---
As soon as the voice faded, a figure appeared in the sky—it was Crocodile. His body was half transformed into sand, gliding through the air in a graceful arc, resembling a kite. The scene looked incredibly cool!
The cadres lying on the ground were shocked by Crocodile's arrival. They forgot their pain and smiled with relief.
"The president is here! Now we are saved, hahaha..." Mr. 11 laughed loudly, but then coughed up blood and lay back down, his face ashen.
Galdino looked up at Crocodile's figure and said excitedly, "The boss is here! Let's see how arrogant they are. Everyone will go to hell!"
Bon Clay, battered and swollen like a pig's head, slurred, "Revenge for us... The boss will kill them with his own hands..."
Daz Bonez, his dark face pale, coughed and said, "I'm ashamed of the boss's cultivation. I want you to do it yourself. Shame, this is my shame!"
Mr. 4, drowsy and about to pass out, said slowly, "The captain is so powerful, the captain is even more terrifying. I believe that the leader will be able to solve them because the boss is Crocodile a Shichibukai..."
Before he could finish, he closed his eyes, tilted his head, and passed out.
The three beauties who were still standing looked at each other with relieved smiles, no longer nervous or afraid.
Mikita, holding a small umbrella, let out an exaggerated laugh and said, "These damned guys, let's see how you're still talking, Fuahahaha~~"
Marian nodded, a sweet smile blooming on her face, and said, "If the boss comes out, they will not be able to escape. It's great, I can go back to rest early and eat my favorite senbei."
Zala, holding a large pipe, puffed on her cigarette and said with a smile, "Although they are very powerful, they are nothing compared to the boss. Let's watch and see how the boss quickly solves them."
The girls on the giant scorpion looked up at the figures flying above.
Carina frowned and said with disdain, "In Shichibukai, the weakest group of people deserves to put on such airs. It's really stupid. Ethan is so powerful, and he doesn't flaunt himself like this guy."
Alvida, carrying the big black iron rod, nodded and said sarcastically, "Flying so slowly on purpose just to attract our attention—how naive."
Honey Queen shrugged her shoulders and complained, "Wearing a fur coat and combing his hair back, he looks very majestic. But his real strength is nothing to be proud of. It's a shame for Shichibukai."
Betty, taking a puff of her cigarette, said calmly, "As Ethan said, this guy's left hand is indeed a golden hook, which hides a highly poisonous toxin. It's hard to believe that a Shichibukai would use poison on a weapon. He is an insidious villain."
Rasha glared at Crocodile angrily, "It's this damn guy, and it's because of him that my hometown is in ruins. If there is a chance, I will kill him myself and avenge the villagers."
Vivi nodded with a serious expression and said, "This bastard will be severely punished! If we let him go easily, how can we be worthy of the citizens and this prosperous oasis?"
Robin, brushing her black hair, elegantly observed, "This is Crocodile, as arrogant as ever. His Shichibukai status makes him aloof, and he likes to flaunt himself, hoping everyone will notice. People like him should be sent to Impel Down for reflection."
Reiju blinked her beautiful eyes, smiling, "The next battle is between Captains and Shichibukai. I'm looking forward to it."
Baccarat, with a dignified demeanor, said, "I've been waiting for this day since I went to sea. I'm excited because Ethan is going to be Shichibukai—a really big shot. It's a heartfelt joy for Ethan."
At this moment, Crocodile descended lightly onto the desert, his body constantly shifting, as fine sand scattered around him. Soon, a complete Crocodile stood before them—still dressed like a big brother, with slicked-back hair, a windbreaker, and a cigar in his mouth.
"You are too weak to be my subordinates!" Crocodile glanced at the fallen cadres with a cold expression and said angrily, "I'm Shichibukai; how can I have such useless subordinates? No one is trustworthy. I want to kill you right away."
"Leave your lives for now. I'll deal with you after I've dealt with these brats."
Hearing the leader's words, the cadres were terrified but relieved to know their lives were spared for the moment.
Daz Bonez looked at Crocodile solemnly and said, "President, don't worry. This is the last time. I'll work hard to practice and become stronger to never be knocked down again."
Galdino, lying on the ground, coughed and said, "I'll work hard too. I will never forget this shame!"
Bon clay, with bruised and swollen features, said vaguely, "I'll remember this hatred and take revenge!"
Mr. 11 spat blood and smiled, "Thank you for the president's kindness. We will change our past mistakes and redouble our efforts."
Mikita laughed while holding her umbrella, "Not only did the mission fail, but it also brought shame to the president. So, the president will punish us. It's only fair, hahaha..."
Marianne, with a worried expression, said, "I hope we won't have to take on so many tasks anymore. I need a good rest."
Zala, puffing on her cigarette, sighed, "We have indeed failed this mission. We didn't complete the work assigned by the boss, and according to the organization's rules, we must be punished."
Dorry, looking at Crocodile with a giant sword on his shoulder, laughed heartily, "This is the so-called Seven Warlords of the Sea? His strength seems too weak!"
