Robin gave a slight smile, glancing at the clock inside the carriage. "The plan on that end should have already started."
At the gates of Alubarna, the capital of Alabasta, the rebel army had gathered, ready for battle. Their leader, Koza, rode a camel at the forefront, leading the rebels in an assault on the southern gate.
Meanwhile, Sanji and the others, in disguise, had taken the senior agents of Baroque Works with them to create an opportunity for Vivi to speak with the rebels. Unfortunately, a hidden cannon operator in the king's army fired a shell, which, while missing Vivi, kicked up enough dust to obscure her from Koza's view.
After the main force moved on, Vivi crawled out from under Karoo, her loyal duck, who had shielded her with his body, now battered and severely injured. Fighting back tears, Vivi spoke resolutely, "Thank you, Karoo! I won't give up, because on that ship, I learned to never give up!"
Exhausted and wounded, Karoo managed to carry Vivi into the city, only for Mr. 2 to catch up with them. Fortunately, Sanji arrived in time to intercept Mr. 2, allowing Vivi to escape.
"What? Are you really Princess Vivi?" the Vice-Captain of the Royal Guard, Chaka, asked in shock, looking at her.
"Yes! Even if it means destroying this palace, my father always said that the most important thing in a kingdom is its people. If the people die, so does the kingdom. The only way to stop everyone is to destroy the palace and give myself a chance to explain!" Vivi replied calmly.
"Please abandon this foolish idea, Princess Vivi! The king isn't here, and he would never forgive you for acting so recklessly!" Chaka replied, just as composed.
"Lord Chaka, don't make an incorrect judgment!" Vivi responded sternly.
The resolve in her voice made Chaka hesitate, recalling something the king had once said. Slowly, he knelt on one knee and said, "I will follow your command, Your Highness."
Just outside Alubarna, Ryu arrived with Robin, frowning at the city already turned into a battlefield. "Looks like we're a bit late."
"So, what will you do now?" Robin asked, now noticeably warmer toward Ryu, likely due to having gained the historical Poneglyph.
"I need to reach the Marines. This chaotic battle can't go on, or it'll be the civilians who suffer in the end," Ryu replied softly.
"In that case, I'll take my leave," Robin said with a slight smile, before riding off on the giant turtle.
Ryu headed to the Marines' assembly point, where Lena had been waiting for him.
"Reporting in, sir! All Marines in Alabasta have been assembled. Please give your orders!" Lena stepped forward and saluted as soon as she saw him.
"Phew… Even with every Marine in Alabasta, our numbers can't compare to those fighting in the capital. So, our objective is simple: focus on treating the wounded and then restrain them to prevent further fighting. Leave the rest to me!" Ryu commanded, having found the assembled Marines near the western gate.
"Yes, sir!" the Marines replied in unison.
"Also, remember to protect yourselves. Lena will stay with you," Ryu instructed as he donned the Marine uniform Lena handed him, striding toward Alubarna.
Meanwhile, atop the royal palace, Vivi and Chaka waited as explosives were being set up. Suddenly, a bloodied soldier staggered in, reporting urgently, "Sir, something's happened inside the palace!"
Before Vivi or Chaka could react, a familiar voice sent chills down Vivi's spine: "Now, Ms. Wednesday, let's not cause too much trouble—this place is soon to be mine."
"Crocodile!" Vivi whipped her gaze toward the voice's source, finding Crocodile holding the severely wounded king in one hand, a mocking smile on his face as he looked up at her and Chaka.
"So, you're the infamous Crocodile? I suggest you release the king," Chaka said firmly, his hand hovering over the sword at his waist.
"Guhahaha! And who do you think you are to make demands of me? An animal-type Devil Fruit user?" Crocodile sneered, casting an amused glance at Chaka.
"Crocodile?! Where's Mr. Luffy? How are you even here?" Vivi demanded, fear and confusion warring on her face.
"Dead," Crocodile said casually, as if discussing the weather.
"No! I refuse to believe that Mr. Luffy is dead!" Vivi's voice rose in desperation and anger.
"The people outside won't be coming in any time soon—I've taken care of them," said Robin, stepping into the room from the shadows.
"Where were you? What took you so long?" Crocodile asked her quietly, glancing over.
Vivi interrupted, her face twisted in fury, "I'm asking you again—what happened to Mr. Luffy?"
"Enough. He was just a small obstacle, nothing to concern yourself with. Soon, this kingdom, along with you and your father, will fall. As for those pirates, they won't live to see the end of it. But before that happens, King Cobra, tell me—where is Pluton?" Crocodile's gaze shifted to the king, ignoring Vivi entirely.
Unlike Vivi and Chaka, the king's expression was one of shock. He was baffled as to how Crocodile could know about that name.
"Don't pretend you don't know. The world's deadliest weapon—Pluton—the battleship that can wipe out entire islands with a single shot. My aim is to find it. Once I have Pluton, I'll be able to establish the most powerful military kingdom," Crocodile said, his eyes gleaming with ambition.
"That's impossible! Our kingdom doesn't possess anything like that!" Vivi insisted, refusing to believe such a weapon existed.
However, Chaka, who knew the king well, noticed the brief flicker in his expression. He suspected the truth about Pluton might indeed be a secret passed down with the royal lineage.
"I don't know where you heard this, but I truly don't know anything about it," the king replied, his face calm but his voice trembling slightly.
"Is that so? Well then, just so you know—I've arranged a little 'gift' for you. I've had a bomb specially crafted with enough power to destroy a five-kilometer radius. In thirty minutes, it will fall right in the center of Alubarna. Boom—one explosion, and this city will look very different," Crocodile announced with a chilling smile.
"You're insane! Why are you doing this to us? What did we ever do to you?" Vivi shouted, voice thick with rage.
Crocodile, ignoring her, kept his cold gaze fixed on the king. "So, are you ready to tell me where the Poneglyph is?"