Seeing that Saint Roselith Seraphina's expression had softened slightly, Crocodile immediately realized there was still a chance.
There's hope.
There's still hope.
"If you want to solve Alabasta's environmental problems, I can help."
"I can reclaim sections of the desert, reshape the terrain, and gradually transform barren regions into fertile land."
Though reluctant, Crocodile still offered a solution.
In his eyes, this Marine Rear Admiral had become Vivi's sworn elder sister and clearly cared about Alabasta's future. If he could prove his value, perhaps she would no longer regard him as a threat.
After all, few people in the world possessed a Devil Fruit as uniquely suited to environmental engineering as the Suna Suna no Mi.
Saint Roselith Seraphina considered his proposal for a moment before nodding.
"Very well."
"Then that is what we shall do."
"Crocodile, despite your flaws, you are still capable of contributing something useful to society."
"As long as you remain within the law and genuinely help the people of Alabasta, I will not treat you unfairly."
"You're more sensible than I expected."
Seraphina analyzed the situation carefully.
At this point in time, Crocodile had not yet launched a rebellion, nor had he openly harmed the people of Alabasta. While his ambitions were obvious, most of his public actions had actually benefited the kingdom.
To preserve his image as Alabasta's hero, he had spent years driving away pirates and protecting trade routes.
His methods were questionable.
His motives were selfish.
But the results could not be ignored.
As for his past before becoming a member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, much of his reputation had come from repeatedly challenging powerful figures, including the legendary Emperor, Whitebeard.
Compared to simply imprisoning him, making use of his abilities seemed far more practical.
Unexpectedly, Crocodile appeared willing to cooperate.
"I heard you're originally from the East Blue."
To ease the tense atmosphere, Seraphina casually brought up information from his Marine records.
If Alabasta was destined to become the future cradle of Marine development, improving the lives of its citizens was a necessity.
Crocodile raised an eyebrow.
"Ah?"
"You know that?"
Then he studied her face more carefully.
"You're from the East Blue too?"
The East Blue.
The sea where his dreams had first begun.
"No."
"But I know the East Blue very well."
Seraphina answered calmly.
That was an understatement.
Through her influence, much of the East Blue Marine structure was already connected to her growing network of officers and academy graduates.
"You haven't gone back in a long time, have you?"
Her question caused Crocodile's expression to stiffen slightly.
"I have no family left."
His voice was calm.
Matter-of-fact.
He was not seeking sympathy.
It was simply the truth.
For a brief moment, silence filled the room.
"I'm sorry."
Seraphina replied sincerely.
Crocodile waved dismissively.
"It doesn't matter."
Seeing her genuinely apologizing caught him slightly off guard.
The conversation was becoming increasingly strange.
This was not how Marines normally behaved.
Nor was it how interrogations usually worked.
"Can I leave now?"
A cautious voice suddenly interrupted.
Robin had slowly edged toward the doorway while the two were talking.
Neither side seemed intent on fighting anymore.
Naturally, she wanted to disappear before either of them changed their minds.
"Stop."
Robin froze instantly.
Saint Roselith Seraphina's voice had become noticeably colder.
"What is your name?"
Robin's heartbeat accelerated.
"My name is Nicole."
"Nicole?"
Seraphina repeated the name.
"Yes."
Robin maintained a composed expression despite the pressure.
Years of running from the World Government had taught her how to lie without blinking.
Unfortunately, Seraphina's Observation Haki was far too developed.
"You're lying."
Robin's expression twitched slightly.
"You're only telling part of the truth."
"Nicole isn't your surname."
"Why are you hiding your real name?"
Seraphina's sharp observation immediately exposed the flaw.
A partial truth was still a lie.
That meant Nicole was likely either her given name or only one part of her identity.
Robin sighed internally.
This Marine officer was unbelievably troublesome.
Most people accepted lies.
This woman somehow saw straight through them.
"I…"
Robin hesitated.
An eighty-million-berry bounty hung over her head.
Revealing her true identity to a Marine Rear Admiral was practically suicide.
Seraphina's suspicion deepened.
Nicole…
Why does that sound familiar?
Where have I heard that before?
She brushed a strand of silver-white hair behind her ear and tried to remember.
Then suddenly
A memory surfaced.
Seraphina's eyes widened.
"Nico Robin!"
Robin froze.
The room fell silent.
Crocodile stared.
Robin stared.
Even Seraphina stared.
"…Yes."
Robin finally answered.
"That's my name."
"Then why didn't you say so from the beginning?"
Seraphina sounded genuinely confused.
"If you had introduced yourself properly, none of this misunderstanding would have happened."
"I assumed you were hiding your name because you'd committed some terrible crime."
Robin blinked.
Then blinked again.
What kind of reaction was that?
That wasn't the response of a Marine officer who had just discovered the identity of the infamous Devil Child.
"You know me?"
Robin asked cautiously.
"Yes."
Seraphina nodded.
"I know who you are."
Robin's heartbeat accelerated.
The World Government had hunted her relentlessly since childhood.
Everyone who recognized her either feared her or wanted the bounty.
Yet Seraphina's expression remained completely normal.
"Aren't I the Devil Child?"
Robin asked quietly.
"The woman the world fears?"
Seraphina frowned.
"The Devil Child?"
The title sounded ridiculous.
Robin became even more confused.
"You know my name."
"You know who I am."
"But you don't know my bounty?"
Now it was Seraphina's turn to hesitate.
That was a difficult question.
A very difficult question.
Because the truth was absurd.
She knew Nico Robin because of memories that shouldn't exist.
Memories from another life.
Memories connected to events that had not even happened yet.
For a moment, even Saint Roselith Seraphina, heir of the Roselith Family and Rear Admiral of the Marines, found herself completely at a loss for words.
How exactly was she supposed to explain that?
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