"The world shouldn't be like this..."
Caesar lowered his gaze: "Princess, you must have visited the Holy Land Mariejois before?"
"When I was little, I went there with my father," Vivi nodded.
"Then has Princess Vivi ever seen the Celestial Dragons?" Caesar asked again.
Vivi remained silent, glancing at Cobra beside her.
Cobra's expression shifted slightly: "We didn't wander around carelessly, as I was worried my young daughter might accidentally offend the Celestial Dragons."
"How surprising..."
Caesar smiled faintly: "Then does Princess Vivi know what's most abundant in the Holy Land?"
Vivi thought for a moment: "Hmm... Celestial Dragons?"
"No, slaves."
Caesar raised a finger and shook it: "What the Holy Land never lacks are slaves. Beneath those perpetually moving automated walkways are countless slaves operating levers to keep them running nonstop, twenty-four hours a day."
Vivi's pupils contracted as she stared at Caesar in disbelief.
"Do you know what transportation the Celestial Dragons use when traveling?"
"Still slaves!"
Caesar said calmly: "These slaves come from all over the world, captured by slave traders and sold to the Celestial Dragons. Among them are civilians, pirates, rare races, even members of royal families and nobles from affiliated nations!"
"How could..."
The young princess covered her mouth, unable to suppress a gasp.
Caesar turned to Cobra: "Your Majesty Cobra, you must have heard some rumors about this?"
Cobra nodded without denying.
Heard rumors?
More than just rumors—as one of the original Twenty Kings, he knew all too well the nature of those World Nobles.
Had their ancestors not chosen to return to Alabasta, the Nefertari family would likely be among their ranks today!
"When encountering Celestial Dragons outdoors, one must kneel. Anything the Celestial Dragons fancy—including people—can be forcibly purchased, traded, or even taken by force."
"In the Holy Land Mariejois, countless slaves die at the hands of Celestial Dragons every day. But this isn't even their greatest crime..."
Caesar casually dropped his final bombshell: "Have you heard of... human hunting?"
"Every three years, the Celestial Dragons select a non-World Government affiliated nation for a human hunting event."
"The native population of the target country gets driven out or enslaved, while the Celestial Dragons hunt them for sport. The Celestial Dragon with the highest kill count wins the championship..."
"How is this possible?"
Vivi looked utterly shocked. Not just her—even Cobra and the others, as well as Bonis and his group behind Caesar, all paled at this revelation.
Though rumors of the Celestial Dragons' atrocities circulated across the seas, no one imagined they could be this depraved.
Treating an entire nation's citizens as hunting targets was simply horrifying!
"This is the truth. One of my subordinates escaped from the God Valley Battle years ago."
"Though I'm not sure if those monsters still continue such brutal games today, after the God Valley incident, they've likely become more discreet about it even if they do."
Caesar gazed deeply at Vivi. "Those creatures can no longer be considered human. They are nothing but beasts wearing human skins—slaughtering and oppressing civilians, driven by insatiable greed and cruelty. Have you ever calculated what kind of prosperity Alabasta could achieve today if the Celestial Tribute paid every year were saved instead?"
"Do you know how many nations have been crushed by the Celestial Tribute policy over the past eight hundred years? How many families have been destroyed, forcing people to become pirates and bandits?"
"Do you know that deep in these seas, there exists a race yearning for sunlight? Because of the rampant slave traders and the Celestial Dragons' covetousness, even breathing fresh air is a luxury for them!"
"I don't know what so-called achievements the so-called Twenty Kings made eight hundred years ago. But no matter what they accomplished, it doesn't justify their descendants trampling over this world without restraint!"
"That's why I will purge them—completely eradicate this cancer from the world!"
Caesar locked eyes with Vivi, the young girl still reeling in shock.
"Of course, you don't have to see me as some great man. I just want people to live as humans should, where even the weakest can have bread and milk to fill their stomachs without worrying about survival. That's all."
"Until then, I will wield my blade against all nobles who endlessly plunder the people's wealth. I will carry out this slaughter to the very end!"
"The Alabasta royal family is renowned for its virtue, which is why I chose to come here personally. I am willing to offer you the utmost respect, but no one—no matter who—can stand in the way of my path!"
"Is that so, Father…?" Vivi murmured, her gaze shifting dazedly to Cobra.
