Chapter 172: Princess Joins the Central Authority?

Grand Line, Marineford!

At this very moment, Shiro sat in his grand office, facing a stunning woman with long blue hair.

The princess of the Alabasta Kingdom, Vivi!

In truth, Shiro hadn't expected that Princess Vivi would seek him out.

Moreover, it was said that she first went to the Central Authority headquarters and, upon learning that Shiro wasn't there, came to Marineford accompanied by Robin.

Shiro felt a mix of curiosity and expectation regarding Vivi's arrival.

The situation in the first half of the Grand Line had largely stabilized by now.

Many kingdoms, including Alabasta, were already under the influence of the Central Authority.

Even though Shiro had not explicitly ordered the Central Authority to meddle in these kingdoms' affairs or other matters.

But without a doubt, kingdoms like Alabasta had completely severed ties with both the Navy Headquarters and the World Government.

With Shiro's establishment of a regional sea defense system, coupled with the Central Authority's extensive patrols, the influence of the World Government in the first half of the Grand Line was significantly limited.

Unless the World Government initiated an all-out war.

For now, it seemed that the World Government was still biding its time, showing remarkable restraint in its actions, even instructing the Navy to avoid provoking the Central Authority.

Because of this, while the Central Authority had not made any overt moves yet, the kingdoms in the first half of the Grand Line and the East and South Blues were essentially at the mercy of the Central Authority, ready to be brought under full control at any moment.

The nobles of these kingdoms were left with only two choices: align with the Central Authority or pretend to be dormant, constantly living in fear.

But since the Central Authority's current focus had shifted to the New World, Shiro didn't have the time to deal with these kingdoms, so he left them alone for the moment.

And truth be told, completely controlling these kingdoms would be a bit troublesome even for the Central Authority at its current level of power.

Thus, these noble families could continue to live their comfortable lives — as long as they didn't cause any trouble.

"Commander Shiro, are you willing to accept the conditions of the Alabasta Kingdom?" Princess Vivi asked with an air of confidence.

Vivi, once a member of the Straw Hat Pirates, had shown great courage in her efforts to save her country, so she was not one to lack bravery.

However, even with all her resolve, facing Shiro was nerve-wracking.

After all, Shiro was the Supreme Commander of the Central Authority, a man with a bounty of 5.36 billion Belly — one of the most fearsome criminals in the world!

A man who could take on the Fleet Admiral himself, one of the most powerful figures in the world!

It wasn't about courage, anyone would feel tense before such a legendary figure!

Fortunately, two of her companions from the Straw Hat crew, Zoro and Robin, were now with the Central Authority.

Robin even personally accompanied her to meet Shiro, which reassured Vivi quite a bit.

To her surprise, when Vivi finally met the famous young man, she felt relieved.

Because the young man wasn't terrifying at all.

In fact, he was... quite charming!

Even Princess Vivi couldn't help but be a little star-struck.

No wonder he could win the heart of the most beautiful woman in the world, his charisma was truly unmatched!

"Princess Vivi, I understand your intentions," Shiro said calmly, pouring a glass of red wine for Robin before speaking again.

"You want me to hand over Crocodile, who is currently serving as a Vice Admiral in the Central Authority, in exchange for Alabasta's allegiance?"

As Shiro spoke, his tone grew colder.

This sudden change in demeanor made Vivi shiver slightly, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes.

This man was undeniably handsome, but also terrifyingly unpredictable!

At that moment, Robin's expression changed slightly too, but she said nothing.

She knew that, no matter what, Shiro wouldn't harm Vivi.

However, it was clear that Alabasta's demands were somewhat out of line.

Even a powerful crew like a Yonko's would struggle to negotiate terms with the Central Authority!

"Princess Vivi, I admire your love for your kingdom, but you must not be blinded by it," Shiro continued with a cold smile.

"The man you seek, Crocodile, is now a Vice Admiral of the Central Authority, and his forces alone could easily crush Alabasta."

"I'm not targeting Alabasta, but if anyone dares to stand in the way of the Central Authority's new order or conspires with the World Government, I won't hesitate to crush them. Do not doubt my resolve or my power!"

Vivi was visibly shaken by Shiro's imposing aura and took a few steps back in fear.

Robin, ever the instigator, turned to Vivi with a sly smile and said, "Vivi, if you're worried, why not stay here in the Central Authority? After all, Shiro still needs a capable administrative secretary."

Her words left both Shiro and Vivi stunned.

Shiro glanced at Vivi's lovely face and remained silent.

If Princess Vivi joined the Central Authority, it would be quite a beneficial arrangement.

Vivi, on the other hand, felt her cheeks flush as she looked at Shiro's handsome face and the powerful aura he exuded.

"Is it settled then? Vivi, if you serve as the Supreme Commander's secretary, the Alabasta Kingdom will enjoy the absolute protection of the Central Authority," Robin added, fanning the flames once more.

She was determined to keep Shiro from being taken by anyone else.

And with Vivi's status as one of the most beautiful women in the world, it seemed only fair to have her by Shiro's side.

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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg