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In the open space in front of the lighthouse, under the shade of a coconut tree, Crocus sat leisurely on a beach chair. Robin rode on Rob's shoulders, and they waved to Crocus from afar.
"Long time no see! Mr. Crocus, I'm back!" Rob called out.
Seeing Rob and Robin arrive, and then noticing the child on Rob's neck, Crocus looked puzzled and thought for a moment.
He then asked, "Is this child your daughter?"
Rob's face turned black, and he looked at Crocus speechlessly. "Teacher, I'm only eleven years old! I'm not fully developed yet, how could I have a child? Her name is Uta—a child we rescued from a group of human traffickers!"
"She's my sister, not my daughter!"
Hearing Rob's words, Crocus understood. "So that's how it is... I thought you had a child of this age during the time you were gone. It really scared me to death!"
Rob was speechless at Crocus's comment, but he didn't say much. Robin, next to him, smiled at the joke and didn't intervene in their conversation.
After a simple meet and greet, they prepared food and drinks, and a small dinner began in front of the lighthouse. While eating, Rob told Crocus about the many interesting things he and Robin had seen and heard during their East Blue voyage.
After talking about their East Blue adventures, Crocus looked at Rob seriously. "To be honest, I thought you two would have to grow up in East Blue for a few years before returning to the Grand Line, but I didn't expect you to come back so soon!"
"Entering the Grand Line so early and sailing with Uta in this increasingly chaotic sea is quite dangerous. You'd better think carefully before taking action! Don't act impulsively!"
Hearing Crocus's advice, Rob nodded seriously. "I know! I will never bring Robin and Uta into a desperate situation! I am very strong now! If you don't consider the issue of power, even the monsters in the sea area ravaged by the strong in the New World, I have the confidence to face them head-on!"
"After I make my mark on the world, those 'peaks' won't want to make enemies with me easily! As long as I don't provoke them and just sail on the sea, no one can stop me!"
Pausing, Rob gulped down a glass of juice, then looked directly at Crocus and grinned. "When I get through this chaotic era and gain a firm foothold in the turbulent sea, I will have plenty of time to develop! Give me another five years... No, three years at most!"
"I, Rob—will become the new 'apex' of the sea! Hahaha..."
After a while, Crocus finally smiled and raised his wine glass toward Rob. "Really? Then go be the new apex, Rob!"
Lifting the glass and substituting juice for wine, Rob and Crocus toasted each other, a smile on Rob's face. "Wait for my news, Mr. Crocus!"
After chatting with Crocus and having a small dinner, Rob took Robin and Uta, the two girls, and sailed away in a small sailboat. Watching the sailboat go by, drinking the wine Rob brought from East Blue, Crocus felt emotional.
"Roger, you really started an incredible era! But I feel like Rob doesn't even need ten years to surpass your legend!"
Crocus is really looking forward to Rob's future. Of course, he doesn't intend to do anything more, he just wants to watch it unfold. His adventures and voyages had ended the day he left Raftel.
The small sailboat sailed forward through the wind and waves. On the deck, Rob held a letter of introduction from Crocus in his hand, with a smile on his face and anticipation in his eyes! This letter was written by Crocus to Silver Rayleigh, the "Right hand of the Pirate King" who lives in seclusion in the Sabaody Archipelago and is still at his peak strength.
The content was simple—after a greeting, it explained that Rob is his only disciple of medical skills. He hoped Rayleigh could take care of Rob. If possible, give him pointers and teach him the experience of fighting against the "apex" strong. That would be even better.
"The next first stop—"x
After collecting the letter, Rob looked forward. "Alabasta! Go!"
They had Alabasta's Eternal Pose, and didn't need to go to Whiskey Peak or Little Garden, just head directly to Alabasta. Robin, next to Rob, looked serious and had no objection to going directly to Alabasta. It is an ancient desert country that has been passed down for more than 800 years. Alabasta has great archaeological value for archaeologists!
With short legs, Uta grabbed Rob's trouser leg with one hand, childishly imitating Rob's shout, "Set off!"
That cute and imposing loli voice was really adorable! Both Rob and Robin showed knowing smiles on their faces. Having Uta around might be dangerous sometimes, but both Rob and Robin sincerely felt that it was really good to have her around!
After all, sailing is not just about dreams, adventures, and battles; it is also a kind of life! Rob reiterated again—having little Uta around was really healing!
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