Having arrived at the Royal Palace, Vivi and her group successfully passed through the gates and stormed the interior.
They had braced themselves for an ambush, but so far, there was no sign of the enemy. Even as they burst through the main entrance into the castle proper, not a single soul stood in their way.
This situation only fueled their anxiety, but they couldn't afford to stop.
Vivi, Karoo, and the few escorting soldiers rushed deeper into the palace.
"If Father and the others are being held, they should be here... Haa, where are they?"
"Princess Vivi, let us take the lead."
"We must assume enemies are waiting ahead. It is too dangerous for you to be in front."
"Don't worry about that. Just focus on finding everyone."
Vivi, running at the head of the group, dismissed their concerns, but the soldiers tasked with protecting her were on edge. They knew she had been a woman of action since childhood, but they hadn't expected her to be this unmanageable.
Regardless, their duty was to protect her. While keeping a vigilant watch on their surroundings, they desperately searched for King Cobra and the others.
After moving for a while, they reached the Throne Room.
There, they found Pell, bound and restrained, and Chaka, whose body was on the verge of drying out completely.
Seeing that they were alive, a smile broke across Vivi's face, and beside her, Karoo quacked happily.
"Chaka! Pell!"
"Quack!"
They were alive, but wounded. Chaka, in particular, was in critical condition, having had the moisture drained from his body.
Without hesitation, the group rushed over to untie them. Pell was still well enough to speak; immediately after freeing him, Vivi checked on Chaka and turned to a soldier.
"This is Crocodile's doing... Bring water!"
"Yes! Right away!"
"Princess Vivi! Why are you here!? You're safe!"
"I'm sorry for worrying you. There were... complications."
Now free, Pell leaned forward, his face pale with panic. Vivi met his gaze calmly. She then looked down at Chaka, who remained collapsed even after his restraints were removed.
"Vivi... Your Highness..."
"It's alright, Chaka. I came back to protect this country. Leave the rest to us."
Leaving Chaka to one of the soldiers, another soldier turned to leave the room to fetch water. At that moment, a scream erupted from the soldier near the entrance.
Still on edge, the entire group snapped their heads in that direction.
Ominous shadows stood in the doorway.
A sea otter cracking clam shells—Clack, clack—Mr. 13. And beside him, wings folded, Miss Friday.
Baroque Works' punishers. An animal pair, but their strength exceeded even that of the Frontier Agents.
Vivi, knowing exactly who they were, braced herself, biting her lip in frustration at the fact that they had already taken down a soldier.
Instinctively, now that he was free, Pell stepped in front of Vivi. Even wounded, he intended to use his own body as a shield to protect her.
"The Unluckies... 'Friday the 13th'!"
"Please stand back, Princess Vivi! Someone, give me a weapon!"
"Y-Yes!"
Responding to Pell's shout, a soldier quickly handed him a spear. He judged it better for Alabasta's strongest warrior to wield it than to fight himself. He would use his body to shield Vivi instead.
Vivi turned back to Chaka out of concern. She thought she needed to protect him, but Karoo had already rushed to Chaka's side, shielding him with his body while offering water from the canteen hanging around his neck. Seeing this, Vivi couldn't help but smile.
"Karoo, you..."
"Qu~ack!!"
Leave it to me, he seemed to say.
Though he didn't speak human words, his intent was clear. Vivi nodded.
The Unluckies were troublesome opponents. Even for Pell, fighting them while wounded was too dangerous.
Taking a weapon for herself, Vivi stood beside him.
Noticing this, Pell looked at her in shock.
"Princess Vivi!? I will handle this...!"
"It's not enough to just be protected anymore! I want to protect everyone, too!"
Hearing the resolve in her shout, Pell felt something indescribable—sensing the void of time he hadn't been by her side, and seeing the growth she had undergone.
Knowing the girl she had been, he knew there was no way he could refuse her.
"With all due respect, I will trust you to watch my back. But no matter what happens, I will protect you, Princess!"
"Yes. I'll prove I can be useful. We're all going to survive this."
Clack, clack. The shells were struck together.
Mr. 13 disassembled the shells he was holding, gripping them in both hands to reveal hidden blades within. Simultaneously, Miss Friday revealed machine guns hidden beneath her wings.
One should not underestimate them just because they were animals. They were the executioners who eliminated agents who failed their missions. They were far more accustomed to killing humans than the average agent.
Pell, spear in hand, took a stance and confronted the two animals first.
Although they were looking at him, their priority target was the princess, Vivi. Even if they let Pell escape, taking down the princess would change the entire war. They were intelligent enough to understand that and were already prepared for battle.
