Chapter 120: Reunite

(T/N: Please consider reviewing this Fanfic, Thanks and appreciate all who support me)

(T/N: Enjoy!!)

<><><><><><>

-Alubarna-

The capital of the desert kingdom quickly unveiled its unique charm before Arashi and his companions. 

Bustling streets, exotic attire, and lively voices surged into their eyes and ears from all directions. 

Holding the reins of their camels, the group displayed expressions of curiosity and excitement.

"The palace is just past the clock tower at the city centre; you'll see it soon," said their guide, a man with dark skin who removed the cloth covering his head to reveal a shiny bald head, smiling warmly. 

"From here, I won't be accompanying you further."

"Alubarna's royal palace is hard to miss," he added.

Arashi nodded in acknowledgement. Eveya stepped forward to settle the payment and thanked the guide. 

With the Berries in hand, the guide's face lit up with a broad grin. 

"Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the capital, travellers!" he said, turning to lead his camel away.

"Commander, should we head straight to the palace?" Eveya asked curiously.

Arashi smiled knowingly, noticing the excitement in her eyes. "Let's explore the city first. There's no rush."

"Understood!" Eveya responded enthusiastically.

The group, appearing like tourists, soon began wandering around the vibrant city. About half an hour later, a patrol squad passed by. 

The leader, a man with his head wrapped in white cloth and a long sword at his waist, had eyes as sharp as a hawk's.

"Hm?"

When he saw the group of Marines ahead on the street, his eyes narrowed. 

When the tall figure in the group turned around, the man's face flashed with shock.

"Him?!"

"That's the prince!"

He instinctively moved forward but hesitated mid-step. 

Turning to one of his subordinates, he ordered, "Send word to His Majesty immediately—the prince has arrived in Alubarna."

The soldier quickly turned and hurried off. Meanwhile, the man adjusted his robes, took a deep breath, and approached.

"Your Highness, I am Pell of the Royal Guard," he said respectfully, stopping about nine meters away.

Arashi smiled faintly and looked at him. He had already noticed the royal guards earlier and recognized the man before him as Pell, the Vice-Captain of the Alabasta Royal Guard. 

Pell was also the user of the Bird-Bird Fruit, Falcon Model—a Zoan-type Devil Fruit.

His most iconic moment had been carrying a massive bomb into the sky, an act of ultimate sacrifice that he miraculously survived. 

Pell's loyalty to the kingdom and the Nefertari family was beyond question.

"Hello, Pell," Arashi greeted with a nod.

Behind him, Eveya and the nine Marine soldiers straightened their postures, exuding an air of sharp discipline. 

The guards accompanying Arashi were no ordinary Marines—they were elites from the West Blue, each having mastered one or two of the Rokushiki techniques. 

Though their ranks were still soldier-class due to ongoing training at the West Blue Academy, they were set to graduate soon, at which point they would immediately attain officer-level ranks.

"What a terrifying group," Pell thought, a serious expression settling on his face. 

As a seasoned warrior, he was keenly aware of the auras radiating from these elites.

"I've heard that His Highness Arashi is a Marine Vice Admiral—his strength must be incredible," Pell mused. 

"But it's impossible to tell just by looking at him."

Bowing slightly, Pell gestured with an inviting posture.

"His Majesty has been eagerly awaiting you, Your Highness. Please allow me to escort you to the palace."

Arashi chuckled lightly and nodded. "Thank you, Vice-Captain Pell. Lead the way."

Pell straightened his expression, a mix of tension and respect, and began walking ahead. 

Throughout the journey, his sharp eyes remained on Eveya and the nine Marines.

"This female officer is incredibly strong as well," he thought. "But what about His Highness Arashi? How powerful is he?"

"I've heard he went missing as a child, only to return as a highly influential Marine Vice Admiral. What a remarkable story."

Pell couldn't help but glance at Arashi's profile as they walked. 

"He's tall and imposing, yet there's a clear resemblance to His Majesty Cobra. Though... he's even more handsome."

The atmosphere along the way remained relatively quiet. 

Pell, a man of few words, had relied on his abilities and merit to rise to the position of Vice-Captain at a young age.

Soon, they arrived at the palace gates.

"Vice-Captain Pell!" The guards stationed at the entrance saluted respectfully.

"This is His Highness, the prince," Pell introduced solemnly.

"The prince?!"

The gate guards' eyes widened as they looked at Arashi. Noticing his Marine uniform and the Vice Admiral insignia on his shoulders, they were further stunned.

"The prince is a Marine Vice Admiral?!"

Without delay, they bowed deeply in salute.

"Let's head inside," Arashi said with a slight smile. "It's been a long time since I last visited."

Pell nodded and led the way into the palace.

The Alubarna Royal Palace was grand and majestic, and its architectural style was reminiscent of a European temple from Arashi's past life. 

Massive stone pillars stood tall, wide corridors stretched elegantly, and most structures were built with exceptionally sturdy stone. 

