Isn't Brother Yahn also just another fool?
Robin whispered this thought in her heart.
During their time together, the image of Yahn that had first formed in her mind—the kind older brother who simply offered her warmth—had gradually grown more complex.
On the surface, he seemed like a man with no desire for power, no ambition for rank, content to spend each day quietly in the naval base.
But as she grew closer to him, Robin realized he stood in a strangely unique position.
Unlike other Marines who aligned themselves with the World Government and its so-called "justice," Yahn seemed to stand purely on the side of the common people.
Though his true identity was the son of a Fleet Admiral—someone worlds apart from ordinary citizens—he was one of the rare few willing to give everything to shield them.
Such behavior was strange, even foolish, not only to the Marines and the World Government but to the seas themselves.
And more than that, Yahn had spread this belief further, secretly nurturing a group with his companions—the Revolutionary Army.
Yet Robin could tell he didn't see the Revolutionary Army as a tool to achieve some personal goal. Instead, he treated it like something to be cultivated, nurtured step by step.
Almost like… a pure idealist, trying to turn dreams into reality.
So this… is what they call a man's romance?
Robin flipped another page of the book in her hands, reviewing past financial records of the Revolutionary Army as she helped Yahn with his paperwork. Somewhere deep inside, she felt a strange, budding yearning for that kind of "romance."
Though only fourteen, she couldn't help but be drawn to it.
"Buru buru~"
The Den Den Mushi rang.
"Hello?" Yahn answered.
"It's me, Yahn." Corazon's voice came through.
"How's the situation on your side?" Yahn asked.
"That's exactly what I wanted to tell you…"
Corazon's tone grew heavy, his words deliberate:
"Hueco Mundo, Yahn. Be careful of Hueco Mundo."
---
Yahn almost couldn't keep himself from laughing.
After all, "Hueco Mundo" was a name he had made up on a whim—something to give the Donquixote Family a clear target, so they wouldn't suspect the Revolutionary Army and cause trouble for its quiet growth.
"I see. Understood," Yahn replied with a casual, almost teasing tone.
But Corazon was serious.
"I mean it. This organization isn't simple. Be careful. If possible, try to investigate them quietly—but don't act recklessly."
"Yeah, yeah…" Yahn muttered vaguely.
Corazon continued, his voice grim.
"The group that attacked the Donquixote Family was Hueco Mundo. They revealed two terrifying abilities: long-range strikes beyond visual range, and the power to control people without leaving any trace."
He paused, then went on.
"I strongly suspect this organization's strength surpasses even the Donquixote Family. They might rival the great pirate crews of the New World. And worse—their goals are unclear. They're shrouded in mystery. That makes them extremely dangerous."
Yahn rubbed his forehead helplessly.
"Isn't that a bit… exaggerated?" he asked weakly.
"This isn't just my conclusion—it's also Father's. After I reported, he personally ordered the Navy to investigate through intelligence channels."
Corazon's voice was sharp and stern, leaving Yahn's head throbbing.
"And since Hueco Mundo has now appeared in the North Blue, it's possible they have further objectives here. Yahn, as Inspector of the North Blue, you may very well cross paths with them. Be cautious."
"…I'll keep it in mind," Yahn replied, thick-skinned as ever. Then, to change the subject, he asked:
"What exactly happened between Hueco Mundo and the Donquixote Pirates?"
Corazon explained the events in detail.
The first half Yahn already knew—he had overheard everything while hiding inside Little Gold's castle form.
But when the bullet accidentally struck Little Gold, Yan had been forced to retreat for safety, just as Doflamingo's paranoia began to spike.
Doflamingo had immediately ordered his officers to raise their guard around the base, while he himself entered a secret chamber with his four top executives.
Yahn felt fortunate he hadn't gotten overconfident and hidden inside Little Gold to sneak into the chamber.
Inside, suspicious of invisible intruders, Doflamingo had unleashed a dense storm of white threads, filling every inch of space before he would begin the meeting.
Only once his doubts had eased did the real discussion begin.
As for the content of that meeting…
Yahn hung up the Den Den Mushi, adjusted his glasses, and sank into thought.
Corazon told me plainly enough. But knowing Doflamingo's suspicious, domineering nature—whether that was his true intent is still questionable.
Still, things have reached this point. I can't just ignore the Devil Fruits the Donquixote Family brought back, can I?
The problem was that Yahn's side had few cards to play.
Robin had little real combat ability. Little Gold was good for storage and support, not fighting. Which left only Yahn himself—weak-bodied and fragile—to take on any real battle.
An old, frail crew challenging a mafia boss—what could be more reckless?
Danger was certain.
---
The next morning.
Little Gold quietly descended into Spider Miles once again, carrying Robin as they tracked down Lao G.
But Lao G, still under suspicion of ties to Hueco Mundo, was being kept under soft confinement in a comfortable room.
Outside, three of Diamante's officers—Senor Pink, Machvise, and Dellinger—stood guard.
Unfortunately for them, as long as a single crack existed that Robin's eyes could reach, she could unleash her Flower-Flower Fruit powers and cast her "Resurrección — Brujería: Amor."
This time too, Lao G—who had not awakened advanced Observation Haki—failed to escape her lock.
"Jio Ken Fist!"
Boom!
Lao G blasted the door open with his signature technique. Calmly, he stepped out, meeting the wary gazes of Senor Pink, Machvise, and Dellinger.
Then he spoke:
"Well then, Donquixote Family… will you accept the mercy of Hueco Mundo's master—
or will you choose destruction?"
---
📢 2 NEW STORIES AVAILABLE ON PATREON! 🎉
Hello, everyone! ❤️ I have two new stories available on Patreon! They'll also be posted on Ko-Fi soon.
📚 New Stories:
❄️ While Everyone Starved, Their Village Even Rejected Fatty Meat
🔥 In Battle Through the Heavens, Prepay to Become a Dou Di
Feel free to check them out if you're interested! Thank you for your continued support, and happy reading! 💖