Chapter 107 – The Princess Boards, Crocodile Sends the Goon Squad
"I'm fine, Igaram."
Vivi gave him a light, relieved smile.
"Alabasta is saved!"
Only… she was no longer the princess of Alabasta.
Igaram didn't know the contract details.
But afterward, he clearly felt the princess was lighter than she'd ever been.
Like the weight that had crushed her for years had finally vanished.
She was the carefree, happy little girl he remembered from childhood.
That smile alone stopped him from asking what she had traded.
He was worried, of course. But he let it go.
The next morning,
the Libra set sail once more.
One extra passenger on deck.
"Hi, everyone! I'm Nefertari D. Vivi, former princess of Alabasta."
"I've officially joined the boss's crew. Thrilled to meet you all!"
Ditched the punk disguise—Vivi's beauty shot up several tiers.
Noble poise, royal upbringing. She could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Nami and the rest.
Aike felt a refreshing novelty.
The girls welcomed the new sister with open arms.
(Though the mandatory eye-rolls at Aike's recruitment speed still happened.)
At this rate, Nami and Carina were genuinely worried the Libra would run out of cabins.
Vivi's outgoing personality melted into the crew instantly.
Even Hikari dropped last night's hostility and accepted her.
Karu the duck became everyone's new mascot—especially Tom's little brother.
He followed the cat around like a loyal puppy.
While the Libra sailed,
news of Whiskey Peak's annihilation finally reached Rainbase, Alabasta.
The only city untouched by drought and rebellion. Home to Baroque Works' headquarters—the Rain Dinners casino.
Top-floor office.
Crocodile, slicked-back hair, cigar in mouth, toyed with a golden hook while listening to the report.
"Whiskey Peak branch: completely empty."
"Only massive sword scars and fist craters left. Analysis says two people did the killing."
"But there were signs of a banquet. Likely the rest of their crew."
"So we're dealing with a group."
Nico Robin, tall, sun-hat, calm and intellectual, delivered the briefing.
"Our people arrived after the perpetrators had already left."
Crack.
The little golden crocodile in Crocodile's hand lost its head.
"So they found nothing useful."
Robin internally sighed.
I talked for five minutes and all you heard was "they got away"?
"Not completely useless. Agents near Twin Capes spotted the Devil Merchant."
"Timeline matches. High probability it was them."
"The sword scars could be from the 31-million-beli 'Sword Princess' Kuina."
"Devil Merchant… Sword Princess…"
Crocodile's eyes turned colder.
"Doesn't matter if it's probable or not. If there's a chance, send Mr. 1 and the others."
"Offer recruitment first. Refuse? Kill them."
Robin opened her mouth.
"…The Devil Merchant's bounty is 120 million beli."
That's 40 million higher than you.
You're sending the officer agents to fight a 120-million rookie crew?
Are you trying to get them all murdered?
For the first time, Robin seriously considered jumping ship early.
But building Baroque Works to this size hadn't been easy.
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