Chapter 43: "A Reunion in the Shadows"

Days had passed since William set foot in West Blue, his search for Nico Robin growing more intense with each island he visited. Every port, every town, every remote hideaway left him empty-handed. He had followed every lead, asked all the right questions, and even tracked whispers of a woman matching Robin's description. Yet, with every island he left behind, the distance between him and his old friend seemed to grow larger.

Standing on the shore of yet another nameless island, William wiped the sweat from his brow, his frustration boiling beneath the surface. He had begun to wonder if the World Government had already captured her or if she had simply vanished entirely. He scanned the horizon, ready to move on to the next lead, when something caught his eye.

Several men, dressed in dark suits and moving with a suspicious air of stealth, were slipping through the shadows near the port. The emblem on their sleeves was unmistakable—the World Government. William's dragon instincts immediately flared, a low growl rumbling in his throat. If they were here, it meant Robin might not be far behind.

Without hesitation, William followed them, his movements silent as he shadowed the agents through the winding alleys of the island. He kept his distance, listening carefully to their whispered conversations.

"We need to be careful," one agent muttered. "She's dangerous, even without her allies."

"She won't be for long," another responded. "Once we have her, we'll use her against him. Kael D. William won't have a choice but to come running if we dangle her in front of him."

At the sound of his own name, William's eyes narrowed. So, that was their plan—to capture Robin and use her as bait. His anger surged, but he forced himself to remain calm. He needed to be smart about this. Charging in recklessly would only put Robin in more danger.

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Nico Robin's POV

The news had spread like wildfire. Kael D. William, the Tyrant, now had a bounty of 3 billion Berries on his head. Alongside him, the Boa sisters, all with staggering new bounties of their own. Robin had seen the newspapers, and the moment she read William's name, memories from her childhood flooded back. She remembered the boy who had been her only friend during the darkest period of her life, the boy who had fought for her and stood by her side when no one else did.

But that was years ago.

Robin wondered if William still remembered her. Did he even care about what had happened to her after they were separated? Did he know the dangers she faced every day? A part of her hoped that he did. Another part of her feared that she had been forgotten, lost in the vast world of pirates, marines, and the chaos of the Grand Line.

As she moved from island to island, constantly on the run, Robin couldn't afford to dwell on those thoughts for long. The World Government was relentless in their pursuit, and she had become adept at staying one step ahead. But this time, something felt different. There was a more intense focus on her, and no matter how far she fled, they seemed to know exactly where she would be next.

Using her Demon Fruit ability, Robin eavesdropped on the conversations of the government agents hunting her. She had learned that they didn't just want to capture her for the sake of her knowledge anymore; they wanted to use her. Specifically, they wanted to use her to get to William.

Robin clenched her fists, fear and frustration gnawing at her. She wouldn't let herself become a tool to harm him. But she was running out of options. The agents were closing in, and it was only a matter of time before they found her.

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It happened faster than she anticipated.

Robin had been moving through the shadows of a quiet village when the CP agents cornered her. There were no avenues of escape this time. These weren't just regular government agents; they were members of Cipher Pol, the elite assassins who dealt with the world's dirtiest secrets. Robin's heart pounded in her chest as she prepared to fight back, though she knew her chances were slim.

The lead agent sneered at her, stepping closer with slow, deliberate movements. "You gave us quite the chase, Nico Robin. But it ends here."

Robin's eyes darted around, searching for any possible escape route. There was none. Her breath hitched, desperation creeping in. Her heart raced, not for her own life but for the thought of being used to harm William. She wouldn't let that happen.

Just as the agents closed in, something landed behind her with the force of a meteor. The ground shook slightly beneath her feet, and a sudden wave of energy washed over the area, freezing the agents in place. Robin turned slowly, her eyes wide with disbelief.

A shadow loomed behind her, tall and imposing. The fear etched on the faces of the CP agents told her everything she needed to know. Whoever had arrived was not someone they were prepared to face.

Before Robin could fully comprehend what was happening, she felt herself being pulled into a tight, warm embrace. She blinked, looking up at the figure holding her, only to meet a pair of bright green eyes, full of warmth and familiarity.

"Long time no see, bookworm," William said with a grin, his voice gentle yet teasing, as if they had seen each other only yesterday.

Robin's breath caught in her throat. Her mind struggled to process what was happening. William was here—right here. After all these years, after everything, he had come for her.

The realization hit her like a tidal wave, and the emotions she had been holding back for so long broke free. Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over as she clutched at him, her fingers digging into his cloak. She couldn't find the words—couldn't express the overwhelming relief and joy that surged through her.

"You came," she whispered, her voice shaky. "You really came…"

William didn't say anything for a moment, simply holding her close, allowing her to cry into his chest. He could feel the weight of the years between them, the loneliness she must have felt, the fear she had endured. He had been through his own battles, but Robin had faced hers alone. He wasn't going to let her go through it any longer.

He held her tighter, his hand gently stroking her hair. "Of course, I came," he said softly. "I promised, didn't I?"

Robin didn't respond with words. She couldn't. Instead, she let herself break down in his arms, the sobs shaking her small frame as years of fear and uncertainty poured out. William stood there, patient and steady, not letting go until she had let out every tear.

The CP agents stood frozen, unsure of what to do next. Their fear of William was palpable, and they dared not make a move while the legendary Tyrant stood before them. William's green eyes flickered toward them, and with a single glare, the agents backed away in terror. His reputation preceded him, and none of them wanted to be the one who tested his wrath.

After what felt like an eternity, Robin finally pulled back, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. She gave him a watery smile, still in disbelief that he was really here. "Thank you," she whispered.

William smiled back, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I'm not letting them take you, Robin. You're coming with me."

Robin nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. For the first time in years, she felt safe—truly safe. And she knew, as long as William was by her side, she would never have to be alone again.

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