Nanohana Town-
A ray of holy light appeared above the town, barely noticeable in broad daylight.
Having returned to human form, Sephiroth was dressed inconspicuously in his classic adventurer-style "incognito outfit."
After all, his reputation in Alabasta far surpassed Crocodile's at his peak.
He could actually make it rain, and his "local reputation" had already reached "god-tier." If he walked straight out onto the streets, drums, gongs, and firecrackers really would greet him.
"..."
After sweeping the streets with his Mantra, Sephiroth's expression turned peculiar.
He lowered the brim of his hat, bent the visible light around himself, and landed on a rooftop along the street.
At one corner of the street, a house had partially collapsed.
"...Cough, cough."
Smoker struggled out of the rubble, a fist-shaped mark on his face.
"...Why do you look so undignified every time I see you, Captain Smoker?"
Sephiroth landed a few paces in front of him.
"Are you... cosplaying... a speed bump?"
Smoker lifted his gloomy face and saw a young man.
The man wore a beige explorer suit beneath a gray cloak, with a travel hat on his head.
And... blond hair and red eyes.
As he spoke, he removed his windproof mask, revealing that unmistakable face.
"...Your Excellency, Great Angel."
Smoker frowned, pulling at the injury on his face and making the corner of his mouth twitch.
"What are you..."
-Why are you everywhere?
Smoker's expression twisted subtly.
He and Sephiroth were hardly close, but they were not strangers either. They were at least on nodding terms.
"It's hardly strange for me to be here."
Smoker had to agree with Sephiroth on that point.
There were countless versions circulating across the seas of the beloved Great Angel's relationship with Princess Vivi.
"What I want to know is why the timing is