Sandy Island.
An enormous, timeworn landmass nestled in the first half of the Grand Line. This was where the Alabasta Kingdom was located—a nation rich in history and blessed with abundant mineral resources, especially copper and iron. One of the few massive islands on this stretch of the sea, its weight on the world stage was more than symbolic.
Back when Jin was still perfecting the cultivation of the Ice Mushrooms, he had identified two key target markets.
One: the Land of Fire.
Two: the Kingdom of Alabasta.
Given the troublesome shadow of Crocodile that loomed over Alabasta, Jin had first set his sights on the Land of Fire, swiftly securing it. That market was now stable—and saturated.
So, now, Jin's eyes gleamed as they turned to Alabasta.
A territory that size was a giant cake, waiting to be carved.
"Old Croc… trust me, you won't be able to hold onto this one. Let me take it from here."
Before heading into Alabasta, Jin's Carrier made a brief stopover at Aska Island, where they harvested a fresh batch of mushrooms. They also carefully transplanted the strain developed by Little Ai into the local environment to promote sustained cultivation.
Meanwhile, the Navy's training base on the island was undergoing upgrades, transforming into a fully-fledged division base.
At the harbor town nearby, the Flag of the Winterhan Kingdom now flew proudly.
Good news never travels far.
But bad news? That races like wildfire.
Word had spread across the pirate world: Jin had defeated Hanafuda, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Then came the brutal purge at Hannabal, a tale dripping with blood and dread.
Now, when pirates caught sight of that grinning skull banner, their faces turned pale. Fearful respect had taken root.
…
Nanohana, Alabasta
Five days later.
Jin and his entourage arrived in Nanohana, one of Alabasta's few open port cities, renowned for its luxurious perfumes. It was also where Luffy and Ace were scheduled to regroup later.
Under the blistering sun, the city's buildings bore distinct desert charm—flattened mud-brick structures arranged in sprawling clusters.
Turbaned merchants wandered the streets while camels and spot-billed running ducks served as everyday transport.
Bright, fiery dancers twirled through the air with abandon, their movements rhythmic and wild, as the scent of spices and perfume wove through the lively streets.
When the local nobility heard the King of Winterhan was arriving, they quickly phoned the capital for confirmation. Only after verifying that Winterhan was a recognized member of the World Government did they send forth their ceremonial guards and honor escort to greet him at the docks.
Though Jin appeared young, the nobles quickly learned that this youthful monarch was en route to the capital for an official audience with King Cobra.
To show proper respect, the old noble overseeing the welcome arranged for a luxurious royal carriage, accompanied by an elite escort squad.
…
Rainbase.
Elsewhere, in Rainbase, Crocodile's kingdom-sized casino was bustling as ever. Under his cunning management, it had become a haven of pleasure for the kingdom's elite.
As soon as Jin set foot in Nanohana and met with the welcoming nobility, news of his arrival was swiftly delivered to Rainbase.
Inside his sleek office, Crocodile sat behind a desk, a thick cigar clenched between his teeth. His brow furrowed deeply.
"That king… the one who defeated Hanafuda?"
"Why is he here in Alabasta?"
"This is going to be trouble."
He bit into his cigar harder, tension evident in his clenched jaw.
The door opened.
Robin stepped inside.
"Shall I prepare the horses?"
Crocodile replied without hesitation, "You're coming with me to the capital."
Robin arched a brow. "Why?"
"The King of Winterhan is heading there. I don't feel entirely comfortable letting him go unchecked."
Robin smirked slightly. "You're worried about a king from a minor nation?"
Crocodile glanced at her with an unreadable expression.
She was needling him—this was a jab at the way he had previously dismissed Jin.
This woman… definitely holds a grudge.
…
Jin instructed Kuma to remain behind to guard the ship. He only brought Maya with him, traveling lightly as they headed for Alabasta's capital.
Though King Cobra had yet to learn Jin's purpose, he had already prepared an elaborate welcome.
And in a country with a thousand years of history, its ancient customs and etiquette were nothing if not elaborate.
Maya arrived ahead of Jin.
Nervous, she ascended the stone stairs and presented the royal letter of introduction to a minister, who then passed it to King Cobra himself.
The king read the document carefully, then dispatched a senior minister and royal carriage to personally escort Jin into the city after verifying his identity.
As the procession moved through Central Avenue, citizens peered curiously from their windows and balconies, whispering and waving.
Trumpets blared. Flags fluttered.
As they neared the palace gates, the full ceremonial band struck up a regal tune.
A long crimson carpet stretched from the palace door down the marble stairs.
