55. Crocodile's Action! The Barrier-Barrier Fruit Is In Hand!

"Are you aware of who you're talking with?"

Crocodile smirked, his icy tone laced with lethal intent.

Despite enjoying the privileges of being a Shichibukai, he couldn't evade the World Government's summons.

But that didn't imply he would meekly comply with their orders!

Especially not when they order him!

Feeling the ominous aura emanating from Crocodile, the masked individual clutching the bounty stood their ground.

In fact, their demeanor grew even more resolute, seemingly convinced that Crocodile's aggression was directed solely at them!

"Crocodile, you're just a lowly pirate. Do you dare defy the commands of the World Government?"

However, in the blink of an eye!

As soon as the words left their lips, Crocodile swiftly acted. He grabbed their neck, lifting them into the air, and remarked jokingly:

"You're clueless about your own destiny, yet you keep rushing headlong into your demise."

"Pitiful reptile."

As he spoke, the masked figure's body began to wriggle at a rate discernible to the naked eye.

In just a breath's time, he transformed into a mummy!

The sudden assault left the others gasping, their masks slipping off, revealing expressions of sheer terror.

"You scoundrel! How dare you assault members of the CP organization!"

"Are you attempting to defy the orders of the World Government?!"

"Speak up, Crocodile!"

Crocodile tilted his head blankly, feigning ignorance, and inquired:

"When did I ever indicate that I intended to disobey the orders of the World Government?"

"It's you scoundrels who've soured my mood, so it's only fair for me to end you."

"Kuahahahaha~"

Crocodile chuckled unabashedly, his rough and resonant voice echoing like a sinister melody to the CP members.

They realized they had underestimated this man's disdain for the World Government!

"Be afraid, pitiful reptile, Kuahahahaha~"

Crocodile laughed without restraint.

Both he and the World Government were merely exploiting each other.

Expecting him to blindly follow the World Government's orders was nothing short of a delusion!

As for these lackeys of the World Government, Crocodile had no intention of allowing them to leave alive.

And when the time came, he knew the World Government would question why he hadn't executed the order and inquire about the whereabouts of these CP agents.

Crocodile had already devised countermeasures in his mind, and he wasn't concerned about the World Government's potential actions.

"I haven't got time to entertain you death-wishing reptiles."

Just as Crocodile was poised to take action, one of the CP members abruptly stood up, wearing a blank expression, and declared:

"Crocodile, under the authority of the World Government, I hereby issue you another order!"

"If you encounter the two pirates listed on this wanted poster, terminate them on sight!"

"Furthermore, the World Government has another message for us to convey to you!"

"The World Government is aware of everything you've been up to, including your role as the mastermind behind Baroque Works, Mr. 0!"

Upon hearing the last sentence, Crocodile's complexion darkened considerably, and the aura of hostility he emitted grew more intense.

The CP organization member also noted the shift in Crocodile's expression and spoke in a firmer tone:

"Mr. 0, if you wish to prevent your actions from being exposed and your status as a Shichibukai revoked by the World Government, heed this order!"

"Fulfill this order, and the World Government might also be inclined to share some news with you!"

"Now, tell me, Crocodile, what's your decision?"

As the words hung in the air, Crocodile erupted into laughter, yet he didn't immediately address the CP organization's demands.

"I can't deny, your CP hounds have quite the keen noses."

His raspy, low-toned words lacked any hint of panic, though they lacked the ferocity of his previous demeanor.

Clearly, Crocodile was somewhat swayed by the terms laid out by the World Government.

Snatching the bounty order from the CP member, Crocodile inspected it before chuckling and remarking:

"Nevertheless, I'm somewhat intrigued. What is it about these two individuals that warrants such a significant fuss from your World Government?"

However, the CP organization members didn't hesitate. They replied directly:

"Just focus on completing the order. As for anything else, it's none of your concern."

As soon as the words left his lips, Crocodile abruptly seized the CP member by the neck, his tone icy: "You lot are truly irritating."

"However, I'm feeling rather generous at the moment. I'll grant you a minute to vanish from my sight."

"Otherwise, once my patience wears thin, I can't guarantee your survival in this desert."

With that, Crocodile flung the CP member aside and departed without a backward glance.

Upon returning to his office, Crocodile promptly contacted the members of the Baroque Works organization, instructing them to commence the search for information regarding Al and Tom.

