The Golden Mirage
Rainbase was alive with the clinking of coins and the laughter of gamblers. Bright lanterns cast warm light over marble streets, while fountains spat water in extravagant arcs — an insult to the drought-stricken villages outside its gates.
"Lavish," Nami muttered as the crew entered under heavy cloaks. "And wasteful."
"Perfect place for a rat king," Bell-mère said, her gaze sweeping the plaza.
Vivi's hood hid her expression, but her voice trembled with anger. "Every drop of water here could save dozens of villages. And Crocodile… turns it into decoration."
Vegito glanced up at the looming casino in the center of town — Rain Dinners. "Then let's drain his little pond."
Setting the Stage
The crew split up before entering. Nami and Nojiko headed to the gaming floor to gather whispers; Kuina, Reiju, and Robin fanned out through the side streets; Kaya, Chopper, and Sora took a quieter path, tending to the poor gathered just outside the glittering lights.
Vegito and Vivi walked straight through the front doors.
The Crocodile's Den
The casino smelled of smoke and perfume, the air thick with anticipation. And there, at the center of it all, sat Sir Crocodile — broad-shouldered, immaculate in his white fur coat, cigar smoke curling around his scarred face. His golden hook gleamed under the lights.
He smiled faintly when his eyes met Vegito's. "You must be the one causing my agents such trouble."
Vegito smirked. "That's me. Though to be fair, they started it."
Crocodile leaned back, studying him like a snake sizing up prey. "You've made quite the mess. Interfering in Baroque Works' operations… recruiting traitors…"
"Better than working for a wannabe Pharaoh with a sand problem."
The room went quiet at the jab. Crocodile's smile didn't falter — but his eyes hardened. "Do you know who I am?"
"Yes," Vegito said. "And I'm going to humiliate you before I kill you."
The First Blow — of Pride
The fight began in the blink of an eye. Crocodile's body dissolved into sand, surging toward Vegito in a swirling wave meant to bury him.
Vegito stood there, hands in pockets, as the sand slammed into an invisible wall — his ki flaring just enough to hold it at bay. Crocodile's expression flickered.
"You're not a Logia," Crocodile said slowly. "What are you?"
"Someone you should've stayed far away from."
With a flicker of movement, Vegito vanished from sight and reappeared in front of him — tapping Crocodile's forehead hard enough to send him skidding backward across the polished floor, smashing through a row of poker tables.
Round Two — Sandstorm in a Cage
The casino's patrons fled screaming as Crocodile roared, unleashing a real storm inside the building. Tables, chips, and shattered glass whirled through the air as sand tore at the walls.
Vegito yawned, then snapped his fingers — and a shimmering ki barrier sealed the room like a fishbowl. The sandstorm raged inside, but nothing escaped.
"Good trick," Vegito said. "But you're forgetting one thing."
Crocodile narrowed his eyes. "And what's that?"
"I don't need water to hit you."
He vanished again — this time driving a fist into Crocodile's gut with enough force to make the warlord cough up blood. The sand around him collapsed instantly.
The Final Humiliation
Crocodile staggered to his knees, gasping. Vegito grabbed him by the collar, holding him up for everyone to see as the crew regrouped inside the ruined casino.
"Here's your king of the desert," Vegito announced to the remaining gamblers and guards. "A bully with a parlor trick."
Vivi stepped forward, voice trembling with fury. "You poisoned our water… murdered our people… and for what? To play god?"
Crocodile tried to speak — but Vegito cut him off by slamming him into the floor hard enough to crack the marble. "Game over."
A moment later, Crocodile's lifeless body hit the ground.
The Waifu Turn
From the shadows at the edge of the room, two figures stepped forward — Zala and Mikita. The rest of Baroque Works' agents had fled, but they'd stayed.
"Crocodile's dead, then," Zala said quietly.
Mikita twirled her umbrella. "Guess that means we're unemployed."
Vegito grinned. "Or… you could get a promotion."
The women exchanged a glance. Zala smirked first. "And what does this promotion involve?"
"Freedom. Adventure. And not having to work for idiots."
Mikita laughed. "Sold."
The Truth About the Water
Outside, the square filled with townspeople as Vivi addressed them. She explained the water shortage, the manipulation of the rebel army, and the theft of the Dance Powder that had fueled Crocodile's scheme. Her words spread like wildfire, hope replacing suspicion.
Meanwhile, Vegito slipped away to the palace, where he found King Cobra pacing anxiously. In a quiet voice, Vegito told him about Lily, the Void Century, and the dangerous truths the World Government would kill to hide.
"You cannot speak of this openly," Vegito warned. "Not yet. Not until the world is ready."
Cobra nodded solemnly. "I understand."
The Celebration
That night, the palace lit up with music and feasting. The crew ate, drank, and danced among Alabasta's grateful people. Zala and Mikita were already fitting into the chaos — Mikita challenging Nami to a drinking contest, Zala discussing sword technique with Kuina.
Vivi, finally able to breathe, joined the dancing — though Vegito caught her sneaking glances at him more than once.
Sora, glowing in the lamplight, leaned against Vegito's arm. "Another one for the family?"
Vegito smiled. "Always."
[Crew Roster Updated]
Vegito (Captain)
Bell-mère (Crew Mother / Fighter)
Nami (Navigator)
Nojiko (Support Fighter)
Kaya (Doctor – Heal-Heal Fruit User)
Kuina (Swordswoman)
Reiju (Combat Medic / Poison Specialist)
Nico Robin (Archaeologist / Poneglyph Reader)
Vivi (Princess of Alabasta)
Zala (Miss Doublefinger – Martial Artist)
Mikita (Miss Valentine – Aerial Combat)
Next Destination: Jaya — and the sky beyond.