Chapter 51: Defeat me and I'm yours

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As he left the research facility, Arashi soon encountered the Marine Vice Admiral at the port. 

Nodding politely to bid farewell, the Vice Admiral raised his hand, gesturing toward the blueprints Arashi was holding.

"Compared to the box you brought, those blueprints in your hand are the most crucial part of this mission, Rear Admiral Arashi," he said. 

"Don't neglect them, or it might damage the mission's objective." Startled, Arashi looked down at the blueprints. 

They were covered with strange, winding lines, equations, numbers, and letters. Upon closer inspection, he recognized the outline of a battleship.

"Thank you for the reminder," he replied, smiling, then turned to board his ship. The Vice Admiral watched him leave before turning away. 

Arashi didn't even know the man's name, but he felt that this mission had been exceptionally rewarding.

"Becoming friends with Vegapunk?" Arashi thought with a smile. That was something rare. 

Vegapunk's intelligence, combined with the power of the Brain-Brain Fruit, had reached an almost incomprehensible level. 

For a scientist of such intellect, even someone as strong as Arashi couldn't help but feel a deep, primal sense of awe when in his presence.

One could imagine that all your secrets could be laid bare before such a mind instantly. 

A person like that was almost godlike—operating on a different plane from normal humans.

Moreover, Arashi knew how terrifying Vegapunk's future projects would be—artificial Devil Fruits, Pacifistas, and Seraphim! 

All of them were unimaginable feats of technology with immense destructive power.

He then took out the device from his coat that could roughly detect the location of nearby Devil Fruits, falling deep into thought. 

While a range of two or three kilometres was short compared to the vastness of the pirate world, it was still enough for him. 

Based on what he knew, Arashi could estimate the approximate location of the Goro Goro no Mi, the Thunder-Thunder Fruit.

With enough time, he should be able to find the Logia fruit. 

As for the blueprints, after careful observation, Arashi realized that they depicted Vegapunk's latest technological breakthrough.

"A Seastone battleship!" Indeed, the technology allowed Marine ships to pass safely through the Calm Belt. 

This advanced technology was the backbone of the Marines' ability to travel swiftly and support missions throughout the Grand Line and the world. 

It drastically reduced travel time and costs, enhancing their overall mobility.

"Controlling a scientist like him brings too many benefits!" Arashi mused. 

The importance of Vegapunk was undeniable, and in their brief conversation, Arashi had managed to establish the beginnings of a friendship.

Turning around, he looked at Crocodile, Rosinante, and Ivankov, his expression becoming more complex. 

"My power is still not enough," he thought. 

If he had more resources and a secure base, kidnapping Vegapunk from the World Government would be possible, bringing him closer to his plan.

Once successful, his power would grow rapidly. 

Disguised under the identity of a Marine, Arashi would become a hidden force in the world, waiting for the right moment to rise and unleash a storm that would shake the world.

That same day, T-Bone received a call from Marine Headquarters, ordering them to return to Marineford immediately.

"It seems the headquarters is quite eager for the Seastone battleship technology," Arashi chuckled. 

He handed the blueprints to Crocodile, who seemed to understand something and left without a word.

The battleship turned its bow and speeded towards Marineford. During the journey, Arashi began calculating his next steps.

"I need to put all my effort into maxing out my Armament, Haki."

"My mastery of the Six Powers also needs further improvement."

"Once I reach a certain limit, I'll seek out the Thunder-Thunder Fruit."

He had a premonition about the future. 

Not long after Roger became the Pirate King, he turned himself in, leading to his execution at Loguetown—a moment that would shake the world and ignite the Great Pirate Era. 

Arashi knew he was at the heart of these coming changes during one of the most turbulent times in history.

Half a month later, the battleship arrived at Dressrosa for supplies. 

Standing at the bow, Arashi gazed at the kingdom, recalling the events that would unfold in the future.

"Rosinante, I've heard this kingdom originally belonged to your family?" Arashi asked.

Rosinante was startled. "Where did you hear that?"

Arashi smiled. "As a descendant of the Twenty Kings, I'm curious about the potential you carry."