To intimidate them, the shells clacked loudly again.
Mr. 13 dashed forward, and at the same moment, Miss Friday spread her wings and took to the air.
Pell immediately stepped forward to counter Mr. 13, who advanced by hopping quickly left and right. I will absolutely not let you reach Vivi. That will was evident in his actions and expression.
Both sides swung their weapons simultaneously, clashing head-on. Pell's face twisted in pain from his not-insignificant wounds.
The momentary stillness created when their weapons locked... Miss Friday aimed to exploit it, preparing to fire her guns.
Having read that move in advance, Vivi launched an attack at the vulture.
Miss Friday took immediate evasive action. She avoided the hit, but her aim was thrown off, and the gunfire missed.
Both sides separated to create distance. In that interval, Pell and Mr. 13 exchanged several blows.
"Kuh...! Damn it, you are certainly no ordinary otter."
"Back up, Pell! I can create an opening!"
"Princess Vivi, but—!"
Not waiting for Pell's reply, Vivi watched them jump back after parrying weapons, then swung the weapons equipped on both her pinky fingers.
Mr. 13 jumped upward to avoid it.
He dodged the initial strike, but dodging in mid-air is nearly impossible. As Miss Friday moved to retrieve him, Pell activated his Devil Fruit ability.
"Peacock String Slasher!"
"Princess Vivi's assistance... I will not let it go to waste!"
In an instant, Pell transformed into a falcon and soared upward with tremendous force.
Mr. 13 landed on Miss Friday's back, already postured to intercept.
Ignoring this, Pell gripped his spear and launched a suicide charge.
"Flying Talon!!"
Using his own talons and the spear, he unleashed a momentary barrage while flying past at high speed.
Mr. 13 kicked off the bird's back to jump, and Miss Friday used the recoil to dive immediately. They managed to dodge Pell's attack by a hair's breadth, and the two animals switched targets.
Mr. 13, now airborne, challenged Pell to an aerial battle, while Miss Friday locked eyes with Vivi.
Perhaps his strong will backfired; for a split second, Pell hesitated. The one targeting him was Mr. 13, but the one targeting the person he had to protect was Miss Friday.
He had less than a second to choose his priority.
Ignoring the presence behind him, Pell dove toward Miss Friday, who was turning her back to him.
Though both possessed wings, the difference in power was clear. Naturally, their speed was different too.
He had already been defeated once, exposing his shame. Even if he had to throw away his life, he had to protect Vivi. That resolve erased the hesitation from his face as he gripped his spear.
His action was somewhat predictable, but his speed astonished Miss Friday.
"I won't let you do as you please... any longer!!"
The tip of the spear sliced into Miss Friday's flesh. Feeling it sink deep, he predicted this would settle it. But he also knew the danger closing in on him.
Mr. 13 was falling toward him, weapon raised.
The descent speed was unnaturally fast. Even while looking forward, Pell knew he likely couldn't dodge it.
As he resigned himself to his fate, his eyes darted toward Vivi.
And in the moment he prepared for death, his eyes widened at her actions.
Without a shred of hesitation, she was aiming her swinging weapon right at Mr. 13.
"Peacock String Slasher!"
The chained blades extended at high speed, catching the airborne Mr. 13, unable to maneuver. They sliced his skin and sent him flying. It wasn't enough to knock him unconscious, but it created a clear opening.
In that instant, Pell moved his wings without thinking, flipping his body around.
"Did I help a little?"
"Princess Vivi... You have my eternal gratitude...!"
This time, Pell closed in on Mr. 13 with full power, intending to finish it before the otter hit the ground.
"Flying Talon!!"
Hammered by a barrage of spear thrusts and claw strikes, Mr. 13 went limp, losing all strength.
Unable to break his fall, he slammed into the ground and lay motionless.
As soon as the battle ended, Pell landed and reverted to his human form. Due to the intense movement, more blood poured from his wounds, and his expression was pained.
Vivi turned pale seeing his condition and rushed over.
He had done well to get this far. But he was at his limit.
She immediately turned to the soldiers and ordered emergency treatment.
"Treat Pell immediately! And bring water to Chaka!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Pell, thank you. I'm sorry I forced you to do this..."
"Not at all... If you are safe, Princess, then that is all that matters."
Exhausted, Pell dropped to one knee. Vivi placed a hand on his back, her face grim.
If she could, she would tell him to rest. But the reality that they hadn't defeated the root of all evil yet did not permit those words. She had to force her wounded, exhausted retainers to fight even more. If she didn't, the country would perish.
Even if they hated her for it. Vivi tightened her expression and spoke.
