Staring at Kael for a few seconds, Nico Robin thought—
So this is him…
Her smile deepened for a brief moment before her gaze shifted to the others, silently judging them one by one.
First—
Tashigi.
Angry.
Then—
Nefertari Vivi.
Scared.
Next—
Nami.
Panicked.
Then—
Kaya.
Cautious.
And finally—
Her eyes returned to Kael.
She frowned slightly.
This man… he's perfectly calm… as if completely unbothered by my sudden appearance.
Why?
She pondered.
Is he that confident in his abilities…? Or does he already know I'm not here to cause trouble…?
A brief pause.
…Or perhaps both.
Her usual composed, amused expression returned as she addressed them.
"Now, now… there's no need to be so hasty."
"I haven't received any orders yet."
"I have no reason to fight."
The moment those words left her lips—
She moved.
Without warning.
Using her power, she effortlessly took or rather was allowed to take, Kael's sword from where it rested casually near the dock.
Everyone—except Kael—was stunned.
Still seated on the railing, she unsheathed the blade and began examining it, interest flickering in her eyes.
Then she glanced at him.
"Is this your sword?"
"What a fine weapon."
Kael replied, completely unbothered.
"Thanks."
"It is a fine weapon."
Robin tilted the blade slightly, letting the sunlight run along its edge. The steel reflected a sharp, cold gleam—far too refined to be ordinary.
Her fingers traced just above the surface, not quite touching.
No visible wear… yet it carries presence.
That alone made her pause.
Weapons, much like people, revealed themselves over time. This one felt… restrained.
As if its true nature had yet to be drawn out.
Her eyes flicked toward Kael again.
Interesting.
Most swordsmen she had encountered carried their blades with pride, even arrogance. They reacted when someone else held them—if not outwardly, then subtly.
But him?
Nothing.
No tension.
No shift in posture.
Not even the faintest concern.
He truly doesn't mind… or he's certain I can't do anything with it.
A small, knowing smile curved her lips.
Either way… that level of composure is rare.
For the first time since boarding—
Her curiosity sharpened.
Not toward the crew.
But toward him.
"Kael!!"
Nami snapped, glaring at him.
"Why are you talking so casually with her? She's the enemy!"
"The real question is—how did she even get on our ship—?"
She stopped mid-sentence.
Realization struck.
"…Wait."
Tashigi and Vivi blinked as well, their eyes slowly turning toward Kael.
Nami stepped forward, stopping right in front of him, her gaze sharp and questioning.
Robin tilted her head slightly.
What's wrong with them…?
Nami spoke.
"You already sensed her… didn't you?"
Robin frowned internally.
What is she talking about…? There's no way—
Her thoughts were cut off.
(Well… took her long enough.)
Robin's eyes widened.
She stared at Kael.
That… was his voice.
But he didn't say anything.
Then how…?
The others had heard it too.
Nami clenched her fists.
"You knew, didn't you?!"
Kael flinched slightly.
"Wait, Nami—let me explain—"
"What is there to explain?!" she snapped.
"You let an enemy walk onto the ship!"
"Do you even realize how dangerous that is?!"
"Nami, calm down—"
"Why should I calm down?!"
(Because she's not evil.)
Silence.
Everyone paused.
Even Robin.
Though she remained outwardly composed, confusion flickered beneath the surface.
It's definitely his voice… or more precisely his inner voice.
But how am I hearing it?
And… why does he think I'm not evil?
Vivi's thoughts echoed similar confusion.
Miss All Sunday… isn't evil?
Then… is she actually a good person?
Back at the center—
Nami exhaled sharply, her anger easing just a little.
"Hmph… I still don't trust her."
"But if she harms even one of us—"
She raised her fist.
"I'll beat you."
Kael gulped.
(Good… she calmed down without me saying anything.)
Robin blinked.
Then—
Understanding dawned.
She glanced at the four women again.
They had all relaxed slightly.
So…
Her mind connected the pieces instantly.
Most likely... they hear it too.
Kael continued—
(Too bad, Nami. You wouldn't be able to beat me anyway…)
(And Robin would never hurt anyone without a very good reason.)
Again—
Silence.
Tashigi frowned.
Robin…? Why does that name sound so familiar…?
Vivi's eyes widened slightly.
Is that her real name…?
A small smile appeared.
Of course Kael-san would know.
Meanwhile—
Robin froze.
For the first time—
Her composure cracked.
Just for a second.
Sweat formed lightly at her temple.
He knows…?
How?
I was certain only Crocodile knew…
Then how does he—
She subtly tilted her hat, trying to conceal part of her face.
Kael noticed.
(Is she trying to hide her face? But why though?)
(Does she really think someone here would recognize her?)
