Alabasta.
Kong Tai and his companions were unaware that the World Government had dispatched a figure, likely a secret weapon, to deal with him.
Well!
Even if they knew, Kong Tai probably wouldn't have paid it any mind!
They were currently riding camels towards Nanohana Port.
After leaving the Rain Base, they didn't retrace their steps but instead visited the capital, "Alubarna," experiencing the only city in this desert kingdom built upon high ground.
It was quite spectacular, to say the least.
Then, at Vivi's enthusiastic invitation, they rested for a night in the royal palace before departing the next day.
Kong Tai knew the location of the Poneglyph but did not go to see it.
There was no need. He already knew the information about the ancient weapon Pluton inscribed on it.
Furthermore, he didn't require that thing to achieve any of his ambitions.
Nanohana Port.
After eight days, they had once again entered this beautiful port city.
Gazing at the countless civilians bustling through the city streets, observing the more sincere smiles on their faces than when they first arrived, everyone's spirits lifted.
A light rain was still falling from the sky, but judging by the thickness of the clouds, it would likely stop completely soon.
Along the way, ever since they set foot in Alabasta, he could feel the nation wailing. Wherever there were people, an atmosphere of hostility permeated the air.
However, after Crocodile's death, a sudden downpour washed away the hostility from the hearts of countless citizens, bringing them peace and allowing the nation to once again radiate boundless vitality.
He believed that this nation, which constantly struggled against fate and drought, would become even more united after this incident.
Of course, it would also become more beautiful.
They returned to the same place where they rented camels. The owner, upon seeing Kong Tai and his group arrive to return the animals, vehemently refused to accept the rental fee.
After days of spreading news, not just in their port city but across the entire nation, people had seen the news about Kong Tai and his companions and learned of Crocodile's conspiracy.
How could the owner possibly charge money from the heroes who saved their nation and their homes?
Even if he knew the silver-haired group were pirates, so what?
If he didn't accept it, so be it!
Kong Tai and his group were not overly pedantic. Since the owner was so hospitable, there was no need to insist. After all, it was the owner's token of goodwill, wasn't it?
After returning the camels, they parted ways with the owner and "Horny Camel"...
Yes, the horny camel "Eyelashes."
They had stayed in the Rain Base for three days, and this fellow had not been rented out by anyone. It was fate, perhaps. The moment they went, they saw him among the camels, his head held high.
The next step was a natural one: they rented him to accompany them on this final stretch through Alabasta.
After bidding farewell to the owner and Eyelashes, they dispersed to procure various supplies in the city.
This was a preparation that had to be done before every voyage.
On the boundless sea, no one could predict what would happen next. Therefore, whenever setting sail, one had to be prepared to spend many days at sea.
Food, drink, fresh water, medicine, lumber, clothes...
Everything had to be prepared for a reassuring journey.
Two hours later.
Kong Tai and his party gathered at the port and began loading the supplies onto the Going Merry.
Beside the ship, Kong Tai shed his Alabastan-style robe, donned a white shirt, and leaned against the railing.
In his hand, he held a freshly brewed, steaming cup of tea, his gaze fixed on Vivi and Carue standing on the shore, and of course, Igaram as well.
Seeing the envious look in Vivi's eyes as she gazed at everyone on the ship, Kong Tai raised his hand, took a sip of tea, and then playfully asked Vivi, "Hey! Vivi, want to join us for an adventure on the sea?"
He paused, then continued in a tempting tone, "The sea is vast, holding countless things that exist only in imagination, as well as all sorts of unique delicacies, different races, different cultures, and an immeasurable variety of beautiful scenery."
"Don't you want to see it?"
"Gulp—!"
Vivi looked at Kong Tai, an infinite longing flashing in her pupils, and involuntarily swallowed.
She was, by nature, a very lively person. Of course, she wanted to experience everything Kong Tai had described!
But...
As if remembering something, the longing in Vivi's eyes quickly dimmed.
"Princess Vivi."
Igaram, standing beside her, sensed Vivi's emotions and quickly called out to her.
He was afraid Vivi might succumb to the temptation and accept Kong Tai's offer.
After all, Vivi was the sole princess of the Alabasta Kingdom and would one day inherit the throne. How could she go out to sea and become a pirate?
Even if Kong Tai and his group were their saviors, he and Vivi, and the nation, it wouldn't do.
Vivi waved her hand at Igaram, "Igaram, I know my duty, and I won't make any rash decisions."
Saying this, she looked up at Kong Tai, her lips curving into a gentle smile, "Thank you for the invitation, Kong Tai-san. I truly, truly want to go on an adventure on the sea, but!"
She paused, turned, and looked at the civilians on the street within the dock, her smile growing even gentler, "But! My country needs me, and my people need me to fulfill my responsibilities. Who told me I am Princess Nefertari Vivi of Alabasta."
She shifted her gaze back to Kong Tai and smiled, "Since I am the princess of this country, I cannot abandon my responsibilities for my own selfish desires and do only what makes me happy. The people have given me their power, so I... must also do what is beneficial to the people."
"This is my duty, and my resolve as a princess. Don't you agree?"
"Kong Tai-san."
"Hahahahaha!!"
Kong Tai put down his teacup, looked down at Vivi, his smile widening until he burst into laughter.
At fifteen, to possess such a sense of responsibility could only be attributed to Princess Vivi, who had accompanied her father, Cobra, to the World Summit at the age of eleven.
Although she could be impulsive and naive at times due to her young age, and perhaps foolish in the eyes of outsiders, it did not diminish the personal charm that radiated from Vivi.
She was strong, brave, gentle in nature, peace-loving, and possessed a strong sense of responsibility.
Even with her considerable curiosity from childhood, she had not abandoned Alabasta for her own sake. She deeply understood her responsibilities and had always strived to be a good princess.
Kong Tai greatly admired individuals like her.