Grand Line, Alabasta Kingdom
It hadn't rained in Alabasta for nearly half a year. The dry, scorching air left people parched just by breathing.
What the citizens didn't know was that this drought was caused by Crocodile's use of Dance Powder. While the skies remained barren, Crocodile built up a false reputation as a "national hero," subtly shifting public resentment toward King Cobra.
At first, the people doubted this narrative. King Cobra had always ruled with compassion, treating his citizens like his own children. But as the drought worsened and Crocodile continued to "rescue" the country from manufactured crises, public sentiment began to shift.
And from the shadows, unrest stirred.
As the saying goes, on Earth:
A good person can spend a lifetime doing good, but one mistake brands them evil and erases all their virtues. A wicked person may commit countless sins, but a single good deed at the end earns them praise and admiration.
This adage fit Cobra and Crocodile perfectly.
Crocodile was a Shichibukai, a pirate by nature. When he first arrived in Alabasta, the people viewed him with suspicion and fear.
But when he publicly defeated a gang of thugs, his image transformed overnight into that of a savior.
Meanwhile, Cobra, once beloved by all, gradually became labeled a tyrant.
Inside the royal palace, King Cobra stood alone on the balcony, eyes on the cloudless sky, and sighed.
Twelve-year-old Vivi arrived just then. Hearing her father's sigh, she asked softly,
"Dad, are you still worrying about the weather?"
Cobra quickly turned, hiding his troubled look behind a forced smile.
"I'm fine. What brings you here?"
Vivi, mature beyond her years, could see through her father's act, but chose not to say anything. She clasped her hands behind her back and tilted her head playfully.
"I just came back from playing with Kosa."
"Kosa, huh? He's a fine young man," Cobra said warmly.
Though Kosa was only twelve, like Vivi, he had already organized a group called the Sand-Sand Gang. His leadership was admirable, and despite his commoner status, Cobra never discouraged Vivi from being close to him.
But when she mentioned Kosa, Vivi's expression soured.
Cobra raised an eyebrow.
Had that boy hurt her?
Ever since losing his wife, Cobra had doted on his daughter beyond reason. If anyone dared mistreat her, even a twelve-year-old would face the wrath of a king.
"What's with that face? Did Kosa do something? That brat, I'll—!"
Vivi quickly waved her hands.
"No, no, it's just… he's been distant lately. It feels like he looks at me with… resentment."
She fell silent.
She could guess why. Public opinion had turned against her father, especially after rumors surfaced of royal soldiers looting civilians. Kosa had begun to believe those lies—and as a result, had started distancing himself from her.
Of course, Vivi didn't believe any of it. Her father would never do such things. But Kosa had shown her photos… and for a moment, she didn't know how to respond.
In truth, it had been a setup. Crocodile's agent, Mr. 2 Bon Clay, user of the Clone-Clone Fruit, had impersonated the royal guards to carry out those crimes. But Vivi, not yet infiltrated into Baroque Works, had no way of knowing that.
Cobra's heart sank. He understood the reason behind Kosa's behavior—once again, it traced back to him.
As he brooded, Vivi spoke her thoughts out loud:
"Dad, I don't believe any of it. You didn't do those things. And the drought has nothing to do with you either. I think it's all because of Crocodile!"
Cobra froze, stunned by her directness. He had suspected as much himself. Since Crocodile's arrival, misfortune had struck repeatedly. But Crocodile was now beloved, powerful, and virtually untouchable. Even if Cobra wanted to expose him, he was powerless.
The weight of these thoughts silenced him.
But Vivi's next words shocked him to the core.
"Dad, let me go. I can infiltrate his organization and gather information."
"What!? Absolutely not! You're just a child!"
Cobra was genuinely frightened. Vivi may have been mature, but she was still twelve. Dealing with pirates could easily cost her her life.
But Vivi was resolute. For once, she defied her father.
"Dad, I must do this. I'm a princess. I have a responsibility to our kingdom!"
"You—"
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Before Cobra could finish, a slow, mocking applause echoed from the palace interior.
"Who's there!?" Cobra barked.
He and Vivi spun toward the sound. A figure had appeared inside the main hall, lounging casually on the throne.
He wore a white coat, legs crossed, a faint smile on his lips. His deep purple eyes shimmered strangely in the dim light.
It was Uchiha Chiga.
Chiga had arrived in Alabasta but didn't confront Crocodile right away. Instead, he wandered through the cities and bars, quietly listening and observing the nation's state.
From the scattered conversations, he pieced together what was happening—Crocodile had accelerated his plans earlier than expected.
What Chiga didn't realize was that it was his own fault. The fear he'd instilled in Crocodile back at Marineford had shaken the Warlord to his core. Driven by paranoia, Crocodile had sped up his takeover plans.
Once again, the blame fell squarely on Chiga's shoulders.
---
(☞ﾟヮﾟ)☞ Join my Patreon if you're interested in reading chapters in advance
Patreon(.)com/Zphyr_