"Why, you ask? Because I will be the one to change this world. The old men of the World Government couldn't do it, the Navy's top brass couldn't do it, and even the pirates in the New World have failed."
Renji Kai spoke with unwavering confidence, a calm smile playing on his lips.
"When the time comes and I stand at the pinnacle of this world, you'll understand everything about me. And when that moment arrives, you'll make the right choice."
Nico Robin fell silent, his seemingly nonsensical words echoing in her mind. Despite the tone, they carried deep meaning. For someone to know so much about her past meant he was no ordinary man.
"You don't need to understand everything right now. Just take your time and think it through. And stop throwing your life away. If I hadn't shown up, you'd be dead by Crocodile's hands by now. Your only job for the future is to survive. Got it?"
In the original timeline, Nico Robin was protected by Luffy's protagonist aura. But now, with Luffy still playing in the mud back in Windmill Village, and Crocodile defeated by Renji, the entire plotline of the world had gone off-script.
No one knew what the future held for the people in this world anymore—not even Renji.
Robin's identity and her knowledge were far too important to Renji. There were still many secrets he hadn't uncovered, but at the same time, he couldn't bring her aboard. The coming days would bring relentless pursuit from all sides. Bringing someone like her along would only put her life in danger.
So, Renji decided to leave her behind. It was, in its own way, a form of protection.
Robin nodded quietly. Renji then asked her to leave the VIP suite and send in Miss Wednesday.
A few minutes later, a young woman with long, flowing aqua-blue hair and wide, watery eyes cautiously entered.
"Y-you wanted to see me?"
"Nefertari Vivi, don't be afraid. I'm here to help you," Renji said in a calm, reassuring tone.
The moment Vivi heard him say her name, she gasped and instinctively took two steps back.
"Let's get straight to the point. You know the state of this country—this chaos was all caused by that idiot outside. But now that he's on my crew, I'm responsible for him. So, let's make a deal.
I'll help your father end Alabasta's civil war, and in return, you keep this secret forever. Deal?"
Vivi looked visibly torn. After a long pause, she finally spoke.
"And if I refuse?"
"Then I'm sorry, but this country will be erased from the map. Don't mistake this for a negotiation. You have two choices—accept my deal and remain Alabasta's princess, or become the princess of a fallen kingdom."
Renji's gaze turned cold and sharp. Vivi's expression darkened. A moment later, she lifted her head, tears in her eyes.
"On behalf of the royal family of Alabasta, I accept your terms."
Renji let out a quiet breath of relief. He wasn't the type to slaughter innocent people.
If he had simply taken Crocodile and left, the rebels—without the support of Baroque Works—would never hold their ground. The royal family would reclaim power, and the truth would come to light. Crocodile's name would be dragged through the mud, and as his captain, Renji would have to bear that burden too—something he didn't want.
So he staged a threat, pushing Vivi into cooperation.
Fortunately, she was easy to persuade. From what he remembered of the anime, she was loyal and trustworthy, so he had little doubt she'd keep her word.
With the negotiations concluded, Renji began executing his next steps.
First, he ordered Crocodile to officially disband the Baroque Works organization.
Without their interference, the Alabasta Kingdom finally received a much-needed miracle—rain.
As the first downpour in years drenched the desert nation, hope was restored across the land. The rebel army quickly announced their surrender. After all, their rebellion had been built on the belief that the royal family was behind the drought.
With Baroque Works gone and rain returning, they had no reason to fight.
King Nefertari Cobra was restored to power, and order returned to Alabasta.
Meanwhile, Renji Kai and his crew, including Crocodile and Douglas Bullet, boarded the Red Voss and set sail, leaving Alabasta behind.
Two days at sea passed, and Renji found no mention of Alabasta or Crocodile in the newspapers—a sign the royal family had kept their promise. He finally relaxed.
"Captain Renji, where are we headed next?"
Douglas Bullet and the others stood on the deck, watching Alabasta fade into the horizon.