Grand Line—Santin Island, Alabasta.
At this moment, in the capital of this ancient kingdom with a history spanning thousands of years, a chaotic war had just ended.
The royal army, 600,000 strong, had been defeated by the rebel forces, leading to the fall of the capital. The Nefertari royal family had met misfortune as a result.
In the rebel camp, Crocodile sat calmly.
Some of his top officers were present as well.
MR. 3 stood behind Crocodile, trembling. His awe toward his boss had only grown stronger.
Following Crocodile, he had witnessed Alabasta, once peaceful, descend into chaos. The once-prestigious Nefertari royal family had been completely disgraced.
All of this—this grand spectacle—had been orchestrated entirely by his boss. And now, the final act had concluded.
Crocodile seemed to be waiting for something. He sat in the camp, a cigar clenched between his teeth, exhaling puffs of smoke from time to time. His eyes were closed slightly, as if resting.
Before long, the tent's entrance was pulled open, and Crocodile's most trusted subordinate, MR. 1—Daz Bones—walked in.
A trace of blood still lingered on his hands, but his eyes were calm, his expression indifferent.
Upon entering, Crocodile opened his eyes and asked softly, "How is it?"
Hearing his boss' words, Daz Bones answered in an even tone, "I've executed Koza and the others."
Crocodile nodded at his response, then stood up.
Koza—the leader of the rebel army, said to be childhood friends with Princess Vivi of the Nefertari family.
Yet, as Crocodile stirred up conflict and sowed discord in this nation, these once-close companions had become mortal enemies.
With Crocodile's secret support, Koza had expanded his rebel forces, ultimately sweeping across the country and toppling Alubarna, the capital defended by the 600,000-strong royal army.
But just now, Daz Bones had quietly eliminated Koza and the other rebel leaders.
For years, Crocodile had been secretly backing the rebels. Naturally, he had also planted many of his own people among them.
Now, with the true rebel leadership dead, the entire rebellion was under Crocodile's control.
At this moment, in Alabasta, apart from the Nefertari royal family, Crocodile was the most powerful figure.
The Nefertari royal family was now trapped in Alabasta's palace, like lambs waiting to be slaughtered.
In this kingdom, Crocodile had become the supreme ruler.
"Announce that Koza and the others perished in the Battle of Alubarna. At the same time, as Sir Crocodile, the national hero, declare that we have ended the war and taken control of the rebel forces." Crocodile spoke calmly.
Hearing this, Daz Bones and the others immediately responded, "Understood, boss."
"Seize all the royal army's weapons and temporarily enforce martial law over Alubarna.
Once I've dealt with the Nefertari family, I will officially take control of all Alabasta.
At that point, whether it's the rebels or the royal army, they will all be mine."
Crocodile's voice was deep and commanding.
"Understood," Daz Bones replied without hesitation.
"Then, let's go meet His Majesty Cobra. I hope he has enough sense to willingly cede the throne to me, so I won't have to kill anyone else."
A sinister smile curled at the corners of Crocodile's mouth, his eyes gleaming with malice as he spoke softly.
—
Before long, Crocodile arrived at the grand and ancient Alubarna Palace.
At this moment, inside the palace…
Nefertari Cobra—the king who had once stood in Mariejois, daring to challenge the greed of the World Government, a man who had even defied the Celestial Dragons.
Now sat on his throne, looking utterly exhausted.
His once-dark hair had begun to turn gray. His gaze was dull, his aura filled with despair.
Beside him stood a young girl with long blue hair. Her face was filled with confusion and worry, but she had no idea what to do.
This girl was none other than Princess Vivi of the Nefertari family.
Among the current Nefertari bloodline, only the two of them remained.
The massive doors of the throne room slowly swung open.
Hearing the sound, Cobra lifted his weary gaze toward the entrance.
Footsteps echoed as Crocodile's figure gradually came into view.
The moment he saw Crocodile, Cobra let out a bitter laugh, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly.
"So, it was you after all… The rebels, the public outcry… You incited it all, didn't you, Sir Crocodile?" Cobra murmured.
Crocodile bit down on his cigar, striding toward the throne step by step.
He nodded and replied calmly, "Yes, Your Majesty Cobra. It was me."
Before Cobra could speak, Vivi shouted angrily, "Why?! Why would you do this to Alabasta?! Weren't you supposed to be our national hero?!
My father treated you well, he gave you nobility, he gave you reputation and status!"
"Don't be so agitated, Princess Vivi. Those weren't gifts from your father. I earned them myself," Crocodile said dismissively.
"As for why I did this… Let's just say it couldn't be helped, I was merely following orders."
"Following orders?" Cobra's eyes flickered slightly.
Then, he laughed again, a laugh of resignation, as if none of it mattered anymore.
"So, you're an agent of the World Government?"
Crocodile nodded casually and replied, "Under CP-X."
"I see… So, you serve him. The World Government truly intends to erase the Nefertari bloodline," Cobra said, his voice filled with sorrow.
"Perhaps," Crocodile responded indifferently.
He didn't bother explaining further.
The World Government had merely wanted to punish the Nefertari family as a warning.
The one who truly desired Alabasta's destruction was Claudius.
But of course, Crocodile wouldn't say any of that. Let the World Government take the blame.
Reaching into his coat, he pulled out a document and handed it to Cobra.
"This is the reality of the situation.
I believe Your Majesty Cobra understands that the Nefertari family's reign has come to an end.
Now, sign this document and officially surrender Alabasta's throne to me."
Hearing this, Vivi yelled angrily, "Never! You traitor!"
"It's not impossible," Crocodile replied with a cruel glint in his eyes. "I'm just trying to make this transition a bit more peaceful."
Cobra gently grabbed Vivi, his voice quiet.
"If I sign this document… will Vivi be spared?"
"Father!" Vivi clutched his arm in a panic.
Crocodile smiled and said, "As long as Your Majesty Cobra follows my arrangements, neither you nor Princess Vivi will be in any danger."
"What arrangements?" Cobra's gaze darkened.
"Saint Claudius has prepared a large estate for you both in West Blue. You can live out the rest of your days there in peace," Crocodile answered frankly.
"Peace…?" Cobra murmured, repeating the word.
"Yes. Peace," Crocodile confirmed.
The implication was clear, so long as Cobra and Vivi didn't cause trouble, they could live a life of luxury.
But if they did try anything… then there would be no mercy.
"The Nefertari family seized the Alabasta throne over 800 years ago… and now, it will fall at my hands," Cobra muttered sorrowfully.
Then, he let out a bitter smile.
"Perhaps… our ancestors should have remained in Mariejois back then…"
Crocodile said nothing.
He knew it was pointless.
Claudius was going to cleanse everything, whether they were Celestial Dragons or not, their fate would have been the same.
Cobra didn't expect a response.
He silently picked up the pen, signed his name on the document, and looked at Crocodile.
"From now on… you are the King of the Desert."
***
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