The morning sun over Alabasta was merciless. The air shimmered, and even the wind felt dry and heavy. The crew moved slowly through the dunes, their footprints fading behind them almost as soon as they were made.
Luffy trudged forward, waving his hat to fan himself. "I'm dying!"
Nami groaned. "You said that twenty minutes ago."
Zoro shrugged. "He might be right this time."
Kai wiped sweat off his neck. "If we die out here, I'm haunting whoever invented deserts."
[Stream: LIVE — "Crossing the Great Alabasta Desert!"]
[Viewers: 28.6M]
[Chat: "Streamer suffering arc begins 😂" / "Luffy in 4K melting 💀" / "Kai's gonna roast out here fr."]
The heat wasn't their only problem. Supplies were running low, and the sandstorms that came and went without warning made it impossible to rest for long.
Usopp groaned. "Why couldn't Crocodile live somewhere cool? Like a snowy island?"
Kai smirked. "Because villains don't believe in air conditioning."
Sanji, carrying a massive pack of food, said through clenched teeth, "Stop complaining and keep walking. Vivi needs us."
Vivi looked ahead, her face calm but her eyes sharp. "We'll reach Yuba soon. My people are still fighting for hope there."
[Chat: "Protect Vivi 😭" / "She's too pure for this world." / "Kai better keep her safe."]
By noon, they stopped under a rock formation that gave just enough shade to breathe.
Kai sat beside Nami, who was fanning herself with a map.
He held out a water canteen. "Drink before you pass out, navigator."
She took it, sighing. "You trying to earn points or something?"
He smiled. "Always."
[System: Nami Affection +1 | "Status: Slightly Amused."]
[Chat: "W Rizz" / "Kai got game even in the desert 😏"]
Suddenly, the sand beneath them rumbled.
"Everyone move!" Kai shouted.
The ground erupted — a giant scorpion bursting out, its claws clicking, tail dripping with venom.
Usopp screamed, "WHY IS EVERYTHING IN THIS DESERT TRYING TO KILL US!?"
Luffy's grin returned instantly. "Cool! Let's catch it!"
Kai sighed. "Of course."
[Stream Title Updated: "Attacked by a Giant Scorpion!?"]
[Viewers: 31.2M]
[Chat: "Desert boss fight LET'S GO 🔥🔥🔥" / "Streamer vs Scorpion incoming." / "Someone record this!!"]
Kai activated Momentum Burst and rushed in, kicking sand to blind the creature.
Zoro slashed at one claw, Luffy grabbed the other, and Sanji launched a fiery kick at its face.
The creature screeched and swung its tail. The stinger grazed Kai's arm, burning like acid.
He gritted his teeth. "System—antidote, now!"
[System: Using Emergency Item "Basic Cure."]
[Health Restored: 65%. Status Effect Removed.]
"Thanks," he muttered, dodging another swing. "That would've been awkward for the viewers."
[Chat: "Streamer almost died LIVE 😭" / "He really said content over safety 💀."]
"Now!" Kai shouted. "All together!"
Zoro slashed the tail, Luffy stretched his arms wide, and Kai channeled his energy into one final hit.
Momentum Burst: Overdrive Mode!
He slammed his glowing staff into the scorpion's head, and it exploded in a flash of light and sand.
The monster collapsed, twitching, before going still.
Luffy cheered. "Meat time!!"
Kai dropped to the sand, exhausted. "No. Bed time."
[System: Quest Complete — "Defeat the Desert Beast."]
[Reward: +1 Skill Token | "Desert Cloak Fragment" x3 | Bonus Viewer Gift: "Cooling Charm."]
[Chat: "INSANE FIGHT 🔥🔥🔥" / "Kai soloed that tail strike omg" / "Streamer carrying again fr."]
As they rested again under the rocks, Vivi came over with a soft smile.
"You really don't give up easily, do you?"
Kai chuckled. "Giving up doesn't get views."
She laughed quietly. "You're strange."
"Thanks. I try."
[System: Vivi Affection +2 | Buff Unlocked — "Resilience Aura": Slight HP Regen in Heat.]
As night fell, they built a small campfire, the desert sky glittering with stars.
Nami was already asleep beside her maps. Luffy was snoring, and Zoro was meditating with his swords in the sand.
Kai sat near the fire, starting a quieter stream.
[Stream: LIVE — "Desert Campfire Talk 🌙"]
[Viewers: 12.3M (Night Mode)]
[Chat: "Late-night vibes 💤" / "Kai sounds tired but calm." / "This world feels alive."]
He stared at the flames. "You know… I never thought I'd end up here. In another world. Streaming to gods-know-who. But every time I think about stopping… I remember this crew."
He smiled softly.
"They make it worth it."
The fire crackled. The desert wind whispered through the dunes.
Tomorrow, they'd reach Yuba — and find the first true trace of the rebellion.
[End of Chapter 29 — "Journey Through the Desert."]