Chapter 111

Ron remained unaware as the warship carrying the invitation from the world government to join the Seven Warlords sailed toward his location. So unless he deliberately accessed future knowledge using haki the news would remain hidden from him.

Ron had been enjoying his time in Alabasta for the past few days, reveling in the company of beautiful young women. With leisurely excursions and delightful companionship, boredom was an alien concept.

The next day marked the scheduled departure for Ron and his companions. As they engaged in afternoon revelries, Vivi's demeanor betrayed a hint of reluctance.

Observing Vivi's expression, Ron understood her decision.

"Captain Ron... I may not be able to accompany you after all," Vivi confessed with a tinge of melancholy. "I appreciate the invitation, but my father didn't approve of my joining your pirate crew."

"It's alright," Ron reassured her with a smile. "We'll come back to visit you."

"Sister Vivi, it's such a shame you won't be joining us," lamented Kaya. "I hoped we could always be together."

"Yes," Nami chimed in, taking Vivi's hand. "You've grown so strong, Vivi. It's a pity we won't sail together. I'll miss you."

"I share the sentiment," expressed Vivi ruefully. "But duty calls, and I must return to my responsibilities."

Despite Vivi's evident reluctance to assume the role of queen, her duty as Alabasta's princess necessitated her eventual ascension to the throne.

Ron paid little heed to these concerns. Cobra still had many years ahead of him, and Ron was confident that an impromptu excursion with Vivi tonight would not pose a significant threat. Alabasta's current state of disarray rendered Cobra unable to intervene.

Internally, Ron resolved to 'abduct' the princess.

"Let's put aside these somber thoughts," Ron interjected cheerfully, clapping his hands. "Since this may be our final gathering for a while, let's make the most of it!"

"Yes, indeed!" Vivi agreed enthusiastically. "I've arranged a lavish feast for everyone. Follow me!"

The group followed Vivi to the restaurant.

Among the group, Robin, astute as always, sensed something amiss in Ron's demeanor. His grin seemed out of place, prompting her to remark, "You seem preoccupied, Captain. Is everything alright?"

"What's the matter?" Mikita, trailing behind, overheard Robin's murmurs and inquired. "Have you noticed something?"

"Nothing of consequence," Robin replied cryptically, disregarding Mikita's probing.

"Why the attitude?" Mikita bristled. "Are you looking down on me? We're both prisoners here!"

Mikita's demeanor puzzled Robin, who remained unresponsive.

After a sumptuous meal, the group retired to the accommodations Vivi had arranged.

In the dead of night, Ron's eyes snapped open.

"Time to begin," he whispered to himself, a sly smile playing on his lips. Dressing quickly, he rapped on the doors of the girls' rooms.

"Why are you disturbing us at this hour?" Nami, with her fiery demeanor, greeted Ron at the door with a mix of irritation and confusion.

Ignoring her reproach, Ron replied, "We're leaving Alabasta soon. It's time to start our adventure."

"Are you serious?" Nami stared at him incredulously. "It's the middle of the night! Are you sure you're not joking?"

"I'm dead serious," Ron affirmed, brandishing his captain's authority. "Get dressed. We're leaving."

With grumbles and murmurs, the girls reluctantly prepared themselves for departure.

"Why leave at this hour, Captain?" Kaya queried, perplexed by Ron's unusual decision.

"It's imperative," Ron responded gravely. "There are guards patrolling the city now. We need to leave discreetly. Head to the harbor city and await me there. I have one last task to attend to."

Perplexed but obedient, the girls complied with Ron's instructions. Nami, however, seemed to have an inkling of Ron's intentions, her thoughts racing as to why he chose to depart in the dead of night.