A new problem arose; now it was time to figure out how to create some distance.
Crocodile hesitated. Creating distance from a man with a gun—didn't that sound a bit foolish?
To be honest, even though Hathaway's bounty had once exceeded a billion, Crocodile still believed he would win.
His opponent was just Nero's maid. If Nero himself had come, he would have decisively conceded defeat.
But since Hathaway was here, there was still room for negotiation. As long as he won, he would control the upcoming talks.
Crocodile was, after all, a famous pirate known throughout the world. If he cowered before just anyone, what kind of pirate would he be?
However, he didn't expect to stumble at the first step; he couldn't win... This was a bit awkward.
Blood was still oozing from the three bullet holes in his body. Crocodile knew the other party had held back, otherwise, they wouldn't just be bullet-sized holes.
Crocodile smoothed his slicked-back hair with both hands, exuding the aura of a crime boss, though the bleeding wounds somewhat affected his image.
"Let's be clear, Nico Robin is my bottom line. As long as you don't take her, other treasures or anything else can be discussed."
This point was unchangeable. If the other party disagreed, then it would be a fight to the death.
Nico Robin was the core of his plan. If there was no chance to obtain the power of Pluton, he might as well die sooner.
At this time, Crocodile viewed Pluton as his only hope for revenge against Whitebeard.
Living in this kind of place, being called a 'defeated dog,' all his forbearance was for a powerful return in the future.
Therefore, he would not back down.
"Alright, don't worry. I never intended to take little Robin. That child still has her own problems to solve."
Hathaway also put away her weapon; neither side had the intention of fighting to the very end.
Those few exchanges earlier were just pirate etiquette, confirming that the other party had the qualifications to talk to them.
Crocodile subtly breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. Whatever the reason, as long as Nico Robin was still there, it was fine.
"Next is His Majesty's verbal decree." Hathaway pulled out an exquisite den den mushi from her clothes and dialed.
Crocodile's body instantly tensed up again. If before it could barely be called an even match, now it was a situation where a slight misstep could cost him his life.
Pururu—pururu pururu——
The den den mushi stopped ringing, and Nero's voice sounded.
"moshi moshi, Hathaway, is something wrong?"
Hathaway didn't immediately bring up Crocodile but instead asked about Nero's situation: "Your Majesty, how are things progressing with your matters over there?"
"The part I'm responsible for is basically done. The Minister of Science and the others are busy over there. Hmm, we're using robots for this construction, you know!"
Nero's excitement about robots clearly hadn't faded; the den den mushi showed a happy face.
"Ah, that's wonderful." Hathaway just listened to Nero sharing interesting stories from his side, not interrupting, and occasionally chiming in with a few words of agreement.
This left Crocodile completely ignored.
But Crocodile dared not show any dissatisfaction, standing obediently to the side. Even when the ash from his unsmoked cigar fell on his clothes, he didn't move.
Nero wasn't emitting any kingly aura through the den den mushi; he was just chatting casually with Hathaway.
But for Crocodile, who had just witnessed Nero's power, Nero's voice carried the pressure of blood and disaster, sending shivers down his spine.
After chatting for a long time, Nero on the other end suddenly remembered that he had been doing all the talking, so he asked curiously, "Oh, right, Hathaway, was there something you needed?"
The main event was here. Crocodile's eyes narrowed, his tension no less than when he assassinated Whitebeard years ago.
"Ah, Kuina and I have already arrived in Alabasta and met little Robin. I am currently in front of Crocodile."
"Eh! That fast? How is little Robin? And who is Crocodile?"
Nero's triple inquiry successfully made Crocodile's veins bulge. He thought Nero was deliberately saying this to humiliate him.
"Ah, Robin is fine except for being a bit tanned. It's just a pity she didn't get to see Your Majesty. As for Crocodile, he's the pirate currently cooperating with little Robin."
"Hmm, it's him! That... that beach Crocodile, right?" With Hathaway's reminder, Nero instantly remembered.
"He's also there? Then let me say a few words to him."
Watching Hathaway hand over the den den mushi, Crocodile paused before taking it and holding it to his face: "Nero? It's truly an honor to finally meet you."
As soon as he spoke, Nero on the other end swallowed the words he was about to say.
Old Man Sand was undoubtedly a dignified man: cigar, golden hook, slicked-back hair, suit, cloak, and leather shoes. His deep, hoarse voice began with "It's truly an honor to finally meet you."
This demeanor might seem a bit pretentious to outsiders, but for Nero, these elements really appealed to her.
"Hmm, Desert Crocodile Crocodile, your name also often echoes in my ears."
Unfortunately, he was off by one word. Crocodile's face was covered in black lines.
"What do you want to say to me?"
"Oh, right, there's still important business!" Nero suddenly realized: "Hmm, actually, I don't need to tell you, you probably already guessed. It's still about little Robin."
Crocodile wasn't surprised. It seemed Nico Robin's importance in the heart of this Rose Empress was even greater than he had predicted.
"Ah, I understand. I guarantee right here that Nico Robin will absolutely be safe."
"Mwahaha, you're more reasonable than I thought." Nero on the other end of the den den mushi laughed.
"But that's not right! The initiative isn't with you, but with little Robin. In your so-called cooperation, little Robin has the right to unilaterally terminate it."
"Nani... I understand!" Crocodile was about to argue but quickly gave up and accepted Nero's words.
"You're really straightforward! Don't think about feigning compliance while secretly disobeying. The whole world probably doesn't want to see my wrath, and you shouldn't be an exception, right?"
"...I understand."
Nero's threatening tone infuriated Crocodile, but he had to admit that her words were effective.
At least for now, he had no intention of making any small moves.
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