69novels Chapter 63: Establishing an Alliance, Saving Alabasta
Chapter 63: Establishing an Alliance, Saving Alabasta
The inverted mountaintop, the starting point of the Grand Line, the deck of the Dark Sun Ship.
The Golden Ark floated steadily above the sea of clouds, below which was Laboon, the whale that had just closed its massive jaws and was slowly sinking into the sea.
The small Merry was carefully placed in a corner of the Dark Sun Ship.
The Straw Hat crew, Sabo, Vivi, and the three Heroic Spirits gathered on the spacious bow deck, which resembled a plaza.
Crocus's recounting of Laboon and the Rumbar Pirates' past created a somewhat melancholic atmosphere, but Luffy's new vow with Laboon eased the heaviness of the moment.
At this moment, everyone's attention returned to the important matter at hand.
Sabo stepped forward, adjusted his hat, and looked at Vivi with a serious expression.
"Princess Vivi, first of all, thank you for seeking an alliance. As fellow members of the Red Team, our common goal is to fight against the Black Team."
"But regarding Alabasta, I have a few key questions that need to be clarified, as they relate to our assessment of the matter and the extent of our involvement."
Vivi took a deep breath and straightened her back; she knew this was a crucial moment to gain the trust of her allies.
"Lord Sabo, please ask, and I will tell you the truth."
"First." Sabo's eyes shone brightly.
"It is widely rumored that the drought, famine, and popular rebellion in Alabasta stem from the incompetent rule of King Cobra and his use of Dancing Powder, which is banned by the World Government. Is this true? What role did Crocodile play in this?"
Vivi's eyes immediately blazed with anger, but she suppressed her emotions: "This is Crocodile's meticulously planned conspiracy!"
"The drought wasn't a natural disaster; he's the one using the 'dancing powder'! He's concentrating precious water resources in the rain-producing areas! The so-called heavy taxes and tyranny are all orchestrated by his secret criminal organization, 'Baroque Works,' disguised as the king's military force! Their aim is to incite hatred against the royal family and pave the way for his usurpation!"
"My father...King Cobra, he always cared deeply for his people, and was so worried about them that he couldn't eat or sleep, and even..." Her voice choked with emotion.
"They were even willing to endure public condemnation, just to secretly investigate the truth and find a solution!"
Rai II stood quietly beside Vivi, his pupils sweeping over Sabo.
When Vivi recounted Kobra's forbearance and humiliation, a barely perceptible hint of approval flashed in his eyes, and he nodded slightly.
This sense of responsibility as a king who sacrifices himself for his people is consistent with his philosophy of the way of the "king".
When Vivi mentioned Crocodile's conspiracy, the radiance around him involuntarily intensified, and an anger as intense as the scorching sun filled the air.
"Hmph, those who steal a country manipulate people's hearts and minds; their crimes deserve death!"
Rachmaninoff's voice was deep and authoritative, like a pronouncement of judgment.
Roger crossed his arms and listened to Vivi's story, but the smile on his face disappeared.
"Crocodile... resorting to such underhanded tricks? What kind of strength does he have? Back in the day, I roamed the seas, and if I didn't like someone, I'd just go and fight them! Conspiring to frame a king who fought for his country and its people? Bah!"
His tone was full of disdain for Crocodile's methods.
Napoleon leaned against the ship's railing, tapping his tricorn hat lightly with his fingers, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Using natural disasters to frame others, manipulating public opinion to incite rebellion... a classic subversive tactic. This Crocodile is quite the calculating 'strategist.' Unfortunately, his vision is too narrow, focusing only on the power of a single kingdom."
He looked at Sabo.
"Master, if the intelligence is accurate, this is indeed worth the Revolutionary Army's intervention. Overthrowing the 'old aristocracy' who are secretly manipulating the country and saving a nation that has been fooled aligns with the ideals of the revolution."
Sabo nodded. Vivi's statements and emotions did not seem fake, and her logic was clear.
He continued, "My second question is, is Crocodile's goal merely the throne of Alabasta? As a Shichibukai, he has the legal right to plunder, and he lacks neither wealth nor status."
"Is his plot to seize this country related to the Holy Grail War? For example... what is Alabasta hiding?"
Vivi's expression was grave: "This is exactly what I'm most worried about! Crocodile's target is very likely one of the ancient weapons that my Alabasta royal family has guarded for generations—Pluton! The legendary blueprints for a warship with the power to destroy the world!"
"Although the blueprints are no longer in Alabasta, legend has it that the key information to activate it may be hidden within the royal bloodline or history!"
"His conquest of the country was likely aimed at gaining complete control of this land and uncovering the secrets of Hades!"
"There's another piece of information I overheard during my undercover work: he speculated that the Holy Grail War is related to the Ancient Weapons! I suspect the search for Hades is also inextricably linked to the Holy Grail War."
"Ancient weapons?!" Nami and Usopp exclaimed in surprise, their faces turning pale.
Roger frowned. "Pluto... reminds me of someone from the past. But to be honest, that thing does exist. Crocodile wants to take it? Quite ambitious!"
He grinned and looked at Luffy. "Kid, how about we cause some trouble?"
