Early morning.
The docks at the 16th Marine Branch were already bustling, loud with activity.
Today was the day. Captain Smoker, scowling as usual, was finally preparing to depart with his subordinates. He'd planned to leave right after finding out the whole situation was a setup, one he'd unwillingly starred in, but Tashigi running into Kuina, two girls who looked uncannily alike, forced him to linger a few more days.
But his post guarding the entrance to the Grand Line kept him busy. He couldn't afford to stay any longer, today had to be the day. He wouldn't have set foot in this place if Headquarters hadn't ordered him to check out the joke that was the Marine 16th Branch in the first place.
Over on the other side of the dock, Dante had come to see off his Marine... friend? Was that the right word?
"What's wrong, Robin? You seem off," Dante asked, noticing his personal secretary, always at his side. "Stay up too late reading again? You didn't get enough sleep?"
"Ah..." Robin blinked, seeming momentarily lost in thought before her usual elegant smile returned. "Thank you for your concern, Boss," she said softly. "I did stay up a bit late, yes."
Dante raised an eyebrow, giving her a quick look up and down. "Didn't I tell you to get to bed early?"
"My apologies, Boss." Robin gave a playful wink, gracefully twirling a strand of dark hair near her temple. She looked up, her smile widening. "I heard you, but the books were just too interesting. I got completely engrossed."
Seeing Dante about to press the point, she quickly added, "By the way, Boss, those items you asked me to prepare? They're already aboard Captain Smoker's warship. Should I let them know?"
"Let them know what?" Dante scoffed, feigning righteousness. "What kind of person do you take me for? Someone who sneaks a gift aboard and then announces it?" He coughed twice, then leaned closer to Robin, whispering, "Just... maybe slip them a quiet word later, alright?"
Robin, as if she'd anticipated this, showed no surprise. She nodded understandingly, her smile elegant as ever. "Understood~"
Just then, as Dante was murmuring to his secretary, time seemed to be running short elsewhere on the dock.
**-**--
"Thank you so much for your guidance these past few days, Captain Dante!" Tashigi, dressed in a checkered shirt and trousers, bowed deeply. "I won't forget what you taught me about Kenjutsu!"
It had to be said, while Tashigi and Kuina looked remarkably similar, their approaches to swordsmanship were distinct, anyone watching them could feel they were two different individuals.
Of course, Kuina, having trained under Dante directly, still had a slight edge over Tashigi.
"Kuina," Tashigi said, straightening up and looking at the girl who could be her twin. "Thanks for everything these past few days." Even after several days, seeing that familiar face still felt incredibly strange.
'Looks just like me, and a swordswoman too,' she thought. 'It's been... quite an experience!' The only small regret was that she still couldn't quite match Kuina with a sword.
Then, Tashigi winked playfully. "Keep up the hard work, alright?"
"Y-Yes! I will!" Kuina's cheeks flushed slightly, perhaps remembering some private girl-talk from the night before, but she nodded firmly. "You keep it up too! We have to spar again sometime. When you're free, I'll take you to Isshin Dojo. The old man there is going to be so surprised."
"Definitely!" A bright smile spread across Tashigi's face. "I'll make sure he understands that swordswoman can be as great as swordsmen too!"
As they eagerly made plans for their next meeting, a sharp cough cut through the air from behind them.
"Cough, cough."
"It's getting late," a cold voice growled. "Time to go, Tashigi."
Pulled back to reality by Smoker's impatience, Tashigi reluctantly said her goodbyes to Nami, Robin, and the others. She boarded the ship and turned to Smoker, who was leaning against the railing, puffing irritably on a cigar. "Captain Smoker, you should thank everyone for their hospitality too, you know."
Ignoring his subordinate's mild complaint, Smoker shot a glance down at Dante waving from the dock, pursed his lips, and waved a dismissive hand. "Set sail!"
'This whole trip was a disaster,' he thought bitterly. 'Thank them? Dream on!'
At Smoker's command, Marines scrambled on deck, raising the sails. Under the watchful eyes and waving hands of Dante and the others on the shore, the Marine warship slowly pulled away from the 16th Branch dock.
Smoker flicked the ash from his cigar, sighing without expression. He took one last, long look at the receding pier. "Marine 16th Branch," he muttered under his breath.
Next stop: returning the civilians they'd rescued from pirates. And then...
