Jack listened silently, but just as their conversation almost reached the Climax, Vivi and the other Straw Hats Pirates suddenly entered the room.
The timing of their arrival couldn't have been worse.
"Father, what were you talking about?" Vivi asked as she walked in.
Cobra could only sigh upon seeing his beloved daughter arrive at such an unfortunate moment.
"I was just discussing the rain device with Jack," Cobra replied with a gentle smile.
Vivi glanced at Jack, then back at her father.
"Father… I have something important to talk to you about," she said, her expression serious.
Hearing her tone made Cobra's heart skip a beat. He took a sip of water before nodding.
"Go on."
"This is about my future… I want to continue sailing with the Straw Hat Pirates," Vivi revealed, her voice slightly nervous.
"What?!"
The royal advisors were shocked and even Cobra looked taken aback by his daughter sudden decision.
"Princess… you can't!"
"Yes, Princess! Who will inherit the throne if you become a pirate?"
They tried to persuade her, but Vivi stood firm.
Cobra looked straight into her eyes.
"May I ask… why do you want to become a pirate?" he asked calmly.
"…Because I have the 'D' in my name," Vivi replied.
Cobra flinched slightly.
That answer confirmed everything, that Jack not just know about Nefetari family has moniker 'D' on their name, he even told his daughter about it.
Cobra slowly turned toward Jack. "Are you the one who told Vivi about this?"
"Yes," Jack admitted.
Cobra sighed deeply, unable to immediately respond. Meanwhile, the Straw Hats watched with anticipation, they had heard this from Vivi before and were now waiting for Cobra's decision.
If Cobra agreed then Vivi would be their Nakama and the official Strawhat Pirates.
Jack continued. "I think it's better for Vivi to become a pirate."
The advisors tensed but remained silent waiting for King Cobra answer.
"Why?" Cobra asked.
Jack didn't answer right away. Instead, he raised his hand and conjured an illusion.
A large portrait appeared in the air.
The woman on the potrait looked exactly like Vivi.
"Jack… what does this mean?" Vivi asked because she was surprised seeing herself.
"Whoa… Vivi, you look so beautiful," Nojiko commented.
"She looks like a queen," Nami added.
"Big sis Vivi looks really pretty!" Bonney said excitedly.
"She looks more mature," Robin observed.
"Yeah… she looks older," Nami agreed.
"Vivi! That portrait definitely looks like an older version of you!" Bartolomeo said dramatically.
"Jack, why are you showing us a picture of Vivi?" Luffy asked.
Kuma remained silent, watching carefully.
Zoro didn't even question it.
Meanwhile, Sanji eyes turned into hearts, completely captivated.
Jack frowned and immediately dispelled the illusion.
"Hey! Why did you remove it?!" Sanji complained.
Ignoring him, Jack spoke.
"That wasn't Vivi."
Their eyes widen after hearing Jack answer.
"That was Queen Nefertari D. Lily."
"WHAT?!"
"IS THAT VIVI MOTHER?!" Usopp shouted.
Cobra shook his head. "No… she is our ancestor from 800 years ago."
The atmosphere turned heavy.
Jack turned toward Luffy.
"Luffy… Vivi might be in danger."
"Danger?" Luffy's expression hardened.
"Someone dangerous may try to kidnap her."
Anger erupted instantly.
"Tell me who dares to target Vivi-chan.... I'll kick him!" Sanji shouted.
"Vivi, if anyone tries anything, I'll make them regret it," Luffy added.
Usopp, despite his usual fear, stood firm. "J-Just tell me who it is! I'll make them pay!"
"Don't worry, Vivi! We'll protect you!" Chopper said.
"My magma power isn't for show, I'll burn them if I have to!" Bartolomeo declared.
Kuma finally spoke.
"Who is targeting her? Is it the World Government?"
Jack nodded. "Yes."
He waved his hand again, creating another illusion.
This time, another figure appeared.
Dark wings, a long tail, it is a very terrifying presence.
"Who is that?" Luffy asked.
"W-Why does he have such a long tail?" Usopp trembled.
Zoro narrowed his eyes at the weapon in the figure hand.
"…Is that the one?" Nami asked.
Jack nodded.
"His name is Saint Nerona Imu."
"The King of the Celestial Dragons."
"The one who sits on the Empty Throne."
Most of the crew didn't understand but Cobra, Robin and Kuma were visibly shocked.
"Wait… are you saying there someone sitting on the Empty Throne?" Cobra asked.
"Yes," Jack replied. "He has lived for over 800 years."
He continued,
"That portrait earlier… was Queen Nefertari D. Lily."
"When I went there, I saw it. I believe Imu had feelings for Lily but she rejected him."
Everyone in the room looked at Jack in disbelief.
"And now… Vivi looks exactly like her."
Vivi trembled slightly.
"If Imu sees her… he won't let her go."
Suddenly.
BAM!
Luffy slammed his fist onto the table, shattered it into pieces.
"Vivi! Whoever tries to take you even if it's the King of the World, I'll punch him!" he declared. "There can be many kings… but there's only one Pirate King!"
Sanji stepped forward, furious. "I don't care who he is. No one touches Vivi-chan while I'm around!"
"Yeah! Don't be afraid, Vivi. We'll protect you!" he added.
The rest of the Straw Hats voices out their support as well.
"Thank you… everyone," Vivi said, her eyes slightly teary.
Dorry and Broggy who watched without saying anything finally opened their mouth.
"Jack… is that the man who killed King Harald?" Dorry asked.
Broggy expression darkened with anger. "I will kill him."
They had seen the illusion before and they hadn't forgotten that Jack had told them about King Harald was tricked before being killed by World Government.
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