In a certain part of the New World, a massive pirate ship was making its way across the waters. Its figurehead was shaped like a crocodile, and the pirate flag it flew bore the image of a skull with two crossed blades and purple wings.
This was the flagship of the infamous Sand Crocodile—Crocodile himself. Known as one of the more prominent pirates of the New World, Crocodile had been sailing the seas ever since the dawn of the Great Pirate Era.
Unlike Doflamingo and others who kept their pasts shrouded in mystery, Crocodile's history was more transparent. As his reputation grew, so did the uncovering of his earlier life.
While the presence of Claudius behind the scenes remained unknown, it was widely accepted that Crocodile had once been a member of Captain John's crew. Captain John, famous for being the "Treasure Pirate," was said to have hidden countless riches, leaving many on the seas clamoring to claim his fabled legacy.
Crocodile had used this connection to his advantage after setting out on his own. With Claudius providing financial backing in secret, Crocodile became one of the wealthiest pirates around, bolstering his reputation by claiming he knew the location of Captain John's treasure. This claim attracted many strong and ambitious followers.
At this moment, Crocodile stood on the deck of his ship, holding a Den Den Mushi, having just ended a call.
The call had been from Claudius, instructing him to cooperate in taking down Douglas Bullet and Byrnndi World.
"This feels a bit like dealing with Doflamingo back in the day," Crocodile muttered quietly.
Just then, a young man approached him from behind. With a stern expression and shaven head, he exuded an air of quiet strength. This was Daz Bones, Crocodile's first and most trusted recruit, now one of his most valued subordinates.
"Boss, should we pull out of the New World for the time being? The investigation into Alabasta has wrapped up, and it's exactly what we were looking for," Daz Bones said in a low voice.
"Not just yet. My old 'master' has assigned me a new task," Crocodile said with a wry smile.
Daz Bones frowned at that. He'd long suspected that Crocodile had someone powerful backing him, and now the suspicion was confirmed.
After a brief pause, Daz Bones asked, "Boss, with our current strength, we don't need to answer to anyone. Are you planning something else?"
Crocodile took the cigar from his mouth, exhaled a thin stream of smoke, and smirked. "Bones, you're right. With the power we have now, there's no need to bend the knee to anyone. The world is wide open to us."
"Then—" Daz Bones said, eyes filled with anticipation.
"But," Crocodile interrupted, "I owe that man my life. An agreement is an agreement. Until the day I can best him, I'll work for him, with diligence and without complaint. And when that day comes…"
"Will we break free then?" Daz Bones asked immediately.
"No, it's actually quite enjoyable working under him. Once I defeat him, that's enough for me. It's more about proving a point," Crocodile said with a chuckle.
Daz Bones was taken aback. His boss was fiercely proud, so hearing him speak like this about someone else was unexpected. It seemed Crocodile had a degree of respect for the man who stood above him.
But that revelation didn't bother Daz Bones. Knowing his boss wasn't being forced into anything changed everything.
"Forget about Alabasta for now. Set the course for Cyborila Island. There's going to be a major event there soon, and we're going to be part of it," Crocodile said calmly.
"Understood, boss," Daz Bones replied, heading off to relay the command without another word.
Crocodile's interest in Alabasta had been piqued not by the Ancient Weapon, Pluton, but rather by a task Claudius had assigned him.
Alabasta was one of the original kingdoms that had founded the World Government 800 years ago, similar to Dressrosa. However, unlike the Donquixote family, which had moved to Mariejois to become Celestial Dragons, the Nefertari royal family had chosen to stay behind, remaining in Alabasta.
This gave Alabasta a unique status. While it was one of the World Government's member nations, it held a higher standing compared to others. The Nefertari family was known for their sense of justice and fairness. They often clashed with the World Government at the Reverie, much to the frustration of the Five Elders. But because of their special status, dealing with them directly was a complicated matter.
In 1504, during the last Reverie, Alabasta had stirred up more trouble than usual by pushing for policy changes that included a reduction in the tribute known as the "Heavenly Gold." The Five Elders, of course, rejected this outright, as making such a concession could set a precedent. If the tribute was reduced today, who's to say someone wouldn't push for its total abolition at the next meeting?
The Heavenly Gold wasn't just a tribute; it symbolized the divine status of the Celestial Dragons, cementing their legitimacy. It was a cornerstone of the World Government's system, and under no circumstances could it be compromised.
The Five Elders' irritation with the Nefertari family grew, so they tasked Claudius with finding a way to ensure Alabasta's compliance. It wasn't an urgent mission, but a long-term one. The Five Elders weren't extreme enough to ask for the destruction of the Nefertari family; they just wanted them to fall in line.
But Claudius had his own thoughts. Alabasta was an impressive nation. Its long history, culture, and deep-rooted heritage made it the oldest kingdom known to mankind.
The Tree of Knowledge in Ohara had only been around for 3,500 years, but Alabasta's capital had already been standing during that time. Claudius had been studying Alabasta's history and found records proving that the kingdom had been established at least 4,000 years ago.
The Nefertari royal family hadn't ruled Alabasta since the dawn of its history. By Claudius's research, King Cobra Nefertari was the 12th generation of his line, aligning perfectly with the events of 800 years ago.
Claudius speculated that the Nefertari family might have seized power in Alabasta around that time, subsequently becoming part of the alliance of twenty kings that formed the World Government.
Still, these historical musings were just a side interest. What truly captivated Claudius was Alabasta's immense military strength.
Alabasta was situated on the massive island known as "Sandstone Isle," so large that calling it an island felt like an understatement. Despite its desert climate, the nation had a sizable population and numerous cities and towns. The capital city, Alubarna, alone boasted a standing army of 600,000 troops. At its peak, Alabasta could muster a million soldiers—an impressive force by any standard.
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