Although Crocodile had yet to unleash his dreaded "Dancing Powder" to curse Alabasta with three years of drought, dry winds and sandstorms were a constant reality for the desert kingdom.
As they trudged along the endless sandy path toward Yuba Town, Klee skillfully wielded the powers of the Bubble-Bubble Fruit, conjuring one glistening, translucent bubble after another. They formed a resilient shield that enveloped Eli Winters and his companions, insulating them from the harsh desert conditions.
"Big brother, how much longer until we reach our destination?" Big Pan mumbled, drooping his head in exhaustion, his voice heavy with fatigue.
Though the protective bubbles blocked much of the discomfort, the blazing sun overhead and the swirling sand still stirred a deep, restless irritation in their hearts.
Eli, reclining leisurely atop a soft cloud crafted by Felina, responded with a languid tone, his energy seemingly sapped.
"Big Pan, you should know me by now. I don't bother worrying about things like that."
They had already endured two grueling days traversing this vast, perilous desert.
At that moment, Felina, who had been leading the way, suddenly shouted with excitement,
"Look! Yuba Town is just ahead!"
Her clear, melodious voice was like sunlight piercing through darkness, immediately lifting the group's weariness.
"Woohoo, finally!" Big Pan's energy instantly reignited, and he bolted toward the town.
The others exchanged amused glances and soon followed, laughing as they hurried along.
Before long, they arrived at Alabasta's largest trade city.
Stepping into the outskirts, it felt as if they had entered a completely different world. Rows of lush, neatly arranged greenery formed an impenetrable barrier, sharply separating the fertile city from the desolate desert. In that instant, two worlds seemed to exist side by side.
Perhaps because evening was approaching, the city gates were bustling with activity. Merchants from all directions gathered, carrying their goods, waiting anxiously for entry. Soldiers efficiently inspected each item and collected the proper fees based on value. Once the payment was complete, travelers were allowed inside. The process was smooth, without a single merchant being unfairly harassed.
Eli and his companions did not use their strength to bypass the line. Instead, they queued patiently at the back.
By the time they reached the gates, Big Pan's towering frame, along with Dotai and Simon, the fishmen, naturally drew a lot of attention.
Fishmen were extremely rare in Alabasta, so these two instantly became the focus of everyone's curiosity. Though it was uncomfortable being stared at like exotic creatures, the crowd kept its distance, intimidated by Big Pan's size and presence.
After a brief inquiry from the soldiers, the group passed smoothly into the city. Surprisingly, no fees were demanded. Later, they learned that pedestrians could enter freely, but goods required taxes. Eli's party appreciated this fair, reasonable approach, seeing it as a sign of wise governance that promoted trade and prosperity.
Once inside, the city surpassed all their expectations. Wide streets were lined with shops, each packed with exotic goods. One stall displayed magical crystal balls that could predict weather changes a rare and wondrous sight. Other shops sold finely crafted art from the shells of sandworms, impressively intricate and beautiful.
As Eli and the others walked down the main street, the air buzzed with the calls of merchants. Suddenly, a small figure hurtled into Eli's arms like a cannonball. The boy's momentum nearly sent him crashing to the ground, but Eli's quick reflexes caught him in time.
The boy straightened and began to apologize when a sharp, angry female voice rang out from behind.
"Kosa, you thief! You ate my strawberry pie! That was Granny May's special treat for me!"
A small girl with a blue ponytail and rosy cheeks was racing toward them, fuming and shouting as she ran.
Kosa, realizing escape was impossible, froze. Blushing, he scratched his head awkwardly and spoke apologetically,
"S-sorry, Vivi. I was just so hungry I couldn't help it. I'll make it up to you, I promise. Please, forgive me this time."
Vivi crossed her hands on her hips and huffed, then said,
"Fine, since you're so sincere, I'll let it slide. But remember, strawberries are rare in the south, and they're limited. You'll have to keep an eye on the merchants. If they have strawberries, you buy them for me to make my pie. Otherwise, don't think I'll go easy on you next time!"
Relieved, Kosa promised eagerly,
"No problem, Vivi! I'll grab the strawberries as soon as they arrive and get them to you for your pie."
With their little deal settled, Vivi noticed Eli and his group standing nearby. Blushing, she shyly introduced herself,
"Hello, my name is Vivi. Are you visitors from outside?"
Eli smiled warmly.
"Yes, little one. We are adventurers from all corners of the seas. It's a pleasure to meet you."
The children's eyes lit up with admiration. Vivi's gaze sparkled with curiosity as she asked,
"Wow! Really? You've surely had countless thrilling adventures. Can you tell us about them?"
Eli laughed heartily.
"Of course, but first we need a place to stay tonight, or we'll be sleeping on the streets."
"My home is big enough, you're welcome to stay," Vivi offered confidently.
Eli knew it was wise to accept. As the princess of Alabasta, Vivi's residence in Yuba was likely the most comfortable in the city.
Vivi grabbed Kosa's hand and led the way. Kosa whispered,
"Vivi, won't Uncle Jaka mind us bringing new people home?"
Vivi scowled lightly and whispered back,
"Kosa, don't you remember the news? That man is the famous Eli Winters! If they stay with me, maybe we can even become their students. With someone that strong as our mentor, we could grow into powerful adventurers ourselves."
Kosa's eyes shone with excitement.
"Really? I could become strong too?"
"Stop grinning like a fool, just listen to me," Vivi scolded playfully.
Of course, Eli and the others had overheard. Eli chuckled and said,
"Looks like we've been discovered."
Felina smiled at the spirited little girl.
"She's an interesting one, isn't she?"
"Captain, will you take them as students?" Chiyo asked with curiosity.
"My students aren't that easy to acquire," Eli replied, remembering that he had only one and a half apprentices so far Guina fully and Zoro half.
Soon, they arrived at Vivi's Yuba home: a slightly luxurious modern villa, its greenery unusual for a desert kingdom, signaling wealth and comfort.
Before reaching the gate, two guards approached quickly. One said anxiously,
"Miss, you've returned! Lord Jaka is angry you sneaked out. You should go back at once."
Vivi apologized,
"Sorry for causing trouble."
The guard quickly reassured her,
"As long as you're safe, it's fine."
Vivi led Eli and the others into the villa. Suddenly, a loud, furious voice boomed from inside:
"Are you idiots? How could you let her out? If something happened, you'd be dead!"
Vivi blushed, then shouted,
"Uncle Jaka, I'm back!"
The door burst open, revealing a robust middle-aged man with short hair, wearing a gray cloak and a long sword at his waist.
He hurried to Vivi and said sternly,
"Miss Vivi, you've made things difficult for us. If anything happened to you, how could we answer to the royal family?"
Vivi stuck out her tongue, admitting her mistake.
"Sorry, Uncle Jaka. I won't do it again."
Jaka shook his head.
"You must tell me next time before going out, so I can arrange protection."
"Yes, Uncle Jaka," Vivi replied earnestly.
He then turned to Eli and the others, eyes wide in shock.
"You… you are… Eli Winters!!"