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Chapter 37 - Poneglyph and Return

… Aidan Quinn

It had been a day since I took down Crocodile. The sky still held streaks of clouds on the horizon, and the ground in Alabasta — for the first time in who knows how many years — actually smelled like real wet earth.

Robin and I, two wanderers without a fixed home, were sitting on a makeshift terrace at the top of one of the city's least-damaged towers. The wind couldn't decide if it wanted to be warm or refreshing. The view was beautiful, but honestly, the only thing that kept pulling my attention was the woman next to me — holding a glass of wine, wearing that look like she knew way more than she let on… and was in absolutely no rush to share the ending of the story.

"So?" I stretched my legs over the ledge, swirling the wine glass between my fingers. "Are you gonna ask where the Poneglyph is, or are we just gonna keep up this intense staring contest until someone dies of suspense?"

Robin raised an eyebrow. Just one, of course. Just enough to crush the confidence of Marines and revolutionaries alike. She was made for little victories like that.

"You really know where it is?" her voice was soft, melodic, laced with that subtle humor only she fully got.

"In the Tomb of the Kings, in the most poorly-marked crypt in Alabasta. If someone asked me to hide the secrets of an empire, I'd do it exactly the same way."

Robin sighed — half amused, half resigned.

"Unfortunately, we don't have access. Not even the oldest maps cover the full extent of the royal underground. The entrance's been sealed for centuries, and honestly… I don't think I can get the King's permission to enter."

I smiled. That crooked grin that only showed up when I was about to pull a magic trick.

"Permission? Come on, Robin. Who needs that when you can cheat?"

Her gaze settled on me — not in a threatening way, but with genuine curiosity. She didn't move or raise her voice — just a subtle gleam in her blue eyes, like she was silently asking if I was just another crazy guy off the street.

I stood, held out my hand, and activated [Trajectory. Agreement.].

I focused on the image of the tomb. I had a pretty good idea of where it was — an image, hints from the anime episodes, a general sense of the location.

Reality split open in a slash of golden light, vibrating like a stretched string. On the other side: a dark tunnel carved into stone — damp, ancient, lit only by scattered natural crystals glowing with a dim, uneven blue light.

Robin's eyes widened — just a little, of course. But for her, it might as well have been a full-blown gasp.

"You… you could do this all along?" she asked softly, like she wasn't sure she was really seeing what she was seeing.

"With a few conditions", I explained, smiling casually. "I need to more or less know where the place is. I can't just jump through random barriers blind. To get here, I used what I remembered about Alabasta. But Laugh Tale? No shot. I don't know where it is, or what it even looks like."

That's the catch with [Trajectory. Agreement.]. I need a decent idea of where I'm going — a clear mental image. A reference point. Alabasta? Burned into my brain since I was a teenager. A desert with a princess, a sand villain, and an archaeologist with perfect bangs.

Easy, baby.

Laugh Tale? Just a vague idea and fuzzy image.

She chuckled — that elegant little laugh of someone not easily impressed but forced to admit surprise.

Without waiting for more questions, I stepped forward and crossed through. Robin followed right after.

The feeling was familiar — a slight pressure at the temples, like your brain is being squeezed and released at the same time. A one-second trip that feels longer than it should.

On the other side, the air was cooler, damp, and filled with the ancient scent of forgotten stone. We walked together through the corridor, lit only by the faint light from my hands and a few cracks in the arched ceiling where light seeped through.

The walls were carved with symbols — stories etched into rock, layered with centuries of moisture and dust.

And there, at the end of the room, it stood.

The Poneglyph.

A massive slab of bluish stone, towering taller than me and nearly as wide as a palace room. Deeply carved symbols covered its surface — so old they felt like they predated language itself. It wasn't beautiful — it was majestic. The whole thing radiated history, and you could almost feel the weight of the words, even without understanding them.

Robin stepped closer, touching the surface with reverence. Her fingers traced the grooves, reading the order of the symbols like someone playing an ancient piano. Her face lit up with quiet focus and a kind of joy I've only seen in people who find home in the most unexpected places.

