Chapter 106: Meeting robin!

Edie's laughter echoed through the vast, sterile halls of his research facility. "Hahaha, cloning Logia Fruits is no longer beyond my grasp," he declared, a rare glint of satisfaction flickering in his eyes.

It had taken considerable effort, longer than anticipated, but the outcome was undeniable. Even Edie, usually stoic and calculating, felt a momentary swell of pride as he reviewed the system's summary:

[In this simulation, the total research funding consumed is 680.1 billion Baileys.]

[Simulation Reward: Knowledge on cloning Logia ability users and insights into the nature of the soul].

[Additional Reward: Logia · Earth Fruit]

Edie's smile faltered as he absorbed the staggering cost. The discovery of P particles and unraveling the mysteries of Haki had previously drained nearly 4 trillion Baileys. Now, this breakthrough had siphoned almost 7 trillion—a colossal sum.

"Is there even enough gold left on Sky Island?" he muttered, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind. The thought of depleting the rich reserves of Shandora gnawed at him, but he quickly brushed it aside. Gold, no matter how abundant, was a means to an end—and ends were all that mattered.

He claimed the bonus reward first, a flash of white light materializing a Devil Fruit into his palm. It was the Logia · Earth Fruit, a creation born of his relentless pursuit. Rare as it was, its usefulness to him was minimal; Edie could replicate it again if needed.

With a casual toss, he pocketed the fruit and ascended to the upper floors of the research institute. There, Momousagi awaited him, her expression a mix of anticipation and concern.

"Edie, there's news from Umit," she began. "One of his grain transport ships was seized by the Marines. The buyer is a World Government member state in the New World. The Marines cited a violation of government regulations."

"They actually dared?" Edie's eyes narrowed, curiosity sparking. "What was the loss?"

"One ton of grain," Momousagi replied with a sigh. "But payment has already been made."

"Let the buyers and the World Government sort it out," Edie said dismissively. He had no interest in such disputes; the World Government's desperation was leading them to dig their own grave.

With a faint smile, he handed her the Devil Fruit. "This is for you—a Logia Earth Fruit, one of my creations. It's unique."

Momousagi's eyes widened, disbelief written on her features. "Wait, Edie, did you say you created this? You mean it's possible to artificially create Logia Fruits now?"

"Sharp as always, Female Monkey," he teased, using the nickname she had long grown used to. It no longer fazed her—she knew Edie's terms of endearment masked the respect he rarely voiced.

Cradling the Devil Fruit, Momousagi felt a rare surge of joy. A gift from Edie, especially one so extraordinary, was not something she would take lightly.

"I'll be gone for a while," Edie continued. "Keep an eye on Honeycomb Rice and the Jinkela fertilizer shipments."

"Don't worry," she replied, planting a quick kiss on his cheek.

The next day, Edie's journey led him once more to Sky Island's Kingdom of God. The ancient city of Shandora, adorned in gold, remained a testament to its moniker, the "Splendid City." During his previous visits, Edie had stripped nearly a third of the city's golden covering. Today, he sought to push its reserves even further.

"I hope this will be enough," he mused.

With the Azure Dragon Ring activated, Edie transformed into his human-beast form and exhaled torrents of flame, melting the gold and gathering it into an enormous, gleaming mass. Hours passed before he was satisfied; much of Shandora's former grandeur now sat in a solid block at the city's center.

He initiated the system payment, watching as the gold disintegrated into shimmering dust that dissipated into the sky. When the last speck vanished, only a thin layer of gold remained, leaving the city's luster nearly stripped.

A flood of knowledge surged into Edie's mind—over 250 years of meticulous experimental data and soul-theory research compressed into a storm of understanding. For an hour, he stood still, eyes closed, absorbing the revelations.

When he finally opened them, they shone with newfound clarity.

"I see now," he murmured. "The secret lies not only in the blood factor but in a fragment of the soul itself."

To successfully clone Logia abilities, an embryo required more than just genetic material—it needed a trace of the original's soul. Without it, any clone would be a mere vessel, lacking the essence of its powers.

Edie's gaze sharpened as ideas collided in his mind. "If I combine two soul fragments, could a clone possess dual Logia abilities?"

