Mo Xingchen ruffled Robin's short hair. It actually felt pretty nice beneath his hand. He said gently,
"What did you call me on the raft today?"
"Big brother?"
Robin sniffled softly as she looked at Mo Xingchen and answered.
"Exactly. Did you think I was joking with you? It's only natural for a big brother to protect his little sister, so eat whatever you want without worry. Your brother isn't short on money!
Starting tomorrow, I won't make you do chores, but I will supervise your training! You should understand this deeply after what happened today. Without strength, you can't even protect the things you want to protect, much less chase your dreams.
So, can you keep it up?"
Robin gradually stopped crying. She stared blankly at Mo Xingchen, then nodded firmly.
"Mm!"
"Second, Sauron was right. What you have is called a Devil Fruit ability. It's indeed uncommon in the Four Seas, but it's quite ordinary on the Grand Line and in the New World.
There are three main types. Logia Type Fruits—like that cold idiot today, who has the Ice-Ice Fruit. Your case is a Paramecia, and there's also the Zoan Type, which lets you transform into all kinds of animals after eating one.
We won't go into detail today. You'll gradually learn about it during your training, so you don't need to be afraid that others will look at you like a Monster. They might even envy you. And of course, your big brother will never dislike you!"
"Mm-hmm!"
Seeing Robin's mood gradually settle down, Mo Xingchen finally relaxed. He was most afraid of well-behaved children crying; the more sensible they were, the more heartbreaking it was. He got up, poured Little Robin a glass of water, handed it to her, and stroked his chin.
"Hmm... third, can't find a goal in life? That's easy. In a few years, your brother will probably be invincible across the entire world! So you can live however you want and do whatever you please!"
Robin held the cup of water, blinking her sparkling eyes with her little mouth slightly open.
"Can I still study Poneglyphs in the future?"
"Of course! But don't study them too openly. And if anyone asks, you must say you can't understand them! Aside from that, you can do whatever you like."
"Can I buy lots and lots of books in the future?"
"Of course!"
"Will people still come to catch me?"
"With your brother here, anyone who comes will die!"
"Big brother, how strong are you right now?"
"There are probably only seven or eight people in the whole world I can't beat, and a few of them are allies. Let me tell you a little secret. The first time that cold poker-faced guy met your brother, I beat him so badly he ended up in the hospital!"
"Wow! Big brother! Can you beat him up again for me?"
"Huh? Why? He treated you pretty well, didn't he?"
"He killed my friend Sauron."
"Ah... this is a big secret, so you absolutely can't tell anyone. Kuzan only froze Sauron for one day. He'll probably wake up tomorrow; they're just sending him back to his giant homeland."
"Really, big brother? Sauron is still alive!"
"Of course. Your brother was the one who handled it, so you have to keep it secret. Otherwise, your brother will be in trouble."
Children's emotions came quickly and went quickly. After everything Little Robin had gone through today, drowsiness soon overwhelmed her, and she collapsed onto Mo Xingchen's bed and quickly fell asleep.
After tucking Robin in, Mo Xingchen went to the window and stared blankly at the moon.
There was still a troubled young man at headquarters who needed some guidance. Though there was an eighty percent chance he couldn't be talked around. When the time came, Mo Xingchen could only offer him some advice to help his revolutionary cause take fewer detours.
But what about Uncle Garp's feelings? His own son didn't want to be a Marine and was planning to take on the World Government! Sigh... what a headache!
At this point, Uncle Garp had probably already sent Ace to Dadan's place. Mo Xingchen wondered whether he could pull Ace back onto the right path. If not, how was he supposed to save him during the Summit War? He couldn't really let Garp suffer the loss of a child in his old age, could he?
That damned Monkey family was such a headache! What? Luffy? Who cared about that Child of Destiny? With that personality of his, even if he were sent to the Marines, wouldn't he end up just like his father? He'd probably defect within days.
Right! Sengoku seemed to have an adopted son! What was his name again? Right! Donquixote Rosinante, Doflamingo's younger brother! Mo Xingchen had met him a few times at headquarters. Once he got back, he would look into him and keep a close eye on him. Then he could save him and demand repayment for the favor!
Sigh... he was worrying himself sick. This family would fall apart without him!
As Mo Xingchen thought, he gradually fell asleep in his chair.
The next day, after breakfast, that guy Kuzan came running over again. Robin was practicing horse stance on the deck, and when she saw him, she wasn't afraid. She even took the initiative to smile at him.
Kuzan was so flattered that he hurried over to the beach chair beside Mo Xingchen and lay down, asking quietly,
"What's going on?"
"I told her yesterday about how I beat you into the hospital, and about Sauron."
"Damn, you told a child that stuff?"
"Relax, Robin's smart! She won't go blabbing everywhere. Once the heat dies down, even if Admiral Sengoku finds out we let Sauron go, would he really fire the two of us?"
"No, I mean the part about you beating me up!"
"???"
Mo Xingchen froze for a moment, then rolled his eyes. Well, well, well, you thick-browed Popsicle. You really wanted to play father to her? Given how you scared my little sister into a psychological shadow, not beating you up was already proof our friendship was solid! And you wanted me to preserve your glorious image? Dream on!
Over the next few days of the return voyage, Robin gradually emerged from her grief. The soldiers on the warship all treated her well. When she practiced her Devil Fruit ability, she never saw fear or disgust in anyone's eyes. Instead, they praised her for being amazing.
At last, she revealed the innocence and liveliness a child should have, and her cheerful laughter echoed throughout the warship.
Kuzan came by every day to chat with Mo Xingchen, though more often than not, he was really there to see Robin. Before long, the two had become friends.
Mo Xingchen and Kuzan drank chilled beer as they lounged in their chairs, watching Robin frolic across the ice rink Kuzan had created with his ability. They clinked glasses and smiled like proud parents.
They finally arrived at Marineford. Sakazuki, Kuzan, and the other Vice Admirals went to Admiral Sengoku's office to report on their mission. Mo Xingchen, meanwhile, took the opportunity to slack off. The report didn't need him anyway, so he brought Little Robin toward Dragon's home.
The moment he entered, he found Garp and Dragon sitting solemnly on the sofa, a heavy atmosphere blanketing the entire living room.
Before you continue