So this is Princess Vivi of Alabasta?

She's got guts.

Reiju gave her an approving glance.

Kaya, Nojiko, and the others were equally impressed by the courage Vivi displayed.

Because the World Government had hidden the true actions of the Straw Hat crew in Alabasta, Kaya, Makino, and Nojiko didn't know that Vivi was close to Luffy, Nami, and the others.

[Name: Nefeltari Vivi]

[Identity: Princess]

[Skills: None]

[Talent: Beloved by the People]

[Affection: 10]

[Combat Power: 1-Star]

[Beloved by the People: Quickly earns the favor and admiration of others]

Whoa—

This "Beloved by the People" talent fit perfectly with his pirate crew system.

Looking at her profile, Sora smiled.

Now he had another reason to take Vivi with him.

"Vivi, you don't need to do this…"

Cobra was alarmed by her response.

Vivi walked to his side and whispered softly, "Father, haven't you realized our current situation?"

"All of the palace guards have been defeated. Whether I say yes or no doesn't really matter anymore."

"We don't have a choice."

Cobra sighed deeply in despair.

Vivi then turned, eyes full of tension, and looked up at Sora, who sat on the throne.

She had been telling the truth—there was no real choice to make.

Vivi didn't care much about the fact that Sora had attacked the Celestial Dragons.

What truly scared her were the rumors about him killing the kings of Kachinov and Goa Kingdom.

That was why she had chosen to compromise without hesitation.

If he had already killed two kings, he probably wouldn't mind adding a third.

And if her indecision caused him to harm her father, she would never forgive herself.

"In that case, let's go."

Once Vivi agreed, Sora didn't waste time. He stood up—he had to head for Jaya Island and intercept Nami and Robin from the Straw Hats.

Reiju, Kaya, Nojiko, and the others quickly followed.

As his personal maids, staying close was their job—and their desire.

Anna and Shalria, stationed by the palace doors, rushed to his side, each taking one side as they flanked him.

"You don't need to worry, Vivi," Makino said gently, stopping beside Cobra and Vivi. "Sora isn't as bad as you think."

"Didn't you notice? All the guards were just knocked out."

With that, she quickly caught up with the rest.

Sora glanced over at her and muttered, "Busybody."

Before Makino could reply, Kaya grabbed Sora's hand with a grin. "She just didn't want you to be misunderstood."

"Exactly!" Nojiko chimed in, defending Makino.

Makino smiled silently as the others came to her defense.

Sora gave a wry smile. "Ganging up on me, huh? Fine. I'll punish you all together later."

The three girls blushed. It wouldn't be the first time they'd all been "punished" at once…

"…He really didn't kill anyone," Cobra muttered as he watched Sora and the others walk away.

Thanks to Makino's reminder, he finally noticed it too.

"And… that's Lady Shalria, isn't it? Why is she wearing that…"

Cobra was stunned as he watched the formerly arrogant Celestial Dragon obediently walking beside Sora, not at all like someone under duress.

If the other Celestial Dragons knew one of their own was now someone else's maid, they'd probably go insane.

They, who loved enslaving others, couldn't possibly accept that they were being enslaved.

"That's really her," Vivi confirmed. "And the other maid is Princess Anna."

"They both seem to have fallen for Sora. They obey him completely."

Even Vivi had been shocked when she first learned who they were.

"Father, take care of yourself," she said softly.

Looking back one last time, Vivi smiled through her tears, then hurried after Sora and the others.

Though she now understood Sora didn't harm the innocent, she didn't dare overstep and try to go back on her word.

Sora saw Vivi catch up and nodded in satisfaction.

The more he saw of Vivi—her sense of timing, her judgment—the more he liked her.

"Vivi!"

Cobra called out, trying to chase after them.

Hearing that the Celestial Dragons Shalria and Anna had both fallen for Sora left his heart bitter cold.

Now he finally understood why Sora hadn't laid a finger on him.

He was after Vivi!

"Ready?" Sora asked, looking at Nojiko once they were outside the palace.

"Always," she grinned. "I can blast anytime."

Satisfied, Sora turned to Vivi with a smile. "Vivi, have your Super Spot-Billed Duck Squad give us a lift."

He'd always wanted to try riding one of those.

"Alright." Vivi nodded and gave a whistle.

She wanted Sora's group to leave the kingdom as quickly as possible.

"Quack-quack-quack!!"

Soon, Karoo arrived with over a dozen ducks in tow, amazing Kaya and the others.

Sora looked over the group and picked the biggest one.

Men always liked the biggest, after all.

"Give me your hand."

Seated atop the duck, Sora smiled and extended his right hand toward Vivi.

Blushing, she nervously placed her hand in his.

In one swift motion, Sora pulled her into his arms.

"Hahaha, let's go!"

Holding the flustered Vivi in his embrace, Sora burst into laughter as they took off toward the palace gates.

Kaya and the others, already mounted on their ducks, quickly followed.

"Vivi!"

"Take these with you!"

Cobra came running out of the palace with a cart full of her favorite clothes and belongings.

Since he couldn't stop her from leaving, this was the least he could do.

"Father…"

Tears flowed down Vivi's cheeks as she watched him chase after them.

Makino, thoughtful as ever, stopped her duck, ran back, and packed everything into her storage box before catching up with the group.

BOOM!!!

Behind them, a powerful explosion rang out from inside the Alabasta palace.

It was as if the kingdom itself was giving Vivi a grand send-off.