A few minutes after Sanji and Roronoa Zoro arrived at the rendezvous point, another group came sprinting toward them. It was the shopping team—Nami, Kaya, Vivi, Alvida and Kruz—but they were far from alone.
Behind them, several men in dark uniforms were closing in fast. Agents of Baroque Works. The girls weaved through the marketplace, clutching their purchases and dashing past startled shoppers.
"Help!" Nami shouted, voice cracking. "Some guys are chasing us!"
Kaya and Vivi glanced over their shoulders, fear on their faces. The sun glinted off metal blades as the agents advanced.
Alvida took a step backward, placing herself between the pursuers and the girls. Though she could fight, engaging these agents now would put the rest at risk. With a curt nod, she moved to flank the rear while the group continued their retreat.
Kruz's pace faltered. He was overloaded—bags bulged at his sides, more than he'd meant to carry. He tripped over his own bundle, swearing under his breath.
"Come on, Kruz!" Mikita stretches her hand, steadying him with her ability. "Focus!"
As the agents closed in, Sanji, Zoro and Gin heard the alarm and tensed. Without any words, they sprung up to action. The agents ahead smirked, confident—until they faced the three who now running pass the girls, and facing them.
Just then, someone slipped silently among the Baroque Works. It was Zino.
"Watch out—!" one agent cried.
Suddenly, the ground before them spiralled. A thin line of white dust twisted up, then expanded rapidly.
"Fujin!" (*Dust Storm!*)
Zino called out, stepping into the center of the group. The wind around him roared.
A cyclone erupted in seconds, spiralling outward with terrifying speed. Shopping bags and crates were swept aside as the tornado unleashed its hunger. The agents screamed as the wind bent their bodies, ripped weapons loose from their grips.
"Aaah!"
"Help!"
"Nooo!"
Their howls echoed as one by one they were caught in the vortex, tumbling upward with arms flailing and despair on their faces.
Sanji and Gin hurriedly pulled the girls further away, while Zoro stayed near enough to intercept any stragglers.
Zino's figure stood centered, eyes glinting with cold determination.
"Let's dance," Zino murmured into the swirling wind.
Then, as though stepping on invisible currents, he vanished—moving inside the storm with predatory speed.
"Arasatsujin!" (*Storm Slaughter!*)
he roared, his voice slicing through the chaos.
Within the storm's heart, Zino became a blur of motion—each punch a burst of shockwave, each strike a slash of wind. Shock after shock, the agents inside were battered. Bodies surged, collided, spun—and broke.
"Ran-geki!" (*Storm Clap!*)
Zino announced, delivering his finishing move. His hand swept downward, and the cyclone responded—turning its upward thrust into a brutal U‑turn, crashing back into the ground in a deafening explosion.
Wind and dust scattered in an instant; the cyclone collapsed around Zino, who landed with composure as the dust settled. The marketplace stood quiet now, every agent defeated, unconscious or fleeing.
Sanji exhaled, flicking his cigarette away. "Well… that was efficient."
Zoro holstered his swords. "Could've gone smoother."
Gin wiped sweat from his brow. "You really pulled that off, Zino."
Kruz staggered in, rubbing his sore ankles, bag dangling from one arm. "Er… thanks, everyone."
Nami collapsed onto her butt, panting and shaken. "Don't scare us like that again," she muttered, brushing dirt from her skirt.
Zino simply shrugged, his expression unreadable. "We're done here," he said, turning away from the scattered agents. "Our fight probably attracted enough attention."
Ussop glanced nervously at the pile of unconscious enemies sprawled across the broken square. "Uh… what about them?" he asked, gesturing toward the groaning forms. "Aren't we supposed to… tie them up or something?"
"Leave them," Zino replied bluntly. "Let the local enforcers—or the Marines—deal with the cleanup."
There was a brief pause as everyone processed that. Then one by one, they nodded in agreement. They had what they came for, and it was time to go.
With the adrenaline of the battle still fading, the crew moved out, leaving the aftermath behind. They navigated their way through the back alleys and quiet streets, avoiding further attention. When they reached the banks of the Sandora River, Zino approached the water with purpose.
FWOOOM!
