Disclaimer : I don't own One Piece.

One Piece belongs to Oda.

I only offer my slight variation/interpretation of the story.

Strawhats at Rainbase

19 Hours Before Operation Utopia

Vivi POV

We had just come from Yuba. The rebels weren't there already gone to another place. I felt the hopes of my country dwindle a little bit. Thankfully, the Strawhat crew and I were ready to go to the rebellion.

However, I heard certain words from the captain.

"I quit."

Those words coming from Luffy shcoked me.

"What do you mean, Luffy?" I asked. Maybe I heard wrong.

"We don't have time for your stupid games now, Luffy. Now get up." Nami called Luffy out.

"We're going back." Luffy said simply.

Sanji tried to reason. "We're using the road we took yesterday to stop the rebellion. If a million of the civilians clash, it's all over. This is for Vivi-chan! Let's go!"

"Boring." He said plainly.

I was so confused.

Luffy looked at me. "Vivi. I want to beat the crap out of Crocodile. I don't care what Yuuto says."

We were all surprised by this statement. He continued, "If we stop the guys who are rebelling, will we stop Crocodile? We can't even do anything even if we go to this place. We're pirates. You're better off without us."

I froze a little. Yuuto had a plan on how to stop Crocodile that didn't involve fighting him directly.

However, Yuuto wasn't sure if he could stop my people from fightig each other.

I looked at my friends. They agreed with what he had said. I tried to reason. "Well..."

He cut me off. "You just don't want anyone to die in this war. You're talking about fighting a Shichibukai. And all you want is no one to die. That's naive."

Nami tried to defend me. "Stop. Luffy! Can't you think of Vivi's feelings?"

"Wait Nami-san!" Sanji intervened.

This was between me and Luffy. "What's wrong with that? What's wrong with not wanting people to die?" I don't want any of us to die.

Luffy said coldly, "People die."

I couldn't help but slap him. No one should die without a reason. I started shouting. "Stop talking like that!" I took a deep breath. What he said had hurt. "Don't you dare say that again! That's what we're trying to stop."

"You can't blame the rebels or the army for this. This is all Crocodile's fault!" I continued shouting.

Suprisingly, Luffy punched me. "Then why are you risking your life?" I couldn't help but say that it was my country.

Usopp defended me "That's going too far Luffy."

I quickly tackled him and punched him repeatedly. Luffy didn't fight against me and laid on the ground. He continued "Even I can tell what this country needs the most just by looking at the situation." Those words hurt a little bit.

"What?" I hollered.

"You think risking one life is enough!" He shouted at me. He then grabbed my hands stopping me from attacking him.

I was confused. "What am I supposed to risk? There's nothing else I have to..."

Luffy then got out of my holding position. "Why don't you try risking our lives too? I thought we were friends." Luffy interrupted with honest eyes.

I couldn't help but start crying at that. I had found a pirate crew... no friends, who were willing to die for the sake of my goal.

It was touching. Before I had a burden all by myself, but now. I have friends who wanted to share this burden.

"Look at you." He started speaking softly. "You're crying. You're the one who wants to kill him the most. Tell me where Crocodile is."

At that moment, I disregarded Yuuto' warning about engaging in Crocodile.

I nodded and led them along the way. [1]

17 Hours Before Operation Utopia

Vivi POV

As we were making our way, we had received a call. It must have been Yuuto.

I hope he made it to Alubarna.

I picked up the phone. "Hello. Mr. Fox?" I hoped I sounded ok.

I heard his voice. "Yes. It's me. I just met up with your father."

I was glad to hear that. Soon enough, I heard some footsteps and then my father's voice. "Vivi. Are you ok? Are those pirates treating you right?"

I could help but cry. It's been so long since I heard my father's voice. I couldn't help but smile hearing his voice that conveyed his love and protectiveness over me.

I responded. "Yes. They have treated me very well. Mr. Fox has done a great job protecting me."

I let out a small giggle.

My father then asked. "Where are you now?"

I answered. "We're heading to Rainbase now. We are about 16 hours away. We couldn't grab a hold of the rebellion forces. Luffy wants to beat up Crocodile."

I heard Yuuto's voice. "Tell Vivi that we had some BW spies in the royal army. There could be some in the rebel forces." It seemed that he knew that he couldn't stop us from fighting Crocodile.

I sighed. It seemed that Crocodile was going to cause a war no matter what.

My father continued. "I'm going to send Pell over now to help you."

That's great. Pell can help a lot, and he can travel the fastest.

"It's good to hear your voice again Vivi. I'm so proud of you. You became a strong woman." I heard my father compliment me.

"Thanks... Father." I couldn't help but blush at that.

Then I heard Yuuto's voice again. "I have a feeling that they're going to attack us soon. Stay safe." I smiled knowing that he was worried about me.

