Sanji's words were like a bucket of cold water poured over everyone's hearts.
Robin's identity as the Demon Child was a thorn in the World Government's side. Even if Mu Chen wanted to show mercy, the Celestial Dragons would never allow it.
The atmosphere on deck grew heavy once more.
Usopp scratched his head, his tone carrying a hint of disappointment.
"So even if we want to be adventurers, the World Government and the Celestial Dragons still won't let Robin go?"
Zoro had actually seen through this sort of thing long ago.
"That's right. Think about it. Fleet Admiral Mu Chen is Robin's brother, yet when he was an Admiral, he couldn't even acknowledge his relationship with Robin.
"And in the end, Robin still became a pirate. That alone shows how powerful the World Government is."
Robin looked at everyone's worried expressions and gently shook her head. Calmly, she said, "It isn't the Marines who won't let us go. It's the World Government!"
"Have you ever thought about why Brother Mu Chen pushed forward the Adventurer Policy?
"Why did he expand the forces by one hundred thousand soldiers to wipe out the pirates in the Four Blues?"
She picked up a newspaper and pointed to the news of Marine Headquarters relocating to the New World as she continued, "The Marines aren't subordinate to the World Government, yet after Brother Mu Chen took office, every one of his policies has revolved around the World Government's interests.
"By giving civilians a chance to adventure legally, he's weakening the support that the pirate threat theory provides for the World Government's rule.
"By wiping out the pirates in the Four Blues, he's building prestige for the Marines, not helping the World Government consolidate its rule.
"And by moving Headquarters to the New World, he's