When Sarutobi Hiruzen tossed Crocodile onto the ground like a dead dog.
The scene fell silent.
"This is..."
"Crocodile?!"
Princess Vivi's expression shifted from disbelief to fury, and finally to gratitude.
"Sir..."
"How did you do it?!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen shrugged.
"I told you, this guy's pretty strong, but before a true powerhouse, he's still just a weakling..."
Princess Vivi fell silent for a moment, then suddenly dropped to her knees.
"Thank you for coming to my aid!"
"This country will remember your kindness!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen waved a hand.
"I didn't do it for this country or anything."
"I just happened to come here and set my sights on Crocodile."
"If you want to repay me..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze swept over Princess Vivi's shapely figure like a tangible thing.
"Why not offer me something more concrete?"
Feeling Sarutobi Hiruzen's appraising gaze, Princess Vivi blushed, seemingly struck by a thought.
Sarutobi Hiruzen then turned to Nico Robin.
"Miss Robin."
"Looks like you'll need to find a new boss this time."
"But on the bright side..."
"You've done this sort of thing quite often, so it shouldn't feel unfamiliar."
Nico Robin's expression was just as complicated. She had never imagined that this mysterious young man, who looked younger than her, could defeat Crocodile so easily,
and make it look effortless.
"You came for that thing too, didn't you?"
"If you did, you'd better stop dreaming..."
Nico Robin wasn't afraid.
Or rather, she had already made up her mind to die.
As far as she was concerned, if he knew who she was, he had to be after her—
more precisely, after her ability to decipher Poneglyphs.
She was deeply sick of the ability she possessed. It had landed her in danger time and again, leaving her unable to live in peace.
"I'm somewhat