67. What One Piece, This is Minecraft

Turn the knob, and a stream of water bursts out from the nozzle of the fire hydrant, blasting Crocodile into the air.

Sensing a sudden chill, Crocodile gradually opens his eyes as he comes out of his daze.

Before he can grasp the situation, another surge of water strikes him from below, propelling him rapidly back into the sky!

"Curse it, what sort of beast is this fellow!"

At this moment, Crocodile's fury is replaced by dread!

Reflecting on everything that has unfolded since the start of the battle up until now,

A flurry of peculiar powers exhibited by this blasted cat.

He couldn't shake off the memory of his defeat when he confronted Whitebeard!

Though Whitebeard simply overwhelmed him with brute force, Crocodile was far from willing to accept it.

And Tom is the complete opposite!

Despite the apparent lack of strength, it's difficult to even fathom labeling it as a "monster"!

However!

This seemingly ordinary cat on the surface possesses such bizarre abilities!

Even when facing Whitebeard, Crocodile didn't experience the profound sense of helplessness he feels today!

As Crocodile is once again propelled into the sky by the water column, a creeping dread in the face of the unknown swiftly gnaws at his sanity.

Observing Crocodile's shifting demeanor, Sengoku's expression darkened as he spoke with gravity,

"Deploy all available Marines stationed around Arabasta immediately! Head to Arabasta at once!"

"Apprehend them all!"

The Marine Vice Admiral responsible for overseeing the islands surrounding Arabasta rose with reverence, refraining from displaying any hint of understanding.

Clearly, the events unfolding on the grand stage have instilled a profound fear of Cowboy Al and his crew within them!

Furthermore, in previous encounters, when confronting members of the Baroque Works organization, Nami and her companions demonstrated remarkable strength.

Merely witnessing Spike's uncanny power to alter the terrain and snatch tornadoes with his bare hands instilled deep fear in them.

And the inexplicable abilities displayed by Tom defy rational explanation altogether!

A Marine Vice Admiral, his arms trembling, pointed towards the large screen and exclaimed, "Look! An island!"

"An island! It's descending from the sky!"

As they gazed upon the colossal island engulfing the sky and blotting out the sun on the screen, everyone present couldn't help but gasp in awe.

Even Garp, known for his perpetually optimistic demeanor, now stared at the shadows flickering on the screen with disbelief.

"Golden Lion Shiki!"

If left unchecked, Sengoku can't fathom the heights these individuals might reach in the future!

Just as the Marine Vice Admirals were preparing to depart, a terrified scream pierced the air.

Garp and Sengoku exchanged fearful glances.

"Isn't that man supposed to be dead?!"

In their recollection, the individual capable of wielding such a massive island as a weapon was none other than Golden Lion Shiki, the user of the Float-Float Fruit ability who escaped from Impel Down many years ago!

"Garp, if indeed that man appears, it appears that you'll need to head to Arabasta."

Sengoku's grave tone was tinged with fear.

However, the other youthful Marine Vice Admiral seemed particularly unfamiliar with the name Golden Lion Shiki, even appearing somewhat puzzled.

But it's understandable, considering he has been missing for many years, and the world presumed him dead.

Garp let out a slight hum, preparing to speak, when suddenly Aokiji, who had remained silent for a while, interjected:

"Yeah, I'll handle the mission to Arabasta alone."

"After all, with those two titans from the New World on the verge of crossing paths, we're uncertain of their intentions," Aokiji continued.

"It's best for Vice Admiral Garp to remain at Marine Headquarters."

When Aokiji brought up the two titans from the New World, the atmosphere in the meeting room chilled to an icy silence!

"Damn it, why now!" Sengoku's fists clenched so tightly that the sound of bones rattling could almost be heard!

After a brief moment of contemplation, Sengoku instructed, "Kuzan, return immediately once you've confirmed the news. If you can apprehend Cowboy Al and his crew, do so. But remember, don't engage in combat alone with that formidable opponent, Golden Lion Shiki. He's incredibly powerful!"

Aokiji sauntered lazily, waved his hand dismissively, hummed lightly, and exited the conference room.

Once Aokiji had departed, Sengoku turned to a Marine Vice Admiral and directed, "Dispatch additional warships to investigate the intentions of Red-haired Shanks and Whitebeard Edward Newgate. What are those two up to?"

"Yes, sir!" the Marine Vice Admiral acknowledged.

