Chapter 297: Surrender

(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)

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Alabasta was a country located in the first half of the Grand Line.

First and foremost, its area was hundreds, even thousands of times larger than most islands, making its scale rare in the world.

So far, no other island has been found comparable to Alabasta, except for Wano Kuni and Elbaf, the giants' homeland.

The Marine Admirals and the Four Emperors were known as walking disasters.

When two of such-level powerhouses clash, they can easily destroy an island.

However, the vast expanse of Alabasta makes such destruction nearly impossible.

Another thing was the royal family of Alabasta, the Nefertari family, one of the oldest royal lineages in the world.

It was one of the twenty families that founded the World Government eight hundred years ago, but they passed up the chance to become Celestial Dragons and chose to remain in their homeland.

In recent years, one of the Shichibukais, Crocodile, had chosen this land as his residence.

At first, there was panic throughout the country.

Faced with a Shichibukai who held the legal right to plunder them if he wanted to, the citizens felt they had little ability to resist.

However, as time passed, people realized that Crocodile not only refrained from robbing the civilians but also helped eliminate many pirates, gradually becoming a hero in their eyes.

Yet, beneath the surface, trouble brewed.

In recent years, rainfall in Alabasta had drastically decreased, and this year, not a single drop had fallen, exacerbating the plight of a nation already situated in a desert.

Unbeknownst to the citizens, the man they regarded as a hero was the one behind their suffering—Crocodile himself.

His goal was to incite dissatisfaction among the populace, allowing him to execute his plan to steal the country and ultimately acquire Pluton, one of the three Ancient Weapons.

But it seems that Crocodile's ambitions were nearing their end.

In the vast desert, the fearsome warlord lay near a lake, looking defeated.

To those familiar with this arid landscape, the sight was shocking; there were no ponds or pools in there, let alone lakes.

Water had become more precious than gold in Alabasta.

So, there was no way there could be this much here.

"Crocodile-san, it seems that my Water Style can restrain your abilities." A mocking voice sounded.

"Cough, Cough" a coughing fit was Crocodile's response, as blood leaked from the corner of his mouth.

"Have you thought it through? It's time to surrender," Kisame taunted, a light smile gracing his lips as he pressed down on Crocodile's body while maintaining the Water Prison Technique with his other hand, controlling a dark-skinned girl nearby.

"Fish-man Kisame, what have I done to offend you?" Crocodile growled, gritting his teeth in frustration.

He felt an unfamiliar mix of anger and confusion; he had never encountered this fish-man before.

He had spent years hiding in Alabasta, focused on his plans for Pluton, and had never laid eyes on Kisame until now.

Yet here he was, kidnapping Nico Robin, and dragging him through the desert.

Infuriated, Crocodile found himself doubting his earlier confidence; how could a fish-man dare to challenge him? Someone who could control and, in his most advantageous environment, the desert?

However, he had underestimated Kisame's abilities.

The man had summoned an impressive amount of water in this desolate region, effectively countering Crocodile's [Sand-Sand Fruit] powers.

Hearing Crocodile's bewilderment, Kisame merely chuckled, glancing at Robin, who was struggling to breathe.

He released the [Water Prison], allowing her to gasp for air, relief washing over her as she finally inhaled.

"You didn't offend me in any way; it's just that you possess something you don't deserve," Kisame said.

Crocodile's eyes widened with realization.

"Are you also after Nico Robin?"

"It's not me," Kisame replied, shaking his head.

"You don't need to know that much; just tell me your answer."

Crocodile's expression shifted, filled with uncertainty.

Who could this fish-man possibly serve? The Marines?

The World Government? Or perhaps one of the Four Emperors?

The lake nearby churned ominously.

If Crocodile failed to give a satisfactory answer, the outcome would be dire.

Finally, his heart heavy with reluctance and a desire to survive, he answered, "I agree."

Kisame nodded in satisfaction and turned to Robin once more.

"Robin-san, what is your choice? My superior specifically sent me to find you."

"Don't let him down," Kisame added.

"I won't, Kisame-san," Robin replied softly, her face betraying no emotion.

This sort of situation seemed to have become routine for her…

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Half a month later, Colt and Nami arrived in Alabasta without incident.

Upon seeing them, many on the dock displayed signs of fear.

Nami had grown accustomed to such reactions.

Since LogueTown, the Marines had increased their bounties.

The ruthless Traveler Colt commanded a reward of 250 million, while the Burglar Cat Nami was valued at 30 million.

Thanks to Colt, despite not having participated in battles, Nami's bounty had skyrocketed.

Upon receiving the newspaper, Colt had been frustrated, wanting to storm into Marine headquarters, drag Sengoku out, and demand a proper title for his reputation.

"What kind of nickname is that? I'm not even as renowned as a traveler!"

Nami laughed at him for days on end, relishing in his frustration.

Colt, too, remembered this slight.

Nami, however, was unbothered by her bounty; her typical carefree attitude prevailed.

Confident in her newfound strength and physical training alongside Colt, Nami felt like she could challenge the Fish-men executives of Arlong and even the leader himself.

When she saw her bounty, she even joked about getting herself arrested to collect the reward, only for Colt to call her a fool.

Receiving bounties from the Marines was complex, and he jokingly said that she would have no guarantee of getting her due if she encountered dishonest officials.

"Hahaha" He laughed at her downcast look.

Along their journey, the pirate crews they encountered suffered immensely under them.

With Nami, all their treasures became easy pickings, and the two stole them freely.

Eventually, they arrived at the most prosperous city in Alabasta— Alubarna.