Seeing Jaka's jaw practically drop in shock, Eli couldn't help but feel a mixture of exasperation and amusement. He had lost count of how many times this had happened. Every time he arrived in a new place, someone would recognize him and react as if they had discovered a priceless treasure. He could never understand what went through their minds. He wasn't some celebrity was all this fuss really necessary?
Yet, facing the scene, Eli could only smile faintly, putting on a friendly and approachable expression as he spoke.
"Hello, I'm Eli Winters. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Jaka."
Jaka swallowed hard, trying to calm himself, though it was clear his composure was far from restored. Flustered, he quickly extended his hands in a welcoming gesture, ushering Eli and his companions into the house as if they were honored guests.
Once everyone had settled in, introductions began. Each person briefly explained who they were and where they came from, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed and became cheerful.
At that moment, Vivi's clear, melodious voice rang out.
"Uncle Jaka, may I invite Eli and his friends to stay at our estate?"
Jaka hesitated briefly, but soon nodded without reservation.
"Of course! Since Princess Vivi herself extends the invitation, I have no objections."
Privately, he thought, Given the power these people have displayed, it would be unwise to refuse. Angering such formidable individuals could be disastrous, and I cannot let Princess Vivi be put in danger.
Vivi's face lit up with delight upon hearing his consent.
Though she was a princess, her father still worried due to her young age. He had entrusted Jaka, a skilled and loyal protector, with her safety in Yuba Town and instructed him to oversee her well-being and advise her on all matters.
With that, Eli and his companions naturally took up residence in Vivi's luxurious estate.
Time flew by, and within a week, Vivi and Kosa had grown very close to Eli and his companions. Deep friendships blossomed, especially as the two children listened, wide-eyed, to the thrilling and whimsical stories of adventures on the vast sea. They were almost always eager for more, bombarding the travelers with questions.
After much internal struggle and persistent encouragement from Vivi, Kosa finally gathered his courage and approached Eli with a respectful request to become his student.
Seeing the sincerity and determination in the boy, Eli didn't formally accept him as a pupil yet, but he generously taught both Kosa and Vivi some simple yet practical training methods. The children leapt for joy, their excitement boundless.
But as all good things must end, Eli realized he had already spent significant time teaching basic skills and needed to continue their long journey.
"What? Teacher, you're leaving so soon?" Kosa froze, disbelief and sorrow written across his face.
His bright, expressive eyes locked onto Eli, as if willing to imprint his mentor's image into memory and hoping, with sheer intensity, to make him stay.
Eli had no objections to Kosa calling him "teacher." Gently, he ruffled the boy's hair and said,
"Kosa, each of us has a journey of our own to complete. Yuba is only a brief stop along the way. We have rested enough here, and now it is time to continue our journey."
Kosa hesitated, then mustered his courage.
"Then… can I come with you, Teacher?"
His voice trembled, revealing the conflict within.
Eli shook his head slowly, speaking softly but firmly.
"Kosa, the sea is far more dangerous than any story can depict. At your age and current strength, you are too weak to face its challenges. You must grow stronger and train harder first. For now, stay here and grow."
Kosa's shoulders slumped in disappointment. "I understand, Teacher." But after a moment, he lifted his head, eyes blazing with determination.
"Teacher, don't worry! I will train hard, and when I am strong enough, I will go to the sea and find you!"
Eli laughed heartily, the sound warm and spirited.
"Good boy! I will be waiting for you on the sea!"
"Yes! I promise!" Kosa said, nodding with fierce determination.
Seeing the boy's flushed, tearful yet resolute face, Eli considered and offered a compromise.
"Kosa, while I remain in Alabasta, you can travel with us. That way, I can continue to train you."
Kosa's excitement erupted. "Really, Teacher? That's amazing! I won't let you down!"
Eli smiled, then grew serious.
"Before that, you must go home first and tell your father, and get his approval."
"He will agree! I'll go and tell him right away!" Kosa exclaimed, racing toward home like the wind.
Watching the boy dash away, Eli felt a deep fondness for his student. Kosa was not only clever but energetic and passionate, always bringing joy to those around him.
Shortly after, a small, hurried figure appeared. Vivi approached, panting, worry etched on her face.
"Eli! I heard from Felina that you're leaving Yuba Town, is that true?"
Eli shook his head, amused. The little girl before him, so careless and lively, seemed a world apart from the strong and determined woman she would become ten years from now.
Vivi caught up, out of breath, and asked anxiously,
"Eli, is it really true? Are you really leaving?"
Eli repeated what he had told Kosa, explaining everything patiently.
Relieved, Vivi said cheerfully,
"Then I want to go with you too. I can also go see my father on the way."
With that, the group traveling to the capital of Alabasta gained a few new members.
The next morning, Eli's group, now joined by Kosa, Vivi, and her guards, set out for Alubarna, the capital of Alabasta.
With Jaka, an experienced local, guiding them, the journey went smoothly.
They were largely spared from severe sandstorms, making the travel comfortable. There were minor attacks by local animals, but Big Pan and his companions dealt with them effortlessly. Each strike was precise and fluid, leaving no room for escape; the creatures never stirred dust before meeting their end.
Kosa and Vivi watched in awe. They were inspired by the effortless skill and grace of Big Pan and the others, determined to train harder so they could one day display such power.
Four days of travel later, the group finally arrived at their destination: Alubarna, the capital of Alabasta.
According to Jaka, the city lay in the northeast of the kingdom like a radiant gem in the vast desert. Built on a massive circular foundation, the city extended outward in four distinct, fully functional districts, each supporting commerce, education, military defense, and culture.
Jaka led the group toward Alubarna's entrance, where a long, steep slope stretched upward. At the top, two towering stone gates stood like majestic guardians, emanating awe-inspiring authority.
Eli and his companions wondered how they would ascend the slope. Jaka, however, walked steadily toward one side where a seemingly ordinary stone protruded.
Without hesitation, he tapped it quickly, then pressed firmly. In an instant, brilliant golden patterns surged from the stone, coiling up the slope like living serpents and forming a perfectly aligned staircase connecting the base to the gates.
Jaka beamed proudly.
"Behold, ancient mechanisms! Only those who know the secret can activate this path."
The group marveled, and Eli asked,
"How do ordinary citizens enter and exit?"
Jaka explained,
"There's a regular gate, but it opens only three hours in the morning and three in the afternoon. It is closed at night. It's too early now, so the main gate is not yet open."
Eli nodded and followed the group up the golden steps into Alubarna.
The city was bustling. Shops lined the streets, filled with all manner of curiosities. Vivi excitedly dragged Felina and the others to explore, while Kosa observed the martial artists training along the way.
"Lord Eli, I've informed the king of your arrival. He extends his warmest welcome and would like to invite you to the palace. How would you like to respond?" Jaka asked respectfully.
Eli shook his head.
"We want to explore the city first. Later, Vivi and I will visit the king together."
Jaka, though eager for the meeting, did not push.
"Very well, Lord Eli. I will inform the king. I trust you will take care of Princess Vivi in the meantime."
Eli nodded.
"Don't worry. Vivi will be safe with us."
Jaka departed to report to the palace, leaving Eli to watch his companions playing. Just as he was about to join them, he caught a familiar face in a nearby café.