Crocodile brought his subordinates to Water 7.
As a Shichibukai, Crocodile found his status quite convenient.
At least, on the surface, the World Government still needed the Shichibukai to maintain regional stability.
At times, they even required their assistance.
The World Government's direct secret intelligence agency, CP9, naturally received the news.
Until the Shichibukai Crocodile landed on this island.
Regarding Pluton, one of the three ancient weapons, no mistakes could be made.
So, as soon as Crocodile landed on the island, they initiated a conversation with him.
Inside an unknown small tavern in Water 7.
Both parties were communicating, but the atmosphere was somewhat tense.
Rob Lucci, wearing a full-body shipwright uniform, a black top hat, and with a pigeon on his shoulder, was the leader of CP9 here. He looked at Crocodile with deep eyes:
"Crocodile, what are you doing here?"
They had been undercover here for five years and couldn't let him interfere.
For the secrecy of this incident, he came alone this time, without any other companions.
Crocodile looked at the CP9 member in front of him. From Ye Fan, he knew that the other party belonged to the World Government's intelligence agency.
He didn't want to get involved with them for now:
"What I'm doing here doesn't require an explanation from you. You do your thing, I'll do mine. We won't interfere with each other."
From Ye Fan, Crocodile knew that the blueprint for Pluton was located here.
Bon Clay, with the title of Mr. 2 Bon Clay, possesses the Clone-Clone Fruit. He should be able to quickly find the blueprint for Pluton by transforming into someone else.
As long as he applied some pressure, forcing the person with the Pluton blueprint to transfer it to someone they trusted, the matter would be settled.
Looking at the man in front of him, Crocodile's inner smirk had already become a small hook.
Lucci's face remained expressionless. After receiving the other party's answer, he didn't say much more.
He slowly got up, then turned and left.
Seeing him leave, Crocodile took a deep puff from his cigar and ordered:
"Spread the word: the World Government's direct intelligence organization, CP9, is hidden in Water 7, attempting to acquire the Pluton blueprint."
When it comes to schemes, Old Sand is the best. The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.
That's Pluton, one of the three ancient weapons, capable of destroying an island with a single shot.
If he got something so powerful, would he still care about his Shichibukai position? What a joke.
"Yes, President."
His subordinates only now realized that Crocodile had come to Water 7 for such a thing.
Suddenly, things seemed to be going awry.
After leaving, Lucci immediately reported the situation here to his superiors.
And as Crocodile sent people to spread the news, the entire Water 7 learned of the matter.
After learning this news, the President of the World Economic News Agency immediately printed a large number of newspapers and began distributing them worldwide.
The entire world was shaken.
With Pluton appearing in Water 7, many Rookies and pirates were heading there.
Even Luffy and his crew, the man who would become the Pirate King, saw this newspaper.
"Alright, then we're heading to Water 7."
Luffy, as the Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, made the big decisions with a wave of his hand.
Zoro, being directionally challenged, could go anywhere.
The others didn't object; the journey so far had been quite smooth.
So, they immediately decided to head to Water 7, just because they loved a good commotion.
On a small ship, Luffy and his five companions were still on the Going Merry.
Because of Ye Fan's appearance, it was unknown what their future fate would be.
Would their strength increase due to the plot advancing? After all, these few were protagonist-like existences in this world.
...
On the Emperor.
Only Robin had the habit of reading newspapers.
After getting today's newspaper and reading the text on it, Robin was completely frozen, as if she had been petrified.
This strange behavior made Ye Fan wonder what was wrong with her.
He came to her side, looked at the information on the newspaper, and knew what had happened.
He hadn't expected Crocodile to be so bold as to stir up the waters, attracting more people.
Only then would he have a chance.
Otherwise, it would be extremely difficult for him, a mere Shichibukai, to obtain the Pluton blueprint.
After all, Ye Fan had not told him the exact location, only a general idea.
It must be said that Old Sand was truly a schemer, using such a method.
However, none of this had anything to do with him; it was just that the damn plot had changed again. Would there really still be a Marineford War then?
Ye Fan was deeply skeptical about this.
An island near Alabasta.
Ace encountered Blackbeard and his crew here. At first, it was a verbal exchange.
They had different paths and could not conspire together.
In a fierce battle, Ace and Blackbeard engaged in a thrilling duel.
Ace, wielding the Flare-Flare Fruit, could unleash scorching flame power, while Blackbeard, possessing the Dark-Dark Fruit, could control and manipulate the power of darkness.
Ace brandished the flames in his hand, and the flames soared into the sky. The scorching inferno, imbued with destructive power, instantly enveloped Blackbeard.
The intense heat of the flames caused the surrounding air to twist, as if everything would be reduced to ashes.
Blackbeard, on the other hand, unleashed powerful dark energy through the Dark-Dark Fruit. Black energy vortexes twisted space, devouring all light.
The darkness contained endless might, making it feel irresistible.
Two powerful forces collided in the air, creating a massive roar.
Flames and darkness intertwined and tangled on the battlefield, constantly erupting with intense energy fluctuations, drawing everything around them into the fray.
Ace was calm and decisive, continuously unleashing the power of the Flare-Flare Fruit, attempting to repel Blackbeard.
Blackbeard, cold and ruthless, manipulated the power of darkness, trying to trap Ace within the shadows.
The entire battlefield was filled with the energy of flames and darkness, permeated with the aura of battle.
The duel between the two powerhouses showcased their respective strengths and techniques, making the entire sea tremble.
"Flame Emperor!"
Accompanied by Ace's roar, his strongest move.
A giant fireball appeared in Ace's hand.
Blackbeard dared not be careless. Black smoke continuously condensed around him, and then the two fiercely collided.
The entire island seemed to experience an earthquake, one side blazing with fire, the other shrouded in darkness.
Ultimately, the flames were swallowed, and Ace fell heavily to the ground, unconscious.
However, Blackbeard was also not in good shape, breathing heavily.
Looking at Ace, this was his ticket to becoming a Shichibukai.
"Ye Fan, I remember you. Once I obtain the world's most powerful Devil Fruit, I will come for you."
"Ah ha ha ha ha!"
In his heart, Blackbeard had not forgotten; he was a vengeful man.