Pirates: Your emperor has returned!

Seeing this, Cobra had no reason to stop it, especially since he had already witnessed Rowan's strength.

After all, he was a man who roamed the seas eight hundred years ago!

Then, Cobra discovered something that reassured him even more.

A man wearing a black fur coat was leaning against a pillar not far away, a cigar dangling from his mouth.

It's Crocodile.

He walked over and automatically followed behind Rowan and Vivi.

Luo Wen laughed and said, "You're here too?"

Crocodile chuckled darkly, "I'm not from this country, so it's none of your business how I act."

"It's alright, let's travel together then."

Rowan didn't pay any attention and nodded.

……

The three boarded a unique transportation animal of Alabasta—the aquatic tortoise.

It was a rare, giant tortoise that could carry people at high speeds in the desert or water.

The three of them sat on the turtle's back and opened the parasol on it.

Vivi lay down comfortably on it and fell asleep in no time.

Luo Wenze sat cross-legged to the side, closing his eyes to rest.

On the other side, Crocodile was observing Rowan thoughtfully.

What was he thinking about?

He was thinking about Hades.

The ancient weapon he longed for most—Pluto!

Crocodile was almost certain that this was the closest he had ever come to a clue about Hades.

Because an ancient monster from eight hundred years ago was sitting right in front of him!

How could someone active before the "Void Century" not know about clues to ancient weapons?

Totally impossible!

Seemingly sensing Crocodile's intense gaze, Rowan turned his head and asked with a smile:

"Little crocodile, what's wrong?"

Crocodile averted his gaze, pretending not to hear.

Rowan murmured softly, "You want to know clues about Hades?"

Crocodile's ears twitched and his eyes lit up.

Rowan continued in a low voice, "Nefertari did tell me before that she had discovered some ancient weapon, and something like Hades. I remember she even planned to discuss it with me..."

Crocodile's eyes grew brighter and brighter, and his body unconsciously leaned towards Rowan.

But then Rowan suddenly changed the subject and said, "But I didn't care about all that nonsense, haha!"

Haha ...

Hearing that annoying laughter, Crocodile almost stumbled.

He could only glare at Rowan with murderous intent while lighting a cigar for himself.

After taking a drag, he muttered to himself, "That arrogant big birdman..."

The area on the turtle's back is only so big, and Crocodile's insults were so unabashed that Rowan heard everything clearly.

He was somewhat puzzled, "Birdman? Me?"

Crocodile pointed to his head, indicating Rowan's eagle-shaped helmet.

Rowan looked quite disappointed, muttering, "No way, I really liked this custom armor."

"Old man, your taste is outdated!"

Crocodile's eyes twitched, his heart filled with immense displeasure. "I really can't understand why an emperor from eight hundred years ago wouldn't even care about ancient weapons?"

Suddenly, Rowan clapped his hands and answered excitedly:

"Ah, I know the answer to that question!"

"Ok?"

Crocodile frowned.

Then, he heard a sentence from Rowan.

A sentence that sent chills down his spine and made his hair stand on end—

Rowan smiled, his tone as calm as ever.

"I don't care because I think those messy things can't beat me."

[Chapter 13. The Exiles]

The entire journey was speechless.

……

Indeed, what could Crocodile say after receiving such a reply?

conceited?

maybe.

But he was also an arrogant man who founded a vast empire!

Crocodile knew very well that such a guy would not—and would disdain—lie.

Therefore, Rowan was probably telling the truth about the clues regarding Hades; he genuinely didn't know any more detailed information.

"This is really troublesome..."

Crocodile flicked his cigarette ash, reorganizing his thoughts.

……

Evening, at sunset.

The aquatic tortoise, moving at full speed, successfully carried everyone to Yaruja.

The town mayor had been waiting there for quite some time.

He originally thought the person who came would be Bell or Jaka from the Kingdom Guard, since the two were very famous for their fighting prowess in Alabasta.

Therefore, the old man was clearly surprised when he saw the three people who had rushed over.

Especially when he saw Vivi.

"Weiwei, what brings you here?"

The old town mayor stepped forward and patted their little princess's head.

Weiwei stood on tiptoe and replied with a smile, "Grandpa, I'm here to play!"

The old man affectionately pinched Weiwei's little face, took out two candies from his pocket, and handed them to her.

Remember to brush your teeth tonight!

Looking at Vivi nodding repeatedly, the old man couldn't help but wonder why Kobra would feel comfortable letting Vivi come here.

However, when he saw the other two people traveling with him, all his questions seemed to be answered.

One of them is Crocodile, a national hero who has helped Alabasta resolve pirate troubles on numerous occasions.

His abilities are evident to the people and need no doubt.

As for the other one...

The old man didn't recognize him.

He wore a suit of sand-colored armor, an eagle-shaped helmet, and purple ribbons embroidered with Alabasta-style patterns.

What concerned the old mayor even more was that the aura emanating from that person seemed to be slightly overwhelming Crocodile!

The news of Ryan Rowan's resurrection has only spread in Albana so far; residents of coastal towns are still unaware of this major news.

Therefore, even the town mayor couldn't help but be curious.

Who exactly is that man?

……

Rowan smiled and nodded to the old man who had been observing him.

He then asked the old man about the situation here.

The old man recounted everything that had happened yesterday in detail, and added at the end:

“Those people were well-behaved, staying in the tavern the whole time, not causing any trouble, and not having any other contact with the townspeople except for purchasing supplies.”

After thinking for a moment, the old man still said, "They don't seem like bad people."

Kind people tend to think the best of others.

Thank you.

Rowan smiled and nodded.

Crocodile, a cigar dangling from his lips, approached Rowan and raised an eyebrow, asking:

"What do you know?"

Rowan looked at the tavern and slowly said, "Almost all of them?"

"Very good, look over there."

Crocodile pointed towards the dock.

The refugees' medium-sized sailboat was still moored in the same spot, with a few more planks of wood added for repairs.

Crocodile explained, "That ship is a common type around the Sabaody Archipelago."