The national address by Princess Vivi was held as scheduled.
Originally meant to happen when she turned fourteen, the ceremony had been postponed for two years. Back then, Igaram had uncovered intelligence hinting at a shadowy conspiracy unfolding within Alabasta. Without hesitation, Princess Vivi volunteered to infiltrate the mysterious group herself.
That group was Baroque Works.
Now, with its total collapse, the Alabasta Kingdom had been spared destruction—all thanks to Vivi's courage and sacrifices.
"Why hasn't the speech in Alubarna started yet? It was set for ten o'clock—it's almost noon!"
Across the kingdom, citizens gathered by radios and transponders, growing anxious as the broadcast delay stretched on.
Suddenly, a loud voice rang out, "Everyone quiet! Princess Vivi is out!"
In the plaza before the royal palace, thousands looked up as a sky-blue silhouette appeared atop the palace balcony, dressed in noble robes.
The crowd erupted:
"Wow! Her Royal Highness Princess Vivi!"
"She's so beautiful!"
"Long live Princess Vivi!"
Above the palace, a different scene played out.
Igaram—dressed tightly in a princess gown that barely fit his burly figure—stood nervously behind the curtain.
"Don't laugh!" he squeaked, trying to mimic a high-pitched voice. "I am Her Royal Highness Princess Vivi!"
The King's Army soldiers nearby struggled to hold back their snorts. One clutched his sides in pain while gritting his teeth to keep from laughing.
Hearing Igaram's falsetto, they wanted to burst out. But with a plaza full of citizens watching, they forced themselves to remain upright and dignified.
Internally, they screamed: This is torture!
"People of Alabasta," came a clear, gentle voice from the loudspeakers.
It was Vivi's true voice, transmitted through Den Den Mushi across the kingdom.
"Two years ago, I began a journey of my own..."
Her voice echoed through towns, cities, and villages—reaching every ear in Alabasta.
"Long live Princess Vivi! And the brave ones who saved our country!"
Her words stirred hearts. The citizens already knew much—how she had secretly joined Baroque Works to learn its plans, how she helped lead its downfall.
But not everything was revealed.
The World Government, through tight control of media and messaging, had framed the whole affair as an internal pirate squabble. According to them, the Marines had resolved the crisis and kept the peace.
The real heroes—Straw Hat Luffy and his crew—were written off as bit players.
There was one more figure they downplayed completely.
The Plunderer.
Though Shirogai Yamikuro had appeared to do little, Smoker had reported everything to Admiral Aokiji. He was convinced Crocodile's defeat had much to do with Shirogai.
The report shook Marine Headquarters.
High-level discussions were already underway.
Alabasta's king, Cobra, had quietly accepted the World Government's whitewashing. He neither confirmed nor denied the truth.
Even the former Rebel Army, once eyewitnesses to Luffy's battle with Crocodile, had fallen silent.
Such was the weight of the World Government's suppression.
Vivi's voice rang gently again.
"In that storm of darkness, I encountered a small ship..."
She smiled fondly as she recalled her first meeting with Shirogai, Luffy, and the others—back when she still went by 'Miss Wednesday.'
At the time, she had been ordered to hunt the island whale, Laboon, for food—a mission from Baroque Works. But just as she was about to succeed, the Straw Hats had appeared.
That failure marked a turning point.
She had been ready to run, but then came a voice:
"It must be exhausting, always acting, Princess Vivi."
Those words cracked the walls she had built around herself.
For the first time, she no longer had to walk alone.
"There was a smiling person on that ship," Vivi said, her voice warming. "Someone who kept encouraging me. He said, 'Can't you see that ray of light in the distance?'"
Shirogai.
"There were other companions on that incredible ship," she continued. "Even when I stood in the deepest darkness, I didn't feel afraid. It felt like I was dancing on the waves..."
Listeners throughout the kingdom blinked in confusion.
"What's Princess Vivi talking about?" one villager asked.
"Maybe the Marines helped her?" someone guessed.
Another laughed. "Ahh, she's thanking the World Government and the heroic Marines, of course!"
Meanwhile, at East Port Alabasta, it was already noon.
On the Going Merry, the crew stood silently on deck, watching the vacant docks ahead.
Chopper leaned on the railing, eyes filled with concern. "Princess Vivi..."
Zoro stood calm, his sword sheathed. "That voice in the distance—it's her live speech in Alubarna."
Sanji sighed, cigarette dangling from his lips. "So, she made her choice a long time ago."
Luffy leaned on the railing, eyes glistening. "No! That's not her! That's not Vivi's voice!"
Shirogai smiled, arms crossed. "Relax, Luffy. Maybe something delayed her. It's not over yet."
Sanji gave a defeated shrug. "Time's up. We can't wait. The Marines haven't left."
"Did we come to the wrong place? Is this really East Port Tamarisk?" Luffy frowned.
Suddenly—
"OH NO! OH NO!"
Usopp's alarmed voice rang out from the crow's nest.
"Dozens of warships approaching! They're headed straight for us!"
Zoro narrowed his eyes at the black dots forming on the horizon. "Looks like they were waiting for backup. Shirogai did destroy two of their ships earlier..."
Nami felt the breeze and gave a decisive order. "The wind is in our favor. Sanji, Zoro—get us moving! We can sail out now. If we delay, we'll be surrounded."
Sanji untied the ropes swiftly. "Let it go, Luffy. She's not the same person anymore."
"Alright..." Luffy muttered, dragging his feet toward the helm.
As he passed, Shirogai hooked a finger around his rubbery head, tugging him toward the stone wall with a grin.
"Don't give up just yet. Look there—who's that?"
Luffy blinked. "Huh?!"
Atop the stone wall stood Princess Vivi, her serene smile beaming. Beside her stood Karu, balancing a Den Den Mushi on his head.
"Vivi!!!" Luffy screamed with joy. "Everyone, look! VIVI IS HERE!"
___
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