Chapter 33: The Curse Lifted and Touching Bases

Josh sat calmly on the edge of his ship, watching the sea. Nearby, Mikita was staring at her hands, her jaw dropped in disbelief, completely ignoring everyone else around her. She could scarcely believe what had happened—water no longer weakened her. She was unaware that Josh had used one of the system's items on her, lifting the Devil Fruit curse that once plagued her.

Mikita couldn't help but think that the "Devil" Josh had been trading with had somehow lifted the curse. Yet, despite this newfound freedom, the deep-seated fear of the sea still lingered in her heart. The ocean, after all, was said to hate those who consumed a Devil Fruit, making them sink and robbing them of their powers.

Josh and Mikita both turned their gaze to Gem, who was busy talking into a Den Den Mushi, making his report to Crocodile. Melissa, Gem's partner, had changed into fresh clothes and sat beside them. She thanked Mikita for lending her the garments.

"By the way, where did you get that medicine?" Melissa asked, settling next to Josh and Mikita.

"I picked it up on one of the islands," Josh replied mysteriously. "But it's all used up now. No point letting it go to waste."

"I see. Thanks," the green-haired woman said appreciatively.

Mikita chuckled. "Thanking us after we beat you down? You've got some nerve, kyahaha."

Melissa smiled weakly. "Honestly, I've wanted to leave the organisation for a long time. But you know how it is. Anyone who leaves Baroque Works dies, taking their secrets with them."

Josh looked into her eyes and said coldly, "Don't get too comfortable. We're not done yet."

Melissa stretched and sighed. "I just wanted to retire with some money, but we're all trapped in that place." She gave Josh a half-smile, to which he simply nodded before turning his attention to Gem, who was sweating bullets as he finished his report to Crocodile.

---

In Alabasta's Rainbase City, a towering pyramid stood in the centre, crowned with a giant golden crocodile. This was the heart of Crocodile's empire—a casino city blessed with water, making it one of the few rich areas in the desert kingdom.

Deep underground, Miss All Sunday, better known as Robin, listened intently as Mr. 5 gave his report to Crocodile. Clad in her signature purple leather outfit, Robin remained composed, her eyes betraying nothing as Mr. 5 claimed that Josh had been defeated, his body blown apart and scattered by explosions.

Robin had to resist showing any emotion. She knew Josh—an innocent man who just wanted to help Alabasta.

No way... I warned him! 

She clenched her fist momentarily but quickly regained her calm.

Crocodile, seated at his desk, smoking a cigar, glanced over at her. "Miss All Sunday, how are the weapons trades coming along?" At 2.4 meters tall, Crocodile's presence was as imposing as ever.

With a practised smile, Robin nodded professionally before leaving the room. Once alone in a private chamber, her true feelings surged to the surface.

"What the...!" Robin cursed under her breath, her eyes wide with disbelief. She covered her mouth, her mind racing.

If Josh is dead, what will happen to his plan?

But she knew Josh. He was always prepared, always had a plan. On impulse, she grabbed her Den Den Mushi and dialled his number, not expecting an answer.

"Yes, how can I help you?" Josh's voice rang out.

Robin's momentary sadness turned into a cold fury. "You brat! What the hell happened? We've got reports that you're dead!" she scolded, rubbing her temple in frustration.

"Oh, that. Well, Mr. 5 and his partner are with us now, so..." Josh replied nonchalantly.

Robin nearly ground her teeth in irritation. It had been years since anyone had managed to get on her nerves like this. 

"Fufufu... and how exactly do you plan to make up for this? You should have at least informed me before pulling such a stunt," Robin said, her tone icily playful.

Josh sounded amused. "Strange, your laugh sounded pretty vicious just now. And since when did I ever apologise?"

"You think so?" Robin replied, half-smiling.

"Oh come on, Ane-san (Big Sis)," replied Josh sarcastically, as she tried to scold him.

Mikita's voice chimed in from the background, laughing, "He got you good, Ms. All Sunday!"

Robin blinked, momentarily thrown off. "Ane-san?" she repeated, her heart skipping a beat. The words sounded foreign but oddly endearing, something she hadn't felt in years. Her carefully cultivated emotional defences cracked slightly.

"Kahaha! He's smooth, isn't he? He got you, didn't he, Ms All Sunday?" Mikita teased.

Robin quickly composed herself, clearing her throat. "Ahem. Anyway, what happened?"

Josh explained how he had defeated Mr. 5 and his partner and convinced them to join his side. Robin listened, nodding as he spoke.

"Alright," she said when he finished. "I'll wait."

"Sure thing."

Robin hesitated for a second, then smiled mischievously. "Aren't you going to call me Ane-san again?"

"Already used to it?" Josh teased.

"No, fufufufu..." Robin replied, her laughter soft. "It just sounds cute coming from someone as small as you."

"Hey!" Josh protested, but Robin's grin only widened, until the next words surprised her. "I am big in all the right places."

"Kyahahaha." Mikita laughed, as she seemed to know what Josh is talking about. "All of that height went to his coc—"

"You sure? If you're that confident, why don't you let me try it out one day?" Robin's voice held a teasing edge. "Let's see if that height of yours really measures up."

Robin expected Mikita to blush or cut the conversation short, but she wasn't so easily rattled. At 28, Robin had lived her life among the scum of the world—pirates, criminals, and those of the underworld. She had mastered the art of keeping her composure. 

There was a brief pause, the silence between the three of them hanging in the air. Robin could barely suppress a chuckle.

"Case closed," Josh's calm voice finally broke the silence.

Mikita coughed awkwardly, trying to find a way out of the conversation. "Ahem. That's…"

Robin, leaning casually against the wall, felt a sense of satisfaction wash over her. She had taught these youngsters a lesson in pushing limits—her way of reminding them she wasn't so easily embarrassed. 

"So, what's the plan now?" she asked, her tone regaining its usual cool professionalism.

Josh responded without missing a beat, "Whatever happens, we'll stick to the original plan for now. I'm heading to Alabasta. We might cross paths soon."

Robin nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Sure thing, Mr. 7."