Those once innocent eyes gradually held a longing for the future, and also a maturity beyond their years.
A few days later, at dawn, the rising sun shone on the port of Alabasta, its golden rays reflecting on the shimmering sea, yet unable to dispel the faint melancholy in the air.
Bai Yu and his companions packed their bags, and the boat was docked at the pier, ready to set sail at any time.
Dressed in casual clothes, Cobra stood beside Vivi, looking at the young man before him with gratitude in his voice: "Bai Yu-jun, and everyone else, thank you for your company and guidance these past few days. It is Vivi's good fortune to have met you, and it is also Alabasta's good fortune."
Vivi was dressed in an elegant princess dress. Her small body stood straight, and her usually smiling face was tense, with her eyes already slightly red.
She raised her head, her gaze sweeping over Bai Yu and the others. Each of their faces was clearly imprinted in her heart. The gentle Bai Yu who had shown her the way, and the skillful Unohana who had taught her swordsmanship—the past month or so had already transcended the ordinary requests between guests and royalty. In Weiwei's heart, they were all mentors who imparted knowledge and skills, trustworthy reliance.
"Masters..."
Vivi's voice trembled slightly with a barely perceptible sob. She tried to compose herself, her small fists clenching the hem of her clothes tightly: "Thank you for teaching me so much over the past month. You taught me the meaning of power, how to protect the people around me. Before, I always felt that I was just a useless little princess, only able to watch my father toil for the country and watch my people struggle to live in the desert, but I couldn't do anything. But after meeting you, I realized that power has no size, and the original intention is the most precious."
Vivi's voice gradually became firm, tears welling up in her eyes, but she stubbornly refused to let them fall: "I know that you will embark on a new journey sooner or later. The Alabasta desert cannot hold back the wind from afar, but I will remember every word you said, stay true to my original aspirations, and strive to grow. I will practice the skills you taught me well, and I will work with my father to protect every inch of Alabasta and its people."
Uchiha Shiraha looked at the six-year-old girl in front of him with tenderness and approval in his eyes. The education he received after birth was indeed very important. Uchiha Itachi was brainwashed by Sarutobi Hiruzen's Will of Fire, which is why he became so brain-dead.
Bai Yu stepped forward, gently patted Weiwei's head, and said in a soft tone, "Weiwei, you are already very brave. There's no need to rush. Growth is a long journey. As long as you stay true to yourself and work hard, one day you will become a princess who can stand on her own and become the pride of Alabasta."
It was clear that Bai Yu really liked Weiwei. Matsumoto Rangiku took out a small jade pendant carved with a desert eagle from her bag and handed it to Weiwei: "This was carved for Bai Yu. It's for you. The eagle is the guardian of the desert and also symbolizes courage and resilience. Wear it, as if we are always with you. No matter what difficulties you encounter, don't be afraid. Be like the eagle and bravely face the wind and rain."
Chapter 109 Night Raid
Weiwei clutched the jade pendant tightly in her hands, tears finally streaming down her tender cheeks.
She nodded vigorously, her voice choked with emotion, and said, "I will. I will cherish these gifts and strive to grow. When we meet again, I will show you a better Alabasta, a version of myself that can stand on my own!"
Seeing his daughter's tears, Cobra felt a pang of sadness. He gently patted Vivi's back and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture to Bai Yu and the others: "Have a safe journey. The gates of Alabasta are always open to you. Whenever you return, this will be your home. Of course, you must come secretly."
Cobra remarked playfully.
However, Bai Yu could understand that Alabasta was, after all, a member state of the World Government, and at least on the surface, it couldn't openly oppose the World Government.
Bai Yu and the others nodded slightly to Cobra and Vivi, their hearts filled with reluctance: "Your Majesty, take care. Vivi, we'll wait for you to grow, and we'll wait to see you protect Alabasta in the future. Also, we're friends, so if you need any help in the future..."
After saying this, the group turned and boarded the ship. The puppets untied the mooring ropes, and the ship slowly sailed away from the dock, heading towards the distant sea.
Weiwei broke free from her father's hand and ran towards the edge of the dock, her small figure appearing particularly thin in the morning light.
She waved her hands and shouted with all her might, "Brother Baiyu! Sisters! Goodbye! I will definitely become a better version of myself! I will definitely protect Alabasta!"
Her voice echoed across the sea, carrying the stubbornness and determination of a child.
The ship sailed further and further away, gradually becoming a small black dot on the sea, and finally disappearing at the horizon.
Weiwei remained standing by the dock, clutching the jade pendant tightly in her hands, tears streaming down her face like a broken string of pearls.
The sea breeze ruffled her hair and swayed her skirt as she gazed in the direction Bai Yu and the others had gone...
"I swear."
Weiwei silently made a promise in her heart...
Cobra walked to his daughter's side, gently embraced her, and looked at the distant sea with eyes full of relief.
Although she hoped her daughter could have a happy childhood, Weiwei, who was very sensible from a young age, shouldered a lot of responsibilities that did not belong to her age.
