The golden light of the desert sun cast long shadows as the crew gathered in front of the now-silent Rain Dinners. The eerie calm was a stark contrast to the chaos that had unfolded moments earlier inside the casino. Crocodile was gone. The true Crocodile, at least.
Standing at Luffy's side was his newest shadow—Shadow Crocodile, silent and imposing. Its presence sent chills down the spines of even the crew. His towering figure stood completely still, the wisps of shadow that formed his cloak drifting like smoke. There was no sign of humanity in his eyes, only obedience. Even his signature cigar no longer burned — he was a hollow reflection of the warlord he once was.
Vivi clutched her hands together, visibly shaking. Her mind raced with panic and guilt. "We have to go. Alubarna... the war will begin any moment now. Koza won't listen if we're too late. People will die."
"We're not done yet," Luffy said, his voice steady. "The real fight is about to start."
Robin stepped forward, each of the Straw Hats instantly tensing. Zoro reached for his swords. Sanji moved in front of Nami, cigarette dangling loosely from his lips. Even Usopp raised his slingshot, hands shaking despite his bravado.
"Wait," Luffy said, holding out his arm.
Robin stopped a few paces away, her expression unreadable. There was no aggression in her stance, only measured calm. "I'm not your enemy. I never was. I served Crocodile because I had to. But now that he's gone... I want to help."
"Help?" Zoro's voice was sharp. "Why should we trust you? You were helping him destroy this country."
"Because the bomb he planted in Alubarna will go off in less than an hour," she said flatly, her tone cutting through the tension like a blade.
Everyone froze.
Vivi's eyes widened. "No... no, it can't be. The square will be packed with soldiers and civilians."
"Where is it?!" Nami demanded, stepping forward.
Robin looked to the horizon. "It's already moving. It's on a timer. Baroque Works planted it to wipe out both armies in one blow. If we don't stop it, no one will be left to save."
Luffy's expression didn't change, but his voice deepened. "Then we move."
As Robin explained the bomb's location, Vivi laid out the routes they could take using her knowledge of the region. The crew gathered around a roughly drawn map etched into the sand. Time was against them. The rebel army was already approaching Alubarna from the southern ridge. The royal guards were massing on the western gate. The clock was ticking.
"We have to split up," Vivi said urgently, pointing at the different paths. "Some of us have to stop the fighting. The rest have to find that bomb."
"Fine," Zoro said, resting a hand on one of his blades. "But I don't like splitting up with that thing walking beside us." He glanced at Shadow Crocodile, who remained motionless but menacing.
"He listens to me," Luffy said calmly. "He's part of my crew now."
Usopp gulped. "Y-Yeah, but still... it's Crocodile. A shadow version is still scary."
Sanji nodded. "I'll go with Vivi. She needs protection, and we need someone who can run interference if things get heated."
"I'll take Robin and the shadows," Luffy said. "We'll go straight through the canyon and flank the enemy from behind."
Usopp volunteered to carry extra supplies, strapping on a large backpack despite the sweltering heat. He grumbled under his breath but didn't hesitate—his loyalty to Vivi and the crew outweighed his complaints. Nami, after a brief hesitation and glance at Luffy, agreed to join the group heading toward the rebel army, hoping to stop the conflict before it began.
They mounted a giant desert crab—one of the only creatures fast enough to traverse the terrain in time. The heat pressed down like a curse. The sun was merciless, and the sands shimmered as if on fire. As they separated into groups, dust clouds rose in their wake.
Robin rode beside Luffy in silence for a while, her arms resting on her lap, her gaze fixed on the horizon. The desert was vast, but the urgency made every second feel like an eternity.
"You're not like the boy in the bounty posters," she said softly.
"I'm not," Luffy replied without looking at her. "Not anymore."
She studied him, her expression unreadable. There was no playful charm in him, no reckless grins. Only someone who had seen too much and held back even more.
"I believe you," she said finally. The wind caught her cloak, fluttering it gently as the crab rumbled forward.
Far ahead, near the capital of Alubarna, the tension was at its peak. Civilians had evacuated to nearby shelters, and the once-busy marketplace stood empty. Armed soldiers lined the streets, rifles and spears at the ready. Banners of the royal family whipped in the wind, while sand stung the eyes of the nervous guards.
Koza stood at the head of the rebel army, shouting orders to maintain formation. Sweat poured down his brow, both from heat and anxiety. "We want peace! But if they attack first, don't hold back! Keep your eyes sharp!"
Opposite them, the royal army was bracing themselves for retaliation, their commanders convinced the rebels were making the first strike. The desert wind carried tension and confusion.
From a nearby rooftop, two familiar figures watched over the chaos like vultures: Mr. 1 and Miss Doublefinger.
Miss Doublefinger held a compact detonator, tapping her nail against its edge. "Thirty-five minutes. That's all we need."
Mr. 1's expression didn't change. "Once it goes off, they'll blame each other. Alabasta will tear itself apart from within."
They turned to leave, confident that their plan was unfolding perfectly.
A sudden gust of wind swept across the rooftop. The sun dimmed for a moment. Shadows deepened unnaturally.
Then, silence.
From the edge of the building, a towering figure emerged.
Shadow Crocodile.
It stepped forward, its heavy footfalls soundless yet powerful. The air around it seemed to warp from the unnatural aura. Mr. 1 tensed, sensing danger for the first time. His hand slowly reached for his blade.
Miss Doublefinger narrowed her eyes. "That… that's not our Crocodile."
Back in the canyon, Luffy suddenly stopped running. The others halted behind him, panting and dust-covered.
Robin blinked. "What is it?"
Luffy didn't answer right away. His eyes were closed, his brow furrowed in concentration. His shadow twitched slightly, connecting with the distant location through the link he now shared with Crocodile's shadow. He could see it—not with sight, but with instinct, with darkness.
Sweat trickled down his jaw. His fingers curled into fists.
He opened his eyes slowly, a spark of clarity in his gaze.
"I see it."
Robin straightened. "See what?"
Luffy looked at her, his expression dark, jaw clenched.
"The bomb. It's already in place. And it's about to be activated."
To be continued...
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