that bounty? It's just a trick of the World Government. Robin, I'm here to take you away from White Earth Island!"
Shiro didn't waste time on small talk and got straight to the point, confident that Robin would join him.
The Straw Hat Pirates were in their two-year training period, so Robin had no reason to hesitate.
"Is that so? Well, I'll quickly say goodbye to the leader of the Revolutionary Army, and then we can leave!"
As expected, Robin agreed without hesitation. She trusted Shiro, even if she didn't fully understand his current goals.
"Robin?" Sabo, the Revolutionary Army's Chief of Staff, spoke up, his voice filled with concern. Robin was invaluable to the Revolutionary Army for deciphering the historical truths that could change the world.
If Robin wanted to leave, they wouldn't stop her, but Sabo felt compelled to ask questions, given how sudden it was.
"Hey, Sabo, the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army. There are a few things you might not know yet, right?" Shiro smirked, recognizing Sabo's guarded stance.
Due to Shiro's actions during the War, Fire Fist Ace survived, and Sabo had not yet regained his memories.
"Huh? Shiro, are you implying something? But let's be clear: the Revolutionary Army isn't trying to prevent Robin from leaving; we just want to understand the situation..."
Sabo remained respectful, knowing he was dealing with a figure whose reputation had shaken the Grand Line. He had to tread carefully.
"You're cautious, but Robin, go ahead and pack your things first. I'll chat with Chief of Staff Sabo."
Shiro didn't directly address Sabo's questions and instead asked Robin to get ready. She nodded and left, unconcerned about the conversation that would follow. If Shiro had hostile intentions, they wouldn't have met this way.
"Mr. Shiro, if you have something to say, please speak!" Sabo urged, aware of Shiro's immense strength and the potential threat he posed.
Since arriving, Shiro's Haki had permeated the island, signaling his presence and power. He knew exactly who was watching from the shadows—Monkey D. Dragon, the world's most feared criminal and leader of the Revolutionary Army.
Sabo watched Shiro's expression change, sensing that the Rear Admiral knew more than he let on.
"You're cautious, Sabo, but there's something you probably haven't remembered yet: Fire Fist Ace, the second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, and Straw Hat Luffy—you were sworn brothers with both."
Hearing the names Ace and Luffy struck Sabo like lightning. Memories flooded back, revealing truths buried deep within his mind. Shiro's words triggered a storm of emotions that left Sabo overwhelmed.
But Shiro paid no mind to Sabo's reaction; his gaze turned toward the heart of White Earth Island, where he sensed the presence of the Revolutionary Army's leader.
"Leader of the Revolutionary Army, Monkey D. Dragon—are you going to hide all day, or will you show yourself?"
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+65 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg
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