Noticing Tokikake's dismissive attitude towards them, Sanji, Nami, and Zoro held back Usopp and Chopper, who looked ready to make a scene.
They all just waited in the tense silence for Ray to return.
Ten seconds later, Ray reappeared, landing softly on the sand.
'Man, that guy Tokikake moves fast underground,' Ray thought, his expression grim. 'If my friends were too far away, I really couldn't protect them from him. He wasn't bluffing about Nico Robin.'
Of course, in his full demon form, Ray could probably catch him, but that mode was just too risky.
His rational mind had almost been completely overwhelmed by pure, feral instinct.
He couldn't risk losing control and being unable to tell friend from foe.
It was a last resort, only for the most extreme situations.
Right now, Chouchou, having sensed his master's presence, finally arrived, bounding over the dunes.
The crew (Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Chopper) piled onto his massive back, and they took to the skies to find Luffy.
As they flew, Ray felt that familiar hunger for more strength gnawing at him again.
Having to compromise with Tokikake was incredibly frustrating.
…
Meanwhile, (rewind to Luffy's group)...
Luffy woke up about ten minutes after Ray had blasted him away.
His first instinct was, of course, to inhale a mountain of food.
Once his energy was back, he was immediately roaring about finding Crocodile again.
But then he looked around and realized Ray was gone.
After Mikita, Gem, and a very-much-alive Nico Robin explained the new situation (Ray was currently fighting Tokikake, the 200,000 rebels were already rescued, etc.), Luffy just sighed.
In the end, his strength still hadn't been enough; he lose.
Still... that new power he'd felt, that ability to sense Crocodile's attacks... that was pretty cool.
And his Haki definitely felt stronger.
Suddenly, Luffy's brain finally processed the third person who had been explaining things.
He gaped, jumped into a combat stance, and shielded Mikita and Gem behind him.
"You!" he yelled, pointing at Robin. "You're that bad woman from Crocodile's side! Want to fight?! I don't like hitting women, but I'm not afraid of you either! Bring it on, you bastard!"
Seeing this, Robin just let out an enchanting, knowing laugh.
"Captain," she said smoothly, "don't be so impatient. I was the one who told Ray about all of Crocodile's schemes."
Luffy's attitude did a complete 180.
He clapped his hands together with a huge grin on his face.
"Oh! So you're a good person after all! Let's eat meat together!"
His instant, total trust made Gem and Mikita sweatdrop.
'We feel so bad for Ray, having to follow this guy.'
Later, Robin told Luffy about the plan Ray had set in motion.
After stuffing a few more pieces of meat in his mouth, Luffy was all fired up to go find Ray, but their path to the inland sea was blocked by a group of Kungfu Dugong.
So, Luffy beat up their leader.
The Kung Fu Dugongs, thoroughly impressed, immediately asked to become his disciples.
A whole fleet of Dugong then happily carried the four of them across the water.
Afterward, they finally met up with Ray and the others.
…
On Chouchou's back, flying towards Alubarna...
Everyone, except Sanji (who was just happy to have another beautiful woman on board) and Luffy, was giving Nico Robin the side-eye.
"Hey, Luffy... Ray," Nami whispered, having already sidled up to Ray's side, "can we really trust this woman?"
She kept glaring at Robin.
This new woman was too calm, too mature, and... too much like Ray.
Nami felt threatened.
Usopp and Chopper had already pulled out little stools, ready to start a full-blown interrogation.
Ray just had Chouchou explain.
"Master says," the dog announced, "that the person who helped the most with saving the 200,000 rebels was this woman."
Luffy also chimed in. "She's definitely not a bad person, don't worry!"
Since the two most authoritative figures on the ship (in their own weird ways) had vouched for her, the others had to let it go.
'We'll travel with her... for now.'
Suddenly, Robin walked right over to Ray.
Nami's hair practically stood on end.
Ray felt helpless. 'Is this really necessary...'
"Ray-san," Robin asked, her voice low and curious, "what are your thoughts on Crocodile's target, the Ancient Weapon Pluton?"
"I'm not interested in that kind of external power," Ray replied simply.
Hearing that, a genuine, relieved smile spread across Robin's face.
She had been worried he might be another Crocodile.
"Hehe, you're indeed different."
Ever since meeting them, Robin had felt an indescribable sense of security from this crew.
They had defeated Crocodile, destroyed Baroque Works, and completely changed her fate.
She, who had been ready to die, now felt confused.
'Should I keep running? Or... maybe change my way of living?' She sighed, keeping her distance, lost in her own thoughts.
…
Later, in Alubarna...
With Tokikake's help, the king had already explained the entire conspiracy to the citizens.
Crocodile was exposed.
The people finally knew the truth. Koza, the rebel leader, was filled with remorse and decided to return to his hometown to help rebuild.
As for Tokikake, he just grabbed the unconscious Crocodile and left.
He didn't even glance at the Straw Hat Pirates.
Ray just shook his head.
'If he's always this weird about his job, it's no wonder he's not an Admiral.'
…
Smoker and Tashigi followed Tokikake, both looking bitter and disillusioned.
Pirates had saved the day, while the Marines had done nothing but cover it up.
And now, HQ was spinning the story.
"Headquarters just called," Tokikake said casually as they walked. "To 'reward' you two for your work saving Alabasta, they're promoting you. As for the Straw Hats... it's still unclear how HQ will report that."
Smoker exploded. "Damn those old fuckers! What does saving Alabasta have to do with us?! It was the Straw Hats! At most, you helped..."
Tashigi was silent, tears of frustration in her eyes.
She had watched Zoro risk his life, watched all of them fight for their comrade.
And they, the Marines, had only been able to rescue the rebels with the pirates' help.
And now HQ was going to lie and take the credit?
"Why?!" she finally burst out. "I can't accept this! If only I were stronger... What exactly is justice?"
Smoker paused, then looked at her.
"Everyone has their own justice, Tashigi. The Straw Hats, too. If you can't stand being helped by pirates, then get stronger. That goes for me, and for you. Until one day, we're strong enough to change HQ's decisions ourselves."
Tokikake just broke into his lecherous smile.
"Haha, I'm really looking forward to what the Marines will become. Before you get there... me, old man Garp, Momousagi... we'll help block some of the darkness for you. You just focus on growing strong."
Tashigi wiped her tears and nodded firmly.
As the three of them were about to board the warship, Tashigi asked one last question.
"Vice Admiral Tokikake... what are your thoughts on the Straw Hat Pirates?"
Tokikake smiled, kicked Crocodile's unconscious body onto the ship's deck, and said.
"They're not bad! One could even say... this era needs them!"
---------
Read 40 chapters ahead and support me on patreon.
patreon (.)com/Newbietranslator