Not Really Close

Nefertari Vivi looked at the Marine Colonel before her.

Of course.

Although she felt somewhat disappointed at the moment, Vivi, who bore the heavy burden of her country and people, had not given up yet.

Because the Alabasta Kingdom still needed her!

As the princess of the Alabasta Kingdom, how could she abandon her country and her people at a time like this?

Besides, this mission had not been without gains. Originally, she had only come to the East Blue to carry out the probationary mission assigned to her by Baroque Works, yet she had never expected...

The Marine Colonel, who was supposed to be the mysterious president of Baroque Works' partner, had actually sold out his partner without hesitation and even exposed the mysterious president's identity and true objective!

It truly was absurdly dramatic!

The purpose for which she had worked so hard to infiltrate Baroque Works had been achieved just like that?

She had been betrayed just like that by Baroque Works' partner?

Even now, it still felt somewhat unreal to her!

But.

"Although I don't know what relationship you have with Crocodile," Princess Vivi said as she bowed to Xia Che, still wrapped in her blanket, "I sincerely thank you for your help."

As she spoke, she straightened again. It seemed that after hearing this shocking secret, much of the chill in her body had dispersed. She took a deep breath, her tone still serious and resolute.

"Now that I know who is responsible for what has happened to the Alabasta Kingdom, I will never give up! As the princess of Alabasta, no matter who the culprit is, I will never abandon my country or my people!"

At once.

A brave, strong, yet gentle princess stood before everyone.

It had to be said that compared to some brat who only knew how to hide and sneak around, who placed her hopes in others, Princess Vivi was far braver.

Even knowing that the enemy was beyond her ability to defeat and that she had no help, she would still bravely face that terrifying enemy.

Even Kuzan, standing nearby, showed a trace of approval on his face.

However.

After yawning, his face returned to its lazy expression. "Sir Crocodile, known as the Desert King, once challenged the captain of the Whitebeard Pirates, one of the Sea Emperors, in the New World. After his defeat, he received an invitation from the World Government and joined the Shichibukai. Before joining the Shichibukai, his bounty was 81 million Berries. He is also a Logia Devil Fruit user, possessing the Sand-Sand Fruit. He can freely control sand and turn his body into sand. Ordinary people simply cannot hurt him."

As he spoke, he stretched lazily, then looked at Princess Vivi, whose expression had become rather stiff, with that same sluggish smile.

"Oh, right. I'm also a Logia Devil Fruit user. That blizzard yesterday was accidentally caused by me. My apologies, Princess of the Alabasta Kingdom."

"..."

"Unfortunately, as a law-abiding Marine Admiral, I cannot break the law. Casually intruding into a Shichibukai's territory would give the World Government and Marine Headquarters a headache, and it would make the Shichibukai nervous." Seeing Vivi's stiff expression as she fell silent, Kuzan revealed a satisfied smile. "So, do you still intend to stop him on your own? That truly is admirable courage! Oh, and let me tell you something~"

He let out a leisurely whistle.

"Yesterday, someone disregarded both his identity and Marine law to stop me for the sake of a criminal wanted by the World Government. What a headache! Even now, I have no idea what his goal was. Could it be because that criminal was pretty? Oh my~, what a fallen Marine Colonel."

"???"

"!!!"

"..."

Slander. Pure slander!

They were only partners!

Under the suspicious gazes of Nami and Guina, Xia Che's mouth twitched. He almost wanted to get up and fight that Marine Admiral again.

If he wanted to help Alabasta, then help Alabasta. Was there any need to spread rumors about him?

And what was that nonsense about a Marine Admiral being unable to enter a Shichibukai's territory without authorization? It was ridiculous. Even if Kuzan entered, what could the World Government and Marine Headquarters say?

Once Crocodile was caught, they could simply beat a confession out of him and expose his conspiracy. The World Government and Marine Headquarters would probably even praise Kuzan!

As for Crocodile supposedly having strength comparable to a Marine Admiral, what a joke!

If Crocodile learned that a Marine Admiral had praised him so highly, he would laugh his cigar right out of his mouth!

Meanwhile...

After hearing Kuzan's words, Princess Vivi, who had looked so determined just moments ago, stiffened again.

The strength in her eyes vanished in an instant.

As the princess of Alabasta, she was not afraid of sacrifice. But what if sacrificing herself could not save everyone?

Especially considering that he had challenged a Sea Emperor and possessed the same type of Devil Fruit as a Marine Admiral...

No matter how she looked at it, this was not something a Baroque Works trainee like her could handle!

Thinking of the Marine Admiral's words, Vivi guessed his meaning. She turned and looked once more at the Marine Colonel before her—Dander Xieche.

Then she recalled what she had seen on the Conomi Islands. Perhaps this Marine Colonel really could help the Alabasta Kingdom?

Taking a deep breath, she bowed. "Please save the Alabasta Kingdom. No matter what you need, the Alabasta Kingdom will surely satisfy you!"

However.

The moment her words fell.

Before Xia Che could steel himself and say anything under the watching eyes of Nami, Guina, and the smiling Robin.

"Purururu~, purururu~"

The ringing of a Den Den Mushi sounded.

It was Xia Che's personal Den Den Mushi.

Without hesitation, Xia Che took it out and answered.

At once.

The ordinary Den Den Mushi in his hand transformed into a gangster-like Den Den Mushi with a long horizontal scar, an earring, and a cigar in its mouth. It spoke in a deep, hearty voice. "Hahaha, Brother Xia Che, long time no see!"

As soon as the words fell.

Vivi stared at the Den Den Mushi in Xia Che's hand in shock and muttered, "Crocodile."

Then she looked at Xia Che with suspicion and wariness in her eyes.

Hadn't this Marine Colonel said they were not close?

This did not look like they were not close at all!

Other than Robin, who had already known, even Nami and Guina looked helpless.

It was not that they were helpless over Xia Che knowing Crocodile, but because the Marine Admiral was right here. Was it really okay to do this right in front of a Marine Admiral?

Had they not noticed that the Marine Admiral's eyes had narrowed as well?

At that moment.

The entire hall fell silent.

Under the stares of so many people, Xia Che covered the Den Den Mushi and gave everyone an awkward laugh. In a low voice, he said, "Not close, not close, we're really not that close!"

Then he picked up the Den Den Mushi again, a warm smile appearing on his face. "Brother Crocodile, it really has been a long time!"

"..."

That did not look like they were not close at all!