Chapitre 117: "The Battle of Alubarna and the Rain's Return"
As the sun beat down on the vast Alabasta desert, the Straw Hats finally reached the last leg of their journey to Alubarna. Their crossing of the Sandora River was a near-disaster, nearly drowning in the powerful current, but they found unexpected allies in the Kung-Fu Dugongs. Having trained under Luffy's haphazard instruction, the Dugongs proudly took on the monstrous Sandora Rare Catfish that had attacked the Straw Hats, battering the beast back into the river with coordinated strikes. The Dugongs then helped the crew across, bowing in respect before they waved farewell and dove back into the river's depths.
On the other side, they were greeted by Vivi's loyal steed, Carue, and the entire Spot-Billed Duck Squad. Known as the fastest animals in Alabasta, the ducks provided a swift and determined escort toward Alubarna. Climbing onto their feathered steeds, the Straw Hats raced forward, feeling the urgency of the battle to come.
The Rebels Storm Alubarna
The air grew thick with tension as they neared the capital. Led by the passionate Kohza, the Rebel Army stormed toward Alubarna, dust clouds billowing behind them as they charged. The Royal Army, under Chaka's command, had fortified their defenses, ready to meet the rebels head-on. Swords gleamed, shields locked in position, and the sound of hooves filled the air.
At the city's outskirts, Baroque Works agents lay in wait, hoping to ambush Vivi. But as they watched, six hooded figures appeared on Spot-Billed Ducks, each figure concealing their face, deliberately luring the agents into a chase. The agents, confused and frustrated, realized they'd been tricked as the Straw Hats split into pairs to confront their enemies.
Vivi's Desperate Deception
Hidden behind a nearby rock, Vivi surveyed the battlefield, her heart sinking at the sight of her people fighting. She had hoped to convince the rebels to stop, but as she stepped forward, a sudden dust cloud enveloped her, blinding her vision. Vivi tried to call out, but her voice was drowned in the roar of the rebel forces charging past.
Suddenly, she felt Carue's beak nudging her forward. He maneuvered to shield her from the stampede, and together, they narrowly escaped being trampled. But before Vivi could catch her breath, she was confronted by none other than Mr. 2 Bon Kurei, who had taken on her form to confuse the rebels further. With a mocking laugh, he lunged at her, but Carue sprang into action, carrying Vivi to safety.
Just as Mr. 2 closed in on them again, Sanji intercepted him, his kicks precise and deadly. "I'll handle this one, Princess," Sanji said with a grin, as Mr. 2 transformed into various Straw Hats, attempting to throw Sanji off. The two martial artists clashed in an explosive display of strength and agility.
Straw Hats vs. Baroque Works
Usopp and Chopper vs. Mr. 4, Miss Merry Christmas, and Lassoo:
Meanwhile, Usopp and Chopper found themselves face-to-face with Mr. 4, wielding his massive bat, and Miss Merry Christmas, whose tunneling Devil Fruit powers allowed her to move underground like a mole. Their bizarre pet, Lassoo—a gun with the ability to turn into a dog—joined in, barking bullets at the pair.
Dodging attacks, Usopp fired his slingshot while Chopper shifted into different forms using his Rumble Ball, evading Lassoo's gunfire. After a fierce battle, they cleverly turned Mr. 4's own powerful swings against him, causing his bat to collide with Miss Merry Christmas, knocking her out cold. Exhausted but victorious, Usopp and Chopper regrouped, panting heavily.
Sanji vs. Mr. 2 Bon Kurei:
Sanji and Mr. 2's battle escalated as the two fighters danced around each other, launching attacks with ferocious precision. Mr. 2's flamboyant ballet-based fighting style proved surprisingly effective, but Sanji's "Inferno Gale Breathing" gave him an edge. When Mr. 2 tried to exploit Sanji's weakness for women by transforming into Nami, Sanji hesitated only for a moment before regaining his focus.
"Sorry, pal," Sanji muttered. "But my loyalty to the ladies won't let me lose here!" With a blazing spin-kick, Sanji unleashed his finishing move, sending Mr. 2 crashing into a wall. Mr. 2 could only watch in shock as Sanji dusted himself off and rejoined the fray.
Nami vs. Miss Doublefinger:
Elsewhere, Nami was up against Miss Doublefinger, who wielded sharp spikes all over her body. Nami wielded her new weapon, the Clima-Tact, using its weather-based abilities to create blinding mirages and bursts of heat. Dodging Miss Doublefinger's deadly spikes, Nami carefully positioned herself and unleashed her ultimate move—a massive lightning bolt that struck Miss Doublefinger, ending their fight.
Zoro vs. Mr. 1:
Zoro's battle with Mr. 1, who could turn his body into steel, was a clash of sheer willpower. Mr. 1's seemingly invincible defenses nothing to Zoro, who already acquired strength to cut through steel. With every strong attack, Zoro grew more determined, and finally, tapping into his newly honed "Asura Breathing," Zoro managed to channel his power and slashed through Mr. 1's steel body. Victorious, Zoro sheathed his sword, breathing heavily but triumphant.
