I collect everything in the One Piece world.

But how did she end up here? And why did she come looking for me?

As Morsen's thoughts raced, Robin's eyes narrowed slightly. Through rapid brainstorming and information retrieval, she had also confirmed Belo Betty's identity.

The Revolutionary Army commander is no small figure; the World Government has always considered them a thorn in its side.

In particular, the leader, Dragon, is known as the most vicious criminal in the world, posing a greater threat than the Four Emperors.

Although Robin's expression remained calm, she sat up slightly, as if she were ready to take action at any moment.

Bakala and Nami didn't know who the newcomer was. They just felt that the person's arrival was inexplicable and that their attire was quite daring, but their sense of fashion was indeed quite good... Hmm, worth taking inspiration from.

Belo Betty seemed to completely ignore their complex gazes, which were either scrutinizing or questioning.

She first looked at Robin carefully, a smile curving her lips as if she had confirmed something, and then turned her main attention to Morsen, who was directly opposite her.

That gaze was bold, direct, and full of inquiry, even carrying a hint of undisguised admiration, as if it were comprehensively assessing something...

"Tsk!" Belo Betty slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, her voice carrying a unique magnetism: "Indeed, he looks much better in person and has more character than in the wanted poster photo..."

These words, spoken bluntly yet with a hint of flirtation, made the atmosphere at the table even more awkward.

Baccarat's brows furrowed immediately, and she almost couldn't help but speak. Nami, on the other hand, pursed her lips, suppressing a laugh, her shoulders trembling. Robin remained calm, simply observing silently.

"Thank you, but there's no need to mention such common knowledge." Mo Sen readily accepted this unique compliment, though he had been somewhat caught off guard.

“If you have something to say, please speak frankly, Ms. Belo Betty,” Morsen said, directly revealing her identity.

Belo Betty wasn't surprised that Mosen recognized her immediately; on the contrary, she appreciated his straightforward style even more.

"There are too many people here, this isn't the place to discuss serious matters. You're looking for Isshin Dojo, right? I know where it is, I can take you there. We can talk about my real purpose on the way."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the four men before finally settling on Morsen: "So, Mr. Collector, and a few beautiful ladies, are you willing to come with me, this 'dangerous element of the Revolutionary Army'? I guarantee you won't be bored."

“Interesting.” Mosen smiled after a few seconds of contemplation. “Then I’ll trouble Commander Betty to lead the way. We’re also quite interested in the intentions of your Revolutionary Army.”

"By the way, would you like to grab something to eat together? We just ordered something, so we can add some more dishes."

"Then I won't stand on ceremony." Belo Betty smiled, still seemingly unaware of the meaning of the word "polite."

Afterwards, they chatted with Mo Sen while eating, their tone familiar and their eyes filled with undisguised curiosity and inquiry.

Bakara's face grew increasingly grim, and she even kicked Morsen a few times under the table, leaving Morsen speechless.

Why can't you just kick whoever you don't like? Why keep kicking him? Isn't that bullying an honest person?

Chapter 88, The Revolutionary Army's Invitation, Belo Betty's Invitation

After a while, the meal, which was filled with different thoughts, was finally finished. After paying the bill, the group got up and left the restaurant.

However, before they had gone far, just as they reached a relatively secluded village path, Bakara couldn't help but block Belo Betty's path, glaring at her menacingly:

"Hey! Who are you? Why are you being so mysterious? What do you want from us?"

She had absolutely no liking for this guy, especially the way he looked at Mosen, full of curiosity and inquiry, as if he had seen some must-eat delicacy. This made her alarm bells go off and she was very annoyed!

Want to eat her captain's boat? Pshaw! Don't even think about it!

She should be the one eating first. Where did this random woman come from? She shouldn't even have a chance to eat in line!

Upon hearing this, Belo Betty also took off her burgundy sunglasses, casually tucking them into the collar of her vest, revealing her smiling purple eyes: "Let me introduce myself, I am Belo Betty, the commander of the Eastern Army of the Revolutionary Army."

"The Revolutionary Army?!" Nami and Baccarat exclaimed simultaneously, having seen plenty of related reports in the newspapers.

