An alliance is formed when interests align.
Just like the relationship of mutual use between Robin and Crocodile, each with their own goals.
And between Nami and Vivi, without Robin as a common enemy, they hadn't shown such solidarity.
Divide and conquer.
When it came to the human heart, Robin had long stopped believing in it.
"The sea is vast... one day, you will find trustworthy nakama..."
A distant voice flashed through her mind and was gone. Robin lowered her head, taking a sip of tea. As for Nami's reaction, it seemed she had anticipated it. She let out a soft laugh.
"Don't underestimate Her Highness here. She managed to infiltrate Baroque Works for two whole years and then effortlessly boarded your ship to become your nakama. Don't you think that's impressive? What if she had other intentions... like wanting to obtain something from you?"
"Everyone on this ship is poorer than she is."
Nami didn't want to admit that, but it was true.
"Don't be so rigid. Who said what you obtain has to be money? What about a person?"
"Wh-what?!"
That sentence was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly stirring up waves.
Nami and Vivi almost gasped in unison, subconsciously locking eyes. The two who had just been holding onto each other instantly sprang apart.
If it was a person... the figure of a certain someone immediately appeared in both their minds.
"What nonsense are you spouting?!"
Vivi was the first to bristle, her cheeks flushing bright red. "How could I possibly have those kinds of thoughts about Luffy? Absolutely not!"
The more urgently she defended herself, the more flustered she appeared.
The initiative had been completely taken by her!
Nami's face also shifted through several expressions. She glared fiercely at Robin, as if trying to find a trace of mockery in the other woman's perpetually composed smile.
Suppressing the unexplained unease and palpitations within, she gritted her teeth and dragged the topic back on track. "Enough! Don't try to change the subject! Vivi, ask her the important things! What is Baroque Works' plan exactly?!"
"That's right, Miss All Sunday! Since you've chosen to cooperate temporarily, tell us everything you know about Baroque Works, about Crocodile's plan!" Vivi demanded. "Where are those Baroque Works officers? What are they doing?"
Robin wasn't bothered by their rather forced change of topic. She elegantly crossed her amazing, well-proportioned long legs, leaning back slightly to find a more comfortable position.
"Actually, it wouldn't hurt to tell you.
As for the senior officers of Baroque Works, a few have already appeared. Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine, whom you defeated at Whisky Peak. Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek are at Little Garden... The rest are mostly operating within or around Alabasta. I can provide you a list of their abilities and general personalities.
But, do you really think this information is of great use? To be honest, these underlings aren't important to Crocodile. He can have as many subordinates as he wants. The truly critical question is, how will you deal with him personally."
"What are his weaknesses?"
Vivi pressed urgently. "You've been by his side for so long. You must know his weaknesses, right?"
Robin lifted her teacup, taking another sip, smiling without a word.
Regarding Crocodile's fatal weakness, it was a crucial bargaining chip she used to protect herself and wait for the right price. Naturally, she wouldn't reveal it so easily.
The various conveniences she provided Vivi were merely small whims on her part. It didn't mean Robin would halt her own plans for Alabasta.
In her eyes, even without Crocodile, Alabasta couldn't be called a nation without problems.
Robin looked at Vivi and said, "Even if you miraculously deal with Crocodile, will Alabasta's domestic problems be completely solved? Those citizens whose lives have been made miserable by drought, rumors of Dance Powder, years of rebellion, and ultimately exploited by Crocodile—and those revolutionaries who have taken up arms—how do you plan to appease and resolve their grievances?"
Vivi was momentarily speechless, then a look of firm resolve appeared on her face. "The root of the domestic turmoil is Baroque Works' conspiracy! As long as we expose Crocodile's true face and end the civil war, under my father's rule, the country will surely return to peace and prosperity."
"Oh? Is that so?"
Robin gave a noncommittal, slight shake of her head. "Forgive my bluntness, Your Highness. Before Mr. Crocodile intervened in Alabasta's affairs as a 'hero,' this country didn't seem to be a paradise either, did it?
Heavy taxes and levies, used to pay the Celestial Dragons' Heavenly Tribute... these are burdens that World Government affiliate nations cannot escape.
Even if King Cobra is a benevolent ruler, how can these deep-rooted, long-standing problems be easily eradicated?"
Vivi was once again left momentarily speechless.
Lies don't hurt; the truth is the sharp blade.
"Hey! This isn't the time for that!"
Seeing this, Nami immediately slapped the table, taking control of the conversation. "First, the enemies right in front of us! You said Little Garden is dangerous earlier. What's going on exactly?"
"Have you heard of the Giant Warrior Tribe?"
"The Giant Warrior Tribe?"
Both Nami and Vivi were taken aback.
A trace of playfulness appeared on Robin's face. "That's right. Little Garden is an island that preserves an ancient ecosystem. And on that island live two Giant warriors from Elbaf—the Blue-Horned Dorry and the Red-Horned Brogy. They have been engaged in a duel that has lasted over a hundred years."
"A duel lasting over a hundred years?!"
Nami gasped, drawing in a sharp breath.
She did know the Giant tribe was a long-lived race.
But casually tossing around a hundred years seemed a bit exaggerated.
"And more inconveniently, our Baroque Works' Mr. 3 and his partner seem to be using these two Giants' duel for something.
Which means, what you'll soon face isn't just the cunning high-level agents of Baroque Works, but you might also have to confront the warriors of the race recognized as the world's strongest—the Giants."
Nami felt everything went black, her legs going a bit weak.
The Giant Warrior Tribe?!
Just imagining a colossal body that blots out the sky and power powerful enough to split mountains filled her with despair.
Luffy's move of enlarging his fists was already terrifying in the East Blue, with no match at all.
But those were real Giants.
If they faced them, would this small ship even be big enough for one of their steps?! The Going Merry would probably be reduced to splinters in an instant.
Nami and Vivi's reactions were clearly within Robin's expectations. But soon, something unexpected happened.
Bang!
The room door was flung open.
Luffy stood at the doorway, his expression serious. His gaze swept rapidly across the room before settling on Robin. Then, he strode purposefully over to stand directly in front of her.
***
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