In the absence of direct evidence, Nair chose to spread information and records of the many crimes Crocodile had committed in the past.
Although the people of this nation regarded him as a hero, the past could not be erased.
Even in Alabasta, Crocodile still had enemies who remembered the truth.
A series of carefully crafted articles began circulating quietly through mobile phones.
They did not openly accuse Crocodile, nor did they directly deny the claims that the royal family had used Dance Powder.
Instead, they guided the public in a subtle way, encouraging people to question what they had always accepted.
What exactly was the so called hero of Alabasta protecting?
If cities were being saved, why was wealth disappearing at the same time?
The Shichibukai were pirates granted legal authority, did that not include the right to plunder?
Dance Powder was notoriously expensive, who could truly afford to use it on a large scale?
And if the royal treasury was capable of sustaining such costs, why was the kingdom still suffering?
These questions spread like ripples, quietly taking root in the minds of the people.
The reports eventually reached the Rebel Army, but they were too consumed by their cause to reconsider their stance.
Without clear and undeniable proof, they refused to believe any alternative narrative.
Still, among the general population, doubt began to grow.
People started to realize that the situation was far more complicated than it seemed.
This was the true power of public opinion.
In a vast kingdom like Alabasta, dismantling the legitimacy of the royal family through mere rumors was nearly impossible. Read this novel at g.com for the best experience.
Crocodile had spent ten years building his influence.
Nair, however, was confident he could undo that foundation within a single month.
Inside the palace, Nair placed his pen down after finishing another article.
Mobile phone sales had surpassed one million units.
His father had been held by the Rebel Army for two months.
Subscriptions to the news service had reached astonishing numbers.
Everything was progressing as planned.
It was time for the next step.
Since he had chosen Alabasta as his starting point, he needed to transform it into a kingdom strong enough to stand against the World Government when the time came.
Crocodile, drought, Rebel Army, father.
He wrote each word down carefully.
Crocodile’s matter had already been set in motion.
What remained was a decisive piece of evidence.
The Rebel Army existed because of the drought.
If the drought was resolved, their reason for rebellion would collapse, and his father’s situation would naturally follow.
So the priority was clear.
He circled the word drought.
Pell stood quietly at his side, unwavering.
From the moment Nair displayed power comparable to Admiral Aokiji and defeated Crocodile with ease, Pell had already made his decision.
This King was someone he would follow without question.
Only Chaka remained uneasy.
“Your Majesty,” Chaka said, his voice tense, “your father has been held by the Rebel Army for two months, and Princess Vivi is still missing.
Does this truly not trouble you at all?”
Nair lifted his gaze.
“Chaka, do you believe a king ruled by anxiety is the successor my father intended?”
The question left Chaka momentarily speechless.
Though he forced himself to calm down, a faint chill crept into his heart.
Nair’s composure felt almost too distant.
Nair turned away from him and spoke again, his tone steady.
“Prepare to announce a new decree.”
The officials nearby stiffened.
“From today onward, the kingdom will cease using the national treasury to purchase water for distribution across the country.”
Chaka’s expression changed instantly.
Anger surged through him, his face flushing red.
“Your Majesty,” he said, struggling to contain himself, “are you saying that King Cobra’s policy was a mistake?”
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