All-Out Suppression, Senior Agents' Encirclement

A few days later, the Windrider finally arrived in Alabasta.

"Luo Wen, look! It's a desert—a huge desert!"

Tashigi rushed to the front of the deck, hugged Luo Wen's arm, and stared in amazement at the vast desert ahead.

The desert before them stretched endlessly, golden sand filling their entire field of vision. It truly was a spectacular natural wonder.

"Alabasta, I'm back."

Vivi gazed at the familiar desert, lost in thought.

Returning to this familiar homeland, Vivi felt immensely excited, yet also somewhat uneasy.

Alabasta... can I really save you?

Vivi felt lost.

Although Luo Wen was very strong and had easily dealt with four Baroque Works officers,

the enemy he had to face was one of the Shichibukai, Sand Crocodile Crocodile, along with the massive Baroque Works organization.

Every one of the remaining senior agents would be difficult to handle.

After spending these past days together, she had long regarded Luo Wen and the others as her closest friends. She did not want them to face danger.

Vivi looked toward Luo Wen, torn with conflict.

Would involving Luo Wen and the others in danger be a mistake?

"Get ready to dock! Vivi, stop spacing out and help bring in the sails!"

Nami called out loudly to Vivi.

"Oh, coming! I'm coming!"

Vivi snapped back to her senses and hurriedly pulled in the sails.

"Luo Wen, something seems off about Vivi."

Tashigi moved close to Luo Wen and whispered.

"She's probably worried. Crocodile has caused her far too much fear."

"But I'll take care of Crocodile perfectly."

Luo Wen rubbed Tashigi's little head and spoke confidently.

"Mm!"

Tashigi's eyes lit up. She completely believed Luo Wen.

Before long, the Windrider docked at the shore, and Luo Wen's group set foot in the desert kingdom of Alabasta.

"Everyone!"

As the group headed toward the port city, Vivi suddenly stopped and gathered her courage to speak.

"What is it?"

Luo Wen looked at Vivi in confusion.

Nami and Tashigi were equally puzzled.

"I'm very grateful for how you've looked after me along the way, but... I want to cancel this commission."

Tears glimmered in Vivi's eyes, but her tone was resolute.

"Crocodile is simply too strong. You shouldn't have to face an enemy like him!"

The more she spoke, the more determined Vivi became.

"What nonsense are you talking about? Are you planning to face Baroque Works alone?"

Nami stepped forward and gave Vivi a sharp knock on the head, speaking angrily.

Vivi's appearance reminded her of her former self, and her eyes were filled with affection and concern.

"I just..."

Vivi covered her forehead, unable to say anything.

"Vivi, we already consider you a friend. Helping a friend in trouble is only natural."

Luo Wen spoke seriously.

"Luo Wen... everyone!"

Vivi looked at Luo Wen, then at the two concerned girls beside him, deeply moved.

"Besides, if you cancel the commission, I'll charge you double the breach-of-contract fee!"

Luo Wen wore a devilish smile as he stared straight into Vivi's eyes.

"Huh?!"

Vivi first let out a startled cry, wondering how she could possibly gather that much money.

But when she came back to her senses, she discovered that Luo Wen and the others had already walked far away. They had no intention of abandoning the commission at all.

"What the heck? You're always teasing me!"

Vivi complained aloud, but the corners of her mouth were harder to suppress than an AK, and she felt even more moved inside.

Meeting Luo Wen and the others truly was the greatest stroke of luck in her life.

"Vivi, hurry up and catch up!"

Tashigi waved at Vivi and shouted.

"Coming! I'm coming!"

Vivi jogged after them and soon caught up, continuing onward with Luo Wen's group.

Before long, they arrived at Alabasta's port city, where the exotic atmosphere of the desert washed over them.

The pedestrians on the streets wore light clothing, vendors on both sides shouted endlessly, and all kinds of goods filled the stalls, varied and exquisite.

"What an incredible city!"

Nami and Tashigi were stunned by the port city.

Compared to Loguetown, the most prosperous city in the East Blue, this port city was more than ten times better.

"Of course! Alabasta is a civilized powerhouse of the Grand Line!"

Seeing the two girls' amazement, Vivi said proudly.

"Unfortunately, because of Baroque Works, the entire country has fallen into poverty and chaos."

"This city is only doing somewhat better because it is near the port, but it is still far inferior to what it used to be."

Vivi spoke sadly, her mood low.

Watching her country descend from civilization into chaos caused Vivi immense pain.

"Let's replenish our supplies, then head out and deal with Crocodile."

Luo Wen stroked Vivi's long blue hair and comforted her softly.

"Mm!"

Vivi nodded fiercely and began buying water and food together with Nami and Tashigi.

Luo Wen, meanwhile, frowned as he watched several strange vendors around them.

Their clothes or hats bore unusual markings—the symbol of Baroque Works.

It seemed that the moment they entered the city, they had already been targeted.

Just as Luo Wen expected,

the once-bustling streets suddenly erupted into chaos. Pedestrians fled in panic, while shops along the road hurriedly shut their doors.

"What's happening?"

Tashigi and Nami looked at the sudden disturbance, at a loss.

Everything had been fine just moments ago. How had it suddenly become chaotic?

"Ma'am, what happened?"

Vivi grabbed a fleeing middle-aged woman and asked.

"Those Royal Army soldiers are out robbing people again! They're killing people everywhere too, calling them rebels!"

"You shouldn't stay here either. Run!"

After speaking in a rush, the woman shook free of Vivi's hand and fled quickly.

"No, Father would never give an order like that!"

Vivi became extremely agitated, unable to believe what she had heard.

"Crocodile's plan has begun ahead of schedule."

Luo Wen walked to Vivi's side and said with certainty.

Vivi bit her lip, worry filling her heart.

"Don't worry. We just need to find a leader and ask."

Luo Wen spoke calmly. His Observation Haki had already seen people approaching.

The moment he finished speaking, more than forty people rushed in from all directions and surrounded Luo Wen's group. Leading them were Baroque Works' remaining senior agents.

With only a glance, Vivi recognized the leaders. They were several of the officers she feared most.

Mr. 1, Daz Bones, wielder of the Dice-Dice Fruit and the strongest among the senior agents!

Mr. 2, Bon Clay, wielder of the Copy-Copy Fruit and a senior agent!

Miss Doublefinger, Pola, wielder of the Spike-Spike Fruit and a senior agent!

Mr. 4, Babe, a senior agent who possessed a gun that had eaten a Devil Fruit!

Miss Merry Christmas, wielder of the Mole-Mole Fruit and a senior agent!

Besides them, there was Mr. 11, who carried the famous sword Hanashu, as well as other mid-level Baroque Works agents!

"They're all here!"

Vivi's pupils contracted as the pressure instantly mounted.

Aside from Crocodile and Robin, the upper ranks of the entire Baroque Works organization had gathered here.

"Do you really think so highly of us?"

Vivi revealed a bitter smile and muttered to herself.

Even without Crocodile, this lineup alone could destroy most nations.

Yet they had all gathered here just to deal with Luo Wen. It was truly terrifying.