The Next Day — Rainbase, Rain Dinners Casino
Crocodile had just returned from putting down a group of rowdy pirates near the Sandora River. His public appearances, though rare, were crucial. As a so-called "hero" of Alabasta, he knew the importance of maintaining his image. Let the people believe he was their shield—while he quietly dismantled the kingdom from within.
He walked through the grand halls of the Rain Dinners Casino, cape swaying, boots echoing against marble floors. Entering his private chamber, he tossed his coat aside and sank into the plush velvet chair with a sigh of satisfaction.
Not long after, the door clicked open. In stepped Miss All Sunday—Nico Robin—graceful and composed as always, a faint smirk playing on her lips.
Crocodile didn't waste time. "So," he drawled, fingers steepled, "have the arrangements been made to capture King Cobra?"
Robin gave a slight nod. "Already in motion. The team is prepped. They'll make their move tomorrow—before sunrise."
Crocodile raised a brow. "Why not tonight?"
She tilted her head. "Because Pell and Chaka never leave the king's side. At dawn, they're usually distracted preparing the morning rounds. That small window is our best chance."
"Hmph... those two," Crocodile muttered, eyes narrowing. "Loyal to a fault. They could have been valuable pawns if they'd joined us."
Robin said nothing. She knew better than to respond to his musings.
Just then—
Puru puru puru... puru puru puru...
The Den Den Mushi on the desk began to ring, its eyes blinking open as it mimicked a neutral expression.
Robin reached out and picked up the receiver with casual ease. "Yes?"
A voice crackled through the receiver. "We've spotted a pirate ship docking at Nanohana Port. It's black, shaped like a whale. Based on the reports… it matches the description of the Orca Pirates."
Robin's eyes sharpened slightly. She looked at Crocodile.
Crocodile's expression darkened.
"So… they finally showed up."
He stood, exhaling a slow puff of smoke from his cigar. "Sink their ship."
Robin nodded, then repeated the order. "Understood. Sink the Orca Pirates' ship."
The Den Den Mushi clicked off.
...
Nanohana Port, Alabasta.
The Silent Orca glided into port, its sleek black hull cutting across the sea like a predator. The sun was high, casting a harsh glow over the desert city's golden rooftops. The scent of spice, heat, and saltwater filled the air.
"We're here," Vivi announced from the deck, her voice both calm and filled with urgency.
"So this is Alabasta…" Usopp muttered, leaning over the railing. His eyes widened as he took in the foreign landscape—sand as far as the eye could see, markets bustling with people, and towering sandstone buildings in the distance. "Man, it's hot already…"
"It's Nanohana Port," Vivi clarified. "One of the largest cities in Alabasta. A key trade hub."
The crew began preparing to disembark. There was no time to waste—Vivi knew this. So did Gin, Zino, and the others. So, they packed each a small bag, then Zino collected the ship into his Storage. After that they headed out.
Just when the Orca Pirates left, the horizon behind the docks darkened slightly—not from clouds, but from the silhouette of several large pirate battleships approaching the coastline. These vessels bore no Jolly Rogers, no flags of allegiance, only matte black sails and reinforced hulls—silent and ominous.
But strangely, they didn't dock.
The ships halted a short distance from the port, remaining adrift just beyond the harbor's boundaries. After a brief pause, small boats were lowered into the sea from the deck of each ship. A number of agents disembarked, rowing swiftly toward Nanohana's port under strict formation.
Unlike the weak agents typically deployed in outer regions like Whiskey Peak, these new arrivals exuded a dangerous air. Their uniforms were crisp, but practical, modified for quick combat. They moved like professionals—disciplined, cold, and efficient.
Among Baroque Works' ranks, there was a clear tier system of strength and responsibility. At the base level were standard agents—hundreds of them, easily replaced and generally expendable. Above them were the Thousand-tier Agents, competent but still considered fodder for larger operations. Then came the Million-tier Agents, elite enforcers and capable fighters trusted with critical missions.
But those who stepped onto the Nanohana docks now... they were a cut above all of them.
The Billion-tier Agents.
Feared even within the organization, Billion Agents were the cream of Baroque Works' fighting force—operatives entrusted with missions close to the core of Operation Utopia.
Their faces were either hidden behind masks or scarred from years of bloody experience. Each of them carried unique weapons, and their presence alone sent shivers down the spines of nearby townsfolk and lower-ranked agents.
As they landed, a group of Million Agents approached swiftly, saluting.
"You're late," one of the Billion Agents said curtly, his voice emotionless.
"Apologies," the Million Agent replied. "We've been monitoring the targets closely."
"Where are the Orca Pirates?" another Billion Agent asked, his tone sharper. "Where's their ship?"
The Million Agent gestured toward the town. "They entered the city Port not long ago."
"And their ship?"
The Million Agent hesitated. "One of them… touched it. A moment later, the entire ship vanished."
"Vanished?" one of the Billion Agents echoed. His eyes narrowed. "Explain."
"It shimmered and then disappeared entirely—as if it was swallowed by thin air."
The Billion Agents exchanged glances, their brows furrowing in suspicion.
"Teleportation? Dimensional storage?" one murmured.
Another answered grimly, "More likely a Devil Fruit ability."
"Tch. That complicates things," the lead agent muttered.
The first Billion Agent stepped forward, giving orders. "Fan out and monitor the town. Do not engage yet. If the Orca Pirates truly have a Devil Fruit user capable of hiding their ship, then we need confirmation of who they are… and what they're planning."
"And what if we find them?" asked a younger Billion Agent.
The lead operative's lips curled into a faint, dangerous smile. "Then we test how strong they really are."
