The Town of Dreams, Rainbase

The page opens with a view of the vast desert dunes. Narration boxes read, "The sun sets and rises again." and "Time remaining before Operation Utopia: 1 hour." In the next panel, a large, opulent city is visible in the distance, nestled among the dunes. A voice says, "I see it!" and another adds, "That must be Rainbase!" A group of figures and a camel are seen walking across the sand towards the city. Someone exclaims, "We're finally here!?"

Luffy throws his arms up and yells excitedly, "ALRIIIIIGHT! TIME TO KICK CROCODILE'S ASS!" Usopp, walking alongside the camel, tells him, "You guys are so noisy..." while Luffy continues to shout "WADUH! (Water!)". Nami turns to Usopp and asks, "Are you done with that thing I asked for?" Usopp replies, "Oh, that's right. Hey Usopp, That thing? Oh yeah, it's finished." He pulls out a new weapon, presenting it to Nami. "Here! This is your new weapon! The 'Clima-Tact!'" The weapon consists of three blue poles. Usopp explains, "Right. It might not look like it, but your staff's been completely overhauled! Its attacks change depending on how you assemble the individual parts!"

Sanji strikes a dramatic pose, holding his cigarette, and declares, "BECAUSE I'LL PROTECT THEM AT ALL TIMES! If Nami and Vivi don't want to fight, then they don't need to... Just call me, 'Prince,' ladies!" Zoro, looking annoyed, retorts, "I SAID ONLY THE LADIES! Prince." Sanji glares back at him. Vivi, riding the camel, brings up a concern: "By the way, does B.W. know we're currently in the country?" Sanji replies, "...Yes, most likely." Vivi continues, "Not only did we run across Mr. 2, but Mr. 3's also somewhere in the country. So I can't imagine B.W. would still be in the dark." Luffy and Nami listen attentively. Nami adds, "So what if they know? Well if they know our faces, we can't take any overt actions."

Zoro points out, "Right, and let's not forget their specialty is assassination...!" Usopp panics, "So if one of them spots us, then Crocodile will know we're coming and plan ahead! There might be a lot of B.W. agents teeming all over Rainbase." Luffy, completely ignoring the warning, yells again, "ALRIGHT! TIME TO KICK CROCODILE'S ASS!" Usopp angrily smacks Luffy on the head with a paper fan, shouting, "DID YOU NOT LISTEN TO WHAT I JUST SAID!?" Nami sighs, "But you know, Usopp..." Vivi speaks up with a determined look, "I think I might agree with Luffy here! We've got no time to play things safe. A short and direct approach might be our best chance." Usopp, sweating, says, "What's wrong? You gonna chicken out, Usopp? I'll give my best then!" Chopper is seen walking beside the camel.

A large establishing shot shows the bustling streets of Rainbase, "The Town of Dreams". In the background, a massive pyramid-shaped building with a giant crocodile statue on top dominates the skyline. People are walking around the lively town. Inside a cafe or bar, Smoker and Tashigi are seated at a table. Tashigi asks, "Capt. Smoker, what're we doing here in Rainbase?" Smoker, smoking two cigars and holding a large mug, replies, "I don't know... Instinct, I suppose..." Suddenly, the saloon doors burst open. Luffy and Usopp rush in, desperate and parched, yelling, "Woohoo! We can finally drink water, Usopp!" and "WADUH! (Water)".

Smoker continues his thought, "In any case, there's something suspicious going on in this country... Something big... I can feel it in my bones." He demands, "Yo granny, hit us up with some water! Give us 5 whole barrels of water!" Tashigi asks, "Then do you think there's some connection between Crocodile and that criminal organization?" Smoker replies, "Maybe..." Meanwhile, Luffy and Usopp are chugging water directly from large barrels. Luffy exclaims, "DAMN, THIS WATER'S GOOD!" and Usopp agrees, "YEAH, IT'S KILLER! We should quickly head back and give some to the rest of the guys." Smoker, still talking to Tashigi, says, "I still can't get my head around why the Princess of Alabasta is travelling with the Straw-Hat pirates... In times like these, all you can really do is sit back and wait for another lead..." Smoker glances over and suddenly recognizes Luffy and Usopp. He does a massive spit-take, spraying his drink everywhere in shock as Luffy and Usopp look back at him, equally surprised.

Outside the cafe, the rest of the crew is waiting. Sanji says, "Do you think it was alright trusting them with getting the water? It's just a little errand. I'm sure they can handle it." Zoro adds, "Don't worry. They might just come back with more than just water, if you know what I'm sayin'..." Chopper says, "I'm gonna go to a washroom." and walks away. Back inside the cafe, Smoker stands up abruptly, yelling, "ALERT THE MARINES! I'M CHASING AFTER THEM!" Tashigi responds, "YES, SIR!" The cafe owner asks, "Umm, how much do we owe you!?" Tashigi apologizes, "Well if you know those two who just ran out with the water, you'll have to pay for them too! S-sorry for the trouble..." Outside, Luffy and Usopp are sprinting away at top speed, each carrying a barrel of water. Usopp screams, "WHY THE HELL ARE THE MARINES HERE!?" Luffy replies, "HOW WOULD I KNOW!? JUST KEEP RUNNING!"

Sanji spots them and yells, "GUYS! THE MARINES ARE HERE!" Nami panics, "Oh crap! They've got the marines on their tails! NO, THAT CAN'T BE! AND WHY'RE THEY RUNNING THIS WAY!?" Vivi notices, "Oh no, Chopper's not back yet!" Sanji reassures her, "Don't worry, he'll figure something out!" Luffy and Usopp run past the crew, with Luffy laughing, "YEAH, THANKS TO YOU IDIOTS!" Smoker and a squad of marines are hot on their heels. Smoker commands, "DON'T LET THEM ESCAPE THIS TIME! Fast little buggers..."

