Luffy spoke with a smug grin, clearly pleased with himself. However, as he glanced at Robin, who sat before him with the air of a walking library, he quickly coughed twice, trying to compose himself.
Robin, clever as ever, had already pieced together the explanation. Her eyes lit up as she connected the dots.
"Ah, I see now. Electricity generates magnetism, What an ingenious idea," she said, her voice carrying genuine admiration. "Since the Lightning-Lightning Fruit was first documented, you're the only one who has developed its abilities to such a remarkable extent."
Luffy laughed heartily, brushing off her praise with feigned modesty. "Hahaha, it's not that impressive. I've just read a bit more than most people, that's all."
After smoothly lowering the group back to the ground with his powers, Luffy continued, his tone brimming with confidence. "With my abilities, I could easily send an island into the sky. Once I recruit Dr. Vegapunk, I'll personally relocate him—and the entire island—up there."
He paused for dramatic effect, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. "I've already picked the perfect spot. A new Sky Island will be above Wano Country."
Robin arched an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise flashing across her face before she pursed her lips in thought. "Raising an island through sheer power? That's quite the feat." Her tone shifted to playful sarcasm. "As expected of the youngest and most outstanding vice admiral in the world government history. Truly remarkable~."
Luffy waved his hand modestly, preparing to downplay her praise, but before he could speak, Robin's tone turned sharp.
"That's a wonderful idea, Luffy. Let our Revolutionary Army provide the funds, the manpower, and shoulder all the risks—while you reap all the rewards. There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world."
"Hey! That's unfair!" Luffy retorted, slamming a fist against the armrest of his chair in protest. His expression was a mix of indignation and disbelief. "What do you mean, all the benefits are mine? Don't forget, I'm also a member of the Revolutionary Army! Why would I hide anything from you? We're supposed to be united in our cause!"
Robin rolled her eyes at his righteous indignation, a wry smile tugging at her lips. She didn't bother dignifying his claims with a response. Does he really think I'm so gullible? When did he ever officially join the Revolutionary Army? she thought, her skepticism growing. Even if his father leads the revolution, that doesn't automatically make him a member.
Faced with Robin's clear distrust, Luffy could only shake his head in mock despair. "The world's so fickle these days. We're comrades fighting for the same goal—to overthrow the World Government. Why quibble over the details?"
Still, Luffy knew he couldn't let Robin think he was freeloading. After a moment of thought, he added, "Fine, here's the deal: aside from the gold you brought, I'll hand over the rest of my funds to the Revolutionary Army. Consider it an advance payment for Dr. Vegapunk's research."
Robin's expression softened at his compromise, her lips curving into a satisfied smile. "I'll inform the leader," she replied, her tone noticeably warmer.
With the matter of Vegapunk temporarily settled, the group shifted their attention to other topics. But Luffy wasn't ready to end the conversation just yet.
"Robin," he began, leaning forward with an inviting smile, "why don't you join us? I could use someone with your intellect."
Ain raised a skeptical eyebrow, her concern evident. "Wait a minute. Didn't you say there were CP agents at the base? If Robin goes there now, won't she be in danger?"
The group exchanged wary glances, recalling Khalifa's repeated warnings to avoid unnecessary contact with CP Agents. Why was Luffy suggesting something so reckless?
Luffy chuckled, waving away their concerns. "Relax! The one incharge this time is Khalifa's sister. After some guidance from me and Khalifa, she's had a change of heart and decided to join our cause."
The three women stared at him, their expressions blank and disbelieving. It was clear they didn't buy a word of his explanation.
Still, learning that the visitor was Khalifa's sister seemed to ease their nerves. Koala let out a relieved sigh. "Well, as long as we're careful and don't do anything too extreme, we should be fine. We're in Wano Country now, after all."
Robin, however, wasn't so easily reassured. "We shouldn't let our guard down," she warned. "The government's agents are everywhere. Who knows when they might try to infiltrate?"
Koala and Ain exchanged amused glances. "You're kidding, right?" Ain said, a grin spreading across her face. "We've got Luffy and Violet—two of the best anti-infiltration weapons around. If any CP agent sets foot in Wano, they'll be under constant surveillance. Violet might even probe their memories and uncover some secrets."
Robin couldn't help but smile at their confidence, though she still felt cautious. Before she could voice her concerns, Luffy turned to her with a sudden question.
"Hey, Robin," he said casually, "after you're done reading the Poneglyph in Wano Country, why not stay here? You've practically read all the known Poneglyph already. You could help me out here instead."
Robin blinked in surprise, caught off guard by his unexpected invitation. She studied him carefully, her expression a mix of curiosity and doubt. "I'll think about it," she replied cautiously. "If you can convince me, I might stay."
"That's a deal!" Luffy declared enthusiastically. "I'll show you the results of my governance in Wano Country. You'll see—I'm doing great things here."
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