Chapter 6 – The Princess and the Lightning God
Vivi's expression remained heavy, like a lamb being led to the slaughter. Seeing this, Lucien smiled lightly and reassured her:
"Don't look so grim. I may be decisive, but I treat my divine consorts well."
Vivi didn't respond. Words meant little—she needed proof through actions.
"Let's not waste time. I'll take you to deal with Crocodile personally."
"Wait," Vivi stopped him, glancing at the unconscious Igaram and Karoo beside her. "Since I've agreed, can you wake them up first?"
"They'll be fine," Lucien said calmly. "You'll know what to tell them."
"...Okay."
Raising his hand, several streaks of white lightning burst from his fingertips and zapped the two unconscious companions.
"Electrotherapy."
"Quack—Quack? Quack!!" Karoo flailed awake in panic. His beady eyes landed on Lucien and immediately went wide with fear.
Lucien gave the duck a cold look. Karoo immediately froze.
Igaram soon came to, dazed and smoking slightly from the static. "Ugh… What happened?"
"There was a freak lightning strike. You and Karoo were knocked out, but thank heavens you're okay." Vivi kept her tone urgent and steady. "I have to return to Alabasta immediately. This man is a god—he's here to help us. He'll stop the civil war and take down Crocodile himself."
"Igaram, handle things here and return home later. I'm leaving with him."
["A god...? Is she serious?"] Igaram's doubts flickered across his face, but he nodded.
"Yes, Princess Vivi."
Vivi looked at Karoo again, guilt flickering in her eyes. But seeing Lucien's indifferent expression, she gave up on taking the duck with her.
"I'm ready."
Lucien stepped forward, picked her up gently, and with a flash of lightning, the two vanished—reappearing on board the Little Proverb.
The propellers roared as the ship streaked off toward Alabasta.
…
During the flight, Vivi remained restless, the weight of her country on her shoulders.
"Lucien," she said cautiously, seated awkwardly on his lap, "Crocodile is seen as a national hero. We'll need solid evidence to expose him. Otherwise, the people might turn against me."
Lucien scoffed, brushing his fingers along her waist. "Why bother?"
"What?"
"In this world, power determines truth. As long as you declare his crimes, and I stand by you, the people will believe it—evidence or not. You're the true princess. Crocodile is just a fraud."
Vivi fell silent. His words felt brutal—but honest. Perhaps… this was the kind of strength Alabasta needed now.
Lucien suddenly turned serious. "You mentioned Baroque Works' vice president. When did you last see her?"
"Two days ago. We were spying on her ship near the waters between Drum Island and Little Garden. We left quickly before she could notice us."
"Drum Island, huh…"
Lucien pulled out several Log Poses from his coat and found the one pointing toward Drum Island. Adjusting the Little Proverb's course, he accelerated. A low hum of lightning surrounded the ship, shielding it from the fierce winds.
…
In a choppy sea near Drum Island, a pursuit was underway.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
A Marine warship fired relentlessly at a fleeing ship ahead. The woman giving chase stood tall and fierce—long pink hair, rose-red suit, Justice cloak billowing behind her. It was Navy Colonel Tina.
"Tina is very annoyed, Nico Robin! Surrender now!"
On the smaller ship ahead, Robin remained calm, her dark eyes focused on the sea. She knelt beside a large sea turtle, whispering instructions.
An archipelago loomed ahead—if she reached it, the Marine warship wouldn't be able to follow.
Suddenly, the sky cracked with thunder.
BOOM!
A massive lightning bolt slammed into the Marine ship, carving a gaping hole through its deck and prison hold. Smoke and seawater erupted.
"TINA IS VERY ANGRY! WHO DID THIS?!"
Robin flinched and turned to look.
Lucien stood calmly at the bow of her ship, smiling like a predator.
"Miss All Sunday, Nico Robin."
She gasped, instinctively reacting. "Two-Floret Clutch—!!"
Before her ability could activate, a current surged through her body.
"A-ah!"
She collapsed forward, trembling. His lightning paralyzed her before her arms could even bloom.
Lucien smirked. "Your fruit is clever—but you lack Haki. That trick won't work on me."
Robin grit her teeth, heart pounding. "Who are you…? What do you want from me?"
"I am God Lucien—and I've come for you. Nico Robin, become my divine consort."
His voice was calm. Direct. Unrelenting.
Robin stared at him, unable to speak.
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To be continued…