An unsupported assertion became especially convincing when backed by identity and strength.
But in truth,
Even with the foresight provided by knowledge of the original plot, Maud did not believe Luffy could defeat Crocodile.
That was the judgment he had reached after coming into contact with Luffy.
However, seated in the stands outside this turmoil was a group of uninvited guests—the Revolutionary Army.
With that man who also bore the surname Monkey present, Crocodile's Nation-robbing Plan would most likely become nothing more than a pipe dream.
Moreover,
Since Maud had come, he would not miss out on the precious experience points related to Devil Fruit proficiency.
Not to mention the cover provided by the Straw Hat Pirates.
As long as he kept things clean, it would not be impossible to pocket Crocodile's experience points as well.
The Beli-powered cart dragged a long trail of smoke across the desert as it headed toward the capital, Alubarna.
Two hours later.
After traveling through wind and dust, the group finally saw a gigantic rocky mountain standing in the desert.
Looking into the distance, they could vaguely make out the outlines of buildings scattered across the rocky mountain.
On the steep cliff of the mountain was a magnificent man-made staircase. It ran from high to low, like a giant sword splitting open one side of the mountain before slanting down to the sand.
There were four such stairway passages around the rocky mountain.
The stone staircase Maud's group could see was on the southern side. It was also the entrance the Rebel Army had chosen to attack the capital, Alubarna.
"That's the capital, Alubarna..."
Looking from afar at the capital built atop the rocky mountain, Nami and the others were stunned.
But with the situation so urgent, they had no time to marvel.
The