Chapter 97 Annihilation

Author: Xiao Yifeng

Translator: PapaSmurf0700

Pururururu!!!

The sound of the Den Den Mushi broke the silence. Crocodile, curious, answered it and immediately recognized Robin's voice on the other end. Robin informed him that there was news of a conflict happening in the port town. She paused for a moment before adding more details: it appeared to be a clash between the navy and some pirates.

Robin continued, explaining that, according to their agents' reports, the level of destruction suggested it was a fight involving someone of an Admiral's caliber in the navy. This news caused Crocodile's eyes to narrow in surprise and curiosity. "An Admiral?" he wondered aloud, puzzled by this development.

Crocodile was well aware of his own plans. He aimed to overthrow the government of Alabasta Kingdom and to find the ancient weapon known as Pluton. He knew that either of these ambitions alone was enough to draw the navy's ire. If the navy discovered his plans, it wouldn't be surprising for them to send an Admiral to capture him.

However, Crocodile was puzzled by the timing of the navy's action. He was confident that he hadn't revealed his plans or identity. Only two people knew who he really was: Robin and Vivi. Robin was labeled the 'Devil Child' by the navy, and Vivi had been eliminated by Mr. 3. So, there was no way his identity could have been leaked.

Crocodile believed that even if the navy had suspicions, they would likely send someone to investigate first, not an Admiral right away. As he smoked his cigar, lost in thought, he couldn't help but wonder where the problem lay.

With a loud BOOM, Crocodile's frustration exploded as he slammed his hand onto the table. Anger was written all over his face. After thinking it through, he realized that he was not yet powerful enough to confront an Admiral. Finally breaking his silence, Crocodile instructed Miss All Sunday, "Leave it be. When Mr. 1 and the others arrive at Rainbase, bring them to me immediately. We must put our plan into action within three days!"

Crocodile was unaware of the panic stirring in his heart. After years of lying dormant, his carefully laid plans were nearing fruition, but unexpected complications kept arising. This series of events was causing him to become increasingly impatient, and he had little interest in delving into these new problems. His sole focus was on obtaining Pluton; nothing else mattered to him.

Robin, on the other end of the phone, nodded in understanding. "I understand, boss," she replied and then hung up. She gazed down at the report in her hand, which suggested that the pirates involved were the Straw Hat Pirates and the naval force might be led by a Vice Admiral. She burned the note under a candle, the flickering flame casting a glow on her face.

As she watched the note burn, Robin thought to herself, "Straw Hat boy, Priest Bai Ye... The enemies you're up against are stronger than Crocodile. But don't die..." Her words echoed silently in the room, revealing a hint of concern amidst the unfolding chaos.

-----

In the streets of Alabasta's port town, Stainless, having been forcefully thrown more than ten meters away, was feeling quite displeased. The confidence that once graced his face had vanished, replaced by a look of utter disbelief. He stared in shock at the figure enveloped in a blood-red aura, who had just vanished from his sight again, causing his mouth to twitch in confusion. "What on earth is this? What kind of monster have I encountered?" he wondered.

Stainless was taken aback by Bai Ye's sudden surge in power. Although he had prepared for an increase in his enemy's strength, what Bai Ye displayed was beyond his expectations. At the onset of Bai Ye's frenzied state, Stainless was confident in his ability to defeat him. He had even inflicted severe wounds on Bai Ye, deep enough to reach the bone and tear off some skin. However, Bai Ye seemed unaffected by the pain and continued to charge at Stainless with a crazed look on his face.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Stainless sensed the growing strength and aura of Bai Ye. It was evident that Bai Ye's power was escalating continuously during his state of madness.

BOOM! Stainless was once again sent flying by the blood-red figure, crashing through several houses before coming to a halt. He forced himself to stand, gripping his treasured katana tightly and coating it with Haki. He then made a swift attack towards Bai Ye's back.

CLANG! Stainless's eyes widened in sheer panic. "Are you kidding me?!" he exclaimed. Incredibly, Bai Ye had caught his precious sword, one of the 21 Great Grade Swords, with his bare hands – even though it was reinforced with high-level Haki.

