65. Robin

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The Kingdom of Tru was known for producing a unique variety of goods, renowned across the Four Seas for their quality and utility.

These products ranged from staple foods to luxurious items, crafted meticulously by artisans who had honed their skills over generations.

Yet despite their popularity, only a select few could afford them in the Grand Line, as transportation and logistical costs to reach those turbulent waters were substantial.

In a grand hall adorned with opulent tapestries and warm, ambient light, King Cobra and his advisors sat in solemn discussion with Anos.

Anos, a young ruler with a commanding yet calm presence, stood at the helm of Tru's rapid rise to prominence.

Dressed in regal attire that reflected both his authority and his humility, he exuded a charisma that was hard to ignore.

His words were measured, each one holding weight, and his smile carried a reassurance that his nation's strength lay not only in its wealth but in its wisdom and adaptability.

"What King Cobra is suggesting," Anos began in a tone that was both respectful and diplomatic, "is that we're only reaching a preliminary consensus on issues that could be addressed in the early stages of our collaboration."

"The remaining complexities, those elements that require deeper understanding, can be left to our teams to deliberate and refine."

"Um… may I say something?"

Princess Vivi's soft voice broke the formal atmosphere as she looked around, hesitating slightly before making her request.

Though she bore the title of princess, she was not accustomed to such high-stakes negotiations.

Her tender heart and youthful curiosity often clashed with the heavy responsibilities that came with her role.

As her eyes darted to each face in the room, she seemed to search for a sign of approval.

"What is it, Vivi?" Cobra asked, his tone gentle yet inquisitive, as if encouraging her to share her thoughts.

Vivi's brow furrowed slightly as she gathered her words.

"I wanted to ask King Anos… the matters you mentioned seem to primarily benefit the people of Tru. But is there anything in it for Alabasta as a whole?" Her question, though well-intentioned, reflected a certain naivety.

She hadn't yet learned the intricate dance of politics, where alliances were rarely black-and-white, and where mutual benefit was often nuanced.

Yet there was a sincerity in her voice that could not be denied.

Anos met her gaze with a gentle smile, his expression softening as he saw her earnestness. "Perhaps you don't fully understand yet. These agreements will make more sense once you're directly involved in matters of state. In time, you'll see how even seemingly one-sided arrangements can have mutual benefits."

"Vivi," Cobra interjected, his voice becoming solemn. "What King Anos is proposing will indeed bring tremendous benefits to Alabasta. You're overlooking a crucial element our Kingdom isn't defined solely by its lands or even by our royal family."

"The true foundation of Alabasta is its people. As long as their lives improve, our entire Kingdom will be strengthened. This collaboration will bring about a positive transformation for them."

Vivi's cheeks flushed, but her curiosity wasn't quelled. "I see… but I didn't hear anything about profit-sharing after the sale of these goods. Wouldn't Alabasta have a say in that too?"

The room fell silent, her innocent question cutting through the tension.

Cobra's face tightened, and he cast a stern look toward his daughter. "Vivi," he reprimanded, his tone serious and fatherly.

Anos's expression changed, his previous smile fading as his gaze grew cold.

The air seemed to thicken, and Cobra quickly rose, a shadow of worry crossing his face.

"I apologize, King Anos," Cobra said, his voice filled with humility. "Vivi is still young and hasn't yet grasped the subtleties of such discussions. I hope you'll excuse her."

"King Cobra, please understand that if the Kingdom of Tru chooses to extend this cooperation, any Kingdom on the Grand Line would eagerly accept," Suzu, one of Anos's most trusted advisors, spoke up in a firm tone.

Her eyes held a spark of loyalty and protective instinct toward her king, and she didn't hesitate to defend Tru's values.

The room settled back into a delicate balance, with the Alabasta officials keenly aware of the consequences of disrespecting such an esteemed guest.

Cobra inclined his head, his voice respectful. "Understood. I apologize again."

Satisfied, Anos allowed his features to relax slightly.

"Now that the preliminary matters are agreed upon, we can leave the remaining details to others. I think I'll retire for a while. I look forward to this partnership's fruitful beginnings," he concluded, rising gracefully from his seat.

