Vivi lead Koza down the hall quietly, trying to not show any embarrassment on her face. She hated that being around Koza invoked these emotions in her, so she shoved them down. Instead, she focused on the door in front of her and opened it.
She was surprised when she opened it to see the Straw Hats packing up their things. She also saw that Robin had joined them in the room, standing off to the side.
"Why are you guys in such a hurry?" She asked, gaining their attention.
"It's time to set out, Big Sis," Johnny told her as she shouldered a knapsack. "Gotta go."
"Leave?!" Vivi asked, "it's the middle of the night!"
"We know," Nami said, "but we have to leave now."
Vivi listened as the crew explained to her that Mr. Two had gotten a hold of them with a Transponder Snail, and warned them that the Navy was shutting down the port of Nanohana. From what he'd said, escape would be impossible if they waited until daybreak, and if they wanted to avoid capture they had to go.
"Why is Smoker after you?" She asked weakly, "we had a deal."
"Crocodile is gone," Zoro said, "deal's up."
"Or his superiors came down on him," Nojiko warned, "Cocoyashi showed us how little the Navy likes pirates showing them up at weeding out corruption."
"Either way, we're shipping out," Luffy said. "Can't get caught this early on!"
"But...But..." Vivi tried desperately to think of a solution to her problem, but she couldn't. No solution seemed viable other than a midnight escape. But she didn't want them to leave. She didn't want to lose them yet.
"Well then," Koza said, "you'd better get going. I can send some rebels ahead of you to Nanohana. see what the situation is."
"That'd be a big help," Nami said, "thank you."
"The thanks is mine to give," Koza said with a small bow. "You all opened my eyes and saved this country. There's nothing I can do to thank you for that."
"If you want to thank us, prepare a feast for whenever we return next!" Luffy told him, "one befitting of the Pirate King and his crew!" Koza laughed.
"Will do, Captain. I'll warn the chefs."
"Better get packing, Big Sis," Yosaku said to Vivi. "We leave-" He froze, silence falling on the group. He chuckled awkwardly. "My bad, Big Sis Vivi. I'm so used to you being with us I forgot you're home now."
"Yeah..." Vivi said slowly, "I am."
"Do you wanna come?" Luffy asked casually. Her eyes widened, not expecting the invitation.
"Is it really okay?" She asked in bewilderment.
"Of course, you're one of us," Luffy replied. Vivi had half expected them to leave without her, but they'd offered her a chance. A chance to keep adventuring.
"Vivi," Koza said from beside her, "are you really considering it?" She watched him weakly, unsure of what to say.
Was she?
"Here's an idea," Nami said. Vivi turned to the Navigator as she packed her stuff. "We'll hang out by the edge of Nanohana until dawn. If you don't show, Vivi, we'll understand and leave without you. If you are there, we'll pick you up on our way out. Does that sound good, Luffy?"
"Sounds good to me!" Luffy affirmed.
"Gives you a chance to say your goodbyes if you're coming," Nojiko said, "smart. Don't feel bad for turning us down. We'll understand."
"Yeah," Marianne said, "we're not going to drag you away from your home." Vivi nodded, unable to answer them. As the Straw Hats shuffled out of the room, she exchanged hugs with those who offered, and took the clasps on the back from Zoro and Luffy. She watched as they left, the door closing behind them.
Was she following?
"Get the sails out, you dumbass!" Nojiko shouted up at Johnny, who was currently tangled up in rope. "We need to sail downriver quickly!"
"What she said!" Bon Clay shouted. The agent had sailed the Going Merry up the river for them, docking it near Alubarna. He'd also sailed his own ship there, as a way to leave once they made their escape. Luffy found it odd that the man was ordering his crew around, but a nasty glare from Nojiko made him nervously back off.
"Yosaku, pull up the anchor! Zoro, get our supplies in here! Luffy, do you have a minute?" Luffy looked over as the Quartermaster asked for him, walking over to her.
