Chopper was paralyzed with terror.
Momousagi was absolutely furious when she saw this.
Well, great.
Now everything is ruined!
Are you guys trying to get yourselves killed?!
Even though she was cursing inwardly, her body still moved toward Chopper.
But just as she was about to act—
She was stopped by Rosward.
“Marine! If you dare interfere again, you’ll be defying a Celestial Dragon! With just one word from me, your entire Marine force could lose a month’s worth of funding—do you believe me?!” Rosward said coldly.
Hearing that, even Momousagi was stuck.
She could ignore the words of a Celestial Dragon.
But she couldn’t stop a Celestial Dragon’s actions.
If she dared to do that, the consequences would be severe.
The World Government could use even this tiny incident to suppress the Marines.
Because the Celestial Dragons would go completely berserk behind the scenes.
A month’s worth of funding.
An astronomical sum.
And right before such a critical war, no less.
Every single expense mattered.
Though she was still full of unwillingness, she rationally stopped herself.
She didn’t make another move.
This scene was fully taken in by Rayleigh, who was secretly watching from backstage.
He frowned slightly.
This was bad.
Why did that kid have to be missing right now?
If he showed himself here…
Could he still enjoy a peaceful life later?
Forget it, he’d keep watching for now.
If things got truly dire, he’d step in.
Saint Shalria approached Robin, staring at her playfully.
“You wretched woman! It’s all your fault! Now everyone’s going to die! Do you regret it? Are you sad? Are you scared? Hahahahaha!”
She jeered mockingly.
But she soon fell silent.
Because sitting in front of her, Robin hadn’t shown even a flicker of emotion the whole time.
She didn’t even glance at Shalria directly.
That sight—
Instantly ignited Shalria’s fury!
“You bitch! Still pretending to be so pure? Let me ruin that face of yours!”
She screamed, raising the gun in her hand.
But she didn’t intend to fire.
It was just for intimidation.
Her real aim was to use the ornate dagger in her left hand to carve some elegant, deep cuts into Robin’s face.
She wanted to ruin that infuriatingly calm face.
Shalria laughed maniacally.
She looked forward to seeing fear on Robin’s face.
But what she got was disappointment.
Robin wasn’t afraid at all.
Instead, she slightly turned her head, smiling as she looked toward a figure in the corner.
*Bang!*
On the other side, Saint Charlos had also fired his gun—
Aimed straight at the terrified Chopper.
Gunshots rang out from where Luffy was too—
But every bullet bounced off his body.
They didn’t do any real damage.
Still, if no one intervened, Chopper and Robin would likely be seriously injured.
Rayleigh was already preparing to act.
He was ready to knock everyone out with Conqueror’s Haki at the last moment.
But that would still be noticed by Momousagi.
He’d be exposed either way.
But no time to think—he had to watch just a bit longer.
If there’s no change, he’ll make his move.
The rest of the Straw Hats watched in horror—
‘Robin! Chopper!’
But none of them could move!
They could only scream in their minds, powerless.
And in that moment, sitting quietly in the corner, Vir was… speechless.
How the hell did she spot him when he’s disguised this well?!
Does he have some kind of tracker on him?!
Or does she have a radar for him?!
This is just ridiculous!
He’d been sitting there for less than a minute, and she still found him in this massive crowd?!
Could this get any more absurd?!
If she can do this, he’s not even confident about Marineford anymore!
If Akainu and Aokiji recognize him at a glance—
What’s even the point?!
Vir sighed to himself.
His face began to shift—
The generic face he wore slowly returned to his real appearance.
But aside from Robin, who had looked this way, no one else noticed.
Seeing this, Robin wasn’t surprised at all.
In fact, she even winked at him.
The provocation was loud and clear.
As if saying: Nice hiding spot. Next time, don’t even bother.
Vir’s face darkened.
And in the next moment—he vanished from his seat.
“You lowly, disgusting woman! You dare smile?! You dare wink?! Die! DIE!!”
Shalria shrieked in a frenzy.
But just as her dagger was about to slash Robin’s face, and just as Rayleigh was about to release his Conqueror’s Haki—
A finger appeared, suddenly, in front of Robin.
And precisely intercepted the incoming blade.
*Clang!*
A crisp metallic sound rang out.
And at the same time, the bullet headed toward Chopper also mysteriously vanished.
The sound echoed through the silent hall.
Everyone instinctively turned toward the source.
And when they saw who had appeared, their eyes widened.
Law and Kid, who had been standing by the door ready to leave after watching the show, were stunned.
When did he get here?!
Wasn’t he not around a second ago?!
How is he showing up now?!
With him around, the Straw Hats are safe again.
Kid studied Vir’s youthful face, and a competitive fire burned in his chest.
‘This guy doesn’t look that old!’
‘That insane bounty… he must’ve slaughtered a ton of civilians, right?’
‘There’s no way his actual strength is worth 1 billion!’
‘I’ll test him someday!’
‘I’m the strongest Supernova!’
Meanwhile, Momousagi looked at the figure who appeared out of nowhere—
And to her own surprise, her face lit up.
He’s here. He actually came back!
He really did come back here!
A strange sense of joy bloomed in her heart.
She was startled by that thought.
Quickly shaking her head, she forced the absurd idea away.
Rayleigh, seeing this, was visibly pleased.
Ah, right on time.
Now this old man can sit back and enjoy the show again.
Nice.
Thinking that, Rayleigh lifted his sake gourd and took a swig.
As for Luffy and the others, the joy on their faces when they saw Vir couldn’t be hidden even if they tried.
Chopper straight-up burst into tears on the spot.
That was close.
He was really about to die!
In every possible way!
Big bro… Big bro showed up at the perfect time, waaah!
Earlier, Momousagi had been too fast.
Chopper hadn’t even had time to take his Rumble Ball.
He’d been knocked down instantly.
The difference in strength between them and Momousagi wasn’t even close.
Vir looked at Robin, his expression full of helplessness.
“How did you find me this time?”
Robin merely smiled faintly.
Then, with a hint of smugness, she replied:
“I can smell your stench from a mile away.”
Vir froze.
Huh?
What the hell does that mean?
He even sniffed himself in self-doubt.
But no.
Nothing.
Come on—he had good hygiene!
Seeing him actually sniffing himself, Robin couldn’t help but chuckle.