Cobra's Thoughts

Noki chuckled. "Of course I believe you, Gion, but it's better not to advertise this sort of thing everywhere. Next time... next time, I'll definitely tell you the truth."

"There'll be a next time!?" Gion raised an eyebrow.

Noki nodded seriously and answered decisively, "There will!"

Gion opened her mouth, yet found herself unable to do anything about him. She could hardly go complain to Sakazuki for real. Rubbing her forehead helplessly, she said, "You... It's only because it's me and I'm a little soft-hearted. If it were someone else, they'd definitely go find Sakazuki and have him teach you a proper lesson."

Ain promptly wrapped her arms around Gion's arm and smiled sweetly. "Gion is the best."

"Hmph, hmph. How am I better than your husband? For his sake, you even kept things from me."

Though Gion sounded dissatisfied, she was quite pleased inside. If it had been her, she would have chosen to help Noki conceal it too. Ain had finally learned her "essence."

If Noki had known what Gion was thinking, he certainly would have complained. You're a lifelong single b... beauty—where did you get so much experience?

Then another thought crossed Noki's mind. It seemed Garp had mentioned that Gion had once been in a relationship with his father?

Although Gion had never admitted it, the bashful look on her face at the time had not seemed fake!

So...

Perhaps Gion had not been single her entire life after all. Maybe she had experience being dumped by his father once?

Gion had originally come to lecture the two of them. Since the truth had now come out, there was no need for her to stay. Afraid of becoming an enormous third wheel, she quickly got up and excused herself on the grounds that she had too much official business to handle.

Only then did Ain let out a sigh of relief and apologize, "Sorry, Noki. I nearly got you scolded."

"It's fine. I mysteriously vanished from Headquarters for several days without receiving any assignments, and it happened during a special time like the Reverie. Your excuse was probably one of the few that could hold up." Noki smiled.

"Where did this money come from?"

Ain made a rough estimate. There was around one hundred million Berries in the suitcase.

"I took control of Crocodile's forces, so his money naturally became mine. I casually brought back one hundred million Berries because I wanted to buy you some nice things."

Ain was delighted. "It's enough that you thought of me. What could I possibly need that costs so much money? We should save it for later."

Noki nodded in agreement.

He thought about it carefully. Generally speaking, girls loved beauty, and clothing and cosmetics were their main expenses.

However, Ain was a Marine and had never cared much about such things. Aside from weapons for personal use, the only things she could spend money on were daily necessities.

Before Noki, Ain was simply a pure little woman. All she wanted was for Noki to stay by her side, and that was enough.

In the blink of an eye, the next day arrived.

Ain woke up first beside the bed. Looking at the hands of the clock, she saw that the timing was just right. Today was the day they were to go to the Holy Land and escort Cobra, Princess Vivi, and the others back to Alabasta.

Noki needed to lead the fleet to the Holy Land's port at the appointed time.

Her gaze gentle, Ain lightly stroked the man beside her on the cheek. She leaned down by his ear, her breath fragrant as orchids. "Noki, it's time to get up."

Noki turned over. During his time in Alabasta, he had slept far less soundly than he did in his own large bed, and he suddenly felt like sleeping in.

Ain patted his back again. After putting in considerable effort, she finally got Noki out of bed, though he was clearly unwilling.

His usual routine was to sleep at least twelve hours every day. In Rainbase, because he had been so busy, he had only slept around ten hours a day. He had to make up for the lost sleep as soon as possible.

Noki casually washed up, draped Little Black's true-form Marine coat over himself, picked up Golden Scale and Sandai Kitetsu, then left with Ain and headed straight for the warship at the docks.

Tashigi and the others had long been waiting there on standby.

As soon as Noki boarded, the warship set sail, following the Red Line toward the docks of the Holy Land, Mary Geoise.

When Cobra saw Noki again, he glanced at the other Marines and forcibly swallowed the words on his lips.

It would be better to ask about Rear Admiral Noki's relationship with Carl Enel in private.

