Orochimaru and the others sat quietly together in a sheltered shed high up, each holding a steaming cup of tea, slowly savoring its aroma. The world outside was covered in rain, creating a hazy scene, as if the entire world had become quiet and peaceful.
Orochimaru took a small sip of tea, feeling the warm liquid slide down his throat, bringing a sense of comfort. His eyes were a bit unfocused, as if he was lost in thought. The others, like Orochimaru, were also silently enjoying this tranquility and ease.
"Ah... it's raining..." Orochimaru said softly, a hint of faint emotion in his tone.
"Yes... it's raining," the others echoed, their voices filled with an indescribable laziness and satisfaction, as if the fatigue from the recent battle had been completely washed away.
Looking at Crocodile, who had been sent flying into the sky by Luffy, Orochimaru slowly put down his teacup, a smile playing on his lips.
"I'll go catch Luffy and send Crocodile off while I'm at it." With that, his figure instantly vanished.
In the blink of an eye, Orochimaru appeared in the air, gently catching the flying Luffy. Crocodile, meanwhile, crashed heavily to the ground.
Looking at the disheveled Crocodile, Orochimaru kindly knelt down and used a handkerchief to wipe away the dust and blood from Crocodile's face, making him look less pathetic... After all, he was already quite miserable before Luffy learned Haki, and now he was even worse.
Crocodile's consciousness gradually blurred, and a hazy figure appeared before his eyes, seemingly the Orochimaru who always teased him. He struggled to open his eyes, but his eyelids were as heavy as lead. Finally, he barely managed to squeeze out a sound: "Liar..." Then he slumped his head powerlessly, falling into a coma.
Orochimaru was a bit puzzled, "What did I lie about...?" So much resentment. He picked up the sleeping Luffy and left.
Meanwhile, the rebel army, with the testimony of a child, proved that Crocodile was the mastermind behind everything. The king who had previously issued orders to eliminate the citizens was also a fake. Under the king's reassurance, both sides laid down their weapons and ended the war... At this moment, Tashigi walked over with a group of Marine, looking dejected and a little unwilling, addressing the unconscious Crocodile.
"We just discovered a Baroque Works artificial rain ship carrying Dance Powder."
"Secret criminal organization, Baroque Works President, Shichibukai Pirate Sir Crocodile."
"In the name of the World Government's direct Marine Headquarters, I will confiscate all your ship licenses, and all titles and powers granted to you by the government will be revoked."
On the other side, Orochimaru led everyone to an unoccupied house and settled them in. After all, except for himself, everyone else had endured a tough battle and was physically and mentally exhausted.
Although the house was simple, it at least provided a relatively quiet and safe environment for everyone to rest.
Looking at the Marine passing back and forth outside the window, he couldn't help but let out a sneer before pulling the curtains shut.
He slept soundly next to Luffy, there was no other choice since the place was small.
The next morning, with the chirping of birds, everyone collectively revived.
Sanji pulled open the curtains and yelled at Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru... give me the utensils and ingredients you have. Wake up Luffy, it's time for breakfast."
He put the things Sanji needed aside, then very skillfully picked up Luffy and shook him awake.
15 minutes later.
Sanji hummed a song as he served breakfast.
"Today's breakfast is the 'Vigorous Revival Set'."
"The main courses are crab stick and spinach wraps, and spinach cranberry thick pancakes."
"Drinks include milk, black tea, and coffee."
"Dessert is assorted fruit jelly."
"I added an extra portion of grilled meat for Luffy, and there's extra meat available if anyone wants more."
Everyone gathered around the table, leisurely eating breakfast and exclaiming,
"It's so delicious..."
Robin, sipping her black tea, agreed, "Indeed."
Everyone blinked. They had been too tired yesterday to notice, but suddenly realized. Usopp pointed at Robin in horror.
"She... she... she... How is she here?"
Luffy mumbled, chewing on his meat, speaking in a coded conversation.
Usopp listened and nodded, "So-so, hmm... because she's unemployed... I see... so she joined us."
Usopp dramatically fell, "Are you kidding me?!"
Luffy swallowed the meat in his mouth. "Usopp... don't be so agitated... eat properly... don't worry, she's not a bad person."
Usopp asked a series of questions, which Robin patiently answered. He felt like there wasn't a problem, but also felt like there was, pondering with a bewildered expression.
Nami grumbled, "This kind of dangerous woman, I'm not like them, easily fooled. If you cause trouble, I'll kick you out."
Robin silently placed a bag of gems on the table.
"Ara... I also have a bag of gems from Crocodile."
Nami's eyes instantly turned into stars as she leaned in, cuddling with Robin.
"I love you... big sis... have some jelly."
"Hey, hey, hey, hey... Usopp and Zoro were utterly speechless =_="
Orochimaru held his hot milk. "Don't worry about that problem, Robin is fine."
"Soga..." Everyone nodded and went back to eating their own meals.
Luffy ate his meat grumpily. "Don't you guys trust me?"
"Hmm..." Everyone nodded in unison.
Luffy declared he was going to throw a tantrum... but Sanji disciplined him.
"Focus when you're eating."
Orochimaru downed his milk in one gulp: "So what are your plans? Are you going to say goodbye to Princess Vivi later, or just leave directly?"
Everyone thought for a moment and decided to say goodbye before leaving. Orochimaru had no objections, as their relationship with Vivi was quite good, apart from Orochimaru himself. But it was only quite good, after all, they had sailed together for so long.
In the afternoon, everyone packed their belongings, bid farewell to Vivi, and left Alabasta. They didn't say much. Vivi had heard from Cobra that Orochimaru had used ancestral burial items to offset his payment, so she had no right to complain.
Thus, the commissioned task was officially concluded. Everyone boarded mechanical naruto and headed to the port. Nami let out a deep sigh.
"What's wrong, Nami... Are you sad to leave Vivi?" Usopp was a bit puzzled; their relationship wasn't that good, was it? Nami slumped dejectedly, feeling as if she had lost her soul.
"I forgot to ask Vivi for those one billion Berries!" At this moment, Nami was unaware of Orochimaru's grave-digging operation, mourning her one billion Berries. Seeing the devastation in Alabasta, Nami ultimately couldn't bring herself to collect the debt, and everyone else had long forgotten about it.
Robin tilted her head, "One billion Berries?"
Nami was on the verge of tears, "Yes, we agreed that if I took her home, I would get one billion Berries."
Robin suddenly remembered Orochimaru's earlier question and understood something... She pointed at Orochimaru.
"It should be with him... He emptied the kingdom's funeral temple, so he should have a lot of valuable things."
"Eh!!!!!!!!" Everyone looked at Orochimaru with incredulous eyes.
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