章節 8: Found

( 3rd POV )

At dawn, the sun rose from the eastern horizon, casting its golden light upon the small archipelago. The serene beauty of the morning was a stark contrast to the chaos of the previous night. A ship could be seen docked at one of the archipelago islands' ports, showing signs of wear and tear with a few visible holes, as if it had just emerged from a tough situation.

The crew of that ship had already begun unloading their goods into one of the warehouses, their movements brisk and efficient despite their exhaustion.

The air was filled with the sounds of seagulls and the gentle lapping of waves against the dock. The scent of salt and fresh morning dew mingled in the air, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Amidst this scene, a boy with striking purple eyes was seen talking to a middle-aged man after finishing helping the crew.

"Mr. Tim, thank you for everything until now. I really appreciate your help," the boy, Vanze, said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

"Haha, it's my pleasure, Vanze. If not for you, we would never have reached this island today," Mr. Tim replied, his laughter warm and hearty. His eyes sparkled with a mixture of relief and admiration as he looked at Vanze.

Vanze smiled, though there was a hint of weariness in his eyes. "Well then, I'll be going now. Goodbye, Mr. Tim." He gave a small wave and slowly departed from the dock, heading towards the town. His steps were steady, but there was a sense of purpose in his stride.

Mr. Tim watched him go, a sigh escaping his lips. "What a miraculous boy," he whispered to himself, shaking his head in wonder. The crew members nearby nodded in agreement, their expressions reflecting the same awe and gratitude.

As Vanze walked through the town, the early morning light cast long shadows on the cobblestone streets. The town was just beginning to wake up, with shopkeepers opening their stores and fishermen preparing their boats. The atmosphere was calm, a stark contrast to the tension and danger of the previous night that Vanze just experience.

.....

( Vanze POV )

Now that I've arrived at the Qurpady Island, I notice it's not that big of an island; I was expecting more. But it is surrounded by smaller islands, so it is more like an archipelago, huh…

[ Where are you heading, Vanze? ] Seele's voice echoed in my mind.

'Hmm… I don't know. I just want to check this archipelago first and find a quiet place where there is no one around.' I replied, scanning the bustling town. It looked like there were a lot of people coming in and out. Hmm… Maybe they are also changing their course to avoid Ohara.

After spending my time surveying the town, I decided it's time to leave. 'Too many people around, and the atmosphere here seems tense. We need to avoid the town for now.' The uneasy vibe of the town was palpable. I slipped into an alley and disappeared in an instant, using Soru to move quickly and avoid detection.

.....

'Sigh, I finally found this forest. It's hard to find a quiet place on this island where there is no one around.' I muttered to myself, having trekked to the edge of the island just to find some solitude.

'Anyway, I can't use my Kenbunshoku Haki to survey this island because the range I can use is only 30 meters. If I want to use KG, I don't want people to see, so either I find a quiet place like this or wear my black sunglasses.'

[ So, why not just put your sunglasses on then? ] Seele suggested.

'Uhm… I forgot… ahaha.' I admitted sheepishly. Yes, I forgot, damn it! But it is also better going to this quite place first. I don't want to take a risk.

[ You never fail to amuse me, Vanze. ]

'Moving on, let's survey this island with my Kami Gigan first.' I closed my eyes to focus, feeling the energy gather within me. I opened them again, activating KG power. As my purple eyes glow, the world around me shifted, my vision expanding as I began to survey the island.

The forest was dense, the canopy above filtering the sunlight into a soft, green glow. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of pine and earth. Birds chirped in the distance, and the rustling of leaves created a soothing background noise. It was a stark contrast to the bustling town I had left behind.

As I scanned the area, I made mental notes of potential hiding spots and escape routes. The island was small, but it had its fair share of nooks and crannies. I needed to be thorough; any oversight could be dangerous.

'Hmm, I can see much more with this, even an aura from people. Let's see… most people have a pale white aura which means they are normal people, so they are not a threat to me.' I scanned the bustling town from my secluded spot in the forest, my enhanced vision picking up the faint glows of auras.