Now he understands that his daughter has truly grown up.
And the future of Alabasta will surely shine even brighter under her rule. As her father, all he needs to do is govern Alabasta better and hand over a better Alabasta to Vivi.
The sea breeze blows through the harbor, carrying a touch of melancholy, yet also a wealth of hope, before dissipating into the vast desert and ocean.
……
The night was like an unyielding ink, enveloping the entire ship in the tranquility of the deep sea.
Outside the ship's side, the sound of waves lapping against the hull was long and gentle, like the sea breathing as it slept. Occasionally, tiny specks of starlight pierced through the clouds, falling onto the deck and outlining the hazy contours of the masts and ropes. Inside Uchiha Shiraha's cabin, only a dim oil lamp was lit, its warm yellow glow dispelling the chill of the night and softening everything within.
Bai Yu was leaning against the window. It had been two days since he left Alabasta, and for some reason, he really wanted to kill his way back to Konoha. Unfortunately, he couldn't locate the coordinates of the Naruto world.
"Knock knock."
A gentle knock broke the silence in the cabin; the sound was soft, but exceptionally clear in the still night.
Bai Yu withdrew his gaze and raised his voice, "Please come in."
The hatch was slowly pushed open, and a slender figure stood against the light, her long hair gleaming softly in the dim light—it was Nico Robin.
She shed her daytime purple attire and donned a light pink gauze dress, exuding a rare gentleness.
She held a small wooden tray with two crystal glasses and two exquisitely packaged bottles of red wine on it. The bottles had a dark red sheen and were clearly rare vintages.
"Sorry to bother you, Bai Yu."
Robin's voice was still as gentle as ever, with a unique magnetism. She gently closed the cabin door, walked lightly to the low table in the center of the cabin, and steadily placed the wooden tray down: "The sea breeze is cool at night, and I was thinking of having a drink with you and chatting."
Bai Yu watched her movements, a gentle smile playing on his lips. He stood up and sat down at the low table. "Robin, I didn't expect you to come looking for me for a drink so late at night."
His gaze swept over the red wine on the table: "It's the wine I bought last time."
"Ok!"
Robin raised his hand, picked up the bottle, and gently twisted the cork with his slender fingers.
With a soft "pop," the cork was pulled out, and the rich aroma of the wine instantly filled the small cabin, carrying the scents of fruit and the mellow fragrance of oak barrels.
She poured wine into two glasses, the dark red liquid swirling in the clear glasses, creating fine bubbles: "Try it? It should taste good."
Bai Yu picked up the wine glass, swirled it gently, and smelled the rich aroma of the wine before taking a small sip.
The wine was slightly astringent on the palate, but quickly turned into a lingering sweetness, with a long finish that slid down the throat: "It is indeed a good wine."
Bai Yu nodded in approval.
Robin also picked up his glass, but did not drink it immediately. Instead, his gaze lingered on the swirling liquid in the glass, his eyes looking somewhat distant.
The dim light shone on her face, and deep in her eyes seemed to lie some unspeakable thoughts.
A silence fell over the cabin, broken only by the sound of waves crashing against the windows, intertwined with the faint crackling of the oil lamp. The silence didn't feel awkward; instead, it added a touch of rare tranquility and comfort.
After a long while, Robin slowly raised her head, looked at Bai Yu, and said softly, "When I left Alabasta, I was thinking that children of that age should be playing carefree, but in the future they will have to bear the responsibility of protecting the country and its people. It makes me feel a little sorry for them."
Upon hearing this, Bai Yu recalled the image of Weiwei waving her hands and shouting her goodbye at the dock, and the image of her tightly clutching the eagle jade pendant, her eyes filled with tears yet still stubborn. He said, "Weiwei's character is more resilient than many adults. She knows very well what she wants and understands the responsibilities she bears. This original intention is very rare."
He paused, then added, "There's no need to feel sorry for her. She's received everything that ordinary people can only dream of from birth..."
Hearing what Bai Yu said, Robin smiled and then picked up his wine glass, drinking the rest of the wine in one gulp. The sweetness and slight bitterness of the wine intertwined in his mouth, and a warm feeling spread to his heart.
Bai Yu finished his drink, picked up the bottle, and poured more for the two of them: "You seem a bit overthinking today. There are some things you don't need to worry about too much. Let's talk about Sky Island. Actually, we're going to Sky Island not only for the Poneglyphs, but also to see that legendary sky and a different world."
“Sky Island…” A hint of curiosity flashed in Robin’s eyes: “The legendary island that floats in the clouds, I wonder what kind of scenery it has.”
"You'll find out soon enough."
Bai Yu smiled, his gaze returning to the window. The clouds were gradually dispersing, and the bright moonlight pierced the night sky, spilling across the sea, making it shimmer like shattered silver scattered across the surface. "The night is still long..."
