Alabasta, Rainbase.
The moment the screen went dark, Crocodile snapped his cigar in half with fury. He was itching to appear in Rohala right now and wipe out the entire Yorozuya Pirates crew.
However, what truly caught his attention was the mysterious "thing" Su Xiaoqi mentioned. Everything he had worked for in recent years was to seize Alabasta's ancient weapon, the "Pluton."
"Miss All Sunday, come with me to the kingdom's capital. No matter what their purpose is, I cannot let that thing fall into anyone else's hands."
Robin smiled faintly. "I guess I don't have much choice now… but I want to see those interesting people too."
Although she didn't know why she was deliberately mentioned—was it because of her bounty? Or was Crocodile trying to use her for his own ends? None of that mattered anymore. She was losing the will to keep living, worn down by years of fleeing and countless betrayals.
Meanwhile, Nami and the others were hiding in Rainbase, having become the prime targets ever since the "Nami" impersonator appeared.
Sakata Gintoki scowled. "Damn Su Xiaoqi. How can he come up with such fun stuff without even inviting me? There's no way Gintoki would let this go."
Sanji was equally frustrated. "What's worse is that bastard openly hugging Princess Vivi. Unbelievable, I'm jealous to death."
"Two idiots," Zoro muttered, exasperated. "You two talk about that in front of Nami? You're just begging to get killed."
After teaching the two fools a quick lesson, Nami turned to the others with a smile. "You guys wouldn't 'betray' me, right?"
Usopp, Zoro, Kaya, and Daz Bones shook their heads wildly. The more Nami smiled, the more scared they got.
But simple-minded Luffy looked at Nami and asked, "Nami, why were those people shouting your name and chasing us? Did you do something to offend them?"
*Bam bam bam bam.*
Three seconds later, Gintoki and Sanji joined the bubble-blowing crowd on the ground.
Nami glanced at the silent chat group and said, "We leave for the kingdom's capital immediately. I want to have a good talk with those people."
Usopp nervously raised his hand, "Um… aren't we supposed to find Robin first?"
*Bam bam bam bam.*
The fourth bubble-blower hit the ground.
Nami looked at the three standing and asked, "Any other questions?"
They shook their heads in unison. "No. We're leaving now."
Nami nodded with satisfaction and shouted at the four lying on the ground, "Get up now! If you love sleeping this much, I don't mind letting you sleep here forever."
—
Alabasta, Kingdom Capital.
Su Xiaoqi and his group flew all the way from Rohala and were greeted by King Cobra with repeated thanks after entering the palace under Vivi's guidance.
"Old man, spare me the pleasantries. After flying all this way, I'm starving."
Su Xiaoqi thought food was more practical than empty compliments.
Hearing this, King Cobra's mouth twitched but he didn't get mad — after all, this guy was the hero who saved their country.
Plus, his daughter liked him so much that it wouldn't be long before this young man was calling him "Dad."
"I've already ordered food to be prepared. Vivi will take you there."
At the dining table, Su Xiaoqi was stuffing food into his mouth while the others chatted about the recent performance.
Vivi felt she had a lot of fun. Chopper thought his role was too small, and Lu Linglong was still unsatisfied. The conversation soon turned to Nami.
Lu Linglong said, "What do you think Nami will do when she sees us? She spammed the chat group earlier. She must be going crazy."
Tokisaki Kurumi chuckled, "Ah, knowing her personality, she might tear some of us apart here."
Chopper's paw trembled as Kaito shivered, while Zhu Zhuqing and Vivi looked at Su Xiaoqi.
Unfazed by their gaze, Su Xiaoqi said, "Don't worry. If she dares do anything to us, next time we'll bring 'her' to the Navy Headquarters and make a scene. Let her enjoy the treatment of a Yonko."
Everyone gasped. What kind of grudge did this guy have with Nami to say something like that?
Lu Linglong asked, "Aren't you afraid the Navy will catch her?"
Su Xiaoqi smiled, "If she really gets caught, it'll probably trigger a mission. Then we'll come to rescue her—and earn some points."
Hearing this, Lu Linglong and Kaito widened their eyes. Su Xiaoqi was arranging everything clearly — not only to prank Nami, but also to milk benefits from her.
Zhu Zhuqing asked, "What if the mission doesn't trigger?"
Su Xiaoqi chuckled, "You don't think Nami is easy to catch, right? Even if she's caught and no mission triggers, I just sell her a few skills. No prison, not even Impel Down, can hold her."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded. Last time, she did get some escape skills.
After the meal, Su Xiaoqi said goodbye and flew off alone to train. Vivi arranged accommodations for the others and then had a long talk with Zhu Zhuqing.
They talked until Su Xiaoqi returned from training and Vivi left.
"Vivi is a nice person," Zhu Zhuqing suddenly said, leaving Su Xiaoqi puzzled.
"Zhuqing, what do you mean? Vivi's always been nice."
Zhu Zhuqing grumbled, "Think about it yourself. Now go shower and sleep."
—
The next day at noon, while eating lunch, Su Xiaoqi and the others received news from the soldiers: the Straw Hat crew had arrived, and so had Crocodile and his Baroque Works.
At this moment, the two factions faced off in front of the palace.
Su Xiaoqi finished his food quickly, smiled at the group, and said:
"Vivi, you'll have to suffer again and keep being my hostage."
"Linglong, you're free to improvise today. If you can make Nami angry enough to 'transform,' I'll write a script just for you after this mission."
"San-san, you can devour the Baroque Works people as you like."
"Zhuqing, Chopper, and Kaito, you three handle things as you see fit."
"Everyone, this is our final act in Alabasta. Let's have fun."
"Now, let's go welcome the great Yorozuya Pirates captain, Nami!"