Encounter on the Road!

"What a miserable sight. As far as the eye can see, it's nothing but desert. How are the people of this country supposed to survive?"

The moment they entered the borders of the Kingdom of Alabasta, everyone was stunned. Looking out, they could not see even a single oasis—there was nothing but desert. Along the way, not only had the land turned entirely into desert, but even some of the buildings had nearly become sandified. The place looked completely uninhabited. Boa Hancock and her two sisters felt deeply troubled. They ruled a kingdom themselves, and they knew that if their own country became like this, the people would likely revolt as well. No wonder King Cobra was in such a passive position within his own kingdom.

"No, our country was absolutely not like this. Although it has lacked rainfall year-round, there was normally enough water for daily use. It was absolutely impossible for all the land to become desertified like this. Something must have happened. Perhaps it was the work of that man called Crocodile!" Vivi's face was somewhat pale. The excitement of setting foot on her homeland again had vanished completely, replaced by intense worry. Although she knew there was a problem with her country, she had never expected it to be this severe. Desertification and a serious water shortage—if this continued, the country would surely perish. Water was the source of life; no one could survive without it.

"Crocodile's Devil Fruit is the Sand-Sand Fruit. If I'm not mistaken, its power allows him to absorb the moisture from all things. The reason this country has become like this is probably his doing. But you needn't worry, Vivi. Once we find him, this country's predicament can be resolved easily." Asama Ryoma spoke as he surveyed the surroundings, then gave