Warlords and Kings

Princess Vivi led Noki and Ain through the palace corridors. "Vice Admiral, your room has been arranged next to Sister Ain's, so it'll be convenient for the two of you to... communicate."

As she said this, Vivi's cheeks involuntarily flushed.

Ain asked in confusion, "Then why not just let Noki and me stay in the same room?"

"We only arranged an extra room out of courtesy. It's fine if you two want to stay together," Vivi hurriedly answered.

Noki shook his head. "No need. Two rooms will do." When it came to sleeping, having a big bed to himself was more comfortable. Besides, as an energetic young man, with a beautiful woman always lying beside him, even with his firm willpower, he found it a little hard to endure.

When the two of them stayed together normally, Noki usually fell asleep first before Ain went to bed, preventing him from doing anything foolish while he was still conscious.

Compared to Noki's calmness,

Ain was looking forward to that day. Noki had said before that they would get married once he became an admiral.

However, because of Noki's mother, that goal would likely never be achieved.

Even their engagement had begun to seem uncertain.

Ain actually wanted to marry Noki sooner and make their relationship a done deal, so that Noki would completely belong to her.

"Vice Admiral, this is your room. If you need anything, please summon me at any time."

"Mm, thank you for your trouble, Princess," Noki replied with a nod.

Vivi hesitated slightly, but she could not suppress her curiosity. "Vice Admiral, have you really resolved all of Alabasta's problems?"

"It can't be said that they've all been resolved yet. As long as things develop according to my expectations, Alabasta will be able to rest easy after the Reverie."

"Is there anything we can do before then?" Vivi immediately asked.

Looking at the expectation in her eyes, Noki thought for a moment before answering, "As I said before, keep an eye on Crocodile, but don't take any further action."

"Crocodile..."

By now, no matter how foolish Vivi was, she could figure it out. The one who had used Dance Powder to frame the Alabasta royal family was undoubtedly Crocodile!

"Vice Admiral, thank you for your guidance. Please rest well. I won't disturb you any longer."

Princess Vivi quickly left to report the situation to King Cobra.

Noki and Ain entered the room.

Alabasta truly deserved to be one of the Grand Line's foremost great nations. The lavish, noble furnishings of the room were far superior to the place Noki had stayed in within the Kingdom of Krilar.

The moment Noki entered, his eyes landed on the large bed. He lunged forward and sprawled across it.

He had spent the past few days busy carrying out the plan and had not gotten enough sleep.

Seeing his lazy appearance, Ain could not help but smile gently. She sat on the edge of the bed with her legs together and began massaging his shoulders.

"Buru buru buru..."

The sound of a Den Den Mushi suddenly came from Noki's coat.

Ain took the small Den Den Mushi from his coat for him. "Should I answer it?"

"Mm, answer it."

Noki spoke with his eyes closed.

Click!

A magnetic, deeply seductive female voice came from the Den Den Mushi. "Boss, I've taken care of what you asked. Morgans promised that he would publish the news in the newspaper on time. He also said that if there's major news like this in the future, I must work with him."

A woman?!

Ain immediately pricked up her ears and listened carefully. Even the movements of her hands gradually stopped.

"Not bad."

Noki raised his head, turned over, and rested it on Ain's lap. As he continued lying there, he said, "In a couple of days, I'll be escorting the Alabasta royal family to the Holy Land. Before I return, it's best that we contact each other less often, in case anything goes wrong with the plan."

"Vice Admiral, you really are heartless. You toss me aside the moment you're done using me," Robin deliberately said in a resentful tone from the other end.

Ain's heart suddenly skipped a beat. Anyone who heard such provocative words would misunderstand.

Fortunately, she quickly realized that since Noki had dared to let her listen, nothing like that could have happened.

She could not fall for another woman's schemes!

Noki treated Robin's words as though he had not heard them. "I have something to do. I'm hanging up now. Wait for me to contact you."

"Alright, Boss. I'll wait for you to summon me~"

Click!

The call was disconnected from the other end.

"Noki, that person was..." Ain ultimately could not hold it back and asked.

"Nico Robin," Noki answered casually.

"So she's Nico Robin."

Ain pouted slightly with jealousy. "Admiral Kuzan clearly only asked you to check on her whereabouts. It seems you've done a little more than that, Noki."

Noki suddenly opened his eyes and sat up.

Seeing his unusually serious expression, Ain grew flustered, thinking Noki was angry. "That's not what I meant..."

Noki reached out and rubbed her head. He said seriously, "Ain, you should understand that there is a blood feud between the World Government and me. I've always been someone who repays grudges. I can't just swallow my anger and endure it.

However, my strength is still too weak. I cannot shake a great tree like the World Government, so I must become stronger. And I don't just mean personal strength. I also need a sufficiently powerful force to support me.

Although I have extensive connections in the Marines, they are ultimately the World Government's weapon. They cannot help me deal with the World Government, so I must build a force of my own.

Although Nico Robin bears the title Devil Child, there is no doubt that her abilities in every aspect are outstanding. I have no time to manage an outside force while I'm in the Marines, and she is the most suitable person to act as my representative. That is why I chose her and cooperated with her.

One day, I will openly wage war against the World Government. When that time comes, I hope Ain will stand by my side."

After hearing his words, Ain revealed a radiant smile. She opened her arms, hugged Noki tightly, and pressed herself against him. "I understand. I said it long ago: no matter what happens, I'll stay with you, even if it means becoming enemies with the entire world."

She was very happy that Noki had personally told her something so important.

Elsewhere.

Vivi conveyed Noki's intentions to Cobra and the officials of Alabasta.

"Outrageous!"

The officials were enraged.

Pell, deputy captain of the royal guard, volunteered. "Your Majesty, please allow me to lead troops to Rainbase and capture Crocodile!"

"Pell, don't be hasty."

Cobra clasped his hands together and calmly analyzed the situation. "Crocodile is still a Warlord recognized by the World Government. Over the past year, he has also assisted the guards in defeating invading pirates many times, establishing a good image among the people. We have no evidence. If we act rashly, not only will it provoke the World Government's dissatisfaction, it may also cause a crisis of trust within the country."

Princess Vivi also agreed. "That's right, uncles. Since Vice Admiral Noki said that we shouldn't take any further action, we might as well trust him.

Vice Admiral Noki is a good person. He definitely won't deceive us!"

"That makes sense..." The officials nodded one after another.

Pell looked at the imposing princess standing beside Cobra and sighed. "That mischievous little princess has grown up too."

In the blink of an eye, two days passed.

Nanohana Port, Alabasta.

Noki led a line of Marines in welcoming King Cobra and Princess Vivi aboard the warship.

Pell and several guards accompanied them.

Vivi happened to notice Bartolomeo. He was staring at her with wide, bull-like eyes, startling her so badly that she hid behind Cobra. The wound on her face, which had only recently healed, began to ache faintly again.

Bartolomeo clicked his tongue and could not be bothered with women. In his life, he would only apologize to the old ladies in his hometown, Senior Noki, and Senior Ain. As for everyone else, he did not care.

If he could, he even wanted to slap her again...

Time was of the essence, so Noki ordered the warship to set sail for the Holy Land.

At dinnertime.

Noki and Ain accompanied Cobra and Princess Vivi for dinner in the dining hall.

They were royalty, after all. Their meals could not be compared to those of ordinary Marines.

Carmen wore a chef's uniform, standing straight as she properly brought dish after dish to the table.

Cobra picked up his fork and casually speared a piece of glistening red meat, its color like agate, then put it into his mouth. "Mm! Delicious! Vice Admiral Noki, may I ask what dish this is? I've never tasted it before."

Noki glanced at Carmen. "Let our chef explain it to you."

Carmen answered politely, "Your Majesty, this dish is called braised pork, also known as Dongpo pork. It is made by cutting pork into chunks and cooking it with scallions, ginger, rock sugar, and other seasonings. This cuisine was personally developed by Vice Admiral Noki."

Princess Vivi said in surprise, "Vice Admiral Noki can actually cook!?"

Carmen inexplicably felt proud. "Not only can the Vice Admiral cook, he is one of the best among chefs. Even I, once known as the greatest chef in the East Blue, willingly became his student."

"Amazing!"

Vivi's gaze turned toward Ain, who sat obediently beside Noki, waiting. No wonder he could make a gentle, beautiful woman like Sister Ain fall for him. He's actually this outstanding...

Any woman who marries him must be very happy!

Cobra was also interested in the other exquisite, fragrant dishes and asked Carmen many questions in succession.

Carmen patiently answered them all.

In the kitchen, Tereina worked hard by herself. When she saw Carmen return only after such a long time, she complained, "Where did you go?"

Carmen puffed out her proud chest. "I haven't appeared for so many chapters. Can't I say a few more words and improve my presence?"

Tereina spat. "What's the use of improving your presence? You're destined to be a minor character. Next time, I'll go."

Carmen glared at her with phoenix-like eyes. "How are you any better? As long as the Vice Admiral doesn't start a harem, you'll never get your chance."

Tereina proudly said, "At least I can compete with Colonel Ain for his favor. You don't even like the Vice Admiral, so appearing more often is useless."

"You!!!"

Carmen took a deep breath. "We'll take turns."

"Then it's settled!"

The journey to the Holy Land was peaceful.

Along the way, Vivi got to know Dezaya, Nami, and the other women. They chatted happily and quickly became friends.

At the same time, Vivi learned about the various duties aboard a warship from the women, broadening her horizons.

The last time she boarded this warship had been rather rushed. Besides, her mind had been entirely focused on her country at the time, so she had not paid attention to these things.

On this warship,

Nami was the navigator. During voyages, her authority was second only to Noki and Ain's, making her the undisputed manager.

Tashigi was in charge of military affairs. Training and combat aboard the ship were handled jointly by her and Dezaya.

The green-haired man who had hit her before was named Bartolomeo, one of the ship's strongest main combatants.

Meanwhile, the scout Van Augur often stayed in the crow's nest, and they might not see him even once for several days.

The burly Burgess was responsible for steering the ship.

Everything was orderly, with a clear division of responsibilities.

After some time.

Noki's warship docked at a port facing the steep walls of the Red Line.

Countless news reporters gathered there, reporting on the arrivals of royal families from various countries.

Noki noticed that aside from Marine warships and vessels from various countries, one ship was particularly eye-catching. Its entire body was pink, and its bow was shaped like a flamingo head wearing red sunglasses.

The royal families of each country had to take bubble gondolas from here to ascend the Red Line.

"Is that Princess Vivi?"

"She's even prettier than the last time she came!"

"The Marines beside her are beautiful too!"

"Watch your mouth! Do you want to lose your head? That's Vice Admiral Noki, the man who slaughtered more than five thousand pirates!"

"So that's Vice Admiral Noki..."

Noki walked at the front of the group, leading Cobra and Vivi toward the bubble gondola station.

Just as they were about to arrive, a man wearing sunglasses and a pink feather coat stepped in front of Noki.

Cobra instinctively protected his daughter. "King of Dressrosa, what business do you have with us?"

Everyone knew it.

The King of Dressrosa had once been a pirate, and an exceptional one at that—the Warlord Donquixote Doflamingo!