Chapter 196

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Kingdom of Alabasta's capital, Alubarna. The spacious reception hall was filled with various desert delicacies, treasured wines, and drinks.

Invited and hosted by King Cobra, Zyhark and his crew were eagerly enjoying the spread of food.

Although the offerings prepared by Cobra's servants weren't considered gourmet by the standards of a crew from a sea restaurant, it was the most luxurious meal a barren land like Alabasta could provide.

In reality, even for the large kingdom with a population exceeding a million, the lifestyle of King Cobra, Princess Vivi, and the royal family was not particularly lavish.

They couldn't even compare to the scum nobility of the Goa Kingdom.

At the luncheon, besides Cobra, Igaram, Princess Vivi, and Pell, there were only a few maids serving dishes. It was far from the grand reception typically given to honored guests.

After all, Zyhark and his crew were still wanted by the World Government, and unlike a legitimate pirate like Crocodile, they couldn't be openly celebrated.

"I apologize, Mr. Zyhark. Your identities are somewhat sensitive, so we couldn't hold a grand reception."

At the dining table, Cobra was the first to speak, apologizing to Zyhark.

Regardless of their true purpose in Alabasta, the fact that they killed pirates, rescued the port city, and summoned water to alleviate the village's crisis were undeniable acts.

Moreover, given their ability to confront Marine Admirals, their power was overwhelming. Alabasta's current combat strength was no match, and if Zyhark wanted to, the entire capital could become a hellscape in an instant. Thus, fully understanding this, Cobra took a very humble stance.

"No worries, no worries. This is better. Too many people would be boring."

Zyhark said, biting into a golden fried chicken leg and sipping on a special Alabasta drink, acting very familiar.

With their captain being so casual, the rest of the crew was even more at ease.

Aqua wandered among various specialty wines, feeling extremely happy as she recalled the villagers' heartfelt gratitude. She finally enjoyed the reverence she had longed for, showing off her flower and bird magic, and even her ultimate origami-crafting techniques, which amazed Vivi.

Having frequently snuck out of the capital to explore, Vivi wasn't the type of delicate princess who was afraid of strangers. She quickly became friends with Kanna and Meowth, sharing stories of her adventures with the Sand Sand Gang.

Given the crew's purpose and the royal rules, the commoner Koza did not come along.

The Guardian Falcon, Pell, sat with the expressionless King, casually chatting over beer.

In a corner of the hall, Igaram and Brook, who both had an interest in music, had a lively conversation.

"Mr. Zyhark, is there anything Alabasta can do to help you?"

After they had eaten, Cobra invited Zyhark to a small reception room on the side of the hall for tea.

He wanted to use this topic to subtly probe the sea restaurant's intentions in Alabasta.

After all, there was a secret beneath the Alabasta royal city that couldn't be easily revealed — the ancient weapon Pluton! Having heard from Pell about Zyhark's promotion of the Axis Cult in the port city, Cobra was very worried about a second Crocodile emerging.

Zyhark could see Cobra's intent, sipping the rich tea, and spoke: "King Cobra, as you've seen, we can solve Alabasta's long-standing water shortage problem."

"If things go well, your people won't suffer from droughts anymore, at least not as badly as now."

Hearing this, Cobra didn't show much joy; instead, his brow furrowed, and his expression became more serious.

Recalling the shocking scene of Aqua summoning a large amount of pure water out of thin air, he swallowed hard and asked in a deep voice, "I don't doubt your ability, but what kind of cooperation do you need from the royal family?"

In the cruel pirate world, there were no unearned blessings. As a king of a large kingdom, Cobra, though somewhat soft, was not foolish and remained cautious.

Typically, the greater the benefit offered by the other party, the heavier the price Alabasta would have to pay! "As a trade, you need to promote the name of the Water Goddess Aqua throughout your kingdom."

Zyhark gently placed his teacup down, his expression turning serious, "Consider this a transaction."

"Promote… her name?" Cobra looked surprised.

With Crocodile as a precedent, he was very wary of anything that involved creating a kingdom hero or savior figure.

It wasn't that he was worried about his position as king being threatened; as long as his people's lives improved, he didn't care about such things.

But he feared that behind this goodwill lay a deeper evil intent!

"Yes, Aqua has always dreamed of being a revered goddess worshiped by countless people, and she happens to have the ability to save Alabasta, nothing more."

Zyhark naturally wouldn't reveal Aqua's core source of power, even to Vivi's father, the beloved King Cobra.

Seeing Cobra still hesitant, Zyhark continued, "By the way, our ship is the best weapon in the world, so I have no interest in your so-called national treasure, the ancient weapon Pluton."

If Cobra still didn't want to cooperate after making things so clear, there would be no need to continue the conversation.

Cooperation would merely make it easier for Aqua to gain followers.

He had no qualms about using more forceful methods if necessary!

In simple terms, he was notifying, not requesting.

"You even know about that. Who exactly are you?!"

Hearing Zyhark mention the Nefertari family's guarded secret, Cobra could no longer stay calm. He stood up abruptly, his expression changing dramatically.

Zyhark said nothing, calmly sipping his tea.

After a deep breath, Cobra managed to regain his composure and sat back down.

After several seconds of contemplation, knowing his current position was completely disadvantageous, he ultimately chose to compromise.

"I understand. The Alabasta royal family will cooperate with your actions, but if we find any harm to our people, even without any chance of winning, I will fight you!"

This was Cobra's unwavering bottom line, and he was very firm in his stance.

