The group came across Erumalu early the next day, seeing how it was currently nothing but a ghost town.

Nami looked around the area, noting the elaborate designs on some of the decrepit buildings ''...This used to be a big place, huh?''

Vivi nodded sadly ''Erumalu used to be known as the City of Green.''

Luffy blinked ''Green? But...''

The princess didn't blame him for being skeptic. After all, it was really hard to believe now ''It was one of the most well-known and beautiful places in all of Alabasta. By preserving water and using it wisely, the people were able to grow plants well. But now...'' Her fists clenched as her expression darkened. ''...this is Crocodile's work, his devil fruit lets him unleash sandstorms. But since we live in a desert, no one would think much of it.''

Miguel frowned, he had seen the area with his magic earlier but coming here made it all the more worse. It was just proof of how much Alabasta suffered during the recent years. This sight also reminded him a little too much of some of the consequences of war they had to deal with at the Elysia Archipelago.

Once again people suffered and lives were ruined all for a few individuals (in this case, one's) greed. Why did it always have to be like this?

''With all his schemes, now people believe Crocodile's a hero.'' Vivi went on. ''And they don't even know that he only cares about himself-we're the only ones who can do anything to stop him.''

Luffy grinned ''That's why we're here, Vivi! You can count on us!''

She began to smile at her friends when they nodded back ''...I know, thank you.''


''Wait, what do you mean, fly?! That's nuts!'' Usopp exclaimed. Thanks to Luffy's impatience, they had landed in the path of a group of monsters which were clearly trying to slowly box them in so they would land in a pit of quick sand. He didn't see how flying would help with all the monsters, wouldn't they still be a target?

''We have to, Usopp!'' Chopper stated from his perch on Zoro's shoulder.

Miguel gave him an annoyed look ''Basically your options are flying with me or going with Luffy. Pick your poison.''

Well, when he put it like that...

Usopp mimed zipping his mouth before nodding at them. Miguel arched an eye ''I thought so.''

Despite the situation, most of the group was left rather amused by this. Luffy on the other hand, huffed ''Hey, so no one wants to come with me?''

''I think we all prefer the safer option.'' Vivi offered.

''Just be glad you never got an up close and personal view of his idea of flying...'' Nami grumbled.

''...Jerks.''

''Grow up!'' She smacked him on the head.

''...Luffy, if your rocket is even half as bad as I remember than this reaction is entirely justified.'' Ace said flatly, making the teen scowl.

''Just think, he could've been worse before.'' Zoro deadpanned.

''Yeah, there's a scary thought...'' Nami trailed off.

Miguel raised a hand, a spell seal flashed before the group was elevated by an unseen force which quickly took them away from the range of the monsters.

Ace half-smiled ''Gravity magic, huh? Handy.''

''I am never doubting you again.'' Usopp told Miguel, leaving him bemused.

''Oi, look!'' Sanji pointed ahead, indicating more desert creatures surrounding a group of people. There were others near them fighting a group of bandits and a few getting dragged in quick sand. ''What's all this?''

''We can figure that out later, we have to help them!'' Vivi exclaimed.

''Right, hang on!'' Luffy stretched out his arms, first grabbing the people in the quick sand and hauling them away. This brought the people's attention towards them, with a number recognizing Vivi then.

What was unexpected was Vivi's reaction in turn ''Kite, Mani, Sera?!''

''You know them?'' Usopp clarified.

Zoro drew his swords as some of the bandits came at them ''Heads up!''

He met one of the attackers head on, blocking his blade with Kitetsu. It didn't take him long to break the stalemate and defeat the attacker in an instant. Similarly, Sanji jumped in to defend a bandit who had been about to attack Vivi and knocked him out with a single kick.

''I won't let you bastards near Vivi-chan!''

Another of the attackers sent out a hook at Ace, only to freeze at shock when the weapon went through him harmlessly. Ace smirked and took the bandit out with a punch to the solar plexus while Usopp pelted the bandits further away with some well placed blasts courtesy of his slingshot. Chopper took the opportunity to find their enemies weak points before striking them down with precision.

''Gum Gum Pistol!'' Luffy punched a bandit hard, sending him flying into a couple of his comrades before changing targets to the monsters just as Miguel did the same. Vivi took down an enemy in her way with her slicer rings before one tried to sneak up on her. Nami intervened in time, blocking the attacker's weapon with her staff and swiftly knocking him out.

