Robin watches him from afar, noticing how focused and dedicated he is to his training. She remembers their conversations from the previous night and can't help but feel a mix of admiration and slight apprehension. As she stands there observing him, she suddenly notices something peculiar about his training routine.
Robin watches him from afar, noticing how focused and dedicated he is to his training. She remembers their conversations from the previous night and can't help but feel a mix of admiration and slight apprehension. As she stands there observing him, she suddenly notices something peculiar about his training routine.
"He's not even breaking a sweat," she murmurs softly, her eyebrows furrowing in surprise. "And those movements... They're almost too precise, too calculated." She realizes something interesting. "He's not just training; he's analyzing his own movements, finding ways to improve."
"I'm glad you noticed would you like to continue your practice with Armament haki."
Robin's eyes light up with interest at the offer. She nods eagerly, her curiosity piqued. "Yes, I would like that very much," she replies, her voice filled with enthusiasm. She walks downstairs and joins Max outside, her mind racing with questions about Armament Haki and his incredible abilities.
He tapped the ground and a metal pole comes up. " As you get stronger, you need stronger and stronger poles so I need this one as thick as I could you shouldn't be able to tint it even with your arm hockey but when you get strong enough, you'll be able to destroy it in one punch."
Robin nods, understanding the progression of the exercise perfectly. "So it scales with my power," she observes, staring at the incredibly thick metal pole rising from the ground. She summons her Armament Haki, coating her fist in a jet-black sheen. She takes a deep breath, centering herself, and throws a precise punch at the pole. *CLANG.*
The metal pole shakes slightly under the impact of her punch, but remains standing. Robin furrows her eyebrows in concentration, pushing even harder with her Armament Haki. *CLANG, CLANG, CLANG.* She continues to punch the pole repeatedly, her strikes echoing through the air with each hit.
After several more minutes of intense punching, Robin's breath comes in ragged gasps and sweat drips down her face. She pauses, her chest heaving as she tries to catch her breath. Looking at the pole, she sees it's now slightly bent but still standing. "Max..."
"Good job you bent it."
Robin looks at the bent pole with a mixture of exhaustion and pride. "I can't believe I actually dented it," she says, wiping sweat from her forehead. Her knuckles are red and slightly bruised, but she barely notices the pain, too focused on her accomplishment.
"Pretty good now how far away do you think we are from East Blue."
Robin thinks carefully, considering their journey so far. "Based on our route and the islands we've passed, I'd estimate we're about three-quarters of the way there," she replies confidently. "We've covered a lot of ground, Max. Your navigation skills have been incredible."
"Not just that my ship is pretty good too."
Robin laughs softly, nodding in agreement. "Yes, your ship is amazing too. It's fast, reliable, and can handle rough seas like a charm." She pauses, then adds with a smirk, "But don't let it go to your head. Your navigation is what's really getting us there quickly."
"Yeah, I guess that's true."
Robin smiles, amused by Max's modest response. She stands up, stretching her tired muscles. "I think I've had enough for today," she admits, looking at her bruised knuckles. "Do you mind if I head back inside and clean up?"
"yeah, go ahead. I'll have dinner ready."
"Thanks, Max," Robin says gratefully, heading back inside. She takes her time cleaning up, soothing her sore knuckles and washing away the sweat. As she's drying off, she hears Max moving around in the kitchen, preparing dinner. The smell of cooking food soon fills the ship.
By the time Robin makes her way downstairs in clean clothes, the table is already set. Max has prepared a simple but hearty meal. They eat in comfortable silence, the bond of mutual respect growing stronger between them. After dinner, Robin helps clean up and joins Max on deck, gazing at the starry sky above. "You know," she says softly, breaking the silence.
"I never thought I'd be enjoying learning to fight so much," Robin admits honestly. "And I definitely never thought I'd have a friend teaching me." She looks at Max, her expression sincere. "Thank you for being patient with me and not minding that I ask a million questions."
"It's Not that bad I'm glad you decided to join me being alone on a big ship is well not the best thing."
Robin smiles softly at Max's response, understanding his perspective. "I can imagine it would get lonely out here by yourself," she says sympathetically. "I'm glad I can keep you company, at least." She leans against the railing, gazing out at the ocean. "You know," she continues after a moment.
"This is the longest I've gone without reading a book or studying something," Robin realizes with a small laugh. "I'm out here learning to fight and navigate instead of poring over ancient texts." She glances at Max, her expression thoughtful. "Do you miss having a crew?" she asks curiously.
"Why do you think I asked you to join my crew?"
Robin's eyes widen slightly as she processes Max's words. "Right... I suppose that makes sense," she replies softly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She turns back to the ocean, feeling a warmth spread through her at the implication that she was specifically chosen to be part of his crew.
"Wanna know why I chose you."
Robin glances back at Max, her curiosity piqued. She nods slowly, leaning against the railing with her arms crossed over her chest. "Alright, I'll bite," she says, trying to sound casual despite the flutter in her stomach. "Why did you choose me to join your crew, Max?"
"it wasn't because of your devil Fruit ability not for your knowledge it's because you've been through hardships and because I know that when things get tough, you will have my back and it doesn't hurt that you're really smart and beautiful."
Robin's heart skips a beat as Max lists out the reasons he chose her. She's used to being valued for her knowledge and ability, but the personal qualities he mentions hit her differently. She looks away, trying to hide the blush creeping up her neck. "I... see," she murmurs, not trusting herself to speak.
After a moment of silence, Robin turns back to Max, her expression serious. "Max, I... thank you," she says quietly, meaning it with all her heart. "No one's ever chosen me just for being... me before." She pauses, then adds with a small smile, "And I promise, I'll have your back no matter what."
"I know you will."Robin smiles softly, feeling a warmth spread through her at Max's confident words. The trust he places in her means more than she can express. They stand in comfortable silence for a while longer, the bond between them feeling stronger and deeper. Eventually, Robin stifles a yawn."I think it's getting late," Robin says, stretching her arms over her head. "I should probably head to bed." She glances at Max, noticing the way the moonlight casts soft shadows on his features. "You coming?" she asks, hoping he'll join her below deck.
"Yes."They head downstairs together, the comfortable silence between them speaking volumes about their growing bond. Robin goes to her room to change into comfortable sleepwear—a simple tank top and shorts. When she emerges, she finds Max already waiting in the hallway, having changed into similar comfortable clothes. They walk together to the shared sleeping quarters Max had prepared for them.
The sleeping quarters are cozy, with two comfortable beds and a small nightstand between them. Robin climbs into her bed, suddenly very aware of Max being just a few feet away. She's shared sleeping quarters with other crew members before, but this feels different. More intimate somehow.
Robin lies on her back, staring at the ceiling, listening to Max settle into his own bed. The gentle rocking of the ship should be soothing, but her heart is beating a little faster than normal. "Max?" she whispers into the darkness after a few minutes of silence.
" yeah."
"Can I ask you something?" Robin asks quietly, her voice barely audible over the sound of the waves outside. She hesitates for a moment before continuing, "It's kind of personal." She turns her head slightly to face Max's direction, even though she can't see him in the darkness.
"Go ahead."
"What... what would you do if one of us..." Robin swallows hard, choosing her words carefully. "If one of us wanted to share a bed? Just to sleep better, I mean." She blurts it out quickly before she can lose her nerve, her heart pounding in her chest.
"I wouldn't mind it."Robin's heart skips a beat at Max's calm response. She's silent for a long moment, processing his words. Then, before she can overthink it, she throws back her covers and gets out of bed. She walks over to Max's bed in the darkness and climbs in next to him without a word.
Max doesn't move or say anything as Robin settles in beside him. The bed is large enough for both of them comfortably. Robin lies on her side facing away from him, her back pressed lightly against his chest. She can feel the steady rise and fall of his breathing, and it calms her nerves slightly.
Robin stays still for a while, listening to Max's breathing and the gentle rocking of the ship. Slowly, she starts to relax. Max's warmth seeping into her back is comforting, and his presence makes her feel safe. Without thinking too much about it, she reaches back and takes his hand, bringing it to rest on her waist.
Max's hand fits perfectly against her waist, his larger fingers wrapping around her smaller frame. He pulls her back slightly, closing the gap between them until they're spooning comfortably. Robin's heart rate spikes, but in a good way. She feels protected, cherished. After a few minutes, Max's steady breathing evens out, and she realizes he's already fallen asleep.
Robin lies awake for a little longer, soaking in the feeling of being held by Max. She can feel his warm breath against her neck, his strong arm around her waist keeping her close. Eventually, exhaustion wins over, and she drifts off to sleep, curled up against Max's solid frame.
Morning arrives with sunlight streaming through the small porthole window, illuminating the cozy sleeping quarters. Robin slowly wakes up, disoriented for a moment before remembering she's in Max's bed. She can feel his arm still around her waist, his chest pressed against her back. His breathing is deep and even - he's still asleep.