This is the 53rd chapter. I don't own the series of One Piece.

Koza Raises the White Flag!

In the Land of Oasis, a dry cloud of sand blankets the people with anguish. Some cling to hope, and others seek to destroy it. As their paths cross, they mark an era of a countries history that will forever be overshattered by sadness. Crocodile does his best to get information on the whereabouts of the ponegylph. Panic spreads as he announces that a bomb will be shot in the palace square. Will this mark the end of Alabasta or is there still time to establish a lasting peace? Once again, the hourglass of fate resumes its dreaded countdown to annihilation.

Alabasta, Alubarna

Meanwhile at the royal palace, the royal army are still trying to find a way to get through when Ms. All-Sunday's Devil fruit power covered the gates and not letting them in. Suddenly, the elite royal guards rushed up the stairs toward the gate as one of the elite royal guards raises his sword, leaps in midair, and try to slice one of the hands which Ms. All-Sunday was able to cancel her powers just time. And with the gates opened, the elite royal guards made it to the palace.

The elite royal guards were the similar to the regular royal guards, but with the addition of a turban with a duck headband and wings on each side. They also wore what appears to be war paint, with one line down to the nose as their common mark.

The guard is very muscular with a very large stubble-covered chin, a bulbous nose, and an armor that doesn't have any shoulder strap. He carries an extra-large sword that resembles a butcher knife.

The second guard is tall with a hunchback appearance. His eyes were covered in light brown hair. He carries two polearms.

The third guard is tall and thin with a pointed chin, a war paint around his eyes and around his jawline. He also wore a shabby pants. He carries a double-edged sword with a golden hilt.

The fourth guard is bulky and rotund, has a prominent nose, and wore a thick ropes around his shoulders, and has a war paint around and under his eyes. He carries a large axe with a handle that is reminiscent of a flute.

"No! Chaka! Please, wait!"

When they heard the loud noise at the gates, Vivi, Chaka, Cobra, Crocodile, and Ms. All-Sunday turned their attention to the elite royal guards.

"Now who are they?" Crocodile asks, confused and yet curious.

"The Guardians!?" Chaka exclaims.

"The Kicking Claw Force!?" Vivi adds with shock.

Crocodile and Ms. All-Sunday exactly impressed nor amused of the Kicking Claw Force since they're foolish enough to fight against the two, but Cobra doesn't want them get killed.

"Don't attack, men!" Corba pleads with a warning. "You'll only be throwing your lives away!"

Despite the warning from the King, the Kicking Claw Force were already aware of this, and it won't stop them for fighting against Crocodile nor saving the King. The royal guards were surprised and impressed that the Kicking Claw Force were able to break through the gate as they shout, telling them to save Cobra and Vivi.

"Your majesty, defending you to the death is not only out mission, it is the highest honor and privilege! Therefore, we can't simply avoid him!"

"He is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea!"

"The only way to beat him is to fight dirty!"

"We four are as one!"

"We fight for your honor!"

"To set things right!"

"It seems that you have quite the reputation." Crocodile states, unamused. "Therefore, I will spare your lives. Leave now and go home."

"We can't do that!"

The Kicking Claw Force then readied their weapons, ready to fight against Crocodile.

"There is another reason we will not withdraw!"

"'Reason'?" Crocodile repeats while Chaka is starting to figure out why.

"If the rumors are true and you really are the ringleader, the architect of this whole rebellion!"

Until, the Kicking Claw Forces arms are starting to buff up, causing to break their braces and Chaka's face paled. He began to realize the real reason why the Kicking Claw Force are getting ready to fight against Crocodile.

"Those bruises! What have you men done?!" Chaka exclaims as the Kicking Claw Force grunts while Ms. All-Sunday walk next to Crocodile.

"Shall I?" Ms. All-Sunday asks, waiting for Crocodile an order.

"You needn't waste your time on these cretins." Crocodile told her while the Kicking Claw Force grunts as their arms grew bigger and their veins popped out.

"They didn't..." Cobra muttered with a gasp, shocked.

"Chaka, what's happening to their bodies?" Vivi inquires with her eyes widen.

