In the Katorea City, within Alabasta.
The legend of the Dark Bird Flag gradually spread over time.
At first, the people of Katorea City all followed the direction of the Dark Bird Flag and silently received their daily food and water.
As more and more people received the news, and as Gawain's men gradually figured out the roads in the desert, the situation changed.
The Dark Bird Flag, along with food and water, followed the people's footsteps from Katorea to the entire territory of Alabasta.
And just twenty-one days after Gawain landed in the Kingdom of Alabasta...
The Dark Bird Banner was raised in Katorea, a port city on the Kingdom of Alabasta's side closest to Mary Geoise.
When crossing to the port city closest to the Reverse Mountain, Rainbase.
A miracle happened.
After the people of the Rainbase eagerly raised the Dark Bird Flag...
After more than 200 days without rain, most of the cities surrounding Alabasta have started to receive new rainfall!
As the rain fell from the sky, countless Alabasta rushed into the streets and alleys.
They frantically shouted to all sorts of gods, they hysterically cheered for the arrival of the rain, and even those suffering from social arrogance simply stripped naked and indulged in the taste of rain and gentlemanliness!
And within this excited crowd, some shrewd individuals revealed their smiles.
As if suddenly, the Dark Bird Flag and the words praising Saint Gawain rang out from the crowd!
In an instant, people were influenced by a few leaders.
Gradually, people stopped praising the gods in the sky, Gawain's name appeared more and more frequently!
From that day onward, the Dark Bird Flag became a trend among the people of Alabasta.
Even those who had just gained access to drinking water bought or hand-painted the design of the Dark Bird Flag in their own homes.
People even believe that this flag possesses, to some extent, a mythical power to ward off disasters and difficulties.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Katorea City, Gawain sat on a sofa, constantly reviewing the reports in his hands.
As he watched, without looking up, he asked Kalifa.
"So, we still have about 30% of our food left, but Alabasta needs about eight times the size of our Dark Bird Ship, is that right?"
At this point, Gawain couldn't help but rub his chin.
"How long will it take for the supply ships that we previously asked the navy to dispatch to arrive?"
"My lord, because it takes a lot of time to collect supplies, the navy's progress is not very fast."
However, starting in the last two days, small groups of naval supply convoys have begun to arrive in Katorea.
According to information from the Fleet Admiral Sengoku, it would take at least forty days for the large amount of supplies to slowly arrive in Alabasta.
But special express ships will arrive one after another to alleviate the immediate crisis.
Gawain nodded after hearing Kalifa's words, then continued to ask.
"In addition, according to the judgments of Cobra and a series of Alabasta."
How long will it take for Alabasta to fully restore production?
"Sir, we need at least one quarter!"
Kalifa replied helplessly.
"During the previous drought, crops not only failed to grow, but due to excessive hunger, many Alabasta even ate a lot of the reserved seeds."
"It will probably take at least a quarter of a year for agricultural development to resume, after new seeds are brought in from elsewhere and the Alabasta have planted and harvested a crop."
At this point, Kalifa sighed softly. Alabasta's population was simply too large; a census had taken a whole month and still hadn't been completed.
Current statistics indicate that Alabasta has a population of at least 60 million, and this number is constantly growing, potentially reaching over 100 million.
Even if the Dark Bird Ship is a massive ship, it's simply absurd to think that a single vessel could feed tens of millions of people for a whole quarter.
Recently, Jinbe and Shiryu have even started leading Black Ice Terrace members in hunting Sea King to alleviate Alabasta's food crisis.
Of course, Shirahoshi cried bitterly at the sight of Jinbe's actions...
That remains to be seen.
After all, those Sea Kings are all Shirahoshi's friends!
Getting back to the point, Gawain nodded thoughtfully after hearing Kalifa's words.
"So it really will take at least a quarter to resume production, which is not much different from my prediction."
In short, we alone are absolutely unable to completely solve the problem of food, clothing, and daily necessities for the Alabasta people in this one quarter.
However, we have done the best we could!
At this point, Gawain asked Kalifa.
"Besides these, how are the rumors we've been spreading within Alabasta progressing lately?"
"My lord, the rumors have been quite effective. According to the information sent by Sister Shakky, in the past month, the Dark Bird Flag has been flying all over Alabasta."
