In Rainbase, Alabasta.
Nico Robin stood at the end of the corridor on the second basement level of the Rain Dinners casino, seemingly waiting for someone.
Before long, a figure slowly descended from the floor above.
That figure possessed a tall stature, nearly flawless features, and an expression that seemed cold yet perfectly natural.
It was the Warlord of the Sea, Pirate Empress Boa Hancock!
Ahead of her was an escort waiter who hardly dared to look back at Hancock, seemingly completely overwhelmed by her beauty, as if to glance again would be sacrilege.
When Hancock reached Robin, she asked with a slightly condescending look, "You are Nico Robin? Crocodile's subordinate? You don't look like much, do you?"
Robin did not reply to the jab. Instead, she turned to the waiter. "That's enough. I'll take care of Hancock-sama from here. You may go back to your duties."
"Yes, Robin-sama," the waiter hurriedly replied, then scurried away.
Only after the waiter had left did Robin look into Hancock's eyes.
Hancock stared back at Robin with an intense, dominating gaze.
It was like a silent contest between the two women.
However, after only three or five breaths, a bright smile spread across Hancock's face, a look of genuine affection. "It really is you, Robin!"
A radiant smile also appeared on Robin's face. "Long time no see, Hancock."
Robin was undoubtedly acquainted with Hancock, and their relationship seemed quite good.
Back in the day, both Robin and Hancock were involved with CP-9.
Their ages were similar, with Hancock being only about a year older than Robin.
The two were the same age bracket, lived together, and both had joined the Marines for their own reasons. During their time in G-7, their relationship was very close; they were good friends who shared everything.
Of course, later they had to say goodbye due to their differing paths.
Robin was transferred to Marine Headquarters in Marineford and joined the Intelligence Division.
Hancock returned to Amazon Lily, became the captain of the Kuja Pirates, and took up the title of Warlord of the Sea.
By now, they genuinely hadn't seen each other in many years.
"How are things? How do you feel here? Has that bastard Crocodile been giving you a hard time?" Hancock asked with a laugh.
Robin shook her head. "It's not about being bullied or not. That man doesn't trust me at all. I'm just carrying out a mission."
"How about, after this is done, you come back to Amazon Lily with me? You're already working as a subordinate for a Warlord of the Sea; you might as well be my vice-captain then! Hahaha." Hancock invited her, laughing.
Robin winked at her. "I might not be able to turn down that offer..."
The two then chatted about some other miscellaneous topics.
When the time was right, Robin said, "Alright, we can catch up later. Let's handle the main business first. They are all waiting. You're the only one left."
"I'm the last one?" Hancock sounded surprised.
She had thought she was quite fast.
"That's right," Robin nodded.
Soon, led by Robin, Hancock regained her arrogant and aloof expression and descended to the third basement level.
As she entered Crocodile's office, she finally saw the situation inside.
Crocodile was sitting behind his desk, hair slicked back, smoking a cigar, his face a picture of arrogance and insubordination.
On the sofa, two men were seated.
One was Dracule Mihawk, the man hailed as the World's Strongest Swordsman. He was sitting with his legs crossed, holding a wine glass, seemingly sampling Crocodile's collection.
His massive black blade, Yoru, was leaning casually against the armrest beside the sofa.
Though seemingly casual, it was clear that Mihawk could spring into action at any moment.
Next to Mihawk sat a middle-aged man in a black suit. His temples were slightly gray, making him look a bit old, or perhaps just mature.
He didn't possess the same sense of freedom or slackness as the others, instead appearing meticulously proper.
Hancock knew this person.
It was the Chief of CP-9, Spandine. Standing behind Spandine was a man who looked like a bodyguard, a person Hancock didn't recognize.
That was Who's-Who.
In addition to the three seated men and Who's-Who, there was a tall figure, a blue Fish-Man, standing by the large glass aquarium display. He seemed to be observing the giant Bananawani separated from him by the glass with great interest.
That was the Warlord of the Sea from Fish-Man Island, Knight of the Sea Jinbe.
Undoubtedly, everyone in this room right now could be called a 'big shot.'
Hearing Hancock's arrival, Mihawk glanced back. Completely unperturbed by Hancock's beauty, he gave her a casual nod before turning his attention back to his wine.
Jinbe also turned to face Hancock, a genuine, good-natured smile on his face. "Pirate Empress? I believe this is our first meeting?"
"Jinbe-senpai, hello," Hancock greeted him with a clear voice.
As a pirate, Jinbe was her senior. As a Warlord of the Sea, Jinbe was still her senior.
So, Hancock's use of 'senpai' was perfectly appropriate.
No one suspected anything; Crocodile didn't give it a second thought.
Only Jinbe himself understood that Hancock's 'senpai' also carried a deeper meaning: that as a Marine operative, Jinbe could also be addressed as a senior.
