Baltigo was an island shrouded in secrecy, hidden from the awareness of the outside world. It served as the primary base of operations for the Revolutionary Army, led by none other than the elusive and formidable Dragon. This isolated headquarter was where every member of the organization eventually returned after carrying out their missions across the seas. It was also the crucible where young revolutionaries were forged, trained rigorously under the watchful eyes of high-ranking commanders. For many, Baltigo was not merely a stronghold, it was the birthplace of their conviction, the very first step into the daunting yet righteous path of rebellion.
Take Sabo, for example.
He had willingly joined the Revolutionary Army when he was only ten years old, guided by an unshakable resolve to dismantle the corrupt system upheld by the World Government. The moment he arrived, he had hurled himself into intense training, pushing his limits beyond what any normal child could endure. Day after day he struggled, learned, grew, and gradually transformed into someone worthy of commanding others. Eventually, he rose to the prestigious position known as Revolutionary Number Two, a rank carrying tremendous responsibility and respect. For someone so young, it was remarkable, yet Sabo bore the role without arrogance. He carried it proudly, not only for his own sake but as a tribute to the man who had guided him and molded him into the capable leader he had become.
Among the countless people he met in Baltigo, Sabo found comrades who shared the same blazing convictions. One of them was Koala, a young woman whose childhood had been marred by suffering. She had once been forced into slavery, only to be rescued and escorted home by a certain group of pirates. That experience had planted a seed within her, a burning desire to prevent others from facing the same cruelty. Now she stood as a symbol of strength and recovery within the Revolutionary Army, her spirit unbroken and her determination unwavering.
At this moment, both Sabo and Koala were waiting at Baltigo's main port. Their expressions, almost identical in anticipation, said everything. Their gazes swept across the endless expanse of sea, eyes bright and alert, their excitement building with every passing second.
Another figure stood with them, observing the two youth with a gentle, amused smile.
To Robin, the sight before her was almost heartwarming. Sabo and Koala practically vibrated with excitement, as if they were children watching the horizon for a long-awaited friend. Their eagerness was infectious, and Robin found herself sharing in their anticipation. She, too, was curious about the guest they were all waiting to welcome.
"Naru should be arriving at any moment now," Sabo commented, straightening his posture as though trying to maintain composure. The slight sparkle in his eyes betrayed just how thrilled he truly was.
"I cannot wait to see Naru-san again!" Koala exclaimed, her entire face lighting up with pure joy. Just thinking about the person made her heart swell with admiration.
Sabo cast her a dry, unimpressed look. "You are acting as if this is the first time you have ever met her."
"I've not seen Naru-san in forever!" Koala argued, folding her arms defensively. "The last time was when she came to get you before Marineford. And honestly, you barely did anything there. I didn't even see you fight."
"I was there for emotional support," Sabo declared with a smooth confidence, though the smirk tugging at his lips made it clear he was teasing.
"As if that counts," Koala snapped back, rolling her eyes.
Robin let out a quiet chuckle. "I wonder what kind of person she is."
Her question instantly silenced the two quarreling revolutionaries. They spun toward her with sparkling eyes, eager to sing praises.
"Naru-san is absolutely amazing!" Koala proclaimed passionately, bringing her hands together as though offering a prayer. As someone who had suffered cruelty, Koala held deep admiration for Naru, a woman she saw as overwhelmingly strong yet profoundly kind. "I know you will adore her, Robin-san!"
"Instead of hearing us talk endlessly, it is better to experience her presence yourself." Sabo grinned at Robin as he spoke. "The best way to understand someone is to speak to them directly."
"I suppose you are right," Robin said with a gentle nod.
They continued waiting along the edge of the harbor, the air filled with a pleasant mixture of anticipation and ocean breeze. Fortunately, the wait was not prolonged. Within a matter of minutes, two distant shapes appeared in the sky, descending gracefully toward them.
It was Naru, drifting down effortlessly with her wind chakra, and beside her was Yue, her Devil Fruit ability allowing her to soar like a celestial bird. Together, they looked almost ethereal, like two divine beings descending from the heavens.
"There they are! Look, it is them!" Koala shouted with boundless enthusiasm, waving both arms wildly. "Naru-san! Yue-chan! Over here!"
Robin's eyes were immediately drawn to the first figure. Tall, graceful, and radiating confidence, Naru was impossible to mistake. Her golden blond hair shimmered in the sunlight, her striking blue eyes sharp and alert. One glance was enough for Robin to understand that this woman truly belonged to Luffy's family. The resemblance in energy, in presence, was unmistakable.
Her gaze then drifted to the second figure. Yue's magnificent wings unfurled widely, beating rhythmically as she descended. Watching those wings sway through the air stirred something deep within Robin. It reminded her of her own ability, the countless arms she could manifest. A spark of ambition flickered inside her. She felt the urge to refine her training further, to reach new heights. Perhaps one day she, too, could take to the skies in her own unique way.
Naru and Yue touched down with perfect balance, their landings so smooth it seemed as though they simply stepped onto the ground from an invisible platform above. Yue's brilliant wings shimmered briefly before folding back into her body, returning her to her normal appearance.
"Naru-san! Yue-chan! I am so happy to see you both again!" Koala blurted out, already sprinting toward them with unrestrained excitement.
Sabo followed behind, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Is it just me, or have you become shorter since the last time I saw you?"
It was a shameless jab, especially considering that he had nearly caught up to her in height over the past year.
Naru responded exactly as expected. She landed a firm punch to his shoulder, strong enough to make him wince. After making her point, she turned her attention toward the woman standing gracefully nearby.
"I believe you have already heard of her," Sabo said, motioning toward the raven-haired archaeologist. "This is Nico Robin, one of Luffy's most trusted companions."
Robin extended her hand with a calm, polite smile. Naru accepted it warmly, her expression open and friendly.
"Luffy talks about you all the time," Naru said, her tone sincere and welcoming. "I have heard so much about you."
"Oh my, I hope the stories were flattering," Robin replied with a soft, elegant tease.
"Don't worry. He only shared the fun, wild, unforgettable memories you all made together."
Robin's heart warmed. She felt a strong sense of comfort, reassurance, and even hope. Knowing her crew was thinking of her helped soothe the ache of separation.
Only one more year remained, she reminded herself quietly. One more year until she could reunite with her beloved friends. The thought alone made her chest feel lighter.
Once the greetings concluded, Sabo stepped forward and began guiding Naru toward the main residence of the Revolutionary Army, where Dragon himself was waiting to meet her. Meanwhile, Koala, Yue, and Robin drifted into lively conversation as they walked in another direction, their voices filled with curiosity, excitement, and the unmistakable spark of a new bond beginning to form.
With introductions done and warm greetings exchanged, Sabo took the lead and guided Naru toward the Revolutionary Army's main headquarters, where Dragon himself was waiting for her arrival. Meanwhile, Koala, Yue, and Robin walked in another direction, their chatter already filled with stories, questions, and the unmistakable excitement of new bonds being formed.