Miguel decided to take advantage of the terrain and so requipped his wind sword, employing his magic to boost his speed before he slashed one of the monsters with all the power he could muster and felled it. The force of the blow also raised a wave of sand that blinded another monster and Luffy proceeded to take it down with a few powerful punches. Soon, keeping up with that pace, the opposition was down for the count.

Vivi looked back at the travelers ''Are you all right?''

She almost flinched when they regarded her warily ''...Why are you here?'' The only girl among the group asked.

''Vivi-chan, you know some of them, right?'' Sanji clarified.

''Yes, it's been some time since we last met but we've been friends for years.''

''Oh! So they were part of that group you told us about?'' Nami recalled, seeing her nod then.

Vivi had apparently snuck out of the palace and ran into the boy who would become the rebel army leader, Kohza and his friends. After they saw what she was really like, the girl was invited to join their group and they spent many times together.

''...We were friends.'' The young man she'd identified as Mani stated. ''Things changed.''

Vivi looked like she'd been slapped while Luffy frowned and stepped in front of her. Ace exhaled ''...So you're one of those people, huh? You find it that easy to believe a bunch of rumors over your own friend?''

He bristled ''What do you know?! We've had to deal with so much because she and her father aren't doing anything for the people!''

''She's been doing everything she can!'' Nami fired back at once. ''It really doesn't make sense, the king's been taking such good care of the country, he's been a benevolent ruler for years. How can you all believe the worst of him so easily?''

''None of this would've happened if he hadn't used that damn Dance Powder!'' He retorted. ''Besides, she just left and she doesn't have a clue what's been happening this whole time!''

''That's not true!'' Luffy countered. ''Vivi left to find a way to save this country, the king didn't do anything bad. You guys are being played!''

''I bet she told you that, huh? How do we know she isn't helping him?'' A man demanded. ''She's the princess, after all!''

''That's why I came back now! Please listen, they're telling the truth...'' Vivi started.

''Why should we believe you?! Look at the crap the army's been doing, they're even sending people to get rid of us now!'' The man retorted.

''What? No! They wouldn't...''

''Look at those swords!'' He cut her off, pointing at the discarded weapons. ''There's no way plain old bandits can get their hands on something like this. I know for a fact that I've seen those things at the palace.''

Vivi faltered, knowing he was right for she recognized those weapons as something usually prepared for the guards there.

But surely, this had to be a set up. Her father would never do something like this! How could she convince them though?

''Seems like an awful lot of trouble...'' Miguel's voice broke through the ensuing silence, making the two look at him. He was levitating a few of the attackers with Telekinesis magic. ''...for imposters to go through.''

''Imposters?''

''If you're so sure they're the real deal then explain a couple things. First, that mark.'' He nodded towards the unconscious men, indicating a symbol on their shoulder. Vivi inhaled sharply as she recognized Baroque Works' symbol. ''We've seen this before and it was never in a good time. I highly doubt anyone actually loyal to the country like you all are would have this. Second, those weapons you were talking about...''

He picked up one of the swords, gesturing at a small case tied on a string attached to the hilt. Chopper noticed how the camel recoiled before taking a whiff of the air and cringing ''Miguel, that thing has poison in it!''

''I know. There were people using something a lot like this back on Whiskey Peak.'' He informed.

Sanji scowled ''So it's just Baroque Works and their dirty tricks again!''

Miguel looked back at the rebels ''Well, you've been working this hard against the army. If they were the sort to use poison, wouldn't this civil war be a whole lot shorter?''

''T-that's...'' Mani stuttered as his comrades exchanged awkward looks. Reluctant as they were to admit, they knew that all Miguel said was making a lot of sense. Something was amiss here...

''Look the thing is, like it or not Nami has a point. Some-if not all of you-grew up in Alabasta. You've seen what it was like before, you know what Vivi and her father are like. There are still those who believe that this war isn't necessary, they can have faith. Just ask yourselves, are they really the sort to do something so despicable? Or would they be the sort who would do everything to help the country?'' Miguel asked.

None of them responded, but he wasn't expecting an answer. Miguel would be perfectly satisfied if he could just get them to truly think and draw their own conclusions.

Vivi spared him a grateful smile before looking back at the group ''Please...hear me out. There's more to this situation than you think. I left to find a way to save our country. I know you all care for Alabasta just like I do. Would you all come with us for now?''


