"Golden Promises: Love and Time in the Pirate's Labyrinth"

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"Alright, enough idle talk... Time is running out!"

Aboard the Going Merry.

Shaka smiled at the Straw Hat crew and said, "I've already gathered most of the treasure here, so you don't need to waste your energy looking for it."

For countless years, this strange world had trapped many ships, attracting an endless stream of pirates, marines, and adventurers. The accumulated treasure was worth at least tens of billions of Berries.

To make it easier to transport, Shaka had melted most of the gold and forged it into a giant golden sphere. Inside were gemstones, invaluable antiques, and ancient paintings.

"Huh!?"

Nami, the money-lover, was utterly disappointed. She had entered this place for the treasure, after all.

But after witnessing Shaka's terrifying power, she knew better than to have any greedy thoughts.

"However, if you really want some, I can give you a portion."

Shaka looked at the dejected Nami, then glanced at Robin, who had a complicated expression. He reached out and ruffled Nami's hair with a smile. "Consider it a thank-you gift for taking care of my little Robin."

To him, Olvia was like a sister. Naturally, that made Robin his niece.

Even though she was quite a grown-up niece... in more ways than one.

"Shaka..."

Robin trembled slightly, staring blankly at the handsome figure before her. Was he... concerned about her?

"Huh? Really?!"

Nami's disappointment turned into sheer excitement.

She had come here for treasure, but now she felt a little embarrassed about accepting it.

"Of course."

Shaka nodded with a grin. To him, that amount of treasure meant nothing.

Of course, his generosity was mostly because of Robin.

Over the past year, Shaka had also found several Devil Fruits in this strange sea. Most of them had respawned here after powerful CP0 agents and Holy Knights perished in this space.

However, those rare treasures were not something he planned to give away so easily.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Shaka!"

Nami was ecstatic, pressing her hands together in gratitude.

Aside from the initial scare he gave them, this handsome young man actually wasn't so bad.

Luffy, Sanji, Zoro, Usopp, and the others were also thrilled. They hadn't expected Shaka to actually share the treasure with them.

"I've researched this strange space quite a bit. It's extremely unstable, especially when the Seven-Colored Mist appears and connects it to the outside world."

Shaka explained to Nami, Robin, Luffy, and Dr. Henzo, "A powerful explosion could trigger a distortion in this special time-space. Unpredictable things might happen."

"I've already gathered a huge amount of explosives from the wrecked ships. I'm going to set them all off."

"What!?"

"Wait, are you trying to—"

Dr. Henzo widened his eyes in shock. He had a hunch—Shaka wanted to go back in time.

"Even though, logically, history cannot be changed—only the future can..."

Shaka remained calm and said bluntly, "I don't know if going back is possible, but even if there's just a one-in-ten-thousand chance, I have to try."

He was a carefree man who lived by his own rules.

Of course, that didn't mean he was loyal to just one woman.

Though he might be a bit of a player, he truly cared for each and every one of them.

If there was even the slightest chance to save them, he had to try.

"Before I go, I have something to say to you, Robin."

Shaka turned to look at Robin, whose expression was a mix of emotions.

His sharp yet gentle gaze met hers as he smiled and encouraged her, "You're the strongest girl I've ever met. No matter what happens, never give up."

"If I can return to the past, I swear I'll go to Ohara and change your and Olvia's fate."

"Shaka..."

Robin froze.

Going back in time to change the future... Was that really possible?

"Of course, we have to be prepared for the worst."

Shaka shrugged and ruffled Robin's hair, chuckling. "If I can't return to the past, then I'll come find you. From then on, you'll stay with me—I won't let anyone harm you."

Robin was stunned, staring at him in disbelief.

She never expected him to say such a thing.

But his warmth... was something she had never felt before.

His hand was so warm, so reassuring.

She didn't feel any resistance to his touch.

"Of course, you too, little thief cat."

Shaka turned to the youthful and beautiful Nami, flashing a charming smile as he winked at her. "I happen to like beautiful women."

His smile was radiant, exuding an irresistible charisma.

It was as if an invisible force was drawing Nami and Robin in, making them unconsciously imprint his words into their hearts.

"So handsome..."

Nami's heart skipped a beat.

She clasped her hands together, hearts practically floating in her eyes. The flawless, tall, and striking man before her had completely captivated her. His gaze had sent an electrifying shock through her.

For a fleeting moment, a reckless thought crossed her mind—maybe going on an adventure with him wouldn't be so bad...

And she could even pet a panda while she was at it!

"Oi, oi, Shaka!"

"You're crossing the line here!"

"Yeah! Nami and Robin are our crewmates!"

"I won't let you take them away!"

Zoro, Sanji, and Luffy glared at Shaka angrily.

"Can't help it," Shaka said nonchalantly. "You guys are too weak to protect them."

He was never one to play nice.

He didn't get the title "Monk Who Breaks Oaths" for nothing.

When he wanted something, he took it—without hesitation.

Just because he was being civil now didn't mean he considered the Straw Hats his friends. If he failed to return to the past, the Straw Hats might find themselves facing their worst nightmare.

Robin was special to him.

As for Nami, he had already planted a seed deep within her heart, one that would soon sprout.

"Bastard! Don't underestimate us!"

"Damn it... Let me go! I'm gonna punch him!"

"Sorry, Mr. Shaka, they're just joking!"

"Yeah, yeah, don't take it seriously!"

Luffy, ever impulsive, was furious.

Sanji, too, was seething at the thought of losing his beloved Nami.

But before they could charge at Shaka, Nami, Chopper, Usopp, and even Zoro held them back.

No matter how annoying Shaka's words were, they knew they couldn't beat him.

"Heh, Little White..."

Shaka chuckled and signaled to his panda, Bailong.

The giant panda immediately activated its Cloud-Cloud Fruit powers, turning its lower body into mist and floating away to Shaka's ship.

Moments later, it returned, carrying a massive sack half as tall as a person.

In front of the stunned Straw Hat crew, Bailong dumped the sack's contents onto the deck of the Going Merry.

Gold and jewels cascaded onto the floor, piling up like a small mountain, glittering brilliantly.

"Waaah! So much treasure!!"

"Shaka, is this really for us?!"

Shaka simply smiled. "Consider it a thank-you gift for looking after my little Robin. The Seven-Colored Mist will vanish soon—you all should leave."

Compared to the massive golden sphere he was taking with him, this was just a small token.

But if he couldn't return to the past, then this was merely an advance payment...

For when he'd take both Robin and Nami for himself.

"....."