At the top floor of the Rainbase Casino.
Crocodile sat on the sofa with a cold expression, puffing on a cigar.
The ashtray on the table already held several finished cigars.
"Still not here? Sig."
A hint of impatience flickered across Crocodile's face.
Crocodile was a man who knew how to bide his time, patient and cunning.
But this time, he truly didn't have much time left, and a sense of urgency was creeping into his heart.
"Sig wants to gamble? Then let him win a few times quickly. Give him enough face, then invite him up directly."
"He wouldn't have the nerve to keep winning in my casino, would he?"
On the third floor of the casino.
Beside the gambling table, Sig was staring in shock at the dice cup the dealer had just opened.
Inside, the three dice showed the numbers 5, 5, and 6. An even number.
Sig was utterly stunned.
Before Sig could fully process the thrill of winning, he noticed the expression of the purple-clad Fujitora beside him shift slightly.
With his eyes closed, Fujitora turned his head toward the dealer's dice cup.
"The outcome of gambling lies in fate. If the result is predetermined, it holds no meaning."
Fujitora spoke calmly, his words carrying a hidden meaning.
"Hey, blind man! What are you talking about?"
Several burly men immediately stepped forward, harshly rebuking him:
"Can't accept losing and now you're accusing our casino of cheating?"
Fujitora remained expressionless. He tilted his head slightly, his closed eyes facing Sig.
"Does your casino plan to bankrupt me just to push me into taking a loan?"
"You may have won, but I'm not foolish enough to borrow money from you."
Fujitora seemed convinced that Sig was in cahoots with the casino. After saying this, he picked up his wooden cane and began to walk away, his wooden sandals clacking against the floor.
The big shot was leaving?
Sig's expression changed slightly. Just as he was about to call out to Fujitora, a voice suddenly rang in his ears.
"Mission: The Mountain Bandit King's Grand Plan has been completed."
"Mission Requirement: Defeat any Marine Admiral. (100%)"
"Mission Reward: One random possession card draw opportunity."
"Mission Phase Updated: The Mountain Bandit King's Grand Plan (2)."
Winning against Fujitora counted as defeating a Marine Admiral?
My grand plan... just like that?
Sig was stunned once again.
He didn't immediately draw the card but instead asked another question.
"System, if I return to the East Blue now, can I still defeat the future Pirate King or Marine Admirals?"
The system's reply dashed any hopes of exploiting loopholes.
Future Admirals like Fujitora, Ryokugyu, or even Koby must possess the corresponding Admiral-level strength at this point in time to meet the system's mission requirements.
In other words, at this point in time ten years ago, even if Sig defeated Akainu, Kizaru, or Aokiji, it might not count as fulfilling the condition.
And Garp, who had never been an Admiral, didn't qualify either.
After understanding this, Sig stopped overthinking and turned his attention to the newly updated second phase of the mission.
"Mission: The Mountain Bandit King's Grand Plan."
"Mission Requirement 1: Defeat three Marine Admirals. (1/3) or defeat any one of the Four Emperors. (0/1)"
"Mission Reward: Random quality card reward based on mission completion."
In the next moment, Sig's consciousness sank into the familiar sea of stars.
Before him, countless stars shimmered once more as a new card took shape.
This time, the card's color was a long-awaited golden hue.
With anticipation, Sig watched as the card flipped over.
And then, he was stunned again.
Previous cards had been strange, but at least they featured people.
This time, however, the card depicted a cat.
And not just any cat—it was one Sig recognized immediately.
Possession Card: Tom (100%)
Source: Tom and Jerry
Limitations: 4 uses, up to 20 minutes each
Character Restrictions: Self, Allies
Shape-shifting: Tom's body possesses incredible adaptability and malleability, allowing it to change shape under external forces. Even if flattened by blunt objects, it can recover.
Air-walking: As long as Tom doesn't look down, he can briefly hover in mid-air.
Non-lethal: Tom will not kill his enemies.
"Another strange card..."
Sig rubbed his forehead.
While it wasn't the kind of card he had imagined that could easily crush Crocodile, having a card that could save his life was still a great boon.
However, upon further reflection, a chill ran down Sig's spine.
In the cartoons, Tom the Cat had a pretty miserable life... His body might be able to change shape, but that didn't mean he wouldn't get hurt or feel pain...
And Sig distinctly remembered that Tom had died several times in the cartoons.
The card's description didn't mention anything about resurrection...
As for the Non-lethal side effect, Sig wasn't too concerned.
This possession card could last up to 10 minutes, but Sig could also end the ability early if needed.
In the next moment, Sig's consciousness returned to reality.
His gaze immediately fell on Fujitora.
While the Tom card was great for survival, Sig couldn't just let Fujitora, this powerhouse, slip away.
He strode forward, catching up to Fujitora as he walked away.
After observing Fujitora's gambling habits for a while, Sig had formed a vague guess.
Fujitora was one of the rare top-tier powerhouses in the One Piece world with an exceptionally good temper, making him relatively low-risk.
So, Sig made a bold decision.
Sig reached out, blocking Fujitora's path.
A faint smile appeared on his face as he looked at the blind middle-aged man.
"Do you know who I am?"
Without waiting for Fujitora to answer, Sig continued:
"I'm the owner of this casino, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the Desert King, Crocodile!"
Fujitora's steps paused slightly, and he let out a soft sigh, pulling out his empty wallet to show Sig.
"Are you the casino owner's loan shark friend? But I truly have no money left. At my age, I'm in no position to repay any loans."
"So, please step aside."
Fujitora lowered his head slightly, speaking earnestly.
Sig narrowed his eyes, ignoring Fujitora's words, and whispered in his ear:
"I'm here to discuss business with Crocodile. I'll be meeting him soon."
"I bet you'll come with me to see him."
Hearing this, Fujitora's steps came to an abrupt halt.
He raised his head slightly, his tightly closed eyes gradually opening to reveal the whites of his eyes, now staring directly at Sig.