Chapter 49

Zoro and Sanji looked over too—this thing really did look convenient—especially for Zoro, who was famously bad with directions; this was a lifesaver!

But Sima Di just shrugged.

"Temporary materialization is simple, but permanent manifestation costs too much. I need some time to recover, and... I'm starving."

Sanji understood instantly.

"Hold on, I'll go right away!"

This time Sanji put his full effort into it, and the dishes he made were delicious and perfectly to Sima Di's taste.

This pleased Sima Di greatly.

The third Hearthstone he crafted was also given to... Nami.

This was also strongly recommended by Sanji.

As a non-combat logistics member for now, she clearly needed the Hearthstone more.

After that, Sima Di didn't make any more Hearthstones, because the Merry Already had reached the shore, and he needed to conserve his energy for the battles that might follow.

After docking was complete,

Sima Di directly used his telekinesis, carrying the others as he flew toward the capital, Alubarna.

—The energy for the telekinesis was provided by the Rooster Talisman, and had little to do with Sima Di's own condition.

Flying through the air was much faster than traveling on the ground.

After half a day or so,

Sima Di caught sight of Alubarna's outline, and after another hour-plus of flying, finally landed on the city wall.

"Phew—"

"A bit tired."

Just as Sima Di was about to wipe his sweat, Robin Already had considerately wiped it for him.

This caught Sima Di off guard, and also made Sanji reveal a look of envy.

He wished Robin would wipe his sweat too!

But thinking about how he'd spent the past half day just "hitching a ride," he didn't have the face to say it.

【Cherry Blossom Tree!】

He raised his hand and released the Cherry Blossom Tree firework, and before long Vivi arrived riding her duck.

However, Sima Di and the others didn't relax their guard; instead, they raised the blue silk ribbon on their left arms.

Vivi understood,

and likewise untied the blue silk ribbon on her left arm, revealing the X-marked sign.

Matched—our own people.

Only then did Sima Di and the others finally breathe a sigh of relief; rushing as they had, they'd at least arrived before Crocodile.

"Sima! Luffy! You're both safe—I'm so glad!" Vivi said joyfully.

"Aiya~ Princess Vivi's concern is truly so moving!" Sanji instantly turned heart-eyed.

Vivi covered her mouth and laughed, long since accustomed to Sanji's enthusiasm.

"Let's go first; once everyone's gathered, we'll exchange information." Sima Di urged.

In the palace of Alabasta's Wang Gong, the Straw Hat Pirates and the royal family members were all present.

"... The basic situation is just that."

With Sima Di's explanation finished.

Luffy spoke first: "I got careless. If we do it again, I'll definitely send that guy flying!"

"No, being able to take out three senior agents—you've all done very well." Vivi shook her head.

This was a height she could never have reached before.

"Indeed, thank you all for your righteous assistance." Cobra expressed his thanks.

"Uncle, don't mention it—Vivi is our companion!" Luffy grinned.

That remark, however, made Cobra's Hu Zi tremble; his lips moved as if about to say something, but was stopped by Igaram, who tugged him back.

Your Majesty, don't do anything foolish—after all, you can still have more children!

Not many people noticed this detail.

"So right now... are we going to wait here like a tree stump waiting for a rabbit, letting Crocodile and the others walk right into our net?" Usopp asked.

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50. The historical original! A reward that devastates body and mind!

Facing Usopp's question,

Sima Di and Robin shook their heads in unison.

Sima Di looked at Robin; the latter smiled and gestured for Sima Di to speak.

"Crocodile won't come directly to Alubarna," Sima Di said. "He'll go find the rebel army, or directly replace Koza to command the rebel army, or follow the plan and impersonate Cobra to stir up conflict... I lean toward the former."

"Then what do we do now?" Nami asked tensely. "If Crocodile really takes control of the rebel army, then a bloody battle is unavoidable, isn't it?"

Hearing this,

Vivi, Cobra, and the other royal family members all showed expressions of worry and... resolve!

"It seems you've already made your decision." Sima Di looked at Cobra and suggested: "Although that plan can avoid the most casualties, there are still many backup plans..."

"No! There's no need!" Cobra shook his head. "We owe this country too much—we will never allow them to be hurt again! Let's proceed with that plan."

Although the other royal family members frowned, none of them spoke up to ask questions or voice objections.

Clearly, they were all informed and in agreement.

This was getting interesting, after all, that plan was......

"As expected of the Nefeltari clan, who could give up the status of Celestial Dragons — their vision and breadth of mind are truly beyond what ordinary people can compare to," Sima Di praised.

These words stirred up quite a ripple among the crowd!

"What?"

"We used to be Celestial Dragons?"

"Our ancestors actually gave up the Celestial Dragon identity......"

Cobra was also very surprised. This secret was now known by very few people; he hadn't expected the young man from the East Sea before him to know about it.

But he did not deny it either.

Now even Vivi was shocked!

"Father, is what Sima said true?"

"Whether it is or not, does it matter?" Cobra said: "The most important thing now is to let the citizens of this country live and work in peace and happiness; everything else is already a thing of the past."

Seeing that there were still people wanting to ask questions, Cobra directly changed the subject.

"Vivi, properly entertain your companions. Didn't you promise to show them...... I've already told you the location and method, go on."

These words made Sima Di and Robin's eyes light up!

Seeing this, Vivi,

did not ask any further, and led the Straw Hat Pirates group away.

Arriving at the palace gate,

Vivi turned and said: "Those who want to see the historical original can come with me; those who don't want to go and want to rest or do other things can talk to Igaram, and he will arrange things properly."

Igaram nodded and said: "Mama mama, please everyone don't be polite!"

The crowd were not the polite type either.

"I want to go see the royal library!" Chopper said expectantly.

"I wonder if this country has any powerful swordsmen?" Zoro asked.

"I want to eat! No seafood! I want meat!" Laboon raised his little hand.

"I want meat too!" Luffy, simple and clear.

"Then I'll go check out the royal kitchen."

In the end,