Outside the bar.
The Straw Hat Boy, Nami, Zoro, and the others listened as Vivi explained the situation. When Princess Vivi blurted out that the boss of Baroque Works was Crocodile of the "Royal Shichibukai," the scene instantly erupted into chaos.
Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine trembled uncontrollably. They never expected their boss to be so terrifying. Now that the mission had failed, they were definitely in for a world of trouble!
Bahr leaned lazily against the wall, glancing at the pale-faced Miss Valentine. "What's there to panic about? Stick with me, and I'll guarantee your safety."
"Royal Shichibukai" my ass. What's there to fear? If he's got the guts, let him come fight me!
Miss Valentine's body stiffened abruptly as she recalled how this man had casually taken down Mr. 5 moments ago. Clutching Bahr's pant leg, she forced a smile. "Th-thank you, Boss..."
Bahr suddenly looked up, spotting the fleeing hawk and sloth. With a slight flick of his fingers, two silver flashes streaked through the air, and the creatures immediately plummeted to the ground.
"Acting like I don't exist?!"
He was keeping a low profile right now, and they dared to sketch his likeness? Asking for death.
"Interesting," Zoro murmured thoughtfully, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his sword as he observed Bahr.
Mr. 5, witnessing this scene, felt the wound on his chest throb faintly—this was exactly the same inexplicable attack that had taken him down earlier!
Bahr then turned his attention to the visibly dejected Nami, curling his lips into a smirk. "Nami-chan, Crocodile's nothing special. If you're scared, just come with me. I'll take care of you."
Originally, he had planned to go with the flow, hitch a ride, and enjoy himself. But times had changed. Since he intended to make his way in the "New World," having a competent navigator was essential.
Killing two birds with one stone—what a bargain!
"Hey! Nami's our navigator!" Luffy immediately jumped in to protest.
Bahr curled his lip disdainfully. Partners? His relationship with Nami had gone "beyond negative distance"—how could it be the same? As for the Straw Hat crew? None of his damn business.
"Get lost." Nami stood up and kicked a pebble at her feet. "I have my own crew. I'm not interested in going anywhere with a bastard like you!"
She knew this asshole never lifted a finger unless there was something in it for him. He went to rescue someone and came back with a maid!
"What a shame." Bahr shrugged.
He more or less understood Nami's mindset. This Little Cat Burglar was greedy and selfish, with plenty of flaws, but deep down, she was fiercely loyal. Otherwise, she wouldn't have half-heartedly gone along with things earlier.
Unexpectedly, Nami's eyes suddenly lit up, and she sidled up to him, hooking her arm around his. "Ba... how about you come with us instead?"
"No." Bahr refused outright.
He saw right through Nami's scheme—she just wanted him as a free bodyguard. But right now, he wanted to stay under the radar. Picking fights with attention-grabbing figures like Crocodile? Only an idiot would do that.
"You bastard." Nami's temper flared instantly, and she reached out to pinch his waist, grinding her teeth in frustration.
Just moments ago, he'd called her "baby," but now that she was in trouble, this guy turned out to be so pragmatic. If she ever let this asshole take advantage of her again, she'd be a dog!
Caught off guard, Bahr grimaced in pain, silently cursing how all women seemed to have this move in their arsenal—a natural man-slaying skill!
Watching the fuming Nami, he leaned in close and whispered in her ear, "I'm tangled up in trouble right now. If I'm really exposed, you'll all be dragged down with me."
Being on the World Government's blacklist and exposing their identities would attract monsters at the Admiral level. Even if the Straw Hat crew had "plot armor," they might not be able to handle the fallout.
Hearing this, Nami felt slightly better but narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Since when are you so kind? Or are you just scared of Crocodile?"
"Me? Scared of him?" Bahr raised an eyebrow, unable to stand a woman questioning his capability. "Tell him to come here right now, and I'll beat him so hard even his mother won't recognize him."
"Tch!" Nami rolled her eyes, her face full of disdain. "If you're scared, just admit it. Stop pretending to be tough. If you're so capable, go find him yourself!"