"What's up?" He asked her.
"I know we said we'd pick Vivi up if she showed," Nojiko said, "but if she is there, we are definitely going to have to fight off the Navy. We're probably going to have too regardless."
"Understood," Luffy replied. "Nami! How's the wind looking?" They both turned their heads to Nami, who was up above with her tangerine trees, hanging off the railing.
"Strong enough, for now," she replied. "We should be able to get down the river in time if we head out now."
"Good," he said, "then let's get going. Bon Clay, how did the port look when you left?"
"Locked down and getting worst, Straw Hat!" The confusing man said. "Your Navigator is right, we should leave." Luffy nodded.
"Unfurl the sail, Johnny!" He shouted. The swordsman did as he asked, and the Merry caught the wind as a gust rolled by. Soon enough, the Merry was leading the two ships down the Sandora River, steadily making it's way down the stream. Satisfied with their course, he turned and walked inside the Merry's cabin, where he saw Marianne doing something odd by the wall.
"What're you doing in here?" He asked, her making her flinch and hide whatever was in her hands behind her back.
"Nothing," she answered, "j-just, uh, looking for snacks."
"There's no snacks in the wall," Luffy told her bluntly. "What's that in your hands?"
"N-Nothing," she replied.
"Hm," Luffy hummed, watching her. Then, in the blink of an eye, he stretched his arm and grabbed the object, ripping it from her hands and surprising her.
"Hey!" She shouted, "give that back! It's mine! It's delicate, you oaf!"
"What is it?" Luffy asked again, holding the object away from her. Turning his head, he inspected it curiously.
Now, he was no expert at paintings, but what he saw was certainly stunning. It was a portrait of the feast from earlier, painted from the side. On it, he saw himself, sitting in between Nami and Zoro, laughing and eating. He broke into a smile.
"You painted this?" He asked her, looking back. He could tell she was blushing.
"M-Maybe," she said, "give it back."
"Were you hanging it on the wall?" He asked. "It's good, you should!"
"I-It's not that good."
"Nonsense. Yosaku! Get me a hammer and nail, on the double!"
"Yes Big Bro!" The swordsman replied.
After finding a hammer and a nail, Yosaku and Luffy worked to hang the picture of the feast. They settled on the back wall of the cabin, making it visible to anyone as soon as they entered.
"There we go!" Luffy announced as he evened out the portrait. "Looks good there! Good job, Marianne!" He clapped the painter on the back, even as she hid her face behind her sun hat. Walking back out, he watched the horizon as the Merry continued on her way.
He didn't know if he would see Vivi again, but he hoped he would.
Vivi had gone to bed, but she wasn't sleeping at all. Her head was spinning wildly as she absentmindedly played with Karoo's feathers, who was resting next to her. Groaning, she rolled on her back and stared at the ceiling, trying to figure out what to do.
The Straw Hats had offered her a position on their crew. What's more, she was seriously considering accepting.
Vivi did find it funny that, had you asked her a month or more ago, she'd have laughed at the idea of joining a pirate crew for real. But now, faced with the chance, she found herself tempted. The Straw Hats were not like other pirates. They weren't particularly bloodthirsty, or evil. They seemed more like an adopted family than anything else. Not only that, but they accepted her and decided to help her. Sure, their goals technically aligned with hers, but they still all nearly died helping her. Many of them had sustained violent wounds. Luffy and his Rainbase team had nearly been killed. Yosaku, Johnny and Zoro got beat to hell and back. Nojiko nearly lost a few fingers. They had all fought so hard for her, and she could never repay it.
Unless she joined them.
But they wouldn't want her to join over some ridiculous debt. That hadn't been why they asked her. They asked because they wanted her to come. Because she was their friend. And she wanted to go, so badly she did. But she had responsibilities as the Princess. The country was in dire need of leadership as they built themselves back up, she couldn't just leave.