Cobra nodded, his posture formal. "Very well. Igaram, please escort King Anos to his quarters," he called out to a guard stationed at the door.

Anos acknowledged Cobra with a polite nod before exiting. His movements were elegant, each step deliberate and dignified.

The air seemed to lighten as he departed, but tension lingered in the room.

Once he was out of sight, Cobra sighed and cast a weary look at his daughter.

Vivi looked back, her face a mix of remorse and defiance.

She couldn't help feeling that she had voiced a legitimate concern, and her eyes seemed to plead for understanding. "Father, I didn't mean to say anything wrong. I just… I wanted to understand."

Cobra's gaze softened, his voice taking on a gentler tone. "Vivi, the affairs of state are far more complex than they appear. You're still young. In a few years, you'll have the insight to see the broader picture."

Just then, Minister Zuo stepped forward, bowing slightly before addressing Cobra. "Your Majesty, we have carefully reviewed King Anos's proposal, and it is entirely feasible. If everything is implemented as planned, we can expect significant improvements in Alabasta's economic state within five years."

Cobra nodded, his mind already calculating the potential outcomes. "Good. Let's proceed with further discussions. When representatives from Tru arrive for follow-up meetings, select a team of negotiators who can handle these tasks effectively."

At this, Vivi leaned forward again, her curiosity still burning. "Father, does this mean that Alabasta isn't capable of accomplishing what King Anos proposed? Why must we rely on Tru?"

"If our Kingdom had the resources and capabilities to achieve these advancements, we would have done so long ago," Cobra explained patiently. "It's precisely because we lack certain resources that we seek partnerships like this one."

"Oh… I understand now," Vivi murmured, her mind digesting this newfound perspective.

Cobra's face softened further, and he offered her a warm, reassuring look. "Remember, Vivi, though you're young, every word you say and every action you take reflects on Alabasta."

"One day, you will sit in my place and guide this Kingdom. In the future, be mindful. Your words could affect our Kingdom's fate and even lead to conflict. I hope you understand the gravity of this."

Vivi looked down, her expression a mixture of realization and worry. "They wouldn't react that strongly, would they?" she asked quietly.

Minister Zuo, observing her innocence, spoke gently. "Princess Vivi, it seems you have yet to learn about Tru's situation. King Anos has been in power for only two years, yet he has already transformed his entire kingdom."

"Half a year ago, the Roya Kingdom even came under Tru's territory. These accomplishments are not mere shows of strength; they're symbols of Tru's newfound influence."

"Minister Zuo is right," Cobra added, looking at his daughter with admiration tempered by caution. "Do not underestimate King Anos. He may be young, but he has shown remarkable strength and wisdom. It's clear that he's an exceptional leader."

Vivi's curiosity was piqued further. "I wonder if I'll ever get to visit Tru someday. I'd like to see what makes him so extraordinary," she mused aloud, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"Minister Zuo," Cobra turned back to the minister, his tone decisive. "Begin preparations for the partnership with Tru. It's likely that Tru's Minister of Commerce, Losta, will visit. Gather pertinent information to ensure a smooth collaboration."

"Understood, Your Majesty," Minister Zuo replied, his voice resolute.

Alabasta, a vast kingdom situated in a critical location on the Grand Line, was indeed an ideal partner for Tru, though it was certainly not the only option.

Many Kingdoms on the Grand Line would be willing to forge alliances with the Kingdom of Tru, especially given the rapid development of its resources and influence.

Back in his quarters, Anos did not immediately rest. Instead, he stood by the window, allowing his Observation Haki to expand over Alabasta's capital.

With his keen perception, he could sense the pulse of the city, each heartbeat echoing within his range.

However, one presence concerned him above all: Crocodile, the Warlord, had also made his way to Alabasta.

From what Anos could discern, it was highly probable that Nico Robin, the archaeologist who could read the ancient Poneglyphs, had aligned herself with him.

Anos frowned, his thoughts lingering on the ancient text hidden in the Alabasta palace.

Though he held little regard for Crocodile's ambitions, he was mindful of the knowledge Robin possessed a power that could shift the balance of history itself.

Whatever lay within Alabasta's Poneglyph, it was something that Anos intended to see secured in due time.

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