"Crocodile is one of the Seven Warlords too?!"
Then there's nothing to worry about.
After all, not even Dracule Mihawk could defeat Reno. At best, Crocodile might be on Mihawk's level.
That was the unanimous conclusion among the girls aboard the Merry Go.
(Crocodile later: Thank you all for the… misplaced confidence.)
"Captain Reno… can you really help me defeat Crocodile?"
Vivi's voice trembled with desperate hope, like she'd clutched a lifeline at the edge of collapse.
Reno not only knew about Baroque Works, but claimed to have agents embedded within it—including someone close to Crocodile himself. That alone spoke volumes about his power.
And if joining Reno's pirate crew meant toppling Crocodile's plot and saving her people, then what did her status as a princess matter?
"Just a little lizard with an ego," Reno scoffed.
Calling Crocodile a fair fight would be too generous.
If he didn't smack the sand out of that smug reptile, Reno wasn't doing his job.
"In that case… I'll join your crew," Vivi said firmly, wiping away her tears. Though her face was streaked with emotion, her eyes now shone with resolve.
At just 14 years old, she'd cast off her royal status to go undercover within Baroque Works, risking everything to unmask the man behind her kingdom's collapse.
But knowing who was responsible didn't mean she had the power to fight him. Now, that power had come knocking.
As the Princess of Alabasta, she had a duty—to act.
"With you around, your kingdom's luckier than most," Makino said kindly, wrapping Vivi in a gentle embrace.
"You know," she added, glancing toward Reno, "he probably decided to help you the moment he brought you to Twin Cape."
"Huh?" Vivi blinked.
Reno smiled dryly. "Don't make me sound like some messiah. Besides, Vivi's joining the crew no matter what."
"As for Crocodile... yeah, it's about time someone peeled his scales off."
"Then from today, we're sisters!"
Nami stepped forward, bright and cheerful again. "I'm Nami—the navigator of the Reno Pirates!"
"I'm Kaya, the crew's doctor."
"I'm Tashigi, the swordswoman."
"And I'm Makino, your big sister from now on!"
One by one, the girls introduced themselves warmly.
Vivi could barely keep up. Were they always this friendly?
Just a moment ago, Nami had been glaring daggers at her. Now she sounded like a doting older sister.
"I'm... Vivi. I'll do my best, sisters," she replied, still in a daze but managing a small smile.
"Karumen, make something good. Our little princess must be starving," Reno said casually.
Grrr—
Vivi's stomach answered for her. Her face turned crimson.
Karumen giggled and ruffled Vivi's hair. "Hold tight, little one. I'll whip up something quick."
"Kaya, help her wash up and change, too," Reno added.
For her disguise, Vivi had caked on heavy makeup and dressed in a... let's say "eye-catching" outfit.
"Of course, Reno-oniichan." Kaya gave a sweet nod and gently took Vivi's hand.
As she was led away, Vivi couldn't help but marvel—was this really a pirate crew?
It felt so different from what she imagined.
But... maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.
Meanwhile—Whisky Peak
A town infamous for its warm hospitality… and for being a den of bounty hunters.
For years, countless pirates had wandered in, unaware they were being led to their deaths.
As the Merry Go descended from the sky, it quickly attracted attention.
Dozens of people gathered on the docks. They eyed the floating island cloud with barely concealed astonishment—before quickly plastering on welcoming smiles.
"Welcome! Welcome! Travelers from afar, come rest in our humble town!"
"This is paradise for pirates! Food, fun, and pleasure—anything you desire!"
"You're going to love it here!"
"We even cure insomnia!"
The waves of cheerful voices rang out like a well-rehearsed chorus.
If someone didn't know better, they might think this really was a tourist haven for pirates.
"Everyone, be careful," Vivi whispered under her breath.
"These people are bounty hunters. They'll smile while plotting to kill you…"
Then her face turned red. After all, not long ago, she had been one of them.
"They're putting on quite the show," Nami snorted, eyes narrowing. "You'd think they were trained actors."
Then again, that's how they stayed in business. Any less convincing, and they'd be dead of starvation.
As the ship docked, Reno and the girls disembarked.
The crowd's eyes all sharpened—just for a second—then quickly masked it behind more smiles.
"Welcome, brave warriors of the sea!"
"Every pirate who passes through is welcomed like royalty!"
"Let's give them a round of applause!"
Clap clap clap!
The entire dock burst into raucous cheers.
It was over-the-top. No wonder so many pirates were fooled.
Just then, the crowd parted like a stage curtain.
A man with golden curls strutted out from the center, theatrical flair in every step. His gaze locked instantly on Vivi—eyes gleaming with relief and admiration.
Then, without missing a beat, he bellowed:
"Miss Wednesday! So these are the friends you brought?!"
"Excellent work! Let's give them the warmest welcome!"
Pfft—!!
Nami burst out laughing.
The other girls struggled to hold back smiles.
Vivi buried her face in her hands, mortified.
"Stop, Ikaram! You're ruining everything!"
Her cover was long gone, and her dignity with it.
To be continued…
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