Sand Crocodile, Captain John

After arriving at the destination, Jon looked ahead and noticed quite a few people gathering there, but only two were actually fighting.

He quietly hid to the side, observing the situation.

"Young man, for someone just setting out to sea, possessing such strength is rare. Why not join my pirate crew? I'll take you to the ends of the world and help you achieve the greatest power and glory."

"A washed-up old man like you still dreaming of becoming Pirate King? That's a delusion. You're nothing like Roger, and you're not worthy of me joining you."

"Every rookie setting out to sea is just like you—thinking they're the main character of this ocean and aiming for the Pirate King title, yet totally unaware of how small they are. You're only able to exchange blows with me because you lucked out and ate a Logia-type Devil Fruit. I wanted to recruit you—that's the only reason I didn't kill you."

"Heh, saying I'm just lucky and that you could've killed me... Old man, if you've got the guts, then come at me! Show me what you've got beyond that mouth of yours."

"You arrogant brat... You'll regret this."

Jon, already quite close, took the chance during their conversation to sweep his gaze over the crowd before focusing on the two main combatants.

He quickly recognized them.

"That guy with the sword is a former member of the Rocks Pirates and now captain of the John Pirates; the one using sand must be the future Warlord, Crocodile."

Captain John had a pretty high bounty and was a well-known pirate in the New World, so Jon recognized him right away.

As for Crocodile, though it was Jon's first time seeing him in person, his sand powers, slicked-back hairstyle, flamboyant coat, and defiant attitude made him easy to identify.

Jon had just heard from Sakazuki that remnants of the Rocks Pirates were gathering again, and now he had stumbled upon John.

Judging from their fight and conversation, it seemed John had taken a liking to Crocodile's strength and powers and tried to recruit him—only to be rejected, which led to this clash.

Though John was once part of the Rocks Pirates, he was far weaker compared to Whitebeard, Big Mom, or Shiki the Golden Lion.

After the fall of Rocks, he had vanished for a long time—rumored to have made off with Rocks' treasure.

Now that John had resurfaced, Jon wondered if it was related to what Sakazuki had mentioned.

But either way, since he'd run into them, he couldn't just let them be.

Jon wasn't easily intimidated—even when faced with well-known pirates, he didn't back down. In fact, he was fired up. Capturing John would be a huge accomplishment.

And as for Crocodile, who would become a threat in the future—taking care of him now wouldn't be a bad move either.

"Captain, why are you still talking to this punk? If he won't join, just take him out already."

"Yeah, Captain! What's the holdup? We've seen Logia users before."

"Don't tell me you're too old to fight, Captain? If you can't handle it, let me!"

"…"

The pirates watching nearby were members of John's crew. Judging from their tone, the crew wasn't exactly loyal or respectful—joking about their captain as if he were a joke himself.

"These bastards…"

A flicker of anger crossed John's face. Clearly, he was irritated. Many of his crew had once been part of the Rocks Pirates. They didn't follow him out of loyalty or respect for his power, but out of greed—a pack of vultures united by shared interest.

If it weren't for the fact that he controlled part of the Rocks Pirates' treasure, they probably would've mutinied long ago.

Enraged, John channeled his frustration at Crocodile.

He drew his blade—his swordsmanship was undeniable. As a swordsman, he was quite formidable.

But Crocodile, though still early in his career, wasn't your average rookie. With a Logia-type Sand-Sand Fruit, raw grit, and innate talent, his power was the real deal.

The two clashed again—John's sword techniques were sharp, and he came close to striking Crocodile several times.

"Is that really Crocodile?"

Watching Crocodile go toe-to-toe with John, Jon was genuinely surprised. Was this really the same Crocodile who got trashed by Straw Hat Luffy in the anime?

As the first true big bad in One Piece, Crocodile left a lasting impression—but his strength was always a bit... questionable, having lost to the main character early on.

But now, watching Crocodile in action—Jon could hardly believe it. This version of Crocodile, with such strength more than twenty years ago, was defeated by Luffy?

Captain John might not be at his prime, but he was still a major pirate—probably worth 200 or 300 million berries.

And yet, he couldn't take down Crocodile without holding back, which said a lot about Crocodile's strength.

Jon, with his sharp perception, noticed that John was being overly cautious in the fight. He had multiple chances to land a serious hit but held back to avoid injury.

At this rate, unless John's crew interfered, the fight might never reach a conclusion.

The watching pirates were clearly getting impatient. Seeing the duel drag on, many of them were ready to jump in.

"Enough of this—everyone, let's finish that punk!"

A dozen or so pirates rushed forward with weapons drawn, ignoring John's authority.

"You bastards…"

John was furious, but his crew paid him no mind. They all ganged up on Crocodile.

"You scum… just die already!"

Crocodile didn't panic at all—in fact, he grinned viciously. He quickly enlarged his arm into a crescent-shaped sand blade and slashed at the incoming pirates.

These guys didn't understand the Sand-Sand Fruit at all and charged right in. A few dodged in time, but most didn't and got hit by the sand blade.

Rather than being sliced open, something worse happened.

The pirates' bodies were instantly drained of moisture. Without water, they collapsed like dried-up mummies—twitching slightly but clearly beyond saving.

Crocodile went all out, unleashing his full power with no concern for stamina, shouting:

"You worthless worms—DIE!"

He slammed his right hand onto the ground, summoning a massive wave of sand. The earth cracked and dried instantly.

Everything the sand touched was drained of moisture—buildings, people, everything was rapidly turned to dust and swept away in a vast sandstorm.

John's entire pirate crew was now within the sand's deadly range.

"Ground Death!"

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