As it were, the group came to agree, wanting to hear what Vivi and her friends had to say. Since they were very close to Yuba at this point, it only took a short while for them to make it there.

That lead to them being found by a rather disgruntled man who frowned at the rebels. ''You again? Just when I thought I'd seen the back of you, you go and bring more friends...''

''We're not their friends!'' Luffy huffed, leaving him surprised.

''Eh? Then...'' The man froze when his eyes landed on Vivi. ''...you're...!''

Luffy started ''Oi, old man, she's definitely not the princess!''

Usopp smacked his head while Sanji facepalmed ''Idiot!''

''...It's been quite some time and I know I've lost weight but it's me, Toto.'' The man explained.

A surprised Vivi took a closer look at him, realizing it was the truth ''Oh, it's so good to see you again!''

''You're a sight for sore eyes, Princess!'' He smiled. ''I knew you wouldn't have abandoned Alabasta.''

She couldn't help smiling at this show of faith ''I had no idea you were still here...after what we heard about Yuba...''

''That's understandable.'' He returned. After all, it was a well-known fact that the rebel army used the town as their base for sometime. ''But I made a promise to his majesty and I wanted to keep it. He entrusted me with Yuba, I refuse to give up on this town.''

''Oh, Toto...'' Vivi trailed off, it was so good to see that he was still so loyal. If anything, he was more determined than ever.

''So everyone left besides you? Is that how those guys came to settle in here?'' Zoro asked, with a glance at the rebels.

''Yes, the drought hit this place hard. The townspeople asked me to come more than once but I simply couldn't leave like this.'' Toto admitted. ''I was the only voice of dissent to those foolish rebels so I'm afraid I couldn't have done much to stop them.''

One of the rebels bristled ''What's so foolish about fighting for our country?''

''Didn't I say it before? You're fighting the wrong battles, boy!'' He retorted.

''Toto, since you're here, you should come too. I found out what's really happening in our country.'' Vivi explained. ''I want you to hear this too.''

''Of course, Princess. Right this way!''


Vivi finished telling them everything, how they knew something was off and so she and Igaram headed to investigate. How they came to learn about Baroque Works and infiltrated it, meeting the Straw Hats and finally-Crocodile's scheme. They could only listen, now all thrown for a loop.

''We all love this country, my father regrets that he can only do so much to help our people. I know you're doing this because you care and so does he. But please try to understand.'' Vivi finished.

''Crocodile...? This whole time he was...'' Sera trailed off.

''People thought it was strange that a Warlord decided to stay here but when he just helped deal with pirates, it seemed to be fine.'' Toto mused.

''That's exactly the point, old man. This guy's one hell of a manipulator. All of this is setting up for his scheme so he can take over Alabasta.'' Sanji stated.

''Yes, I see that...''

''Well, this is awfully convenient.'' This made them look at some of the rebels, who appeared doubtful. ''If there was this kind of third faction, we would've heard of it.''

''You still think she's making this stuff up? Come on!'' Usopp exclaimed, looking irritated.

This time, Sera was on their side ''Give it a rest. Look, what's the point of lying about all this?''

''You too? How about that she gets to clear her dad's name?'' He retorted stubbornly.

''Unbelievable.'' Zoro grunted.

''...Man, you guys really are dumb.'' Luffy said flatly.

''I completely agree, Captain.'' Nami nodded. Yup, you know they had it bad if even Luffy could tell as much.

''What?!''

''Why do you always assume the worst of Vivi and the king? This isn't fair!'' Chopper frowned.

''He's right, have some shame!'' Toto scolded. ''You're a bunch of faithless fools who believe only they are in the right, you're acting like children!''

''Why you...!'' The apparent leader of the group growled. Their meant that they had actually been fighting a pointless battle all this time, he wouldn't believe it. ''How do we know it isn't a lowly trick? That those people weren't sent by the army to get rid of us, huh? Why should we believe this?''

Ace spared him a disdainful look ''You're just burying your heads in the sand now.''

''That's not to say he's completely wrong though.'' Everyone looked at Miguel in surprise.

''Oi, Miguel?!'' Sanji stared.

''What do you mean?'' Luffy wanted to know.

''Remember what we talked about on our way here?'' He returned. ''Vivi basically sussed most of this out but after what we learned from the meeting, I think I know what that battle was about. Crocodile's trying to fan the flames of war.''

Nami's eyes widened as she realized he was right, she was catching on to his train of thought. Did he mean...?