The morning sun cast long shadows, and the air was filled with the sounds of daily life—vendors calling out their wares, children laughing, and the distant hum of conversation.

I continued to observe, feeling a sense of calm as I identified the harmless townsfolk. But then, something caught my eye.

'Wait…? What's that?' My gaze fixed on a hotel room where an unusual orange aura flickered around a group of people. 'What is that orange aura around the people in a hotel room?' A sense of unease settled in my gut.

[ Orange means that it is a possible threat to you; treat it with caution. There is also red which means danger, Vanze. ]

After focusing my gaze at this group of people for a minute, I realized their identity. 'Damn, from what they dressed like, it is very likely they are CP agents. What the heck are they doing here!?' My mind raced.

Why are these damn bastards here!? There is no way they are hunting Robin already; her whereabouts are still unknown. Heck, they don't even know about her existence beforehand.

[ Relax, Vanze, maybe they are here just for gathering intelligence. If your memory is right, Robin's wanted poster only came out after someone recognized her and snitched to the world government later. ] Seele's logic was sound, but it did little to ease my worry.

'You have a point, Seele. But it's still too dangerous if these bastards stay here.' I clenched my fists, determination hardening my resolve. I need to find Robin like ASAP now. Let's go survey the other island.

I vanished from my previous spot, using Soru to move swiftly across the landscape. The forest blurred around me as I headed towards the bridge connecting to the next island. The bridge was old, its wooden planks creaking underfoot, but it provided a direct route to my destination.

The other island was smaller, more secluded. The atmosphere here was different—quieter, almost serene. The dense foliage provided ample cover, and the sound of the sea was a constant, soothing presence. I moved through the underbrush, my senses on high alert.

As I reached a vantage point, I activated my Kami Gigan again, scanning the area. The island was sparsely populated, with only a few scattered auras. Most were pale white, indicating they were harmless. But I needed to be thorough. This action of mine continue until I finished scanned the whole archipelago.

.....

After I finished surveying the whole archipelago, I counted that there are at least five CP agents in total. The realization hit me hard, a mix of frustration and unease settling in my chest. I still didn't find Robin even with the help of Jack's compass, so maybe she hasn't arrived yet. The compass is still pointing towards the sea after all, its needle unwavering.

[ Maybe you will find her tomorrow, Vanze. ]

'I hope so…' I muttered, feeling the weight of disappointment. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the island. The once vibrant colors of the day were now muted, replaced by the soft hues of twilight.

The forest around me was quiet, the only sounds being the rustling of leaves and the distant call of a bird. I took a deep breath, trying to clear my mind. 'Let's go back to the town and rent a room in an inn that's far away from those CP.' I have allergies to the world government dogs after all. It makes me sick.

I moved swiftly through the forest, my steps silent on the soft earth. The path back to the town was familiar now, the landmarks etched into my memory. As I approached the outskirts, the sounds of the town began to filter through—the clinking of glasses from a nearby tavern, the murmur of conversations, and the occasional shout from a vendor.

I slipped into the shadows, avoiding the main streets and sticking to the alleys. The narrow passages were dimly lit, the flickering lanterns casting eerie shadows on the walls. The air was thick with the smell of salt and fish, a reminder of the town's proximity to the sea.

After a few minutes of careful navigation, I found a small inn tucked away in a quiet corner of the town. The sign above the door was faded, but the place looked clean and well-kept. I pushed open the door and stepped inside, the warmth and light a welcome contrast to the cool night air.

The innkeeper looked up from behind the counter, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of me. "Good evening, young man. How can I help you?"

"I need a room for the night," I said, keeping my voice low. "Somewhere quiet, if possible."

The innkeeper nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We have a room at the back, away from the street. It's quiet and comfortable."

"That sounds perfect," I replied, handing over a $100 Berry, for me money has never been a problem after all. The innkeeper took them with a nod and handed me a key.

"Room 7, down the hall to the left," he said. "Enjoy your stay."

I thanked him and made my way to the room. The hallway was dimly lit, the wooden floor creaking underfoot. I found Room 7 and unlocked the door, stepping inside. The room was small but cozy, with a single bed, a small table, and a window that overlooked the back of the inn.