"What should I do, Karoo?" She asked aloud quietly, so as not to disturb the duck. "I want to go, but I don't think I should..." Karoo quacked softly, but she couldn't discern any meaning from it. How she wished Chopper was here.
Deciding she could no longer rest without help, Vivi got up from bed and walked out of her room, making her way for her Father's office. She knew he would still be up, as he still had much to do. Reaching the door, the guards outside nodded in respect to her, and she walked past them to knock on the door.
"Father?" She asked, "may I come in?"
"Of course Vivi," his voice came. Entering the office, she saw her Father standing over the table in the middle of the room, which had a map of Alubarna on it. From what she could tell, it had details of where the city was most damaged.
"You're still hard at work I see," she said.
"I still need to figure out where to allocate the workforce for the rebuilding effort," he said as he gestured to the map, "there was a lot of damage, but I want to finish the city before we work on the palace."
"I see."
"Did you want to talk about something?" He asked, looking over at her. Vivi frowned, playing with her hands.
"I have a problem," she answered.
"Of what kind?"
"A personal one," she said, "but it could effect a lot of people." This seemed to intrigue him.
"What is it?" Vivi paused, looking down at the map to survey the damage.
"The Straw Hats said I could join them on their voyage," she said, "and I want to go with them."
"Will you?" He asked. Vivi was surprised at his quickness.
"I can't," she said, "I'm needed here."
"How so?" He asked, looking at her. "I do not mean to sound cruel, Vivi, but you've done so much for our country already. You deserve to rest, to do what you want."
"But...It'd be dangerous," she tried.
"Are you looking for me to deny you, Vivi?" He asked suddenly, "to give you a stronger reason to stay? Because Dad said no?"
"...I don't know." He scoffed softly at her words, standing straight and walking to her.
"I know you are torn," he said, "because you feel a duty to this country. A duty to help it rebuild. But the only reason we are in a position to rebuild is you, Vivi. The only reason Crocodile did not win is because of you and the Straw Hats. You've done your part. The army, rebels and myself should do ours."
"Yeah, but..." Her mouth was failing her. Her Father chuckled and placed his hand on her head.
"I know it would be dangerous for you to go," he said, "but that didn't stop you infiltrating Baroque Works. I doubt it'd stop you now. The question is, Vivi, will you go? Or will you stay?"
"...I don't know," she said. "I was hoping you'd be able to help me." He laughed again.
"It's not a decision I can make for you," he said. "However, I do have something to tell you. Something I know for certain."
"What is that?" She asked, glad for a distraction. Her father sighed as he leaned over the table again.
"I know this isn't exactly encouragement for you to go," he said, "but I fear what the World Government will do with your friends." Vivi raised an eyebrow at this, confused.
"What do you mean?" She asked, "they're heroes."
"They'd never admit that," he replied. "Being saved by pirates? No, I imagine Captain Smoker and his ensign will be rewarded handsomely for discovering Crocodile's deception. The Straw Hats being involved here will disappear." Vivi made a face at this, angry that her friends would not be rewarded for their good deed. "But that won't be it. Their bounties will increase, and I imagine the Navy will be told to look out for them. But what concerns me most is the Warlord system."
"What about it?" She asked curiously as she joined him at the table.
"Crocodile abused the system for his own gain," he said. "He used his immunity to deceive the Government, and they'll never admit to that. But the abuse remains. What if other Warlords are doing the same? What if their immunity has granted them power they shouldn't? I know the Straw Hats are also pirates, but I feel they are an exception, not the rule. I fear our World Leaders are being taken for a ride by these Warlords. It should be abolished."
"What can we do?" Vivi asked.
"Until the Reverie? Nothing. Not only that, but I imagine trying to spread the truth in any official capacity could earn us a visit from Cipher Pol. I can only imagine what damage some of them are doing."
Vivi thought about this. She imagined what kind of damage an unchecked Crocodile could do, and she felt rage welling up inside of her.
She thought about Drum Island, Chopper's home, who had to suffer under a tyrant. One that the World Government regularly invited to Reverie's.