"You too Mr. Fox. Don't die." I couldn't help but tell him to be careful. He couldn't fight well if he had that leg injury.

"I won't. Good-bye." He said that part suddenly. He was probably busy planning for the next part.

"Bye." I said a little sadly.

We hung up. Nami gave me a knowing smirk, but the other guys didn't seem to notice. I blushed at that and turned away.

Luffy cried out, "Let's hurry up and get ready to kick Crocodile's ass."

I chuckled at that. We were only about 16 hours away from the Rainbase. He was excited.

1 Hour before Operation Utopia

Rainbase Casino

Nami POV

I can't believe this. I'm surrounded by idiots.

I let Luffy and Usopp run ahead in the casino. They decide to run ahead to the VIP room where we were told that Crocodile was waiting for us.

As if that sounded like a terrific idea to begin with.

Next, they decide to go in the direction where the sign said, "Pirates." with an arrow pointing left.

Not suspicious at all guys. It's definitely safe.

As we ran in that direction, the floor collapsed, and we were stuck in a seastone cage.

I was currently stuck with Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, and the marine who was chasing after us. I couldn't help but sigh knowing that the marine was probably the smartest one in the cage.

Well smartest guy. There's me of course.

At times, like these, I wish Yuuto was with us. At least, he was both smart and strong. He also helped play peacemaker.

The other guys in the crew were just very strong and no smarts.

Well actually Usopp wasn't strong. He wasn't very smart either. Maybe clever.

Sigh.

I looked at Luffy. He was thinking.

Could it be? He was actually thinking of a way to escape. I actually had that covered. As long as no one was here.

He spoke. "Sanji impression." He put his fingers close to his mouth as if he was smoking. "Hey, did you eat all the meat?"

I whacked both Luffy and Usopp. Usopp for laughing at that.

"Be serious. How can you act like that?" Am I the only one who actually has a plan to escape?

I looked at Zoro. "And why are you sleeping?" I kicked him.

"What, is it morning?" He said groggily.

"It's been morning already." I yelled.

Well maybe Sanji and Chopper will save us. Yuuto was highly unlikely because he was far away.

Crocodile looked at me and taunted "You're quite a feisty girl."

I was angry. "What. Once these guys get out of this cage, they'll knock your worthless hide above the clouds. Right Luffy!" I couldn't help but taunt back and rely on Luffy.

Crocodile provoked me even further. "You are a captain with great trust placed in you Luffy. Trust -" He chuckled. "Trust is the most useless thing in the world."

"How dare he make fun of us?" I yelled. What's wrong with trusting in your captain?

"Crocodile!" I heard a yell. It sounded like Vivi. I heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

"Welcome Vivi, princess of Alabasta. Or should I say Miss Wednesday? I'm surprised you made it." There was that taunt again.

"Of course. I'd come. As long as it means I can watch you die. Mr. 0."

"It's your worthless country that's going to die Miss Wedensday."

I look at Vivi. She was uncharacteristically angry. She yelled and ran, "If you weren't here, Alabasta would be in peace." She got her peacock slashers and hit him straight in the face.

I was about to smile, but I saw sand. I cursed.

Yuuto had warned us about his Suna Suna devil fruit.

His whole body turned to sand, and he appeared behind Vivi. He grabbed her, "Shall I turn you into a mummy?"

Luffy cried out, "Let go of Vivi!"

I was tempted. Maybe I should have tried to escape now and pick the lock.

He put her down.

The opportunity was gone with Crocodile watching us. "Sit. It's time to begin the plan."

As he began his monologue, I considered whether Luffy could actually win. No wonder Yuuto kept reminding Luffy not to fight with Crocodile. I looked worriedly at Luffy.

At the same time, I couldn't help but remember of my past. I thought Arlong was invincible too.

Yuuto didn't really know, but Luffy did get stronger when he was fighting to protect someone.

I know Luffy well enough that he was fighting to protect Vivi, but I didn't want to put everyone in risk.

I sighed.

As I saw Crocodile drop the key to the sea below, I smiled. Who needs a key when you could pick the lock?

I thank Yuuto for teaching me that. He really does come prepared. Now I just have to wait for Crocodile to leave.

I zoned out planning the entire situation. However, he said something that caught my attention.

"What a stupid old geezer. He keeps digging an oasis that died before." Could he be talking about the old man we met back at Yuba? "And he thinks he can overcome the sandstorms over and over."

Don't tell me...

"Do you think sandstorms could attack a town successfully so many time?"

He then showed his power. He was causing a sandsorm.

He really was despicable.

I looked at Luffy and Vivi. They both liked him so much.

That was when I knew that Crocodile was going down no matter what. Luffy always finds a way to beat them up good.

Crocodile and his partner went up the stairs and the room began filling up with water.

I moved closer to the lock before I heard a den den mushi ring.

Please, not one of ours.

Thankfully, it was Crocodile's.

"Hello. I've never used one of these before."

That was Sanji's voice.

"Hey. Spit it out."

"Oh that voice. I've heard it before. This is the shitty restaurant."

I smiled. Sanji was going to come save us assuming I couldn't pick this lock.

It felt good to have a backup plan.

I saw Luffy about to blurt something out and I quickly covered his mouth.

Why is it that I'm always the one who has to stop Luffy from blurting important information?

"Who the hell are you?"

"Me? I am Mr. Prince."

As the banter continue, I heard Crocodile get more and more irritated. I then heard gunshot from the den den mushi.

I couldn't believe that Sanji would get caught so carelessly.

Crocodile and his partner walked out that we couldn't hear them anymore.

Vivi was about to go up the stairs. I quickly went to work with the lock. I grabbed the pins I had hidden and started.

Usopp looked at me exasperated and said, "We could have escaped this entire time."

I shook my head. "Do you really think it was good for us to escape earlier? In front of them?"

Zoro grunted showing that he agreed with me.

It was taking a while and I saw Vivi go up the stairs. Unfortunately, one of the bananadiles had crashed into the room letting more water in.

I needed to hurry.

Luckily, after 5 minutes, I unlocked the door, and we quickly ran out.

Luffy, Zoro, and the marine made quick work of the bananadiles. It seemed that one of them spit out someone, but he was still unconscious. It looked like Mr. 3, so we ignored him. We then saw Sanji and Vivi come running in.

They were surprised.

"I picked the lock. Hurry let's get out of her before they came back."

Sanji yelled, "So smart Nami – swan."

Now wasn't the time. He would praise any woman for whatever reason. Whether it's because they simply existed or because they showed him their boobs.

If Sanji is actually serious about wanting to be in a relationship with me, he needs to stop doing that.

Usopp and Luffy also praised me too. At least, those two's praises were genuine because I rarely got praised by them. We quickly ran out but the walls cracked. More water filled the room, and we had to swim our way out. Zoro and Sanji both had to carry the devil fruit users along.

We were all safe outside.

Twenty minutes later

As we met up with Chopper along with his new moving crab friend, we quickly needed to make our way to Alubarna. However just as Vivi was about to get on, Crocodile stopped her with his hook.

Luffy quickly grabbed onto Vivi and swapped places.

"You guys go ahead. I'll be fine by myself."

Me and Zoro nodded. We had been with him the longest, so we knew what he could do.

I could only hope that he would be careful.

Zoro commanded Chopper, "Head straight to Alubarna." That was one of the few times I felt that he acted as a first mate.

As Vivi was about to call after Luffy, I put a hand over her. I smiled to reassure her. "It's ok. He'll be fine. There isn't a single person who tried to fight Luffy and won."

I knew Luffy could beat him. Luffy will always find a way to win.

Like how he beat Arlong.

As we got farther away, I looked back and saw him and Crocodile as a speck of dust.

I sighed a little anxiously. I hope Luffy doesn't almost die.

I shook my head. He'll win. He always does.

I then took out the Den Den mushi and called Yuuto. He needed to know what was going on. [2]

0.5 Hour After Operation Utopia

Luffy POV

"I think your games have gone long enough 'Straw Hat'."

Crocodile had stood opposite of me.

I was pissed. How could he destroy the old man's dream?

More importantly, how dare he make my nakama cry? [3]

I sat up. "You know her. She's so weak, but she tries to save everything she can." I paused.

"She can't bear to abandon anything. So she's always in pain. She wants to end this rebellion without anyone dying."

"Without anyone dying, that's foolish." He looked at me. "You agree with me. Don't you?"

"Yes." I stood up, ready to fight. "But as long as you're alive, she will fight. That's why I'm stopping you."

"Haha. You're funny. This should be a good example. I've left hundred like that in the dust."

"Well then, I guess that makes you stupid then." I said plainly at him.

I heard the woman next to him laugh. I wasn't sure what was so funny. I was just saying what I thought.

"What's so funny. Nico Robin? Do you want to die as well?"

To threaten your own partner makes me angry too.

The woman just put her hands out, said a few words that I couldn't hear, and left.

I then saw an hourglass.

"I'll give you three minutes. After that, I won't have the time to play around anymore." He said.

I nodded. I then began punching him but hit sand.

I was trying to remember what Yuuto said about armament Haki. My will? Using my will to fight?

I needed to unlock armament Haki now.

Focus.

Crocodile came closer. I tried kicking him while trying to focus on hitting him.

Crocodile just looked at me and began speaking. "Let me tell you one thing, 'Straw-hat'. " I would use this time to think. "No matter how much you struggle, you will never …. ever..."

I tried punching multiple times again. This time, I focused on beating the sand.

He continued again. "Listen... 'Straw hat'. Those mosquito attacks are useless against me, because you will never."

I got close to him and tried to use my bazooka attack on him. Maybe if I focused two hands, I could do it.

That didn't work.

In my frustration, I used my axe attack.

This Haki was really annoying. I wasn't getting the observation training that Yuuto told me to do. Now, trying this armament didn't seem to work.

I screamed in frustration.

This sand guy was supposed to be my Haki training dummy. I had been hit by Nami way too many times. It was someone else's turn to be hit.

I couldn't hit Yuuto by myself when he was blindfolded.

"No matter what." He kept talking. I turned around and punched his face. "Deff"

"Deff..." I was confused. What does deff mean? Can you eat that? "What the hell have you been trying to say?" I shot out.

His eyes narrowed at me. "Why don't we end the games now?"

We haven't been playing any games. I've been trying to beat you up.

How dare he mock me when I've been trying to hit him.

I haven't been fooling around. [4]

He then sent some sand out to me. I dodged; I could sense there was a lot of power in that attack.

Suddenly, the sand was sinking. I quickly tried to run out.

"If I can't hurt you, then I'll capture you!" I hollered, extending my fingers to create a net.

However, he controlled the sand to push my fingers out.

As I approached him, he struck me and my right arm.

I've never felt pain like this. I looked at my right arm. It looked so small compared to normal. It didn't feel like it had any water.

"It's sand. I sucked the water out." He explained.

That's it. I quickly ran to get my own personal barrel the old sandy guy gave me.

I quickly drank water. That made my arm turn back to normal.

Crocodile kept talking. Annoyed at this, I tried to chomp him like that king Hippo guy who chomped his people.

I then spit him out because he became human.

"Enough of this. Your three minutes are over. Prepare to die." Crocodile looked angry. He put out his hand and summoned some sand tornado.

"If this sandstorm travels south and matures, where do you think hits when it's nice and big?"

I paused. Not knowing what was in the south.

I'm not a local here.

"To Yuba!" He shouted.

Yuba was where we met the old man.

I quickly ran up to him, trying to grab him. I got a hold of his jacket. "What the hell are you doing? This has nothing to do with the old guy." This was just between me and him.

He pushed me aside. As I ran again to him, I was suddenly stopped. I felt blood coming out from my stomach. I put my hands there.

He had pierced me with his hook. "Just who do you think I am? There are plenty of rookies who are all talk here on the Grand Line."

I lifted my hand, covered with blood. I was barely conscious.

I weakly called out, "Water."

Crocodile said, "Even the water will not help you."

I grabbed his hand. He then threw me down.

He called out, "Good-bye."

Just as I was sinking, I realized that I had finally touched him at the last moment.

AN:

[1] Vivi and Luffy's fight.

I felt I had to write that scene because even though it's the same as it is in the manga. I wanted to write the feelings Vivi had.

[2] I was finally able to write a part of the story in Nami's POV. All that's left is Zoro now.

Even though this sequence isn't originally a Nami moment, I decided to help show how Nami is slowly becoming more useful. I know picking a lock doesn't even come close to how cool with what Sanji did as "Mr. Prince" with Chopper.

Again, I have Yuuto to help develop the Strawhats to be more useful. It's not just Luffy, Zoro, or Sanji beating the main villains in just a fight. There's multiple sides to how the Strawhats can win than just pure combat. Nami doesn't have to be a fighter to be awesome. She can use her skill as a thief or navigator.

I want to write some other awesome moments with the other crew members like Usopp sniping Sugar and Brook stealing the Poneglyph, just to name a few.

[3] Yes, Luffy does consider Vivi as nakama.

Does that mean she will join the crew?

[4] It's meant to be ironic. Consider Crocodile's POV and the first fight if you remember from the anime/manga.

I felt that it would be hard for Luffy to win if he doesn't have armament Haki. He hasn't unlocked it yet. You will see that Luffy does get stronger.

Anyways, next chapter we're going to be jumping ahead to the Strawhats fights at Alubarna.

Feel free to mention story ideas if they're new; it could help with coming up with some elements of the plot. If I don't follow your story idea, it's probably because I don't think it goes well with the story's direction that I have planned out.

I have Skypeia arc finally planned out now. Now I need to start writing it.

There are some key plot points (my idea) that I have planned out and I intend on keeping them. You will probably start seeing those plot points in Water 7 and Sabody. Pay attention next chapter. There will also be some romance involved in the later future.

Again, please leave a review with some constructive criticism. Whether it's about something you liked or something you disliked.