As soon as those words left Renji Kai's mouth, Crocodile's eyes instantly filled with a menacing killing intent.
"Why have you come here to find me? What exactly do you want?"
Crocodile was no fool. He knew very well that Renji Kai and his companion hadn't traveled across the seas just to cause trouble over a handful of Berries. It was obvious to him that their motives were far deeper—especially since this was his domain. The mere fact that they dared to come here made their intent more than suspicious.
"Nothing too serious. Honestly, I think you're quite interesting, so I came all the way to Alabasta to place a little bet with you. What do you say?"
"Hah! You want to gamble with me? No problem. But tell me, what exactly are you hoping to take from me?" Crocodile sneered.
"Nothing material. What I need right now is a strong fighter. I figured you're a Logia-type Devil Fruit user, so why not tag along with me and be my enforcer?" Renji Kai replied earnestly.
For a brief moment, Crocodile was stunned. Then he burst into laughter.
"You think that's funny?" Renji asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Renji Kai, you want me to work for you? Based on what? Just because you defeated that so-called Red-Haired Shanks and took his main battleship?"
Crocodile, being a Logia-type user, didn't believe for a second that he would lose to someone from the New World. Even after hearing of Renji Kai's victory over Shanks and his crew, Crocodile didn't feel the slightest hint of fear.
"There's no need for me to spell out the dirty things you've done in Alabasta, right? Once I beat you and expose how you and Baroque Works have been framing the king, your dream of finding Pluton will be shattered. And your Shichibukai title? That'll be stripped away by the World Government in no time. After that, the only way anyone will see you again is by visiting you in Impel Down's Eternal Hell."
Renji's words came out slowly, each one heavier than the last.
By the time he finished speaking, Crocodile was already sweating. Even Douglas Bullet, who was standing beside Renji, was stunned. What shocked them the most wasn't the threat—it was that Renji had mentioned the ancient weapon: Pluton.
Pluton was one of the legendary three ancient weapons, holding the power of a "god." It wasn't a traditional weapon but rather the most terrifying warship ever built in Water 7. With one shot, it could annihilate an entire island. Currently, it slumbered somewhere in the world, its location known only to those who could read the Poneglyphs.
"Interesting... So you're after Pluton too?" Crocodile asked, now serious, his right hand instinctively caressing the venom-tipped golden hook on his left.
Clearly, the moment Renji brought up Pluton, a battle became inevitable.
"I'm not interested in Pluton. These days, relying on a warship to get by? That's just embarrassing. I told you, I'm here for you. So how about it? Care to place a bet?"
"Looks like I've got no choice. But I must admit, it's been a long time since I've met someone as interesting as you. And judging by the situation, you might actually be something. Otherwise, Douglas Bullet wouldn't be standing behind you like a lackey."
Crocodile's words were clearly a jab—meant to provoke Douglas Bullet and stir up internal conflict.
But Douglas didn't bite. After witnessing Renji Kai defeat Shanks firsthand, he had developed genuine respect for the man. After all, he had fought Shanks himself and knew exactly how strong the Red-Haired pirate was. Without Renji's help, fighting off the entire Red-Hair Pirates would've been suicide.
"Alright then. The rules are simple. I spin the wheel, and you guess the number," Renji said casually.
"What's the wager?" Crocodile asked.
"If you lose, you follow me. If you win, I'll beat you myself and let the whole world know about your little crimes. Deal?"
Crocodile's killing intent skyrocketed. He was genuinely baffled—how did Renji know so much about him?
Crocodile prided himself on being a meticulous planner. Though Baroque Works was his creation, every member operated under a codename. No one used real names, making it nearly impossible for outsiders—or even insiders—to learn anyone's secrets.
So how in the world did this recently escaped prisoner from Impel Down know anything?
His mind raced. What was more troubling was that Renji clearly came prepared. Facing Douglas Bullet alone was already worrying—after all, they had clashed before, even if the fight was inconclusive. But now, Renji Kai seemed even stronger than Bullet. To make matters worse, Crocodile's men were scattered all across the kingdom. At this moment, he was alone.
"Well? Are you in or out? You've got one shot at this," Renji said with a smirk, watching Crocodile's hesitation.
"Fine. I'll play your game. I bet on number 7. Spin it."
"Alright! No backing out—those are your rules, aren't they? Let's go!"
With that, Renji Kai grabbed the giant wheel with one hand and gave it a mighty spin. It roared into motion, colors and numbers blurring together.
But just as everyone's eyes turned toward the spinning wheel, Crocodile lunged forward like a bullet—rushing straight at Renji Kai!