Robin dragged her tired body onto the deck just as midday approached. Nami and the others had finished gathering most of the supplies for the ship.
Yawning, Robin stepped out, curious about everyone's busy movements, and walked to the rail to ask what was going on.
Before she could speak, Carmen's surprised voice came from behind.
"Robin? You're up! How's your body feeling?"
"Hm? I'm fine… why are you asking?"
Robin stopped and turned around, looking at Carmen with some confusion.
Why did it feel like she'd missed an entire chapter of her own life overnight?
"Huh? This morning at breakfast, Leno said you were a little 'shaken' last night and needed rest."
"He told us not to bother you. Oh—your meal is in the fridge!"
"...R-right. Thank you, Carmen. I'll go eat first."
Hearing this, Robin instantly understood everything, quickly muttered something to escape the conversation, and hurried away.
Carmen watched her flee with confusion, but didn't press the matter.
Meanwhile, in the dining room, Robin's expression darkened. She cursed Leno in her heart.
Why… why had she let that bastard push her around last night? To the point of nearly fainting?
Just the memory of his annoyingly excited face made her chest tighten.
That overwhelming, soul-shaking sensation still made her tremble even now.
Taking a deep breath, Robin silently swore she would never accept that bastard's unreasonable demands again.
Her whole body still felt sore and weak. If the others noticed, they'd definitely tease her.
And of course—when she feared something most, it happened.
As she sluggishly ate her leftover breakfast, Nami, Nojiko, and the others walked into the dining room, chatting and laughing.
The moment they saw Robin, they exchanged knowing glances. Mischievous light flashed in their eyes—and the teasing began.
"Well, well~ look who finally woke up! Our elegant, graceful Robin!"
"My, my~ isn't this rare? Didn't know Robin could sleep in."
"Incredible. Did Robin save the world last night?"
Their taunting hit Robin like a thunderbolt. Her face heated instantly. She raised her head and glared at them, arms crossing over her chest.
Cold words slipped out:
"Sixteen-Flowers. Dragon Claw."
"???!!!"
The teasing trio froze as countless arms sprouted from their bodies, binding them instantly.
The extra hands began their 'merciless torture'—tickling!
Within seconds, the previously smug girls were begging for mercy.
"Hahaha—R-Robin! Spare us!"
"We're sorry! Sorry! Hahaha—Robin!"
"Haha—R-Robin—stop—!"
Faces flushed, bodies twisting desperately, tears streaming down their cheeks—Robin approached them with a sweet, terrifying smile.
"Still want to tease me?"
"N-no! Never again, Robin!"
"Please—just stop!"
"Hmph! Let this be a lesson."
With a casual wave, she released her ability and gave them a glare before returning to her seat.
The moment they were freed, Nami, Nojiko, and Uta collapsed to the floor, panting heavily.
Their eyes filled with fear. Who knew a few jokes would bring such catastrophe?
And who would've thought Robin's 'punishment' would be so… devilish? Truly worthy of the name 'Devil's Child.'
After a while, they finally recovered and walked over to Robin.
"We're done preparing the supplies. Robin, do you need anything? If not, we're heading out!"
Robin blinked, a little surprised.
"In such a hurry? Aren't you going to look around more?"
"There's nothing worth seeing. And the Log Pose is already full. We're heading to the next island."
Nami lifted her Log Pose, then wrinkled her nose.
"This place is just a bounty hunter hub. Nothing worth staying for."
"I see. Then let's set sail. I have nothing to prepare."
"Great! I'll go tell the big idiot!"
Nami marched off. Uta and Nojiko exchanged a glance with Robin before quickly following.
Robin, seeing how scared the little girls still were, could only sigh.
Once everything was ready, the Gale ascended into the air and flew out of town.
Vivi remained on board as well.
Earlier that morning, she contacted Igaram, instructing him to return to Alabasta with news while she stayed with the crew—with permission.
Now she leaned over the railing, watching Whiskey Peak shrink below. Beside her stood a duck—her companion, Karoo, Alabasta's unique mount.
"No wonder it's called the 'miracle ship'! It can actually fly!"
"I've only read about it in the papers… I didn't expect to ride it myself. Isn't that amazing, Karoo?"
"Quack~"
"You're shocked too? Me too… it feels like a dream."
Vivi giggled, stroking Karoo's head and gazing at the vast sea ahead, hope swelling in her heart.
Soon. Very soon. Alabasta would return to peace. Her father would no longer wear that worried frown.
As Vivi was lost in her hopeful thoughts, Olga approached with her giant lizard.
"Oooh~ this duck is your mount? Pretty cute~"
"Eh…?"
Startled, Vivi looked at the small girl and her lizard.
"You… you're part of the crew too?"
"Me? I'm just temporarily on the ship. Leno will drop me off when we reach our destination."
Olga pouted with some dissatisfaction, then her eyes lit up as she looked at the duck in front of her and asked, "What's its name?"
"Oh! This is my partner, Elizabeth—"
"And this one is Karoo. He's also my partner."
Seeing the lively girl, Vivi asked about her journey so far.
To her surprise, Olga loved talking with her—and soon the two were fully engrossed in conversation.
As Olga told her stories, Vivi let out little gasps of surprise again and again.
And time quietly slipped by…