After intervening to save Nami from Mr. 1, Zoro had been left to face the Frontier Agent alone. He couldn't see Nami, who had fled with Miss Doublefinger chasing her but he could only hope the navigator was all right. While he would prefer to ensure the safety of his crewmates in general, Zoro knew that they all had to fight their own battles. They had already agreed to trust in each other and do their best to end this madness. It wasn't as if they were a crew of weaklings anyway.
Besides...Zoro may not admit it easily, but he was facing an opponent who required his full focus. Mr. 1 was as powerful as he heard. Vivi hadn't known much about his powers since the man kept to himself but she had warned them that the man was said to be especially skilled against swordsmen.
That was certainly true, the agent was skilled, no doubt about that. But it was his devil fruit powers that were really giving Zoro a lot of trouble. The man had eaten the Supa Supa no Mi, which not only let him manifest blades but made it so that cutting him was as hard as cutting steel. Thus, Zoro's attacks were doing little to no damage whatsoever. To make matters worse, the man employed a similarly powerful offense that put Zoro in a lot of trouble. No matter how much he tried to attack it hardly made any difference.
''I've heard of you before, Roronoa Zoro.'' Mr. 1 uttered. ''The man who defeated a 100 of our men at Whiskey Peak.''
Zoro's brow furrowed, all he heard about the man reminded him of rumors that reached his ears some time ago. Which had him wondering...''I wasn't sure before but I know who you are too. The bounty hunter who defeated many swordsmen in the past, Daz Bones.''
''You're partially correct.'' The newly acknowledged Daz Bones sated, leaving him curious. ''The fact is, no swordsman has of has ever stood a chance against me.''
''Oh yeah? Guess I'll be the one to change that. Ushi Bari!'' Zoro leveled his swords and charged, gritting his teeth in anger when the man fended off his strike with ease once more.
Not that he would let this stop him ''Gazami Dori!''
Mr. 1 interrupted his attack before it could really begin, using his Spiral Hollow, an attack that creates spinning blades that resembled drills. A moment later, the swordsmen collided, Zoro was cut then but Mr. 1 was unharmed. He struck hard and fast ''Spiral Break.''
The sudden blow caused a number of wounds that made Zoro fall to his knees but he clenched his fists despite the pain. 'I...won't lose here!'
Vivi and Kohza arrived at the Palace in time to learn that Crocodile had defeated the Tsumegari guards, a group among the strongest warriors in Alabasta. Even after they used the Hero Water, a substance that would serve to empower the user greatly, they were simply no match for the Warlord. Both princess and rebel leader were more than a little alarmed, knowing that the water would cause a terrible backlash on them but they knew they had to press forward.
Just as they met up with Chaka and explained Vivi's plan to blow up the Palace, they were found by Crocodile himself.
''You won't stop us, you bastard!'' Vivi spat, glaring at him hatefully.
''I'd beg to differ, Princess.'' He retorted. ''My plans are well underway and there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop me.''
''You're acting like you've already won.'' Kohza seethed.
''Who says I haven't?'' Crocodile said smoothly. ''We even have a little bit...of insurance, shall we say?''
''Insurance?'' Chaka, who had been about to attack the Warlord, froze as he soon saw what that meant.
Miss All Sunday stood not too far away, beside her was none other than Cobra nailed to a wall. His eyes widened ''Your majesty!''
''Father!'' Vivi cried. ''Let him go!''
''I believe my point is proven.'' Crocodile smirked, ignoring her. ''King Cobra here is going to help me reach my true goal.''
''What do you want with the King?!'' Chaka demanded.
The answer was something that left Cobra floored.
''Simple, I'm after the ancient weapon said to be buried in this desert country, the Pluton.''
Mr. 1 fended off another of his opponent's strikes easily ''I told you, no matter what you try, it wouldn't make a difference. You still wish to continue fighting?''
There was only one answer Zoro would give to that ''Of course.''
''You're a fool.'' The agent created another spinning blade and dashed. It took all of Zoro's strength to stop the sudden attack and even then, his arms were cut once their clash ended.
As much as Zoro hated to admit it, the battle was getting worse and he had no idea what to do. Anything he tried didn't even faze Mr. 1, the man was as powerful as he heard and more-he couldn't have gotten a worse opponent.
Still...Zoro's grip tightened on his blades as he remembered his most daunting battle, the one against Mihawk. That had been a bitter lesson but one he never even he needed. He had also made a vow to Luffy that he wouldn't fail him again, he wouldn't lose here. He definitely wouldn't break that vow, not now, not ever.