Upon discovering that Al and Tom hadn't even ventured into the Grand Line, Crocodile couldn't contain his laughter, ridiculing the incompetence of both the World Government and the Marines.

"A rookie who hasn't even set foot in the Grand Line yet requires my intervention? Absurd!"

However, Crocodile remained vigilant despite Al and Tom being newcomers.

He ordered all members of the Baroque Works to cease their current tasks and concentrate solely on locating Al and Tom.

He found it hard to believe that the World Government would offer such a substantial bounty for two seemingly ordinary individuals!

"Any updates on the ancient weapon Pluton?"

Gazing at the wanted posters for Al and Tom, Crocodile's lips curled slightly as he murmured to himself.

"I'm quite eager for it, Kuahahahaha~"

Just then, a phone call interrupted Crocodile's laughter.

"We've received intel that the captain of the second division of the Whitebeard Pirates is spotted on an island near Arabasta. Should we intercept and eliminate him?"

After pondering for a moment, Crocodile replied:

"He's just a mere youngster. Don't concern yourselves with him. Stay focused on Cowboy Tom and Cowboy Al!"

"Once you locate them, terminate them on sight! Bring me their heads!" 

"Yes!"

Meanwhile, Al, locked in a standoff with the gang, remains unaware of the impending crisis from the World Government looming over him.

In this moment, all he sees before him is the Barrier-Barrier fruit!

The old woman held hostage by Al showed no signs of panic. Instead, she regarded Al with keen interest and asked once more:

"Boy, I'm growing fonder of you by the minute. Have you ever considered joining a gang?"

Al's head was filled with frustration, feeling utterly speechless, wishing he could crack open her skull to see what was going on inside!

Before Al could respond, Nami chimed in with a grin and a curse, "What are you blabbering about, you old hag!"

"You're our hostage now, remember that!"

"Better grasp your current situation and hand over the Barrier-Barrier fruit promptly!"

Nami's actions undoubtedly tested the psychological fortitude of the gang members, fearing this young girl's impulsiveness might harm their leader.

However, upon hearing Nami's words, the old woman waved her hand with a smile and remarked:

"Dear, let me share a bit of life wisdom with you: anger only leads to wrinkles."

Nami's pupils dilated, and she instinctively touched her smooth cheek, as if genuinely worried about developing wrinkles.

However, in the next moment, Carina's words shattered Nami's composure instantly.

Carina meowed at Nami, pursed her lips, and muttered under her breath: "You're already ugly, wrinkles wouldn't make much of a difference."

Nami's anger surged, his frustration evident as he grabbed Carina by the collar, his voice laced with irritation:

"What did you just say?!"

"I'm just stating the facts. Let go, Nami. It's not your fault."

"Carina, you're hardly any prettier than me, you ugly wretch!"

The two women continued to bicker, but then their attention turned to Al simultaneously, each demanding:

"Captain Al, settle this for us. Who's uglier?"

Al: "Can I opt out of answering that?"

The two women exchanged glances before declaring in unison: "No!"

Al remained silent.

As everyone's attention was absorbed by the sudden eruption of controversy, a pair of hands stealthily reached into the box containing the barrier fruit.

Moments later, Nami and Carina exchanged glances, their verbal conflict escalating into a heated confrontation.

Al had intended to intervene, but the fierce glares from the two women silenced the words caught in his throat.

Immediately afterward, to everyone's astonishment, amidst the heated argument and scuffle, the two girls began to fade from view.

It wasn't until the commotion ceased that everyone realized what had happened. All eyes turned to Al, their gazes fierce and accusatory.

"Boy, your two crew members are quite the characters, but it appears they've left you behind," the old woman remarked with a smile, her tone blunt. "Pirate friendships are indeed delicate."

"So, have you thought about joining a gang?"

"At least within a gang, you won't find someone who abandons their comrades like that!"

Al gazed in the direction where Nami and the others had vanished, shook his head, and spoke with a smile:

"Their relationship has always been like this, and I've grown accustomed to it."

"Furthermore, there's a misconception that needs addressing—I haven't been abandoned here by them!"

"On the contrary, their departure will actually enable me to excel!"

But as soon as the words left his lips, ridicule erupted from all directions:

"Young man, do you not comprehend the circumstances?"

"Even though you have the boss as a hostage, you don't wish to remain here alone, do you?"

