One Piece: Scourge of the Seas

From Alabasta to the Sabaody Archipelago—

The journey had been fraught with peril.

Along the way, they had encountered countless formidable enemies, with several brushes against death.

Yet, they had overcome every foe, one by one, and finally arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago.

This island, known as the "Island of Failure" and the "Island of New Beginnings," had witnessed their growth through countless battles.

They believed their strength had undergone a transformation.

But Maude's display of his Shadow Clone was a cruel reminder of reality.

As the crew on the deck fixed their gaze on him, Maude casually took a sip of black tea—unbothered by the commotion.

The taste was quite good—after all, it was Sanji's brew.

Setting down the teacup, Maude glanced at Robin and the others, who remained frozen in place. With a smile, he asked,

"Aren't you going to help your captain?"

"..."

A deathly silence.

At that moment, the sounds of fierce battle echoed from the shore.

Clearly, Luffy and the others had engaged the Shadow Clone head-on.

Usopp, Franky, and Bartolomeo couldn't sit still any longer, dashing toward the shore.

In that instant, they no longer viewed the clone as some mere puppet or counterfeit.

A shadow that could suppress three of the crew's top fighters was no joke.

Robin, however, remained rooted to the spot, quietly watching Usopp and the others rush to Luffy's aid.

Fighting a shadow in a fistfight?

How boring.

She had considered joining in, but the moment the clone appeared, she immediately abandoned the idea.

Robin cast one last glance toward the battlefield.

It wasn't entirely one-sided—but despite their combined efforts, Luffy and the others were still being suppressed by Maude's shadow.

However, Bartolomeo's Barrier-Barrier Fruit could withstand the clone's attacks—perhaps the only key to turning the tide.

"It's fine if they lose… I just hope Maude goes easy on them."

Retracting her gaze, Robin ascended the stairs and calmly took a seat beside Maude.

Seeing this, Nami hesitated for a moment before cradling Chopper in her arms and sitting down as well.

"Maude, what happened to Chopper?"

She glanced at Maude's profile, voicing her concern.

Maude traced the rim of his cup with his index finger, smiling.

"Don't worry, he's just passed out."

"Ah… that's a relief."

Nami let out a small sigh of relief.

Maude picked up the teapot and poured tea for both Nami and Robin.

Meanwhile, Bailey—unable to resist the temptation of Sanji's delicately prepared snacks—reverted to his original form, leaping onto the table and devouring the treats.

Nami and Robin glanced at Bailey but weren't surprised—already familiar with his nature.

After pouring the tea, Maude turned to Robin, his tone meaningful.

"Luffy wants to rescue Fire Fist Ace… but Enies Lobby and Marineford aren't on the same level."

"..."

Robin's expression stiffened.

She instantly grasped the implication behind Maude's words.

The Straw Hat Pirates had broken through Enies Lobby—but they could never hope to breach Marineford.

If they went there, the overwhelming might of the Marines would surely crush them.

Given her sensitive identity, she would likely become yet another target for the Marines' attention—something best avoided.

Yet...

Robin looked at Maude, her gaze resolute.

"I want to go with them… even if it costs me my life."

Maude nodded silently.

Nami glanced between Robin and Maude, at a loss for words.

The only sound left was Bailey munching on tea cakes.

After a moment, Maude turned his attention back to the shore.

The battle was growing more intense—and in a matter of minutes, it would undoubtedly draw the attention of the local Marine branch and lawless elements on the island.

His crimson eyes gleamed, observing the battle from afar.

The seeds he'd sown had begun to sprout.

By this point, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji had all grasped Armament Haki.

Usopp hadn't yet mastered Armament, but his Observation Haki was becoming increasingly refined.

To Maude's surprise, Bartolomeo had awakened Observation Haki instead of training in Armament.

Even so, the combined might of the crew still couldn't gain the upper hand against the Shadow Clone—they were thoroughly outmatched.

"You can't even defeat my shadow."

Maude shook his head slightly, disappointment flickering in his eyes.

The Shadow Clone prioritized agility, with blistering speed and the ability to freely mimic its surroundings. Its hardened body could easily pierce the defenses of the giants.

If not for Maude's incomplete Awakening, which prevented the clone from using Armament Haki, its power would have driven them into utter despair.

Even now, they stood no chance.

Of course, if it were a life-or-death struggle, things might be different.

In this world, combat strength was partially dictated by willpower.

"Still… I know that even if my shadow beats Luffy into the dirt, it won't stop him from trying to save Ace."

Maude withdrew his gaze, turning to Robin and Nami.

"Let me make this clear—when the time comes, I will fight alongside the Marines as a Warlord of the Sea. And I won't hold back."

"Ah… that's not…"

Nami's eyes widened, barely managing to swallow the words "we're screwed."

The thought of standing against Maude made her heart tremble.

She hadn't even considered that in that war, there would be countless others as powerful as him.

With their current strength, the Straw Hats would be swallowed whole without protection.

Robin, however, wasn't surprised. She had anticipated the Warlords' involvement—and she wasn't worried about the threat Maude might pose.

Why?

Robin smiled, retrieving a small gecko from her pocket.

"I've been holding onto this… for a special occasion."

"..."

Maude's brow twitched at the sight of the gecko—marked with a Shadow Mark.

Robin's eyes sparkled as she gazed at him.

"If the entire Marine force—including the Admirals—comes after me… us… will you honor the value of this item?"

"I will."

Maude sighed, smiling wryly.

"I'm no saint, but I always keep my promises."

Robin's smile deepened.

Nami, finally remembering the gecko's existence, brightened with newfound excitement.

With this, they wouldn't have to fear Maude during the battle.

In fact, they could even ask for his help.

Maude had nearly forgotten about the gecko himself—but it didn't really matter.

No Warlord would risk their life in that war.

Slacking off was the natural course of action.

Even if Robin made a request, he'd have plenty of room to maneuver.

"They're finished."

Maude suddenly stood, walking to the railing.

Already?

Nami and Robin exchanged glances, startled by the speed of the conclusion.

On the pockmarked battlefield below, the Shadow Clone stood unscathed—while Luffy and the others lay sprawled out, battered and bruised.

Though their injuries appeared severe, they were only surface wounds.

Both sides had shown restraint—it hadn't been a fight to the death.

Still—

Even with the crew's combined strength, they had lost… overwhelmingly.

Nami and Robin couldn't help but wonder how Luffy and the others must feel right now.

Maude gazed down at the defeated Straw Hats, disappointment flickering in his eyes.

"At this level… they'll be nothing but cannon fodder at Marineford."

"This doesn't make sense…"

He shook his head, sighing.

"Maybe I'm just too strong."

"..."

Nami and Robin silently glanced at him.

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