C32 No Problem
"Not bad," Esaki remarked as he emerged from the ship's cabin, his eyes settling on the bronze giant with a smile playing at his lips.
"Master!" boomed the Bronze Giant, looking down at him with a voice as thunderous as a storm, rough and deep.
"How are you feeling?" Esaki inquired.
"Master, I need to get used to this," the Australovenator responded, lifting his arms and legs, which seemed a bit stiff.
"We'll get you acclimated once we find the island."
"Yes, Master."
"Actually, don't call me Master. Call me Sir."
"Yes, Sir!"
Meanwhile, Gaimon had successfully docked the two ships together, busying himself with cleaning the decks and transferring the cargo from the original vessel.
Esaki watched the scene unfold, nodding in silent approval. He wasn't without compassion; those who were loyal and worked hard would be rewarded with increased strength when the opportunity arose. It was unfortunate that his system didn't allow him to enhance the abilities of others. Otherwise, capturing a few powerful creatures and using a Devil Fruit could have been a quick way to bolster his own power.
"Why haven't you left yet?" His gaze shifted to Robin.
Robin shrank back, her large eyes misting over as she nervously twisted her small hands together.
Esaki's brow lifted as he surveyed her slender frame. "If you don't want to leave, you can stay. But you'll have to work. Go help Gaimon clean up the ship."
Robin looked up at him, her lips parting slightly as she whispered, "Thank you."
Shaking his head, Esaki retreated back into the cabin.
After what felt like an eternity, Gaimon and Robin managed to finish cleaning, with some assistance from the Australovenator.
Thump!
Exhausted, Robin collapsed onto the ground, her face slick with sweat as she panted for air.
Gaimon settled down beside her.
"Little girl, how did you end up captured by slavers? Where's your family?" he asked, his voice warm with concern.
At the mention of her family, Robin's eyes brimmed with tears, a misty veil descending over her gaze.
"What's... what's the matter? Don't cry..." Gaimon's voice wavered, his nerves kicking in.
He was barely into his twenties and had never dealt with a crying child before, especially one he had inadvertently made cry. Panic set in.
"My family is gone... My mother is gone..." Robin's voice broke as she began to cry.
Her frail body quivered ever so slightly.
Gaimon's expression froze as he stared at the young girl, silent for what seemed like an eternity, at a loss for words.
"You know, if you've got nowhere else to go, you could consider staying here. I'm sure the captain would be okay with it. He might come off as aloof, but he's really a decent guy. You wouldn't have to worry about food or shelter, and he's quite strong," Gaimon whispered.
He kept his voice down, cautious not to be overheard by Esaki.
"But I'm a monster..." Robin murmured, her head nestled between her knees, too shy to meet his gaze.
"Monster?" Gaimon echoed, puzzled.
"Mhm."
Robin lifted her head, her hands nervously clasped in front of her. Two small hands materialized on the ground, only to vanish in an instant.
Witnessing this, Gaimon let out a chuckle, his eyes reflecting a touch of envy. "That's just the power of the Devil Fruit, not a monster."
"Devil Fruit?" Confusion flickered across Robin's tiny face.
"Yeah, that peculiar fruit."
At his words, Robin recalled the fruit she had once eaten out of sheer hunger in the forest. She had taken a bite without a second thought, its bitter taste leaving a lasting memory.
"Eating the Devil Fruit so young, you're bound to grow up strong," he assured her.
Gulp...
Just then, a rumbling sound interrupted them.
Robin's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Sounds like you're hungry. Let me whip up something for you to eat."
With that, Gaimon rose to his feet and headed for the kitchen.