After a brief pause, he continued, "As far as I know, your brother has already made a name for himself, establishing his own family."

"I believe they're called the Donquixote Family, right?"

Rosinante fell silent. He didn't know where his superior had gotten this information, but it was clear Arashi knew a lot about him.

"Do you think, ten years from now, you'll end up on opposite sides in battle?" Arashi asked again.

Rosinante's face twitched slightly, and then he sighed, "Sir, we're brothers!"

Arashi chuckled in response, saying nothing more. Rosinante remained silent as well, but a shadow darkened his eyes.

Crocodile and the others quickly returned to the warship, carrying large bags of supplies. 

They had stocked up on daily necessities, a large amount of meat and vegetables. 

Along with the provisions, they brought surprising news for Arashi.

"We just got some interesting information," Crocodile said with a grin, lighting the cigar in his mouth. 

"A powerful figure we've tangled with recently just left here." 

Arashi raised an eyebrow, curious. "Who?" 

At the same time, he was beginning to feel that Crocodile was returning to his old pirate ways, perhaps remembering more of his past. 

However, this version of Crocodile was undeniably more advantageous to Arashi.

"Douglas Bullet!" Crocodile exhaled a cloud of smoke, his eyes becoming sharp.

"Him?" Arashi was taken aback for a moment before he chuckled. "Do you know where he's headed?"

Crocodile raised his head, showing an understanding look. "Naturally, I found out. They're probably going to stop at Punk Hazard." 

After a brief pause, he said, "That guy would be a strong ally if you could bring him to our side."

Hearing this, Arashi narrowed his eyes slightly. Two years ago, he had fought Bullet and defeated him with a single punch. 

That didn't mean Bullet was weak; very few could match the strength of someone who could wield Conqueror's Haki with such mastery. 

Bullet frequently used Observation Haki to dodge attacks, even during his fight with Rayleigh.

Arashi also knew Bullet deeply admired the strength and would only follow those he deemed strong enough.

"He is someone worth having," Arashi muttered as he gazed at the sea. 

The warship set sail from Dressrosa, and Slo steered the ship. After glancing at the Eternal Pose in his hand, they headed toward Punk Hazard.

"Douglas Bullet is a terrifying man," Crocodile said in a deep voice, reflecting on their past battle. 

"He's also the strongest opponent I've faced since becoming a pirate."

As a Logia user of the Suna Suna no Mi (Sand-Sand Fruit), Crocodile had rarely encountered anyone as troublesome as Bullet. 

Their battle ended in a draw, and in some ways, Crocodile's reputation grew due to that fight.

"It seems that fight left quite an impression on you," Arashi said with a smile. 

"If we recruit him, our crew's strength will undoubtedly increase."

Crocodile took a drag from his cigar, exhaling slowly before speaking again. 

"Whatever you plan to do in the future, you'll need stronger people."

After merging his fragmented memories, Crocodile had started to gain clarity about his superior, Rear Admiral Arashi, and realized that the young Marine undoubtedly harboured great ambitions. 

Over time, Crocodile had grown more intrigued by Arashi's aura and immense power, gradually becoming captivated by him.

Despite being about the same age, Arashi had already become a top-tier world power. 

How far would he go in the future? It was beyond imagination, and Crocodile could only guess with limited foresight.

"You seem to have some understanding of my ambitions," Arashi said with interest, turning toward Crocodile.

"I can't figure out exactly what you want, but you won't be content with staying still," Crocodile replied, blowing out a ring of smoke with a grin.

"Little Sand, the change in you after merging your memories has been quite a pleasant surprise," Arashi commented. 

Before losing his memory, Crocodile had been a true pirate—driven by ideals, ruthless, and cold-blooded. 

After the memory loss, he had become just, gentle, and kind. 

With both sets of memories combined, Crocodile had become a new version of himself—still guided by his sense of justice but also filled with ambition and, if necessary, capable of using brutal methods.

This Crocodile was undoubtedly more helpful to Arashi, allowing him to save much effort.

"But for now, you need to continue playing the role of a Marine," Arashi said with a gentle smile, locking eyes with Crocodile. Crocodile nodded slowly, taking another puff of his cigar.

