One week later.
"So this is Sabaody Archipelago."
A massive, simple yet elegant administrative ship sailed into the port of Sabaody Archipelago.
The sails bore Alabasta's emblem, gleaming brilliantly under the sunlight.
All eyes turned toward the ship in astonishment.
A large administrative vessel from Alabasta.
This was the type of ship used exclusively for Alabasta's royal family travels.
Although the Kingdom of Alabasta had adopted a constitutional monarchy system that outsiders found incomprehensible, the Alabasta royals had adapted remarkably well.
The reason they still held real power was because beyond their monarch titles, they continued to shoulder significant governance responsibilities.
Cobra went without saying.
His only daughter, Princess Vivi, upon reaching adulthood, served as Alabasta's ambassador, conducting diplomatic activities worldwide to maintain friendships between Alabasta and other nations.
This time, she had finally arrived at Sabaody Archipelago, with her next destination being Fish-Man Island.
But before that, she would stay at Sabaody for about a month.
After all, besides being the world's most important hub island, Sabaody Archipelago was home to numerous diverse races.
Building good relations with other races is also part of the duties as an image ambassador and diplomat.
Princess Vivi of Alabasta's arrival at Sabaody Archipelago was no secret either.
As the governor overseeing Sabaody Archipelago and its surrounding waters, Nico Robin led all officials from the Angel Alliance to wait at the port early.
Vivi, who had just been leaning over the ship's bow exclaiming in wonder, immediately flipped down and flashed an apologetic smile at Nico Robin before disappearing.
Nico Robin smiled knowingly, naturally not taking offense.
After some time, with Princess Vivi of Alabasta at the lead, the entire diplomatic team disembarked from the work vessel behind her.
"Welcome to Sabaody Archipelago, Princess Vivi of Alabasta."
"Ahaha, Robin-san, why so formal with me!"
Vivi said cheerfully, affectionately hugging Nico Robin's arm. The angel feather pendant hanging from her chest had been emitting a faint glow all along.
Robin chuckled.
Vivi was a very familiar presence to her, even to the entire SWORD Classified Special Forces.
After all, everyone in the Nefertari family shared close ties with Michael.
Like Cobra, like Crocodile... and Vivi was no exception.
If not for Cobra having only this one precious daughter, Vivi would likely have joined the Marines long ago.
"Am I being formal? Even if you've come to Sabaody... don't forget your status." Nico Robin helplessly poked Vivi's forehead.
"How has King Cobra's health been recently?"
"Ah, same as always." Vivi had made a special trip back to Alabasta before coming to Sabaody. "But lately the old man seems... overly excited? Even though he was just robbed by that so-called 'Golden Thief,' he wasn't angry at all."
Golden Thief.
Hearing this name, Robin's expression instantly turned cold.
She hadn't forgotten—this recently notorious pirate had killed Shu and T-Bone stationed at Enies Lobby.
This was an unforgettable blood debt.
Seeing Robin's expression, Vivi immediately realized her mistake and quickly changed the subject.
"Though I've traveled between countries since childhood... this is my first time at Sabaody Archipelago!" Vivi looked around curiously. "I've wanted to come for ages, but Father always said that even with you guarding the place, it's still too chaotic... too risky."
"King Cobra wasn't wrong about that." Nico Robin gradually regained her smile. "For you, this place is indeed... not entirely safe."
"Haha, that's why I waited until I grew up to come! Official duties can't be abandoned just because of a little risk, right?"
"But this time... you're heading to Fish-Man Island, aren't you?"
"Correct, but before meeting King Neptune and Queen Otohime at Fish-Man Island, we'll stay at Sabaody for about a month... since we can connect with most races here."
"How diligent of you."
"After all, the royal family of Alabasta must uphold such responsibilities... With a constitutional monarchy, if you don't want to become parasites in the palace, you have to work hard."
There wasn't a trace of complaint on Vivi's face.
For an adventurous girl like her, this arrangement suited her perfectly.
"Next, I'll arrange for you to stay at the Angel Alliance's base."
"Ah, that's not necessary, is it?" Vivi looked puzzled. "Wouldn't that be... a bit too authoritarian?"
"It's not about that... As you said, Sabaody Archipelago is relatively unstable these days... and recently, it's gotten worse." Robin lowered her voice, "Recently, that so-called Golden Thief is about to arrive at Sabaody Archipelago... And that guy called Blackbeard has publicly declared he wants the Golden Thief's Old Geezers Pirates to submit to him... In other words, Sabaody might soon gather a group of powerful and ruthless pirates."
Hearing this, Vivi nodded solemnly.
"Then... are you going to take action?"
"The SWORD Special Forces have already begun assembling... Everyone wants to avenge their comrades."
Vivi was stunned.
The SWORD Special Forces assembling?
At Sabaody Archipelago?
It must be known that the SWORD Special Forces represent the most elite combat force within the Angel Alliance.
In the New World where they confront the World Government, they serve as the backbone.
And now, for this Golden Thief guy, they're assembling at Sabaody Archipelago?
This is really...
A grand spectacle!
Suppressing her excitement, Vivi asked Nico Robin a question.
"Robin... have you heard any news about Uncle Michael?"
"Unfortunately... no." Robin sighed deeply. "After all, that's a journey through time... Who knows when Michael might just 'pop' into existence before us?"
The group walked along the main road of Sabaody Archipelago, heading toward the Angel Alliance's base.
Just as they passed by a stall, a man who had replaced his full-face mask with a half-face mask looked up.
Beside him, Imu was stuffing his face with food.
Rubbing his chin, the man chuckled softly:
"The SWORD Special Forces are assembling?"
"How exciting."
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