บท 40: Chapter 41: Provoking the Crocodile
Robin's eyes widened as she heard the news: Josh had defeated Mr. 4, Mr. 3, and Mr. 2 in a very short time. He had taken down some of the strongest agents in Baroque Works, cutting off the main suppliers to the organisation.
These agents were powerful, and along with Crocodile's casino, they held the financial wealth of Baroque Works.
"You're one crazy young man," Robin muttered, holding the snail while a hand sprouted from her shoulder, massaging her temple.
"Yep, sis," Josh replied. "I figured that out about two months ago."
Robin narrowed her eyes. It seemed Josh had made the decision to go against Crocodile long before. But no, it couldn't have been just two months ago. Knowing what she knew, it was more likely that Josh had planned this for years. After all, to know her true name, her real goal, and why she was with Crocodile—it wasn't something one could discover in such a short time.
To Robin, Josh had a somewhat terrifying hidden side. How could someone be so scheming and calculating?
"Fufufu… this little brother is quite cute," Robin teased, masking her true feelings.
"Hah…" Josh sighed.
"Anyway, since the news about you is still out there, Mr. 3's betrayal will likely cost him his life now," Robin remarked.
"Oh no," Josh exclaimed sarcastically, then calmly added, "Anyway."
Robin chuckled softly. "Fufufufufu…"
"I think it's time for the next part of the plan. You ready to do your part? Can I trust you with that?" Josh asked.
"Of course. We have the same purpose here."
Robin understood why Josh might not fully trust her—and he had every right to be cautious. But they were working toward the same goal, ensuring they had each other's backs. Robin had nothing to lose, having already accepted that she would likely die in her attempt to stop Crocodile from acquiring the ancient weapon. Her life had never been good, and she had never had anything to look forward to.
"I know I can trust you. Now, I need a small favour, just to draw Crocodile out."
Josh's confidence in taking Crocodile down was apparent, and it made Robin wonder.
"Although the rain powder is ready to be used, aren't you tired after fighting some of the strongest agents in a row?"
"When I have time to rest, I'll rest," Josh said in a low tone. "A bit of food and I'll be fine."
"What do you do in your resting time, Oni-Chan?" Robin teased.
Josh smirked. "It's not proper to tell an Ane-San about that."
Robin chuckled. "Fufufufu…"
Their conversation shifted to a more serious tone as they discussed their next steps. Robin now had a clear idea of the plan. Josh didn't seem confident about taking on the remaining agents, so he was moving directly toward Crocodile.
Josh knew Crocodile's weakness, but Mr. 1 had none.
"Here's his line."
---
Later that night, Josh lay on the bed, waving his hand in front of his face as he stared at the ceiling. Half-naked, he appreciated the cool desert air. Despite the cold, Mikita's presence beside him provided him all the warmth he needed.
Mikita turned to him with a smile. "You're ready now, aren't you?"
"Yeah," Josh nodded, leaning over to kiss her pale skin.
Blushing, Mikita said excitedly, "This is going to be even more fun than last time."
She was referring to the time they'd shared drinks with Mr. 1 and Mr. 3 and their partners.
Josh nodded, got up, pulled on his pants, and headed out of the room. No one had bothered to buy him a new shirt—neither Melissa nor Marianne, who seemed to prefer him bare-chested.
In the hotel's lobby, Gem sat there with his nose with a cigarette in his mouth, while Melissa lay on the ground, puffing on a cigar. Marianne, as usual, was sipping green tea, enjoying a quiet moment.
"Is that lemon tea?" Mikita asked, sniffing the air slightly. Marianne nodded, and Mikita sat down beside her.
"All right, everyone, be quiet," Josh said, approaching Melissa. She reached into her top and pulled out a small snail, originally belonging to Mr. 2. This snail was a direct line to Mr. 0, also known as Crocodile.
"This is going to be fun," Mikita whispered, as the others watched Josh.
"Quiet." Josh's voice hushed the room as the snail emitted its telltale sound. "Bero bero…"
After a moment, the call was picked up.
"Mr. 2. Your call was unexpected this late. What's taken you so long?" Crocodile's voice came through the snail.
Josh scratched his chin, thinking of the best way to provoke Crocodile. How do you make a calm, collected man take things personally?
Insult his mom, Josh thought.
"Your mama's so fat…" Josh began.
Everyone's eyes widened in shock, turning to stare at him.
"What?" Crocodile's voice was laced with confusion.
There is no sane (or insane) agent who would talk to Crocodile like that, unless they have a death wish.
"Your mama's vagina throws eggs. That's why she named you Crocodile," Josh continued.
Gem's cigarette fell from his mouth, and Melissa set aside her cigar, watching the scene unfold.
On the other end, Crocodile paused, realising that this wasn't Mr. 2's voice.
"Josh!" Crocodile roared.
"Heh? I was going to tell a joke about how your mama forgets things, but you'd forget about that too, since you're her son," Josh taunted.
Crocodile, despite the provocations, remained composed. "I'll take that tongue of yours and shove it where the sun doesn't shine when I find you. But before that, let me ask you something."
Josh smirked. "What do you want to know?"
"Why are you doing this? What's your motivation for opposing me?" Crocodile asked, his composure returning.
Josh took a sip of tea, unbothered. He knew he had already caused damage to Crocodile's organisation by taking out his top agents. Now, Crocodile was both angry and curious.
He didn't seem to ask about Mr 2.
Needless to say that Josh took him down, just like Mr 3, it seems, who had reported that Josh was dead.
And since Mr 4 was supposed to meet Mr 2, it was painfully obvious to him that his special agents, from 2 to 5, were taken down. It was a huge hit to the Baroque Works and Crocodile could help but be curious and angry to the same degree.
How couldn't he? Josh was targeting his organisation, and Crocodile felt things falling from his grasps, like grains of sand being swept by the dessert wind.
"Are you doing this for justice? Money? We could come to an agreement," Crocodile offered. "You've proven yourself by beating my best agents. Maybe we can make a deal."
"No, I'm doing this for something else," Josh said, glancing at his quest log and its tempting rewards.
"What for, then?"
"I'm doing it for your mama," Josh deadpanned. "I'm gonna milk her dry."
"You fucking dead brat!" Crocodile finally snapped, yelling so loudly that everyone in the room nearly jumped. "Just wait the moment I find out where you are, I will come personally to kill you!"
Josh feigned fear. "Oh no! Someone, pour me more tea."
"Pfttt…"
"Hehehehe…."
Giggles erupted from his companions, seeing Josh's bold action with the boss.
"Who are you with?" Crocodile demanded.
Josh ignored him and answered, "You know what, let's make a deal. Meet me at Rainbase City, by the seaport. I'll come personally," Josh said.
"You've got the guts for that? I must say, I admire your c—" Crocodile began, but Josh cut him off.
"Three days from now," Josh said, ending the call abruptly.
"What!" that left Crocodile surprised. "Hey. Do you think I have tim—"
Before Crocodile could complete his words, Josh cut the call and broke the phone line on the communication snail.
He has a shit-eating grid plastered along his face, knowing Crocodile is seething with rage after getting a face-slapping of a lifetime.
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