The sandstorm gradually subsided, allowing Cobra to open his eyes and take in the scene before him. Pell lay on the ground, his condition uncertain.
Crocodile, his sand form dissipating, slowly approached Cobra.
"Cobra, I know you're a good king, but in this world, it's survival of the fittest! Without sufficient power, you won't survive long," Crocodile stated.
"If you want to live, tell me Pluton's location—the secret your kingdom has guarded for generations."
Crocodile grabbed Cobra, lifting him from the ground.
Cobra glared at him. "I will never reveal Pluton's location!"
Even Cobra himself wasn't entirely sure what was depicted on that ancient tablet. Despite this uncertainty, he refused without hesitation.
"Doesn't matter. As long as you're alive, I'll find it," Crocodile said.
Cobra's heart sank. "What exactly are you planning?"
"Nothing much. Your life is still useful. I'll use your daughter's life to pressure you. She'll come, won't she? Unless I'm mistaken, she's currently on Whiskey Peak."
Cobra's pupils constricted. If Vivi came, she would be walking straight into a trap. Despair washed over him.
At that moment, a comically dressed man entered.
"Mr. 2, you're finally here!" Crocodile said, already knowing who it was.
Bon Kurei bowed. "I had to be discreet, so I arrived a little late."
"Tomorrow's task is yours," Crocodile said.
Bon Kurei touched his face, instantly transforming into Cobra's exact likeness. Cobra immediately understood the deception that had been plaguing them.
"It was you! What kind of ability is that?!" Cobra exclaimed, astonished.
Bon Kurei, perfectly mimicking Cobra's voice and mannerisms, replied, "I consumed the Mane Mane no Mi, allowing me to perfectly imitate anyone. My recent appearances as you were all thanks to my ability!"
Cobra, despite his anger, felt a profound sense of powerlessness. The palace was overrun; his fate was in Crocodile's hands. Arabasta was on the brink of its darkest hour.
"How can you possibly spare Arabasta's people?!" Cobra shouted.
"You're no longer useful. Watch as this country becomes my tool," Crocodile said, using his powers to impale Cobra's arms with two nearby, sharp objects.
Cobra was pinned to the wall, his arms bent at unnatural angles. Agony wracked his body as blood flowed down the wall. Yet, his resolve remained unbroken.
The next morning arrived. Koza, fundamentally an ordinary man thrust into a position of leadership, had inexplicably chosen to delay his attack.
A more astute leader would have launched a night-time assault. Instead, relying on his numerical advantage, he opted for rest, planning to renew the assault the following day.
As the morning light broke, Koza led a massive rebel force towards the palace. This time, his advance was remarkably easy.
He reached the palace interior with minimal resistance. There, he found "Cobra." Unaware of the deception, he approached the imposter.
"I'm back!" Koza declared, his fists clenched.
The real Cobra, hidden behind a screen, listened helplessly. Bound and gagged with sand, he couldn't speak or even breathe easily.
Bon Kurei, perfectly imitating Cobra, replied, "Indeed, you're back." Before Koza could respond, he continued, "I sincerely apologize for my actions. I'm incapable of ruling this country, so I've made a decision."
He paused. "I'm handing this country over to Crocodile, the Shichibukai. Under his wise leadership, this nation will surely prosper."
Koza was speechless, the situation completely defying his expectations. Since hearing the mysterious man's words the previous day, Koza believed only he could lead Arabasta to a better future.
Before Koza could respond, sand surged through the palace, coalescing into Crocodile's form. He addressed the crowd, "I've tried to persuade the King, but…"
Before he could finish, a monstrous aura descended from the sky. A figure, cloaked and carrying a woman—Vivi, the princess of Arabasta—appeared. The source of this content ɪs ɴovᴇl_Firᴇ.ɴet
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