At this time, the other gates had not yet been breached by the rebels, and the city remained relatively peaceful. However, it was only a matter of time before that changed.
After all, the king's army was significantly outnumbered by the rebel forces, and Koza had rallied every citizen in Alabasta capable of fighting.
Jason strolled leisurely down the now-quiet streets. The residents were hiding in their homes, too frightened to come out, while the king's soldiers guarded every door.
Jason was in no rush, though he hadn't eaten breakfast yet. But with no shops open on the street, he had to make do with what he could find.
As for the South Gate, before Jason arrived, Princess Vivi had attempted to stop Koza from leading the rebellion.
However, an undercover agent had fired a shot prematurely, causing chaos with a cloud of smoke and dust.
The two of them had narrowly missed each other.
If not for Karoo's desperate protection, it might have ended very differently—Jason could have been trampled to death by a camel long ago! But then, Jason arrived.
Koza had originally been with the rebels at the South Gate, planning to launch the attack from there. He was one of the few who remained conscious after Jason unleashed his Conqueror's Haki.
After an intense internal struggle, Koza decided to pursue his dream and fight for the ideal Alabasta he envisioned! He led his remaining forces to the other gates. As for what Jason had said about similar people at the other gates, Koza had to see it for himself!
Meanwhile, the Straw Hat Pirates had successfully entered Alubarna and were scattered across the city, each fighting with the Baroque Works agents.
It was some time later that Princess Vivi, struggling to her feet from beneath Karoo, was stunned by the scene before her.
"What... what happened? Were they all killed?"
Princess Vivi was horrified when she saw the rebel soldiers fainted before her. After a quick check, she was relieved to find they were still alive, but there was no time to worry about them—Karoo was seriously injured.
There were also many rebels at the other gates, and they had already entered the city! She had to quickly rally herself to stop Koza! Just then, Usopp arrived on horseback, but Princess Vivi mistook him for Bon Clay.
The two ended up in a chase, with Vivi eventually making it into the city!
At this time, Jason was still enjoying his "shopping" on the street...
He heard a noise from a distance behind him.
"Huh? What's going on?"
Carrying a small bag and eating as he walked, Jason headed toward the source of the noise. After turning a corner, he saw Princess Vivi on the ground and the dying duck, Karoo, while Bon Clay danced ballet behind them.
The corners of Jason's mouth twitched. Should he even comment on this? This guy was really something—so flamboyant! So dedicated! If only he'd put his effort into something else instead of becoming an okama!
In a flash, Jason appeared before Bon Clay and kicked him in the stomach. Poor little Bon-chan rolled his eyes and was sent flying. But Jason held back, recalling that Bon Clay wasn't such a bad person after all.
"Hey, Princess Vivi! Have you had breakfast?"
Princess Vivi had seen Jason's intervention, and her expression quickly turned to one of gratitude. Though a bit disheveled, she was still every bit the beautiful princess.
"Mr. Jason! Thank you!"
Just then, Sanji and two running ducks arrived! Seeing Bon Clay unconscious on the ground and Jason standing next to Vivi, Sanji pounded the ground angrily!
"Damn it! I'm late again! Even if he was Nami's brother when he was a kid, now Princess Vivi has been saved by him too! What kind of luck does this guy have?!"
Jason: ...
Vivi: ...
Three ducks: ...
"Um... Sanji?"
"Leave me alone, my broken heart cannot be repaired!"
"Is that so? Well, I also need to go take care of something. I'll leave Princess Vivi in your care from now on!"
"Don't worry! Leave it to me!"
In an instant, Sanji struck a handsome pose and took a puff of his cigarette.
As expected of Sanji! Although his mind might be elsewhere, when it comes to charming beautiful women, he's as reliable as ever! Jason waved and walked away, not concerned with what happened next. He was on his way to bring breakfast to Robin.
After Jason left, Bon Clay woke up!
"What just happened? I didn't even see who hit me!"
Sanji glanced at him.
"You're the one who can transform into others at will, right?"
Bon Clay: "Who are you?"
"Vivi, you go on ahead! Don't you still need to stop the rebellion?"
Vivi nodded.
"Then I'll leave this to you, Sanji!"
She then ran off without looking back, with the two ducks taking Karoo away. Sanji stared at Bon Clay with envy—such a good ability, why wasn't it his?
The two exchanged words before starting to fight.
...
Jason strolled all the way back to the palace. Along the way, he saw many rebel troops and couldn't help but wonder: Were the king's soldiers just here for show? He had just fought at the South Gate, and yet the rebels had still managed to get inside?