Miguel's next words wound up proving her suspicion true ''It's just like you said before-if the war continues, he gains the most out of it. The country would be weak and shaken, so he gets to swoop in and claim his prize. We just made it in time to help them.'' He looked at them all. ''What if we hadn't though? The rebels were getting separated on their way to their next base so they could be considered easy pickings. Normally, if people were killed in a situation like that, they'd assume it was because of the desert monsters.''

Chopper blinked ''Normally?''

''He means the weapons.'' Nami elaborated. ''They're just like the ones used by the army. If that plan had gone off without a hitch, the rest of the rebels would believe it was the king and his army behind this. They would sure to retaliate and the war would escalate that much more. Crocodile knows Vivi was on her way back, remember? I bet he was looking for a way to make sure her attempt to get through to the rebels would fail. He's too smart to leave anything up to chance.''

''It's just like what the creep Three did back on Little Garden!'' Usopp grimaced.

''Exactly, it's more manipulation from behind the scenes. He stands to gain the most that way.'' Nami stated.

''Do you see now?'' Toto addressed the rebels. ''All this anger won't lead you anywhere, his majesty cares deeply about us all. He's suffering just as much as we are because of that fraud. There's no point blaming the victims here.''

''Exactly! I want to stop this war, the people of Alabasta shouldn't suffer because of that monster. We've come to make sure he would answer for all of this.'' Vivi added. ''We all want what's best for Alabasta-can't we work together?''

Sera spared the group of skeptics a pointed look before looking at her and smiling ''Of course we can. I'm sorry we gave you a hard time-looking back, it really didn't make sense for you to just walk out on us like this but when so much time passed...'' She shook her head and took the girl's hands into her own. ''...good to have you back, Vivi.''

The princess beamed, feeling her heart swell at the sight of her old friend's familiar smile ''Good to be back.''


Sera and Kite promised the group that they would try to contact the rebels soon but the odds were, they would have to catch up with Kohza's group as to ensure that they could believe these news.

They sent out one of their messenger birds and were left to wait, since it was almost night time now. Toto invited Vivi, Ace and the Strawhats to spend the night in Yuba's inn, helping them to the best of his ability. They all knew that traveling the desert at night was exceedingly dangerous and the best they could do now was wait. Thus, they prepared to settle down for the night.

Ace approached Toto outside the inn ''There you are.''

''Oh, is everything all right?'' The man wanted to know.

''Yeah, we appreciate your help. There was just something I wanted to ask, if you don't mind.''

''Of course, what is it?'' Toto cocked his head.

''I'm looking for someone. Does the name Blackbeard ring any bells?'' Ace wanted to know.

''Blackbeard...'' The man began to think. Moments later, he tipped his open palm with a fist as the answer came to him. ''...oh, I heard something about that! I can't be sure if the man was ever in Alabasta but word got out about a fledgling bounty hunter who wanted to use his name. He pretended that he beat the guy to gain some reputation but he had to put his plans at a halt and focus on helping his family.''

''I see...'' Ace's brow furrowed. Well, that explained why the information about the traitor had been so scarce. Perhaps he had been following a false lead all along...

Shaking the thought off, Ace thanked Toto and returned to the inn, finding quite a scene in store.

Apparently Luffy and Usopp wanted to have a pillow fight and were trying to drag the others into it. In return, they decided to ignore them. Chopper was the only one who failed, having been far too irriated when they kept interrupting his reading and so decided to get back at them.

''Um, Sanji, that's my bed.'' Vivi pointed out, wondering why the cook was lying there so comfortably.

''Oh, I know. I wanted to warm it up for you.'' He chirped. ''Why don't you join me? We can have some good times.''

''I'd rather not...''

Zoro rolled his eyes ''You know you can just smack him, right? This idiot's a lost cause anyway.''

Sanji was about to retort but then he was smack dab in the face by a pillow. Scowling, he looked over in the direction of the one he knew was behind this ''Luffy, I told you shitheads I don't want any part of your stupid fight!''

''Oh, lighten up! Come on, Chopper's doing it too!'' was all he had to say to that.

Luffy decided to use powers to keep this going, enabling him to lob pillows at Usopp, Nami and Zoro in turn. The first was hit in a second, the second dodged it and the third simply grabbed the pillow before it hit him and kept it to himself.

They weren't about to be deterred though. Sanji scowled as he grabbed a pillow Vivi had ducked to avoid before tossing it back at Usopp. At the same time, Luffy lobbed another pillow at Miguel, who also managed to catch it.

