Having wandered for many years, Robin had long been accustomed to death and injury.
Most of the time, people see Robin as an elegant, intellectual, and serene figure.
But we need to think about what exactly created his tranquility and detachment.
One must remain calm in the face of great events, but the prerequisite is having sufficient experience to face them with composure.
Robin wandered for years, from childhood to youth, and then to old age.
Now 25 years old, she already has the mindset of someone in their thirties.
After all, she didn't come of age at eighteen, but at eight, because in that year, she lost everything and gained the prestigious status of a wanted criminal worth seventy-nine million.
At this moment, looking at the scene of blood flowing like a river all around, and then at Shiryu gently wiping the bloodstains from his hands, he saw...
Robin gave an elegant smile.
"So this is my future companion, Gawain."
It looks really safe..
"Ha ha!"
Hearing Robin's words, Gawain smiled and waved his hand.
"Shiryu is an excellent swordsman with normal values but abnormal hobbies. But look at these sinful corpses all around him."
Sometimes, rules and laws cannot restrain those who create the rules. In those cases, we can only hope that there will be more people like Shiryu.
At this point, Gawain patted Shiryu on the shoulder.
"In any case, I'm leaving this place to you, Shiryu."
You know my rules, so kill those who deserve it and those who don't. Don't ruin your future for a moment's pleasure."
"Hehehehe, don't worry, sir!"
Shiryu grinned.
"To be honest, the thrill of killing a dozen or twenty people is about right."
As for now, I'm mostly focused on paving the way for the adults while also satisfying my own little hobbies!
Your brilliance is like the midday sun, which should not be obscured by thick clouds.
"But I am a swordsman, and how can a swordsman who cannot unleash clouds and mist be considered sharp!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Shiryu nodded heavily to Gawain.
Seeing this, Gawain revealed a satisfied smile.
Then he looked at Crocodile.
"As for what you just said, Crocodile, the idea that weakness is the original sin is indeed a bit of an extreme reality."
Being weak does not mean being guilty; we just cannot consider ourselves weak. If everyone in the world thought they were weak from the very beginning...
Then the world would not be as vibrant and diverse as it was in the past and in the future.
"You're absolutely right, sir!"
Crocodile nodded and said.
At this point, Gawain turned around and, with Crocodile and Robin, prepared to leave the underground city.
But just before leaving, Gawain turned back and spoke to Spandam, who was kneeling respectfully there.
"By the way, Spandam, about the cleanup."
You can take a portion of the profits for yourself and your subordinates.
However, firstly, don't have too many; secondly, you need to rotate your subordinates frequently, and don't always lead the same group of Black Ice Terrace warriors."
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain continued walking into the distance, leaving Spandam there to sing his Gawain.
After leaving the Underworld district, Gawain walked in front and whispered to the two people behind him.
"Crocodile, do you feel that what we're doing is no different from what you've been doing for the past fourteen years?"
The only difference is that you're fighting pirates, while we're fighting... cities and people, especially the dark side of social systems."
"The difference is still quite significant."
Crocodile responded softly.
"After all, my motives have never been pure; I did all that for..."
"Nothing's different!"
Gawain interrupted Crocodile, emphasizing his point.
"My motives are not pure either; I do this not just to make everyone's life better."
I simply feel that if I were in charge of everything, I would bring about something better than it is now.
This kind of intention is not noble kindness, but merely extreme self-confidence, even arrogance.
"But your confidence is well-founded, sir."
Crocodile responded softly.
"Not everyone is willing to do what you are doing now, because every time one person in a high position falls, it doesn't matter whether the remaining people in high positions have done the same bad things as those who fell."
People will fundamentally assume that he did it too.
Therefore, people in high positions of power always collude with each other, and they will not attack each other unless some kind of internal struggle occurs.
Because for every one of their kind that falls, the remaining ones will face even greater risks and more suspicion!
"Yes, that's why the higher the position, the more lonely one becomes..."
Upon hearing Crocodile's words, Gawain looked at him with admiration. This Sand Crocodile was indeed a great role-playing game enthusiast, a hero who rose from humble beginnings... (quotes needed).
His understanding of the world has its own unique aspects.
Gawain nodded slightly in response to Crocodile's words.
"Therefore, I have always worried that if I really succeed in standing at the highest position in the future..."
"So, in order to sit more comfortably, could I make... a completely different decision than I am now?"
At this point, Gawain glanced back at Robin was deep in thought.
"And you, Robin, you are the mirror I found for myself."
Look, this ocean today is called hell by many people.
