Recruitment, Baroque Works

First half of the Grand Line, Paradise.

Among the seven routes, on the most dangerous one, lay Alabasta—the desert kingdom with the longest history, the largest territory, and the greatest population.

On this day, the entire nation celebrated, for the Cobra royal family, so deeply loved and admired by its people, had welcomed another new member: Princess Vivi.

Yet amid the joyous celebrations, Crocodile, who had remained quiet in Paradise for so long, was exceptionally calm in a casino somewhere within the Kingdom of Alabasta.

"Alabasta's trust in the royal family runs even deeper than expected. That won't do. To find the Ancient Weapon, I'll need to rely on the strength of all Alabasta."

Countless thoughts ran through his mind. On his own, he was certainly capable of wiping this country out directly, but he would ultimately find it difficult to gain control over it.

"Then I'll start with the basics. The resources I possess, and what I'm best at, are..."

At the same time, near the distant coast, pirate ships flying black flags emblazoned with skulls sailed toward the shore.

"Men, loot everything! The more you take, the better! We're heading for the Grand Line!"

The pirate captain standing on the prow laughed loudly as hundreds of his underlings landed ashore and began burning, killing, and plundering the coastal civilians.

"Let go! That's our drinking water for the whole month! Alabasta hardly gets any rain to begin with—you can't take it!"

"Dad! Mom! Where are you? Waaaaah..."

"You damned pirates, you'll get what's coming to you sooner or later! Old man, wake up! Old man!"

"Hurry and find the Kingdom Army! Drive these hateful pirates out!"

Chaos erupted along the coast, filled with the sobs and wails of countless civilians and the cruel smiles of the pirates.

Yet no