Many people have even hung our flags in their homes and at their doors!
Although it is impossible to determine the extent of our influence under this phenomenon.
But at the very least, we've already achieved half of our goal!
"Yes..."
As soon as Kalifa finished speaking, Gawain nodded slightly, then tapped the table in front of him.
"Achieving only half is not enough; it's time to start our immigration plan next."
Alabasta has a large population, and a suitable number of people could indeed be added to Jaya and Long Ring Long Land.
Let's set aside ten Little Dark Bird and leave them in Katorea to establish a proper transport route.
As for how to get the people of Alabasta to embrace the issue of immigration...
At this point, Gawain pondered for a moment, then raised his head and continued softly.
"There's no need to issue explicit regulations or requirements; let our intelligence personnel continue to spread new rumors."
The report stated that the drought in Alabasta may recur.
In that case, a large portion of those who have the means will likely leave their countries voluntarily without us urging or persuading them.
Therefore, we don't need to emphasize that we are an immigrant transport ship. We can simply repackage the remaining Little Dark Bird as a tourist ship and provide tourism services.
People don't appreciate things given away for free. If it's tourism, then people might try to use our tourist boats to escape to the two islands we've arranged for them!
In addition, the tour boats will highlight the excellent environment of Jaya and Long Ring Long Land.
Jaya boasts lush forests, while Long Ring Long Land features ten incredibly dense grasslands.
Having just experienced a severe Drought, the Alabasta would love islands without deserts!
At this point, Gawain put down the report and looked towards the distant desert, which was gradually becoming damp due to the rain, but was still filled with countless sands.
The celestial phenomena and nature in the Pirate World are truly unpredictable. Ever since Crocodile stopped using the Dance Powder, Katorea has been experiencing its first rain...
It rained three or four times in a row during that week!
Rainfall is relatively frequent, and the amount of rainfall each time is not small.
Even so, the desert terrain surrounding Katorea remained completely unchanged!
Gawain even specifically asked Cobra about it.
According to Cobra, although Alabasta is a desert region, before the drought, every city in Alabasta would receive at least four to six small to medium-sized rainfalls every month.
Logically speaking, this much rain, even if it fell on the Sahara Desert, could turn it into an oasis.
But in the world of One Piece, the land here is exceptionally capricious; no matter how the weather changes, the terrain simply won't change with you!
So, Alabasta's desert terrain wasn't actually caused by this drought...
This can be seen from Jinbe. Back when he first went to Mary Geoise with Gawain, he asked the busty girl Brooke, for Alabasta Roasted Scorpion.
In earlier years, these scorpions were rarely seen in Alabasta; they preferred to stay underground before and after rain.
They usually only start to go on the ground four to five days after the rain stops.
Previously, due to drought, the number of Alabasta Scorpion, which were already scarce, surged. They mostly roamed the desert, looking for animals to hunt.
But once the weather near Katorea returned to normal, the scorpions immediately went back underground!
Shaking off his reverie, Gawain gently rubbed his forehead.
"Kalifa."
He gave the order in a low voice.
"The follow-up work can be carried out gradually."
As for the present, we shouldn't stay in Alabasta any longer.
Last night, King Cobra invited me to stay at his palace for a few nights.
Fortunately, the drought in Alabasta has ended, and Uta can now hold a few concerts.
Alright then, please convey my response to King Cobra's invitation. Let us depart tonight, when the temperature is just right, for the capital, Alubarna.
Tell everyone to get ready!
"Yes, sir!"
Kalifa nodded, then left Gawain's side.
That evening, just before sunset, millions of residents of Katorea City gathered near the south gate where Gawain was about to depart.
Looking at the transport convoy that had gathered all the crabs of Katorea City, the people of Katorea expressed their heartfelt respect for Gawain.
Over the past month, other cities haven't actually received much of the supplies brought by Gawain.
The only place that Gawain truly cared for was Katorea, the city where Gawain settled.
Now, seeing Gawain leaving, the people of Katorea City are heartbroken.
Saint Gawain arrived, and the food became free.
With Saint Gawain gone, it seems we'll have to spend money again to buy things...
Leaving aside the various thoughts in people's minds, Gawain sat cross-legged on the largest crab.
Speaking of which, we must mention the special transport animals of the Katorea City.
