Chapter 44: Torino Kingdom

The sun shining down on my face I sparred against Rean in swordsmanship

It's been two weeks since I blackm-I mean since he joined the crew and things have been good.

He is getting along well with everyone, and is actually super friendly. He especially opened up to us once we introduced him to haki and the Rokushiki techniques.

Even he and Alfia are getting along.

Though she does glare at him from time-to-time just to screw with him. But it's all in good fun.

As the two of us finished our sparring session we sheathed our blades.

I then decided to ask Rean a question that has been on my mind for some time.

"Hey Rean, who exactly is your master Yun Ka-Fai?"

Since even though we separated from him and his granddaughter Anelace my crew has still been looking into that old man's background. Since the mystery of who he is intrigues all of us.

Me especially.

But so far our inquires into him have turned up nothing. That's why I've decided to ask his student to shed some light on his past.

"Am, I'm not really sure myself." Rean replied to my question. "I realized long ago that my master wasn't normal and I even asked him about his past several times during our years traveling together. But every time I did so he refused to answer and told me to discover the truth on my own one day." He explained to me.

"I see." I spoke.

Well given what I saw of Yun Ka-Fai's personality that actually makes perfect sense.

But that doesn't mean I'm giving up in my search for answers.

The truth is out there after all.

"Yeah." Rean said. He then closed the distance to me and began whispering. "So I've been wondering something myself." His gaze turned to Robin who is reading a book at a small table with an umbrella over it to block out the sun. "That woman, she's Nico Robin right? The little girl from the Ohara Incident."

"Well first off she's not little anymore." I replied.

Nope, not at all.

"Secondly yes she is. Why? Do you have a problem with her being a member of the crew?" I asked.

"Oh not at all I just wanted confirmation is all." Rean replied. "I mean from what I've seen you guys are not pushovers and seem to know what you want. So if you are letting Robin stay on the ship as a member of the crew I am fine with it."

"I see." I replied.

Using my observation haki to make sure Rean is telling the truth.

I don't want him taking any violent actions against Robin after all. That would cause disorder amongst the entire crew and as the captain it's my job to make sure that doesn't happen.

Our conversation ended after that and Rean left.

As he did so I went over to Robin's location and leaned my back against the railing of the Black Pearl after doing so.

"Nice day today isn't it?" I asked Robin.

"Yes, it sure is captain." She replied.

Continuing to read her book as he did so.

"Hey like I keep telling you you can call me by my name. The same applies to the others on the ship. We are crewmates after all Ms. Archaeologist." I said.

Since Robin still doesn't fully trust any of us.

I understand why that is mind you but still I'd wish she'd open up just a little bit more. Looking at her fake smile all the time is getting slightly depressing, I want to see what Robin looks like when she truly smiles from the bottom of her heart.

Because I'm certain it would make her even more beautiful than she already is.

'Wait, what?' I thought.

"Are you ok captain?" Robin asked me.

Snapping me out my thoughts.

"Yes. I'm doing just fine." I replied.

Purposely avoiding eye contact with Robin since if I look at her right now I'm afraid I'll blush or try to flirt with her.

Since I think I might like her as a woman.

"Ok then." Robin replied.

As she did so I went to stand at the front of the ship and stared out at the waves to try and clear my head.

While doing my best to avoid the whispers in the back of my mind telling me to go after Robin and make her my woman. Since that would start a chain of events that would quickly lead to a clusterfuck.

'But then again, would it?' I thought.

Before I even realized it my mind was slowly descending down a rabbit whole with the word "Harem" over it. However before I could truly ponder the idea I was once again knocked out my own thoughts.

This time by spotting the island which would be my crews next stop.

Torino Kingdom.

An island filled with natives that some of the greatest medical and technological advances in the entire world of One Piece.

The perfect place for my crew to expand their knowledge and work out their minds instead of just their bodies. Law in particular will gain a great amount of knowledge here. Because even though he is already a medical prodigy and boasts the Op-Op no mi he is still just a teenager. He lacks much practical experience and knowledge, and Torino Kingdom will help him fill in the gaps in those areas. Making him a better doctor.

Which in turn will make the crew better overall.

Exactly what I'm aiming for. Since I want us all to be as prepared as possible for the challenges we will face on the Grand Line.

The Black Pearl sailed closer and closer to the island.

But once we were only a few moments away from the shoreline several large shadows fell over the ship from above. Turning my head upwards I saw several of the islands Masukeredomo Goayu Birds circling us.

Eyeing us like fish in a barrel.

"Captain." Rean spoke.

Looking in his direction I saw him staring up at the Goayu birds, his right hand firmly placed on the grip of Yakou.

I also saw Law gripping Kikoku, ready to act as well since he's steering the ship at the moment.

Meanwhile Robin is simply staring up the birds without a care in the world.

"Fascinating." She mused.

Which is so like her.

"It's ok guys, I've got this." I spoke.

I then turned my attention back to the Goayu Birds. The moment I did so they started descending towards the Black Pearl.

Seeing this I simply smirked at them, releasing a burst of conqueror's haki at the same time.

The second after the birds felt it they stopped descending and began ascending.

'Good. It seems they aren't arrogant enough to needlessly throw their lives away.' I thought.

That's very good indeed.

After I saw all the Goayu Birds retreat I turned back towards the others. "Alright, let's make landfall. We've got an island to explore." I said.

Hearing my words Law simply shook his head and sighed, as did Rean.

While Robin simply gave me a smile.

Another fake one.

But soon I'll turn that fake smile into a real one.

You can bet on it.