"Empress-sama, long time no see," Spandine also offered a smile and nodded to Hancock.
Spandine was aware of Hancock's true identity. He had previously represented Stussy in collaborations with the Marines in the Calm Belt and had interacted with Hancock a few times.
Hancock showed less courtesy to him, feigning indifference. "Mm, Spandine."
One might mistakenly think she found Spandine deeply irritating.
However, this demeanor was fitting for her current persona.
Only then did Crocodile slowly exhale a puff of smoke. "I've been waiting for you, Boa Hancock..."
Hancock showed no intention of being pleasant to Crocodile. She lifted her chin, saying with a hint of arrogance, "Then that should be your honor, Sir Crocodile."
Crocodile frowned slightly. Does this woman have an issue with me?
Spandine seemed to be acting as a peacemaker. Seeing the tension, he intervened. "Empress-sama, please have a seat. Crocodile-dono, shouldn't we discuss the next steps? After all, everyone who needs to be here has arrived."
Hancock didn't continue her grandstanding. She casually sat down on a single armchair, crossing her long, elegant legs. Her elbow rested naturally on the armrest, and she leaned slightly, propping her chin on her palm. She spoke like a queen. "Then tell me the reason you required me to travel all this way to this wretched desert country."
Crocodile huffed in annoyance, then said, "Since everyone is here, there's no need for introductions. I'll be blunt. The mission from Mariejois is to eliminate the royal family of Alabasta, the Nefertari Family."
"I have no interest in that," Mihawk suddenly interrupted, cutting off Crocodile.
Crocodile's eye twitched again. Sure enough, none of these Warlords of the Sea are easy to deal with. They all act exactly as they please.
However, Crocodile had already anticipated this.
After all, they were all equals in status, none inferior to the others, and they were all pirates. It was normal for each to prioritize their own whims.
Before Crocodile could speak, Mihawk continued, "Monkey D. Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, the World's Worst Criminal. I heard he's a former Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral and the son of Hero Garp. He is extremely powerful, is that correct?"
Spandine responded, "That is correct."
"He's the one. I want to see just how strong the so-called World's Worst Criminal is. That is my reason for being here, and nothing else," Mihawk stated with a completely aloof expression.
As the World's Strongest Swordsman, his life was frankly very boring right now.
He lived alone on Kuraigana Island, spending his days with a bunch of baboons, doing nothing.
Since he had already reached the peak of the sword, and the person he viewed as his equal, "Red-Haired" Shanks, the one he could spar with and verify his progress against, had been sent to Impel Down by that bastard Diarmuid.
This had made his already quiet and boring life even more monotonous.
In the original story, Mihawk was already experiencing the feeling of 'unrivaled solitude.' He had chased the Krieg Pirates from the Grand Line to the East Blue over a trivial matter, treating the whole journey like a game.
Later, after meeting Zoro, he saw a glimmer of promise in the young man. Having peaked in the way of the sword, he decided to spare Zoro's life, believing that Zoro might grow to a level that would satisfy him.
He later personally took on Zoro as a student, essentially cultivating his own opponent.
It was clear how utterly bored the man was.
Mihawk was the most enthusiastic to respond to this Warlord of the Sea summon from Crocodile. The moment he heard there was trouble, he immediately agreed.
He hadn't come to Alabasta to deal with the Nefertari Family. A royal family with no real strength, even if they had some Celestial Dragon lineage, held no interest for Mihawk.
He was here solely for the World's Worst Criminal and leader of the Revolutionary Army, Monkey D. Dragon!
At this point, Crocodile looked at Mihawk. "You will see him, provided he has the courage to show up."
Hearing this, Mihawk finally replied, "Then I shall follow your lead."
Crocodile inwardly sighed in relief. Even the most difficult person to manage was now somewhat appeased.
Meanwhile, Jinbe chuckled. "My abilities are not as formidable as yours. I fear I won't be much help within Alabasta itself. However, if there is anything you require, please don't hesitate to command me."
Crocodile was somewhat surprised that Jinbe was so agreeable.
He's easier to deal with than Mihawk?
Since Jinbe had made such a statement, Crocodile naturally wouldn't put on a stiff, pretentious face.
Crocodile offered a friendly smile. "Knight of the Sea Jinbe. They say you are a man of honor and warmth; it appears to be true."
"Hahaha..." Jinbe laughed, seemingly pleased.
Next, Crocodile looked at Hancock, the most challenging one, with a frustrated expression.
Spandine, sensing the moment, quickly interjected. "Empress-sama, this matter is very important to Mariejois. If successfully completed, it will bring very beneficial advantages to Amazon Lily. Surely Empress-sama would not refuse the goodwill extended by Mariejois?"
Hancock rested her chin on her hand, her gaze aloof as she glanced at Spandine and then at Crocodile. Finally, her lips moved slightly. "This one time only, Spandine."
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