Chapter 135: Opportunity
With Venelana gone and the flow of time reconciled with Invirtua's, Vahn was relaxing in a ten-by-ten-meter bath formed from black tiles encircled by soft, oil-treated wood. A large, traditional Japanese painting depicting mountains and sakura trees in full bloom decorated the far wall, and since he had developed a taste for it over the years, he relaxedly prepared cups of hot sake for himself as he read his messages and conversed with those who had the time to spare.
"Mmm...it's kind of awkward knowing what's going to happen..." muttered Vahn, reading Nami's messages detailing their imminent arrival at Water 7. More pertinently, she expressed that Robin had a keen interest in meeting him, causing the image of a beautiful, voluptuous woman with raven-black hair and striking blue eyes to appear in his mind.
Recalling that Water 7 is where Robin is forced to betray the Straw Hats to protect them, leading to the Sea Train and Enies Lobby Arcs of One Piece, Vahn was tempted to intervene. However, it was overcoming such ordeals that allowed the Straw Hats to grow closer and develop into Emperor and Commander-Class Pirates. If he became a convenient means for them to escape or avoid danger, it could inhibit their growth and lead to disaster in the long run.
'I'll just feign ignorance...' thought Vahn, responding to Nami's words by informing her that he was relaxing in an onsen, cheekily inviting her and Robin to join him.
----------------------------------------------
Nami: Is that even possible?
Vahn: The space I'm in is similar to the Tower, serving as a nexus point linking various worlds. If you possess the correct key, any door with a keyhole can function as a portal connecting you here.
Nami: I'm guessing you have such a key?
Vahn: Check your Inventory.
Vahn: To use it, you just need to close your eyes and say where you want it to link as you turn the key. In this case, your destination is the Phoenix Changing Room. I'll be waiting.
Nami: You want us to come there right now?