While she whispered the words, translating silently to herself, all I saw were random lines and blocks that made no sense. Letters that looked like a puzzle meant for someone who'd never get the answer.

Weird symbols. Lines, curves, patterns. Nothing added up. No sounds, no images. Like staring at the instruction manual of a cosmic artifact written by drunk gods.

"Does any of this make sense to you?" I asked, half-joking.

Robin smiled, eyes still on the Poneglyph.

"To me… it makes perfect sense."

...

Robin finished reading in silence, like she was trying to pull one last secret from inside the stone — her fingers still resting on the Poneglyph, absorbing not just the words, but centuries of dust. It was fascinating, really — the way someone could connect so deeply to a dead language, like the entire past had opened itself up just for her.

An archaeologist and her ancient stone — the most dangerous duo in the world, if you asked the World Government.

She turned slightly, not facing me yet, eyes still locked on the inscriptions like she was hesitating to let go of a secret no one had even asked for. Robin was always graceful — even in silence. And when she finally spoke, her voice was that perfect mix of sweetness and venom that only she could pull off.

"Do you want to know what it says?" she asked, in the most Robin way possible. Neutral phrase, calm tone — but every word weighed just right, like she already knew the answer and was just waiting to see how I'd react.

I shook my head slowly.

"You don't have to."

She blinked — just once, but coming from her, that was practically a scream.

I didn't need to hear it from Robin to know. I've been carrying the manga spoiler for years: this Poneglyph talks about Pluton, one of the Ancient Weapons. A legendary warship powerful enough to wipe out entire islands — but nothing about the Void Century. And the location? Wano, of course. Buried under a city that no longer exists.

She let out a breath, her body relaxing — though not fully.

"I was disappointed", she admitted, with the honesty of someone who's used to disappointment. "Nothing about the Void Century… no clues about the D. Just weapons. Always weapons."

Robin stepped away from the Poneglyph, her light footsteps echoing on the wet stone, like she was letting a secret fall back asleep. She crossed her arms, deep in thought. We stood there, listening to the echo of a past only she could truly understand.

Then I decided to stir the pot a little.

"I can help you find the others."

She didn't turn right away, but she was listening. Robin was the type to let silence do the work — waiting for others to show their cards first.

"Shandora", I started, glancing at my feet just to see if she reacted. "Sky Island— there's one carved into the altar in the golden city. Another on Fishman Island, hidden beneath Ryugu Palace. And, of course, the Road Poneglyph in Zou, with the Minks. Not bad, huh?"

This time, she didn't bother hiding her surprise — one eyebrow slowly lifted, like she was pretending not to be impressed.

"You're a man with oddly specific information."

I shrugged, flashing the most casual smile I could muster.

"Let's just say I have access to the full map. I just don't follow the usual routes."

Robin studied me quietly, and for a second, I saw what freedom really does to someone like her. The hesitation was real. For the first time in years, she was free — no master, no one chasing her, no rope around her neck. The world was wide open… and here I was, offering a shortcut.

"Are you inviting me to come with you?" she asked. Calm, measured tone. Almost monotone — but with a lot behind it.

"I am." I didn't dance around it — this kind of thing isn't worth dragging out. "I can take you to the Poneglyphs. One by one. No Navy, no Government, no running at the last second. Just pure history, and every truth it wants to tell you."

She stood there thinking. Robin was all analysis, weight, expectation. And in the end — always decision.

But then I softened the mood a bit.

"But not yet. I… plan on going home first."

She let out a small laugh.

"And your home… isn't here."

"Very, very far from here", I smiled.

Robin stepped closer this time, facing me directly, her eyes locked onto mine — reading every little detail like she was decoding a new language. The kind of slow, deliberate look that breaks you down and puts you back together without a word.

"And after that, we come back?"

"Yeah, we come back."

Her silence wasn't heavy. It was… comfortable. After a few more seconds, I added: "So… two options. You can come with me now and wait until I can take you straight to the Poneglyphs. No detours, no stalling — just the shortest path."