I closed the door behind me and let out a sigh of relief. 'It seems my physique has allowed me to benefit from the doubt; nobody would think that I'm just an eight-year-old boy...'

.....

( ??? POV )

The waves had been relentless, tossing my small boat like a toy in a storm. For four days, I had clung to the hope of survival, but now, with no food left and the cold seeping into my bones, that hope was fading. My mind drifted back to the last moments on Ohara, the screams, the fire, and the faces of those I loved.

"Dr. Clover, Saul, Mom… Even my home is gone… Everyone is leaving… Why…? Why is he letting me go…?" The questions haunted me, the memories of that fateful day replaying in my mind.

"Robin, you have to go! I promised Olivia to let you out of the island! Leave, Robin!" Saul's voice was desperate, his giant hands gently blocking me from the iceman attacks. "Don't look back, just go!"

"But Saul, I can't leave you!" I cried, tears streaming down my face.

"You must, Robin. There is nothing more ridiculous than being born in this world to be alone. Someday you will meet brave friends who will protect you." he said, his voice breaking. "Derishishishi, remember to laugh, even in the darkest times."

Swush

The wave hit my boat hard, jolting me back to the present. Maybe I'll drown if this continues. But then, through the mist and the spray, I saw it—a dark shape on the horizon. An island?

The waves kept pushing my boat toward the island; maybe it's not my time to die yet…

The boat finally reached the shore with a gentle thud. I stepped out, my legs shaky from days at sea. The boat that saved me and left me with so many memories… I need to stay focus.

I looked around and saw only a beach and a forest in front of me. Where am I? I don't know this island. Let's go to the forest; maybe there is food in the forest. I'm hungry…

The forest was dense and dark, the canopy above blocking out most of the light. The air was thick with the scent of earth and leaves, and the sounds of unseen creatures rustled in the underbrush. I walked through the forest, searching for fruits or anything that could be eaten. This place is dark, and I don't like it here. I don't know how long I've been walking from the shore; I only know I need to keep moving. Mom and Saul said that to me.

Ugh… I'm tired; maybe I should take some sleep first. I don't have any more strength to walk. Yes, just take a nap first…

I found a spot under a large tree, its roots forming a natural cradle. I lay down, the ground cold and hard beneath me. I hope I don't see that nightmare anymore, and when I wake up, it will be a better day for me, Derishisisi.

.....

( 3rd POV )

In the early morning of a bustling town, a figure with a hood could be seen walking through the forest with a strange compass in his hand. He looked intensely focused, his purple eyes glowing momentarily beneath his hood. Increasing his pace, he followed the direction indicated by the compass.

The forest was lush and dense, the morning light filtering through the canopy and casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of pine and earth, and the sounds of birds chirping created a serene atmosphere. Vanze strolled around the place for a while, his eyes scanning the surroundings until he stopped abruptly.

He looked up from his compass and saw a girl sleeping while hugging her knees beneath a large tree. Her face looked haggard, and her body was shivering from the cold wind. Vanze's expression softened with pity, but it only lasted for a moment before it disappeared. He approached her cautiously, kneeling down to gently shake her awake.

"Hey… Wake up…" he said softly, his voice gentle but firm.

"Uh…" The girl stirred, slowly waking up. Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked at the hooded figure with wary eyes, her body tensing.

"Uhm… Who are you?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. The figure slowly pulled down his hood, revealing the face of a boy with striking purple eyes.

"Greetings. My name is Vanze."

.....

( Vanze POV )

"Greetings, my name is Vanze." I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Lo and behold, the real Nico Robin in the flesh, standing just a few feet away from me. The one I'd been searching for all night, restless with worry. What if I hadn't found her? What if those damn CP agents had gotten to her first? It gnawed at my mind, so much so that I couldn't wait any longer. I had to head out at dawn to find her. And now, here she is.

Robin's dark, wary eyes studied me carefully, and I couldn't blame her for the suspicion in her gaze. Her life had been filled with loss. "I saw you sleeping here, and it didn't seem like a safe place. That's why I woke you up," I muttered, scratching the back of my head.

