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, hugging Luo Wen's arm as she 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 left Vivi deeply excited, but it also filled her with unease.
Alabasta... can I really save you?
Vivi felt lost.
Although Luo Wen was strong and had easily dealt with four Baroque Works officers,
the enemy he had to face was Crocodile, one of the Shichibukai, along with the massive Baroque Works organization.
Every one of the remaining senior agents would be difficult to deal with.
After spending these days together, she had already come to regard Luo Wen and the others as her closest friends. She did not want them to face danger.
Vivi looked toward Luo Wen, conflicted.
Would dragging Luo Wen and the others into danger be a mistake?
"Get ready to dock! Vivi, stop spacing out and help bring down the sails!"
Nami shouted at Vivi.
"Oh, coming! I'm coming!"
Vivi snapped back to her senses and hurriedly began lowering the sails.
"Luo Wen, Vivi seems a little off."
Tashigi moved closer to Luo Wen and whispered softly.
"She's probably worried. Crocodile has left her with too much fear."
"But I'll deal with Crocodile perfectly."
Luo Wen rubbed Tashigi's little head and spoke with confidence.
"Mm!"
Tashigi's eyes lit up as she completely believed him.
Soon, the Windrider docked at the shore, and Luo Wen's group set foot in the desert kingdom of Alabasta.
"Everyone!"
As they made their way 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.
"Thank you for taking care of me along the way, but... I want to cancel this commission."
Tears glimmered in Vivi's eyes, but her tone was resolute.
"Crocodile is far 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 saying? Do you want to face Baroque Works all by yourself?"
Nami stepped forward and gave Vivi a sharp knock on the head, speaking angrily.
Vivi's expression reminded her of her former self, and Nami's eyes were full of tenderness.
"I just..."
Vivi covered her forehead, unable to say anything.
"Vivi, we've long considered you our friend. When a friend is in trouble, helping them 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 cancellation fee!"
Luo Wen wore a devilish smile as he stared directly into Vivi's eyes.
"Huh?!"
Vivi cried out first, wondering how she could possibly gather that much money.
But when she came back to her senses, she found that Luo Wen and the others had already walked far away. They clearly had no intention of abandoning the commission.
"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.
Meeting Luo Wen and the others truly was the greatest fortune of her life.
"Vivi, hurry up and catch up!"
Tashigi waved at Vivi and shouted loudly.
"Coming! I'm coming!"
Vivi jogged after them and soon caught up, continuing onward with Luo Wen and the others.
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, while merchants on both sides shouted endlessly, their stalls filled with all kinds of exquisite goods.
"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 great civilized nation of the Grand Line!"
Seeing the two girls' astonishment, Vivi spoke proudly.
"Unfortunately, because of Baroque Works, the entire country has fallen into poverty and chaos."
"This city is only slightly better because it is near the port, but even so, it is far worse than it used to be."
Vivi spoke in a low, despondent voice.
Watching her country go from civilization to chaos broke Vivi's heart.
"Let's replenish our supplies, then head out and deal with Crocodile."
Luo Wen gently stroked Vivi's long blue hair, softly comforting her.
"Mm!"
Vivi nodded fiercely and began purchasing water and food together with Nami and Tashigi.
Luo Wen, meanwhile, frowned as he looked at several suspicious merchants nearby.
Their clothes or hats bore special patterns—the symbol of Baroque Works.
It seemed they had been watched from the moment they entered the city.
Just as Luo Wen expected.
Before long, the once-bustling streets suddenly erupted into chaos. Pedestrians fled in panic, and the shops along the road hurriedly closed their doors.
"What's happening?"
Tashigi and Nami looked at the sudden commotion, at a complete loss.
Everything had been fine just moments ago. Why had it suddenly become so chaotic?
"Ma'am, what happened?"
Vivi grabbed a fleeing middle-aged woman and asked.
"The Royal Army is out looting again! They're killing people everywhere too, claiming they're rebels!"
"You shouldn't stand around either. Run!"
After hurriedly saying that, the woman shook free of Vivi's hand and quickly fled.
"No... Father would never give an order like that!"
Vivi was extremely agitated, unable to believe what she had heard.
"Crocodile's plan has moved ahead of schedule."
Luo Wen walked to Vivi's side and spoke with certainty.
Vivi bit her lip, deeply worried.
"Don't worry. We'll find whoever's in charge and ask them."
Luo Wen spoke calmly. His Observation Haki had already detected people approaching.
As soon as he finished speaking, more than forty people surged in from all directions and surrounded Luo Wen's group. Leading them were Baroque Works' remaining senior agents.
With only one glance, Vivi recognized the identities of the leaders. They were several of the agents 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!
In addition, there was Mr. 11, who wielded the famed sword Hanashu, along with other mid-ranking Baroque Works agents!
"They're all here!"
Vivi's pupils contracted as the pressure instantly overwhelmed her.
Aside from Crocodile and Robin, the upper ranks of all Baroque Works had gathered here.
"Do you really think that highly of us?"
Vivi revealed a bitter smile and murmured to herself.
Even without Crocodile, this lineup alone could wipe out most nations.
Yet they had all gathered here solely to deal with Luo Wen. It was truly terrifying.
Before you continue