The People's Choice (Thanks to Pseudo Top Student for the 5,000 Qidian Coin Tip!)

The Alabasta Kingdom.

Shurima.

After a year and a half of development, this place has grown from a small outpost on the edge of Crescent Bay into a large city.

Besides Baron Ma Qiao, as lord, investing a great deal of manpower and resources in construction, attracting investment was also an important reason for Shurima's rapid development.

The Baroque Works is a prime example of such a company.

Following the attack on the Celestial Dragons by Galdino, Baroque Works immediately issued a statement clarifying its position.

Then, under the wise decision of the mysterious female Iss. AllSunday, Baroque Works moved its headquarters to the emerging city of Shurima.

They practically emptied out their property in Rainbase, packing up everything from carpets and teapots to sofas and office vehicles, and took it Shurima City Hall.

Since Baron Ma Qiao was not at home, the supplies were received by Ms. Nami, the treasurer of the Shurima City Government.

"So this is your reason for allowing that dangerous woman to settle in Shurima?"

In Baron Ma Qiao's mansion, Nami faced her best friend's questioning for what felt like the umpteenth time.

She sighed and tucked her short orange hair behind her ear. "I didn't want it to be like this, but don't you think this sofa is really great?"

Nami sprawled on the brand-new sofa, her eyes now shaped like Beli's.

Vivi rubbed her forehead.

For the first time, she realized that there was some truth to the saying that girls should be raised in a wealthy environment.

If my husband and I have a daughter in the future, we must raise her well and absolutely not let her be bought off by a high-end Crocodile-Skin Sofa.

Just then, accompanied by a soft knock on the door, came Ashe's voice from outside:

"Miss Vivi, Miss Nami, Mr. Ma Qiao's ship is about to arrive at the port. If you two don't hurry, you won't have time to get to the dock to greet him!"

"Okay, Sister Ashe, we can set off right away!"

Back in Whiskey Peak days, Vivi received a lot of care from Ashe.

Vivi was delighted that Ashe and Ryze, two long-time employees of the Big Bird Spin-Spin Tavern, came to Shurima for the Lunar New Year.

Of course, they were just there to go through the motions.

The waitresses and bartenders who used to work at the tavern are now department managers in charge of a huge business.

They make many decisions, big and small; Ma Qiao only oversees the overall direction.

At the end of the year, they naturally have to report to the boss on their work over the past year and outline their work plans for the coming year.

However, due to their special relationship with Ma Qiao, they didn't actually need to make a special trip to Shurima.

But the most important thing about Chinese New Year is the lively and festive atmosphere.

Vivi and Nami put on beautiful long coats and soft cotton shoes.

The two also coincidentally put on scarves that matched their hair colors.

Standing together, they resembled a pair of budding sisters.

However, when they excitedly boarded the fast-moving duck and arrived at the pier, they found that Reiju was already sitting on the breakwater.

Alabasta doesn't normally get snow.

But ever since Jinx's Dance Powder rocket combined with Amumu's fountain 200 meters underground, the climate in northeastern Alabasta, centered on Shurima, has gradually become "abnormal".

Of course, Alabasta's unusual behavior is actually normal.

Delicate snowflakes fell on Reiju's large, exposed, fair skin.

"What a shameless woman!"

Vivi gritted her teeth, making a grinding sound, "Don't you feel cold?"

"Miss Vivi, are you talking about me?"

Reiju stood up.

Beneath the short skirt that barely covered half of her hips, a pair of long, fair legs, bathed in a thin layer of snow, resembled white cranes dancing gracefully, their elegance and beauty impossible to ignore.

Reiju walked in with a smile and whispered in Vivi's little ear:

"I'll let you in on a little secret: as a fresh body modified by Germa Technology, I can do many things you can't even imagine, like..."

"Hmph, vulgar!"

Vivi turned her head away, her cheeks puffed out like Little Gold.

As a result, she became even angrier when she turned her head away.

On a distant hillside, a graceful figure, like a wife waiting to return home, gazes out at the sea.

missallsunday.

Although she was wearing a mask, Vivi recognized the woman at a glance.

With her tall figure, long, straight black hair, and an undeniable aura of a mature woman, Vivi was quite certain that this woman was also waiting for that stinky old man here!

"I was first!"

"Well..."

Vivi thought about it carefully, and it seemed that it was indeed this woman who met the smelly old man first.

What's even more intriguing is that, just like Reiju, that pink Fox, she proudly proclaims that her body is very special.

missallsunday. This woman, with her strange Devil Fruit ability, can do many things that I can't.

"So, the only option is to team up with Nami after all?"

Vivi took her best friend's hand.

Nami smiled, her eyes curving into beautiful crescent shapes.

She seemed to see right through Vivi's thoughts. "Don't worry, Ma Qiao is most concerned about Vivi. You're his most beloved student!"

"And I will help you..."