'Ugh... My social skills are terrible, even in this life.'

"Uhm… I'm Robin." She stares at me warily, her eyes filled with suspicion and fear.

She blinked, her voice soft but sharp, as if ready to flee at any moment. "Why are you here?"

I swallowed hard. 'How do I explain this without scaring her off?' Telling her I was waiting for her would sound insane. She would run for sure, thinking I was either some creepy stalker or one of the many bounty hunters after her head.

'Just be honest, Vanze,' I told myself. 'She's lost everything; lying to her now would just make things worse.'

"I-I'm here... looking for my future partner." The words tumbled out awkwardly, and I immediately regretted them. My social skills were seriously lacking—nothing like Luffy's charm or Naruto's bullshit no jutsu.

Robin's eyes narrowed slightly, still filled with uncertainty. "Partner?" she asked quietly. "Did you find them?"

I could feel my face heating up. What do I say now? "Yes and no," I stammered, rubbing my neck nervously. "I think I found one... but I'm not sure if she'll accept my invitation." I could barely meet her gaze, my hands clammy with anxiety.

Her brow furrowed as she looked at me, clearly confused. "Why wouldn't she?" she asked, her voice betraying a hint of suspicion.

I let out a shaky breath. "Well... we've just met, and all we know about each other are our names." The silence that followed was painful, and I could feel her gaze piercing through me, making me even more nervous.

After what felt like an eternity, she finally spoke again, her voice uncertain. "So... it's me?"

I nodded slowly, trying not to seem too desperate. "Yes. But... you don't have to decide right away. Take your time. Think it over," I said, hoping it didn't sound as pathetic as I felt.

Robin's expression softened, but her wariness remained. "But why me? We barely know each other."

I sighed, trying to explain without sounding ridiculous. "It's hard to explain, but I followed my compass here, to this forest, looking for someone I could trust in this world. And when I saw you... I just knew."

Her confusion deepened. "Compass?"

"Yeah. My compass led me to you," I said, holding back the full truth. "And... you seemed like someone I could rely on."

The air around us felt thick with uncertainty, the quiet of the forest only amplifying the tension. The soft glow of morning light filtered through the trees, casting long shadows on the forest floor. The scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, but I could tell Robin was still on edge.

"I don't know," she murmured, her eyes briefly darting toward the ground. She looked exhausted, maybe even a little hungry. I quickly decided to change the subject, hoping to ease the tension.

"Hey, don't worry about it for now," I said, smiling weakly. "Let's just eat something. We'll figure the rest out later." I rummaged through my inventory, pulling out some dried meat and bread. As I handed her a piece, I noticed her hesitation before she finally took a small bite.

"Thank you," she whispered. Her voice was so quiet that I almost missed it. 'Well, at least that's a start.'

Impression +1

I chuckled lightly, trying to ease the tension. "No problem, Robin. I'm just as hungry."

As we ate in silence, she suddenly looked up at me with curiosity. "How did you pull all that food out of nowhere? Did you eat a Devil Fruit too?"

I grinned. "Not exactly. It's... something similar." I couldn't help but laugh. Yes, rather than a devil fruit, mine is more like a devil stone. Well, she was finally starting to open up, at least a little.

"You said we're the same age, but... you're much taller and stronger," she noted, her eyes briefly scanning my larger frame. Even now, in the middle of all this, she was observant.

"Yeah, I'm eight, but I've always been bigger than most kids my age. It's probably because I eat a lot... and maybe a little something else." I smirked. "Most kids used to call me a freak, though."

Robin's expression softened. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to offend you."

"Hahaha, you don't need to feel sorry about that, Robin. It's just some kids who don't know about the world. Rather, I'm feeling great because with my strength, I can at least protect myself." Heh, kids. Why would an adult need to give a shit about kids' bullshit?

She nodded slightly, and silence settled between us again. The tension wasn't as thick now, but it still lingered in the air.

"Robin," I said quietly after a moment, "do you want to hear my story?"

She hesitated, then nodded. "If it's alright with you."

