Robin only rolled her eyes at Don's words.
She held no expectation of ever possessing Conqueror's Haki herself.
"The technique you mentioned sounds… extremely difficult."
She knew Don was studying ways to wield Conqueror's Haki.
But when it came to Haki, she was fumbling in the dark compared to him. Even with the basics of Armament and Observation Haki, it was Don who had guided her.
"Of course it's difficult. This is already an advanced application of Conqueror's Haki. There aren't many people who possess it to begin with, and most of them don't even realize this technique exists."
Don shook his head slightly, abandoning his experiment for the moment as he turned to face her.
"But the master of Isshin Dojo in the East Blue—he doesn't seem to know this technique. Or rather, perhaps he doesn't even have Conqueror's Haki."
Robin regarded him curiously.
"You can tell?"
"A guess. But now, I'm certain."
Robin's lips curved in a small smile.
"Koushirou truly doesn't have Conqueror's Haki. He's a swordsman, nothing more."
Don didn't mind her little trick of fishing for confirmation.
"If given enough time, I'm confident I can work it out myself."
"You're being a bit too impatient," Robin cautioned.
"True enough. I really am rushing it."
Don paused, then nodded.
Time was something he had plenty of, and his current strength was already more than enough for now.
There was no need to be so hasty.
At that thought, the flames at the stern of their ship roared brighter, driving the vessel forward at greater speed.
The fire-powered ship carved across the sea.
…
Port City of Alabasta.
The city bore a curious name: Nanohana.
Even before they docked, a rich fragrance filled the air around the harbor.
Robin closed her eyes to take in the scent, then opened them again with a look of delight.
"What a wonderful fragrance."
"You like perfumes?" Don asked, surprised.
Since he'd met her, Robin had never shown interest in such things.
"Did you forget? I'm still a woman."
Robin smiled faintly as she spoke.
"All right then. If you find something you like, buy as much as you want."
Don waved his hand dismissively.
"What about our destination?"
She asked as they stepped off the ship.
"Rainbase!"
"Your target is there?"
"Possibly. That's why we'll take a look."
With that, Don led Robin from the docks into the perfumed streets of Nanohana.
This city was one of Alabasta's vital trading ports.
Perfume was its specialty, and merchants came and went constantly, trading in fragrant goods.
Here, Robin revealed a softer, more feminine side.
She pulled Don along from one perfume shop to another, testing scent after scent without the slightest impatience.
"What about this one?"
She extended her wrist toward him, the fragrance drifting under his nose.
"Not bad. It suits you."
Don nodded, though his expression was half-distracted.
"That's the eleventh time you've said that."
Robin's tone turned a touch wry.
"Is it? I didn't notice."
Don shook his head, helpless. Even after traveling across worlds, accompanying a woman shopping still failed to stir his enthusiasm.
"Then let's buy it."
Robin said simply, heading to the counter.
A short while later, she returned with a small parcel in hand.
"There are caravans heading to Rainbase every day. It's a two-and-a-half day journey through the desert. Should we join one, or would you prefer to use your… unique method of travel?"
She had quietly gathered information and now deferred to Don.
"Join a caravan. That way, we'll give Crocodile time to prepare."
"Come on then. I already know the way. But our presence won't remain hidden."
Robin's voice lowered.
Don gave a short nod, motioning her to lead on.
Indeed, several figures were watching them—just as back on Cactus Island. From the moment they disembarked, eyes had been fixed on them.
Finding a caravan wasn't difficult. After paying a small fee, the two joined the group.
Before long, the caravan left the perfumed city of Nanohana and set off into the desert.
Some of the spies shadowing them had joined the caravan as well.
"Looks like Rainbase really is their stronghold. I heard him reporting to someone, thinking himself hidden in the rear. Did he think I wouldn't notice?"
A sly glint flickered in Robin's eyes.
"You think I can't hear?"
Don gave her a sidelong glance before turning back to the night-drenched sands outside the camel-drawn wagon.
"You said you wanted to recruit this Warlord. But what if he refuses outright?"
"Then I'll beat him until he submits."
Don's reply was calm, unshaken.
Robin stared at him, caught between exasperation and amusement.
"So it's Crocodile, or even that man from the East Blue… what you value in them isn't their schemes?"
"That's right. What I value is their execution. Frankly, their strategies don't impress me."
Robin was startled.
"Their schemes are bound by certain limits. They can only play within a confined space."
"I don't follow."
She shook her head, lost.
Don chuckled quietly.
A character's wisdom, after all, was determined by the one who created the story.
And in this world, the protagonist was Monkey D. Luffy.
Thus, the people he met along the way existed to serve his journey.
Even so, Don could feel that this world was alive—and that the choices and pasts of these people were real.
Crocodile was one. So was Kuro back in the East Blue.
…
The caravan traveled swiftly, well-accustomed to the desert paths. Clearly, they had made the journey between Nanohana and Rainbase many times.
After two and a half days, they reached one of Alabasta's most thriving cities.
Though in the heart of the desert, the air here was damp, lush greenery spreading in every direction.
"What a marvelous place."
Robin's eyes shone in wonder. To build such a great city in an oasis amidst the sands, untouched by the desert's harshness—it was astonishing.
"Come on. Let's see if he's here."
Don wasted no time and stepped forward into the vibrant city.
The Rain Dinners.
Rainbase's sole casino.
Behind its glittering façade stood its true master—Crocodile.
It was also the gathering place of Baroque Works' highest ranks.
"They're heading into Rain Dinners!"
"Could it be that their target is us?"
"Or maybe they're just here to play."
"Report immediately!"
As Don and Robin walked straight toward the casino, watchers scrambled—some rushing to relay word, others sending urgent reports up the chain.
But before Don even stepped through the doors, his eyes narrowed slightly.
Unfurling his Observation Haki, he had already sensed it.
A powerful presence lingered within Rain Dinners.
And under his Haki's perception, Don saw it clearly
A blind man.
…
END OF CHAPTER
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