Robin descended gently from the air, a gray-covered book held in her arms, her purple low heels touching down lightly on the ground.
A faint whoosh followed—
the invisible currents swirling around her gradually dispersed.
"What a convenient ability. Thanks for that," Robin said with a soft smile, turning to Cabaji, who had landed beside her.
Cabaji wore a blue striped coat draped loosely over his shoulders, leaving his solid, well-defined chest exposed. The Magic Eye Cross hanging from his neck swayed slightly against his chest.
If one looked closely—
it was clear that his entire body was wrapped in an invisible current of air.
"Compared to your ability, controlling wind isn't all that convenient," Cabaji replied with a dismissive wave.
The ability granted to Robin by their captain was spatial in nature. Combined with her Devil Fruit powers, it made her extremely troublesome to deal with.
Even so, in terms of overall strength, Robin ranked at the bottom among the Ten Circle Generals.
With the arrival of the two, the atmosphere on the battlefield instantly grew tense.
And yet—
both Robin and Cabaji remained completely composed, as if the surrounding crowd didn't exist at all.
Smoker's pupils shrank slightly when he saw them.
"Members of the Magic Eye Pirates—'Acrobat' Cabaji and 'Devil Child' Nico Robin!"
His voice turned grave.
So, the intelligence about Nico Robin joining the Magic Eye Pirates… was true.
At that thought, Smoker's gaze flicked subtly toward the Straw Hat crew.
He knew very well that Robin had once been one of their own.
Back in Water 7, the Straw Hats had waged an all-out battle for her sake.
The name Magic Eye Pirates—
caused visible changes in the expressions of many of the Supernovas present.
However—
while there was caution and surprise, there wasn't much shock.
After all, the news that the Magic Eye Pirates would be holding a Ten Circle Generals selection at Sabaody had already spread across the world via the World Economy News Paper.
During this time—
countless pirates had flooded into Sabaody.
The lawless zones had nearly spiraled out of control.
If not for Smoker being stationed here, the Circlehipelago might have already become a pirate paradise.
Everyone knew—
any pirate crew entering the New World usually had a sizable roster.
Yet the Magic Eye Pirates had astonishingly few members—
even fewer than the Red-Haired Pirates.
So, their open recruitment drive, while surprising, was hardly unexpected.
With their current reputation, plus the immense wealth gathered from controlling Gran Tesoro—
countless pirates were eager to join them.
Rumors were already spreading across the seas—
that this recruitment was preparation for a future clash with one of the Four Emperors.
Not to mention—
even those uninterested in joining were tempted by the rewards:
a Logia Devil Fruit, and two billion Berries.
Enough to attract powerful contenders from everywhere.
Smoker's expression shifted repeatedly.
The sudden appearance of the Magic Eye Pirates had disrupted his plan to capture all the Supernovas in one fell swoop.
He was well aware of the chaos these pirates had caused.
They had absolutely no regard for the Marines.
He took a deep drag from his cigars, white smoke spilling from the corners of his mouth as his gaze grew increasingly dangerous.
Only Robin and Cabaji had appeared.
Their captain—the most dangerous one, Yuuki—was nowhere in sight.
Maybe… I can capture all of them in one go?
The thought flickered through Smoker's mind.
To be honest—
he had a personal grudge against the Magic Eye Pirates.
While he had been away from Loguetown, they had practically torn the place apart.
But—
"Acrobat" Cabaji was extremely strong.
Far beyond the level of the Supernovas.
He had even clashed briefly with Golden Lion Shiki.
Though he lost, his strength was undeniable.
And Robin's entrance just now—
was that spatial manipulation?
If so, stopping her escape would be nearly impossible.
That must be the magic granted by "Magician" Yuuki.
Troublesome…
Smoker exhaled inwardly.
He knew he simply didn't have the ability to hold them here.
Meanwhile—
Stussy and Du Feld both lit up at the sight of Robin and Cabaji and quickly stepped forward.
"Miss Robin, Mr. Cabaji—welcome to Sabaody Archipelago!"
Du Feld's earlier cold demeanor toward Smoker vanished completely, replaced with eager flattery.
"As expected of the Magic Eye Pirates… even your entrance is extraordinary," Stussy said elegantly, flicking her fluffy blonde hair.
As rulers of the underworld, both of them knew very well—
Morgans had made a fortune working with the Magic Eye Pirates, especially through the lottery business.
Du Feld was extremely envious.
So, when he heard about the Ten Circle Generals selection—
he immediately sought cooperation.
If he could establish ties with the Magic Eye Pirates—
with the money-making power of Gran Tesoro—
there would be endless profit.
At that thought—
Du Feld glanced sideways at Stussy.
That old woman… she's not just here for money.
Still—
that wasn't his concern.
If anything—
it could become leverage.
"Thank you for your efforts," Robin said with a polite nod and a gentle smile.
"Oh, not at all! It's my honor to work with the Magic Eye Pirates!" Du Feld replied heartily.
"That's enough chatter."
"If the captain weren't in a hurry, we wouldn't need your help in the first place."
"Just make sure you handle things properly. Don't let it affect what comes next."
Unlike Robin's courtesy, Cabaji spoke coldly, casting a glance at the two.
