The blade on Mr. 1's arm was effortlessly blocked by a wooden staff that suddenly appeared.
No matter how hard Mr. 1 pushed, he couldn't move the blade even an inch further.
"This ends here…"
Koby flicked his wrist lightly. The end of the mop exploded with force, smashing the bulky Mr. 1 into the palace wall. The candles flickered violently, casting distorted shadows across the hall.
"Se… Seven Warlords of the Sea!!!"
Miss Doublefinger staggered back in shock, eyes wide as she stared at the now-revealed Luffy and Crocodile, muttering in disbelief:
"What… what is going on!?"
As intelligence operatives, and particularly as bounty hunters, they knew this face.
The user of the Mole-Mole Fruit, Ms. Christmas, squeaked in her harsh voice:
"Two… TWO Warlords of the Sea…?
Is the world about to change!?"
They had never seen the true power of the world.
In their understanding, the Shichibukai were second only to the Four Emperors!
Instantly, countless thoughts swirled in the minds of every Baroque agent…
Attack the Four Emperors? Destroy the Marine? Or… unite the world!?
"You don't need to guess anymore."
Luffy stepped forward, seemingly reading their minds from their expressions, and spoke slowly.
He then nodded slightly at Vivi, who had returned to her original princess appearance, a subtle acknowledgment of her performance, a reward in itself.
After all, Vivi would now face the world under the banner of Starry Sky.
Insufficient presence could embarrass the name…
As Lu Xun once said: If your power isn't enough, make up the aura!
Luffy had already hinted this to Vivi.
This test was merely to see if Vivi could reach the level of impressive composure he required.
She proved herself naturally gifted in it, no training needed.
Crocodile stood beside Luffy, glancing at his subordinates and then at Koby, who had sent Mr. 1 flying with a single strike. He shook his head inwardly.
These two weren't even in the same weight class.
Even as a Warlord, Crocodile admitted he was weaker than Luffy.
But his strongest subordinate being easily sent flying by one of the supposedly weakest members of the Starry Sky crew…
The gap was like an impassable chasm!
Yet, Crocodile found it advantageous.
He didn't expect the Starry Sky crew to ignore the person responsible for Orubia's death.
The stronger they were, the more likely revenge would be exacted!
"Old Mr. Croc, you go take care of your subordinates first."
Luffy walked toward the highest throne, leaving Crocodile slightly behind, and said:
"And if you don't mind, I hope from now on you can be a support for Princess Vivi!"
"W-What!?"
Vivi, kneeling beside the throne, was startled.
Luffy didn't answer directly, only offering a faint smile.
Since he had decided to bring Vivi under Starry Sky's banner, he would do it properly.
Vivi's combat abilities weren't extraordinary.
She was adequate, better than some, worse than others.
In Luffy's eyes, her combat level was barely distinguishable from a low-tier fighter.
But…
As a descendant of the Nefertari family, with 800 years, possibly even longer, of royal lineage…
Her talent for governance and strategy far surpassed most rulers in the pirate world.
Looking at the kings of this world, most were eccentric at best.
Very few could match the Nefertari family's capability.
Plus, from what Luffy knew, Vivi genuinely cared about her people.
Thus, he decided Crocodile and Baroque Works would become her support, helping Vivi reach the standard he desired.
Soon, whether impressed by strength or persuaded by Crocodile's promises, the remaining five senior Baroque agents fully submitted to Crocodile's control.
As Crocodile walked, their curious glances occasionally flicked to Luffy on the throne.
These relatively weak operatives didn't interest Luffy.
He was far more intrigued by the legendary ancient weapon, Pluton.
Luffy yawned, stretching, and finally asked Crocodile:
"Is everything taken care of?"
They had been waiting since the afternoon for the Baroque agents to arrive, a whole day wasted!
Accustomed to the endless entertainment of the Going Merry, Luffy was bored with the simple palace.
Since Vivi had met his standard, he wanted to finish the day efficiently.
"Yes…"
Crocodile replied calmly, unfazed by his current subordinate position.
Even the fiercest crocodile can be restrained by humans.
Nothing commands respect like overwhelming power.
"That's good…"
Luffy nodded again, then turned his gaze to Vivi.
At this point, she no longer carried the aura of a ruler.
She was like a student, patiently waiting for Luffy's guidance.
"Princess Vivi…"
"Luffy-sama, just call me Vivi…
The title of princess ends today.
From now on, in this world, I am Vivi of Starry Sky, not the Princess of Arabasta!!!"
Before Luffy could finish, Vivi interrupted, perfectly timed.
Her interjection neither annoyed Luffy nor sounded sycophantic.
Perhaps… this was the mindset of a ruler.
Timing, tone, choice of words, all mattered.
Luffy smiled faintly and said:
"Good, Vivi.
As I said, from today, Crocodile will be your greatest support.
Don't let his past actions cloud your judgment.
In this world, there is only strength and weakness, not right or wrong."
"Against him, or even against me, when necessary, using certain means is justified…"
"I understand!"
Before Luffy could finish, Vivi eagerly replied:
"I understand!
I see your point, Luffy-sama.
Kindness alone can't solve everything.
I also know you didn't help me simply because I was helpless.
Though it might sound blunt, you actually chose to help this weak country because of Koby, didn't you!?"
"Yes… not entirely, but that played a big part.
But your kindness also moved me."
Luffy explained lightly to Vivi.
"I understand.
That's why, in principle, you are forming a military force, using Starry Sky's name to spread Koby's vision of justice worldwide."
Smart Vivi had spent the afternoon thinking furiously.
Considering everything she had encountered recently, she now understood it all.
She realized she wasn't alone.
She had to seize this opportunity to showcase herself fully.
"Luffy-sama, after thinking all afternoon, I may have a better plan."
"Oh?"
Luffy raised his interest:
"Tell me…"
Vivi spoke with a questioning tone:
"Sir Koby hopes to ensure that the weak can live peaceful and safe lives, right?"
Luffy signaled to Koby with his eyes, who nodded, uncertain but affirming.
Vivi then raised her voice, clearly:
"But I think… Sir Koby's idea is completely wrong!"
"What…?"
Luffy stared at Vivi, curiosity piqued.
He wanted to hear what she would say.
Despite having no right to speak on combat, she had unmatched wisdom in strategy and management.
This was her moment to shine.