As large numbers of Alabasta's Revolutionary Army left Rainbase Port, the entire city suddenly became deserted.
Having made their final profits, the merchants still lingered in the city, hoping to wait for further procurement orders from the Revolutionary Army's Staff Department, or even for the outcome of the war.
If the Revolutionary Army won, the merchants would make money: vast amounts of Alabasta's royal assets awaited auction and disposal.
If the Revolutionary Army lost, the merchants would still make money: the Revolutionary Army would need a large number of ships to withdraw their battered remnants, so they would pay to rent the merchants' vessels.
The Revolutionary Army's own transport capacity alone could never have accomplished such a thing.
So the merchants remained there, watching and waiting for the highest bidder.
The Revolutionary Army's Staff Department could not be bothered with them. It simply moved with the army and began advancing toward Alubarna.
Luffy and the others did the same. Aside from Princess Vivi, who rode a Running Duck unique to the royal family, everyone else rode camels toward Alubarna.
Ace was now the highest-ranking leader here, so he naturally enjoyed certain privileges. Most people had to travel on foot, but he could requisition several camels for his little brother's companions.
Thus, they rode two to a camel, seated atop the double-humped camels unique to the Alabasta Kingdom as they headed for the kingdom's capital.
They had changed into new outfits along the way, wrapping themselves completely in hooded cloaks that revealed only their eyes. Luffy still looked as he always did, while Mr. 1 seemed burdened with worries. Everyone else's thoughts were written across their faces, Princess Vivi included.
The Running Duck beneath Princess Vivi was a specialty of Alabasta's royal family. There was even a dedicated unit of them,