Sengoku was well aware that the current situation in the Grand Line was relatively stable. If Garp's stubbornness were to raise the tensions between Marines and Vongola Family again, it would be highly detrimental to the Marine at the moment. The World Government shared the same opinion, and Sengoku had received information that the World Government had contacted the Millefiore Family and intended to use that Family to keep Vongola Family in check and returned the balance of power. Therefore, Sengoku had no intention of meddling in Vongola Family's business.
He didn't want to make unnecessary trouble at this point.
Sengoku's sudden reprimand had a profound effect on Garp. He was no longer in the mood for a fight. The battle had been quite exhilarating, but now...
Even if Giotto had wanted to continue, he didn't.
It seemed like Sengoku was concerned about something. Garp's response was, "Alright, alright, I get it. As long as I don't fight with Vongola Primo, right? I don't know what you're so anxious about. I haven't done anything; I was just having a friendly spar with Giotto. But come to think of it, the pirate I was chasing earlier got away because of Giotto. That shouldn't be a problem, should it?"
Upon hearing Garp's words, Giotto suddenly realized that this old man was actually quite clever. It appeared that Garp made it seem as if he undertook the task of pursuing Ace, and then let Ace escape. However, he blamed it all on his fight with Giotto. After all, it wouldn't make sense if a Marine Hero failed to capture Ace.
It seemed that these veterans from the previous era could not to be underestimated. While Garp might not be known as resourceful like Sengoku, he was quick-witted.
But Giotto decided to let it slide as he didn't care about it.
"Get out here, Crocodile! You've been hiding this whole time, were you planning to attack me once I let my guard down?"
As soon as Giotto returned to Nanohana, he shouted in anger. His Color of Observation Haki quickly located the hiding Crocodile.
Sure enough, Crocodile came out with a dejected face. He was well aware that he couldn't escape from Vongola Primo anyway, so he didn't bother to run.
"Vongola Primo, I have no intention of making an enemy out of you. I just happened to pass by," Crocodile said solemnly. He didn't want to antagonize the man in front of him. After all, he knew he was no match against Giotto as he had observed from the battle between Giotto and Garp.
Fighting this guy would mean certain death!
Before he obtained the Pluton, he couldn't afford to mess with monsters like Giotto.
"Coincidence? Let's leave it at that," Giotto replied with a hint of a sneer. "Living comfortably as a hero in this country, Crocodile? Ah, I didn't call you out here for anything special. It's just that my External Advisor's member might come to this kingdom soon, and I need you to ensure her safety when she travels around Alabasta. If she is harmed in any way, be prepared to face the wrath of Vongola Family!"
The person he was talking about was Robin. After leaving Secon Island, Robin had been searching for Poneglyphs. Sooner or later, she would come to Alabasta, and her goal coincided with Crocodile's. If he didn't warn Crocodile in advance, there might be trouble later. However, Crocodile, despite his arrogance, was smart at the very least. Crocodile, despite his arrogance, was smart. Now that Giotto had given him a heads-up. He would probably avoid doing anything to Robin due to his fear of Vongola Family's wrath.
However, if he truly intended to face Vongola Family's wrath, he could just ignore Giotto's words.
In reality, getting rid of Crocodile wasn't a difficult task. The nearest External Advisor to Alabasta was Shimotsuki Koushiro. Considering Koushiro's skills, lopping off Crocodile's head was not an impossible feat.
Furthermore, the External Advisor was quite powerful. Apart from their leader, Issho, who was an Admiral-level fighter, they had Tesori, who was hailed as "Gold Emperor", Kuina, who had inherited Shigure Soen Ryu; Sabo, who had learned illusion under Demon Spade, Jinbe in Fish-Man Island, Koushiro in East Blue. In addition, Lal Mirch and Basil that were unlocked recently also possessed considerable strength.
"As long as she doesn't get in my way…"
"I don't accept any conditions from you. Or would you rather drop dead now?"
Giotto then walked away and said, "Keep what I just said in mind because if you don't, I'll still find a way to twist your head even if you get your hands on the ancient weapon you dream of!"
Giotto left after getting his intentions across. He believed that Crocodile was smart enough not to invite unnecessary trouble over a minor issue.
As Giotto's departing footsteps faded, Crocodile clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with determination. If it were in the past, he would have fought Jotaro without hesitation. But now, he had grown wiser. As he put it, he was no longer that reckless.
Just you wait!
Once I obtain the Pluton, you and your Family will pay!