The surface of the saltwater pool beside Rain Dinners rippled gently. A massive white wax sphere floated to the surface, then slowly reshaped itself into a wax ship, drifting toward shore.
"Phew… this damn Crocodile actually built a whole ocean inside," Nami muttered.
"Good thing Shirogai's Devil Fruit can form wax constructs. Otherwise, we'd have drowned!" Usopp said, glancing back at the dozens of Banana Gators still lurking in the water.
The Straw Hats clambered out of the ship, some shaking from the close call. Shirogai smiled faintly, his sharp eyes scanning the group.
"We need to head straight to Alubarna, capital of the Alabasta Kingdom. Vivi has to stop the civil war before it's too late."
"You're not going anywhere, Shirogai!"
A sudden cloud of white smoke surged in, and a massive jitte smashed down toward him without hesitation.
"Wax Armor!"
With a sweep of his hand, Shirogai morphed the wax ship into a shield, blocking the incoming blow. The wax then melted again, encasing the smoky form nearby.
"Wax Cage."
Smoker's smoke form dodged swiftly, but he didn't notice Shirogai reappear beside him. A black-coated fist swung hard—Armament Haki surrounding it—and smashed into the white mist.
"Damn it!"
The hit landed. Smoker's Logia form couldn't evade the Haki-infused strike and was forced back into the wax cage.
"Stay put," Shirogai said coolly.
Smoker slammed his jitte against the cage, but it was no use. Shirogai's Haki-enhanced construct held firm.
"Tsk, you're still too impatient," he murmured, tapping the cage with a smirk.
"Is everyone alright? I'm here to get you!"
Chopper rode up on a massive desert land crab, its claws clicking against the ground. The scent of Nami's perfume helped him find the group. Chopper hopped in excitement.
"Whew, you scared me! But it's good to see you!"
Eyelashes, the camel, stood nearby chewing calmly.
Chopper caught sight of Shirogai and squirmed playfully. "Huh? Shirogai! You're here too? Ugh, not happy to see you at all!"
Luffy drooled as he eyed the crab. "Whoa! Chopper, can we eat that?"
The crab backed away in alarm.
"No! This is the Scissor Moving Crab—Eyelashes' buddy. He's fast. We'll ride him to Alubarna!" Chopper quickly explained.
Everyone climbed aboard. Shirogai waved casually.
"You all go ahead. I need to finish a conversation with this Marine."
Luffy grinned. "Alright! Catch you in Alubarna!"
Usopp looked annoyed. "Seriously? We just reunited!"
Chopper blinked. "Wait, Shirogai's not coming with us?"
Sanji lit a cigarette. "We'll regroup in Alubarna."
Zoro nodded. "He does what he wants."
Nami crossed her arms. "Ugh, ditching us again…"
Vivi hesitated. "Shirogai‑san, are you sure we can handle this without you?"
Shirogai gave her a calm, confident smile. "This is your stand, Princess. But you're not alone—your comrades are behind you. Trust in them."
Vivi inhaled deeply, then nodded. "Right! I'll stop this war!"
The Scissor Crab dashed into the desert, headed for Alubarna.
Shirogai dropped the wax cage and dispelled the Haki surrounding it.
"Come out, Smoker. Let's talk."
The wax shattered. White smoke erupted out as Smoker charged. He grabbed Shirogai by the neck, slammed him against a wall, and pressed his jitte to his throat.
"In Yuba, you tried to wipe out civilians. Is that who you really are?"
The body in his grip melted into wax and splattered to the ground.
Smoker spun around.
"Do you only know how to sneak and hide?!"
Shirogai's relaxed voice came from a food stall. "Heh, why so worked up? Sit down. Let's eat and talk."
Smoker spotted civilians hiding inside. Gritting his teeth, he sat beside Shirogai without a word.
They were at a small roadside stall selling grilled skewers, a local Alabasta snack. The meats looked strange—some resembled geckos, others coiled snakes—but the heavy seasoning made them oddly appetizing.
Shirogai's stomach growled.
The stall owner, a thin older man, peeked nervously. "C-customers... w-what do you want?"
Shirogai bit into a snake-shaped skewer. "You got lamb?"
The man nodded. "Yes, yes! Local desert lamb. Tender, rich flavor, not greasy!"
Smoker's gaze was ice cold. "Don't try anything. I will drag you to Marineford."
Shirogai chuckled and passed him a skewer. "Marineford? Nice vacation spot. I'll visit with you someday."
"Bastard," Smoker muttered, teeth clenched.
From behind a sack in the corner, a little dark-skinned girl peeked out. She was probably the owner's daughter, hiding from the earlier chaos.
Shirogai noticed her and gently held out a meat skewer.
"Want one, little one?"
"Mm…" She nodded shyly and took it, munching happily.
Smoker lit a cigar, deep in thought. Shirogai's actions didn't match the ruthless pirate he'd seen in Yuba. He was too calm, too… human.
Suddenly, a thunderous roar echoed from the desert.
"What now?" Smoker turned. A colossal sandstorm was tearing across the landscape outside Rainbase.
Shirogai's eyes narrowed. "Crocodile has made his move."
Luffy wasn't ready. Without Armament Haki, he wouldn't stand a chance.
"Old Sand, pick up," Shirogai muttered.
He activated his [Whisper] Fruit ability. Through his enchanted third form gear, [Whisperer], he mentally linked with Crocodile.
"What now?" Crocodile's voice echoed impatiently.
"Old Sand, do me a favor. Don't kill my Captain. Just leave him breathing."
"Heh, depends on my mood," Crocodile replied.
Shirogai's tone darkened. "If anything happens to him… you'll pay with your life."
"Hmph." The connection cut.
Shirogai popped the last bite of lamb into his mouth, chewed, then looked at the stunned Smoker.
"What are you waiting for? Eat. It's on me."
---
100 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter
200 Power Stones = 3 Bonus Chapters
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