Chapter 22: The Arrival of Vivi -20
"What?!"
Vivi was shocked. She shoved Zala aside and leaned against the window to make sure of what she was seeing.
Indeed, the land turtle had entered a bustling street lined with shops that had a style reminiscent of Alabasta.
But before she could get a better look or try to signal through the window, Zala grabbed her from behind and pulled the cover tightly back over her head.
Ignoring Vivi's pleas and desperate begging, Zala looked toward her partner, who still lay quietly with his eyes closed, seemingly unconcerned, then pulled out the Den Den Mushi.
After a few rings, Robin's voice came through from the other end.
"Ah, it seems your mission is complete. I saw you. Enter through the back door of Rain Dinners. I've arranged for someone to meet you. Be careful not to be seen with our little princess."
Zala didn't say a word. Robin had clearly arranged everything in advance.
She hung up, then began adjusting the turtle's path to the designated location.
Even though Vivi couldn't see anything due to the cover, she recognized Robin's voice—and it made her nervous. While Crocodile had been the most mysterious figure in Baroque Works, Robin was by far the most unpredictable one in Vivi's eyes.
No further words were exchanged during the ride, and the land turtle came to a precise stop at the back gate of Rain Dinners.
Compared to the noise and bustle of the city, this area was nearly deserted, except for a few armed guards stationed at the rear gate.
"Stop for inspection."
Two guards approached the vehicle as it halted, even though they recognized it as a VIP transport.
Rules were rules—no exceptions.
Zala understood that. She leaned toward the window, raised her chin confidently, and sat silently.
The guards immediately recognized her face, as well as that of Daz Bones resting with his eyes closed by the window.
They stepped back respectfully and signaled to the others.
"Open the gate!"
With a grinding noise, the heavy iron gate slowly lifted, revealing a wide passageway large enough for multiple carriages.
Without any need for orders, the land turtle marched forward on its own.
As soon as the group passed through, the gate rumbled shut behind them, and the guards returned to their positions.
...
After a short drive inside Rain Dinners, the turtle stopped.
"We're here. Let's go."
Zala yanked Vivi upright, opened the door, and stepped out.
Daz Bones finally opened his eyes and followed silently.
Standing there waiting for them was Robin.
"Nico Robin," Zala greeted. "I've brought the package. This is Princess Vivi of Alabasta."
With that, she pulled off Vivi's hood and gently nudged her toward Robin.
Still adjusting to the light, Vivi nearly stumbled.
She shot Zala a glare, then turned toward Robin.
"Oh, look who it is. Miss All Sunday. Seems like all of you, along with your new boss, forgot all about Crocodile. If he knew this in hell, he'd be crying his eyes out."
She was trying to provoke Robin, hoping for even the smallest piece of information.
But Robin didn't even look at her. She turned to Zala and said calmly:
"Thank you for your effort. You've completed your task. Feel free to explore Rain Dinners. Someone will deliver your reward later."
Zala smiled faintly. "Wow, a reward? The new boss is more generous than I expected."
She felt secretly relieved. She had feared the new boss would bring up old issues and blame them—but he seemed like a man of his word if lacking in taste.
"Well then, I'll leave her with you. Let us know if you need anything."
She turned and left. Daz Bones gave Robin a nod and followed.
Neither of them cared about why Vivi had been captured—they had simply completed the job.
Robin watched them leave and smirked:
"These are Beats Company employees? Real models of obedience and discipline."
Then she finally turned to Vivi.
Now that the others were gone, Vivi knew this was her chance. She swiftly freed her hands and lunged at Robin.
BANG~
"AAAH—!"
Her forehead slammed into the stone floor, tears forming in her eyes from the pain.
She looked down and saw her legs had been bound again, held by a pair of unfamiliar hands.
These hands had grabbed her mid-leap, sending her crashing headfirst into the ground.
Robin laughed coldly:
"My, what an energetic little thing. I hope you last a bit longer in the boss's hands… before he tears you apart and feeds you to the crocodiles."
Vivi trembled. "Am I… really in this deep? He defeated Crocodile… how can I possibly fight him?"
Robin stifled a giggle, stepped forward, and released the restraints on Vivi's legs, only to force her forward by the shoulders.
"Come now, Princess. What awaits us… is hell."
"No! I don't want to go!"
Unfortunately, her protests were useless. Robin easily dragged her forward, forcing her toward the manager's office.
...
A few minutes later, Peter sat behind his desk, dressed in a sleek black suit with a cloak draped over his shoulders. A cigar dangled from his lips.
He stared blankly at Vivi, who sat trembling in the chair across from him.
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