The Million Agents stepped aside as the elite operatives moved deeper into the port, vanishing into alleys, and blending into the crowds.
...
Inside the bustling town of Nanohana, the group known as the Orca Pirates was hard to miss. With a sizable crew that included Zino, Alvida, Zoro, Nami, Kaya, Usopp, Sanji, Gin, Nojiko, Hibari, Binko, Vivi, Kruz, Stev, Chloris, and Moris, their presence drew attention almost immediately. Locals paused to stare, some whispering, others merely gawking at the sheer number of unfamiliar faces moving together in a tight cluster.
Not everyone from the crew was present. Vivi had already sent Karoo back to Alubarna with an urgent message for her father, the king of Alabasta. Another crew member, Miria, was no longer with them. Gin had informed Zino earlier—Miria had left quietly, heading off on her own mission to find Yohan, Zino's long-lost older brother.
Thinking about older brother, it triggered another memory in Zino's mind. He recalled someone else who was supposed to be in Alabasta at this time—Portgas D. Ace, the fire-wielding older brother of Luffy. If the butterfly effect hadn't disrupted too much, Ace should be somewhere in Nanohana right now.
"People are staring at us," Usopp muttered, pulling his hood slightly lower.
Seeing Ussop did that, Chloris and Moris also pulled their hood even lower. Both of them have a bit too much distinction from human. So, of course they are worried to be seen. Adding the fact that they were once got enslaved, they felt even more neee to hide their faces.
Zoro grunted. "Of course they are. We're moving around like a parade."
"And most of us look like total outsiders," Sanji added, eyes scanning the streets. "We're drawing too much attention."
Gin glanced around as well. "Maybe we should split up. Smaller groups won't attract as many eyes, and we can gather supplies faster."
The group looked toward Zino, waiting for his input. After a moment of consideration, he nodded.
"Yeah, good idea. Let's split into smaller teams," Zino agreed. "We'll regroup at the edge of town—there by the riverside." He pointed toward the distant corner of Nanohana, where a small dock overlooked the wide stream that curved around the town.
The others nodded in agreement.
Vivi stepped forward. "After we finish here, our next destination is Katorea. It's where the rebel army is gathering. I need to speak with Koza—their leader—and try to stop this war before it begins."
Zino glanced at her. He didn't fully remember all the intricacies of Alabasta's political conflict. The timeline was fuzzy, and the butterfly effects of their presence may have changed some events. But he trusted Vivi's resolve and knew that stopping the rebellion was important.
"All right," he said. "Get what we need, don't cause trouble, and stay alert."
The crew split into four distinct groups, each assigned with a task to complete before regrouping.
Group 1: Gin, Usopp, Binko, and Stev — tasked with acquiring clean water.
Group 2: Sanji, Zoro, Hibari, and Nojiko — responsible for gathering general supplies, which is food.
Group 3: Zino, Chloris, and Moris — designated to collect miscellaneous necessities and odd tools that didn't fall under food or water.
Group 4: Nami, Kaya, Alvida, Mikita, Vivi, and Kruz — naturally drifted toward what Nami called the "strategic shopping" team, focused on bartering, securing information, and gathering travel essentials from high-end stalls.
As the groups were called out, Sanji's face twisted in disbelief. His eyes locked on Kruz, who was already chatting with the girls.
"Why…" Sanji's voice trembled. "Why is *he* on the girls' team?"
Kruz blinked innocently, adjusting his glasses. "They asked me to carry the bags. That's all."
"That should be my job!" Sanji barked, a vein twitching on his forehead. His body trembled with envy. "I'm the one who carries their shopping bags! That's a sacred duty!"
Zino casually ignored the outburst as he collected small slips of notes from everyone — items they needed, special requests, or rare supplies. He wasn't just fast; he had the ability to store large amounts thanks to his spatial skill. It made sense for him to be the group's utility shopper.
"Alright, let's move out," Zino said, tucking the notes into his pouch. His calm leadership seemed to snap the crew into motion.
One by one, the groups peeled away, heading into different parts of the town. As the girls' group walked off in the opposite direction, their laughter echoing faintly, Sanji dropped to his knees in pure agony.
"Ladies… please don't forget me…"
Zoro walked past him with a deadpan stare. "Simp."
That one word stabbed Sanji in the heart like a dagger.
"WHAT did you just say?" Sanji sprang up like a flame, glaring daggers at Zoro.
"I said you're hopeless," Zoro muttered, already walking ahead.
Before the tension could explode into another classic argument, Nojiko stepped in. "Come on, Sanji. Let's focus. We need those supplies fast if we want to leave town before dark."
Her calm voice immediately pacified him. "Yes, Nojiko-san!!" Sanji snapped to attention, spinning with renewed energy. "Lead the way, and I'll carry everything you ask!"
Zoro rolled his eyes. "Unbelievable."
"Zoro, don't get lost," Hibari said from behind. "Stick with us."
"I'm not a kid!" Zoro protested.
"Could've fooled me," Hibari smirked.
Meanwhile, Gin's group was already heading to the outskirts, where a shop that sell clean water was there. Their task was more labor-intensive but crucial.
Zino's smaller group moved through alleyways with precision, slipping between stalls and prioritizing speed. He took mental notes of vendors and landmarks while while bringing the two dryads along.
As for the girls' group, Nami led with a confident stride. Kruz at the back gave Sanji — who was watching them from afar — a quick wave.
Sanji hissed. "He's doing it on purpose...!"
And so, the four groups dispersed into Nanohana, each blending into the town's busy rhythm.