Capítulo 298: Chapter 298: Robin's Curiosity
(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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In a cafe, Nico Robin sat leisurely at a dining table, holding a book in her hands.
She savored the peaceful afternoon, the golden rays of sunlight filtering through the window, casting a warm glow over her figure.
Her charm as an intellectual beauty emanated effortlessly, a calm presence in the room.
Although her employer had changed, Robin's life had remained much the same.
If anything, it had become more relaxed.
Previously, when working under Crocodile as the vice president of Baroque Works, she had been overwhelmed with tasks, leaving her little time to enjoy books or quiet moments. However, ever since Kisame had defeated Crocodile, the agency's activities had come to a halt.
Kisame, unlike other bosses, showed no interest in power or wealth, only in becoming stronger.
With little to worry about other than ensuring Robin didn't escape, Kisame spent his days training.
Meanwhile, Crocodile, having lost everything, drowned himself in alcohol, seemingly having given up.
This granted Robin the freedom to indulge in a slower pace of life, spending her days reading in the café that once served as the Baroque Works' intelligence department, now with a "Closed for Renovations" sign hanging outside.
"It wouldn't be so bad if Kisame-san is really my new boss," Robin muttered to herself, glancing out the window at the bustling streets.
Having switched employers numerous times, Robin knew well that a boss's personality shaped her lifestyle.
Kisame, though intimidating in combat, treated her politely, and Robin's curiosity about him and his mysterious boss grew.
However, any time she asked about who this boss was and his intentions, Kisame would smile cryptically and say, "Don't try to guess God's intentions. Just sit there and behave."
'God? Could he possibly mean a Celestial Dragon?'
Robin quickly dismissed the thought—if they were involved, she would likely be dead already. Or worse, she would end up wishing she died…
As Robin pondered this, the door's wind chime sounded, signaling someone had entered the cafe.
"Sorry, the shop is closed for renovations," Robin called out, frowning slightly.
She had clearly posted the sign, so why had someone come in?
"Oh, we're not here for coffee," a voice responded.
Curious, Robin turned her head to look.
A man stood there, his face certainly striking, drawing her gaze even as the girl beside him faded into the background.
Even with Robin's practiced composure, she found herself admiring his charming appearance for a moment.
Still, she maintained her professional smile.
"If you're not here for coffee, then what can I help you with?" she asked.
The man, with a faint smile, responded, "I'm here looking for someone. He told me to come here."
Robin's smile faltered slightly, but her curiosity was piqued.
"Perhaps your friend made a mistake."
"I don't think so. His name is Kisame, and he assured me that I could find him here, Robin-san"
Robin's expression shifted subtly as she adjusted her posture.
She couldn't ignore this visitor now. He knew Kisame, and knew her… that could possibly mean that he was the boss of Kisame.
"I see. Follow me, then."
On the way to Crocodile's residence, Robin stole glances at the man who had introduced himself as Colt.
"Robin-san, do I have something on my face?" Colt asked suddenly, startling Robin from her thoughts.
"No, I'm just curious about you," she replied quickly.
"After all, Kisame-san referred to you as 'God'."
"Huh?" Nami, the girl accompanying Colt, looked at him with wide, astonished eyes.
She had been quiet throughout their exchange but now seemed thoroughly confused.
"Why would he call you a God?"
Colt merely chuckled and ruffled Nami's hair.
"Don't overthink it," he said softly.
"Kisame is often weird with the way he talks."
Robin smiled politely but remained quiet as she led them to their destination.
'So, he is his boss…'
Before long, they arrived, and Kisame was already waiting for them.
As Colt approached, Kisame stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Colt-sama," Kisame greeted him with respect.
"Good work," Colt replied, his gaze assessing Kisame.
"You've made good progress."
Kisame grinned, his demeanor humble despite his immense strength.
"Barely enough to meet your expectations. It's the least I can do" Kisame was humble.
He had always been loyal to Colt and truly did consider him as a god. After all, when he was lost, he was the one that guided him.
