Rolan extended two fingers, "I'm here for two purposes. First, I want to visit the poneglyph your family has guarded for 800 years."
"So… you're here for that so-called ancient weapon too?" Cobra sighed. The allure of such a weapon was undeniable. Though he didn't know the full contents of the poneglyph, he understood its significance. Hearing Rolan mention it, he immediately assumed the young pirate sought Pluton.
Rolan shook his head lightly. "I'm not here for the ancient weapon. I just want to see this piece of history."
Cobra knew arguing would be futile. No matter Rolan's intentions, he lacked the ability to prevent him. Complying might even save the country.
"And… what's the other purpose?" Cobra asked, his voice weary.
"Let's not discuss that just yet. First, let's see the poneglyph."
Cobra's expression darkened. The very relic the Nefertari family had safeguarded for centuries was about to be accessed by an outsider.
---
[Burial Temple]
Robin stood before a square stone, quietly translating its ancient script.
"I never imagined someone could actually decipher this," Cobra muttered, his final hope of secrecy shattering. No one in the world had been able to read this 800-year-old text—until now.
Robin continued her translation:
"In the year 201 of the Light Era, Nefertari Alan Kulo arrived in a desert, leading his people to establish a dynasty.
In the year 247, Nefertari Rex named the desert city Alabasta.
In the 2nd year, Irukar was invited to join the Divine Kingdom and granted the name Nefertari D. Irukar.
In the year 303, Nefertari D. Yofos was forced to join the 20-nation allied army and participate in the war to overthrow the Divine Kingdom.
…
The key to Pluton is in Wano."
Listening to Robin, everyone realized the stone recorded both the history of the Nefertari family and the location of the Pluton key. Cobra stood frozen, the secret his family had protected for centuries now exposed.
Rolan nodded to Robin. "Make a rubbing of it."
Then, patting Cobra's shoulder, he said, "First purpose accomplished. Now, the second."
Cobra's hollow eyes focused on Rolan, voice hesitant. "Speak."
"I want you to join our crew, the Ion Tempest Pirates."
Cobra stepped back, stunned. "What? You want me… a King, to join a pirate crew?"
Rolan waved a hand casually. "Not you personally. I want your country to be under the Ion Tempest Pirates."
Cobra froze. Did he really hear that correctly? He was being asked to bring an entire nation under a pirate flag!
Seeing that Robin had completed the rubbing, Rolan left the temple calmly.
"Don't rush to refuse. I can offer four agreements:
First, Alabasta will not be harmed.
Second, I will not make you leave your country; your people's lives will remain intact, perhaps even better than before.
Third, I will not interfere in your governance.
Fourth, I will resolve your drought."
Cobra blinked, stunned. These terms seemed almost too beneficial. He wondered what Rolan sought in return.
Rolan simply said, "Let's go to the palace office to discuss the details."
---
[Alabasta Palace – Main Hall]
"Vivi! Why are you still here?" Cobra exclaimed as he returned with Rolan and the group, spotting the blue-haired princess seated in the hall beside Igaram.
Vivi rushed to Cobra, hugging him tightly. "Father!"
Cobra, slightly embarrassed, whispered softly, "Vivi, why did you come back? You should have gone far away."
Vivi looked up, eyes red, voice firm. "I know the danger, but I cannot abandon my country. I am also the Princess, your daughter."
Cobra stroked her head and turned to Igaram. "Igaram, I told you to take her far away. Why are you here?"
Igaram lowered his head, uneasy in Cobra's presence.
Rolan observed the scene, then smiled slightly. "I suppose this must be Princess Vivi of Alabasta."
Cobra instinctively shielded Vivi. "What do you want, Rolan? I'll agree to your demands—just don't harm my daughter."
Rolan exhaled softly. "Do I really look like such a villain?"
Robin covered her mouth to suppress a chuckle. "A pirate with a 1.2 billion bounty… anyone would be scared, right?"
Kuro nodded in agreement.
Rolan turned to Cobra with a helpless shrug. "I said I'm not interested in harming your country. Let's discuss the details slowly."
---
[Palace Office]
For several hours, they worked through every detail. Vivi's constant questions and suggestions nearly overwhelmed even Kuro, yet her insights invigorated the discussion. She was truly born with the instinct of a leader.
As they exited the office, Rolan glanced at Vivi and couldn't help but comment, "Cobra, you've raised a fine daughter."
Vivi eyes shined. "Rolan-san, I apologize for misjudging you earlier. Your plans… they are incredible."
Having heard Rolan's dream and vision for a fairer world, she could not help but admire him.
Rolan smiled. "There's nothing remarkable. I've simply witnessed the struggles of ordinary people and felt compelled to act. In a way, it's a fun dream."
Vivi clenched her small fists, enthusiasm evident. "Rolan-san, if we work together, this dream will come true."
Igaram whispered to Cobra as they followed behind: "Hmm… King, do you think Vivi has fallen for Rolan? Could he become your son-in-law?"
Cobra nodded thoughtfully. "It's possible… hehe."
---