253 Chapter 253

253

"Hm… history." Luffy said, "History about the void century I presume."

Robin flinched as he looked at Luffy, "So you did know?"

Luffy smiled. "I know a lot of things."

'Of course. He knew who she was ever since Whiskey Peak, and he knew about Pluton as well. That meant he also knew what I'm looking for.' Robin internally shook her head, no, that wouldn't be possible. It was just her paranoia talking.

Luffy was connected with high up Marines and Revolutionaries, so of course he would know about something like that.

"You don't seem like someone who would be interested in the poneglyphs," she said carefully.

"Your interests are mine," he said simply. Seeing her puzzled look, he elaborated. "Now that you are my crewmate, I can't just disregard your goals, can I?"

It wasn't quite that she couldn't figure him out. It was just that she could barely believe he was real.

"You know what I'm after and you're willing to help me?" she asked numbly.

"Well, I'm not exactly doing this for a history lesson... although it would be cool to know what happened." Luffy said, "Speaking about that… we found an old tomb back in Little Garden, Kuina would love it, if you are able to translate the books. I mean, when you are free that is."

Robin blinked, that… Now she really was curious as to what her captain was talking about.

"We are getting off-track here…" Luffy said, "Let's not do that…"

Robin felt a bead of sweat roll down her forehead as she let his words sink in. Could this really be happening? Could she still have a chance?

Luffy then looked at her with a bit of guilt. "But don't put all your hopes into this. You might not find what you're looking for." The words stung like ice in Robin's veins.

He was right after all. Even if they could find it, she wasn't even sure that this was the Rio Poneglyph. In fact, if she were to take an unbiased guess, she would say that it wasn't. But she was far from rational right now. This was her last lead, and if she didn't find what she was looking for…

Luffy hid his guilt, knowing what the outcome of this would be but at least it would bring her closure.

Robin just stared, not knowing what to say.

"Hey, relax," Luffy said, "I just know a lot of things…" he said, rubbing the back of his head in a helpless manner, "Well, when you have ambitions and grand goals like me, you tend to know a lot of stuff."

Robin didn't say anything, just eyeing him. She then opened her book again, trying to go back to reading. "It doesn't matter anyway… it's not like I can go and see the Poneglyph."

She could try to sneak in, but with Observation Haki, and Luffy mostly keeping an eye on her, it would be impossible. And also, that was just the mistake they needed for them to put her behind bars, or worse hand her over to the World Government.

"But you can."

Robin closed her book, a bit of hope in her eyes as she looked at the Straw Hat wearing boy.

Luffy grinned, "You are my crewmate, the crewmate of the future Strongest Man and the future King of the Pirates. Have some pride, woman." He grinned, "And I'm sure King Cobra will trust me enough to let you get a peek."

Her smile faltered as she sighed, "I am not sure about that… Princess Vivi might oppose the idea of me going anywhere near the object… it is considered very important for them after all."

"Then onto the plan B." Luffy held up his hand.

Robin blinked, "I didn't know we had a plan A but… well, continue."

Luffy just laughed, "What if…" Luffy said in suspense. "What if we… sneak in?!"

Robin opened her mouth and closed it. It was a simple and yet effective plan. But it couldn't be that easy right? "Won't' you be betraying the trust of King Cobra?"

"Perhaps." Luffy said, "But some things are better done beforehand and apologize later rather than waiting it out and asking permission."

"I… that was unexpected," Robin said honestly.

"Of course, what else did you expect when you joined the crew that would find Laugh Tale?" Luffy said, grinning. "Now, where's the Poneglyph?"

Robin blinked, "If my info is correct, it should be in the Tomb of the Kings." A place where the old kings of Alabasta rested.

"So, grave robbing." Luffy said, rubbing his palms eagerly, in an evil-like manner, "Shishishi… Haven't done that in quite a while. Gotta grab my shovel!"

"What? No!" Robin said, before chuckling, "It's not inside a grave, it's just located there… but it's supposed to be heavily guarded."

"Aww…" he said in a disappointed manner, before recovering, "Alright, now when do we hit the bank partner?" Luffy said the words in a bit of acceptance, tipping his Straw Hat.

A small smile traced on Robin's lips, 'Maybe… just maybe this crew will be different.'

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A/N: I wanted to build up Luffy and Robin's relationship. They are siblings and will stay that way, but I wanted to establish both of their organic relations with each other, before they find out about their true origins.

Also, I tried to do justice to how depressing Robin was pre Water 7. And also, flush out her thought process.

Anyway, Enjoy!