Chapter 154 - Alabasta 23.

[Chapter Size: 2000 Words.]

Third Person POV

Alabasta, First Half of Grandline.

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The following morning, Luffy's vibrant energy was palpable as he left the room, accompanied by his companions. Lack of sleep didn't seem to affect him; he was more concerned about having a cold beer as he headed to the great hall where his crewmates were already gathered. Entering the room with an enthusiastic "Good morning!", he was greeted with a mix of salutations and exclamations.

"Good morning, Captain!", "Good morning, Luffy!", "Good morning, husband!", echoed through the hall. The variety of greetings reflected the diversity and closeness of his crew.

"So you're the captain?" During the lively meal, a woman bearing a striking resemblance to Igaram emerged.

"Yes, you're Igaram's wife, aren't you?" Luffy asked.

"That's right. May I know why my Husband hasn't returned to Alabasta?" She inquired.

"He's handling some stuff for me in Whisky Peak, don't worry, he'll be back soon." Luffy responds. His answer seemed to reassure her, and she returned to the kitchen.

"Captain!! What are we going to do now?" Zoro asked in his typical style.

"Hey, how can you drink rum for breakfast?!" Usopp yells at Zoro drinking from a barrel.

"We're going to stay here for a few days, as I said. When the navy arrives, we'll leave. During these days, we'll train and enjoy the city." Luffy declares his plans and everyone nods.

After breakfast, Luffy heads to the castle courtyard, he takes the Black Pearl from his pocket and throws it into the yard. Using his Moa Moa no Mi ability to bring it back to normal size, a 50-meter ship falls to the ground creating an impact in the castle.

"Damn pirates!"

"What's happening?!"

"I'm hungry, nobody feeds us for hours!"

Among screams of surprise and complaints of hunger from the prisoners in the prison feeling the ship's impact, Luffy couldn't hear them. With the Black Pearl now in the courtyard, Luffy and his crew prepare for the coming days with extensive training and hobbies around the city enjoying their extended stay in Alaburna.

"Let's go, it's time to train!" Luffy speaks and everyone enters the training area to focus on training and improving their skills.

"Come on, guys! I want to see everyone improving!"

Luffy, as the leader, established a simple routine for the coming days - training and enjoying the city. The crew agreed. The training sessions were intense and focused on the six styles and haki. Luffy encouraged everyone in his usual way, pushing them to improve and hone their skills. Yamato, Shirahoshi, Megalo, Zoro, Lami, Bepo, Chouchou, Usopp, Nami, Reiju, Hugo, Nojiko, Hachi, Kuina, Alvida, Laboon, Vivi, Karoo, Nico Robin, Choopper, Broggy, Dorry, and even Pell participated in this rigorous training. Between training sessions, the crew explored Alubarna. They marveled at the unique architecture, strolled through bustling markets, and interacted with the locals. The evenings were filled with laughter and a customary feast, with Luffy ending his night spending time with 4 women and then sneaking off to Robin's room in the middle of the night.

After intense days of training and sightseeing, Luffy realizes it's time to address the last pending issues with King Cobra before the navy arrives. He understands the importance of establishing a solid foundation for the territories now under his influence and protection.

Luffy, accompanied by key members of his crew, meets with King Cobra in his office with some main ministers.

"King Cobra, as Alabasta is now part of the territories we protect, I want to discuss an alliance."

"Continue, Captain Monkey D. Luffy."

"Please, call me Luffy from now on." Luffy suggested.

"Luffy then." Cobra spoke, and Luffy continued his explanation.

"We have an alliance among various kingdoms and places that have become our territories. Including Goa Kingdom, Cocoyasi, Syrup, a company in Loguetown, Whisky Peak, Drum, and now Alabasta. I want all of them to have an exclusive commercial and military agreement among themselves."

King Cobra, aware of the power and influence such an alliance would bring, ponders the implications. 

"This would bring stability and security to Alabasta and the other involved kingdoms. But how exactly would it work?" 

"Well, we will all support each other. If one kingdom is in danger, the others will help. And we will all exchange things with free trade and no taxation on some things, like food, medicine, technology, and weapons... This way, everyone gets stronger and safer." 

The king nods, understanding the logic and strength behind the proposal. 

"This sounds promising, Luffy. Alabasta would be honored to be part of this alliance. I will discuss with my advisors and handle the details with you and your crew. But what about the world government? They certainly won't let this happen." 

"Yes, but you can do all this with all these countries, islands, and trading companies, it will take some time until they discover our connection and when that happens, I will have enough power to threaten them before they try to do anything against any of my territories, don't worry." Luffy spoke. He had a plan that he would execute in a few months that would make the 5 elders rethink a little before attacking any kingdom under his flag.

The meeting continues with discussions on how to implement and manage this alliance, addressing issues like communication between the kingdoms, mutual defense, and stimulating trade and cooperation. Luffy, although not fond of details and formalities, understands the importance of ensuring that his friends and territories are safe and prosperous.

Bepo, the polar bear Mink who is much more than just a cute member of the crew, plays a crucial role in planning and structuring the alliance proposed by Luffy. With his astute mind for economics and politics, he has become an essential piece in creating a solid and sustainable plan for the alliance between the territories, while Luffy and Bepo discuss their plans with the council of Alabasta.

