Robin's plan was simple: take Guts to meet her so-called boss, "Crocodile."
Her real intention, however, was to slip away when the two inevitably clashed.
After all, in her eyes, Aokiji stood at the very peak of power. Even if Guts really had that kind of strength, Crocodile could at least buy her some time. Enough for her to escape… right?
But what Robin didn't expect was that the man in front of her seemed to read her thoughts perfectly. He had already seen through everything.
Now she had no other plans left. She even wondered if she would be tied up and handed to the Marines for a bounty.
Yet, instead of that, Guts suddenly turned around and said:
"Come down. Pour tea."
Robin blinked in shock. The next moment, Guts's figure disappeared from above and reappeared on the deck below.
More than his strength, what confused Robin most was his intent. What was this man really after?
He didn't act like a pirate hunter chasing bounties. If he were a government agent who recognized her, he wouldn't let her live either.
So then… what was he thinking?
"Who is she?"
From the observation deck, Nami eyed Robin warily. Her first impression screamed "assassin."
"The female tour guide—for now. She'll also serve as a maid."
Guts sat lazily on a chair, yawning toward Robin. "Pour tea."
He actually thought Robin's proposal wasn't bad.
Sure, with a burst of Conqueror's Haki he could flatten 100% of the small fry who came after him. But the constant pests were annoying. A little fame wasn't a bad thing.
And in terms of convenient cannon fodder, Crocodile was the best candidate nearby.
The only problem was… Guts could barely remember where exactly in Alabasta Crocodile was stationed.
Robin's timing, however, was perfect.
Hearing Guts's command, Robin raised an eyebrow but stepped forward quietly, serving tea like a proper maid.
"Your name?"
Nami asked cautiously.
Since Guts had already revealed her, Robin saw no point in hiding. Her voice was calm.
"Nico Robin."
Nami's eyes widened as if recalling something. "I feel like I've heard that name before…"
Even though she'd spent most of her life in East Blue, Nami was familiar with infamous criminals from across the seas.
"A woman with a 79 million bounty," Guts added with a smirk. "There aren't many female pirates with a higher price, even on the Grand Line."
"Seventy-nine million?!"
Nami jumped back like a startled rabbit, staring at Robin in disbelief.
For a woman to be worth that much—it was incredible.
Seconds later, her miser's eyes turned into glowing Berry symbols. She shuffled to Guts's side, whispering:
"Hey, when are we turning her in to the Marines?"
At those words, Robin's face darkened with fleeting sadness. Was her life really going to end like this?
"She'll be our tour guide for now. We'll talk later," Guts said, yawning again. "Sleep?"
Nami's cheeks flushed, and she smacked his shoulder. "Go sleep by yourself! Why say it like that!?"
Although if Guts pressed, she probably wouldn't resist too much… but still, it was too soon. A man shouldn't get what he wants too easily.
Guts smacked his lips, slightly annoyed. It had been a while since he'd slept alone. Still, with another yawn, he left for his room.
Only Nami and Robin remained. Guts didn't bother worrying about how they would get along.
He trusted Robin wouldn't make a move on Nami.
Deep down, he sensed her nature wasn't malicious. And with his eyes always on her, she wouldn't dare act recklessly.
Escape was impossible anyway. There were no lifeboats, and as a Devil Fruit user, Robin couldn't flee by sea. Meanwhile, Guts himself could walk on air with Moonwalk. What was there to fear?
Morning arrived.
The permanent Log Pose had fully stored the island's magnetism, and they could set sail for the next destination.
Robin really did start serving as a maid, while Nami handled the usual washing and cooking. But soon enough, Robin took over most of the chores.
She was used to it. Back on Ohara, her aunt had abused her into a life of drudgery.
Later, while on the run, she'd worked similar roles just to survive. Compared to that, this wasn't new, it was simply returning to a familiar routine.
With her calm, intellectual demeanor, Robin even reminded Guts of Kurenai. Watching her move around the ship gave him a strange sense of déjà vu.
Nami, on the other hand, wasn't used to being served. At first she tried to accept it, but eventually she couldn't help stepping in to lend a hand.
Over the next few days, she realized Robin wasn't nearly as terrifying as her bounty suggested.
One afternoon, the two were scrubbing through a mountain of plates piled high thanks to Guts's bottomless appetite.
"Miss Robin," Nami asked suddenly, "what did you do to earn such a huge bounty?"
Robin froze. The plate slipped from her hand and shattered in the sink.
"Careful!" Nami exclaimed.
"…No, it's nothing. Sorry."
Robin quickly put on gloves and picked up the shards.
"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to," Nami said softly. "Everyone has things from their past they'd rather not drag up."
Her own past as a thief flashed through her mind. If not for Guts, she'd still be stealing wallets just to scrape together 100 million Berry.
Perhaps seeing something of her own pain reflected in Nami's eyes, Robin hesitated. Her lips pressed tight, then parted.
"…Nami. How did you meet Mr. Guts?"
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