Crocodile is a Warlord too?!
Well, that changes nothing.
That was the collective thought running through the minds of every woman on the Going Merry. If Mihawk hadn't been a match for Leo, then Crocodile, who was likely on a similar level, stood no chance.
(Crocodile, elsewhere, would have appreciated their vote of confidence.)
"Captain," Vivi's voice was urgent, latching onto this new hope like a lifeline, "You... you can really help me get rid of Crocodile?!"
If Leo's people could infiltrate a secretive organization like Baroque Works and place a mole right next to Crocodile himself, then how powerful must Leo actually be?
Compared to shattering Crocodile's conspiracy and saving millions of her people, joining a pirate crew was a trivial price to pay.
"Just a little crocodile," Leo scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. People gave Crocodile credit for being a 'Warlord,' but that didn't mean much to him. He'd beat the reptile so thoroughly he'd regret ever leaving the desert.
"In that case," Vivi said, wiping the tears from her cheeks with a determined swipe, her smudged makeup doing nothing to diminish the newfound steel in her expression, "I willingly join your crew."
She had hidden her identity and infiltrated the dangerous Baroque Works at fourteen, all to find the mastermind. But even knowing who it was, she'd been powerless to act. Now, the opportunity was right in front of her. To save Alabasta, she would do anything. It was her duty as a princess.
"Alabasta is lucky to have a princess like you," Makino said softly, stepping forward and drawing Vivi into a gentle, comforting hug. "Don't worry, Vivi. The moment the Captain brought you to Twin Capes, he had already decided to help you."
"Ah?!" Vivi was visibly stunned by this revelation.
Leo rubbed his forehead with a light, self-deprecating chuckle. "Don't make me sound like some savior. Regardless, Vivi was still joining the crew. As for Crocodile... the guy's gotten a bit too arrogant. We'll just skin that crocodile while we're at it."
"Vivi, we're family now! I'm Nami, the navigator of the Leo Pirates!"
"I'm Kaya, the doctor."
"I'm Tashigi, the crew's swordswoman."
"..."
The women introduced themselves with warm, genuine enthusiasm.
Vivi stared at them, a little bewildered. Were they always this... immediate? Especially Nami, who had been glaring at her so fiercely just moments ago, now sounded like a sweet, welcoming older sister.
"My name is Vivi. Please take care of me, everyone," she responded politely, even as her mind whirred with the sheer strangeness of it all.
"Carmen," Leo called out, "make some food. Vivi must be starving."
Gurgle~
Growl~
As if on cue, Vivi's stomach issued a loud, protesting rumble. She blushed a deep crimson. She was, in fact, ravenous.
"Wait right here, little sister. I'll whip something up right away!" Carmen gave Vivi's head an affectionate ruffle before bustling off to the kitchen, the sounds of clattering pots and pans soon filling the air.
"Kaya, take Vivi to get cleaned up and find her a change of clothes," Leo instructed.
Vivi's undercover disguise—the heavy makeup and garish outfit—was truly an eyesore.
"Of course, Leo," Kaya nodded obediently, taking Vivi's hand and leading her gently toward the baths.
Vivi followed in a daze. Is this what the Leo Pirates are really like? It was so different from any conception of pirates she'd ever held. But... it wasn't bad. Not bad at all.
Whisky Peak
The island was a known haven for bounty hunters, a trap specifically designed to ensnare and kill unsuspecting pirates who stopped there. Over the years, countless naive sea-rovers had met their permanent end in this "paradise."
Leo guided the Going Merry in a slow, controlled descent. A crowd had already gathered on both sides of their landing spot. Their eyes flickered with a shared, hidden understanding at the sight of the island cloud, but they quickly masked it, replacing their looks with broad, welcoming smiles and enthusiastic waves.
"Hahahaha! You must be tired from your journey! Come and rest here!"
"Friends, this is a paradise for pirates! We have everything you could want, guaranteed to make you happy!"
"You'll have an unforgettable time here!"
"It's a great cure for insomnia!"
"..."
A cacophony of cheers and greetings rose to meet them. Any pirate who didn't know better would truly believe they'd found a town that celebrated their kind.
"Everyone, be careful," Vivi whispered, her hand covering her mouth. She had washed off the makeup and changed into simple, clean clothes. "They specialize in hunting pirates who pass through. We've become their targets." She blushed slightly as she spoke, the memory of her own recent affiliation with this place still fresh.
"These guys are really committed to the act," Nami remarked, her voice laced with amusement as she scanned the crowd. Then again, it was their profession. If they weren't convincing, they'd starve.
"Let's go see what they've got," Leo said.
The Going Merry docked, and Leo led his crew ashore. The crowd's eyes betrayed a flicker of something feral and calculating before they surged forward to greet the new arrivals.
"Brave warriors of the sea, congratulations on arriving here!"
"Every pirate who comes to our town receives our warmest welcome! Let's give them a round of applause!"
Clap clap clap!
The applause was thunderous, the hospitality so overwhelming it was no wonder so many pirates fell for the ruse.
Just then, the dense crowd parted, and a man with a head of golden, wavy hair stepped through the gap. His eyes immediately found Princess Vivi among the group, and he shot her a look of clear approval.
He then put on a grand, performative display. "Miss Wednesday! Are these the friends you brought with you?!" he boomed, his voice full of false cheer. "You've done excellently! They should absolutely experience our famous hospitality!"
Pfft! Nami couldn't hold back a snort of laughter. Kaya and the others also smiled, their expressions a mix of pity and humor.
Vivi buried her face in her hands, mortified. Mr. 8... please stop talking. The act is already over. The sheer embarrassment was unbearable.
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T/N :
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