Vivi, you've returned at last

Alubarna, the capital of the Arabasta kingdom, exudes a vibrant energy that rivals the other cities within this majestic realm. One cannot help but notice the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that adorn the buildings, showcasing a profound emphasis on beauty and luxury.

Despite being primarily composed of sand, these structures possess a mysterious golden radiance that causes them to glisten even in the scorching sunlight. The city's residents enjoy a higher quality of life as well.

Under the cover of darkness, Luffy and his companions finally reached their destination. Their weary faces and tattered attire bore witness to the arduousness of their journey. Evidently, fortune had not favored them, for they had encountered numerous sandstorms along the way.

In addition to that, as they finally succeeded in pitching their tent to seek rest for the night, the sand beneath them unexpectedly gave way, causing their bodies to gradually be engulfed by a swirling mass of animated sand. Once Vivi had warned them about the imminent threat of being engulfed by quicksand, a sense of desperation filled the air as everyone struggled to claw their way out.

Uta couldn't help but complain, "I'm tired of sleeping on the sand. I still have nightmares about that time when we were almost eaten by the Sandora Lizard while we were sleeping."

As the events unfolded, Captain Hina stood by her side, wearing a perpetually irritated expression. Her once lustrous pink hair, which had once been a sight to behold, now appeared disheveled and covered in a layer of dust. Her longing for a refreshing shower and the comfort of a plush bed was ceaseless.

"Hold on a little longer. You can rest comfortably when we reach the palace," Luffy reassured, his voice tinged with genuine worry. His eyes remained fixed on the path ahead, specifically on Vivi and Igaram engaged in conversation with a guard.

As soon as Igaram unveiled his true identity, the guard's expression transformed into one of surprise. His gaze shifted towards Vivi, who was still concealing her face, yet he seemed to have some inkling of her true identity. Consequently, his demeanor took on a more courteous tone as he willingly offered to guide them to the palace.

As they neared the palace, Igaram couldn't help but notice the anxiety that Vivi was experiencing. He gently asked, "Princess, are you alright? Ma-Ma-Ma..." He yearned to soothe her, as he had done countless times before, yet an inexplicable unease had taken hold of him as well.

Igaram, having covertly aided the princess in her escape, found himself overwhelmed with embarrassment at the prospect of facing the king once more. He felt prepared to face the consequences of severe punishment, but the thought of being separated from the princess was unbearable. At this moment, his very existence hung by a thread, and he was not prepared for that.

As the group lost themselves in their own musings, the guard guided them into the royal domain. In an instant, the vibrant energy that had filled the air vanished, giving way to a profound quietness.

At each turn, they would come across sentinels, standing tall and silent, diligently protecting their posts to uphold the tranquility of this place. As they ventured further, the presence of the guards grew increasingly intimidating.

Now and then, some of the higher-ranking individuals would come forward, but once they were provided with an explanation, they wore the same expression of surprise and allowed them to proceed.

As they approached the grand palace, word of their arrival had already spread among the residents within. As the robe slipped off Igaram's body, it was as if he had transformed into an entirely different person.

Being a former captain of the royal guard, Igaram was easily recognizable to many. As they made their way through the palace, Vivi, who still had her face concealed, received curious glances from the servants and guards. However, before casting their curious gazes, they made sure to show their respect to Igaram.

As they entered the grand throne room, a row of soldiers clad in the customary attire of the desert awaited them, extending a warm welcome. In the grand halls of the Arabasta Kingdom, a figure of great importance occupied the throne. Nevertari Cobra, the 12th ruler of this majestic land, held court with an air of noble authority.

"Vivi, you've returned at last," the king exclaimed, rising from his seat and extending his arms in a welcoming gesture.

Vivi's body trembled abruptly, her silence lingering momentarily before she mustered the courage to cast aside her disguise. With a burst of determination, she sprinted toward her father, enveloping him in a warm and heartfelt embrace. Despite the passage of several minutes, they remained locked in an embrace, their hold growing even tighter.

In that instant, Luffy's keen eyes caught sight of Igaram standing nearby. However, something seemed different about him now. With a serious expression on his face, Igaram began to move away, his steps deliberate, as if he was biding his time for the perfect opportunity.

Luffy had a vague sense of what lay ahead, so he discreetly shared a few words with Captain Hina and Uta, urging them to stay calm.

Sure enough, as Vivi's longing finally subsided, Igaram, positioned beside the king, bellowed, "Soldiers, seize them! Ma-Ma-Ma!"

The confusion on the soldiers' faces was evident to all, yet they dutifully followed commands and encircled Luffy's group. With their weapons raised, they steeled themselves to stand their ground, no matter the cost.

"Igaram, what are you doing! This isn't what we planned!" Vivi shouted loudly, completely caught off guard by Igaram's reckless actions.

Vivi was well aware of Igaram's ordeal, having been kidnapped and held captive on Luffy's ship. However, armed with knowledge from both perspectives, she endeavored to find a peaceful resolution to this predicament.

"I apologize, my dear princess, but despite their affiliation with the Marines, their actions can be classified as criminal. Ma-Ma-Ma…"

Amidst the tension that hung in the air, Luffy remained remarkably calm, his gaze unwavering as it locked onto Nevertari Cobra. The king's expression mirrored his astonishment at the unfolding events. Despite being informed by Igaram, he hesitated to act impulsively and apprehend the marines within his realm.

"Take another step and I won't hesitate to knock you up," With a firm resolve, Luffy issued a chilling ultimatum. This bold declaration sent shivers down the spines of the guards, effectively dissuading them from pursuing their ill-advised course of action.

He inclined his head in a respectful gesture toward the king before continuing to say, "Please accept my apologies for arriving at your esteemed palace uninvited. However, considering that I have brought your cherished daughter and the former captain of the royal guard, who, may I add, is not the brightest, I trust Your Majesty can comprehend my audacity."

Captain Hina and Uta exchanged cold grins upon witnessing the transformation of the king's expression. Exhaustion was carved across his face, evident in the weariness that accompanied his long tension. In response to Luffy's words, he mustered a reply:

"Please pardon Igaram's discourteous demeanor... No, the blame lies with me for placing such unwavering trust in him that I neglected to consider both perspectives... I must admit, I have failed as a ruler."