Fewer than ten hours remained until Alabasta's grandest celebration, National Day.
Night lay heavy over the manor. In its spacious underground library, the oppressive air seemed to have solidified.
Beneath the dim gaslight, a massive map of the royal capital, Alubarna, lay spread across a broad table.
Crocodile clenched a cigar between his teeth and braced his hands on the tabletop. The dim light made the scar running across his face look especially vicious, yet his voice was unusually gentle and persuasive.
"Everyone, the moment that will decide this country's future has finally arrived."
Crocodile extended his Golden Hook and tapped heavily on the enormous plaza marked at the center of the map:
"Tomorrow is National Day. Queen Vivi will hold a spectacular celebration in the central plaza of Alubarna. Not only the capital's guards, but countless commoners and nobles from across the country will gather there."
He turned, fixing his cold, crocodile-like slit pupils on Koza, who stood ramrod straight beside him.
"That is when their defenses will be tightest, but it is also our best chance to tear apart this illusion of prosperity."
Crocodile's voice rose with passion:
"Koza! With every eye on you, with all of Alabasta as your witness, expose that woman for what she truly is! Use your legitimate claim to force her to abdicate in public, and reclaim the throne that rightfully belongs to you, fair and square!"
Koza's breathing suddenly grew heavy. His cheeks flushed crimson with excitement and a sense of purpose, and he clenched his fists tightly.
"But!"
Crocodile abruptly changed his tone. A perfectly measured hint of regret and sorrow appeared on his face, and he sighed reluctantly:
"I'm afraid the rest of us won't be able to join you on that platform tomorrow."
"Huh? Why not, Sand Guy? Wouldn't