The royal palace of the Arabasta Kingdom.
When Luffy and the others arrived, it was already completely empty.
Even the king's guards had fled to hidden shelters scattered throughout Alubarna.
This was the security system of a millennia-old kingdom.
When an unstoppable, deadly threat arrives, all living forces of the nation lie in wait, conserving strength.
Prepared for every possible eventuality.
Step… step…
A pair of leather boots echoed through the hall as someone walked in, completely unflinching.
"Heh… so everyone just runs off when danger comes!?"
Having already submitted and allied with Crocodile, he sneered disdainfully, paying no attention to Vivi, who stood silently nearby.
Nor did he consider who or what had caused the current situation.
Luffy, walking freely, led the Starry Sky crew into the palace.
He waved his hand at Crocodile, signaling him to keep quiet, then strode straight into the main hall, ignoring whatever feelings Vivi might have.
With a stylish turn, letting his coat flutter, he casually seated himself upon the throne.
The Starry Sky crew immediately formed two neat rows along either side of the throne.
Zoro and Robin flanked Luffy like ministers ready to hear the sovereign's commands, silently guarding their exalted king.
Crocodile and Vivi, by contrast, appeared as officials presenting their report to the throne.
Luffy paid no mind to Crocodile's intrusion.
He accepted a cup of strawberry yogurt from Robin, lifted the spoon, and seemed ready to enjoy his meal right there on the throne.
"Princess Vivi…"
As Luffy savored his yogurt, he spoke softly, calling her name.
Hearing it, Vivi immediately lifted her head, a storm of emotions swirling in her eyes.
These people, so reckless and unpredictable, were the very reason her life had become so pitiful and helpless.
Yet…
It was only through their strength that the Nefertari dynasty's rule could continue.
Only with their help could Arabasta regain its peace and stability.
Royalty!!!
Crocodile's words echoed again in her mind.
If everything he said was true, what had their family's 800 years of vigilance truly been for?!
"Princess Vivi…"
Because Vivi remained silent for too long, Luffy spoke again.
Her gaze softened slightly, a glimmer of light returning to her eyes.
Yet her expression still suggested she was pondering something deeply important.
Setting aside her inner thoughts for a moment, Vivi lifted her head and responded calmly, with a tone far more composed than before:
"What is it, Luffy-sama?"
As a princess, keeping a poker face was second nature to Vivi.
Even Luffy couldn't help but feel admiration for a noble princess who could maintain such composure while her kingdom was in ruins.
Thinking this, Luffy spoke slowly:
"Sometimes… forcing yourself to endure things you don't want to endure… it's really painful, isn't it?"
At this, Vivi's expression trembled for an instant.
But she quickly regained her composure and smiled faintly at Luffy, curiosity in her eyes:
"What are you talking about, Luffy-sama?"
Nami watched Vivi, her heart aching at the forced smile she wore.
"You don't need to worry," Luffy continued.
"Our goal has never been what you think it is.
Whether it's your family's secrets or the rule of this kingdom,
useless power, meaningless responsibilities… we care more about true freedom.
What we want, we won't hold back for. Useless affairs, I don't bother with.
You've been with us for a while now, so I think…
you can understand what I mean, right?"
Hearing Luffy's unwavering words, Vivi gradually lowered her head, trying to hide her vulnerable face, unwilling for them to see her weakness.
"Mm!"
Her quiet response was no longer a sign of weakness or compromise, but true understanding.
Seeing this, Luffy continued:
"Since you understand, I'll be brief.
Don't try to stop us, you should know by now that whatever I want to do, you can't prevent it."
At that moment, powerless tears trickled down Vivi's face.
Not because Luffy dismissed her…
But because she mourned her own helplessness.
Sensing her emotions, Luffy's face broke into a gentle smile, and he continued:
"But…"
"Nefertari Vivi, you are a capable princess, a true royal.
This world lacks nobles like you.
If possible…
I hope you can spread your kindness across the world, to every corner."
"Wh…what?"
Vivi's eyes widened in confusion, not understanding Luffy's words.
He simply returned a mysterious smile and then shifted his gaze to one of the Starry Sky crew standing beside him.
Sensing Luffy's gaze, Koby immediately understood and smiled gratefully.
Ever since they arrived in Alubarna and saw Crocodile's reckless disregard for civilians, Koby had been restraining himself!
Driven by justice and the desire to protect the weak, he could not stand by while an entire country suffered.
But as a Starry Sky crew member, he couldn't act alone…
It was a matter of principle.
Thankfully…
Luffy was still gentle, always mindful of each of their feelings.
Returning his gaze to Vivi, Luffy's voice grew formal, carrying authority through the modest palace:
"Nefertari Vivi!
Do you accept my command…
To use your kindness, under the Starry Sky banner, to help the weak, to help those in need,
No matter their race, no matter their country!
Give me your answer!"
Vivi's pupils dilated.
She finally understood!
Luffy… wanted to recruit her.
Yet she didn't understand why.
Why had he chosen her?
A weak, powerless princess.
"Bu… but…"
Vivi tried to speak, but Luffy interrupted firmly:
"Don't worry about trivial matters!
Just ask yourself,
Are you willing to dedicate your life to protecting the weak of this world?"
"As for the rest…"
"The Starry Sky will shine upon you!"
"I…"
Vivi's mind raced, yet Luffy's words touched her deeply.
To spread kindness to the weak!
Vivi, who had never harbored grand ambitions, suddenly felt her calm inner lake filled with a nourishing spring rain.
Even more moving was Luffy's final words…
The power of the Starry Sky!
She no longer wanted to remain weak.
She wanted to solve her own problems with her own strength.
"Luffy-sama!"
Vivi finally understood her purpose. Her head shot up, her gaze firm and her voice resolute.
She was no longer the timid princess from moments ago!
She addressed Luffy on the throne with determination:
"Luffy-sama, I want to make a deal with you!"
"Oh?"
Luffy stood, towering over her, a commanding presence emanating from his gaze.
He disliked opportunists.
Even some of the Starry Sky crew furrowed their brows slightly.
Yet under Luffy's overwhelming presence, Vivi's expression remained unflinching.
Instead, a confident smile blossomed across her face.
"I want!"
Vivi spoke again:
"To exchange the Ancient Weapon, Pluton!
For the Starry Sky banner, and eternal protection for Arabasta!!!"
With that, Vivi dropped to one knee, bowing her regal head in submission.
Her voice was clear and resolute, like a loyal knight:
Luffy's lips curved upward, and seeing her kneel, he suddenly laughed:
"HAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Alright, I accept your deal!!!"
Her lowered face lit up with joy, a smile that filled her entire being.
At that moment, a breeze swept across the world, taking her shape.
Blue hair, blue eyes, noble aura, formidable strength, countless devoted followers.
All under the Starry Sky, radiating her kindness to the world.