The Sand Crocodile's Convictions Shattered · Zoro Returned Home

Alabasta Rainbase Ruins

Before the dust had completely settled, Crocodile knelt on the Scorched Earth, his body mangled and battered.

He clutched the burn wound on his right shoulder tightly; the sandy area had long since crystallized and deteriorated, and half of his body could no longer freely transform into elemental form.

"Cough... cough..."

He gritted his teeth, spitting out a mouthful of saliva mixed with blood and foam, his golden hook hand digging into the charred ground to support his swaying body.

"Damn it... How could I possibly lose to... such a brat?!"

The sand slowly gathered around him, trying to provide him with a last shred of protection, however—

"Tap... tap... tap..."

Familiar yet dangerous footsteps echoed slowly from the embers of the fire.

With each step taken, the earth seemed to tremble slightly, and the temperature rose a few degrees.

Ace approached step by step, his body still wreathed in blazing white flames, his expression calm, yet his aura was like a volcano pressing down.

Crocodile looked up, his pupils suddenly contracting!

"Boom!!"

An invisible Impact swept in all directions, causing the air between heaven and earth to tremble!

Conqueror's Haki --

Like the invisible will of a monarch, it was unleashed wildly from Ace at this moment!

The loose sand on the ground trembled, the broken brick walls cracked and crumbled, and an irresistible pressure seemed to permeate the air.

Crocodile shuddered, cold sweat pouring down his forehead.

"This brat... he actually has Conqueror's Haki?!"

"He actually possesses the 'qualities of a king'?!"

At that moment, his mind went blank, and for the first time in twenty years, he truly felt the complete suppression from the New Generation.

"What a joke... a mere brat who's just started out at sea, what makes him think he can—"

However, before he could finish speaking, Ace's right fist was already raised high, and blazing white flames once again gathered on the tip of his fist.

He stared coldly at the "Tyrant of the Sand" before him, a man who had once inspired fear in countless people. His eyes held no emotion, only a whispered thought, "It's time to end this."

Crocodile roared, and the sand surged, attempting a final Sandstorm counterattack!

At this critical moment between life and death—

"That's fine."

A familiar voice, as gentle as the wind, instantly dominated the entire atmosphere.

Ace paused, the flames went out, and he slowly turned around.

Roy had somehow appeared behind them with Robin, his expression calm.

Ace did not hesitate, but simply nodded, extinguished the fire, and stepped aside.

Roy strode forward, standing before Crocodile, looking down at the once arrogant "Shichibukai".

"Hey, little crocodile."

Stop thinking those little schemes of yours.

His voice was calm, yet commanding. "Considering your plan hasn't been fully implemented yet, I'll let you off the hook today, assuming I don't really want to take action."

Crocodile stared intently at him, gritting his teeth, his eyes filled with resentment and humiliation.

"I'm not an unreasonable person. Since I'm taking your people away, I'll give you some compensation."

Roy slowly crouched down, his voice suddenly lowering as he chuckled softly as he leaned close to his ear, "Pluton... isn't in Alabasta."

Don't bother.

"Boom!!"

These words struck him like a bolt of lightning!

Crocodile's pupils dilated suddenly, his mind Quake-Split!

"?!!"

"How did he know I was looking for Pluton?! Did he see him with his own eyes?!"

Roy ignored his shock, simply standing up and clapping his hands: "And one more thing—"

"You're really not very bright."

He tilted his head slightly, his tone unhurried. "When Ivankov modified your body back then... did he also mess up your brain along with it?"

Crocodile was jolted, as if struck by lightning!

"This... even this...!!"

His whole body stiffened, and he trembled as he stared at Roy's retreating figure, as those long-buried past events and secrets were revealed one by one.

"Who... are you...?"

Roy didn't answer, he just waved his hand. "Even if you did find Pluton, what then?"

"Artillery fire can destroy an island, but—"

A sarcastic smile played on his lips, "A true powerhouse at sea, who can't destroy an island?"

"Whitebeard, Akainu... even me."

"Do you think those people will just stand there like idiots and let you aim and fire?"

After speaking, he turned and left.

Ace chuckled and shrugged, following closely behind. Robin remained silent for a moment, glanced at Crocodile, and finally stepped forward to catch up.

The wind howled, the flames died down, leaving only one person huddled alone in the ruins.

Crocodile collapsed to the ground, letting the sand and dust fill his mouth and nose, his eyes staring blankly at the sky.

"Pluton is not in Alabasta..."

"He also knows about Ivankov and me..."

"Destroying an island with a single shot is something even the strongest can do..."

His worldview seemed to collapse instantly.

After a long silence, he suddenly chuckled softly, a laugh filled with self-mockery and despair, like a trapped beast whose spine had been broken.

"My life over the years..."

"What kind of stupid thing are you doing..."

Grand Line - A Certain Sea Area

The azure sea shimmered, and the sunlight scattered like shattered gold.

A small boat silently appeared on the previously empty water and then slowly sailed away from Alabasta.

