novelnext Chapter 108 Cobra's Worries
Chapter 108 Cobra's Worries
Weiwei nodded shyly, gazing at the desert night sky outside the courtyard, where stars twinkled. She knew that the road to protecting the country and its people was long and fraught with difficulties, but she would not be afraid or back down. No matter what she encountered, she would bravely rush to the front, uphold her ideals, and use her own strength to protect the land and people she loved so dearly.
Looking at his daughter's resolute profile, and then at Bai Yu and his group who were equally sincere, Kobra became even more certain that his decision was correct.
Kobra looked down at his daughter in his arms, whose eyes were firm, and stroked her soft hair. After a moment, he looked up at Bai Yu and his group. The king's majesty had faded from his eyes, replaced by a father's earnestness and solemn entrustment.
Cobra slowly rose and bowed slightly to the crowd. This gesture carried the humility of a king and also revealed a father's deep expectations for his daughter: "Gentlemen, there is something I have been pondering for a long time, and today I dare to ask you for a request."
Bai Yu and the others were taken aback upon hearing this, but then smiled gently and said, "Your Majesty, please speak freely. As long as it is within our power, we will certainly not refuse."
"Weiwei is a kind-hearted child with a strong desire to protect her country, but she is only six years old. The road ahead is long, and the burden on her shoulders is too heavy."
Cobra's gaze swept over Robin and Rangiku Unohana before finally settling on Shiraha: "Alabasta's history spans thousands of years, containing wisdom for survival as well as hidden dangers. Miss Robin is well-versed in history, and Mr. Shiraha seems to possess unfathomable strength. If Vivi can learn how to protect herself and become stronger, she will be able to face the storms of the future with ease. I implore you all to stay in Alabasta for a while longer and offer Vivi some guidance. For the sake of this country and for the sake of this child, I beg you."
After saying this, Cobra bowed slightly, his expression full of sincere pleading.
Seeing her father bowing, Weiwei quickly followed suit, her bright eyes looking at Bai Yu and the others with a hint of expectation in them.
Upon hearing this, Bai Yu exchanged glances with Robin and Rangiku, having already made up his mind.
They passed through Alabasta and, thanks to Kobra's trust, were able to see the precious historical texts—a friendship that should be remembered.
The King's entrustment of this important task is a recognition of their abilities, and they don't need to stay for too long. Bai Yu then smiled and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. We are grateful for your trust in allowing us to see the historical text. We have not yet repaid this kindness. Teaching Princess Weiwei will not only fulfill your wish but also serve as our way of giving back. We are willing to stay and accompany Your Highness for a while."
Kanna, clutching the candy in her hands, wiggled her short legs and said in a cheerful voice, "Vivi is a good friend, Kanna wants to stay and play with Vivi!"
Seeing everyone agree, Cobra's face instantly lit up with a relieved smile. He quickly straightened up, cupped his hands in thanks to everyone, and said, "Thank you all! Thank you all! With you all here, I can rest assured."
Vivi bowed deeply to Bai Yu and his group, saying, "Thank you, Brother Bai Yu, thank you, Sister Robin, thank you everyone. Vivi will definitely study hard."
From that day on, the palace courtyard and study became much more lively.
Every morning, as the sky begins to lighten, warm yellow light shines through the windows of the study.
This means that Weiwei has already started learning.
A month has passed since Bai Yu and his group agreed to stay and teach Weiwei.
Over the past thirty-odd days, her days were filled with activity and order. The study in the early morning, the training ground at noon, and the courtyard in the afternoon all became classrooms for Vivi to absorb knowledge and strength. Meanwhile, Shiraha, Robin, and Unohana Rangiku also did their best to impart their expertise to her.
The breaks between studies were the happiest times for Vivi and Connor.
Two little girls of similar age would run to the palace courtyard to chase and play, or squat by the flowers to observe butterflies and ants, and share their snacks.
Vivi would also teach Connor to identify the flowers and plants in the desert, telling her which berries were edible and which plants could quench her thirst.
Within a month, Vivi's changes were clearly visible.
She was no longer the little girl who only knew how to bravely rush forward. Her eyes became clearer and more determined, and her demeanor became more composed and dignified. She not only learned a wealth of historical knowledge, a solid foundation in swordsmanship, and methods to become stronger, but also understood the deeper meaning of protecting the country and its people.
Bai Yu often saw Kobra standing under the porch, watching his daughter's busy and fulfilling figure.
Honestly, Cobra was not only a good king, but also a good father.
To thank Bai Yu and the others for their careful guidance over the past month, and also to allow everyone to relax, Kobra specially hosted a banquet in the palace courtyard.
Similar to the dinner we had on our first meeting, it was still a homely, local affair.
Halfway through the dinner, everyone chatted about the interesting things that had happened over the past month. Cobra looked at Vivi, who was earnestly handing dates to Kanna, and his eyes were full of satisfaction.
He then turned to Bai Yu and said sincerely, "Thank you so much. Over the past month, you have all worked hard to teach Weiwei. We have all seen and appreciated the changes in her."
Bai Yu smiled and waved his hand: "You flatter me. Weiwei is intelligent and resilient, and she has a strong desire to protect her country. Teaching her is a happy thing for us as well."
Cobra nodded slightly, his eyes filled with a mixture of worry and expectation: "To be honest, Alabasta is located in the desert and faces the difficulties of water shortage and sandstorms all year round. Occasionally, there are also thieves and rebels who covet it. Vivi will have to shoulder the heavy responsibility of protecting the country in the future, and her road ahead will definitely be full of hardships. Although I have tried my best to pave the way for her, I am always worried that she is not strong enough to cope with the storms in the future."
Bai Yu looked at the worry in Cobra's eyes, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly said, "I understand your concerns. Vivi is indeed intelligent and resilient, but Alabasta has a special geography and possesses coveted treasures. In the future, she may face crises far beyond imagination, and her current accumulation may not be enough."
Cobra's heart tightened, and he quickly asked, "What does Mr. Bai Yu mean?"
Bai Yu picked up the bowl of jujube juice in front of him, took a small sip, and then looked at Cobra, his tone solemn, "I wonder how much Your Majesty knows about Devil Fruits?"
"Devil Fruit?"
Cobra frowned slightly: "Of course I know, but legend has it that those who eat Devil Fruits can gain extraordinary power, but the price is that they will be rejected by the sea and will never be able to swim again. In fact, very few kings in Alabasta have ever eaten Devil Fruits."
"That's right, Devil Fruits do come at a price, but the power they bring can become the confidence to protect yourself and others in critical moments."