On the way to the plaza, Vivi's heart ached at the desolate state of Alubarna.
It should have been a beautiful city. It had been a long time since she'd seen it, having spent so much time undercover with Baroque Works, but she never imagined it would look like this.
Disturbed, she tried to reframe her thoughts. There was no time for despair. Victory wouldn't be hers unless she kept thinking, kept moving forward.
Walking, Vivi asked one of the nearby soldiers, barely five of them serving as her escort. Karoo, Mr. 9, and Miss Monday accompanied her. Their forces were far from abundant, but no reinforcements could be expected. This group was all they had. They had to lead the Royal Army, not against the rebels, but against Baroque Works.
"What are your names?" Vivi asked.
"Oh, our names… they're not important enough for Her Highness to remember," a soldier replied.
"Tell me. It's necessary."
"Yes, then—"
The soldiers introduced themselves one by one. After hearing all their names, Vivi asked again.
"Does anyone here know the faces and names of all the soldiers?"
"All of them? That would be difficult for one person alone, I think."
"There are enemies within the Royal Army. People who want us and the rebel army to fight."
"What?! Within our ranks?" The soldier walking beside Vivi's eyes widened in astonishment. She glanced at the other soldiers, who had surely overheard, and saw they were equally shocked.
Mr. 9 and Miss Monday couldn't interject in such matters. They listened to Vivi, a serious expression on her face.
"They're agents who infiltrated us years ago, through the proper channels. It's not your fault you don't know them. I have a list of names, and I need you to find these people."
"But… Princess Vivi, how do you know all this?"
"Because I had a companion who knew the enemy's information well. Without him, we surely wouldn't have been able to fight them on equal terms."
The soldiers couldn't hide their agitation. While they wanted to believe Vivi, there was much they couldn't comprehend. All they could do was follow her instructions, and so they nodded, bewildered.
"Understood. The squad leaders should know their names. We will hurry to confirm."
"Restrain them. But even beyond the names on this list, you never know who might turn into an enemy. Be extremely careful."
"Don't worry, Princess Vivi. Your life, even if it costs us our own—"
"No, that's wrong!" Vivi's voice carried a hint of desperation. "Don't try to die so easily. I can protect myself."
The soldier who spoke was taken aback by Vivi's urgent tone. She walked straight ahead, her resolve clear. Her figure didn't seem like that of a fragile girl; she exuded a unique strength.
"Each and every one of you makes up this country. You mustn't throw away your lives so easily."
"But…"
"It's alright. I haven't just been playing around all this time."
With a newfound confidence, Vivi pressed forward. Mr. 9 and Miss Monday, who had known her for years, couldn't help but be surprised. She felt different somehow from the Vivi they knew. Exuding a different kind of strength, Vivi led the way to the plaza.
Upon their arrival, a large number of soldiers had already gathered. Perhaps it was due to the swift action of the soldier who had gone ahead to report, or maybe the news of Vivi's return had boosted morale. Vivi was ushered to a position where she could overlook the assembled crowd.
"Princess Vivi!"
"It really is Princess Vivi…!"
"Princess Vivi, thank goodness you're safe!"
The soldiers trembled with joy. The royal family, a national treasure, their only daughter had returned. There was nothing more welcome. But this was no time for sentimentality. Reaching a vantage point, she fixed a serious gaze on each soldier assembled.
"Everyone, I'm so sorry. I've caused you so much trouble."
"Don't say that… As long as Princess Vivi is safe, that's all that matters to us."
"But there's no time for sentiment. This country is still in grave danger. Our enemy intends to plunge this nation into chaos and take it over."
"Surely, the rebel army wouldn't…"
"No. This rebellion was all orchestrated… The rebel army was merely being manipulated by those who wish for this country's downfall. The enemy we must fight is not the rebel army!"
A murmur rippled through the soldiers. What had all the past incidents and conflicts been for? The shocking revelation made them reflect on their own struggles. But perhaps this turmoil was necessary. Vivi spoke on without hesitation. To protect her beloved homeland, their cooperation was essential.
"I want to protect this country… but I can't do it alone. Please lend me your strength! Fight with me against the true enemy trying to undermine this country! The rebel army is also being deceived; we must save them too!"