Cobra sighed heavily. "The World Nobles' conduct… is indeed as Caesar described. Our family was originally one of the Twenty Kings, but for some unknown reason, our ancestor returned to Alabasta."
"That's also why I forbade you from wandering freely when we visited Mary Geoise… Though I never expected Caesar to be aware of these secrets."
"So, what is King Cobra's answer?" Caesar asked calmly.
Cobra fell silent. He had no lust for power, but as a king, his first duty was to his people.
"To be honest, your ambition is too grand—far beyond what Alabasta alone can achieve. I cannot gamble my people's future on such a possibility. Yet, given your power, I doubt I even have the option to refuse…"
"How about this? I can offer you my fullest support within reason, following your arrangements and commands. But until your empire is truly established, I'm afraid we cannot openly stand with you."
"However, if you are willing to treat Alabasta's people with kindness and uphold the principles you just spoke of, then when you truly possess the strength to oppose the World Government, the Nefertari family will willingly relinquish our rule over Alabasta!"
Cobra's words were solemn.
"Your Majesty, you can't do this!" Igaram's expression darkened. "Alabasta has been ruled by the Nefertari family since ancient times! You've committed no wrong—there's no reason to surrender our nation like this!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Pell also quickly spoke up to dissuade: "Moreover, we don't know whether what this guy says is true or false. Even if it's true, there's never been a reason to hand over the throne just because of a few words!"
As members of the royal guard, they all had their pride. They would rather die with dignity than live on their knees.
After all, Caesar had suddenly shown up at their doorstep, demanding a country with nothing but empty words. No matter how eloquently he spoke, they had no reason to agree.
Caesar ignored their reactions, picking up the Sand-Sand Fruit and tossing it to Vivi.
Vivi fumbled to catch the fruit, staring blankly at Caesar.
"Eat it!"
"Your Highness Vivi, you mustn't!"
Igaram was horrified, reaching out in a dramatic gesture.
This Sand-Sand Fruit was clearly Caesar's condition. Once eaten, the agreement would be set in stone.
Vivi looked at Cobra, who gave a slight nod without stopping her.
Seeing this, Vivi hesitated no longer and took a bite of the fruit, trusting her father's judgment.
Crunch.
A crisp sound, and Vivi's pretty face twisted in disgust.
"Tastes awful, doesn't it?"
Pell's tone was gloomy. Now that Vivi had eaten the fruit, there was no point in dissuading her anymore.
"Mmm—"
The young girl forced down the rest of the fruit with a pained expression, managing a weak smile. "So gross!"
"If it's the Sand-Sand Fruit, then…"
Pell suddenly chopped at Vivi's arm with a swift strike.
Whap!
Golden sand scattered as Vivi stared in shock at her arm, now transformed into swirling dust.
The sand spun and reformed, restoring her flawless, jade-like skin.
"This is the Logia Type—immune to physical attacks."
Pell's tone softened slightly. Though he couldn't change Cobra's decision, at least eating the Sand-Sand Fruit meant Vivi's safety was now guaranteed.
"It still has weaknesses. Aside from Haki, liquids also affect the Sand-Sand Fruit."
Caesar reminded her, "Don't let your guard down just because it's a Logia."
"I'll remember that!"
Vivi nodded, then hesitated before asking, "But why give this fruit to me? Igaram is much stronger than I am."
Caesar: "He's not good-looking."
Vivi: "…"
Everyone: "…"
Igaram: "…"
"Besides, the young have more potential. The Sand-Sand Fruit holds great promise. Follow the training I'll assign, and in two or three years, you'll at least reach the level of a Navy Vice Admiral."
Caesar gestured to the group behind him. "From now on, you'll stay in Alabasta to assist Princess Vivi. She is my chosen governor of Alabasta."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Bonis and the others replied respectfully.
Caesar turned to Vivi. "These guys were previously under Crocodile's orders and did plenty of foolish things. Let them stay here to atone through service. As for your training, Bonis will relay it to you."
"Huh?"
Vivi was surprised. She had assumed she'd be taken as some sort of hostage by Caesar's side.
"Your Excellency doesn't require Vivi to accompany you?"
Cobra was equally astonished. He had thought Caesar would surely take Vivi away.
