Alabasta, Royal Palace
"Papa! Is Vice Admiral Wright's ship arriving tomorrow?"
The ten-year-old Princess Vivi bounced excitedly toward her father, King Cobra. She had been counting the days with anticipation.
"Yes, Vivi," Cobra replied, his eyes filled with fatherly affection. This little one was just like her mother.
"But Vivi," Cobra asked curiously, "why are you so eager for Vice Admiral Wright's visit? And why insist that he personally escort our diplomatic delegation?"
Although Cobra had submitted the request to the World Government to fulfill his daughter's wish, he couldn't quite understand it. Could she already be at the age to idolize someone?
But Wright wasn't a celebrity! Could his sweet daughter have taken an interest in such a rigid Navy officer? Granted, Wright was the youngest of all Vice Admirals…
And rumors said he was quite handsome, with an exceptionally flashy and cool ability…
Captain Igaram's mouth twitched as he watched his king's expression change multiple times. Beside him, his deputy, Pell, gave a helpless shrug. Familiar with their king's quirks, they knew Cobra's thoughts had already spiraled out of control.
"I've heard many stories about Vice Admiral Wright!" Vivi exclaimed joyfully. "He embodies the kind of justice I believe a Navy officer should have!"
"You always say, Papa, that a king must care for his people and prioritize their well-being!"
"But many Navy officers I've learned about don't treat civilians as kindly as he does. Some even sacrifice innocent lives just to complete their missions!"
"And his powerful healing ability! There's even a legend among the people that he was once a doctor!"
"Papa, I want to meet Vice Admiral Wright to see if he's truly the light for the common folk that everyone says he is. How does he compare to you, a king beloved by your people?"
King Cobra, whose thoughts had veered toward whether he could accept a son-in-law with a decade age gap, snapped out of his reverie.
"Compared to me?" Sweat formed on his brow. "Vivi, that's… quite something to say. Are you sure this is why you want to meet Vice Admiral Wright?"
Vivi blinked innocently. "Of course! Papa, you're a king adored by your people, but Wright isn't royalty. So why is he so admired in so many countries?"
"If he could give us advice, wouldn't our kingdom become even better? And wouldn't you, Papa, be even more beloved by the people?"
Overcome with emotion, Cobra choked up. "Vivi… you're such a good child… such a good child…"
Igaram was already in tears. "Your Highness! You're truly remarkable! Waaaaah!"
Pell smiled gently. As one of Alabasta's guardians—the "Falcon"—he couldn't help but feel honored once again. "To serve the Nefertari family is the greatest privilege of my life."
Meanwhile, aboard the Lightbringer, Wright activated a Lightforged Beacon Crystal to teleport back to the ship.
"Oh? Back already?" Smoker turned to face Wright.
"Hey, Smoker! Glad to see you've finally stopped showing off your abs and pecs everywhere," Wright teased, noting Smoker had added a t-shirt to his usual attire.
Smoker's eye twitched as he bit down harder on his cigar. "You never get tired of dressing like some high-ranking gentleman, do you?"
"Are the preparations done?" Wright asked, adjusting his immaculate suit and Justice coat. He smirked—was Smoker the only officer oblivious to how most Navy personnel dressed in formal uniforms?
"Everything's ready," Smoker replied with a scowl. "We'll enter Alabasta's waters tonight."
"There are many rare animals in the surrounding seas, treasured by the locals. The Lightbringer will slow down, so we should reach Alubarna by early morning."
"Well thought out," Wright remarked, raising an eyebrow in surprise. Smoker, ever stoic, gestured toward Hina. "It was her suggestion. I don't bother with such details."
Wright chuckled. Turning to Hina, he said, "Once we head upriver along the Sandora, stop on the western bank near Rainbase. I've arranged to pick someone up there—a powerful instructor for the crew."
"What?" Smoker gaped. "An instructor? Who could possibly teach better than you?"
"Wright's full of surprises," Hina muttered. "But can just anyone qualify as an instructor for the Lightbringer?"
"He's an old friend of Vice Admiral Garp," Wright explained. "Even Sengoku gave his approval. This man is no ordinary civilian."
Wright leaned on the railing with a sly grin. "This guy is so strong that even I struggle to beat him right now. Give me a few years, though, and I'll manage!"
Alabasta, Western Sandora Riverbank
When the crew saw the blind man on the shore casually ride a boulder into the air and land gracefully on the deck, their jaws collectively dropped.
"Does everyone just fly these days?!"
"Allow me to introduce your new instructor," Wright announced. "This is Chief Intructor Issho."
Issho, better known as Fujitora, gave a humble bow. "My Observation Haki surpasses even Wright's, and I am both a skilled swordsman and Devil Fruit user. I trust you'll give me the same respect you show your Vice Admiral."
"Yes, sir!" the crew chorused.
"Oh, and one more thing," Wright added with a smirk. "If our instructor here invites you to gamble…"
Before Wright could finish, Issho, who had been composed and dignified, suddenly panicked. "Vice Admiral Wright! Gambling is one of my few joys!"
"Unfortunately, Chief Instructor Issho, you don't have any funds until payday!" Wright quipped, leaving Issho speechless.
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