Nami pulled Vivi into her arms.

Don't worry, I'll protect you!

Yamato casually hugged baby 5 in his arms:

"Your tea is delicious, and your cooking is second only to Chef Toad, who works alongside Ma Qiao!"

"Is this what it feels like to be needed? It's so wonderful!"

Baby5's eyes were brimming with tears.

"Hey, Captain, Brother Ma Qiao, we've spotted a huge expanse of land ahead!"

"Cabaji, who was on lookout duty, shouted loudly."

"Haha, Brother Ma Qiao, I can't wait to head to Shurima of internet celebrities!"

Buggy floated excitedly around on the deck.

Perona's graceful movements are pleasing to the eye, but Buggy only annoys Ma Qiao.

"And... why can you fly too?! Wasn't it agreed that there are only five types of flight abilities in the world?!"

Ma Qiao covered his forehead in frustration.

According to Oda's original statement, Pell of Alabasta possesses one of the five rarest flight abilities in the world.

With the ability to fly described in such a grand and impressive way, Ma Qiao felt that as a user of the Bird-Bird Fruit, he could accept that he couldn't fly.

In the original East Blue Saga, Buggy is described as having a split body that can float around, but his feet can only stand on the ground.

King Luffy subdued Buggy by exploiting his weakness.

But in the Impel Down arc, Buggy's legs could be carried around while he ran.

As expected of a true chosen one of the planes, his enhancements are utterly unreasonable.

However, even the chosen ones must adhere to principles.

Ma Qiao doesn't think Buggy will fare well against Garp and Kuzan right now.

Buggy is not only a key influencer who generates revenue for the Big Bird Platform, but also an important tool for helping Ma Qiao find various treasures.

Ma Qiao didn't want to be imprisoned in the Impel Down, or even captured and publicly executed in Marineford.

"Brother Buggy... Shurima City, you'd better not wander around carelessly. There are many naval forces operating in our city."

Ma Qiao gave Buggy a heads-up, but thankfully Buggy isn't like Luffy, King Luffy charges in recklessly; he still values his life. Except for the occasional moment of impulsiveness, he usually knows to steer clear of the Marines.

"Navy?"

Sure enough, Buggy's expression turned serious upon hearing the news.

"Don't worry, Brother Ma Qiao. Although I'm not afraid of the navy, as your brother, I know I can't cause you any trouble. I'll try to keep a low profile!"

Ma Qiao patted him on the shoulder with satisfaction.

Working with smart people is much less stressful.

However, Garp and his team haven't returned to Marineford Year yet, something Ma Qiao hadn't expected.

Speaking of Garp and Zephyr, they're two semi-retired old men with necks buried in the ground, they're just killing time anyway.

What's wrong with Kuzan?

How could a serving Admiral like him be able to stay away from home for half a year?

Are there really that many idle people in Marineford?

However, at this moment, Ma Qiao was in no mood to consider Kuzan's position.

As the dock drew ever closer, three graceful figures—one in pure blue, one in fiery orange, and one in alluring pink—stood tall and elegant on it.

Ma Qiao's heart clenched.

"Yamato."

"Um?"

"Would you like to be Kozuki Oden again? Put on this men's clothing and mask..."

"I refuse!"

Meanwhile, at Garp's secret mountain cabin.

"Professor Garp, are you sure we're really on the path to capturing Galdino?"

After a tiring day of live streaming, Kuzan was exhausted and didn't even bother to change his clothes, collapsing onto the chair like a dead fish.

Garp opened the newly arrived package, which contained a large jar full of his secret-recipe beef jerky.

He took out a piece of beef and tossed it to Kuzan, laughing heartily, "Of course, all we've done is to complete the mission assigned by Marine Headquarters, to ensure that justice is better served on this sea."

"It can't be because of personal preference, right, Kuzan?"

Kuzan's eye twitched. "Of course, Garp- sensei."

Garp patted him on the shoulder. "Cheer up! Compared to how you used to slack off for months every year during the New Year holidays, now you're working hard every single day!"

"Look, our livestream viewership has far surpassed Alvida's. I'm sure it won't be long before that pretentious woman starts to get restless!"

"How is that possible? Everything on the internet is virtual. How could anyone walk into a trap for something so virtual?"

Kuzan sighed, finding Garp, that old scoundrel, increasingly despicable.

Of course, a large part of his despicable nature stemmed from the fact that he was still wearing his high school girl uniform.

Although it is said that this blue and white high school uniform for girls was originally developed from the uniforms of sailors.

As a veteran Marine, it's understandable that Garp would wear it.

But no matter how you look at it, the old man who looks like a grizzled Masira has a makeup look that's hard to describe.

In comparison, Kuzan felt that his black stockings were nothing special.

Boom!

Just as Kuzan was feeling sorry for himself, a huge explosion suddenly came from the direction of the dock.