A few days later, the Wind Rider finally arrived at Alabasta.
"Caelan, look! It's a desert, such a vast desert!"
Tashigi rushed to the front of the deck, hugging Caelan's arm as she looked out at the endless golden sand, eyes full of wonder.
The desert stretched out as far as the eye could see, a breathtaking natural spectacle.
"Alabasta… I'm back."
Vivi stared at the familiar desert landscape, a bit dazed.
Returning to her homeland stirred both excitement and unease within her.
Alabasta… can I really save you?
Vivi felt a wave of doubt.
Even though Caelan was strong and had easily dealt with four senior agents of Baroque Works, the enemy ahead was none other than the Warlord of the Sea, Crocodile, and the vast Baroque Works organization.
None of the remaining senior agents were easy opponents.
After spending these days together, Vivi had already come to see Caelan and the others as her dearest friends. She did not want them to be put in danger because of her.
Vivi glanced at Caelan, her heart conflicted.
Was it a mistake to involve Caelan and the others in this fight?
"Prepare to dock! Vivi, stop standing there and help fold the sails!"
Nami's voice snapped Vivi back to reality.
"Oh! Coming!"
Vivi quickly moved to help with the sails, snapping out of her thoughts.
"Caelan, Vivi seems a little off."
Tashigi approached Caelan quietly and whispered.
"She's probably worried. Crocodile has left too deep a shadow in her heart."
"But I will handle Crocodile perfectly."
Caelan rubbed Tashigi's head gently, speaking with confidence.
"Yeah!"
Tashigi's eyes sparkled as she fully believed in his words.
Soon, the Wind Rider docked at the shore, and Caelan and his crew stepped onto the desert land of Alabasta.
"Everyone!"
Just as they were heading toward the port city, Vivi suddenly stopped and gathered her courage to speak.
"What's wrong?"
Caelan looked at Vivi in confusion. Nami and Tashigi were also surprised.
"Thank you for taking care of me all this time… but I want to cancel the commission."
Vivi's eyes were filled with tears, but her tone was determined.
"Crocodile is too strong. You shouldn't have to face such an enemy."
The more she spoke, the firmer her resolve became.
"What nonsense are you saying? Do you plan to face Baroque Works alone?"
Nami stepped forward and gave Vivi a light smack on the head, scolding her angrily.
Vivi's words reminded Nami of her own past, and she looked at Vivi with both anger and sympathy.
"I just…"
Vivi held her forehead, unable to continue.
"Vivi, we've already considered you a friend. Helping friends in trouble is only natural."
Caelan's voice was serious.
"Caelan… everyone…"
Vivi looked at Caelan and the two girls beside him, deeply moved.
"And if you cancel the commission, I'll charge you double the breach of contract fee."
Caelan smiled devilishly, locking eyes with Vivi.
"Huh?!"
Vivi gasped, momentarily stunned as she wondered where she would get the money to pay.
By the time she snapped out of it, Caelan and the others were already walking away, clearly not planning to accept her cancellation.
"What?! You're always teasing me!"
Vivi complained, but her heart felt warm. She couldn't stop the smile that crept onto her face.
Meeting Caelan and the others was the greatest luck she'd ever had.
"Vivi, hurry up and catch up!"
Tashigi waved at her from up ahead.
"I'm coming!"
Vivi quickly ran after them, catching up with the group as they moved forward together.
Soon, they arrived at the port city of Alabasta, immediately feeling the unique atmosphere of the desert kingdom.
The people on the streets were dressed lightly for the heat. Merchants called out from both sides, selling a dazzling array of goods. The place was vibrant and lively.
"What a wonderful city!"
Nami and Tashigi were amazed by the port city.
Compared to the most prosperous town in the East Blue, Rogue Town, this place was on a whole different level.
"Of course. Alabasta is one of the great civilizations of the Grand Line!"
Vivi responded proudly when she saw their amazement.
"But because of Baroque Works, the whole country has fallen into poverty and chaos."
"This city looks fine because it's near the port. But even this is far worse than before."
Vivi's expression turned sad as she spoke.
Watching her country fall from peace to turmoil broke her heart.
"Let's resupply first, then move on to dealing with Crocodile."
Caelan gently stroked Vivi's long blue hair, comforting her softly.
"Yeah!"
Vivi nodded firmly, and Nami and Tashigi began buying water and food.
Caelan, meanwhile, frowned slightly as he glanced at some of the nearby vendors.
The special patterns on their clothes and hats were clear symbols of Baroque Works.
It seemed they had been marked as soon as they entered the city.
Just as Caelan expected, the bustling street suddenly descended into chaos. Pedestrians scattered, and shops slammed their doors shut one after another.
"What's going on?"
Tashigi and Nami looked around, startled by the sudden change.
It had been peaceful just moments ago. Why had it turned into panic so suddenly?
"Ma'am, what happened?!"
Vivi grabbed a middle-aged woman who was running past and asked urgently.
"The royal army is out robbing and killing again! They're claiming people are rebels!"
"Don't stay here, run!"
The woman shook off Vivi's hand and fled in terror.
"No… my father would never give such an order!"
Vivi's eyes widened as she shouted in disbelief.
"It's Crocodile. He's moved his plan ahead of schedule."
Caelan walked over and spoke calmly.
Vivi bit her lip, her heart filled with anxiety.
"Don't worry. We'll find someone in charge and ask directly."
Caelan's Observation Haki had already detected someone approaching.
Just as he spoke, more than forty people rushed out from all directions, surrounding Caelan and the others.
The leader of the group was none other than the remaining senior agents of Baroque Works.
With just a glance, Vivi recognized them. These were the agents she feared the most.
Mr. 1, Daz Bonez, the user of the Dice-Dice Fruit, the strongest among the senior agents.
Mr. 2, Bon Clay, the user of the Clone-Clone Fruit.
Miss Doublefinger, Zala, the user of the Spike-Spike Fruit.
Mr. 4, Babe, with his gun that had eaten a Zoan-type Devil Fruit.
Miss Merry Christmas, the user of the Mole-Mole Fruit.
Along with Mr. 11, and several other mid-level agents from Baroque Works.
"All of them are here…"
Vivi's pupils trembled. The pressure was suffocating.
Except for Crocodile and Robin, nearly all of Baroque Works' high-level forces were now gathered in front of them.
"So they really think that highly of us…"
Vivi gave a bitter smile, whispering to herself.
This lineup alone, even without Crocodile, could easily destroy most countries.
Now, all of them were assembled here for one purpose: to deal with Caelan.
It was truly overwhelming.
(To be continued.)