Flames burned unchecked as smoke coiled through the air.
Several fires erupted across the rooftops as cannon shells fell.
"Damn you bastards! Lord Crocodile will never forgive you!"
The blood-soaked soldier struggled to lift his head.
In his eyes, Roy and the others were invaders, while Crocodile was the hero of all Alabasta.
"How truly pathetic. They were being played for fools, yet they still believed he was their savior." Roy looked at the crowd resisting amid the flames, the pungent smell making him frown.
Roy did not care whether these die-hard Crocodile loyalists lived or died.
He was only here to assist the Marines in completing his own mission.
"Vice Admiral Strawberry!"
Hina hurried over from behind.
"Oh, little Hina! Is there any news from headquarters?" Vice Admiral Strawberry glanced at the rushing Hina, his face wearing its usual gentle smile.
"Vice Admiral, headquarters just sent word. Crocodile has gathered all his forces in Alabasta's capital, Alubarna.
Based on their estimates, he may take the entire population of Alubarna hostage. Since the festival has just ended, there are still at least several hundred thousand people there.
Headquarters has ordered us to advance on Alubarna immediately. Admiral Kuzan is also on his way here."
Perhaps because she had been too anxious earlier, Hina reported while gasping for breath.
Roy watched her chest rise and fall with her heavy breathing.
In the spirit of appreciation, he stole a few extra glances.
"Taking the entire capital's population hostage? That really is something that bastard Crocodile would do!" Vice Admiral Strawberry's smile froze.
Alabasta was a superpower in the first half of the Grand Line.
Its population exceeded ten million.
Yet such a powerful nation had been toyed with in the palm of a pirate's hand.
It was truly terrifying, and it also