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Aero had many crewmates following him pirates who would likely obey without question.
But he couldn't bring himself to be as cold-blooded as most pirates in this world, treating his comrades' lives as expendable.
That meant he had to be cautious.
---
"Well, Captain, when you put it like that, it makes sense," Eddie said, rubbing his still-sore cheek from earlier. His tone was finally serious. "Like you always say 'timing, location, and people' aren't on that girl's side. And this whole thing has zero benefit for the Hurricane Pirates. So, you chose to stay out of it."
"Pretty much," Aero admitted. He glanced at Princess Vivi, whose eyes still burned with frustration, and sighed. "If it were simple, if it didn't harm our interests, I wouldn't mind lending a hand."
He added quietly, "There aren't many people like her fighting for their country and people."
"But now… this has nothing to do with us. We're not champions of justice."
---
On the Grand Line, weather could shift in an instant.
One moment, skies were clear; the next, thick black clouds rolled in, lightning crackling in the distance.
Aero frowned at the ominous sight and ordered the fleet to halt. But just as quickly as the storm had come, it vanished restoring the same sunny skies as before.
All that noise for nothing.
After waiting a bit longer to make sure the weather stayed calm, the Dove resumed sailing at its usual unhurried pace. Aero, ever lazy, made no effort to speed them up.
Slow and steady that was the Dove's way.
---
On deck, however, the mood was tense. Every crew member listened closely to the Den Den Mushi.
"Aero, the Marines are summoning all the Seven Warlords again," Crocodile's rough voice came from the other end. "Last time, they invited 'Fire Fist' Ace to join the Warlords, but he turned them down.
"This time, I think they want us to choose a representative among ourselves."
"I only just entered the Grand Line," Aero said honestly. "Haven't done much yet just taken out a few arrogant East Blue pirates. So, I'll have to trouble you with this one."
"I know," Crocodile replied. "Technically, all Warlords are required to attend. But in reality? Maybe two or three will show. The rest are too arrogant. If I recommend you, there's a good chance you'll get the spot."
He chuckled dryly, recalling how last time he went to the meeting, he was the only one who showed up.
"One more thing," Crocodile's tone hardened. "If you become a Warlord, never show weakness. Remember we're still pirates. If the Marines see an opening, they won't hesitate to take you down."
With that, he hung up.
---
After snuffing out his cigar, Crocodile sat deep in thought. Then he rose and glanced at the massive crocodile swimming in the pool nearby before walking out.
At the door, he found Nico Robin waiting.
"I'm heading to Marine Headquarters," he said flatly. "Even if something happens to the Baroque Works, don't rush to contact me. I'll reach out when the meeting's over."
"Understood," Robin replied softly.
Crocodile gave a brief nod, then paused mid-step. "Only I can guarantee your safety. Don't start thinking about things you shouldn't. Remember your position."
Without waiting for her response, he walked away, leaving Robin alone in the dim, oppressive room.
She let out a bitter smile before turning to leave as well.
---
Back on the Dove, Gin broke his usual silence. "Captain… do you really think you can become a Warlord?"
"In theory, no," Aero said after a moment. "We've never even been to the second half of the Grand Line, and our name doesn't carry much weight yet."
"Then why—"
"Idiot," Eddie cut in, smacking Gin's shoulder. "You forget? The captain beat Smoker and escaped from Vice Admiral Garp, the Marine Hero. And don't forget his ability—"
"The Wind-Wind Fruit," Gin finished, nodding.
Aero just smiled and walked to the bow. The sea breeze was strong today. Raising his right hand, it gradually became transparent and vanished entirely.
The wind itself seemed to react, growing wilder and stronger around the ship.
---
Marine Headquarters
Inside a large conference room sat an oval table and several fine wooden chairs.
One of them was already occupied by an elderly, frail-looking woman with white hair her uniform and insignia marking her as a high-ranking officer. She was Vice Admiral Tsuru, the Marines' "Great Staff Officer."
Moments later, the doors opened.
A tall man strode in, draped in a black fur-lined coat, a deep scar slashing across his face. His left hand was replaced by a massive golden hook.
A lit cigar hung from his mouth as he crossed the room and sat in the nearest chair.
He was Crocodile once a pirate with an 81 million bounty.
Though he had joined the Warlords early, his bounty remained one of the lowest among the current members.
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