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The desert kingdom of Alabasta.
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As one of the superpowers of the Grand Line, Alabasta has faced some difficulties in recent months.
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Being a desert land, it hasn''t seen a drop of rain in months.
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Strangely, however, the royal capital of Alabasta has been experiencing frequent rainfall lately.
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Many citizens are puzzled, but out of trust for their king, they haven''t questioned it deeply.
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Besides Alabasta, there is another place that has escaped the drought.
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The city of Rainbase, where it also rains, has recently become the base of an important figure.
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One of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Sir Crocodile.
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Since Crocodile has taken up residence here, pirate invasions have all but ceased, and he has established his headquarters in the largest casino in the land, "Rain Dinners".
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Unknown to the citizens and the royal family, the recent strange occurrences in the kingdom are all orchestrated by this so-called "National Hero".
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In reality, he is the leader of the Baroque Works criminal organization, known as Mr. 0.
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Crocodile sat in a dimly lit room, a cigar in his mouth, staring intently at the large tank in front of him.
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It wasn''t just a fish tank, but a large one that housed his pet crocodile.
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In the deadly silence, the crocodile suddenly spoke in a deep voice, "How''s that thing coming?"
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From the shadows, a mature but clearly distant voice replied:
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"The members of Baroque Works disguised as a transport team were discovered by that man named Koza while delivering the Dance Powder. It''s only a matter of time now."
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A woman wearing a white cowboy hat and a leather coat stepped out of the shadows.
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Her skin was a healthy tan, her eyes were a mix of blue and green, deep and alluring, and her features were delicate and charming.
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She was a woman of great spirit. Though she wore a smile, there was still a barrier between her and others.
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Crocodile grinned and chuckled, "Well done."
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"My plan is about to begin. Alabasta and this thing will both be mine."
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Crocodile thought, "But for that I need more subordinates..."
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"Have you found the strongest hunter from the East Blue?"
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The woman shook her head slightly and said, "He''s gone off the radar, but there''s information that he''s entering the Grand Line."
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Crocodile nodded and said, "Perfect. Take him to Whiskey Peak and talk to him."
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"Understood." The woman then asked, "What if he refuses to join us?"
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"Heh!"
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Crocodile laughed deeply and confidently, "Send Mr. 5."
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"A kid from the backwater of East Blue thinks he can gain freedom on the Grand Line just because he has some strength?"
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The woman''s beautiful but emotionless eyes showed a hint of contempt. She nodded and turned to leave.
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Crocodile''s voice called out behind her:
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"Nico Robin, do not forget our purpose and do not play any tricks."
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"You should understand that only the identity of a warlord can temporarily protect you, so don''t even think about running away."
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"Besides, where would you run to?"
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Robin showed no reaction to his words, but wore a fleeting expression of melancholy after leaving the room, which soon disappeared.
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...
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Meanwhile, at Noir''s side.
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Under the pouring rain, Noir and Ace''s ships reached the rising current of Reverse Mountain.
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Reverse Mountain has five water channels: four are ascending currents from the four seas that climb the mountain, before one current flows down into the Grand Line.
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The two great ships entered the mountain''s current, which defied the laws of nature by flowing upward.
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If Newton were here, his ashes would be scattered in the sea...
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The ships bumped along the current, climbed the towering mountain, reached the top, and then raced down!
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The ships of Noir and the Spade Pirates broke through the clouds and fell from the sky into the sea.
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The bumpy ride was finally over, and Ace excitedly stuck his head out and shouted, "That was exciting!
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Soaked like a drowned rat, Noir stood up, leaned on the railing, and said, "This is way more intense than a roller coaster.
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Noir took out a dry towel to wipe his head and looked around curiously.
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This was Twin Cape, but where was Laboon, the giant whale?
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Noir shook his head, thinking that Laboon couldn''t be on the surface all the time.
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Both crews tidied up their ships and it was time to part ways.
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Noir transferred some supplies to Ace''s crew and advised, "The Grand Line is different than before. You should find a navigator quickly."
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Ace nodded and smiled brightly, "Take care of yourself. Let''s meet again at sea!"
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Starting from Twin Cape, the entrance to the Grand Line, there were seven magnetic routes, and they decided to leave separately from here.
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"Even though the routes are different, we will meet again at the Sabaody Archipelago. Let''s race to see who gets there first."
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Noir raised his fist, smiling as he challenged Ace.
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Ace bumped his fist against Noir''s and laughed, "Done. Loser eats next time!"
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"All right! It''s a promise!"
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The two sealed their bet with a fist bump, and Ace turned back to his ship, waving goodbye to Noir with a smile.
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Noir waved vigorously and shouted, "See you!"
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As the ship sailed away, Noir''s ship fell silent again.
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He felt a little out of place.
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Noir sighed, mocking himself, "It''s annoying when they''re here, but now that they''re gone, I feel a bit lonely.
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He wasn''t one for noise, but Noir liked having lively activity around him, it made him feel warm.
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After sighing for a while, Noir finally broke out of his melancholic mood.
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It seemed that he had to find a companion for his journey; otherwise it was too boring.
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Adjusting his attitude, Noir hoisted the sails and set sail again, guided by the Log Pose.
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His first destination was Whiskey Peak, where Crocodile had eyes everywhere.
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Perhaps he could find a Eternal Log Pose to Alabasta there.
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But as he began to sail, Noir realized that he didn''t even know where Whiskey Peak was...
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Just as Noir was scratching his head, not knowing what to do next, Crocodile''s help arrived.
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A ship approached slowly on the sea. The lookout spotted Noir''s ship and shouted, "Found him, the guy the boss wants to recruit!"
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Noir, with his keen senses, heard the commotion and looked curiously at the people on the ship.
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One man on the edge of the ship rubbed his hands together eagerly and said, "Excuse me, are you Mr. Noir?"