10

Although the Akatsuki organization is regarded as a terrorist group, its philosophy centers around establishing a peaceful world, albeit through extreme means. Now that Ryō had taken on the mantle of Pain and was using the Six Paths of Pain, it was only fitting that he reestablish Akatsuki with this core ideology. Ryō hadn't come to the Kingdom of Alabasta to destroy it but to rule it and transform the entire nation into the base for the Akatsuki.

"Now lead the way. Take me to the royal palace of Alabasta..." Ryō commanded, his voice authoritative as he gazed at Princess Vivi.

"I need your help to take control of the entire Kingdom of Alabasta," Ryō added, his piercing eyes locking onto hers.

"No... I won't let you take over Alabasta," Princess Vivi immediately retorted, her voice filled with determination. Although Ryō's words tempted her, offering a chance for stability, she couldn't bring herself to trust him.

After all, this was eerily similar to what Crocodile had promised. He had gained the trust of the royal family with similar promises, only to reveal his true intent—seizing power for himself. Now, someone far more dangerous than Crocodile had arrived, and Princess Vivi couldn't imagine the consequences for her people if Ryō succeeded.

Ryō, noticing her hesitation, smiled coldly. "Oh, Princess Vivi, I think you're misunderstanding something..."

"I'm not asking you. I'm ordering you."

His tone was sharp, laced with a threat that sent chills down her spine.

"If you don't comply, I have no problem truly destroying the Kingdom of Alabasta," Ryō said, his voice deadly serious as he stared down at the princess.

"You..." Princess Vivi faltered, her resistance wavering under Ryō's menacing glare.

After a tense moment, she sighed, shoulders slumping in resignation. "Fine... I'll help you take control of Alabasta," she agreed, though her voice was filled with bitterness.

"Princess Vivi, how could you agree to such a thing!?" Igaram, who had been standing nearby, exclaimed in shock. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. This was nothing less than offering up the kingdom to Ryō on a silver platter. Worse, it was like allowing him to turn the entire royal family into puppets.

"Igaram, do we have any other choice?" Vivi responded with a sad smile. Her heart ached at the reality they faced. She didn't want to submit to Ryō, but what other options were there? If she resisted, Ryō would annihilate the entire kingdom without a second thought.

Igaram fell silent, realizing the gravity of their situation. Princess Vivi was right; they had no power to oppose Ryō, no leverage to negotiate with. This was the harsh truth of the world—without strength, even royalty could be rendered powerless.

As much as she hoped that Ryō would keep his word, Princess Vivi knew better than to trust blindly. All she could do now was hope that he had some semblance of honor and wouldn't completely destroy Alabasta once it fell under his control.

---

In the palace of Alabasta, far from where Ryō was, a figure sat in a dimly lit room. Crocodile, a man with slicked-back hair, a large scar across his face, a cigar clenched between his teeth, and a golden hook for a hand, drummed his fingers impatiently on the long table in front of him.

Standing behind him was Nico Robin, the mysterious archaeologist with long black hair and glasses. She watched him carefully, sensing his foul mood.

Crocodile was seething. Two members of his Baroque Works organization had betrayed him, and worse, they were both agents of the royal family. He couldn't believe the audacity of such treachery, especially now when he was so close to completing his plans.

His ultimate goal was to seize control of Alabasta and, more importantly, claim the ancient weapon Pluton for himself. The ancient weapon was rumored to have enough power to control the seas, and with it, Crocodile was certain he could conquer the world. However, if his cover was blown, his entire plan would crumble, and even his position as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea could be revoked.

Robin, sensing Crocodile's frustration, spoke up. "Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine are pursuing them, correct? They shouldn't have any issues handling those two."

Crocodile narrowed his eyes, still suspicious of Robin. He had never fully trusted anyone, and the events of today only increased his paranoia.

"Those two better not fail," Crocodile growled, though he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

Robin, noticing his growing distrust, quickly shifted the conversation. "There's been some interesting news on the seas lately, Crocodile. A new pirate has surfaced, one with a bounty of 5 billion berries. That's on par with Whitebeard."

She pulled out a newspaper, showing him the latest bounty poster. The image displayed was of Ryō, who Crocodile immediately recognized.

"5 billion?" Crocodile's eyes widened as he read the number. He knew what such a bounty meant—power beyond comprehension, comparable to the Yonko, the four emperors who ruled over the New World.

But as his shock wore off, Crocodile grinned wickedly. He was on the verge of obtaining Pluton, and with the ancient weapon in his hands, not even someone like Ryō could stand in his way.

"Let him come. Once I have Pluton, even a pirate with a 5 billion berry bounty will kneel before me," Crocodile muttered, puffing on his cigar confidently.

---

Suddenly, a massive explosion rocked the palace, causing the ground to tremble violently. Crocodile's eyes widened in shock.

"What the hell is going on!?" Crocodile roared, storming out of the room. He couldn't believe someone would dare attack him here, in his own territory.

When he stepped outside, the sight that greeted him froze him in his tracks. All of his subordinates had been laid out, incapacitated in mere moments. And standing there, dressed in the black-and-red clouded cloaks of the Akatsuki, were six figures. Among them, Ryō stood at the forefront, his expression cold and unyielding.

"Who are you!? How dare you attack my men!" Crocodile shouted furiously.

"I am Pain, the god of this world. I have come for the Kingdom of Alabasta. Leave now, or face annihilation," Ryō declared, his voice booming with divine authority.

Crocodile recognized him immediately. "You're that pirate… the one with the 5 billion berry bounty!"

His mind raced, wondering if Ryō had come for Pluton as well. He couldn't let anyone, not even someone as dangerous as Ryō, take what was rightfully his.

"Hmph, I will never hand Alabasta over to you!" Crocodile growled, his resolve firm. "The ancient weapon is mine!"

"Then you will die," Ryō said coldly, his eyes narrowing. "Prepare to face judgment, Crocodile."