After a relentless beating, Spandam lay on the ground, his body twitching, his skin torn like a fish out of water.
Ding! Congratulations, Host. Reward: Advanced Breath Blocking!
Advanced Breath Blocking:
In a non-combat state, your actions are so subtle they cause no detectable movement or airflow.In a combat state, your actions produce significantly less movement.
Finn smiled. Advanced Breath Blocking was no joke. While ordinary breath-blocking merely concealed the movements of breathing, this advanced form concealed all motion, even in a world teeming with Observation Haki. It was the perfect tool for stealth or escape.
In combat, it would force opponents to expend more energy maintaining their Observation Haki. A truly invaluable skill.
Not bad at all, Finn thought, grinning. Spandam's beating wasn't in vain after all—I've gained something good for myself!
"I'll be kind this time and leave you alive~" Finn mused.
He turned to Robin, signaling that it was time to leave, but Robin stood frozen, trembling with rage. Beneath her panda mask, her face was contorted with hatred.
Finn understood. Robin wanted to kill Spandam, but they couldn't afford that right now.
Garp was on the island. If Spandam died here, it would bring down the wrath of both the World Government and the Marines. Finn wasn't particularly concerned about being discovered himself—he could always escape. But what about his grandfather?
Even though Finn often infuriated Garp, he loved him deeply and wanted him to live a long life. Killing Spandam here would be a capital offense, and Garp, as a high-ranking Marine, could end up implicated. Knowing his grandfather, Garp would probably try to take the blame for Finn's actions. That was something Finn didn't want to see.
He stepped in front of Robin, gripping her arms firmly, and their eyes met through the masks' slits.
Robin was lost in painful memories, her body trembling with unresolved grief. Finn didn't wait any longer—he scooped her up and left the office.
Once back in the submersible, Robin broke down in tears.
"I'm sorry, Finn. I got carried away…" she sobbed. "Seeing Spandam reminded me of Spandine and the way my mother died… I promised you I'd just hit him once, but I lost control. I nearly put your grandpa in danger."
Tears streamed down Robin's cheeks as she removed her panda mask. She didn't need Finn to explain why Spandam had to be spared—she already understood the consequences of her impulsiveness. She felt guilty for nearly causing trouble for Finn and his family.
Finn set aside his frog mask and, without saying a word, gently pressed Robin's head against his chest. His actions were firm but gentle, giving her comfort in her moment of vulnerability.
"Sister Robin, if you need to cry, then cry. We'll get your revenge, I promise."
One hand rested on Robin's head, while the other lightly patted her back.
"Finn," Robin said between sobs, "I feel so ridiculous. I told myself I'd look after you, but here I am, needing you to take care of me. I'm so useless…"
She wept, feeling a mix of sadness and self-mockery.
"You've been taking care of me all this time," Finn whispered, resting his cheek against the back of her head. "I've gotten used to lying on the deck chair every day, soaking up the sun, while you give me massages~"
"But now I'm—" Robin's voice trembled as she cried even harder, overwhelmed by guilt.
"Now you're fine~" Finn smiled softly.
"Sister Robin, you always look after me. Why not let your 'stinky brother' take care of you for once? Let go of the walls you've built up, and cry in my arms this time."
Finn's voice was quiet but full of warmth. His simple words struck Robin to her core, breaking through her defenses.
For years, Robin had turned herself into a guarded, emotionless machine, never fully trusting anyone, even after joining Finn's crew. The trauma of her past had made her wary of opening up to others.
But Finn's sincerity shattered her emotional armor.
Tears flowed freely, and for the first time since she was eight years old, Robin let go of all her pretense and allowed herself to feel.
"S-stinky brother!" she cried, hugging Finn tightly, burying her face in his chest.
The floodgates had opened, and Robin wept in both sorrow and relief, finally allowing herself to be vulnerable.