Leaving the Island

(A/N: Hi guys! Sorry for the long wait. But I just want to say that I am back and I am just stockpiling chapters, so while waiting I decided to give you all a chapter. Thanks for waiting!)

Alex just looked at Doflamingo's back as Doflamingo's crew minus Baby 5 were leaving the island since they do not want to get hit by lightning. Alex thought as he looked at the lightning 'Having a Lightning Devil Fruit right now would be nice. I'll try to look for one and if I do find one, then my crew's strength would have another upgrade.' and he did not notice that his crew was coming towards him with worried expressions as Robin spoke up with a concerned and mocking tone. "Alex are you alright? Seems like you lost the fight." Alex just smiled at that and said "We should go back to the ship and leave the island before we get hit by stray lightning." the crew nodded and they went back to the ship.

When they got back to the ship they introduced Baby 5 to everyone and told the crew what happened on the island because they saw explosions and a lot of destruction in the far side of the island. The crew were surprised that their Captain was defeated by someone but quickly regained their composure since they expected strong opponents when they reached the Grandline.

The story fueled their desire to be stronger and humbled their attitudes because they thought they were the real deal just because they have big bounties.

"We should not be complacent and satisfied with our current strength because it might be the cause of our deaths someday. As much as possible, I plan to take you all to Laugh Tale and the end of the Grandline so I absolutely do not want anyone dying on me. As your Captain, I carry your dreams with me so I will do my best to help you achieve them." Alex said with a dignified voice since he has now learned his lesson and now has seen how far he is from the top.

The crew nodded and looked at their Captain with respect as they knew that he was not lying and that he would help them achieve their dreams. They all wanted to leave their mark in this world and they begin to dream of the numerous possible achievements they will receive by following their captain. Alex saw their reactions and was ecstatic to see that they were treating him as the one who can help them achieve their dreams.

After talking with the crew, they began to set sail towards their next destination. While sailing, Alex was reading in the library when Cierra, Katarina, and Dante went inside to talk to him about something they were planning.

"So what brings you all here today?" asked Alex as he felt that there was something big that waz going to happen. "We want to leave the crew." said Cierra bluntly as Alex was surprised and stood up because he did not know why the these three would want to leave the crew. Seeing Alex panicking, the three laughed and Dante assured Alex by saying "Relax Captain, we won't leave the crew but we would be leaving so that we could help the crew. You see, we don't have the combat ability to fight with all of you in the ship. So what we planned to do was to help you from the shadows."

Alex heard what Dante said and composed himself as he said "Okay, so tell me about your plan." Katarina then answered "So we wanted to run our own restaurant and bar in Alabasta after we deal with Baroque Works. This would also serve as the first of our intelligence network so that we could give you information on what is happening in the world. Then, Cierra would build her own Chamber of Commerce and would serve as your ticket to the Underground Market. This way, we could deal with Doflamingo since most of his profits are from the Undergroud Market."

Alex was surprised at their plan and thought it was feasible since he needed to extend his influence throughout the world and the best way to do it is by diving into different businesses and manipulate them from the shadows. After thinking for a while Alex said "Alright, I have thought about your plans and I will fully support it. I will give you part of our treasures so that you could all start your plans. Just make sure you all don't associate yourselves with us now and ally with us when the time is right. We will part ways in Alabasta after we take care of Baroque Works."

The three just nodded and took their leave as Alex started to plan on how he will dominate the seas and destroy the World Government and their corrupt ways. 'I need more loyal subordinates because I cannot bring down the World Government on my own.' Alex thought as he was racking his brain on how and where he is going to recruit or get them.

(Alabasta)

While Alex was racking his brain on looking for more subordinates for his grand plan in the future, a person was looking at his and Robin's bounties and saying "They are almost here. My tickets to becoming the Pirate King. I have to deal with Asura Hands first before I can get the Devil Child. What a drag, I still need to get the trust of the people here." he then proceeds to call his subordinates and tells them to pay more pirates to raid the island so he could beat them up as a Warlord of the Sea. 'Fools, do they really think I am here to save them? They are just my stepping stone to a higher position.' thought Crocodile as he looks at the horizon and patiently waits for his 'guests' to come to him.

(Black Pearl)

Alex does not know what Crocodile has planned for him, but thiz does not concern him since he could deal with him any day that he likes. Alex is still training with his crewmates as they sail closer to the next island which is Drum Kingdom.