Killing Crocodile

"I'm back," I said as I saw Ace and the others on board. They all looked at me, and then Luffy grinned as he came near me and said, "This is my Vice-Captain."

I smiled and said, "Temporarily."

"No, you're not leaving," Luffy looked at me and insisted.

When Ace looked at me, his thoughts were unreadable.

"Hello, nice to meet you," Ace bowed to Ash, while his thoughts wandered about what such a powerful person was doing here.

"I wonder why you left the New World and are here," I asked Ace, though I knew he was here because of Blackbeard.

"Well..." Ace hesitated for a moment, thinking about how Luffy's crew was already strong enough. Then, he spoke. "I'm here for Teach. That bastard killed our brother and ran away."

"I'm chasing after him," he said, anger flickering in his voice as the others listened.

"Such a despicable guy," Luffy said angrily, and Zoro and Sanji nodded in agreement.

"Oh! Him, I've fought him," I said, though it was a lie.

"Huh?" Luffy looked at me, surprised. "You really fought him?"

"Yes, he was powerful. He had that Dark Devil Fruit, and I know he also has Conqueror's Haki. He's a dangerous opponent, but I managed to defeat him in the end," I said, noticing Ace's gaze on me.

Then I turned to Ace and said, "You sure about going after him? He's stronger than you think."

Ace frowned but replied, "Don't worry, I'm strong enough."

I shook my head. "Very well. I'll attack you. If you can survive this, I'll acknowledge your strength. But if not, you'll stop pursuing Teach."

Ace looked determined and nodded. He then looked at me and said, "You can start."

I looked at him and sighed. He clearly had the confidence, but his focus on his Flame-Flame Fruit powers was limiting him. He wasn't using its full potential, only relying on its normal flames. He could mimic hellfire, dragon flames, and other elements, but he was fixed on the same flames.

"Very well, then," I said, pointing at him. "Gravity Press."

Suddenly, the weight of gravity slammed down on him. He struggled, trying to push through, but he couldn't stand up.

"See? If you can't handle this, how do you plan on defeating Teach?" I asked as he gritted his teeth in frustration, trying to rise but ultimately getting knocked down and collapsing.

"Ace!!" Luffy rushed to him, using his Cursed energy to stabilize his brother and help him recover.

"If you let him go after Teach like this, he'll only die," I said to Luffy, who looked conflicted, torn between wanting to help his brother and the harsh reality of Ace's strength.

"He's right, Captain. If Ace goes after Teach now, he won't make it back," Zoro added, looking at Ace seriously.

"Vice-Captain, can't you send Ace to another world or something so he can train there?" Chopper suggested as he looked at me, and I nodded.

I knew that, in just 100 days, Ace could gain enough power to challenge Teach. 'Hmm, this is the perfect opportunity for that.'

"Very well, but in return, I am leaving," I said.

"Huh?" Luffy was surprised, as were the others, all turning to look at me.

"Have you all forgotten? I only joined this crew because I needed a lift from that abandoned island. I wasn't planning on becoming a permanent member. Even though you all took care of me, and me finding you guys talented, I just helped you guys out a bit," I said, standing firm as they stared at me, realizing I was right.

"You can still be our Vice-Captain," Luffy said, trying to convince me, but I shook my head.

"I can, but you all will never grow stronger, you'll all be standing under a big tree, stuck in its shadow, unable to surpass it, as knowing under its comfort you all are safe" I said, looking at them knowingly.

"Though it's not like we won't meet again. I found this journey interesting, so I'm thinking of forming my own pirate crew," I said with a smile as they looked at me in surprise.

Luffy stood up, positioning his straw hat on his head, and with determination, he said, "Very well, but remember, I'll still be the one to find the One Piece."

I chuckled. "I wouldn't want it any other way. Besides, I just want to be the strongest, after all."

Luffy nodded as Vivi looked at me and asked, "Can I join your pirate crew?" Her words took everyone by surprise.

"Miss Vivi, but didn't you say you couldn't leave your kingdom?" Sanji asked, confused, as they had tried to invite her before, but she had declined.

"I know," Vivi said, "but remember that okama guy who can change his face into anyone's? I'm thinking of hiring him to act as my replacement while I travel with Ash. I want to train and gain more power so that in future there would be no Crocodile who can threaten my kingdom"

Her determination was clear, and I nodded, understanding her resolve. "If that's your decision, then I'll gladly welcome you to my crew, Vivi," I said with a smile.

"You're welcome to join as the first member of my... Celestial Slayer Pirates!" I said, laughing. Aside from becoming the strongest here, my other goal was to kill those World Government bastards.

[It is detected: Host has formed his own crew.]

[Host will receive a Newbie Pirate Gift Pack.]

'Hmm,' I thought, hearing the notification as I smirked. Without hesitation, I mentally commanded, 'Open it.'

[Opening...]

[Host has received the following rewards:

A Designated Summoning Card

Utility Member Summoning Card x3

Combatant Summoning Card]

I grinned. Things were about to get even more interesting.

The Designated Summoning Card would allow me to summon anyone I wanted, and I already had someone in mind. As for the Utility Member Summoning Cards, those would bring in non-combat roles like chefs, musicians, and other support members. Finally, the Combatant Summoning Card was random, similar to the Utility cards, but every summoned member would be on my level. Overall, it was a great haul for me.

With these new cards in my possession, I could build a powerful crew with a mix of strength and utility, setting the foundation for my Celestial Slayer Pirates. I couldn't wait to see how this journey would unfold!

***

Check out my other books while waiting for this one, My new Original : Absolute Cheater & Final Life Online.

These two Novels are in same universe, and much later the ML of my both will face each other.

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