Momousagi strongly opposed Shiryu's proposal and insisted on going ahead as the "covert" force, with Shiryu leading the fleet and going overboard under the open banner...
After all, if Crocodile were to conduct an open inspection, he wouldn't be able to make a move, but going in secret would likely lead to a conflict with Crocodile, which would be much more dangerous!
However, Shiryu did not agree.
The reason is one that Momousagi cannot refute...
Firstly, the idea of Shiryu command of the fleet was inherently flawed, and it wouldn't be surprising if Shiryu didn't appear, since he wasn't originally a Marine. However, if Momousagi didn't show up, the entire plan would be exposed.
Secondly, Shiryu stated that the key to the patrol was the "secret investigation," and that he... was better at this than Momousagi!
Although Momousagi was somewhat unwilling, after several months of interaction, she had to admit the truth and so the arrangement was made.
However, Momousagi naturally gave Shiryu special instructions and advice, urging him not to let official duties cloud his judgment and do anything dangerous.
That's all...
Crocodile's closest partner was responsible for investigating the situation on the Western Continent of Alabasta.
Early the next morning, Momousagi returned to the port of Tamarisk in broad daylight. She then planned to travel south along the West Blue of Alabasta, then west, turning into the mouth of the Santo River, and stop at the port of Aimaru on the lower reaches of the Santo River. After that, she would travel by land to "patrol" the Western Continent, heading north towards the Rain Dinners.
Aimaru is located on the lower reaches of the Santo River, with a port at its estuary. It is considered a relatively prosperous area in the Western Continent of Alabasta, especially in recent years as the Western Continent has become increasingly wealthy and powerful, making the port of Aimaru even busier.
In the original work, Crocodile deliberately exacerbated the drought to reduce the prestige of the Nefertari Royal Family, causing the people of Alabasta to suffer as a result, which in turn led to the Rebel Army.
Eluma, a city on the lower reaches of the Santo Doe River, suffered severe damage after the drought, with the river channel shrinking and freshwater levels plummeting. Its port is now impassable for ships.
However, Eluma's current situation is completely different from that in the original work...
Momousagi deliberately kept its speed low. The sea route of over a thousand kilometers, with stops and patrols at various coastal contact points, was planned to take seven days to reach Airuma. From Airuma to Rain Dinners, it would take another two days.
Meanwhile, under the cover of Momousagi's grand display of power, Shiryu alone by land, crossed the Santo River, and arrived in Rain Dinners the next day!
This was much faster than Momousagi had imagined, and completely different from the plan the two had discussed beforehand.
In Momousagi's opinion, Shiryu should have conducted investigations in all the major cities after entering the Western Continent...
Hmm, Shiryu finds the investigation a bit troublesome. After meeting Crocodile, he can have him summarize the situation himself, and then "Shiryu" can submit it to Momousagi!
Cobra was an excellent king, and if Vivi were to succeed him, she would likely be an excellent queen as well, but that doesn't affect what Sig is going to do.
Oldest One, Sig never thought about where the world would go; he simply fought, strived, and tried to change things out of his own will, without any grand ambitions.
Aside from inheriting the "complete abolition of slavery" from the "Sun Pirates" and Fisher Tiger, Sig didn't have any other major goals.
Afterwards, Sig also experienced a brief period of confusion. After all, whether before or after his transmigration, Sig was not someone who liked to talk about politics or study dragon-slaying techniques. Asking him to judge how the world would go was a bit beyond his capabilities.
Therefore, Sig did not have any in-depth cooperation with the Revolutionary Army, nor did he have any idea of creating his own power. He generally took things one step at a time.
Sig only knew that "overthrowing the World Government" was a prerequisite for "abolishing slavery." As for what to do after overthrowing the World Government, Sig didn't think too much about it. The most important thing was how to achieve this step first.
However, after advancing to Sequence 5, Sig saw "new hope"—an idea that no longer required worrying about the future had begun to take root in Sig mind.
Sig is not Black Emperor Pathway "; he has other things he is better at than establishing systems and rules.
It's not science, it's not politics, it's... the realm of the occult!
Making his vision a reality is not something Sig can achieve right now; he needs to reach at least Sequence 4... and possibly even Sequence Three before he can do it.
But with this newfound "hope," Sig became even more focused on his goals than before.
Whether it's Crocodile or the Nefertari Royal Family, it doesn't matter who comes to power in the future. For Sig, the most important thing is "now"—who can be his ally and who can provide greater assistance!
As for the "future," Sig wasn't worried at all. Once he advanced to Sequence Three, everything would be different from now...
Unfortunately, advancement through the "Paths of the Divine" does not rely on "cultivation" in the narrow sense, but rather on advancing through "acting".
The High Sequence, the more closely it is related to the world situation, especially in the "Promotion Ceremony".
Therefore, there is no possibility of living in seclusion for decades, quietly advancing to High Sequence, and then clearing away all obstacles.
In the early Sequence, there's still the possibility of playing the role quietly, but the further you go, the more you need to stir up the world's troubles—like the role of the "Priest of Light." If it weren't for Vegapunk's "help," Sig might have to pretend to be a charlatan and preach himself now!
In the backyard of "Rain Banquet," the largest casino in Rain Dinners and also the biggest and most luxurious money pit, Crocodile sipped red wine and stroked his pet "Banana Crocodile," a smug look on his face.
Just now, he saw the report about Momousagi and Shiryu in Alabasta, but he didn't pay it any mind; everything was going according to plan...
But at that moment, Crocodile's expression suddenly changed, and then he took out a piece of paper from the hook—it was so small and hidden in the hook, but when he took it out and unfolded it, there wasn't a single wrinkle.
And at that moment, the paper was shimmering slightly, as if it were about to float towards the door...
That's right, this is the very contract Crocodile signed with Sig. After being notarized by Sig, it has acquired a mystical significance, going beyond mere guarantee of trust.
Judging from the changes in the contract, it seems... that person has arrived? Thinking this, Crocodile's face darkened, inwardly grumbling about why Garp hadn't killed him!
Meanwhile, Crocodile was also puzzled. That person had been "missing" for over two years after being arrested by Garp. The World Government had cancelled his bounty, and the newspapers no longer reported on him. Logically, he should be imprisoned, so how could he be...?