Nojiko leaned closer to Leo and nudged him with her elbow. Her voice was filled with discomfort. "Leo… I don't feel good about this, these people… they're dangerous."
Leo placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. "Relax. As long as I'm here, nothing will happen to you. We've come this far already, why not stick around and see what he has stored in for us?"
He glanced at the trapped agents and casually waved his hand. The concrete restraints and deadly needles sank back into the floor, releasing everyone trapped.
The tense atmosphere in the room eased, though suspicion still lingered between Leo and Baroque works agents.
Crocodile leaned forward with a dangerous smile beaming on his face as he finally began explaining the real reason for gathering everyone today.
"Good, Now that the pleasantries are over…" His deep voice echoed through the chamber. "Let me tell you the real reason behind the chaos we're causing in Alabasta."
He paused for dramatic effect, then began his long ass explanation.
"Taking control of this kingdom is not merely about ruling one of the Twenty Founding Nations or commanding its millions of citizens," Crocodile spoke, his voice filled with ambition. "It's not even about gaining a powerful military force. Those are just trivial side benefits."
He leaned forward slightly, eyes glinting with arrogance.
"No matter how strong we become or what title I hold, the World Government would still crush me without hesitation, because Alabasta is one of the Twenty Founding Nations, a core nation of their entire authority."
A cruel, confident smirk formed on Crocodile's lips.
"That is precisely why I needed a power so absolute that even the World Government would be forced to turn a blind eye to everything I do."
The atmosphere in the room grew heavier as he continued.
"Somewhere beneath this desert lies the Ancient Weapon — Pluton. A 800 year old legendary warship capable of obliterating entire islands. Whoever controls it will hold the power to dominate the seas."
Crocodile's voice grew heavier with pride as he revealed the core of his grand plan. "I have spent several years searching for it. The Poneglyph that reveals Pluton's location is hidden somewhere in this kingdom — a secret known only to the royal family. Once I awaken that ancient weapon… even the World Government and the Marines will have no choice but to kneel before me."
His golden hook gleamed menacingly under the candlelight.
"This desert will become the foundation of my Utopia."
Leo stared at Crocodile for a long moment… then suddenly started snickering trying to hold back his laugh.
Crocodile's expression turned icy. "What is so funny, boy?"
Crocodile's eyes burned with killing intent. He had planned to use Leo as a living Poneglyph detector and a repairman for Pluton if his plan failed or went in the wrong direction.
The boy's ability to deconstruct and reconstruct anything made him the perfect tool. He had even considered taming him with threats and power.
"Nothing, I have a few technical questions," Leo said, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. "You're telling me your grand plan is to dig up some dusty ancient battleship that's been buried for eight hundred years?"
He leaned forward, his voice dripping with mockery.
"Let's be real here. Even if you somehow find the battleship and successfully awaken it, what happens when someone like Garp or Dragon shows up? They'll turn your precious 'invincible' ancient weapon into scrap metal in five minutes, you can't rule these seas with a single battleship."
Leo shook his head, clearly disappointed.
"Your entire plan is built on wishful thinking and massive 'what ifs.' It's honestly pathetic. You want to rule the world but can't even trust your own subordinates, and now you're pinning your hopes on a weapon that might not even work anymore? How delusional can you be?"
The temperature in the room dropped rapidly, as if crocodile had reached his limit.
"Insolent brat…" he growled.
Leo smirked. "If you want me so badly, then let's settle this properly. You and me. One on one duel. Whoever wins takes full control of everything including the loser and his possession. I have no interest in chasing some ancient toy. I'll rule this sea with my own power."
Crocodile slowly rose from his seat, his coat fluttering. A savage grin finally broke across his face.
"I have been waiting for you to say those words, I accept."
***
The entire group moved from the underground meeting room and emerged into the scorching midday desert outside Rainbase. The blazing sun beat down mercilessly on the golden sand, making the air shimmer with heatwaves.
Crocodile wanted to trap the brat in seastone cage and torture him until he had tamed or broke him but that plan had failed miserably causing him this headache.
Before the duel could even begin, a tall, muscular man stepped forward.
Daz Bonez Mr. 1, stood protectively in front of Crocodile.
"Boss," he said in a cold voice, "this rookie isn't worthy of fighting you, allow me to teach him his place."
Crocodile glanced at Leo. "I don't mind as long as…?"
Leo shrugged with a casual smile. "Not at all, Honestly, this will be a good warmup." He looked at Mr. 1 with interest.
"Besides, I've been wanting to see what the strongest agent under Crocodile can do."
Mr. 1 stepped onto the open sand, cracking his neck. Leo walked forward to face him.
Without warning, Mr. 1 raised both arms. In an instant, his hands transformed into sharp, gleaming blades that reflected the desert sun not underestimating his opponent.
Leo's eyes widened slightly in genuine appreciation. "Oh? That's a cool ability. Paramecia-type, right? Blade-Blade Fruit?"
Mr. 1 didn't reply. He simply dashed forward at high speed, swinging both bladed arms.
Leo stood his ground, watching carefully. Then he raised his both hand forward.
Crack… Snap…
His fingers began wriggling violently. Flesh twisted, bones shifted and merged, muscles tore and reformed in grotesque ways. A painful roar escaped Leo's throat, echoing across the silent desert as he forcibly reconstructed his own arm.
The horrifying process lasted only a few seconds.
When it ended, Leo's right arm had completely transformed into a long, sleek, pitch-black blade, perfectly straight, covered in a dense layer of Armament Haki. It looked far sharper, sturdier, and more refined than Mr. 1's devil fruit ability.
The onlookers stared in shocked silence.
Even Crocodile's eyes narrowed, transforming one's own body so ruthlessly… This brat was mad.
***
Author Note: Thanks for 1.1K Collection... I have been busy with some personal work, will upload more chapter soon.