And it wasn't weird to him, because Colt could beat the sage of six paths and the Progenitor of chakra Kaguya.
Colt nodded, then said casually, "Bring Crocodile here."
It didn't take long for Kisame to drag Crocodile forward.
The once-proud "Shichibukai Crocodile" glared at Colt, eyes filled with suspicion.
He had heard nothing about this man who apparently held such power.
As Colt approached, Crocodile felt a chill run down his spine.
This kid was supposed to be the one behind Kisame? Doubt filled his mind, but before he could act on it and say anything, Colt raised a hand.
"[Shinra Tensei]," Colt murmured, and with a sudden force, Crocodile was flung into the air, his body crashing against an invisible barrier.
Unable to defend himself, he was injured and blood leaked from his mouth.
Colt moved his fingers slightly, and black vines, wrapped in a Haki, erupted from the ground, binding Crocodile tightly.
"Now," Colt said calmly as he walked toward his captive, "Are you ready to listen to my proposition?"
Crocodile, mouth covered by the vines, struggled to speak, but it was futile.
Colt didn't wait for a response.
"It doesn't matter if you're ready or not, I was just saying for the dramatic effect," Colt said quietly, dispersing the vines.
"If you try anything again, you will die."
Freed, Crocodile dropped to his knees, head bowed in submission.
Though taller than Colt, he now seemed much smaller.
Robin watched, fascinated by the stark contrast between Colt's gentle demeanor moments ago and the ruthless display of power she had just witnessed.
Nami, for her part, seemed unfazed, having grown accustomed to such sights.
Colt, satisfied with the outcome, decided to leave Crocodile be for now.
After all, there were still ways the former Shichibukai could be of use.
Capítulo 299: Chapter 299: Plant A Tree
(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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Regarding Crocodile, Colt didn't care about him, nor about his combat power.
He had only one goal, and that was Nico Robin.
So, he didn't plan in fact to have anything to do with Crocodile.
However, he found that his subordinates were too capable, which was also a helpless situation for him.
Kisame seemed to have misunderstood his thoughts, believing that Colt had something in mind for the famous sand Shichibukai.
Coupled with Sasori and Deidara having directly killed Moria, the current state of affairs became more complex.
Now there were six Shichibukai (Kuma had not yet joined; he only became one after Ace's failed attempt to recruit him), and Colt had already gained control of two of them.
He simply accepted this fact and considered it expendable.
But now that he was here and things reached this state, Colt thought of a mission for the warlord.
As for Colt's task for Crocodile, it was very simple: collect food and supplies.
From all kinds of Sea Kings to the most basic provisions—everything was needed.
Crocodile was startled for a moment after hearing this request.
He didn't know why Colt wanted this, but he dared not ask.
After the recent events, Colt's unpredictable nature had deeply imprinted itself in Crocodile's mind.
He feared that if he angered him, he might lose his life on the spot.
And this was exactly the effect Colt wanted.
"How much do you need?" he agreed to the mission of course. So, he asked for the amount needed.
"The more the better; you need to gather enough to support at least one hundred thousand people." Colt tapped his fingers lightly on the table and ordered, "Stop your actions in Alabasta. Such a valuable country shouldn't be destroyed."
"Understood." Crocodile replied in a muffled tone, adding, "I need some time. Additionally, the assets of the Baroque Works won't last long."
What he needed was supplies enough for 100,000 people.
His usual funds were tied up in recruiting powerful individuals and purchasing weapons.
There wasn't much left.
A look of confusion crossed Colt's eyes.
How could Crocodile be so poor and still claim to be a Shichibukai?
Doflamingo was thriving—why was Crocodile in comparison struggling so much?
"If you don't have money, then rob it. Rob pirates, rob Marines, or even steal the Celestial Dragons' tributes."
Crocodile felt absurd hearing this.
If he had the power to do that, why would he even need to plan to acquire Pluton?
Crocodile's spirit had been shattered after his defeat by Whitebeard.
