"Lord Roy, isn't it a bit too arrogant of us to just show up in the Rain Base like this?" Xia still expressed some concern about this trip. After all, the enemy is a well-known Shichibukai. Shouldn't we be more cautious and have a series of battle plans?
"Hehe, there's no need for that. Although that crocodile's forces aren't very strong, they're excellent at intelligence gathering. They should have known all along that my target was him."
In fact, Roy has always been speechless about the forces formed by the Shichibukai. Apart from Doflamingo, they are basically either lone wolves or commanders without any real power, and they have very few subordinates who are worthy of his attention.
This also shows the difference between the Shichibukai and the Four Emperors. Each of the Four Emperors can establish their own territory, which is like a small World Government'. In addition to relying on the deterrent power of the four emperors at their peak, it is more due to their intricate and deeply rooted armed forces.
Even disregarding the Four Emperors themselves, they are still incredibly powerful forces. Otherwise, a lone wolf like Hawkeye would only inspire respect, not fear.
However, the forces formed by the Shichibukai are mostly small fry. Moria's three monsters are utterly useless; aside from Perona, they're all weaklings. As for Crocodile the Sand's subordinates, only Mr. 1 is somewhat decent; the rest are completely incompetent. No wonder Crocodile declared to the world that he never needed subordinates—bringing them around would just lower his status.
Therefore, in Roy's view, this operation to seize the title of Shichibukai didn't require any plan at all. Wasting energy eliminating Crocodile's forces? A waste of time! Wasting time controlling Crocodile the Sand's men to threaten them was even more unnecessary; no one cared.
In Roy's view, the only one who could cause him trouble in this operation was Crocodile. Although Old Sand's strength might be a bit weak among the Shichibukai, there are absolutely no weaklings among those who can become the Shichibukai (except for a certain future god). After all, the founder said that one should despise the enemy strategically, but take the enemy seriously tactically.
However, Roy and his group's open appearance in Alabasta still caused trouble for many people.
After all, in most people's eyes, Roy is now an absolute big shot. The fact that such a person is not rushing to the New World to stir up trouble, but instead appears in this desert kingdom, makes people wonder about Roy's intentions.
In fact, this was before the news of the Marine Headquarters' disastrous expedition had even spread; otherwise, the shock caused by Roy's arrival would have been several levels stronger than it is now.
Many well-informed people roughly guessed Roy's intentions. While they were excited, they were also secretly horrified. Such a battle between two important figures was an extremely rare spectacle in the first half of the Grand Line.
However, correspondingly, from now on, the entire Alabasta Kingdom is no longer safe. The Shichibukai -level combat power is known as a mobile calamity. If the two sides in the battle do not restrain their power, the damage they cause will be absolutely devastating.
Many wealthy individuals and gang leaders are secretly transferring their assets and influence, which has led to many ordinary people suddenly finding that all the high-end clubs and casinos around them have closed down. It's as if the entire kingdom has suddenly become desolate, giving people a sense that a storm is brewing.
"Disaster! Disaster! These cruel pirates are sure to bring calamity to the kingdom." Nefertari Cobra paced back and forth, looking deeply worried.
"Your Majesty, I believe the Phantom Sword Pirates are simply here to resupply and also to enjoy the beautiful desert scenery of Alabasta," Igaram reassured, feeling dizzy from Cobra.
"Right? Even you think they're after beautiful Alabasta. Maybe they're already plotting to conquer the kingdom." Faced with the king, who was already delusional, Igaram said, "I can't respond to that."
"No, I am the king of this country. Even for the sake of all my people, I must pull myself together. If even I am afraid, this country is utterly doomed." A holy light seemed to flash behind Cobra.
"Hey, hey, hey, that's not true at all. You've just made all this up in your head," Igaram thought to himself, exasperated.
"Fortunately, our kingdom is protected by Crocodile, one of the Shichibukai. I think those pirates shouldn't dare to attack the kingdom easily."
"Your Majesty, if I may be so bold, perhaps that group of pirates had no interest in Alabasta at all, and were actually after Lord Crocodile. After all, the title of Shichibukai still holds considerable sway among pirates."
"Oh, is that so?" Cobra breathed a sigh of relief, but at the same time felt a strange sense of loss. Was his country, which he cherished so much, really so insignificant in the eyes of those pirates?
"Your Majesty, what we should do now is to evacuate the people as much as possible. If those two monsters are allowed to fight recklessly, I'm afraid most of the kingdom will suffer."
"You're right. This is a critical moment, and as king, I must shoulder my responsibilities at this crucial juncture. I will immediately issue an emergency decree to the people, explaining that if necessary, we can consider taking mandatory evacuation measures. After this disaster, I will compensate them again and ask for their forgiveness."
"Mr. 0, Roy and his crew have entered Rain Base without any attempt to conceal their presence. They are very likely after us. In other words, they may have their eyes on your title Shichibukai." Robin smiled serenely, her smile carrying an ethereal quality, seemingly untouchable and always shrouded in an invisible disguise.
Robin's feelings at this moment were complicated and hard to describe. It had only been a few months since Roy became famous throughout the sea because of his 300 million bounty, and he had already defeated Doflamingo, one of the Shichibukai. Moreover, this time he had set his sights on her boss Crocodile the Sand.
You know, last time she treated Roy like a pitiful wretch like herself, thinking he couldn't escape the fate of being destroyed either. But how long has it been? Roy has already turned his life around, while she is still endlessly sinking into darkness.
"Hmph, let him come then. Don't think that just because he defeated Doflamingo, he can look down on the other Shichibukai. I will make him wither and decay step by step toward destruction." Crocodile swung his Golden Hook, bringing up a raging sandstorm. The moist and soft land in front of him instantly dried up and cracked, turning into scorched earth.