Rubick explained, "The Boa Sisters were all once slaves of the Celestial Dragons. They have slave brands on their backs. The Paw-Paw Fruit can push those brands out, so I'm going to give it a try."
Robin said, "Then go try it. Why tell me?"
Rubick gave her an ingratiating smile. "Of course I had to tell you. You're the lady of the house."
Robin cursed him with a word she had learned on Blue Star. "Scumbag."
Rubick wanted to say more, but Robin had already boarded the ship. He raised his hand, then lowered it. In the end, he explained nothing. She was already his. It wasn't as if she would run away, was it?
Rubick opened a Portal and arrived aboard the Whitebeard Pirates' ship.
"Rubick. What brings you here?"
Marco said, "Can I take this as an assassination attempt?"
Rubick had shown up unannounced. If Marco hadn't been there to speak first, the other Division Commanders would have drawn their swords and attacked him.
Rubick said, "Do me a favor. Give me a Log Pose pointing to Amazon Lily."
Marco asked curiously, "Why would you go looking for trouble with those crazy women?"
"That's my business. I have no reason to tell you."
Whitebeard spoke up. "Give it to him. Even heroes fall for beautiful women. Rubick, don't tell me you've fallen for Hancock and plan to barge in and claim her."
Rubick hurriedly waved his hands. "I'm nowhere near strong enough for that. I'm mainly going to win over an ally."
Marco said, "She's a Shichibukai. She won't take our side. Besides, what makes you think she'll work with you?"
"That's my secret."
Marco said no more. Since Pops wanted to give Rubick the Log Pose, he had no objection.
Whitebeard said, "Rubick, our partnership has