On the deck, Robin stood at the bow, the sea breeze ruffling her long hair, her expression carrying a trace of lingering confusion and unease.

She gazed at the receding coastline and whispered, "Are we just... going to abandon him like this?"

"Crocodile, after all..."

Roy leaned against the ship's railing, chin resting on his hand, and upon hearing this, simply waved his hand dismissively, his tone remaining casual:

"Don't worry, that crocodile isn't that stupid."

"After being beaten up like that, and then having his secret exposed... if he still dares to act recklessly now—"

A lazy smile played on his lips, "Then next time we meet, it won't be as simple as just 'beating up'."

Robin remained silent for a moment, then finally nodded.

Behind him, Ace plopped down on the railing, swinging his legs excitedly. "Roy, are we going to see Sabo this time in Baltigo?"

Roy nodded. "Yeah, as long as he hasn't been on any secret missions lately, he should be there."

The ship accelerated silently, gradually disappearing into the blue sky and white clouds.

Robin looked down at his slightly curled fingertips, his heart still churning with emotion.

"Revolutionary Army..."

"That organization known to the world as the 'Rebels'..."

"Can I really... find a sense of belonging there?"

East Blue · Loguetown Harbor

Meanwhile, a small Marine warship slowly entered the Loguetown in the morning light.

Zoro and Kuina walked down the gangway side by side, followed by several Marines who had completed their mission.

"As per Marine Headquarters' instructions, I'm entitled to three days' leave. I'll return to Shimotsuki Village and then rejoin the unit on time." Kuina flipped through the itinerary in her hand, her tone indifferent.

Zoro yawned and stretched lazily, "Ah, it's been a long time since I've been back. I'll also visit the old man."

Kuina nodded, but paused after catching a glimpse of Zoro's nonchalant expression out of the corner of her eye.

"Then I'll go buy some things, you... um."

She initially wanted to let him wander off on his own, but seeing Zoro's "I'm going to get lost" expression, she sighed and said, "Never mind, let's go see Commodore Smoker together first, so you don't get lost again."

Zoro clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction. "... Hey! Don't treat me like a child!"

Loguetown Branch Office

"Oh? You're going back to the East Blue?" Smoker asked, Cigar dangling from his lips, as he sat in his office chair, flipping through a mission briefing.

Looking up at the two of them, he immediately noticed the change in Kuina.

She is no longer the little girl with short hair and sharp eyes. Her long hair falls naturally over her shoulders, and while her heroic spirit remains, she has gained a touch of feminine gentleness.

Smoker paused slightly, as if he had seen someone's shadow, and the cigarette lingered between his fingers for a few seconds.

"You've grown your hair long?" he said casually.

Kuina chuckled softly, "Sometimes I'd like to try... what it's like to be all grown up."

Smoker didn't ask any further questions, but simply chuckled and turned his gaze to Zoro: "But you... don't cause any trouble in the East Blue."

Zoro immediately crossed his arms and retorted with dissatisfaction, "What trouble could I possibly cause?"

Kuina chimed in coldly, "For example... getting lost, accidentally stumbling onto someone else's Pirate ship, and being taken hostage."

Zoro: "... Can you please stop bringing up old grievances?"

Smoker couldn't help but burst into laughter, waving his hand to indicate, "Alright, alright, go ahead, just be back on time."

Loguetown Street

After a brief farewell, Kuina went alone to the dockside market to buy supplies.

As for Zoro--

Sure enough, I got lost in the familiar town again.

"Strange... Wasn't I just walking with her... Where am I now?"

He stood on the street corner, looking around blankly.

Just then, a familiar wooden sign came into view.

He blinked—"Ipponmatsu Weapons Shop."

Zoro paused for a moment, then a smile appeared on his lips as he walked over.

"Jingle--"

The wind chimes on the door rang.

"Welcome light--"

The elderly shop owner behind the counter looked up, his eyes widening in shock. "You... you are?!"

Zoro chuckled and scratched his head, "Long time no see, boss."

The old man stared tremblingly at the three Famous Swords at his waist, especially the one with the Black Scabbard, "Shusui," his eyes filled with disbelief.

"You... have you really become a great swordsman?!"

Zoro didn't answer directly, but walked to the counter and glanced at the rows of neatly arranged sword racks.

"I'm coming back this time," he said, "To buy a few more knives."

The shopkeeper was taken aback. "Don't you already have three?"

Zoro shook his head, looking out at the sunlit street, his tone unusually gentle. "It wasn't me."

His gaze was distant, as if he were looking at a village in the far distance.

"It's for a group of... kids who are still chasing their dreams."

Outside the store

In the dim afternoon light, a young girl's figure slowly came to a stop in front of the door.

She was dressed in simple training clothes, carrying an ordinary Bamboo Sword, with slightly messy short dark blue hair, and a pair of red-rimmed square Glasses perched on her nose.

She took a deep breath, raised her hand, and was about to push the door open and enter.

"Jingle--"

The wind chimes rang again.