Ron couldn't help but think, 'If she's so grateful, why doesn't she just give herself to me?' Of course, he couldn't say that out loud. It would ruin his image as a righteous gentleman.
"Of course!" Ron said with a serious look on his face. "But let's focus on Alabasta. What's going on there?"
Ron was already aware of the situation, but he needed Vivi to talk about Alabasta first to avoid possible plot holes later on.
"Alabasta... Our country was once a powerful kingdom, but lately there have been domestic uprisings and revolutions, mainly due to severe droughts in the major cities, leading to numerous deaths... But I discovered that behind everything, whether it was the drought or the uprisings, there was a mysterious force at work - the Baroque Works. So I and Igaram infiltrated this organization to investigate the intentions of its leader!"
Visibly upset, she continued, "I had gathered a lot of information, but I was discovered sooner than expected. If I hadn't met you just now, I might not have survived!"
"Thank goodness!" Kaya exclaimed. "You're lucky to have met us, otherwise it could have been terrible!"
Seeing the worried faces of Kaya and the other girls at the table, Vivi couldn't hold back her tears as she continued, "To be honest, I already knew who you were... I agreed to come here and sit with you only to use your identities, especially Captain Ron's, to evade pursuit. I... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."
The girls fell silent when they heard Vivi's words.
She wasn't naive or stupid; she simply wanted to use their strength against the enemy.
It was exploitation, pure and simple.
Ron watched the girls' changing expressions and said with a smile, "Is there something wrong with that?"
"Huh?" Vivi looked up in confusion.
"When your life is in danger, it's only natural to do whatever it takes to save yourself, isn't it?" Ron chuckled. "And besides..."
He looked at her and continued, "You also want to save your country from turmoil and unrest. Isn't that a noble goal? Or should we despise you for having such feelings? What do you think, Kaya?"
Kaya smiled and drew Vivi closer. "I've never seen a princess like you. You're amazing!"
Nami, who had been eating quietly, perked up at the conversation. "I won't give you my opinion just yet, Princess Vivi. But if you want to hire us, there will be a fee - how about a billion Bellies?"
"A billion Beli?" Vivi was taken aback. "Our country is in chaos; we cannot afford such a price!"
Nojiko nudged Nami playfully. "Don't mind her, Vivi. She's just teasing. We'll help you anyway."
"Yes!" Apis chimed in and offered Vivi a pastry. "You should eat first; being hungry won't help. And don't worry about Brother Ron; he'll definitely help you!"
Touched by their kindness, Vivi fought back tears as she bit into the pastry. Everyone was so kind...
Ron smiled and reassured, "Don't worry, we'll be leaving soon; dealing with Crocodile won't be a problem!"
"That's right!" Ron turned to Nami, "Did you manage to buy the Log Pose?"
"When was I supposed to find the time?" Nami shot back at Ron. "I was just about to buy it when you dragged me here!"
"Log Pose?" Vivi's eyes widened. "Don't you know how to navigate Alabasta?"
"I have no idea!" Everyone, including Ron, shook their heads in unison, causing Vivi's lips to twitch.
"So what about the Log Pose?" Vivi asked, confused.
"Don't we all use the Eternal Log Poses in the Grand Line?" Ron took the lead, and the others nodded in agreement.
"Who told you that?" Vivi looked confused.
Ron looked at the girls, also confused.
Vivi sighed and shook her head, "The Eternal Log Pose used in the Grand Line is a compass that permanently points to a specific island. But the Log Pose we need records the magnetic fields of the islands we pass and guides us to the next one!"
"Got it!" The girls nodded, then exchanged amused glances with Ron.
"I..." Ron's mouth twitched, feigning nonchalance. "What's with the looks?"
"Well..." Kaya smiled and looked at Ron. "You mentioned earlier that the Log Poses in the Grand Line are permanent and essential for navigation, didn't you?"
"Did I?" Ron's eyes darted uncertainly.
"Yes, you did, Brother Ron, and Apis remembers it vividly!" Apis, standing on a stool, pointed a crab at Ron's face.
"Ah, Apis, you little troublemaker, must you be so blunt?" Ron blushed, coughed slightly, then hugged Apis affectionately. "A young lady should mind her manners, you know?"
"Oh, I understand, Brother Ron!" Apis replied happily, snuggling into Ron's embrace.
Nami gritted her teeth and seethed silently.
Makino rubbed her forehead and shook her head in disbelief.
Tashigi's lips curled into a slight smirk, her eyes gleaming with amusement.
Nojiko's mouth twitched, suppressing a laugh as she remained silent.
Princess Vivi, always sharp-witted, immediately understood the situation.
Oh, my captain!
You've really stepped on it this time!