Olvia had left Robin alone in Ohara, boarded at someone else's home. For a child, that was cruel. Growing up under someone else's roof, Robin had to live cautiously—always quiet, always careful.
And after she ate a Devil Fruit, the ridicule only worsened. Children her age began calling her a monster. It reminded Chiga of Naruto, the son of Minato.
People say children's words are harmless, but that's often a lie. The unfiltered cruelty of children can cut deeper than the insults of adults.
Robin spent years living like that—alone. Then Olvia returned… not with warmth or protection, but with a World Government bounty on her head and the Navy's cannon fire trailing behind her.
If Aokiji hadn't been moved by Jaguar D. Saul, Robin would never have made it out alive. Her life would have ended at eight years old.
And even with that miracle escape, she'd spent the next decade fleeing from one island to another, pursued like a criminal.
If Olvia were alive today, Chiga wondered, could she honestly say she fulfilled her role as a mother? Beyond giving birth to Robin, what else had she done for her?
Of course, Chiga didn't say any of this aloud. No matter how reckless Olvia had been, she was still Robin's mother. Some truths were better left unspoken.
Robin pressed her head into Chiga's chest. She didn't protest his words—because she knew everything he said was true.
Sengoku watched the girl curled up in Chiga's arms and let out a tired sigh. "So, Chiga... what are you going to do?"
Robin's shoulders stiffened, and her fingers clutched Chiga's coat tightly.
Chiga gently stroked her long black hair. When he finally looked up, his eyes were filled with pure, unadulterated resolve.
"From now on, Robin is part of the Navy. If the World Government has a problem with that, they can come speak to me directly."
The rings within Chiga's Rinnegan pulsed. A tremendous pressure exploded from him. Over Marineford, black storm clouds gathered in an instant, twisting as streaks of violet lightning danced between them.
That pressure—like Haoshoku Haki—could be controlled precisely. Otherwise, most people below the rank of Vice Admiral would have collapsed on the spot.
Fujitora, who had been silent until now, opened his white eyes wide. A look of shock crossed his face.
Is this the true power of a Navy Admiral? Or is it something that belongs only to this Admiral Purple Kirin?
Robin looked up, staring into Chiga's face with quiet awe. Her voice was soft, almost reverent.
"Thank you, Chiga-sama."
Chiga smiled lightly and teased, "What's with that? You're Navy now. Call me Officer."
Robin gave a small nod but whispered again, "But in private… I'll still call you Master."
Fujitora and Sengoku both heard her clearly, despite her low voice.
Sengoku coughed into his fist to hide the awkward silence. "Very well. I approve. Nico Robin, you are now officially a Navy officer, rank Captain—under the direct command of Admiral Chiga."
Robin blinked in disbelief. She stepped away from Chiga and stood tall, her tone firm. "Yes, Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
Her respectful demeanor softened many of Sengoku's earlier doubts.
He turned to Chiga with a serious look. "And as for what you just said about the World Government—don't forget I'm still the Fleet Admiral here. If they want to complain, tell them to take it up with me first."
Chiga and Sengoku exchanged glances, then both smiled faintly. The heavy atmosphere finally eased.
Fujitora stood quietly nearby, a peaceful smile spreading across his face. I really did join the right group, he thought. Even the Fleet Admiral is someone worth respecting.
Robin moved closer to Chiga again, standing by his side with quiet elegance. Watching the others smile, she smiled too—graceful and serene.
After a few moments, Sengoku turned his attention to Fujitora. He searched his memory for any past intel on him—but came up blank.
Someone this strong should've made waves already… so why can't I recall a single thing about him?
Sengoku glanced at Chiga and gave a subtle nod, signaling him to explain.
Chiga nodded. "This is Fujitora, a Paramecia-type Gravity Fruit user. Honest and upright. As for his strength… he's already at Admiral level."
Sengoku's eyes lit up at the mention of the Gravity Fruit. That was one of the highest-ranking Paramecia-type abilities. Gravity could rival, or even surpass, Logia-class Devil Fruits depending on its application.
(He didn't know that Chiga used his Rinnegan on the Gravity fruit, only Kalifa knew)
He sat forward in his chair as Chiga's next words echoed in his mind.
Admiral-level strength?
Robin, an elite scholar. Doflamingo, captured. And now, an Admiral-class powerhouse?
Chiga had gone out for a simple mission—and returned with the makings of a Navy revolution.
Sengoku grabbed his cold tea and downed it in one gulp, steadying himself. He took a breath, then asked, voice still trembling from excitement,
"So… Fujitora, are you also joining the Navy?"
Before Chiga could reply, Fujitora stepped forward and said firmly, "Yes, Fleet Admiral. I wish to serve."
Sengoku stared at him silently. His burning gaze made Robin shift uncomfortably. Luckily, Fujitora was blind—because if he'd seen that stare, he might've thought Sengoku had... unusual interests.
Thankfully, the old Admiral maintained his composure.
"Well then," Sengoku said with effort, "have you thought about what rank you'd like to start with?"
Chiga folded his arms, thoughtful. It wasn't yet time for the World Military Draft. So Fujitora being promoted directly to Admiral wasn't realistic.
But someone of his caliber certainly deserved more than just a lowly position.
Even so, Navy Vice Admiral was still a major title—comparable to a Jonin in a shinobi village. They may not always shine in the spotlight, but they were vital to the organization.
Still, it would be difficult to promote someone like Fujitora, with no service record or background, straight into such a high rank.