Cobra traversed the passage, skillfully choosing his path. Emerging from the dark corridor, he gazed at the colossal warship before him, a flicker of complex emotion crossing his features.
Moving forward, he surveyed the fallen six figures and then scanned the surroundings.
To his surprise, Benedict, who should have been present, was nowhere to be found.
"Marshal Benedict."
"Marshal Benedict."
Cobra called out twice, but the cavern echoed only with his voice, receiving no reply from Benedict.
Cobra fell silent for a moment, then turned to deal with the six deceased CP0 agents.
After finishing, Cobra decided to leave, intending to keep the secret hidden. Just then, footsteps echoed from the passage.
Becoming wary, Cobra immediately concealed himself.
"Benedict, hehe, is the Poneglyph really here?"
"Is the Ancient Weapon 'Pluton' truly here?"
"Legend says it's an immensely massive warship, how can it be in this cave?"
...
Nico Robin's voice drifted from within the cave.
Cobra didn't know who Nico Robin was, nor had he ever seen her.
However, he did know Benedict.
But why was Benedict, who had entered before him and dealt with the CP0, returning now from outside, and with a child?
Yes, that voice belonged to a little girl.
"The Poneglyph is real, but as for the colossal warship, I'm not sure." Benedict's voice sounded, and the three emerged from the cave.
Nico Robin, Olvia, and Benedict.
Cobra watched the three enter from his hiding spot. Though still filled with questions, he hadn't decided to reveal himself.
"Wow!"
"Is this the colossal warship?"
"The infamous warship of legend, capable of leveling an island with a single shot."
"But it's so old, can it still be used?"
...
Upon seeing the colossal warship, Nico Robin was captivated. She then activated her ability, sprouting wings formed from countless arms behind her, carrying her into the air.
Nico Robin flew upwards, circling the colossal warship for observation.
Her voice echoed within the cave, her curiosity about the massive vessel evident.
"This is not the Ancient Weapon 'Pluton'."
Olvia stood before the Poneglyph, carefully reading its inscription, and stated with a serious expression.
After speaking, Olvia looked at the colossal warship with shock.
"This is a replica?"
Olvia's tone was uncertain.
The colossal warship beside them felt distinctly off to her.
"Who are you?"
Before Olvia's query could be answered, Nico Robin's voice rang out.
Simultaneously, Cobra found himself seized by the neck by a female warrior formed from arms. A slight exertion of force would snap his neck.
This was the result of Nico Robin's relentless training after joining the Xuanwu Navy.
Of course, for Nico Robin, this was merely one of her skills.
Benedict turned back, a playful glint in his eyes as he looked at the restrained Cobra, and chuckled, "Robin, this is the King of the Alabasta Kingdom. Cease your ability."
Hearing this, Nico Robin looked at Benedict with surprise, hesitating, and asked, "Brother Benedict, is he a bad guy?"
"He is a good king, a king who loves his people." Benedict replied after a moment's thought.
Nico Robin said "Oh," and withdrew her hands, dispelling her ability.
Cobra felt no shame from Nico Robin's actions. Instead, he looked at her and said, "Truly a clever and capable child."
Nico Robin, receiving Cobra's praise, wrinkled her nose, not showing any outward happiness.
Flying back to Olvia's side, Nico Robin resumed her childish playfulness and curiosity.
"Mom, what did you mean by 'replica'?"
"Is the Ancient Weapon 'Pluton' not here?"
Nico Robin inquired continuously.
"Look for yourself!" Olvia pointed to the Poneglyph behind her, a hint of testing in her voice.
"King Cobra can give us an answer to that." Benedict interjected.
Cobra met Benedict's gaze for a moment, then offered a wry smile.
"As expected of someone who could establish the Xuanwu Navy Marshal. Your wisdom is profound."
"I never imagined you would bring someone who can read Poneglyphs."
"Before answering your question, could you tell me how you managed this?"
"You clearly entered earlier, and I didn't see you leave. Yet, after I entered, you brought people in again."
"My speed is beyond your comprehension," Benedict said with a smile.
Cobra nodded emphatically, then approached the colossal warship. He ran his hand over the rusted surface and said with a heavy tone, "This is not the 'sinister warship,' Pluton."
"This is a colossal warship secretly built by our ancestors after they seceded from the World Government. They sought out the original craftsmen of Pluton for their own protection."
"This warship cannot compare to the Ancient Weapon 'Pluton,' but its power remains formidable."
"However, after hundreds of years, there has been no occasion to use it, so it has lain dormant here for centuries."
"Essentially, it's now just for show."
"However, the construction techniques within it are still imitable and conquerable. Thus, we have passed down this knowledge through generations without revealing it."
"If it were to be exposed, it would bring immense disaster upon Alabasta."
Benedict looked at the colossal warship and patted its hull, the muffled sound echoing in the empty space.
"Your approach was correct."
"If you lacked the sufficient strength to expose this colossal warship, it would have been an extremely dangerous matter."
"However, the World Government and the Five Elders would still not let you off the hook."
"After all, the clue regarding the Ancient Weapon 'Pluton' is in your possession."
Cobra smiled faintly upon hearing this and said, "No, the clue to the Ancient Weapon 'Pluton' is no longer with me."
"This Poneglyph is yours now, Marshal Benedict."
Benedict looked at Cobra intently and said playfully, "With no price?"
Cobra stepped up to the Poneglyph and gently touched it, stating, "Our Nefertari royal family has guarded this Poneglyph for centuries."
"The current seas constantly threaten our nation with immense disaster."
"We have Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords, and the World Government. Even if they are defeated, others will still come looking."
"In that case, I would rather offer this Poneglyph to you as a bargaining chip."
"However, I hope Marshal Benedict will take it openly from the port and honor our previous agreement."
Benedict chuckled softly and extended his hand, saying, "Of course, no problem."
Cobra extended his hand, smiling with satisfaction.