During the meeting with King Cobra, Bepo is present alongside Luffy, carrying documents, maps, and charts illustrating possible trade routes, defense agreements, and economic development plans for the allied territories. 

"Look, King Cobra, by establishing direct trade routes between Alabasta and the other territories, we can reduce costs and increase trade efficiency. Additionally, with a common defense fund, we can ensure mutual security against external threats. I think a port being built on this side of the country will help trade with the drum kingdom, Whisky Peak, and with the entrance of the Grand Line."

King Cobra, impressed with the depth of knowledge and strategic skill of Bepo, listens attentively and asks questions. Bepo responds with a clear vision of how these relations can benefit everyone involved. 

"Impressive, Bepo. Your knowledge is extremely valuable, we can structure all this in a way that benefits everyone."

"Thank you... I'm sorry..." Bepo blushes and mutters apologies as always.

Over the following days, Luffy let Bepo work tirelessly, consulting with economists and politicians from Alabasta and the other territories, refining the agreements and ensuring that all aspects of the alliance are considered and optimized. He also coordinates with Nami, the navigator and treasurer of the group, to ensure that the trade routes are not only economically viable but also safe and efficient.

With Bepo at the forefront of economic and political structuring, the alliance promoted by Luffy has a solid foundation for success, demonstrating that the Straw Hat Pirates are not just a powerful force on the seas but also a positive and constructive influence on the territories they choose to protect and ally with.

After the details of the alliance are discussed and plans are well underway, King Cobra decides it's time to share one of Alabasta's most closely guarded secrets with Luffy and Nico Robin, one that Luffy had already asked him for. He invites them for a visit to the royal cemetery, a place that holds much of the kingdom's history and where a Poneglyph rests.

They walk towards a discreet entrance leading underground. As they descend, Luffy creates a flame that hovers in the air, lighting the way. At the center of the room rests the Poneglyph. 

"This is one of the great secrets of Alabasta, a Poneglyph. For generations, my family has protected this relic and the knowledge it contains. Despite the knowledge on it still being a mystery to me."

Robin approaches, her eyes shining with the excitement of an archaeologist before another valuable discovery. She reads exactly what Luffy told her two weeks ago, as if he were some kind of seer, making her look at the man she loves and think even more about who he could be and how he has all that knowledge. 

"Luffy, this Poneglyph... It talks about Pluton, exactly as you said. Even its location..." She murmurs a bit dazed.

Luffy calmly nods and turns to Cobra, 

"King Cobra, this Poneglyph is very dangerous for Alabasta. If the World Government or other pirates discover you have information about Pluton, they won't hesitate to attack. Alabasta could become the target of a Buster Call. Crocodile was already looking for it, there's no doubt this information could fall into the hands of others." 

King Cobra looks at Luffy, recognizing the sincerity in his words. He knows well the ruthless reputation of the World Government when it comes to secrets that threaten their power.

"What do you suggest, then?" Cobra inquires, the concern evident in his voice. 

"Well, my suggestion is that we take the Poneglyph with us on the Black Pearl. If it's under our protection, Alabasta won't be associated with it and will be free of suspicion. This way, we can ensure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands and that your kingdom remains safe and far from imminent dangers."

"Luffy is right," interrupts Robin, her voice carrying a serious and somber tone. "It's prudent to keep the Poneglyph on the move and away from ambitious eyes. I saw what happened to Ohara, my homeland, and I don't wish for any other nation to suffer the same fate." The fear of the buster call has haunted her since she was 8 years old, a memory that burns like an eternal flame in her heart.

King Cobra remains silent for a long moment, the weight of the decision weighing on his shoulders. Finally, he nods, adopting the resolute expression of a leader who recognizes what must be done for the greater good of his people. 

"If this is the best way to ensure the safety of Alabasta and its people, then I agree. I place my trust in you, Straw Hat Pirates, to protect this ancient legacy."

"Don't worry, King Cobra. We will protect the Poneglyph with our lives and ensure that Alabasta stays safe from any threat. Nothing will happen!" Luffy responds with an ironclad determination, promising not only the safety of the artifact but also the peace for the desert kingdom.

With a plan in action and a new cargo on board, Luffy returned to his crew. 

"We're leaving Alabasta soon, King Cobra said the navy is coming here, our time is running out so finish up any pending business and we'll depart soon." Luffy mentioned and the next day in the middle of the desert, a group of marines was approaching Alabarna at that moment.

"Captain Smoker! We are arriving at the capital!" Tashigi spoke. 

"Great, let's wait for the commodores to decide our next steps." He said, since he wasn't the highest rank there, he has to follow the orders of one of the commodores of the group. 

"Let's move forward, inform everyone to prepare for battle, we must rescue the vice admiral and the warlord!" Said the commodore in front of the whole group. 

"Yes, for justice!" 

"For justice!" 

All the marines would fight against the Straw Hats even knowing their strength, fighting for their ideal, they would willingly sacrifice themselves to defeat the evil.

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