"How could the location of Pluton be recorded on that historical text?!" Cobra hissed, cold sweat beading on his forehead. He knew all too well what would happen if such news reached the World Government.
The Nefertari royal family would be completely eradicated.
After all, they were not Celestial Dragons.
"It doesn't matter whether it truly records the location of Pluton," Mio said, his tone cold and calm. "What matters is that once the rumor spreads, the World Government will become suspicious, right?"
Cobra froze.
Then, like a punctured balloon, he slumped back in his chair, lowered his head, and spoke in a deep voice. "You're right. The Government will become suspicious. But even if I let you in… how can I trust that you, a pirate, won't still report us?"
If the Government caught even a whiff of suspicion, CP agents would be dispatched immediately to investigate the Nefertari family. The actual outcome wouldn't matter—just the knowledge that a Poneglyph existed in their tomb would be enough for the Government to act.
Cobra knew full well what the World Government feared most. He had seen the darkness that lurked behind the shimmering walls of Mary Geoise.
Their methods were brutal. Unforgiving.
"Haha, why are you worried about that?" Mio chuckled, giving a lazy shrug. "If I went to the World Government and told them everything, I'd be the first one they'd erase. Just like what they did with O'Hara."
Mio's words hit hard.
O'Hara had been obliterated, not just the scholars but everyone. Men, women, children. All gone. Wiped from the map. Only Nico Robin had survived.
And now, she was on his ship.
Cobra fell silent again, expression unreadable.
Mio didn't press him. He calmly poured another glass of wine and sipped as he waited.
After a few minutes, Cobra looked up. A bitter smile crept across his face. "I should have guessed. Nico Robin is with you. Of course your goal is the Poneglyph."
He sighed deeply. "But aren't you afraid the World Government will eventually find you?"
"Of course I am," Mio replied, arms folded behind his head. "But my curiosity about the Poneglyphs outweighs my fear of the Government."
Cobra hesitated, then slowly nodded. "Fine. I'll take you there. But promise me something: If the Government ever catches up to you, don't drag Alabasta into it. Don't mention us. My people are innocent. If the Government learns about this… they won't show mercy."
"Alright," Mio agreed without hesitation.
"I hope you'll keep your word," Cobra said, looking Mio dead in the eye. After a long breath, he stood up. "Come with me. I'll take you there now."
"No need to rush," Mio replied, waving a hand casually.
Cobra raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"
Scratching his head sheepishly, Mio grinned. "Alabasta's a rich kingdom, right? I assume your treasury has a few treasures lying around?"
Cobra's face twitched. This guy…
You threaten me, blackmail me, and now you're asking for treasure too?
He gritted his teeth but swallowed his frustration for the sake of his people. "How much do you want?"
"I don't need money," Mio said with a grin. "What I want… is a Devil Fruit."
"A Devil Fruit?" Cobra frowned, then fell silent for a moment, thinking.
In this world, Devil Fruits were rare and powerful, but many nobles—himself included—didn't value them as highly as money or resources. Wealth could feed people, build armies, and develop the nation. But a Devil Fruit? It only strengthened the individual.
He gave a slight nod. "There's only one in the treasury. We never really sought them out."
"One is enough," Mio said brightly.
"Very well. Wait here. I'll have someone bring it to you," Cobra said. He picked up the Den Den Mushi on his desk and issued the order.
As the line cut off, the study fell into quiet again.
Mio wandered over to a nearby bookshelf, picked out a book, and began flipping through it. There were all kinds of books in this room—history, politics, science. Most of them were too dry for his tastes, but…
Robin and Lilith would probably love these.
Mio glanced at Cobra. "Mind if I take a few books with me?"
He shook the one in his hand as he spoke.
Cobra's eye twitched. You rob me, threaten me, demand a Devil Fruit, and now you want to loot my books too?
Before he could say anything, Mio's gaze sharpened, cold light flashing through his eyes. Cobra instinctively recoiled a little.
"Take them if you want," Cobra muttered quickly.
"Thanks, you're the best," Mio said with a smug grin, gathering up a stack of books he thought Robin and Lilith might like. He set them aside and returned to the sofa, sipping wine while he waited.
Roughly ten minutes later, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," Cobra called.
A soldier entered, carrying a box. Without a word, he placed it on the table and left.
Mio opened the box. Inside was a fruit covered in odd spiral patterns—a genuine Devil Fruit, no doubt about it.
He closed the box with a satisfied smile and looked toward Cobra. "Alright, I'll take this. Tomorrow, I'll come back and you can guide me to the tomb and the Poneglyph."