They use giant crabs, ranging from twenty to fifty meters tall, for transportation. It's truly amazing how these crabs manage to traverse this soft, shifting sand desert with their sharp legs...
Sitting atop the giant crab, Gawain looked at the setting sun on the horizon.
Then, he raised his right hand.
"Set off."
As soon as he finished speaking, the giant crab under his buttocks started moving forward. The crab expertly turned around and then walked sideways.
Watching the crab walk sideways, Gawain took a deep breath.
He then turned slightly, changing his direction so that he could face forward again.
Although it's Gawain's crab, such a huge crab wouldn't just have Gawain sitting on it alone.
Of the group, apart from Shirahoshi, Uta, and Kuma riding alone on a crab, the other executives, including Ace and Isuka, were all present.
They were all sitting on Gawain's crabs.
Kuma and Shirahoshi are indeed quite large, so it's perfectly reasonable for them to ride alone.
As for Uta, she's practically become a part of Shirahoshi lately.
Who can blame her? Shirahoshi's body is so supple; she's comfortable whether sitting or lying down.
Meanwhile, on Gawain's crab.
After Gawain turned around, the group of cadres also turned around speechlessly and looked towards the front.
As he turned around, Ace muttered a frustrated complaint.
"So even crabs this big walk sideways! I thought they were something special!"
"Isn't it common sense that crabs walk sideways? Ace, you're always so adorably silly..."
Beside Ace, Isuka said with a smile, which earned her a displeased shake of her Ace.
As they became more familiar with each other, Isuka moved closer and closer to him, and he felt increasingly uncomfortable!
He watched Isuka and Ace interact from the side.
Grandpa Rayleigh, lounging leisurely, and Shakky beside him both wore auntie smiles.
"Tsk tsk, youth is truly wonderful!"
"Yes, even I can't help but miss my younger days."
Although those times are so far away..
Shakky continued, reminiscing about Rayleigh's words.
After hearing Shakky's words, Rayleigh suddenly chuckled.
What's there to miss about your youth? After all, I wasn't part of your youth.
So let's reminisce about the days of thirty or forty years ago.
I still cherish the memories of that time, because you were in my memories then...
"Old ghost..."
Hearing Rayleigh's words, Shakky smiled and flicked the cigarette in her hand, then gently leaned on Rayleigh's shoulder.
When you gaze into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.
Just as Rayleigh and Shakky were looking at Ace.
Not far away, Gion and Hancock were also watching Rayleigh and Shakky.
As they looked around, they couldn't help but fix their gazes on Gawain.
Gawain suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, so he reluctantly turned his head to look at the two women who were looking at him expectantly.
Noticing Gawain turn around, Hancock spoke to Gawain expectantly.
"Ahem, Gawain... ever since last time... you... you haven't... let me into your room again, have you?"
"Snake Princess!"
Before Gawain respond, Gion grabbed Hancock's collar tightly.
"Are you being foolish? Didn't we already agree that we should at least wait until the adults have control over the Seimei Kikan?"
And... damn it, this is a crab, not a big ship!
Our words will be heard!
Have you lost all sense of shame?
As she spoke, Gion Gawain a flushed face, then immediately turned around and glared fiercely at the group of guys who had turned to look at her.
Faced with Gion's glare, Ichisho shrugged helplessly.
"Ahem, perhaps because I can't see, I can hear very clearly."
In short, haha, I will intensify my training of the adults from now on.
The adult's Armament Haki is beginning to show results, and his Observation Haki is even more outstanding. Of the Rokushiki, the adult only has Rankyaku and Shigan left to master.
I think it won't be long before adults master the skills of Seimei Kikan.
Cough cough..."
After saying this, he laughed jokingly, then quickly dodged Gion's glare.
The less he could see her, the more he could feel the chilling light emanating from Gion!
At the same time, Hancock picked up where Ichisho left off, and continued to speak expectantly to Gawain.
"So all that's left are Shigan and Rankyaku? If that's the case, it probably won't be a problem for more than a few months..."
And Gion, is there anything about these things that can't be said to others?
Whether it's you or me, who among us wasn't born through the efforts of our parents?
All I want is to raise a child with Gawain!
Is there anything wrong with that?
Is there anything wrong with that?
Is it wrong to want two monthly tickets when you're half-dead? Is it wrong?
Tickets, please!