Chapter 646

Why would he command such deep respect from Father?

Impossible to understand.

Her little head spun with unanswered questions.

"Big brother seems really powerful."

Weiwei thought.

Lu En savored the exquisite feast while chatting merrily with Cobra.

After the banquet,

he gained a new thought in his heart.

Since Cobra was so eager to curry favor…

it would be unreasonable for him not to do something for the Alabasta Kingdom.

So,

he gave Cobra a Den Den Mushi.

And explained to him: "If anything happens to the Alabasta Kingdom, use this Den Den Mushi to contact me—I will come to help you once."

"Of course."

"But if it's not a matter of life or death for Alabasta, don't contact me. Opportunities for me to act are rare—King Cobra, treasure this."

Lu En had no spare time to handle trivial matters for the Alabasta Kingdom.

That's why

he solemnly warned Cobra.

Only in the direst moment of Alabasta's survival could this Den Den Mushi be used to contact him.

He would act for Alabasta only once.

Just once!

"Thank you, Mr. Lu En."

"Everything you've done for Alabasta, I, on behalf of all its people, offer you our highest respect."

"Rest assured, Mr. Lu En—I will not lightly dial this Den Den Mushi unless it's urgent."

Cobra, having received Lu En's promise, beamed with joy.

His goal had been achieved.

The reason he courted Lu En, chose to befriend him,

was…

to secure a protective talisman for Alabasta?

And now,

having received Lu En's gift of a Den Den Mushi, Cobra had finally gotten what he wanted.

Cobra knew well.

The seemingly young Lu En was a terrifying supreme being!

To possess a single promise of action from such a being,

was already more than enough to satisfy Cobra.

"Such a terrifying existence, ranked at the very peak of the seas…"

"has promised to act for our Alabasta Kingdom."

"This is already my greatest fortune, and the greatest luck for countless Alabasta citizens."

"Do not press further."

"Otherwise, excess invites reversal—if this being grows displeased with Alabasta, it would be disastrous."

As a king, Cobra naturally had his own calculations.

He gripped the Den Den Mushi tightly, cradling it like a priceless treasure.

"King Cobra, thank you for your hospitality."

"My task is complete—I will not linger in Alabasta any longer."

"Farewell."

Lu En waved his hand.

"Please, Mr. Lu En, take care—and if you ever return, we hope you'll visit again."

Cobra nodded hastily.

Before leaving,

Lu En ruffled Weiwei's hair, bent down, and whispered with a smile: "In the future, you'll meet a group of very interesting companions."

"Alright, I'm off."

"Remember to keep this secret."

He waved again,

then stepped away.

He grew farther and farther,

until he vanished.

Watching Lu En's retreating figure, Cobra stared blankly, his heart filled with emotion.

For a being of this caliber to have descended upon Alabasta—and left behind a promise—was already an extraordinary blessing.

After a long while,

Cobra curiously asked Weiwei beside him: "What did that Mr. just say to you?"

Upon hearing this,

Weiwei stirred from her daze.

Her beautiful eyes sparkled as she smiled with innocent delight: "Father, I won't tell you—it's a secret. My secret with Lu En brother."

The little girl's innocent smile infected Kobra.

"Alright, alright, I won't ask."

Kobra laughed.

…

From the capital of Alabasta, Alubarna, all the way to the port coast, Lu En spent roughly half an hour.

Half an hour later.

He successfully returned to Alabasta's port.

Gazing from afar,

he saw his small sailboat, quietly moored at the edge of the port, with no signs of any thief having touched it.

Splash!

The sea breeze brushed gently, waves crashing, producing crisp, pleasant sounds.

The melodious rhythm of the ocean currents sounded like beautiful musical notes.

The calm sea surface rippled with gentle waves.

The sailboat moored at the port swayed faintly with the ripples rising from the shore.

Stepping onto the sailboat's deck from the port,

Lu En's eyes flickered as he gazed deeply toward Alabasta.

Soon,

he withdrew his gaze.

Turning his head,

he looked toward the endless ocean ahead, and a thought rose in his mind.

"If I remember correctly,"

"it's been over a year since I last returned to the East Blue."

"Leaving Windmill Village felt like yesterday."

"Clear as day…"

"Yet in truth, I've been away from Windmill Village for more than a year."

Lu En felt profound emotion.

Days away from home…