Chapter 108: Chapter 108: Robin
"Breaking News! Red-Haired Shanks challenges the Four Emperors once more!"
"The Red Hair Pirates are racking up victories one after another, making headlines across the New World."
"Whitebeard, BIG MOM, the Beasts Pirates—all watching closely!"
In May of Sea Circle Calendar 1513, Shanks and his crew have dominated the news. After a year of silence, the Red Hair Pirates returned to the forefront, creating waves that caught global attention.
Even the Hunter Guild had taken notice.
Across the Grand Line, on the Momoiro Island, a sanctuary for New Humans and a kingdom full of wonder, something else was stirring.
Three years ago, Dragon and Ivankov left a permanent pointer to guide Leno to this place. Recently, Leno had been invited by Dragon and Ivankov for a special meeting.
Boom!
In the middle of an intense clash, the towering figure of Ivankov fell with a thunderous crash.
Ivankov, curious about Leno's strength, had initiated the duel. It was a test that also served as a way for Dragon to evaluate Leno's potential firsthand.
Despite his unconventional appearance, Ivankov was highly respected. As the world's top healer, he had rescued countless people and revived nations on the brink of ruin. He was the most legendary
"Okama King."
"Ivankov lost!"
"So powerful!"
"He couldn't even fight back!"
"Leno's Haki is just too strong!"
The Revolutionaries murmured in awe as they watched, astonished by Leno's prowess.
"Of course. He's the world's top hunter—Kaido's conqueror, and a monster who hunts other monsters!" one of them remarked.
Beside them, Dragon stood, arms folded and eyes sharp, assessing Leno's evolution since his last battle with Kaido. He noted that Leno now seemed calmer, exuding a confidence that could only come from true mastery.
"Sabo," Dragon asked quietly, "Who do you think would win, Leno or me?"
After three years of training with the Revolutionaries, Sabo's intellect and skill had become an asset. Dragon often sought his insights.
"Leno's stronger," Sabo admitted. Dragon didn't respond—victory wasn't certain in any fight.
Ivankov, panting, stood up and chuckled. "Leno-Boy, you're an absolute beast! Ever thought about joining the Kamabakka Kingdom?"
Grinning, Ivankov added with a wink, "You'd be stunning as a lady—maybe even more captivating than Hancock!"
"Yes! Join us!"
"Become one of us!"
The Kamabakka warriors cheered enthusiastically.
Leno: (⊙o⊙)...
"Uh...no thanks!" Leno laughed awkwardly, waving them off. Ivankov sighed in playful disappointment.
Just then, the system's voice rang in Leno's mind:
[Ding! Opponent defeated. Talent scan: Hormones (SS-level), Strategy (S-level), Observation Haki (S-level), Medical Skills (S-level), Armament Haki (A-level)]
Leno didn't hesitate.
"Choose hormones!"
[Ding! Talent Copied: Hormones]
[Talent Description: Grants the ability to influence emotions.]
[Strength: SS-level]
As the system integrated the new talent, a mesmerizing light began to glow on the screen like a vivid aurora, forming a swirling pattern.
With several abilities merging into a potent skill, Leno could feel its potential increasing. His aura intensified, radiating confidence and dominance.
Under the blossoming cherry trees, Leno and Dragon shared a drink.
"Leno, what do you think of the state of the New World?" Dragon asked thoughtfully.
As allies facing the same enemies, Dragon often consulted with Leno. Their exchanges became a regular occurrence.
"I believe that if things continue as they are, Shanks and the Red Hair Pirates will rise as the new Emperors next year."
Dragon nodded, considering the implications. "We're planning to capitalize on the chaos in the New World with a coup in South Blue. Interested?"
Dragon's piercing gaze remained steady, and Leno met it without hesitation.
"So fast? Watch out, World Government!"
Leno cautioned, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "Though it's tempting, I'm more interested in what awaits in the New World."
Long looked a bit disappointed but understood that Leno clearly had other plans. The uproar caused by Shanks had already captivated the world's attention, and the New World was in the throes of turmoil. Opportunists and warriors alike, including the Celestial Dragons, were growing restless.
After a brief gathering, as everyone was about to disperse, Leno pulled Ivankov aside.
"I heard you have one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Crocodile, in your network. What's that secret you've got on him?"
Ivankov's eyes widened in surprise. "Eh? Leno-Boy, how did you know?" It was a closely guarded secret, known only to Crocodile.
