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The Strongest Frost Loli (187)
🕑 Added 2025-02-02 17:00:06 +0000 UTCChapter 187 - A Mark of Nakama
Vivi and Cobra descended the hidden staircase. They were deep beneath the Alabasta Royal Palace, in the western wing, within the underground chamber known as the Royal Tomb. Robin, Pedro, and Zepo followed close behind. As promised, Vivi was leading them to the Poneglyph hidden within Alabasta.
The kingdom was still in a state of turmoil, but the fighting had ceased, at least for now. With the Marines closely monitoring their movements, Robin wanted to see the Poneglyph as quickly as possible before they made their escape.
“I have one request,” Cobra said, turning to Robin.
“A request?”
“Yes. I don’t know what’s written on the Poneglyph we’re about to see. But I ask you, never misuse its knowledge.”
Robin paused and her eyes narrowed slightly.
“The Alabasta royal family has been charged with protecting this Poneglyph for generations.”
“Protecting… it…”
Ancient texts held no meaning if they were merely guarded and not understood. Knowledge needed to be shared, passed down through the ages, or it was as good as lost. In that sense, Cobra’s ancestors had failed in their duty. However, with Robin, someone capable of deciphering the Poneglyph, finally present, perhaps their efforts hadn't been entirely in vain.
“I can’t make any promises. Our goal is to uncover the Void Century… but I can’t predict what might happen as a result,” Robin admitted.
“I see…”
“We’ll do our best to ensure the outcome isn’t… catastrophic. I hope that’s enough,” Pedro added.
“Very well. You helped defend Alabasta. I’ll trust you.”
Cobra opened the heavy door at the end of the passage, revealing the Poneglyph within. An indestructible stone tablet, inscribed with ancient glyphs. A message from the past, preserved for the future. Robin traced her fingers across its surface, as if feeling the weight of history etched into the stone, and began to read.
“…The ancient weapon, Pluton… its location…”
“Pluton?! It was here all along?!”
“No… this stone merely indicates its location. Assuming it hasn't been moved since this was written, Pluton is… elsewhere. Not on this island.”
Crocodile had been desperately searching for Pluton, but it wasn't here. While not entirely a wasted effort, finding the Poneglyph alone didn't achieve his goal. Robin, too, hadn’t found what she sought. She was interested in the historical text, not in awakening an ancient weapon. She suppressed a sigh and jotted down a few notes in her journal. Even a dead end was worth documenting.
“Thank you. We’ve achieved our objective in this country. It seems the Marines have surrounded the island, so we’ll be leaving soon.”
“I see… I initially thought you were our enemy… Thank you for helping us.”
“You’re welcome. We’re pirates too. You shouldn’t bow your head so easily, especially a princess.”
Robin, turning to leave, addressed Vivi’s heartfelt gratitude. One lead gone. Where to next? She stepped out of the tomb and looked up at the sky, exhaling slowly.
“After years of searching, this is all I get? It’s rather disheartening…”
“Don’t say that. Poneglyphs are rare. They don’t reveal themselves easily. We just have to keep searching. Right, partner?” Pedro said, glancing at Zepo.
Zepo looked at him, puzzled.
“Partner?”
“Oh, sorry. Yes, you’re right. We just have to keep looking.”
Pedro, who had been scanning the area, suddenly seemed to remember something. He had been looking around as if searching for something.
“Did you lose something?” Zepo asked.
“No…” Pedro shook his head. He had felt a strange presence, watching them, but his Observation Haki hadn’t detected anything unusual.
“It was probably nothing…”
With no tangible evidence, Pedro dismissed it.
***
Two nights later, Luffy awoke. Robin’s antidote had purged the scorpion venom from his system, and Chopper and Vivi’s tireless care had nursed him back to health. His boisterous nature immediately transformed the planned quiet dinner into a lively feast. Later, he, along with Cobra and Igaram, attempted to peek into the women’s bath and were promptly met with Nami’s “Happiness Punch.”
Refreshed after their baths, the Straw Hats gathered in their room, preparing for bed.
“Tonight?! We’re leaving Alabasta tonight?!” Luffy exclaimed in surprise, having just heard Nami’s suggestion.
“I think it’s best,” Zoro agreed. “We’ve overstayed our welcome.”
“The Marines are also a concern. We won’t be able to escape if they surround us,” Sanji added.
“Alright! Then let’s have one last Alabasta meal and go!”
“We’re leaving now, you idiot!” Nami yelled, and Luffy, bombarded with a chorus of disapproval, reluctantly agreed. Despite his childish antics, he was still their captain.
Just as they began packing, a royal guard arrived with a Den Den Mushi. It was Sabo.
“Hey, Luffy! Glad to hear you’re awake!”
“Sabo! I’m feeling great!”
“Hahaha! I’m glad you’re alright!”
Sabo quickly explained the situation. The Marines had deployed dozens of warships, blockading the coastline. He was waiting for them on the Going Merry. He offered to help them escape. Sanji, surprised by Sabo’s generous offer, couldn’t help but ask,
“Are you sure that’s wise?”
“Are you worried about me? I appreciate it, but we’ll be fine.”
As the Revolutionary Army’s Chief of Staff, Sabo was a higher priority target for the Marines than even Luffy, who had just defeated a Warlord. While Sanji’s concern was valid, most of the Marines’ forces were currently stationed in the New World. The Alabasta blockade consisted of one Vice Admiral and mostly captains and lower-ranking officers. While their numbers were a concern, Sabo wasn't about to be captured by such a force. Not a man of his calibre.
“When are you leaving?”
“We’ll be there soon!”
“Alright! I’ll be waiting, Luffy!”
The rendezvous point was upstream along the Sandora River. While the journey would take some time, Vivi had given them permission to use the Super Spot-Billed Duck Squad, which would significantly shorten their travel time. As they excitedly packed their belongings, Vivi looked up, a conflicted expression on her face.
“What should I do…?”
Their journey from Whisky Peak to Alabasta, while arduous, had been filled with joy and camaraderie. Perhaps a life of piracy wasn’t so bad. But Vivi was a princess, heir to the Alabasta throne. She couldn’t deny her affection for her kingdom, especially now, with its future still uncertain. Leaving felt wrong.
Nami said, “Vivi, I’ll give you a choice. We’ll stop at the eastern port at noon tomorrow. That’s your last chance.”
This was Vivi’s decision to make. Luffy wouldn't force her. It had to be her choice.
“You’re welcome to join us. Though we’re pirates,” Sanji added.
“Being a pirate is fun! Come with us, Vivi! Come now!”
“We’re waiting until tomorrow!” Sanji yelled and delivered a swift kick to Luffy’s head.
Luffy slung his bag over his shoulder with a dissatisfied look.
They slipped out of the palace, and slid down a rope from Vivi’s window. Vivi watched them disappear into the night. To go, or not to go. Either choice would leave her with regrets. She couldn’t have both. So, what was the right path?
***
The Super Spot-Billed Duck Squad carried the Straw Hats across the desert from Alubarna, arriving at the Going Merry, docked upstream along the Sandora River. Sabo, Koala, a heavily bandaged Gem, and a seemingly unharmed Mikita were waiting for them.
They thanked the Super Spot-Billed Duck Squad and turned to Sabo.
“Sabo! You’re alright!”
“Yes. You defeated Crocodile? I’m proud of you, little brother. You actually did it.”
“Shishishi! I told you I’d gotten stronger!”
As the brothers embraced, Gem and Zoro exchanged greetings.
“Glad you’re safe,” Zoro said.
“You too. That’s quite a wound. Are you sure you can move?”
“I’ll live. Anyway, I’m here to relay a message from Twilight.”
Twilight wouldn’t intervene to protect the Straw Hats. Aiding unaffiliated pirates served no purpose and would only strain their already tenuous relationship with the Marines. However, they had been granted permission to inform the Straw Hats of the Marine blockade. Dozens of warships had surrounded the coastline. It was a small gesture of gratitude for defeating Crocodile and Baroque Works in Alabasta. Gem also informed them that he had stocked the Going Merry with food and alcohol.
“Food and alcohol? Thanks!”
“It’s the least we can do. Make sure you check everything after you leave Alabasta.”
“Aren’t you coming with us?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m a member of Twilight. I return to my duties once the mission is complete.”
“Mikita-chaaan! Join our crew! Let’s be pirates together!”
“Hahaha! Sorry, but I’ve already accepted a position with Twilight. I’m done with the unstable life of a pirate.”
While Sanji was disappointed by Mikita’s rejection, he couldn't argue with her logic. Gem also declined Luffy's invitation, eager to finally return home after his mission. They loaded their belongings onto the Going Merry, ready to depart. Gem and Mikita waved from the shore.
“Take care, Straw Hats!”
“Hahaha! I hope we meet again someday!”
“Yeah, see ya!”
The Straw Hats waved back. While their time together had been brief, they had formed a bond. As Gem and Mikita disappeared from view, Luffy turned to Sabo.
“Aren’t you coming with us, Sabo?”
“I’m with the Revolutionary Army. Being a pirate isn’t really an option.”
“Oh, I see…”
“Anyway, let's discuss our next move.”
The Marines were also patrolling the mouth of the Sandora River. Escaping the blockade would be their biggest challenge. While Sabo suggested heading straight out to sea after clearing the river, Luffy shook his head. He had another nakama to retrieve.
“We’re waiting for someone,” Luffy said.
“We have an appointment at the eastern port at noon. We have to be there,” Nami added.
“An appointment… I see. That can’t be helped.”
They had no choice but to break through the blockade head-on. However, they were facing over thirty warships, including a Vice Admiral. Even with Koala, who was waiting for them downstream, holding them off would be difficult. Still, Sabo wouldn’t refuse his brother's request.
“Koala’s waiting downstream. I’ll join her and create a diversion. You use that time to escape.”
“Are you sure?”
“It’s for Luffy. I have to do something reckless, at least once, as his older brother.”
