A Bride for the Desert King | Crocodile

Chapter 12: The Scoop of the Century (The Reactions: Part 5)

Buggy's Crew – Buggy's Ship, Somewhere on the Grand Line

"Captain Buggy! Captain Buggy! You gotta see this!"

The frantic shout echoed across the deck, sending the already chaotic crew into a louder frenzy. A pirate stumbled over a crate of supplies, nearly knocking over a barrel of rum in his haste to deliver the newspaper to his captain.

"Oi! Watch it, you idiots!" Mr. 3's exasperated voice cut through the commotion. The wax-wielding man adjusted his glasses with a huff. "Captain Buggy doesn't have time for your nonsense."

"Shut it, candle-head! This ain't nonsense—it's big news!" The pirate shoved the newspaper forward.

Buggy, lounging on a throne-like chair atop the deck, adjusted his large red nose with a dramatic huff. "This better be worth interrupting my nap, or I'm sending you all overboard!" Snatching the paper, his eyes skimmed the headlines—until they locked on a particular image.

His jaw dropped. "What the hell?! Crocodile's got himself a woman?!"

A chorus of disbelief echoed across the ship. Pirates scrambled to catch a glimpse of the paper, shoving each other aside in their eagerness.

"No way!"
"Is she a pirate, too?!"
"She looks rich—maybe she's a noble?"

Buggy's eyes darted back to the photo—Crocodile, as smug and stone-faced as ever, with a woman draped elegantly beside him. Her burgundy gown, golden accents, and regal posture made her look like a queen stepping out of a grand palace. But it wasn't just her appearance that held Buggy's attention—it was the way Crocodile stood beside her. Not as a captor or a puppet master. No, this was different.

"Oi, Mr. 3!" Buggy barked, thrusting the paper toward him. "What do you make of this?"

Mr. 3 adjusted his glasses, peering at the photo with a furrowed brow. "Hmm... Considering Crocodile's personality, this is unexpected. He's never shown interest in forming personal attachments."

"Exactly!" Buggy slapped his knee. "That sandbag bastard only cares about power! So why's he parading some fancy woman around like she's his queen?"

"Maybe she's got connections?" one crew member suggested.

"Or maybe she's dangerous in her own right," Mr. 3 added thoughtfully. "Crocodile wouldn't align himself with someone weak."

Buggy scratched his chin, deep in thought—well, as deep as Buggy could manage. "Hmm... If Crocodile's making moves again, this could be bad news for us. If he's got a powerful woman at his side, who knows what they're planning?"

Another pirate piped up, "Maybe we should steer clear of Serapha for a while, Captain!"

"Bah! You cowards!" Buggy waved his hand dismissively. "If Crocodile wants to play house with some lady, let him! Just means he's distracted while I rise to the top!" He puffed up his chest, striking a dramatic pose.

The crew erupted into cheers. "CAPTAIN BUGGY, THE NEXT KING OF THE PIRATES!"

Mr. 3 pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering, "Idiot..." under his breath.

Still, as Buggy basked in his delusions of grandeur, Mr. 3 couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that this development would have far-reaching consequences.

Rusukaina – Near Amazon Lily, Calm Belt

The dense jungle buzzed with life as Luffy weaved through the foliage, dodging the strike of a massive boar. With a burst of Haki-infused speed, he launched himself into the air.

"Gomu Gomu no... Jet Pistol!"

The boar let out a thunderous squeal as Luffy's punch sent it crashing through the trees. Dust and leaves scattered through the air as the ground trembled beneath the impact.

"Oi, Luffy! Focus your Haki more precisely next time!" Rayleigh's voice called from the sidelines. The former Pirate King's right-hand man watched with arms crossed, his sharp gaze assessing Luffy's every move.

Panting from exertion, Luffy wiped sweat from his brow with a grin. "Heh, got it!"

"Luffy~!"

The familiar melodic voice made Luffy pause mid-step. He turned just in time to see Boa Hancock emerging from the jungle's edge, accompanied by her two younger sisters. Even in the rugged wilderness, the Pirate Empress carried herself with grace and elegance, her long black hair flowing like silk behind her.

"Boa!" Luffy waved with his usual cheerful enthusiasm. "What're you doing here?"

Hancock's heart fluttered at his smile. "I brought supplies from Amazon Lily," she said, holding up a basket filled with exotic fruits and fresh water. Her gaze softened as she approached, her eyes shining with adoration. "I wanted to make sure you were well-fed during your training."

"Wow, thanks!" Luffy eagerly grabbed an apple and bit into it without hesitation. "Sho goo'!"

Rayleigh chuckled softly at the interaction but said nothing. Hancock, meanwhile, hesitated, her fingers tightening around the basket.

"Luffy... There's something else." She reached into her cloak and pulled out a neatly folded newspaper. "This came from the World Economy News Paper. I thought you should see it."

"Hmm?" Luffy took the paper and unfolded it, eyes scanning the front page. His chewing slowed.

There, in clear black-and-white print, stood a man he hadn't seen since Alabasta. Crocodile—unmistakable with his fur-lined coat and signature cigar. And beside him, a striking woman dressed like a queen, her presence radiating strength and mystery.

"Crocodile?" Luffy mumbled through a mouthful of apple. He swallowed and frowned. "Who's she?"

"We don't know," Hancock said. "But their appearance together is causing quite a stir."

Rayleigh stepped closer, peering over Luffy's shoulder. "Crocodile... Hmph. Didn't expect to hear that name again." His gaze lingered on the photograph, thoughtful and cautious. "And this woman... She carries herself like royalty. Whoever she is, she's no ordinary companion."

Luffy tilted his head. "Eh, so what? If Crocodile's up to something, I'll just beat him again!" He grinned confidently, tapping his fist against his palm.

"Idiot," Hancock chided softly, though her tone lacked any real bite. "This isn't just about a rematch. Crocodile wouldn't expose himself like this unless he had a plan."

Rayleigh nodded. "Exactly. And if he's aligned with someone powerful, it could change the balance of power in the New World. You'd do well to keep an eye on this situation, Luffy."

Luffy's grin never wavered. "Yeah, but that's for later. Right now, I gotta get stronger so I can protect my crew! No matter what Crocodile's planning, I'll be ready!"

Rayleigh chuckled. "Heh... Spoken like a future Pirate King."

Hancock's gaze softened with pride and admiration. "You truly are incredible, Luffy..."

Luffy blinked. "Huh? What'd you say?"

"Ah! N-Nothing!" Hancock stammered, turning away as her cheeks flushed crimson.

Rayleigh chuckled again, shaking his head as Luffy returned to his training with renewed determination. But as the sounds of fists meeting trees echoed through the jungle, Rayleigh's gaze lingered on the newspaper still clutched in his hand.

Crocodile's resurgence was no coincidence.

And when the tides of the New World began to shift... the entire world would feel the tremors.