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As Crocodile stepped onto the deck, a waiting crewman handed him a small Den Den Mushi.
"Anything happen on the ship while I was gone?" he asked casually.
"All clear," the pirate replied.
Crocodile nodded. "Raise the sails. Set course."
Watching the main ship slowly begin to move, he entered the captain's quarters and sat down.
"Moshi moshi, Miss All Sunday anything urgent from the Baroque Works?" Crocodile asked, after a quick glance around to make sure no one was eavesdropping.
"Everything's been running smoothly in your absence," came Nico Robin's calm, mature voice.
Satisfied, Crocodile ended the call. He then pulled out another Den Den Mushi the one used to contact Aero. This particular snail was special; Aero had taken it from Mr. 8 and carried it himself.
The line connected, and a crisp voice came through. "Moshi moshi, this is Aero."
Crocodile took a slow drag from his cigar before speaking. "Headquarters has decided to invite you to fill the vacant Warlord seat."
Hearing that, Aero couldn't help feeling a surge of excitement. His crew, too, was thrilled this was one of the Three Great Powers of the Grand Line, after all.
"Much appreciated," Aero replied politely.
"Save it," Crocodile said flatly. "You've heard of Donquixote Doflamingo, haven't you?"
"I have," Aero answered.
"He voted for you. Looked pretty interested, too. Be careful his strength might be greater than mine. I don't know how strong you are yet, but if you cross him carelessly, you'll regret it."
"I'm not eager to die just yet," Aero said with a faint smirk. "Our plan will have to wait until my forces move into the New World. You have plenty of time, don't you?"
Crocodile's expression darkened. "Kid, don't get cocky. You have no idea how dangerous the New World really is. One of their officers could wipe out your entire crew without breaking a sweat."
He thought of the infamous "Fire Fist" Ace reckless, confident, nearly buried before his prime. "Remember this, Aero. I allied with you because of your Devil Fruit's potential. If you abuse your new title and make enemies out of every major pirate, don't expect me to save you."
"Relax, Crocodile. I'm not impulsive. Every move I make is part of a plan. Until I have the strength I need, I won't rush into the New World."
"It had better be that way." Crocodile exhaled another puff of smoke. "One more thing the Marines will be coming for you soon. Don't screw it up."
He hung up, locked the Den Den Mushi in a small ornate chest, and hid it away in a secret compartment. Then he stepped back onto the deck, gazing over the endless sea.
"The future will have my name on it," he murmured.
---
"Captain, you're a Warlord now?!" Gin asked with a grin.
"Yep. No more running and hiding," Aero replied cheerfully.
"How exactly are the Marines going to find us?" Aero's right-hand man wondered aloud, rubbing his chin.
"They won't need to look hard," Ray said, pointing behind the Dove. A fleet of over ten Marine ships was tailing them.
Aero handed a "0" snail to Dylan. "Crocodile won't contact us for a while, which works in our favor. Without the Marines chasing us constantly, we'll have time to focus."
His eyes swept over his four main officers. "It's time for you all to train. Get stronger."
"Yes, Captain!" they chorused.
---
Soon after, three Marine ships broke formation and approached directly. Aero ordered the Hurricane Pirates to halt, standing at the bow with his officers as the ships drew near.
The lead Marine was a tall man in a lavender-striped suit and deep blue shirt, a katana at his waist. His eyes locked onto Aero and the Hurricane Pirates' flag fluttering above the Dove.
No doubt about it he'd found his target.
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