Chapter 38
Vivi begged too—twice.
Arlong never went back on promises.
Igaram tactfully left. Mikita stayed.
In the next room, listening to Princess Vivi's pleading cries, Mikita's lips curved upward.
"If Alabasta's people knew their noble princess was this shameless—what would they think?"
"Yahahaha~"
"But it sounds kinda fun."
"I'm actually looking forward to the boss getting crushed!"
…
Midnight passed. Vivi's affection hit 90.
Arlong got another silver chest.
Fastest yet—showed Alabasta's weight in Vivi's heart.
Chest rewards: 300 million berries, a top-tier Armament Haki experience card, and another weapon enhancement card.
He slapped the enhancement on Zanba—promoted to Supreme Grade Sword.
Dawn broke.
Arlong brought the two women to rejoin the crew.
The ladies met and quickly called each other sisters.
"Everyone misunderstood—I'm not Captain Arlong's woman."
Mikita tried explaining (?????).
She actually wanted to try.
But Crocodile loomed like a mountain—she couldn't breathe.
"Boarded Big Bro Arlong's ship and think you can escape?"
Nami said sourly.
Big Bro Arlong was perfect—except a bit ugly and very romantic.
The women giggled—unclear if at Nami's words or her jealousy.
Log Pose not fully charged—couldn't leave yet.
Meanwhile, Bartolomeo finished "pacifying."
Mr. 9, Miss Monday, and most bounty hunters agreed to join the Bart Club.
But only publicly after Crocodile's defeat—to avoid retaliation.
Bartolomeo understood and promised victory.
He gave Miss Monday Gambia's contact—mutual cooperation reduced risks.
After the ordeal,
Miss Monday saw her true feelings. In front of everyone, she proposed to Mr. 9.
Mr. 9 was stunned ⊙0⊙.
Bartolomeo, new boss, assisted—praised Miss Monday's loyalty.
Mr. 9 teared up.
Amid cheers, he accepted.
Nami and the girls joined the fun, decorating the wedding.
Carmen personally cooked—a feast for the ages.
As the wedding began, the town erupted in celebration.
A massive turtle slowly entered the inner river.
On its back: a wheat-skinned, mature, sexy woman.
The "Devil Child" Nico Robin.
"Quite lively!"
Hearing the cheers, Nico Robin smiled faintly (?▽?*).
Envy in her eyes.
She could never truly join such warmth.
"(#`O′) Hey, Nico Robin—finally here!"
A sudden voice made Robin's pupils shrink.
No one was there moments ago.
She whipped around—Arlong leaned on the railing of a nearby ship, flashing his toothy grin.
"Arlong!"
Robin recognized him instantly, stunned (゜-゜).
"Robin-san, come aboard for a chat!"
Arlong gestured.
Robin didn't refuse—directed Kung Fu Jugon to dock.
Too many questions.
How did Arlong know her name—and that she'd come?
His personal story interested her too.
Eight years silent—then exploded onto the scene.
Inspirational.
Robin boarded. Arlong had already poured red wine.
"Drink?"
His gaze openly roamed her.
[Ding! Detected a beauty meeting system requirements. Host, please improve relations as soon as possible.]
Robin wasn't at peak beauty yet, but her noble maturity was irresistible.
Black hair to shoulders, purple cowboy hat, purple outfit.
Short-sleeve open-front vest tied with cords—half her fullness exposed. Hot pants below.
Below the shorts: legs fans loved. 188 cm tall—legs spoke for themselves.
Seductive mature big sis.
Purple symbolized nobility, courage—and in Christianity, sorrow.
It suited Robin perfectly.
Robin didn't hesitate—sat opposite him.
She elegantly crossed her legs, faint smile. "Captain Arlong seems to know me well?"
"A little."
Arlong clinked glasses. "Cheers!"
Ding!
Robin didn't refuse—light tap.
"Cheers."
She drained it.
Arlong finished his too, then eyed her playfully.
"Not worried I drugged it? A beautiful, sexy woman like you is quite tempting."
Arlong's bluntness stunned Robin.
She set her glass down and smiled. "Thank you for the compliment, Captain Arlong. Most men avoid me—didn't expect your… interest."
Virgin, but no shyness in talk.
"Eastern saying: Die beneath peonies, ghost still romantic. Robin-san, will you be my peony?"
Arlong refilled her glass, grinning.
Direct confession flustered Robin momentarily.
(⊙▽⊙)?
She'd been pursued—but "Devil Child" scared them off.
Strong ones wanted her bounty.
"Come, drink."
Arlong timely offered wine, easing her embarrassment.
The old perv's game had leveled up after practice.
Robin drained it, propped her chin, studying the enigmatic man.
"Captain Arlong, why did you know I'd come?"
Arlong sidestepped—mentioned Princess Vivi.
Miss Valentine's failed mission, his promise to beat Crocodile.
"Oh, forgot—you're Baroque's vice president."
Arlong slapped his forehead apologetically. "Robin-san, you don't mind me killing your boss, right?"
Robin: ～(′ー｀～)
She smiled, eyes crescent moons. "Captain Arlong, I'm actually looking forward to it!"
Normal for her—betrayal and deception since childhood.
No concept of "nakama."
One wish: decipher the lost century, vindicate Ohara.
A pitiful, stubborn woman.
Arlong pitied her in his past life—wanted to protect her.
Direct invite: "Robin, join the Arlong Pirates?"
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