Crocodile's Plan Revealed
With the Baroque Works agents defeated, Vivi made her way to the palace. She desperately ordered the royal army to blow up the palace, hoping to draw everyone's attention and stop the fighting. But before she could act, Crocodile appeared, blocking her path.
"Trying to play hero, Princess?" he sneered. He revealed his true intentions, explaining that he planned to detonate a massive bomb in the palace plaza to create chaos. What he truly sought, however, was the ancient weapon, Pluton, rumored to be hidden in Alabasta. As the royal army raised a white flag to surrender, a Baroque Works double agent shot Kohza, reigniting the battle. Vivi watched in horror, powerless to stop the bloodshed.
Luffy vs. Crocodile: Round 2
Crocodile threw Vivi from the palace walls, but just as she began to fall, Luffy appeared, riding Pell the falcon. He caught her midair, and the two shared a brief, determined nod before he charged at Crocodile. This time, Luffy was ready, armed with water-soaked gloves crafted by Raja.
He wasted no time, lunging at Crocodile with his water-enhanced punches, managing to land several solid hits. Crocodile, caught off guard, retaliated with a sandstorm, draining the water from the area and weakening Luffy. But Luffy wouldn't give up. With his determination blazing, he launched himself back at Crocodile, utilizing his "Sun Breathing" technique, calling himself "Sun Luffy" as he unleashed a massive Gomu Gomu no Sun Bazooka.
Crocodile stumbled but quickly regained his footing, his eyes darkening. "You're more persistent than I thought," he said, raising his poisonous hook. In a deadly exchange, Crocodile slashed at Luffy with the poison-tipped hook, landing a cut that sent venom seeping into Luffy's body. But even as the poison took effect, Luffy fought on, his resolve unwavering.
Their battle reached a fever pitch as Luffy launched his final attack, the "Gomu Gomu no Sun Storm," pounding Crocodile with a barrage of punches. The final blow sent Crocodile hurtling through the roof, his body crashing into the streets below.
The Grave of Kings and the Poneglyph
Meanwhile, in the hidden Grave of Kings, Nico Robin (Miss All-Sunday) and King Cobra discovered the ancient Poneglyph, which held the secrets of Alabasta. Crocodile, recovering from his defeat, burst in, demanding the location of the weapon Pluton. But when Robin revealed that the Poneglyph didn't contain the information he sought, he turned on her.
As Cobra triggered the grave's destruction mechanism, Crocodile used his Devil Fruit powers to escape, leaving Robin and Cobra to face the collapsing tomb. But Luffy returned, soaked in blood and determination, confronting Crocodile one last time.
In a brutal final exchange, Luffy, despite the poison coursing through him, managed to deliver a decisive blow, finally bringing Crocodile to his knees.
Vivi's Plea and the Miracle of Rain
With Crocodile defeated, Robin administered an antidote to the fallen Luffy, saving him from the poison's effects. As Luffy and the Straw Hats regrouped, Vivi made one last desperate plea to her people, begging them to stop the fighting. Her voice, strong and filled with love for her country, reached the rebels and the royal army alike.
At that moment, dark clouds gathered over Alubarna, and for the first time in years, rain began to fall. Raja, using his magic to bring forth the long-awaited rain, watched as the drought finally ended, washing away the bloodstains of war. The soldiers on both sides lowered their weapons, realizing that the nightmare was over.
Cobra and Vivi's Farewell
King Cobra, witnessing his daughter's bravery and the Straw Hats' heroism, approached Luffy, who was still recovering from the poison's effects. He expressed his gratitude, bowing in respect, and offered to help him return to his ship.
Vivi reunited with the crew, introducing her father. Despite her concerns for her kingdom, the Straw Hats encouraged her to stay and help rebuild Alabasta alongside Cobra. After a heartfelt farewell, Vivi stayed behind, watching as the Straw Hats prepared to leave.
Igaram's Return and the Truth Revealed
Just as the Straw Hats were about to depart, Igaram, Vivi's long-presumed-dead bodyguard, returned with Kappa, the wounded child from Nanohana. He revealed the true nature of Baroque Works' manipulation, helping to dispel the remaining confusion about the war and exposing the treachery of the agents involved. Grateful, Igaram thanked Raja for his protective spell and assured Vivi of his loyalty.
Cobra's Speech and the End of War
As the rain continued to fall, Cobra addressed both the rebels and the royal guards, urging them to put down their weapons and work together to rebuild Alabasta. He acknowledged the wounds left by the conflict, but he reminded them that they could shape the future together. The citizens, moved by his words, agreed to work toward peace, officially ending the civil war.
Farewell and a New Crew Member
The Straw Hats were hailed as heroes but kept their victory secret to avoid undue attention. After three days of rest, Luffy woke up, demanding food, to the crew's amusement.
Meanwhile, Bon Kurei (Mr. 2), having protected the Going Merry from the Marines, helped the Straw Hats escape. Though Vivi chose not to join the crew, she bid them a tearful farewell, showing the "X mark of friendship" on her arm as they sailed away.
As they left Alabasta, Nico Robin revealed herself aboard the Going Merry. Grateful for Luffy saving her, she asked to join the crew, and despite their initial wariness, the Straw Hats accepted her. As the sun rose on a new day, the Straw Hats set sail, ready for the adventures that awaited them on the Grand Line.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone