Nami stepped out of the carriage and looked at the city right in front of her.
"Yes, Miss Nami. This is Rainbase, the 'Dream City.'
It's also the only city in Alabasta, besides Alubarna, unaffected by the Dance Powder," Igaram said after clearing his throat.
"You guys are just too soft on that Koza guy. A little scheme and you're completely fooled, even leading to a rebellion. People like him are the worst," Nojiko said casually.
Along the way, the group had learned from Igaram why the rebel army had not been defeated yet.
Though part of it was because Cobra couldn't bring himself to harm his people, the key reason was Koza, a young man who had grown up with Princess Vivi. Cobra had high hopes for him.
Because Vivi believed she could convince Koza, the rebellion dragged on until now.
"Well~~ uh~~ hehe~~" Igaram chuckled awkwardly, unable to answer.
Mr. 9, standing nearby, acted as if he hadn't heard a thing.
In truth, Igaram had been observing Mr. 9 throughout their journey.
On the way to Rainbase, Igaram had learned that Mr. 9 had been allowed to join Alabasta by Princess Vivi.
However, as the captain of Alabasta's royal guards, he couldn't trust Mr. 9 so easily.
Under the blazing sun, the turtle-drawn carriage finally entered the city of Rainbase.
Before reaching the Rainbases Casino, though, the carriage was stopped by casino staff.
Since neither Mr. 9 nor Igaram held the rank of chief commander, they weren't permitted to meet the boss. The staff ordered them to leave and return to their station.
With worried looks from both Igaram and Mr. 9, the casino staff drove the carriage back toward the casino themselves.
"Uh, Igaram, what do we do now? Should we return to Alubarna?" Mr. 9 asked in a low voice, clearly out of options.
He could only follow Princess Vivi's decision to join Alabasta.
"We'll stay in Rainbase. Once Princess Vivi tells King Cobra everything, he'll definitely come here," Igaram said seriously.
**Outside Rainbases Casino**
"We've arrived, sirs!"
A respectful voice came from outside the carriage.
"Finally! Let's get out and enjoy a feast!"
Ryuen quickly jumped out, stretching lazily after getting off.
Standing at the casino entrance was a woman with tan skin wearing purple denim, a purple vest, and purple shorts.
The other seven people in the carriage also stepped out.
"So this is Rainbases Casino, Crocodile's headquarters?"
Nami gazed at the magnificent casino, already planning something in her head.
"There sure are a lot of people here~~"
"Listen to them—they really admire this Shichibukai."
"Haha, well, they think he's their hero."
The group teased and laughed as they took in the grand sight of Rainbases Casino.
"Welcome to Rainbases Casino. Our boss has been expecting you. Please, come in,"
Robin said with a smile as she swayed gracefully toward them.
The rest of the crew looked at Ryuen.
"Well then, lead the way..." Ryuen said, slightly distracted as he cleared his throat.
"Fufu, this way, please," Robin chuckled softly, covering her mouth.
"Ryuen, that woman is probably Nico Robin, right?" Nojiko whispered as she walked up to him.
"That's right. She's the one known as the 'Devil Child,' Nico Robin," Ryuen confirmed.
Robin, leading the way in front, clearly heard this.
Her body stiffened momentarily but quickly returned to normal.
The title "Devil Child" had followed her for almost twenty years.
"I really feel sorry for her~~~"
Nojiko gazed at Robin's back and said quietly.
The others nodded in agreement.
Robin led the Dream Team to a lavish hall.
The hall's design was incredibly luxurious, with walls and ceilings inlaid with beautiful gems and pearls. The floor was covered with a soft carpet, making it feel like stepping into a palace.
The room was filled with delicious food, ranging from seafood to fruits, desserts, and beverages. The spread looked so tempting that it could make anyone's mouth water.
Finally, the owner of the Rain Banquet Casino, Crocodile, appeared. He sat on a sofa, holding a glass of wine, and watched as the Dream Team entered.
"Ha~ha~ha~ha~~~ Welcome to my domain, young officers of the World Government," Crocodile said in a deep, magnetic voice.
"Crocodile, looks like you're doing quite well in Alabasta. You've even become a hero here. A pirate turning into a national hero—impressive, really impressive," Ryuen said as he sat directly across from Crocodile, a teasing look in his eyes.
"Heh heh heh~~ Sometimes pirates can feel a bit of pity. Just a little generosity, and you can gain a good reputation. So, why not?" Crocodile replied indifferently. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ Novᴇ(l)Fɪre .ɴᴇt
"Hahaha, true. So, Crocodile, why did you invite us here?" Ryuen asked with a big laugh.
Crocodile looked at Ryuen, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly in a barely noticeable smile. He gently clapped his hands and smiled as he said:
"There's no need for hostility. I just wanted to invite you all here to take a break and enjoy some good food after your hard work mapping Alabasta. Of course, if you're willing to hear my suggestions, that would be even better."
"Oh? What advice might you have, Lord Crocodile?" Ryuen asked in a deliberately casual tone while observing Crocodile's expression and reactions.
Crocodile smiled faintly and said slowly:
"As you know, Alabasta is in the middle of a rebellion. You are all promising young figures of the World Government, but the situation here is very complicated. If you get caught up in the rebellion, it could cause quite a bit of trouble for you, don't you think?
"So, I can send people to help you finish mapping the area quickly. That way, you can leave this chaotic place sooner. What do you think?"
The Dream Team immediately understood Crocodile's intentions—he wanted them to leave quickly so they wouldn't interfere with his plans.
"You're right. In that case, thank you very much~~" Ryuen said after thinking for a moment, giving Crocodile a sincere look.
"That's wonderful. Now, please enjoy this grand feast~~~" Crocodile said with a triumphant expression.
It was good they agreed because he really didn't want to clash with the World Government right now.
The Dream Team looked at Crocodile, thinking how pitiful he was.
After all, Garp was already on his way to Alabasta, and Crocodile would soon be feeling the weight of Garp's iron fist...
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