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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 109: The Winds of Change
Half a month later, as May arrived, the temperature in Alabasta soared unusually high, reaching thirty-five degrees during the day, making it hard to breathe in the heat.
By the coast of Alabasta, Nico Robin stepped onto the shore and turned to say, "Black, I'm heading back now. Wait here for a moment; I'll come find you. If it's suitable, I'll let you come ashore with me."
"Okay."
Xiaqiu nodded, most of his body still resting in the sea.
"If I come, it will be in the morning," Nico Robin reminded.
"Understood." Xiaqiu nodded again.
"Then I'm off."
Nico Robin waved her hand and walked away with a wooden package on her back.
Xiaqiu watched her leave before diving into the depths of the sea.
Xiaqiu did not wait for the originally agreed two years.
Having made the decision to leave, he acted swiftly.
Thus, it only took half a month for him to arrive at Alabasta with Nico Robin.
However, he would not follow Nico Robin up for now; she opposed him going at this moment, believing it could be dangerous.
Xiaqiu was aware of Crocodile, and if a conflict were to arise, it would undoubtedly lead to death.
More importantly, he couldn't act just yet; he needed to wait at least two or three months until Nico Robin became Vice President again. Only after meeting with the other Senior Agents and Intermediate Agents could he consider taking action.
Xiaqiu also felt some concern for Nico Robin, wondering if she might encounter any danger.
He shook his head and submerged into the ocean, swimming off into the distance with the intention of feeding on some marine life.
...
"You’re still alive?"
In the office of the Rain Banquet Casino, Crocodile looked at Nico Robin, his eyes filled with surprise. "But you were attacked by that Black Fish and fell into the sea. How did you escape?"
"I was indeed attacked by that Black Fish, but a passing Merchant Ship came by. The Black Fish swam away, and the Merchant Ship rescued me. That Merchant Ship had a peculiar smell that made the Black Fish steer clear of it," Nico Robin replied with a prepared explanation.
"A Merchant Ship? That sea creature can smash through Warships; how could it let you be rescued?" Crocodile asked, puzzled.
Nico Robin explained, "The Merchant Ship was quite large and made of stinking oak, emitting a foul odor. As soon as it got close, the sea creature fled from the area."
"I see. I've heard that certain types of wood can deter sea creatures."
Crocodile looked at Nico Robin, furrowing his brow as he asked, "But why did it take you so long to return?"
"My leg was broken, my sternum fractured, and my internal organs were damaged," Nico Robin replied helplessly. "I was rescued and spent nearly a year recovering before I could move freely again. After that, I stayed there for quite a while before returning to this place."
"So you still want to return to Baroque Works?" Crocodile narrowed his eyes as he looked at Nico Robin.
"We signed a four-year agreement."
Nico Robin met Crocodile's gaze seriously and said, "More importantly, only you can help me see the Historical Texts, and only you can protect me."
"Very well."
Crocodile grinned, "The position of Vice President is still vacant. Since you're back, you can continue to serve as Vice President."
Crocodile felt pleased; after losing Nico Robin for a year and a half, he had not found anyone else who could read the Historical Texts.
Now that Nico Robin was back, he could finally achieve his ultimate goal.
"Thank you, Lord Crocodile," Nico Robin smiled lightly.
"By the way, there are two things you need to know."
Crocodile continued, "The first thing is that the Ideal Country Project has already begun. Four months ago, I started transporting Dance Powder to ensure that most areas of Alabasta no longer experience rain. Other plans will follow soon."
"The project has started? Then leave the next steps to me," Nico Robin nodded in agreement.
"You won't be handling this matter; I have other tasks for you. This brings me to the second thing I need to tell you."
Crocodile snorted, his expression darkening as he said, "A year ago, a group of pirates passed through Alabasta, taking down the base at Whiskey Peak and defeating several Intermediate Agents. They crushed over sixty men at sea and took down the new R4 and R5 agents along with Wednesday. Just when I was about to take action myself, they managed to escape."
"The losses are significant, and with that Black Fish Attack, nearly half of Baroque Works's elite forces have been crushed," Nico Robin said with a grim expression.
The elite forces included Senior Agents, Intermediate Agents, and even the Billionaires, totaling over two hundred people.
"Yes, and it has caused a sense of despair among the members of Baroque Works. Many believe I cannot protect the entire organization and have chosen to leave," Crocodile replied, his face darkening. "Even now, Baroque Works has not recovered to its state before the Black Fish Attack."
Nico Robin furrowed her brow. "This is indeed a Trouble."
Looking at Nico Robin, Crocodile said, "That's why I hope you can temporarily expand Baroque Works, seeking strong individuals to join. You should be able to demonstrate some strength, right?"
Nico Robin smiled. "Leave it to me."
"Ah."
A sense of relaxation washed over Crocodile. The events of the past two years had left him mentally exhausted.
Two Attacks, and then Nico Robin had gotten into trouble.
Now that Nico Robin was back, she could help share some of the burdens.
"By the way, which Pirate Crew was responsible for the Attack on Baroque Works?" Nico Robin asked curiously.
Crocodile replied slowly, "The Spade Pirates."
...
In the Grand Line, New World.
Above the ocean, a massive ship resembling a whale floated quietly, gathering many people on board.
Beneath the mast sat a figure known as the strongest man in the world, Edward Newgate, also known as Whitebeard.
“Dad, the sea charts for Morse Sea have been completed,” a girl with golden hair said from nearby, holding a stack of charts.
“Gurala La La, Nami, you did very well,” Whitebeard said, looking at the girl and unable to resist reaching out to pat her head with his enormous hand, which resembled a giant umbrella.
“Hehe, so what reward do I get, Dad?” Nami asked, tilting her face up to look at Whitebeard.
“What do you want?” Whitebeard asked with a smile.
Nami hesitated slightly and said, “I saw in the newspaper that there are many beautiful clothes this year, but they are a bit expensive.”
“Then buy them all,” Whitebeard laughed heartily.
“Dad, Nami just bought a lot not long ago,” Marco chimed in with a hint of annoyance.
“What do you know? Those were last year's styles; they’re out of date,” Nami shot back at Marco.
“Gurala La La, Nami is right; it’s time to buy new clothes,” Whitebeard agreed with a smile.
“Thank you, Dad.”
Nami hugged Whitebeard's hand and turned to run away.
"Old man really likes Nami," a tall man with black hair resembling Whitebeard remarked from one side of the ship.
"Yeah, Diki, Dad dotes on Nami. It's quite enviable," Ace said with a smile. "But Nami is the youngest member of our Pirate Crew, and she's a girl, quirky and full of spirit. It's normal for Dad to favor her. Plus, her navigation skills are exceptional. Senior Adrian has said that her skills are now on par with his own. Given time, she will definitely become the best navigator on these seas."
"You're right; she is indeed outstanding. Any powerful Pirate Crew needs a navigator as talented as her," Diki said, watching Nami's departing figure with a grin and glimmering eyes.
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