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In the end, determined to prove he wasn't hopelessly directionally challenged, Zoro set out to find Luffy and the other four.
Zoro was well aware of his terrible sense of direction, but precisely because he knew about it, he was even more determined to prove otherwise.
Ikki, understanding Zoro's stubbornness, didn't stop him. Instead, she enlisted Karoo, the trusty local duck, to accompany him.
Psyduck, seemingly eager to join Zoro on his quest, also decided to follow along.
And so, Zoro ventured off with two ducks in tow to search for four "geese"...
After Zoro left, Ikki and the others continued their journey toward Nanohana, the town of rapeseed flowers.
Nanohana, being a port city, remained prosperous despite the drought that plagued most of Alabasta. Thanks to its coastal location, it enjoyed a steady supply of water and food.
Because Crocodile knew very little about the Straw Hats or Vivi, there was no need for them to act covertly. The group freely explored the town, shopping and restocking their supplies.
Meanwhile, at the port of Nanohana...
Smoker's Marine warship had just arrived.
"Captain Smoker, should we... enter Nanohana as well?" Tashigi asked. She had already spotted the Going Merry at the harbor, confirming that the Straw Hats were in town.
"Of course," Smoker replied, exhaling a puff of smoke. "We need to purchase supplies. After that, we'll cross the desert and head straight for Rainbase to deal with Crocodile."
He turned to address the Marines behind him. "We'll be crossing the desert soon. Stay alert!"
The response from the soldiers was less than enthusiastic, with many looking visibly drained.
It wasn't their fault. These were mostly East Blue Marines, unused to the harsh conditions of the Grand Line. Now, they not only had to endure the challenges of the sea but also prepare for a grueling trek across a desert.
Smoker, noticing some of them looking unwell, frowned. "Anyone not feeling up to it can stay on the ship," he announced.
Relief washed over the faces of several weaker soldiers. However, they also knew this meant they would lose any chance of advancing their careers or earning recognition at Marine Headquarters.
Smoker wasn't concerned. Among his crew, there were still soldiers with potential and solid physical conditioning. He had already decided to bring those he deemed capable back to Marine Headquarters after dealing with Crocodile.
"These will be the ones I'll rely on when I return," Smoker thought to himself, the rest already dismissed in his mind.
With that, Smoker, Tashigi, and over twenty Marines disembarked, ready to move into Nanohana.
Back with Ikki and the others...
Thanks to Vivi, who had lived in the desert all her life, the group efficiently completed their errands, gathering supplies and information with ease.
Not far from Nanohana, the Revolutionary Army had established a base, making it relatively easy to gather intelligence about their movements.
Currently, only a small contingent of the Revolutionary Army was stationed in Katorea. The majority of their forces had moved to Yuba, preparing for a major offensive against the kingdom's capital.
If they wanted to stop the Revolutionary Army, they would need to reach Yuba as quickly as possible!
After hearing Vivi share what she knew about the Revolutionary Army, Ikki frowned in thought.
"If we wait for Zoro and the others to find Luffy, there's no telling how long that will take," he said. "We should head to Yuba first. At the very least, we can try to stop the Revolutionary Army with some... convincing arguments."
Ikki genuinely wanted to help Alabasta and support Vivi as her partner. Beyond that, his Justice Marine system spurred him on; the more people he could save, the more justice points he could earn.
He remembered how, in the end, Luffy defeated Crocodile, and the Straw Hats dismantled Baroque Works. But even so, the war didn't stop. The casualties during the conflict had been enormous. If they could prevent the fighting, they might save countless lives.
"What about Zoro and the others?" Vivi asked worriedly.
"Don't worry!" Nami said, patting Vivi reassuringly on the shoulder. "You know Zoro, Luffy, and the others. They're tough as nails. Besides, Karoo is with them—he'll keep them on the right path!"
Sanji, lighting a cigarette, chimed in. "That moss-headed idiot might be hopeless when it comes to directions, but he's reliable when it matters. Vivi, you don't need to worry about them. Right now, the most important thing is stopping the rebellion in your kingdom."
Vivi nodded solemnly, her resolve clear.
Seeing her agreement, Ikki stepped toward the door of the cozy hut.
"In that case, let's not bother crossing the desert on foot—we'll just fly there!"
"Haha! That's so convenient!" Sanji and Nami grinned, preparing to enter the hut. But Vivi paused, looking at Ikki.
"Do you even know how to get to Yuba?" she asked skeptically.
Ikki froze, his face betraying his discomfort. While he wasn't as hopeless as Zoro, navigating an unfamiliar desert wasn't exactly his strength.
Vivi sighed knowingly. "Ikki, just take me with you. I'll guide the way!"
"Alright," Ikki agreed, lifting Vivi effortlessly into a princess carry.
Sanji, who had been lingering at the door, froze in shock. Vivi, wearing the dancer outfit he had bought for her, now nestled in Ikki's arms—it was too much for him. His blood boiled with jealousy as the sight sent him into a frenzy.
"VIVI-CHWAAAAN!!!"
Ikki, unimpressed, rolled his eyes and delivered a swift kick, sending Sanji flying into the cozy hut.
With that settled, Ikki took off into the sky with Vivi in his arms, heading straight for Yuba.
Meanwhile, in the desert...
Far from town, a group of four geese trudged through the sand.
With Bon Clay leading the way, they soon spotted the Spider's Cafe. The establishment, conveniently located near Nanohana, served as a key meeting point for Baroque Works agents.
Without hesitation, Bon Clay rushed toward the cafe, letting out a series of triumphant honks.
Just as he was about to charge inside, several figures emerged: the stoic Mr. 1, the sultry Miss Doublefinger, the short and stocky Miss Merry Christmas, and the towering Mr. 4.
The agents had just received orders to head to Rainbase immediately for a meeting with their elusive boss, Mr. 0.
Seeing the approaching goose, Mr. 1 frowned in irritation and delivered a sharp kick.
But Bon Clay was no ordinary goose. Swift and nimble, he dodged the attack with ease.