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Robin sank deeper into the quicksand, and Noir, in a panic, had no choice but to abandon Crocodile and rush towards her.
Just as most of her body was buried, Noir managed to reach out and grab Robin's hand.
"Hold on tight, I'll pull you up!" Noir shouted anxiously as he grabbed Robin.
Crocodile sneered at the two and shot out, "Don't even think about it!"
A massive sand slash surged towards them, forcing Noir to release a burst of flames.
The intense heat from his fiery fist scattered the sand, and in that moment, Noir lifted Robin out of the quicksand.
After placing Robin safely away, Noir drew his sword and charged back at Crocodile.
This time, he changed his strategy.
He used his Devil Fruit abilities as a support and focused primarily on his swordsmanship and Haki, pressing the attack with his blade.
As expected, Noir's strategy of exploiting his strengths against Crocodile's weaknesses soon paid off.
With insufficient Haki and a weaker physique, Crocodile's Devil Fruit abilities were also countered by Noir's multiple powers. After several exchanges, Crocodile found himself with over a dozen wounds.
Crocodile, now in a dire state, fought defensively and retreated, gritting his teeth in frustration.
Transformed into a towering bear, Noir swung his flame-enhanced sword, with a blaze and a sandstorm surrounding him.
Utilizing multiple abilities simultaneously, Noir appeared unstoppable, like a mysterious war god.
Robin watched in awe from the sidelines.
This defied all logic.
How could one person possess so many Devil Fruit abilities simultaneously?
Crocodile spat out a mouthful of blood, his eyes wary as he stared at Noir.
This copied ability is truly troublesome!
Crocodile cursed inwardly. Although each ability was not as strong as his own, when combined...
How did it become so terrifying?!
As Crocodile's condition deteriorated, Noir only seemed to grow more energetic.
Having not fully developed each ability meant that his stamina consumption was lower.
So, even though Noir used multiple abilities at once, his monstrous stamina remained relatively unexhausted.
After several more exchanges, Crocodile gained nothing and was instead kicked to the ground by Noir.
His once immaculate attire was now tattered, and his stylish pompadour had several strands hanging down.
From a successful businessman, Crocodile had been reduced to the image of a bankrupt, middle-aged man.
Filled with excitement, Noir taunted, "Keep acting tough! Why aren't you fighting anymore?!"
Crocodile's face turned ashen as he began contemplating an escape plan.
Since when did these newcomers become so terrifying?
Not only were their Devil Fruit abilities monstrous, but their Haki was also incredibly strong.
Don't we Warlords have any dignity?!
Just as Crocodile was about to swallow his pride and flee, shouts suddenly echoed from behind him.
"Someone has infiltrated the palace!"
"Over here! There's someone here!"
"Is Sir Crocodile here too?!"
"Who's that? How did they beat Sir Crocodile so badly?!"
Crocodile couldn't hold back and spat out a mouthful of old blood.
If you can't speak, just shut up!
Noir frowned at the approaching crowd, quickly realizing they were from the palace.
Suddenly, Noir felt a weight on his shoulder and turned to see Robin, pale, leaning against him.
"That's the palace's army. They must have discovered my infiltration... Don't get tangled with them..."
Robin spoke intermittently before collapsing into Noir's arms, unconscious.
Noir was startled, looking down at Robin's wound, where blood had already stained the area red.
Glaring at Crocodile, then at the rapidly approaching palace soldiers, Noir hurriedly picked up Robin and fled into the distance.
By the time Noir had disappeared, the royal army of Alabasta finally arrived.
Crocodile's true motives had not yet been revealed, so the people of Alabasta still regarded the Warlord with some respect.
Even if they didn't like this pirate, most kept their opinions to themselves without showing open hostility.
The palace troops were led by the deputy commander of the royal guard, one of Alabasta's strongest warriors, "Jackal" Chaka.
Chaka, personally, didn't like Crocodile very much.
But since Crocodile was currently a hero of the kingdom, he couldn't say anything openly.
Chaka approached Crocodile and asked curiously, "Mr. Crocodile, who exactly was the enemy?"
Crocodile, kneeling on one knee and breathing heavily, replied sharply, "Just some thieves invading the kingdom."
"I chased them away, but they escaped too quickly to catch up..."
Crocodile boasted without hesitation. Chaka, looking at his disheveled state, didn't know what to say.
"Your injuries..." Chaka hesitated, glancing at Crocodile.
Crocodile slicked back his hair and said, "It's nothing. Don't worry."
He looked up in the direction Noir had fled, a sinister smile forming on his face.
Under the moonlight, the tip of his golden hook gleamed with a purple light, exuding a dangerous aura...
Noir, you better run faster with her, don't die on the way!
After settling Crocodile, Chaka led his soldiers in a brief pursuit of Noir but found nothing.
Left with no choice, Chaka returned to the palace with his men.
Just as he was about to leave the palace grounds, a small figure ran out.
"Chaka! What happened?"
A young girl with a smooth blue ponytail and bright, curious eyes looked at Chaka.
Chaka quickly knelt down, respectfully saying, "Princess Vivi, a group of thieves infiltrated the palace but have already fled."
"Really?"
Vivi furrowed her pretty brows and then asked, "Have you found out what I asked you to investigate?"
Chaka nodded, "The Baroque Works is indeed a criminal organization, but there's no evidence linking them to our kingdom's strange incidents."
Vivi pondered, "If that's the case, I have an idea..."
Chaka asked curiously, "What is it, Princess?"
Princess Vivi smiled mischievously, "I will go undercover!"
"I've been watching them for a long time. If I can infiltrate the organization, I'm sure I can find some clues!"
Chaka was taken aback and quickly tried to dissuade her, "You mustn't, Princess! That organization is too mysterious, and your noble status..."
Princess Vivi shook her head, not listening to him, and ran off to seek her father's permission.
Chaka, with a pained expression, quickly followed her.
Under the moonlit night, many significant events quietly unfolded in the vast desert of Alabasta.
...
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