"It's not over yet. There are still many enemies left. Pell, lend me your strength."
"Of course. Until this body rots away, I will fight for Alabasta."
"I'm asking the impossible of you..."
"Haha. I am used to it. You have been an active one since you were a child."
Seeing Pell smile despite the cold sweat pouring down his face, Vivi gave a small, bitter smile.
Just then, Karoo let out a cry, causing her to look up.
Chaka had struggled into a sitting position, breathing hard, staring at Vivi with a serious expression. He wasn't in fighting shape either, but his spirit wasn't broken in the slightest.
Vivi understood she had their cooperation.
She accepted their feelings and reaffirmed that she absolutely could not lose.
"Princess Vivi... What shall we do? Please tell us. Who is our enemy?"
"The enemy is Baroque Works. A secret criminal organization led by the Shichibukai, Sir Crocodile. They are trying to take over this country."
"I knew it... So that is how it is."
"My friends are trying to defeat them right now. I don't have time to introduce them, but please trust me. They are pirates, but they are different from Crocodile."
Pirates. The word concerned them, but nothing surprised them anymore.
Vivi stood up and looked around at everyone, including Chaka and Pell. Excluding the soldiers running for water and medicine, everyone was focused on her.
"Chaka, I want you to command the Royal Army. There are enemies attacking disguised as the Rebel Army. Those people are fakes—employees of Baroque Works."
"Then, I assume no mercy is required?"
"Correct. My friends should be helping as well. Be careful... and absolutely do not die."
"Understood. I cannot end this as a defeated man, after all."
Though he had drunk the water from Karoo's canteen, he wasn't fully recovered. Chaka was still gaunt and breathing painfully. Yet, the fire in his eyes hadn't dimmed a bit.
Vivi was alive. She, who was supposed to be missing, had shown herself to them, alive and well.
That alone was enough to make him feel he could keep fighting.
Seeing Chaka's face, Vivi decided to trust him and tried to stop worrying. The battle was still ongoing. No one could afford to let their guard down, and no one could afford to rest.
Vivi looked around the room again and confirmed that Cobra was not there.
If he were here, raising the morale of the Royal Army would be simple, but things rarely went so smoothly.
She turned her eyes to Pell, intending to assign him a different task.
She knew it was dangerous to act alone. Furthermore, she didn't have many escort soldiers. His accompaniment was essential for Vivi to move freely.
"Pell, you come with me. Let's find Father."
"Understood. I will protect you with everything I have."
"Where are Father... and Crocodile?"
"They seem to have headed for the Mausoleum. They appear to be searching for something."
"I see... I thought so."
The soldiers who had gone out returned in a hurry, handing a barrel of water to Chaka and beginning first aid on the three injured: Pell and the soldier taken out by the Unluckies earlier.
Vivi waited impatiently but didn't rush them, allowing them to prepare.
Leave the rest to me. How much easier would her heart be if she could say that?
She felt pathetic that she could do nothing without their help, and she bit her lip hard.
(Don't panic... You'll lose battles you could have won. Calm down. Acting calmly is what's important.)
Clenching her fists tight, she repeated this in her head to settle herself.
Is everyone else okay? Her anxiety grew because she wanted to know but couldn't. But now, there was no way to check. She had to trust her friends.
I hope no one has fallen.
As she tried to suppress her unease, Karoo gently tugged at her hand with his wing, making her turn around.
"Karoo?"
"Quack..."
His eyes were filled with concern for her.
Seeing him, Vivi's expression softened.
She wasn't fighting alone. She had many friends, and Karoo was always by her side. His presence calmed her overly anxious heart.
The tension left her clenched fists.
Vivi smiled gently at Karoo.
Relieved to see the strain leave her face, Karoo smiled back, raising the corners of his beak.
After hurriedly but carefully treating the wounds, the soldiers gathered around Vivi, showing by their actions that they were ready. The injured soldier was seated by the wall; three soldiers remained with Chaka, and the rest joined Pell to escort her. The deployment was decided with their meager numbers.
Facing the critical moment, Vivi steeled her resolve.
From this point on, they would not stop. There would be no time to look back until they won.
"Everyone, I'm sorry to force you into this. But please, never give up until the very end. No matter the situation, there is hope. Let's all survive this together."
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Princess Vivi, please be careful... Pell, I'm counting on you for the Princess."
"Yeah. Don't worry about us. Focus on your own duty."
Pell nodded at Chaka's words. Accepting this, Chaka stood up, borrowing a shoulder from a soldier.
They turned their backs to each other and began to walk.
