Vivi and Icarlem were brought back onto the ship.
Hanataro Yamada tended to the wounded, while Vivi spoke with Oguro about the current state of Alabasta.
"Alabasta has been in drought for over two years. Only the royal capital, Alubarna, has had normal rainfall," she explained.
"Though no one has openly acted yet, suspicion toward the royal family keeps growing. If the truth isn't uncovered, Alabasta could descend into civil war!"
At this, Vivi's shoulders trembled, and tears welled in her eyes. As the princess and heir to the throne, she felt powerless against her country's crisis, loathing her own inability time and again.
"Dancing Powder!" Oguro suddenly spoke.
Vivi blinked, confused. "Dancing Powder?"
Oguro explained, "Based on your description, the drought in Alabasta is caused by dancing powder. It's a chemical that forcibly extracts moisture from the air to create artificial rainfall. But it affects downwind areas, which is why it was banned long ago by the World Government."
"Your country's archives, as a member of the World Government, should have records of this. What exactly has your father been doing these past two years?"
Oguro's words made Vivi reconsider her father's abilities entirely. This man was truly unsuited to be king.
"Is… is that true?" Vivi asked, rising suddenly, even knocking over her chair.
"Why not check the records yourself?" Oguro rolled his eyes, continuing. "Two years without rain in the entire country except the royal capital—clearly something's wrong there! Alabasta has six hundred thousand active-duty soldiers. Sending a few tens of thousands to comb the capital would surely turn up some clues. And yet, it falls on a princess to go undercover? Cobra must be out of his mind."
Vivi looked embarrassed but still defended her father. "My father is considerate of the people. He didn't want to alarm them, which is why he didn't send troops."
"Hmph," Oguro scoffed. "For a little reputation, you let the people go without water for two years, risking civil unrest! Classic case of valuing minor fame over major responsibility."
Vivi wanted to argue but had no defense. After a pause, her expression grew resolute. "I'll have the people of the royal capital check the archives. If it's confirmed as dancing powder, I will personally mobilize fifty thousand soldiers to search the capital."
Vivi clearly had more courage and decisiveness than Cobra. With the rebels not yet fully organized, her action would meet little resistance. The only concern was Crocodile—if his schemes were exposed, he might act desperately.
Oguro's eyes flickered. That could work to his advantage.
With Vivi holding Alabasta's permanent navigational pointer, the group set course straight for the royal capital.
At the Rain Banquet Casino in Alubarna, Crocodile's office door opened once again.
Robin entered and reported, "Boss, Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine's life cards have been extinguished!"
A life card burning out means the person is dead.
Crocodile's eyes darkened. "Seems I underestimated him… he actually defeated my carefully chosen top officers!"
Robin continued calmly, "Surviving witnesses reported that Miss Wednesday is confirmed as Alabasta's first princess, Nefertari Vivi. She's now with Oguro and heading toward the royal capital."
"Heh…" Crocodile gave a chilling laugh.
"Thinking killing my top officers would let you walk away safely? Nicely done…"
"Nico Robin, arrange it. I don't want any of them reaching the capital."
Crocodile's meaning was clear: eliminate Oguro and Vivi at all costs.
Robin nodded. She would need to call in the remaining top officers to ensure no mistakes.
In the hallway, she thought silently, This Oguro seems strong… should I approach him first?
Being labeled the Devil Child with a 79-million Beli bounty at eight years old, she had endured countless betrayals, training her to always have a contingency. Oguro was clearly here to confront Crocodile, so she needed to prepare.
"As a Warlord of the Sea, I hope you're not so easily defeated… the Ancient Text hasn't been found yet."
Robin had sided with Crocodile for his search for the Ancient Text.
Seven days later, Oguro's group arrived at the Alabasta port city, Canola Flower.
Once a bustling city known for perfume production, it had rapidly declined after two years without rain.
As soon as they docked, a burly man wearing a white headscarf and purple star-shaped face paint led a group of tall, duck-riding troops waiting at the pier.
"Princess Vivi!"
Seeing Vivi disembark, the man bowed, and the ducks followed suit.
Vivi happily introduced them to Oguro and the others. "This is Bell, our kingdom's guardian and strongest warrior, responsible for escorting us to the royal capital. These are the Karoo Duck troops, Alabasta's fastest assault unit—riding them will save a lot of time."
All had been summoned in advance using Vivi's Den Den Mushi.
The group mounted the Karoo Ducks and set off immediately.
On the way, Bell reported, "Your Highness, the king personally verified that dancing powder exists. But he hesitates to deploy fifty thousand soldiers to search the capital."
Vivi's expression grew complicated. She recalled Oguro's assessment of Cobra—kind but weak, unfit to rule a superpower.
Biting her lip, she said coldly, "Bell, issue my orders, the fifty thousand troops are to enter the capital. I alone will bear all consequences."
As Alabasta's royalty, the lives of millions rested on her shoulders. Even if it brought criticism, it was worth it.
"Yes, Your Highness!" Bell's spirit stirred. In Vivi, he saw the shadow of Nefertari's ancestor, Queen Lily.
Oguro, using Observation Haki, heard every word of their conversation.
It seemed that once Crocodile's schemes were dealt with, Alabasta would have a new queen.
***
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