Crocodile would be his first test subject. The last encounter with the Shichibukai had been seven years ago on Jaya Island, but Crocodile's shadow still loomed large, his name resurfacing in headlines as the secret leader of Baroque Works, headquartered at Whiskey Peak.

Without further hesitation, Edie set off, relishing the familiar thrill of leaping from Sky Island's cloud edges. The wind roared past as he descended toward Whiskey Peak, excitement and ambition burning in his eyes.

Evening fell over Whiskey Peak.

Nestled at the beginning of the Grand Line, Whiskey Peak is one of the seven routes stemming from Reverse Mountain. It also marks the first island the Straw Hat Pirates visit in their journey.

On this particular evening, as Edie surveyed the town, a pirate ship approached, its sails catching the breeze as it navigated the river. The townspeople lined the banks, waving energetically at the newcomers.

"Welcome, brave heroes of the sea!"

"Congratulations on making it to the first stop of the Grand Line!"

"This is Whiskey Peak, the town that celebrates pirates!"

"Come, join us! We've prepared a grand welcome party just for you!"

Applause and cheers echoed from both sides of the river, leaving the pirates visibly bewildered. A town that welcomed pirates? It seemed too good to be true.

Edie observed the scene from above, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the eager crowd. He knew better. These so-called hospitable townsfolk were seasoned bounty hunters who preyed on inexperienced pirates entering the Grand Line. With false warmth, they disarmed the pirates' suspicions, drugged them during lavish feasts, and captured them effortlessly to claim their bounties.

"Huh?"

A sudden sight caught Edie's attention. His eyes widened slightly as he focused on the deck of the pirate ship. Amidst the crew stood a girl wearing plain round glasses, her hair tied back in a simple ponytail, and clad in a green and white T-shirt. She appeared calm, almost scholarly in demeanor.

Edie's keen eye recognized her immediately, even beneath the modest disguise. He had watched One Piece before—there was no mistaking that face.

"Nico Robin?" he murmured, a sly smile curving his lips. "Is this fate?"

For years, Edie had searched West Blue, deploying thousands of bee scouts in vain. Yet, in this unexpected corner of the world, he had stumbled upon her by chance. He resisted the urge to act, choosing instead to wait and watch as events unfolded below.

The pirate ship docked, and the crew disembarked, met with the town's welcoming committee. Leading them was the self-proclaimed mayor, whose hearty laughter masked his cunning intent.

"We're honored to have such distinguished guests!" he proclaimed, ushering the pirates into the heart of the town.

A festive atmosphere enveloped the tavern where pirates and bounty hunters mingled seamlessly. Laughter and boasts filled the air, accompanied by the clinking of tankards as drinking contests ensued. Gradually, the pirates grew drunk and complacent, their guard completely lowered.

By eleven o'clock, the once-rowdy pirates were sprawled across the room in a drunken stupor.

"They're completely out," the mayor said, wiping sweat from his brow. His eyes gleamed with anticipation. "We spent millions on drinks and food this time, but with the bounties we'll collect, it'll be worth every last berry."

With a signal, bounty hunters began to gather, weapons at the ready. The mayor surveyed the room, his gaze landing on Nico Robin. He smirked and approached her, rope in hand.

"She thought her disguise would fool us," he muttered. "But you can't hide a face like that. Beauty is hard to conceal, no matter how plain you try to look."

"Who is she?" someone whispered. "Her bounty must be high."

"High?" The mayor laughed, holding up the rope. "It's higher than the others combined. This is Nico Robin, the Devil Child, wanted by the World Government. Her bounty was 79 million berries at just eight years old. We're about to become very, very rich."

"Seventy-nine million?!" gasped another bounty hunter. "Isn't that dangerous? Someone with a bounty that high must be powerful!"

"Fools," the mayor scoffed. "Her bounty isn't due to strength but because of what she knows—the secrets of Ohara. She's nothing but a scholar."

He reached for Robin, rope poised. But before he could make his move, flower petals appeared on his shoulders, and two arms sprouted, locking his joints.

"What the—?"

A sharp twist, and the mayor's head was wrenched ninety degrees. The resounding snap silenced the room.

