After leaving the lounge, Takero felt as though the world had suddenly become much quieter. He had no interest in watching the preliminary rounds, which looked like a bunch of chickens pecking at each other. Instead, he took Nico Robin, Monet, Reiju, Sora, and Sugar on a shopping trip.
Today, Ambry Island was more alive than it had ever been. The streets were packed shoulder to shoulder with people of all races and colors. The air was filled with the sweet smells of roasted meat, cotton candy, and popcorn.
"Wow! Sister, look! That cotton candy is huge!" Sugar exclaimed, pointing at a colorful treat that was bigger than her head.
"Master! Master! I want some of that takoyaki!" Monet added, tugging on Takero's sleeve and pouting playfully.
Even the normally composed Reiju found herself captivated by the dazzling trinkets sold in the street stalls. And Sora, despite being a mother of five, felt her long-dormant girlish heart reawaken. After being bedridden for so long, she craved these simple joys. Just being able to walk freely in the sun with her children was the greatest happiness she could imagine. Every day since coming to live with Takero had been happier than the last dozen years combined. Looking back, she thought, it really was a good thing that Judge died.
Among the chattering group, only Nico Robin remained quiet. She simply smiled, walking beside Takero like an elegant observer watching the world go by.
Takero glanced at her. "What's wrong, my little maid?" he asked. "There are so many people and so many nice things for sale. Aren't you going to buy anything?"
Robin smiled and shook her head. Her gaze rested on Takero's broad, dependable back. "The thing I wanted most," she said softly, "I already have. Now, I just want to stay by your side."
Before long, the surging crowd and fascinating stalls separated the group, leaving only Takero and Robin walking together. Takero wasn't worried. He knew the ever-present Saiyan Guard recognized them and that, from the shadows, countless eyes were watching over their safety.
Without the others' chatter, a comfortable silence fell between them. Robin followed just behind Takero, looking at his tall figure outlined by the sun. A warm, unfamiliar feeling of security filled her heart. Ever since she'd met this man, he had been domineering, self-centered, and even a little mischievous, but he had always protected and cared for her in his own way. She felt that meeting him was the best thing that had ever happened to her and hoped these peaceful days could last forever.
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, a lazy yet chilling voice cut through the air beside her.
"Ara la... I really didn't expect this. To run into you here, of all places... Nico Robin."
Robin's body went rigid. She slowly turned her head, and when she saw the tall figure who had appeared beside her, her pupils shrank in terror. It was a man with messy black curly hair, whose presence was a perfect blend of coldness and laziness.
In an instant, horrible images of Ohara—of fire, ice, and despair—came flooding back, shattering the peace she had worked so hard to build. Her legs gave out, and she started to fall backward.
A strong arm wrapped around her, catching her just in time. A warm, reassuring presence enveloped her. "What's wrong, my little maid?" Takero teased gently as he held her steady. "Tired from walking already? I told you to read fewer of those dusty old books and exercise more with me. Maybe now you'll believe me."
He then slowly looked up, a playful glint in his eyes as he faced the man before them. "So... who are you, pal?"
Before Aokiji could answer, Robin spoke, her voice trembling. "He... he's 'Aokiji' Kuzan! One of the Marine Admiral candidates! He ate the Logia-type Chilly-Chilly Fruit! He was... he was one of the people at the Ohara Incident!"
"Oh?" Takero's interest was piqued. "So this guy is on the same level as that flashy dude who only knows how to run away?" He looked at Aokiji with a provocative smile. "What's up? Are you Marines looking for another fight?"
"Ara la... let's not get so tense," Aokiji said, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. "I'm just out for a walk. I'm not looking for any trouble."
Ever since Zephyr's defeat, Kizaru's humiliation, and the complete destruction of the Buster Call, the World Government had seen Takero's god-like power. A top-secret order had been issued: Under no circumstances should anyone engage in direct conflict with 'Strange Tail' Takero. The Marines had received a similar order.
The two men stared at each other for a moment before Aokiji spoke again, his voice becoming more serious. "Hey, young man. Do you realize that as long as this woman is with you, the World Government will never take its eyes off you? You will never know peace."
"I know," Takero nodded. "So?"
"So..." Aokiji looked at him. "This girl's identity is very special. I advise you to stay away from her. The World Government's interest in her is far greater than you can imagine." He continued in the tone of a seasoned veteran. "I admit, you're incredibly strong. I might not even be a match for you. But the World Government has ruled this world for eight hundred years. The secret power they hold is beyond your imagination. To make an enemy of them for one woman... it's better to be rational."
Hearing these "heartfelt words," Takero laughed. It was a brilliant, confident laugh. "Is that so?" He looked at Aokiji, his voice filled with arrogant expectation. "That's perfect. I'm looking forward to it. Let them come, whenever they want."
Aokiji was silent. It seemed he had completely underestimated this man.
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