While everyone was still in shock from the earlier lightning strike, the weather shifted again.
This time, it wasn't the devastating purple lightning but a torrential rain that brought relief and life.
All of Alabasta welcomed the long-awaited downpour with open arms. People ran into the streets, faces turned to the sky, joyfully embracing the rainfall instead of seeking shelter.
Inside the royal palace, King Cobra stood at the window, watching the scene unfold. His heart was brimming with gratitude. If Vivi weren't by his side, he—king or not—might've dropped to his knees in reverence before Chiga.
But Vivi had no such restraint. She rushed out onto the balcony, extended her hands, and let the cool rainwater collect in her palms. She brought the water to her lips and took a sip.
The taste wasn't pleasant—slightly bitter and metallic—but to Vivi, it was sweeter than spring water.
She turned to glance at Chiga, the man responsible for this miracle. Beneath the gray skies, his Rinnegan shimmered with a captivating violet hue, mesmerizing her.
A breeze swept through, rustling the 'Justice' coat on Chiga's back. The bold characters were stark against the stormy backdrop.
Chiga offered Vivi a faint smile and said,
"All right, the crisis is temporarily resolved. Now, it's time to deal with the root of the problem."
Before Vivi could respond, Chiga vanished into a flash of purple lightning.
Cobra stepped forward, placing a steady hand on Vivi's shoulder. He let out a deep sigh.
"That was Admiral Purple Kirin… the strongest Admiral in Navy history."
Vivi nodded slowly. Chiga hadn't stayed long, but his presence had carved a lasting image into her heart.
The mysterious eyes, the flowing coat, and his solemn Uchiha features… they would remain a beacon in her memory for years to come.
---
Inside Baroque Works' hideout,
Crocodile paced back and forth, his brows tightly furrowed.
Robin sat calmly at a nearby table, resting her chin in her hand, lost in thought.
Crocodile had already walked several laps when Mr. 1, Daz Bones, and the rest of the Baroque Works agents finally entered the room.
Seeing everyone arrive, Crocodile's tense expression eased slightly. He immediately barked out an order.
"We're leaving Alabasta, now! Admiral Purple Kirin is here!"
The mention of that name sent chills through the room. Even the usually composed Mr. 1 tensed up in alarm.
The fear was real. The legend of Admiral Purple Kirin loomed large across the seas. Most pirates of this generation lived in the shadow of that name.
Once he had you in his sights, no affiliation could save you. Not the Four Emperors, not a crew, not even claiming to be someone's 'son.' When he arrived, it was game over—execution guaranteed.
He clenched his fists, but Mr. 3, was already on the verge of collapse. Tears and snot streamed down his face as he trembled.
Miss Doublefinger, Paula, broke the silence, her tone grim.
"Boss… is this Purple Kirin really that terrifying? The newspapers could be exaggerating."
Crocodile shook his head.
"Not in the slightest. If anything, they're being modest. I saw it with my own eyes at Marineford. Even Hawkeye… was defeated without effort."
He recalled that day vividly. Sweat formed on his brow just thinking about it.
Chiga's power had been overwhelming. Crocodile, a man known for arrogance, had never felt so utterly insignificant.
The moment that purple giant appeared, Logia users—hailed as living natural disasters—looked like toys. Even Hawkeye had managed only a few exchanges. Crocodile, by contrast, would've been flattened instantly.
And Chiga hadn't stopped there. He went on to defeat Red-Haired Shanks and Kaido of the Beasts.
The fear on Crocodile's face was unlike anything the Baroque Works agents had ever seen. Not even Whitebeard had earned this reaction from him. Crocodile had fantasized about challenging Whitebeard again someday.
But Admiral Purple Kirin? Crocodile was ready to throw away everything just to escape.
That alone told them everything they needed to know.
Behind him, Robin remained outwardly calm, but her heart was heavy.
"I guess I can't stay here either," she thought.
It was a painful decision. Alabasta held a Poneglyph, one of great importance to her. But with Crocodile abandoning the country and Purple Kirin on his way, she had no chance of studying it now.
She sighed quietly, a flicker of sorrow crossing her expression.
How long would she have to keep running?
Maybe… death really was the only way out of this endless, rootless life.
Crocodile slammed his fist against the table, impatience mounting.
"We're going now! If we wait for him to show up, it'll be too late!"
Everyone nodded and began gathering to flee.
But then, Paula suddenly froze. Her eyes widened as she turned toward the entrance.
"Wait! Someone's already here. He's right outside the door!"
"Nani!?"
Crocodile's eyes narrowed. He didn't doubt her—Paula's hearing was unnaturally sharp, even without Observation Haki. She could detect the faintest sounds, a talent in its own right.
Later, if she awakened Haki, that skill might evolve even further.
But there was no time for that now.
If it really was Chiga at the door, escape was impossible.
Crocodile's mind raced. He quickly came up with the only plan that might keep them alive.
He raised his hand and shouted,
"Everyone, line up in two rows and prepare to welcome Admiral Purple Kirin!"
"...?"
The agents looked at each other, stunned—but they immediately caught on.
This was a gamble. Crocodile wanted to give the best possible impression and beg for mercy in the only way that might work.
It was humiliating, but it was smart.
They all snapped to attention, lining up in the office like disciplined soldiers.
Even Robin, after a brief pause, sighed and slid off the desk to join the others, silently preparing to face Uchiha Chiga.
---
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