Why would she ask that question?
The answer was simple!
From the moment the mysterious woman named Imu appeared before Ye Mu, he had noticed something. She stood above the Five Elders, leaders of the Celestial Dragons, ruled the World Government from the shadows, and held the Empty Throne.
Her face bore an astonishing resemblance to Nefertari Vivi, the princess of Alabasta from the story. They looked more than ninety percent alike.
Their bearing, however, was entirely different. This Vivi seemed mature, cold, and imposing. Just as her position suggested, she was a ruler of this world. With that black cloak draped around her, she truly seemed like another person.
Of course, he could not say that aloud. But it hardly mattered. The surprise in Imu's expression seemed answer enough.
"Nothing. I'm just curious. Alabasta betrayed the Twenty Kingdoms that founded the World Government, yet it remained untouched and even held such an important Poneglyph. Was there some special reason...?"
A dangerous glint entered Imu's eyes.
Through his Observation Haki, Ye Mu clearly sensed the terrifying power hidden within her mature body.
It was just as Shiki had once told him. Facing this woman felt less like facing a human being than facing an overwhelming force he could never defeat—as though the entire world were his enemy.
But Ye Mu had come here willingly, so he was not afraid. He replied without concern.
"If you don't want to answer, forget it!"
His question, however, seemed to have flipped a switch.
For the first time since Ye Mu's arrival, the relatively cordial atmosphere turned into a dangerous standoff. The two faced each other across the vast, magnificent Room of God, neither giving an inch.
Then a low voice came from beneath Imu's black cloak.
"You're even more arrogant than I imagined..."