(Her bounty poster is from when she was eight… that was twenty years ago.)
Robin's eyes widened.
Tashigi's did too.
Twenty years…?
A bounty… from when she was a child?
Her gaze snapped back to Robin.
…No way.
…She's Nico Robin!!!
Vivi and Kaya were equally shocked.
A bounty at eight years old…? What did she even do?
Kael continued casually—
(Come on, don't hide your face, Robin.)
(Beauty should be appreciated.)
"IDIOT!!"
Nami jumped and punched him straight on the head.
Kael winced.
"What now?!"
"Shut up!!"
Meanwhile—
Robin steadied herself.
Calm down… don't panic.
She looked at Kael again, now rubbing the bump on his head while getting scolded by Nami.
These women can definitely hear his thoughts too… and he has no idea.
A faint smile returned.
More importantly… he knows a lot about me.
And yet…
He doesn't seem hostile at all.
A softer thought followed.
He thinks I'm beautiful, huh…
She lowered her guard, letting go of her hat, returning to her usual composed demeanor.
Kael noticed.
(Good. Back to normal.)
(Never hide your face again, Robin)
Robin chuckled lightly.
Nami groaned.
The others sighed.
Kael straightened and looked at her calmly.
"So, Miss All Sunday… was it?"
"If you're not here on orders…"
"Then why are you really here?"
The women exchanged looks.
What an actor…
Robin smiled.
"I was originally going to say…"
"That a group of pirates protecting a princess from Baroque Works is quite unfortunate…"
Thinking of taking on one of the Warlords of the sea...
"Especially when they don't even have a Log Pose to reach their."
She paused.
"…But I've changed my mind."
Her gaze locked onto him.
"Now I'm interested."
"How do you plan to reach Alabasta without one?"
Kael grinned proudly, gesturing toward Nami.
"Who needs a Log Pose…"
"When you have the best navigator in the world?"
Nami huffed proudly.
Robin glanced at her.
"Even the best navigator requires a Log Pose."
"How will she navigate through chaotic magnetic fields without one?"
"Trust me."
"She can."
(Don't push it… or I'll have to explain the power I gave her.)
(If she masters it, she won't need such tools at all.)
Nami nodded confidently.
Robin's expression remained neutral, but her thoughts sharpened.
So… it's an ability.
And he gave it to her?
How is that even possible… was that a Devil Fruit perhaps?
Outwardly, she smiled.
"Alright."
"I believe you."
She stood.
"Since I have no reason to stay… I'll take my leave."
Vivi blinked.
"You're leaving… just like that?"
"Of course."
Robin turned toward Kael.
"That is… if you're willing to let me go."
Kael smirked.
"Go ahead."
(Even though I'd prefer you stayed… I can't exactly say that.)
Robin chuckled and stood up—
But before she could move—
"But first…"
Kael spoke.
"Let me take back what's mine."
She blinked.
"…Hm?"
Before she could react—
He vanished.
And appeared behind her.
Her eyes widened.
When did he—?!
He gently placed one hand on her shoulder.
She froze.
With the other, he took the sword from her grasp, smoothly returning it to his waist.
Leaning slightly closer, his voice low and amused—
"Are you alright?"
Robin exhaled softly.
"And here I thought I was the one in control...."
"…So you were just playing with me this whole time?"
Kael chuckled.
"Well… you were too immersed in the role."
"I thought it will be rude to interrupt."
She sighed, then smiled.
"Now I look foolish, right?"
"…How careless of me."
"Well then… I should leave."
He nodded—
But leaned slightly closer, voice lowered.
"I know you don't trust me yet…"
"…But listen carefully."
She paused, listening intently.
"Don't trust Crocodile."
"Stay alert around him."
That was all.
But it was enough.
Her expression shifted—just slightly.
Cautious.
Thoughtful.
"…I don't fully understand."
"But… thank you for the warning."
Kael nodded.
She stepped away, then glanced back at him with a faint smile.
"Kael…"
"May I call you that?"
He blinked.
"…Sure."
(You can call me anything, Robin.)
"Ugh… this guy…"
Nami muttered behind them.
Robin chuckled.
"Then, Kael…"
"If you survive...."
"Let's meet again."
She looked at the crew—
Then at him.
He grinned.
"Yeah."
"We will."
She nodded—
Then jumped off the ship.
"Let's go, Bunchi!"
A massive turtle surfaced from the sea, and she landed gracefully on its back.
Taking one last glance at Kael—
She departed across the waves.
Behind her—
Nami muttered,
"…Was that a Sea King?"
Kaya smiled softly.
"Aww… what a cute turtle."
"THAT THING IS NOT CUTE!!"
And just like that—
She disappeared from sight.