That night.
Alubarna Royal Palace.
The banquet atmosphere was lively.
After three years, Alabasta finally received rain.
Princess Vivi, who had been adventuring for a year, had returned.
These successive joyous events filled King Cobra with immense delight.
He, who was usually frugal, indulged in a rare extravagance tonight.
Not only King Cobra, but the entire Alabasta was celebrating tonight, as if it were New Year's.
"Lord Robin, eat this... this is delicious, and this too..."
At the royal palace banquet, Princess Vivi was incredibly busy.
She didn't even eat herself, only focusing on serving food to Roland and introducing dishes.
This scene filled the old father King Cobra's heart with immense satisfaction.
It was the first time his daughter had gone to such lengths for a man.
If it wasn't true love, what else could it be?
As a doting father, King Cobra would never dislike anyone his daughter loved.
Not to mention, Roland was the great hero who saved Alabasta from its dire situation.
Roland, who could even control the weather, was certainly no ordinary person.
If Vivi and Roland truly ended up together, then Alabasta would undoubtedly be even safer.
He could also retire early and enjoy a leisurely life, playing with his grandchildren.
King Cobra grew more excited the more he thought about it.
Roland was a man who satisfied him in every aspect.
The only slight flaw was perhaps his popularity with women.
But it didn't matter; judging by how Vivi, Nami, and Thor got along, they were clearly very good friends.
If Vivi didn't mind, he certainly wouldn't say anything more.
At worst, when Nami and their children were born, he would take care of them too.
The Nefeltari family had been dwindling in numbers these past few years.
He and Vivi were both only children in their generation, making the palace feel deserted.
Once Roland and Vivi married, the palace would finally be lively.
In just this short while, King Cobra had already thought of names for his grandchildren.
"Dad, why are you looking at me like that?"
After piling Roland's bowl high, Vivi finally got a moment to rest. Thinking she shouldn't show favoritism, she immediately picked up a piece of food for her old father.
"Ahem, nothing! Nothing!"
King Cobra waved his hand with a smile.
Although he had imagined many things, he wouldn't interfere too much; he would let the winds of fate blow freely!!!
"Lord Robin."
Igaram solemnly rose, picked up his wine glass, and walked in front of Roland.
"What's wrong?"
Roland smiled slightly.
"Lord Robin, you are the great hero of our country. However, not long ago, I judged a gentleman with a villain's heart, having many misunderstandings and criticisms towards you. I apologize for that!"
Igaram downed the strong liquor in his glass in one gulp.
Roland: "Huh?"
What's going on?
Why the misunderstanding?
Roland remembered his only interaction with Igaram was that night at Whiskey Peak.
At that time, as the mayor, he had warmly entertained him, and they had gotten along quite well.
Although he didn't know why Igaram was apologizing, the atmosphere was right, so Roland naturally didn't refuse and also drank a glass.
Here, the atmosphere of Roland's group's banquet was extremely lively.
On the other side, Crocodile's situation was completely the opposite.
At this very moment.
The vast Rainbase casino in the pyramid was shrouded in a gloomy atmosphere.
It should have been a good day to open and rake in money, but the Rainbase casino had announced its closure.
All the service staff inside the pyramid could sense the suppressed anger, but they didn't know the reason.
"Miss All Sunday, how's the investigation into today's rain coming along?"
Crocodile spoke grimly.
"Ah, I've got a slight lead. These are the images our people captured in the palace!"
The tall, elegant woman Nico Robin handed several photos to Crocodile.
"Hmm?"
Looking at the unfamiliar faces in the photos, Crocodile's face showed suspicion.
"You mean, today's rain is related to these nobodies?"
"Although I don't know how they did it, judging by King Cobra's attitude towards them, that should be correct!"
Robin nodded.
"Also, this man is not a nobody. The man who wiped out Arlong's group in the Cocoyasi Village incident in the East Blue two months ago was this man!"
The large office fell silent.
For a long time.
"Gulu~hehehehe"
Crocodile laughed, his smile as sinister as a demon from hell.
"Do you think killing a small Arlong gives you the right to challenge me? This desert has buried countless newcomers who don't know their place!"
Crocodile said faintly.
"Laugh! Laugh! Laugh as much as you want now, because soon you guys won't be able to laugh. I will make you feel... the abyss of despair!"
..
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