[Alabasta Palace – Main Hall]
"What deal?"
Only Rolan could speak to Crocodile without being immediately overpowered by the Sand-Sand Devil Fruit.
"Come be my companion," Rolan said, flashing a calm smile at Crocodile.
"Why would I join you? What makes you worthy of having me as an ally?" Crocodile narrowed his eyes, his expression showing clear displeasure.
Rolan shook his head. "I don't want to fight you. Hear me out first."
Crocodile stared for a long moment before nodding, signaling Rolan to continue.
"I know why you came to Alabasta. It's about the ancient weapon, Pluton. If I told you I know its location, what would you do?"
Crocodile abruptly rose from his seat. "Impossible! How could a seventeen-year-old brat like you know where Pluton is?"
"It doesn't matter how I know. This poneglyph in Alabasta records Pluton, but it's only one clue. Pluton requires a key to activate."
"Even if you had the weapon, could you protect it? Do you think the World Government would let you?"
Crocodile froze. He had only focused on obtaining Pluton; the complications that followed never crossed his mind. Hearing Rolan mention them, he realized the matter was far from simple.
Rolan appeared beside him instantly. "Do you think the World Government and the Marines haven't thought of this already?"
Crocodile stepped back, eyes wide. "You… who are you? Why should I believe you?"
He could not imagine a young teen possessing knowledge of the Alabasta poneglyph, let alone the ancient weapon Pluton.
"I am Rolan, a young man as pure as can be," Rolan said softly, meeting Crocodile's gaze.
"Why do you know this? Could it be…?" Crocodile's eyes flicked toward Robin.
Rolan snapped his fingers, returning Crocodile's attention to him. "Of course Robin-chan didn't tell me. She doesn't even know about it."
Crocodile pondered briefly and nodded, acknowledging that Robin would not betray such knowledge.
"So, who exactly are you?" Crocodile asked.
"I'm a pirate, yes, but my dream isn't just for a pirate. I want to overturn this world, and have a little fun while doing it."
Rolan finished, meeting Crocodile's eyes.
"How about it? Isn't my dream more meaningful than yours?"
Crocodile's ambitions for Pluton suddenly seemed petty in comparison to Rolan's grand vision. After a long silence, he finally spoke, "Alright. I'll go along with you, for now."
In truth, Crocodile had always wanted to act, but seeing Rolan and his crew revealed powers far beyond his expectations. Yet hearing Rolan's worldview, he found himself willing to help change the world.
Rolan extended his hand. Crocodile mirrored the gesture, their hands clasping firmly.
"Welcome to the crew. You may regret this decision in the future," Rolan said with a smirk.
Seeing Crocodile join, Kuro and the others smiled quietly.
[Ding. Congratulations, Host. Companion-finding quest progress +2. Rewards received: 2 Paramecia Devil Fruits, System Space 50*50, Ship upgraded to top-tier, Robin's cowboy hat *1, Crocodile's cigar *1, Senzu Beans *1000.]
Rolan looked at Crocodile, then to Robin. "Interested in seeing that poneglyph?"
Robin's eyes gleamed. "Yes, I want to see it."
Not only Robin and Crocodile, but Kuro and the others were also eager to witness this historical marvel.
"Then let's head to the palace," Rolan said.
---
[Alabasta Palace – Entrance]
"Hello, Rolan. His Majesty the King has ordered me to welcome you. Please follow me," a soldier said respectfully.
Rolan nodded. "Thank you."
Robin smirked at Crocodile. Look at his influence.
Crocodile shook his head, unamused.
Rolan glanced at the soldier walking ahead, whose legs trembled. He stroked his chin. "Am I that intimidating?"
The soldier said nothing, his steps visibly faltering.
Ascending a long flight of stairs, they entered the main hall.
The hall was tense, practically crackling with hostility. Rolan's lips twitched with amusement. His group was clearly being treated as dangerous villains.
At the head of the hall sat Nefertari Cobra, King of Alabasta.
Sweat gleamed on Cobra's temples as he tried to calculate a way to delay Rolan, giving Pell and Igaram time to escort Vivi to safety.
Rolan cleared his throat. "Nefertari D. Cobra. I've heard much about you."
Cobra's pupils constricted. "What did you say? How do you know that name?"
Few knew this name outside the royal archives. Even Vivi didn't know. His mind raced. Today, if things went wrong, it could mean ruin.
"Nefertari D.? Nefertari?" Robin murmured, sensing the name's significance.
Rolan did not answer directly. "You don't need to worry about how I know. I'd like to speak with you privately, if that's alright."
Cobra hesitated briefly, then nodded. The revelation of the name stirred his curiosity.
"King, no! Please don't go alone with him!" Chaka, the royal guard, protested. Pirates were evil in his mind. Alone with Rolan, the King's life might be in danger.
"Chaka, I know what I'm doing. You and the guards may step outside. I need to speak with Rolan alone."
Chaka opened his mouth but stopped at Cobra's resolute gaze, leading the guards out reluctantly.
Cobra faced Rolan. "I wonder… what exactly do you wish to discuss privately?"
It was already dark. Pell and Igaram had successfully taken Vivi to safety.
Rolan used electromagnetic attraction to pull a chair close and sat slowly. "Nefertari, one of the 20 Royal Families from 800 years ago, and part of the D. Clan. Because you refused to reside in Mary Geoise, you are no longer recognized."
Cobra abruptly rose. "You… how do you know these things?"
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