Stainless pondered in disbelief, 'In this world, is there really someone who can catch my sword with their bare hands? Perhaps Kaido or Big Mom could, but surely not this guy!' His mind raced with confusion and fear at the unexpected turn of events.

Bai Ye, drenched in blood, firmly gripped Stainless's sword. Unnoticed by Stainless, blood was slowly sliding down the blade. Bai Ye, with a mixture of annoyance and amusement, slowly lifted his head and gave Stainless a haunting grin through the sword's handle. His voice, eerily low and ghostlike, taunted, "Say goodbye to your precious katana!! Hahahah."

Then, Bai Ye unleashed the Heavenly Furnace Refine Art, a technique proclaiming that everything can be refined. As his energy intensified, a blood-red aura completely enveloped Stainless's formidable sword. Stainless was taken aback once more, exclaiming, "How can it be!!" He was shocked to realize that he could no longer sense the Haki in his weapon, a sword he had wielded for a decade to defeat countless powerful pirates with massive bounties.

Right before his eyes, his katana was undergoing a transformation, being smelted under Bai Ye's control. The molten metal began to envelop Bai Ye's right hand, gradually spreading over his entire arm, forming a layer of silver-white armor. Bai Ye admired his new armament, chuckling with satisfaction, "Well, it seems to be not bad at all. HAhaHA!"

Stainless, staring in disbelief, held the remains of his katana – now just a handle – and shook his head, struggling to accept this surreal turn of events. But reality left no room for doubt. In the next moment, a silver-white fist grew larger and larger in Stainless's vision, hurtling towards him. He quickly invoked Armament Haki for protection and also resorted to Rokushiki – Iron Body. The proximity was too close for Rokushiki – Paper Art to be effective; in this scenario, Iron Body was the more suitable defense.

With a thunderous BOOM, Stainless was sent flying by Bai Ye's powerful punch. Bai Ye glanced down at his own fist, grinning mischievously. "Really, daring to use iron against me? Who gave you such boldness, you fool? Hehehe," he mocked with a chuckle. However, his smile soon faded as he became aware of his body's limits.

Bai Ye calculated the time, realizing it was likely the moment for Luffy and the others to board the Golden Merry and make their escape. Free from concerns, Bai Ye's gaze shifted to Stainless, who was struggling to get up amidst the debris in the distance. Whispering to himself, Bai Ye acknowledged, "It's almost time."

Just as Stainless managed to stand, he heard Bai Ye's voice booming across the distance: "Please stay here forever!! HaHaHa." Bai Ye's laughter echoed around.

Bai Ye composed himself, thinking more clearly, and began his technique. He raised his right hand high, and the armor on his arm underwent another transformation under the influence of the blood-red aura. A three-foot-long short sword materialized on Bai Ye's wrist.

"Thunder!!!" Bai Ye's furious shout echoed, altering the atmosphere above them. It was as if eternal night had fallen, with the only source of light being the shimmering three-foot silver sword. Suddenly, thunder struck the sword, causing silver electric currents to dance along the blade.

"Fire!!!" Small sparks appeared amidst the electric currents. "Wind!!!" In an instant, the sword was surrounded by a powerful wind, amplifying the sparks and currents.

Standing there, drenched in blood and covered in wounds, Bai Ye resembled the Bringer of Apocalypse. A blood-red aura surrounded him, vibrating with dark and menacing energy. In his hand, the formidable sword buzzed with electric currents, flickering fire sparks, and swirling winds. He appeared as a symbol of destruction, an unyielding and unstoppable force.

Suddenly, Bai Ye's body cracked once more, and blood poured out like a fountain. No amount of medicinal pills could prevent his body from breaking down. Yet, his expression remained calm. "With this sword, I will destroy everything in my way!" Bai Ye declared, his voice booming like thunder in Stainless's ears. "Today, I invite you to a meeting with death!!"

SLASH!!!

On that day, in Alabasta's port, a sword attack flashed, stretching tens of miles. A city was split open by this mighty strike!