The Defeat of Crocodile
Crocodile's pained screams gradually faded into silence. The arrogant gleam that once filled his eyes dimmed as despair took hold.
Bai Yu stood over him with an indifferent gaze.
This crocodile… Unless he experiences ultimate despair, he'll never learn humility.
"Hahahaha… Gou ha ha ha ha!"
Despite his agony, Crocodile burst into hysterical laughter, as if mocking himself.
A Life of Highs and Lows
A young man, once renowned across the seas.
At twenty, he battled Douglas Bullet and emerged undefeated.
His fame skyrocketed, and he rose to become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea—Shichibukai.
That same year, he challenged Whitebeard… and suffered a crushing defeat.
He later witnessed the execution of Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King.
Since then, Crocodile, once full of ambition, became obsessed with Pluton, resorting to deceit and manipulation to achieve his goals.
Now, at forty-four years old, his once-glorious life seemed like a distant memory.
At this moment, Crocodile realized that he had accomplished none of his goals.
In the end… I have nothing.
"Kill me…"
His voice was hollow as he closed his eyes, resigned to his fate.
Robin, still processing the battle's outcome, looked at Bai Yu in astonishment.
One of the Seven Warlords… defeated so easily…
Her thoughts raced as she tried to comprehend Bai Yu's strength.
Bai Yu, noticing her expression, chuckled softly. "Don't overthink it—I'm not invincible. I caught him off guard, and he wasn't prepared. But even if he had been, he might've been able to hold me off for a second… no more."
Crocodile coughed up blood again, his pride further shattered.
So… in his eyes, I'm just garbage that can be killed in a second?
Bai Yu continued with a grin, "You see, anyone with weak defenses and no special recovery abilities is no match for me. Most of them… are instant kills."
With his Status Restoration and Infinite Flash Step, Bai Yu's attacks were becoming increasingly lethal as his swordsmanship and Armament Haki improved.
Even those who could predict the future with Observation Haki would struggle to keep up.
"That's why Kaido and Big Mom are still a headache for me," Bai Yu added casually.
Robin nodded, her smile tinged with awe. "Of course. After all, you're the man who conquered Dracule Mihawk—the World's Greatest Swordsman… Your Excellency, the Demon King."
"Don't mention that old fox," Bai Yu groaned, rubbing his forehead. "I don't know him."
Robin tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued. What happened between those two?
"Enough talk!" Crocodile roared, his pride wounded beyond repair. "If you're going to kill me, do it! Don't stand there flirting while insulting me!"
"Too much noise…" Bai Yu muttered, rolling his eyes.
"Get in there!"
A swirling black void appeared before Bai Yu. With a flick of his hand, white cloud chains shot out, binding Crocodile's limbs before yanking him into the void.
Robin's eyes widened in shock. What kind of power is that?!
Undead Prison — Welcome to Your New Home.
"Alright, done. Let's go," Bai Yu said casually, turning to Robin with a smile.
Taking her hand, he paused and looked her in the eyes with surprising seriousness.
"From now on… you're part of my crew. Understand?"
Robin blinked, startled by the sudden shift in his tone. But after a moment's hesitation, she smiled softly.
"This is an offer I can't refuse… Captain."
"Good." Bai Yu's grin returned. "Come on—I'll show you the Poneglyphs, my secretary."
Robin's eyes lit up with excitement, her heart racing with anticipation.
Meanwhile…
News of Bai Yu's presence in Alabasta had reached Marine Headquarters.
With a sigh of resignation, Admiral Kizaru set sail alongside Vice Admiral Momousagi.
At the same time, Garp had already crossed the Reverse Mountain, joining forces with several CP agents as they all converged on Alabasta.
Marineford — Fleet Admiral's Office
Sengoku slammed down the Den Den Mushi, his expression tense.
"Blu… Bleu…"
The phone bug in Bai Yu's hand buzzed with an incoming call. He glanced at Robin, then picked up the receiver with a curious smile.
"Hello? Who's this?"
The phone bug's features morphed, mimicking the stern face of Sengoku.
"Crocodile! I'm officially ordering you to stall Bai Yu until reinforcements arrive. This is an order—"
"…Who the hell are you?" Bai Yu interrupted casually.
"…Who the hell are YOU?" Sengoku shot back, momentarily thrown off.
"The old guy with frog glasses, right? Oh, Marine's big boss, huh?" Bai Yu chuckled. "So… what are you gonna do? Invite me to dinner?"
Sengoku fell silent.
Damn that Crocodile—how did he lose so fast?! Trash!
"…Is Crocodile dead?" he asked, trying to keep his composure.
Bai Yu smirked. "Nah, I just chopped off his hands and feet. Planning to make him my little brother. Any objections?"
Robin: "…"
Sengoku: "…"
Is this guy serious?!
"Oh, by the way," Bai Yu continued casually. "So you sent someone to capture me, huh? Let me guess… since Mihawk stirred things up, you didn't just send a few Vice Admirals this time."
"One Admiral, at least two Vice Admirals… and probably Garp, too. Maybe some CP agents for backup, right?"
"What do you think I am—one of the Four Emperors?"
"Man, Marine Admirals must have a lot of free time. You better hope it's not Kizaru—they don't even pay him overtime. Good luck getting him to put in any effort."
Silence.
Everyone in the Fleet Admiral's office sat frozen in shock.
How does he know all this?!
And… how did he know about Kizaru's notorious laziness?
"No more questions?" Bai Yu said cheerfully. "Alright then—since my 'Demon King' title is still intact, let's talk bounty. Three billion sounds about right."
Without hesitation, he reached out and pinched Robin's cheek, just as he often did with Kaya. Robin blinked, taken aback by the sudden gesture.
"Of course, I know you can't just raise my bounty without cause. So… I'll give you a reason. Listen closely—"
"Sengoku, you senile old fool! You halfwit, brain-dead moron!"
"You'll never catch me—EVER!"
"Mark my words—I'll stop by Sabaody Archipelago. Come and get me if you dare. If you don't show up, you're a coward!"
CLICK!
Bai Yu slammed the receiver down, cutting the call.
"…Ahhh, that felt good!" he exhaled with a satisfied grin.
Robin, who had been quietly observing the entire exchange, stared at him with wide eyes. Her heart was pounding in her chest for reasons she couldn't explain.
"…That was… exciting," she admitted softly.
"Good!" Bai Yu grinned at her. "You should've joined in. Go ahead—say something to him next time!"
"You've already said everything I wanted to say…" Robin replied, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to suppress a smile.
At that moment…
Nico Robin, the "Devil Child" who had lived her entire life on the run—
Finally felt like she belonged.
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