Half a month later, a government scandal shook the world: it was revealed that King Nefertari Cobra of the Alabasta Kingdom had abused Dance Powder, causing severe droughts across most of the country.
Outraged civilians took up arms in rebellion, seeking to overthrow the king's rule.
That morning, as usual, Arima was in the office, going through official paperwork. From the newspaper in his hand, he also read the news about the uprising in Alabasta.
"Tsunade, has Luffy's crew already arrived in Alabasta?" Arima asked.
"Mhm," Tsunade nodded, "the Intelligence Division sent us their latest report yesterday."
She paused for a moment, then added, "But what's interesting is that three days ago, they unexpectedly crossed paths with the Blackbeard Pirates.
However, Marshall D. Teach didn't make any particular move."
"What? That Blackbeard?! Wasn't he being hunted down by the Whitebeard Pirates? Why would he show up in Alabasta?"
"According to Intelligence, it's Portgas D. Ace, the Second Division Commander, who's chasing him. They both arrived in Alabasta almost at the same time."
Arima rubbed his chin, intrigued. "Now that's interesting… Why would Blackbeard appear in Alabasta at such a crucial moment? Are there any other major forces involved?"
Tsunade shook her head. For now, only those two pirate crews had been sighted within Alabasta's borders.
"What about the Marines?" Arima asked.
"There's only one Marine officer, Smoker, leading his unit in pursuit of the Straw Hats. He followed them all the way to Alabasta. He's said to be on friendly terms with Admiral Aokiji."
Tsunade's understanding of the Intelligence Division's operations was second to none.
"And what about Dragon? Any movements from the Revolutionary Army?"
"Their underground forces are ready," she replied. "They're just waiting for our signal. Once it's given, they'll coordinate their attack to overthrow the World Government's tyrannical rule."
"The bowstring's drawn, there's no turning back now. All we need is the right spark," Arima murmured as he gazed out the window, a faint sigh escaping him.
"Arima-nii," Tsunade suddenly asked softly, "have you decided what you'll do?"
"Huh? Decide what?" Arima looked puzzled.
"I mean… will you bring Robin and the others back to the Shinobi World with us?"
"That'll depend on what they want," Arima said after a brief pause. "At the very least, I'll make sure no one can threaten them after we're gone."
"The Shinobi World…" Tsunade muttered.
"By now, only three years should've passed there. But I'm worried I won't be able to readjust when we go back. Life as a ninja is so suffocating. Out here on the sea… it feels so much freer."
She sounded conflicted. Returning to their old world meant leaving behind the freedom they'd found, and the people she loved.
Other than her granduncle Tobirama, the only ones she truly missed were her teammates, Jiraiya and Orochimaru.
Arima smiled faintly. "Heh, no need to overthink it. We were born shinobi. Returning to that life isn't impossible. And if you ever want to come back here, I'll bring you again."
As he spoke, the vertical eye at the center of his brow slowly opened, revealing a mystical, violet Six-Tomoe Rinnegan, radiating an enigmatic glow.
Tsunade stepped forward and leaned gently into his arms, whispering, "Arima-nii… how would I live in a world without you?"
Her words struck deep in Arima's heart. He held her close, replying softly, "Silly girl. Have I spoiled you too much? You're far too dependent on me."
Without warning, Tsunade pinched him hard on the waist. "Hmph! And whose fault do you think that is? Did you forget how I survived those nine years while you were asleep?"
Arima quickly surrendered. "Yes, yes! Lady Tsunade of the Land of Fire, unyielding and unmatched! Even without me around, you'd live just fine."
Hearing him admit defeat, Tsunade couldn't help but burst into laughter. "That's more like it!"
Just then, the office door burst open. Kushina came charging in, full of energy.
"Arima-nii! Big trouble!"
The moment she entered, she caught sight of the two wrapped in each other's arms.
Rolling her eyes, she teased, "You two seriously… aren't you hot enough already? Anyway! Urgent intel just came in from the Intelligence Division!"
Tsunade walked over, pretending to sniff the air near Kushina. "Hmm? I was wondering why the kitchen's been missing so many lemons lately. So you're the culprit!"
"Hmph! I don't even like lemons!"
But as soon as the words left her mouth, realization dawned on her. Her face turned bright red. "Tsunade-nee! You, you're awful! I'm telling you to Natsuka!"
Ignoring the documents, Kushina fled the office in a flustered panic.
Watching her storm off, Arima sighed helplessly. "You two are like children, never a peaceful day with either of you."
His attention quickly returned to the report in his hand. "Anyway, take a look at this major development."
He handed the red-marked emergency file to Tsunade.
After skimming through it, Tsunade's eyes widened. "Arima-nii, Luffy actually defeated Crocodile? And helped end Alabasta's civil war? That's… unexpected!"
Arima chuckled. "Crocodile doesn't use Haki. Once someone exploits his weakness, he's easy to take down.
This works perfectly for us. When the Marines arrive to take him into custody, we'll leak news about Pluton.
Then, in the chaos, we'll crush the Marines and the World Government's elite forces right there in the desert. Once it's done, we'll hold a unified tribunal."
…
However, events soon took an unexpected turn.
Just as the alliance between Konoha and the Revolutionary Army was about to move, an unforeseen development shattered their plans.
A week later, at the joint command center, Arima and Dragon were discussing operational details when both their den den mushi rang simultaneously.
The sudden interruption made them exchange wary glances, something big was happening.
Each found a quiet corner to take the call. Moments later, they reconvened in the war room.
Arima spoke first. "Didn't think the Marines would clash with the Whitebeard Pirates first."
Dragon's face was grave. "Yeah. Ace was captured in Alabasta, and Blackbeard was made a Warlord of the Sea. With that, the Whitebeard Pirates won't just sit still."
Arima thought in silence for a moment, then said slowly, "In that case, we'll alter our plan. While the Whitebeard Pirates and the Navy are fighting, we'll launch a direct strike on Mary Geoise."
Dragon frowned. "We'll need external support. If Kaido intervenes and the Navy reallocates forces to counter us, our troops could be trapped on the Red Line."
Arima smiled faintly.
"No need. I'll handle Mary Geoise myself.
You and Tsunade will oversee the uprisings across the Four Seas and the first half of the Grand Line. As for the New World… I'll take care of it personally later."
"That's too dangerous. Let me go with you," Dragon insisted, concern in his tone.
"Don't worry. I want to face those top-tier powers myself, to see where my limits truly lie."
Seeing Arima's resolve, Dragon stopped trying to dissuade him.
Over the next half month, the two completely overhauled their original strategy, constructing an even more intricate plan of attack.