Crocodile's cigar had burned down to a glowing stub, the ember flaring dangerously close to the filter. Under the dim casino lights, the spark seemed to flicker with his barely contained rage.
His once calm eyes now glimmered with panic he could no longer conceal. The sharp tip of his golden hook scraped against the table's edge — skrrt, skrrt — leaving shallow marks in the wood.
"If I win just one more hand,"
Shiro leaned forward, elbows resting lightly on the table, his smile calm but his eyes dancing with cunning amusement,
"your casino might not have enough cash left to pay out, wouldn't you say?"
Crocodile took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling as he struggled to steady himself. After a moment of silence, his voice came out low and hoarse,
"If you win this round… the entire casino is yours."
Shiro's grin widened. "Deal!"
With a dramatic sweep of his arm, he shoved all 2.4 billion Berries in chips into the center of the table. The clatter of falling chips filled the air like a drumroll announcing the final wager.
"Let's deal."
The game began again — and from the first flip of the cards, it was clear who held control. When the final card hit the table, the victory once again belonged to Shiro.
Crocodile's composure shattered. The fury he'd been suppressing erupted all at once. His eyes flashed with murderous intent, and the edge of his hook shimmered with razor-fine grains of sand, coalescing into blades.
This casino wasn't just one of his holdings — it was his pride, his golden empire, the heart of his wealth. Losing it was worse than losing a limb.
"Whoa there, Crocodile," Shiro said lightly, his grin still in place. "Don't tell me the King of the Desert can't handle a little loss."
Then, without warning—
A surge of Conqueror's Haki burst from Shiro's body.
The air itself seemed to ripple under the pressure. The walls trembled. Cards fluttered off the table like leaves in a storm.
The killing intent in Crocodile's eyes faltered, suppressed under the crushing weight of that overwhelming will.
"Now that the casino belongs to me," Shiro said evenly, his aura receding, "I'd say there's no need to keep gambling, right?"
Crocodile exhaled sharply through his nose. "You're right… 'Tyrant' Shiro of the Roger Pirates."
His voice was tight with frustration but edged with reluctant respect. "Even if I fought you now, I wouldn't stand a chance against someone of your caliber."
"Smart man." Shiro clapped, the sound echoing crisply in the stillness of the ruined VIP room.
"But tell you what—let's make one last bet."
Crocodile's brow rose slightly, curiosity flickering through the anger in his eyes.
"If I lose," Shiro continued, "the casino and all my winnings go back to you. But if you lose… you'll owe me one favor. How about it?"
Crocodile's gaze sharpened. "What kind of favor?"
Shiro leaned in, his voice calm and certain.
"If you lose, you'll join my crew… and sail under my flag."
Crocodile blinked — then gave a low, rough laugh that rolled into the air like thunder.
"Guhahahaha… So that's your game, huh? Sailing with the 'Tyrant' who once stood beside the Pirate King?"
He crushed the stub of his cigar in the ashtray, grinning wide. "Sounds like fun."
"Then let's deal."
The final round began.
Crocodile's hands trembled slightly as he handled the cards — his composure cracking. The once-effortless precision of his movements was gone. Tiny grains of sand spilled from his fingertips, his control faltering with every breath.
Shiro, meanwhile, had already extended his Observation Haki, glimpsing flashes of the immediate future. The Paw-Paw Fruit's invisible field still enveloped the card shoe, keeping Crocodile's powers sealed.
The outcome was inevitable.
When the last card was revealed, Shiro's calm smile said everything.
"You lost, Crocodile."
He extended his hand across the table, palm open in invitation.
"From this moment on… you're my crewmate."
Crocodile stared at that hand, the light glinting off his hook. His jaw clenched, pride warring with reason. He knew exactly who stood before him — a man who'd once sailed beside Gol D. Roger. To defy him now would be suicide.
After a long moment, he released a quiet sigh and reached out, gripping Shiro's hand firmly.
"Don't look so sour, Crocodile." Shiro's grin softened as he clapped the man on the shoulder. His voice dropped slightly, serious now.
"I know you've got your own ambitions. Don't worry. Once our voyage is over, I'll return everything to you — including your freedom."
For a beat, Crocodile said nothing. Then, a slow smirk curved across his face — the familiar, devilish grin returning.
"Guhahahaha… interesting. You've piqued my curiosity, Captain."
At that moment, Issho suddenly stood from his chair with a loud scrape, frustration etched across his usually calm features. A half-played hand of cards still sat between his fingers.
"Tch. I just wanted a few rounds of fun, and it turned into a recruitment drive. What a bore."
"Oi, Issho!" Shiro called after him, half laughing.
"Hey, the casino belongs to us now! Play all you like — you can bleed the house dry!"
Issho waved a dismissive hand without turning around. "No thrill in that anymore," he said, and walked off toward the ship, his broad back fading into the distance.
Crocodile watched him go, then turned back toward the casino — his casino — taking in the tables, the lights, the bar. A lifetime of effort stared back at him.
"Captain," he said at last, his tone quieter, tinged with nostalgia. "I'll handle the handover. Give me a few minutes."
"Take your time. I'll be waiting outside."
Shiro patted his chest lightly. With a soft whump, his body vanished in a blur of compressed air — teleporting straight to the front door of the casino.
Moments later, Crocodile emerged, his usual stoic expression restored, though the weight in his eyes had lessened.
He stopped beside Shiro and said with a faint smirk, "Let's go, Captain. Show me our ship."
The two walked side by side through the moonlit streets, heading for the Virtue — their vessel waiting at the docks.
When they arrived, the rest of the crew was already assembled on deck. Their eyes widened as they spotted the former Warlord beside Shiro.
Shiro stepped to the center of the deck and cleared his throat.
"Everyone — this is Crocodile. From today onward, he's one of us!"
A cheer erupted. The crew gathered around, grinning as they shook Crocodile's hand in welcome. The once-quiet deck turned into a storm of laughter and chatter.
And then, with a wide grin, Shiro threw his arms into the air.
"To celebrate Crocodile joining the crew—tonight, we feast!"
The deck exploded in cheers.
Laughter, light, and music filled the night sky — as the newest member of the Tyrant's crew silently stared at the horizon, a faint smile ghosting across his lips.