One Step Too Late

"In your twenties!"

Lin Yan answered without hesitation.

To be honest, Lin Yan is a genuine young man. If she were mistaken for an old man here, even she wouldn't be able to handle it.

Luckily, we managed to fool them.

Aokiji didn't suspect anything.

After all, compared to those old guys who still dominate the seas, Lin Yan's style of doing things is completely different from theirs; she's more like Supernovas.

Besides, there are plenty of strange things in this world. The Whitebeard man rejuvenated first, and it doesn't seem like a big deal that someone has been asleep for over a decade.

Aokiji claimed to be knowledgeable and well-traveled.

It's not a big problem.

And that was the end of it!

Don't mention it again!

"Alright, I probably won't be surprised if I hear anything strange again."

Looking at Lin Yan's calm expression, Aokiji couldn't help but smile wryly.

To be precise, this man has done quite a few significant things.

Marineford War, Mary Geoise, Amazon Lily, Fish-Man Island, and now Ohara.

It seemed that the man before them was involved in every major event that drove World Government crazy.

There's no point in arguing about that.

Aokiji indicated that he was emotionally stable.

Even if someone were to tell him that Lin Yan was also involved in the creation of the Poneglyphs, Aokiji wouldn't be too surprised...

Of course, he didn't know at the time that his words would become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

That's a story for later, so let's leave it at that for now.

What followed was, of course, another boring voyage, except that compared to before when the three of them were rather taciturn, the ship was now much more lively.

The reason, of course, is the existence of Kuina.

Even now, as a renowned swordswoman, Kuina's personality hasn't changed much; she remains lively and likes to stick close to Lin Yan.

Just like now...

"Hmm, I can't beat them."

Once again, Lin Yan knocked the long sword out of her hand. Kuina pursed her lips in disappointment and then gave Lin Yan a reproachful look.

I have never been wronged like this before!

Since mastering Professor Lin Yan's skills and starting her adventures on the high seas, Kuina has, at best, never been undefeated, and at most, has only managed a draw.

The result was in Lin Yan's hands.

She seems to have turned back into that little girl she used to be!

I can't hold on for even a minute longer!

What happened to the saying that teaching the apprentice would lead to the master's starvation?

Kuina said she couldn't accept it!

"Teacher, you're so weird! Seriously, did you ever really teach me properly?"

Kuina puffed out her cheeks and said to Lin Yan.

What do you do when your teacher is just too monstrous, and you're determined to become the World's Greatest Swordsman?

As for Kuina's probing question, Lin Yan simply shrugged indifferently.

"That's because you haven't mastered it yet, otherwise you wouldn't have been able to last even a minute, right?"

"..."

Kuina had nothing to say.

She herself could realize that her swordsmanship, honed over many years, was full of flaws in Lin Yan's eyes. If other differences were added, she could say that she had absolutely no chance of winning.

A teacher who is too unreasonable is also a source of distress for students.

With that thought in mind, Kuina immediately began her daily performance.

"I don't care! It must be because you didn't teach me properly. I demand extra lessons!"

Kuina started arguing and making a scene with Lin Yan.

She seemed to have transformed back into that spoiled girl from the dojo.

This happens every day.

The Sword Demon, who struck fear into the hearts of many swordsmen, actually had this side to him. Even Aokiji looked on in disbelief when he first saw him.

But now...

He and Nico Olvia were used to it.

Moreover, thanks to Kuina's presence, the ship has been filled with a cheerful atmosphere recently, which has even eased the worries of Aokiji and Nico Olvia.

But what's meant to happen will happen eventually.

About a week later, the small boat carrying the three of them docked at the port of Water 7.

According to the information Aokiji gathered.

Robin has been hiding here ever since the Alabasta coup.

Lin Yan was also helpless about this.

Perhaps because of his intervention, Robin's fate has changed significantly from the original story.

Everything changed from the very beginning of the Ohara Destruction Incident, which served as the source.

Just like Little Hancock. and Fisher Tiger back then.

Of course, people at this point in time...

Such a difference is imperceptible.

Only Lin Yan knew the truth.

So, time travel...

That's really a terrifying thing.

It's no wonder that many science fiction movies feature similar storylines.

Lin Yan shook his head. The current situation was neither good nor bad, so he simply couldn't be bothered to think about such complicated problems.

"Teacher, we're all ready. Shall we go find the informant now?"

On the other side, Kuina, having regained her stern demeanor, asked Lin Yan.

Only her own teacher has the right to see her softer side.

Kuina always maintained a "keep away" attitude towards strangers.

Lin Yan did not answer, but turned to look at Aokiji on the other side.

The character "Aokiji) is also a pictophonetic character.

Without saying a word, he started fiddling with the Den Den Mushi in his hand.

Nico Olvia remained silent throughout, her pretty face showing obvious worry as she stared intently at the Den Den Mushi in Aokiji's hand, looking as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

"What? I see... I understand, you did the right thing, leave the rest to us."

However, upon listening to the voice coming from the other end of the Den Den Mushi...

Aokiji's expression gradually turned grim.

After a long pause, under the puzzled gazes of everyone, he reached out and hung up the Den Den Mushi.

The first thing he said was...

"It seems we're a step too late."

"Varied?!"

Upon hearing this, Nico Olvia was the first to lose her composure and hurriedly asked.

"What happened?! Where's Robin?!"

"Olvia, don't panic."

Lin Yan, however, remained remarkably calm. She raised her hand to signal Nico Olvia to calm down, and then asked Aokiji with a blank expression.

"Robin has been kidnapped?"

"... As expected of you."

Aokiji let out a soft breath.

"Things are getting complicated. This time our opponent is CP9!"

As he spoke, Aokiji paused slightly.

"Although I'm reluctant to say this... it seems we need to prepare ourselves mentally for dealing with these guys."