But Jason didn't care too much. He only needed to make a symbolic effort to deceive King Cobra and quell the rebellion. If he intervened any more, it would cost him more than he was willing to pay!
"Robin, baby, I'm back!"
"Welcome home!"
"You haven't eaten yet, right? I brought you something!"
Jason held up the small bag he had brought, filled with all kinds of food he had "purchased" for free.
After Robin finished breakfast, Jason took her along the palace walls to find Cobra. Door? What door? True masters never use doors!
When the two of them reached Cobra, they found Crocodile already there, having beaten Cobra and pinned him to the wall. Princess Vivi and Captain Igaram were also there, and the two prepared to watch the unfolding drama.
"Let go of my father!"
Vivi shouted angrily, her voice filled with defiance, while Crocodile casually lit his cigar, his tone dripping with mockery.
"Huh? After all the trouble I went through to get here, you think I'll just let go because you asked? Do people these days even think before they speak?"
"Father!" Vivi cried out in desperation.
Cobra lifted his head with great effort, looking at Princess Vivi with eyes full of guilt. "I'm sorry, Vivi, all your efforts were in vain because of me!"
Crocodile, seemingly uninterested in their emotional exchange, interrupted with a cold chuckle. "Hey, I haven't seen this father-daughter reunion in a while, but I don't have time for your tears, Miss Wednesday!"
Vivi snapped back, her voice trembling with anger, "Don't call me that name!"
"Well, I can agree to that, but you should know, I have no intention of letting you live! After all, if the kingdom falls, the royal family should perish with it!"
"But before that, I need to ask the current king something—my ultimate goal!"
Crocodile approached Cobra, still pinned to the wall, his eyes gleaming with sinister intent.
"Where is Pluton?" he demanded.
Cobra's previously dull expression suddenly changed, his eyes widening with shock. "How do you know about Pluton, you bastard?" he demanded.
Jason and Robin, perched above, exchanged knowing glances. Robin whispered softly to Jason, "Shouldn't we go down?"
"Wait, wait, let's watch for a bit longer!" Jason replied casually, much to Robin's quiet confusion.
Down below, Crocodile began explaining the destructive power of Pluton, revealing his ambitions. He remained completely unaware of the two onlookers above.
"I don't know where you heard that name," Cobra said through gritted teeth, "but I have no idea where Pluton is, or even if it's in this country!"
"I see, and I don't think you're lying," Crocodile responded. "I came prepared for this—I wouldn't be too surprised if it didn't exist."
Meanwhile, outside the palace, a group of soldiers was desperately trying to break in and rescue Cobra! But Crocodile had fortified the door with his Logia powers, making it impossible to breach.
Noticing the situation outside, Crocodile continued, "According to my plan, the rebels will soon reach that square and clash with your troops. But I've already arranged for a powerful bomb to go off there in half an hour—everyone will be dead by then! From here, the view should be quite spectacular. At that moment, the royal family will be wiped out, and as the national hero, I'll naturally become the new king! I'll finally realize my ambitions! Hahahaha!"
As he spoke, Crocodile let out his trademark laugh, causing those around him to grind their teeth in anger, their desire to stop him burning stronger than ever.
Above, Jason and Robin felt a chill run down their spines at the sheer ruthlessness of Crocodile's plan. He was indeed cunning and resourceful—but luck was not on his side this time.
"Alright, chat time is over, Cobra! One last question—where is the Poneglyph?" Crocodile asked, his voice cold and demanding.
Cobra gritted his teeth, prepared to die rather than tell him. But something crossed his mind, and a small smile curled on his lips. Princess Vivi and Igaram beside him couldn't believe their eyes.
Crocodile chuckled darkly. "As expected of a wise king—you're much more knowledgeable than the average person!"
At that moment, Igaram drew his sword, his face set with determination. "I'm sorry, Princess Vivi! I just can't stand it anymore!"
Crocodile noticed Igaram about to attack him, his eyes narrowing as his body began to shift into his sand form. Igaram lunged forward, transforming into his jackal form.
"Ningya!"
But it was futile—he passed right through Crocodile's sand body.
"It's useless. Do you really want to die for this country? How foolish! The courage to die isn't enough!" Crocodile taunted, his voice dripping with disdain.
Without hesitation, Igaram launched another attack on Crocodile, only to be swiftly countered. With a single move, Crocodile brought Igaram down!
