One Piece: Talent Copy System!

Chapter 173: Robin’s Dilemma

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After listening to Reha's report, Noir calmly considered how to reclaim Noitem.

While it wasn't essential to return to their original homeland, finding another island to rebuild their nation would be just as practical, Noir felt he had to fight for what was rightfully theirs.

Noir turned to Reha. "You're certain about Noitem's location, right?"

Reha nodded firmly, retrieving a worn-out Eternal Pose from his satchel. He knelt on one knee and offered it with both hands.

"I've kept Noitem's Eternal Pose safe, ensuring it remains undamaged."

Noir accepted the Eternal Pose, examining the inscription on its surface. He looked at Reha reassuringly. "Don't worry. At least Noitem still has us."

Those words…

Reha saw the image of a tall, imposing figure standing confidently amidst a raging inferno, echoing words from years past.

'Flee! As long as you survive, Noitem will never fall!'

Overwhelmed with emotion, tears welled up in Reha's eyes. He choked back a sob. "The First Prince... he said something similar..."

Noir paused, then smiled gently. "It seems I have something in common with this father I never knew."

Noir helped Reha to his feet, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Come on. The King of Fish-Man Island is a friend of mine. I'll find you a place to rest."

Reha lowered his head respectfully, a hint of relief in his voice. "As expected of Your Highness. Even without the protection of Noitem, you've forged alliances with such powerful individuals."

Noir chuckled. "If I were still Prince of Noitem, I doubt I would have made so many friends."

Reha nodded in agreement. "Indeed, on the vast sea, there are always unexpected encounters."

Years of fleeing and wandering had taught Reha and the other Noitem citizens the dangers of the world.

Noir asked Fukaboshi to arrange for more carriages, intending to find suitable accommodations for the Noitem remnants who had come to find him.

As soon as Fukaboshi heard that these mysterious people were Noir's subordinates, he immediately dispatched his men to make the arrangements.

As expected of the heir to the Fish-Man Island throne, Fukaboshi always ensured Noir, his guest, was comfortable. In no time, several carriages with seahorse-drawn chariots arrived.

Fukaboshi himself accompanied Noir in the lead carriage, with Reha sitting beside them.

At Noir's prompting, Reha formally apologized to Fukaboshi, who graciously accepted.

After all, no one had been seriously injured, and Fukaboshi had no desire to escalate the situation, especially since Noir's subordinates had shown such respect.

They were far better than those two-faced humans!

They returned to Ryugu Palace. The crew was out exploring the island, and Shirahoshi, Enel, and the others were nowhere to be seen.

But as they entered the palace, a familiar figure emerged from Noir's room.

Robin was dressed in a loose white knit sweater and shorts, her sleek black hair tied back, round glasses perched on her nose. She carried a stack of papers as she walked towards Noir.

This attire gave the usually mature Robin a touch of youthful charm. She adjusted her glasses and handed the papers to Noir.

"I've transcribed the Poneglyph. It's about Joy Boy."

Noir smiled, gazing into Robin's beautiful blue eyes. "Any conclusions?"

"I have a few ideas, but they're still vague..."

Robin replied, her brow furrowed in concentration. As she spoke, she untied her hair, letting her long, dark tresses cascade down her back.

Noir reached out and gently stroked her hair. "No need to rush. We have plenty of time. Every mystery will eventually be solved."

Robin didn't reply, simply leaning her head into his touch.

Fukaboshi, witnessing this scene for the first time, awkwardly scratched his head and whispered to Reha, "Sir Noir and Miss Robin seem to be very close..."

Reha, slow to catch on, suddenly widened his eyes.

Could it be?!

"Greetings, Princess Consort!!"

Reha dropped to his knees again, his voice booming through the hall.

Noir's hand jerked, startled. He said in exasperation, "What are you yelling about?"

Reha looked up, confused. "Isn't this beautiful lady Your Highness's wife?"

Noir's face flushed crimson. "Robin is my first companion at sea, my… uh…"

Robin stifled a giggle, patting Noir playfully. "Let it be. He can call me whatever he likes."

Reha nodded enthusiastically. Noir looked at Robin with concern. "You don't mind that title...?"

Robin smiled without saying a word.

Inwardly, however, she wanted to crack open Noir's thick skull and see what was going on inside!

Robin calmed her turbulent emotions and addressed Reha. "You called him 'Your Highness.' Does that mean you're a citizen of Noitem?"

Reha's eyes lit up. "Yes! How did you know?"

Noir answered for her. "Robin is a historian from Ohara. She's been helping me search for traces of Noitem."

Reha's eyes widened in understanding. "Ohara did have contact with our kingdom in the past. I see..."

Robin, understanding Noir's intentions, said, "So, you're planning to head to Noitem next?"

Noir nodded, thinking aloud. "Before that, I need to secure the Warlord title the Government promised me."

He turned to Reha. "Besides you, where are the other Noitem citizens?"

Reha pulled out a nautical chart and pointed to a small island. "They're all here. The surviving citizens of Noitem built a hidden village on this island. We travel out to gather resources."

Noir nodded, studying the chart. "Then we'll go there first and gather everyone."

Reha had heard rumors of Noir's mysterious ability to transport large numbers of people effortlessly.

Noir and Robin discussed their plans for a long time, confirming details with Reha and finalizing their next course of action.

After leaving Fish-Man Island and entering the New World, they would first gather the Noitem remnants. Then, they would find a suitable island to meet with the Government, exchange their hostages, and finally head to the ruins of Noitem.

As for the hostages, Noir had initially considered using his Bewitching Eyes more frequently.

But after trying them on Gion, he had decided to seal away that particular power.

The ability was too potent. Noir still didn't know how much time had passed for Gion in the illusion, or what she had experienced.

But one thing was certain: Gion now knew him better than his own mother. Every time he saw her, he felt completely exposed.

Moreover, Noir felt that Robin's attitude towards him had changed since he'd used the Bewitching Eyes on Gion.

She seemed more… possessive, almost as if someone had stolen her precious treasure in a video game.

...

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