Under the incredulous gazes of everyone in the underground palace, Gnar whispered something into King Kobra's ear. Kobra's face went pale, his pupils dilated, and his body involuntarily took a step back. He muttered to himself:
"Impossible... how could you know this? These names..."
At this point, Kobra realized the gravity of the situation and quickly closed his mouth.
This revelation shocked both Robin and Crocodile.
Gnar, still wearing a confident expression, asked, "So, Your Majesty Kobra, what is your decision about this deal?"
Despite the unsettling names Gnar had mentioned, Kobra couldn't help but question, "Since you know... know this, why should I believe that you can actually stop them?"
Gnar shrugged and extended his right hand.
"I'm not sure, but rather than relying on a savior who may never appear, wouldn't it be better to have a bit more hope?"
Kobra was at a loss for words, but as the leader of a country, he had to respond. "Can I know why you want Yoba? That oasis is crucial to Alabasta."
"Haha, don't get me wrong. I have no intention of stealing Alabasta. I just want to build a city there and make some money. After all, being a pirate is a business with no future, hahahaha..."
Kobra couldn't fully trust Gnar, but he was out of options. Especially after hearing the names Gnar had mentioned, he understood that Alabasta might one day need the power of pirates.
"I understand. But officially, Yoba still belongs to Alabasta."
"Great! Then..."
Gnar extended his right hand again.
Seeing this, Kobra also extended his hand, shaking hands with Gnar.
"The deal is set!"
On the sidelines, Robin, Crocodile, and Zala watched in astonishment as Gnar easily secured a piece of land from King Alabasta.
Robin, already piecing things together, glanced at the historical text behind her and thought that perhaps Gnar knew what was written on it. The mystery of Gnar had been one of Robin's greatest curiosities since they had lived together this past year. Perhaps Gnar was even more interested in uncovering the secrets than she was, including the savior he had mentioned.
In this environment, Robin refrained from asking questions, knowing there would be plenty of opportunities in the future. Meanwhile, Crocodile was growing impatient.
"Hey, kid, what exactly did you and Kobra discuss? What is this savior you mentioned?"
Crocodile was beginning to sense that the kid before him might be even more enigmatic than he had imagined.
Gnar turned around. He hadn't planned to reveal much, but then he thought of something and, with a sly smile, asked, "Mr. Crocodile, do you think you can become the Pirate King?"
"!??"
Crocodile was taken aback by Gnar's sudden question.
"Kid, what are you talking about?"
Now that the deal with Kobra was settled, Gnar slowly walked towards the massive historical text.
"It's not interesting to me. If I were you, I wouldn't waste my time dreaming about becoming the Pirate King!"
Gnar reached the historical text and gently stroked the slightly cold stone.
This made Crocodile frown deeply. Just as he was about to speak, Gnar continued.
"Because everything has been decided long ago. The person who becomes the Pirate King will not be you, nor me, nor the deceased Roger, nor Whitebeard..."
"!!!"
The room fell silent with shock at Gnar's words.
Crocodile was confused about what Gnar meant.
Zala asked curiously, "Why? Didn't Roger already become the Pirate King?"
Gnar turned and asked, "Really? If that's the case, why did Roger start the Great Pirate Era before he died? If he had already achieved everything!!!"
Crocodile's body shook violently as he tried to understand, and he spoke with a grim expression, "Are you suggesting that what Roger was really waiting for is the savior you mentioned?"
Gnar did not respond but walked up to Crocodile. At that moment, the two no longer seemed like enemies.
"No one likes to be considered a stepping stone, as if all their efforts were merely to highlight others. Unfortunately, this is the fate of this world, Mr. Crocodile. So, are you willing to be a stepping stone for others?"
The entire underground palace was eerily silent, stunned by Gnar's words.
Crocodile, still frowning, asked the smaller but assertive Gnar, "What exactly are you trying to say?"
Gnar's answer was straightforward. "Cooperate!"
"!??"
Everyone was stunned again, and Crocodile frowned.
"What? Have you changed your mind? You declined so easily before!"
"No..."
Gnar shook his head. "It's different. This time, I'm inviting you, Mr. Crocodile, to be my collaborator in this sea."
"Oh? What's the difference?"
"First of all, Robin and Zala are very important to me. I don't use my family members as leverage in deals."
Both Robin and Zala trembled slightly at Gnar's words, while Crocodile's gaze shifted to Zala.
"I see. Miss. Double Finger, is this why you betrayed me?"
Facing Crocodile's intense gaze, Zala was no longer afraid, knowing that Gnar would protect her.
"Secondly, if I'm the leader of this collaboration..."
Crocodile, curious, asked, "Oh? What makes you think you have the qualifications to be the leader?"
Gnar's answer was simple and direct. "Because I know the location of the Ancient Weapon, Pluton!!"
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