Princess Vivi understood her father's concerns and did not mention Carl Enel's name either, despite desperately wanting to extract information from Noki.

As king, Cobra could not move around freely.

Princess Vivi found an opportunity and slipped into the captain's cabin.

At the moment, Noki was the only one in the room. He was changing into pajamas and preparing to sleep when he suddenly saw Vivi push open the door. "Princess, is there something you need?"

Princess Vivi closed the door, drew a deep breath, and said, "I'm sorry, Rear Admiral. I've disturbed your rest. I came to visit two days ago, but you weren't there. However, Sister Ain told me that you know Carl Enel, the new Seven Warlord of the Sea who defeated Crocodile?"

"I know him."

"What kind of person is he? Is he trustworthy?" Princess Vivi asked anxiously.

Baroque Works had no plans to relocate its headquarters anytime soon, so it would inevitably have dealings with the Alabasta royal family in the future.

Noki had to make sure Carl Enel left a good impression on Vivi.

"Carl Enel..."

Noki reluctantly began praising himself. "He's about my age, upright in character, and has a strong sense of justice. We knew each other for a long time before he became one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Not only is he outstandingly handsome, his strength is top-tier as well. He's evenly matched with me. Based on my many years of knowing him, he is absolutely a man worthy of trust and reliance. With him in Alabasta, you have nothing to worry about."

"Really!?"

Princess Vivi trusted Noki. Any assessment that came from his mouth had to be sufficiently accurate.

"Of course. I never lie." Noki patted his chest in assurance.

Still doubtful, Princess Vivi asked, "But if he is a good person like you, why didn't he join the Marines? Why did he become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea instead?"

"Well... perhaps because he dislikes being bound by rules and would rather act freely according to his own will."

"I see!"

Princess Vivi thought it over, but still felt something was off. "Then how do you explain Baroque Works? As Carl Enel's organization, it committed no shortage of bad deeds in the past."

Noki patiently explained, "Baroque Works was originally founded jointly by Carl Enel and Crocodile. Before he and I began working together, Baroque Works was still under Crocodile's control.

"Now that Carl Enel has completely taken power, you can rest assured. Before long, Baroque Works will become a fine organization that serves the country and its people."

"That explains it. Thank you, Rear Admiral, for clearing up my doubts." Princess Vivi bowed gratefully.

Noki reached out and helped her up. "There's no need to be so polite, Princess. It is simply what I should do as a Marine."

Princess Vivi hesitated before saying, "I have one more request. I hope you can agree to it."

"Please, go ahead."

"Could you introduce me to Lord Enel? If our royal family visits him without warning, I'm afraid we might do something discourteous."

"No problem. I'll tell him about your intentions beforehand. Just go visit him whenever you wish."

Vivi bowed deeply again. "Thank you, Rear Admiral. We have no way to repay your kindness. From this day onward, the Alabasta royal family will honor you as a distinguished guest. Should you encounter any trouble, we will do everything in our power to help."

"You honor me too much, Princess."

Noki's excessively handsome face was full of smiles.

Fortunately, he had already made up a reason to convince the Alabasta royal family, allowing him to answer so smoothly.

After Princess Vivi returned, she immediately relayed Noki's words to Cobra.

Cobra had clearly considered more than Vivi had. Even Noki had given Enel such high praise, which meant the man was indeed exceptional.

A few days earlier, the news that Crocodile had stormed the palace alone and defeated the guards had made Cobra realize that although Alabasta possessed hundreds of thousands of troops, it severely lacked high-level combat power. That was a tremendous hidden danger.

Just imagine: if Alabasta had someone as strong as Rear Admiral Noki guarding it, would Crocodile have dared set his sights on Alabasta?

Since Noki had said Enel was as strong as him, if they could bring him into the royal family...

Cobra secretly glanced at his daughter. He made up his mind that if Vivi showed even the slightest interest in Enel, he would definitely bring the two together.

Opportunities like this could not be missed!

Vivi noticed Cobra's strange gaze and asked in confusion, "Father, why are you looking at me like that?"

