Crocodile.
Once a ravaging Great Pirate who challenged the world's strongest man, Whitebeard, he's one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea acknowledged by the World Government, also known as the King of the Desert, the Sand Crocodile.
At this moment.
Crocodile had no idea that someone highly admired him, wanted to become his subordinate, and contribute to his cause, while also helping elevate his fame.
If he knew, he would surely want to chop that person's head off.
Currently, Crocodile is quite busy.
A few days ago, Crocodile left Rainy Land, defeated a crew of pirates trying to invade Alabasta, and continued masquerading as the hero of Alabasta.
After enjoying a wave of hero-like treatment, Crocodile returned to his base in Rainy Land.
After returning, Crocodile planned to look at the recruitment situation of Baroque Works since he had just started implementing his plan, and of course, he wouldn't mind having more capable hands.
"You really are amazing, Nico Robin."
This Great Pirate sits at his desk, a cigar between his lips, the scar on his face looking slightly ferocious, and he's holding a pile of resumes.
Crocodile slowly examines the resumes of a few individuals, first picking out Sasori and Deidara's.
The Sand Crocodile curiously asked, "Two guys fond of murder and warfare? One excels in assassination, the other in crafting bombs. Could they be stronger than Mr. 5's explosive fruit power?"
"Not sure..."
Nico Robin shook her head and then chuckled, "I just happened to spot some suitable people, plus they're all around the Alabasta region lately... Seemingly not weak at all, they're all lone wanderers."
"Then have them fill the last two advanced agent positions!"
After saying that, he looked at a resume with a snarling Fishman image named Hoshigaki Kisame, and remarked, "Hoshigaki Kisame... Is this guy a wandering Fishman?"
"Seems so!"
Nico Robin sat in a chair with her hand resting on her cheek, smiling as she continued, "This Hoshigaki Kisame seems like someone who couldn't survive in the latter part of the Grand Line, lacking any bounty, planning to escape to the Four Seas to become a Great Pirate..."
"Hmph, seems like he's not too bright..."
Crocodile took a deep drag on his cigar, exhaling heavily and said softly, "Fishman's strength is generally slightly stronger, so recruit him in, he can be some additional manpower!"
After arranging them, Crocodile's deep voice boomed, "These guys haven't received a Navy bounty yet, but if you'd willingly recruit them, they must have some utility..."
In this world, a Navy bounty is clearly a ticket to recognition.
For some powerful pirates, no matter how strong they think they are, it's ultimately not as awe-inspiring as presenting a Navy bounty.
"Hmm?"
After hearing Crocodile's words, Nico Robin couldn't help but look at him inquisitively; the Sand Crocodile didn't mention the last person!
Just as Nico Robin was about to continue asking, Crocodile's hand lingered on the last resume, the photo depicting a young man smiling warmly, seemingly harmless.
His name is Uehara Naraku.
Crocodile glanced at Uehara Naraku's resume, slowly puffing a ring of smoke, his eyes narrowing slightly, "This person doesn't seem like a dangerous character at all, it doesn't list any special abilities either..."
"There's nothing special to mention."
Nico Robin lightly tapped her cheek with her finger and a smirk spread across her lips, "This Uehara Naraku just excels in combat, seems not too bright, right? Anyway, we're mainly seeking expendable tools..."
"Yes."
Crocodile nodded contentedly, "You're right, these guys really are just one-time tools, you handle the arrangements!"
"Alright."
Nico Robin smiled at the corners of her lips, replying softly, "Then let Deidara and Sasori fill the last advanced agent spots, and send Uehara Naraku and that Fishman named Hoshigaki Kisame to Whiskey Peak near Inverted Mountain!"
"You can handle such minor affairs."
After saying this, Crocodile's expression gradually turned nonchalant, "We can start the next phase of the Rain Powder plan, let our King do experience the wrath of his people..."
"Understood."
Nico Robin tapped her finger on her cheek.
After all, Uehara Naraku's mission was considered complete by her, seamlessly arranging a bunch of unassuming individuals into Baroque Works.
The only issue is.
Sasori and Deidara became advanced agents of Baroque.
Uehara Naraku and Hoshigaki Kisame became intermediate agents, which is equivalent to small bosses overseeing Baroque Works henchmen.
Therefore, when Nico Robin brought back the news, the few people present had slightly peculiar expressions; Deidara's face showed a sinister grin.
This position as an intermediate agent...
Is roughly equivalent to a Chunin in the Naruto World?
Deidara, ever eager for chaos, immediately said, "Hey, Uehara, if there's no suitable position, why don't we just deal with those currently in them, after all, none of us are exactly good guys!"
"Thanks, but I'm a good guy!"
Uehara Naraku rebutted, then touched his chin and asked, "Robin, I remember Whiskey Peak is the spot where pirates from Inverted Mountain pass through on their Grand Line journey, right?"
"That's correct."
Nico Robin nodded, replying softly, "Many rookie pirates with possessions of great value have the strength to pass through Inverted Mountain.
If they're too careless, at Whiskey Peak, they'll be plotted against by Baroque Works, which is considered one of the ways Baroque collects funds..."
After speaking, Nico Robin added, "But occasionally powerful pirates would clean up all the people at Whiskey Peak too, like Portgas D. Ace, who wiped them out entirely..."
"Sounds like a great place!"
Uehara Naraku nodded, then continued, "Let's start from there, let the world's rookie pirates tremble in fear of Crocodile's fame, let them know the horror of the Seven Warlords of the Sea!"
"..."
Everyone's forehead twitched.
Oh wow, is Uehara Naraku serious?
Of course, Uehara Naraku is serious!
Checking into Inverted Mountain is a necessary task!
Plus, he can take advantage of Baroque Works' name to head over to the East Sea, drop by Log Town, stand on the execution platform of the Pirate King and take in the sights, and then rampage through Windmill Village or something, torment Luffy for some quests...
He could also destroy Ahlong's crew.
And seize Nami's treasure.
These are certainly highly rewarding missions.
Even if in the future Fire Fist Ace, Iron Fist Garp, Red-Haired Shanks, or the Revolutionary Army's Dragon come knocking, and grown-up Luffy or the memory-recovered Sabo seek revenge...
That would be Crocodile's problem.
"Alright, let's help Mr. Crocodile make a name, and once we spread Baroque Works' reputation across the Four Seas, you can pass on the intelligence on other Baroque members to Kakuzu, let him capture those people for bounties!"
"...Okay."
Everyone present had a peculiar expression.
Nico Robin looked at Uehara Naraku, unable to stop the twitch at the corner of her lips, "He really is... a much more wicked man than I expected!"
After a moment, Nico Robin suddenly thought of something and quickly said, "Wait, Mr. Naraku, it's absolutely impossible for Baroque Works' employees to know the true boss is Crocodile..."
Indeed.
Crocodile is Alabasta's national hero and a Seven Warlords of the Sea recognized by the World Government, his identity is definitely a secret.
"Don't worry."
Upon hearing this, Uehara Naraku couldn't help but chuckle, waving his hand, "I will arrange his identity neatly, Crocodile's identity will surely be leaked by those World Government CP characters or the Navy..."
Such affairs...
Uehara Naraku is quite adept at.
No matter how deeply Crocodile's identity is hidden, once Uehara Naraku takes action, it won't be long before everyone knows who Crocodile is.
After all...
Crocodile isn't the first victim.