''Hey, using magic is unfair!'' He huffed.

Miguel spared him a flat look, one reason was that because he hadn't even thought of using any in the first place. The second was...

''You do realize that's rich coming from you, right?'' He returned, pointedly staring at the teen's outstretched limbs.

Luffy stiffened but immediately tried to cover it up ''I-I don't know what you're talking about.''

''Right, I'm sure.'' Miguel drawled, turning back for a moment. ''I didn't want to do this with you guys in the first place but if you insist...'' He raised a hand, elevating two pillows with Telekinesis magic just as Luffy had tossed another at him. But he simply controlled that one too and in a second, he lobbed them back at the captain forcefully, leaving him to fall on the bed.

Most of the group couldn't help but laugh at the rubber teen's expression, thoroughly amused by the whole spectacle. Usopp high fived Miguel and Ace looked at his brother. ''You're biting off more than you can chew again, Luffy.''

Luffy chuckled a pillow at him in response. Ace readily grabbed the pillow and hurled it right back, making him fall again.

Ace's next comment drew laughter all around again. ''Correction, way more than you can chew.''


Later that night...

Miguel stepped back ''That should do it.''

Toto looked on in awe as the wizard finished creating some large ice cubes which he and Luffy put in some barrels after filling some with water.

''I know you still haven't given up on the city and I respect that.'' Miguel admitted. ''This should at least be good enough to give you some fresh water down the line.''

''Thank you, that's very kind!'' Toto smiled.

Miguel smiled back, he had just been taking a walk when he spotted Luffy and Toto digging for water. He thought it was admirable of the man to keep going despite these odds and he was more than willing to give a helping hand. He understood how Toto felt about the city well...

''Good going!'' Luffy grinned. ''All right! Let's get back to work, I'm going to make sure we get water.''

''He's a regular ball of energy, huh?'' Toto chuckled.

''You have no idea...'' Miguel shook his head with a small smile. ''...Luffy, how about you try digging in the same hole Toto's making?''

''Does it really matter? I'm doing the same thing.''

''Yeah, but if you keep this up you'll close the hole I've been working on!'' Toto exclaimed.

''I don't get it...ah, so it's a mystery hole?'' Luffy cocked his head.

''No, it isn't!'' Toto sighed. ''Look, can you please just do what your friend said? It'd really help then.''

''Sure!''

''Ah, for what it's worth, he really does mean well.'' Miguel offered.

''I know...I really do appreciate what you're both doing. And what you did for Princess Vivi.'' Toto admitted. ''It may not seem so but many in the kingdom believe in her and his majesty. They've earned our faith, even if some of us seem to forget that.''

''Everyone's trying to deal with these rough times in their own way.'' Miguel returned. ''You really do trust the king more than most, huh?''

''Of course and now that I know the truth, I'm more than glad that I do.'' Toto said firmly. ''...And really I think you'll understand how I feel about this more than most. She told me about how you're among the people who worked hardest to bring back Elysia to what it used to be.''

''Yeah, Vivi's exaggerating though, I just did what I could.'' The young man said modestly. ''It just proves how far we can go for something truly important to us.''

''I couldn't agree more.'' Toto nodded. ''For what it's worth, I truly do respect your people's drive. Many of us in Alabasta do. Even after the hand they've been dealt with, they still try to do their best to take of their own. I think it's something to be proud of.''

''That it is...thank you.''


After a little training, Miguel returned to the inn. There, he was approached by Ace...

''I wondered what was going on. It's just like Luffy to get into something like this.'' He remarked with a grin, both glancing back at the rubber teen, who was digging enthusiastically.

''That's true.'' Miguel agreed. ''So you couldn't sleep?''

''Nah, we've just been talking...Luffy told me plenty about you guys, he really does count on all of you.''

''That's nice to hear. We all rely on him just the same.'' Miguel returned.

Ace noted the two swords he had been putting one being the blue water sword and another being the red fire sword. His eyes lingered on the second blade ''...You really are trying to get used to it, huh?''

Miguel stiffened for a moment but nodded, putting both swords away. ''...I know it's something I have to deal with and...''

It had been something he'd really been thinking about since Little Garden. If anything, the events on the island were a reminder of the issue he used to avoid. ''...I keep meaning to but it's just that whenever I have to deal with fire, I keep remembering what happened back then...''

