One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

Chapter 59: Reverse Mountain

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"Could it be that the Marines are deliberately hyping up this new guy? I've never even heard of this 'Black-Winged Devil' Vice Admiral!" Igaram exclaimed, his curly hair bouncing with each word.

They knew about Crocodile's presence in Alabasta. He had even repelled numerous pirate attacks, earning him a dubious reputation as a hero. Initially, they had feared that Alabasta would become another victim of legalized plunder under the Warlord system and had cursed the very institution.

Could it be that the Marines were planning to dismantle the Warlords?

"Why would they sacrifice two Warlords just to promote a rookie? The Marines have been discreet with their troop movements, but our soldiers have detected their presence. They granted Crocodile the right to plunder legally, so why would they need a demonstration of power?"

Chaka questioned the logic behind such a costly move. The Warlords, alongside the Marines and the Yonko, maintained the delicate balance of power in the world.

"I don't believe Crocodile is genuine either. He might have simply chosen our kingdom due to his sand-based powers, making it easier to cross the New World and reach the first half of the Grand Line. After all, he's a man who once vied for the title of Pirate King alongside Whitebeard. A pirate will always be a pirate. Good deeds don't change that."

"If that were true, then true goodness wouldn't exist. If he truly desired to retire, he could have chosen any peaceful town. There was no need to become a hero." Pell, the falcon-human, interjected. Pirates were pirates, through and through.

"Indeed. With his abilities, Crocodile could have easily created a town of his own, given enough time. A ruthless pirate masquerading as a hero, it's all too suspicious," King Cobra added, his voice laced with suspicion.

"He must have crossed half the world, enduring defeat at the hands of Whitebeard, for a specific purpose, something that could grant him even greater power. And let's not forget that our Nefertari lineage relinquished the privilege of becoming Celestial Dragons, likely to protect something... Perhaps that's what Crocodile is after - the inscription on the ancient poneglyph."

"And his partner, Nico Robin, is a survivor of Ohara, isn't she? The island with the Tree of Knowledge, a vast library holding the world's wisdom, and scholars capable of deciphering the poneglyphs. It all makes sense now."

"Really?" Pell exclaimed, his eyes wide with surprise. "As expected of King Cobra! You've uncovered his true intentions so easily. Should we apprehend the remaining Baroque Works agents?"

"Unforgivable!" Chaka roared, his anger flaring. "To think he would target our people! He only stopped the pirates to prevent them from interfering with his plan and stealing his prize. How cunning!"

Through their deductions, they had effortlessly pieced together the truth. It was no wonder the Marines had willingly sacrificed two Warlords. If Crocodile obtained the secrets of the ancient weapon, he would become a force to be reckoned with, potentially surpassing even the Yonko in power.

"There's no need. Nico Robin might be following Crocodile seeking protection. After all, she's a survivor of Ohara. She's been through enough."

"And she had a 79 million berry bounty at the age of seven. It's been over twenty years. As Crocodile's partner, she's not someone you can defeat. Rest assured, infiltrating our palace wouldn't be easy. Let's simply observe and avoid provoking them."