Ramses II sneered upon hearing this, seemingly expressing utter disdain for "ancient weapons" and "the destruction of the world."
"Attempting to plunder forbidden power and overturn the balance of the world? Such blasphemous acts will be thoroughly purified by the radiance of the sun."
The voice wasn't loud, but it was full of authority.
Napoleon whistled: "This is even more interesting. Preventing a world crisis. That's indeed what revolutionaries should do, Master, what do you think?"
He looked at Sabo, his eyes sparkling with excitement at participating in such a momentous event.
Sabo's expression was extremely serious: "If that's the case, then the situation far exceeds a country's internal strife. If Crocodile obtains either the Holy Grail or Hades, it will concern the safety of the entire world!"
Princess Vivi, your information is extremely important!
Just then, Nami rubbed her hands together and came closer.
"Ahem, well... Princess Vivi, right? We Straw Hat Pirates are always happy to help others! Especially since Luffy agreed to help you! But... you know, our voyage requires funds, and our opponents are the Seven Warlords of the Sea, involving such dangerous things as the Holy Grail and Ancient Weapons..."
She looked at Weiwei meaningfully.
Vivi was taken aback at first, then she understood what Nami meant. Looking at the group of people in front of her who were willing to stand up for her country, and perhaps even for the world, she was filled with gratitude and determination.
"Everyone! If we can save Alabasta, drive out Crocodile, and thwart his plot, I, Neferutali Vivi, swear in the name of the Princess of Alabasta."
"The kingdom's treasury will pay you a generous reward that will satisfy you and support your adventure on the Grand Line!"
She paused for a moment, her gaze sweeping over the three Heroic Spirits present, finally settling on Sabo and Luffy.
"Furthermore, as a token of my deepest gratitude and trust to all my allies—after successfully saving Alabasta, I voluntarily relinquish my pursuit of the Holy Grail. If you need me, His Majesty Ramses II and I will do everything in our power to assist you in winning this Holy Grail War!"
The deck fell silent instantly upon hearing this!
Giving up the right to fight for the Holy Grail?! That's tantamount to handing over the chance to use the omnipotent wish-granting machine!
Especially given that the Holy Grail War has just begun and anything is possible, this determination and trust are incredibly weighty.
Ramses II suddenly looked at Vivi, his eyes showing obvious shock for the first time!
He never expected his little master to make such a resolute promise.
But seeing the unwavering determination in Weiwei's eyes—a willingness to sacrifice everything for the country—the shock in his eyes eventually transformed into an even stronger will to protect her.
He did not object, but the sunlight around him became even more steadfast as it enveloped Weiwei.
He respected his Master's decision as royalty, and protecting her will was perhaps more in line with his current feelings than fighting for the Holy Grail.
Roger was taken aback for a moment, then burst into a hearty laugh.
"Hahaha, little girl, you've got guts! But, as for the Holy Grail and all that, I'm actually not that interested."
"Luffy will become the Pirate King through his own fists and his crew, not through any wish-granting machines! But..."
He patted Luffy on the shoulder. "I'd be happy to help you beat up Crocodile!"
Luffy, looking completely bewildered, picked his nose and said, "Vivi's an ally. Helping her fight bad guys doesn't require any reward!"
His thinking remains so pure it makes you want to facepalm.
This caused Nami to look at him and Roger with murderous intent, sending a chill down their spines.
Napoleon stroked his chin, his eyes gleaming: "Give up the Holy Grail... in exchange for the survival of the nation and the full support of our allies?"
"Very pragmatic political wisdom. Master, this princess is more decisive than we imagined."
His opinion of Weiwei improved even further.
Sabo looked deeply at Vivi, his eyes filled with admiration: "Princess Vivi... I feel your determination. Archer and I will do everything in our power to assist you."
"As for the Holy Grail..." He gave a sincere smile.
"Once we've resolved the immediate crisis, let's discuss how our allies can help each other."
Nami's eyes had transformed into Beelzebub's symbol: "It's a deal! Princess Vivi! Saving your country is in our hands!"
"Luffy! Did you hear that? For the reward in Alabasta... no, for our allies, we must defeat Crocodile!"
Usopp quickly chimed in, "No...that's right! For our allies!"
Zoro, holding his sword, smirked slightly: "The opponent is a Shichibukai? Perfect."
Sanji gave a graceful bow: "It is my honor to fight for the beautiful princess~"
"Alright!" Luffy adjusted his straw hat, revealing his signature confident and fighting spirit with a smile, and pointed into the distance.
"Target—Alabasta! Let's go! Let's blast the sand crocodiles!"
"Target, Alabasta, Albana!" Vivi's eyes were filled with tears, but her tone was incredibly firm.
Looking at the excited expressions on everyone's faces, Rashomon couldn't help but smile, just like back in the imperial court...
He tapped the bow of the ship lightly: "As Your Majesty wishes. The Ark of the Sun, set sail!"
The Dark Night Sun Ship emitted a deep rumble, and golden wings of light unfolded on both sides of the ship!
The next moment, this mythical ark transformed into a golden meteor that tore through the sky, speeding toward Alabasta at a speed far exceeding that of ordinary ships!
Only the horizon remained, where Luffy's voice echoed.
"Hey! Laboon! Remember our promise!"