Chapter Four: The Adorable Little Robin

After filling his stomach, Camus returned to the treehouse and used his lightning powers to set up a barrier at the entrance. Since the door faced the sea, it would go unnoticed as long as no one approached. Camus took out a few sets of clothes he had bought from Hong Yun with merit points from his spatial ring, spread them in layers over the small wooden bed, and lay down to rest.

Today had been surprisingly fortunate—he had run into Robin so soon. In the original story, Robin hadn't had it easy; otherwise, she wouldn't have named the new ship something as dark as "Shadow." Lost in thought, Camus soon drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, the chirping of birds echoed outside. Camus lay on the wooden bed with a mischievous expression, not fully awake, probably lost in a pleasant dream. He murmured, “Robin, Hancock, let’s sleep a little longer... just a little longer...” It was clear enough what kind of dream he was having.

By then, daylight had fully arrived. Camus stepped out of the treehouse, stretched lazily, and gazed at the vast sea with a gentle sigh. He took a pack of cigarettes from his pocket (purchased with merit points), unwrapped it, placed one between his lips, and lit it with a flicker of elemental power from his fingers, exhaling smoke contentedly.

Looking up at the sky, he felt a refreshing peace within. This world was truly wonderful: the air was clean, the sea breeze soothing, and he could look at the ocean every day. It was much better than Earth. Though part of him still wanted to return, he suspected that soon enough, he would no longer wish to leave. With another sigh and a spark of lightning at his fingertips, the cigarette turned to dust.

Footsteps echoed—“tap, tap.” Camus turned to see Robin approaching with a book in hand. She sat on a large rock. “Good morning, Robin. Have you had breakfast?” Camus sat beside her and asked.

“I have. Camus, what are you doing living here?” Robin asked curiously.

“Heh, I’m training my body here to prepare for my journey at sea,” Camus replied, gazing at the distant waves.

“Alright, you go ahead. I’ll stay here and read,” Robin said softly, taking in his words.

To set out to sea... Where is my mother? When will she come for me? Robin’s gaze was also fixed on the endless horizon.

Seeing Robin’s expression, Camus could guess her thoughts, but he said nothing. He simply pinched her small nose gently and walked toward the shore with a smile, leaving Robin blushing adorably.

Camus’s training plan was, first, to fully master Soru and the Six Powers. He aimed to reach the point where he could move instantly and accurately to any location he wished. The Six Powers were more challenging; mastering them required great physical strength. So his first step was to train his body.

Training physical strength sounded simple but was actually quite difficult. Should he add weights or just rely on bodyweight exercises? His body was still small, so it was best to focus on strength training after the age of ten.

He assessed his body—light and powerful. Clenching his fist, lightning crackled in his palm.

Robin watched curiously from the side as lightning danced on Camus’s hand. “Camus, how do you make lightning appear on your hand?” she asked, putting her book aside.

Hearing her question, Camus stopped discharging, walked over, and sat beside her. “This is the power of a Devil Fruit. I’ve eaten the Thunder Fruit and the Violet Light Fruit. Devil Fruits are treasures of the sea—whoever eats one gains unique powers. Watch this.” He pointed toward the distant sea.

His whole index finger gleamed with violet light; with a buzz, a purple sphere about ten centimeters wide shot out at high speed, striking the water with a thunderous explosion that sent a towering column of spray dozens of meters high.

“Pretty impressive, isn’t it? That’s the power of the Violet Light Fruit, a Logia-type. And that was just the weakest attack—a stronger move would be even more spectacular.” Camus spoke gently, patting Robin’s head.

“And what’s this?” Suddenly, an arm sprouted from Camus’s back, patting his head.

“Eh?” Camus touched the arm, feeling its warmth and softness.

Robin was blushing, her head lowered, but she peeked up at Camus, waiting for his answer.

“That must be the power of a Human-Type Devil Fruit. Judging by this, it’s the Flower-Flower Fruit—a very useful ability,” Camus said, patting Robin’s head.

“Robin, how did you come across this Devil Fruit?” he asked curiously. The original story never explained how Robin got her powers, and now he was finally about to find out—a little thrill rising in his heart.

“That was half a year ago. I was reading by the sea when a small wooden box floated ashore. I opened it, and there was a Devil Fruit inside. I was a bit hungry, so I peeled it and ate the pulp. It tasted awful.” Robin pouted adorably at the memory.

Listening to her, Camus guessed that a pirate ship must have sunk in a storm and the box carrying the Devil Fruit drifted to this shore.

He pinched Robin’s little nose gently. “All Devil Fruits taste that way—there’s no such thing as a delicious one. My body is special, so I can handle two, but any more and it’s impossible. If you ever find another Devil Fruit, don’t eat it. Eating a second one will kill you.” Robin didn’t dodge his hand, her face reddening as she replied, “Alright. If I ever find another Devil Fruit, I’ll give it to you to keep.”

Camus felt a little dizzy—Devil Fruits weren’t that easy to find! This place was close to the Grand Line but too near the Calm Belt, so pirate ships rarely appeared here, and Devil Fruit users were even rarer, let alone the fruit itself.

“Devil Fruits are hard to come by. We’ll talk about it if you ever find one.” Camus knocked her lightly on the head, “I’m off to train. You stay and read.”

“Okay,” Robin replied sweetly, watching Camus head toward the shore.

As he walked, Camus thought about the Devil Fruit’s weakness—its fear of seawater. If he accidentally fell in, he’d be completely powerless and likely to drown. He wondered if having eaten two Devil Fruits changed that.

Lost in thought, he wandered to a shallow tidal pool—a tiny bay no larger than a few dozen square meters and less than a meter deep at its deepest.

He stepped to the water’s edge, cautiously dipped in one foot, then the other, wading slowly toward the center. Suddenly, he slipped, plunging into the water with a splash. The moment he was fully submerged, he felt his strength rapidly drain away. The powers granted by his Devil Fruits vanished instantly, and then even his physical strength ebbed away.

It was an awful sensation. Struggling, he crawled toward the shore. As he neared land, a small hand grasped his tightly, pulling him to safety.

“Cough, cough—Robin, I’m fine.” Camus rolled onto his back, gasping for air. He’d nearly died; if not for his quick reaction, it might have ended badly.

Looking at Robin’s gently panting face, Camus suddenly leaned over and kissed her lightly. “Thank you, Robin.”

Robin’s face turned as red as an apple. Camus could barely hear her tiny, mosquito-like reply.

Smiling at her nervousness, he lay down on the sand with Robin’s hand in his.

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