I paused to let that land, then offered the second choice:

"Or… you can find the Straw Hats. Take the longer road— the more chaotic one. They'll run into the Poneglyphs sooner or later. They'll challenge the whole world, stir things up, change history— and you'll get to see all of it from the inside."

She didn't answer right away. Just gave me that look — the kind from someone who already knows all the outcomes, but still likes hearing them out.

"Either way", I shrugged with a grin, "you'll end up face to face with the answers you're looking for. Just depends how fast you want them… and what kind of company you prefer."

There, in the dim light of the tomb of kings, Robin smiled — that quiet, bittersweet smile of someone who understands the weight of choice.

"Then I'll count on you in the future, Captain-san."

… Nefertari Vivi

The throne room of Alubarna was as tall and ancient as Vivi's own memories, but today, it somehow felt smaller — thanks to the chaotic human storm known as the Straw Hats.

She tried to focus on her father — King Cobra, arguably the most patient monarch from East Blue to the New World — but it was hard. Behind her, Luffy was fighting a guard over a chunk of meat, Sanji was balancing on one leg offering flowers to every woman in the room (including Nami, Vivi, and an ancient statue), Zoro was standing so still and sleepy that Nami had already placed bets on when he'd fall over, and Usopp… Usopp was swearing that he had defeated Crocodile with a secret forbidden technique from the Isle of the Brave.

Even so, her father didn't lose composure for a second. He was the kind of man who could survive a coup attempt before breakfast and still have time to listen to his daughter.

"So that's it, Father", Vivi straightened up, trying hard not to get distracted by the sounds of someone — probably Luffy — chewing like it was their last meal. "I… we… crossed the desert, fought Baroque Works, I even thought about storming Crocodile's base myself… but someone beat us to it."

"Yes, I know", the king nodded, closing his eyes like he was listening to a child confessing mischief — not reporting on a civil war.

Vivi's eyes went wide.

"You do?"

He nodded calmly, resting his hands on the arms of his throne, like he was about to tell an ancient tale — even though it had happened yesterday. He exchanged glances with Pell and Chaka, both standing like alert statues.

"Koza, the leader of the rebels, came to see me right after the storm. He spoke of a red-haired woman who showed up with evidence of Crocodile's actions. According to her, it was her group that took down Mr. 0 and his agents. She exposed all the plans and made it clear the rebellion had been manipulated from the start."

Vivi's jaw dropped — but it was Luffy who shouted first, as subtle as a hurricane.

"A RED-HAIRED WOMAN?! What kind of mysterious pirate is that?!" Luffy was waving his arms around so much he nearly elbowed a minister.

Nami sighed, already pulling out her notepad to jot down expenses. Sanji nearly fainted.

"Was she beautiful, Your Majesty?"

"SANJI!" Nami elbowed him in the ribs.

Zoro opened one eye, just to see if it was worth staying awake. Decided it wasn't.

King Cobra carried on without missing a beat: "Koza said she wasn't alone. There were others with her. Strong and discreet. From what he said, they were the ones responsible for Crocodile's fall."

Vivi stood there, stunned, hand over her chest.

"So… it's really true…?"

"Yes, my daughter. What I know is that they're still in Alubarna, but I chose not to disturb them. They did what no one else could— and apparently, they don't want anything in return."

For a moment, the room fell quiet.

The kind of quiet that, in the Straw Hats' world, never lasts long enough.

"I WANNA MEET THEEEEM!!" Luffy exploded, leaping off the carpet with the excited grin of someone already halfway into the next arc.

"Luffy, this isn't a challenge!" Vivi tried to pull his arm, with no success.

"IT'S A CHAMPIONS' MEET-UP!" Luffy twirled around, arms stretched out, thrilled.

Nami stepped up to the throne, trying her best to sound sensible.

"Your Majesty, with all due respect… groups like that usually have a reason. Are you sure there was no secret deal?"

"None", her father replied, looking at Nami with that calm, kingly poise. "The red-haired woman said she just wanted… to make sure everything wasn't lost too soon."

