Chapter 17: Crocodile Defeat

Impossible. Besides him, who else could unleash such a golden soaring slash?

"Whoever you are, no one can stop me!"

Crocodile transformed his entire body into sand, his gaze cold.

Unlike the last time, Crocodile instantly transformed into elements. He wouldn't be caught off guard like the last time, with no time to react before being slashed.

No one could stop him.

"Ground Deat.."

His words abruptly ceased because, in front of him, a figure suddenly appeared.

The one with Kashu strapped around his waist was not the 'Clow' that Crocodile had encountered before. This man, slightly more robust than 'Clow', wore an open black coat with the word 'Justice' imprinted on the back.

It was a Marine, that much was certain, but... who was he? This man covered his face, making it impossible to see his features.

As this person steadily approached, drawing the blade from his side, and then charging straight at Crocodile, the latter felt fury rising within. 

How dare this little Marine, who didn't even show his face, swing a sword at him!

As for the fallen 'Clow' on the ground, it was clear by the tens of thousands of people lying around that 'Clow' might have achieved something initially, only to exhaust his strength and collapse later.

"I'm not in a good mood right now, Marine. Die!"

Crocodile, transformed into sand, confronted Kuro. He reached out with one hand, intending to desiccate Kuro into a dried-up corpse!

"Divine Wind Mirror Sword: Iai stream"

Crocodile's hand approached the man, but suddenly heard a faint sound. The newcomer completely unsheathed his blade.

With a slash, Kuro's figure swiftly passed through Crocodile's former position, cutting through his sandy form with a single stroke. 

Crocodile's form froze, looking incredulously at the wound slashed open on his right chest.

"How... is that possible? That's moisture?"

Would there be moisture on the blade? There was no such trace before. How did he achieve this?! 

Already wounded, Crocodile, under this stroke, finally couldn't hold on any longer and collapsed.

"What a drag, luckily I was prepared."

Kuro sheathed his blade, exhaling a breath.

Sichibukai like Crocodile were not to be underestimated by Kuro. 

He couldn't afford to underestimate him, and he wouldn't let past impressions cloud his judgment, thinking that Crocodile was weak.

Crocodile was not weak. A veteran pirate who challenged Whitebeard, with exceptionally developed logia, he was in perfect condition for a fight against Kuro.

Kuro didn't underestimate any pirates. The seas were too unpredictable, and until the final moment, no one could be sure. 

Kuro wasn't hesitant or cautious without reason—his strength just wasn't enough! Being famous only attracted unwanted attention. 

The Four Emperors, despite their formidable reputation, still faced challenges from some supernovas wanting to make a name for themselves.

This wasn't just due to sheer strength; there were always some people with abnormal minds seeking fame overnight but Fame wasn't everything.

Moreover, if a chosen one or someone with an extremely powerful Devil Fruit ability emerged, the Four Emperors might find themselves in a precarious situation.

Kuro believed he could win because his techniques perfectly countered Crocodile. His Iai Stream technique controlled the moisture in the air for slashing attacks. 

Crocodile's sand manipulation couldn't stand against water, revealing his tangible form.

And he had already suffered severe injuries; Kuro was confident that this one slash would finish the job. Yet, he wasn't too eager to make a move.

Unfortunately, in Kuro's perception, Luffy seemed unable to hold on. 

Combined with the fact that this old crocodile seemed to want to take others down which touched Kuro's bottom line.

Playing the conspiracy game was crocodile skill; even if he truly stole a country with it, it was the government's problem to handle, unrelated to the Navy.

If Alabasta completely vanished, it didn't matter much to him. However, there were countless civilians here, and Crocodile was a pirate. That made it relevant. So, Kuro drew his sword.

The sky gradually gathered dark clouds, connecting and covering the entire territory of Alabasta. Rain began to fall. Kuro extended his hand, smiling, "Smoker, you have your style, too."

Entire Alabasta getting rain? A miracle? Wrong. Even if Luffy turned Crocodile into ashes, it wouldn't have such a widespread effect.

The reason for the Alabasta Rebellion was Crocodile's use of Dance Powder causing a drought that made the people unable to survive. 

The only place where it rained was the capital, Alubarna, and the rumor about the king's use of Dance Powder fueled resentment.

Not the scarcity, but the uneven distribution of resources is the cause of trouble. 

