Crocodile stood firm, his voice calm but edged with tension. "I heard you defeated a former admiral… a naval legend. That's beyond anything I imagined."
Zenkichi's tone was casual, almost bored. "Admiral, hero—what does it matter? They're all just mortals. And mortals can be defeated."
Crocodile gave a slight nod… then shook his head. "You're not wrong, but doing it is another matter entirely."
"The Admirals are the strongest force under the World Government. They're monsters, walking natural disasters. Defeating one isn't simple."
He sighed, visibly frustrated.
He had once dreamed of toppling legends too. But Crocodile was self-aware enough to recognize the limits of his own strength. Despite his efforts, he had hit a plateau. His potential felt spent, and no amount of ambition could change that.
"Zenkichi," he said slowly, "what if we worked together?"
"You may be powerful, but you're still a newcomer."
"As they say, two fists can't beat four. You alone cannot take on the World Government."
"On the surface, they have the three Admirals—each a titan. But beyond them, there's the CP0. And those agents are more dangerous than the headlines ever say."
"The World Government isn't the only power either. The Yonko, warlords, and rogue ninja of the New World—all have monsters of their own."
"You may have the power to stand alone, but you won't stay standing long if you don't build something."
"But together," Crocodile leaned forward slightly, "we could change the world."
"I have networks, hidden supporters, and ways to expand. If you and I combined our strengths, there wouldn't be a force that could stop us."
For a moment, he looked hopeful.
But Zenkichi let out a quiet, almost dismissive laugh.
"Cooperation?" he echoed. "That implies equality. Do you really think we're equals?"
"If you're looking to serve under me, I'll consider it. But a partnership?"
He shook his head. "Forget it."
"This world's already small enough. I don't need allies. I don't need politics. I move alone. Get that straight."
His tone was sharp, final.
Crocodile's expression darkened. "You're awfully arrogant. I think my strength is more than enough to earn your respect."
Zenkichi tilted his head slightly, intrigued. "Then why don't we test that theory?"
"If your strength impresses me, I might reconsider."
Crocodile smirked. "No problem. But not here. We'll tear this ship apart. Let's fight on land."
He scanned the horizon and pointed toward a nearby island. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⟡𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕥⟡𝕟𝕖𝕥
Zenkichi gave a shrug. "Doesn't matter where."
Crocodile's heart raced. This was the perfect opportunity. If he could fight Zenkichi face to face, maybe he'd see through the hype. Or, perhaps, expose a weakness.
Maybe… just maybe… this so-called monster was a fraud.
His ship reached the shoreline. With a sudden swirl of sand, Crocodile launched himself onto the island, landing with ease. Zenkichi followed, stepping onto the beach without a word, his gaze sharp and unreadable.
As he arrived, Crocodile's eyes narrowed.
Zenkichi's mere movement, the calm way he stepped across the sand, sent a chill down his spine.
He didn't move like a man. He moved like a force.
"So be it," Crocodile said, grinning as he dropped to one knee, pressing his remaining hand to the earth.
Instantly, the island began to dry and crumble. Moisture drained from the ground as the terrain transformed into a barren, cracked desert.
The Shichibukai had created his arena.
With the land now to his advantage, Crocodile thrust his arm outward.
A swirling desert tornado formed in his hand and roared forward, ripping across the battlefield as it hurtled toward Zenkichi.
The younger man's expression didn't change.
In a flash, Zenkichi formed hand seals—sharp, precise.
"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall."
A towering barrier of stone burst from the sand, rising between him and the storm. The sandstorm smashed against the wall, scattering like dust against steel.
Crocodile's eyes widened.
What…? That wasn't any Devil Fruit ability he'd ever seen.
The reports said Zenkichi had absorbed the powers of Admiral Kizaru and even Whitebeard's Quake ability.
Was it another Devil Fruit?
Or… something else entirely?
He didn't hesitate. With a quick gesture, Crocodile summoned his signature technique.
A blade of sand arced through the air, gleaming like glass. It struck the Earth-Style Wall—not with brute force, but with something more insidious.
Water drained from the stone, weakening it until the wall crumbled into dust.
Zenkichi didn't flinch.
"Your Sand Fruit is interesting," he said. "But predictable."
As Crocodile prepared another strike, Zenkichi's hands moved again.
This time, a ripple of water formed beside him, cutting through the sand-filled air.
Water Release—Hidden Mist Technique.
The temperature shifted instantly as a thick fog blanketed the battlefield.
Crocodile's smirk faltered.
"…water?" he whispered, suddenly uneasy.
Zenkichi's voice came from within the mist—calm, focused.
"Let's see how long your sand holds out… when faced with a storm."
100 Power Stones → 1 Bonus Chapter
200 Power Stones → 3 Bonus Chapters