One Piece: Invincible from the Start

Doto looked up into Kuta's eyes and paused.

He didn't know who Kuta was, but... he could sense Kuta's goodwill toward him and toward this country.

"Thank you!"

Doto bowed to Kuta.

In more than a year, Kuta was the first outsider he had met who believed so firmly in their country and in the king of Alabasta.

The travelers who passed through never really cared about the country. They came to Alabasta to sightsee. When they heard the rumors, most believed that the king had used Dance Powder to steal the country's rain.

"All right, sir. It's getting dark. Why don't you take us into town and help us find somewhere to stay?"

Kuta helped Doto straighten up and smiled. "I just have a feeling this country will recover. But if it's truly going to be saved, that's up to you."

"Yes. I know."

A smile appeared on Doto's aged face. He stood straight and said, "Though Yuba is suffering too, we still have plenty of houses where guests can stay."

With that, he turned toward town. "Follow me. I'll find you a place."

"Kuta."

Kuina led Eyelashes over to Kuta. Looking at the pitted ground, she said, "This place might be on its last legs too."

"Yeah."

Kuta nodded but said nothing more. Leading the camel, he headed after Doto.

"Let's go."

At an inn in Yuba's Town Center.

Kuta and the others were spending the night there.

Yuba was practically deserted. Aside from the Rebel Army, the civilians had long since moved to other oases.

That left plenty of empty houses where Kuta and his companions could stay without worry.

Doto brought them to the inn, left them some water and food, then departed.

Yuba had not yet reached the point of utter exhaustion it would