"And the Government will just let it happen until it's too late," she said.
"I imagine they will," Her Father agreed. "After all, they'll see Crocodile as an outlier. They won't look any deeper than that because that would cause a commotion." Vivi couldn't believe this. Was the World Government really that obtuse? If it was her up there making decisions, Crocodile's behaviour would earn a full review and revamp of the Warlord system. But it was going to be swept under the rug, like it was nothing. Like Alabasta and her people were nothing.
Could she let that happen elsewhere?
A thought occurred to her. She again thought of Drum, She thought of Chopper and Dr. Kureha, who had suffered under Wapol's rule. She thought about Nami and Nojiko, who had suffered thanks to corrupt officials not taking action.
"If I went with the Straw Hats," she said, "we'd be fighting Warlords. And the Government. We could stop them." Her father looked over at her.
"I imagine so," he agreed. "Warlord's are supposed to stop pirates, after all." He smiled softly, saying, "have you found your reason to go, Vivi?"
It occurred to her then how determined she felt to dismantle any corrupt leaders. She had always been raised to believe a ruler needed to be fair, just and benevolent. Seeing people like Crocodile, Wapol or Arlong infuriated her. She wanted to find them and stop them before they hurt anyone else with their power-grabbing schemes. Anyone for that matter, regardless of their status. The strong shouldn't abuse the weak.
"...I think I have," she said. He smiled softly and approached her.
"Part of me wants to tell you to stay," he said, "to parent you like before, but I realise that you've been hardened and grown in Baroque Works. You've become a strong and determined young lady, Vivi. If you do go, know that I support you." She smiled up at her father, tears threatening to leak out.
"I can't believe I'm considering leaving," she whispered quietly, "after finally coming home again." He laughed as she fell into him, hugging him tightly.
"You're home is open to you anytime, Vivi," he said. "I can never open support your decision, but I am so proud of who you've become."
"Thank you, Dad." A thought occurred to her. "What about the speech I'm supposed to make?"
"I have an idea."
"Yosaku! Hold the line, you bald bastard!"
"I can't deflect them all, Big Bro Sanji!"
"Another volley incoming!" Luffy stumbled as the Merry took a hit from the massive spears being thrown at them, quickly getting back to his feet and throwing a punch to knock one out of the air.
"Sanji! Join Yosaku and Zoro on defence!" He shouted, "Chopper, Johnny, go below and help Usopp with repairs! Nami, get us the hell out of range!"
"I'm working on it!" Nami shouted, throwing the wheel of the Merry to the left, veering them out of the way from another volley. Luffy cast a glance over at Bon Clay's ship, but he didn't have time to worry about their new ally. He had his own problems to worry about.
Just as the former agent had said, the coastline had been shut down by the Navy, who were looking to take them in.
"How's it going over there, Mari?!" Luffy shouted back towards the cabin.
"It'd go better if we stopped rocking all over the God damn place!" she roared back, the most energetic he'd ever seen her. The little painter and Nojiko were working on a special surprise for the Marines, but they needed time.
"Robin!" he shouted at their newest crew member standing at the bow. " Keep them off of us!"
"I know," the woman replied casually, using her Devil Fruit powers to spawn lines of arms that deflected away the spears and cannonballs. Despite all the defence they had, an alarming amount of damage had gotten through. They'd have gotten away already if they weren't waiting.
"Do you see her?!" He shouted to Nami.
"No!" Nami replied, "we've still got time!" Luffy grit his teeth as cannonballs landed around him.
"Veer closer to the land! The Navy will be less inclined to attack if they might hit the city!" Nami nodded, doing as he instructed.
It was almost noon, which meant it was nearly time for Vivi's pickup, if she so wished. Luffy really hoped she was coming along, but he wasn't going to force her. Then again, he couldn't get them all sunk for her either. She needed to be exactly on time or they were in trouble.