Chapter 110 Overwhelmed by Emotion
The dark red liquid swirls repeatedly in the glass, reflecting the dim yellow light, as if the gentleness of the entire night has been blended into this small piece of glass.
Robin raised her hand and took another sip of wine. This time, she didn't rush to swallow it, letting the rich aroma of the wine slowly spread on her tongue, carrying a slightly tipsy warmth, quietly shedding her usual calm and composed facade.
A faint blush rose to her cheeks, and her usually clear and calm eyes were now misty, adding a touch of tenderness and languor rarely seen in her.
Bai Yu's heart stirred slightly as he looked at her like this.
Having known Robin for so long, she has always remained calm and wise, and nothing in the world can shake her determination to pursue the true historical truth.
In the quiet cabin, under the influence of alcohol, the vulnerability and loneliness hidden deep in her eyes finally revealed themselves.
Bai Yu didn't speak, but simply held his wine glass quietly, his gaze falling on her gentle profile. The light outlined her beautiful jawline, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, carrying a faint scent of sea breeze, making her elegant and charming.
"Actually... I never thought I would have such a peaceful moment."
Robin suddenly spoke softly, his voice slightly hoarse from drinking, yet even more gentle: "I was a wanderer when I was young, and later I hid everywhere. I've long been used to facing everything alone."
Robin raised his head and looked directly at Bai Yu, his eyes filled with complex emotions—confusion, exhaustion, and a barely perceptible dependence.
"It wasn't until I met everyone, and met you, that I realized how wonderful it is to not have to be constantly on guard and not have to bear all the feelings alone."
Bai Yu thought of Robin's past, the deep-seated hatred she carried, and her years of loneliness and helplessness. Yet, she did not vent her bitterness on innocent marines after gaining power. Bai Yu slowly reached out his hand, not touching her rashly, but stopping an inch on the back of her hand, and asked softly, "You've had a hard time all these years, but now you still have us."
This simple sentence broke down Robin's last line of defense. Over the years, she had heard too many schemes, too much exploitation, too much mockery, but never before had anyone so gently said "thank you for your hard work," even though Bai Yu had said similar things before.
Tears welled up in her eyes instantly, blurring her vision. She could no longer hold back and leaned slightly forward, gently resting her cheek on Bai Yu's shoulder.
The warm touch made Bai Yu's body stiffen slightly, then he slowly relaxed, raised his hand and gently placed it on the top of her head, stroking her soft, long hair with gentle movements.
Robin's hair was soft and had a faint fragrance, mixed with the scent of a young girl, lingering around the nose and calming the mind.
Robin's body was light. Leaning on his shoulder, it was as if he had found a safe harbor. The grievances and loneliness that had been suppressed for many years were released at this moment. Tears soaked his clothes, but he did not make a sound of sobbing. There were only slight sobs, which were particularly clear in the quiet cabin.
"Bai Yu..."
Robin's voice was thick with nasal congestion as she mumbled his name, "I'm so afraid... afraid that one day, this peace will disappear, afraid that you will all leave me..."
"Will not."
Bai Yu's voice was firm, carrying an undeniable power. He gently pulled her into his arms, letting her lean closer to him: "I will not leave you, neither will we. I will accompany you on the road ahead, whether it's searching for the Poneglyphs or facing the World Government, whether it's a journey through wind and rain or a peaceful time, I will always be there."
The body in his arms trembled slightly, and Robin looked up at him with teary eyes.
Under the dim light, Bai Yu's eyes shone brightly, as if filled with starlight. The tenderness in her eyes gave her once helpless heart a sense of belonging.
She looked at Bai Yu, at herself reflected in his eyes, and at the undisguised affection in his eyes. Suddenly, she mustered her courage and gently touched his cheek.
His cheeks were warm to the touch; his nose, the corners of his lips—every part made her heart race.
Bai Yu didn't move, just quietly watched her, his gaze so tender it could melt hearts. He let her fingertips roam freely across his face, his emotions surging like a tide, completely overwhelming his reason.
As the wine intensified, so did their feelings.
Robin's fingertips finally lingered on the corner of his lips, gently caressing them. Her breathing quickened, her cheeks flushed, and the moisture in her eyes gradually transformed into deep affection. She tiptoed slightly, emboldened by the alcohol, and slowly leaned closer to his face.
The two grew closer and closer, able to clearly feel each other's breath and the rapid beating of each other's hearts.
The aroma of wine in the air grew stronger, mingling with the scents of the two of them, creating an ambiguous yet intense atmosphere. When her soft lips gently touched the corner of his, Bai Yu's mind went blank for a moment, followed by a strong surge of emotion that swept through his body. He reached back and gripped her waist, pulling her tightly into his arms and deepening the kiss.
This kiss, carrying the aroma of wine, the bitterness of tears, and the deep affection of this moment, was both tender and passionate, lingering and tender.
Robin's body went limp instantly, and she leaned completely into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and responding to his kiss, wanting to pour all the grievances of the past years into this kiss.
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