Naruto: I Reign Supreme with Templates Across the Multiverse.

"Who told you I'm not with the navy? I am Admiral Kizaru," Zenkichi said, his tone calm but firm.

Robin, standing beside him, didn't flinch. Her eyes remained locked onto his. "I'm certain you're not," she replied, voice steady. "No real marine would act the way you do."

"You treat pirates like a nuisance—like garbage to be discarded at your leisure. A real marine follows justice. You… don't."

Zenkichi gave a lazy smirk. "Strange, isn't it? But that's just my style. I'm what you'd call a 'salty fish admiral.' Within the navy, I'm quite well-known for it."

"When it comes to pirates, I follow ambiguous justice—arrest, release, or eliminate. Depends on how I feel."

Robin frowned but didn't argue. Instead, she stared into his eyes. "I don't believe you're Kizaru. There's no way."

Zenkichi raised a brow with interest. "But I used the Glint-Glint Fruit powers. That alone should tell you who I am."

Robin gave a slight smile. "I've spent my whole life running from the World Government. I never stopped studying the world around me. I know of a new supernova with multiple Devil Fruit abilities."

"If I had to guess… you're the infamous Zenkichi. The one with a bounty of 2 billion Berries. And yes, I know you've inherited Kizaru's powers."

Zenkichi slowly removed his sunglasses, his gaze sharpening. "Then why are you exposing me? What do you want?"

Robin met his stare. "I want to work for you. I can be useful."

Zenkichi gave a short laugh. "So, you're after protection?"

"I'm an archaeologist," Robin said, her voice calm. "I can read ancient texts and I'm skilled in logistics and planning. I think I could help you."

Zenkichi gave her a once-over, then chuckled. "You… can really do anything?"

Robin's expression grew guarded. "Don't get the wrong idea. I have boundaries."

He smirked again, clearly enjoying himself. "Is that how someone seeking asylum should talk?"

"I've already told you—I don't cross certain lines."

The amusement faded from Zenkichi's face. He paused for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Traveling alone is dull. Maybe you'll surprise me."

Robin blinked. "You're really taking me in?"

"Sure. From now on, you work for me," he said casually. "I'll protect you from the World Government and the marines."

"But if you want to travel with me, you'll handle everything else."

Robin tilted her head. "Everything else?"

Zenkichi grinned wickedly. "I walk on water. Island to island. No ship. No supplies. If you're joining me, that's all on you."

Robin let out a quiet laugh. "That's it? Please, I've been handling worse on my own for years."

After O'Hara fell, Robin had survived on her own. Under constant threat, she'd become self-sufficient in ways most people couldn't imagine.

Zenkichi followed behind as she got to work, curious to see what she could do.

Before long, Robin had assembled a small but well-equipped ship.

"Not bad," Zenkichi muttered, impressed. He looked at her. "Can you sail?"

Robin gave a soft smile. "I'm not a master navigator, but I can manage basic navigation."

Zenkichi nodded, clearly not too concerned either way.

---

Elsewhere – Marine Headquarters, Marshal's Office

Inside a quiet office, Fleet Admiral Sengoku stared sternly at Admiral Kizaru.

"I've received reports from Spring Island," he said. "Pirates claim they were attacked by you—some said you told them to run, then took out their companions with lasers."

"But you weren't even there."

Kizaru stood relaxed, unfazed. "You've already figured it out, haven't you?"

Sengoku folded his arms. "Yes. If I had to guess… Zenkichi again. Posing as you."

"He's even mimicking your speech and behavior. Some people think it really was you."

Kizaru let out a slow sigh. "It's scary, huh? The fake might be more convincing than the real one."

Sengoku's brow twitched. "That's all you have to say? He's using your identity."

With a shrug, Kizaru pulled out a crumpled cigarette. "This kind of thing doesn't fool the higher-ups. Don't stress about it."

Sengoku rubbed his temples. He'd hoped this incident would light a fire under Kizaru—but the man remained hopelessly indifferent.

"Fine," Sengoku muttered. "You're going after Zenkichi. Consider it an official mission."

Kizaru's shoulders slumped dramatically. "That sounds dangerous. What if I die?"

He sighed again, exaggerating his dismay. "Alright, alright. You're really good at assigning people to suicidal tasks, you know."

---

I've held up my end.....so, where are my power stones?