Guards stood every five meters, their expressions solemn as they held spears firmly.

As they approached the main hall, a group of people rushed toward them with hurried steps. Leading them was Nefertari Cobra, the King of Alabasta.

Dressed in a robe with green and yellow inner linings and a dark outer coat, Cobra's youthful face was alight with excitement and urgency.

"My brother! My dear brother!" Cobra exclaimed, his voice filled with emotion. "I've finally found you!"

"Cobra!"

As Cobra called out, he approached Arashi with tears welling in his eyes. 

Arashi studied him momentarily, marvelling at the undeniable resemblance in their features. 

At the same time, an inexplicable connection through their shared bloodline became vividly apparent.

"This time, there's no mistake about my origins, right?" Arashi mused to himself. 

Outwardly, he smiled and spoke warmly. "I must apologize, brother. Due to an accident, I've lost all memories of my childhood."

Cobra trembled at those words, and tears spilt from his eyes. 

He reached out to pat his younger brother on the shoulder, only to realize Arashi was far taller than him. 

Cobra couldn't help but marvel at Arashi's imposing and powerfully built physique. 

For someone of royal lineage to have forged such a robust body—it was simply astonishing.

"Arashi, what have you been through all these years?!" Cobra's voice quivered as he wrapped his arms around Arashi's waist, crying uncontrollably.

Helplessly, Arashi extended his arms and embraced his much shorter brother.

The scene visibly moved the surrounding crowd, their expressions full of emotion. 

Standing among them, Igaram, Captain of the Royal Guard, was particularly stunned.

"Prince Arashi is so much taller than His Majesty," Igaram thought in awe.

"And that physique… it's overwhelming just to look at!"

No one dared interrupt the joyous reunion of the siblings. After a long moment, Cobra wiped his tears away and smiled, taking Arashi's hand.

"Come, let me introduce you," Cobra said, leading him. "This is my wife, Titi, and this is Vivi. She just turned two this year."

Arashi turned to the two, noticing their shared blue hair and gentle features. Vivi peeked shyly yet curiously from behind her mother.

"Hello, sister-in-law," Arashi greeted with a smile. Then he bent down to address Vivi. "And you, Vivi—can you talk yet? You should call me Uncle!"

In her tiny voice, Vivi stammered, "H-Hello, Uncle."

"Haha! Wonderful!" Arashi laughed.

"Come inside, quickly," Cobra said cheerfully, pulling Arashi toward the palace interior.

A short while later, everyone was seated around a long table laden with exquisite dishes and drinks.

"Life as royalty must be quite nice," Eveya murmured.

Arashi merely smiled, turning his attention to Cobra. "Brother, when do you plan to depart for Mary Geoise?"

Cobra's expression grew serious. "The Reverie is held once every four years. In the past, the Holy Land hasn't demanded much from Alabasta—we've always had the option to attend or not." 

"But this time, they've insisted that you and I participate."

He paused and looked intently at Arashi. "I suspect this has something to do with you, doesn't it?"

Arashi nodded slightly. "They likely want to question me directly about certain matters."

"Just questioning?" Cobra sighed in relief, his face easing into a smile. "That's good to hear. I was worried it might be something worse."

Deep down, Cobra had resolved that if his younger brother had made any grave mistakes, he would do whatever it took to protect him.

"I can handle this, brother. You don't need to worry," Arashi reassured him with a smile.

"You've finally come home after so long—stay for a while," Cobra said earnestly. 

Then, his tone shifted as he began to fuss like an older brother. "If possible, could you resign from your position in the Marines?" 

"You're a prince of Alabasta, after all. And as for your marriage prospects—"

Cobra's words trailed off as he looked at Arashi, who towered over him, exuding an overwhelming presence even when relaxed.

"I can't resign from the Marines," Arashi replied firmly. 

"Whether royal or commoner, one must always keep their power firmly in their grasp." 

"Besides," he added, his tone becoming more serious, "I have plans for Alabasta as well."

Cobra glanced at Titi and Vivi before lowering his voice. "What sort of plans?"

"Since there are no outsiders here, I'll speak plainly," Arashi said, his voice steady.

Besides Cobra's family, only Arashi and Eveya were in the banquet hall.

"Say whatever is on your mind. No matter what it is, I'll support you," Cobra said solemnly. 

From the moment he learned of his brother's survival and achievements as a Marine Vice Admiral, Cobra had been filled with guilt for the hardships Arashi must have endured.

At this moment, even if Arashi were to ask for the throne, Cobra would hand it over without hesitation.

Arashi could sense Cobra's sincerity, and his expression softened as he spoke. "Through studying ancient texts, I've uncovered the true origins of the Nefertari family."

Cobra's pupils contracted sharply.

"I've also learned some details about an ancestor named Lily," Arashi continued.

Clang!

The steel fork in Cobra's hand fell onto his plate.

If you want to support me, join my patr**on. Have 10 advanced Chapters for you guys.

patr**n.com/saitamablast > OP:COI NOVEL TIER