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Since the Tru Kingdom sought to expand, many of its ambitions inevitably brought it into the orbit of the World Government.

Without aligning itself with that immense power, achieving its goals, especially with expansion in the South Blue, would be challenging.

The Tru Kingdom understood this well and had begun considering how to approach the World Government to cement its plans.

King Anos of Tru, standing beside King Cobra of Alabasta, cast his gaze over the arid, sun-scorched horizon.

"King Cobra," he said thoughtfully, breaking the silence, "what do you find most unsatisfactory about Alabasta?"

Cobra was momentarily taken aback by the bluntness of the question. The subject was sensitive, almost taboo, for a land proud of its resilience, a kingdom forged under the harshest of conditions.

But Alabasta had recently been showing an openness to change, owing in no small part to Tru Kingdom's steady rise under Anos's rule.

If not for this emerging influence, Cobra likely wouldn't have entertained Anos's probing question with as much tolerance.

"As a whole," Cobra began, after gathering his thoughts, "Alabasta has no reason for dissatisfaction. Our people are unified, and their beliefs are aligned. But…" His voice faltered slightly, reflecting the heaviness of the truth he had long carried.

"I want to do more for them. The climate here worsens year after year, and the once fertile oases have mostly turned to desert. Providing for my people has become harder."

"So, I ask you, King Anos, if you have any counsel on how we might improve our circumstances."

The sincerity in Cobra's voice spoke of a ruler who truly bore his kingdom's burdens, and it struck a chord with Anos.

He had seen other rulers more preoccupied with wealth and influence than the well-being of their people.

There was a king who was not only aware of his people's struggles but also searching for solutions.

"I may not be intimately familiar with Alabasta's internal affairs," Anos replied, looking thoughtfully around, "but from my journey here, I've seen that Alabasta's people are resilient, honest, and resourceful. They only need the right opportunities."

He paused, considering how best to phrase his offer without overstepping. "If you're open to it, once I return to Tru Kingdom, we could initiate an economic partnership."

Cobra raised an eyebrow in interest, nodding for Anos to continue.

"Our Tru Kingdom could establish large enterprises within Alabasta," Anos explained. "This would create jobs, stimulating the local economy and offering your people a chance to improve their lives."

"However, for this to succeed, Alabasta would need to take responsibility for maintaining security and coordination. How does this sound to you, King Cobra?"

Anos had anticipated Cobra's initial reluctance. While Cobra was a wise ruler, he was cautious by nature, and he knew his limits.

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Although he would not admit it openly, Cobra likely understood that his kingdom wasn't impervious to outside influences or threats.

The offer was precisely calculated. Anos wanted to make Cobra see the advantages without appearing overly eager.

Tru Kingdom's plans, after all, were not confined to Alabasta alone. While the current focus lay on developing the Four Blues, the Grand Line's untapped markets beckoned with far greater prospects.

Alabasta, located strategically within the Grand Line and exempt from the "Heavenly Tribute," wielded significant authority within the World Government.

This made it an ideal base from which to expand Tru Kingdom's influence across the Grand Line.

King Cobra pondered the offer. "I admit, King Anos, I'm curious about your plans. How would this economic cooperation unfold, exactly?"

"Why don't we find a suitable place to sit and discuss it thoroughly?" Anos suggested, his tone amicable. "If you'd like, you could invite any of your advisors or ministers who might need to be involved in such decisions."

"Very well," Cobra agreed, signalling his interest. Though his words conveyed agreement, Cobra's expression remained reserved.

The thought of working alongside a younger ruler intrigued him. Yet, subconsciously, Cobra couldn't shake the feeling that Anos was the more seasoned king between them.

"Daiki, come over here!" Anos called to his aide, Daiki, who stood ten meters away.

As Daiki approached, Anos turned to Cobra with an apologetic smile. "Excuse me, King Cobra. I need a brief moment. I'll return shortly so we can continue."

"No problem," Cobra replied politely, though he began to feel satisfaction bubbling beneath his calm exterior.

This meeting, initially intended only as a diplomatic formality, had turned into something potentially transformative for Alabasta.

