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The ministers of Alabasta gathered outside to welcome Anos, waiting patiently as his carriage came to a halt near the grand palace gates.

Alabasta's warmth hung thick in the air, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the sandstone structures.

As soon as Anos stepped off the carriage, he was greeted by the vibrant hues of Alabasta's royal banners fluttering above and the sight of a portly man in his thirties approaching him with brisk, energetic steps.

The man, round-faced and rosy-cheeked, wore a beaming smile as he moved forward.

"Baphotus, the Left Minister of Alabasta, on behalf of His Majesty King Cobra, welcomes His Majesty, the King of the Tru Kingdom!" he announced with a flourish, bowing deeply in a gesture of both respect and warmth.

Anos, looking no more than sixteen or seventeen, acknowledged Baphotus's greeting with a nod. His cool gaze, which hinted at wisdom beyond his years, swept across the palace grounds, taking in every detail with a king's intuition.

Baphotus, ever observant, kept his respectful stance, but his mind buzzed with curiosity.

Anos, for one so young, exuded a presence that demanded attention.

Alabasta was accustomed to visitors and royalty, but this king from the Tru Kingdom, seemingly unfazed by grandeur or ceremony, was something different.

"Uncle Baphotus, Vivi's here too!" came a familiar, lively voice.

Baphotus glanced up, noticing Princess Vivi standing in the carriage, a slight pout on her lips.

She looked a little put out, clearly not fond of being overshadowed, even for a moment. Her sapphire hair and bright eyes reflected the same energy and spirit as her homeland.

There was an innocence in her youth, yet a burgeoning determination that echoed her father's.

"Princess Vivi, you're back as well!" Baphotus replied, his smile broadening with genuine fondness.

"Please, let's hurry inside. His Majesty has been greatly concerned about you." With that, he turned his respectful gaze back to Anos. "Your Majesty, King Cobra eagerly awaits you within. Please, this way."

"Thank you for your efforts, Minister Baphotus." Anos inclined his head slightly, but his mind was elsewhere.

He was already analyzing the palace's layout, assessing exits, noting guards, and registering subtle details that might escape the ordinary visitor.

Each stone seemed to tell a story, whispering fragments of Alabasta's illustrious history.

At that moment, Daiki and the Royal Guards approached swiftly from behind.

The sound of their synchronized steps echoed against the ancient stone, a testament to their disciplined training.

The Tru Kingdom's guardsmen, dressed in dark, finely woven uniforms that bore the insignia of their homeland, exuded a solemn energy.

Their presence was quiet yet powerful, their watchful gazes alert.

"Your Majesty, forgive our delay," Daiki said, bowing his head respectfully.

Despite their quick journey, their uniforms remained immaculate, reflecting the pride they held for their kingdom.

Anos turned to Daiki, his expression softening just slightly. "No need for apologies. I'm glad you're here safely. How are Barlow & others?"

"They are recovering well, Your Majesty. Barlow should be back to full strength soon," Daiki replied, relief evident in his voice.

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"Good. Now that you're here, let's proceed together." With that, Anos gestured forward, signalling his intent to move into the palace.

The Royal Guards formed a protective perimeter around him, a sight that drew murmurs of curiosity and admiration from onlookers near the entrance.

Baphotus watched the entourage with interest. It wasn't every day that the Alabastan court witnessed such a regimented, foreign escort. His gaze lingered, trying to understand this unusual group.

Sensing Baphotus's curiosity, Igaram leaned in slightly and murmured, "Minister Baphotus, these men are the Royal Guards of the Tru Kingdom."

"Ah, I see," Baphotus replied, smiling politely. His curiosity remained, but he knew well enough to respect the dignity of a foreign king.

They entered the palace, where the temperature shifted from the sun's searing heat to a cool, shaded tranquillity.

Alabasta's royal palace held the weight of ages. The stone floors, worn and cracked in places, seemed to whisper tales of past dynasties, triumphs, defeats, and an unbroken line of rulers.

Alabasta's legacy was written into every slab, and for Anos, it was like stepping into a living archive.

It reminded him of certain ancient places from his previous life like Egypt, places that bore similar signs of time and history.