“I’ve gotten stronger! I’m not just going to hide behind you anymore, Sabo!”
“Don’t be so angry, Luffy. Even I wouldn't normally pick a fight with dozens of warships.”
He knew it was reckless, but he wouldn’t be dissuaded. Sabo laughed, ruffled Luffy’s hair, and said,
“Don’t worry! I’m strong. I’ll protect you, for now.”
***
Sabo, having rejoined Koala downstream, positioned their ship between the Straw Hats and the pursuing warships. He then proceeded to board each Marine ship, destroy its helm, and jump to the next, a remarkably efficient, if incredibly taxing, method of disabling their pursuers.
While the Marines outnumbered him significantly, this tactic allowed him to neutralize them without engaging every single soldier. However, the physical strain on Sabo was immense.
“White Blow!”
“Awase Baori!”
Smoker and Hina attempted to capture Sabo with their Devil Fruit abilities, but they couldn't match his speed. Furthermore, his Haki easily overcame their Logia intangibility.
“Move aside, Captain Smoker!”
“A Vice Admiral!”
“Sabo of the Revolutionary Army! Why are you interfering?!”
“I don’t discriminate, but he’s my little brother! So, if you’ll excuse me!”
“Your brother?!”
While both the Revolutionaries and the Marines opposed the government, albeit through different methods, their stance on pirates had always been aligned. However, Sabo’s declaration, protecting a pirate he claimed was his brother, was baffling. Bastille clashed with Sabo, their weapons locking – Sabo's iron pipe against Bastille’s Shark-Cutter Cleaver.
“Brother or not, a pirate’s a pirate! I won’t let you escape!”
“He’s not a bad guy. He defeated Crocodile, the one you all were outsmarted by. You should at least be grateful…”
While Twilight had played a significant role in weakening Crocodile, it was Luffy who had delivered the finishing blow. Still, it was a victory worth acknowledging. Sabo knew Luffy, despite his tendency to cause trouble, wasn’t inherently malicious. It was a brother’s intuition.
Sabo parried Bastille’s cleaver with one hand, bringing their struggle to a brief standstill.
“Sorry. I know Koala owes you one, but I can’t back down.”
He unleashed “Dragon’s Claw,” a Haki-infused attack that struck Bastille’s masked face, sending him flying. With their highest-ranking officer down, the remaining Marines hesitated. Sabo, seizing the opportunity, destroyed the ship’s helm, jumped onto Koala's ship, and they sped away.
“I managed to disable a few, but… I couldn’t stop them all.”
“Of course not! Do you have any idea how many there are?! Honestly… You lose all sense of reason when it comes to Luffy,” Koala sighed.
“Sorry, Koala.”
Sabo intercepted the incoming cannon fire as they made their escape. While they could simply leave now, Sabo wanted to ensure Luffy’s safe departure. They turned towards the eastern port. Numerous Marine ships were still pursuing the Straw Hats.
One more task remained.
***
Tamarisk, the eastern port.
Vivi’s Coming-of-Age ceremony speech echoed throughout the town, broadcast via Den Den Mushi and loudspeakers. The sound of her voice confirmed her absence from the harbor.
They couldn’t wait any longer. Luffy, eager to disembark and search for her, was restrained by Sanji. The Marine ships were still approaching. Even after Sabo’s intervention, a significant number remained.
“It’s no good! The Marines are here!” Usopp yelled.
“They’re still after us?! Set sail! Hard to starboard!”
Unable to abandon hope, Luffy watched the harbor from the stern. Just then,
“Everyone!”
Vivi, riding on Karoo, stood at the edge of the harbor. An overjoyed Luffy immediately ordered them to turn back. The Straw Hats cheered Vivi’s decision, but then Vivi yelled,
“I came… to say goodbye!”
“What…?”
The ship was already drifting away from the shore, the wind carried her words out to sea. However, Luffy’s question wasn’t about audibility. It was about the meaning. Vivi, using Karoo’s Den Den Mushi and the town’s loudspeakers, addressed the Straw Hats.
“I… I can’t go with you! Thank you for everything! I want to continue adventuring, but… I love this country!”
She couldn't leave. Tears welled up in Vivi’s eyes as she continued.
“I… I’m staying here! But… if we meet again someday… will you still call me… nakama?”
Parting was painful, heartbreaking. She couldn't join them, but would they still consider her one of their own? Luffy, about to answer, was silenced by Nami. The Marines were approaching. Responding now would only draw suspicion to Vivi.
“Let’s just leave. We can’t let the Marines discover our connection to Vivi.”
Luffy, though reluctant, understood. He remained silent. The Straw Hats turned their backs to Vivi, their left arms raised, revealing the X marks they had drawn earlier.
The point is being able to identify each other. Easy.
Draw an X on our left arms and wrap them in bandages. The signal is unwrapping the bandages and showing each other the marks.
No matter what happens, this is our mark of nakama.
Words were unnecessary. This conveyed everything. Without looking back at the tearful Vivi and Karoo, the Straw Hats sailed on.
“Set sail!”
A new adventure awaited them.
