The day after he told Iceburg the requirements and vision for his new ship, Creed handed everything off and gave himself a short vacation, staying in Water 7 to soak in the local customs.
He'd barely gotten comfortable when a call came in—from Garp.
Creed was surprised. He was now a wanted man of the World Government, while Garp was still a Marine Vice Admiral—the Hero of the Marines. If anyone found out they were in contact, Garp's career might be finished.
"Brat, where are you now? If you've got time, come back to East Blue and see me," Garp boomed.
"East Blue? Grandpa, don't tell me you're…" Creed immediately thought of a possibility.
"Sigh, I'm getting old. I'm retiring this time—going back to spend time with Luffy and Ace. I can't let them walk the same road you did," Garp said, then the Den Den Mushi flipped to Luffy's face: "Creed, you're amazing! The World Government put a three-billion bounty on you! But I'll be the Pirate King before you—ow!"
The snail turned back to Garp. "Those two brats Luffy and Ace keep shouting about becoming pirates—drives me crazy. Anyway, come visit if you can. And take care of yourself. Don't act on impulse—think before you—"
He hung up before Creed could say goodbye.
Creed knew Garp had a lot more he wanted to say but swallowed it. He also knew this retirement back to East Blue was, in large part, because of him.
For a moment, Creed felt the pull to return to East Blue for a visit.
Just then, Robin called—unexpectedly.
After listening, Creed thought a moment, then said, "Alright. No problem."
He hadn't expected Robin to be calling for help.
Crocodile had fallen into Marine hands. He was about to pass through Water 7, then be put on the Sea Train to Enies Lobby for trial.
Creed only agreed to intervene because Crocodile was willing to join his crew in return. Without that condition, he wouldn't have bothered.
"This Crocodile really won't cry until he sees the coffin. If he hadn't been caught, he wouldn't lower himself to serve under me? Well, it fits his character—he even dared to butt heads with someone like Whitebeard," Creed thought. Then another matter occurred to him. "Right—Robin, I've got a rubbing of a Poneglyph. Want to study it?"
He had already made a rubbing of the Poneglyph in Sleepy Ancient Town and had been looking for someone to decipher it. Robin had just presented herself.
"That would be my honor. I'll come as soon as I can," Robin said, excitement obvious in her voice.
She'd been tailing the officers escorting Crocodile and was already near Water 7. Before long, Creed met her at their agreed spot.
Compared with before, Robin looked a little travel-worn—but even more beautiful, enough to dazzle the eye. Even hidden beneath a plain robe that concealed her face and figure, she couldn't hide that Cleopatra-like allure. With each added shade of maturity, her charm became more lethal. She was in her prime—enough to make anyone want to pluck the rose.
When she met Creed, however, she didn't mention Crocodile first. Instead, she immediately asked about the Poneglyph.
As expected, in her heart, the Poneglyph mattered far more than her "boss" Crocodile.
Creed found that natural. The two were only partners—unlike MR.1 and the others who were truly loyal to Crocodile.
After agreeing to Creed's terms and carefully stowing the rubbing, Robin finally discussed Crocodile's situation.
Crocodile had been discovered by Hansui—who was searching for the Bat Fruit—defeated, and then handed over to CP9 for escort back to Enies Lobby.
"They'll arrive at Water 7 in about two hours," Robin said. "Most likely they'll take the Sea Train…"
"Give me the exact location. You handle the cleanup," Creed said crisply.
As long as there wasn't an admiral escorting, it didn't matter how many other elites the Marines sent—he could end it in a single move.
"Thank you so much, Creed-sama." Robin's face blossomed with a smile.
Creed knew what truly made her happy wasn't the rescue—it was the Poneglyph rubbing he'd just given her.
…
Enies Lobby, Tower of Justice, Spandam's office.
CP9's commander Spandam was discussing matters with the presiding judge, the three-headed Baskerville.
"Crocodile is in custody. Infinite Hell gains another long-term resident. Spandam-dono, that's another great achievement for your record. A promotion to CPO shouldn't be far off," said the center head.
"Eh, I didn't catch him. My subordinates only handled the escort this time—nothing to brag about," Spandam waved modestly, though the pride on his face was plain.
"Spandam-dono is too humble. Of the nine subordinate bureaus, Headquarters specifically named your CP9. It shows the upper echelons already have their eyes on you. When you rise, please take care of us," the left head flattered.
"Hahaha, but of course!" Spandam laughed.
Just then the Den Den Mushi on his desk rang. He picked up—and his smile slowly froze.
Crocodile had been snatched by Creed. The CP9 officers in charge of the escort couldn't block even a single move!
Baskerville heard it too and gaped. "Th-then—should we call for an admiral?"
"Even one won't help! Admiral Kizaru has already been beaten by him," Spandam's face twisted.
"Then what do we do?" Baskerville sighed.
Creed had once been on the Marines' side—who knew why he'd suddenly turned his back? Lately he seemed to be making a meal of opposing the World Government, ruining plan after plan…
"What else can we do? Report it and let Marine Headquarters have the headache!" Spandam said through gritted teeth.
Better to swallow the loss than provoke Creed—what if that guy came and tore Enies Lobby down?
…
In a private room at a hotel, freshly rescued and changed into new clothes, Crocodile kept toasting Creed in gratitude.
Having brushed so close to death, his former ambitions had faded somewhat. He now willingly submitted to Creed's banner, sincerely acknowledging him as captain.
As for incorporating Crocodile and his forces, Creed tossed the whole matter to Redfield, making him handle the legwork. Redfield couldn't help rolling his eyes.
Just as everyone was eating and drinking happily, the whole hotel gave a light shake—once or twice.
(End of Chapter)
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