One Piece Gunslinger

Honestly, for an eight-year-old kid to survive under such circumstances, and even live for over a decade, is simply unbelievable. Even with a Devil Fruit and exceptional intelligence, it's practically a miracle.

So when Robin heard Leon say that, her first reaction was alertness and fear. She had spent too many days wandering from place to place because her identity had been exposed, and hiding from place to place because of huge bounties.

Robin's mind, honed by years of experience on the high seas, raced through her mind: "Is this a conspiracy? A conspiracy against me? Or against Crocodile? If they can uncover my identity, then it wouldn't be surprising if they further investigated Crocodile's objectives and the relationship between Crocodile and Baroque Works. Perhaps they're targeting Crocodile himself, plus that desalination plant I've never even heard of..."

"Um, that... could you..." Seeing that Robin didn't speak, Li Ang wanted to call Robin back to her senses.

However, Robin completely ignored what Leon said, lost in her own thoughts: "Calm down. If it's a conspiracy targeting Crocodile, then running away now is the best option. They'll go after Crocodile anyway, and Crocodile can hold them off for a while, giving me a chance to escape. Although they certainly wouldn't mind taking my bounty along the way, they wouldn't waste a lot of manpower searching for me."

If this is specifically targeting me and has nothing to do with Crocodile, is it still possible to escape now? If Crocodile finds out, he definitely won't help me and will abandon me. In that case, I can't tell him. The nearest port to Alabasta is in the north. If I can use my position as vice president to trick them into preparing a ship for me before I'm exposed…

No! This isn't enough time, it's too late! If I haven't returned within two hours, Crocodile will definitely know I've betrayed him and come here. Before I even reach that city, there will already be people waiting for me. Not to mention those who are after me, even Crocodile himself won't let me off easily.

Kidnapping him? Taking him hostage—this method seems feasible. But all of this hinges on the premise that he truly is the so-called CEO of the Grandet Consortium. If his identity is a facade, and he's actually a spy or agent, then it's pointless and he can be sacrificed. Judging from his skill in defeating four people earlier, the possibility of him being a spy or agent is very high. Perhaps the desalination plant is real, the Grandet Consortium is real, but his CEO position is fake. This path will most likely be a dead end.

So, is feigning compliance the only option? Should I submit for now and then find an opportunity to escape? If that's the case, those people, if well-prepared, will have a hard time escaping. If they're like those fools before, that's fine; I can use my Devil Fruit ability to escape. It's not the first time I've done this.

But if they're prepared with seastone handcuffs, then it's hopeless. However, seastone is generally only found in the Navy; even some powerful figures don't have much of it..."

As Robin pondered those questions, engaging in a psychological battle with the air, subtle shifts in expression unconsciously appeared on his face. Even though Li Ang couldn't read minds, he could almost guess what Robin was thinking.

Only someone as intelligent as Robin, the brains of the entire Straw Hat Pirates, could think of so many things. Only a dozen seconds had passed for Leon, while Robin's mind had already raced through so many different plans.

Li Ang inwardly cursed himself for his oversight. It seemed that Robin, especially now that she had just ended her previous period of wandering and joined Baroque Works, was bound to be very sensitive to danger. The slightest disturbance would send her flying like a startled bird.

For someone like Robin, who still harbors deep psychological trauma and is even somewhat neurotic in this regard, the only way is to proceed gradually, slowly eliminating her fears. Li Ang's approach, however, was too drastic.

So, while Robin was racking her brains, trying to figure out a way out, Li Ang decided to interrupt her. Otherwise, by the time she finished imagining things, the content would probably be enough to make a movie. So Li Ang took out a Seastone bullet and touched Robin's arm that was wrapped around him.

"Alright, don't overthink it. Relax, things aren't as you think," Li Ang sighed. Sometimes, overthinking isn't a good thing for a smart person.

To everyone's surprise, Robin was truly relaxed; he was so relaxed that he lost his balance and fell forward.

Wow, from now on, this seastone has a new function: a relaxation artifact that can force people to relax. Of course, if you're using seastone, how can you not relax?

Leon touched Robin's hand with his Seastone, though he withdrew it the instant he made contact. But since those hands were extensions of Robin's body, it was essentially a physical contact.

Fine, I'll take the blame for my own mistakes.

