Robin stood before the stone stele carved with ancient script at the western royal tombs. After a long moment, she withdrew her gaze, disappointed. It wasn't the information she hoped for.
"How is it? Did it record what you were looking for?"
Seeing her finish reading, Cobra quickly asked. Though this wasn't something meant for outsiders, she was an adventurer, after all.
"Are there any others? Anything… anything about history?"
Robin felt unwilling to give up. She rarely encountered Poneglyphs, yet this one recorded something about the Ancient Weapons.
She wanted historical records—why was it always so difficult?
"If it's history you're after, there are some books in the Royal Library. You can have a look if you wish."
Cobra could tell she was dissatisfied—or simply didn't find what she needed. Since he had already come this far, he offered another suggestion.
"I see. Then thank you very much, Your Majesty."
"It's nothing. I'm glad if it helps you."
With their task done, the three were about to leave when Vivi asked curiously:
"Can I know what was written on it?"
Robin paused, glanced at the confused Cobra, and finally answered:
"It records an Ancient Weapon called 'Pluton.'"
"Ancient Weapon? What's that?"
"A legendary weapon with the power of the gods—capable of erasing an island in a single strike."
Robin spoke as they walked, still observing the king's earlier reaction.
He seemed unaware of the content, but she didn't push further. She was already eager to visit the library.
Hearing of such a terrifying human-made weapon, Vivi and her father exchanged a shocked look. They both prayed such a thing would never appear in the world again.
If some ambitious man got his hands on it, who knew what destruction would follow? This secret had to be protected.
But just as they felt relieved the secret was still safe, Robin continued:
"If I'm not mistaken, Crocodile's goal is probably to find that weapon."
"?!!!"
"H–How could he know something so secret?!"
Cobra's face went pale. He had only just decided to take the secret to his grave, and now he was being told others already knew it.
If Crocodile knew… didn't that mean anyone could?
Would this terrifying weapon really see the light of day? What were they supposed to do?
Noticing their expressions shift, Robin let out a small laugh and reassured them:
"You don't need to worry too much. According to Captain Leno, I'm the only person in the world who can read the Poneglyphs."
"Ah, then I'm relieved."
Vivi patted her small but already growing chest in relief. She had worried for nothing.
If only Robin could decipher them, and Leno was protecting her, she would be safe.
"By the way, Vivi… I haven't asked you yet—have you decided?"
"Are you getting on the ship or not?"
Judging from what she knew about her man, Robin was sure Leno wanted Vivi aboard.
The more beauties, the happier he was.
Of course, she also knew it depended on Vivi herself. Leno never forced anyone—especially not women.
Was this… early recruitment for a sister? Robin chuckled silently.
Vivi froze at the sudden question, then looked nervously toward her father before stammering:
"I–I haven't decided yet!"
She thought her father didn't know about her earlier considerations—but Igaram had already reported everything in full.
Robin gave the princess a peculiar look, then dropped a heavy truth:
"I see. But everything here is already resolved. It won't be long before we leave."
"Huh?! So soon?!"
Vivi's face instantly changed. Her voice rose without her noticing.
With everything that had happened recently, she had nearly forgotten that Leno and his crew would eventually leave.
Now that Robin reminded her, her heart clenched as if a piece had suddenly gone missing. Even breathing felt heavy.
Seeing his daughter pale and stunned, Cobra sighed softly, placing a steady hand on her shoulder.
"Vivi, do whatever you want to do. Your father will always support you."
So what if there were many women? His daughter liked him—so be it.
Still… what a shame. The boy was so talented—why did he have to be so fond of women? Couldn't he learn to commit to just one?
"F–Father…"
Tears spilled down Vivi's cheeks. She was trapped between two impossible choices:
The man she liked, and the father who had raised her since childhood.
She couldn't bear to abandon either—her heart twisted painfully.
Meanwhile, in Leno's room, the storm had passed and calm returned. The sultry air still lingered.
Exhausted, Hina had fallen asleep long ago, her delicate body occasionally twitching in unconscious aftershocks.
Watching her tired expression, Leno felt unsatisfied, brushing the hair from her lips and giving her a gentle kiss before quietly leaving the room.
He wandered around the palace, noticing everyone had yet to return. Since it was still early, he decided to head into the desert to search for another Poneglyph.
He remembered the place vaguely—an underground ruin with only a small portion exposed. It wouldn't be easy to find.
But Robin had suffered more than anyone among his women.
Whenever he recalled her childhood, his heart ached. He always tried to cherish her more than the rest.
If he could help her, he would. Since he had nothing else to do, he might as well look for it now.
With the thought set, Leno activated his Observation Haki to the fullest, transforming into lightning and sweeping across the desert in search…