Belo Betty's gaze passed over Baccarat and landed directly on Morsen and Robin behind her. Her smile remained, but her tone became more serious: "On behalf of the Revolutionary Army leader, Monkey D. Dragon, I formally extend an invitation to you both."

"We invite you to join the revolutionary army, fight alongside us, and together smash this corrupt and decadent world government to establish a new, free, and just order."

Her invitation was straightforward and carried the idealistic brilliance unique to revolutionaries.

Before Morsen and Robin could respond, Bakara exploded, turning around abruptly and glaring at Belo Betty: "Hey! What do you mean?! We're an adventurer's group!"

"You dare poach our captain and crew right in front of me? Believe me or not, I'll make sure you never step on a banana peel, choke on water, or get a good hand at cards! I'll make sure you're in big trouble!"

Belo Betty was amused by Bakara's reaction and added in a relaxed tone, "Of course, the invitation includes all of you. If Morsen is willing to join, you can naturally form a squad with him and operate together. We have many such combat squads within our Revolutionary Army."

Bakara crossed her arms and nodded subconsciously, "That's more like it..."

But as soon as she finished speaking, she immediately realized what she meant and shook her head violently: "No! Who said we were joining! The captain hasn't said anything yet!"

However, despite saying that, Bakala still looked at Morsen and Robin with a hint of nervousness and uncertainty, her big eyes showing a complicated expression.

To be honest, she didn't want to join any revolutionary army, but she also didn't want to be separated from Morsen. After spending this time together, she had gotten used to adventuring together and couldn't go back to the days of wandering alone.

Nami, too, turned her head and blinked her big eyes at Morsen, wondering what choice her captain would make.

Looking at Bakala and Nami, Mosen instantly understood what they were thinking.

So he reached out and ruffled Bakala and Nami's hair, whispering, "Don't worry, I will never abandon either of you. We are partners, we will adventure together."

His words instantly dispelled the slight unease in Bakara's heart. Bakara blushed slightly, gave a soft snort, slapped away Morsen's hand, and began to fix her hair, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl up.

Nami felt relieved, her big eyes darting around Baccarat, Morsen, and Belo Betty. She felt there was something strange about the atmosphere between the three of them.

After calming the two down, Mosen turned to look at Belo Betty again, his smile unchanged: "Commander Betty, I admire your revolutionary army's ideals and appreciate your efforts to change the world."

"However, I still prefer to go on adventures with my friends, so I'm sorry."

Robin nodded slightly, his voice calm: "Me too. I will pursue the truth of history in my own way. Thank you for the Revolutionary Army's invitation."

Belo Betty listened to their answers without much surprise on her face, as if she had expected it. She simply smiled and then extended her hand, saying, "I knew it wouldn't be that easy."

"But it doesn't matter. At least we know each other now. If you change your mind in the future, or if you need any help, the doors of the Revolutionary Army are always open to you."

“Of course.” Mosen also extended his hand.

However, just as Mosen was about to give a polite handshake and let go, Belo Betty's fingers inadvertently scratched his palm lightly!

The movements were quick and light, yet carried a hint of provocation and suggestion.

Belo Betty's smile remained unchanged, but she leaned forward slightly and lowered her voice, saying, "The Revolutionary Army's Eastern Army Commander was just discussing official business with you. Now that the official business is over, as Belo Betty, I have some personal matters I'd like to discuss with you."

“I know a nice little tavern. I wonder if Captain Morsen has time tonight? We can chat over drinks…” Her purple eyes flickered slightly, and her tone carried a hint of ambiguity.

This sudden, direct, and bold "private invitation" left Mo Sen somewhat stunned.

This female commander of the revolutionary army not only dresses boldly, but also acts in an unconventional way.

"Sorry! Our captain is very busy tonight!" Bakala suddenly rushed over from the side.

She yanked their still-holding hands apart, then grabbed Morsen's arm, glaring fiercely at Belo Betty: "He has to study flight paths! He has to practice swordsmanship! And... he has to tell us stories! He doesn't have time!"

Bakara spoke almost through gritted teeth, her words carrying a strong sense of asserting sovereignty.

