All members of the Straw Hat Pirates headed toward the Going Merry aboard the gigantic Laboon.
The four Heart Pirates traveled together alongside them.
Nami, however, wore a dejected expression. Everyone assumed she was sad about parting with Vivi, and tried to comfort her. But Carl, noticing something else, immediately grabbed onto Laboon's hide for support.
He had just heard Nami say: "One billion Berries... even though I'm reluctant to leave Vivi, I still don't want to take her money."
That single sentence caused Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, and Vivi to fall over in shock. The others would have fallen too if they weren't holding on tight.
"Are you some kind of devil?!" Zoro couldn't help but growl.
Even Luffy's mouth twitched in speechless disbelief at Nami's comment.
Despite considering Vivi a crewmate and dear sister, they were still debating whether to accept money from her—typical behavior for the Straw Hat crew!
It didn't take long to reach the Going Merry, and Law, Bepo, and the others boarded their submarine.
However, the Merry was surrounded by a group of Kung-Fu Dugongs. As soon as they spotted Usopp, these Kung-Fu Dugongs rushed forward with determined huffs.
"They're saying 'Greetings, Master!'" Chopper translated.
"Master?" Luffy and the others were surprised—since when did Usopp have apprentices?
Usopp proudly recounted how he had recruited twenty-one disciples, and took the opportunity to brag about destroying two Marine ships and defeating various sea creatures.
However, only Chopper looked at Usopp with star-struck eyes. Everyone else wore expressions that clearly said, "Oh, is that so?" which deeply wounded Usopp's pride.
As soon as they boarded the deck, they spotted a tall, elegant woman with dark skin wearing a white trench coat and matching white hat, sitting quietly while reading a book.
"Wow! Who is this beautiful lady?" Sanji's eyes immediately transformed into pulsing hearts.
"Miss All Sunday, Crocodile's partner," Marie said while munching on a cake.
Zoro, Jango, and Usopp immediately raised their guard.
Robin remained perfectly calm as she looked at Luffy and said, "Remember me? Captain Straw Hat, Monkey D. Luffy."
Luffy immediately responded, "Oh, it's you—the one who dared to challenge Crocodile. Why are you on my ship?"
Robin replied without hesitation: "Crocodile was defeated by you, so I'm now unemployed. My name is Nico Robin. I'm an archaeologist, and I want to join your crew."
"I see. That's fine then."
Luffy agreed instantly, not giving anyone else a chance to react.
Nami immediately expressed strong opposition, but Robin silenced her by producing gems that had belonged to Crocodile, instantly winning Nami over. After all, if they were going to live together, better to start with a good relationship.
As for Marie, everyone from Baroque Works was now unemployed, so she had nothing to say.
Zoro and Jango didn't express any opinions—the captain had agreed, so what could they say? Besides, with two Admiral-level fighters on board, they needn't worry about this woman being dangerous.
Only Usopp and Chopper trembled in fear, but they soon joined Luffy in being amused by the hands Robin conjured with her Devil Fruit powers.
Laboon, having no say in the matter, simply went along with everything.
Finally, Robin looked at Carl. "Carl, I did what you suggested."
Instantly, everyone turned to stare at Carl, surprised that he and Robin knew each other.
Carl silently stepped forward, reached out to touch Robin's hat, and patted it gently. "You'll be fine now that you're with us. From now on, we're all crewmates—trustworthy partners. Even if a Marine Admiral comes, you won't need to be afraid."
Robin nodded slightly, appearing somewhat shy. "Yes, I know. You defeated an Admiral."
Sanji instantly burned with jealousy. "Carl, you bastard! Why are you so close with this beautiful lady? Damn it! I'm so envious!"
Others asked curious questions, but Carl didn't explain much.
Although Robin's life story wasn't exactly a secret—anyone who investigated could discover it—revealing it meant exposing Robin's scars, so Carl had no intention of discussing it. As for how he knew Robin, well, he also knew Garp and Dragon—did those connections need explaining?
With Luffy's nod, Robin had officially joined the Straw Hat Pirates.
Next, the four captives were brought out from the storage hold.
Luffy said: "I promised Marie that I would release you after Crocodile was defeated, so now you're free. However, you are forbidden from causing trouble in Alabasta—this is my friend's country!"
"We wouldn't dare! We'll leave immediately!"
Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine nodded repeatedly, departing as soon as their sea stone cuffs were removed.
Mr. 2 Bon Clay, on the other hand, seemed quite at ease. "Oh my friends, don't look at me with such hostility! I had no choice but to work for Crocodile!"
Luffy responded generously, "That's true. We forgive you!"
"Oh! Little Straw Hat, you are so kind, my friend! My name is Bon Clay, a person determined to follow the okama way! If you ever need help in the future, I will definitely come to your aid!"
"Thanks! You can go now!"
"In that case, farewell my friends! Under the clear blue sky, the okama way will always bloom!"
Mr. 2 departed, still dancing ballet as he went.
Fortunately, Luffy hadn't invited him to join. Although Mr. 2 was kind-hearted and a good dancer, Luffy showed no interest in recruiting okamas.
Even in the original story, despite their friendship, Luffy never intended to invite him aboard.
"Perhaps that's what Oda intended," Carl thought to himself. "While Mr. 2 is portrayed very positively, having an okama on the protagonist's ship might reduce the crew's popularity with certain readers."
After all, many people simply couldn't accept such characters.
People like okamas weren't to be discriminated against, but they weren't universally accepted either.
Carl pondered these reasons briefly but didn't dwell on them. Crew recruitment wasn't his business anyway.
Finally, only Mr. 3 remained.
Mr. 3 spoke up: "Captain Straw Hat, I want to join the Straw Hat Pirates. Would that be acceptable?"
Hearing this, Luffy glanced at Marie and tilted his head in uncertainty. It seemed Luffy didn't particularly like Mr. 3.
Mr. 3 hurriedly explained: "Captain Luffy, my name is Galdino, and I only worked for Crocodile out of necessity. Now I want to follow the more promising Straw Hat Pirates. Besides, I ate the Wax-Wax Fruit, which allows me to create hard and impressive armor!"
"You can make armor?!"
Luffy's eyes instantly lit up. "Hey, Three! Quickly make some for me to see!"
Mr. 3, seeing his opportunity, immediately used his ability on Luffy. Sensing what was happening, Luffy jumped directly into the air, accepting the armor created by Mr. 3.
When Luffy landed, his entire body was clad in gleaming white champion armor.
"Wow! So cool!" Both Usopp and Chopper's eyes shone with admiration.
"WOOOOOOOOO! Luffy looks so awesome!" they cheered.
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