Maelstrom

Chapter 50

Crocodile's POV

The shibaku meeting was about to start, the flamingo shit kept hanging on to you like a parasite, you were still scheming how best to continue your underground businesses, nothing had changed.

The usual borderline crazed banter with the blonde devil. Kuma Bartholomew reading his scripture. Pirate Empress Boa Hancock still looking down on everyone around her. Gekko Moria -how the hell he got a warlord status still amazed you- was being the same pathetic worm he's always been, quickly ceasing his annoying cackling after you glared at him. Jinbei is still reportedly 'M.I.A.' although you knew he had either resigned or was being dealt with for his idealistic naïve pacifistic ways. Tch. Serves him right.

Only the strong would reign at the top.

And you were positive that you'd be one of the contenders once you had finally set your plan in motion for Alabasta, the desert kingdom under your ruling, rumors of a weapon being held there in the poneglyphs that the current monarch held. You already had everything ready to be set in motion, you were simply biding your time, knowing better than to strike too early. A cruel grin on your face as you ignore the flamingo shit and begin to map out the possibilities for the desert kingdom residing under your thumb. The people truly thought you were a hero, a valiant warlord that would save them from the evil of the world...when really you were just the opposite.

The door to the meeting room slowly creaked open, hinting at the arrival of the last shibaku, Mihawk "Hawk-eyes' Dracule. His walk was slow and confident, golden observant eyes flickering across the room in a matter of seconds as he continued forwards. Some things never change, you snicker as you internally monologue.

And yet, the swordsmen doesn't make his way to his usual chair, seated furthest away from the rest of the shibaku, choosing to reside in a place where he can observe in favor of converse. Instead, Hawk-eyes simply turns round, holding out a hand in a gesture of gentlemanly offering to something behind him. Or rather...someone.

And then you see her.

A woman behind the Swordmaster, her frame covered in a simple white gown, the bodice emphasizing her womanly figure, curves and dips outlined by the soft white fabric, leaving little to imagination.

White gown, long black trusses, silky and smooth, but what really got your attention was her face. Her scarred lips, pink and full, two scars outlining her jaw, as if her smile had once split open her skin, the corners of it were smoothly cut and etched into her pale skin with an accuracy you knew was from something other than a blunder or accident. Someone had carved into her skin, the scars deep and prominent, curving in whichever way her lips turned. Golden eyes flicker throughout the room, a shade much richer than even the infamous 'Hawk-eyes' Mihawk, hers shone like gold, like a bounty of belli and coin, enchantingly beautiful, and very rare. Such golden orbs were interesting, never seen before, exotic.

Golden eyes continued their path, locking with your own steely grey ones for nary a second, but it felt like ages.

She seemed disinterested, choosing to move her gaze to the man next to you as you scowl, murmuring a low and barely audible obscenity. Honestly you had doubts that the strange woman would hear your insults, but you were pleasantly surprised, seeing her jaw had clenched tightly, golden gaze burning hotly, as she focused her attention back on you, narrowing her exotic eyes, glaring at you fiercely.

Oho? That was interesting, this little pet thought she could look down on you of all people?

It was quite intriguing that she had managed to hear you, as you had barely raised your voice above a low murmur, and the strange young woman was still across the room, perhaps she had a similar skillset to Mihawk? Observant Haki was it?