Chapter 34: Nico Robin's Breakdown
Whiskey Peak, on a distant hill.
A tanned young woman in a purple cowboy-style outfit sat discreetly, her presence so faint it was almost nonexistent—blending perfectly with the night.
In her hands, she held a scope to her eyes, spying on the seaside.
Her gaze caught a pirate ship approaching the port, and she couldn't help but admire its dark design.
"What a beautiful pirate ship… the dark color is amazing, and that goat figurehead is just too cute…"
Suddenly, her expression shifted, an intrigued smile curling on her lips.
"Interesting… the little princess is actually mingling with the notorious Straw Hat…"
She found herself curious about the secrets being exchanged between the two parties.
Relaxing in her seat, she patiently watched the domineering ship draw closer. Then, her eyes widened slightly.
"Am I hallucinating?"
Her vision was sharp, and at that moment she could have sworn the green-haired, beautiful swordswoman on deck glanced directly in her direction and mouthed the word 'Hill'.
"Impossible… I'm so far away from them…"
Yet, her instincts—honed by decades of walking the razor's edge between life and death—made her extremely cautious.
Even if she was mistaken, she trusted the gut feeling that had saved her countless times before.
As she prepared to withdraw and conceal herself, the man she'd been most curious about—Monkey D. Luffy—suddenly locked eyes with her and gave a mischievous smirk.
Robin's body quivered in shock, her breath hitching. Fear overwhelmed instinct, freezing her in place.
What a terrifying aura!!!
Her mind spiraled, struggling to regain control.
Move… calm down… it's just a coincidence… I'm imagining things…
But her self-brainwashing—a skill that had saved her life countless times—failed her now. Her body refused to respond. Even her eyes remained fixed on the Straw Hat crew.
Then, in her shocked state, she saw one of the women move.
The girl wore bare overalls, was slightly taller than Robin, with striking blue hair, sexy tanned skin, flawless facial features, and curves that defied logic.
Robin couldn't quite see what happened next—only that, in the following instant, the surrounding crowd seemed to suffer an unseen impact.
Bodies flew in all directions, collapsing unconscious. The only one left standing was the mayor—Vivi's retainer.
As for the blue-haired girl, she was already back in her original spot, as if she had never moved at all.
But Robin knew better. Even through her fear, her mind was clear—she would never mistake such a feat.
That girl was terrifyingly strong. Such speed, force, and precision were traits only true masters possessed.
The sound of clapping behind her snapped Robin from her trance. She realized she could move again—but there was no relief in it.
Turning slowly, her expression stiff, her eyes dull, she forced a smile.
Her body instinctively took her "Mille Fleur" stance.
"I'm sorry, sir. Instinctive habit… I didn't mean to offend you…"
Luffy, who had somehow crossed thousands of meters to appear beside her, chuckled casually.
"It's okay. Even if you attacked me, I'd tolerate it a little. Who made you the Devil Child, Nico Robin…"
Robin's heart sank.
Thousands of thoughts swarmed her mind—none of them positive. They were all images of gruesome ends—torture, death, trafficking, humiliation.
Luffy glanced at her paling face, the color draining even from her tan skin, and shook his head with amusement.
"Girl, you're more pessimistic than I thought. Not a single hopeful thought—how dark is your heart? I'm just interested in you. I have zero intention of torturing you, killing you, or handing you to the CP or Marines…"
Robin's eyes widened.
"How could you—?!"
Luffy smiled knowingly.
"Yes, I'm reading your mind. And I have to say, pretending to join me and winning my trust isn't a bad plan—because I'm genuinely interested in inviting you aboard."
"You're smart, too—you didn't mention Crocodile, because you know I'm far scarier. You're even testing me right now by thinking of random things—like your three body measurements, for example. And I have to admit, you hide a lot under that tight dress. I almost fell for it."
Robin could only stare, her defenses crumbling with each word.
"I'm not here to play trust games with you," Luffy went on. "Because once you join me, trust will be the least thing you'll need to offer."
"And you're right—having someone who knows everything about you might be scary, but for someone like you… it's also a relief. I guess I've done something good, huh?"
Robin remained silent, her thoughts laid bare without a word. Every fear, dream, and secret was exposed.
She was completely naked before this domineering man.
What a special individual…
Beneath the fear and apprehension, there was also a strange sense of relief—and even anticipation.
Such a man, who can harvest my loyalty without conditions, won't care about my past crimes…
It's the first time someone has accepted my flawed self without disgust or judgment.
He even seems to appreciate me…
Robin, stop letting your girlish thoughts take over…
Neh, Saul… this guy with the straw hat—while completely different from my ideal image of a nakama—might just fit perfectly.
Luffy nodded.
"I do fit perfectly. I assume you're now part of my crew?"
Robin took a deep breath, murmuring,
"Sir… can you please stop reading my mind? As a woman, I'd like a little private space…"
Luffy chuckled.
"I will. But you're stubborn, Robin. Only by putting pressure on you do you finally reveal your true self. I don't want the shell of Nico Robin—full of calculations, fear, suicidal thoughts, and betrayal. I want the real Nico Robin."
"Welcome aboard."
He extended his hand.
Robin stared for a long time, then finally blushed and took it.
"You really did stop reading…" she murmured in embarrassment.
Luffy pulled her to her feet and led her toward the port, where the Baphomet was docked.
"Trust is the least I'll give you—and respect is just another thing you deserve as my crew member."
Robin was dazed.
What a charming man…
She followed him absentmindedly.
At this moment, she had been forcefully broken, and it would take time to regain her usual shrewd, guarded self.
He said he wouldn't toy with me… yet he's already turned me into his 'toy'.
She smiled widely, looking at his back with eyes full of interest and anticipation.
Maybe with this man, my dreams will truly come true…
Maybe I'll experience something even more precious.