"If we add the Revolutionary Army's forces to the mix, our power won't be something to underestimate."
A glimmer of hope shone in Cobra's eyes, as if he could already see the dawn of a new world order.
Roy, however, gave a slight shake of his head, a subtle expression flickering across his face.
"I don't plan on relying entirely on those Revolutionary Army folks."
Roy's words surprised Cobra again, who had originally thought the Revolutionary Army would be an indispensable part of Roy's plan, but Roy clearly had a more far-reaching layout.
"I have other forces, ones you haven't anticipated." A mysterious light gleamed in Roy's eyes as he slowly uttered a few words, "Hashirama Senju is also my man."
Cobra's surprise was evident on his face; Hashirama Senju was an absolute powerhouse who had fought on equal terms with Whitebeard, Edward Newgate.
In Cobra's understanding, even Roy, a young Marine Admiral, would likely find himself in a tough battle, probably at a disadvantage, when facing the unfathomable power of Hashirama Senju.
After all, Hashirama Senju's reputation and strength had long surpassed what ordinary people could imagine.
However, Roy seemed to have already sensed Cobra's doubt; the corner of his mouth curled into a mysterious smile as he slowly raised one finger.
"That Hashirama Senju is also my half-subordinate."
As these words were spoken, the air in the room seemed to freeze; both Cobra and Princess Vivi wore expressions of disbelief, their eyes filled with shock and confusion.
"Are you saying, Mr. Roy, that your strength has already surpassed Hashirama Senju, making him willing to become your ally?"
Princess Vivi's voice trembled slightly; she couldn't imagine that there was someone in this world capable of standing above Hashirama Senju.
Meanwhile, Cobra's mind was also reeling with shock.
If Roy's strength truly exceeded that of Hashirama Senju, what did that mean—
Roy not only possessed the grand ambition to overthrow the World Government but also had the absolute strength to accomplish such a feat.
Looking at Roy's confident expression, the shock in Cobra and Vivi's hearts only deepened.
They began to realize that Roy's ambitions might extend far beyond simply overthrowing the old order.
His goal might be to build an unprecedented new world, a new era led by truly powerful individuals.
In that moment, both Cobra and Vivi deeply felt the currents of history silently changing direction, and Roy was the key force guiding that tide.
...
With yellow sand filling the sky, Spandam led the members of CP9 to Crocodile's stronghold, the Rain Dinners casino.
Crocodile's golden hook tapped against the table, cigar smoke swirling in the dim light. Spandam was talking incessantly, while Rob Lucci stood silently behind him.
"Orders from the Five Elders?" Crocodile let out a sneer. "What are those old fossils looking for?"
Spandam's expression darkened, but he quickly put back on his insincere smile.
"Crocodile, we've come on the orders of the Five Elders. They have high expectations of you and hope you'll assist us in finding information on Hashirama Senju."
"Hashirama Senju?" Crocodile scoffed, exhaling a puff of smoke. "That rumored guy with terrifying power?"
"His strength far exceeds our imagination," Spandam continued. "We need your intelligence network to help us find him."
Crocodile's gaze grew even colder as he slowly descended the steps.
"Spandam, I have no interest in the World Government's petty affairs. As for your orders, save them for the obedient lapdogs."
Spandam's face instantly turned livid; he hadn't expected Crocodile to refuse so bluntly.
"Crocodile, don't be ungrateful! The orders of the Five Elders are not something you can defy!"
"Defy?" Crocodile sneered, a glint of murderous intent in his eyes. "You World Government lapdogs really think you're something?"
Before the words faded, Crocodile's figure suddenly vanished from its spot. The next moment, he appeared before Spandam, his golden hook pointed directly at Spandam's throat.
Spandam was greatly startled and quickly retreated, but his speed was far inferior to Crocodile's.
Just as the golden hook was about to pierce Spandam, a shadow flashed, and Rob Lucci stepped in front of Spandam.
His arm instantly transformed into a leopard claw, swinging violently to collide with Crocodile's golden hook, producing a harsh metallic clang.
"Crocodile," Rob Lucci said coldly, "laying hands on a World Government official is not a wise choice."
Crocodile narrowed his eyes, staring at Rob Lucci. "Rob Lucci, the prodigy of CP9? Hah, you think you can stop me?"
Rob Lucci didn't answer; his body began to change, muscles swelling, leopard spots appearing on his skin as he entered his hybrid form.
His speed and power instantly surged, a beastly ferocity gleaming in his eyes.
"Then let's give it a try." Crocodile sneered, swinging his golden hook again, stirring up a gust of wind.
Rob Lucci showed no fear; his leopard claw clashed once more with the golden hook, sparks flying.
The battle between the two erupted instantly. Crocodile's Sand-Sand Fruit ability allowed his body to turn into sand at will, evading Rob Lucci's attacks.
Rob Lucci, meanwhile, relied on the speed and power of his hybrid form to continuously close in on Crocodile, trying to find an opening.
Spandam hid to the side, his face pale as he watched the fight. He hadn't expected things to escalate to this point.
"What are you all standing around for!" Spandam yelled at the other CP9 members. "Go help him!"
Several CP9 members immediately rushed forward, trying to assist Rob Lucci.
But Crocodile merely sneered, swinging his golden hook with force, sending a sand blade straight toward them.
Wherever the sand blade passed, the ground was torn apart. Several CP9 members couldn't dodge in time; hit by the blade, they screamed and were sent flying backward.
"Useless." Crocodile said coldly, turning his gaze back to Rob Lucci. "Rob Lucci, how much longer can you hold out?"
Rob Lucci didn't answer; his breathing had already become ragged, clearly having expended a great deal of stamina in the fight against Crocodile.
Yet he still didn't back down, his leopard claw striking out again, aiming straight for Crocodile's chest.
Crocodile's body again dissolved into sand, evading the blow.
His figure appeared behind Rob Lucci, the golden hook thrusting toward Rob Lucci's back. Rob Lucci reacted quickly, spinning his body around sharply, his leopard claw colliding with the golden hook once more.
---