Bahr emerged from the cabin, still damp from his recent bath.
He strode directly to the long table at the center of the deck and plopped into the empty seat beside Nico Robin. The chair legs scraped against the floor with a loud creak.
Robin's brow furrowed slightly as she subtly shifted half a foot away, her fingers still holding the book page, though her gaze briefly swept over Bahr. His freshly washed black hair glistened with moisture, droplets trickling down to darken the collar of his shirt.
Such is the way of men...
"Boss, your juice," Paula approached with a tray, placing a glass of freshly squeezed orange-red juice before Bahr, condensation beading on its surface.
Bahr casually grabbed the glass and downed half its contents in one gulp, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. Droplets from the glass dripped between his fingers onto the deck, leaving small dark spots.
"Boss, what are your plans next?" Robin suddenly closed her book, her calm gaze settling on Bahr as if discussing the weather.
Bahr set the empty glass down with a soft thud. "What plans? Just head to Fish-Man Island for now, take things as they come."
Robin tapped the edge of her book, the sound crisp against the sea breeze. Her tone remained even but carried unmistakable seriousness: "The entire world saw footage of you insulting Celestial Dragons and openly challenging them at Marineford."
"What are you getting at?" Bahr's eyebrows shot up as he turned sharply toward Robin, wariness flashing in his eyes.
"Don't you think our forces are too thin?" Robin met his gaze squarely, a razor's edge hidden beneath her composed questioning. "With just our current numbers, can we truly withstand the World Government?"
"A bunch of mortals," Enel scoffed from his God Seat, electricity crackling at his fingertips, arrogance dripping from his voice. "I could obliterate any number they send. What's there to fear?"
Robin didn't even glance at Enel, keeping her steady gaze on Bahr. "The World Government has far more powerful forces than you imagine. If they launch a full-scale assault..." She paused meaningfully. "Would you like to relive the experience of being captured by the Marines?"
Bahr's fingers drummed faster on the table, his brows knitting together.
It was true—among their group, only he and Enel could be considered true combatants. Mr. 1 and the four God Enforcers, while capable, were far from enough to hold their own. The memory of being shackled in Impel Down remained vivid—that helplessness wasn't something he wished to repeat.
"With Whitebeard gone, the world's balance has collapsed," Robin continued analytically, her voice measured. "Every faction is scrambling for territory. The New World is in chaos—precisely when power vacuums appear."
Her gaze sharpened like a blade. "If you want true independence, you must make the World Government fear you at their core."
Bahr felt the truth in her words resonate within him.
Why had the New World kept the World Government and Marines at bay? Because the Four Emperors' strength forced them to hesitate.
Simply put, strength commanded respect. Only by making opponents think "we can't take them" could real security be achieved.
Noticing Bahr's fingers slowing their tapping, Robin pressed on: "Your challenge to the Celestial Dragons has spread across the seas through newspapers. Countless eyes are watching your next move now."
She tapped the table decisively. "With your current reputation, raising the banner would draw countless followers. Seize this moment to establish territory in the New World, gather those struggling in the chaos. Once our wings are fully grown, the World Government will think twice before acting."
Bahr found himself agreeing completely.
His feud with the World Government was already irreconcilable. Rather than hoping for Celestial Dragon mercy, strengthening their own forces was the only real option.
In these turbulent seas, true freedom required sufficient power.
After a pensive silence, he frowned slightly. "So you're saying I should become a pirate?"
Frankly, while the Marines were Celestial Dragon lapdogs, most pirates weren't much better. The Straw Hat Boy hardly counted as a proper pirate—more like an adventure crew.
Real pirates? Pillaging, murdering, unrestrained savagery. He had no desire to be lumped with that lot.
Robin shook her head mildly. "Not necessarily pirates. An independent organization would suffice."
Seeing reason in this, Bahr studied Robin curiously. "Why the sudden enthusiasm?"
Nico Robin had always cared only about the Historical Texts. This push for establishing power seemed uncharacteristic.
Meeting his gaze, Robin spread her hands frankly. "Because you provoked the World Government. This is self-preservation."
"..."
Bahr had no rebuttal. The blunt honesty was undeniable—if he fell, everyone aboard would share his fate.
Looking into Robin's calm eyes, he suddenly chuckled. This woman saw things clearly, always calculating pros and cons with perfect clarity.
Unfazed by his amusement, Robin asked directly: "What do you think of my proposal, Boss?"
Bahr stroked his chin. "Establishing an organization is feasible, but... what kind?"
He eyed his empty glass, brow quirking. "Surely not like those trash pirate crews, constantly shouting about conquering territory?"
That seemed both dull and like exchanging one set of shackles for another.
Robin's fingers tapped rhythmically against the table as if organizing his thoughts. "The name and structure can be decided later, but the core must be clear—aligned with neither the World Government nor opposed to all factions."
She stated firmly: "We need power to stand firm on these seas."
Bahr nodded slowly, vague contours taking shape in his mind.
Perhaps this organization needn't bear labels like "pirate" or "revolutionary"—just people united for freedom, with strength to protect themselves while walking their chosen paths.
Most importantly, it would safeguard his ability to keep living freely across these vast waters.
Leaning back, he watched seagulls skim the horizon, already pondering—what would be the perfect name for such an organization?