Chapter 14

Fortunately, Ethan did not feel tired; in fact, he enjoyed it because it made him happy.

...

In the funeral hall of the royal tomb west of the palace, Ethan took Robin to find the second Poneglyph.

Earlier, he had used his Observation Haki to locate another Poneglyph and shown it to Robin.

Robin read the Poneglyph in front of her with a neutral expression, but internally, she was filled with turmoil.

"How could it be..."

This Poneglyph recorded the location of the ancient weapon, Pluton, rather than the historical knowledge she sought.

"Don't worry, Robin," Ethan said, holding up the picture he'd taken.

"I've captured the Poneglyph. You can review it slowly later."

Robin turned to him, curiosity in her eyes. "Aren't you interested in what the Poneglyph says?"

"I'm no archaeologist," Ethan replied casually, smiling as he waved his hand.

"History is written by the victors. These remnants are from those who lost. I have no interest in them."

He continued, "If you want to tell me, go ahead. If not, that's fine too. My goal has always been you, not these incidental things."

Robin was taken aback. She couldn't understand why Ethan, who had no shortage of admirers, had set his eyes on her. Was she truly that intriguing to him?

She thought for a moment, then chuckled softly.

"That's only because you don't know what's written on it. If you did, you might not be so calm."

"Oh? Then don't leave me hanging. If you're testing me, give me a hint."

Ethan, of course, knew what was inscribed. This was his way of furthering his bond with Robin.

With a serious look, Robin stared into his eyes, searching for any reaction.

"It records... the location of the ancient weapon, Pluton."

As soon as she spoke, Ethan scoffed.

"That's all?"

"You're really not interested?" Robin seemed surprised to see no trace of surprise in his expression.

"It's said that Pluton's power can destroy an island in a single shot. Crocodile spent years scheming for it."

"Legendary power is often exaggerated. The real Pluton likely isn't much."

"With my strength, I could easily accomplish the same. Do you think I need to covet Pluton's power?"

Ethan was bluffing. Pluton had never been seen, and he didn't know its true power.

But if he ever got the chance, he would take it. He knew where Pluton and its blueprints were; he could just "retrieve" them later.

Robin was astonished, then remembered that the man before her wielded the power of the Thunder Fruit. Every time she saw him in action, his terrifying abilities lit up her eyes.

Compared to Aokiji and Akainu, she couldn't say whose skills were superior, but they all seemed like top talents.

"Now that you've finished reading, let's go. It's time to fulfill your duties as the consort of a god."

Seeing that Robin had finished reading, Ethan beckoned her to join him.

Robin froze. She had feared he might kill her for knowing about Pluton...

To her surprise, he was not only uninterested in the Poneglyph but also eager for her to return and perform her duties as his divine consort.

She couldn't escape...

Robin smiled wryly. Under the World Government's pursuit, she had always evaded capture, keeping her freedom.

Still untouched, she had thought her life would forever follow that path.

Unexpectedly, she met someone as powerful and unyielding as Ethan, who had claimed her as his divine consort almost immediately.

She had playfully teased Porchi and Vivi, but when it was her turn, she couldn't help but feel shy.

She didn't harbor much resentment toward Ethan. Although he was domineering, he was also respectful.

Only after she had read a few Poneglyphs did he reach out to her. In her eyes, he had been incredibly restrained.

With nowhere else to go, she could only follow Ethan's lead and accept her place as his divine consort.

"What's wrong? After spending so much time together, are you still not ready?"

Robin returned from her thoughts and, with a complex look, replied:

"I'm ready. Just feeling a bit emotional, that's all."

"Good to hear~"

...

Ethan finally got the chance to spend time with one of the main heroines of the pirate world as he had hoped. If he were to describe it, he would only say:

This was far better than following orders back in the main halls of the court~

Robin understood why Ethan was so determined to gather these women and sensed his urgency.

The next morning, Ethan ate breakfast, yawning as he assessed the strength of his Armament Haki.

Previously, his Armament Haki could only cover both hands; now, he could extend it to both arms.

His stomach also felt like it had grown to the size of a bull, and his body's ability to digest food had reached a new level.

While he couldn't match Luffy's immense appetite, his own had reached a [Strong] level.

...

East Blue, Loguetown, Navy Branch.

"What?!"

Smoker's face turned red as he slammed his three cigars onto the table, shouting in frustration,

"What are those high-ranking officers doing? Tina was taken out of nowhere, and they're still thinking of recruiting her as a Warlord?!"

Smoker had managed to go against orders multiple times without being expelled. His natural Smoke Fruit ability and his strong navy connections contributed to his leeway.

"Colonel Smoker, please calm down! Anger won't solve anything. What you need to do now is focus on finding Colonel Tina!"

Taking a deep breath, Smoker composed himself and issued his orders:

"You're right, Jem. Have the men keep an eye on any news, and let me know immediately if they locate Tina!"

Sadly, by the time he saw Tina again, it was too late.

The former goddess of beauty from the naval academy had become Ethan's cherished companion, lovingly cared for by him.

Not only that, even Smoker's adorable and slightly naive subordinate, Tashigi, had caught Ethan's attention and would soon be far from his side...