"What does that mean?" Zoro mumbled, half-asleep.

"She said… the truth will come out. Just not yet", Cobra looked at his daughter. "And that the right moment isn't decided by kings. Or rebels."

Vivi was frozen.

"They saved Alabasta, and nobody even knows who they are…"

Luffy stretched his arms to the ceiling and shouted: "I know who they are!"

Everyone paused.

"You do?" Vivi's eyes widened.

Luffy grinned.

"Nope! But I'm gonna! That's a promise!"

Vivi let out one of those sighs only a very tired princess can give — but to her own surprise, she was laughing. A laugh that cut through weeks of tension and made everything feel lighter.

"Of course you are, Luffy."

And there they were. A loud crew of pirates, a breathless princess, and a king who'd apparently learned that the world never follows a fixed plan.

But sometimes — just sometimes — it still ends with rain falling in the right place.

... Aidan Quinn

The table was packed — loud enough to make the restaurant owner reconsider his whole idea of "ideal clientele," but still just classy enough that no one had kicked us out… at least not until I tried stacking three plates to see if they could hold a fourth.

Spoiler: they couldn't. Rogue thought it was hilarious.

We'd gathered at one of the few restaurants in Alubarna that was still standing. The place was simple — faded yellow awning, light stone columns, and that addictive smell of spices and roasted meat hanging in the air. No more storms, no more rushing. Just food, overlapping conversations, and a rare moment where no one was trying to save or destroy the kingdom.

Robin, as usual, had a glass of wine in hand — but today, her usual mystery was replaced with genuine curiosity. She looked at the girls — and at me — like she wasn't sure if she was watching brilliant comedy or just an insult to common sense.

"So let me get this straight…" Robin swirled her wine with that polished gesture of someone used to dealing with kings and criminals alike. "You're not bounty hunters, not revolutionaries, not government agents, and not pirates. You're… tourists from another world?"

Jean gave her that smile that says you know exactly what I'm about to say.

"Pretty much, yeah. We traveled… across worlds. This was supposed to just be a vacation."

Robin raised an eyebrow, not even trying to hide the skepticism. She turned to me, clearly hoping for something grounded — a sober explanation, maybe a sign that reality was still sitting at the table somewhere.

I just shrugged, chewing lazily.

"Look, honestly? I'd have a hard time believing it too. But yeah, technically, we don't belong to this world. We visit, enjoy it, stir up a little trouble, and move on. I call it a premium vacation."

Raven, ever the shadowy presence, muttered without looking up from her drink: "Don't worry. Only half of what he say is a lie."

Robin let out a long sigh… then laughed. Not the polite kind — but a low, genuine, disbelieving laugh, the kind you give when you realize fighting the absurd just isn't worth the effort anymore.

"And you actually expect me to believe all that?"

Jean just tilted her head and smiled.

"We don't expect anything. But if you stick around, you'll see for yourself. Just wait for the next portal."

Ororo raised her glass with the kind of elegance that made even a toast feel magical.

"To the improbable, then."

Glasses clinked around the table. Even Robin joined in, letting a small smile slip.

"You guys really are a strange bunch", she said — and no one bothered to argue.

I leaned back, watching my band of misfits casually talk about parallel universes like they were debating which spice went best on kebabs, while the other diners switched between looks of concern and that universal face that says, "weird foreigners, what can you do?"

That's when the door actually burst open.

Luffy up front, straw hat bouncing, yelling for meat. Nami already arguing about the bill. Sanji in full flirt mode. Zoro pretending he knew where he was. Usopp swearing he could out-eat anyone. And Vivi scrambling behind them, trying to apologize to every table they ran into.

It was like watching a traveling theater troupe that lost its script and decided to improvise with the real world.

And then, right in the middle of the walking hurricane — Luffy saw me.

He froze. Hat tipping forward. Eyes lighting up like he'd just discovered a brand new island to mess with.

I sat there, chewing slowly, relaxed smile on my face.

The improbable had just been redefined.

"Yo."

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