After a full day and night of sailing, the first light of dawn revealed the distant silhouette of Alubarna, the capital of the kingdom.
Seeing the city standing safe and untouched, Vivi finally let go of the tension she'd been holding these past two days.
"Everyone, that's Alubarna up ahead. Let's head straight to the palace."
"Let my father give everyone a proper welcome."
Standing at the bow, Vivi turned and flashed a radiant smile at the group. With the sunlight draping over her like a golden veil, she looked both regal and divine.
"Sounds good. We've still got plenty of time anyway—let's go take a look."
Seeing Nami and the others craning their necks in anticipation, Leno sighed helplessly and spoke up.
Besides, after rushing on the road for so long, everyone needed a good rest.
Soon after, as the Gale descended, the kingdom's soldiers immediately fell into chaos.
They thought intruders had arrived—understandable, considering the rebels had been causing havoc recently.
But the moment Vivi revealed herself, the chaos died down instantly.
When everyone reached the grand hall of the palace, they found King Cobra had already been waiting.
He had been shocked earlier when he heard there was an invasion. Thankfully, Igaram had been at his side to explain the situation, and only then did Cobra realize it was a false alarm.
Seeing her father sitting on the throne, visibly more aged than before, Vivi could no longer hold back. She ran into his arms, tears scattering in the air.
After a moment, Vivi suddenly remembered the others. She quickly pulled herself out of her father's embrace, grabbed his hand, and led him toward Leno and the group.
Beaming, she introduced them one by one. Then, thinking about everything she had done on her journey, she blushed and glanced up at her father's expression.
Cobra examined the young man before him—the one whose name he'd heard so many times. Leno was young, handsome, and radiated a vibrant, imposing presence.
'A dragon among men. If he became my son-in-law, that would be ideal. Except…'
His gaze subtly drifted over the many beautiful women standing around Leno, and the corner of his mouth twitched.
Cobra turned and cast a strange look at Igaram. 'And you dare tell me he has good character?'
Feeling a tug on his sleeve, Cobra cleared his throat, masking his emotions as he extended his hand to Leno.
"Sir Leno, I've heard much about you. Thank you so much for coming to aid us."
"You mean my infamy, right? No need to thank me—it's nothing but a small errand."
Leno waved his hand casually and laughed, lightly easing the atmosphere.
He didn't dislike Cobra. Though the king was somewhat inept and even incompetent, he truly was a kind person who cared for his people.
"Haha…"
"You all must be tired from your journey. I've prepared food and drink—let's eat and talk."
Even though Cobra doubted Leno's character, that didn't mean he would treat someone this powerful lightly.
Frankly, if Leno had been the one plotting behind the rebellion, Cobra believed he could simply lie down and wait for death.
Soon, the group arrived at the banquet hall. Cobra began explaining his stance on dealing with the rebels.
In summary, he wanted to avoid harming the innocent civilians who had been deceived.
Leno could only complain inwardly, 'You really are a good king. The fact you've held onto that throne this long is a miracle.'
Of course, clearing this situation without casualties was too easy for Leno's group. One burst of Conqueror's Haki would put everyone to sleep.
They didn't even need Leno to make a move. So he agreed directly to Cobra's request.
They continued arranging matters as they ate and drank.
After the banquet, Leno instructed several of the group to stay in the capital and prepare to handle the incoming rebel forces. Meanwhile, he himself would personally go deal with Crocodile.
He trusted everyone else. Only Hancock received a few extra warnings—not to go overboard and slaughter anyone. After all, she hated disgusting men the most.
After receiving a map to Rainbase from Cobra, Leno took his leave.
"I'll leave things here to all of you. I'll be back soon."
With that, his figure turned into lightning and disappeared, leaving Cobra staring in stunned silence.
After a while, Nami, Robin, and the others were escorted to their quarters. Only Cobra and Vivi remained in the hall.
Watching the others leave, Cobra turned to his daughter with a conflicted expression.
"Vivi… are they truly capable of handling the rebels?"
"Rest assured, Father. They're all incredibly strong. There won't be any problems."
Her voice was firm, her gaze steady. Was she reassuring her father—or herself?
She didn't fully understand everyone's strength yet, but judging from Kuina alone, the others likely weren't much weaker.
She gazed into the distance. If Leno were here, she would feel even more secure. He would probably take care of Crocodile quickly… right?
Meanwhile, the two cities were not far apart, so Leno soon arrived at Crocodile's base—Rainbase.
Upon arrival, he saw the enormous casino, Rain Dinners, at the center of the city.
Entering the casino, he spread his Observation Haki, quickly locking onto Crocodile's presence deep inside the building.
What surprised him was that there were Marines here. He shifted his focus toward the aura he sensed earlier.
He saw a woman with pink hair, wearing a Marine coat, gambling enthusiastically at a table.
But Leno noticed her attention wasn't on the game—she was secretly observing her surroundings.
"Hm? So it's her."
If he wasn't mistaken, that was the Marine beauty—Hina. But why was she here?
Judging from her personality, there was no way she was allied with Crocodile. Maybe she noticed something suspicious?
Thinking for a moment, Leno walked toward her table.
In fact, his guess was right. After Hina issued a gathering order, her subordinates reported that many clues pointed toward Rainbase, so she came here to investigate.
One had to admit—the Marine response speed was impressive. They found this place quickly. Their advanced equipment helped as well.
Meanwhile, the Alabasta kingdom had taken this long and still found nothing.
"Hello there, beautiful Marine officer. Mind if I sit?"
Leno spoke as if seeking permission, even though he sat down before she could answer.
"?!"
"You—you! Why are you here?!"
The moment Hina spoke, her body instinctively tried to distance itself from him.
But the hand on her shoulder held her firmly in place. A deep, magnetic voice followed.
"Relax. I'm not going to do anything."
"..."