One Piece: I will become stronger by checking in

Kai and Robin sat side by side, chatting for a while. Suddenly, Kai's expression turned serious as he looked into the distance.

"Robin, if something happens, don't try to handle it alone," Kai said firmly.

"Remember, we are all your partners. We're here for you! No matter what happens, we face it together!"

"Um?" Robin turned to Kai, feeling a warm sensation in her heart. She looked at Kai's handsome face and smiled, responding, "Okay!"

Kai felt a bit helpless at Robin's lighthearted response. Seeing she wasn't taking his words seriously, he continued, more earnestly:

"I'm not joking. I'm serious! If you face something you can't handle, don't be afraid— we're right behind you!"

"Never think that your life here is meaningless. That would be a grave mistake!"

"Think about it. If you were gone, there'd be one less beautiful woman in the world. What a loss that would be! Can you really bear to let that happen?"

Kai spoke with sincere concern, trying to dispel any notion that Robin's presence might not be significant.

"You're our partner and an integral part of our crew. Even if we become enemies of the world, we'll protect you without hesitation!"

"Thank you, Kai..."

Robin was silent, her eyes moist with unshed tears. Her thoughts drifted back to that day many years ago when gunfire erupted.

A giant with half his body covered in ice had knelt before her and said, "Robin, go to sea! One day, you will meet someone who will protect you!"

If she could, Robin would have liked to speak to Saul now.

"I have met them. I have found a partner who will protect me for life!"

Overcome with emotion, Robin's tears flowed freely as she threw herself into Kai's arms.

Kai, slightly confused, felt ambivalent about holding her or letting go. His feelings were mixed.

After a moment's mental struggle, Kai placed a comforting hand on Robin's back and patted her gently.

Yet, Kai still felt uneasy about their situation. He worried that if Robin encountered the CP9 in Water 7, she might be deceived again. So he said:

"Our next stop is Water 7, home to the most powerful shipyard in the world! But that's not what concerns me."

"What matters is that many CP9 agents are hiding there, aiming to seize the Ancient Weapon—Pluton!"

"Pluton?" Robin's body trembled at the mention. She pulled away from Kai's embrace, shock written across her face.

At that moment, Kai wondered if he should have kept quiet. The intimacy was lost...

But he couldn't just ask Robin to snuggle back into his arms and listen. So, he continued:

"Yes, someone in Water 7 has the design blueprints for Pluton!"

"!!!"

Robin's mouth fell open in shock, and she was speechless for a long while.

"So if CP9 threatens you once we arrive, saying you must go with them or they'll kill us if you don't, don't believe it!"

"Even if it's CP0, who are above CP9, I can handle them with ease. Do you understand?"

Kai laid it all out, revealing the potential dangers and his own strength to reassure Robin.

"I understand!" Robin replied, her smile bright. Having spent time with the crew, she felt completely integrated.

She cherished her life here and had no desire to die, as she had so much to value.

Thinking this, Robin embraced Kai again.

Kai felt the happiness return. Robin's scent and warmth were comforting, and they simply enjoyed each other's company.

They hugged quietly, savoring the sea breeze and the view, feeling content.

After a while...

From the distance came cheerful sounds.

"Haha... We found so many ingredients! We can have a hearty meal again!" Luffy exclaimed happily.

"Yeah! I'll ask Ms. Nami and Ms. Robin later how they want it—steamed or braised?" Sanji added, but then froze when he saw Robin nestled in Kai's arms.

In that moment, something shattered inside him. He looked up at the sky and murmured to himself, "What's the point of life...?"

"Hahaha..."

"Cheers!" The crew toasted happily, raising their glasses.

Under the moonlight, around a crackling bonfire, everyone gathered, eating meat and drinking wine.

Looking at the scene, Kai couldn't help but reflect.

"Setting up a campfire feast to celebrate another day survived!"

Though he forgot which celebrity said it, it seemed like a fitting description of pirate life.

Of course, this applied to the weaker, trouble-making pirates who might not have their next meal assured.

While Kai and the others enjoyed their meal, somewhere else in the world, a discussion was unfolding that could reshape the world.

In the Holy Land, Mariejois:

In a conference room, five old men sat in silence.

After a while, one of the elders spoke, "Satan, what did you summon us here for?"

The man known as Satan was silent for a moment before saying, "The latest news is that Fire Fist Ace has been captured by the pirate Blackbeard, who recently volunteered to become a Shichibukai. Blackbeard wants us to allocate a Shichibukai slot for him!"

"Since he has proven his strength, granting him the Shichibukai title seems reasonable."

"And Fire Fist Ace? He's Whitebeard's subordinate, correct? We should negotiate with Whitebeard to exchange Ace without disrupting the balance of the seas!" suggested a bald elder.

"I thought so too. But..."

"BlackBeard has provided us with another piece of information that means we cannot release Fire Fist Ace!" said Satan, narrowing his eyes.

"Huh?" The others were taken aback, waiting for more details.

As a member of the Five Elders, Satan's concern for the balance of the sea was well known. His decision to take down Fire Fist Ace indicated a significant reason.

Satan's next words made their purpose clear.

"Fire Fist Ace is the son of Gol D. Roger!" 

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yayyyyy summit war here we comee

Power Stones would be appreciated if you liked the story.