Chapter 72: The Changed Crocodile
"Set sail!"
Camon shouted the order, pointing forward with one hand.
Beneath the waves, the Mosasaurus responded to his signal — its massive body shifted, the ship gave a brief tremor, and then began to move steadily ahead.
Standing beside Camon were a man and a woman.
The man was about 1.8 meters tall, with short golden hair that brushed his shoulders. His features were decent, and he wore a white dress shirt tucked neatly into dark slacks, polished shoes gleaming, a faint smile at the corner of his lips.
The woman beside him had the same golden hair, long and wavy, her figure graceful and well-proportioned. She wore a white camisole and tight blue jeans, her feet in a pair of sturdy Martin boots. Her features were delicate, her expression soft.
They were the Dragon Flame Pirates' newest members — the couple, Buck and Aisha.
"I'm really looking forward to this… our new life," Buck said, gazing out at the endless ocean, eyes full of excitement.
"This is what freedom feels like," Aisha replied, smiling, her rosy lips parting slightly, eyes curling into crescents as she squeezed his hand.
"But we still have to work hard," Buck added. "Everyone on this ship is pushing themselves to grow stronger — their goal is the New World."
Aisha nodded earnestly. "Mhm, next time, our names will be known across the seas."
The ship soon left Drum Island behind.
From the shore, the island's citizens watched their departure with relief — especially the royal guards, who finally allowed themselves to breathe easy.
…
Arabasta — Rainbase — Rain Dinners
"Boss, Doflamingo's made his move again — four Devil Fruits this time. Rumor says they're all Ancient Zoan Dinosaur types, each sold for over five hundred million Berries."
In a dim, spacious room, a tall woman with long wavy black hair, glasses, and long white legs encased in heels stood clutching a notebook, speaking toward the figure in front of her.
That figure was none other than Crocodile.
He was bare-chested, a massive iron slab strapped across his back. One hand pressed to the floor as he performed slow, steady push-ups.
His muscles were like coiled steel, every movement taut with power. Sweat streamed down, only to evaporate almost instantly from the heat radiating off his body — a testament to his rising physical strength.
Crocodile said nothing, and his secretary dared not interrupt. The room's air was thick and heavy with tension.
"Phew…"
Half an hour later, Crocodile finally exhaled, then stood upright.
The enormous iron plate slid from his back—
BOOM!
It crashed to the floor with a deafening thud, the ground trembling faintly from the impact. The sheer weight of it was evident.
"How's Baroque Works' intelligence network progressing?" Crocodile asked coolly, draping his coat over his shoulders and lighting a cigar.
"The Four Seas are mostly under control," replied Celine, her voice soft and professional. "We just need a bit more time to consolidate the Grand Line."
"Good," Crocodile said, lowering himself onto the sofa. A faint gleam flickered in his sharp eyes. "And our numbers?"
"We currently have seven senior agents, fifty mid-level, and two hundred low-level operatives."
"Still not enough," Crocodile said flatly. "Keep recruiting — but I want every one of them fully vetted. The main focus now is the Grand Line."
"Yes, Boss."
"What about the Dragon Flame Pirates?" Crocodile asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.
That particular "partner" intrigued him. Anyone capable of producing four Devil Fruits — and selling them through Doflamingo — was not simple. Crocodile intended to keep a close watch.
"The Dragon Flame Pirates just left Drum Island," Celine reported. "Their next destination… is here."
"When they arrive," Crocodile said calmly, "invite them to see me."
"Yes, Boss."
"That's all. You can go."
"Yes, sir."
Celine bowed slightly, then turned and walked out, heels tapping crisply against the stone floor as the heavy atmosphere slowly dissipated behind her.
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