269. Promise
The Straw Hats' arrival on Alabasta causes a big sensation to the whole country. Everyone in the Kingdom knows that the Straw Hat Pirates have saved their Kingdom even though it's not acknowledged officially because they are pirates. But everyone in Alabasta respects and loves the Straw Hat Pirates.
It's also the case for their princess relationship with Jon. Almost everyone knows it and supports it, but they never talked about it in public because of Jon's identity as a pirate. No one opposes it though, especially since Jon singlehandedly saved them from Blackbeard Pirates.
For them, there's no one better than him for their princess. Furthermore, they know how much Vivi has sacrificed for them when Crocodile was ruining their Kingdom. So she deserves to find her own happiness however she wants.
As usual, they hold a party to celebrate the Straw Hats' success. It was supposed to be a small party in the palace, but the citizens want to participate too. So it becomes a big festival instead and anyone can participate.
Everyone enjoys the festival in their own ways like trying food, flirting with ladies, bragging, gambling, etc. Jon is enjoying the festival by having a date with Vivi. They go around trying many different things like food, games, or just looking at pretty items.
"This celebration has become such a big deal."
"It is a big deal. Everyone in Alabasta loves you guys, after all. People kept asking about you guys since the news of you showing up in the New Marineford just to announce that you've reached Laugh Tale. They were very worried if you are fine because there haven't been much news since then."
"Were you also worried?'
"Not really. I know how capable and strong you guys are. You guys have the power to defeat all the enemies that come after you. Even in the worst case like you can't win, I know you guys can always escape. A crew that succeeded in reaching Laugh Tale won't get defeated that easily."
"I hope you'd be worried about me even a little bit."
"Okay, I'm worried then."
"..."
Vivi smiles teasingly while Jon gets speechless by her answers. They keep walking around the city to enjoy the festival while talking. There are many things they want to talk about to each other after going through a lot of things since their last meeting months ago.
While walking around to enjoy the festival, they also buy a lot of things. But almost all the sellers try to give them their goods for free. Even those who sell items they didn't want to buy are trying to give them free stuff too.
Everyone is very happy seeing the 2 together and knows they are on a date. They want to show their support for the 2's relationship and they also want to thank what the 2 have done for them all. So the 2 accept everything they give because they know refusing will just make these people sad.
The festival lasts for a week and instead of depleting their national budget, it gives them profit instead. It's because many people from neighboring countries or islands came to Alabasta when they heard there was a big festival and the new Pirate King crew was there.
Festivals at this scale are rare around this area, so people are willing to go far just to enjoy it. Also, they want to see the infamous new Pirate King. Some neighboring nations also try to get in a relationship with the Pirate King crew to at least get their protection.
But the Straw Hat Pirates aren't interested in giving protection to these nations. They already have too many places they need to protect. So instead, they tell these nations to just ally with Alabasta.
Alabasta is a very strong kingdom now, especially now since they have a hidden village full of ninjas that Jon made. Their soldiers are also stronger than most nations in Paradise and even comparable to those in the New World.
Their rise in power is mostly thanks to the ninjas that have infiltrated a lot of places and get a lot of information. It includes soldier training methods, war tactics, economic strategies, etc. All were given to the Kingdom and helped them grow very fast.
A lot of soldiers here even know how to use haki which is very rare in Paradise. They also have quite a number of devil fruit users. Their Sand Hidden Village's ninjas have been gathering information and collecting devil fruits while on missions.
Of course, most of the devil fruits were stolen, not bought. With their ninja skills, they can infiltrate many places and steal items they want. They don't need to feel guilty either because they always steal devil fruits from criminal organizations that usually collect and sell devil fruits.
Almost all devil fruits are sold in black market anyway. There aren't many devil fruits sold in legal markets because they are dangerous products. Even Marines mostly get their devil fruits from black market.
Anyway, Alabasta can be said to be the strongest nation in Paradise now. So being their allies is very beneficial for other nations. Their economic growth is also rising rapidly, so not only will they get protected by being allies, they can also be business partners.
That's why even if it's disappointing to be refused by the Straw Hat Pirates, these nations are still happy to make some deals with Alabasta. They may be neighbors, but their relationships aren't that close. So this is actually a chance for them to deepen their relationship.
Alabasta Royal Family and ministers also know the assignment and quickly get to work on it. With their current standing, they can strike beneficial deals easier as long as they play their cards correctly. Vivi is especially good at negotiation, so she is the one leading it now.
Meanwhile, the Straw Hat Pirates are just having fun at the festival. They have been busy with too many things for months, so they just want to have fun now. That's the reason they worked hard to solve all the problems at once, after all.
The festival lasts for a week, but the Kingdom is still bustling with activities even after it's over. Then after the festival ends, the Straw Hat Pirates finally plan to leave too. They want to continue their journey.
Before leaving, Jon goes on a date again with Vivi to talk about a few things. Then at the end of their date, they sit on top of the palace's roof to talk while gazing at the Capital city.
"This journey will take a long time and it can be a few years before we see each other again. We plan to explore the world after visiting everyone's homelands. Although we have reached the last island, we still have many places we haven't visited. So we want to visit those places. But it will surely take years to finish."
"I really want to join your adventure and see the world too. But I still need to help my father take care of Alabasta until my brother is ready."
"I know, you have your responsibility as a princess of this Kingdom. But don't worry. Once everything is over, I will come back and take you on a more exciting journey around the world. When I return here, I will send a marriage proposal to your father."
"You promise?"
"I promise. So let's do our best until that time."
"Then I will make Alabasta a very great Kingdom by the time you return here. You will be surprised by how much this Kingdom grows by then."
"Hahaha, I believe in you."
Jon & Vivi kiss for the last time before Jon leaves with the crew. This will be a long parting even though they have just met after a long time. But the next time they meet, Jon will come with a surprise.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
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