In the faint light of dawn, several figures strode through the glow and entered the hall.
The man at their head wore somewhat tattered clothes and looked haggard, but he stood tall, his eyes bright and sharp, carrying the dignity of a longtime ruler and the fury of imprisonment. It was none other than Nefertari Cobra! The true king of Alabasta!
At his sides stood Guard Captain Pell, covered in wounds but resolute, and Sand Fox, his expression cold and a sharp blade in hand. Shadow Shuriken, Heavy Axe, and Chain Sickle guarded their flanks and rear.
Behind them, several restrained and gagged palace guards were shoved inside. They were the very "strange guards" who had stood beside the fake king earlier, their faces now filled with terror.
Dead silence.
The entire hall fell as silent as the grave.
Every official stared wide-eyed and slack-jawed, looking from the "king" on the throne to the king at the entrance, their minds completely blank.
Cobra (Mr. 2), seated on the throne, instantly turned as white as paper. His body gave an almost imperceptible shudder, his eyes filled with utter shock and disbelief. How was this possible?! How could they have found the true king? And brought him here at this very moment?! Was the ambush in the Old Garden a ruse? Was the assault on the East Gate a feint too?!
"Father!!!" A tearful cry rang out from outside. Princess Vivi rushed into the hall under the protection of two Wind Traveler members and threw herself at Cobra.
"Vivi! My daughter!" Cobra hugged his daughter tightly, tears streaming down his aged face. Then he raised his head and glared at the fake king on the throne, his voice shaking with fury. "You scoundrel! Who exactly are you? How dare you impersonate me,