Thirty billion beli vanished into thin air, beyond Cobra's sight.
Yet, he didn't feel regret.
Cobra understood that this expenditure was just another form of companionship.
"60,000 points!"
As Cobra looked at his information interface, his breath caught.
The mere thought that the drought that had plagued Alabasta for centuries, perhaps even millennia, might finally be resolved by his own hands caused his cheeks to flush, unable to contain the joy within his heart.
"Lord Dimension Merchant, could you guide me on how many adult Slowpoke and how many juvenile Slowpoke I should buy?"
Unsure of Slowpoke's effectiveness, Cobra took the initiative to seek advice from Leo.
He was confident that a great merchant wouldn't withhold such minor assistance.
As Cobra's first VIP5 member, Leo wouldn't refuse.
Smiling slightly, he replied:
"Given Alabasta's current conditions, 15 Slowpoke with the ability to summon rain will be sufficient to ensure that all cities receive adequate rainfall... As for the remaining points, exchange them for 40 juvenile Slowpoke."
"15 adults will cost 3,000 points, and 40 juveniles another 2,000 points. Huh!?"
Cobra was suddenly startled.
He looked up at Leo, curiosity in his eyes: "So, the total will be 50,000 points, right, Sir Leo?"
"Yes..."
Leo paused, then smiled:
"You're wondering why I didn't ask you to spend all your points, correct?"
Cobra didn't answer, but nodded, confused.
Having redeemed so many points, he was certainly prepared to go all out. Keeping 10,000 points in his account wouldn't benefit him or Alabasta.
He might as well exchange them for more Slowpoke to expedite Alabasta's oasis plan.
However...
Facing Cobra's confusion, Leo simply smiled softly, waved his hand, and said,
"Don't worry, King Cobra."
"Aren't you curious why Alabasta has been experiencing such unusual weather recently?"
"Huh!?"
Cobra was stunned.
Indeed, this year's drought had arrived faster and covered a wider area than ever before.
Initially, Cobra thought it was due to bad luck and harsh climate...
But now, hearing Leo's words, his heart trembled, and he quickly looked at Leo with caution.
"Could it be... Is there a hidden secret behind this, Sir Leo!?"
"Hmm..." Leo nodded again, pausing.
Before Cobra could ask further, he explained:
"I suppose the name Crocodile is familiar to you, right?"
"Crocodile!!?"
Cobra's eyes widened instantly.
That name was not just familiar—it was too familiar.
One of the 7 Shichibukai - Crocodile, known as the "Sand Crocodile," was once a powerful pirate in the New World. However, after losing to the Whitebeard Pirates, he retreated from the New World stage.
Just in time, agents of the World Government contacted Crocodile and invited him to join the [Shichibukai].
Disillusioned, Crocodile didn't hesitate to transition from a notorious pirate to a "lapdog" of the World Government.
And just half a year ago, Cobra had specifically approached the World Government and Navy about Crocodile.
Because this dangerous pirate, now backed by the World Government, wanted to open a large casino in Alabasta!!!
Of course, Cobra couldn't allow such a perilous figure in his kingdom.
Unfortunately...
The World Government seemed determined to protect this Shichibukai, repeatedly rejecting Cobra's pleas.
During this time, Crocodile successfully built a massive casino in Alabasta's Rainbase.
Now, half a year later, the casino was operating carefully and legally.
Not only did Crocodile refrain from causing trouble in Alabasta, but he also repeatedly thwarted pirates who disturbed Rainbase. This earned him significant public acclaim, and he became known as a "hero."
This led Cobra to reconsider his judgment of Crocodile's character.
Over time, he reluctantly accepted Crocodile's [hero] status.
But now, hearing Leo mention his name, a sinister thought crept into Cobra's mind.
Could it be that...
This year's disasters are somehow connected to Crocodile!?
Though Cobra didn't voice his thoughts, the gleam in his eyes betrayed him.
Leo nodded, his smile unwavering, and said,
"Exactly. Just as you suspected."
"The reason Alabasta is facing such severe droughts this year is because of Crocodile's secret machinations."
