Phoenix Reborn In One Piece

The group emerged from the underground palace. 

Although the Dream Team was still very curious about what had just happened, they noticed Cobra's heavy expression and wisely chose not to press him further. 

Cobra's heart was unusually heavy at that moment, filled with fear and unease. 

The Poneglyph they had been guarding contained information about one of the three ancient weapons—Pluton! 

He couldn't imagine what would happen to Alabasta if this secret were to be discovered by others across the seas. 

At that moment, Ryuen broke the silence: 

"King Cobra, if I'm not mistaken, your Nefertari family must also be part of the D clan, right?" 

This statement struck Cobra like a bolt of lightning. He turned sharply, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief, staring directly at Ryuen. 

The other members of the Dream Team also looked at Ryuen, feeling that he seemed to know a lot more than they did. 

Damn it— 

"I once heard a rumor that the D clan is the enemy of the gods. 

In other words, your Nefertari family must have a mission of its own. 

King Cobra, you should be cautious when dealing with the World Government and the Celestial Dragons in the future," Ryuen continued, ignoring Cobra's astonishment. 

"I understand. Thank you for the reminder," Cobra replied, giving Ryuen a deep, thoughtful look. 

As they walked out of the western courtyard of the palace, Vivi, who had been waiting there, quickly came forward. 

"How did everything go?" Vivi asked cheerfully. 

However, in the next second, she noticed the group's somber expressions, especially her father's heavy look. 

"Vivi, we've accomplished everything we came to Alabasta for. We might be leaving soon," Ryuen said softly. 

"What?" 

Vivi was stunned. The next moment, a wave of panic swept over her, as if she were about to lose something precious. 

Cobra was also caught off guard. He hadn't expected these young people to leave so soon. 

He glanced at his daughter, unsure of what to say, and decided to leave, giving the young ones their time. 

"Vivi, you know that our dream is to draw a map of the entire world. That means we have to leave Alabasta sooner or later," Nojiko said, stepping forward and holding Vivi's hand. 

"Yeah, Vivi, we'll have to go, but don't worry. No matter what, you'll always be our friend!" Nami quickly added. 

The rest of the Dream Team looked at Vivi, their eyes filled with reluctance. 

It was clear that Vivi didn't want them to leave, and they didn't want to leave her behind either. 

Vivi's face turned pale, her eyes revealing a hint of helplessness and confusion. She took a deep breath, trying her best to stay calm. 

"I... I know you'd have to leave eventually, but I didn't expect it to be so soon," Vivi said quietly, her voice trembling. 

She lowered her head slowly, tears welling up in her eyes. The sadness she felt was beyond words. 

"Vivi, don't be sad. Even if we're leaving, our hearts will always be with you," Ryuen said, gently patting her shoulder. 

"That's right, Vivi. We'll always remember you," Hog said with a comforting smile. 

Vivi looked up at the familiar faces in front of her, feeling a warmth rise in her heart. 

"Thank you... thank you all for staying by my side during this time. 

Especially for helping us through Alabasta's crisis. Without you, I don't know what we would've done," Vivi said, forcing a smile as tears streamed down her face. 

"Vivi, no matter when or where, if you ever need us, we'll come back for you," Anya said gently. 

"Yeah, Vivi, remember, we'll always be friends," Leah said loudly. 

Vivi nodded, her eyes shining with determination. 

"Alright, I'll protect Alabasta well. When you return, this place will be even better," Vivi said. 

Everyone nodded, believing that Vivi would surely succeed. 

"Well then, goodbye, Vivi," Ryuen said, waving as he turned to leave. 

"Goodbye!" the others said as they bid farewell. 

Vivi followed them, chasing after the group until they reached the palace steps. 

Standing there, she watched the Dream Team's figures gradually fade into the distance, her vision blurred by tears. 

"Safe travels…" she whispered softly, silently wishing them all the best. 

--- 

"Waaaah… X﹏X" 

"Ryuen, I really can't bear to part with Vivi!" Daisy said with tears streaming down her face as they left the palace.

The other members of the Dream Exploration Team felt the same sorrow, their eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Seeing how upset everyone was, Ryuen sighed. 

"I know how you all feel, but Vivi is the princess of Alabasta. She has the responsibility and mission of her entire nation on her shoulders. There's no way she can leave here to join us on our adventures."

He paused for a moment before continuing, 

"Besides, as the princess of Alabasta, she has her own duties to fulfill. She must stay here to protect her country and her people."

"So, for now, we have to part ways with her. But I believe that someday, in the future, we will meet her again." 

Hearing Ryuen's words, everyone nodded in understanding. Although they still felt reluctant, they knew this was reality.

---

After leaving Alubarna, the Dream Exploration Team soon arrived at the place where the land-and-water transport turtle was kept. 

But an unexpected guest was lying on top of the turtle's carriage...

When Robin saw the figure on the carriage and realized who it was, her face instantly turned pale with fear, and she began to tremble uncontrollably.

"Hey!" 

"Who are you? Why are you on our carriage?" Anya asked bluntly, her tone sharp.

Hog, Kuina, and Nojiko all stared warily at the figure on top of the carriage, even preparing for battle. They could tell this person was no ordinary opponent.

"Marine Admiral Aokiji, what are you doing here?" Ryuen frowned as he looked at Aokiji.

"Marine Admiral?" 

"He's one of the Three Admirals, Aokiji?" The other members of the Dream Exploration Team exclaimed in shock. 

They hadn't expected to encounter the legendary Marine Admiral—Aokiji—here!

"Ah-la-la..." 

"I've been waiting here for quite a while," Aokiji said as he lazily climbed down from the carriage, yawning and rubbing his sleepy eyes.

Anya frowned and muttered, 

"Hmm... Are we really going to be okay?" 

--- 

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