Turning towards the ships, Luffy stretched out his arm and punched a few cannonballs of course, making them sink into the water.
"Marianne!" he shouted.
"Give me a few more minutes!" she shouted, "do you trust me?!"Luffy let out a laugh and cracked his knuckles.
"Of course!" Working with Yosaku, Sanji and Robin, they four of them deflected countless attacks and sent them careening away. Little by little, the group coasted further to their objective, yet there was no sign of Vivi yet.
"Done!" He heard. Luffy turned back to see Marianne and Nojiko come out of the cabin carrying cannonballs with comically large corks in them. "Luffy, take these!" Taking one in each hand, he regarded them quietly.
"What is it?" He asked as Marianne whipped out her paints.
"Bombs filled with Betrayal Black!" she shouted, "and gunpowder! They'll splash the Marines upon impact and make them fight one another!"
"Only two?" He asked, "there's a lot of ships, Mari!"
"No time! Here!" Luffy felt his vest come off and paint splash on his back. "Bullseye Blue! This'll help you aim!" As she said this, Luffy felt his vision clear. He could see the ships chasing them, but he could also see how he needed to throw it, and the arc he needed to use. Grinning, he cracked his shoulders.
"Back up, everyone!" Clearing an area around him, Luffy stretched his arms out and spun around, knowing exactly how much power he needed to hit the ships. Once he had it he let go. He watched as the cannonballs soared through the air, nailing two of the closest ships. There was an intermission in the fighting, before the ships turned and began firing on their own allies. Luffy grinned at the result as chaos ensued.
"Atta be, Mari!" he cheered, ruffling the girls hair. "You're our saviour!"
"It's not over yet, Straw Hat!" A new voice said. Luffy looked over to see Bon Clay leaning over the railing of his own ship. "Bad news! Black Cage Hina is the one after us! She's relentless, we need to get out of here!"
"We can't go!" Luffy replied, "we need to keep going this way!"
"Why?! It's pointless! We should make use of Golden Week's distraction!"
"We are," Zoro replied, "we're using it to gain distance on them." Bon Clay looked annoyed by this.
"Why are you so insistent?!" he demanded, "what's so important about East?!"
"We're picking up our friend!" Luffy replied. This seemed to stun Bon Clay into silence, a shocked expression on his face. After a few seconds, he fell backwards onto the floor of his ship, tears gathering in his eyes.
"All this, for a friend?" He asked, "My goodness, that is beautiful!"
"Less crying, more fighting back!" Nojiko told him as she ducked beneath a cannonball.
"Straw Hat!" Bon Clay said, "come to me! I have an idea!"
Hina watched the two ships quietly, not satisfied with the damage they had inflicted. The Straw Hats were much more resilient than she had counted on. No matter, they couldn't outrun them forever. And when they slowed, it would be over for them.
Until the duck-ship veered off course, heading South. Making a face, Hina grabbed the binoculars on the railing and took a look. When she did, she gasped. The deck of the Going Merry was empty, and the other ship had the Straw Hats on board!"
"Change course!" She shouted, "the Going Merry is a distraction! The Straw Hats are on the other ship!"
Luffy watched from the small window as Bon Clay and his men tore through the water, going fast and hard to sell the escape. He tried to ignore the crying of Johnny and Yosaku!"
"Brother Clay!" Johnny wailed, "we won't forget your sacrifice here today!"
"I'll name my son...Or my daughter after you!" Yosaku cried.
"Would you two shut up?" Zoro asked. The pair tried to obey their teacher, but were failing massively.
"Listen to me, Straw Hat! My crew and I will done your appearances and make a break for it so you can pick up your friend!"
"What?! Why would you do that?!"
"Why, you say? Do you need to ask? It's because we're friends, of course!"
Luffy watched the ship sail away, gritting his teeth.
"Thank you, Bon," he said, "we couldn't have done this without you." The crew waited a few more minutes before coming back out onto the deck, keeping their heads down just in case.
I recently went on an adventure." Luffy jumped as Vivi's voice echoed around them.
"Vivi?" He asked, "where is she?"
"It's coming from town!" Chopper said as he hung from the railing, "She's giving a speech of some kind!" Luffy ran to the edge with the others, leaning over to get a better look. Sure enough, from where they were, he could see speakers up all over town, echoing the Princess' voice.
It was an adventure over deep oceans and dark tides. I was searching for hope. The ocean challenged me when I left this country. There are so many fantastical and insane islands and people in this world. The sound of the waves crashing would soon become a comforting feeling. As if it was attempting to drown out all the horror I experienced in those two years. Too reassure me that hope was just around the corner. It was on this dark ocean I happened across a tiny ship. This ship pushed me and asked, 'can you see that light? It's just there, over the horizon.' It was this ship that showed me the light. History from today on will diminish it's role, say it's a legend or an illusion, but it is real. It is real to me."
"Luffy," Nami said quietly, tugging on his arm, "I don't see her."
"Just wait," he said back, "she'll be here."
"But this ocean is darker than I ever imagined. Enemies of the people lurk around every corner. Alabasta is not the only nation that suffered. It is the not the only one suffering as we speak. While that little ship gave me light, many others tried to shroud it in darkness. But it pushed ever forward, and soon we basked in the sun of victory. I cannot repay that ship for that."
"I don't think she's coming," Zoro said resolutely.
"Let's get going," Usopp said sadly, "the Marines already discovered Bon Clay's diversion, we need to go." Luffy made a face, hoping for Vivi to show. But she didn't, and the clock ticked onward.
"We need to go," he finally said. "Or else we'll get caught.
"Everyone, I need to be upfront with you!" Vivi said again. She was clearer this time. "I have made a decision. I can not stay in Alabasta. Not while other nations and people crumble under the rule of tyrants! I have seen enough pain, I do not wish to see anyone else suffer!"
"Luffy's eyes widened and he turned around.
"That little ship that showed me the light will continue on, but I will be joining them. Together, we will bring that light of freedom and peace wherever we go! That little ship will not die a legend, I will make it so! I have saved my home, but I can not rest peacefully until all those who would abuse their power are deposed. This is my promise. When the world was been righted and tyrants overthrown, I will return home! I will bring the light that saved Alabasta to every corner of this planet of ours! It is the least I can do! This I promise to all of you!"
"Look!" Johnny shouted.
Standing on a rocking outcropping, next to Karoo, was Vivi. She was dressed into a white linen shirt and jean shorts, a travelling pack over her shoulder and her hair in a ponytail. She had a Transponder Snail's receiver in her hand, from which she was speaking to the Nation.
"I'M HERE!" she cried out, "I CAME TO JOIN YOU!"
"Turn us around!" Luffy roared, the crew springing into action. As the Merry turned around, Vivi continued speaking.
"This country is in capable hands!" She said, "My father is a fair man, and Koza of the former rebels is as passionate about Alabasta as me or anyone of royalty. This country does not need me, or my little ship of light, but others do! And I intend to make right the wrongs of this world!" Soon the Merry reached the shore, and Luffy saw Vivi's tearful smile. Shakily, she raised the receiver one more time.
"I'm going now," she called, "to bring this light around the world. I ask you do not mourn or be saddened by my departure! I ask you instead to be proud of the warrior for justice that was raised in these sands! A woman who will not stand for injustice or corruption! Alabasta, I ask for your support!"
Luffy heard a roar erupt from Nanohana.
"This will not be the last you hear of me," Vivi said. "I will be in the news, in the word of mouth, bringing down anyone who stands in my ships way! Farewell!" Vivi set down the Transponder Snail as they made landfall, everyone rushing to her.
"And a promise just for you guys," Vivi said as she looked to Luffy. "I promise to help make you the King of the Pirates. I'll do whatever is in my power, if you'll have me."