Crocodiles exploited this, and solving it was simple. It was what Smoker was doing now.

With a massive Dance Powder cannon shot, it rained across Alabasta, enough to dispel the resentment in people's hearts.

The next steps were straightforward. Crocodile lost his combat capabilities and was arrested by the arriving Tashigi, the truth was revealed, and the heavily injured Straw Hat was let go by Tashigi.

Currently, Tashigi lowered her head, her face gloomy and terrifying. She bit her lip tightly, gazing at the unconscious Crocodile with a face full of reluctance.

Justice, without strength to execute it.

They couldn't even pass the hurdle of dealing with Nico Robin. All they could do was watch Crocodile arrogantly proceed, and even that straw hat kid, who was undoubtedly a pirate, was given directions by the Navy.

"Mr. Kuro, what does justice look like after all?" Tashigi was somewhat perplexed. "Ask me about justice?" Kuro looked at the gradually awakening people around him, then glanced at the visibly confused Tashigi, sighing. "Is that something very important?"

"Mr. Kuro?" Tashigi didn't quite understand.

Kuro said, "I'm not very good at those idealistic theories, but if you think justice is being righteous, then follow it. I always follow this philosophy, 'My heart is as clear as a mirror, and all my actions are justice.'"

"My heart is as clear as a mirror, and all my actions are justice..." Tashigi murmured, her eyes gradually brightening.

"I understand now. Thank you, Mr. Kuro. You're not only a powerful person but also a very philosophical person!"

"My heart is as clear as a mirror, and all my actions are justice?" On the warship, Smoker also murmured this sentence, looking at Kuro, who casually pulled out his cigar.

"Your sense of justice... doesn't match with these grandiose words, Kuro, and by the way, go buy your cigar yourself!"

Smoker threw a punch, which Kuro dodged. He lit the cigar and said, "What? Isn't my justice still justice?"

He felt very satisfied with his safety strategy; nothing matched his state of mind better. How could it not be justice?

On the side, the beautiful Captain, draped in a cape, looked surprised at this scene. 

Smoker, who seemed unfriendly, appeared quite friendly with this lazy man. Was he still Smoker, she knew?

Then there was Tashigi, showing great respect for this man named Kuro. 

But she seemed unfamiliar with this Navy member. Also, he didn't seem like Smoker's subordinate.

"Hina is quite surprised."

"Oh, forgot to introduce you. He's Kuro, an ensign from the East Blue. He's here for training at the headquarters, a guy with strength but insists on hiding it."

Smoker looked at Kuro. "This is Hina, my comrades."

"Nice to meet you," Kuro said. "And, don't mind Smoker saying I'm strong. I'm weak, and my rank isn't high. Captain Hina, you don't need to pay too much attention to me."

"Nice to meet you too. Although you say that, Hina is quite curious," Hina scrutinized him closely.

He was a lazy man, with an air of laziness evident in his expressions. Kind of like some old guy, just not as creepy.

"Hey! Captain!"

At the port where the warship docked, Jango and Fullbody gathered a bunch of flowers to present to Hina as part of their daily routine. 

However, upon arriving at the port, Jango noticed Clow standing behind Kuro like a steward, and his sunglasses almost fell off in shock.

"Captain?"

Fullbody puzzled for a moment, then realized, bursting into laughter. "Idiot. Do you think you're still a pirate, Jango?"

"No, it's not Captain Hina, that's the captain, Captain Clow. My captain when I was a pirate!"

Jango pointed at Kuro and shouted, "Captain Hina, the guy in black is a pirate!"

Pirate? Hearing this, Tashigi was momentarily stunned. She quickly reacted and appeared in front of Clow in an instant, her arm swinging directly at him.

Clow didn't even have time to react and was knocked to the ground with a bang. A black iron ring surrounded him, binding his body.

"So tough!"

Clow struggled on the ground, finding the iron bar too hard to break free from.

"Still want to resist?"

Hina stepped over, preparing to add black shackles to Clow's legs. At this moment, a hand patted her shoulder.

"Hey, This person is my subordinate."

Kuro scratched his head. "You doing this makes things complicated for me."

"Your subordinate?"

Hina stopped her foot and turned to look at Kuro with a smile. "Recruiting pirates as subordinates? Hina has heard Jango mention him. Jango's captain, Kuro of a Hundred Plans."