"Well, that's a secret!" Ivankov replied, determined not to betray any confidences.
"A secret?" Leno's curiosity grew. "Could it be that Crocodile is, like you, a... well, you know, or maybe even a woman?"
Ivankov's expression was priceless as Leno boarded his ship and set sail, leaving the land of monsters behind.
Back in his cabin, Leno entered his spacious office where Robin, his secretary, waited at the door.
"President, information from Minister Weier," Robin announced, handing him a file with a curious glance.
"Is there something on your mind?" Leno asked, noticing her gaze.
Robin cleared her throat. "President, aren't you ever going to take action with me?"
Nearly two years had passed since she joined the Hunter's Guild. While Leno had trained her in combat a few times to improve her strength, he had shown no interest in her background or her unique skill with historical texts. Did he not realize her value? Robin recalled the rubbings of ancient texts on his desk after his return from Fish-Men Island, but he never asked her to translate them. It left a lingering question in her mind.
"What do you mean?" Leno raised an eyebrow, unsure if Robin was joking or serious.
Robin found herself flustered under his stare and left the office, barely able to conceal her blush.
On the Sabaody Archipelago that night, under the cover of the giant mangroves, Gion, the Vice Admiral, was finishing a fierce battle. She wiped a trace of sweat from her forehead, her peach-blossom eyes betraying fatigue.
This man has grown stronger again, she thought.
After acquiring the Magnetic Fruit power, Gion had developed numerous techniques, honing her combat abilities considerably. She was now a serious candidate for the vacant Admiral position left by Kuzan's departure, and her Magnetic Fruit had proven especially effective against those using weapons like swords and guns. While her ability hadn't yet reached full awakening, it had bolstered her strengths, making her a formidable force at Naval Headquarters.
But even with these advancements, she hadn't managed to defeat Leno. He had barely exerted himself, using only Armament Haki to overpower her. His Haki was unlike anything she had seen—both unyielding and dynamic, adapting between blunt, sword-like sharpness, and defensive resilience. This level of mastery suggested that Leno had pushed his abilities to their absolute limit.
Gion wondered if Garp's title as the world's most skilled in Armament Haki might soon belong to Leno.
Sighing, she finally asked him, "Are you planning to use this opportunity to enter the New World?"
Leno's eyes glinted as he replied, "With Shanks stirring things up, there's no better time to take advantage of the chaos."
Over the past year, Leno's strength and presence had both grown remarkably, as had his commanding physique. Standing nearly as tall as Gion, his figure now radiated a powerful yet refined aura.
Gion, slightly flustered by his intense gaze, felt her cheeks grow warm, a reaction she hadn't expected. They had sparred countless times, each session pushing her Haki and Magnetic Fruit abilities to new limits. In return, Leno's critiques and encouragement kept her drive alive.
After another close battle, Gion smirked, slipping her arms around him.
"So, it's not just the New World you're after, right? There's West Blue, North Blue…?"
"Are you scouting for the Marines?" Leno teased, lifting her chin.
She smiled coyly. "Of course! I'm the future Marine Admiral, aren't I?"
The following morning, as dawn approached, Leno created massive ice blocks using his Freeze talent, splitting them to melt. Gion, using her Magnetic Fruit powers, generated heat and prepared a steaming hot bath.
"Devil Fruit abilities sure are convenient," Leno chuckled as Gion leaned back, visibly relaxed.
Gion gazed at him thoughtfully, a playful challenge glinting in her eye. "You and Hancock—are you really just friends?"
Leno raised an eyebrow. "What makes you ask that?"
Gion smirked. "Hancock called you her 'master' in front of everyone last September. And didn't she kiss you in public?"
Leno shrugged. "A simple goodbye. Nothing more."
"Right," Gion replied, unconvinced but amused. "The most beautiful woman in the world, and you feel… nothing?"
Leno laughed. "People often dream of distant rose gardens and forget about the roses blooming at their windows."
"Oh?" Gion smiled. "So, am I the rose garden or the rose by the window?"
Leno only gave her a knowing smile.
Later, they observed Kuina, whose skills had sharpened through real-world experience. Gion noted with pride, "In half a year, she'll be able to go out on her own."
Kuina's quick progress wasn't just due to Gion's exceptional training but also her own dedication. It was rare to have a mentor as skilled and wise as Gion to guide her.
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+30 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg
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