A vein throbbed on Bahr's forehead as he was about to lose his temper. But then he caught a fleeting glint of mischief in Nami's eyes and instantly understood. Crossing his arms, he sneered, "Nice try. I'm not falling for that. I said I won't go, so I won't."
Using reverse psychology to trick him into fighting one of the "Seven Warlords of the Sea"? What a devious plan. The moment she puts on a short skirt, she forgets all about loyalty.
Nami's lips twitched, her fists clenched so tightly they creaked. She had the overwhelming urge to beat Bahr to death.
Meanwhile, Bahr leisurely crossed his legs and swayed them, completely unfazed.
Though he talked big about the old sand-croc, he knew better. During the Summit War, Crocodile had gone toe-to-toe with Mihawk and Doflamingo, proving he was truly at the "sea's 50-50" level.
As for that Straw Hat Boy… what "Rubber Fruit"? That was clearly the Human-Human Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Nika Model. Every time he powered up, it was like he was cheating—probably some "Sun God's will" at work.
Bahr even suspected that if he laid a hand on Straw Hat, the kid might just awaken his Nika form and start playing with space like it was bubble wrap.
In short, Crocodile was undeniably strong. There was no point picking a fight just to prove a point. Those who thought too highly of themselves usually died fast.
After all, it's the swimmers who drown most often.
"Mr. Obito, could you please take me back to Alabasta?" Vivi glanced up at Bahr and pleaded.
She had seen this man effortlessly take down high-ranking Baroque Works agents. With his help, she could safely return home, expose Crocodile's conspiracy, and save her people.
"Why should I help you?" Bahr replied lazily.
Vivi gripped her skirt, biting her lip hesitantly. "I can pay you… just name your price—"
"I'm not interested in money."
Bahr cut her off, his gaze sweeping over Vivi. Her blue ponytail was tied high, and her light green jacket revealed a glimpse of her fair waist. The golden hoop at her hip swayed gently with her breath, making her look both lively and alluring.
She was a beauty, especially after the two-year timeskip, when she truly blossomed into a princess.
Nami watched from the side, grinding her teeth. She dug her nails into Bahr's arm. "You bastard. If you won't help, fine, but don't go eyeing up some young girl."
She knew this routine all too well—it was how she'd ended up joining his crew in the first place. And now he was pulling the same trick on another girl!
Still, Nami knew deep down she had no right to interfere. Their original "deal" had been mutual, and even if she could go back, she'd make the same choice.
When you're desperate, even a sliver of light is a blessing. What more could you ask for?
"Alright, just kidding." Bahr grimaced in pain and quickly explained, "I was just teasing her. Why so serious?"
"Hmph... better be." Nami released her grip, her fingers leaving red marks on his arm. She gently rubbed the spot before turning away, the tips of her ears slightly flushed.
Bahr couldn't help but laugh at her pouty yet pretending-not-to-care expression. "Tell you what, I'll share some intel about Crocodile as payment for hitching a ride."
At this, Nami immediately perked up, hooking her arm around his again with a coquettish tone. "Do tell!"
This Little Cat Burglar—always on the prowl for profit!
But it was precisely this mix of sharpness and charm that was utterly irresistible. He felt like he was being reeled in by this "clam" of a woman.
"Crocodile is a Logia-type Sand-Sand Fruit user. His body can turn into sand. Under normal circumstances, unless you find the right method, you can't even touch his real form."
The crew's expressions darkened at this. Nami gasped, "Then how do we fight him? That's practically invincible!"
"Just find the right approach. Sand solidifies when wet. If you get him soaked, he can't maintain his elemental form." Bahr glanced at Luffy and added, "Blood works too—same effect."
Zoro's eyes suddenly lit up as he pressed, "You said 'under normal circumstances'—does that mean there are other ways?"
"Smart!" Bahr snapped his fingers at him. Though this guy was hopeless with directions, his combat instincts were razor-sharp.