This is the 42nd chapter. I don't own the series of One Piece.
Operation Utopia Commences!
In three years, not a drop of rain has fallen in the desert kingdom of Alabasta, the Land of Oasis. Desperate for rain and prodded by outside forces, its people have taken up weapons. The flames of rebellion have been found by Crocodile. To stop his scheme, Luffy and his friends stormed the enemies hideout in Rainbase, but only to wind up prisoners. What is the mysterious operation Crocodile has spoken of? Will Vivi's dreams of peace be buried in the sands of the burning land?
Alabasta, Katorea
At the rebellion camp, Koza remembered the drought years ago in Alabasta that causes a rebellion. Remembered of helping his father digging the sand out of the canal in Yuba, but he grew anger because King Cobra unknowingly uses the Dance Powder to make the rain. Toto warned him not to grow suspicious because he knew King Cobra would never betray the kingdom, but Koza says otherwise since he didn't come all this way to Yuba to please the King. It got to the point of rebellion, leaving Koza overheard of the rebels have over 100,000 rebels and casualties. The people of Alabasta were terrified when they saw the canal is broken and neither of them had a drop of rain and they couldn't bring water to the town, Erumalu is finished. Toto kept warning his son not to grow suspicious, but Koza grew anger and went to Alubarna. Koza pleads the King for the Dance Powder to make rain for Yuba and Erumalu, but King Cobra refuses because the Dance Powder only get worse. Koza is getting desperate and ask for Dance Powder because many of the people are dying from thirst, but the King refuses again. It got to the point where Koza leaves Alubarna with rage and he'll be back with the rebel army to fight.
'Where is this country headed? What bloody road have we turned down? Where does the answer lie?' Koza mentally questions, thinking after finished remembering when one of the rebels entered inside of his tent. Koza then widens his eyes, telling him that something bad is happening.
"Koza, bad news!"
And he was right as he listens to the news, which happens to be the King at Nanohana.
Alabasta, Alubarna
At the palace in Alubarna, the royal guards panicked and couldn't find Cobra after the frantic search around the palace. They've approached Chaka to inform him about Cobra's disappearance before the fight.
"Lord Chaka! Terrible news! It's the King!"
"What do you mean?! What's happen to his majesty?!" Chaka demands with his serious expression.
"He's disappeared!"
"That's absurd!" Chaka denies. "Have you searched everywhere?"
"Yes! We've searched the palace! The garden! And the storehouse!"
"Could he have slipped away in the middle of the night?" Chaka questions.
"Impossible! The King's security was airtight, there's no way he could've gotten passed us!"
"But why?!" Chaka demands. "Why would the King hide himself just before the battle?! Search! Check outside of the palace and then the town!"
"Sir!"
And with that, the royal guards began searching outside of the palace and the town to look for King Cobra, leaving Chaka alone when he began to wonder why would the King disappeared before the battle. Chaka also wondered what could've happen to Pell, hoping he gets the information of Vivi's whereabouts.
'If only Pell were here instead of a reconnaissance at Rainbase, excels at tracking people.' Chaka mentally thought, leans against the stone pillar. 'What could have happened to his majesty? I can't afford to act recklessly! Dammit!'
Alabasta, Rainbase
While inside at the underground base of Rain Dinners, Vivi was tied up in the chair which it's mostly Ms. All-Sunday's work because of the Devil Fruit power. Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Smoker watched Crocodile laughing with his sinister smirk since the Operation: Utopia has commenced. Vivi widen her eyes with dread, grew to pure anger.
"Damn you!" Vivi cursed him, looked at him. "Just what is it you think you're to do to Alabasta?!"
"Heh! Princess, would you like to know what kind of people I've despised above all others?" Crocodile counters with a question. "Those pious hypocrites who bleed endlessly about the happiness of the people."
"You plan to kill my father?! YOU'D BE DEAD BEFORE YOU CAN GET CLOSE TO HIM!?" Vivi yelled.
"You needn't shout." Crocodile said, raises his golden hook. "I'm not going to touch a hair on his head, he's not even worth killing. Instead, I shall let him taste a humiliation that is far crueler than death."
