Grand Line.
Alabasta.
In the world of One Piece, there are no true continents other than the Red Line. Everything else consists of islands, varying in size. Consequently, despite the existence of numerous nations, the vast majority of them are simply single islands—some of which might not even be as large as a single county from Sean's previous life, whether in terms of landmass or population.
Take the wealthiest nation in the East Blue, the Goa Kingdom, for example. Excluding the surrounding villages, it consists of only one city with a population of a few tens of thousands. This isn't an isolated case; it is the norm for the entire world. Typically, the population of these kingdoms doesn't exceed a million. Any nation that surpasses that mark is considered a major power.
As for Alabasta...
Beyond its capital, Alubarna, it boasts several major cities: Yuba, the trading hub and city of dreams in the west; Eluma, the port city; Rainbase, the oasis city; and Nanohana and Kataramaliske in the east.
With a total population of twenty million, it is undeniably a superpower.
However, Alabasta's environment severely limits its development, as it is a desert kingdom. Unlike the oil-rich desert moguls of Sean's previous life, Alabasta is relatively poor. While it isn't the poorest nation in the world, it certainly isn't among the wealthy ones.
In recent years, Alabasta has gradually spiraled into chaos. A prolonged drought has made life agonizingly difficult for a nation already starved for water. To make matters worse, rumors have been spreading throughout the country claiming that the lack of rain is due to King Cobra using "Dance Powder," causing a nationwide drought.
Honestly, Sean was beyond impressed by the sheer gullibility of these rebels.
What exactly is Dance Powder?
According to the original lore, it is a substance that intercepts rainfall from downwind regions. Once used, neighboring countries or other cities located downwind will suffer from drought because their rain has been "stolen." In the past, Dance Powder caused numerous wars between nations, leading the World Government to ban its manufacture, possession, and use.
But the problem was that the capital, Alubarna, was suffering from the drought too. Meanwhile, in Rainbase—Crocodile's stronghold—it rained incessantly.
And yet, these people didn't suspect Crocodile; they suspected Cobra?
This was precisely why commoners were so easy to manipulate.
In short, while Alabasta hadn't yet reached the breaking point it would hit two years later, the signs of collapse were already appearing. Driven by their resentment toward King Cobra, a rebel army had been formed and was growing in scale. According to the latest reports, their numbers had exceeded ten thousand, with their headquarters established in Katreya.
Cobra was well aware of this. To be honest, if he chose to send his troops to suppress them now, it would be a simple task. Unlike other kingdoms, Alabasta possessed a royal army of hundreds of thousands. Wiping out a civilian rebel force of barely ten thousand—poorly equipped at that—would be a trivial matter.
But Cobra didn't strike. He was too soft-hearted.
It was this very hesitation that, in the original story, allowed the rebel army to swell to over a million two years later. In the end, the royal army, the rebels, and the innocent civilians who had no part in the conflict all suffered devastating casualties. The entire nation lost over ten percent of its population to the unrest, and the destruction of cities led to immeasurable economic loss.
A king who cannot be ruthless at the critical moment is not a good king. Blind mercy often leads to consequences a hundred times worse.
'''
Alubarna.
The Royal Palace.
King Cobra held a document in his hand, his brow furrowed. The document had just been delivered by Igaram, and the content within came from the Marine 16th Branch.
"Igaram, can this information sent by Sean Campbell actually be true?"
In Cobra's current impression, Crocodile was still the "Hero of Alabasta." But the intelligence Sean had provided painted a completely different picture. Far from being a national hero, Crocodile was the mastermind pushing Alabasta toward chaos.
"Your Majesty, I believe it is very likely true!"
"Why do you say that?"
"Firstly, a Warlord is essentially still a pirate. Yet Crocodile's behavior... he's acting almost like a saint."
He protected Alabasta from pirate attacks without asking for anything in return. Who does that? A saint? But the man is a pirate. For him to suddenly become a saint is strange, no matter how you look at it. Igaram wouldn't believe for a second that Crocodile had no hidden agenda.
"But if this is all true, what exactly is he after?"
"Your Majesty, have you forgotten what happened in Dressrosa?"
...
After a long silence, Cobra shook his head and looked at Igaram.
"Since Rear Admiral Sean said he will arrive in ten days, I will decide on this matter after I have spoken with him. However, regarding the other thing he mentioned, please make the necessary arrangements."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Igaram nodded.
At the same time, he was deeply curious: who exactly was this Monkey D. Luffy? Although Morgans had previously reported on the incident between the 16th Branch and the Revolutionary Army—mentioning that Dragon had rescued his biological son, a pirate—the report had never mentioned the son's name.
Furthermore, since Luffy currently had no bounty, the name meant nothing to Igaram. From the way Sean had phrased his message, it was clear that Luffy was his primary objective; dealing with Crocodile seemed to be a secondary task.
This made Igaram even more curious. Regardless, the Marines had made a request, and it wasn't an unreasonable one. They simply wanted confirmation of Luffy's location and for him to be monitored until Sean's arrival. Alabasta had no reason to refuse.
"By the way, where is Vivi? I haven't seen her lately."
"Your Majesty, Princess Vivi has left the palace."
"Hmm? Gone again? What is she up to lately?"
"This... Princess Vivi went out to inspect the living conditions of the citizens. Pell and the others are with her; she is not in any danger."
"Nonsense! Does she not realize how chaotic things are right now? Have someone bring her back immediately!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
'''
Half an hour later.
Igaram arrived at a civilian residence in Alubarna.
"Princess, His Majesty is already demanding to know your whereabouts. We can't keep this hidden any longer; he has even ordered that you be brought back to the kingdom immediately."
"I can't! I've already found some leads. I absolutely cannot give up now!"
"Leads? Princess, what exactly have you uncovered?"
"Baroque Works!" Vivi declared, her expression grim. "Everything that's been happening in Alabasta recently—including the rebel army—has the fingerprints of Baroque Works all over it. Furthermore, I suspect that the head of the organization is... the Warlord, Crocodile!"
Igaram gasped. "Then we must inform the King immediately—"
"No. Father won't believe me without evidence. He still thinks Crocodile is a hero of Alabasta!"
"About that... there is actually something you aren't aware of, Princess."
"What is it?" Vivi asked, blinking in surprise.
Igaram quickly relayed the message that Sean had sent.
"Is that true?"
"It is. And I believe that since Rear Admiral Sean mentioned it, he must have some form of evidence. I'm not sure exactly what he meant, but he will be here in ten days... Therefore, I suggest you be patient, Princess. We can settle everything once he arrives."
"Very well. Let's head back for now. But if we still have no results in ten days, I intend to infiltrate Baroque Works myself to uncover the truth!"
...
'She's a princess! Since when does a princess of a nation go undercover? If the King ever found out, he'd be absolutely livid!'
Igaram stood there, completely dumbfounded. By the time he snapped out of it, Vivi had already pushed open the door and walked out.
"Princess! Please, wait for me!"