After entering the base, Luffy whistled cheerfully as he made his way to the fourth floor.
Along the way, he exchanged smiles and greetings with the Marines he passed, his mood lifted by the news of successful recruitment.
He was just thinking about finding Kalifa to ask about the status of the new student recruits when an all-too-familiar voice cut through the air, making Luffy's already good mood even better.
"You seem to be in high spirits.
Is it because the recruitment is going smoothly… or has some little lover managed to win your heart again?"
Luffy chuckled, turning toward the source of the voice.
"Haha, both, both!" he admitted with a grin. "But what makes me happiest is running into our beautiful and sexy Miss Robin here.
Are you back to rest for a few days? After more than half a year of exploring the New World, I'd say you've seen almost everything by now."
Robin, who was lounging by a window, gazing out at the scenery, brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear and turned to face him with a smile.
"This is all thanks to Miss Violet's help," she replied smoothly. "If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have been able to locate so many rare historical sites so easily."
For the past six months, Robin had been traveling around the New World aboard the Stormbreaker, accompanied by Violet.
While Violet's main mission was to search for the elusive Giant Lantern Fish, their journey often led them to various islands, giving Robin ample opportunity to study historical materials left behind by ancient civilizations.
Occasionally, with the help of Violet's Giro Giro no Mi (Glare-Glare Fruit) abilities, they would discover hidden ruins and secret caves. They unearthed rare antiques, ancient documents, and even stumbled upon treasures—gold, silver, and once, a Devil Fruit.
Every time Luffy spoke with Robin, he found it both relaxing and intellectually stimulating.
She had a knack for conversation, knowing exactly how to engage without overstepping, always considering his feelings and thoughts.
But Robin wasn't just all serious intellect. She had a mischievous side too, often slipping in unexpected jokes, making her seem approachable and far from the stern archaeologist people imagined.
Yet, despite her playful demeanor, Robin kept her true thoughts hidden deep beneath the surface, rarely letting anyone see the vulnerabilities she carried inside.
But for some reason, with Luffy, things were different.
Their rapport was natural and effortless, and Robin didn't feel the need to hide. In fact, she had even picked up some of Nami and Koala's playful tendencies.
Every now and then, when she was alone with Luffy, she'd act coy, her rare displays of affection creating a sharp, delightful contrast to her usual calm demeanor—something that always struck a chord with Luffy.
Of course, those moments were rare. What Luffy experienced most with Robin was her sharp wit and her tendency to hit him with biting remarks at the most unexpected times.
"It's such a shame that Violet still wants to keep her distance from Miss Nico Robin for a while."
Robin's voice dripped with playful sarcasm. "But she seems eager to come back and get close to you again.
I really don't understand what's so special about you that makes her miss you so much."
She claimed not to understand, but her eyes said otherwise.
Robin's gaze shifted downward, locking onto Luffy's lower half with a look that could melt steel.
Her fiery stare seemed intent on peeling him apart, examining every inch of his body structure.
Even someone as confident as Luffy couldn't help but shudder under that intense scrutiny. He instinctively bent slightly, trying to shield himself from the invasive look.
Is this woman being a pervert? he thought. No normal woman stares at a man's—well, there—like that!
"Hey!" Luffy warned in a low voice, pretending to be angry. "If you keep looking at me like that, I'm going to take you to the small room."
Whether the warning worked or not, Robin finally lifted her gaze to meet his eyes.
For a moment, they stared at each other in silence. Half a minute passed, tension thick in the air.
Just as Luffy was about to speak again, Robin suddenly turned on her heel and walked away.
Luffy blinked, his mind going blank as he watched her retreating figure.
Wait… what? he thought, confused. She stopped me halfway, teased me, and then just left?
You've made me, a Vice Admiral and base commander, look like a fool!
Luffy stood there for a moment, trying to process what had just happened. But then, Robin's voice floated back to him from down the hall.
"Let's go."
"Where to?" Luffy asked automatically, still caught off guard.
Robin glanced over her shoulder, her lips curling into a seductive smile.
"Isn't this the small room you mentioned? Don't you want to? Or… can't you?"
!!!
"Oi, Robin! Are you serious?! I was just joking!" Luffy's heart raced, suddenly thrown into turmoil.
He and Robin had always shared a friendly, flirty dynamic, but they'd never crossed the line before.
Why is she being so bold all of a sudden? And why is she the one taking the initiative?!
But what stung the most wasn't the invitation—it was the challenge.
Did she just imply I'm incapable?
Oh, hell no.
The reason the more than ten women in my harem get along so harmoniously is all thanks to my excellent marksmanship!
Even those as strong as Hancock and Yamato, with their overwhelming power and fierce personalities, had been putty in his hands when the time came.
And now, Robin—who hadn't even tried anything before—dared to challenge him like this?
Does she think I'll let that slide?!
Can Luffy tolerate this?!!
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