At the top of those steps stood King Cobra, dressed in full regalia.
Beside him were guards, attendants, and young maidens holding various ceremonial offerings—each detail radiating the dignity and sophistication of a kingdom with a millennium of culture.
"Impressive. No wonder they're called a thousand-year-old nation," Jin commented with genuine admiration.
The minister beside him straightened his spine, proud of the compliment.
"Too bad… this won't last much longer," Jin thought silently.
He walked up the red-carpeted stairs and exchanged formal greetings with King Cobra.
At this point, Crocodile's "Utopia Plan" had yet to begin.
Cobra's reputation remained untarnished—he was known as a benevolent and loving monarch, devoted to his people and his daughter.
An ideal ruler in times of peace.
But in the face of upheaval, Cobra had a fatal flaw—his kindness often became indecision.
…
At Cobra's side stood Princess Vivi, dressed in a royal gown. Though only twelve, she already carried herself with grace. She was kind, brave, and beloved throughout the land.
After the formalities and official pleasantries were completed, King Cobra hosted a grand banquet in Jin's honor.
Three rounds of wine passed. Then Cobra, setting his goblet down, looked solemnly at the young king across from him.
"I heard from the World Government… about the incident."
"The death of King Wapol… was most unfortunate."
"Not unfortunate at all," Jin replied flatly.
Cobra paused, caught off guard by the directness.
Even Vivi blinked in surprise.
She remembered Wapol.
During a previous World Summit, the arrogant king had been publicly scolded by her father and had responded by striking her across the face—adding insult to injury with cruel words.
She had tried to maintain composure, but later cried in secret.
When she heard that Wapol had died, part of her had… quietly rejoiced.
Now, seeing Jin—the supposed illegitimate child of Wapol—so indifferent to the man's death, she was surprised.
Jin calmly wiped his mouth with a napkin and said with a light smile, "King Cobra, shall we get down to business?"
Cobra frowned slightly. "Business?"
Jin raised his hand and traced a circle in the air.
A black vortex—pitch-dark and eerie—suddenly materialized above the table. The subspace of the Munch-Munch Fruit opened before their eyes.
From within, Jin retrieved two ornate boxes.
One held freshly harvested Ice Mushrooms from Drum Island.
The other carried a batch of Tasty Yamshrooms from Aska Island.
The vortex snapped shut.
Jin said, "I came to promote our kingdom's finest exports—our medicinal Ice Mushrooms and flavorful Yamshrooms."
"In addition, I hope to sign a Free Market Trade Agreement with Alabasta—an open deal for mutual exchange.
We wish to purchase your kingdom's minerals and other products."
"In short, Your Majesty, I'm here to talk business."
Cobra's eyes widened. "Ice Mushrooms?"
He leapt to his feet and strode over.
Though Ice Mushrooms were only sold in the Land of Fire for now, enterprising merchants had already smuggled a few into Alabasta.
Cobra had tried one.
It was tasteless, unremarkable—but held an incredible amount of water.
For a kingdom plagued by drought and desertification, it was nothing short of a miracle.
He opened the box.
Inside lay a crystalline mushroom, glowing with cold vapor.
"It's the same one!"
"It's really from the Winterhan Kingdom?" Cobra asked breathlessly.
"Yes," Jin nodded. "At present, we produce 100,000 shrooms per month."
That number came from Little Ai's meticulous study of Drum Island's climate and ecological balance.
As a winter island, it snowed over 300 days a year, making it perfect for Ice Mushroom farming.
Harvesting some of that moisture wouldn't hurt the environment—and would help keep snow levels stable.
Jin continued, "Wholesale price: 10,000 Berries per shroom.
Exclusive to the royal family—your ministers may manage distribution."
Cobra was stunned—then troubled.
"100,000 per month… Each mushroom weighs about eight pounds… That's enough for our needs but…"
He sighed deeply.
"The kingdom… is out of money."
"I've suspended taxes for years to ease the burden on our people.
And the Celestial Tribute still has to be paid.
The national treasury… is empty."
Jin smiled faintly.
"Minerals. Land. Labor. These are all assets, aren't they?"
"We can barter if needed. To simplify things, we'll use Winterhan Military Credit Vouchers for valuation."
"Oh, and these—" he tapped the second box, "—are our Tasty Yamshrooms. Edible. Rich in nutrients. Currently a hit in the Land of Fire."
Cobra fell silent, weighing the implications.
"This… this is a major matter. I need a night to think it over."
"I'll give you an answer tomorrow."
"Of course," Jin said, unfazed.
…
No one noticed…
On one of the hall's pillars, a strange eye and ear had silently sprouted.