Early the next morning, Zhang Da Ye saw news from Alabasta.
It reported that Warlord of the Sea, Crocodile, single-handedly defeated dozens of pirates, protecting nearby residents.
A photo accompanied it: Crocodile with slicked-back hair, a cigar in his mouth, a golden hook in hand, and a coat with a fur collar—intimidating even in the desert.
The news praised Crocodile, as his active suppression of pirates demonstrated the correctness of the World Government's Warlord policy.
"This guy is still playing the hero. Looks like he's enjoying it," Zhang Da Ye muttered, less pleased in comparison.
After sending Camie off yesterday, he realized he forgot to ask how Mr. 3 and the others arrived. He regretted possibly missing out on boat-selling income.
Calculating past earnings, Zhang Da Ye now had over 90 million Berries—enough to buy Crocodile and still have some left.
Meanwhile, the 81 million Berry Crocodile sat in his office, contemplating his plans.
Since his crushing defeat against Whitebeard, he had been demoralized; the world's strongest man left no hope of victory through personal strength. Yet his dream of becoming Pirate King remained.
Unable to achieve it alone, he sought military might. Owning the ancient weapon "Pluton," capable of sinking an island with a single shot, would allow him to crush any pirate crew easily.
Thus, Crocodile settled in Alabasta. Secretly, he learned of clues about Pluton hidden in this desert country—perfect for avoiding suspicion, given his Suna Suna no Mi powers.
Everything seemed smooth: publicly, Warlord Crocodile was a hero in Alabasta, gaining prestige; secretly, Mr. 0's Baroque Works grew stronger. Information about Pluton would likely be found in "historical texts," requiring someone to decipher it.
Crocodile took out a wanted poster of a black-haired girl: "Where are you, Nico Robin?"
"Brrr… brrr…" The special phone for Mr. 0 interrupted his thoughts.
"Boss, this is Miss. Double Finger."
Following Baroque Works' code names, Double Finger symbolized New Year's Day (1/1 resembles two fingers).
"What's the matter?" Crocodile asked calmly.
"Since morning, many people have been hiding around Spider Coffee, suspected soldiers of the King's army."
Crocodile lightly bit his cigar. "Were you exposed?"
"No, I'm still operating as Pora, the café owner. Perhaps a senior agent leaked its true purpose." Only Mr. 0 and Mr. 1 knew her true identity.
For a long time, her disguise—a black-framed glasses and colored headscarf—remained intact. In the anime, she revealed herself only before the final operation.
Crocodile ordered, "That place can't be used. If your identity remains hidden, declare bankruptcy or transfer later."
"Yes." Miss. Double Finger understood: if exposed, she would be in danger; otherwise, she could close shop later.
Leaning back, Crocodile exhaled smoke. Only those with codes up to 5 and their partners knew the café's true purpose. Now, the most likely troublemakers… were those few who went to Sabaody?
"Brrr… brrr…" The phone rang again, giving Crocodile an uneasy feeling.
"Boss, this is Mr. 1."
"What is it?"
"In Alabasta's capital, several Million Handlers were captured. I've dealt with it, but these were carefully infiltrated into the King's army, caught without executing any missions. Strange indeed."
Million Handlers were low-tier fighters in Baroque Works, but their final missions were crucial—like provoking conflict during King's Army versus rebel confrontations.
Normally, they could remain hidden without issue.
"I understand. Notify other senior agents to conceal their identities; suspend all operations in Alabasta for now." This was no coincidence—it indicated a possible betrayal.
Soon, Crocodile received reports from the unlucky duo: sketches torn from sketchbooks—images of Mr. 3's defeat, the tavern folks who beat them, and Biznis who issued the mission.
"Did the Navy learn of Baroque Works through Mr. 3 and contact Alabasta?" Crocodile guessed.
"Can a small tavern easily defeat three senior agents? Perhaps we could recruit them," Crocodile thought.
Baroque Works needed such talent. Once he obtained the Pluton, manpower would be required. More strong subordinates would be beneficial.
"As for Biznis…" Crocodile redialed Mr. 1. "Handle one person. Intelligence will be sent via the unlucky duo."
"Yes, Boss." Mr. 1, a ruthless killer, answered sharply—a trait Crocodile admired. Unlike Mr. 3, whose clever schemes often caused trouble.
…
Grand Line, Gourmet City.
Biznis had felt uneasy since contacting Baroque Works, sensing he was being watched, making him restless.
Even in this famous city, he had little appetite.
He occasionally regretted risking provoking a major criminal organization, even considering fleeing the Grand Line for the Four Seas.
Though confident he showed no flaws, he couldn't understand why he felt targeted.
"Could it be from recently stealing business from competitors?"
Unexpectedly, those confronting him first were not competitors nor a criminal organization, but several men in black suits.
(TL/N: I've decided to just reach 100 chapters first. Regular 3 chapters per day from now on.)
[Please give powerstones if you're enjoying the story.
500 stones = 1 extra chapter
patreon.com/GuessMyName33]