"Nice to meet you, Nico Robin." When Masked Deuce brought Nico Robin before Alistair, she found it hard to believe such an army was led by such a young man.
The army's core members seemed quite young, a vibrant new force.
She felt a surge of interest, her gaze turning fervent as she looked at Alistair—a useful asset.
But her gaze drew Hancock's attention.
Hancock moved closer to Alistair, like a lioness protecting her territory, her head held high, looking down at Nico Robin, emitting a soft snort.
She didn't bother introducing herself.
But Nico Robin knew who she was.
Although the Shichibukai's bounties had been revoked, the World Government had previously published their photos in newspapers worldwide.
This was the power of controlling information. They could hide their misdeeds, but publicize their good deeds—like the Buster Call or protecting a country.
But against such people, any good deed would go unnoticed, while any bad deed would be heavily publicized, forever staining your history.
Except for Luffy, who was audacious and had everyone's support, all other pirates were nailed to the pillar of shame.
The World Government had ulterior motives. Disgruntled pirates would challenge the Shichibukai, gaining fame and status. Powerful pirates would challenge the Shichibukai for serving the World Government.
This served the World Government's purpose.
For Nico Robin, the Shichibukai were untouchable, so she remembered each of their faces.
She especially remembered Hancock's beauty—before the new generation emerged, Hancock was the only prominent female pirate, hence the title "Pirate Empress."
"You're Boa Hancock…" she said, covering her mouth in surprise.
This showcased her value. Unlike most pirates who didn't read newspapers, she stood out. Covering her mouth concealed her surprise while flattering the powerful female pirate. Nico Robin was beautiful; a beautiful woman expressing surprise to another beautiful woman would inevitably elicit pride.
In this world, a weak person needed various tricks to survive.
Nico Robin had seen much—Kuzan's Ice Age, Rear Admiral Saul, the Buster Call.
She knew the strength of the powerful at sea. Even with the Hana Hana no Mi, even capable of easily killing most pirates in Mock Town, Nico Robin remained restrained.
This was survival wisdom.
She immediately judged that Hancock cared deeply for the man beside her. Was it Hancock who brought this army together?
Or was he a powerful Devil Fruit user?
"I'm very glad to meet you here in Mock Town…"
Alistair was sincere. He needed Nico Robin and Nami, and wouldn't let them go to Luffy to maintain plot integrity.
Luffy's methods were childish; he couldn't shake the World Government's foundation in a hundred years—but this world was magical, with Poseidon, Uranus, and Pluton. Alistair guessed Luffy would obtain these weapons, rally discontented Admirals like Kuzan or Fujitora, and lead the Straw Hat Grand Fleet to overthrow the Marines and World Government.
But that was too childish and uncertain. Since his arrival, the uncertainty had shifted—Hancock would never fall for Luffy. How would Luffy get to Impel Down with Hancock's help?
This alone was impossible, not to mention Ace not joining Whitebeard.
Alistair wouldn't wait for Luffy; time wouldn't wait for Alistair.
Every step forward meant accumulating strength. He wouldn't show mercy to Luffy's crew.
The sooner he found them, the sooner they could grow stronger. Zoro's inability to sail due to poor navigation skills in the East Blue was a tragedy.
"You'll be our propaganda minister, Nico Robin." Alistair patted Hancock's hand reassuringly, then pointed at Nico Robin.
"What?" Nico Robin, Ace, and Masked Deuce were stunned.
"Why?" Mihar and Van Augur, having left the battlefield, returned as friends—perhaps snipers were too lonely.
Everyone was shocked by Alistair's decision.
"But… why? We just met." Nico Robin didn't understand his decision.
"You will help us, wholeheartedly. After understanding us, you'll eagerly join us, becoming our strength." Alistair's confidence grew; his smile was reserved and proud, as if this were something extraordinary.
He had already done extraordinary things—winning over Hancock, Ace, a group of Marines, transforming them into an invincible army. He could easily handle Nico Robin.
"Please, let me join!" Van Augur knelt before Alistair, his rifle like a spear.
"We don't kneel in this organization." Alistair firmly grasped him, pulling him up.
Smiling brightly, "If someone wants to join, it's wonderful!"
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