Jacqueline let out a shriek, but it was quickly replaced by a surge of fury. She raised her axe, ready to cleave the crocodile's head in two.
However, she missed the cold, calculating glint in the reptile's eyes.
"Death Roll!"
The crocodile, utilizing the mud's buoyancy, began a terrifying counterclockwise spin, a horizontal whirlwind of death. In an instant, Jacqueline's arm was crushed, and she was dragged into the murky depths.
Agony surged through her, her mind reeling. As she struggled for breath, a dark shadow loomed over her.
The crew was thrown into chaos.
"The captain's been attacked!"
"Prepare for battle!"
"Rescue the captain!"
Confusion reigned. Some wanted to fight, others to save Jacqueline, while others were frozen in fear.
Then, a chilling order echoed through the air.
"Kill them all!"
A horde of grotesque figures emerged, guns blazing. Jacqueline's crew was cut down mercilessly. Overwhelmed and outmatched, they had no chance.
The sight of a monstrous figure, half-man, half-crocodile, dragging a mangled corpse from the mud shattered their morale.
"The captain's dead!"
"Run! I don't want to die!"
"Monster! I'll fight you!"
The massacre was swift and brutal. The corpses were unceremoniously dumped into the quagmire, disappearing without a trace – the perfect disposal method.
"Hahaha, Boss, you're a genius! This 'fishing' scheme is flawless! These idiots never suspected a thing!"
The first mate gushed with praise,
showering Rekdu, the Crocodile Pirates' captain, with flattery. Rekdu, now back in human form, beamed with satisfaction.
"100 million Berries for my Devil Fruit?
Ridiculous!" Rekdu scoffed. "Since no one appreciates its true value, I'll simply enjoy the spoils of war."
"This island is our domain. Death awaits all who dare trespass."
Rekdu, a Crocodile-Crocodile Fruit user, was a master of this swampy terrain. His surprise attacks were devastating, even against stronger opponents.
Jacqueline, for instance, had been utterly outclassed.
"Hide the captured ships in our usual spot," Rekdu commanded. "Then, let's go for another round of 'fishing.' With more ships, we can afford to be choosy about selling this fruit."
The first mate's eyes gleamed with greed. If Rekdu wasn't interested in the fruit, then he was the most qualified to consume it.
Regardless of the power it granted, he would be eternally grateful to Rekdu.
The Crocodile Pirates continued their deadly game, reaping a grim harvest. Wave after wave of unsuspecting victims fell prey to their cunning. Rekdu's coffers overflowed with treasure and stolen goods.
However, the time had come to cease their operations.
The recent string of disappearances had raised suspicions. Continued activity risked jeopardizing their foothold in the North Blue.
The fate of the Devil Fruit was clear. It would be sold. 100 million Berries was a fortune, and there was no reason to share such a valuable asset.
Rekdu would remain the sole Devil Fruit user among the Crocodile Pirates.
He would reward his crew handsomely, of course. Any dissent would be swiftly dealt with.
In their hidden cave, a feast was underway. The Crocodile Pirates celebrated their success.
"Captain," the first mate inquired, "are you sure you want to stop this lucrative business?"
"You idiot! If we keep this up, everyone will know what we've been doing. We'll be lucky to survive!"
One of the crewmen, emboldened by the alcohol, finally spoke up. "Everything in moderation.
If you keep treating everyone like fools, you'll be the first one to suffer."
Rekdu, though greedy, wasn't eager to incur the wrath of the public.
The crewman, having made his point, slumped back, continuing to drink.
The first mate seized the opportunity. "So, what about the Devil Fruit, Captain?"
Rekdu shrugged. "We'll sell it and share the profits with everyone."
The first mate was stunned. His suspicions were confirmed. Rekdu never intended to share the fruit. He felt a surge of bitter disappointment.
Rekdu, noticing the first mate's crestfallen expression, attempted to placate him.
"There's no other way. Selling the fruit is the best course of action. It will appease those we've 'fished' and maximize our collective gains. Don't worry, your cut will be the largest. I understand your concerns."
The first mate sneered inwardly. He knew Rekdu's true intentions. He feigned understanding, nodding regretfully. "I understand, Captain. I just… I was hoping…"
"I know, I know," Rekdu patted him on the shoulder, "But we need to think of the entire crew. Now, let's drink!"
Rekdu was pleased with the first mate's feigned acquiescence.
As the night deepened, the crew, thoroughly intoxicated, succumbed to sleep.
However, the first mate had slipped away unnoticed.
On the shore, a large ship was making its way to the island.
Doflamingo, clad in his flamboyant pink coat, led the way.
The first mate, trembling slightly under Doflamingo's imposing presence, nodded. "I contacted you as planned. They're all drunk now. It's the perfect opportunity."
The first mate, disillusioned by Rekdu's betrayal, had secretly contacted the Don Quixote Family.