One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

Chapter 151: A Man of Immense Power

~ Support & Read 15 Advanced Chapters on My Patreon!

<><><><>

The group began to speculate about the other Straw Hats' destinations, the tension finally easing. Luffy, exhausted, had drifted off to sleep.

"And Nico Robin, the survivor of Ohara..." Rayleigh turned to Robin, his gaze deep and thoughtful. He seemed to have an inkling of her concerns. He looked down at the liquor in his glass. "Perhaps both Ohara and we were too hasty. I can offer you guidance, Robin. Anything you wish to know, I can tell you."

This was precisely why Ian had saved Robin. Her original destination would have only deepened her understanding of the Void Century. With the timeline altered, it was uncertain whether she would even encounter Dragon and the Revolutionary Army. It was best to avoid that risk.

She would remain with Luffy, spending the next two years under Rayleigh's tutelage.

Hearing Ohara mentioned, Robin's eyes widened, and she looked at Rayleigh, a flicker of hope in her gaze. "You know... why Ohara was destroyed?"

Ohara had been obliterated by the World Government for deciphering the poneglyphs, which revealed the forbidden history of the Void Century, the 100-year gap spanning from 900 to 800 years ago.

"I believe so," Rayleigh replied, his eyes meeting Robin's. "If you're asking about the Void Century... yes, we know all about it. We know all the secrets, including what lies on Laugh Tale."

Robin swayed slightly, the weight of this revelation hitting her like a physical blow. The truth behind her mother's death and the destruction of her homeland was within reach. It was as if the quest she had dedicated her life to had suddenly materialized before her eyes.

"Do you want to know?" Rayleigh asked, his gaze intense. Knowing the truth now might not benefit her, but as a member of the Straw Hat Pirates, she was bound to discover it eventually.

Taking a deep breath, Robin composed herself and nodded at Rayleigh.

"I'm sorry, Rayleigh-san. Thank you for the offer, but I refuse." Neither Rayleigh, Shakky, nor Ian were surprised. It was the same answer Luffy and his crew would give. They sought to uncover the mysteries themselves, not have the answers handed to them.

"I have nakama I can trust now. I want to uncover the truth alongside them," Robin explained, her voice firm. "And I want to thank you, Ian, for not only saving me from Crocodile but also for helping me find such wonderful friends."

"I was merely fulfilling a request. But I'm sure you can sense that man's concern for you. His constant pursuit... it was his way of ensuring your safety."

"Admiral Aokiji... I suppose I'll owe him a lifelong debt," Robin mused, her thoughts drifting back to their encounters. A newfound resolve hardened her gaze.

"Speaking of which, what happened to that little Marine girl, Tashigi? Did you finally tire of her and abandon her?" Shakky teased Ian, finally noticing her absence.

"She's in the East Blue, reunited with... someone she considers her father. She also chose not to participate in the upcoming events. Honestly, it's a bit embarrassing. I haven't even held her hand. It's almost shameful."

The others were speechless. Ian, The Strongest, and yet... still a novice in matters of love. It was... unexpected.

...

...

Fifteen minutes had passed since Ian's battle with Admiral Kizaru. The chaos on Sabaody Archipelago, though still ongoing, had subsided somewhat.