Vivi took Pell and her soldiers toward the rear exit of the castle, while Chaka's group headed for the main entrance.
suppressing their worry, they didn't look back. They separated cleanly, leaving the Throne Room without hesitation.
As they walked, Vivi asked Pell a question.
Her sharp gaze was fixed forward, already impatient.
"Who is with Father?"
"Crocodile, and a dark-haired woman. She was called Miss All Sunday."
"I see... Just as I thought."
Hearing the names of the two with Cobra, Vivi's expression clouded.
With those two as opponents, retrieving Cobra wouldn't be simple. Furthermore, what troubled her was... if Crocodile was here, did that mean he hadn't encountered Luffy? That thought nagged at her strangely.
She didn't think Luffy would lose, but an unshakeable anxiety was born.
The group led by Vivi and Karoo reached a spot where the exit to the outside was visible.
At that moment, the girl and the duck froze in shock.
They saw Luffy collapsed, drenched in blood. In the empty space, he alone lay fallen; he had likely made contact with the target. Part of the room was destroyed.
Looking only at the result, it was easy to imagine what had happened.
Pale-faced, Vivi and Karoo rushed forward in a panic.
They ran to Luffy, who lay motionless as if dead, and without caring about getting blood on themselves, she cradled his body. Vivi dropped to her knees on the ground, placing Luffy's head on her lap.
The soldiers, unable to read the situation, stood frozen. Among them, Pell was the first to react to the atmosphere.
He didn't know who this boy was, but he was someone who caused these two intense distress. He knew what had to be done.
"Luffy-san!? No...!"
"Quack!? Quaaaack!?"
"Bring medicine and bandages! Emergency aid! Hurry!"
Amidst Pell's sharp orders, Vivi and Karoo brought their faces close to check his condition. His breathing was rough, but shallow and continuous. He wasn't dead yet.
After desperately calling his name for several seconds, there was a definite reaction.
Suddenly, Luffy's hand moved and grabbed Vivi's wrist.
"Mea... t..."
"Luffy-san...!"
"Quack!"
His first words were surprisingly strong.
He was exhausted, but his eyes were wide open, looking straight at Vivi.
Coughing and spitting blood, barely holding onto consciousness, Luffy let his head loll back.
"Sorry, Vivi... I lost to him once. And Kiri got taken away somewhere, too."
His voice was weaker than she had ever heard it, catching in her throat. She had never seen a Luffy like this. He looked dangerously close to death.
Soldiers were running around frantically nearby. Ignoring them, Vivi focused on his words.
It seemed Luffy hadn't given up yet.
"But, I won't lose next time... Haa. I'm gonna... send him flying..."
"Yeah... Yeah!"
"So... give me meat."
Saying this, Luffy locked eyes with Vivi firmly.
Fighting back tears, Vivi nodded vigorously and turned quickly to Pell.
"Bring meat! As much as you can!"
"Princess Vivi? Meat?"
"Cooked, raw, it doesn't matter, just bring food! He is the only one who can beat Crocodile! We have to save him!"
"But, before that, his wounds—"
"Then we'll treat him while he eats! Lots of meat... and anything else edible!"
Pell was bewildered, but there was no time. He decided to trust her judgment.
"I will go get it. I'll have to leave your side briefly."
"Please... I'll take care of Luffy-san."
"I will return in haste."
Pell transformed into his hybrid form, spread his wings, and began flying low through the corridor.
If Vivi was insisting this strongly, the boy must have immense strength, and more importantly, her trust. Pell, who had been away for so long, had no right to argue.
Now, he would simply move as Vivi requested. That must be the only path to victory.
Not just out of loyalty, but as a warrior and a citizen protecting the country, he made that judgment.
(To think Princess Vivi would show such an expression... No matter what, we must not let this boy die!)
Beside the soldiers who had quickly begun first aid, Vivi gripped Luffy's hand tightly.
Trying to encourage him, she forced a smile, and Karoo quacked loudly to keep his consciousness anchored.
A single defeat meant nothing. He hadn't given up.
"It's going to be okay, Luffy-san... If it's about being stubborn, I was trained on your ship. Something like this isn't a failure or anything. We can still fight. You will definitely beat him!"
Squeezing his hand as hard as she could, she kept talking to him.
"I... we won't let you die... So, Luffy-san, blow Crocodile away!"
"Ohhh...!"
Hearing his powerful voice, biting back his frustration, Vivi nodded, and Karoo flapped his wings and quacked.
Still, not a single heart had been broken.
To settle this war, Luffy's power was essential. Vivi and Karoo stayed by his side, cheering him on, determined never to leave him no matter what happened.
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