At the port city of Nanohana, a small boat spewing flames from its stern docked steadily by the pier.
"Fire Fist" Ace stepped onto the warm sands of Alabasta, the desert sun feeling good on his skin.
The pier had gradually returned to a semblance of order after the earlier chaos, but the air was now buzzing with a new, even more fervent topic of discussion: Captain Mike.
"Did you hear? Captain Mike was personally invited to Rainbase by Sir Crocodile himself!"
"Yeah, but my info is even better," another man said, lowering his voice conspiratorially.
"Rumor has it... Captain Mike is the God of Gamblers!"
"What? The God of Gamblers?" the bystanders' eyes widened.
"Dead serious!" the man continued, pleased with his inside scoop.
"They say he's planning to bankrupt Alabasta's largest casino—Rain Dinners—within three hours!"
"But isn't Rain Dinners Sir Crocodile's casino?"
"It is! But Captain Mike already beat him in a duel. As they say, the winner takes all. Now Sir Crocodile is treating him like a king!"
Ace stood to the side, frowning slightly.
He had come to Alabasta to wait for his brother, Luffy, but this mysterious Marine Captain was becoming more intriguing by the second.
This had to be the man his friend Vista was so desperate to meet.
'Should I wait here for Luffy, or head to Rain Dinners?' Ace pondered.
On this vast sea, he knew he and Luffy would eventually meet again.
But a lead on a man this powerful was rare.
With his mind made up, Ace turned to a nearby shopkeeper.
"Hey, boss," he said. "If you see a kid in a straw hat, could you tell him his brother Ace, will be waiting for him in the city of Rainbase? Thanks."
With that, he hopped back onto his small striker boat.
Flames erupted from its stern, and the vessel shot off across the water, racing toward the city of dreams.
...
In that very city, two massive transport turtles rolled through the grand, golden gates of Rain Dinners.
The entire establishment was on high alert, preparing to welcome the distinguished guest who was about to arrive.
The opulent doors of the casino swung open.
A light, perfumed breeze drifted out.
Two rows of exquisitely dressed, radiant young women stood in perfect formation, a welcoming party of blooming flowers bathed in the casino's warm light.
They were a diverse and beautiful assembly, with women of different shapes, sizes, and even races standing side-by-side.
Mike stepped out of the luxury carriage feeling refreshed and invigorated.
The two sun-kissed Alabastan girls who had accompanied him followed, their steps a bit unsteady.
"Go get some rest," Mike said to them with a faint smile.
They nodded, their cheeks faintly flushed, before quietly stepping aside.
Taking in the grand welcome, Mike couldn't help but curl his lips into a smirk.
'Now this... this is exciting.'
He pulled out a cigar and handed one to Crocodile, who stood beside him.
"Crocodile, this arrangement..." he said, his eyes sweeping over the welcoming line of beauties.
"Suits me just fine!"
'This is the life', he thought. 'Two rows of beauties, a royal welcome... In a moment, I'll enjoy the finest service while effortlessly winning a cool billion Belly.'
'All that lecturing and fighting was totally worth it.'
Crocodile took the cigar and gave a slight nod, a forced smile on his lips.
"As long as you satisfied, it's all as it should be."
'Just keep him happy for now' the Warlord thought, his mind still reeling from their earlier conversation.
'I need to go back and think. I need to figure out what he meant... what my next move should be.'
"You should head back and rest too, Crocodile," Mike said, patting him on the shoulder.
"I can handle the rest on my own."
"Very well. Then I wish you a triumphant victory," Crocodile nodded, turning to leave with heavy steps, his mind was a whirlwind of turmoil.
Mike watched him go, then waved at Kuro.
His ever-efficient steward quickly stepped forward, holding a brand-new white shirt and a sharp, tailored black suit.
"Everything is ready, Captain," he said, his tone a refined, professional murmur.
Mike nodded, took the clothes, and stepped back into the carriage.
A few moments later, he emerged, completely transformed. His iconic "Justice" coat and Marine uniform were gone, replaced by the impeccable suit.
The fine fabric shimmered under the light, exuding an aura of wealth and power.
Kuro and Smoker had also changed into matching black-and-white tailcoats, looking like a formidable entourage.
"Mike..." Smoker muttered, adjusting his collar uncomfortably.
"This outfit... feels a bit weird."
Mike tilted his head, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes.
"Smoker, what do you know? I had this specially tailored in Loguetown!" He smoothed back his hair, which was now slicked back, making him appear even more sharp and charismatic.
He exhaled a slow ring of smoke, his gaze distant as he appear very cool at this moment.
"This," he declared, "is the 'God of Gamblers' vibe."
The ladies waiting in line at the entrance were instantly captivated, stars twinkling in their eyes as he strode toward the opulent, golden doors.
"That air of decadent power is just too handsome!" they whispered, immediately jostling to get closer, each one hoping to be the one on his arm as he entered.
"Hahaha, no need to fight, no need to fight!" Mike laughed heartily, a charming rogue's grin on his face as he found himself flanked by two of the most beautiful women.
"We can take turns!" He waved at Kuro and Smoker.
"Let's go! It's time to crush it!"
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