A new presence has joined the Beatrice—the result of a Captain's sudden whim.
Even now, sitting perched on my shoulder and gazing at the horizon, is a six-year-old girl: the Apprentice Librarian, Nico Robin.
Though young, her mind is like a sponge, absorbing naval terminology and ship operations faster than some of my recruits.
She works hard, and her intelligence has long since silenced anyone who initially opposed her being on board.
She's here to find her mother. Apparently, her mom left on a voyage years ago and never returned. She practically begged the "Dull Bear" until he caved.
I keep telling the crew, "I didn't intend to bring her, but a promise is a promise..."
But Lieutenant Rapanui just gives me that knowing, fatherly smile. I guess I am being a bit soft.
I catch myself pointing out landmarks to her from my shoulder, and she's actually started tutoring me in mathematics.
Watching a three-meter-tall Marine get scolded by a six-year-old for failing long division is... a look.
Pirates and Pencils
It's been several months since we left Ohara, processed through Mary Geoise, and returned to the Beatrice.
"Mister, there's another pirate ship," Robin said, tapping my head.
"What's the flag, Robin?"
"Skulls in a row, with red letters underneath."
"Contact Intelligence! Send a heave-to order to that vessel!"
"Mister, their cannons are pointing at us."
"Hmph. Open the starboard ports, but hold fire!"
A report came from the bridge: "It's the Pulsar Pirates, led by 'Rapid-Fire Pulsar'! Bounty: 20 million. Risk: Medium. Priority: High. Known for looting merchant ships and civilians!"
"Targeted criminals, eh? If they fire, blast 'em! I'll handle the incoming."
BOOM!
The pirates fired first. I leaped to the railing.
"Kodachi!" (Small Blade)
I swung my arm, releasing a compressed air blade—the arm version of Rankyaku—to intercept the cannonball mid-air. With my other arm, I shielded Robin from the shockwave.
"Mister, the ship is coming closer."
"Main guns, load grape-shot! Wait for it... Fire!"
At point-blank range, the Beatrice's cannons tore into the hull. The Pulsar Pirates didn't stand a chance. After hauling the survivors into the brig, I went back to "education duty."
(I tried calling her "Robin-chan" once. She gave me such a cold, intellectual glare that I haven't tried it since.)
Robin's Diary
To Mama,
I am six years old now. It's been months since I left Ohara. I've learned a lot about ships, and Professor Clover gave me enough books to keep studying archeology.
Krieg-mister is very kind to me, but he's really bad at math, so I have to teach him. I am the teacher now!
He is so big that when he puts me on his shoulder, I feel like I can see the whole world. When he fights, he always uses his big hands to protect me.
But I feel like I'm just being protected all the time... maybe I'll ask him to teach me how to fight tomorrow?
I had to gently turn her down on the "combat training" for now. "Maybe when you're a bit older, okay?"
The year flew by. Between searching for Olvia and hunting pirates, I never made it to the East Blue. I'll have to go next year—those buried Devil Fruits are weighing on my mind.
I hope no one's found them. I also need to check in on "him" at Sabaody... the only other person who knows how this story is supposed to go.
"Mister, what's Marineford like?" Robin asked, looking up from her chair by my desk.
"It's the heart of the Navy. I'll have to go to meetings with the Fleet Admiral, but I'll have Lieutenant Rapanui take you shopping in the town area. It's safe for family members there."
"Oh... so you won't be with me?" She looked genuinely dejected. Sorry, kid. The top brass is waiting.
The Three-Color Monsters
The ship shuddered as we docked at Marineford. I hoisted Robin onto my shoulder and stepped onto the gangplank, only to see three familiar, towering figures waiting.
"Ooh, who's the little one?" Borsalino chirped.
"Hmph. Did you manage to have a kid before finding a wife?" Sakazuki growled.
"Senpai, where did you kidnap her from?" Kuzan smirked.
"Back off, you freaks," I grunted. "I'm helping her find her mother. You guys are too tall and scary—especially Sakazuki's face. Don't frighten the kid."
"Look who's talking," they replied in unison.
I handed Robin over to Rapanui and went into a briefing. The "Bounty Rationalization" plan is working.
By setting clear tiers of risk and priority, we've reduced unnecessary casualties. We're actually starting to differentiate between "Criminal Pirates" and "Adventurers."
Sakazuki confirmed the World Government has already tried to approach him with "invitations" to formal parties. The infiltration has begun.
In a few years, we might actually control the narrative of justice.
Next stop: The Technical Division. I need the ship checked, my gear serviced, and a status report on Kafu.
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