He knew one way to defeat the man, he had to cut steel. The problem was, he had never been able to pull such a feat off but it was something he was working on for some time now. The question remained, could he do it here?
''You haven't cut me once during this entire battle.'' Mr. 1 remarked coolly. ''And yet look how battered you are, I've hardly had to break a sweat. Do you see the futility of your struggle?''
Zoro scowled ''Let me make this clear, I won't give up. It'll be your end once I learn to ut steel.''
He still remembered a conversation with his old master Koushirou about this exact subject. The man believed that a true sword could cut anything. Zoro could still recall how Koushirou cut a falling leaf with his blade, the weapon not even affecting anything else it touched. He still didn't know how that worked or what his master meant but Zoro continued the fight, believing that pushing with all his might was the key to his goal.
He struck the agent's jaw with his sword's hilt but Mr. 1 kicked him in retaliation, only for Zoro to block with his blades. He countered with Gazami Dori, which threw the man in the air.
Mr. 1 landed smoothly ''...You certainly are tenacious.''
''Back at you.'' Zoro braced himself as the former dashed, creating spinning blades on his arms. He attacked a couple of times, which Zoro was barely able to stop but the enemy pressed on, soon landing a blow to his gut.
This sent Zoro into a pillar but he forced himself to get up in moments while the pillar crumbled. As he did though, he picked up on something odd. Zoro knew none of the falling rocks would hit him...and he was right, all had fallen away. But how did he even know?
He sensed one of his swords nearby and quickly picked it up. That was when he began to feel...different. It was as if his entire view was changing, like he could see and feel a depth to things he never had noticed before. As if he was touched by a new, incredible sense of clarity...
Thinking back on Koushirou's words, Zoro decided to try something. He struck a nearby tree branch with one of his swords, only to see that it hadn't been cut.
He allowed himself a small grin. So that was it...a true sword wouldn't cut unless he wanted it to. Now he understood his master's words...
Zoro saw Mr. 1 coming in fast, it seemed that the agent was preparing for a big attack, likely intending to finish the battle with this move. Still, he wasn't even sure why but he found that he felt calm. In fact, now he had a very good idea of what to do to stop Mr. 1.
''Sparkling Daisy!'' Mr. 1 unleashed a rapid flurry of attacks, his fastest from what Zoro had seen. However, he was ready.
''One Sword Style: Lion's Song!''
The attack cut into Mr. 1's chest, leaving him to collapse. ''Unbelievable...'' He managed after a few moments, shock clear in his tone. ''...you've actually done it...I've never met a swordsman like you before...Are you...going to cut diamond next?''
Zoro gave a rough chuckle ''Why would I? That sounds like a waste.''
As he walked away, he was soon forced to lean against a wall, having lost a lot of blood over the course of the battle. Regardless, Zoro didn't even give the pain of his injuries much thought. He was happy with his victory and more importantly, proud of what he accomplished here.
Zoro knew that he wouldn't be satisfied with this much but it still felt like a good step forward in his path to become the best swordsman. He'd make sure to work hard and keep improving.
For now though...his eyes fell on a royal army soldier and another warrior from the rebel army fighting not too far away. Right, they had to stop this rebellion.
Just as he was wondering where to go from here, he heard a familiar voice half-sobbing as its owner spoke to someone else. Frowning in confusion, Zoro walked over in the voice's direction.
''Usopp?''
The sniper blinked and turned ''Zoro! Guys, Zoro's here!''
They were shortly joined by the rest of their present crew. Zoro raised an eye as he saw how Usopp was almost completely wrapped in bandages ''...What the hell happened to you?''
The sniper wanted to answer but he was quickly cut off by Sanji ''Never mind that, Mosshead, I've got a bone to pick with you! How could you let Nami-swan get hurt?!''
''Lay off, Love Cook, I got it a lot worse than she did!'' He retorted, he did note that Nami seemed just as unimpressed with the cook.
But the blond clearly wasn't about to leave it at that ''You were supposed to...!''
''Enough already, Sanji-kun!'' Nami cut in sharply. ''He's right. More importantly, we don't have time for this. Zoro, did you hear anything about Luffy and Miguel? Usopp says the agents he and Chopper fought talked about how Crocodile killed him. We ran into some more of those idiot Billions who think Miguel's dead by now too.''
''Oh, that's why he was crying before?'' Zoro blinked, ignoring Usopp telling him to shut up. ''Meh, no I haven't heard a thing but I definitely won't believe that. How the hell would those bastards know?''
''Yeah! There's no way Luffy and Miguel died, I bet they're on their way right now!'' Chopper stated firmly.