As they walked further into the palace, Anos's thoughts momentarily drifted.

While his expression remained unchanged, he couldn't help but be impressed by the subtle grandeur of Alabasta's history.

A sense of respect bloomed within him, a silent acknowledgement of a kingdom that had stood the test of time.

They continued onward, eventually entering a vast, echoing hall where King Cobra stood waiting.

Cobra's figure was unmistakable, his bearing one of quiet strength. From a distance, Anos recognized the same features he'd heard of a tall, dignified man whose every move spoke of a ruler's burdens.

At the sight of her father, Vivi couldn't contain herself any longer. She broke away from the group and ran to him, her voice echoing through the hall. "Dad!"

Anos watched her with a soft smile. Despite his composed demeanour, he found the bond between father and daughter unexpectedly touching.

At that moment, the palace's solemn atmosphere felt a bit warmer.

Noticing this, Suzu leaned close to Anos and whispered, a playful glint in her eye, "Your Majesty, do you perhaps fancy the young princess?"

Anos gave her a quick side glance, the barest hint of a smirk on his face. "What nonsense are you spouting? She's a child. Even if someone falls for you, that doesn't mean you should feel obligated to reciprocate."

Suzu's face turned bright red, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

The teasing remark had backfired, and she was visibly flustered, her composure slipping.

Even Daiki, who walked nearby, couldn't help but chuckle softly.

"Haha, Suzu! His Majesty is quite the charmer. If someone likes you, you should seize the opportunity!" Daiki murmured, giving her a friendly nudge.

The playful banter eased the group's nerves as they approached the towering figure of King Cobra.

It was unusual for the Royal Guards, accustomed to the Tru Kingdom's formality, to feel so relaxed within another kingdom's walls.

Yet, they quickly adjusted, resuming a dignified silence as they neared Cobra.

"Vivi, why must you always wander off? Do you realize how much I worry?" Cobra's voice, a mixture of concern and irritation, resounded even before Anos and his guard reached them.

He spoke with the unmistakable tone of a father one who had spent sleepless nights worrying, who would trade the world's riches to ensure his child's safety. His scolding made clear just how much he cared.

"Dad, I'm fine," Vivi replied softly, casting a glance around at the gathering. "Besides, you don't need to scold me in front of everyone. Can't you give me a little dignity?"

Anos, having drawn close enough to hear their conversation, let out a small laugh. "Now you're concerned about dignity, Princess Vivi?"

She shot him a mildly exasperated look, her cheeks pink with embarrassment, but said nothing.

"King Anos of the Tru Kingdom," Cobra said formally, his gaze shifting from his daughter to the young monarch before him.

The air between them grew charged with formality, two sovereigns meeting under the eyes of their people.

Anos responded with a respectful nod.

Cobra's serious expression softened, transforming into a warm, welcoming smile. "King Anos, I am Nefertari Cobra, King of Alabasta. Welcome to our kingdom, and thank you for caring for Vivi these past few days."

He extended his hand in a gesture of goodwill. Anos reciprocated, and their hands met in a firm handshake that spoke of mutual respect.

It was a quiet but momentous occasion, one that would undoubtedly find its place in the annals of Alabasta's history.

"I have long heard of Alabasta's King Cobra. It is a true honour to be received by you today," Anos said with genuine respect.

"Perhaps I should be the one saying that, King Anos. Your Tru Kingdom has filled the headlines lately, and from what I've seen, it's well deserved," Cobra replied, his voice carrying a hint of admiration mixed with curiosity.

For a brief moment, they exchanged a glance that went beyond words.

Beneath the cordialities, each was silently evaluating the other, aware that their kingdoms were at the dawn of what might become a historic alliance.

In that grand hall, under the watchful eyes of guards, ministers, and attendants, the two kings, one seasoned and the other on the cusp of his reign stood side by side.

There was no fanfare or grand proclamation, yet everyone present sensed the significance of this encounter.

This moment, though unwitnessed by the scribes, would echo through time, a chapter in the story of Alabasta and Tru's future, forged not by pomp and grandeur but by quiet respect and shared aspirations.

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