"What's crueler than death?" Usopp questions with horror while Vivi snarled.
"That's such an unladylike expression you have there, your Highness." Crocodile taunts with a sneer.
"I demand that you tell me! What is this Operation: Utopia?!" Vivi demands. "Answer me!"
"You demand? Now, now, perhaps you need to review your current situation." Crocodile told her.
"I SAID ANSWER ME!?" Vivi yelled.
"You're a courageous young woman. Well, why not, the operation has already underway." Crocodile said, decided to tell her. "Very well, I tell you about my plan to end this country. About Operation: Utopia..."
Alabasta, Alubarna
Meanwhile, one of the royal guards' rushes to Chaka since he had news of Cobra's whereabouts.
"Lord Chaka! We have news of the King!"
"What is it? Have you found him?" Chaka questions, crossed his arms when the royal guards stops and kneeled.
"Yes, sir! He's in Nanohana! The information is certain!"
"Good, that's a relief." Chaka said, relief of the news.
"Yes, but...Well, sir...You see, it's not that simple."
After hearing that, it got Chaka widen his eyes with horror as the royal guard gives him an explanation.
Alabasta, Nanohana
After one of the rebels have informed of King Cobra's whereabouts, Koza ride towards to Nanaohana. He was starting to grow even furious of what the King is planning to do, and it'll cause a conflict between the people and the King. Even though, his father kept warning him not to grow suspicious, but Koza has already suspicious and wondering why would the King do something that'll cause a stir.
As soon as King Cobra and the royal guards arrived at Nanohana, the people of Alabasta were extremely astonished and shocked of the King's explanation.
"Sire...You mean?"
"What...was that?"
"You heard me right, I've come here to apologize to you all. It was none other than I, ruler of Alabasta, who stole all this countries rain." Cobra explains, leaving the people of Alabasta flabbergasted.
"My Lord! Surely you must be joking with us."
"You must be."
"I'm not joking, I use Dance Powder to keep all the rain from Alubarna for my exclusive use." Cobra told them, leaving them shocked. "As your Queen-I mean King, it would be an upfront to my royal dignity if I were allowed to go thirsty."
"That...That may well be so, your majesty, but many of your own people have died from the lack of food and water as the result of actions. Why would you do such a thing?"
"I am aware of that, of course, and many oasis have dried up as well." Cobra/Mr. 2 states. "But, sacrifices are essential if we are to protect the country."
"You're mad! You knew how desperate things were and yet, you only help yourself?! No decent ruler would be so selfish if he knew his one people who are in need?!"
Then, one of the Baroque Works agents, disguised as a royal guard aiming at one of the citizens with a flintlock rifle which it got them frightened.
"How dare you, a common peasant, speak disrespectfully to your Lord and Master?!" Cobra/Mr. 2 remarked calmly. "Even though, I needn't to justify my actions to you, I came to Nanohana to apologize for what I have done. What more do you want?"
That got the people of Alabasta angry because of Cobra admitting his actions, which they failed to realize it was Mr. 2 using his Devil fruit to turn into a King.
"My brother died in Yuba, thanks to you!"
Though, it didn't faze Cobra/Mr. 2 at all, kept calm and continue speaking while one the Baroque Works agents kept his gun up, aiming at the people of Alabasta with a sneer on his face.
"I didn't come all the way to the town just to apologize, there is another reason." Cobra/Mr. 2 declared. "As you know, Dance Powder is outlawed by the World Government. If word got out that it had been used here, the Marines would certainly take action and destroy this country, I cannot allow that. You may also remember that large amounts of Dance Powder were found being smuggled out of this town two years ago. It is necessary to eliminate all traces of that incident, do I make myself clear?"
The people of Alabasta were now stunned of his words about the incident years ago and never tell the Marines about the Dance Powder incident. However, one thing he does have a valid point, if the word got out that it's been used, the Marines would take action. That and King Cobra would be removed of his status and be held in prison.
"You mean...?"
"I do." Cobra/Mr. 2 answered with a hardened glare. "There is only one way to erase this incident of our past, we must obliterate Nanohana and everyone in it!"
