Until he saw Robin.
"Aokiji, are you just passing by, or did you come specifically for us?!" Reno greeted him with a smile.
Although they stood on different sides, he had a fairly good impression of Aokiji.
He was one of the few Marines Reno actually liked.
Aokiji froze for a moment, looking at Reno in surprise.
He knew who he was, yet he was still this calm.
Were rookie pirates these days all so gutsy?!
"Of course I came to take you back, especially—" Aokiji's tone turned lazy again as he instinctively looked toward Robin.
Robin's pupils contracted, and her face went pale.
If Aokiji captured her and handed her over to the World Government, her fate was easy to imagine.
"Aokiji..."
"Robin!!" Nami clenched her fists and instinctively stepped in front of Robin. In a low voice, she said, "Trust Reno. He'll never let a single crew member fall behind."
"That's right, Robin. We won't let anyone take you away either." Kaya raised her determined little face.
She was no longer just a pretty ornament.
Robin was deeply moved. Even facing a Marine Admiral, everyone was still protecting her like this.
Reno held Robin's hand and comforted her gently. "Don't worry. None of you will be hurt."
"Nami, take them back to the ship first. I'll be right there."
"Reno, I'll help you deal with him!!"
"Me too!!"
"Us too!!"
"..."
Nami refused and stood beside Reno. The other girls all responded, more than a dozen fair arms turning pitch-black.
Reno sighed inwardly. He hadn't spoiled them for nothing.
Unfortunately, they were facing Aokiji this time. Human wave tactics wouldn't work.
Even Nami, the strongest among them, was still far behind Aokiji.
"Nami, take them back." Reno's tone grew firmer.
Nami bit her lower lip and gave Reno