"What... why? Why would he do this!?"
Cobra was bewildered, doubt clouding his face.
As a Shichibukai, even if Crocodile caused chaos in Alabasta, he would at most receive a warning.
Cobra couldn't fathom why Crocodile would want to devastate Alabasta's weather and environment, ruining people's lives.
With these questions weighing on him, he once again turned to Leo.
And Leo didn't disappoint, revealing the truth of the matter.
"Why would he do this?"
Leo's smile didn't waver as he continued, as if recounting a mundane tale:
"It's simple. He wants to seize control of this country!"
"By using a large amount of Dance Powder, he hopes to prolong the drought in Alabasta, causing the citizens to lose faith in you and incite massive unrest."
"And then, as a [hero], he can eliminate you and take over this country openly..."
"And uncover the secrets this nation guards!!!"
At these words, Leo's eyes narrowed.
Suddenly, a breeze materialized in the study, rustling Cobra's clothing, bringing with it a chilling cold, like an abyssal frost.
"Crocodile, he's destroying this country!!!"
Cobra clenched his fists, looking at Leo in shock.
But Leo merely shrugged, speaking in a calm tone:
"Whether this country is destroyed or not, what does it matter to him?"
"As long as he gets what he wants, that's all that matters."
"King Cobra..."
Leo's mouth curled into a smile that seemed detached from worldly concerns, as he calmly stated:
"You must understand..."
"In the face of overwhelming power, nothing else holds meaning!"
"..."
With Leo's words, Cobra lowered his head in silence.
Such a simple truth—how could he, a king, not comprehend it?
Power... power...
If he too had power, would he still have to desperately seek aid from the World Government and Navy, only to be refused?
Compared to ordinary people, his desire for power was even stronger.
Thinking of the people suffering due to the drought, Cobra clenched his fists with all his strength.
"If only I had power..."
"If only I had power..."
"..."
Lost in thought, Cobra's anger slowly faded, replaced by a glimmer of hope.
"Could it be that such power... does it really exist!?"
Strange thoughts flashed through him.
Cobra suddenly looked up, recalling Leo's earlier words.
In that instant, everything clicked!
"Sir Leo, please tell me, with my remaining 10,000 points, can I exchange them for a Pokémon strong enough to defeat Crocodile!?"
"Of course~"
Leo chuckled, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. He had never taken Crocodile seriously.
Relieved by Leo's assurance, Cobra smiled, and declared,
"That's wonderful!"
"Then I've decided, Sir Leo!"
Determination flashed in Cobra's eyes.
"With my 60,000 points, I'll purchase 15 adult Slowpoke, 40 juvenile Slowpoke, and one Pokémon strong enough to defeat Crocodile!!!"
"A wise decision~"
Leo smiled, waved his hand, and immediately displayed information on a prepared Pokémon on the virtual screen.
[Pokémon: Suicune]
[Type: Water]
[Ability: Pressure (intimidates the foe, making it difficult for them to attack)]
[Level: 62]
[Cost: 10,000 points]
——
"Water Pokémon... Suicune?"
Cobra was stunned as he gazed at the Pokémon that Leo had introduced. His eyes sparkled with awe as he took in the sight on the screen.
The elegant form, adorned with blue and white patterns, embodied the pinnacle of Pokémon beauty. A pristine ribbon-like mane fluttered around its neck, and a massive aqua gemstone crowned its head, hinting at its dominion over wind and water.
Even from just an image on the screen, Cobra could feel the overwhelming majesty radiating from this Pokémon.
"This is no ordinary Pokémon!" Cobra declared with conviction, sensing the distinct aura that set this creature apart from the Slowpoke.
Indeed, this was the special reward Leo had prepared for his first VIP5 customer—the embodiment of the North Wind, one of the legendary Three Sacred Beasts—Suicune.
Though this Suicune was weaker compared to others of its kind, its power still far exceeded that of the Suicune seen in the animation. It had inherited the exclusive abilities of its species: purifying water and walking on wind!
