Want to read ahead? Join my Patreon for just $7 to get early access to all upcoming chapters!
> Patreon.com/NegativeTranslations
________________________________________
Chapter 137: We Do Not Abandon Companions
"As expected of Miss Vivi, your capacity for action is stronger than the average person!"
Sanji offered a compliment, then remembered something and asked, "By the way, where is Miss Vivi's father? We haven't met the King of this country yet."
Vivi replied, "He is discussing follow-up matters with the Rebel Army leader, Koza. He likely won't be free to return until the banquet."
"Banquet?" Zoro's eyes lit up. For pirates, a banquet was a rare and wonderful thing.
"Yes, a banquet held simultaneously throughout the Kingdom to celebrate the restoration of peace, and of course, to bid you farewell."
Vivi looked at everyone with gratitude, her eyes holding a mix of struggle and hesitation.
She knew that after today, these companions who had traveled with her for many days would set sail again, continuing their adventures and pursuing their ideals.
But she was the Princess of Alabasta. The country had just ended its turmoil, and everything needed to be rebuilt. Naturally, she couldn't leave at this time.
So, barring any accidents, today would be the last dinner she would eat with them.
Ganyu, Zoro, and Sanji all noticed Vivi's strange behavior and understood what Her Highness was troubled about. But they couldn't help; this choice was one only she could make.
Night fell.
A grand banquet was held throughout Alabasta.
The Straw Hats finally met King Cobra, but he brought bad news.
The defeat of the Warlord Crocodile and the restoration of peace in Alabasta had attracted the attention of the World Government and the Marines. A large Marine fleet had been dispatched from a nearby branch and would arrive in Alabasta tomorrow.
To protect the Straw Hats from being discovered by the incoming Marines, Vivi and Cobra did not announce their names. They simply allowed them to enjoy the banquet in the palace, though the citizens knew well that it was a group of pirates who had saved their country.
After the hearty banquet ended, the companions fell asleep in the room, sprawled in disorder. Ganyu, however, walked out the door alone.
Outside, there was another person who hadn't slept.
Robin was gazing at the starry night sky. Seeing Ganyu approach, she turned her head and smiled beautifully. "As you wished, your captain has invited me to join."
"Yes."
"You don't look surprised at all?"
"Mmh. As long as Luffy sees you and gets to know you, he definitely won't miss the chance to make you our companion."
Hearing this, Robin was stunned. Her eyes were filled with disbelief, and her voice trembled slightly:
"If my joining brings you unimaginable disaster, or even causes the destruction of your pirate crew... even then, would you and Luffy be willing?"
Ganyu seemed stumped by this question. She pondered for a long time. Just as the light in Robin's eyes was gradually dimming, she suddenly reached out and touched Robin's cheek.
"Robin, we will not abandon a single companion."
"..."
Her tone was exceptionally calm, gentle as always, but to Robin, these words were more effective than any promise.
Throughout twenty years of life on the run, what she desired most in the depths of her heart had never changed: companions who would accept her and never give up on her.
Tears flowed unbidden from her eyes. Robin didn't make a sound; she pulled the petite girl before her into her embrace. The height difference of over twenty centimeters allowed her to bury her face in the other's hair...
.....
The next day.
In the early morning around six or seven o'clock, the weary and sleepy members of the Straw Hat crew returned to the Going Merry.
The reason they left so early was that Vivi had sent news at dawn: a large number of Marines had surrounded Alabasta, appearing specifically to arrest them.
They hurriedly fled the palace early in the morning, taking Alabasta's transport back to the Going Merry docked at the Sandora River.
On the deck.
Nami issued orders to her companions in an orderly manner:
"Alright, look alive! Same as before—check the ship's helm, clear the helm, move excess cargo near the gunwales... weigh anchor... prepare to hoist the sails..."
"Sigh, I originally wanted to stay in this country for a few more days and enjoy the treatment of a hero," Usopp said listlessly while moving a wooden barrel according to Nami's instructions.
________________________________________
Support this fanfict by leaving Positive Review, Comments, and Power Stones.
For Advance Chapters:
> Patreon.com/NegativeTranslations