I took a deep breath. "Alright. I come from Furiko Island..."

.....

Hours later, I found myself holding Robin in my arms. After I finished telling my stories to her, well, except for the system, reincarnation, and Seele part. But anyway, she became much more open after listening to my story. After that, she also started to want to share her story with me.

She was trembling, tears streaming down her face as she clung to me. Her sobs wracked her small frame, and I could only hug her tighter, my heart aching for her. I had listened as she told me about her past—her time with Dr. Clover, the children who had mocked her, meeting Saul, reuniting with her mother... and then, the destruction of her home. She had lost everything.

Man, I know all of her stories even before coming to this world, but hearing it in person and from Robin herself, damn, that's a deep messed-up story. If it was me, I may have turned black already. She doesn't deserve it; those dogs of the World Government are really crazy.

"Huu... they're all gone, Vanze. I'm the only one left," she sobbed into my chest.

I gently stroked her back, whispering softly, "You're not alone anymore, Robin. I'm here now."

She looked up at me, her tear-filled eyes searching mine. "Really?" Her voice was fragile, like she was afraid to believe it.

I nodded firmly. "Yes. I promise, you'll never have to go through that again."

Robin's grip tightened as she buried her face against me. I could feel her trembling slowly subside, her breath becoming steadier.

'Sigh, what a fucked-up world...'

.....

Finally, we made it back to the inn. The entire journey here had my nerves on edge, every shadow that flickered in the dim streets, every distant whisper sending jolts of suspicion through me.

I had lent Robin my hood to help conceal her face, just in case a CP agent was lurking nearby or someone happened to recognize her. She had pulled it low over her head, her steps silent beside me, but I could feel her tension mirroring my own.

Now, though, she's lying in my bed, her chest rising and falling in a calm, rhythmic breath. She's finally resting. After everything she's been through, she needs it. Her face, usually so guarded, is relaxed for the first time since we met.

I stand at the doorway, watching her sleep for a moment longer before quietly shutting the door behind me. I'll need to rent another room next door for myself; I don't want to leave her alone.

I sink down onto the edge of the bed in the new room, feeling the weight of the day pulling me down. We hadn't fought any great battles or made any daring escapes, but somehow, I was completely drained.

'We didn't do much today... yet I'm so exhausted.'

[ You're emotionally worn out, Vanze. It's not just about physical exhaustion. ]

'Yeah, maybe,' I think to myself, rubbing the back of my neck. 'But now that I've found Robin, what comes next?'

I glance out the small window of the inn, the cool moonlight spilling into the room, casting long shadows over the wooden floorboards. The streets outside are quiet, the occasional sound of footsteps from late-night wanderers the only noise breaking the stillness. My mind is racing as I think about what's waiting for us out there.

The West Blue is no playground—most of the islands here have mafia families that control the underworld, and the Chinjao Hippo Navy isn't far, stationed over in Kano Country. They might become a problem if we're not careful. And then there's Moria...

'Damn, I hope young Moria's already made his way to the Grand Line by now. He's definitely a powerhouse, even at this stage.'

I stand and move to the window, looking down at the deserted, moonlit street. A cold breeze blows in, rustling the curtains. The weight of everything is heavy on my shoulders. My current strength… it's not enough. If I want to protect Robin and survive in this world, I need to become stronger. A lot stronger.

'I need to find a place to train.' My mind starts working through the possibilities. 'Maybe an island near the Calm Belt... yes, that's it. If I could find an island similar to where Luffy trained, where I could push myself... train my Haki, develop my abilities...'

But first, we need to get off this island. The CP agents have eyes everywhere, and staying here much longer will only increase the chances of being found. I turn away from the window, my resolve hardening as I come to a decision.

'Tomorrow, we leave this island.' That's the top priority.

But for now, I need to rest. My body feels heavy, my thoughts swirling. Tomorrow will bring its own challenges, and I'll need all my strength for what's ahead. I lie down, pulling the rough inn blanket over me, staring at the ceiling.

'We are safe for now... but for how long?'

That thought lingers in my mind as my eyelids grow heavier.

.....

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