Yuba, the rebel army's base.
It had once been a vast oasis, but now, after years of drought, it stood on the brink of destruction.
Having witnessed their homeland's ruin firsthand, Yuba's residents naturally hated the rumored culprit to the bone. Thus, this place naturally became the birthplace of the rebellion.
However, the rebel army had never made any major moves because its leader, Koza, still held a sliver of hope for the Alabasta royal family.
Koza had met King Cobra as a child, and he and Princess Vivi had grown up together, sharing a wonderful childhood.
Therefore, Koza had always kept his rebel forces from losing their minds in anger while continuously monitoring the Alabasta royal family's movements.
And Vivi, his childhood friend who had always lived a secluded life and rarely appeared in public, had been exceptionally active lately. Every day, the newspapers carried images of the beautiful princess.
Over the past few days, Vivi had caused an even bigger sensation by speaking up for the people:
Not only had Vivi made her father publicly admit that he had selfishly used Dance Powder for his own comfort, but she had also guaranteed, in the princess's name, that the nation's drought would be effectively resolved within a short time.
The Kingdom's most beloved princess had not hesitated to stand against her father for the sake of the people, and she had made such a sincere promise. The people's restless emotions were immediately calmed.
Princess Vivi's image in the people's hearts instantly approached that of a goddess. Even countless members of the rebel army believed in Vivi's promise.
Koza, the leader of the rebels, was one of them.
He had always placed the greatest trust in his childhood friend, whom he had not seen for many years, and he wholeheartedly