Brogy agreed, "Compared to the captain, it's like a different world. The gap is too big."
Burgess, raising his arms, roared with excitement, "Crocodile, you finally showed up! Let's see if your Logia Sand-Sand Fruit or my Logia miasma fruit is stronger!"
Doc Q's eyes were bleak, his smile ugly as he said, "The other party is Shichibukai. It's thrilling to think about fighting such a person."
Gin, twisting his neck, said indifferently, "The other party is Shichibukai. It's exciting to think about fighting such a person."
Bartolomeo, touching his nose ring, laughed, "It's an honor to have Shichibukai as a partner. It's so honorable to say it!"
Cavendish, drawing his famous sword Durandal, said seriously, "Everyone, be careful not to get hit by his hook, or you'll die."
Law, holding his demon sword and crying, said indifferently, "As long as we cooperate closely, we will defeat him."
Hawkins, still looking deadpan, said, "Judging from his appearance, he's in for a bloody disaster today."
Fan-Oka, tapping his shoulder with a gun, said expressionlessly, "With the captain here, his fate is already doomed."
"We made a plan before, and the situation hasn't changed. Let's carry it out as usual." Kuro adjusted his glasses and started analyzing, "He's a Sand-Sand Fruit user with an advantage in this desert. But he doesn't understand our abilities, while we are familiar with his situation. We can surprise him and use our skills to defeat this Shichibukai."
Lafitte, twirling his cane, said with a gentle smile, "Whether we win or lose, it's enough to fight Shichibukai. Let's analyze further during the battle. For now, let's enjoy the fight."
Without hesitation, he led the charge toward Crocodile.
The crew cheered loudly, their excitement palpable. The voices echoed far and wide, urging their captains on:
"Vice Captain Lafitte, you are the best! I admire you the most
"Fight, captains, beat him hard! Beat this Shichibukai!"
"Quick, quick, Shichibukai is about to hit—everyone, get ready!"
"The Division captains will win. Let's get this done quickly, hehehe..."
"Don't push me anymore, you idiot!"
"Ah, I'm so excited—I'm about to faint..."
---
The sky remained gloomy, with a massive dark cloud lingering, blocking the sun and casting shadows over the desert, causing the temperature to drop significantly.
A gust of wind blew, rustling Crocodile's coat, making him appear even more imposing.
"Damn brats, they used me as a training dummy."
Crocodile smoked a cigar, tilting his head back slightly, and sneered, "Do you know who Am I? I'm one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea!"
His eyes flicked over to Robin, and suddenly, his expression turned furious as he snarled.
"Damn woman, wait until I finish off these brats, and then I'll deal with you!"
"How dare you betray me? Who gave you the guts, Nico Robin!"
Carina glared at him, her fair and beautiful face full of mockery. "With your strength, you dare to threaten us?"
"Do you think that just because you're a Shichibukai, you're the most powerful in the world?"
"Heh, just wait. You're going to get slapped in the face so hard later; let's see how arrogant you are then."
Nami nodded, frowning slightly, and added nonchalantly, "As Ethan said, the villain dies by talking too much."
"A Shichibukai, one of the top pirates on the sea, turned out to be such a chatterbox. It doesn't match his identity at all."
"An empty title with no strength behind it—that's exactly what he is."
Alvida, carrying a massive iron club, smiled in agreement, "He looks like a big shot on the outside, pretending to be someone important—isn't it exhausting?"
"Look at Ethan. He doesn't need to say anything. Just standing there, he exudes the aura of a strong man, a kind of dominance that can't be faked."
Robin brushed her black, beautiful hair aside, sighed, and remarked, "At this point, he still doesn't see the situation. He's really stupid."
"It's ridiculous that a man like him became a Shichibukai."
"A guy this arrogant should be sent to Impel Down to reflect on his life for the rest of his days."
Vivi nodded repeatedly, indignation written allover her face. "That'sright, such a heinous villain should be imprisoned for life."
"He's despicable, truly despicable."
Rasha gritted her teeth in anger, "Later when we beat him, I'm going to kick him and avenge the villagers."
Reiju glanced at Baccarat, her eyebrows arched in a smile, and said, "Anyway, I don't need this scorpion anymore. How about we go down?"
"Okay, let's discuss it with Ethan and see what he thinks about this battle," Baccarat replied with a gentle smile, full of noble grace.
Without further hesitation, the women dismounted the giant scorpion and landed in the desert.
By this time, all the captains had approached Crocodile.
In this area, aside from the yellow sand swirling in the air, there were only Crocodile and Lafitte.
"Damn, you're dressed up all imposing. Who's that for?"
Burgess raised his arms high and laughed, "We'll see how you strut around later. Laozi will crush you underfoot, Wiiihahahaha…"
Doc Q's eyes were sinister, his smile twisted. "Poisoning ordinary people is boring. Killing a Shichibukai, though, that's more interesting."
