Nami, hoping everyone on the ship could better understand Baroque Works and prepare accordingly, called Mikita over during their journey to Alabasta and had her explain the organization in detail.
After Mikita's account, everyone was somewhat shocked.
They hadn't expected a "small" Baroque Works to actually employ two thousand agents. Crocodile truly was an extraordinary man.
Leno's mind, at the moment, was preoccupied with whether Crocodile was male or female.
He remembered speculation, based on his distressed appearance in front of Ivankov, that Ivankov might have helped him undergo a sex change operation.
The rumor was never confirmed, but this was a perfect opportunity to check.
As everyone continued their lively discussion, the sea ahead suddenly began to stir and rise.
Moments later, an enormous sea beast shaped like a beckoning cat emerged from the waves, blocking their path.
"I didn't expect sea beasts to look like this!"
"The ocean really is huge… even cats can live out here!"
While the crew was still stunned by its appearance, Kuina stepped forward with her long blade in hand. She was just about to draw and strike down the creature blocking their way—
Vivi's sharp cry stopped her mid-movement.
"Wait! Don't kill it!"
Kuina paused, turning back in confusion, waiting for an explanation.
"That's a Sea Cat! It's a sacred creature in Alabasta—no one is allowed to hunt it!"
Under everyone's gaze, Vivi explained her country's tradition, and only then did they understand why she'd intervened.
The Sea Cat, seemingly frightened by Kuina's movements, bolted away the moment Vivi spoke up.
Seeing it flee, Vivi continued:
"Its appearance means we've entered Alabasta's waters. The kingdom is just ahead!"
Everyone grew excited and quickly shifted to discussing how to divide their manpower to deal with Baroque Works.
Listening to their heated planning, Leno couldn't help but smile.
"Honestly, isn't all this unnecessary?"
He rose from his deck chair, walked over, and said calmly:
"We just find Crocodile and kill him. Wouldn't that solve everything?"
"That way we avenge Robin and remove Alabasta's biggest threat. Simple."
His straightforward plan left everyone frozen.
Right… just take out the leader first. What exactly were they even arguing about?
"Leno! A-Are you a genius!?"
Chopper and Yamato looked at him with sparkling eyes, utterly in awe. Something the whole group had been debating endlessly was solved by Leno in a sentence.
Enjoying their admiration for a moment, Leno wandered back to his deck chair.
After his words, the atmosphere on the ship noticeably lightened, and everyone's anticipation for the Alabasta journey grew even stronger.
Alabasta — Rainbase — Rain Dinners.
In the office deep within the casino, a fashionable blue-haired woman was reporting to Crocodile.
"Boss, that adventurer group is about to land in Alabasta. Should we prepare?"
"Prepare for what? Their arrival has nothing to do with us."
Crocodile puffed on his cigar. Though his tone was dismissive, a flicker of wariness flashed in his eyes.
Ever since witnessing that man's power at Marineford, he'd resumed training his Haki after returning.
So aside from progressing his original plan, he'd been honing himself without rest.
"B-But regarding Nico Robin…"
"Miss All Sunday!"
Crocodile slammed the desk, cutting her off. A second later, he realized his loss of composure.
He adjusted his tie and spoke calmly:
"Baroque Works targeted Nico Robin. What does that have to do with a Shichibukai like me?"
He was increasingly dissatisfied with his partner—she just wasn't that bright.
If he'd been able to find someone competent, he would've replaced her long ago.
Taking two deep drags from his cigar, he finally issued instructions:
"Keep a close eye on Baroque Works' support to the rebels. Try to accelerate the plan."
"Yes, Boss!"
After she left, Crocodile walked to the glass wall and silently watched the giant crocodiles swimming below.
Once he took this kingdom, he would begin searching for the Ancient Weapons.
Once he had them, the World Government, the Thunder God—whoever they were—would all die before him.
Something else came to mind. He turned back, grabbed a Den Den Mushi, and began issuing more orders.
—Cut to Alubarna, capital of Alabasta—
Hina led a small Marine squad on patrol. She had received intel suggesting the rebels were in contact with a criminal organization.
To uncover the truth, she had dispatched her subordinates in batches, hoping to learn more as quickly as possible.
The atmosphere across the kingdom had grown noticeably more tense. Combined with the intel she'd intercepted, she had a bad feeling something big was coming.
A Marine soldier sprinted toward her, saluted, and whispered urgently in her ear.
Hina's expression shifted sharply as she confirmed the report again:
"The rebels suddenly acquired a huge number of weapons and have already taken several cities!?"
She quickly pulled out a map, marked the situation, and her expression grew grim.
"At this rate, they'll reach the capital soon."
"Send the order! Assemble the squad immediately. We're going to see who's stirring trouble behind the scenes."
Though the World Government forbade Marines from intervening in a nation's internal affairs, if an external organization was involved, the Marines were obligated to act.
While Alabasta fell into chaos, Leno and the others aboard the Gale finally reached the desert kingdom.
After a brief stop at the port and receiving news of the rapidly worsening political situation, the group immediately set out for Rainbase.