Two days before reaching Alabasta, the Going Merry was unusually quiet during the early mornings — not because anyone was asleep, but because the deck had turned into a makeshift training ground.
"Alright, again!" Vihaan barked as he launched twin mirror kunai into the air, slicing a hanging dummy in half before twirling and dodging a stone kicked by Luffy at full speed.
"I stretched it faster this time!" Luffy grinned. "I think I can aim better now!"
"Don't aim those at me!" Usopp shouted, ducking as another rock flew past.
Near the mast, Zoro was rotating his swords mid-air, practicing the new grip transitions taught by the giants on Little Garden. His body moved like a whirlwind — sharp, deliberate, and lethal.
Sanji, drenched in sweat, kicked at barrels without taking a step forward — training to release max force from a standing position. "These barrels better survive my love," he murmured to himself.
On the upper deck, Chopper was taking notes while observing Vihaan and Zoro, then immediately switching to stretching exercises. Usopp was helping by running from one end of the ship to another, screaming "MEDIC!" every few minutes to simulate emergency response.
Meanwhile, Vivi sat with Nami, looking more troubled than usual.
"It's time I told you all," she finally said. "Mr. 0… is Crocodile. One of the Seven Warlords."
That sentence changed everything.
The laughter died down, replaced by the tension of reality. A Warlord of the Sea.
"Then we need to be stronger," Nami said quietly, tightening her grip on the map.
Vihaan turned to Vivi, his voice low. "We'll protect your kingdom. But no more secrets."
She nodded. "No more."
As the golden coast of Alabasta shimmered on the horizon, strange heads began popping out of the water — with massive round eyes, whiskers, and sleepy, dopey grins.
"What the hell are those?" Zoro asked, blades still on his waist.
"Sea Cats!" Vivi said with a smile. "Sacred animals of Alabasta — they're peaceful and gentle—"
POW!
A sudden rubber fist slammed into one of the Sea Cats, sending it spinning like a shocked donut.
"Wooo! Did you see that spin!?" Luffy laughed, clapping his hands like a child at a carnival.
CRACK!
Vivi's fist connected with Luffy's head, sending him flying in the opposite direction.
"You PUNCHED a sacred animal!?"
The Sea Cat paused mid-spin… and blushed.
Its whiskers curled like shy pigtails as it wiggled back toward the ship, eyes dreamy.
"..."
The entire crew blinked.
"...PER-VERT ANIMAL!!" they all screamed in unison, pointing at the floating feline, now doing small barrel rolls in the water with hearts in its eyes.
The Going Merry finally reached the shore — the sands of Alabasta stretching endlessly under the blistering sun.
"Desert heat already," Sanji muttered, loosening his collar.
As they began unloading and preparing for travel inland, a small splashing sound drew attention.
Luffy had wandered off.
And around him — were Kung-Fu Dugongs.
Small, martial-arts-posing sea animals with serious brows and tiny clenched fists.
"Wanna fight!?" Luffy asked, stretching his fists.
"GAAAAAAAH!" The dugong charged — and was instantly flicked away.
"Too easy!"
But suddenly… dozens of dugongs emerged from the shore and saluted Luffy in martial style.
"They think he's their master now," Chopper whispered in disbelief.
One dugong even bowed at Luffy's feet, placing a single flower in his hand.
"I HAVE MINIONS!" Luffy shouted with joy.
Vihaan walked past, brushing sand off his coat. "Great. We'll have kung-fu ducks before long."
As the crew began walking inland, Vivi sighed but smiled softly. Her kingdom was in danger… but with these people, maybe—just maybe—they could save it.
STARTING ALABASTA SMALL BUT AS TENSION RISES , SO DOES CONTENT