"I fear...they temporary increased their power..." Chaka explains, holding the hilt of his sword. "That drank the Fatal Elixir. It grants incredible strength, but then...kills the host. They're deadmen!"

"Oh no!?" Vivi exclaims with dread, gasped.

"You bulked up to challenge me? I'm flattered." Crocodile said with an evil chuckle, smirked. "But good is victory if you're not around to enjoy it?"

"Chaka, please, forgive us for doing this without consulting you, but we had to take drastic measures! To end this countries suffering!"

The Kicking Claw Force remembered their previous time investigating Erumalu, the City of Green covered in sand, dead corpses, and dead trees. The Kicking Claw Force began to realize that it was Crocodile who caused the rebellion and the drought years ago. Though, Crocodile couldn't care less of the city nor the Kicking Claw Force rambling.

"Those idiots! How could they?!" Chaka growled.

"We have to make him realize...the fury of...this country!?"

Just that, the Kicking Claw Force charged after Crocodile as they leap in midair which the Warlord of the Sea is clearly unamused of their attempt. And as they were delivering a killing blow, Crocodile used his Devil fruit power to turn himself into sand and vanished, leaving the Kicking Claw Force grunted in confusion as they try to find where her is. Crocodile chuckled with a smirk which it got their attention as he placed his fingers against the cigar.

"That wasn't the smartest decision." Crocodile states. "A person should value his life above all else, but it's too late for regrets yes? And if you're all going to die anyway, I don't have to bother killing you myself, right?"

"You don't even have the decency to fight?!" Chaka growled in anger.

Then, the Kicking Claw Force are collapsing down with their last breath since the Fatal Elixir quickly wares off, leaving Chaka gasp.

"Chaka...I'm sorry..."

Chaka is starting to get angrier while Crocodile laughed in amusement, watching the Kicking Claw Force collapses down to the ground.

"Behold, the very definition of stupidity." Crocodile mocks with a sinister smirk.

"You bastard!?" Chaka growled, had enough as he used his Devil fruit power to turn himself into a hybrid jackal, then sprint after Crocodile.

"Chaka!" Vivi yelled his name.

"Chaka, this is senseless!" Cobra pleads. "You'll just be following them to their deaths!?"

"Ah, you're a Zoan-type?" Crocodile guessed.

"Dog-Dog Fruit! Model Jackal! Howling Fang" Chaka leaps in the air, draws his sword, and swipes him which it's ineffective against Crocodile.

"I see you share the same flaw as these fools." Crocodile mocks, turns over his shoulder to him. "You'll die for others."

"Dragon Breath" The spirit of dragon appeared as it spews fire at Crocodile when Ventus unleashed his flurry of slash with his lance, causing the Warlord of the Sea to scream.

"Heat Haze" Ace then shoots a stream of flame from the palm of his hand against Crocodile.

Crocodile was sent flying and crashed against the ground with a grunt. Crocodile noticed the parts of his body has turned into glass and breaks, but he was able to get his body to his original as he pulls himself up and noticed both Ventus and Ace in front of him.

"And you have earned yourself a death warrant, Crocodile." Ventus remarked with a scowl. "You shouldn't count Luffy out yet, it'll take more than your sand and your hook to kill him. I don't care if that idiot is dead or not, but what I care is...Ace and I are gonna kill you where you stand."

Ace can only stare at Crocodile in silent with a serious scowl on his face.

Meanwhile after the battle between the Baroque Works and the Straw Hats, Zoro grunts in pain after the fight against Mr. 1 which he was losing too much blood.

"Dammit! Lost too much blood...Guess I should be thankful the cuts aren't that deep...but it does hurt like hell..." Zoro groans, took off his bandana and collapses down to the ground. "Wonder how the others are doing? Want to know what's going on? Idiots better not be dead..."

Zoro then remembered the argument between Usopp and Sanji when the cook made a suggestion of pairing up with the camel. Apparently, Usopp wanted to pair up someone else because of his lanky form, but Sanji only pairs with women. Usopp however protests, told him that if he's to injured, he'll rescue him, but Sanji told him he only saves the ladies.

"Usopp..." Zoro muttered his name with a grunt.

