Between Two Worlds: Nen and Haki

'Is this what it means to be a big sister? Robin, you really...'

While Cobra was busy with his own internal drama, Zane, who hadn't been paying much attention, looked toward the corner in surprise as Nico Robin spoke with Vivi.

Just like the conversation between Vivi and Cobra moments ago.

The hushed exchange between the two women in the corner was fully audible to Zane through his Observation Haki.

The content of their conversation.

No.

It would be more accurate to say that the request Nico Robin made of Vivi was what truly shocked Zane.

He never expected that Robin would take the initiative to find another woman for him.

Exactly.

The request Nico Robin made to Vivi was for her to become Zane's woman.

After the initial shock came a surge of uncontrollable emotion.

Any man would find it hard not to be moved when his own woman actively tries to expand his harem.

A big sister is truly something else.

Even a mischievous one really knows how to take care of her man.

To be fair.

Zane didn't have much interest in a pretty face like Vivi; otherwise, he wouldn't have let her go so easily before.

But little interest didn't mean no interest at all.

His lack of enthusiasm was mainly due to the tedious process of winning her over.

If he could skip that process and have her directly, then he was definitely interested.

"Miss All-Sunday, what are you saying...?"

Upon hearing Nico Robin's request, Vivi's eyes widened, and she began to stammer, at a loss for words.

Her face was filled with disbelief, yet for some reason, there was little resistance in her heart. Instead, a strange excitement bubbled up.

The tips of her ears turned red, and a faint rosy hue bloomed across her cheeks.

She had imagined the woman might make some harsh demands, but she never expected the request would be for her to become Zane's woman.

Zane...

Amidst her stammering, Vivi instinctively glanced toward Zane in the distance.

It would have been fine if the idea hadn't been planted.

But now that it was.

She couldn't help but scrutinize his appearance.

Men liked beautiful women, and women liked handsome men.

This was a preference etched into their very genes.

Vivi had to admit, Zane was incredibly attractive.

Especially when combined with the immense power he used to defeat Crocodile, his charm was undeniable.

Well... he really does look more handsome in person than in the newspaper clippings I've been secretly collecting.

No.

What am I thinking?

Vivi suddenly snapped back to reality while sizing him up.

She hurriedly withdrew her gaze.

Her heart was thumping wildly, like a trapped deer.

Her face, already rosy, was now completely flushed like a peach blossom.

Alright.

Vivi admitted to herself that a large part of why she followed Zane's news so closely was due to his looks.

A handsome hero had saved her from peril.

This was the romantic filter through which Vivi viewed her first meeting with Zane.

'Does she already have feelings for the Captain?'

Nico Robin watched Vivi's reaction and her flushed face, a figurative question mark appearing over her head.

Then she also glanced at Zane.

...It makes sense that she'd be interested.

Although her Captain was a bit of a womanizer, he was absolutely irreproachable in every other aspect.

He possessed both power and looks.

With a man of this caliber, it wasn't just Vivi who would feel attracted.

Recalling her own excitement when she had offered herself to him and spent that passionate time together, Nico Robin immediately let go of any doubts.

'It seems I'm not the villain here. I'm actually playing matchmaker.'

Nico Robin felt both amused and slightly annoyed.

The man she acknowledged was outstanding, perhaps a bit too outstanding.

After a period of 'difficult' negotiation, Nico Robin and Vivi finally reached an agreement.

As for their pact.

Zane pretended to be oblivious.

Cobra was genuinely in the dark.

Vivi didn't reveal anything to her father.

In short.

Under Vivi's arrangement, Zane and Nico Robin became honored guests of Alabasta.

They left the Royal Tomb.

Led by Vivi, Zane and Nico Robin settled into a palace.

"Mr. Zane, about the Rebel Army..."

"I'll take care of it for you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"Why? Is that too fast for you?"

"No, no. I just wanted to ask if you need to prepare anything, Mr. Zane. After all, the Rebel Army has massive numbers."

After arranging their quarters, Vivi carefully asked Zane when he could help her suppress the rebellion.

Zane's reply shocked her; he claimed he could handle it the very next day.

Though she believed in Zane's strength, she couldn't help but worry when she thought of the hundreds of thousands of rebels.

At this moment, Nico Robin stepped forward and pinched Vivi's tender cheek with a smile. "Speaking of preparation, Vivi, you should prepare more manpower for tomorrow. Our Captain can handle the rebels, but the post-war management is up to you."

Vivi held her pinched cheek, hesitated for a moment, then gathered her courage to plead with Zane. "Mr. Zane, if possible, please try not to hurt the rebels too much. After all, the mastermind behind this rebellion was Crocodile. Most of them have simply been deceived."

Having gone through many trials, Vivi was undoubtedly more mature than before.

But deep down, she was still that somewhat naive and kind-hearted girl.

Zane looked her over. Seeing that she didn't look away but courageously met his gaze, he nodded slightly. "Fine, I'll go easy on them."

She was a bit naive, but that naivety had its own charm.

As long as she didn't start acting like a self-righteous martyr.

He could accept a little bit of innocence.

"Thank you, Lord Zane!" Seeing him agree to her request, Vivi's face lit up with joy, and she immediately thanked him.

"Verbal thanks aren't enough, you know. Handling so many people while holding back is no easy feat."

"Princess Vivi, shouldn't you offer some substantial gratitude to repay our Captain?"

Since she had decided to pull Vivi into their camp, Nico Robin was already prepared.

She chuckled, egging her on from the side.

Substantial gratitude?

Vivi froze for a moment. She looked at Nico Robin's playful smile and then back at Zane.

What counts as substantial gratitude?

Thinking about her agreement with Nico Robin.

Vivi's heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks flushed rosy once more.

"Mr. Zane, could you lean down a little?"

Taking a deep breath and trying to act normal, Vivi spoke with a trembling voice.

Zane raised an eyebrow.

Noticing the subtle way she licked her lips, a hint of amusement appeared in his eyes.

He leaned down slightly, bringing his face level with hers and closing the distance between them.

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