Chapter 31 Crocodile and Nico Robin.
After writing down his thoughts in his notebook, Bane quickly fell asleep.
Meanwhile, in the land of Alabasta, on the second underground floor of Rain Banquet, the most luxurious casino in all of Alabasta and even the first half of the Grand Line.
This place is the base of Baroque Works and the office of its leader, Crocodile.
Even though it was late at night, it was peak time for the casino. Crocodile was not resting; instead, he was enjoying a very cruel show.
He threw those who owed debts in his casino into his "crocodile pool" to watch the crocodiles eat them.
Just as a crocodile swallowed a hapless victim, someone knocked on the office door.
Crocodile, with a cigar in his mouth, slicked-back hair, and a fur coat, said in an imposing voice, "Come in."
As soon as he finished speaking, the door opened, and a woman stepped inside. She wore a white windbreaker and a white cowboy hat. She had an attractive figure, healthy wheat-colored skin, and a stunning face.
Nico Robin
She was known as the 'Devil's Child' by the world government and had a bounty of 79 million Berries on her head. She was also the only survivor of the O'Hara incident.
"What's the matter? " Crocodile asked coldly.
Even though Robin was the second-in-command of Baroque Works, Crocodile was cautious around her. Their partnership was somewhat uneasy. Robin wanted a protector to escape the world government's hunt and help her uncover history. Crocodile aimed to use her knowledge to interpret ancient texts and find the ancient weapon Pluton that could destroy the world.
They could not fully trust each other because Robin had been betrayed and had betrayed others since she was eight years old. Crocodile, being a tyrant with a dark nature, also did not trust easily.
Therefore, while they worked together, they were careful and wary of one another.
"Someone down there has brought some interesting news. I think you might want to hear it," Robin said, unfazed by Crocodile's indifference. She casually sat on the sofa, made herself a cup of coffee, and spoke softly.
"Interesting news? " Crocodile said with a disdainful smile. "What interesting news? "
"Bane, who killed the captain of the Whitebeard Pirates' Fourth Division, has appeared at Whiskey Peak. This means that their route is the same as ours. They might reach Alabasta soon," Robin said calmly as she savored the slightly bitter coffee.
"Bane? " Crocodile's indifferent expression turned serious when he heard the name. He stroked the gold ring on his hand and fell into thought.
The main reason he got to the first half of the Grand Line was that he lost his fight against the Whitebeard Pirates and was pushed out of the New World.
Crocodile has held onto this hatred over the years. He always wanted to return to the New World, defeat the Whitebeard Pirates, rule the pirate world, and become the Pirate King. Right now, he plans to find ancient weapons.
At the same time, he wanted to recruit skilled people to be his subordinates. However, after many years in Alabasta, he had not found anyone he truly admired. Daz Bonez was hardly a candidate.
A guy named Bane has the skill to kill a Whitebeard's captain, and he is still alive today without being killed by Whitebeard. This shows he has some ability.
Crocodile thought he might want to recruit him as a subordinate.
"Then let everyone on this line keep an eye on him. If he really comes to Alabasta, I want to meet him. Talent like this can be my tool." Crocodile said after thinking for a moment.
Hearing his arrogant words, Robin smiled and said, "That's a good idea, but he might not want to work for you, especially since you are a pirate and he is a famous pirate hunter. He might see you as his prey. "
Even though Crocodile is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, he must not be defeated to keep his status. If he loses, the World Government might think he is no longer strong enough to be a Warlord, and he could lose his title.
If Bane defeats Crocodile, he would likely lose his status as a Warlord, and Bane could definitely claim a bounty for Crocodile.
Hearing Robin's words, Crocodile sneered and said, "Don't treat me like a second-rate pirate. Plus, this is the desert country of Alabasta. Do you think anyone can defeat me here? "
Crocodile is the user of the logia-type Sand-Sand Fruit, and Alabasta is a desert country, making it his home ground. His abilities can be greatly increased here. He believes no one can defeat him in this place.
Nico Robin stirred her coffee spoon and listened. She felt that Crocodile was right. In this desert country, he truly was the king of the desert.
However, recently, with Crocodile's help, Robin has found some signs and clues about historical texts in Alabasta. She just wants to understand history and does not want to revive any ancient weapons or share information about them with the ambitious Crocodile.
So Robin has started to think, after reading the historical text and knowing some of the history, about how to escape from Crocodile.
'Maybe Bane is a chance I can use. He managed to kill Whitebeard's captain in the New World, so he must be strong. I can create a conflict between him and Crocodile and make them fight. No matter the result, I should find a good chance to escape during the fight. It would be best if he could kill Crocodile, so I won't have any worries.' Robin thought to herself.
However, she stayed calm on the outside and agreed as usual: "I understand. I will personally keep an eye on the information about Bane. If there's any news, I will let you know right away. "
Crocodile glanced at Robin with a meaningful expression and then did not respond. Instead, he changed the subject and asked, "What's the progress on the Pluton matter? "
"It's been confirmed that the Nefertari royal family of Alabasta, has secretly kept a historical text. However, the exact location of this text is still unknown, so it would be better if you could find it quickly. Once you take control of Alabasta and become the true king of the desert, I can access this history sooner," Robin said, taking a sip of coffee with a hint of expectation in her voice.
"Hmph. " Crocodile snorted first, then said, "The plan has nearly progressed. If nothing unexpected happens, the Nefertari family will be gone within this year, and I will be the new king of this ancient country! "
Thinking about this made Crocodile feel a little excited. Alabasta had vast wealth, a strong military, ancient weapons, and his own power. If he could find a few strong subordinates, returning to the New World would not be hard!
With nothing more to discuss, Robin finished her coffee and left the office.
When the office door closed, Crocodile's expression turned dark. He decided that he would kill this clever woman once he found Pluton. That would be the safest option.
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