Who is Mr. 0? Ask any seasoned traveler across the four seas, and they'll tell you—Crocodile, also known as the Desert King, is a former Warlord of the Sea (Shichibukai), a title once bestowed by the World Government itself.
Is such a powerful enemy terrifying? It would be a lie to say otherwise. The difference in strength is staggering. Vivi is still quite scared, and rightly so. But every time she recalls that her photo ended up in the hands of the One Piece world's hidden sovereign, Imu, the shadowy ruler seated above even the Five Elders, she no longer fears Crocodile. Why would she fear the Sand Crocodile when someone like Imu—who hasn't made a public move in centuries—has already taken interest in her? If she's targeted by a figure whose authority eclipses the Admirals and the Celestial Dragons, can things get any worse?
Her fighting ability? Practically nonexistent. Though a princess, she grew up pampered and idealistic. Her entire net worth is less than 500,000 Berries—laughable in a world where one issue of the World Economy News costs 100 Berries. That 500,000 is basically the equivalent of Japanese yen from a past life—barely enough to live on, let alone wage war.
And what about the other side? Imu, the puppet master of the World Government, rules from the shadows over the 170 allied nations. The powerful Marine organization? Merely a subordinate extension of the system.
The Five Elders (Gorosei)—supposedly the most powerful political figures—are nothing more than servants before Imu, kneeling in submission.
How could she even fight back? Get a headshot and hope for divine luck?
She's broke, lacks combat strength, and has no personal forces. Meanwhile, the other side commands infinite wealth, power, and agents like CP0.
If only she knew Imu's weaknesses. But Oda hasn't explained anything about the connection between Princess Vivi and Imu. So far, the unlucky transmigrator in her body is just fumbling in the dark.
She doesn't even know their relationship. Mortal enemies? Descendant? Ancestor? Couldn't be mother and daughter... right?
Vivi yanked her drifting thoughts back and consoled the old minister: "Don't worry. In two years—three years at most—the conspiracy behind all of this will be exposed."
She estimated the current time using her own age. It's now Year 1517 of the Sea Calendar. Last year, the major event was Shanks ascending to the position of Yonko, one of the Four Emperors of the Sea. It was also the year that Nico Robin, under the alias Miss All Sunday, became Mr. 0's partner and right hand, managing Baroque Works' logistics.
And this year? It should be the year Portgas D. Ace sets out to sea. That gives her about two to three years before Luffy starts his journey from the East Blue.
This is why Vivi believes that the Baroque Works threat can be dismantled within two to three years. Even if she can't defeat Crocodile herself, surely Luffy and the Straw Hats—her future allies—can handle him, right?
Her dramatic tone, akin to "Comrades, our war of resistance has just begun," didn't raise eyebrows. Igaram, her loyal guardian, wasn't fazed. Vivi had adapted. With so many eccentrics in this world, acting overly serious would only make her stick out. To blend in, she occasionally acted a bit goofy herself...
...
"Pirates, welcome to the Grand Line!"
"Welcome to Whiskey Peak!"
"Long live the Sea Boys!"
Loud cheers echoed over the lively town as three pirate ships bearing the Jolly Roger emerged from the mist and docked at the southern harbor.
The pier was packed with "ordinary civilians" greeting them with warm smiles and flags waving. You'd think the pirates were long-lost relatives rather than notorious criminals.
Though the world lacks an idiom like "Tanshi Jujie," the bounty hunters of Whiskey Peak had their own way of showing affection—through heartfelt hospitality that couldn't be faked.
The pirates didn't disembark right away. They believed their infamous deeds—plundering, looting, setting towns ablaze—had surely spread across the seas, including the Grand Line. But this sort of welcoming party? A little too enthusiastic. Shouldn't the average citizen tremble in fear at the sight of pirates?
Igaram, the Captain of Alabasta's royal guards, struck a friendly pose and led a band of minstrels, which helped ease the pirates' wariness. Eventually, one by one, they came ashore.
Mr. 9 took charge of logistics and atmosphere, aware that most pirates weren't as simple-minded as Monkey D. Luffy. They were cautious, paranoid even.
He organized a massive bonfire party at the town square. Jesters on stilts, performers diving through flaming hoops—sure, they weren't on par with Buggy the Clown's crew, but the distractions did the trick.
Wine, roast meat, and laughter quickly wore down the pirates' suspicions.
Vivi led Miss Monday and a group of cleverly disguised bounty hunters—some looked like children but were actually adult dwarves, others looked like aged men but were youthful warriors with premature white hair. They took charge of selling goods around the venue.
No spending after looting? What kind of pirates are you? Go home and celebrate your birthday instead!
The pirates' desire to spend was natural. Money meant little at sea. Only by coming ashore to exchange it for tools, weapons, and rations did it become valuable. Soon, a crowd of pirates rushed toward the eastern commercial zone.
This area held most of Whiskey Peak's supplies. For better management—and to claim local authority—Vivi rebranded a traveling merchant's setup as her own, slapping up a bright sign: "Prince Store of Magical Items and Rare Treasures."
Evening fell. The tide slapped against the reef as torches lit up the trading square. Under the firelight, tables, shelves, and crates brimmed with merchandise—from polished swords and torn sea charts to rusted compasses and half-functional flintlocks.
"Come on! Look over here! You won't regret it! Only 90,000 Berries! That's right, only 90,000!" A middle-aged woman shouted loudly, waving a flyer Vivi had written herself.
One pirate captain, his hat slightly askew, pointed to a tiny blade on a shelf and grunted, "Oi... what's that little thing in the middle?"
The Grand Line's geography is bizarre. It's bisected by the Red Line, splitting the world into East, West, North, and South Blue. The seas are almost isolated from each other, which makes trading information and goods a rarity.
Vivi turned, her voice steady so he could hear clearly. "That… is the secret blade of the world's strongest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk."
The pirate scoffed. That puny dagger barely matched the size of his palm.
Vivi didn't flinch. She leaned in and smirked. "You've never seen Hawkeye Mihawk in battle, have you? That's perfect… You see, this was his hidden trump card. He once used this very knife to graze Red-Haired Shanks during a legendary duel. I got it from a black-market auction once visited by members of the Red Hair Pirates themselves."
She paused dramatically. "This dagger's name? Little Hawk Throwing Knife."