And speaking of Usopp, he is still riding on the camel while being bandaged because of the fight against Mr. 4 and Mrs. Merry Christmas. Sanji is still running since he's still able to stand after his previous fight against Mr. 2 while Chopper was riding on the camel. Sanji then noticed Usopp is in tears.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Sanji inquires. "Usopp, why are you crying?"

"Who's crying?! I'm not crying! You're crying! Yeah! You smelt it, dealt it! Yeah, that's it..."

"That doesn't make any sense!" Sanji remarked in annoyance while Usopp continued rambling.

"That old hag said...Luffy...She said Luffy's...dead...So, I..."

"I...wonder if it's true?" Chopper wondered sadly, hoping Luffy isn't dead.

"Come on! You guys really believe that?" Sanji asks.

"Of course not! Luffy's alive! What do you think we are, stupid?!" Usopp retorted.

"That's right! I don't believe it, either! Luffy is alive!" Chopper added while the camel agrees.

"Yeah, alright, I get it. You're preaching to the choir here. What we have to do now is get to the palace, asap." Sanji suggests. "Now if you don't mind, try to plug your snot. At least until the rumbling from the battle stops."

And just like that, Usopp just sniffled while swallow the snot.

"DON'T SWALLOW IT!?" Sanji yelled in annoyance.

They then remembered before the rebellion in Alubarna, remembered Vivi thanking the Straw Hat pirates. Though, it's too early to thank them because Nami really wanted money which it causes Ventus and Anna to bonk her in the head very hard.

'Is Nami okay? Did she...manage to get away?' Zoro mentally questions.

Apparently, Nami may not get away from Ms. Double Finger, but she was able to win the fight with improved bo staff skills and her Clima-Tact. She was able to get the short pole out of Ms. Double Finger which it took a while.

"It finally came off." Nami said with a sigh. "Calling it a powerful one-shot attack, think that's a bit of an understatement, but fighting has come far. They're right there, just around the corner. Guess this situation has changed. Anyway, I'd better get to the palace."

And she wasted no time on heading to the palace.

'Sounds like the battle started...what about Vivi?' Zoro mentally questions.

He then remembered outside of Alubarna, remembered when the sun was about to rise and where the rebellion begins. Sanji told her to bring out a tons of food for Luffy whenever he made it alive which they'll be waiting for him to get to Alubarna.

Meanwhile at the royal palace, Ventus and Ace are working together along with Chaka, which Crocodile wasn't able to recover from their attacks because of the flames turning sand into glass. They were able to figure out that not only the water and sea stones can weaken the Devil fruit users, but sand is weak against fire because of the intense heat. Vivi and Cobra were shocked that both Ventus and Ace were beating up Crocodile.

"What's the matter? Couldn't take the heat?" Ventus mocks with a smirk, placed his lance next to his shoulder. "You should've known better than get all high and mighty, thinking you can beat us."

"And you should know, your sand didn't go well with flames." Ace adds with a smirk. "Too much heat in the sand, turns to glass."

Crocodile couldn't help but growl in anger, which he's now bloodied and slightly charred between his left arm and his body. It seems he underestimated the two because of Ventus' Dragoon ability and his dragon bloodline, and Ace's reputation known as 'Fire Fist' of the Whitebeard Pirates. That is until the fight was interrupted when Koza arrived at the palace.

"Vivi!" Koza called her name, earned her attention when she gasped in horror.

Unfortunately, the clock tower is counting down to 25 minutes until the bomb is set off to destroy Alubarna. Koza panted heavily after a fight against the royal guards and try to find a path to get to the palace.

"No...Koza..." Vivi muttered in tears when Crocodile, Ventus, and Ace turns to Koza.

"It's you...I see, you came through the shortcut you used to use." Cobra muttered shockingly, realizes how Koza get to the palace.

"This can't be. What am I seeing here?" Koza questions, noticed the royal guards and the Kicking Claw Force were killed by the hands of Crocodile, Cobra being held against the pillar in metal stakes, Ms. All-Sunday next to him, and Crocodile being wounded by Ventus, Ace, and Chaka. "I came in hope of persuading the royal army, but...the King is...he's about to be killed by this countries hero. Vivi was right."

