Just call me Vivi

Detaining someone has proven to be quite a hassle. Not only do I have to provide them with food and shelter, but I also need to constantly be on guard in case they try to make a run for it.

So, when Igaram and Vivi returned to the palace, it greatly lit my load. I'm looking for an alternative method to release Mister 9, Mister 3, and Miss Golden Week, whom I have in captivity.

I began by taking out Mister 9, who used to be Vivi's partner during her time with Baroque Works. His death served a particular purpose by offering valuable lessons to Nojiko and helping steer my crew in the right direction.

Deciding not to kill Mister 3 and Miss GoldenWeek, I came up with a new plan. Those two individuals who were unsuccessful in their mission were essentially considered lost, as they could not make their way back to Baroque Works and had become my captives, destined for Impel Down.

Allowing them the opportunity to collaborate with me is the final offer I can extend to them.

I made sure to really scare them by describing the terrifying aspects of Impel Down.

Ultimately, I managed to make them feel so desperate that they had no choice but to agree, particularly Miss GoldenWeek, a woman with a childish appearance that belied her age.

After I took her virginity and continued to fuck her regularly, it seemed unlikely that she would turn down my advances.

"Are you crazy? You might get in serious trouble if another marine overhears this and informs your superiors."

Upon arriving back at the palace, my first order of business was to update Captain Hina on the recent events of the past few days.

Accompanied by Makino, Nojiko, and Uta, I quickly mentioned that I needed to talk to Captain Hina privately, so I requested some time alone.

It was Nojiko and Makino's first visit to a palace and not just any palace, but King Arabasta's palace. They were pleased to release me before they could fully immerse themselves in their wanderings.

"Yep, he's out of his mind. Dealing with his wild antics piles on the stress for me."

Uta, who had been following me and Captain Hina into the room, took a seat near the window and seemed eager to share a few of her grievances.

"I agree. His actions were definitely extreme. It's surprising to encounter a marine who doesn't wait for the full verdict before carrying out executions."

"He also violated additional regulations by attempting to collaborate with criminals. This situation is quite embarrassing," Captain Hina added.

"So, why not just arrest me now... what's the issue? I won't fight back."

In the past, Captain Hina would have stood her ground and engaged with my challenges. However, over the years we've spent together, she has shown a more subdued side, like that of a tame dog.

"What an asshole," Uta couldn't help but snort coldly, fully aware of this.

Once I had accomplished my goal of sharing a summary and discussing my future plans with Captain Hina, I clapped my hands loudly to regain their focus.

"Let's put ethics and justice aside for a moment. Our opponent is Crocodile, one of the Warlords of the Sea… Honestly, I'm not sure if the three of us stand a chance against him, even if we team up against him."

After a brief moment of contemplation, they realized the gravity of the situation. With the wheels that I had set in motion, the flames of rebellion in this kingdom burned like never before.

"You're correct, Luffy. If I were to bring a rookie along, I'd surely end up defeated, forced to witness the downfall of this kingdom helplessly..."

"But this is different. We both possess devil fruit abilities, and despite our small numbers, every member is skilled in utilizing Armament Haki and Observation Haki. Each of us has the power equivalent to 100 people... perhaps even more."

After expressing her thoughts, Captain Hina wore a confident smile. Her laid-back demeanor deserves recognition as it stems from her unwavering belief in her skills, but regrettably, there is someone else equally as formidable as Crocodile.

We have no choice but to confront that woman since she is a key part of my mission in coming to Arabasta.

---

Despite my short time in the palace, I managed to navigate without getting lost. Perhaps another factor is that my group and I cannot access specific areas.

One more realization dawned on me - I already feel at home in this place. Immersed in a landscape where sand stretches as far as the eye can see, the buildings stand out in shades of yellow with a glistening golden hue. These colors not only reflect the island's sandy terrain but also hint at the prosperity of its inhabitants. It's only natural for them to feel proud of that.

Despite everything, the grand palace that mirrors the architecture of Enies Lobby, along with the lush greenery and vibrant clothing worn by the locals, brings me a sense of comfort. I enjoy spending time in the garden in the palace's center. The soothing fountain helps me gather my thoughts and strategize my next steps in response to Crocodile's actions.

Sometimes, Captain Hina, Uta, Nojiko, or Makino stop by to keep me company before heading back to their own tasks.

But what I'm looking forward to is Vivi's arrival.

It nearly slipped my mind. Right now, she's not in her bounty hunter disguise from Baroque Works, so I can't interact with her the same way as before. It seemed likely that his father was keeping a close eye on my actions.

"Good afternoon, Princess Vivi! Is there something on your mind that you'd like to chat about?"

"Just call me Vivi. That way, I don't need to add captain, and I can just call you Luffy."

Her current look is a departure from her previous style during her time at Baroque Works, where she appeared more mature in her choice of attire. She appears as a true desert princess in her elegant white dress adorned with gold ornaments, complemented by a pink cape shielding her from the harsh sand-laden wind.

Her lengthy blue hair was no longer pulled back tightly; instead, she allowed it to cascade down, exuding charm.

"Khakkk!... Krakkkk!..."

Suddenly, a screeching and hoarse voice interrupted my focus on Vivi. It suddenly struck me that there was a yellow duck standing at nearly the same height as her. He stood beside her, his intense gaze fixed on me.

Similar to myself, Vivi could only manage a wry smile.