"Twirling Flower."

Robin stood, her hands crossed over her chest, eyes cold and alert. The drunken facade was gone.

"Devil Fruit powers?" a bounty hunter shouted. "She's been pretending this whole time!"

The hunters raised their guns, aiming at Robin with wide-eyed fear.

"Did you really think I would survive in this world without vigilance?" Robin said, her voice carrying across the room. "I would have died long ago if I hadn't learned to stay one step ahead."

The bounty hunters hesitated, their confidence wavering. Robin's true strength was now on full display.

Robin took off her unsightly fake glasses and said, "Also, don't just point those guns at me. I hate that."

In an instant, arms sprouted from the bounty hunters' limbs, and their guns were knocked from their hands. Some wielded swords, glaring at her with unyielding ferocity.

"The opponent is just a woman. Even if she's a Devil Fruit user, there are hundreds of us. Don't be afraid!"

"Seventy-nine million bounty, plus the fifty-five million and twenty-one million over there—take her down and we'll be rich!"

Robin's earlier display had not deterred the bounty hunters; instead, it inflamed their aggression. A bead of sweat trickled down her forehead as she took in the crowd pressing forward. Her heart clenched.

I'm not sure I can fend them all off without getting hurt. Looks like I'll have to run—how unfortunate. I've just reached the Grand Line, and now I need to switch pirate crews again.

Robin's thoughts were tinged with regret. Over the years, she'd flitted between more than a dozen pirate crews before finding one reliable enough to reach the Grand Line. Yet, it seemed this crew, slumped in a drunken stupor, wouldn't last long.

I need to find a stronger group, make my way to the New World, reach the Hive, and find the sun that's kept me going all these years.

"Haha, I'm not interested in fighting you lot. I'll leave my captain and the swordsman for you—collect their bounties. Bye." Robin smirked, pulling a smoke bomb from her pocket. Just as she was about to throw it, a sudden clap echoed through the air.

"What a smart woman. I like you."

"Who?!"

The sudden voice sent a jolt through the crowd, and everyone turned. A hole had opened in the roof, and under the soft glow of the moon, a man dressed in white descended with an almost divine grace.

The bounty hunters stood, frozen in place.

Robin's eyes widened, her lips parting in disbelief. The figure before her was unmistakable, the very one she had yearned to meet through countless nights.

"Dr. Edie…" she whispered.

"Hm?" Edie's eyes flicked to her, surprised by her tone. It was unusual for someone to react with such emotion when we never met before.

"Doctor, please, take me with you! I'll do anything!"

This wasn't the reaction Edie had anticipated. Recognition was expected, but her fervent plea left him puzzled. Her desperation spoke volumes about her past.

"D-Doctor?!" one bounty hunter stammered, his face draining of color. "Y-you're the great scientist of the Hive!"

The moment he said it, realization swept through the group. Fear set in, spreading like wildfire.

Hundreds of bounty hunters began to inch backward, terror etched on their faces. The Hive Emperor—a true powerhouse of the New World—was standing before them. It was as if beggars had come face-to-face with a king.

"Stay still," Edie said, his tone casual but commanding.

The crowd stiffened. Tremors shook their bodies, but not a soul dared to move.

Robin's eyes glistened like a child's. This was true power—a power that could command without lifting a finger.

"My name is Nico Robin," she spoke rapidly, heart pounding. "I'm the last survivor of Ohara. Nine years ago, my home was obliterated by a Buster Call. I read about you, Doctor, in the papers—how you fought off a Buster Call and defeated the Marines in the New World. Since then, I've dreamed of meeting you!"

"I see. You admire me?" Edie's expression softened, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Admiration is the emotion farthest from understanding. The me you know is just the one you imagine."

"Doctor, you've been my only light these past nine years," Robin's voice trembled, eyes misty not with grief, but with the joy of a wish fulfilled.

Edie remained silent for a moment, contemplating. He hadn't realized that the woman he'd sought for years had come to revere him in her isolation. It was bittersweet.

"Smile," he finally said, his own lips curling. "Smile, and I'll take you to Beehive Island."

Robin's stunned expression gave way to a radiant smile.

"Yes, Doctor!"