"Hey, hey, don't be so arrogant! Do you think every kingdom is like Alabasta? In this world, small nations like Dressrosa are actually the norm. Among the more than 170 member states of the World Government, Dressrosa ranks in the upper-middle tier of power!"
Nami couldn't tolerate Vivi's condescension and called her out on it irritably.
After hearing this, Vivi first blinked with feigned innocence, then covered her mouth in mock surprise and replied:
"Eh? That's considered a powerful country? Then what does that make Alabasta—a super super super powerful country?"
Nami's expression darkened completely, the corners of her mouth twitching with annoyance.
Ain rested her chin on her hand and shook her head helplessly. "She's still a child after all. I hope she can show more restraint when she eventually meets Viola, otherwise..."
Luffy also found Vivi's pretentiousness grating and couldn't help but criticize her:
"Listen, don't be so prideful. Yes, Dressrosa may be smaller with fewer citizens, but they have an excellent environment and valuable resources. Combined with their unique, free-spirited culture, they attract countless tourists every year. Economically speaking, under similar circumstances, they completely outperform Alabasta."
At the mention of economics, Vivi's haughty demeanor instantly deflated. She pouted her lips in disappointment and grumbled:
"What can we do? Alabasta's conditions are what they are. Even if we want to develop our economy, we're limited by our environment."
"That's exactly why you shouldn't be so proud," Luffy replied. "Alabasta's potential is unquestionable, but if you want to look down on others, you'd better wait until you've solved your nation's water shortage problem."
Having said that, Luffy paused and glanced at Nami. Noticing his gaze, she returned a questioning look.
"Nami, remember before we left, I promised King Cobra we'd help solve Alabasta's water shortage issue?"
Nami nodded with slight confusion. "I remember. What about it?"
"Do you think it would be possible to create a device that could store your rain clouds and release them when needed to create artificial rainfall?"
"I'm not sure... but it should be possible," Nami replied thoughtfully.
Her answer instantly brightened Vivi's eyes. The princess quickly grabbed Nami's hand, looking at her with such hope and admiration that she seemed ready to kneel down and worship her as a savior.
Being stared at so intensely by those bright, expectant eyes, Nami couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. She instinctively tried to withdraw her hand from Vivi's grip, but the princess held on too tightly, and several attempts to free herself proved futile.
"L-look," Nami stammered, "it's no use looking at me like that. I'm not a scientist—at best I could only collaborate on the research. I can't guarantee it will work."
Despite her disclaimer, Vivi's expression remained hopeful. Whether it was Luffy's assurance or Nami's impressive weather-controlling abilities, both gave the princess reason to believe that Alabasta's greatest challenge could be overcome.
Seeing that Vivi wasn't going to let go, Nami resigned herself and changed the subject to Dressrosa's military reforms.
"If Dressrosa wants to strengthen its military, they obviously can't rely on sheer numbers like Alabasta does. So, invoking her authority as Queen, Viola has requested that the G66 branch send a team of instructors. Led by Hina, they plan to implement Marine Headquarters training methods to build an elite fighting force."
"Marine Headquarters?" Vivi pinched her chin thoughtfully.
She had been traveling with Luffy for a month and had observed the military discipline and capabilities of the sailors on his ship. Although these Marines belonged to the G66 branch, most had received formal training from Marine Headquarters. Their strength and military discipline far surpassed those of ordinary branches, and the gap between them and Alabasta's Royal Army was substantial.
After hearing about Viola's initiative, Vivi couldn't help but consider similar possibilities for her own kingdom.
"Well, if Alabasta also wanted to request Marine assistance in training our army, would that be possible?"
Hearing the princess's question, Luffy and Ain exchanged glances. Ain frowned slightly, nodded, then shook her head.
"Of course it's possible, but you would need to apply directly to Fleet Admiral Sengoku. The G66 branch is too far from Alabasta, and it would be impractical for them to travel such a distance just to train your troops."
"But it's not entirely out of the question," Luffy added as soon as Ain finished speaking. "When we return, we could bring some people from Alabasta to train at G66. After they've mastered the techniques, they can go back and teach others. The effect would be essentially the same."