Chapter 61: The World’s Strongest Swordsman
"Oh, oh."
Robin nodded slowly, her expression reflecting a partial understanding. Some things made sense to her, but others didn't—after all, she hadn't reached that level of strength or experience yet. Still, her desire to become stronger was growing.
She knew better than most the harsh realities of the world. Her past had shown her that strength was the best way to protect herself and those around her.
"Erica, can you teach me how to become stronger?" Robin asked, her voice filled with earnestness.
Hearing this, Erica looked at Robin with a gentle smile and shook her head. "My strongest ability is swordsmanship. It's not really suitable for you."
"Why? Do I not have talent for swordsmanship?" Robin asked curiously.
"No, that's not it," Erica replied, shaking her head. "Master told me that you're a Devil Fruit user. For someone like you, the best path to strength is mastering your fruit's abilities. If I teach you swordsmanship, it would actually interfere with your growth and waste your potential."
Robin's Devil Fruit was the Hana Hana no Mi—the Flower-Flower Fruit. Indeed, its abilities were fundamentally different from the direct and precise nature of swordsmanship.
Unlike Mio and Lilith, whose Swap Fruit abilities paired well with swordplay, Robin's power leaned more toward strategy and control.
Besides, Robin had the habit of reading every day—a lifelong routine she had no intention of giving up. Training her in swordsmanship would not only be mismatched with her powers, but she wouldn't have time to truly dedicate herself to it.
"However," Erica added with a smile, "I can teach you Haki. Master said that in the New World—the second half of the Grand Line—Haki is a necessity for all strong fighters. It's an ability everyone must learn."