Tap—
The crisp sound of leather shoes hitting the ground echoed, and Barrett leaped in through the large hole in the wall.
He handed Sakazuki a few items:
"These belong to that guy. He's already been swallowed by magma."
Sakazuki took them and looked. A finely crafted handgun in a leather holster, a pocket watch, and a short sword.
Buru buru~ Buru buru~
The Den Den Mushi's voice rang out. He casually tossed the items onto the ground.
"Useless."
He took out a small Den Den Mushi from his chest. This was a private Den Den Mushi, known only to a few high-ranking officials.
"This is Sakazuki, speak."
Fleet Admiral Sengoku's voice came from the other end.
"This is Sengoku, Sakazuki, where are you now?"
Sakazuki replied,
"I'm in Alabasta."
"Discussing pirate issues with Crocodile."
Sengoku was silent for a few seconds:
"......."
"The complaint calls from the Alabasta branch have been ringing off the hook."
"Saying a Marine Admiral is abusing their country's 'hero'."
"It's all been urgently reported to me."
"What's going on?"
Sakazuki glanced at Crocodile, who inhaled sharply and quickly stepped forward.
"It's a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding, Fleet Admiral Sengoku."
"Everything was just a misunderstanding. I'll have people go and appease the citizens immediately."
Fleet Admiral Sengoku was silent for a few more seconds:
"......."
"Alright, as long as it's handled."
"One more thing, Sakazuki."
"After deliberation by the government, the new Seven Warlords have been appointed."
"You need to contact them."
Sakazuki frowned but said nothing more, then asked,
"No problem. Who is it?"
Fleet Admiral Sengoku's voice came through:
"It's the new Empress of the Nine Snake Island, Boa Hancock."
"Before you go, stop by G-8 base and pick up the stone statues from two warships."
"This woman is capricious. According to intelligence, this is her first expedition."
"But her record is remarkable. Regardless of whether she encountered pirates, Marines, or merchant ships."
"Those who couldn't resist her beauty were all turned into stone statues, and their supplies were plundered."
"Because of this troublesome ability, and her geographical location, the government decided to include her in the Seven Warlords."
"Preliminary negotiations have been completed. You're to read out the appointment."
"And then have her undo the petrification of the soldiers on those two warships."
Sakazuki's eyes narrowed:
"Is that so....."
"I understand."
After a few more brief exchanges, he hung up the Den Den Mushi.
Barrett asked from the side,
"Did it disrupt the plan? Who do we find first?"
Sakazuki sneered,
"We'll look for them together."
"You go find that 'Marine Hunter'. I've been watching him for years, and now I finally have time. Don't let him escape."
"I'll go to G-8 base."
"Nine Snake Island..... Hmph."
"They never learn. Years ago, they dared to attack a warship. I didn't settle the score with them back then."
"Did they really think they were invincible hiding in the Calm Belt?"
"Let's see if they know what's good for them, otherwise....."
"They're asking for death."
Barrett grinned ferociously,
"Understood."
Crocodile's heart sank.
At the same time, he felt a sense of relief. Although he had been beaten half to death back then... he had eventually surrendered.
Otherwise, they would have been on the phone agreeing to announce the Seven Warlords appointment, and then kill them after hanging up.
Crocodile, who had just wanted to test the waters by inciting public opinion, knew that this was not an empty threat. If those pirates weren't smart about it...
Sakazuki truly didn't care about anything... and would really kill them.
He decided to lie low for a while... It wasn't time to turn against him until he found 'that thing'.
Without mentioning Crocodile's relief, Sakazuki turned and looked at him.
"Go prepare a large ship."
Crocodile snapped back to attention,
"Yes."
"Someone....."
Several subordinates ran in, and Crocodile gave them some instructions.
Ignoring them, Sakazuki said to Barrett,
"Let's go."
As he spoke, he walked towards the exit.
Barrett nodded and followed Sakazuki out.
"Where is Enel?"
Sakazuki's voice drifted from a distance.
"Go find Rossi....."
His voice gradually faded as his figure disappeared.
Watching the two disappear, Crocodile let out a sigh of relief and waved his hand for his subordinates to carry out the orders.
In the dilapidated office, the wind constantly blew in sand.
Crocodile calmed himself and looked around. Suddenly, he was drawn to a corner of a photograph peeking out from the pocket watch on the ground.
Seeing Robin's photo, with half her face showing, Crocodile's breathing quickened.
Trembling with excitement, he pulled out the photo. It was a photo of Robin as a child with Rulka.
It must be... it must be...
It's her!
Crocodile, unable to contain his excitement, clutched the pocket watch and turned into a gust of sand, soaring into the sky.
The Devil Child who could read the Poneglyphs, whom he had been searching for for many years, had now appeared in Alabasta as if bestowed by fate.
This was destiny!
Even destiny was helping him!
Find her! Find her!
Crocodile, who had just calmed down and prepared to endure, could no longer control himself.
As long as he found that 'weapon'!
What was a mere Sakazuki to him! The whole world would bow before me!
Even the howling wind and sand of this day.
Seemed to accompany Crocodile's laughter...
-----
Sakazuki, having left Raindin, sensed the jubilant wind and sand within the city behind him.
The corners of his mouth curved into a smile as he led his companions away, heading towards the port.
-----
Alabasta Port, aboard a warship.
Barrett, rarely, showed a gentle smile as he looked ahead.
Sakazuki looked at the man who had changed back into his military uniform and chuckled, extending his right hand.
"Welcome home."
"Carole."
-----
Evening, in the lava basin far from Raindin.
Crocodile, who had searched the city frantically for half the day, had found no trace of Robin.
Suddenly, he thought of something. That guy... he must have helped Robin lead the enemies away.
Could she be there...? Thinking this, he flew towards the lava basin.
The vast desert was his scout. As soon as he approached, he felt a weak presence.
Crocodile's face lit up. It must be! His speed increased a bit more.
Swish—
Robin, who had collapsed on the ground and sat in a daze in the lava basin for half the day, was suddenly covered by a large shadow.
She regained a little consciousness and looked up.
She saw Crocodile's somewhat disheveled figure materialize.
He extended his arm to Robin and slowly opened his palm.
Robin's pupils contracted.
That's... Mr. Rulka's!
Tears streamed down her face as she tremblingly reached for the pocket watch.
Seeing the grief-stricken Robin, Crocodile smiled.
With a devilish, seductive whisper:
"Do you want... revenge?"