Cobra took in the crowd's reaction, sighed, and continued, "Therefore, I, Nefertari Cobra, the first King of Alabasta, hereby declare that the Poneglyph will be handed over to the World Government! From this day forward, it will have nothing to do with the Nefertari Family!"
The World Government.
No one was unfamiliar with that name. Even the descendants of people stranded on deserted islands had heard of the largest organization in the world, let alone the people of Alabasta, which was itself an Affiliated Nation of the World Government.
Handing the Poneglyph that could bring war to the World Government might truly be the only way to save Alabasta.
Up on the tower, Loa heard Cobra's words and rose, brushing the dust from his clothes.
"My turn! Don't run away, all right? That would put me in a difficult spot."
Nico Robin smiled at him. "Of course I won't. Where else would I find someone as powerful as you to protect me?"
"Thanks for the compliment!" Loa grinned, transformed into his Dragon Transformation, and flew down.
On the platform, Cobra waited a moment after finishing his announcement. When he spotted a dark shape moving near the tower, he called out, "Next, please welcome the hero who saved Alabasta and wiped out the Rebel Army: Headquarters Vice Admiral Loa of the Marines!"
Whoosh!
Before the bewildered crowd could react, a fierce gust swept over their heads. Under the moonlight, a massive shadow crossed the Plaza and landed on the speaking platform.
The instant Loa's feet touched the floor, he stopped dead from full speed. His broad Dragon Wings spread upward, casting an enormous shadow ahead of him in the firelight.
Ignoring Cobra, who was staggering in the gust, Loa raised a hand to the people of Alabasta. "Hey! How's everyone doing?"