One Piece: Signing In as a Pirate Begins with Roger's Execution

"It hasn't been that long—it's only been ten days since we parted."

Karl gently ruffled Robin's hair as he spoke softly, a warm smile on his face.

"How are you and the scholars adjusting here? If there's anything that doesn't feel right, don't hold back—just let Dragon know. He'll make sure you're taken care of."

Robin shook her head, joy lighting up her expression as she responded.

"Not at all; everything's been wonderful. The villagers are kind, and the Revolutionary Army members have been very welcoming. Though, if I'm being honest, it would be even better if that Okama King weren't around."

She stuck her tongue out playfully at Ivankov, who dramatically gasped, clutched their chest, and shuffled away in exaggerated heartbreak, drawing a chuckle from Robin.

Just then, a young girl with large, curious eyes stepped forward, lightly tugging on Robin's hand.

"You're Robin, right? Robin-neechan?"

The girl, Koala, studied her intently, her sharp observation and quick analysis revealing Robin's identity. She had heard Karl mention her before and put two and two together.

Robin blinked, puzzled by the girl's sudden approach.

"Who is she?" Robin asked Karl, tilting her head.

Karl offered a brief explanation, recounting Koala's backstory. When he finished, Robin's eyes brimmed with tears. Without hesitation, she wrapped Koala in a tender embrace, holding her close as soft sobs escaped her.

"You poor child. From this day forward, you're my little sister! No objections! Isn't that right, Karl-niisan?"

Karl shrugged with a small smirk. "I've got no objections, but it's up to Koala to decide."

Robin grasped Koala's shoulders, shaking them gently as she leaned in with a big smile.

"Koala-chan, will you let me be your big sister?"

"I... I don't mind..." Koala stammered, her cheeks flushing as she softly replied.

Robin cheered, once again pulling Koala into a tight hug. Despite her lack of development, she pressed the girl's face against her chest, cooing affectionately.

Watching the two, Karl joked to himself that the scene needed a backdrop of blooming lilies for the full effect.

The pair soon wandered off together, exploring the ship and completely forgetting Karl's presence. Hand in hand, they dashed about, giggling and whispering like siblings reunited after a lifetime apart.

Trailing behind them like an oversized third wheel, Karl couldn't help but chuckle at their antics. Though he felt like a glaringly out-of-place spotlight, the sight of the two girls' joy was well worth it.

His musings were interrupted when a messenger arrived, summoning him to the deck. With a quick farewell to Robin and Koala, Karl made his way topside.

When he reached the deck, he found it swarming with the Sun Pirates. Fisher Tiger stood at the forefront, flanked by Jinbe, Arlong, Hatchan, and the rest of the crew. Their expressions ranged from wary to outright hostile, their bodies tense as though ready to fight at any moment.

If not for Tiger's presence, the situation might have already escalated into violence.

The Sun Pirates, notorious for their distrust of humans, had no love for the species. Even Jinbe, the future "Knight of the Sea," was, at this point, a far more impulsive and skeptical figure, his demeanor cold and guarded.

"Why are you on a human ship, Tiger-ani?!"

Arlong was the first to break the silence, stepping forward to confront Fisher Tiger. Though he respected his elder, the sight of his leader aboard a human vessel visibly unsettled him.

His voice trembled with anger.

Jinbe furrowed his brow, casting a measured gaze at Dragon. His thoughts were unreadable, though his wariness was clear.

The other fish-men joined Arlong, clamoring for answers and demanding that Dragon leave the ship. Only Hatchan seemed oblivious to the tension, scratching his head in confusion.

Tiger raised a hand to calm the uproar.

"Enough. This is Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army. He's an ally, and we'll be working with him going forward. His people harbor no prejudice against fish-men. There's no need for hostility."

The deck fell silent at Tiger's words. The respect he commanded was undeniable, and though the Sun Pirates had been agitated moments ago, they listened.

Their curiosity grew when they realized Dragon was none other than the man who openly opposed the World Government. Excitement flickered among them, even softening Jinbe's stance.

Still, not everyone was convinced. Arlong's hatred for humans remained unshaken, his disdain evident in his glare. No title or reputation would sway him.

"Why would a fish-man betray his own kind by associating with humans?" he muttered under his breath, his hands clenching into fists.

Meanwhile, Karl had wrapped himself tightly in a cloak, revealing only his hands and ears. He preferred to keep his identity concealed for now.

"Tiger, remember what I told you—my presence is to remain under wraps. Also, I have personal matters to attend to, so I won't be accompanying you to Fish-Man Island."

Karl's voice was calm but firm as he addressed Tiger.

"One more thing," he added, his tone growing serious. "Make sure news of your 'death' spreads. How you handle it is up to you, but it's crucial. And when you return, you must protect Queen Otohime. I suspect there are fish-men within your ranks plotting against her."

Tiger froze, the weight of Karl's words sinking in.

"Are you certain?"

Karl nodded. "The information comes from reliable sources. Take precautions, Tiger."

Though skeptical, Tiger trusted Karl's judgment. If Otohime's life was at risk, it was better to err on the side of caution.

With a glance at Dragon, Karl shared a brief, knowing smile with his brother before stepping forward toward Jinbe.

"[Sea Knight Jinbe detected. Check-in available.]"

"So, Jinbe," Karl said, his voice light but direct. "I'd like to speak with you privately. Care to join me?"

Jinbe hesitated, his eyes narrowing.

"Who are you, and why should I?"

Tiger placed a reassuring hand on Jinbe's shoulder.

"Go with him. We'll be here when you're done."

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