69. Two New Crew Members?

Right when Al and the crew were ready to take action,

Vivi, standing nearby, suddenly spoke up:

"Captain Al, please hold on. These are soldiers from the Royal Army of Arabasta, not leftovers from the Baroque Works!"

With that, Vivi energetically waved to them and boldly announced her identity to the king's soldiers.

Upon seeing Vivi, the soldiers hesitated for a moment and then let out a surprised gasp.

"That's... Princess Vivi, Her Royal Highness!"

"Indeed, it's His Royal Highness Vivi!"

.....

Witnessing this, Al and the crew gradually lowered the weapons they held, instead opting to sit on nearby chairs, engaging in conversation and laughter.

Meanwhile, back in the Arabasta palace, King Cobra swiftly shared the joyous news of Vivi's return with the entire nation.

Vivi seized the moment, utilizing a speaker den den mushi to broadcast her message far and wide. She revealed Crocodile's crimes and recounted her own harrowing experiences to the entire nation.

As Vivi's voice echoed, a wave of outrage swept through Arabasta, igniting a massive storm of public opinion.

Amidst the chaos, the people's attention was naturally drawn to the commotion caused by Al and his crew.

Back then, everyone believed that only the gods themselves could accomplish such feats!

As exclamations echoed through the airwaves, Al nonchalantly yawned, as though his actions were of little consequence. 

While many hailed him as a hero, Al's thoughts were elsewhere. He was more preoccupied with how much EP could be gained from this battle.

Just as he was about to check the remaining EP, a notification chimed in his mind.

[You've obtained a unique item from the lottery machine: a Double Yolk Egg Crew Summoning Card.]

"A Double Yolk Egg Crew Summoning Card?"

Al furrowed his brow in confusion. "Who is Double Yolk Egg?"

Seeing the name, Al pondered for a moment, but couldn't recall who it referred to.

It wasn't until he glanced at the system introduction that he realized this Double Yolk Egg was not the same as the other cards.

[The Double Yolk Egg Crew Summoning Card can summon two crew members simultaneously.]

[Among the crew members, most of them are siblings, parents or children.]

Upon reading the system introduction, Al's eyes sparkled with excitement. It was the first time he praised the system. (T/N: Who do you think is joining)

Without hesitation, Al swiftly activated the card and eagerly awaited the arrival of the new crew members.

He waited anxiously for a brief moment.

Al's patience wore thin as he waited for the new crew members to materialize.

Observing the progress bar still stuck at 1%, Al couldn't help but feel puzzled. However, he reasoned that since it was a special item, a longer wait might be expected.

His conjecture seemed to be confirmed when the progress bar inched up by another 1%.

Relieved, Al let out a sigh, reassured by the slight progress.

At least it seemed the issue wasn't with the system.

As for the crew, impatience would serve no purpose at this point. All they could do was wait patiently.

Repeating the mantra "It must be Mr. Droopy" silently to himself three times, Al made a decision. He disabled the automatic lottery draw function to avoid squandering the luck potentially needed for summoning the crew.

With these tasks completed, Al finally checked the remaining EP.

Upon seeing the remaining EP count of 465,270, Al's focus shifted subconsciously to Crocodile.

After all the exertion, there were still over 460,000 EP left. Al pondered over how Crocodile would be tormented next.

He accessed the mood value acquisition panel:

[Received 9999 EP from Crocodile]

[Received 9999 EP from Crocodile]

[Received 99 EP from Sakazuki]

[Received 99 EP from Sengoku]

[Received 99 EP from Kuzan]

[Received 99 EP from Kizaru]

[Received 95 EP from Arlong]

[Received 68 EP from Miss Merry Christmas]

[.....]

In a mere instant, tens of thousands of messages flooded in simultaneously, and the holographic display materialized!

Among the names that appeared most frequently, aside from Crocodile, was Marine Admiral Sakazuki.

However, upon seeing these names, Al couldn't help but feel a tad perplexed.

Even after the latest system update allowing EP acquisition without direct confrontation, a realization struck Al.

Since entering the Grand Line, they hadn't encountered any Marines. Yet, judging by the rapid swipe speed on the screen, it was evident that the resentment levels were extraordinary.

Without a doubt, Al decided it was time to log out of the system.

Al scanned his surroundings vigilantly and was startled to spot a video den den mushi on the sandy slope nearby.

Without hesitation, Al vanished from his spot with a single thought, reappearing instantly on the sandy slope.

Approaching it, Al was taken aback to find a lifeless body nearby, appearing as if it had been brutally mangled.

"It seems Robin discovered the Marine spy and dealt with him," Al muttered to himself, then proceeded to pick up the den den mushi.

Discovering that the den den mushi was still operational, Al smirked.

