Chapter 171: Connecting the Nine Realms (Part 1)

Originally, Daniel intended to find Robin to show her the Poneglyph he had just brought back from the sky island. However, when he arrived at the office in Rain Dinners, he unexpectedly encountered an unusual guest: Admiral Aokiji.

At that moment, Aokiji was leisurely sitting on a sofa, his blindfold covering his eyes, seemingly asleep. Opposite him stood a trembling Robin, her eyes filled with fear. It was unclear whether her terror stemmed from the sheer presence of the Admiral or something else. In this world, the title of Admiral carried a weight similar to that of the Four Emperors, and few were ignorant of its significance.

Seeing Admiral Aokiji, Daniel gave Robin a reassuring look before calmly sitting opposite the Admiral. Daniel was well aware of the strength an Admiral possessed; he was not as naive about power as Luffy and his friends.

"This guy has always been protecting Robin, but unfortunately, she fears him the most." Aokiji's actions, known only to him, were hidden from Robin, who only saw him as the man who had frozen her best friend before relentlessly pursuing her.

"Aren't you quite the intimidating figure, Admiral? My secretary is scared stiff," Daniel remarked after observing Aokiji.

Simultaneously, he pondered why Aokiji had come here.

"You just got back?" Aokiji finally removed his blindfold, giving Robin a brief glance before focusing on Daniel.

"Was this guy using Kenbunshoku Haki to observe his surroundings the whole time?" As an Admiral, even though Aokiji primarily relied on his Devil Fruit abilities in battle and seldom showcased his physical prowess, Daniel wouldn't underestimate his mastery of Busoshoku and Kenbunshoku Haki. With an Admiral's level of strength, Aokiji could easily cover Rainbase with his Haki even if he had been sleeping. If he had been using Haki to monitor his surroundings, Daniel's sudden appearance might lead Aokiji to suspect spatial abilities.

"Yes, I had some matters to handle outside," Daniel responded nonchalantly about the potential exposure of his spatial abilities. He didn't mind too much, as it was bound to happen eventually.

"Do you even know who your secretary is?" Aokiji asked, his gaze shifting back to Robin, causing her to shiver again.

"I know very well who she is, the survivor of Ohara, who has been on the run since she was young due to some people's actions. But she can rest easy now because here, she is absolutely safe."

Daniel's words stunned Robin. For years, she had never heard anyone talk about protecting her. Most people who associated with her did so to exploit her knowledge or abilities.

"Do you really think your mere Shichibukai status can protect her? Do you even know who she's involved with?" Aokiji's tone turned icy, and an imposing aura filled the room.

Robin's identity was crucial. If not for Aokiji's covert protection, she might have been captured long ago.

"I am well aware of who she's involved with. But under my protection, no one can harm her," Daniel declared, his gaze hardening.

Worst case, he could take Robin and leave this world. He didn't believe the World Government, Celestial Dragons, or Imu could chase them across dimensions.

"You seem quite confident." Aokiji's voice turned cold as wisps of icy air emerged from him, quickly freezing the glass table between them and extending towards Daniel.

"Does this guy have issues?" Daniel thought, somewhat speechless. Although he suspected this might be Aokiji's way of testing him, similar to how he tested Luffy and his friends, Crocodile didn't seem to face such trials. Why the double standard? He could have come in a few years.

"Are you implying the Navy intends to attack a Shichibukai?" Daniel asked, placing his right hand on the frozen table. Instantly, the ice vanished, turned into air by his alchemy.

He couldn't freeze the entire sea like Aokiji, but reversing a small area and a glass table was well within his capabilities.

Seeing the ice disappear instantly, Aokiji's eyes showed a hint of seriousness. But he didn't attack further, possibly due to Daniel's words about the Navy attacking a Shichibukai or Daniel's displayed strength.

"Regardless of her past, Robin is now under a Shichibukai's protection. I remember the rights of a Shichibukai." Pirates under a Shichibukai's banner had their bounties revoked once they gained the status. This authority was granted by the World Government, and as long as it wasn't revoked, the Navy couldn't act against them.

After serving as a Shichibukai for some time, Daniel understood how the balance was maintained among the Navy, Shichibukai, and the Four Emperors. The Shichibukai system wasn't just a measure against pirates; it was also a restriction on the Navy. The Navy, as a unified force, could easily gather most of its strength to crush a single Yonko crew. If the Shichibukai didn't act as a balance, the Navy could, with determination, annihilate a Yonko crew.