Li Ang could only rush forward and catch Robin before he fell.

Chapter 218 A child of twenty-five or six years old

"Damn it, they have Seastone. We can't escape this time."

This was the only thought in Robin's mind when he encountered Seastone and collapsed, completely powerless.

It has to be said that this is truly tragic. At this moment, Robin is like a kitten covered in wounds, accustomed to being hurt by others in her survival, accustomed to how to avoid them, and accustomed to constantly running away.

So the moment Lee hugged Robin, Robin instinctively began to struggle, trying to escape from Lee's embrace.

Feeling Robin struggling violently in his arms, Li Ang dared not relax for a moment. The only way to deal with a kitten suddenly agitated like this was to forcibly hold her down and wait for her to recover on her own.

Not long after, perhaps resigned to her fate, or perhaps she came to a realization, Robin gradually stopped struggling.

"Alright, you've caught me. Are you going to use me to exchange for the bounty, or do you want me to help you deal with Crocodile, or..." Robin knew that this time she might not be able to escape, but if there was even a sliver of hope, she would betray Crocodile without hesitation.

Leon remained tightly embracing Robin, preventing her from escaping. He could only whisper in Robin's ear, "Of course, I want both!"

"Even if I help you fight Crocodile, you won't spare my life? Aren't you afraid that I'll gamble everything and end up on Crocodile's side?" Robin bargained, believing this might be the only way out.

However, Leon shook his head: "It seems you misunderstood me. What I meant was that I need you to work for us. Once we've dealt with Crocodile, we'll bring you back to work, hehe."

Li Ang had long coveted Robin, dreaming of having him help with various matters in the staff office.

As mentioned before, the staff office has always been short-staffed, but Robin can do the work of several people by herself. She can simply use her Flower Flower Fruit ability to create several pairs of hands and eyes, which is equivalent to having several more people.

Moreover, with Robin's intelligence, he was more than capable of handling this kind of multitasking job. He passed the exam at the age of eight and became a doctor, making him a prodigy among prodigies.

Moreover, it would be difficult for anyone else to handle the Flower Flower Fruit, which requires multitasking. Robin not only handles it well, but also creates all sorts of unique effects. Combined with her super high intelligence, she is perfect for the extremely troublesome job of assistant to the chief of staff.

"Oh? So you actually believe me? I've betrayed Crocodile now." Robin chuckled, clearly still not believing Leon's words.

“Why can’t I believe it? Of course, there’s no problem,” Li Ang said matter-of-factly.

Robin scoffed, "You're all the same. I've seen the same expressions and the same tone too many times. It seems you're no exception. Whether it's the merchant guild, pirates, bounty hunters, the mafia, or even the navy and nobles, you're all the same. Only profit matters. You use me when I'm useful, and then exchange me for bounties when I'm no longer useful. You're planning to betray me too, aren't you?"

The word "betrayal" accompanied her throughout her life. Her father had already passed away before she was even born. And then, when she was only two years old, her mother abandoned her alone in Ohara to go on an archaeological expedition.

The betrayal by her closest relatives was unbearable for young Robin. Coupled with her subsequent experiences, it cemented her association with the word "betrayal."

Li Ang fell silent upon hearing Robin's sneer and mockery. After a while, he sighed and said, "Your personality is always so intimidating, always keeping others at arm's length, never trusting anyone. Talking to someone like you is too unpleasant, but when I understood one thing, I felt relieved."

You're just a child who's never experienced love and trust. You haven't grown up since you were eight, you've never felt the kindness of the world, so how can you possibly have kindness towards the world and others? Because you're still a child, you have no idea what you're talking about.

You have never experienced the beauty of this world, nor have you encountered justice, kindness, or people you can trust. Therefore, when asked about justice and kindness, you might only offer superficial interpretations from books and folk tales.

Take Fleet Admiral Sengoku, for example. You know a lot about him. His political ambitions, his ideals of justice, his achievements, and his relationships with other Marines. But you don't know the scent of Marineford, and you've never stood there appreciating the Marines' hard work and training to fight pirates.

If I asked you about your partners and friends, you'd probably spout off some fallacious personal preferences. You may have known some people and worked with them. But you couldn't describe the kind of happiness you feel when you're out at sea with your partners, dining with them, or fishing with them from the gunwale.

