There was no way the Dance Powder incident could stay hidden, so the World Government decisively chose to shift the blame.
All the wrongdoing was someone else's doing. Clearly, the World Government was "brilliant" in its own way.
"Knowing Mr. Oguro's temperament, being falsely branded like this… he's probably going to be very angry," Cobra said helplessly.
Even though Oguro had saved the country, he was now being slandered as the main mastermind. Anyone would find that unacceptable.
Vivi added, "We need to tell him quickly! Otherwise, he might think we're in league with the World Government to smear him—that would be troublesome!"
Thinking of Captain Soifon, who had just arrived, Vivi knew that Alabasta probably couldn't handle Oguro's wrath.
In the study, Oguro and his companions were summoned, and Cobra personally explained the situation.
"Ugh!" Oguro clicked his tongue. "Classic World Government style! I'm not even a pirate, and yet my bounty just keeps getting higher."
Cobra looked apologetic. "We're truly sorry. There was nothing we could do to stop the World Government."
Oguro waved it off. The World Government—or the Gorosei—have never cared about others' feelings.
But Soifon suddenly stood sharply. "Soul King, I'll eliminate these insolent fools myself!"
Her words carried the weight of a captain-class Reiatsu, heavy enough to press down on everyone's chest.
Immediately, Cobra and Vivi paled, their breaths caught in their throats. Under such overwhelming Reiatsu, they felt like flies facing a storm—utterly powerless.
"Soifon, calm down!"
With a sharp command from Oguro, Soifon retracted her Reiatsu.
Cobra and Vivi felt a wave of relief, breathing deeply again.
"Apologies for my subordinate's behavior," Oguro said proactively.
"N-no, it's understandable," Cobra waved his hands, his gaze filled with respect for Soifon.
As a leader of a World Government ally nation, he'd seen many Navy high-ranking officers. But Soifon's presence felt no less formidable than any of the three Admirals.
With such a powerful subordinate, it was no wonder Oguro had no interest in becoming a pirate.
"Cobra, Your Majesty, the World Government is like a leaking ship. They won't even protect the interests of their own member nations. Alabasta should be prepared," Oguro said meaningfully.
In the original timeline, Cobra had been killed by the Gorosei, and Vivi had been pursued relentlessly.
Cobra, experienced and wise, immediately asked, "Do you, Mr. Oguro, have any suggestions?"
"Where there is oppression, there will be resistance. If the World Government won't take responsibility, it's up to the people to secure a path forward."
"I believe the most important duty of a nation and government is to ensure people can live good lives."
Oguro didn't have extraordinary rhetoric; he was simply relaying what he had seen in his previous life.
Having spent time in Alabasta, Oguro knew that bringing the country directly under his influence would be too difficult. But this ally? It was essential to gain.
Cobra, unfamiliar with democracy or freedom, was astonished by what he heard.
After a moment, he asked cautiously, "Could it be that you are from the Revolutionary Army?"
Oguro snorted disdainfully. "I am not allied with those amateurs!"
"Amateurs?" Cobra was stunned.
These were the revolutionaries who had overthrown several nations and were considered the number one enemy of the World Government. How could Oguro dismiss them so lightly?
Oguro explained, "I don't look down on them! They only have short-term goals and no complete action plan. What kind of nation do they want to create? How will they ensure citizens' rights long-term?"
"They have none of these crucial elements! They simply replace kings!"
"And what if the new king fails after a few years? Overthrow him again? That's nothing but child's play!"
Cobra fell silent. Oguro's words made the Revolutionary Army's efforts sound exactly like child's play.
"Then… did you also want to overthrow the World Government?" Cobra asked seriously.
"I only wish to lead ordinary people to live peaceful lives, free from oppression and slaughter. I do not wish to fight the World Government."
"Everyone who joins me is granted respect and rights. They are free to act within the rules."
"However, I expect the World Government won't be happy to see us succeed. So in the end, a battle may be unavoidable."
Oguro didn't hide anything; he stated his goals clearly.
"In the East Blue, several villages willing to follow me are already experimenting with this. If Your Majesty is interested, you can send someone to observe. If feasible, perhaps Alabasta can join us!"
Hearing Oguro speak of such grand ambitions, Cobra and Vivi were visibly shocked and impressed.
Cobra's eyes twinkled as he laughed. "Ah! These complex matters are beyond an old man like me!"
"Vivi, you will take the lead in consulting with Mr. Oguro! I trust Alabasta will flourish under your guidance."
Vivi froze for a moment but agreed, knowing it was in Alabasta's best interest.
Oguro thought this was good. Compared to Cobra, a young person like Vivi was more likely to accept his ideas.
Vivi eagerly asked Oguro theoretical questions, and seeing them engrossed in conversation, Cobra quietly left the study with his attendants.
"Your Majesty!" On the way out, Bell hesitated before asking, "Did you have Vivi meet with Mr. Oguro to propose a marriage alliance?"
"Haha! Bell, do you really think Oguro isn't a match for Vivi?" Cobra replied with a smile.
Bell shook his head, conflicted. "Mr. Oguro is exceptional in both strength and knowledge, naturally an ideal choice! But… he is technically a pirate now!"
Although Oguro didn't identify as one, the Navy bounty made him a pirate in everyone else's eyes.
Cobra laughed heartily. "Bell, do you remember how Captain Soifon addressed Oguro?"
Bell thought for a moment. "She… called him the Soul King?"
"Exactly! Haven't you realized what that implies?"
Bell shivered in shock. "You mean… he wants to become king?"
"Hahaha! A man who wants to create a new era will never be content beneath others. Becoming king is only a matter of time!"
Cobra laughed freely. "By then, the entire world will face a completely new order!"