"It's nothing, nothing. I was just thinking that my daughter has grown up. Time truly passes quickly!" Cobra sighed.

Vivi thought her father was praising her capability. Lowering her head shyly, she said, "It's all thanks to Father and the uncles teaching me so well."

Cobra's expression became even stranger. There was nothing wrong with following Vivi's train of thought, but paired with what he had just been thinking, her words sounded strange no matter how he heard them.

After sailing for some time.

The warship entered the port of Nanohana once more.

Jaca waited on the docks with a group of soldiers clad in heavy armor.

Cobra repeatedly thanked Noki. "Thank you for escorting us all the way, Rear Admiral. Could you come to the palace with me? I wish to hold a banquet and properly thank you."

Noki shook his head in refusal. "It was my duty, Your Majesty. There's no need to concern yourself with it. There are still many matters in Alabasta that require your attention, so I won't trouble you further."

Cobra signaled to Jaca with his eyes.

Jaca immediately ordered someone to bring over more than a dozen large crates.

Cobra smiled. "Mr. Noki, these are all specialty ingredients from Alabasta. Please be sure to accept them."

"Alright. Thank you."

Noki had his men accept them without the slightest hesitation.

Burgess was the strongest. He disembarked alone and carried the crates onto the warship, finishing the task in just a few minutes.

Princess Vivi looked at Noki and inexplicably felt reluctant to part with him. This was certainly not some so-called love.

It was simply that Noki's actions made it easy for people to develop a sense of reliance on him.

After this, she probably would not have another chance to see Rear Admiral Noki...

Vivi quickly cast those thoughts aside and raised her hand in farewell. "Rear Admiral, when you have time, remember to bring Sister Ain to Alabasta to visit."

"Definitely!"

Noki pondered inwardly.

Alabasta was nearly half a home to him by now. In the future, he would probably have to make a trip here whether he had business or not.

The warship did not linger and sailed straight out of the port.

However, that did not mean Noki had left. That night, in the depths of silence, Noki leaped from the warship and headed straight for Alabasta.

The following day, Princess Vivi arrived at the casino in Rainbase carrying gifts.

Robin had received word early and came outside the casino to greet her. "Welcome, Princess. Lord Enel has prepared a lavish lunch. Please follow me."

"Thank you."

Princess Vivi politely returned the greeting and entered the casino with graceful, dignified steps.

Robin did not lead Vivi through the main hall, but instead took her down a corridor that led directly into the casino's interior.

Princess Vivi recognized the woman before her. She had often seen her at Crocodile's side in the past, but since she did not know her relationship with Enel, she did not dare ask.

They entered a spacious dining room.

A tall, handsome young man came into Vivi's view. "Princess, it is our first meeting. I am Carl Enel."

"Hello... hello."

People often said that one's values followed one's face.

The first time Princess Vivi saw Enel, she felt that he was a dependable person.

It was not only because he was handsome, but also because he possessed an aura similar to Rear Admiral Noki's.

Speaking of Carl Enel's appearance.

To create an image that suited his preferences, Noki had put Little Black through tremendous effort and training.

His current appearance had been created through "appropriate" modifications to his original looks.

That was right, merely appropriate modifications. It was absolutely not a face swap!

Seeing Princess Vivi's cheeks flush faintly and her slightly shy expression, Robin wore a sly smile and deliberately asked, "Princess, Lord Enel is very handsome, isn't he? Do you like him?"

"Ah!"

Princess Vivi had not expected to encounter such a difficult question right away.

It was her first time meeting Enel.

How could she directly say that she liked him?

Besides, even if she did like him, it would only be a simple appreciation of his appearance.

Princess Vivi was not that shallow of a person, deciding whether she liked someone based on looks alone.

"Lord Enel is indeed... indeed very handsome. Just as Rear Admiral Noki said, he possesses both talent and looks."

Noki shot Nico Robin a fierce glare, telling her not to stir up trouble.

Robin remained noncommittal.

Vivi sat across from Noki, feeling a little nervous.