"Koby! Why isn't this cleaned up yet? Being meticulous is part of being a Marine, kid!"
"Sorry, sir! Right away!"
Smoker watched the pink-haired boy scurrying around doing chores and shook his head with a feeling frustration. 'Ridiculous.' If that old fool Garp hadn't specifically asked him to take the kid under his wing, he wouldn't have bothered. This boy had none of the bearing of a Marine, let alone a Fleet Admiral candidate. 'What was Garp thinking?' Forget Fleet Admiral, if this kid even became Vice Admiral, Smoker swore, he would... "Quit smoking."
He took out a fresh cigar, lit it, and stared intently at the glowing tip as he flicked the ash away again.
'Like that'll ever happen,' he thought grimly.
**--**--
Time slipped by, and evening settled over the 16th Marine Branch.
As usual, Robin was the last to leave the office. She put down the book she'd been holding, more pretending to read than actually absorbing the words today, and surveyed the now-empty room. Her gaze landed on the desk nearby, Dante's desk.
Seeing the messy surface, Robin's usually calm expression faltered for a moment before melting into a helpless smile. She crossed her arms in front of her chest. Instantly, countless hands sprouted from the desk, swiftly tidying the clutter. Within moments, it was clean again.
Robin stood, gently touching the smooth wood of Dante's desk. She placed the book she'd been holding back in its spot on the shelf. Most of the books here, Boss had found for her. He'd kept his side of their original agreement.
Too bad.
She paused, then took out a sealed letter she had prepared earlier. The word 'Resignation' was written clearly on the envelope. Gently, she placed it on the desk. A trace of relief flickered across her face, mingling with her sad smile.
"Goodbye, Boss," she murmured softly.
Without looking back, she turned, picked up the small backpack she'd packed, and ran her hand lightly over the desk one last time as she walked towards the door.
She made her way to a secluded corner of the docks.
Just as she expected.
There, lounging on a cool stone boulder, was a lazy figure.
Marine Admiral Kuzan.
"Oooh, what a comfortable sea breeze," Kuzan drawled, stretching languidly as if just noticing her arrival. "Nice weather today~" He sat up, crossing his legs and resting his cheek on his hand as he looked at her. "Looks like you've made up your mind then? Devil Child."
He hopped down from the boulder, his tone laced with mock regret. "This doesn't seem like you, Nico Robin. You know, you haven't sold out your boss this time. I almost thought I'd get to bring two people back. Would've been livelier!" He tilted his head, curiosity glinting in his eyes. "A Marine Captain colluding with pirates... harboring you... What reason could possibly make someone who survives by betraying others choose not to betray? It's making me curious~"
Robin, who had instinctively lowered her head, clenched her right fist. The sea breeze felt unnaturally cold, making her feel stiff, almost frozen.
But hearing Kuzan's words, something shifted. The fear was still there, chilling her to the bone, yet she took a deep breath. Slowly, deliberately, she raised her head to meet his gaze. "Boss... that guy..."
Before she could finish, a familiar voice cut in from behind her.
"Of course, it's because her boss is handsome, generous, pays on time, and offers great perks~"
A hand rested reassuringly on her shoulder. That familiar touch. Instantly, the icy stiffness gripping Robin seemed to melt away, replaced by a comforting warmth that spread through her entire body. The fear didn't vanish, but it no longer seemed paralyzing.
She turned her head, her eyes widening slightly as she saw the familiar figure standing beside her. "Boss..."
Again, she was cut off.
"Figured you'd show up, Captain Dante," Kuzan said, hands stuffed casually in his pockets. He met the Branch Commander's steady gaze, his expression unreadable. "Colluding with pirates. Defrauding Marine funds. Harboring the Devil Child. And now, trying to interfere with official Marine business. Are you planning to violate Marine law, Captain?"
Despite Kuzan's cold tone and the weight of his accusations, Dante kept his smile firmly in place. He gave Robin's shoulder another reassuring pat, she had tensed up again at the Admiral's words.
Dante appeared to consider the question for a moment, then shook his head. "Sorry," he said with unwavering smile. "I don't really understand Marine law."
Kuzan, who had been trying to maintain his cool and aloof demeanor, felt his face twitch. He stared at the utterly shameless man before him, momentarily speechless. A Base Commander of a Marine Branch, claiming ignorance of Marine law? Who was he kidding?
Instantly, a terrifying chill began to radiate from the Admiral.
==========
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