The current scenario presented a stark contrast to the challenges previously encountered by Luffy and his crew. Instead of navigating treacherous waters or engaging in intense battles, they found themselves comfortably seated in a lavish dining room. The table was adorned with an array of delectable dishes, tantalizing their senses. Adding to the ambiance, a delightful performance of the traditional Arabasta dance unfolded before their eyes, serving as a warm and inviting welcome.
The king appeared quite content, relishing the opportunity to make amends for his previous mistake. A smile crept onto his face as he laid eyes upon Luffy's merry crew, their joy evident as they eagerly indulged in the feast spread out before them.
In a similar vein, Vivi, too, finds herself occasionally succumbing to laughter, swept up in the infectious joy that emanates from these dancers. It could be said that this warm welcome extended not only to Luffy's group but also served as a joyous celebration of the king's beloved daughter's homecoming to the palace.
Amidst the chaos, Igaram sat in the corner, his head bowed and a somber expression on his face. By his side, a figure with a similar appearance but a more feminine touch could be seen - his beloved wife, Terracotta.
Terracotta was taken aback by the news of her husband's sudden return, having been absent for a whole year without so much as a farewell. Filled with a mix of anger and disappointment, she couldn't help but reprimand him before ultimately deciding to initiate divorce proceedings. However, she reconsidered her decision. The weight of the situation became too much for her to bear after learning about what had happened. Consequently, she finds herself in the midst of a valiant effort to console her beloved husband.
The humble yet spirited feast carried on until the stroke of midnight. Just when the king believed he had orchestrated it with utmost subtlety and discretion, one of the guards began behaving rather peculiarly.
The guard observed the happenings in the palace repeatedly as if seeking confirmation. Afterward, he retreated to a secluded spot and jotted down his thoughts on a piece of paper. Before long, a melodious whistle escaped his lips, beckoning a quintessential desert bird to gracefully approach him.
"Please give this to Mr. zero."
The bird seemed to comprehend the human's words, and without hesitation, it spread its wings and took flight, disappearing into the night sky. Just as the guard was about to resume his post, a figure appeared behind him, wearing a terrifying expression.
"If only Pell were by my side, I would eagerly ask him to track the bird's path. With this, we can have proof that Crocodile is the perpetrator who has been causing chaos in our beloved kingdom."
Standing before the guard was Chaka, a tall and imposing man with dark skin. His medium-length black hair framed his face, while his long and broad nose bore a striking resemblance to that of a jackal. Chaka, one of the two headguards, commanded attention with his presence.
"C-Chaka-sama... what brings you here... what you witnessed just moments ago wasn't quite what you had imagined... I did not-"
Just as the guard began to utter his futile plea for Chaka to extricate himself from this dire predicament, Chaka swiftly unleashed a powerful blow to the guard's abdomen, causing him to promptly lose consciousness.
"I didn't expect that Crocodile's influence had even reached the palace. I had to tell His Majesty to be more careful."
Having commanded the other guards to secure the traitor, Chaka made his way towards the dining room, where the atmosphere was still vibrant. With measured steps, he approached the king, preparing to recount the events that had transpired.
Chaka hesitated to interrupt the king's enjoyment, especially considering how rare it was to see him smiling and having a good time. However, he was confident that the king would understand his reasons.
As the smile faded from Nevertari Cobra's face, the festive atmosphere of the welcoming party came to a halt. Despite the turmoil brewing within him, he skillfully concealed his concerns and politely urged everyone to retreat to their assigned rooms.
As Luffy furrowed his brows, the king couldn't help but assume that he had taken offense to the abrupt halt of the party. In response, the king quickly made a promise to host an even grander celebration in the near future.
As Luffy's group was being escorted by a servant to their designated room, a sudden query escaped Luffy's lips, directed towards Captain Hina:
"Do you sense it as well?"
Captain Hina exuded an air of nonchalance, her typically rigid demeanor giving way to a more relaxed disposition. The top buttons of her shirt were casually undone, revealing a hint of her alluring cleavage in a bolder fashion. She held the ever-lasting cigarette between her lips, never letting it go, yet she still regarded Luffy with utmost seriousness.
"There's definitely something strange. After dealing with them on the ocean, I naturally understand how those scums act even on land."
Amid it all, Luffy couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment as he observed Uta, who appeared to be lacking her usual sharpness. Having spent the night in the desert, she couldn't help but long for the comforting warmth of the food at the party. So, after indulging in a hearty feast and sipping on refreshing beverages, fatigue began to wash over her, making her feel drowsy and ready for a well-deserved rest.
As the night settled in, Luffy and Captain Hina found themselves unable to drift off to sleep right away. Instead, they decided to stay awake for a while, engaging in a pleasant conversation. Meanwhile, completely exhausted, Uta peacefully dozed off on the luxurious bed she had always yearned for.
Their worries were unfounded, as the atmosphere in the palace remained remarkably tranquil. However, Nevertari Cobra, Igaram, and Chaka were still wide awake in a secret room. As they gathered, they exchanged tales of the events that had unfolded in Arabasta over the past year. Igaram regaled them with the thrilling account of his and Vivi's daring escapades, as they assumed false identities as members of the notorious Baroque Works organization.
-***-
The following day, in the city of Nanohana, where Luffy and his crew had initially arrived. As the sun began its descent, another familiar group hastily sailed into the bustling port. Their arrival went largely unnoticed, as they did not make a grand entrance aboard warships or galleons but rather arrived inconspicuously in small lifeboats.
"I told you we should just leave them. Because of them, I have to endure hunger for days," Zoro, who had just set foot on land, immediately grumbled in annoyance.
"craukkk...".
"It's your fault for only bringing a little food."
Upon receiving that response, a surge of anger coursed through Zoro's veins, overwhelming his attempts to contain it. He extended his finger, directing his accusation towards the robust woman, and uttered, "This is your fault. From the start, our food supply was meant only for three people, but you came and devoured it all!"
"kraukkk...."
"Can you shut up, damn duck! You're the most useless pet. Because of you, our boat capsized several times."