In the guest room, Oguro sipped on a local Alabasta drink when a soft thumping came from the balcony glass doors.
He turned and saw a graceful figure perched on the railing.
"Nico Robin, I've heard much about you," Oguro called out with a smile as he stepped onto the balcony.
Robin's eyes flickered with surprise.
Her true identity was hidden within Baroque Works; only Crocodile knew who she really was. But Oguro's reaction clearly showed he already knew. This rookie of the Grand Line was far more dangerous than anyone had expected.
For a brief moment, a flawless but false smile appeared on Robin's face. "You noticed me earlier but didn't expose me. So now, I'll dare to propose a deal."
"Go on," Oguro said, curious.
Robin adjusted her hair elegantly. "I want to survive."
"With your power and cunning, I think Crocodile stands little chance against you," she continued.
"So I propose a trade: Baroque Works intelligence in exchange for my life… and the opportunity to access Alabasta's historical records."
Oguro's expression remained unchanged. "You didn't attack us, so I won't kill you. But the historical records belong to Alabasta; I can't promise access. At most, I can pass a message along."
Robin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. On the seas, strong people rarely care about others' opinions—power dictates authority. Seeing a strong person reason like this was unusual for her.
"No matter. I'll provide a substantial token of loyalty. I trust Princess Vivi will give me a chance." Robin smiled lightly, composed.
Oguro's interest piqued. "A token of loyalty?"
"The location of the Dance Powder stockpiles… and Mr. 2 hidden inside the palace. He's the one who leaked Princess Vivi's route back to the capital."
That shape-shifting cross-dresser. Having such a mole in their ranks was a serious problem. Especially with fifty thousand troops entering Alubarna, any sabotage by him could be catastrophic.
As if confirming Oguro's concern, Robin dropped another bomb.
"After you eliminate Mr. 1 and the others, Crocodile will have to accelerate his three-year plan. Tomorrow, Mr. 2 will disguise himself as Cobra and use the Dance Powder, pitting the royal family against the people completely. Then he'll strike to 'save' Alabasta from the heartless royalty and claim the nation legitimately."
Originally, this was supposed to happen a year later, but Oguro's intervention forced Crocodile to act early. Crocodile's initial plan had been to provoke a battle between the royal army and the rebels, then swoop in. Now, with too few rebels, he had to target the royal family directly. Nail the blame for using Dance Powder on them, and he could still emerge as Alabasta's savior.
Oguro nodded. "That's indeed a weighty token of loyalty. I'll pass it on."
Robin gave the locations of Mr. 2 and the Dance Powder, then left. She had come in secret to meet Oguro and now had to return quickly. Though she had pledged loyalty for now, she had not abandoned Crocodile. If he somehow succeeded, she would continue following him until she found the historical records. Two bets at once, placing herself in an invincible position—this was Robin's survival philosophy.
Oguro immediately relayed this crucial intelligence to Vivi and formulated a plan.
Late at night, a squad of palace guards approached Cobra's chamber.
"Captain Lant, what is the matter?" Cobra asked, puzzled.
Lant smiled oddly. "Hee hee hee! Your Majesty, please come with me."
Cobra's face changed. "You're not Lant! Who are you?"
The figure's left hand swept across his face, revealing a man with a square face, straight bangs, and strange makeup.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Von Clay, Mr. 2 of Baroque Works. By order of the boss, Your Majesty, you are coming with me."
To frame Cobra, the key was controlling the real king. Otherwise, a false king scenario could get messy.
"Assassins!" Cobra called out, alarmed.
Mr. 2 laughed. "Your Majesty, don't bother. I've already used this face to draw everyone away." He switched his face back to that of Lant.
Cobra realized escape was impossible. He calmed himself.
"Even if you take me, it's useless! Vivi has mobilized the troops into the capital. There's no chance the Dance Powder will be used!"
"Crocodile's plan is completely ruined!"
"Hohoho!" Mr. 2 laughed triumphantly.
"Who said we'd use the Dance Powder? The boss wants to pin it on you! Fool!" He touched Cobra's shoulder, and his face became identical to the king's.
"Tomorrow, I'll use this face to tell everyone that the Dance Powder was used by you, Cobra. A king must secure his own life, right? As for the people, their lives don't matter! Hahaha…"
Suddenly, Mr. 2 sensed something off. Cobra showed no reaction. He sat calmly in his chair, as if his prior fear and anger had never existed.
"Nice plan… too bad it won't work."
A mocking voice echoed. Figures emerged from the secret room. Besides Vivi and Oguro, there was a dark green-haired man with a long sword on his back.
The rebel leader, Kousha.
Earlier, after hearing Oguro's report, Vivi had first wanted to capture Mr. 2—but Oguro had vetoed her.
"This isn't enough. If Crocodile's plot isn't exposed, he'll always be Alabasta's hero. Contact the rebel leader and let him witness the truth."
Oguro knew that Kousha, Vivi's childhood friend, would likely agree. Vivi thought so too. Unless Crocodile's true face was revealed, he would never give up his scheme to seize the throne.
And so, Cobra fell into a trap, while the group stood by secretly listening in—an odd, tense spectacle.
***
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