In the world of One Piece, courage and willpower were key factors in becoming stronger.
When a person becomes dispirited, their Haki weakens as well.
Crocodile and Moria were prime examples—one was crushed by Whitebeard, and the other lost everything at the hands of Kaido.
After more than a decade, neither had shown any improvement in strength.
They couldn't even maintain their previous levels of strength.
Understanding the issue, Colt ordered Kisame to leave with Nami and Robin, leaving Crocodile alone.
"Do you want to become stronger?"
Crocodile was stunned for a moment and laughed bitterly, "Can I even become stronger at this point?"
Colt didn't respond immediately.
His RinneSharingan's purple light flashed, and a black hole appeared out of thin air.
Suddenly, a massive tanuki-like creature was pulled out.
"This is..."
Crocodile stared at the massive One-Tail Shukaku, standing nearly fifty meters tall, sensing from him a power that felt oddly familiar to him.
"Where is this place? And who the hell brought me… here?"
The creature's shrill voice grated on the ears, but when Shukaku noticed the purple glow in Colt's eyes, he wisely changed his tone.
"Oh, it's Colt-sama." Shukaku's voice was full of respect.
"Go in," Colt commanded.
"Where to?" Shukaku asked, confused.
Colt pointed at Crocodile.
"From now on, follow this man. If he makes any wrong moves, kill him. But if he behaves, lend him your strength."
Shukaku glanced at Crocodile disdainfully but knew he had no bargaining power here.
Reluctantly, the tailed beast transformed into a stream of quicksand and flowed into Crocodile's body through his upper abdomen.
"What just happened?" Crocodile touched his abdomen, puzzled at how such a massive creature vanished.
"Not bad, kind of like that guy Gaara," Shukaku's voice echoed from within Crocodile, adding mockingly.
"Hehe, Crocodile, from now on, you'll be my sidekick."
"Sidekick?!" Crocodile couldn't sense Shukaku's presence and felt both bewildered and broken.
"What kind of monster are you?!"
He looked toward Colt, wanting to ask him to remove the creature, but Colt remained impassive.
"Don't look at me like that. One reason that Shukaku was brought here is to monitor you, but he'll also end up enhancing your power. As long as you remain loyal, he'll be your greatest ally."
As if he understood the cue, Shukaku released a bit of his power, causing the sand around them to stir wildly.
Outside the place, a fierce sandstorm formed instantly as the wind howled.
Crocodile was astonished, feeling as though the vast ocean of sand was now under his control.
Who was the real Sand-Sand Fruit user?
He was stunned.
"Can you feel it?" Shukaku boasted from within.
"If you cooperate with me, you'll be invincible in the desert. I am Shukaku! And I have absolute control over sand"
Crocodile's initial resistance faded, replaced by a wave of excitement.
All his years of work, metaphorically even eating sand in Alabasta, had been for the sake of obtaining Pluton—a weapon of unparalleled strength.
But with Shukaku's power, he realized that while it might not rival Pluton, it was certainly more fitting for him.
So, what if it was a monster?
Those who ate Devil Fruits were also considered monsters, weren't they?
Thus, he was a monster already.
Having figured it out, Crocodile felt a hint of gratitude towards Colt.
"Thank you, Colt-sama," he said, echoing Kisame's manner of address.
"You don't need to thank me. Just make sure to do your job properly." Colt waved his hand dismissively.
"I'll be taking Nico Robin with me. You don't have any objections to that, right?"
"None at all," Crocodile replied without hesitation.
Without the need for Pluton, Nico Robin had lost her value to him.
However, curiosity got the better of him.
"Colt-sama, what exactly is your goal?"
With power like the one Colt had and with his formidable subordinates, why had their organization remained in the shadows?
He had only seen Kisame but he knew for sure that there must be others…
"Goal?" Colt paused, surprised by the question.
He slowly raised his head, his gaze drifting upward toward the sky.
"My goal is to plant a tree at the highest point in this world."
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