Chapter 33 Cooperation And Transaction
At that moment, in the vast golden underground palace, three parties had finally gathered around the piece of text representing the blank 100 years of history.
Nico Robin stood before the historical text with a sad expression. Miss Zala, who was thrilled by Gnar's arrival, and Kobra, who was restrained and watching the new arrival with suspicion, made up the other two parties.
Behind Zala's petite frame stood two burly men, acting as mountains, protecting her.
Crocodile observed the young and audacious Gnar, who had suddenly appeared and blocked his attack. Crocodile's eyes narrowed slightly. Since returning to the first half of the Grand Line, he had not encountered anyone who could block him. This was a rare occurrence.
"Interesting!"
With a cold snort, Crocodile activated his Logia Sand-Sand Fruit's elemental ability again. His figure instantly vanished from sight. Ignoring Gnar and Zala, he attacked Robin. For him, Robin was the only one who mattered here.
Just as he reached Nico Robin and materialized, intending to grab her and take her away, Gnar appeared again as if teleporting. He replicated the previous scene, grabbing Crocodile's outstretched arm and positioning himself between Crocodile and Robin.
"What!!!"
Crocodile was genuinely surprised. If he had been blocked previously due to negligence, this time it meant that Gnar truly possessed power worth noting. This piqued his interest even more.
Crocodile reformed his elemental body but did not attack. Instead, he regained his physical form and stood a short distance away from Gnar, observing him with a leisurely smile.
"Interesting. I didn't expect to see someone like you in the first half of the Grand Line!"
Crocodile's unexpected praise stunned everyone present. They had been tense moments ago, and now he was casually chatting?
Gnar responded without any humility, "It's an honor to be praised by someone like you."
"Guhahahaha..."
Crocodile grinned menacingly. "A Phantom Beast Devil Fruit is indeed rare in these waters. But if you think that with your Devil Fruit, you can do whatever you want, you're quite naive."
Gnar's curiosity was piqued by Crocodile's words. He asked, "Oh? What exactly are you implying, Mr. Crocodile?"
"Nothing much. I just want to tell you that in the New World, there are countless so-called kings. With your current strength, you can't stand against them. And in the first half of the Grand Line, you've already seen the Marines, right?"
Gnar nodded. "I have accurate information. The World Government has ordered your elimination to recover the Devil Fruit you possess. Admiral Zephyr has been personally dispatched. If all goes as expected, he should arrive in Alabasta by nightfall."
Upon hearing this, Zala broke into a cold sweat. "Admiral!!!"
She understood the significance of an Admiral, representing the Marines, the World Government, and the strongest forces at sea.
Robin also became concerned and frowned.
Gnar remained calm. "Thank you for the information. However, Mr. Crocodile, you must have another reason for sharing so much."
Crocodile's smile widened. "Though I was slightly displeased by your provocation over the phone, it's not a big deal. I'm a pirate; my primary concern is profit. We don't need to fight. Instead, we can cooperate."
"Cooperate!?"
"Yes."
Crocodile looked at Nico Robin and the historical text behind her. "You have Nico Robin, and I have money and manpower. If Nico Robin reveals the content of this historical text, we can join forces to gain world-shaking power."
Gnar suddenly understood Crocodile's intentions. Robin regarded Gnar with meaningful eyes, as this moment might also reveal some secrets.
Zala was surprised. She hadn't anticipated that BOSS would propose cooperation with Gnar. Regardless of his true motives, she wouldn't need to be deceitful.
Kobra was anxious, knowing that Crocodile was aware of the historical text's significance.
To Crocodile's surprise, Gnar merely smiled at his offer. "Although Mr. Crocodile's proposal is tempting, I'm afraid I must decline."
"!!!"
Crocodile frowned and looked at Nico Robin, who was also contemplating. "Hey kid, aren't you interested in what's written in this historical text? Since you're with Nico Robin, you must have heard of it. The Void Century—aren't you at all curious?"
Crocodile's words were cryptic, as even he was cautious about revealing some information.
However, Gnar ignored him, walking slowly to Kobra's side. He looked at Kobra, who was restrained by Robin's powers, and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Your Majesty Cobra. Robin can be a bit impatient with matters related to historical texts. Robin-chan, please release His Majesty Cobra. He is a rare wise king."
Robin, still uncertain, complied and released Kobra from her restraints. Crocodile watched coldly, intrigued by Gnar's actions.
Kobra, now free, looked at the pirate in front of him with confusion, not understanding his intentions.
Gnar then spoke. "Your Majesty Cobra, I'd like to propose a deal."
"A deal!?"
Everyone, including Cobra, Robin, Crocodile, and Zala, was surprised.
"That's right. There's an oasis called Youba in the desert of Alabasta, correct? I want you to give me that oasis, and in return..."
Gnar looked at everyone present. "Can you please forget everything that happened here today?"
Though it seemed a rude and audacious request, Kobra gritted his teeth and asked, "Lord Gnar, what will you offer in exchange?"
"It's simple. At some point in the future, I will save this country in return."
Everyone was again taken aback. Kobra frowned and said, "Your Excellency Gnar, are you joking? You're asking for land in our kingdom in exchange for an unspecified future favor?"
"Of course, it's not an empty promise."
Gnar leaned closer and whispered three names in Kobra's ear: "Lily, Imu, Nika..."
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