Chapter 124: Change in Approach
The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the desert as the Straw Hat crew prepared to leave Yuba. The air was cooler now, but the weight of their mission still pressed heavily on their shoulders. Vivi stood at the front of the group, her eyes fixed on the distant horizon where the oasis near Nanohana supposedly lay. Her resolve was unwavering, but the exhaustion of the journey was beginning to show on her face.
As the crew began to move, Goku suddenly stopped in his tracks, his tail swishing lazily behind him. He crossed his arms and tilted his head, his expression serious. "Hold up, everyone. We're not going to Nanohana."
The crew froze, turning to look at him in confusion. Vivi was the first to speak, her voice filled with disbelief. "What do you mean, we're not going to Nanohana? The rebels are there, Goku. We have to stop them before they march on Alubarna!"
Goku shook his head, his gaze steady. "No, Vivi. We've been wandering this desert for days, chasing after rebels who keep moving. We tried it your way, but it's not working. We're wasting time."
Usopp, who had been trudging along with his shoulders slumped, perked up at Goku's words. "Wait, wait, wait. Are you saying we're not going to the oasis? Because if that's the case, I'm all for it. My feet are killing me, and I'm pretty sure I've swallowed enough sand to build a castle."
Zoro, who had been walking silently beside Usopp, raised an eyebrow. "So, what's the plan, then? We just give up on the rebels and let them march on Alubarna?"
Goku's expression hardened, and he took a step forward, his voice firm. "We're not giving up, Zoro. We're making a better choice. Stopping the rebels won't stop Crocodile. He's the real problem here. If we keep chasing the rebels, we're just playing into his hands."
Sanji, who had been lighting another cigarette, exhaled a plume of smoke and narrowed his eyes. "Goku's got a point. Crocodile's the one pulling the strings. If we take him out, the rebels won't have a reason to fight."
Vivi's hands clenched into fists, her voice trembling with frustration. "But if we don't stop the rebels, they'll attack Alubarna! Innocent people will die, Goku! We can't just ignore that!"
Goku turned to face her, his expression softening slightly. "I'm not saying we ignore it, Vivi. I'm saying we go after the source. Crocodile's in Rainbase, right? That's where his casino is, where he's running his operation. If we take him down, the rebellion falls apart. The rebels won't have a leader, and the people of Alabasta will see the truth."
Nami, who had been quietly listening, stepped forward, her brow furrowed in thought. "Goku's right, Vivi. We've been reacting to Crocodile's moves this whole time. If we keep chasing the rebels, we're just playing his game. We need to take control of the situation."
Vivi shook her head, her eyes filled with desperation. "But what if we're too late? What if the rebels attack Alubarna before we can stop Crocodile? We can't take that risk!"
Goku's voice was calm but firm. "We're already taking a risk by wandering the desert, Vivi. Every day we spend chasing the rebels is another day Crocodile has to tighten his grip on Alabasta. We need to hit him where it hurts. Rainbase is where he's strongest, but it's also where he's most vulnerable. If we take him out, the whole operation falls apart."
Gin, who had been leaning against a crumbling wall, finally spoke up, his voice low and measured. "Goku's got a point. Crocodile's the one behind all of this. If we take him down, the rebels won't have a reason to fight. But we need to move fast. Every second we waste is another second Crocodile has to prepare."
Usopp, who had been nervously fidgeting, raised a hand. "Uh, just to play devil's advocate here... are we sure we're ready to take on Crocodile? I mean, he's a Warlord of the Sea. He's not exactly a pushover."
Goku grinned, his usual confidence returning. "He's strong, but so are we. We've taken on tough opponents before, and we've always come out on top. This time won't be any different."
Zoro smirked, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Finally, some real action. I was starting to get bored with all this walking."
Sanji flicked the ash off his cigarette, his expression calm but with a hint of excitement. "Rainbase, huh? I've heard the food there's not bad. Maybe we can grab a bite before we kick Crocodile's ass."
Nami rolled her eyes, though there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "Focus, Sanji. We're not going there for the food."
Chopper, who had been clinging to Goku's shoulder, looked up at him with wide eyes. "But... what about the rebels? What if they attack Alubarna while we're in Rainbase?"
Goku's expression softened, and he placed a hand on Chopper's head. "We'll have to trust that Vivi's father can handle it. If we take out Crocodile, the rebels won't have a reason to fight. But if we keep chasing them, we're just wasting time."
Vivi's shoulders slumped, her resolve wavering. She knew Goku was right, but the thought of leaving the rebels unchecked was almost too much to bear. "I... I don't know, Goku. What if we're wrong? What if we can't stop Crocodile in time?"
Goku stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We're not wrong, Vivi. This is the best chance we've got. We've tried it your way, and it's not working. Now it's time to try mine."
Vivi looked into his eyes, searching for any hint of doubt, but all she saw was determination. Finally, she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Alright. We'll go to Rainbase. But if this doesn't work..."
Goku grinned, his usual confidence returning. "Then I will handle it."
The crew exchanged glances, their resolve hardening. They had a mission to complete, and they couldn't afford to let anything stand in their way. The road to Rainbase would be difficult, but they knew they had to keep going.
As the crew prepared to set out, Mr. Toto stepped forward, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Princess. Thank you all. You're giving Alabasta a chance. I just hope... I hope my boy sees the truth before it's too late."
Vivi nodded, her voice filled with determination. "We'll make sure he does, Mr. Toto. We'll save Alabasta. No matter what it takes."
With that, the crew turned and began their journey to Rainbase, their footsteps firm and steady. The desert's wrath was relentless, but so were the Straw Hats. And they would not let it break them. Not today. Not ever.
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