"Just in case I get bored in the future, I can always make a courtesy call to Marine headquarters," he mused to himself.

Although it wouldn't yield as much EP as direct confrontation, every little bit counts. "A small gain is still better than none," he reasoned.

After disconnecting the den den mushi and stashing it in the system backpack, Al teleported back to Nami and the others.

Upon his return, Vivi had concluded her conversation with Cobra.

"Sorry, Nami-chan," Vivi began, her tone apologetic. "I just spoke with my father, and due to the war, we're unable to pay the 1 billion Berry for the time being. I'm truly sorry."

With deep regret, Vivi stepped forward in front of the gathered crowd, bowing deeply as she apologized.

Upon hearing this, Nami and Carina exchanged shocked glances, frozen in disbelief.

"A billion Berries!" Nami exclaimed, her voice tinged with astonishment.

For Nami and Carina, this news struck them like a bolt from the blue!

Sensing the shift in Nami and Carina's expressions, Vivi faltered momentarily, hastily waving her hands.

"No, no, please don't misunderstand. I am committed to paying the one billion Berries, but it will take some time," she reassured.

Observing Nami and Carina still frozen in shock, Vivi felt like an ant on a hot plate, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke.

Just as Vivi prepared to continue speaking...

Nami tenderly embraced Vivi and spoke softly, "That's not what we meant, Vivi."

"It's okay, just 1 billion Berries," Nami reassured with a faint smile, though tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably. The exact amount didn't matter to her.

Watching Nami's emotional reaction, Carina felt a tug at her heartstrings. Despite wanting to laugh at Nami's display, she couldn't bring herself to do so. The mention of the 1 billion Berries seemed to evaporate the humor from the situation, leaving Carina unable to find immediate amusement.

Carina, though not as dramatic as Nami, displayed noticeable saddness on her face.

Upon waking up, Tom opened his eyes to witness this peculiar scene for the first time, bursting into laughter.

"I can't tell if they're crying or laughing, but it's hilarious!" Tom remarked, amused by the situation.

"Shh, quit laughing, Tom, or they might give you a good whack," Al interjected, his tone feigned seriousness as he raised a warning hand to his mouth.

Upon hearing Al's warning, Tom's smile vanished instantly. He quickly dodged behind Al, peeking cautiously to observe Nami and the others.

While Al playfully teased Tom, the details of the agreement between Vivi and Nami remained unknown.

In a sudden shift, the tears on Nami's face evaporated, replaced by an expression of pure joy. This sudden change left Carina and Tom bewildered.

Just moments ago, Nami was in tears, and now she was radiant with happiness. In less than three seconds, what had transpired to bring about such a dramatic shift in Nami's mood?

Before Carina could step forward to inquire about the sudden change, Nami approached Al with cheerful steps, her tone pleading.

"Captain Al, can I talk to you about something?" Nami asked.

Al regarded Nami suspiciously before turning to Vivi. "Is it about Vivi?" he questioned.

Nami's eyes widened slightly, showing a hint of surprise. After a brief pause, she nodded and recounted exactly what Vivi had conveyed to her.

"Hostage? Return the 1 billion Berries to leave the ship?" Al repeated incredulously, his mind swirling with bold question marks. What was all this about?

Yet, as he gazed into Vivi's sincere eyes, Al seemed to grasp the underlying reason behind Nami's sudden joy.

It wasn't solely about the 1 billion Berries. Rather, Vivi's desire to join them and become their partner was the true source of Nami's happiness.

After spending time together and forming a bond, both Nami, Tom, and Spike had grown quite fond of Vivi.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Al approached Vivi directly and posed the question, his gaze intense and serious.

"Vivi, do you truly want to become our partner and embark on a sea adventure with us?"

Meeting Al's unwavering gaze, Vivi didn't hesitate for a moment. With a firm tone, she replied, "Of course. There are countless wonders in the sea that I have yet to witness."

As Vivi spoke, she cast a tender gaze over the gathered crew, her smile warm and genuine.

"The most important thing," she continued, "is that I can face challenges alongside all of you!"

Just when everyone anticipated Al's agreement, he instead responded with a chilling tone of refusal.

"Captain Al, why?" Nami inquired, confusion evident in her voice. "Is it because Vivi is too weak?"

"Meow?" Tom added, echoing the sentiment with a puzzled expression.

At Al's decisive "I refuse," the smile on Vivi's face vanished, replaced by a profound disappointment.

Despite facing rejection, Vivi refused to succumb to feelings of despair and negativity. Instead, she mustered a smile once more.

It appeared she had already braced herself for this outcome...

After all, she aspired to be a partner to someone as formidable as Al. At the very least, she must possess strength comparable to Carina's or abilities akin to Nami's extraordinary talents.

Observing the strong reactions from everyone, Al couldn't help but inquire, "What are you all discussing?"