''I think so too, we've got to keep going.'' Nami added.
''Yeah, Vivi-chan said she's launching her plan from the Palace, let's go find her.'' Sanji said at last.
Unfortunately, things weren't going nearly as well on Vivi's end.
The fact that Crocodile had the king captive had effectively tied their hands. Cobra had tried to urge Vivi and the others to do fight back but none of them could bring themselves to move if it meant risking his life.
To make matters worse, just as they had been wondering what to do about this someone shot Kohza in plain sight of both armies. It looked to be a royal army soldier, which lead to the rebels cursing their enemies and attacking with renewed vigor.
While Chaka tended to her old friend, Vivi tried calling out to them but none heard her. She realized the whole thing had to be a ruse to keep the armies focused on the battle. She couldn't see the shooter, though she noticed how Crocodile was smirking at her the whole time. The princess didn't doubt for a second that the one behind this had to be an undercover agent of the enemy, leaving her to curse their helplesness as it seemed that Baroque Works was still a step ahead of them through all this.
Vivi grit her teeth as her anger and hatred for the man ignited stronger than ever, wishing she could take that damn smirk off his face. To think he would go so far...what a monster.
''Be glad that wasn't you, Princess.'' Crocodile stated. ''What a shame, after all you've done...A weak fool like you was always bound to fail.''
''No!'' Vivi refused to accept it. ''No, it isn't! There has to be a way to stop this, I won't ever give up on a chance to save Alabasta!''
''That determination is certainly impressive but there really really is nothing you can do.'' Miss All Sunday stated.
''It's over.'' Crocodile added. ''I will get the Pluton no matter what.''
Cobra's eyes narrowed ''How do you know about that?''
''Hm, that's for me to know and for you to find out, King Cobra.'' Crocodile drawled. ''I know that it's in your beloved country and I will take it, no matter what.'' To Vivi, he added. ''It's over, Princess Vivi. I praise you for managing to spy on my organization for this long but it was meaningless. Your roads have come to and end. I have planted a bomb in this city which will explode in 15 minutes.''
''What?!'' Several voices cried out. Vivi paled, a bomb?
''I will leave nothing up to chance-those fools' love for their country will be what destroys it.'' He purred. ''Idealism is useless, it can only be brought to reality with people who have the power to do it.''
Vivi reflexively took a step back as he loomed over her while Cobra called ''Vivi, run!''
''No...'' She gasped as Crocodile grabbed her throat and held her up.
Kohza cringed as he tried to help her, his injury getting the better of him. His eyes widened as the Warlord took his old friend to the edge of the building. Wait, was he going to...?!
Crocodile soon proved his rising suspicion true ''Your road has come to an end.'' He let go of her then, watching her plummet down.
''Vivi!''
''Princess!''
Cobra, Kohza, Chaka and the present soldiers could only watch in horror as Vivi disappeared from their sight. Vivi almost felt her life before her eyes as she fell, knowing there was nothing she could do.
But just then...
A flying figure swooped in to catch her just in time, much to their collective relief.
It was in fact, Pell, to Vivi's surprise. She couldn't help but smile when she saw that Luffy and Miguel were with him.
Pell and Miguel smiled at her while the rubber teen grinned ''Hey, Vivi! Looks like we made it in time, huh?''
Vivi's smile widened as she nodded ''I'm so glad...you're all okay...''
''Oi, we promised to catch up, didn't we?'' Luffy reminded.
The princess gave a shaky laugh ''You did...''
He blinked as she lowered her head ''Vivi?''
''...I failed...'' She uttered. ''...even after all we've done, Crocodile is still one step ahead. He planted a bomb that's going to explode in 15 minutes.''
''A bomb?!'' Pell cried while both pirates stared at her in shock at the news.
''I really thought...I wanted to believe that I could do it...but I'm just powerless, I can't do anything to stop this. My voice can't reach anyone. Was I just fooling myself in thinking I made a difference?'' Vivi admittedly feared the answer but she needed to let this out.
''Absolutely not.'' Miguel returned, giving her a reassuring smile when their eyes met. ''Now where's this coming from? Vivi, look at all you've done. All this time, you did what you could. You learned what you could about the threat against your country and you're trying to do something, that definitely means something. We're all here with you.''
''Yeah, we've come this far, don't go giving up yet. And what do you mean your voice doesn't reach anyone? We hear it loud and clear.'' Luffy chipped in.
Pell couldn't help but smile at this as his princess stared at the two, tears welling up in her eyes. He was so glad to know that Vivi had such good friends by her side.
''There they are!''
