Rebel Camp.
"Koza, the arms we bought from the black market have all been delivered intermittently," a burly man approached, pointing at the dozens of carriages that had just entered the camp.
"Farafra, thank you for your hard work. Distribute the weapons; we need to be ready." Koza, the leader of the rebels, who had dark teal-green short, cropped hair, a scar over his left eye, and was dressed in a red-brown trench coat, dark green sash, and orange gloves, sat on a wooden crate and nodded softly.
"Don't worry. We've been ready for a long time!" the big man said solemnly.
....
Rainbase, Rain Dinner's Secret Underground Room.
Summoned by the Vice President, Robin, the officers of Baroque Works were all gathered here.
Crocodile, the President, officially appeared before his subordinates and informed them of the secret operational plan known as 'Utopia.'
The next day, the Baroque Works company began to operate. The officers proceeded according to the plan.
Covertly, over twenty thousand Billions and Millions, the low-ranking members, began to converge on Alabasta's capital, Alubarna. A portion of them also continuously infiltrated both the Royal Army and the Rebels.
In this moment, nearly all of Crocodile's forces were brought to bear.
....
"Crocodile! Get out here!"
"I traveled all this way just to kick your ass!"
A loud shout echoed through the casino at Rain Dinner.
In the opulent room on the top floor of Rain Dinner, Aeridar lay naked on a large bed, a slim, tanned arm extending from under the covers on either side, resting on his chest.
"Hmm?"
His ears twitched. Aeridar opened his eyes, a faint smile on his lips. "They're here, huh..."
Aeridar sat up, revealing a supremely well-built physique.
At that moment, two black-haired beauties emerged naked from under the covers, practically draping themselves over Aeridar, and asked languidly:
"Aeridar-sama, aren't you going to sleep a little longer?"
"You two go back to sleep. I have things to do." As if oblivious to the beautiful sight before him, Aeridar got up and walked straight into the bathroom to freshen up.
....
Secret Underground Room.
"You really are a trustworthy captain, Straw Hat Luffy." Crocodile sat before a square table laden with steak, red wine, and various other delicacies.
Taking a sip of red wine, Crocodile stared into the glass, then glanced at the figures in the cage, and said contemptuously, "Trust… is the most useless thing in this world."
"Huh, that guy couldn't have remembered you because of this, could he? Hmm, probably not." Crocodile raised an eyebrow, looking at the listless Luffy.
"What's the deal? That guy dares to look down on us!" Inside the Seastone cage, Nami clenched her fist, indignant.
"Calm down, that guy will get angry!" Usopp placed a hand on Nami's shoulder nervously.
Thump.
"Crocodile!"
Suddenly, the door burst open, and a voice laced with hatred echoed through the underground room.
Princess Vivi, with her waist-length aquamarine hair, appeared before everyone. Robin stood behind her.
"Vivi!"
Luffy and the others cried out in surprise.
"Welcome, Princess of Alabasta, Vivi… No, Miss Wednesday. It's a miracle you managed to evade our assassins and make it this far."
Vivi stared at Crocodile with hatred, shouting furiously, "Of course I came! No matter where you are! Because I want you dead…"
"Ah~ that's impossible."
Suddenly, a lazy voice sounded from behind Vivi.
Step, step, step… step, step, step…
Aeridar, looking completely relaxed, walked down and stood behind Princess Vivi.
"With your strength, my little peacock, you will never be able to kill the crocodile, Your Royal Highness, Nefertari Vivi, Princess of the Alabasta Kingdom."
Aeridar walked past Vivi, nodding slightly to her, then looked at Crocodile and grinned. "Hey~ I'm hungry. Pour me a drink, Crocodile."
"You bastard! Are you trying to die, Aeridar?!" Crocodile swore, annoyed.
"That man...!"
Luffy and Zoro watched Aeridar tensely.
"N-No way! Why is that monster here?!" Usopp trembled with fear, hiding behind Zoro.
"It's him! The man we met at the Baratie!" Nami recognized Aeridar, but she was puzzled by Luffy and Zoro's reactions, so she asked, "Is he really strong?"
"Be careful. This guy is… a monster!" Zoro gripped his sword, cold sweat beading on his forehead.
"A monster?" Nami was stunned. In her mind, Luffy and Zoro were already considered monsters.
"Golden Ring Aeridar!" Smoker stared in shock at the man leisurely approaching Crocodile. "Why is this guy here?"
"I will kill you!" Vivi cried out passionately. "Mr. 0, if you hadn't come to this country, Alabasta could have remained peaceful forever!"
Vivi lunged at Crocodile. The Peacock Slashers on her pinky fingers, which resembled peacock tail feathers, spun rapidly, aiming to strike Crocodile down instantly.
"I already told you, it's useless. Don't interrupt my meal." Aeridar picked up a piece of steak and brought it to his mouth, simultaneously extending his hand.
Snap!
He grabbed Vivi's arm and flung her toward the wall.
BAM!
Clang!
Vivi felt an irresistible, immense force. She stumbled violently to the side, and the rapidly spinning Peacock Slashers on her fingers clattered onto the floor with a metallic sound.
"Vivi!"
Luffy and the others shouted anxiously.
"Relax, relax. I didn't use any strength," Aeridar said nonchalantly, waving a hand.
He then continued to eat the food and drink the wine on the table, acting completely at home, which made Crocodile's face turn instantly dark.
However, Crocodile knew he couldn't do anything about Aeridar, so he decided to ignore him.
He then turned his attention to Princess Vivi, Luffy, and Smoker, revealing his fangs and disclosing the details of the 'Utopia Operation.'
He was essentially showing off, primarily because he felt his enemies were already cornered and couldn't escape his grasp. He might as well articulate the plans he had concealed for so many years to drive them into despair.
Aeridar listened to Crocodile's rambling and felt a sense of understanding.
In truth, villains talk a lot, not for any other reason, but because they have held back for too long. When they feel they have absolute control, they naturally want to express what's been on their hearts. It's a way to feel comfortable and satisfied.
However, even though he understood, seeing Crocodile act this way still gave Aeridar a dull ache. He couldn't shake the feeling that this guy was still going to fail.
"Hmm, an illusion! It must be an illusion!" Aeridar consoled himself mentally while continuing to eat.
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