Maybe this man was not heading in the same direction as him, or perhaps they were both bound for Rainbase.
Kuzan had no interest in someone so far behind him.
After recognizing Pell as an official of this country, he dismissed him entirely.
As for the child Pell carried on his back, that was even less worth his attention, completely outside his responsibilities.
Could they have recognized him and decided to report something?
Aokiji held some suspicions about Crocodile, but there was still no evidence, not even the slightest clue.
Even if these two approached him with accusations, he would not be able to act.
Avoiding unnecessary trouble was the better choice.
One hour passed.
Then another.
Gradually, Aokiji became more alert.
By all logic, Pell should have been much faster, easily overtaking him several times over.
Yet he remained behind, keeping a steady distance, clearly following but never closing in as expected.
What exactly was this man trying to do?
Four hours later, Pell, now somewhat fatigued, heard the boy’s voice behind him, carrying a trace of satisfaction.
“That’s enough, Pell.
Let’s head back.”
A faint smile appeared on Nair’s face.
The Hie Hie no Mi… and not just any form, but one refined to an awakened level.
He had acquired it.
The storage capacity of 100 GB was completely filled, leaving not even a fragment of space. Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
In truth, there was a tiny fraction beyond it, but not enough to reach the next threshold.
That margin was what allowed him to finish copying Aokiji’s Devil Fruit ability without sacrificing Pell’s combat techniques.
…
Aokiji paused, slightly puzzled, and glanced back.
They left?
They followed him for hours, only to turn away without explanation.
Their actions made no sense.
He exhaled lightly and stretched.
No point dwelling on it.
What a nuisance.
Seeing no one nearby, cold air seeped from his cloak.
Instantly, the ground beneath him froze, and ice formed, carrying him forward with smooth momentum.
A power that dominated the sea remained invaluable even in a desert like Alabasta.
After all, ice could always melt into water.
…
Inside the royal palace of Alabasta, tension filled the air.
Nefertari Cobra paced back and forth, his expression strained.
His eyes turned toward Igaram, carrying a trace of frustration.
“How could the prince go missing?
I told you to watch over him.”
His voice lacked its usual composure.
Nefertari Vivi had never seen her father in such a state and remained silent, fear evident in her eyes.
“I beg your forgiveness, Your Majesty.
This is my failure.
I should not have entrusted his safety to Pell alone,” Igaram said, kneeling.
Cobra’s anger faded, replaced by a weary sigh.
He stepped forward and helped Igaram up.
“No, Igaram.
I spoke harshly.
These are difficult times.
If anything happens to that child now, even I may not be able to answer to the people.”
Igaram lowered his head slightly, his expression serious.
“Pell is not reckless.
If he disappeared together with Prince Nair, then something must have forced their hand.”
From the side, Vivi’s voice broke through, trembling with emotion.
“Big brother is so mean.”
Tears streamed down her face.
At that moment, the palace doors creaked open.
Cobra froze and looked up.
A tall man stepped inside, his cloak heavy over his shoulders.
His hair was slicked back, a cigar rested between his fingers, and a golden hook gleamed where his hand should have been.
Crocodile had arrived, followed by several figures of varying appearances.