---
As the Straw Hat Pirates sailed toward their next destination, Vivi took the time to further explain Baroque Works' structure. Each of its top agents—codenamed by numbers—possessed dangerous abilities and unshakable loyalty to Crocodile, their enigmatic leader. The crew listened intently, aware that each battle ahead would test their limits.
"I still can't believe a Shichibukai is behind all this," Nami said, sitting near the ship's helm. "We've barely made it into the Grand Line, and we're already dealing with someone this powerful."
"It's not like we've ever taken the easy route," Ace replied with a grin. "We'll handle Crocodile, just like anyone else."
Luffy stretched, his usual carefree attitude intact. "Crocodile or not, he's just another guy standing in the way of my dream. We'll beat him!"
---
An Unexpected Visitor
As the crew discussed their plans, a shadow loomed over the ship. Everyone turned to see a strange figure standing calmly atop the mast of their ship. She was tall, with striking features and an air of confidence that demanded attention. Her dark hair framed her face, and she wore a wide-brimmed hat that shaded her piercing eyes.
"Greetings, Straw Hat Pirates," the woman said, her voice smooth and calm. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
Sabo's hand immediately sparked with electricity as he stepped forward. "Who are you?"
The woman smiled, unfazed by the hostility. "I go by Miss All Sunday. I'm Crocodile's partner—and I came to have a little chat."
The crew tensed at the mention of Crocodile, but Vivi's reaction was the most severe. Her face paled, and her hands clenched into fists. "What are you doing here? Are you here to kill me?"
Miss All Sunday chuckled, shaking her head. "Not at all. If I wanted to, I would've done so already." She turned her gaze toward Luffy. "I'm here because your captain intrigues me. You've already caused quite a stir, Straw Hat."
---
A Dangerous Proposal
"What do you want?" Ace demanded, flames flickering around his hands.
Miss All Sunday raised her hands in mock surrender. "Relax. I simply wanted to offer you a choice." She reached into her coat and produced a Log Pose, a navigational tool essential for sailing the Grand Line.
"This Log Pose is set to a safer route," she explained, tossing it toward Luffy, who caught it reflexively. "Follow it, and you'll avoid the chaos ahead. Or stick to your current course and continue straight into the lion's den."
The crew exchanged wary glances. Nami examined the Log Pose, confirming its authenticity. "Why would you help us?"
"I'm not helping you," Miss All Sunday replied smoothly. "I'm just giving you the opportunity to survive."
Luffy stared at the Log Pose in his hand before tossing it back to her. "Thanks, but no thanks. We don't need your help."
Miss All Sunday raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Bold. I like that."
---
The Clash of Ideals
Vivi stepped forward, her voice shaking with anger. "You're just toying with us! How can you work for someone like Crocodile? Don't you care about what he's doing to Alabasta?"
Miss All Sunday's smile faded slightly. "My reasons are my own, Princess. But I'll admit, your determination is impressive."
Before anyone could respond, Zoro and Sabo moved simultaneously. Zoro unsheathed his swords, and Sabo unleashed a bolt of lightning, both aimed at Miss All Sunday. But before their attacks could reach her, giant hands sprouted from the ship's deck, blocking the strikes effortlessly.
"What the—?" Zoro muttered, his blades cutting through one of the hands, only for it to disappear.
Miss All Sunday smirked, lowering her hands. "You'll need more than that to catch me. But I'm afraid I've overstayed my welcome."
With that, she stepped backward off the mast and disappeared into the sea, leaving the crew on edge.
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Preparing for the Journey Ahead
As the tension settled, Vivi looked toward Luffy. "You could've taken the safer route. Why didn't you?"
Luffy grinned, his confidence unwavering. "Because that wouldn't be any fun. If Crocodile's ahead, we'll face him head-on!"
Ace clapped a hand on Luffy's shoulder. "That's the spirit."
Sabo nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. "We'll have to be ready for anything. Miss All Sunday won't be the last dangerous person we meet."
Nami sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "This crew is insane. But fine, let's stick to the crazy route."
As the crew resumed their journey, Vivi felt a glimmer of hope despite the danger ahead. With allies like these, she began to believe that Crocodile could truly be stopped.
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End of Chapter 13
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