In the War of the Best, only Admiral Akainu fought with all his might against Whitebeard. Despite Whitebeard's old age and injuries, the Navy had two Admirals holding back, a Hero of the Navy, a Fleet Admiral, and several Admiral candidates. This world remained in chaos because it suited the World Government or the Celestial Dragons. A unified sea would inevitably challenge their authority.

If someone unified the sea, the next target would undoubtedly be the Celestial Dragons. No ruler would tolerate someone above them.

Similarly, if the Navy eliminated most threats, the World Government would struggle to control them like watchdogs.

This seemed like a classic "keep your enemies closer" strategy, but on a global scale. Otherwise, with the World Government and Navy's power, the seas wouldn't have remained chaotic for 800 years.

Given this world, Daniel couldn't understand why Roger helped the Navy and World Government against the legendary pirate Rocks. In his view, Rocks ruling the world might be better than the Celestial Dragons. Without addressing the root issues, the Navy's justice was a farce. Even saving countless people wouldn't fundamentally change this world.

Though Daniel despised the Shichibukai system, he acknowledged the benefits it brought him. As long as the World Government didn't revoke his status, the Navy wouldn't dare act against him, despite their discontent with the Shichibukai system.

"I'm just passing through. Things have certainly changed since Crocodile was here," Aokiji said, returning to his usual lazy demeanor as if the earlier tension had never happened.

"Of course," Daniel replied.

Despite claiming not to interfere much with Alabasta, it was impossible for him to be completely hands-off. His influence had already brought significant changes to the kingdom.

Firstly, Crocodile, to build his reputation, had allowed or even hired pirates to cause trouble. But Daniel would not permit that. Although pirates on the Grand Line were formidable, most couldn't withstand gunfire, let alone his subordinates with Devil Fruit abilities.

After eliminating many troublemaking pirates, the port city of Nanohana rarely saw disturbances. Alabasta was also undergoing reforms, thanks to Daniel's suggestions. The kingdom was modernizing its commerce and industry, and utilizing unique local creatures like the Supersonic Duck Squadron and Running Lizards for tasks like deliveries.

Rain Dinners also saw changes. While it still catered to pirates, Daniel enforced strict no-fighting rules, unlike Crocodile.

"Why is Admiral Aokiji here?" News of Aokiji's presence in Rainbase spread quickly, causing many pirates to leave, reducing the city's population by over 40%.

If it were still Crocodile's Rainbase, the exodus would have been closer to 70%.

"How long do you plan to stay here? At this rate, my business will suffer," Daniel remarked, exasperated by the impact of Aokiji's presence. Yet he couldn't just kick him out.

Robin, though still tense around Aokiji, was less terrified than before, perhaps due to Daniel's earlier reassurances.

"I understand. I'll leave now," Aokiji finally said, standing up. He wasn't leaving because of Daniel's words but because his superior had called about an incident somewhere.

After becoming a Shichibukai, Daniel realized how insignificant that status was in the grand scheme. Apart from a few like Mihawk, Doflamingo, and Kuma, most Shichibukai were easily replaceable. The New World's countless powerful pirates, many who survived clashes with the Yonko, were far stronger than most Shichibukai.

Every year, the Supernovas emerged, with over half perishing in the New World. Those who survived had the potential to become great pirates.

"That Ace guy is really making a name for himself," Daniel mused, glancing at the latest wanted poster. Ace had the highest bounty among the seven Supernovas this year. According to reports, he had caused significant damage to the Navy using his Mera Mera no Mi powers, destroying numerous warships.

Under Robin's leadership, Baroque Works had further developed, extending its influence beyond the first half of the Grand Line to the Sabaody Archipelago. Unlike Crocodile, who had abandoned his intelligence networks in the New World after being defeated by Whitebeard, Daniel intended to expand his reach.

He planned to visit Caesar's island to understand the manufacturing of artificial Devil Fruits. If possible, he would anonymously tip off the Navy to destroy the operation, causing trouble for Doflamingo.

For now, Doflamingo and Kaido were too formidable for Daniel to confront directly.

"This is the Poneglyph from the sky island." Leaning against a

 large stone block in the underground base, Robin was visibly excited. Daniel's earlier words to Aokiji had seemingly changed her attitude towards him, shifting from a superior-subordinate relationship to something more.

"Ace, what are you thinking?" Ace's rise to fame troubled Vice Admiral Garp, who had hoped his grandsons would become Marines. Preoccupied with work, he had failed to notice both Luffy and Ace being influenced to become pirates. Luffy, inspired by Shanks, wanted to be the Pirate King, much to Garp's dismay. Ace, who had once despised pirates, becoming one left Garp speechless.

"I hope his identity remains a secret," Garp could only pray.

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