Now, the people of Alabasta panicked of the King's resolve and angry, which Crocodile's plan is set in motion.
"We have to die because of your whim?!"
"What are you saying?!"
"That's insane!"
"Hey, King!"
While the people of Alabasta shouts at the fake King, Cobra/Mr. 2 turns to the boy when he heard a shout, who's angry and raised his hammer.
"So, it was all your fault after all?! You...you stole the rain and killed the town! I get even with you for what you've done!"
Soon as the boy rushes after King Cobra/Mr. 2 and about to attack him with the hammer, King Cobra/Mr. 2 kicked him in the face and sent him flying against the ground with a scowl on his face. It got the people of Alabasta shocked with dread as they turned to the boy with worry, wondering if he's okay, but the boy is angry.
"Please...No..."
King Cobra/Mr. 2 then decided to give the Baroque Works agents an order, ignoring their pleas.
"Men! Burn it to ground and leave no one alive!"
Suddenly, Koza arrived at Nanohana which it got their attention before the destruction ever begins. King Cobra/Mr. 2 then turns his head to one of his crew, informing him that it was the rebel leader which it got him smirked.
"Koza, it's been a while." King Cobra/Mr. 2 said when Koza's eyes widen.
"What are you doing?! What?!" Koza demands.
The boy was about to do something reckless when one of them grabs hold of him.
"I'm apologizing, I thought I had made that clear." King Cobra/Mr. 2 told him.
"Shut up! Just shut up!" Koza snarled. "Do you any idea what you're doing to the people who believed in you?! It is an insult!"
"Nevertheless, I am the one who's been using Dance Power-"
"I told you to shut up!?" Koza yelled with anger.
The people of Alabasta are watching King Cobra/Mr. 2 try to reason with Koza which he won't listen because of his pure rage.
"What I'm trying to-"
"YOU COLD HEARTLESS BASTARD!?" Koza yelled as he charges after him, but two of the Baroque Works stopped him. "Do-Don't you understand?! Don't you know how these people felt as they died of thirst?! They've felt no hatred or anger towards you! It isn't the Kings fault that this is happening to us, he's a great leader! Those were the words of their lives as they die, they never lost faith in you! But now...You come here to apologize and what happens to their faith?! At least have the decency to lie and say you're innocent-"
Before Koza could finish his sentence, one of the Baroque Works agents shot him right into his right shoulder, send Koza down to the ground with a cough in pain. The rebel army came too late to stop Koza for trying anything reckless when they and the people of Alabasta were stunned of what one of the fake royal guards did. Then, one of the fake royal guards told King Cobra/Mr. 2 that it's time to begin the operation.
"Okay, kids! Let's go!" King Cobra/Mr. 2 ordered with a big grin on his face.
'Did we fight...because the kingdom? Because everyone...wanted to know...if you were innocent...' Koza mentally thought when the group of rebels tried to get the rebel leader regain his consciousness, but King Cobra/Mr. 2 ordered the fake royal guards to attack. The fake royal armies started attacking the rebels, causing them to defend, destroying the market stalls, and causing the people of Alabasta to panic and forcing them to run while the rebels defend against the fake royal guards in order for the people to escape. 'At the very least...that's why I fought...'
Suddenly, a giant ship is coming towards Nanohana in a very fast pace, which it got one of people of Alabasta stunned with horror when the ship is coming to the docks, but without slowing down because both Mr. 1 and Ms. Double Finger killed the pirates a moment ago before the operation begins. Also, no one is steering the ship because it's heading towards the docks of Nanohana.
"I don't believe it!"
He then began to make a run for it with dread while giant ship crashed into the docks, flying right towards Nanohana at fast speed. The rebels and the people of Alabasta noticed the giant flying ship is flying towards the city, but King Cobra/Mr. 2 smirked along with the fake royal guards which the operation is going as plan.
"It's showtime!" King Cobra/Mr. 2 said.
"THE GIANT SHIP'S ABOUT TO CRASH!?"