"'Kuro of a Hundred Plans has long been captured, and the bounty has long gone with the capture. My subordinate just happens to have the same name and surname as him."

"Oh? I don't believe it. And is there any precedent for pirates joining the Navy?" Hina asked.

Kuro looked down at Jango below and then at Hina.

"Jango is different; he was acquitted by the Supreme Court and joined the Navy as a civilian," Tashigi explained. "But this man is different. Although the bounty has been revoked, if his identity is proven, he can still be arrested."

"Hina, let him go. This man is now a member of the Navy," Smoker said. "Pirates are a thing of the past."

"You pleading for someone, Hina is quite surprised," Hina looked at Smoker in amazement. "Since Smoker pleading, Hina guess it's not impossible."

She lifted her toe on the black shackle that bound Clow, and the shackle automatically released.

"Fruit ability user?"

Clow stood up, a bit wary. He hadn't reacted in time just now; this woman was too fast. She truly deserved to be a Navy Captain.

"Jango."

Ignoring Hina, Clow looked down at the frightened Jango. "I never expected you to become a Marine."

"You're one to talk, Captain!" Jango shouted.

"Shut up!"

Veins bulged on Clow's forehead as he stared resentfully at Jango. 

He never wanted to be part of the Marines. He naively believed Kuro's nonsense before, actually thinking he could live a peaceful life.

But what happened? Being a scapegoat, being a tool, being hunted down! And now, just as he stepped onto the ship, he was taken down by his Marine colleagues.

If it weren't for the years of being a butler making him more patient, this group of people, this group of people... Clow glanced around.

Lida eating expressionlessly, Smoker puffing on a cigar. Hina, who had just lit a cigar taken from Smoker, and Kuro, who had taken another cigar from Smoker.

"Jango!"

Clow's footsteps shook, and the suitcase fell to the ground. His figure disappeared. 

He reappeared behind Jango, forming the Cat Claws, and crossing at Jango's neck. "I've missed you a lot, Jango, my former subordinate."

"Cap... Captain." Jango swallowed hard. "Let's talk, talk nicely."

"Shave? Hina is surprised."

"Hey, what are you going to do to my dear friend!"

Fullbody swung his fists, saying, "Let me show you the prowess of my 'Iron Fist'!"

"Iron Fist?"

Lida, who was eating, was a bit surprised. Hearing this title, she subconsciously looked over and then seemed quite disappointed. 

How audacious one must be to call oneself 'Iron Fist'; that title isn't thrown around lightly.

"This subordinate of yours has quite a grand title. And... wasn't he a captain before?" Smoker asked.

Fullbody also came from the Marine headquarters, so Smoker had heard of him.

"For the sake of pardoning Jango, he got demoted. But his strength is good. Alongside Jango, he's become my capable subordinate. We're just lacking some achievements now."

Hina looked at Clow. "But compared to your subordinates, he falls short by a lot. Hina is quite disappointed."

Bang!

As soon as she finished speaking, both Jango and Fullbody collapsed. Together, they weren't a match for Kuro. 

Even the previous Clow wouldn't have been their match, not to mention the current one who had learned 'Shave' and novice 'Moonwalk' on his own.

For Clow, dealing with Jango and Fullbody was just a small farce. No one took it seriously; after all, Kuro was now a member of the Navy and a Petty Officer in the branch.

"Branch?!"

On the ship, Jango stared at Clow in surprise. Then, he burst into laughter, looking quite pleased. "Captain, no, Clow, I'm now a Petty Officer of the headquarters. Headquarters! If we go to a branch, I'll be Warrant Officer!"

Then, he got beaten up.

"How's Tashigi? Has she stabilized?"

Hina asked Smoker.

Smoker silently smoked a cigar. 

"She's a woman with backbone; don't worry about her. She'll adjust on her own. By the way, if others had as much backbone as her, especially a certain man."

"Hey, Kuro, you were there at the time. Why didn't you stop Crocodile? Instead, you let a pirate defeat him!"

Hina looked at him with surprise. Smoker said he was strong, preventing Crocodile? Was that even possible?

"I don't have that kind of ability," Kuro waved his hand. "Besides, pirates fighting each other is normal, isn't it?"

"You"

Smoker was so angry his teeth itched. There was a sword wound on Crocodile, the one that caused him to lose, and Smoker thought Kuro did it. 

Considering this man's personality, he wouldn't admit it.