After conveying his instructions, Sengoku appeared drained, as if he had aged tenfold, and he slouched weakly in his chair.

Gazing at the massive island looming over Arabasta on the large screen, Sengoku muttered to himself, "Why do such dreadful events keep occurring one after another?"

No one uttered a word in the conference room; even Kizaru, Akainu, and Garp remained silent at this moment.

In Arabasta, as the sun abruptly vanished from sight, everyone raised their heads and beheld the island on the brink of descent, eliciting desperate cries from the populace.

Even individuals with weaker nerves found themselves on the verge of fainting.

In an instant, the entire population of Arabasta was plunged into a state of imminent peril!

Witnessing the colossal island looming overhead, Nami and Carina clung to each other in sheer terror.

Vivi collapsed onto the ground, her eyes brimming with despair.

Observing this scene, Robin remained in a state of shock for an extended period.

Spike cocked his head, briefly surprised by the sight, before calmly remarking, "Minor disturbance. Come here, continue reading the queries, don't let this insignificant matter distract you."

Nami was momentarily stunned, then gritted her teeth and cursed:

"Spike, can't you see that a colossal island is about to crash down?!" Nami snapped.

"And you're still talking about minor issues? Do you plan on lecturing us further?"

"Shouldn't we be figuring out how to survive this?" Carina interjected, expecting Spike to take action after Nami's reprimand.

However, to their surprise, Spike responded solemnly, "Don't panic in times of crisis, don't flee from trivial matters, for you cannot escape from significant challenges."

"I'm fully focused, how could I be distracted?" Spike retorted.

"Quiet! Spike!" Nami snapped, her eyes blazing with intensity, as if she could peer into Spike's mind.

Observing Nami's genuine anger, Spike decided to cease teasing them and offered an explanation:

"Captain Al has it under control; he always does."

Upon hearing that the message originated from Al, Nami and the others gaped in astonishment. They cast disbelieving gazes at the massive island in the sky and exclaimed loudly, "How can this be possible?!"

"Could this truly be Captain Al's doing?"

"Is he plotting to obliterate all of Arabasta?!"

Robin, observing the colossal island which covered two-thirds of Arabasta's landmass, could hardly fathom it:

"Is this truly within human capability?" someone questioned.

In response to the inquiries from multiple individuals, Spike shook his head, tapped the blackboard, and remarked, "Captain Al has a plan; just keep focusing on the lesson."

Despite Spike's earnest explanation of the theory of relativity, Nami and the others couldn't muster the concentration to listen.

Vivi was on the brink of tears from anxiety!

Upon witnessing the appearance of the colossal island in the sky, Tom was briefly surprised, but he didn't dwell on it much. After all, he had become a soul, and as long as he wasn't thrown into a frying pan, he would remain alive.

However, Crocodile held a different perspective. When he laid eyes on the massive island materializing in the sky, his heart sank. Normally, he could phase his body to evade such a collision!

However, at this moment, his body was drenched in water, rendering him unable to phase at all.

If that colossal island were to plummet, it would undoubtedly be fatal!

"Hey, you scoundrel, set me down immediately! My ambitions are not fulfilled; I will not die here!" Crocodile bellowed.

In response to Crocodile's outburst, Tom cocked his head, appearing perplexed.

What was this fellow rambling about? Hadn't he already ascended to the heavens with him long ago?

Could it be that he was unaware of his own demise?

Observing Tom's lack of reaction and his own drenched state, Crocodile grew increasingly agitated, berating Tom for his apparent stupidity.

However, amidst the panic of everyone observing the impending collision with the colossal island, Al simply grinned, swiftly maneuvering to intercept the path of the falling behemoth.

Upon sighting Al's silhouette, Nami and the others displayed expressions of sheer panic, exclaiming in horror, "Captain Al, what is he planning?!"

Their bewilderment was shared not only by Nami and her companions but also by the Marine officials at headquarters, who wore puzzled expressions as they observed the scene.

However, due to the distance and dim lighting, they could only discern a blurry figure, unable to ascertain the person's identity.

Upon witnessing the scene, the inhabitants of Arabasta erupted into cries of exultation, proclaiming, "It's a deity!"

"The gods have descended to rescue us!"

Suddenly, the people of Arabasta filled the streets and alleys, dropping to their knees devoutly, beseeching the gods for salvation.

