The palace.
The big bathroom.
As they were covered in sweat, Vivi sent Luffy and Ace to take a shower.
Meanwhile, Vivi herself was eager to see her father and confirm the king's safety.
The two of them dove into the cool water of the pool, finally feeling relieved from the heat.
"It looks like the king is fine," Ace said in a satisfied tone, finally relieved from the scorching heat.
As users of Devil Fruit powers, they would feel weakened if half of their bodies were submerged in water, as the water in this world contained a substance called "Substance P," which was the natural enemy of Devil Fruit powers.
Of course, both Ace and Luffy had a certain level of resistance to this, so it wasn't a big problem.
Especially Luffy, who had a high level of resistance to this substance.Even if his entire body was submerged in water, he would still be able to move for a short period of time.
"No, the king might not be safe," Luffy continued to use his Observation Haki, paying attention to the situation inside the palace.
"There are many secret agents among the palace guards," he said.
Ace was surprised and also activated his Observation Haki, hearing some subtle voices.
"It's Ace Fire Fist and Straw Hat Luffy!"
"What a perfect opportunity! Let's kill Princess Vivi and frame these two pirates!"
"Impressive, Mr. 2!"
The voices came from the direction of the king's palace.
"Oh no, Vivi is in danger!" Ace's expression changed.
"It's Mr. 2. He can perfectly replicate someone's appearance," Luffy laughed, getting up from the shower.
"Ace, I've got this. Join me after you're done showering," he said.
"Do you need help?"
"It's just a little mouse."
Luffy put on the clothes prepared by Vivi for them and then left.
The royal palace.The palace where the king usually receives guests.
"Father!"
Vivi looked at the unharmed Cobra, and her nervousness instantly subsided.
Cobra got up from the throne, went down the steps with an excited face, and said:
"Vivi, you're finally back! I thought something had happened to you!"
"I'm sorry, Father. Two years ago, I infiltrated an organization with Igaram and investigated some truths about the rebellion."
Vivi said angrily:
"Behind all this is Crocodile!"
"In these years, there were constant sightings of pirates, and every time he intervened and resolved the situation, the people also considered him a hero."
"But that's just a facade. It was all his plan. He secretly controls a criminal organization called Baroque Works, with the aim of stealing this country's power!"
"He also used a banned substance called Dance Powder to steal all of the country's rainwater, causing the country to go without rain for three years!"
"The goal is to make people resentful and dissatisfied with you, Dad!"
Vivi exposed Crocodile's conspiracy and tricks.
Cobra was shocked upon hearing this.
"Really? So that's how it is."
He went down the stairs and stopped in front of Vivi.
"I know, I know. I'm so grateful to them for escorting you back to me!"
Cobra's mouth gradually curved upwards, and his expression became manic.
"The boss already guessed that it would be like this, so please die, Princess Vivi~"
While saying this, Cobra suddenly made a movement.A kick from under the wide cloak, aiming for Vivi's forehead.
BOSS?!
Vivi's pupils constricted. No, this isn't Father, this is... a Baroque Works assassin!
Bang!!!
This kick abruptly stopped five centimeters in front of Vivi.
"Luffy!" Vivi exclaimed in shock.
Luffy calmly held the foot that was kicked towards him.
"Baroque Works is everywhere in this palace. The king must have been taken away."
"There!!"
Mr. 2's face contorted in pain.
He tried to retract his leg, but his opponent's grip was terrifyingly tight, leaving him unable to move.
"You're Mr. 2, Bentham," Luffy smiled. "Where is your boss? Where is Vivi's father?"
How was he exposed?Mr. 2 was extremely confused. He had just made a move, and the opponent appeared.This couldn't be a coincidence. It meant he had been exposed from the beginning.Perhaps the opponent was hiding on the side, waiting for him to make a move.
"How did you know...!"
He released his transformation ability and returned to his original appearance.Wearing a ballet costume, clearly a man, but dressed in drag, with strange, heavy makeup on his face and false eyelashes.
"Okama Kenpo: Arabesque Swan!"
He wanted to use the attack to force Luffy to retreat.
Luffy immediately spun him around like a rag, throwing Bentham hard to the ground.
Boom!
With a dull sound, the ground cracked, and Bentham's face was bruised and swollen from the impact.
"Tell me, where is Crocodile?"
When asked, Bentham grimaced in pain, showing no interest in answering.
Luffy, on the other hand, appreciated this loyal subordinate and promptly kicked him.
Boom!
The kick hit Bentham in the stomach.
With a sob, he suddenly spat out blood and fainted on the spot.
"If you don't tell me, how will I know? Who do you think you're looking down on?"
Luffy took out the Den Den Mushi he carried with him and dialed a number.
"Luffy..."
It was only at that moment that Vivi came out of her trance, sweating nervously.
"Don't worry, I'm here. You won't have any problems, relax."
In the middle of the conversation, the Den Den Mushi connected.
"Who is it?"
"Where are you?"
Captain Luffy?The voice became slightly cheerful, then quickly replied:"In the palace's underground mausoleum, Mr. Snake is also here."
"Understood."
With that, the call ended.
Turning to Vivi, Luffy asked, "Where is the palace's underground mausoleum?"
This is Miss Robin!Vivi thought to herself and hurriedly said, "I know, Luffy, come with me!"
She took the initiative to hold Luffy's hand and led him towards the underground mausoleum.
After going through a life-threatening ordeal, Vivi only felt safe when she was holding Luffy.
After they left,Hina entered and immediately noticed Bentham lying on the floor, unconscious and coughing up blood.
"This guy... He has a bounty of 32 million!"
Thinking of this, she suddenly turned around.
"Portgas D. Ace!" Hina gritted her teeth.
"You did this? What is your purpose?"
Ace:Luffy, where is he?
In the palace's underground mausoleum.Crocodile had a cigar in his mouth and narrowed his eyes with a mischievous look, looking at his capable subordinate.
"Who were you talking to, Nico Robin?"
"It's nothing, Mr. 0."
Robin smiled slightly, revealing her enchanting charm.
(End of chapter)
Give me some power stones there you go~😉