When asked about trust, you might be able to speak eloquently, saying that trust is the foundation of all cooperation. But you have never truly trusted anyone, never entrusted your back to them, and never let them protect your most vulnerable spot.

When asked about love, the most beautiful word, you can recount some classic love stories. But you've never seen the power of a man; he only needs one move to capture you, yet you, so vulnerable, can also defeat him with just a glance. At that moment, it feels like God descended to earth for you, that he could save you from hell. You don't understand what it's like for him to be God.

You can't understand waiting on his/her usual route every day, just to catch a glimpse of him/her. You also don't understand true loss; only those who love someone more than themselves can truly understand it. I doubt you've ever loved anyone that way.

Looking at you, I didn't see intelligence and confidence; all I saw was a terrified and arrogant child. No one can deny your genius, no one can understand your depth. But after I said just one sentence, you made your judgment about me, and you tore my life apart.

You're an orphan, and you think I'll know how hard your life is, how you feel. But actually, I can't get to know you through any books unless you want to talk about yourself, about who you are. But the reality is, you don't want to do that; you're afraid you'll be scared by what you say.

I've finished speaking; now it's your turn to speak.

After saying that, Li Ang released his hands that had been holding Robin. Now he no longer needed to hold Robin down, giving her more space.

The saying "Human nature is inherently good at birth," or Xunzi's "Human nature is inherently evil at birth," both emphasize the importance of upbringing for a child. Regardless of whether a person is born good or evil, their final good or evil is determined by their education and upbringing.

Robin hasn't received a proper education since he was eight years old, and coupled with his frequent association with the lower classes and all sorts of shady characters, he's practically become a demon child in the last decade or so.

Robin remained silent for a long time, making no move to escape or do anything else. He just stood there quietly, lost in thought. But Li Ang was certain that he wasn't thinking about how to escape or survive.

"So, is there any hope for me now? Is it too late? With my bounty on my head, can you really protect me?" Robin hesitated for a moment before finally speaking.

Just as Li Ang had predicted, Robin was immediately startled by his own words. Given the character Robin had developed over more than a decade of wandering, he would never utter such weak words.

She has always relied on herself to get to where she is today, and Li Ang's appearance has finally brought her a partner she can rely on and someone she can confide in.

“Yes, because you are our partner,” Li Ang said, patting Robin on the shoulder.

Robin's eyes welled up slightly, and he asked again cautiously, "Really?"

"real!"

Robin could no longer hold back. She threw herself into Li Ang's arms, tears streaming down her face, and cried out, "Really? Really? Really?"

Li Ang didn't expect that Robin would rush in again after he had just let go, and he was a little flustered, not knowing where to put his hands.

However, Li Ang quickly recovered and hugged Robin tightly again, giving her a painful space to pull away:

"Really, really, really! No matter how many times you ask me this question, I will answer you the same way, with unwavering determination. Even if I die one day and am nailed in a coffin, I will still shout with my decaying vocal cords that you are our important partner."

Then Li Ang and Robin remained like that for two minutes before Robin pushed Li Ang's chest and broke free from his embrace. This time, however, Robin didn't push Robin away as easily as before.

After pushing him away, Robin returned to his usual self, as if he were the one who had been crying his eyes out and soaking Li Ang's chest. He muttered under his breath, "Hmph, after all that talk, you're just a partner, aren't you?"

"Huh? What did you just say?" Li Ang was completely bewildered. Although he didn't hear clearly, it seemed that Robin was expressing some kind of dissatisfaction with him.

"I didn't say anything, you misheard me." Robin's expression was natural, as if he really hadn't said anything before.

“No, that’s not right. My ears are very sensitive.” Li Ang touched his face and said, “Just tell me what you think of me. It’s okay. We’re all like that, we speak our minds. Tell me, and I’ll try my best to change.”

“You must have misheard me!” Robin said righteously.

Seeing Robin's expression, Li Ang was even more certain that he had done something to upset Robin and displease her. But Robin wouldn't say anything, and there was nothing Li Ang could do.

"Why did she get angry for no reason? I think my actions were fine, and I didn't say anything that would upset her. Could it be that Robin has a hidden side to her personality?" Li Ang scratched his head, unable to figure it out.

