While Tyrant Kuma was curiously observing Shukaku, Shukaku was also observing him, feeling a sense of déjà vu, as if he had seen him somewhere before.
A moment later.
"Ah, I remember now!"
Shukaku reacted.
"You're Little Bonney's... that..."
"Hello, I am Bonney's father, Bartholomew Kuma!"
Tyrant Kuma introduced himself.
"That's right, I saw you in Bonney's drawing... Hello, Bonney's father, I am Little Bonney's most respected boss!"
Teapot Shukaku stood with his hands behind his back, looking like an old man.
After confirming that the bear-like man in front of him was Bonney's long-sought father.
Shukaku naturally put down his hostility and wariness towards Kuma.
Previously, Shukaku disliked humans, even to the point of hostility.
But in the time since, the comfortable, leisurely, and free life on the ship had changed Shukaku's mindset.
He genuinely liked the cute and adorable new crew member, Little Bonney.
At the same time, he was also very aware of how much Bonney longed to meet her father.
Nami, Vivi, and others were also looking forward to Bonney's reunion with her father.
He never expected Kuma to appear on their ship tonight.
If Bonney knew about this, she would be very happy.
"That Little Kuma, what a coincidence, my boss and big sister took Little Bonney and everyone else on the Sea Train, so now it's just me and Duck Little Brother on the ship!"
Shukaku put on the air of an elder, though given his age, he certainly had the qualifications.
"I know!"
The gentle Kuma didn't bother with such small matters.
Because as early as during the battle, he had already used Observation Haki to scout.
He knew that only Shukaku and Karu, the fast-running duck, were on the ship; everyone else was gone.
Originally, Kuma had intended to leave directly, but out of concern for the "Never Empty Army," he chose to reveal himself.
After all, this ship was now his daughter's second home.
Shukaku and Karu were also important companions to his daughter, and he couldn't afford for them to be harmed.
"Mr. Shukaku, can you tell me about Bonney?"
Tyrant Kuma sincerely requested, wanting to know Bonney's recent situation.
"Ahem, since you're asking so sincerely, I'll tell you. Little brother, go, prepare some snacks and drinks; your boss and I are going to talk all night with Little Kuma!"
Shukaku imperiously ordered Karu to work.
He himself began to boast greatly to Kuma.
Of course, while boasting about himself, he also satisfied Kuma's wishes, recounting all the major and minor events from the time in the Sobel Kingdom and since Bonney joined the ship.
Upon learning that Bonney had become the Magical Girl she had longed to be, Kuma was surprised, but more than that, he felt relief and joy.
Although he didn't know how Bonney became a Magical Girl, Kuma knew one thing: Bonney was very happy on this ship.
And... she would be even happier in the future, able to travel with Roland to island after island.
Even without him as a father, Bonney still had the best companions to travel with.
In the early morning, the sun began to rise.
"That's wonderful! Congratulations, Bonney!"
Tears of joy streamed down Kuma's resolute face.
...
...
At this very moment.
Spring Queen Town.
After a night of rest, a refreshed Bonney followed Roland back onto the Sea Train, cheerfully embarking on a new journey to Water 7.
Around noon, the Sea Train pulled into Shift Station.
The aquatic city modeled after Venice—Water 7—had arrived!!!
"Everyone, we've arrived at Water 7. For now, let's disband and enjoy yourselves. I also have a few things to do!"
With that, Roland entered the city alone, leading the way.
The city of Water 7 held significant weight in the original storyline.
It was in this city that the Straw Hat Pirates, the protagonist crew, nearly fell apart.
The successive departures of two members, coupled with the overwhelming power of CP9, created an extremely oppressive atmosphere.
However...
It was precisely the groundwork laid in the early stages that led to the passionate events of the Enies Lobby arc later on.
And it was because of the Enies Lobby incident that Robin truly joined the Straw Hat Crew.
Roland had many places and many people he wanted to see in this magnificent city built on water.
Such as the world's largest shipyard, Karera Company, and CP9, who had been undercover in Water 7 for many years...
And Lucci, the Toilet King, whose toilet on a Four Emperors' ship was worth scrubbing...
Also, Franky, the cyborg who would later become a member of the protagonist crew, was Roland's primary target for this trip.
Of course...
Roland would seek out Franky, not because he was interested in Franky, the pervert.
But because he was interested in what Franky was hiding inside his body—the Pluton blueprints, passed down through generations of Water 7 shipwrights.
Roland was very clear about the location of the Ancient Weapon Pluton, and even had a clear travel plan to visit Wano Country in the future.
But before that, since he was already in Water 7, he might as well take a look at the blueprints for the super battleship Pluton.
As a typical engineering student in his previous life, Roland was very interested in technological products such as ships and cannons.
Therefore, he urgently wanted to see all the design blueprints for the super battleship Pluton.
He wanted to uncover the secret of Pluton's powerful attack, capable of destroying an island with a single shot.
Roland's departure did not affect the girls' interest in sightseeing.
"Sister Robin, hurry, hurry! We're just waiting for you!"
Little Bonney urged excitedly.
"Oh, I'm coming, almost ready!"
In the train station restroom, Robin quickly tidied her makeup in front of the mirror.
Because she was too exhausted last night, she fell asleep on the train this morning.
If it were before, Robin would certainly not have cared about such small matters.
But a woman adorns herself for her admirer; the current Robin constantly wanted to show her best side to the person she liked.
Before long, Robin finished her touch-up and, while tidying up, she discovered something in her handbag.
"Huh? Is this an Amulet? Did Roland specially give it to me!"
Robin's eyes lit up; she immediately recognized the Amulet in the corner of her bag.
She couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion, thinking it was a surprise gift from Roland.
In reality, it had accidentally flown into Robin's bag during their activities last night.
"This looks like... a Tiger? The Chicken Talisman grants the power of levitation, the Horse Talisman grants healing, what about the power of this Tiger?"
Robin couldn't help but feel a strong sense of curiosity; she tightly clutched the Tiger Talisman in her hand.
The next second, a dazzling light enveloped her body.
A moment later, everything returned to calm.
Nothing happened?
Robin was still Robin!
There was no change at all!
No!
There was still a change.
For example, the Tiger Talisman was now only half white.
And then there was Robin's current gaze.
Clear as a university student who knew nothing of the world.
Such a gaze should not appear on Robin, who had endured over twenty years of hardships.
"Sister Robin, aren't you ready yet?"
Bonney's voice came again.
"Coming! Coming!"
Robin responded cheerfully and rejoined the other girls.
"Oh, Robin, you seem a little different from before!"
Nami said in surprise.
"Is that so?"
Robin was puzzled.
"I feel that way too; the current Robin is like a heartwarming little sun!"
Kuina said earnestly.
"No, not at all, that's really too embarrassing!"
Robin's bashful expression made Vivi and the others all look sideways.
They had never seen Robin like this before.
The group of girls left the station, chatting and laughing.
No one noticed that soon after they left,
another Robin emerged from the station, her gaze cold, exuding a dangerous aura.
The power of the Tiger Talisman, yin and yang balance, can also separate yin and yang, good and evil.
The Robin currently with Nami and the others represented pure good.
The one now walking alone was the evil, Black-bellied Robin, who had spent many years in the dark world!!!
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