"If I'll have you?!" Luffy asked, "as if there was ever any doubt! Let's go!" Vivi nodded, but she then turned to Karoo.
"Karoo," she said, "you heard me. I know we discussed this, and you disagreed, but I want you to stay here." Karoo quacked in anger.
"He said there's no way that'll happen," Chopper translated, "he and you are a team."
"I know," Vivi replied, "Karoo, I know. But this journey, it'll be beyond anything we saw with Baroque Works. I can't bear the thought of you getting hurt because you came." Another quack.
"He said he can't bear the thought of you getting hurt because he isn't there to help you." Vivi let out a tearful laugh.
"I'm not going along or just with Igaram," she told him, "I have our friends protecting me, remember? Please, Karoo. I know this isn't fair, I know it's not what you want, but could you please do this for me?"
Karoo stared at Vivi for a long time. Luffy had never seen such a disapproving face on a duck before, it was quite a sight. However, after a few more seconds, the duck lowered his head and quacked in resignation.
"He said he'll go back," Chopper said. Vivi let out a relieved sigh.
"Thank you," she said. Moving forward, she wrapped her arms around the ducks neck and hugged him. "Thank you, Karoo. I'll sleep so much better knowing you're safe." Karoo leaned into her hug, but then quacked again.
"Uh," Chopper said, "he said if you die he'll never forgive you, ever. You'll go to the grave carrying the Curse of Karoo." Vivi choked out a laugh.
"I wouldn't want that, would I?" She asked, "thank for this, Karoo. I mean it.
"I don't mean to speed this goodbye along," Robin said, "but it appears the Navy is getting closer to us."
"Vivi," Luffy said sympathetically, "we have to go."
"Okay," she said, wiping at her eyes, "okay." Still, she looked back at Karoo and caressed his wing.
"Remember," she said, "even though you aren't with us, you're still one of us thanks to this mark, remember?" Luffy looked down at his arm, where the X that told them who was and wasn't Bon Clay still was. The crew flashed their X's at Karoo, who grew tearful and saluted with his marked wing.
"Cannonball!" Usopp shouted.
A volley of cannonballs hit the ground and water near them, making the Merry rock in the water. Luffy laughed.
"Alright you guys!" He said, "get on board and let's get out of here!"
Together with their new addition, the Straw Hats ran back on board and quickly began sailing away from the Marines chasing them. Luffy spared a glance back to see Karoo watching them go, laughing as he followed them along the coast.
"Looks like he's still waving, Vivi!" he shouted, making the Princess look back. She smiled widely, and began waving as the others fought off the Marines.
"Look after the place, Karoo!" She called, "I'm counting on you to make sure my Dad does a good job!"
Luffy could have sworn he heard a quack.
"What next, Luffy?" Nami asked. Luffy chuckled.
"Next? Next, we find the One Piece, of course!
"I can't navigate us there from here, Luffy!"
"Then why did I bring you along?! Hahaha! Follow the Log Pose, Nami! We'll outrun the Navy if it's the last thing we do!"
Nami swung the wheel and veered the Merry away from the coastline of Alabasta, causing the sand kingdom to fade further and further into the background. Soon enough, the little duck on the coast became but a speck on the horizon, and soon enough the country itself was too. Turning to Vivi, he smiled.
"No turning back now," he told her. She smiled back at him, looking determined.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
I know there will be some division about bringing Vivi along with you guys, seeing as she is plot relevant in the original timeline when she goes to the Reverie. That being said, this is a fanfic all about FUN, and I think it'd be fun to bring her along. Screw it, who cares, right?! I'm not trying to surpass the original, I'm just having fun.
I also know some people might not be happy I left Karoo behind, but ultimately, I didn't know what to do with him. I felt like there wasn't much he could do once we fit harder parts of the story, other than be a cheerleader, so I dropped him. Not to mention having Chopper translate everything might be a nuisance.
Regardless of this, I hope you enjoyed, leave a review for finishing Alabasta! Finally...