Just as the dealer was trembling with fear over his losses, too afraid to imagine what would happen to him next,
a figure walked over and took the dice from him.
"Let me."
The voice was clear and refined. The newcomer was a tall, beautiful woman.
Sarutobi Hiruzen took an interest at the sight.
Well, here was another familiar face.
The Child of the Devil, the only woman in the world who could decipher the Poneglyphs—Nico Robin.
Robin sized up Sarutobi Hiruzen, curious whether the man bold enough to provoke Crocodile was genuinely capable or simply a reckless fool.
The man before her was of average build, with a youthful, spirited face and an air of imposing authority. He had clearly held a position of power for a long time.
What drew the most attention was his gaze—deep and complex, revealing a confidence that everything was under control, along with the weathered look of someone with a wealth of experience.
It was a striking contrast with his youthful face, giving him a peculiar air that was hard to look away from.
"Oh?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled meaningfully.
"If it's a beautiful lady like you..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen pushed all the chips in front of him forward as well.
"Then I'm going all in."
Nico Robin was taken aback for a moment, then smiled.
"How kind of you, sir..."
"But if you lose, don't turn around and deny it."
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled unconcernedly.
"I'm the one who ought to worry about you denying it."
Nico Robin then began shaking the dice.
She clearly wasn't skilled at it. She gave them a couple of casual shakes and set them back down.
Crocodile had sent her because she had other strengths, not because she was an expert gambler.
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't even look, casually tossing