The Jackal Guardian's Ascent

Chapter 40

"Why are there so many pirates?!" Spandam asked aloud, not expecting the crew to make it this far.

"It's quite simple really." Anu replied. "You underestimated us even though you held an 160-to-1 advantage."

"I was being rhetorical you smartass!!" Spandam shot back, unamused by Anu's answer.

"CP9!! I'm giving you direct orders to kill these damned pirates, but do so in the Tower of Law. Since there's no guarantee they can even get up here." Spandam ordered. "Wahahaha!! You stupid pirates! You'll soon learn that nothing you can do can change what happens next! Cower before the power of The Assassin Group: CP9! Bow under the weight of the Gates of Justice, a gate that not even mere humans can open!! And now, I have the authority to use this Golden Transponder Snail to signal a Buster Call!"

"Buster Call?! That must be what they're holding over Robin." Anu angrily thought to himself.

"Just 20 years ago this was the power that wiped out your homeland, Nico Robin!!" Spandam said as he spun around and began taunting Robin. "And the name "Ohara" disappeared from maps the following year...isn't that right?!"

"Robin's homeland?" Chopper asked.

"That stupid mask! I feel like kicking him over a waterfall right now!" Sanji added.

"I'd love to-"

"STOP!! NOT THAT!!" Robin yelled out.

"Hahaha! I love that reaction!!" Spandam gloated. "What a thrill I get from it! Does that mean I should press this button and initiate the Buster Call?"

"Do you have any idea what will happen if you do that?!" Robin yelled at Spandam.

"Of course I do." Spandam replied with an evil smile. "With just a press of this button on the Golden Transponder Snail, I'll reduce the chances that your friends can escape to zero! Doesn't it bring back memories? Wahahahaha!!"

"It won't end that easily!!" Robin told him. "Just stop it!!"

"Hmm? You're pretty cocky aren't you?" Spandam asked her. "Do you really think tha—"

"You said that Ohara disappeared from the maps, right?! Can you confirm the existence of people from maps?" Robin asked him. "You people only see the world through such devices, that's why you can do such heinous things!! The ruthless power of the Buster Call takes away even your own purpose!" she finished as she collapsed to her knees.

"What's going on with Robin?" Luffy asked.

"I'd wager she's reliving the trauma that they're holding over her." Anu answered, his eyes never leaving Spandam.

"What makes you think that?" Zoro asked.

"When I first met her back on the ship, back in Alabasta, I saw some of her memories when I judged her." Anu explained. "What I saw was nothing a child should ever have to endure. Years on the run, always keeping your guard up and never trusting anyone. No one should have such a childhood."

"If you sound the Buster Call right here and now, not only will Enies Lobby be destroyed, but all of you as well." Robin informed them.

"That's ridiculous!" Spandam shot back. "As if they'd attack and kill their own comrades! What the hell are you saying?!"

"Twenty years ago, everyone I loved was taken from me and countless lives were snuffed out, and the one attack responsible for that was the Buster Call!" Robin answered as she got up and faced the rest of the crew. "That attack is now aimed directly at you, my friends whom I've found at king last. The more I wish to stay with you all, the greater your risk from the fangs of my destiny! No matter how far across the world I sail, an unshakeable foe pursues me! That foe is the world and it's darkness. First with Aokiji...and now, I've already involved all of you twice! If this is going to continue, no matter how kind and compassionate you all are, someday it will become too much of a burden! Someday you'll betray me and cast me aside! That's my greatest fear...that's why I didn't want you to come rescue me! If I'm going to die...I want to die here!"