Nico Robin, infamously known as ‘Devil Child,’ is the archaeologist of the Straw Hat Pirates in One Piece. Known for her enigmatic demeanor and profound knowledge of history, she plays an essential role in Luffy’s journey to becoming the Pirate King.
Following the successful reception of Netflix’s One Piece live-action adaptation, fans eagerly await how and where Luffy and his crew’s journey continues next season. Given the course the live-action has taken so far with its storytelling, there is a good chance Nico Robin will make her appearance and, hopefully, join the Straw Hat pirates’ crew next season. In preparation for Nico Robin’s appearance in the live-action, here is everything you need to know about her.
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Origin Story: Sole Survivor of Ohara
Robin was born into a family of archeologists on the island of Ohara. She is the daughter of Nico Olivia, a profound archeologist who studied the poneglyphs. The poneglyphs were declared forbidden to study by the World Government, which wanted to keep the world’s secrets hidden from the public. Olivia left Robin with her younger brother to be raised while she was away and continued her research. Growing up, Nico Robin’s aunt made her feel unwanted as she verbally and physically abused her. Robin was ostracised and feared by other children and adults for much of her life due to her devil fruit powers.
Robin eventually made friends with the scholars of Ohara at the “Tree of Knowledge.” Archeologists used the tree to research the poneglyphs and reveal the truth about the world. Robin aced her archeologist exam by age eight and could read poneglyphs. She was inducted as a scholar. Shortly after her induction, Robin was scolded by Professor Clover, the lead archeologist, for also wanting to research the poneglyphs. Clover threatened to ban Robin from the tree if she studied the poneglyphs, in hopes of protecting her from World Government’s wrath.
Tragedy struck when the World Government attacked Ohara with a Buster Call, a powerful military attack that would destroy the island and its inhabitants. Robin’s mother, Olivia, returned to Ohara too late to save her colleagues but reunited with Robin briefly. With the help of Robin’s friend, the giant Jaguar D. Saul, Robin was able to escape the destruction as the sole survivor of Ohara.
Nico Robin, The Devil Child
To cover up and justify the massacre of Ohara, the World Government lied and publicly painted the scholars of Ohara as demons who were researching Ancient Weapons to destroy the world. Following her escape from Ohara, Robin was hunted down ceaselessly by the World Government. They placed a hefty bounty on the child’s head and labeled Robin as the “Devil Child.”
Unfortunately, this resulted in Nico Robin rarely finding a safe place to live and constantly spending her childhood living on the run. Whenever Robin managed to find a place to stay, she would work hard and stay with whoever would take her in. Unfortunately, the adults taking her in would betray her and try to cash in her bounty.
Skilled Archeologist
Nico Robin’s archeology skills are unparalleled in the world of One Piece. They stem from her deep understanding of history and ability to decipher the mysteries of the poneglyphs. As the only survivor of Ohara’s destruction, Robin’s knowledge of the poneglyphs makes her one of the most valuable people in the world, not just by the World Government but by anyone hoping to find the Pirate King’s treasure, as the poneglyphs hold the key in finding its locations.
Robin’s expertise in archeology also aids in uncovering mysteries from the past, which helps her friends navigate through various challenges. With her intellect and dedication to finding the truth, Robin plays an essential role in unraveling the world’s mysteries.
Devil Fruit Powers
Robin possesses the Hana Hana no Mi, a paramecia-type devil fruit that allows her to replicate parts of her body. Her devil fruit powers allow her versatility in combat, exploration, and recognizance. Robin’s powers are lethal as she can create multiple limbs from any surface, allowing her to trap and take down large groups at a time.
In later arcs, like Wano Country, Robin’s Devil Fruit powers evolve, allowing her to replicate her entire body to ginormous size. Robin’s powers require a lot of strategic thinking and endurance, as it can strain her body immensely. When the replica parts of her body receive damage, she also feels pain. Robin’s mastery of her powers adds a unique dimension to her character and makes her an irreplaceable ally.
Miss All-Sunday & Crocodile
Robin makes her debut in the series during the Alabasta Arc. Before the series, Crocodile finds Robin when she is 24 and makes a deal with her. In exchange for protection from the World Government, she would be his business partner, decipher poneglyphs, and find the location of the Ancient Weapon, Pluton.
While with the criminal organization Baroque Works, Robin adopted the name “Miss All-Sunday” and worked closely with its leader, Crocodile. Although Robin assisted Crocodile in manipulating events to destabilize Alabasta and overthrow its rulers, she had ulterior motives. Eventually, Crocodile betrays Robin, and she attempts to assassinate him but fails.
Luckily, she managed to survive and assisted Luffy in taking down Crocodile. After the Straw Hat Pirates left Alabasta, Robin stowed away on their ship and requested to join Luffy’s crew. However, everyone except for Sanji and Luffy did not immediately trust Robin to join the crew. Eventually, she gained most of the crew’s trust and was welcomed with open arms.
Nico Robin’s Will to Live
During the Water 7 and Enies Lobby arcs, Robin is forced to leave the Straw Hat crew and is captured by the World Government’s elite forces, CP9. Robin left the crew because CP9 threatened to kill her friends with a Buster Call if she did not accompany them. Her forced departure from the crew shocked Luffy and his comrades and spurred them to go after and rescue Robin.
As Luffy and his crew fought their way through to Enies Lobby, Nico Robin initially accepted her impending execution, believing her existence only brought suffering to everyone around her. But after witnessing this, her friends risk everything and declare war on the World Government to rescue her. Moved by their unwavering determination and refusal to abandon her, Robin finally found the strength to overcome the fears of her past.
In a pivotal moment, Robin declared her new will to live. This moment is a significant turning point for Robin, as she realized that her life held value and meaning beyond her past trauma. This led to her gaining newfound resolve and desire to continue her journey with her friends.
Throughout One Piece, Nico Robin’s story embodies themes of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of friendship. From tragic origins to her newfound lease on life, Robin’s journey is a testament to strength and adversity. Through her character evolution, Robin is a compelling symbol of hope and perseverance in facing challenges.
