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Alabasta is considered the largest Kingdom in the first half of the Grand Line.
Its rich history spans thousands of years, and throughout this time, it has transformed into a Kingdom of great cultural significance.
Its vast deserts and vibrant cities tell tales of a kingdom that has thrived despite its harsh environment.
However, recent political unrest has cast a shadow over its glory. The once-revered King Cobra now faces pressure from all sides, and rumours swirl that his power may be slipping through his fingers.
Even with his deep ties to the people and the legacy he has upheld, cracks are forming in the foundation of his rule.
Yet, such things happen there are always those with ill intentions among the people.
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In Alabasta's bustling capital, where merchants barter and citizens gossip, the tension lies just beneath the surface.
But for most, life carries on as usual, unaware of the deeper plots unfolding behind closed doors.
"President, did you call for me?"
On the top floor of a tall, inconspicuous building near the main square, a man with deep, horizontal scars across his face stood by the window.
From his vantage point, he could see the lively streets below, where crowds moved about, seemingly oblivious to the darker machinations at play.
Among the crowd, he spotted Anos, the king of the Tru Kingdom, along with his convoy making their way through the city.
His piercing eyes followed their every move, his mind already working through the possibilities that their presence might present.
At that moment, a dark-skinned woman with sleek, straight bangs entered the room.
Her calm demeanour betrayed no hint of surprise as she approached the man seated before her, Crocodile, a former pirate captain and now the head of Baroque Works.
"Robin, did you receive the notice from the World Government yesterday?" Crocodile asked, not turning from the window.
Robin, intelligent and composed as ever, nodded as she handed a document to him. "Yes, President. It arrived last night. It appears the World Government is pushing forward with their plans for the upcoming World Conference. Pirates and rulers alike are already manoeuvring behind the scenes."
If Anos were to lay eyes on Crocodile, he would instantly recognize the danger.
Crocodile was not only a former pirate with a notorious reputation, but he was also one of the sharpest minds Anos would encounter in Alabasta.
Crocodile's cunning far surpassed his power granted by the Sand-Sand Fruit, a devil fruit that allowed him to manipulate sand at will.
Though formidable in combat, it was Crocodile's strategic mind that made him a force to be reckoned with.
"President, are you referring to the matter of the Shichibukai at this World Conference?" Robin inquired, her tone measured.
"Yes, exactly. The news broke yesterday, and it seems many factions are already beginning to take action. Pirates are especially eager. What do you think our approach should be?" Crocodile said, finally turning to face her, the sharpness in his eyes as focused as ever.
Robin's eyes flickered briefly to the document she still held. "This development presents both advantages and disadvantages for us."
"If we accept the World Government's invitation and align ourselves with them, we will inevitably be tied to their objectives."
"But the benefits are clear no matter what we do on the seas, neither the World Government nor the Marines will interfere with our plans."
Crocodile leaned back in his chair, taking a long drag from his cigar, the smoke curling lazily toward the ceiling. "Becoming one of the Shichibukai is not a decision to take lightly. We'll need to make a significant move, something that will catch their attention."
"We can't afford to waste time, but we do have four months until the World Conference. That's more than enough time to execute our plans."
Robin looked thoughtful. "And what exactly are you planning, President?"
Crocodile's gaze hardened. "The main reason I called you here is to confirm one thing. Are you certain the ancient weapon Pluton is hidden here in Alabasta?"
"We can't proceed without that assurance. If we fail, any attempt to join the Shichibukai will be for nothing."
Robin paused, her brow furrowing slightly. "There's no absolute certainty. But based on the information we've gathered so far, there's a high probability Pluton is hidden somewhere in Alabasta. The precise location, however, is still unclear."
"A high probability…" Crocodile muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I need more than that. I plan to do something big to capture the World Government's attention. What's your opinion of King Anos from the Tru Kingdom?" he asked, his tone sharp and calculated as his eyes followed the convoy below.
"President, I'm not in a position to make judgments like that. However, I trust that you've already considered all the factors," Robin said, her words careful but respectful, a subtle smile playing on her lips.
As the convoy passed beneath them, Anos, sensing something ominous, raised his head and locked eyes with Crocodile.
For a brief moment, the two leaders exchanged a silent challenge, each recognizing the other's power.
The tension in the air was palpable, but as the convoy continued on its way, the moment passed, leaving Crocodile with a smirk on his face.
"It seems this young king isn't as simple as he appears," Crocodile murmured, his smile widening.
The World Conference, a significant event held every four years, was fast approaching.
This year's conference will take place on July 1st, just under four months away.
While most rulers would be preoccupied with the political manoeuvrings and alliances at the event, Anos, the young king of the Tru Kingdom, appeared unfazed by such matters for now, at least.
Little did he know that the conference would be the birthplace of the Shichibukai system, a mechanism that would change the balance of power across the world.
The convoy continued slowly toward the palace, its pace unhurried but purposeful.
Anos, while aware of Crocodile's presence, had no desire to confront him just yet. His primary concern was securing his kingdom's future, and any threats lurking in Alabasta could jeopardize that.
For now, he remained focused on the task at hand.
Anos had heard whispers about the Poneglyphs, the ancient stones that held the secrets of the world.
He knew that one of these stones might hold the key to untold power, but its exact location in Alabasta remained a mystery. His best chance at uncovering the truth would likely involve a direct conversation with King Cobra, Alabasta's ruler, a man with secrets of his own.
He wanted to confirm certain things about Pluto. It should be in Wano Country, but it's located right in his kingdom or is this world changed after his reincarnation?
If Poneglyphs pointed out the location of the Pluto towards his kingdom, his kingdom would be the next ohara.
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Before they reached the palace, preparations for a grand welcoming ceremony were already underway.
The royal family and ministers of Alabasta had gathered outside the palace gates, eager to greet their foreign guests.
The convoy's arrival was a moment of great significance, and both sides had their agendas.
For Alabasta, the primary goal was to glean insights from the economic prosperity of the Tru Kingdom, a rising power in the South Blue.
The kingdom's rapid growth had not gone unnoticed, and many in Alabasta hoped to learn the secrets of their success.
As the palace came into view, Princess Vivi, ever gracious, turned to Anos with a smile. "King Anos, we are approaching the royal palace of Alabasta. How does it compare to your own?"
Anos, thoughtful as ever, considered her question for a moment before offering a smile of his own. But it was Suzu, his trusted companion, who answered first.
"Our Tru Palace may not be as grand or luxurious, but our king prefers it that way. It's remained unchanged for generations, a symbol of our kingdom's enduring strength."
Curious, Vivi pressed further. "But your kingdom is so wealthy now why not construct something more fitting of your status?"
Anos chuckled softly before answering. "A kingdom's wealth should be reflected in the prosperity of its people, not in the opulence of its rulers."
"Until our people are fully thriving, there's no need to rush into building grand palaces. The place we call home is more than sufficient."
The Alabasta palace, though not overly extravagant, stood on a high plateau, its green gardens and waterfalls a stark contrast to the desert that surrounded it.
The cascading water was a rare sight in a Kingdom plagued by drought, a testament to King Cobra's careful stewardship of the land's scarce resources.
"Your Majesty, we've arrived at the palace," Haruya announced, halting the carriage at the palace gates.
The significance was clear Anos would now need to walk the remaining distance to the palace hall, a gesture that honoured the traditions of the Alabasta royal family.
With a calm smile, Anos stepped down from the carriage. After several hours of travel, the fresh air and the sight of the grand palace ahead filled him with a renewed sense of purpose.
He knew that the days ahead would be filled with challenges and opportunities, and he was ready for the challenges ahead.
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