"Do you still think you can take down so many of us with just one sword?"

"Hahahaha~"

However, at that moment, the old woman suddenly leaned to the side, closing the distance between her and Al to just a few meters, and yelled:

"Quick, take him down!"

Al, now devoid of his hostage, smirked coldly as he uttered:

"You don't honestly believe you can slip away from me so effortlessly, do you?"

Just as the two voices reverberated...

Before any of the black and white-clad members could pull their triggers, they were sent flying by an unseen, formidable force!

This invisible force was none other than Air Golf!

Al, prepared to confront the Marines, observed Spike engaged in battle with Garp.

Despite preparing hundreds of rounds of Air Golf to deal with the Marines, Spike's confrontation with Garp proved too intense.

In the midst of the intense battle and subsequent events, Al inadvertently forgot about these Air Golf balls.

As it turns out, golf clubs possess a remarkably potent capability.

If the object is knocked loose without a designated target, it will linger in the air, gathering energy.

It refrains from attacking until a target is identified.

During Nami and Carina's argument, Al suddenly felt an inexplicable sensation in his body, as if something were on the verge of bursting from his stomach.

In that moment, Al recalled the Air Golf balls he had unleashed earlier.

"Let's put an end to this charade right here."

Observing the gang members scattered in the air, Al strode towards the table, swiftly seizing the box containing the devil fruit.

With a composed demeanor, he turned and began to depart.

However, in that instant, an unseen barrier obstructed Al's path.

Shortly after, Nami's enraged voice echoed from a shadowy corner:

"Carina, you imbecile!"

Upon locating the source of the voice, Carina interlocked her index and middle fingers, offering a sheepish apology to Nami.

Al stood frozen for a moment, then silently opened the door.

Gazing at the empty box, Al felt a surge of frustration and was at a loss for words.

Simultaneously, doubts began to creep into his mind.

"When did those two manage to snatch the barrier fruit?"

Observing Al's perplexed expression, Carina flashed an apologetic smile, then dispelled the barrier obstructing Al.

"You..."

Before Al could utter another word, Nami's grumbling voice interjected, pointing accusingly at Carina:

"Captain Al, this Carina person is a complete idiot!"

"We originally stole the Barrier-Barrier fruit with the intention of seeking Tom's assistance." 

"But this idiot here," she continued, "was running and suddenly tripped, her face landing squarely on the barrier fruit!"

Though Nami continued to grumble, a hint of amusement could be detected in her tone.

Carina heard it too, but as Nami's friend, she opted to feign anger instead.

"Can you blame me?" she retorted. "If you hadn't been sprinting like mad, I wouldn't have stumbled!"

"It's not my fault you're such a dimwit, you idiot!" Nami quipped, the tension dissipating into laughter.

After their heated exchange, the two women shared a knowing glance and chuckled together.

Al, comprehending the sequence of events, let out a gentle sigh, reminiscing about the moment he acquired the Barrier-Barrier fruit and all the events that unfolded thereafter.

Al couldn't help but find the situation somewhat amusing.

From the outset, he had intended to give the Barrier-Barrier fruit to Carina. However, this unexpected turn of events was something he hadn't anticipated.

He also looked forward to witnessing Carina's reaction when she consumed the barrier fruit.

After all, in watching One Piece, he often heard characters remarking on the unpalatability of Devil Fruits.

"Forget it, at least the outcome turned out well," Al remarked, observing the smiles on Nami and Carina's faces.

He returned the Western Sword to the system backpack and declared, "Let's go. Now that we have the fruit, it's time for us to set sail for the Grand Line!"

"Agreed!"

As Al and his companions exited the black market...

The once clear sky was now obscured by dark, brooding clouds.

As the Marines located Al and his crew, they swiftly brandished their weapons, ready to make an arrest.

Initially, Nami and the others harbored concerns for Tom and Spike's safety.

However, upon returning to the boat and finding the two figures indulging in a feast, Nami and Carina silently vowed never to worry about them again!

"Tom, Spike, prepare to set sail!"

"Aim for the Grand Line!"

As Al and his crew braved the storm and ventured across the Reverse Mountain

  into the Grand Line, elsewhere in the New World...

Red-haired Shanks would encounter Whitebeard Edward Newgate.

This encounter would send shockwaves through the nerves of everyone in the Marine headquarters!

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