How he and his uncle almost died, how many people suffered in that attack. As well as the people who lost their lives during that horrible day...

He didn't actually verbalize those thoughts but Ace understood the sentiment, partly due to his expression and also having heard plenty about the attack. He could understand how hard it was for him to face this.

Given what he'd come to learn yesterday, Ace would not be surprised if Miguel was still having trouble sleeping because of nightmares.

''You know, admitting there's a problem is the first step to solving it. Now you're actually trying to figure something, that's another step forward. Dealing with your fears takes some guts.''

''Thanks...but sometimes I wonder if I'll ever get over it...''

Ace stopped to think ''Well, how about we try a little training?'' Miguel looked at him in surprise. ''Come on, I don't think either of us are going to sleep soon anyway. Consider it a little push in the right direction.''

The quartermaster appeared unnerved at the idea but he could see what Ace was getting at. Things were bad enough at Little Garden because of his phobia, he didn't want to let it always get in the way.

''...All right.''


The next morning...

Toto made sure to give Luffy a barrel of water he'd been able to get from their work last night and the happy teen promised to treat it with care. Sera had sent a message to Kohza but she admitted that she didn't know when it could reach him as the army was marching to Alubarna. They needed some preparation before they could travel themselves so this was all she could do.

''Looks like our worst suspicions are going to pass, huh?'' Nami asked her friends, thinking back on the meeting.

Sera looked confused. ''What do you mean?''

''Remember how we said we made some plans? That was one possiblity we considered...which means...'' Nami looked at Luffy.

He nodded, his expression determined ''We're going to stop Crocodile.''

''It's come to this in the end...'' Vivi was troubled, this was one thing she hoped wouldn't happen. She knew of Crocodile's strength first hand and so she was well aware how they were looking at a daunting task.

''Please look after Vivi.'' Toto requested.

''Count on it!'' Sanji assured with a smirk.

''Yeah!'' Luffy grinned while the rest of their group nodded.


Ace stopped the group once they were a short distance from Yuba and began to say farewell...

''You're leaving?!'' Luffy exclaimed.

''Yeah, it's been fun but I have to get back to my mission.'' Ace admitted.

''Aww...''

''Hey, I was glad to see you're doing so well but we've got to take our own paths, you know that.'' Ace reminded. ''Wish I could help but Crocodile and Baroque Works are your fight.''

''Well, yeah but still...'' Luffy could freely admit that he wouldn't want Ace to fight his battles but he didn't want him to leave so soon.

''Come on, don't look at me like that.'' The young man dug in his pocket and gave his brother a piece of a paper.

Vivi's eyes widened ''Isn't that a Vivre Card?''

''Yup.'' Ace returned.

''What's it do?'' Luffy wanted to know.

''It's a way for you to find me again. All you have to do is follow it.''

He perked up ''Cool!''

Ace chuckled back and looked at the others ''I wish you all success. I know Luffy's reckless so I can't help but worry. Please, take care of him for me.''

''Someone has to, it'll have to be us.'' Nami shrugged, smiling.

''Sounds about right.'' Zoro smirked.

Miguel nodded ''Oh and...erm, thanks for last night. I know I didn't make it easy...''

Ace smiled ''Don't worry, it was my idea anyway. Give yourself some credit, you did the best you could. Just keep at it and you'll be fine.''

''What're you guys talking about?'' Chopper wanted to know.

Miguel spared Ace a grateful look before answering ''I'll tell you later...''

Ace began heading to the shore ''Keep getting stronger, Luffy! I think you'll be just fine with this crew, we'll meet again at the top!''

''You bet!'' Luffy called back with a grin.

''You know, your brother really is awesome.'' Usopp told him.

''Right? Ace is the best!'' Luffy beamed. He was looking forward to seeing what they'd be like when they meet again. Just the thought had him excited.


Well, let's stop here.

I hope it was good. I really did want to update earlier but I've had to deal with writer's block and so it took some time to put this chapter together. I wanted a way to start dealing with Miguel's phobia, it'd be a gradual process. I intended on having Zoro help there but I figured having Ace do it too would actually work out. Basically, he tried to get him more comfortable around the idea of using fire, like just showing how his powers can actually really help and not hurt. By keeping a careful lid on his powers, they got to finish up with a spar. It's really just a good step forward now.

Next chapter is when the action really begins as it'll be the start of their fight against Baroque Works. Thanks for reading so far and I hope you keep it up, till next time!