Considering the current circumstances in Alabasta, Leo was confident that Suicune was the perfect Pokémon for Cobra's needs.
With a wave of his hand, Leo summoned the 55 Poké Balls containing the Slowpoke, neatly arranging them on the desk. Then, he asked with a knowing smile, "Well, King Cobra, have you decided to purchase this Suicune?"
"Yes!" Cobra responded without hesitation, nodding firmly.
"Sir Leo, I want this Pokémon!"
At that moment, Cobra was entirely captivated by Suicune's regal presence. To him, it was undoubtedly the ideal Pokémon.
With a flash of white light, Cobra's account points were instantly depleted. But in his hand, he now held a special Water-type Poké Ball.
"Suicune... Crocodile..."
Soon after….
Cobra muttered to himself, standing alone in his study. His gaze fixed on the map of Alabasta spread out before him. "I will not allow anyone to harm the people of Alabasta ever again!"
With determination, Cobra slammed his fist on the table, then quickly picked up the den-den mushi and ordered, "Igaram, notify Chaka and Pell immediately! I need them to investigate something!!!"
...
"The Grand Line is truly full of surprises~" Leo chuckled to himself, invisibly floating above the palace, as he stroked the fluffy tail of Eevee in his arms with a sly smile.
Though he had anticipated the constant battles along the Grand Line, he hadn't expected to amass such a significant amount of points so quickly.
With nearly 300,000 points in his account, Leo was thrilled! He immediately spent 100,000 points to purchase and absorb a vast amount of Aura and psychic powers.
As he had told Cobra, strength was paramount in the Grand Line. Then, using another 100,000 points, he enhanced his physical body.
Rotom's energy assessment placed his level at 120—strong enough to challenge the Admirals!
At that moment, Leo confidently declared to himself that no one in this pirate world could rival him. Not even Im.
Leo could feel the world beginning to reject him, a sign that his power was surpassing the limits of what this world could bear.
"It seems I should avoid further strengthening until I decide to enter a New World," Leo mused with a smile.
But with his current power level, Leo was certain he could dominate this world.
Looking at the 100,000 points remaining in his system, Leo teleported above Crocodile's casino, "Rain Dinners."
"Since Cobra has splurge money like water, I'll give him a bit of face. After he defeats Crocodile, I'll make sure to profit from it~"
Leo chuckled silently before retreating into a different dimension.
Initially, Leo had planned to balance the forces and create conflict in Alabasta, but Cobra's substantial contribution of points left Leo unsure of how to spend them all.
With a diminished desire to consume, his motivation to earn more points naturally waned.
Returning to the alternate dimension, Leo manifested a bottle of Happy House Cola, enjoying the scene of the rain and the Pokémon World TV.
"What a perfect day~" Leo sighed contentedly.
...
Seven days later...
In the Rainbase, Alabasta's largest casino welcomed several unexpected guests.
Cobra, without any attempt to disguise himself, walked into the casino, followed closely by Captain Igaram and adjutants Chaka and Pell of the Royal Guard.
As soon as they stepped through the doors, a refreshing breeze greeted them, but it only made Cobra's grip on Suicune's Poké Ball tighten.
Alabasta was far from the impoverished state it was once depicted in. As the revered king of this nation, Cobra had a firm grasp over his kingdom.
After several days of investigation, they had uncovered Crocodile's recent movements and the activities of the Baroque Works.
Previously, they hadn't considered this direction, but once they found the smallest clue, the entire conspiracy of Baroque Works unraveled before them!
Just as Leo had said...
They were using Dance Powder to drain the resources of several drought-stricken cities, creating frequent water crises!
In some cases, people even fought or killed for a mere bottle of water!
Unbeknownst to him, Crocodile had turned a prosperous kingdom into this.
If not for the intervention of the Dimensional Merchant, Cobra couldn't imagine what would have become of his country.
Anger ignited in his eyes as he stormed into the casino, shouting,
"Crocodile!!!"
"I order you as the King of Alabasta!"
"Come out and face your demise!!!"
(End of this chapter)