Chapter 20: The Confident Crocodile

As Crocodile's voice echoed through the room, his words dripped with scorn, but Akira remained unfazed, his stance unyielding. The tension between them thickened, the air charged with unspoken animosity.

"To be honest, I can't stand these so-called 'justice' types," Crocodile sneered, his eyes narrowing as he flicked his cigar ash with casual indifference. "They're always trying to prove their strength, their so-called righteousness, through pointless actions. If that's the case, then show me what makes you think you have the right to say things like that."

Akira's expression didn't shift. "I don't need to justify myself to you," he replied, his voice calm but carrying a weight that belied its simplicity. "You speak of justice, but your idea of power is just a reflection of your desperation. You're nothing but a coward who hides behind his title."

The words were cutting, but Crocodile only smirked, his eyes flashing with cold amusement. "You think you're the only one who's tasted power?" he sneered, his gaze flicking briefly to Robin, still held in Akira's grip. "What makes you so different from me?"

"Everything," Akira said with a dangerous calm. "I'm not just some man who claims power. I don't need to crush others to feel validated. I carve my own path—and that's what you'll never understand."

Ellie, standing beside Akira, couldn't help but feel a strange satisfaction at his words. She had never seen him speak so plainly, and it felt good—good to hear him so confident, unbothered by Crocodile's taunts.

Crocodile's hand twitched, his fingers itching toward the sand at his side, ready to strike. But Akira was quicker.

Before anyone could react, Akira stepped forward, moving with such speed that even Crocodile barely had time to respond. His body shifted, a blur of motion, and the next instant, he was standing right in front of Crocodile, his face inches from the former warlord's.

"You still don't get it, do you?" Akira's voice was low, almost a growl. "This isn't about power or dominance. This is about you losing. And no matter how strong you think you are, you're not invincible."

Crocodile's eyes darkened, his smirk faltering. "You're a fool to challenge me like this."

Akira didn't respond right away. Instead, he turned his gaze to Robin, his eyes briefly softening. She was still frozen, trapped by his power, yet there was something almost reluctant in the way he held her. It was clear he didn't want to harm her—at least not for the sake of it.

"You're lucky," Akira said, his voice carrying a hint of regret. "But don't mistake my kindness for weakness."

With that, he took a step back, releasing the pressure that held Robin in place. She collapsed to the ground, her legs trembling as she regained control over her body.

Robin looked up, her eyes narrowing as she glanced at Akira. There was no mistaking the respect in her gaze now, despite the tension that still hung between them. She had never met anyone quite like him—someone who spoke so casually but backed it up with undeniable power.

Meanwhile, Ellie was seething with frustration. She had been ready to leap at Crocodile, to show him what true power was. But Akira's restraint, his composure, was something that kept her back. It was a kind of power she couldn't fully understand yet—but it was one she admired, even if it angered her.

Crocodile, his temper rising, clenched his fists. "You're a fool," he spat. "And you'll regret this."

Akira just smirked. "The only one regretting this will be you, Crocodile."

The room seemed to hold its breath as the battle lines were drawn, the air thick with tension. Neither side would back down, but Akira knew, deep down, that the victory was already his. He wasn't just fighting for Alabasta. He was fighting for something more—something only he could see.

And Crocodile? He was just a stepping stone on the path to that future.

"Make your move," Akira said, his tone steady. "But know this: no matter what you do, this ends with you on the ground."

Crocodile's lip curled into a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "We'll see about that," he sneered.

And with that, the battle for Alabasta began in earnest.

With that, Crocodile unleashed a surge of raw power, transforming the surrounding buildings into swirling sand. The air crackled with energy as the environment became engulfed in his destructive force.

"Is this the true power of the Seven Warlords?" Ace muttered, visibly uneasy. His eyes darted between Crocodile and Akira, clearly worried about the danger that might unfold.

Akira, however, remained calm. He'd already formulated a plan to deal with Crocodile. There was no need to worry.

"Don't say I didn't give you a chance," Akira said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Let me see what kind of power a man with a 1 billion beli bounty can wield."

The air grew heavy with tension as Crocodile's force spread. Sand consumed everything in its path, creating a vast arena that left only Crocodile and Akira standing. The rest of the world was obscured, leaving the two opponents to face off in silence.

"Since we've been handed such an opportunity, let's make this interesting," Crocodile said, his tone smug. "If you win, I'll leave Alabasta for good, and never show my face here again. But if I win, your freedom will be mine to control."

Akira's eyes narrowed, his expression remaining unfazed. He hadn't expected Crocodile to be so arrogant, but this was a challenge he couldn't pass up.

"Fine. But when you lose, don't say I didn't warn you," Akira replied with a confident smirk.

And so, the stage was set. In the heart of Alabasta's royal palace, the strongest newcomer, Akira, stood ready to face Crocodile, one of the notorious Seven Warlords. The air was thick with the scent of impending conflict, and the tension was palpable. The battle was about to begin, and neither side was willing to back down.

No one could predict how this confrontation would end.

... patreon Seasay