Inside an office.

“The Baroque Works has been completely wiped out, even Robin has fallen into Invader’s hands, and from the tone of the message, she has suffered a great deal of humiliation before finding an opportunity to report it…”

“It’s the Dragon Slayer, Rhodes!”

“It seems like I haven’t roamed the seas for many years, that even a young brat dares to challenge me?!”

Crocodile slowly put down the Den Den Mushi, and even with his composed demeanor, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger. His scarred face was oozing with a fierce bloodthirst, making him look even more ferocious.

At the same time, a layer of sand dust swirled around him as he scattered his thoughts, making the already dimly lit office even darker.

He had been away from Rainbase for the past few days, handling affairs at the Alabasta Royal Palace, and was planning to return when he discovered that his own lair had been stolen. From the Vice-President to the various high-level agents, they had either died in battle, betrayed him, or were forced to surrender in humiliation.

In the blink of an eye, Crocodile went from being the leader of a large-scale trans-sea criminal organization, to being a lonely and helpless individual.

Without the Baroque Works to assist him, his grand plan for the country was on the brink of defeat.

Years of hard work had been destroyed in an instant. One could only imagine the rage Crocodile was feeling at this moment, but he was, after all, a notorious pirate and one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

In this world, there are no wrong names, only incorrect nicknames.

Crocodile, like his nickname “The Desert King, Crocodile,” was cold-blooded, ferocious, and patient.

Suppressing the agitation in his heart, Crocodile calmed down and soon realized that something was amiss.

Robin, a woman who changed employers as often as she changed clothes, would not be so loyal to him.

“Is he trying to lure me there?”

“Is he this confident that he can have me at his mercy?”

Crocodile was not angry.

Underestimating one’s enemy is one’s advantage.

“Rhodes managed to kill Diamante and Nightvlade, so he probably shouldn’t weaker than me.”

Crocodile was very confident, but he also had self-awareness and knew his own abilities well.

After thinking for a moment, he suddenly took out a special Den Den Mushi from his pocket and made a call.

“Crocodile?” A calm voice came from the other end.

“I need support…”

Crocodile said confidently.

As one of the World Government’s external employees, the Seven Warlords of the Sea were held in high regard and had both responsibility and power. Naturally, they could request the support of the Navy or the World Government to assist in combat.

However, few people used this privilege.

After all, it was too shameful. Each of the Seven Warlords of the Sea was a notorious pirate, and to request support from the Navy or the World Government would bring ridicule upon themselves. Even fellow Shichibukai would look down on them.

But with his grand plan for the country on the verge of collapse and burning with extreme anger and hatred, Crocodile didn’t care about these hollow titles.

Moreover, it was obvious that Rhodes had come for his head.

When it came to one’s life, one’s pride meant nothing.

………..

Rainy streets.

With two highly capable female secretaries, Robin and Vivi, around, Rhodes, the hands-off boss, had little to worry about. He strolled along the streets of Rainbase, enjoying the desert scenery and the sight of beautiful, coolly dressed girls, when his phone suddenly rang.

“Boss, Crocodile has requested to meet me outside Rainbase in two hours.”

“Also, there’s news from the Nanohana that a large naval ship has landed. It’s likely that a Vice Admiral has come, but we don’t know who it is yet.”

“A Vice Admiral?”

Everything was going according to plan, and Rhodes’ reaction was calm. After a moment of hesitation, he said, “You and Vivi prepare the evidence, it will be useful later.”

On the other end of the line, Robin hesitated but still suggested, “Boss, according to your plan, we could win over this Vice Admiral and team up against Crocodile. He has violated the taboo of the Seven Warlords, and the pirate’s ambition to rule the country is something the World Government cannot allow. If it’s exposed, there’s a good chance the Vice Admiral will defect to our side.”

Moreover, Rhodes had Princess Vivi as an ace in the hole.

But Rhodes didn’t plan to do that.

He needed a strong opponent to prove his strength.

A Vice Admiral, and Crocodile, he was confident he could defeat either one individually, but he had to fight them to truly know.

Moreover, no matter how detailed the plan was or how much was said, it was no match for having the sharper sword.

Only by demonstrating enough strength would the Navy Headquarters truly value him, and the position of the Seven Warlords would fall to him without any suspense!

Two hours later.

Rhodes finally met his target, Crocodile.

By the way, Crocodile was also a supernova, a great pirate, who wreaked havoc on the Grand Line like Luffy did.

But unfortunately, he challenged Whitebeard too early, without learning Haki he was directly struck, losing his will to fight as a strong man. He then sneaked back to the first half of the Grand Line, hoping to rise again with the legendary ancient weapon Pluton.

However, after more than a decade of planning to take off the country, he was directly cut off by Rhodes when he intercepted the Baroque Works, and fell into a stagnant and failed state.

He had to settle things with Rhodes.

On the one hand, it was his pride, and on the other hand, he had to take back the Baroque Works and kill the witnesses.

“What about the Vice Admiral?”

Looking at the familiar figure with scars on his face and a cigar in his mouth, Rhodes smiled and said, “You’re not enough for me to fight.”

“Don’t be too arrogant, kid!”

A hint of killing intent flashed in Crocodile’s eyes, and then he spoke in a cold, harsh tone;

“Come out, Vice Admiral Momonga, it seems this Dragon-Slaying Swordsman is confident enough to take on two opponents.”

A sound of footsteps approached.

Seconds later, a naval Vice-Admiral appeared on the sand dune to the right of Rhodees, donning the Justice badge and Major General shoulder patch, with a deep purple crew cut.

It was none other than the Navy Headquarters Vice Admiral, Momonga!

Even among the Vice Admirals of the Headquarters, he was considered one of the best.

As soon as the Momonga appeared, Rhodes’ eyes lit up with excitement.

“Crocodile, you didn’t mention that my opponent is Rhodes, the Dragon Slayer,” he said.

Upon arriving on the scene, the Momonga frowned at Crocodile and spoke rudely.

A few days ago, Vice Admiral Momousagi blocked the doors of Dressrosa… er, I mean, patrolled the area, forcing Donquixote Doflamingo to stay indoors, and her ferocity was well-known among the higher-ups of the Navy. It was then that they became acquainted with Rhodes, the great swordsman’s apprentice.

However, Crocodile ignored all of that and looked at the Momonga with a fierce gaze.

“What now? Do you seriously want to defy the World Government’s orders?!”

“Hmm?”

Momonga furrowed his brows, feeling a bit uncomfortable, but didn’t say anything.

He let out a light sigh and apologized to Rhodes, “I’m just doing my duty, please forgive me.”

“It’s alright. I need a top swordsman like you to test my swordsmanship,” Rhodes replied calmly as he lightly gripped the hilt of his sword.

Momonga was at the pinnacle of swordsmanship, a Vice Admiral of the Navy Headquarters, representing the limit of human strength. Those above him, such as Admirals and Fleet Admirals, were on a completely different level, almost like monsters.

As for Crocodile, he may have lacked the heart of a strong warrior, and didn’t practice Haki, but he poured all his energy into his devil fruit development, making him a force to be reckoned with. Especially with his unique ability to absorb water from people, no one could directly confront him.

With these two teaming up against him, it was a real challenge for Rhodes.

Translatin_Otaku

I'm currently Translating the following novels: HXH: god Of Choice Sysrem | Reincarnated With The Book Of Knowledge | HXH: Noah's Heart. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

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