Another purpose

Strawhats

Sitting on the port side wall, Itachi observed the passing ocean as he started to draw the view, a pot of tea resting next to him. He heard someone walking up, before leaning on the wall next to him. Just by listening to their step, he knew that it was someone different. He'd turn around and observe the new woman that was walking behind. 

"Oh hello, I assume you are Nico Robin, yes?" Asked Itachi.

Robin gave a light smile towards the man. "Yes, I am. Nice to meet you, Mr. Uchiha." She notices that Itachi had a sketchbook in front of him. "Taking a break?" She asked, having looked at the sketched out scene on the canvas behind him.

"Yeah. It's somewhat difficult for a artist to view a picture of the world."

She let out a light laugh, "You are quite the talented man, Itachi, quite proficient in many many areas. Some of your work might be very hard to copy."

They both stared out at the sea, lapsing into a comfortable silence.

"I want to thank you for what you did back there with Aokiji. Even though it's hard to admit, he is the reason why I am alive. He's the one that let me go when Ohara was being destroyed. I'm sure I don't need to elaborate about that specific time, you seem quite well-versed in the history of this world as well."

Itachi nodded.

"The others informed me about what happened and what you are. That illusion you did was also very interesting. Although it buys them a little more time, the moment Luffy makes some sort of ruckus, the Marines will fall on them even harder. I just hope we're ready for that when it happens."

"I hear the man is quite lazy, especially when it comes to desk work," Itachi replied. "He might not even do anything about it for months. I'm sure that Luffy will have done something interesting by then. He's the type where trouble seems to gravitate towards him."

Robin agreed with that statement, "He really does seem to be in the center of it all. Perhaps it has to do with the Will of D? He seems quite the special person, but all the more reason why the Straw Hats are so fun. He keeps us all together. He supports us and we support him."

Itachi sipped his tea, humming in agreement.

He pulled out a cup, "Would you like some tea, Robin? It's fresh."

She took the cup and poured herself some tea, "I would love some."

They looked out at the calm sea. They enjoyed their tea.

"You are a rather mysterious woman Nico Robin, reading your intentions is rather difficult." Said Itachi.

She only laughed at that, "It's a practiced skill. One that you display in equal to if not better than me. I just think you fit rather well in the crew. I can tell that you've been looking for a good opportunity to cut it off, but I'm quite sure Luffy won't let you. He likes you a lot you know."

Itachi gave out a chuckle.  "Joining the Straw Hats does seem quite fun, but I'm burdened by things far too heavy. I wouldn't want to drag them down in my misery."

"Or they could be the ones to ease it." Replied Robin.

 "And you? Your soul is also heavy. It's closed off, wrapped tightly with a mantra. It's sad and fearful. Has your time with the Straw Hats eased the burdens of your past?"

Her breath hitched as he hit something rather sore but she continued, "I might have to leave sooner or later. The World Government absolutely despises my existence, and it won't be long before they target Luffy and them. He saved me and I owe it to them to save them any trouble my presence will cause."

Itachi sighed and pour another cup of tea for himself. "And you want me to fill the space you'll leave behind. That's not something I can do I'm afraid. I think you'll find it rather difficult to leave. Like you just said, Luffy likes you a lot too. He won't let you go. You're already a Straw Hat. You love them as much as they love you. No matter what you do whether you leave on your own, or taken by force, they would follow you to the ends of the world to get you back."

Robin knows that he was right, but the thought was interrupt by a giant toad, swimming freestyle, passed by right in front of them. Itachi took another sip.

"Nice day we're having. I sure hope-"

"NAMI! I JUST SAW A TOAD SWIMMING FREESTYLE! QUICK! FOLLOW IT!" Yelled Luffy.