Alabasta — the capital City, Arubana.
The atmosphere within the Royal City was tense and oppressive.
Inside the City walls, people wore solemn expressions, and an anxious mood enveloped the entire City.
Soldiers patrolled the streets vigilantly, while City residents hid indoors, peeking out at the commotion.
The streets inside the Royal City were deserted, with only an occasional soldier hurrying past.
Shops and taverns were tightly shut, their owners and residents all hidden in their homes; everyone living within the City felt the threat from the rebel army outside the City.
Guards stood on the City walls, weapons gripped tightly, their gazes alertly fixed on the outside.
A tense atmosphere permeated the sky, and the City was very quiet, with no sound, which heightened the tension.
Outside the City, the rebel army was pressing in, arrayed in neat formations, with flags fluttering and warhorses neighing.
Koza of the rebel army waved his flag, issuing the command to battle, and the soldiers shouted in unison, preparing to attack the Royal City.
The entire Royal City, inside and out, was filled with the tense atmosphere of impending war; the people within the City looked to their King and soldiers for protection.
Meanwhile, the rebel army outside the City was determined to seize control of the Royal City, and the shadow of war loomed over this ancient and magnificent City.
Three years without rain—how could these high-ranking nobles possibly comprehend the life within that.
In three years, who knows how many people died of thirst.
...
Inside the Royal Palace.
Vivi looked at her father, pleading:
"Father, let me go out and tell them it's all Crocodile's conspiracy; I've already investigated it thoroughly."
As the Princess of Alabasta, she did not want a large-scale war to break out.
They were all citizens of Alabasta; no matter who won or lost, it would be a loss for the country.
Nefertari Cobra looked at his daughter, who was as kind as her mother.
He walked to the window, gazing deeply at the distant sky; this matter was no longer important.
Many things, although they knew them, had no evidence.
He turned around, his voice hoarse, and said:
"Vivi, this matter ends here; some things can no longer be stopped."
He didn't want to fight either, but he had no choice but to.
Vivi didn't understand why; she became emotional and stood before her father, looking at him:
"Father!"
Seeing his resolute, firm gaze, Vivi turned around anxiously and ran out.
Since it couldn't be done here, she would go negotiate with Koza; as long as he could make the rebel army retreat, this battle wouldn't have to be fought.
Running desperately, her long blue hair floated in the wind; she needed to get to the City wall immediately.
"Run faster, hurry!"
It knew its master was anxious, but it was already running at full speed, using all its might.
Ye Fan did not know what was happening in the capital City.
Riding on horseback, he couldn't help but marvel at the pace.
Galloping one after another across the Desert, no wonder rich people loved horseback riding; there was a reason for it.
Because Nami couldn't ride a horse, she and Ye Fan rode one horse together.
"Robin, how much further is it?!"
This entire area was Desert, and Ye Fan was tired of looking at it; it wasn't pretty at all.
It was very boring; during this time, they even encountered quicksand, and if it weren't for Ye Fan's formidable strength, these horses would have been reset.
Of course, the Desert's most common animals were lizards and scorpions, which thrive in Desert climates.
These were all minor issues.
Robin adjusted her hat; the Alabasta Kingdom looked large, but no matter how large, it was still an island, so it wasn't that big.
"Soon, we'll be there in about half an hour."
With the Poneglyph here, how could she, with her love for history, not be interested?
Why did Nefertari Lily, the founder of this country, choose not to go to the Celestial Dragons' Holy Land to become a Celestial Dragon back then?
Robin was very curious, and although the location of Pluton, which Crocodile was searching for, was known, there must still be other information.
Half an hour later.
Looking at the large crowd, it was already packed with people, surrounded so tightly that not even a drop of water could pass through.
And their eyes were fierce, looking ahead as if at some deeply hated enemy.
The arrival of Ye Fan's group attracted the attention of the outermost people:
"Who are you?"
Holding farming tools like forks and rakes, these were their weapons, and they watched the four of them cautiously.
As soon as the four made any rash move, they would attack.
This was a critical moment; no accidents could occur.
Seeing them so tense, Robin spoke up and asked:
"Don't be nervous, we're just tourists here for sightseeing; has something happened here?"
It must be said that women were easier to talk to at this time.
Although they had bought many clothes, the four of them hadn't changed, clearly dressed differently from the local people.
This also made Robin's words very convincing.
Seeing three women and one man, whose clothing was indeed not local, the outermost few relaxed their guard.
To them, what could three women do? They were nothing to fear.
"You should leave quickly; the King of this country oppresses the people, and we are demanding an explanation."
Then, several people, filled with grief and indignation, angrily briefly explained the situation.
Anyway, it wasn't good news; they were forced into this, rebelling only because they couldn't survive.
So that's how it was.
Ye Fan understood; this was the moment when the rebel army and the Royal Army were about to go to war.
They had really arrived at a coincidence.
Although he knew the other party was wronged, it had nothing to do with him; he was only here for money.
"Okay, thank you!"
Ye Fan was a very polite person.
Then, to the astonishment of the outermost crowd, Ye Fan and Nojiko spread their wings.
Ye Fan took Nami, and Nojiko took Robin, flying directly into the air.
From high above, looking down at the people below, they were like a group of ants, incredibly tiny.
Soon, they attracted the attention of both sides.
Both the rebel army and the Royal Army thought they were the other side's scouts.
Just now.
Vivi came to the City wall and had a brief exchange with Koza below.
Although the two were childhood sweethearts, they had a disagreement on this matter.
Each had their own reasons for insisting, and neither would back down.
This made Vivi very troubled; what should she do?
Who could save this country? She was willing to do anything.
Sitting by the palace window, tears streamed down her face like rain, her beautiful features etched with despair and helplessness.
Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders like a light blue waterfall, gently swaying with her sobs.
Run Faster watched its master cry, but it could do nothing but stay by her side.
It nestled very obediently beside Vivi.