Observing Al's figure, Crocodile shouted, "You bastard, have your lackeys release me immediately! I won't die here!"

"Meow?" Tom let out a bewildered meow.

Upon seeing Al's figure, Tom wore a puzzled expression, as if pondering why Captain Al had ascended to heaven.

Or...

As this thought crossed his mind, Tom suddenly jolted as if struck by lightning. His fur stood on end, and his heart seemed to leap out of his chest with a resounding thud.

Recalling his past actions, Tom covered his face, his body stiffened, and he collapsed onto the sand.

And as Tom succumbed to his unconsciousness, Crocodile plummeted from the sky alongside him.

Gazing at the inert form of Tom, Crocodile refrained from launching an attack. Only one thought consumed his mind at that moment.

He must phase his body before the impact; he refuses to meet his end in this manner!

Yet, in the very next moment, an event unfolded that shattered his worldview completely!

The corner of Al's mouth lifted slightly before he raised his right hand and snapped his fingers.

Miraculously, the plummeting giant island was frozen in mid-air!

"Tom, stop playing dead. Fetch a bottle of juice; my mouth's gone a bit bitter from drinking too much tea."

After a brief pause and no response from Tom, Al wondered if Tom had genuinely fainted from fright.

"Well..."

Observing Tom seemingly unconscious from fright, Al shook his head in resignation. He lightly snapped his fingers, and Tom vanished from sight.

Moments later, Tom reappeared beside Nami.

After relocating Tom, Al gestured with a raised hand.

To Nami's shock, the sand beneath her feet levitated into the air, truly startling her and the others.

Meanwhile, Spike remained engrossed in his lecture, unfazed by the unfolding events.

After attending to the situation, Al clasped his hands together, mimicking a digging motion.

With a deafening bang echoing through the sky, the entire Arabasta island split in two like a cake, creating a massive strait.

Following this, Al raised his right hand once more, extending it to grasp...

The colossal island began shrinking rapidly, diminishing until it was merely the size of a palm, nestled within Al's open hand.

Without delay, Al released the Marine Vice Admiral he held captive.

Before anyone could fully process what had transpired, Al vanished from sight.

In the blink of an eye, he reappeared directly above the Arabasta Strait.

With a decisive motion, Al hurled the miniature island he held into the sea.

With seemingly minimal effort, the giant island expanded back to its original size, reuniting the divided halves of Alabasta.

Witnessing these extraordinary feats, Crocodile slumped to the ground, his eyes vacant, overwhelmed by the display of power.

Could such immense power truly reside within a mere mortal?

Was this individual truly not a god?

A cascade of questions flooded Crocodile's mind.

He had encountered what some referred to as "monsters" in the new century.

But considering the power displayed by this individual before him, were they truly deserving of the label "monster"?

Al remained unaware of Crocodile's thoughts; if he had known, he would have undoubtedly smirked with disdain.

"The view is too limited!"

This task was child's play for Al, who possessed the Droopy experience card.

As he admired his handiwork, Al couldn't help but think, "If only this weren't just an experience card!"

"With the capabilities of this glitch, one could essentially play One Piece World as the Minecraft in creative mode!"

After releasing a long sigh, Al silently offered a prayer in his heart:

If only the crew summoning card could be drawn, and Droopy was summoned.

He would even offering Tom's ten years of bachelorhood in exchange!

No matter how dire, with Tom's twenty years of single life, it should be sufficient to obtain a warehouse crew ability experience card!

As he prayed, Al also envisioned the monumental achievements he would accomplish after summoning Droopy!

As for the happiness of Tom, whether it be ten or twenty years, it was inconsequential!

At worst, it was time to seek out the fabled pure gold in the Pirate World that grants creatures hundreds of thousands of years of life!

After concluding his prayer, Al pondered for a moment before seizing Spike mid-air and spoke with a hint of guilt,

"Utilize your expertise to establish something akin to a barrier around this island. 

A boundary that prohibits entry without my explicit permission."

Although Al's directive appeared unilateral, Spike's intellect had undergone a significant enhancement thanks to the blessing of spinach.

After a moment of contemplation, Spike adopted a confident expression, and with a sudden flash, he commenced his work on the island.

Al rolled his eyes at Crocodile, retrieving a pair of seastone handcuffs and tossing them before him.

"Take your pick," he declared. "Death or handcuffs."

"If you wish to challenge me, I'm more than willing to oblige!"

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