Chapter 219 I've Been Tricked

At this point, Li Ang acts like an idiot. Earlier, he had said things like, "He's like God descending to earth to save you from hell." "He can captivate you with just one gesture." "Only those who love others more than themselves can truly understand."

What did you do to anger Robin, Li Ang? You should really think about your past actions and words! It seems you've forgotten everything.

Perhaps Li Ang had also thought about it, but he didn't notice anything wrong. Everything seemed normal, and those words were just to help Robin get through it. He couldn't find any problems at all.

However, Robin was unwilling to let Li Ang off so easily. Seizing the opportunity, he pressed his advantage, saying, "But you're the first person I've met who can remain unmoved by my bounty of over 80 million. Is your Grandet Consortium really so rich that you can't afford this little bit of money?"

"What? That's not true at all. I'm short of money, and the money the conglomerate makes isn't enough for me either," Li Ang said, pursing his lips.

"Hmm, if the plot continues like this, Li Ang might say it's because of me, that he's indifferent to the bounty because of me, that the bounty isn't as important as me, and so on. He'll probably find out then. Then it'll all fall into place naturally." Robin nodded to himself, practically praising his own cleverness for subtly guiding Li Ang's thoughts.

However, as it turns out, no one can outsmart Li Ang. Robin's attempt to enlighten Li Ang through this was completely futile.

Li Ang continued to explain, "How could we possibly exchange our partners for bounties? Every partner is very important. Besides, even if they weren't partners, I still couldn't exchange them for bounties. I already have a huge bounty of over a billion on my head. If I went to exchange for bounties, I would be putting myself in danger."

"???" Robin felt her worldview crumble once again. It had just crumbled a few minutes ago, and now it was completely shattered. "You have a bounty of one billion?! Who are you?"

If it weren't for Li Ang's earlier words successfully gaining Robin's trust, Robin might have mistaken him for some insignificant character spouting nonsense. Even so, Robin was speechless with surprise; it was simply too unbelievable.

Robin couldn't help but be surprised, and even the matter from earlier was forgotten. Someone like Li Ang has a billion-dollar bounty? Li Ang doesn't seem that powerful; his identity as a conglomerate CEO is probably just a facade.

Reaching hundreds of millions already makes one a formidable figure on the Grand Line; reaching a billion is something only a select few powerful figures in the New World possess. Those powerful figures are rarely seen; they're simply not from the same world as the people below.

Therefore, statements like "I have a bounty of one billion" are usually only heard from drunken small-time pirates. Anyone who takes it seriously is an idiot.

However, Li Ang nodded with satisfaction. At least from Robin's question, it was clear that a preliminary level of trust had been established. Robin didn't directly say things like "Don't lie to me" or "You're joking," but instead asked about Li Ang's background. This showed that Robin still believed Li Ang had a billion.

However, what Li Ang didn't know was that this was only the initial trust; as the one who pulled Robin out of hell, his trust was practically unwavering.

“Alright, since we’re going to be partners, no, comrades, then I should tell you my true identity.” Li Ang paused for a moment before saying, “I am also the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army—Li Ang.”

"So you're the mysterious Revolutionary Army Chief of Staff? No wonder you could make that promise. I should have known." Robin was surprised for a moment, but quickly understood.

Nonsense! Apart from the Revolutionary Army, who else in the world has such qualities, such thoughts and beliefs, and such magnanimity to take in and change a son of a demon?

Robin recalled the wanted poster she had seen before, never expecting the dark figure on it to be like this. It seemed, well, a little disappointing; it didn't quite match her expectations.

The Revolutionary Army Chief of Staff, appearance unknown, name unknown, gender unknown. Therefore, the wanted poster is completely blank, just a black silhouette. The very existence of such a wanted poster demonstrates the immense threat Leon poses to the World Government; there's nothing on it, yet a warrant for his arrest is issued.

Furthermore, according to the intelligence Robin gathered, many important decisions were made by this unseen chief of staff. He was also the mastermind behind many of the major actions that infuriated the World Government. And there was one more point that Robin was most concerned about…

"So, I'm going to work for the Revolutionary Army too?" Robin asked.

“Yes, that’s right. From now on, you’ll be my assistant. I’ll need your help with all sorts of things, so you’ll probably be very busy. Perhaps you need to make some preparations.” Li Ang nodded.