"B-but, the one there then was definitely Kohza…"
"Hey, stop it! Princess Vivi wouldn't lie!"
"That's right! I believe Princess Vivi! We'll fight with you!"
"If my strength can be of use, take it all!"
"We'll protect this country! With our own hands!"
The murmuring transformed into a roar of renewed morale as the soldiers raised their weapons and cheered. The direct appeal from Princess Vivi clearly had a powerful effect. Mr. 9 and Miss Monday, who had been silently watching, reaffirmed that she truly was a member of the royal family.
"Everyone… thank you."
"Miss Wednesday, you really were the princess after all…"
"We knew that, didn't we? Our job hasn't changed. We're just helping out a friend."
"R-right. Absolutely."
As they watched the scene, four figures stepped forward. The sturdy men knelt, bowing respectfully to Vivi.
"Princess Vivi."
"The Claw Division…! You're safe too!"
They were the Claw Division, a small unit of four. Each was a master of their craft, second only to Alabasta's strongest warriors in battle. Their cooperation was more reassuring than anything, especially now that Chaka and Pell had been defeated.
"Forgive us, that our strength was insufficient, and Chaka-sama and Pell-sama were taken."
"But from now on, we will never be caught off guard."
"The four of us,"
"Will absolutely protect Princess Vivi's person."
"Yes… thank you. But don't push yourselves. Our victory means everyone surviving."
"As you command."
As the Claw Division bowed, as if on cue, a large crowd surged into the plaza entrance.
"VIVI!!"
The soldiers all turned, and Vivi and her companions looked that way as well. From the tone of the voice, they knew who it was. As everyone in the plaza looked, there stood Kohza, and behind him, a long line of rebel soldiers.
Tension inevitably rose. Kohza watched Vivi with a stern gaze. But Vivi remained calm, her resolute face fixed on him.
"I can't believe you're here too…"
"Yes…"
"It can't be stopped now. I will bring this country down. And build a much better one than before—"
"Stop your bad acting, Mr. 2. Those lies won't work on me."
Despite the distance, her voice was clear. Vivi interrupted Kohza with a dignified tone. The Royal Army soldiers, and even the men of the rebel army, fell silent, watching the exchange.
"Your ability is the Mane Mane no Mi. You copied others' appearances and stirred up this country. You were the one who took on my father's appearance to manipulate the rebel army, weren't you?"
"What are you talking about? I'm—"
"You're not the rebel army. Because the real ones are being held up by our comrades in Nanohana. There's still some time before they arrive."
As soon as Vivi explained, Kohza himself closed his mouth, then after a brief silence, his shoulders slumped.
"Poo~h… Just as Zero-chan said. The real rebel army is useless, isn't it?"
"Could it be that it really wasn't Kohza…!?"
"Then who was that—?"
"Can't be helped, can it? Well then, time to change plans, my darlings~"
Saying so, Kohza—or rather, Mr. 2 in his guise—raised his right hand with a flourish. At the exact same moment, Royal Army soldiers screamed, inexplicably attacking each other, bleeding and falling. It seemed the Baroque Works agents who had already infiltrated had begun their assault.
It looked completely like a friendly fire incident. The bewildered Royal Army scattered in disarray, only adding to the chaos.
Seeing this, Vivi gritted her teeth in frustration. They had been preempted. It seemed they had anticipated this situation when they came here.
"H-hey, what are you doing—gwah!?"
"The objective is to eliminate Princess Vivi… All of you! Cause as much havoc as you can~!"
"Understood! Mr. 2 Bon Kurei-sama!"
Baroque Works agents, disguised as rebels, began to move. Their highest priority was Vivi's elimination. Without her, the Royal Army would surely collapse. The men rushed forward, raising their weapons, attempting to swarm her.
At this moment, the Royal Army was in disarray, attacked by soldiers who appeared to have suddenly turned traitor. These were also Baroque Works agents, enemies from the start, but there was no time to explain. The battle began with their ranks in chaos. The Royal Army was already taking heavy casualties, and if they didn't regroup quickly, total annihilation was possible. Confused, Vivi agonizingly tried to make sense of the battle situation.
Shouts echoed all around. Even if she yelled, the confused soldiers couldn't hear her. There were two types of enemies: those disguised as Royal Army soldiers, and those disguised as rebels. It was only natural for them to be confused when attacked simultaneously from both sides. How could she guide the soldiers and win this battle?