In a splash of river water and steam, the Silent Orca landed and floated calmly on the river's surface.
The crew wasted no time. One by one, they boarded the vessel, settling into their positions. As the sails unfurled and the engine quietly activated, the Silent Orca pushed off from the riverbank and drifted away from Nanohana, leaving the chaos behind.
…
Meanwhile—somewhere off the coast of Alabasta.
A Marine vessel cut through the waves, its white sails bearing the unmistakable emblem of justice. The sea breeze carried the scent of urgency as the ship made straight for Nanohana.
Aboard the deck, Captain Smoker stood near the railing, his thick coat billowing behind him, two cigars clenched in his mouth as always. Beside him, the ever-dutiful Tashigi adjusted her glasses and reviewed the latest reports.
They had received troubling intelligence: multiple Baroque Works agents had gone dark in Nanohana. The timing was too convenient—and suspiciously aligned with the recent arrival of a certain crew.
After several hours, their ship finally docked at Nanohana Port. Without hesitation, Smoker and Tashigi disembarked, boots clacking against the sun-baked wooden planks as they moved into the town.
They made their way toward the town square, where they paused at a local eatery. Upon entering, they immediately noticed the buzz.
The air was thick with gossip—shopkeepers, travelers, and dock workers all talking at once.
"A fire and ice explosion near the main street!"
"Someone said a tornado came outta nowhere, sent half the market flying!"
"There was a swordfight in the desert, too—whole place torn up!"
"And don't forget the assassins! Found unconscious outside town. Heard some pirates handed them their asses."
Smoker's eyes narrowed as he listened. He took a long drag of his cigars, smoke curling from his nostrils.
"Sounds like the Orcas passed through here," he muttered.
Tashigi adjusted her glasses. "Should we pursue?"
Smoker exhaled slowly, the tension building behind his stony gaze.
"We're not far behind. Let's move," Smoker said, standing up, and turning for the exit.
Then he paused mid-step, his gaze drifting westward toward the horizon. "Change of plan. We're heading to Rainbase."
Tashigi blinked. "Rainbase? Why there?"
Smoker narrowed his eyes, the ever-present cigars burning low. "Call it instinct," he muttered. "Crocodile's based there. I have a hunch that the Orcas are mixed up in Crocodile's business."
Tashigi hesitated, but she didn't argue. Over time, she'd learned that Smoker's gut feelings weren't to be taken lightly. With a nod, she adjusted her sword and followed after him.
As they approached the harbor to return to their ship, a group of local officers rushed toward them. The leader, a man in a dust-covered uniform and sun-worn badge, looked desperate.
"Captain Smoker!" the officer called out. "We need assistance!"
Smoker raised an eyebrow. "What kind of assistance?"
"There's been chaos across the city today—explosions, storms, and fighting. We've managed to capture dozens of dangerous individuals—assassins, agents, mercenaries—but…" He hesitated, lowering his voice. "Our holding cells are full. We don't have the manpower or space to keep them secured much longer."
"Shouldn't you be asking the king's guard for backup?" Tashigi asked, confused.
The officer grimaced. "We would, but… tensions are rising fast. The king's forces are preparing for conflict with the rebel faction. The royal army's stretched thin already. If we ask for more help, we risk being ignored—or worse, sparking panic."
Smoker let out a low grunt of frustration. This country really was on the brink.
Without a word, he reached into his coat and pulled out his Den Den Mushi communicator. Placing it to his mouth, he issued a direct transmission to Marine Headquarters.
"This is Captain Smoker. Situation in Nanohana escalating. Multiple high-threat individuals captured. Local authorities unable to contain them. Request immediate support vessel with secure holding capabilities. Send reinforcements."
The Den Den Mushi responded with a squawk and confirmation.
Smoker turned to the officer. "Help's on the way. A marine ship will be arriving shortly to relieve your burden. Until then, keep those agents restrained and under close watch."
The officer's shoulders sagged in relief. "Thank you, Captain Smoker. Truly."
Smoker gave a curt nod, already turning to leave. Tashigi followed close behind, glancing one last time at the damaged streets and scattered rubble—a silent reminder of the chaos left in the wake of the Orcas' visit.