Soon as they heard the warning, the rebels and the people of Alabasta saw the giant pirate ship flying towards Nanohana, screamed in panic.
"What kind of ship is that?!"
Suddenly, the giant pirate came crashing down at Nanohana, destroying the buildings and the city is on fire which it causes the people to flee with scream in fear while both Mr. 1 and Ms. Double Finger walking with calm demeanor.
"For the big finale, that was sure easy." Ms. Double Finger states with a smirk.
"Have we ever done anything that wasn't easy?" Mr. 1 questions.
Soon as the first phase of Operation: Utopia, King Cobra/Mr. 2 laughed with a satisfaction and decided to do his part.
"We pulled it off! Now, lets light the fires and get outta here!" King Cobra/Mr. 2 ordered with a smirk as he places a head crown on his head and touches his left cheek, revealed his true face. "Oooh! It feels to get back into gear!"
While the rebels tried to get Koza to wake up, they noticed the fake royal guards vanished which it left them confused. Apparently, Mr. 2 and crew were running around the city, burning the buildings. The people of Alabasta screamed in horror and try to extinguish the fire with water, but the flames were too big. Ms. Double Finger walk towards Mr. 1 with the pipe on her hand and swaying her hips.
"Now all we have to do is meet up with Mr. 2 outside town, Alubarna is the grand climax." Ms. Double Finger told him with a smirk.
"Frankly, I'm looking forward to it." Mr. 1 states.
While at the streets of Nanohana, Mr. 2 and his crew were running while burning the buildings.
"You know my favorite word is 'vague'? I love that word!" Mr. 2 states with a grin. "The Kings prospect of staying King are unexceedingly vague, the operation is a success! Where's Banchi?!"
"West of town, Mr. 2, Bon Clay, sir!"
Little did they know, a boy named Kappa watched Mr. 2 and his crew ran out of the streets from the alley. He was confused of the King turned to Mr. 2 which he failed to realize it because of the Devil fruit powers, but beginning to realize that Cobra and his people are being tricked. Just as he was about to warn the others, he's stumbled upon Mr. 1 and Ms. Double Finger.
"What a naughty boy, how much do you think he knows?" Mr. Double Finger questions.
"That imbecile! He had to get careless and screw up!" Mr. 1 growled with annoyance.
"Who are you?"
"I don't suppose you'd stay quiet, if we asked you?" Mr. 1 offers which he and his partner are going to do worse.
While at the city, the people of Alabasta are still trying to put out the flames, but the flames were spreading too quickly and burning the city. Many of the people manage to escape from the flames, but they're watching the fire burned the city to the ground while the rebels managed to get Koza out of the flames.
"It's useless...It's just burning too quickly...We should've escape while we still can."
"Don't give up yet, Koza! You're not the type who just give in and die like this, you've got to fight!"
However, it got their attention when they saw Kappa walked out of the alley, beaten and bloodied as he collapses down to the ground.
"What?! Here, take Koza!"
He then rushes toward Kappa, after having one of the rebels hold Koza as he holds the boy.
"Hey, kid! Say something! Damn! Even children aren't safe!"
Kappa tried to speak, but he's too weak and hurt to say in sentence.
"What?! Don't try and talk, kid! I've got you!"
'It's not what you think! Everyone's been tricked!'
"Hang in there, son!"
Soon as Koza regained his consciousness, he walked towards Kappa and placed his hand on his head, earned the rebels attention.
"Koza!"
"This country...must die." Koza silently muttered. "Contact all of our units! This will be our final battle!"
"Well, alright, but...we still don't have enough weapons!"
"No, we have plenty now! You knew that ship just crashed into town? As fate would have it, it's an armory ship!"
"Wait, are you sure?"
"Yeah, it's full of weapons!"
"It's almost like...divine guidance." Koza states, pulled himself up as he raises his fist in the air with a harden scowl. "Hear me, rebel army! The Alabasta of old is dead now! This will be our ultimate battle! We go now to capture the capital! Onward, to Alubarna!"
And the rebel army roared, ready to fight against the royal guards and take Alubarna.
"The King must pay!"
"We'll build a new country!"
