Chapter 44: Rain and Shadows

After defeating Crocodile, Robin arrived at the scene, surrounded by the falling rain. She couldn't help but almost smile at the sight of Josh, sitting there drenched, with an innocent expression. But her eyes quickly shifted to Crocodile's bleeding body beside him, still breathing, and her expression turned into a frown.

Robin flinched slightly. She could tell Josh hadn't finished off Crocodile, even though he could have. She sighed, understanding that Josh was acting on his heart, not practicality. Killing someone like Crocodile was a task best left to someone like her.

"You did this..." Robin dismounted her camel, walking forward. Josh glanced at her before his eyes dropped to her heels, which didn't sink into the wet sand. He raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"You tell me," Josh responded mockingly, indicating that he was just fine.

Robin tilted her head as she approached Crocodile's body, noting the large dagger embedded in his chest. She let out a sigh before crossing her arms. "Little brother, you should know that finishing the job is the charm of the Baroque Works."

"Did you forget I was an agent as well?" Josh replied, half amused.

"I didn't," Robin said, offering him a teasing smile. "You don't want to see this. Turn your head."

"I won't object. I'm hungry, and I don't want to lose my appetite." Josh shrugged and stood up, turning his back to her. Robin's smile faded, replaced by a cold, lifeless expression. She crossed her arms, and several ghostly limbs materialised, gripping Crocodile's neck and twisting it with a fatal snap.

The hands dissolved into petals, and Robin clapped her hands, brushing her fingers against the falling raindrops. "The rain is beautiful. But because we used green powder, people in other kingdoms are losing their share of water today. How do you feel about that? People are hungry now that Crocodile is gone."

Josh looked up at the sky, ignoring Crocodile's corpse on the ground. "I feel hungry. How do you feel?"

Robin's expression softened slightly. "Well, I've lived long enough in the underworld. I've felt too much for too long. Now, I feel... nothing."

Josh smiled at her. "Can you feel it if it's been long enough?"

He paused, suddenly transfixed by the raindrops tracing the delicate curves of Robin's skin. Her clothes had become soaked, clinging to her figure, especially around her chest. His eyes lingered on the revealing outline of her nipples.

Robin noticed immediately. "Well, little brothers shouldn't speak like that," she said, her voice hinting at the double entendre. She crossed her arms, and a hand materialised behind Josh, pinching his neck.

"Ouch!" Josh winced but grinned at her. "I don't know what you thought I meant. I was talking about the duration, not... anything else."

Robin stared at him for a moment before putting a hand to her mouth, giggling softly. "Fufufu... not only your height has grown."

As the rain continued, she ran her fingers through her wet hair before lifting her short jacket, adjusting her clothes as the water slid down her body. For a brief second, her nipple became visible.

Josh's eyes widened. So huge!

Robin smirked knowingly, watching his reaction. After adjusting her clothing, she turned to him with a teasing look.

Clearing his throat, Josh turned his back to her again, trying to hide the noticeable bulge in his pants. "Ahem... Let's move to Crocodile's place."

Robin chuckled. "Don't be shy, little brother."

"I'm not shy. You're just too shameless for me." Josh scratched the back of his head, eager to change the subject. "We need to collect Crocodile's money."

Robin raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"We did our job. Now we need our share."

"Never thought you were greedy for money," Robin remarked.

Josh gave her a sidelong glance. "If no one takes it, others will fight and kill for it. That might include innocents. Let me handle this if you can't."

Robin's eyes widened slightly.

He's not greedy?

 She studied him, realising that Josh wasn't in this for personal gain. Despite his young age, he was already thinking about the future and the consequences of leaving the wealth unclaimed.

She suppressed the movement of her face. 'This guy… he… I never met anyone like him.'

At first, Robin had been just curious about him. But now, he got her full interest.

Suppressing her surprise, Robin nodded. "Sure. But you'll have to take responsibility for what you've done."

Josh raised an eyebrow. "Why do I feel like you mean a different kind of responsibility?"

Robin smirked. "Just joking. Do as you please."

Josh shrugged and began walking toward the camel. Robin watched his back, sighing. I'm not joking, though.

After covering Crocodile's body with a sheet she had brought, Robin fed his remains to the giant crocodile monsters that had once served him. The beasts showed no mercy to their former master, devouring him entirely.

"Rest in peace, Mr. 0," she murmured, leaning her head against the glass separating her from the monstrous creatures.

The reality of her situation sank in. With Crocodile dead, the World Government would soon come after her again. It was only a matter of time. Her life had always been like this — fleeting alliances, betrayals, and endless chases.

But at least Josh hadn't tried to kill her after Crocodile fell.

"Robin," Josh's voice echoed as he appeared in Crocodile's former office.

Robin jumped slightly, surprised by how fast he was. She fought the urge to tell him to knock before entering, instead greeting him with a composed smile. "Why are you here?"

"Can you kick the guests out of the casino? I need to take the Golden Crocodile statue that's on the roof," Josh said, his tone casual. "Please."

Robin raised an eyebrow. "Are you treating me like a subordinate now?"

"I said 'please,' didn't I?" Josh shot back with a smirk.

Before she could respond, he added, "My crew will be here soon. Thanks, Robin. I knew I could count on you."

Without waiting for her reply, Josh vanished from the room, leaving Robin speechless.

Why does he always outmatch me in conversations? She sighed, massaging her temples before smiling to herself.

My poor life.