"Now things are starting to get interesting." Crocodile states with a smirk, laughing. "Here we are in the amidst of an epic war, and yet, the leaders of both sides aren't on the battlefield. Fate has placed them squabbling at my feet. A battle to the death between two broken titans bleeding out the last remnants of their power."

Koza couldn't help but widen his eyes with horror while Ventus and Ace scowled at Crocodile. Ms. All-Sunday decided to intervene as she spoke.

"You seemed lost and confused. Don't worry, it's a natural reaction." Ms. All-Sunday states with a smirk, earned his attention. "Let me help you. Relax and open your mind, then imagine being faced with the worst possible scenario."

Koza then started to remember of his father's words which it's more of a warning, warned his son not to grow suspicious which he didn't listen and went on to join the rebel army. He then turns to Cobra, remembered him asking a question about his country. And then, Koza remembered the time when his eye was cut by a bandit when he was child, telling Vivi this is his home. He then snapped out of thoughts when Vivi approaches him.

"Koza, listen-"

"Vivi, if what you're saying is true, about Crocodile causing a drought ravaging this county?" Koza asks with an interruption.

"Yes...it was..." Vivi answered with anger, turns to Crocodile.

"Yes, that honor belongs to me." Crocodile cuts in, earned Koza's attention. "Over the past 2 years, each and malicious deed you have tributed to the kings doing was in fact perpetrated by my company, a trap that so you play into our hands. It was a flawless system at a plot of deception. I must say, it was entertaining watching as the royal family and its mighty army desperately chased our shadows. Pity, you probably would've died in ignorant bliss knowing these brutal facts."

Crocodile couldn't help but laugh with amusement, but cringed because of his injuries by Ventus and Ace. Koza can only pant heavily while learned the dark and sinister truth from Crocodile. Koza was about to lose his mind when Cobra decided to intervene.

"Koza, listen!" Cobra shouts, earned his attention.

"Majesty!" Koza exclaims.

"There's still some time if you have the courage. You must act now, save as many citizens as you can." Cobra pleads.

"In less than half an hour, the whole palace square will be blown to kingdom come." Chaka adds, scowling at Crocodile while keeping his guard up.

"What do you mean?!" Koza demands with a shout.

"Crocodile hid the bomb somewhere around in Alubarna." Ventus explains, keeping his guard up. "Also, my crew are making their way to the palace since they're able to beat the officers of the Baroque Works."

Crocodile couldn't help but glare at the Dragoon, felt like he underestimated the Straw Hat pirates.

"But Koza, time is something we don't have. Now, head to the square and warn them." Ventus suggests. "We'll handle sandman."

And just that, Koza then rush towards the main gate, but Vivi noticed as she chases after him, grabs hold of him.

"STOP!?" Vivi shouts as they landed on the ground, leaving her pinned him down.

"Vivi!?" Cobra exclaims with a gasp.

"Get off of me!" Koza shouts, tried to move. "What are you doing?! There's no time! The battle is about to spill into the square if it's really set to blow up! Get off!?"

"You have to listen to me!" Vivi shouts back with a pant, holding Koza down. "Think this through, please! What will happen if you tell the armies the square is set to explode?! The men will panic! It will only add more chaos to the battle! And even if you stop the bomb, it won't stop the fighting! Either way, people are still going to die! It won't save anyone!"

Koza then begins to understand why Vivi stopped him for warning the rebels and the royal guards. He knows now that Vivi is right because if word got out that the bomb is hidden somewhere in Alubarna, not only that it'll made it worse, but it'll also cause even more bloodshed.

"Understand?!" Vivi said with her soften expression.

"Well, well, what a perceptive girl." Crocodile states with an impressed smirk.

"Our only hope is to do what should've been done from the start! We have to stop the rebellion and end this bloodshed!" Vivi suggests. "And you...you're the only one who can do it!?"

"Vivi..." Koza muttered, grabbing her wrist and sat up.

Suddenly, Crocodile used his Devil fruit to turn himself into sand and appeared between Vivi and Koza behind with his golden hook ready.

"Did you really think I was going to sit back and watch passively while you try to ruin my plans?!" Crocodile growled in annoyance as he was about to swing his golden hook.