Anos's proactive approach toward collaboration aligned perfectly with Cobra's ambitions.

The possibility of economic growth, of bringing relief to his people, pleased him more than he showed. Still, he wasn't aware of Anos's full intentions.

As Cobra watched him leave, Anos performed a quick, discreet movement. With Daiki at his side, he disappeared from the terrace, reappearing instantly in a shadowed, secluded corner of Alabasta's royal grounds a cemetery hidden within the palace walls.

The two found themselves amidst an array of tombstones, silent reminders of those who had come before. Despite the eerie atmosphere, Anos's face was resolute.

"Daiki," Anos said in a lowered tone, "we're here for a particular item hidden beneath one of these graves. I don't know the exact location, but you'll need to find it without drawing any attention. It's a small, box-shaped artefact, and it may be inscribed with an ancient text."

Daiki nodded, his gaze sharpening as he surveyed the cemetery. He knew the gravity of the task.

Although he trusted Anos's judgment, he had reservations about acting within the palace grounds of a foreign kingdom.

"Once you've located it," Anos continued, "make an impression of the text do not destroy it. I just remembered that historical texts are resilient and nearly impossible to break."

The mention of ancient inscriptions caused Daiki's eyes to widen slightly.

He was aware of Alabasta's long history and the ancient mysteries that lay buried beneath its sands, but he hadn't realized how close they might be to one of those secrets.

"Understood, Your Majesty. I'll proceed with caution," Daiki replied, his voice filled with a newfound seriousness.

Anos knew well enough that Alabasta's power was not to be underestimated.

The kingdom's strength extended beyond the physical; it held secrets and mysteries that even the World Government eyed with a measure of respect.

Navigating such a place was no simple matter, and although he could perceive certain energies around the palace, he was cautious of potential traps and barriers hidden within.

"I'll have to leave the rest to you," Anos said, his voice softer, almost as if he were speaking to himself. "Once you've completed the task, find me."

After giving one last, careful glance around, Anos transported them both out of the cemetery.

He knew that no one would expect Alabasta's king to hide something as valuable as a historical text within a graveyard.

This hidden text contained crucial information and knowledge that could reshape the power dynamics of the Grand Line.

If Anos's hunch was correct, this particular artefact might reveal the location of the ancient weapon, Pluton.

The implications were profound. Alabasta's deserts held many secrets, and this single fragment of knowledge was enough to shift the tides.

Returning to the palace, Daiki maintained an unwavering focus. He committed every detail to memory, carefully planning how he would execute the search.

Alabasta's royal grounds were vast, but with Anos's spatial abilities, pinpointing the cemetery again wouldn't be difficult.

However, Anos had specifically instructed him to avoid acting under cover of night, a perplexing restriction that left Daiki puzzled.

Yet Daiki trusted his king's foresight implicitly. If Anos advised against a nighttime operation, there must have been a significant reason.

As he walked, Daiki began devising strategies, considering every possible angle. The Royal Guards had over 20 elite members with him.

If each was assigned a section of the cemetery, they could complete a thorough search within half an hour.

But he also knew that speed wasn't the only concern; the task required precision and utmost secrecy.

In his mind, Daiki weighed the logistics, visualizing the team's movements within the confined space.

He would need to coordinate them efficiently, using every available resource without raising suspicion. Every detail had to be perfect.

He glanced briefly toward Anos, who seemed lost in thought as he observed the palace surroundings.

No words were exchanged between them, but the unspoken understanding was clear: they were on the brink of a discovery that could alter the very fabric of power within the Grand Line.

As Daiki continued to review his plan, the realization settled over him.

This mission was not simply about finding an artefact it was about positioning the Tru Kingdom in the heart of the Grand Line's hidden machinations.

If successful, they could carve out a new era of influence, one that would extend beyond the Four Blues and into the vast unknown of the Grand Line.

Daiki took a deep breath. The weight of responsibility felt heavy, yet he was ready.

The path ahead was lined with challenges, but with Anos's guidance, he was confident they would not only reach their goal but reshape the world in the process.

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