Under Crocodile's death threat, a frantic energy seized Baroque Works.
All high-ranking commanders were urgently mobilized, and nearly all available supplies in Rainbase were rapidly gathered.
Everyone worked tirelessly, a small army preparing to march toward the Yuba oasis to achieve the impossible.
The organization's vice president, Nico Robin, also set out immediately, her Flower-Flower Fruit abilities being crucial to any hope of rapid reconstruction.
Crocodile watched as his subordinates scrambled into action.
Smoke slowly rose from his cigar, enveloping him in its haze.
He exhaled a soft ring, his gaze shifting to a concealed corner of the room.
"My arrangements are in order, I trust?"
"Tap—"
A faint footstep sounded as a tall, lanky figure emerged from the shadows.
It was the Admiral, 'Aokiji' Kuzan.
He didn't immediately respond, his deep gaze fixed on Robin's retreating figure as she faded into the distance.
His eyes, usually so lazy, held a flicker of complex, ancient emotions.
He was thinking of Ohara, of his old friend Jaguar D. Saul, and the promise he'd made to protect that small, lonely girl.
'Robin... will she truly find her own place to belong?' he wondered, a profound weariness in his soul.
He had spared her life, but in doing so, had condemned her to a life on the run.
Had he made the right choice?
Suddenly, a figure flashed through his mind—that seemingly lazy yet remarkably perceptive Marine Coaptain.
'That kid... he analyzes the world with such startling clarity.'
'Perhaps he could offer some advice...'
"Mike... plans to visit the hot springs in Yuba afterward?" Kuzan's voice was low, cutting through the silence.
Crocodile gave a slight nod. "Yes, he's scheduled to leave for Yuba tomorrow."
"Hmm... You destroyed Yuba, didn't you, Crocodile?"
"..."
Crocodile's expression darkened, a silent admission of guilt.
"So you're mobilizing your entire organization overnight to rebuild it for him?" Kuzan chuckled faintly, a chilling atmosphere spreading through the room.
"You've got quite the nerve, Crocodile. But as for the hot springs..." He tilted his head slightly.
"That might not be so bad. Arrange a premium VIP spot for me as well. I intend to soak in the springs with that kid Mike... and have a little chat about life."
"...Understood."
"If you can truly undo your mess in a single night," Kuzan added, his voice turning to ice.
"Then I'll give you a chance to prove that your submission to him wasn't just an act. Otherwise..." He left the threat hanging in the air.
"Haa—" Crocodile took a deep breath, his eyes flashing with a desperate resolve.
'Not only Mike, but Aokiji will be there too...'
'Tonight, I absolutely must restore Yuba to its former glory'.
"I'll set out immediately," he said, striding quickly out of the room.
Kuzan quietly watched him go.
'Using the Sand-Sand Fruit for rapid construction, huh? Let's follow him and see.'
....
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the thin curtains of a lavish, heart-shaped room in Rain Dinners.
"Ah—" Mike stretched lightly, feeling the deep relaxation in his body.
He squinted at the two young women still sound asleep on the bed, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Leaning down gently, he placed a tender kiss on each of their foreheads before tiptoeing out of the room.
Outside, Kuro had been waiting him for some time.
He held two heavy briefcases, each filled with 500 million Belly—the spoils of Mike's "hard-fought" victory at the casino.
"Captain, everything is ready," Kuro's tone was steady. "We can head to Yuba immediately."
"Mm, good work," Mike nodded.
Just then, Smoker ambled over while rubbing his eyes.
"Ah—" he yawned, clearly worn out from his own "activities" the previous night.
"Smoker, didn't sleep well?" Mike shot him a teasing glance.
"Or was it that you just didn't want to sleep?"
"Hmph," Smoker grumbled, pulling out a pack of Alabasta's specialty cigars and handing one to Mike.
"I'm starting to worry that sticking with you is seriously compromising my Justice."
"Pff—" Mike took a light drag.
"Well then, why don't you head back to HQ with Tashigi on the standby ship?"
"..." Smoker's eye twitched.
"Hmph. I'm concerned about pirates showing up in Yuba. It is my duty to patrol the area."
'Go back to HQ? Following this guy means good food, good drinks, and a front-row seat to the most interesting events in the world.'
'Only an idiot would go back now.'
"Heh," Mike chuckled, shaking his head before waving his hand.
"Alright, let's move out! Off to Yuba for some hot springs!"
....
Soon, two turtle transports—one large and luxurious, one smaller and more practical—started up and headed out into the desert.
Ace stood in the distance, watching as the two vehicles gradually disappeared from sight.
Taking a deep breath, he pulled out his Den Den Mushi.
"Purupurupuru... Katcha."
"Vista, Jozu, are you there? Mike's already left Rain Dinners. He's on his way to an oasis town called Yuba."
"Ace, we're at the entrance of Rain Dinners now..." Vista's voice came through, laced with frustration.
They had just missed him..
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