At the Royal Palace's rear entrance, Cobra, Vivi, and Pell were almost at the backyard.
Cobra was getting on in years. Though still reasonably fit, he could only endure so much exertion.
The decision not to have Pell carry him had also been made after weighing the risks.
If they were attacked along the way, their only fighter might be unable to react while carrying someone. That would make things even worse.
"As long as we reach that spot-"
Pell could turn into a falcon, and naturally, he could carry people through the air.
But the central courtyard had already become Crocodile and Yamato's battlefield.
Taking flight amid the complicated structures behind the Royal Palace was difficult, too.
The nearest open space was the backyard.
At that moment, Pell felt guilty over his own helplessness. He wasn't a Swordsman, after all. Otherwise, he could destroy part of the palace and take off immediately.
"Pell, if things get desperate, leave me behind and escape with Vivi."
In the corridor, Cobra adopted a king's commanding manner-a rare sight-and gave Pell his orders.
"But..."
Pell understood the reasoning, but still hesitated.
From a practical standpoint, Cobra was old and had no intention of taking another queen. Vivi was his only heir.
"Father!"
Vivi took Cobra's hand, too.
"...Do as I say."
Just as the three rushed out the rear entrance and reached the backyard, a sandstorm abruptly swept across the sky.
Within the swirling dust, Crocodile's body gradually reformed from grains of sand.
"Where do you think you're going-"
Though he looked somewhat disheveled, Crocodile was largely unharmed, and his presence put tremendous pressure on all three.
"Crocodile-"
Cobra regarded the Shichibukai with mixed emotions. He was the Kingdom's hero, after all. Twenty years... Cobra simply couldn't understand what Crocodile was after.
"Cobra,