Tap.
The crisp sound of leather shoes hitting the ground echoed as Bullet leapt in through the gaping hole in the wall.
He tossed a few items toward Sakazuki. "This belonged to that man. He was swallowed by magma."
Sakazuki caught them and gave a quick look. A finely crafted pistol in a leather holster, a pocket watch, and a short dagger.
Purururu~ Purururu~
The sound of a Den Den Mushi rang out, and he carelessly dropped the items to the floor.
"Useless."
From his coat, he pulled out a small snail. It was his private line, known only to a handful of higher-ups.
"This is Sakazuki."
The voice of Fleet Admiral Kong came through, "This is Kong. Sakazuki, where are you right now?"
He answered evenly, "I'm in Alabasta. Discussing some pirate matters with Crocodile."
There was a pause on the other side.
"..."
"Just now, the complaint lines of the Alabasta branch were flooded. They claim a marine admiral abused their national 'hero.' Every report came to me directly. What's going on?"
Sakazuki's eyes swept toward Crocodile. The warlord drew a sharp breath, then hurried forward. "A misunderstanding, Fleet Admiral. It was all a misunderstanding. I'll send my men immediately to calm the people."
Again, Kong was silent for a few seconds.
"..."
"Fine. Just make sure it's handled properly. But there's something else, Sakazuki. After deliberation with the government, a new Warlord of the Sea has been appointed. You'll need to make contact."
His brow furrowed, but he asked calmly, "Understood. Who is it?"
Kong replied, "The new Empress of Amazon Lily, Boa Hancock. Before going there, stop by G-8 Branch and take two ships worth of petrified soldiers.
"This woman is unpredictable. According to our reports, this was her first expedition, yet her results were remarkable. Every opponent she met, pirates, marines, merchant ships, anyone who couldn't resist her beauty was turned into stone, their supplies taken.
"Because of this troublesome ability, combined with her island's location, the government has decided to bring her into the Warlords of the Sea system. The negotiations are almost complete. You're to deliver the official appointment. Then have her restore those petrified men."
Sakazuki's eyes narrowed slightly. "I see. Consider it done."
They exchanged a few more words before he hung up.
At his side, Bullet asked, "So plans got disrupted. Who do we go after first?"
A cold smile formed on Sakazuki's lips. "Both. You go after the 'Marine Hunter.' I've had eyes on him for years. Now that I have time, don't let him slip away. I'll head to G-8."
He turned, voice sharpening. "Amazon Lily… Hmph. Reckless fools. They dared attack our warship years ago, and I let it pass. They must think hiding in the Calm Belt makes them untouchable. We'll see if they know their place. If not…"
His eyes gleamed. "They'll die."
Bullet's grin twisted into something savage. "Got it."
Crocodile stiffened, but in his heart there was relief. Though he'd been beaten nearly to death in their first encounter, he had surrendered in the end. If he hadn't, Sakazuki would have agreed to the appointment over the Den Den Mushi, only to kill him right after.
His earlier attempt to stir public opinion against Sakazuki had proven dangerous. He now realized the man wasn't bluffing. If those pirates failed to cooperate, he would truly slaughter them without hesitation.
For now, Crocodile decided to bide his time. He had to remain cautious until he found that "thing." It wasn't yet the right moment to turn.
Sakazuki's gaze cut to him. "Prepare a large ship."
Pulled from his thoughts, Crocodile nodded. "Yes. You there…"
Several subordinates rushed inside as he gave them quick instructions.
Ignoring them, Sakazuki spoke to Bullet, "Let's go."
He walked toward the exit.
Bullet gave a nod, following close behind. "What about Enel?"
The admiral's voice echoed from ahead. "He went to find Rosinante…"
The sound faded along with their figures.
Watching them go, Crocodile exhaled heavily. With a wave of his hand, he sent his men off to handle their tasks.
Inside the broken office, the wind carried swirls of yellow sand.
He steadied himself, then glanced around. A corner of a photo, jutting from the broken pocket watch on the floor, caught his eye.
When he saw the half-revealed face in the photo, his breathing quickened.
Hands trembling with excitement, he picked up the pocket watch and pulled the photo out. It was a picture of a young Robin together with Lorca.
'No mistake… no mistake… It's her!'
Gripping the watch tightly, Crocodile's entire body burst into a storm of sand and shot upward.
The Demon Child, the one who could read the Ponyglyps he had searched for all these years, had appeared in Alabasta as if granted by the heavens.
This was Destiny!
Even destiny was on his side!
'Find her. I must find her!'
Crocodile, who had just moments ago resolved to endure quietly, could no longer restrain himself.
'Once I obtain that weapon, what is Sakazuki compared to me? The entire world will bow at my feet!'
The roaring desert winds seemed to carry his laughter into the skies.
* * *
Outside Rainbase, Sakazuki stopped for a moment, sensing the jubilant storm of sand in the city behind him. A faint curl tugged at his lips. Without looking back, he led his men toward the port.
* * *
At the Alabasta harbor, aboard a marine warship.
Bullet, uncharacteristically, allowed a faint, gentle smile as he looked ahead.
Sakazuki gazed at the man who had once again donned his Marine uniform. Letting out a quiet chuckle, he extended his right hand.
"Welcome back, Carlo."
* * *
By evening, far from Rainbase, the magma basin.
Crocodile had scoured the city for hours without finding Robin. Then a thought struck him. That man… he must have been the one who helped her escape by leading the enemy away.
Could she be there? With that in mind, he sped toward the magma basin.
The endless desert served as his scouts. As soon as he approached, he sensed a faint and fragile presence.
His eyes lit up. 'It must be her!' He pushed faster.
Swoosh!
* * *
Robin sat slumped on the ground, her mind numb, staring blankly at the endless magma before her. Suddenly, a great shadow cast over her.
Slowly, she regained a sliver of awareness and looked up.
Crocodile's battered figure had condensed out of drifting sand. He stretched out his arm toward her and opened his palm.
Robin's pupils shrank in shock.
That… that was Mr. Lorca's pocket watch!
Tears welled uncontrollably in her eyes as she reached toward it with trembling fingers.
Watching her grief, Crocodile smiled faintly. Like a devil's whisper, his voice curled into her ears.
"You want… revenge, don't you?"
**
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