Hina held the Transponder Snail's receiver and frowned, "Do we still need to keep reporting information about Shirogai to our superiors?"
"There's no need."
Smoker walked out of the smoke-filled room and stepped onto the deck, letting the sunlight wash over his face, his mood visibly calmer.
"I've reported everything I know. If they still decide to proceed, then they've weighed the risks and rewards."
A sneer tugged at the edge of Smoker's lips.
"Maybe they even think Shirogai is the perfect weapon to throw against the Four Emperors, handed to them on a silver platter."
Elsewhere on Hina's Marine ship, a bound pirate glanced around nervously. Seizing the moment, he lunged forward and snatched a knife from a nearby Marine.
"Hmph! Marine scum, go to hell!"
Raising the knife with both hands, he grinned maniacally and slashed toward Hina, who stood with her back turned.
"Hina-san! Be careful!" the Marines cried out in alarm.
Smoker raised an eyebrow. "Seems something's happening on your end."
"Oh, just a minor inconvenience."
Hina turned around nonchalantly, extending her arm to intercept the attacker.
The pirate's eyes widened in panic as Hina's arm passed through him—only for cold, unbreakable iron bars to wrap around his limbs and torso. He crashed to the deck, writhing helplessly.
"Damn Marine! What is this—iron chains?!"
Calmly, Hina sat on the bound pirate, cigarette in hand, and exhaled a puff of smoke.
"I've heard whispers that they're experimenting with Shichibukai genes… You think recruiting Shirogai as a Warlord has anything to do with that?"
"Hina, watch your words."
Smoker's tone deepened as he puffed his cigar. "You're speaking too freely. Keep that kind of talk to yourself."
Changing the subject, Hina leaned back. "Do you think Shirogai will accept the title of Seven Warlords of the Sea?"
Smoker's gaze landed on two bounty posters: Luffy's at one hundred million Berries and Zoro's at sixty million.
"I can't say for sure what that man's after. Accepting or rejecting—either choice is possible for him."
"Is that so…"
Hina exhaled another smoke ring. "He really is unpredictable."
Aboard the Going Merry...
"Waaah! So lonely!"
Five figures draped themselves over the second-floor railing, weeping pitifully.
"We miss Vivi and Karoo sooo much! Waaah…"
The parting with Vivi had left a void in the Straw Hat crew's hearts. She and Karoo had become integral to their daily routine.
At this time of day, Vivi would usually be chatting with Nami as they tended the tangerine trees. Karoo would be goofing off with Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper—either fishing, or being used as bait…
Shirogai stood beside Zoro, both watching their melodramatic crew with faint amusement.
"If we didn't want to say goodbye, we should've just taken her with us," Shirogai said with a smirk. "We're pirates. Since when do we follow common sense?"
Zoro nodded in agreement, arms crossed. "Shirogai's right. Let's just turn the ship around and kidnap her from Alubarna."
"What?! You two are the worst! Vivi loves her country!"
The crew immediately turned on them.
Chopper's eyes widened with teary outrage. "You heartless brutes!"
Nami sniffled, glaring. "Zoro and Shirogai are so cruel!"
Sanji's eyebrow twitched. "Green Algae Head and Squinty-Eyed Bastard!"
Luffy frowned. "Three-Sword Style… and, uh… Talent Guy!"
Usopp blinked. "Luffy, those aren't insults."
"Four-Sword Style! Talent Freak!" Luffy added.
"…Still not insults," Usopp muttered. "You're better off calling them cold-blooded jerks…"
Zoro shrugged. "There's no saving these guys."
Creak...
The cabin door slowly opened behind them.
A soft, elegant voice echoed from within, "Seems we've finally left the island. The Marines didn't catch up, did they?"
Zoro responded automatically, "No, they didn't."
"You've worked hard."
The woman stepped into view with a gentle smile.
Shirogai smiled faintly. "Heh, looks like we've got a guest aboard the Going Merry."
"A guest?"
Zoro turned around, and his eyes widened.
The others noticed her too—shock hitting them like a wave.
They looked up too fast and bonked their heads on the railing.
"OWWW!"
There stood the tall, elegant figure of Nico Robin—formerly Miss All Sunday and ex–Vice President of Baroque Works.
Zoro's expression darkened. He crouched slightly, hand on his sword hilt. "You're here for revenge, aren't you? I'll take you on!"
On the second floor, chaos broke out.
"Enemy attack!" Usopp shouted through a megaphone.
"Ahhh! Help!" Chopper ran in circles.
"Miss All Sunday?!" Nami gasped. "Why are you here—and wearing my clothes?!"
Sanji's eyes turned into hearts. "What a stunning big sister!"
Luffy tilted his head. "You look really familiar… who are you again?"
Robin smiled at them all, then locked eyes with Shirogai.
"Didn't your Vice-Captain mention he once invited me to join the crew?"
"What?!"
Everyone's jaws dropped. "Shirogai invited her to join?! Why didn't we know?!"
All eyes turned to him.
Shirogai laughed awkwardly. "Oh. Heh. I forgot to mention it."
"You forgot?!"
"Shirogai!"
Nami slid over, smacking him repeatedly. "How could you bring someone from Baroque Works aboard without telling us?!"
"Relax. Robin's not a threat."
Shirogai gestured to her with a calm smile.
"Robin, I invited you, sure. But the final say belongs to the Captain. You remember that, right?"
"Of course," Robin said softly, sitting on a nearby chair. "But… the promise you made to me—have you forgotten it?"
Sanji froze as if struck by lightning.
"SHIROGAI, YOU SCOUNDREL!"
Sanji grabbed his collar, tears of envy welling up. "Vivi just left, and now you're already charming another beauty?! You traitor! Teach me your ways!"
(Hahaha....)
Shirogai raised his hands. "Sanji, I'm innocent!"
"Innocent, my foot! Waaaah!"
Meanwhile, Usopp peeked out from behind a post, muttering, "Um, Miss Passenger? Please get off the ship…"
Chopper huddled behind the same pillar—except his rear was sticking out entirely.
The ship descended into chaotic mayhem.
The sorrow of Vivi's departure? Completely swept away.
"Heh heh!"
Luffy burst into joyful laughter. "The ship's finally lively again!"
Robin watched with a smile, then turned toward the wary swordsman.
"Is your ship always like this?"
Zoro scowled, hand still on his blade. "That's none of your business. But if you try anything, I'll be watching."