The Going Merry finally reached the golden horizon — dunes stretching endlessly beneath a burning sun.
Kai leaned on the railing, sweat dripping down his neck as the ship drifted toward the port of Nanohana.
"Hot," he muttered. "Too hot. My skin's melting."
Nami fanned herself beside him. "Stop whining. At least you're not wearing Zoro's outfit."
Zoro grunted from behind them. "What's wrong with my outfit?"
Kai smirked. "You're basically wearing three layers of sweat."
[Stream: LIVE — "Welcome to Alabasta! The Kingdom of Sand and Sun!"]
[Viewers: 21.2M]
[Chat: "They finally made it!! 🔥🔥🔥" / "Kai complaining already 😂" / "Nami and Kai banter never gets old."]
They docked at the desert city, a swirl of merchants, camels, and children running through narrow streets.
Vivi stepped onto the sand, her eyes shimmering.
"Home," she whispered.
Kai looked around, his expression softening. "It's beautiful… and sad."
Sanji immediately fell to his knees. "VIVI-SWAAAN! You're glowing even under the cruel sun!"
Usopp rolled his eyes. "Simp mode: activated."
[Chat: "Sanji being Sanji 💀" / "Kai staring at Vivi 👀" / "Streamer about to get emotional again."]
They rented a shaded spot near a fruit stall, and Nami began gathering information.
People whispered about a rebellion in the capital, a mysterious man named Crocodile, and a growing storm that wasn't natural.
Kai listened quietly, pretending to browse the fruit.
His phone buzzed with a new notification.
[System Message: Major Story Branch Detected — "Crocodile's Web."]
[New Quest: "Protect Vivi." Reward: System Upgrade + Crew Buff.]
He muttered, "Yeah, saw that coming."
Later that evening, they found an inn — small, cool, and tucked behind the market.
Kai sat on the roof, streaming as the desert sunset painted the sky orange and gold.
[Stream: LIVE — "Desert Sunset Vibes 🌅"]
[Viewers: 15.9M]
[Chat: "Best stream ever 😍" / "This is so peaceful fr" / "Kai's camera quality 100/10."]
He spoke softly, his voice carried by the desert wind.
"You know… this world is wild. Every island's a new story. And every story feels like it's watching you back."
He looked toward the distant desert.
"I think Alabasta's gonna test me."
[Chat: "Foreshadowing much 👀" / "Streamer philosophy hour 💫" / "Kai serious arc incoming."]
A soft voice interrupted him. "You talk to yourself a lot."
He turned — Vivi was standing there, holding two cups of cold tea.
Kai smiled. "Occupational hazard. My audience likes it."
She laughed gently and handed him a cup. "Then let them hear this — thank you."
"For what?"
"For helping me… for believing in me."
He looked at her, the fading light reflecting in her blue eyes.
"Hey," he said softly. "You're the reason we're all here. Don't carry it alone."
[System: Vivi Affection +4 | Crew Morale +3%]
Down below, Sanji was cooking something that smelled way too spicy, Zoro was already asleep against a wall, and Nami was counting her Berries again.
Just another evening on the Merry.
But the peace didn't last.
A sudden explosion lit up the edge of the city.
The ground trembled, and shouts filled the air.
Kai stood instantly. "Guess the calm's over."
Vivi's eyes widened. "That came from the direction of the town square!"
[System Alert: Emergency Event — "Assault on Nanohana."]
[Optional Objective: Defend the Civilians. Bonus Reward: Hidden Title.]
Kai grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Alright, chat — looks like we're going live again."
[Stream Title Updated: "LIVE — Chaos in the Desert City!"]
[Viewers: 23.5M]
[Chat: "OH IT'S STARTING 🔥🔥🔥" / "Crocodile's men???" / "Kai time to pop off!!"]
He looked at Vivi. "Stay close. You're not losing your home again."
Then he leapt down from the roof, sprinting toward the chaos — dust swirling, firelight flashing in the distance.
The Alabasta arc had officially begun.
[End of Chapter 27 — "The Sandstorm Kingdom."]