Curious, the zoan user glanced in the direction of the call to see the people he knew to be the rest of the Strawhat Pirates making it towards the palace. The group's attention was on the four of them, however, which was understandable, all things considered.
''Vivi-chwan!'' Sanji cooed.
''Luffy, Miguel!'' Chopper waved happily.
''It took guys you long enough!'' Nami called with a grin.
''Yeah, about time you showed up.'' Zoro smirked.
Usopp seemed to be near tears''They're alive, I knew it all along!''
Sanji spared him an amused look ''Oh yeah? Who was the one singing a different tune before?''
Vivi felt her heart soar as the three of them smiled at the group. Her friends were all okay-they had won their battles. Sure, the true fight wasn't over yet but compared to her earlier state she was doing heaps better. It was so good to see them all.
''See? We're not done yet.'' Luffy told Vivi before addressing them all. ''Guys, I'm sorry I lost to that bastard. But it won't happen again-I'll beat him no matter how many times I try!''
''Go for it!'' Usopp called.
''Yeah, you can do it!'' Chopper added.
Luffy jumped off Pell's back before charging at Crocodile, his fist at the ready. The Warlord had clearly been too shocked to act at the sight of him first but anger quickly overcame this emotion, leaving him to growl ''You actually came to fight me again? You're begging to die, Strawhat!''
''Oh yeah? Eat this!''
Luffy surprised many by landing a Gum Gum Spear attack that sent the man flying. Most of the observers were wondering just how he was able to get around Crocodile's logia powers when Cobra and Miss All-Sunday spotted the answer around Luffy's hand.
''Water...'' He uttered, noticing how the teen was holding a small open barrel in his left hand.
''Ah, so he figured it out.'' Miss All-Sunday murmured.
Luffy remembered how he was able to grab Crocodile when he had water in their first fight. That was what made him realize the truth, water was his opponent's weakness. ''Our fight's just beginning!''
Vivi, Pell and the Strawhats watched the two fight in earnest once again. Miguel would have liked to stay back and help but he knew what Luffy would say to that. Besides, he had that their captain would win. At any rate, they had another problem they had to handle as soon as possible.
''Let's leave this to Luffy, he can take him.'' He stated. ''There's another problem...''
''Oh man, what now?'' Usopp groaned, flopping on the ground. ''I don't think I could take it. Guys, just bury me here...''
Zoro gave him an unimpressed look ''You have energy for those dramatics, so you can keep going.''
The sniper gasped ''How could you be so heartless?!''
Nami rolled her eyes ''Ignore them, what's the situation?''
Needless to say, the crew was just as alarmed to hear of Crocodile's newest trick. They all concentrated on their next step, understanding that the stakes were even higher now.
''A bomb? How do we stop that?'' Chopper wondered.
''Let's not panic for one thing, we still have time.'' Sanji stated. ''Vivi-chan, you said it's somewhere in the city?''
The princess nodded ''That's all I know for sure. Crocodile seems sure that it would be enough to destroy Alubarna.''
Usopp was deep in thought ''So that would make it able to unleash a five kilometer blast radius...the user has to be about half a distance away.''
''Not necessarily.'' Pell countered.
Vivi nodded to this ''Crocodile doesn't care about killing his own men. He wouldn't even bat an eye if this would get rid of any of them.''
''That complicates things. We'll have to search the city...'' Zoro trailed off, noticing a couple of enemies approaching from an alleyway nearby, their blades aimed at Vivi. He and Sanji reacted at once, taking them down.
Neither missed that there were more on the way ''All right, looks like we can expect more of those idiots even with all this fighting. We'll deal with this. You all go on ahead and start looking. Every second counts so let's make the most of what we have.'' Zoro told the others, who nodded back.
''For once we agree.'' Sanji glanced at Miguel as everyone prepared to leave. ''Keep an eye on them, all right? Of course that means you better make sure the girls are safe. ''
The quartermaster nodded, giving a slight smile. That was just typical Sanji. He followed Pell to cover their friends. A few minutes had passed but that didn't matter, they had to capitalize on what time they had left before the explosion.
Vivi was thinking along similar lines, wondering if they could pull this.. However, she quickly shook the doubts away. This wasn't the time to question such a thing, they had to be positive.
They would succeed, they had to.
Well, let's stop here.
It's shorter than I originally intended but this chapter's basically setting up for the next part. It's best to end it here anyway. I've been busy lately and things are kinda chaotic so I don't have as much time to write as I would like so getting this chapter ready took much longer than I would have liked. Anywho, I still plan to keep on writing.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it, till next time!