Mosen hadn't expected Baccarat to react so strongly, but he went along with her words, saying, "Indeed, what I'm more concerned about now is exactly where the Isshin Dojo is. I wonder if Captain Betty would still be able to lead the way?"

Belo Betty didn't seem discouraged or embarrassed. She naturally withdrew her hand, put her sunglasses back on, and concealed the playful glint in her eyes.

“Of course it’s convenient.” Belo Betty turned around, her long red dress tracing a graceful arc, her high heels clicking crisply on the stone pavement.

"Follow me. Isshin Dojo is not far ahead."

She walked forward first, her back straight, the tassel of her red hat swaying gently in the wind.

Mosen gently patted Bakala, who was still clinging to his arm and puffing out her cheeks, signaling her to relax.

Bakara reluctantly let go, but still followed closely beside Mosen, glancing warily at the red figure leading the way ahead.

Robin and Nami exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of helplessness and amusement in each other's eyes.

How come they hadn't noticed how clingy Bakara was to Mosen before? However, this female commander of the revolutionary army was indeed unruly, even trying to cut in line.

Chapter 89, Sparring, Morsen's Dilemma

[East China Sea, an unnamed area of ​​the sea.]

An octopus-man was clinging to the back of a bull-headed sea monster, and the two swam forward in a panic.

Not far behind them, a sea king far exceeding their size was hot on their heels, its jaws snapping open every now and then, nearly biting them.

The Yixin Dojo has a spacious and clean open-air training ground.

Sunlight filters through the trees in the courtyard, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

In the arena, two figures stood facing each other, ten steps apart.

On one side was Mo Sen, his posture upright, his hand on the hilt of the wooden sword at his waist, his expression focused and calm, his aura restrained, like a sharp blade sheathed.

On the other side was the dojo master, Shimotsuki Koshiro. He was wearing a faded, plain-colored kendo uniform, and his face still wore that same gentle smile that never changed. His eyes were slightly narrowed, as if he were feeling the warmth of the sun.

He also held a bamboo knife in his hand, his posture relaxed and natural, as if he were just standing casually, yet he subtly blended into the entire dojo and even the surrounding environment.

A group of little kids in kendo uniforms hid behind pillars or wooden corridors at the edge of the training ground, only their little heads peeking out. They stared wide-eyed, holding their breath, watching the two people in the arena with a mixture of tension and excitement.

For them, the usually gentle Koushirou only revealed a completely different aura when he was sparring with someone.

In the wooden corridor, Robin, Baccarat, Nami, and Belo Betty were sitting around a low table with several cups of tea and snacks on it.

They sipped their tea while keeping an eye on what was happening in the room.

Nami looked at the two people standing motionless like statues in the arena and asked in a low voice with some curiosity, "Why haven't they made a move yet? What are they waiting for?"

Bakara rested her chin on her hand and thought for a moment, then said in a tone that said, "I know very well, right?"

"In some stories I've read before, top masters would stand for three days and three nights before a duel, testing their momentum and patience! That's called... a 'battle of wills'! That's right!"

Robin put down his teacup, covered his mouth and chuckled softly, explaining gently, "It's not that exaggerated. They're just adjusting their breathing, concentrating, and getting themselves into the best possible state."

"This is not a life-or-death battle, but a pure exchange and probing of swordsmanship between two swordsmen, including their intentions. So the real confrontation has already begun."

As soon as she finished speaking, Mo Sen and Koushirou moved almost at the same instant!

There was no earth-shattering roar, no flashy opening moves. Just the simplest step forward, draw the sword, and slash!

Clang!

"call out!"

The two crisp sounds of the blades almost merged into one! The bamboo swords traced two distinct yet equally sharp and precise trajectories in the sunlight, crossing each other with lightning speed!

"Ding! Ding ding ding! Clang!"

A series of rapid and crisp sounds of impact suddenly rang out. The speed was so fast that the little ones watching could only see two blurry figures constantly intersecting, separating, and then intersecting again in the arena.

There was no gale, no shockwave, only the sword intent refined to the extreme and the subtle changes in moves performed within a small space.