Five days later, they arrived at Punk Hazard. 

Unlike how it was portrayed in the original story, Punk Hazard was now a lonely island, covered in lush trees and inhabited by many wild beasts. 

From the faint smoke rising from the centre of the island, it was clear that someone was gathering there.

"Little Sand, it should be enough for just the two of us to go," Arashi said.

Crocodile nodded. "After all, our objective this time isn't to fight."

Arashi jumped off the ship, leaving footprints in the sand as he walked toward the island, with Crocodile following closely behind. 

They moved silently through the forest, following the direction of the smoke. 

In no time, they encountered a group of silent and grim pirates gathered around a bonfire in the jungle clearing.

At the group's centre sat a tall, muscular man, exuding a menacing presence like a looming iron tower. 

His most terrifying feature was his eyes, which gleamed like those of a demon. 

This was none other than Douglas Bullet, the man known as the "Heir to the Devil."

Sensing someone approaching, Bullet and the others raised their heads. A cold gleam flashed in their eyes when they saw who it was.

"Crocodile, the Sandman!" someone said with a sneer. "There were rumours on the seas that you joined the Marines, and it looks like they were true!"

The other crew members stared at Crocodile, but Bullet's eyes narrowed sharply when he saw Arashi. 

A dangerous light flickered in his gaze, and a grin spread across his face.

"Finally, I've seen you again, Arashi!" Bullet's voice boomed as a violent and oppressive aura suddenly surged. 

The very atmosphere seemed to twist, and the leaves in the surrounding forest rustled wildly. 

Crocodile's expression turned serious under the intense pressure.

However, it was clear that this aura was still far weaker compared to the Conqueror's Haki that emanated from Arashi. 

Regarding Haki and sheer willpower, the gap between Bullet and Arashi was vast.

At this moment, Bullet's eyes burned red with fury and frustration, emotions that had festered within him since their last encounter. 

Arashi was the only thing he could see, the memory of their battle haunting him like a nightmare.

Since the day Bullet stepped onto the battlefield, he had never experienced such a crushing defeat.

Not even when he had challenged Roger had he been humiliated this badly. 

Arashi knocked him out cold with just one punch, rendering him powerless.

A buzzing sound filled the air as Bullet's Conqueror's Haki rippled, creating waves that spread out and coloured the space around him in a purple-blue hue. 

The air grew thick and suffocating under the weight of his Haki.

"I've been waiting for this moment!" Bullet roared, the anger and shame from their previous battle boiling over. 

"Today, I will finally wash away that disgrace." 

His massive frame slowly stood up, a sinister grin forming on his lips as his fists clenched, cracking the air around him.

Crocodile took a deep drag from his cigar, his face even more grave. 

There was no doubt that Bullet was a terrifying opponent, even stronger than when they last fought. 

Internally, Crocodile wondered how Arashi planned to tame such a "devil."

In the next instant, a violent shockwave erupted, lifting Crocodile's coat as Arashi's aura radiated out at an unimaginable speed, blanketing the entire island in mere seconds. 

A dark, crimson hue instantly replaced the purple-blue background surrounding Bullet. 

The ground, stones, and trees cracked and shattered under the sheer force of Arashi's Conqueror's Haki.

Compared to Bullet, Arashi's Haki was even more overwhelming, pressing down heavily on everyone's hearts. 

Several pirates around Bullet collapsed silently, unconscious from the crushing pressure.

At that moment, Arashi spoke, still smiling. "Bullet! I didn't come here to fight you." 

He extended his right hand toward Bullet. "I admire you a lot!" he said. 

"Join the Marines under my command!" Crocodile, stunned, raised his hand to his forehead in disbelief. 

He couldn't comprehend that his superior had devised such a blunt approach to recruit an unyielding warrior. What a terrible idea!

As expected, Bullet burst into laughter, his voice filled with rage. "You want me to serve under you? Defeat me first in a fair fight!"

Arashi merely laughed in return, cracking his knuckles as he prepared himself. "That'll be too easy!" he said confidently.

<End Chapter>

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