The crew runs frantically through the streets of Rainbase, causing a commotion among the townsfolk. Sanji complains, "Isn't it really bad to run around town like this? We'll be spotted by B.W. agents!" Zoro replies, "I'd say it's too late to worry about that." Luffy suddenly says, "Then let's go! Let's go meet Crocodile, Vivi!" Vivi is surprised, "What?" Luffy points ahead, "He's in that building with the crocodile on top. Do you see it!? That's Rain Dinners, the casino owned by Crocodile!" Vivi agrees, "Alright."

Sanji suggests, "We better split up first." Zoro agrees, "Right." Luffy says, "Okay then! Let's all meet up later, At Crocodile's House!" The crew scatters in different directions through the city streets, shouting "DASH!" and "LEAP!". The pursuing marines are confused. "THEY SPLIT UP! DON'T LET'EM ESCAPE!" Luffy runs ahead, taunting Smoker, "Hey Smokey! Catch me if ya can!" Smoker, flying forward using his smoke powers, replies, "I accept your challenge!"

Smoker launches an attack, shouting, "DON'T THINK YOU CAN OUTRUN ME FOREVER! WHITE VINE!" A thick tendril of smoke shoots out and wraps around Luffy, trapping him. Luffy grunts, "UGH!" but quickly reacts. He inhales deeply and uses "GOMU GOMU... BALLOON!", inflating his body massively to break free from the smoke binding. He bounces off the ground, landing safely near a fence where some camels are tied up. He exhales, "AGHH! THAT WAS CLOSE!"

Elsewhere in the town, Sanji calls out, "Usopp! I'm leaving Nami in your hands! I'll hold these guys off so run ahead!" Usopp, running with Nami, replies, "Huh!? What!?" Sanji turns to face a group of pursuing marines. "Ok, leave it to me!" Sanji stands confidently, blocking the street. "As long as that smoking bastard ain't around, The rest of you are trash...!" He smirks, lighting his cigarette, "Heh heh... Say your prayers, marines..."

Nami runs away, panting heavily. She thinks to herself, "I HOPE YOU'LL BE SAFE, MR. BUSHIDO...!" Meanwhile, Zoro is engaged in combat with several marines. He easily blocks their sword strikes with his own blades. "Too weak! Try again!" he taunts as he clashes swords with them, the sound of "CLANG!" ringing out.

Suddenly, Tashigi appears and confronts Zoro. "RORONOA ZORO! So we meet again!" Zoro looks exasperated, "You're... Sgt. Tashigi!" Tashigi draws her sword, "Our match was already settled!" Zoro tries to brush her off, "Hey now, I've got no intention of fighting you!" Tashigi attacks, "No it wasn't! You've yet to cut me once!" Zoro blocks her strike, thinking, "Dammit! I'm just no good dealing with her!" He yells, "Ahh! WAIT RIGHT THERE!" Tashigi glares at him, "You despicable man! How dare you try to make a fool out of me again..." Zoro shouts back, "...QUIT PUTTING ON THAT FACE!"

In another part of town, Usopp and Nami are confronted by Baroque Works agents. The agents hold up a picture of Vivi and shout, "THOSE'RE THE ONES WE'RE LOOKING FOR! KILL THEM!" Usopp throws a small projectile that explodes with a loud bang and a flash of light, yelling, "STAY AWAY, B.W.!" The agents scream, "GYAAAA! AHHHHHH!" as they are blinded and disoriented by the blast. Usopp and Nami use the distraction to escape. Usopp says, "W-whoa, it worked! Haha! You think that'll make us stay away!?" Nami praises him, "Nice one, Usopp!"

Luffy and Usopp arrive at the entrance of the massive Rain Dinners casino. The building is shaped like a pyramid with a giant crocodile on top. Usopp points, "Look! There's the entrance to Rain Dinners! The building's built in the middle of the lake...!" Luffy looks around, "Is no one else here yet!?" Suddenly, a group of Baroque Works Millions agents spot them. "THERE THEY ARE! KILL THOSE 2 FIRST! FIRE!" They raise their rifles and start shooting at Luffy and Usopp. Luffy yells, "ENEMIES?"

Zoro and Sanji are seen fighting off Baroque Works agents, kicking and slashing their way through the crowd. Sanji asks, "Zoro!? Weren't you with Vivi!?" Zoro replies, "I let her run on ahead. Why, is she still not here!?" Nami arrives and suggests, "Maybe she went inside! Then we should hurry up ins-" Luffy suddenly sprints past them, interrupting, "C'mon, guys! Let's head inside!" Someone yells "Luffy!" as he runs. Suddenly, Smoker appears right behind them. The crew panics, "Wait right there! HE BROUGHT SMOKER TOO!"

Luffy sprints towards the entrance of Rain Dinners, a determined look on his face. "CROCODILE! JUST YOU WAIT," he yells. Inside the luxurious casino, Crocodile is sitting in a dimly lit room. Miss All Sunday (Nico Robin) stands beside him. She reports, "Vivi, And the pirates, Are here in town!?" Crocodile smirks, "Yes, I've just been informed by the Millions. Kuhahaha!" Robin says, "As you wish." Crocodile grins wickedly, "Then welcome the little rats inside! HAHAHA!"

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