And the demons living in hell, in their hearts, consider the Devil Child...
Haha, a devil in the devil's eyes.
Do you think that could be the real Devil Child?
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain gently patted Robin's shoulder, noticing Robin slightly flushed face once again.
"As historians, while studying the past, we must not forget to record what we say and do."
Most importantly, if my thoughts stray from their original course, I hope you will warn me no matter what.
This is dangerous because none of us know what kind of person we will become. Perhaps in the future, because of your honest advice, I will make the decision to kill you.
But I hope even more that if I do fall into hell in the future, I can still hear your angelic voice and be saved from that.
"I..."
Hearing Gawain's words, Robin was at a loss for words to describe her feelings. Although she maintained a calm expression, she nervously tidied her hair at her temples.
After combing her hair, Robin pursed her lips and nodded gently.
"I understand. I will... from now on, record every word and action, including yours, accurately."
Because you and your team, we are the ones who have the right to determine the future course of world history!
We are a large part of history!
"Haha, well said, Robin, you'll definitely have something in common with Kuma."
Hearing Robin's confident words, Gawain laughed and raised his hand to ruffle Robin's hair.
For a moment, Robin couldn't help but lower her head slightly; she suddenly dared not look Gawain in the eye.
Gawain didn't pay any attention; he led the two across the main street and through the alleyways.
As they walked, Crocodile looked at the chaotic yet orderly crowd around him and couldn't help but say something to Gawain.
"My lord, it seems the common people didn't kneel down when you passed by."
You don't seem to have allowed them not to kneel, so what they're doing is...
"So what, so?"
Gawain smiled and waved his hand.
"People kneel before the Celestial Dragon because the Celestial Dragon have the power to leave them with no way to survive."
But you wait until people truly have no other way to survive...
Haha, whether they're Celestial Dragon or devils, who would dare make someone who truly has no way out kneel down again and again?
Just then, Gawain spotted Rayleigh and Shakky leading a group of children, prioritizing the collection of vegetables and vegetarian ramen.
Gawain smiled and waved to the two of them.
"Oh, old man, you've brought a child with you?"
"Hey, Little Gawain, you've found a new member?"
Upon hearing this, Rayleigh looked at Gawain, and then at the man and woman behind Gawain.
Seeing this, Rayleigh patted Shakky on the shoulder, telling her to take care of the child first, and then walked towards Gawain.
Behind Gawain, Crocodile and Robin both stiffened upon hearing Rayleigh address Gawain.
To address Gawain, the Celestial Dragon captain, in such a way, he truly deserves to be called the legendary Dark King Rayleigh!
Meeting the gaze fixed on him, Rayleigh approached Gawain and gently put his arm around Gawain's shoulder.
Then, the old man looked coldly at Crocodile and the other man.
"Before we went to see you, Gawain said something to us: he said we couldn't follow because it was inconvenient for us to know about the past of certain people!"
You know, we used to be able to talk about anything on our Dark Bird Ship!
Whether it's the secret of Laugh Tale that I'm carrying, or the job of the Revolutionary Army spy that Kuma is shouldering, we'll just treat it as a joke!
But right before recruiting you two, Gawain told me that some of your pasts were not convenient to discuss with us. He also said that if those secrets were brought up, one of you would be in a difficult position!
At this point, Rayleigh let out a sharp breath, and without any hesitation, he raised his hand and pointed at Crocodile and Robin respectively.
"I don't know which one of you it is, and I don't want to know how questionable that person's actions are!"
All I know is that if that person doesn't adjust his mindset, even if Little Gawain scolds him a couple of times, I'll still take my knife and chop him up to feed the fish!
After saying that, Rayleigh's Conqueror's Haki suddenly surged forth, and the immense pressure slammed down on Robin and Crocodile.
For a moment, Robin slightly bent her knees, feeling somewhat unsteady on her feet.
Crocodile, his hair whipping around, nodded emphatically.
Seeing that the two were under enough pressure, Rayleigh coldly looked away and gently patted Gawain on the shoulder.
"Captain, I'm doing a little favor here, and it's surprisingly pleasant. It's just that hearing those kids call me grandpa makes me... think of that damn Garp."
Anyway, you go ahead and get busy. I'll continue looking after the kids. We should stay in Katorea for a few days, because it's the perfect place for Franky to set up a backup station."
"Um."
Gawain nodded, and Rayleigh released him and returned to Shakky's side.
Watching Rayleigh's retreating figure, Gawain smiled and said to Robin and Crocodile, who were both exhaling.
"Crocodile, the old man is mainly targeting you. Don't think he doesn't know who I'm talking about."
As for Robin, you've been dragged into this mess. I'll treat you to drinks later to make it up to you.
As for now, I'll take you back to the Dark Bird Ship and show you your future home.
For many years to come, we will probably be living on this ship.
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain grabbed Robin's hand and picked up Crocodile.
A moment later, lightning struck from the sky, and Gawain and his two companions returned to the deck of the Dark Bird Ship from Katorea Street.
After Gawain left, Rayleigh happened to return to Shakky's side.
As Shakky taught the thirsty children to drink water slowly, she spoke to Rayleigh.
"Old Ghost, it's rare for you to show off in front of a newbie, you even used a targeted Conqueror's Haki."
"Haha, I'll play the bad cop for Gawain, it's inevitable."
After all, we are a team composed of many strong individuals. As the composition of our team becomes more diverse, we cannot influence everyone with gentleness and love alone.
On our ship, who is more suited to do this kind of thing than an old man like me?
At least my seniority is here."
After saying that, Rayleigh smiled and turned around to look at the Dark Bird Ship, which was descending with thunder.
He said this as he looked at it.
"Don't let my age fool you, I'm still very perceptive."
Wait, speaking of being meticulous, I feel like I've forgotten something...
"By the way, did I forget about Ace on the deck?"
Meanwhile, aboard the Dark Bird Ship, Ace looked helplessly at the almost empty deck.
Of course, the Dark Bird Ship wasn't left unattended, but at this moment, most of the crew were concentrated around the hull and elevators, continuously transporting supplies to Katorea.
So, Ace, ignored by everyone, just stood there by himself, looking completely embarrassed.
He felt like he had just found the feeling of having a father, and then he immediately found the feeling of being abandoned by his father!
Fortunately, just as he was thinking this, a deafening clap of thunder sounded behind him.
Immediately, Ace looked expectantly towards the location of the lightning.
Upon landing, the first thing Gawain saw was Ace, whose eyes were filled with the question, "Where did Daddy go?"
Then, he laughed and waved to Ace.
"Haha, we disembarked so suddenly, we actually forgot about you on the ship."
It's alright, it won't happen again.
Come on, let's all come together. I'll show you around so you can rest for a bit.
Let me introduce you to each other.
At this point, Gawain, along with the new trio including Ace, arrived at the table by the pool where he usually sat and rested.
At this moment, various snacks and drinks are laid out on the table for easy placement.
Gawain picked up a pot of wine and poured a cup for everyone.
However, when he fell in front of Ace immediately shook his head in disdain.
"How can pirates drink from such exquisite crystal glasses!"
"Saint Gawain, isn't there a suitable horn cup for me? At least there should be a draft beer mug, right?"
After saying that, Ace simply picked up a wine jug from the side.
"Forget it, I'll just drink from the pot directly. That's the only way to really enjoy it!"
Regardless, you introduced me to my father's best friend, Mr. Rayleigh.
And also, you... at least you didn't threaten to kill me because of my identity!
"Tch, I'm not used to saying those sentimental things. Anyway, I'll give you a toast..."
Snap!
Before Ace could finish speaking, Gawain's right hand was covered in a layer of black mist, and then his palm slammed down on Ace's head.
"Ouch!"
Ace snorted in dissatisfaction, while Gawain smiled and said to Ace.
"Kid, stop calling me 'I' all the time."
You might not realize it yourself, but in our eyes, it doesn't seem cool for a child to say they are Lao Tzu.
On the contrary, that's kind of funny.
So don't let yourself become a laughing stock. You're mine; if people laugh at you, they're laughing at me.
After saying that, Gawain picked up the wine jug and clinked it against Ace's, while also toasting the other two.
When Gawain offered him a toast, Crocodile simply did the same as the other two, picking up a jug and drinking.
As for Ace, that phrase kept replaying in his mind...
You're mine!
Damn it, just thinking about this Ace want to flip the table.
But then he thought of Rayleigh again...
Fine, I'll just have a drink, and pretend I didn't hear anything.
Then there's Robin. At this moment, she rests her face on her left hand, her right leg elegantly crossed over her left, and her right hand holds a delicate wine glass, which gently clinks against Gawain's wine jug.
Meanwhile, in the distant sky, Hancock and Gion, having just finished their fight, happened to return together.
When the two of them saw Robin and Gawain drinking together...
The two women's hearts skipped a beat.
They quickly exchanged a glance.
At that moment, their eyes were filled with...
My home was stolen by a woman my own age!!!