Gin stared coldly at Crocodile and said indifferently, "Have you figured out how you want to die, Sr Crocodile?"
"No matter what, I'm going to kick him twice. I can't stand this bastard—he's like a bad smell," Cavendish cursed angrily.
Bartolomeo showed a cruel smile and laughed. "I'll kick him in the balls, what do you guys think?"
Hearing this, Crocodile's anger flared. He looked coldly at Bartolomeo, the cigar in his mouth burning, and sentenced him to death on the spot.
"Little brat, don't worry. I won't let you die too quickly."
"I will capture you and torture you until you beg for death…"
Before he could finish, Van Augur quickly lowered his rifle, didn't even bother aiming, and pulled the trigger.
With a bang, the bullet shot like lightning toward Crocodile, striking him right on the forehead.
Instantly, a large hole appeared in Crocodile's forehead, revealing the vast desert behind him.
A faint sound was heard as fine sand began to gather between Crocodile's eyebrows, gradually coming together until his head returned to normal as if nothing had happened.
"Such fast marksmanship, decisive action, without a hint of hesitation."
Crocodile took another puff of his cigar, still arrogant, and remarked, "Little brat, your shooting skills are impressive. From now on, follow me."
"If you're willing to surrender, Laozi will let you live and make you a senior officer in my organization."
"Think carefully, brat. Don't rush to refuse. If Laozi isn't satisfied with your answer, there won't be another chance, got it?"
Kuro glanced at Van Augur, adjusted his glasses, and said calmly, "He's a Logia user; you have to catch him by surprise, or your bullets won't do a thing."
"After all, you've only been on the crew for a short time, and you haven't had time to learn Armament Haki, which is understandable."
Burgess teased Van Augur, laughing, "Hey, Augur, looks like this Sand Crocodile has taken a shine to you. What do you think? Want to consider it? Weihahahaha~~"
Law, holding his cursed sword Kikoku, spoke coldly as always, "Van Augur did well—quick, accurate, and ruthless, no hesitation, just a direct hit."
Cavendish was furious, cursing, "Damn it, not this again—no way to attack!"
"In Loguetown, I suffered because of this. Is it going to happen again?"
"No, absolutely not. I need to master Armament Haki as soon as possible!"
Van Augur tapped his shoulder with his gun, expressionless. "Logia users are indeed the hardest to deal with."
"For the next battle, I'll leave the main attack to you guys. I'll focus on sneak attacks."
Lafitte spread his snow-white wings, flapping them a few times with a crisp "fluttering" sound.
Gentle and elegant, he smiled slightly and said, "Crocodile, as your opponent, let me give you some advice."
"Our captain says that in battle, you mustn't talk too much. Focus on speed and finish the fight quickly."
"So, let's just fight and stop whining!"
With a whooshing sound, Lafitte took to the air, flapping his wings, searching for Crocodile's weaknesses, ready to strike at any moment.
Crocodile exhaled a cloud of smoke and laughed loudly, sneering, "You little brats think you can teach me anything? Hah, don't make me laugh."
"I gave you a chance, but since you don't appreciate it, I'll kill you one by one!"
"Desert Spada!"
As the words fell, a large amount of sand gathered in his right hand, forming a massive crescent-shaped blade.
Without any hesitation, he slashed his right hand fiercely, and the huge sandblade cut through the air like a crescent, slicing toward Lafitte at high speed.
Crocodile was arrogant; he despised looking up to anyone and would never allow anyone to stand above him.
So his first move was a killer, extremely fierce, intending to drain the moisture from Lafitte's body, turning him into a mummy.
"This speed is too slow."
With a swoosh, Lafitte flapped his wings and instantly dodged the massive sandblade. He looked down at Crocodile, continuing to search for weaknesses.
In the previous plan, some were in charge of sneak attacks, some of defense, and others of offense…
As the vice-captain, Lafitte was naturally the main attacker, no doubt about it.
Now, the others would distract Crocodile, wear him down, and when the time was right, Lafitte would swoop down and deliver a fatal blow, taking down the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
"Beautiful Sword: Blue Bird!"
Cavendish pushed off the ground with his right foot, and Durandal pointed at Crocodile like an arrow released from a bow, launching a direct assault.
A powerful air current swirled around Durandal, stirring up the air, as the sword energy raged, stabbing fiercely toward Crocodile.
Compared to his attack in Loguetown, Cavendish's attack power had become sharper, and the sword energy much stronger, a vast improvement from before.
Thanks to Ethan for the guidance!
After all, Ethan is a swordsman at the level of a great master. Teaching Cavendish was like child's play.
Under Ethan's tutelage, Cavendish had refined his sword techniques, wielding them more skillfully, and his strength had skyrocketed, making him stronger and stronger.
"Crocodile, try my fist as big as a sandbag, Wiiihahahaha…"
Burgess stomped the ground hard, and with a bang, the sand beneath him scattered as he charged toward Crocodile like a tank.
At that moment, a manic expression crossed his face as he clenched his right hand