Chapter 39: War and Interest
Nanohana, Temporary Command Post.
The Alabastan leadership gathered to analyze the situation.
"Your Majesty, the investigation is complete."
Pell bowed slightly, reporting to Cobra. "The Zoan user is named Dalton. He is the Captain of the Royal Guard for the Drum Kingdom."
"Ah." Cobra nodded, confirming his suspicion. He vaguely recalled seeing Dalton years ago at a Reverie, accompanying the late King of Drum. His identity was not in doubt.
The real question was: why was the Captain of the Royal Guard being hunted by his own kingdom's warships?
Rumors spoke of Dalton's deep dissatisfaction with King Wapol's policies. Was this the cause?
"…" Cobra thought for a moment, gesturing for Pell to continue.
"Yes." Pell turned the page. "On Dalton's ship, we found thirty-two individuals from Drum Island. Ten were soldiers. The remaining twenty-two were civilians."
"From the wreckage offshore, we rescued and captured thirty pursuers, all members of Wapol's personal guard."
That was the brief summary of the clash.
Cobra's gaze drifted to the side, landing on Alvin Vergil, who stood beside Crocodile.
Without his intervention, the incident would have likely escalated into a coastal battle, with Alabasta suffering casualties. That was averted, which was good.
But the terrifying power that annihilated four warships in an instant… it left a profound mark on Cobra. To travel with Crocodile, this man's strength must be on par with a Warlord's.
Since the Great Pirate Era began, Cobra mused inwardly, this sea births more and more extraordinary powers. Alabasta, situated in the relatively calm Paradise half of the Grand Line, was peaceful. But if a true "monster" set its sights here… how could they resist?
At least the man was a friend, not a foe.
"…"
Alvin Vergil… The name seemed familiar, but Cobra couldn't place the face. Probably his imagination.
The priority now was understanding what had transpired in Drum.
...
Half a Day Later.
Thanks to medical treatment and his Zoan-enhanced physique, the critically wounded Dalton turned a corner.
He opened his eyes slowly to see the gathered Alabastans.
"Ugh…" He mumbled, accepting a glass of water from Vivi. After moistening his throat, he found his voice.
"Thank you."
Dalton sat up slowly, leaning against the headboard. His eyes scanned the room, finally settling on Alvin Vergil.
He remembered. Before losing consciousness, he'd seen that figure standing tall, effortlessly obliterating four warships from a distance.
Alabasta possesses such terrifying power? The thought chilled him. To make an enemy of a superpower like this… Wapol, spoiled rotten by his father, was leading them to ruin. A meaningless war bred only suffering. He had to prevent it.
"You are… His Majesty Cobra?" Dalton's gaze shifted to the familiar face beside the bed. "I saw you at the Reverie with the late King."
"Yes. I'm glad you're recovering." Cobra smiled warmly, then began conversing with Dalton.
...
Nearby, Vergil and Crocodile observed.
Vergil, in particular, was interested. He knew fragments of the future, making Dalton and Drum Kingdom's odd behavior all the more intriguing.
"Croco-boy," Vergil murmured. "What's the Drum Kingdom's goal here?"
"Interest." Crocodile didn't hesitate, the word leaving his lips with a dark chuckle. "Since the dawn of time, has any war been started for anything but interest?"
"No other reason?"
"None."
"…" Vergil pondered, still feeling something was off. "Political aims? Historical grievances…"
Crocodile saw Vergil's blind spot and explained with low amusement. "Those are just the façade, the story told to the masses. The seas are ruled by the World Government now. We're not in an age of fractured states. What issue cannot be settled at a negotiation table?"
He adjusted the unlit cigar in his mouth, looking at Vergil with intrigued eyes. "Only interest provokes active conflict."
Vergil nodded slowly, seriously. "Okay. I think I understand."
Crocodile: "…"
Crocodile: "?"
He blinked, processing. Understand? How could this primitive grasp the nuance from a few offhand remarks?
But Vergil was already muttering to himself, head bowed. "So… the essence of war is in the outcome, not the beginning."
"…"
The words, simple yet stark, sent a faint tremor through Crocodile. After so many shocks, he was no longer easily stunned, but the implication still chilled him.
Alvin Vergil's evolution wasn't just physical or in power. His reasoning was accelerating too.
Crocodile couldn't say if Vergil's statement was wholly right or wrong. But it was an idea. A formed thought. The gap between one who "has ideas" and one who merely "drifts with the tide" was vast. It was the very evidence of a conscious existence.
...
Soon, Cobra and Dalton finished their discussion.
The broad picture became clearer.
A black-market arms dealer from the underworld had approached Wapol. Exploiting Wapol's arrogance and brutality, he'd incited the king to launch harassing attacks on Alabasta's trade routes.
Wapol's goal was simple, childish greed: "Since merchant ships bound for Alabasta must pass Drum's coastal waters, I want a cut of the profit!"
Hearing the account, Dalton could only laugh bitterly, his disappointment palpable. Major shipping lanes in these treacherous seas were typically governed by mutual aid between nations, not tolls. You couldn't survive on these waters alone.
Cobra frowned. "This arms dealer. Who is he?"
"I don't know. He wore a mask. But I remember his attire." Dalton described the man's clothing. Cobra had a sketch artist draft it. After adjustments, Dalton confirmed. "That's him."
...
Vergil and Crocodile moved closer to see.
Though masked, both men recognized the depicted figure instantly. Or rather, the man had never intended to hide his affiliation—only his face—while deliberately showcasing his power.
On the collar of his coat was a distinct, circular emblem: a smiling face struck through with a diagonal line.
The Donquixote Pirates.
Crocodile's pupils constricted. A sinister, predatory grin spread across his face.
"Heh heh heh heh… So, [Joker] has his eyes on my prey?"
✨Enjoying the story? You can support me on Patreon —
Patreon.com/MizuSan
✨ Patreon members get early chapter access, bonus content! 🥰
🎉 Plus, I'll release 1 extra chapter for every 5 reviews!💎 Or grab 1 bonus chapter for every 50 Power Stones you send my way! 🥳
🌊 Let's reach 20 Patreon members to unlock 5 extra chapters together!