After all, while he had agreed to Caesar's terms, who knew if this was just a temporary measure to buy time? What if they reneged after Caesar left?
Moreover, the fact that Caesar explicitly entrusted something as important as the Sand-Sand Fruit to Vivi was clearly meant to bind the Nefertari family, wasn't it?
But judging by Caesar's demeanor, it seemed he had been mistaken.
"Trust those you employ, and employ those you trust."
Caesar, however, appeared entirely unconcerned. "If you lack even this basic level of credibility, I wouldn't be wasting my time sitting here talking to you."
Bonis and his group were still in Alabasta. With Bonis' Dice-Dice Fruit ability, none of the Alabasta royal family stood a chance against him.
"Ah, this…"
Cobra was somewhat incredulous.
Then what exactly are you here for?
Gifting the Sand-Sand Fruit, training Vivi's combat skills, and even leaving behind a group of capable fighters to serve her…
Setting aside the issue of demanding the kingdom's sovereignty, Caesar might as well have come here as a philanthropist!
The only question was—why had he chosen Vivi?
Recalling Caesar's earlier response to Vivi's question, Cobra narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the young man's face.
Come to think of it, this world-renowned top-tier powerhouse was only eighteen years old.
And from the very beginning, he had seemed particularly attentive toward Vivi.
Not only had he given her something as valuable as the Sand-Sand Fruit, but he had also assigned his subordinates to her command…
Glancing at his daughter, who was curiously experimenting with her newfound Devil Fruit ability, Cobra felt a sudden realization.
He hadn't paid much attention before, but the girl had grown into quite the young lady.
Could it be—
Cobra looked at Caesar with a hint of unease, only to find the young man leisurely sipping tea while instructing Vivi on how to wield her powers.
"The essence of the Sand-Sand Fruit is sand, but it's not limited to just that. It also includes desiccation and petrification abilities. Few Logia Types possess abilities that border on Paramecia concepts. If used properly, it can be incredibly versatile."
"Also, don't restrict your Fruit development to conventional ideas about sand. Be bold. For example, sand itself is composed of microscopic stone particles, and different types of sand have different compositions—gold sand is still sand."
"It can do that?"
Princess Vivi looked stunned.
Caesar nodded. "Give it a try. It might not work, but Devil Fruits do have plenty of abilities that defy logic."
Watching Caesar patiently explain things to Vivi, Cobra's expression turned odd.
"Alright, the necessary matters have been settled. Now, Princess Vivi, if you'd accompany me for a while."
Caesar stood up, glancing at Bonis and the others. "You all will remain in the capital and assist the royal guards in eliminating Baroque Works members. From now on, no more dance powder is to enter this country!"
"Yes!"
Bonis responded respectfully.
"Wait! Where are you taking the princess?"
Igaram's expression changed as he hurriedly spoke up.
"That's enough, Igaram."
Cobra also rose, motioning for Pell to stand down before turning to Caesar. "We entrust Vivi's safety to you."
Caesar gave a slight nod and turned to leave.
Vivi followed closely behind, her demeanor somewhat reserved.
But after all, this was a princess bold enough to infiltrate a criminal organization at sixteen or seventeen. Though initially intimidated by Caesar's 2.8 billion bounty reputation, seeing that he wasn't as unapproachable as she'd feared, she soon regained the spirited nature of her youth.
"Mind if I ask... why did you bring me out here, Mr. Caesar?"
Vivi clasped her hands behind her back, tilting her head slightly with a charming smile.
"Crocodile's treasure is buried in the desert - over ten billion berries worth."
Caesar pulled out a treasure map he'd drawn based on Crocodile's descriptions.
"My men kept pestering me about going treasure hunting. Couldn't refuse them, so I had to make sure you ate the Sand-Sand Fruit quickly."
"I still don't quite understand. Why give such a precious Fruit to me?"
Vivi looked somewhat embarrassed. "Won't your subordinates object?"
"Most of my men are already ability users, including those Baroque Works members we recently recruited," Caesar said impassively. "Besides, you shouldn't underestimate yourself. The Nefertari family enjoys tremendous popularity in Alabasta. Having you work for me would save considerable effort. Just one Fruit - nothing to regret."
Seeing Caesar's composed demeanor, Vivi grew curious.
"Are you really only nineteen this year?"