Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
On Alabasta Island, the talk of the town was about the latest deeds of Crocodile.
"People are saying another band of pirates got chased off by Crocodile!" one local exclaimed.
"Yep, Crocodile is like a hero to Alabasta," another agreed.
Some even wished he could lead them, "I wouldn't mind if Crocodile became our king instead of that Cobra..."
"Hey, watch your words; Cobra is our king!" someone interrupted, defending the current ruler despite frustrations about the unending drought.
"But he's done nothing about our water problem," a voice complained.
"You're out of the loop," another countered. "Just two days back, Igaram, the head of the Royal Guard, came back with news that they've figured out how to end the drought."
And indeed, the rains had begun to return, starting from the kingdom's heart and spreading outward. "Really? Long live King Cobra!" the crowd cheered, hopeful and relieved.
Meanwhile, at the port, Crocodile had just dispensed another pirate crew using a fierce sandstorm. Overhearing the townspeople's chatter, he usually would've mingled and played the part of the affable hero. But not today; today, the unexpected rain had soured his mood.
Back at his base, Crocodile stormed into his room where a golden crocodile stood imposingly. Normally, the pet might have seemed intimidating, but sensing Crocodile's foul mood, it seemed to try and make itself smaller—a comical sight, given it occupied half the room.
A quiet chuckle broke the tense silence in the room, drawing Crocodile's attention.
"You're in good spirits, Miss All Sunday," Crocodile remarked, his voice heavy with annoyance.
Robin, perched comfortably on her chair, met his gaze with a calm curiosity, unbothered by his mood. With a thoughtful pose, her chin resting on her hand, she replied, "I've just come across something rather amusing."
Her smile was enigmatic as she continued, "On the other hand, you, Mr. 0, appear quite the opposite. Is our plan not going as smoothly as expected?"
Crocodile's response was a dismissive snort. "This rain is nothing but a minor setback. It won't be the salvation of this country," he said, his tone dismissive but his words edged with irritation.
In that moment, Crocodile's eyes, sharp and piercing, fixed on Robin over the curve of his golden hook. A cigar was poised between his lips, adding to his imposing demeanor. "And what about you, Miss All Sunday? Do you claim ignorance in this affair?" he questioned, his stare cutting through the smoke.
Robin's response was a silent, ambiguous look that didn't quite answer his question.
The only sound was the rhythmic tapping of Crocodile's fingers on the tabletop, a sign of his impatience. Nearby, the golden crocodile seemed to sense the mounting tension, coiling its massive form even tighter. The room felt as if it were holding its breath, waiting for what would come next.
Just as the tension in the room was about to reach its breaking point, Crocodile finally spoke, breaking the silence:
"I must admit, I don't trust you, Miss All Sunday," he said, his voice dark but somehow lessening the chill in the air.
"People who make a living by turning their backs on others aren't worthy of trust," he added. Robin, hearing these words, was reminded of someone else, a person who could ask for her help without any hint of doubt.
Crocodile continued his lecture in a slow, deliberate manner, "You need to understand, Nico Robin, what exists between us is a transaction, not trust. So don't give me any reason to think you're planning to double-cross me."
As if on cue, a swirl of sand particles coalesced into a sharp blade, pressing against Robin's throat. "If I find out, I won't hesitate to end you," Crocodile declared, his threat as tangible as the sand itself.
Despite the intensity of Crocodile's threat, Robin showed no sign of alarm. Her time with the Straw Hats had shifted her perspective in subtle ways.
Behind the scenes, she'd been instrumental in the success of the rain that Igaram had promised, hastening its impact. The kingdom's army, thanks to her efforts, was now seeking a connection with the rebels. The rain was a mere tool to sow seeds of doubt about Crocodile within the rebel ranks.
Breaking the silence once more, Crocodile's tone had eased back to normal, "Miss All Sunday," he began, "have Mr.5 and Miss Valentine returned?"
Robin, with her usual composed demeanor, as if their earlier exchange was nothing but a shared hallucination, replied, "It seems not, boss. Mr.5 is likely trying to make up for his previous failures, probably heading to Little Garden to rendezvous with Mr.3."
Crocodile's response was a disdainful snort, "He's nothing more than a fool relying on his devil fruit."
His voice echoed, cold and flat, "If that's the case, he's no longer needed as an officer. After disposing of Princess Vivi, send Mr.2 to eliminate them all, including Mr.3."
With a single sentence, Crocodile had sealed the fate of four people.
Robin, ever the provocateur, teased, "That's rather harsh, boss. Will you dispatch them just like that?" Her tone hinted at deeper layers of meaning.
Crocodile's deep voice seemed to echo Robin's unspoken words, "Worthlessness is the only ticket to death."
"Understood, I'll make the arrangements," Robin affirmed, rising to her feet. With her back turned to Crocodile, a subtle smile played upon her lips, "And what about the Straw Hats? What will you do about them?"
-----
On the deck of the Golden Merry, with an island ahead stirring the air of adventure, Luffy's spirit was alight with excitement.
"Sanji, whip up a pirate's lunchbox for me, will you?" Luffy exclaimed, his voice booming with the anticipation of new discoveries.
Nami, practical as ever, approached with a soft tone, "Luffy," she said, her eyes briefly meeting Vivi's, "shouldn't we wait until the Log Pose is fully charged with the island's magnetic field before we rush off?"
It was then that Vivi chimed in, a gentle smile on her face. "May I join in on the island exploration?" she asked, her eyes reflecting a quiet eagerness.
Nami looked at her, slightly taken aback. "You, Vivi?" There was a touch of concern in her voice.
Vivi nodded. "The Log Pose will need some time to get ready," she explained. "And honestly, just sitting on the ship, waiting—it gets my mind wandering. I think a stroll on the island might be just the thing to calm it. Could I?"
Sanji, ever the romantic, swooned instantly, his gaze turning tender. "Of course, Miss Vivi!" he declared passionately. "I'll prepare the most exquisite pirate lunchbox for you."
Vivi's smile deepened, sending Sanji into a momentary daze of adoration.
Nami, however, wasn't so easily swayed by the prospect. Her brows furrowed slightly with concern. "But Vivi," she began, "with the strength you have, and considering the dangers we've seen lurking on the island..."
Before Nami could finish, Vivi gestured confidently to Karoo, her loyal duck companion. "It's alright. We're pretty fast runners," she assured. Karoo, for his part, seemed to puff up with pride—or was it confusion?
Vivi's gaze then returned to Nami, hopeful. "Also, Nami," she said, "would you mind accompanying me?"