News of the impending meeting between the Three Emperors spread rapidly across the Grand Line and the Four Blues. Aside from the Marines and the World Government, countless pirates were naturally made aware.
The Government had just officially announced that Alucard had obtained the blueprints for Pluton, and immediately afterward, Alucard took action to meet with the other two Emperors. It was impossible not to link this move to the designs of the Ancient Weapon.
What did these three monsters want? Or rather, what was Alucard planning?
At the same time, some rookie pirates were curious: Aren't there Four Emperors in the New World? Why was Whitebeard the only one Alucard didn't invite?
The answer was simple: Alucard knew Whitebeard wouldn't come. All that old man wanted to do now was live out his twilight years in peace. Or rather, he couldn't come; it wouldn't be long before the news of Ace's capture reached his ears.
Others, however, assumed Whitebeard had been invited but simply declined. Similar meetings had occurred over a decade ago, and Whitebeard had refused then as well. As he aged, it wasn't surprising that he would decline again.
…
Inside Arderay's castle.
Robin had changed into a new blue-patterned, light-purple low-cut top. With a hint of awe, she handed two seemingly identical sets of blueprints to Alucard. "Alucard-sama, the task you requested has been completed."
"Good work, Robin."
Alucard took the blueprints and looked them over. At a cursory glance, it was impossible to see any difference. He asked Robin, "Where did you make the changes?"
"I modified some of the parameters and translated it all into the Ancient Language," Robin explained softly.
Gaining courage, Robin stepped forward and pointed out the altered sections. Alucard compared them with the original and found that there were indeed subtle differences in the script. However, because he couldn't read the Ancient Language, the characters looked so similar that an untrained eye would assume they were identical.
Alucard admitted that even he, someone who couldn't decipher the ancient texts, couldn't tell them apart.
"In this world, you are likely the only one left who can read the Poneglyphs, right?" Alucard chuckled.
"No, I wouldn't dare say that. But it is true that I am the only lucky survivor left from Ohara."
Robin didn't dare claim to be the only one. The world was vast; if monsters like Alucard existed, what was so special about knowing an ancient language?
Alucard tossed the two fakes into his blood pool. He clasped his hands together, his thumbs rotating against each other. "Tell me... do you want to return to the Straw Hats?"
"Alucard-sama, I don't..."
"Tell the truth."
Robin tried to answer quickly, but Alucard cut her off.
After a long silence, Robin mustered the courage to speak her heart. "Yes. The Immortals are a better safe haven than the Straw Hats, but... the pressure here is immense."
"Is that so? Well, what if there was a way for you to receive protection while continuing to stay with that 'play-pretend' Straw Hat crew? What would you think of that?"
The corner of Alucard's mouth turned up. Anyone who knew him would immediately realize he was about to cause trouble.
Upon hearing Alucard's words, Robin's face turned pale. She bowed her head. "Alucard-sama... I... I don't want to do that."
"What's wrong? Is your bond with the Straw Hats too deep to sever?" Alucard teased.
"...They were, after all, kind to me," Robin said with difficulty.
"That is what it means to be a pirate."
Alucard released his clasped hands. "Go carry out your orders. And while you're at it, enjoy some relaxation."
As he spoke, Alucard placed his hands on Robin's shoulders and bit into the right side of her neck.
"Ahhh—!"
Robin let out a sharp cry. After the initial sting, a numbing, tingling sensation washed over her, making her moan involuntarily.
"To have survived in the underworld for so long and still be a virgin at your age... it proves you are a clever woman."
Alucard's fangs retracted from Robin's neck. A thin thread of mingled saliva and blood stretched between his teeth and the puncture wounds on her neck.
"Mmm... Ah~ "
Robin's eyes gradually shifted from their original jade green to a deep crimson—the proof of a vampire!
"What... what is happening to me?"
The painful sensation gradually faded. Robin touched her own body, feeling a powerful, staggering force roaring within her. Her strength had leapt several levels in an instant.
"Don't disappoint me, Nico Robin."
Alucard looked directly into Robin's eyes, red pupils, just like his own. "I'm sending a unit from Urdaha back with you to Water 7. When you see the Straw Hats, tell them you escaped from Aranea's clutches."
Alucard sat back on his throne and laughed. "With the personality of that Straw Hat crew, they will absolutely believe you."
Robin remained silent for a long moment before bowing respectfully. "Yes... my Master."
After Robin left, Hancock, who had been peeking from the back room, couldn't help but jump out. Though she didn't dare be disrespectful to Alucard, she couldn't suppress her emotions. She pouted and asked, "Why did you turn a woman like that into a vampire?"
"Since I'm in this world, how could I not stick around to watch the Straw Hats' performance?" Alucard laughed.
Hancock didn't understand his meaning at all. She threw herself into his arms, determined to prevent her Master, who should belong only to her, from being snatched away by some "other woman."
Wait, there was already a Scarlett. If Robin was included, she would be the third...
Two days later, the date Alucard had Doflamingo relay to Kaido and Big Mom for their gathering finally arrived.
Alucard set out to sea. The others had long grown used to his "lone wolf" style and tactfully stayed out of his business, silently doing their own jobs.
The meeting point was located in the middle of the New World, a vast sea area where three defensive perimeters intersected.
Kaido, Captain of the Beasts Pirates, was, for once, not acting alone. He sat aboard the Saber-toothed Tiger, pouring a wooden keg of booze that held at least dozens of liters into his mouth.
About two miles away from the Saber-toothed Tiger was the Big Mom Pirates' Queen Mama Chanter.
Charlotte Linlin, whose massive frame was barely smaller than Kaido's, let out a bit of drool. "Ma~ma-ma-ma! For that Immortal brat to call us here at a time like this, it's definitely about the Pluton blueprints. I wonder what he's going to say... I can't wait!"