They reached their ship without further delay and boarded swiftly. As the sails unfurled and the crew readied the vessel, Smoker stepped to the helm, eyes fixed southward.
"Rainbase," he muttered. "Let's see what's hiding in there."
...
The sun was high almost hiding in the horizon, and the sky is about to turn dark.
After hours of travel, the Orca crew made a short detour before reaching their next target—*Katorea*. Instead, they first stopped at a half-buried, wind-swept village that seemed on the verge of being swallowed by the sands.
This was Yuba.
As the crew disembarked and walked into the near-empty settlement, they noticed a single figure tirelessly working under the blazing sun. An old man, his back hunched and clothes worn, was digging into the sand with a crude shovel. Piles of dried earth and sand surrounded him, and his movements were slow but determined.
Vivi approached carefully, frowning at the sight. "Excuse me, sir," she called out. "Do you know someone named Koza? Is he still living in this village?"
The old man paused, his arms resting on the handle of his shovel. Then, with a sharp turn and narrowed eyes, he snapped, "Koza? That stubborn brat left long ago. Ran off to play soldier in his rebellion. That unfilial son..."
The sudden bitterness in his voice made Vivi flinch. The rest of the crew exchanged quiet glances behind her.
"If you're here to join him," the old man continued, voice gruff, "then you're not welcome. Go back where you came from!"
Vivi stepped forward, placing a hand on her chest. "We're not here to join the rebellion," she said with resolve. "We're here to stop it—before this country tears itself apart."
The old man blinked, staring at her for a long moment. Then, his weathered eyes widened with recognition.
"Wait... that voice… that face..." he muttered. "Princess Vivi? Is that you?"
Vivi's confusion turned into realization as she took a closer look at the man's features. His voice... his presence... it stirred an old memory.
"Toh Toh!" she gasped. "It's really you!"
A moment of warmth broke through the heat and sand as they shared a short reunion. Toh Toh dropped his shovel and let out a long sigh, wiping sweat from his brow.
"You've grown," he said. "But you're too late. Koza… that foolish boy already left. He's gone to Nanohana. Said it was time for the rebellion to move."
Vivi's face fell. "He's not here anymore…?" she murmured, her voice laced with disappointment.
"I tried to stop him," Toh Toh said, voice quieter now, the weight of years resting in every word. "Told him war wouldn't fix anything. But Koza wouldn't listen. He left with the others, said Nanohana was where the future of Alabasta would be decided."
The wind picked up slightly, tugging at his tattered sleeves as he looked around the quiet, abandoned village. "Yuba used to be full of life. Now…" He gave a bitter chuckle. "Now I'm the only fool still digging. Still hoping water will return. Still believing this desert hasn't given up on us."
He turned his back to them and resumed digging, the soft thump of his shovel the only sound for a moment.
"If you get the chance, Princess," he added without looking back, "smack some sense into that hot-headed brat for me."
Vivi swallowed hard, her hands curling into fists at her side. She gave a solemn nod. "I will."
Zoro stretched, looking at the fading light. "It's getting dark fast. What now?"
Zino eyed the darkening sky. "We rest here. Tomorrow, we decide—Katorea or Nanohana."
The others murmured in agreement, exhaustion settling in after the long journey.
Raising one hand, Zino called forth a wave of glimmering mist. In seconds, an *ice dome* rose from the sand, glistening under the twilight. The interior glowed faintly, casting a pale blue light through the walls. It was cool and quiet inside—a rare oasis of comfort in the harsh land.
Toh Toh paused mid-swing, staring at the igloo in disbelief. "That's… ice?"
"You're welcome to come in and rest," Nami offered, stepping aside.
The old man hesitated, then slowly walked over, touching the cold surface with both hands. "Can this be… turned to water?"
Zino shook his head gently. "Sorry, old man. It's not natural ice. It's elemental—part of my ability. If it melts, it won't quench thirst… just fade as mist."
Toh Toh sighed, then gave a weary smile. "Didn't think so. Still, thank you. It's been a while since I felt a cool breeze."
He turned and returned to his shallow pit, digging even as the sky dimmed to violet.