"Of course, Lord Cabaji," Stussy responded immediately, still smiling.
"Since you've chosen this location, we'll hold it here."
Cabaji swept his gaze across Grove 44.
He remembered this place all too well—
he had nearly died here once.
Stussy and Du Feld remained silent.
They understood perfectly why his tone was sharp.
"This area still needs some cleanup," Du Feld said, tugging at his collar as he glanced at the ruined grove.
"But don't worry—it won't take more than a few days."
He hadn't expected the Magic Eye Pirates to arrive so soon.
And he wasn't the only one surprised—
Robin and Cabaji were as well.
The captain seems… unusually eager about this selection, Robin thought, her blue-black eyes drifting toward the Supernovas in the distance.
Could they be the real target?
If so—
it made sense.
Their potential far exceeded that of ordinary pirates.
"No need to go through all that—"
Cabaji began, raising a hand.
"ROBIN!!"
A sudden shout cut him off.
Cabaji frowned, a flicker of coldness flashing in his eyes as he turned toward the voice—
and paused.
"Oh… your former companions."
He smirked, glancing at Robin.
The Magic Eye Pirates had been keeping an eye on the Straw Hats.
After all—
they were one of the few crews their captain had taken an interest in.
Whether it was Usopp, now on Gran Tesoro—
or Robin herself—
they were both connected to this crew.
Du Feld and Stussy exchanged a glance.
On the other side—
"Straw Hat Luffy."
Smoker folded his arms, watching silently.
He couldn't arrest them all now—
but he intended to see what would unfold.
"Luffy!"
"Luffy!"
Zoro and Sanji called out in alarm as Luffy broke free from their grip and stepped forward.
"It's been a while… everyone from the Straw Hat Pirates."
Robin let out a faint, almost imperceptible sigh before greeting them gently.
She had seen them earlier—
but had deliberately avoided acknowledging them.
Now, that was no longer possible.
Only after joining the Magic Eye Pirates had she truly understood—
just how terrifying their strength was.
And their captain—
was unfathomable.
At first, she had joined for protection—
and to further her own goals.
But now—
after traveling to the Future Island with him—
she knew he wasn't just making promises.
He was genuinely helping her achieve her dream.
"Is what you said before… still true?"
Luffy took a deep breath, his voice serious.
He had already asked once back on Thriller Bark.
But he needed to hear it again.
"Luffy…" Nami murmured softly, her eyes glistening.
She knew—
both Usopp's and Robin's departures had affected him deeply.
Even if he still acted carefree—
his increased training spoke volumes.
"My answer hasn't changed."
Robin replied calmly.
Luffy didn't look sad.
Instead—
he broke into a grin.
"That's good, Robin."
"Then let me ask one more thing—Usopp's alive, right?"
Robin nodded.
"He's not only alive—he's living quite comfortably."
"As far as I know, he's even tried to escape… though with his strength, that's unlikely to succeed."
"Is that so?"
Luffy laughed.
"That guy talks big, but when it matters, he's even more reliable than me sometimes."
Then—
his tone shifted.
"If we capture the two of you…"
"Do you think we could trade you for Usopp with your captain?"
He grinned, baring his teeth.
Zoro and Sanji stepped up beside him, smiling faintly as they faced Robin and Cabaji.
The air went still.
Not just Smoker—
even the other Supernovas stared in shock.
"This guy's insane!"
Even Kid couldn't help but widen his eyes.
He was arrogant—
but not delusional.
His crew wasn't a match for the Magic Eye Pirates.
And yet—
this Straw Hat brat dared to say something like that?
He's even crazier than me.
Robin, however, didn't get angry.
Instead, she actually thought about it seriously.
"With our captain's personality…"
"If you really could defeat and capture us alive…"
"Not only would he release Usopp—he might even agree to more excessive demands."
She tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"Of course… we'd likely be expelled from the Ten Circle Generals."
"Really?!"
Luffy's eyes lit up—
then sharpened instantly.
"Robin, shut up!"
Cabaji's expression darkened completely.
"You know what you're saying?"
"Of course," Robin replied with a calm smile.
"Second Gear!!"
Steam burst from Luffy's body as his skin turned crimson.
BOOM!
He slammed his foot into the ground and launched himself skyward.
"Third Gear—Bone Balloon—Gum-Gum Giant Axe!!"
A massive leg appeared overhead, casting a huge shadow.
The Supernovas' expressions turned serious.
"That bastard… he was hiding something like this?"
Kid growled.
"Three Sword Style—Demon Aura—Enbima Yonezu Oni Giri!"
Zoro vanished, becoming a streak of black light as he charged.
"Diable Jambe—Concassé!!"
Sanji's leg ignited in flames as he followed.
"Clima-Tact—Thunderbolt Tempo!"
Nami released two bubbles—
they collided—
and a brilliant bolt of lightning erupted, striking Luffy's descending attack and wrapping around it.
In an instant—
Luffy's already devastating attack became even more terrifying—
like a thunder god descending.
The Straw Hats' combined assault made everyone tense instinctively.
"You're asking to die."
Cabaji's icy voice echoed across the battlefield.
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