Vivi, in her distress, had no experience commanding troops. Yet, as she grew increasingly anxious, the Claw Division called out to her without hesitation.
"What we feared has happened…! There are enemies lurking even within the Royal Army! If we don't deal with them, we won't know friend from foe!"
"Princess Vivi, leave it to us!"
"We will gather the soldiers and strike down only those who attack! We'll leave this spot for a moment, but…"
"Please! Don't abandon them! I'll be alright here!"
"Our apologies!"
After a quick confirmation, the Claw Division moved. Unlike Vivi, they had experience commanding troops. The four of them dispersed, shouting orders at the confused soldiers.
"Everyone, gather together and be vigilant! Don't be fooled by appearances! Anyone who attacks is an enemy!"
"Enemies are mixed in with our allies! But there's no time for fear! Discern the enemy with your own eyes!"
Some immediately obeyed, others did not. That alone was enough to tell. Trusting each other's backs, the soldiers who had identified their enemies immediately changed their expressions and began to fight. The Claw Division also stood at the forefront, clashing with the rebel army, trying to stem the enemy's offensive.
The battle intensified in an instant. Around Vivi, about ten soldiers took up defensive positions, with Mr. 9, Miss Monday, and Karoo remaining vigilant.
It was a fierce battle with allies and enemies intermingled. In this chaos, there was no telling where the enemy might come from. They had to be careful not to let the general fall, and their vigilance intensified, but no amount of caution could prevent the approach of such formidable foes.
"Mr. 9."
"Yeah, I know, Miss Monday. Familiar faces."
Hearing the voices of the two protecting Vivi's back, Vivi instinctively turned. A pair of men and women emerged from a small alley into the plaza. These two, despite the hot climate, were clad in armor, approaching with sword and shield. Their helmets were off, and they were clearly sweating profusely, but they walked towards Vivi with utmost seriousness, targeting her.
It was Mr. 10 and Miss Tuesday. Mr. 9 and Miss Monday, who knew them, approached them themselves, stopping them in their tracks.
"If we kill the princess, the Royal Army will cease to function… This might be an unexpectedly easy job."
"But Mr. 10, they seem to be getting in the way. Traitors."
"Ah, well, can't be helped then. We'll take care of them."
"Right. We need to kill them quickly and take down Princess Vivi."
"Hmph. You're underestimating us, aren't you?"
"Just so you know, I'm a lot stronger than before, baby-bye!"
Standing before the two armed figures, Mr. 9 gripped metal bats in both hands, and Miss Monday equipped knuckle dusters on her fists, confronting the Mr. 10 pair. To keep worrying about them would be to not trust them. Having decided to leave it to them, Vivi looked around the battlefield, her expression quickly changing.
"Aaand… CRACK!!"
"Gah…!?"
"Hyouta!?"
Mr. 2, his face revealed, delivered a high-speed kick to one of the Claw Division members. The attack, aimed at the neck, possessed tremendous power, forcing the sturdy man to his knees and silencing him. Immediately after, he swung his leg high and brought it down with incredible force onto the man's head.
"Get out of my way, darlings~!"
Struck by the heel drop to the head, Hyouta finally lost consciousness. He dropped his weapon and fell to the ground, as Mr. 2 shed Kohza's clothes and, in his usual attire, smiled sinisterly.
Vivi watched her comrade fall, unable to do anything.
She understood, or tried to, that the soldiers could fight because she was there.
They had a reason to protect their princess, a commander to lead them, a symbol of their nation. If she moved carelessly and fell, not only the soldiers present, but the entire country would lose. That alone had to be avoided. She deliberately stayed put.
Still, Mr. 2 glanced at Vivi, who wore a frustrated expression, and then looked around.
The battle situation was indeed changing, but Baroque Works still held the advantage.
Spotting what needed to be done, Mr. 2 rushed forward.
"First, the nuisances, right, darlings~?"
He was just an agent. Even as an operative skilled in disguise, his eyes were sharp. He led his subordinates and understood the psychology of the crowd.
In that case, crushing this group wouldn't be difficult.
Mr. 2 immediately targeted the Claw Division, approaching them head-on, intent on taking them down one by one.
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