"Of course, we're discussing about you not allowing Vivi-chan on board!" Nami retorted, her tone laced with frustration as she pouted and turned her head away from Al.

Carina and Tom mirrored Nami's actions, joining in with puffed cheeks and turned heads.

Al felt speechless at their reactions and scolded them, "Can't you at least wait for someone to finish speaking before reacting?"

Following suit, Al puffed out his cheeks and folded his arms across his chest, mirroring their gestures as he continued in frustration:

"What I refused was Vivi's condition for boarding the ship, which was that she wouldn't disembark until repaying the 1 billion Berries. Can the bond between partners truly be measured by money?!" Al clarified.

"Really? Can I truly come aboard, Captain Al?" Vivi's eyes sparkled with renewed hope as she asked in an excited tone.

Al, still with puffed cheeks and a hint of frustration, sighed heavily and responded:

"Of course, but you're not permitted to mention the 1 billion Berries again in the future," Al affirmed.

Upon hearing Al's words, Nami and Carina couldn't contain their emotions any longer and shared a heartfelt hug. Though words of welcome were spoken, the tears glistening in the corners of their eyes betrayed their lingering attachment to the billion Berries.

"Thank you, Captain Al... I'll make sure to strive and grow stronger," Vivi expressed sincerely, gratitude evident in her tone.

Vivi clenched her fists, inwardly swearing that she would not hold back Al and the others in their adventures.

"Well, I'm looking forward to it," Al responded, his cheeks still puffed out in a comical manner.

"Captain Al, can you stop puffing out your cheeks? It's kind of weird," Vivi remarked, unable to suppress a giggle.

"No way! This is punishment for accusing me," Al retorted, feigning indignation. "I'm still mad at you."

The scene shifted to the capital of Arabasta, Alubarna, where their journey continued.

At this moment, Arabasta bustled with activity, with crowds of people lining both sides of the road, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the "heroes" who had saved their homeland.

Upon learning from Vivi that Al and the others were responsible for saving Arabasta, the people united wholeheartedly. They worked together to lay out a vibrant red carpet in the middle of the road and prepared the finest gifts of gratitude they could muster, all in anticipation of Al's arrival.

From atop the palace castle, Cobra observed the bustling crowd with a mix of emotions swelling within him. It was a scene filled with gratitude and admiration for the heroes who had safeguarded their land.

"Your Majesty, dinner is prepared. When can we expect Princess Vivi and the hero to return?"

"Do you require me to fetch them?" Bell responded calmly, though inwardly, he was brimming with excitement.

Just as Cobra was about to respond, the space nearby suddenly distorted. Moments later, they emerged from the altered space.

Upon catching sight of Vivi, Cobra and Bell's initial apprehension melted away, replaced by astonishment.

From the corner of his eye, Al glanced at the welcoming crowd and the red carpet below, prompting him to inquire, "Is all of this prepared for us?"

Cobra froze in place, casting Al a peculiar glance, his heart tumultuous with uncertainty. Could an entity that appeared out of thin air without warning truly be human?

Before Vivi could introduce them, Cobra and Bell simultaneously bowed down, expressing their heartfelt gratitude to Al and the others.

Al waved his hand dismissively, signaling that such formality was unnecessary. After all, their relationship with Cobra was merely a matter of personal vendetta.

"As for saving Arabasta, it's just a side note," Al remarked casually.

"Captain Al, why don't we indulge them and join the celebration? After all, there are so many people eagerly awaiting our presence," Nami suggested, her voice brimming with excitement as she noticed the crowd below.

"I'm not particularly interested in such affairs. If you enjoy it, feel free to go without me," Al replied nonchalantly.

"Hee hee, that's quite troublesome, Captain Al," Carina chimed in with a playful grin.

As soon as the words left his lips, Al snapped his fingers, and in an instant, he, Vivi, and Tom were teleported to the center of Alubarna's intersection, on the same day as the celebration.

"Captain Al, is it alright if I address you as such?" Cobra inquired softly.

Al nodded, confirming his acceptance of the title, and calmly informed Cobra of Vivi's intention to join their crew.

Initially resistant, Bell expressed his concerns. After all, Vivi had just returned to Arabasta; how could she venture out to sea again? And to become a pirate, no less!

Cobra hesitated for a while, and with Bell's puzzled gaze upon him, he spoke slowly:

"Vivi has matured, and if this is her desire, then as her father, I will wholeheartedly support her decision."

"In addition," Cobra continued, "I have faith that Captain Al, you will be capable of ensuring Vivi's safety."

Observing the smiling faces of Vivi and the rest among the welcoming crowd, Al let out a soft hum and declared:

"As the captain, it is my duty to safeguard the well-being of every member of the crew, even if it means risking my own life."

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