"Firefly" Ace creates many small, glowing greenish-yellow fireballs that floats around Crocodile. "Fiery Doll"

The fireballs then explodes, sending Crocodile flying and crashed against the wall with a grunt.

"If you want Vivi and Koza, you'll have to go through us." Ace said with a smirk. "Did you really think we're gonna let you try and kill Vivi when our backs turned? Nah, your opponents are me and Ven."

Crocodile growled at Ace, feeling insulted and angered when 'Fire Fist' was able to stop him for killing Vivi and Koza.

"You two don't have time for standing around here, get moving!" Ventus shouts with a suggestion. "We'll hold sandman off as long as we can here!"

"Some called it brave, I called it stupid." Crocodile muttered.

"Yeah, keep telling yourself, Crocodile. You're perching to the choir." Ventus retorted, causing Crocodile to growl. "Now get going you two!"

Vivi nods while Koza remembered his time at the royal palace when he was young, remembered of being trained by Chaka which he's been beaten by him many times in sword training. Koza kept complaining which it annoys Chaka, but he did ask the royal guard to train him. With him snapped out of his thoughts, Koza and Vivi rush towards the gate entrance to stop the fight.

While at the main plaza, the battle between the rebels and the royal army rages on which they're losing numbers during the fight. The royal army alerted their fellow soldiers that line 4 has been breached, meaning the rebels have broken through. Many of the rebels and the royal army were killed in line 4 and the buildings were destroyed, but it stop the rebels since they made it towards the main plaza at the North block. At the royal palace, Vivi remained at the gates while Koza is waiting in case if the royal army didn't surrender.

"Raise the flag to surrender!?" Vivi yelled the royal army. "Royal army! You must surrender immediately!"

That got the royal army confused which they're beginning to wonder why would she ordered them to surrender to the rebels.

"Princess Vivi, is she serious?!"

"But why?"

"That's absurd! If we do as she says, that would mean the end of this country!"

Until, they saw Koza walking through the main gate which it got them shocked and surprised.

"Hey, look! That's...It's Koza!"

"What does a rebel army leader's doing here in the palace?!"

"Hear me, the princess speaks the truth!" Koza shouts. "We no longer desire a victory, only to end this conflict! Both sides have spilled enough blood!"

The royal army were now shocked of Koza wanted to end the conflict because of Crocodile's true agenda which neither of them knew about it, but they know that the Warlord of the Sea was the one behind the incident years ago.

"I will make each and every rebel army understand the pointlessness of this civil war!" Koza shouts. "They will see as I do that we no longer have reason to fight! And the interest of restoring peace and preserving life! I ask you wave the white flag! Please!"

Meanwhile, the rebel army were making their way towards the palace after fought against the royal army, but they also lost the number of the rebels. They noticed the clock tower, meaning the rebels are close to the royal palace. Just as they're making their way to the palace and getting ready for the attack, they noticed Koza and the royal army raises the white flag which it got them confused and surprised. Apparently, they don't understand why the royal army and Koza decided to surrender the fight.

"Wait! Stop!"

The rebels then stopped when they saw the royal army, noticed the white flags.

"White flags? The royal army is waving white flags!"

"We did it! They surrendered!"

Until, they saw Koza standing on the top of the pillar with the white flag.

"It's Koza!"

"What's going on?"

"What's Koza doing here?"

The rebels were all confused when they saw Koza with a white flag, wondering why as he spoke.

"The battle is over!" Koza shouts. "Everyone! Quiet your anger and lower your weapons! The royal army will stand down! Let no more blood stain the streets!"

'Please, listen to him.' Vivi mentally pleads, hoping they'll surrender.

Many of the rebels have made it to the plaza, but they noticed the royal army and Koza were raising the white flags.

"Is this the truth, Koza?"

"Yes. The battle is finally over." Koza answered.

Suddenly, the gunshots were fired at Koza towards behind four times, causing him to collapse with a gasp of air. The Baroque Works were also with the royal army at the palace which they wanted the fight to continue. Vivi widens her eyes with horror, watching Koza about to fall down to the ground.

"KOOOOOOOOOZZZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!?"

And with that, the bloodshed continues on.

That's it for the 53rd chapter. Sorry about the delay.