"No, I think it's perfect!"
King Cobra answered almost immediately.
In truth, he could hardly find a reason to oppose the proposal.
As the ruler of Alabasta, he understood better than anyone how fragile a kingdom could be without sufficient military protection. No matter how prosperous a nation was, it would eventually suffer if it lacked the strength to defend itself.
And what better way to secure a long-term Marine presence than by establishing a Marine Academy within the kingdom itself?
As for concerns regarding sovereignty and territorial authority, Cobra's perspective differed greatly from that of many rulers.
The Nefertari Family had ruled Alabasta for eight hundred years, but Cobra had never viewed the kingdom as his personal possession.
The kingdom belonged to its people.
If cooperation with the Marines could ensure peace and prosperity for future generations, then some concessions were worth considering.
Moreover, Alabasta's current situation was becoming increasingly severe.
The droughts grew worse every year.
Crop yields continued to decline.
Entire regions were beginning to struggle with food shortages.
If the situation continued unchecked, countless civilians would suffer.
If the Marines established a permanent presence here, the kingdom would gain not only protection from pirates but also increased trade, improved infrastructure, and additional manpower.
From Cobra's perspective, the benefits vastly outweighed the risks.
"…"
Saint Roselith Seraphina blinked in surprise.
This outcome was not what she had anticipated.
She had expected resistance.
Negotiations.
Perhaps even outright rejection.
Instead, Cobra had accepted the proposal almost immediately.
For a brief moment, she found herself speechless.
The truth was that this plan had not yet been formally approved by Marine Headquarters.
It was still her own proposal.
Her intention had been to secure support from Alabasta first, then use the influence of the Roselith Family to lobby both Marine Headquarters and the World Government afterward.
Even if approval was delayed, funding would not be a major obstacle.
The Roselith Family possessed more than enough wealth to begin construction independently.
As she reflected upon the matter, Seraphina became increasingly convinced of one thing.
The Marines lacked capable future leaders.
More importantly, they lacked individuals who truly believed in justice and possessed the will to uphold it.
That realization was one of the reasons she wanted to establish academies throughout the world.
The East Blue Marine Academy.
The Alabasta Marine Academy.
And perhaps more in the future.
She intended to personally oversee their development and cultivate a new generation of Marines who understood duty, responsibility, and genuine justice.
As for instructors, that was hardly a problem.
Marine Headquarters possessed countless veterans who had been wounded during service and could no longer return to active combat.
Their experience would be invaluable.
And with her Observation Haki and ability to understand people's intentions, she believed she could identify talented individuals worthy of becoming future pillars of the Marines.
"Rear Admiral Seraphina."
Cobra's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"What exactly does Alabasta need to provide?"
The king was already envisioning a future where Marine warships routinely patrolled the kingdom's waters and pirates no longer dared threaten his people.
After all, despite its flaws, the Marine organization remained one of the strongest forces in the world.
"Only basic support."
Seraphina pointed toward the map.
"Construction materials available locally."
"Land suitable for development."
"Workers willing to participate in construction."
"Everything will be compensated fairly."
"The remaining expenses will be covered independently."
Cobra smiled immediately.
"No problem."
The answer came without hesitation.
"Additionally, King Cobra."
Seraphina paused.
"There is another matter."
Cobra looked curious.
"What is it?"
"Before arriving in Alabasta, I reviewed reports concerning the drought."
"Because of that, I arranged for a shipment of emergency food supplies to be sent here."
"The supplies should arrive soon."
"They won't solve every problem, but they should help alleviate the immediate crisis."
In reality, the supplies had been purchased through the Roselith Family's commercial networks.
Marine Headquarters had neither the budget nor the authority to conduct large-scale famine relief operations.
However, there was no need to explain that detail.
Cobra's eyes widened.
For several moments, he simply stared at her.
Then he stood up abruptly.
"Rear Admiral…"
His voice carried genuine emotion.
"How could I possibly accept such generosity?"
Despite the words, his expression clearly revealed his gratitude.
Food was exactly what Alabasta needed most.
Not gold.
Not weapons.
Not political promises.
Food.
"On behalf of the people of Alabasta…"
Cobra lowered his head respectfully.
"Thank you."
Seraphina simply nodded.
"No thanks are necessary."
"The Marines exist to protect people."
After a brief silence, she changed the subject.
"Regarding the academy's location."
"Do you have any recommendations?"
Cobra immediately began considering the question.
After all, he knew Alabasta better than anyone.
Having traveled throughout the kingdom countless times, he possessed extensive knowledge of its geography.
Several minutes later, he pointed to a location on the map.
"What about Rainbase?"
Seraphina looked at the marked location.
Rainbase.
The city that would one day become Crocodile's stronghold.
"It possesses an excellent harbor."
"The surrounding population density is relatively low."
"There is plenty of undeveloped land."
"It also occupies a strategic position within the kingdom."
"The more I consider it, the more suitable it appears."
Cobra studied the construction requirements listed on Seraphina's documents and became increasingly convinced.
"Yes."
"This location should be ideal."
Seraphina carefully memorized the location.
"Then I'll inspect the area personally after Vivi's birthday celebration."
With most matters settled, she began organizing her documents.
"Well then."
"Thank you for your cooperation, King Cobra."
"I should take my leave."
However, just as she prepared to stand, Cobra suddenly called out.
"Please wait a moment."
Seraphina paused.
"Is something wrong?"
Cobra appeared slightly hesitant.
For perhaps the first time during their conversation.
"There is… one personal request."
"I am not certain whether it is appropriate."
Seraphina sat back down.
"Go ahead."
Cobra took a deep breath.
"My daughter lost her mother while she was still very young."
"She has no brothers."
"No sisters."
"She spends much of her time alone despite being surrounded by people."
As he spoke, a trace of sadness crossed his face.
"She admires you greatly."
"More than anyone I've ever seen."
Realizing his wording might be misunderstood, Cobra hurriedly continued.
"No, no, that's not what I meant!"
"Please don't misunderstand."
He waved both hands frantically.
"I simply wondered…"
"Would you be willing to become Vivi's sworn elder sister?"
"Our Nefertari Family would consider it a great honor."
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Then Seraphina smiled faintly.
"I accept."
Cobra blinked.
"You do?"
"Yes."
She nodded calmly.
"However, my decision has nothing to do with the history of the Nefertari Family."
Nor with royal status.
Nor political influence.
"I simply like Vivi."
"She reminds me of myself in certain ways."
"She possesses kindness."
"Conviction."
"And a desire to help others."
"Those qualities are precious."
Cobra laughed awkwardly.
"I understand."
Although the misunderstanding had been harmless, he was relieved to see it resolved.
Then Seraphina suddenly added another sentence.
A sentence so unexpected that Cobra froze completely.
"There is something else you should know."
Her expression remained perfectly calm.
"I am a Celestial Dragon."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Cobra stared blankly.
His eyes widened.
His jaw slowly dropped.
For several seconds, he genuinely wondered if he had misheard.
"Huh?"
"What?"
"A… Celestial Dragon?"
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