"You threaten me?" Crocodile's body was slowly covered with sand, and a cold look appeared in his eyes.
For him, he was never afraid of threats or death. His pride made it difficult for him to accept any threats.
Mio smiled lightly, not caring about the surging sand, and just said slowly, "No, I was merely stating a fact. You are not our opponent. Maybe you are not afraid of death, but I think you shouldn't die so early, right? After all, the sea is now in a turbulent era. Of course, if you want to die, I don't mind fulfilling your wish."
As he said this, Mio's murderous intent emanated from his body. He was definitely not joking.
He considered keeping Crocodile alive only because he acknowledged his intelligence and ambition. Crocodile could be useful in the future.
If Crocodile truly wanted to die, Mio would not mind granting his wish. After all, he desired the ability of a Logia-type fruit. He wasn't yet strong enough to contend with the three admirals, but dealing with Crocodile was no problem.
Upon hearing Mio's words, Crocodile's eyes still flashed with coldness, but after a moment, he slowly spoke. "I won't make a deal without a reward."
With a clang, Raikiri returned to its sheath as Mio leaned back on the sofa and said lightly, "What do you want?"
"Heh," Crocodile sneered, biting his cigar, taking a deep puff, and blowing out smoke rings. "I want a lot, but you can't give it to me now. So I need you to promise to help me with something in the future."
"That depends on what you want to do in the future, and whether you have the qualifications," Mio responded with a faint smile. One favor? Sure, but Mio wasn't about to agree to just anything.
This was equivalent to a blank check. If Crocodile truly wanted that, Mio didn't mind agreeing.
If it was something small or even something beneficial to him, Mio would help.
But if it was troublesome and exhausting… heh.
"Any pirate in the New World is the same," Crocodile said indifferently. "It's just that they are trash, and I am not."
Crocodile had ambitions. As Mio pointed out, he wasn't afraid of death, but he certainly didn't want to die early and meaninglessly.
"Ambition…"
Mio murmured in his heart and then chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't care what you're planning. In short, I can agree to your request, but I need to remind you: if you don't want to die, it's best not to speak a word about Pluto."
"You challenged Whitebeard and know his strength, so you should also understand how deep the World Government's foundation is after 800 years of development. They won't let anyone go who might even suspect the location of an ancient weapon."
"Tsk."
Crocodile frowned and curled his lips. On the surface, he disdained Mio's words, but internally, he grew cautious.
He wasn't a fool. He had witnessed the might of the strong in the New World and knew how vast the world truly was. Naturally, he wouldn't underestimate the World Government.
And with O'Hara as precedent, anyone with half a brain knew that once the World Government took action, it would eradicate everything, leaving no roots.
But Pluto…
Crocodile's eyes flashed with fiery ambition.
He truly desired it. Pluto, one of the ancient weapons, was rumored to be able to destroy an island with a single shot. He couldn't resist the temptation. Yet, at this moment, he understood he needed to endure.
He glanced at the people standing behind Mio.
Each one radiated a strong aura.
If he fought, he would surely die.
This was a world where strength ruled. Crocodile knew his own power wasn't enough yet, and Pluto was still an unreachable luxury. This sparked a growing desire for strength deep in his heart.
Memories of being crushed by Whitebeard during his reckless challenge surfaced again.
Crocodile's eyes flashed sharply, and he suddenly spoke, "I just changed my mind."
"Hmm?" Mio raised an eyebrow at Crocodile.
"Heroic." Crocodile stared at Mio. "I will help you — in exchange, give me the method for training Haki."
After witnessing Whitebeard's overwhelming power, Crocodile understood something clearly: even if he possessed Pluto, someone like Whitebeard could still kill him effortlessly. External power was meaningless if he lacked personal strength.
After Mio's reminder, Crocodile had finally seen the truth.
Only by growing stronger could he control the things he desired and pursue his ambitions.
What he lacked most now was Haki.
There were many people on the sea who knew about Haki, but few who truly mastered it. And Crocodile neither knew such individuals nor would he lower himself to beg for their guidance.
This transaction allowed him to gain a training method.
As for Pluto…
"Are you sure?" Mio asked, looking at Crocodile with curiosity. He didn't know why Crocodile had changed his mind so abruptly.
"I'm giving you a Haki training method. But training Haki to a meaningful level will take time," Mio warned.
"I have enough time," Crocodile replied firmly. "I know the situation in the New World better than you. Time isn't an issue."
"Alright."
Mio grinned and nodded. "If that's what you want, I can give it to you. I'm just a bit curious why you suddenly changed your mind."
"I simply figured it out," Crocodile said lightly. "When you go to the New World and witness the power of the monsters there, you'll understand — no matter when or where, only personal strength is truly reliable."
"Only strength allows you to control your fate."
"Good," Mio nodded, standing up. "Go and finish what I asked of you first. Then I'll give you the Haki training method."
After speaking, Mio walked out.
Crocodile stood behind the desk, glancing down at the documents about Pluto lying there. With a tsk, his sand swept across, instantly reducing the documents to dust.
"We'll think about this later."
Because of Mio's arrival, Crocodile's goal had shifted slightly compared to the original timeline.
…
Meanwhile, in the New World, aboard the Moby Dick — the flagship of the Whitebeard Pirates, honored as an emperor of the sea —
At the center of the massive deck, two figures sat face-to-face.
"It's been a while since we met, Redfield," said the tall and burly Whitebeard as he put down his massive bowl of wine, speaking in a calm tone.
Just sitting there, he exuded an overwhelming aura of dominance.
"Ah, your old injuries are getting worse," the Red Earl commented with a similarly calm tone.
"I was a little surprised to hear that you escaped from Impel Down. I thought you would die there."
"Heh," the Red Earl chuckled, picking up a wine glass. "Thanks to a little guy, I escaped."
After downing the wine, the Red Earl spoke seriously, "Whitebeard, I want you to do me a favor."
"Oh?"
Whitebeard lifted his head slightly, showing some surprise.
"I'm surprised that you, with your usual bad attitude, would ask me for help. What do you want?"
"Help me find a Devil Fruit."
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Pump up the power stone if you guys want mass release