Alabasta, Alubarna
After one of the royal guards have informed Chaka about King Cobra's actions by telling the people of Alabasta about the Dance Powder, causing the people to panic, and Nanohana destroyed, which Mr. 2 and the Baroque Works have completed the operation, Chaka was furious.
"That's absurd!?" Chaka exclaims, refuse to believe it. "Lord Cobra would never do anything as mad as that! It must be a mistake!"
"But it's true! And what's more, the timing between his disappearance from the palace and his appearance at Nanohana fits perfectly!"
Chaka couldn't help but flinch and wanted to know why Coba would do all of this madness and causes a conflict. He refuses to believe, but everything that's happening now, it's no use try to make an excuse.
"Excuses are useless now! News of the Nanohana incident has spread throughout Alabasta and rebel soldiers everywhere are responding! Even worse, citizens who once have faith in the King are now taking up arms against him! They're on their way here, the entire kingdom is rising up a rebellion! We have to act!"
Chaka grunts with frustration and he's in a very serious situation because the people of Alabasta and the rebels have taken up weapons they found at the destroyed giant ship, and they're heading up to Alubarna. And now, with Pell at Rainbase and the King gone, he has to make a decision.
"My Lord, please command us! Whatever you decide, we will obey you!"
'How can this be?! Even the Kings words from yesterday seem blurred now! What can I depend on?' Chaka mentally questions, made a decision as he slams his fist against the rail with a scowl on his face and turned to the royal guards. "Very well! We have no choice but to perform our sworn duty! We are the royal guards of Alabasta! We cannot let the kingdom crumble to the ground in the absence of the King! Fulfill your oath! Defend the truth before you! We must stop the rebel army!"
And with that, the royal army roared, taken up arms to fight against the rebels.
Alabasta, Rainbase
After Crocodile finished explaining the Operation: Utopia to Vivi, he laughed with a sinister sneer. Zoro remained calm yet anger on the inside, Usopp just growled, Luffy scowled at Crocodile, and both Vivi and Nami widen their eyes with dread and horror of Crocodile's plan.
"That's horrifying!?" Nami exclaims.
"Well, do you like it? The operation you once participated in is now reaching fruition." Crocodile states. "If you listen closely, I'd wager you can hear the howls of the kingdom, and they all scream the same thing: Protect Alabasta! Protect Alabasta! Protect Alabasta-"
"STOP IT!? HOW ARE YOU SO CRUEL?!" Vivi yelled at him with pure anger, leaving Crocodile laughing.
"It's heartbreaking, isn't it? Their love for the kingdom...will be what destroys it." Crocodile taunts evilly as Luffy yelled in rage which it got their attention.
Luffy tried to slip through those sea stone bars, but he felt weak because of that which he doesn't care. Smoker and the others were watching him try to get through.
"Is he stupid? Didn't he hear what I said before?" Smoker asks in annoyance.
"He's definitely stupid, but that's also the reason he's our Captain." Zoro answered with a smirk.
"Crocodile...I'm so gonna kick you ass..." Luffy groans, but feeling weak which Crocodile is feeling annoyed of his antics.
"You know what? I've had to make so many moves to be able to get to this point. The sabotage to inflame the citizens, manipulating the royal army, do you have any idea why I'd go for such lengths to destroy this country?" Crocodile asks, turning to Vivi with a sneer.
"As if I'd understand anything in your foul mind." Vivi snarled.
"You've got a pretty sharp tongue for a princess, don't you?" Crocodile states as Vivi tumbled the chair down to the floor. "Now, now, what are you trying to do, Ms. Wednesday?"
"Stop you! I'm going to stop you!" Vivi answered with a grunt, tried to get out of those binds. "There's still time! If I can just get to Alubarna east of here, if I can get there before the rebel army, I may be able to stop them! I'll never give up while there's a chance!"
Crocodile couldn't help but chuckle with amusement, seeing Vivi tried to free herself.
"Somehow, I'm going to stop you, watch! You won't get away with this!" Vivi growled.
"No!" Luffy growled with anger, turned to Crocodile.
That's it for the 42nd chapter.