"Sables!" Crocodile shouted, activating one of his Devil Fruit abilities, preparing to end Igaram's life.
"Chaka!!!" Vivi cried out in fear.
A massive cloud of dust erupted, shrouding the area.
"Hm?" Crocodile was taken aback; he knew that the Sables ability typically didn't explode unless attacked.
"I've said it before—this guy's fruit ability is pretty subpar, causing sandstorms left and right! Baby Robin, when we get back, make sure to use more skincare products; otherwise, this will be terrible for your skin!" came a loud voice, causing Crocodile to grit his teeth. He recognized that voice—it was the same guy who had kicked him before!
Everyone else looked on in surprise.
"Mr. Jason!" Vivi and the others exclaimed in unison as the dust gradually settled, revealing Jason and Robin standing protectively in front of Chaka.
''Jason! Why are you here? Are you planning to stop me?" Crocodile demanded, his voice laced with anger.
"No, don't get the wrong idea. I'm just here to watch the show and to find King Cobra. He promised to show us the Poneglyph," Jason responded casually.
"Oh? Is that so? Then perhaps we can work together to find the Poneglyph and continue our previous arrangement," Crocodile suggested with a sly grin.
His words sent a chill down Vivi's spine. She had seen Jason strength before, and the thought of him teaming up with Crocodile was terrifying. If that happened, there would be no hope left for Alabasta.
Just as she was about to speak, Jason interrupted, as if anticipating her thoughts.
"Don't talk nonsense. We never had a true partnership with a thief like you. We only sought you out because we were curious if you had any historical documents. Even if you did, we wouldn't have shared them with you! Now, we just need to rescue King Cobra and see the Poneglyph ourselves. You're no longer of any use, and there's no cooperation to be had. What a waste!"
Crocodile nearly choked with anger at Jason blunt words. Those nearby couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction seeing Crocodile at a loss for words. Jason continued.
"Princess Vivi is good friends with Nami, and although she might not be the cutest, she calls me 'big brother.' So, you're not allowed to harm her friends! In short, there's nothing left for you to do here, so you can leave!"
As he spoke, Jason waved dismissively as if shooing away an annoying fly.
"Enough of this! Sables!" Crocodile shouted, unleashing a powerful sandstorm.
Jason calmly drew his sword and slashed through the storm, dispersing it effortlessly. Seeing this, Crocodile's lower body turned into sand, and he lunged at Jason.
"Careful, Mr. Jason! Our attacks won't work on him!" Vivi warned, her voice trembling with concern.
"Relax!" Jason responded, swinging his sword and sending a wave of energy directly at Crocodile. To everyone's surprise, Crocodile dodged hastily—something he hadn't done with previous attacks.
Jason didn't let up and quickly closed the distance, landing next to Crocodile. Crocodile reacted by swinging his left hand's hook at Jason.
"Clang!"
"Thud!"
The hook was blocked by Jason, who retaliated with a powerful kick. Crocodile, relying too much on his fruit abilities, was lacking in physical combat and was sent flying into the palace wall with a resounding crash.
Vivi and the others gasped in awe. "So strong!"
Crocodile, though in severe pain, managed to get back up. He knew he was no match for Jason, but seeing Princess Vivi nearby filled him with rage and jealousy. He lashed out, extending his hook toward her.
"Vivi!"
"Princess Vivi!" Cobra and Chaka shouted in unison, their voices filled with fear.
Vivi stood frozen in terror as Jason expression turned cold. Originally, he had planned to leave Crocodile to Luffy, but now he might have to break that promise. He could stop Crocodile, but it might mean killing him.
Just as Jason rushed at extreme speed toward Crocodile, something unexpected happened—a delicate, white arm suddenly sprouted from Crocodile's neck.
"Slap!"
The arm delivered a strong slap to Crocodile's face, sending him tumbling backward. Jason halted in his tracks, turning to see Robin with her arms crossed, smiling brightly. The sight nearly made Jason turn into Sanji on the spot.
"My goodness, I just saw an angel!" he thought to himself.
Then, with a swift kick, he sent Crocodile flying out of the palace. The blow was so powerful that Crocodile wouldn't be able to recover for at least half an hour.
"Alright, that's enough for today!" Jason said, clapping his hands as if dusting them off. He walked over to Cobra, pulling him down from the wall. Vivi and Chaka quickly gathered around the king.
"King Cobra, can you take us to see the Poneglyph now?" Jason asked.
"Of course! But I have some matters to explain first," Cobra replied, his voice filled with relief and determination.