"Of course." Zyhark nodded with a smile.

He was counting on the people of Alabasta to provide support, so why would he harm them physically? As for their mental state, well, that would be up to them.

"Also, given your status as wanted criminals, even Alabasta can't openly support you."

Cobra said seriously, "Moreover, the Shichibukai Crocodile is a hero to the kingdom, and your actions will conflict with his interests."

Two expected issues, and Zyhark, who had prepared for them, remained relaxed.

"Leave Croco to me."

"Croco…?"

"Crocodile, I mean." Zyhark coughed, having spoken too casually.

"If all goes well, I can even help you drive him out of Alabasta."

"As for the pressure from the Navy and the World Government, that will be for your royal family to bear. That's also part of the deal."

For Alabasta, solving the water problem was the biggest benefit. Naturally, not everything would be solved by him.

He was a businessman, not a bleeding-heart do-gooder. "This…"

Cobra pondered for a few seconds, then nodded resolutely, "Agreed!"

Having the entire populace follow a wanted criminal was no small matter.

But if it meant alleviating the people's suffering, he would bear any pressure.

That was his resolve as a king.

"One last question. Your method of summoning water, it's not like the forbidden Dance Powder, which depletes water sources in other regions, right?"

"No, by then, most people in Alabasta will have access to water."

Zyhark gave Cobra a reassuring answer.

Imagining a harmonious, happy scene, Cobra couldn't help but smile, no longer worried.

"In that case, I'm relieved."

"Then, here's to a successful collaboration, King Cobra."

"A successful collaboration."

Thus, the "business" between the two parties was officially settled.

For Cobra and the entire Alabasta royal family, another critical challenge awaited.

As Aqua solved the water issue and Alabasta gradually became prosperous, pirates, the Navy, and even the World Government would extend their greedy hands to seize resources.

By then, Alabasta wouldn't be a neglected, broken place but a prime target for various threats!

However, Zyhark did not warn Cobra about this.

As he said, he wasn't Alabasta's nanny. All subsequent problems and challenges would need Cobra and the people to face and overcome together!

After finishing their business, Zyhark and Cobra returned to the hall, where the crew had finished eating and were chatting with Vivi and Pell on the sofas.

"Alright, Aqua, get ready. It's time to get to work."

Zyhark addressed the goddess, who was the center of attention, showing off her flower and bird magic.

Regarding the promotion of the Axis Cult in Alabasta, he had already roughly explained it to his crew on the way.

Seeing that the matter was settled, the crew stood up together.

"Get to work? Meowth, Kanna, are you going to work?"

Princess Vivi asked, puzzled.

In the short time they had spent together, her outgoing personality had made her quite familiar with the crew.

"Yes, we're going to bring water to your people, meow." Meowth answered with a bright smile.

It was clear that the cute and charming villain had a good impression of Vivi.

With her mouth full and chewing constantly, Kanna asked in a muffled voice, "Vivi, do you want to come with us?"

Although willing, Vivi didn't immediately respond. Instead, she looked at her father and Igaram.

Cobra didn't respond immediately either, looking at Zyhark among the crowd.

Zyhark nodded slightly.

Having an official representative would make the people more accepting of the faith.

Cobra, Igaram, and Pell were too influential, making Vivi the perfect choice!

Thus, with Kanna in her pure white dragon form guided by Zyhark, they headed to their first destination.

A major city affected by drought, once a desert oasis — Eruma.

Located downstream of the Santo River, the town had suffered from a receding water flow, leaving residents relying on scant dew and rare rainfall, struggling on the brink of dehydration and starvation.

Walking through the once prosperous but now desolate town streets, the scorching hot air and yellow sand hit them in the face.

Even with Aqua's magic enhancements, the intense heat in the air was palpable.

This was Eruma at noon, a city with thousands of inhabitants, yet not a soul could be seen on the streets due to the drought!

Using his Observation Haki, Zyhark easily detected numerous human presences hiding in the shadows, watching them.

Most were gaunt, yellow-faced figures with long-standing expressions of bewilderment and dullness.

To quickly draw these residents out, Zyhark used his fruit ability to make rolling thunder resound in the sky over Eruma.

Boom, boom!

As expected, hearing the thunder, residents, thinking rain had finally come, excitedly grabbed any container they could find and rushed out.

Soon, the streets were filled with people ready to welcome the rain.

Faces beamed with excitement, muttering prayers.

Looking around, most were the elderly and children — any young adults with the ability to move had long since left to find a better life elsewhere.

"Aqua, it's time for your performance. Show them your best destruction skills."

Zyhark said to Aqua.

Direct action was the most impactful.

"OK! Leave it to me!"

As she spoke, Aqua belatedly realized the implication of Zyhark's words, turning back with a mouthful of protest.

"Damn it, Zyhark, what do you mean by best destruction skills? I've always been super reliable!!"

Ignoring her protests, Zyhark stepped forward, targeting a distant, empty spot away from the crowd.

Electricity crackled at his fingertips, and a bolt of lightning struck, creating a ten-meter-wide deep well.

In the shocked, dazed eyes of Eruma's residents, Aqua, bathed in blue light like a deity, waved her goddess staff, inscribing a deep blue magic circle at the well's bottom.

As divine power flowed, a massive pillar of clear, cool water surged up, bursting high into the sky and transforming into dense droplets of hope, showering the drought-stricken town.

This was...

"Flower and Bird Magic: Special Edition!"

(End of Chapter)