Sigh, having to explain this kind of thing again gave Taro a headache.
"Or is it that Marineford has long been aware of this intelligence, yet allowed my country to descend into such chaos?"
"Is it because of Crocodile's status as a Shichibukai? Or is it that the World Government..."
After a long while without receiving a response from Taro, Cobra let out a wry laugh, paused mid-sentence, and then started again:
"When you said earlier you wanted to cooperate with me in a personal capacity, were you hinting at these things?"
Taro looked at Cobra in shock.
Holy crap, what's with the people in this world? Every single one of them is a master of over-interpretation!
Stop it right now!
Taro quickly waved his hands, shaking his head like a rattle drum, denying repeatedly, "No, no, no, it's not like that at all. You're overthinking it."
Seeing Taro's reaction, Cobra became even more convinced of his own judgment.
He gazed at Taro for a moment, a look of appreciation in his eyes. "Taro, you're quite something. I've received your sincerity. Now I have even more confidence in our cooperation!"
Done for, it's happening again!
What the hell? Does no one believe the truth anymore?
I give up!
Taro gave up struggling. Whatever, at least for now, the outcome is good, and the situation is still within predictable bounds.
"Since you're unwilling to admit it, I won't force you," Cobra withdrew his gaze. "Regarding the kingdom's situation, I'd like to discuss it with you and hope you can provide some assistance."
"Of course, Your Majesty."
... Alabasta Kingdom, Rainbase.
Crocodile sat in a large high-backed chair, fingers interlaced in thought, only occasionally stirring to take a puff of his cigar.
"Miss All Sunday, send a message to the Advanced Agents. Have them return to Rainbase at the fastest possible speed!"
Miss All Sunday, also known as the vice-president of Baroque Works, Nico Robin, was taken aback. She found it strange. Crocodile had gone out today, and ever since he returned, his face had been frighteningly dark.
"The Advanced Agents have already assembled at the Spider Cafe as per the plan. They will definitely make it before the plan commences tomorrow night at 12..."
Nico Robin elegantly crossed her legs, resting her right elbow on her thigh and her chin on her palm, speaking calmly.
Crocodile was just about to pick up the coffee cup on the table. Upon hearing this, his hand tightened slightly. With a crack, the cup's handle shattered.
Robin looked over, slightly surprised, to see an inexplicable anger flashing in Crocodile's eyes. "I said, the fastest speed! I don't want to repeat myself."
Robin then stood up and walked towards the exit. Crocodile's cold voice came from behind her again.
"A young man with black hair and black eyes has appeared on the island. Investigate him. I want his information."
Robin's footsteps faltered for a moment, then she continued walking out... Alabasta Royal Palace.
"Well, that's about all I can say," Taro nodded to King Cobra and the other two.
"However, even telling you all this, there's still not much you can do. Crocodile is a top-tier schemer. If he senses anything unusual, it's hard to say if he won't act prematurely."
"Princess Vivi and her friends haven't returned yet. If a fight breaks out now, you don't stand a chance of winning."
As soon as Taro finished speaking, Chaka, one of the Guardian Gods of the Kingdom, asked sharply, "Are we supposed to know all this and do nothing?"
Taro sighed. "That's why I hope to minimize civilian casualties as much as possible. Being able to achieve even that would be a stroke of great fortune..."
Taro thought of the Baroque Works members. The strongest, Mr. 1, was a Swordsman if he remembered correctly. Mr. 2 Bon Clay was a real man, extremely popular in his past life, and his Devil Fruit Ability was practically impossible to guard against for creating chaos. Mr. 3's Candle-Candle Fruit ability was also very strong, along with some other characters whose memories were a bit fuzzy.
The people in this organization are all talents! Skilled and eloquent.
In the original storyline, Impel Down and the Marineford War were practically a showcase for the Baroque Works members.
Cobra nodded, exchanged a glance with Chaka and Pell, and said solemnly, "I understand!"
He stood up again, smiled at Taro, and said, "Well then, Taro, it's getting late. Please join us for dinner!"
Taro shook his head. There were still many things to do. "Thank you for your kind offer, Your Majesty. I still have some matters to attend to and must take my leave. Please help prepare some food and water."
Cobra tried to persuade him again, but Taro remained firm in his refusal, stating seriously, "Your Majesty, please ensure the Kingdom Army exercises restraint. I implore you."
Cobra said nothing more, simply nodding.
After Taro took his leave, Chaka bowed to King Cobra. "Your Majesty, do you completely trust this young man now? Personally, I feel he is still withholding a lot of information."
"It's enough, Chaka," Cobra shook his head. "Don't forget his identity. For him to have done this much is already sufficient."
"But, he's asking for too much. He..." Chaka unconsciously took a step forward, ready to argue further.
Cobra waved his hand dismissively. "That's enough, Chaka. And you too, Pell." He looked at the two Guardian Gods of the Kingdom. "The reason I agreed to the... transaction isn't just because of this bit of intelligence..."
"It's also because of him as a person!"
Seeing their puzzled looks, Cobra slowly walked to the window. "Alabasta's history spans thousands of years. The Nefeltari Family has been passed down for over a dozen generations," he said in a low voice, gazing down at the capital and the magnificent desert dusk on the horizon. "It's time for this desert to welcome some change!"
... The sky gradually darkened, and the desert temperature plummeted. Taro estimated the distance in his mind and decided to rest first. He now wanted to meet the leader of the Rebel Army, Princess Vivi's childhood friend.
He had already learned from Chaka that the Rebel Army had assembled in Katerea. This place wasn't actually far from Nanohana Port where Taro had landed.
Although Chaka didn't know why the Rebel Army leader Koza had decided to move from the Yuba region in western Alabasta to Katerea, located in the east like the Capital City Alabasta, he knew the Rebel Army was already preparing for a decisive battle with the Kingdom Army.
And Taro knew very well that Koza's Rebel Army would receive a large batch of weapons supplied by Baroque Works in Katerea. Coupled with the 300,000 Kingdom Army soldiers who had already defected, the Rebel Army's numbers had swelled to 600,000. In contrast, the Kingdom Army only had about 400,000 left.
Most frustratingly, both sides about to engage in the decisive battle wanted to make their country better.
Crocodile wanted the people of Alabasta to shed their last drop of blood!
As a young man who grew up in an era of peace, thinking about the bloody war about to erupt made Taro feel a chill run through his entire body.
But he didn't dare reveal the entire conspiracy. Knowing the general course of events was his greatest asset. If the situation developed in an unknown direction, he couldn't guarantee what might happen.
Taro lit a campfire, watching the dancing flames, momentarily lost in thought.
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