Two golden figures sprinted through the streets of Nicuss's capital, chasing each other and nimbly dodging pedestrians.
"Hurry up, Lia!" Mordred urged as she ran.
"You too, don't waste time, Momo!" Artoria said, pulling half a body length ahead of Mordred.
The two ran into the palace without slowing down, and the guards and nobles did not stop them.
They ran all the way to the training ground, where Nero had been waiting for a long time.
Looking at the two panting figures, Nero showed no expression: "From today, I will teach you swordsmanship."
"Yes!" x2
The two little ones stood at attention, answering with full energy.
As for these two daughters, Nero actually didn't want herself to have too much influence on them.
They were the future of Nicuss, and although she was the most outstanding emperor in Nicuss's history, there were too many non-replicable conditions involved.
Military strength was the most direct aspect; given Nero's strength, which far surpassed the Four Emperors, even the World Government, which had ruled the seas for eight hundred years, had to treat Nicuss with deference.
Benefiting from this, not even the Celestial Dragons could harm an ordinary Nicuss citizen without cause.
Nero knew how special she was; these two daughters, barring any accidents, would likely never reach her current realm in their lifetimes.
Therefore, Nero didn't want her usual extravagant lifestyle to have a bad influence on them, and all cultural courses were handed over to Holio to manage.
However, in terms of martial power, Nero felt she could still be of much use; strong is strong, weak is weak, and based on their aptitudes, reaching Four Emperors-level combat strength in the future was not a problem.
"Hmm, then first, let me see how well you've learned so far. Attack me with all your strength."
Nero picked up a wooden stick, covering it with Armament Haki.
Facing the sword of promised victory and the Brilliant Royal Sword, without sufficient Armament Haki, even she couldn't guide the two with a small wooden stick.
Even the most superb technique would be useless if it shattered on impact.
Mordred and Artoria exchanged glances, then unhesitatingly drew their swords and charged; they didn't believe they could truly harm Nero.
"Watch your breathing! Your rhythm! If these are messed up, you're not far from failure... your coordination is a mess."
Facing the two's attacks, Nero's main approach was one of effortless ease, and seeing the growing admiration in the children's eyes made her feel pleased.
"Besides Imperial Studies, did Holio's lessons for you only cover the history of Nicuss's past emperors?"
Blocking their swords, Nero suddenly asked.
"Yes, along with etiquette and swordsmanship, that's basically all the courses."
Artoria swung another sword, feeling as if each strike was hitting steel; after a few swings, her hands were a little numb.
"By next year, there should also be an elective course added."
Mordred had the same feeling, taking a couple of breaths during the pause while answering Nero.
"Then you might have a new culture teacher later."
Nero didn't continue the attack, sticking the small wooden stick into the marble floor and looking up at the sky.
"How opportunistic, sending someone here to me?"
Mordred and Artoria also looked up along Nero's gaze, a black dot in the sky growing larger and larger.
What kind of thing is flying over?
Why does it look like a person?
Flying into Nicuss? Did they pay the entry fee? Is there really such a bold person?
Nero spread her five fingers and waved them lightly forward.
A small storm swirled up, canceling out the impact of the incoming person's descent.
When the person sat up, dazed, Nero extended her hand to her: "Welcome to Nicuss Gold City, little Robin!"
"B-Big Sister?" Robin blinked, looking at Nero, who was exactly as she remembered, feeling a sense of temporal dislocation.
"Hmm, this journey was certainly long!" Nero took Robin's hand and pulled her up.
"Big Sister, Luffy, Luffy... where are they?"
Robin asked anxiously as soon as she stood up; while flying in the sky, she had realized that the Shichibukai, Tyrant Kuma, probably didn't intend to kill them.
However, seeing Nero immediately after landing still surprised her.
"Calm down first. I probably know what happened. This ability should be the Paw-Paw Fruit, right?"
"Ah, on Sabaody Archipelago... we encountered Kuma of the Shichibukai..."
"Indeed? Only Kuma would dare to attack you while using my name."
Nero was not surprised; at this time, Ace's problem would definitely draw out that brat Luffy. Was it Dragon's arrangement?
Robin still looked confused, and Nero had no intention of explaining it to her immediately.
"Let's go eat something first. You must be very hungry after flying for so long, right? Your companions will be fine."
Nero gestured with her eyes for a maid to take Robin to eat: "I still have to teach these two brats. We'll gather later tonight."
After Robin was half-coaxed, half-forced away, Nero pulled out the small wooden stick and looked at Mordred and Artoria: "Alright, let's continue!"
The two were also very curious about Robin, but seeing Nero like this, they didn't dare to ask more, raising their swords and continuing to attack Nero... That evening, Nero took a bath and came to the Rose Garden.
Playing with Mordred and Artoria hadn't made Nero break a sweat, but moving her body a bit and taking a bath was quite comfortable.
"You should understand the importance of Haki now, right?" Nero walked into the pavilion, sat down, and crossed her legs.
This question made Robin, who was opposite her, a little embarrassed.
"Don't think that learning a few Rokushiki will allow you to walk freely in the New World. Haki is the main theme of the New World."
"Here, even ordinary fodder at least master Armament Haki. For a bunch of rabble like you, trying to venture into the New World a hundred times wouldn't be enough to die."
Nero didn't hold back, making Robin, who had grown into a mature woman, blush deeply and lower her head in embarrassment.
"Sorry... Big Sister, it's because I haven't cultivated properly that I've fallen to this state."
"Hmph—since you've realized the problem, then train well in Nicuss for the time being."
"...But, Luffy and them..." Robin hesitated.
"Don't worry about them. Kuma sending you here means he's arranged a place for everyone."
"If your companions are truly serious about entering the New World, this lesson should leave a deep impression."
Nero put down her legs: "Traveling with companions is a wonderful thing. I won't stop you. My journey with Roger back then is still a treasure in my life."
"But a wonderful foundation still requires sufficient strength."
Robin had no intention of arguing, but she was still a little uneasy: "Big Sister, who exactly is that Shichibukai Kuma?"
Nero scoffed: "Revolutionary Army! The reason he separated you all was to protect you. Haven't you heard about the recent major incident?"
"Major incident?"
---------------------------------
If you'd like to read the next 70 chapters in advance, you can support me on Patreon.
I regularly post chapter previews there, so you'll always be up-to-date and won't have to wait too long.
patreon.com/SolyuraMT
And if you enjoy the story, don't forget to give me a Power Stone. Your support really motivates me to continue translating!