Preparation

Time moved forward slightly.

After arranging everything, Xia Che set out with his companions.

This time, Kuma would also be coming along as an important power source and combatant.

As this was Kuma's first job as a new employee, he took it very seriously. He diligently followed his new boss's arrangements throughout the journey, worried that his lack of seriousness might jeopardize Bonnie's chance of being cured.

As for Bonnie, since her treatment was not yet complete, she would temporarily stay with Crocas.

Although Kuma desperately wanted to stay with his daughter, having not left her side since leaving the Sorbet Kingdom, this was the first time he'd been apart from her. He felt incredibly reluctant and worried, but for Bonnie's sake, he suppressed his inner feelings and promised to finish his work quickly and return to her.

Bonnie, in turn, was very understanding. Despite also missing Kuma, she still put on a happy smile, encouraging her father to go to work. She promised to listen carefully, behave during her treatment, and that once she was better, they would go traveling together to see sights they had never seen before.

For a moment, the touching scene of fatherly love and filial piety moved everyone to tears once again.

It also made Xia Che's expression darken, feeling like he was a heartless boss, pressuring his employees and forcing them to work overtime when their loved ones were sick.

Seriously!

Although Alabasta was some distance from Twin Cape, with Kuma's abilities, the round trip would only take a short while.

Why was it acting like a farewell to the living and the dead?

Of course, as a kind-hearted boss, when his employees needed to be busy, Xia Che enthusiastically arranged a caregiver for Bonnie... that caregiver being Kuro, who had been incredibly well-behaved throughout their travels.

Kuro had been like an invisible presence, asking nothing and saying nothing, just staying quietly by their side. Therefore, Xia Che felt at ease leaving him behind this time.

He even promised Kuro a promotion if he performed well on this assignment.

With all arrangements made, Xia Che and the others boarded the Fearless Battleship Saber. Powered by Kuma, they set sail for Alabasta.

As for the Fearless Battleship Saber...

As the Moke Pirates' exclusive pirate ship, it naturally had to be brought along.

After all, they needed Moke to take the fall this time, and without his exclusive vessel, what would happen to the East Blue Overlord's prestige?

And at this moment.

"Hey, the money's been transferred?" Xia Che, comfortably lounging on a beach chair once more, received a call from Crocodile. "As expected of a Shichibukai! So generous. Don't worry, you know my character, right? Old brother Crocodile, you can rest assured! What about the Seastone debt? What's the point of discussing that now? It's all in the past, we need to look forward! Just don't bring it up anymore."

It was clear that Crocodile was very displeased.

So, Xia Che gave him a surprise. "Don't worry, don't worry, I'm already heading to the Grand Line. I'll definitely let you see it! However, I used the World Government's elevator to travel to and from the Red Line Continent, so you'll have to reimburse me for the travel expenses of two hundred million!"

"What elevator is that expensive? Come on, you need to consider who I'm bringing with me. I went to great lengths to keep this hidden from the World Government."

"Old brother Crocodile, you wouldn't want the World Government to know about this, would you!"

As soon as he said that.

Crocodile's Den Den Mushi: ...

Silence fell again.

From the expression on the Den Den Mushi, it was evident that he was furious at that moment. However, Crocodile finally took a deep breath, restrained himself, and said in a low, cold tone, "Two hundred million, I'll have the cash ready. If you want it transferred from the black market, it will take a few days. Or would you prefer to pick it up yourself?"

"Old brother Crocodile, you're just so generous!" Hearing Crocodile's words, Xia Che didn't hesitate to express his praise and immediately said seriously, "No problem! If there's money to be made, why wouldn't I go? Don't worry, I promise I'll be there soon!"

"This is the last time!"

"I promise it's the last time, please believe me. After all, I'm a Marine who carries justice!"

As soon as he said that.

Crocodile: ...

Justice?

Do you even have any?

The Den Den Mushi's face seemed to contort slightly, but in the end, he merely let out a cold snort and said nothing more, directly hanging up the Den Den Mushi.

Xia Che, holding his own Den Den Mushi, couldn't help but sigh again, "As expected of a Shichibukai, so generous!"

He produced so much money without a word!

He felt like he had asked for too little.

He then put away the Den Den Mushi, turned around, and looked at Moke and Kuma beside him, "I'll be counting on you two from now on."

"Yes, Boss (BOSS)!"

Meanwhile.

Rain Base.

At Crocodile's stronghold.

"That scoundrel!" Crocodile, still clutching the Den Den Mushi after hanging up, had an exceptionally grim expression.

He knew that kid thought he had him cornered.

But it didn't matter...

When that kid arrived, he would settle the score with him properly!

Crocodile's eyes flashed with a hint of coldness. He took a deep drag from his cigar and sneered dismissively, "Justice? How dare a mere fallen marine talk to me about justice?"

He waved a hand at Daz Bones beside him.

Daz Bones understood his boss's intention, which was... to keep paying!

However.

Daz Bones hesitated for a moment and said, "That marine..."

"I know how to handle it," Crocodile flicked the ash from his cigar, a sinister smile on his face. "I'll give him one last chance. If he dares to refuse me again, I'll make him understand that I'm a pirate!"

As he finished speaking.

Daz Bones understood his boss's meaning.

One last chance to recruit that marine. If he refused, to ensure secrecy, the boss would kill him himself!

Thinking this, Daz Bones nodded, a cold glint in his eyes. He was about to speak up and recommend himself to his boss, suggesting that he personally test the fallen marine's strength, when...

"Ring ring~, ring ring~"

The Den Den Mushi rang again.

But this time, it wasn't Crocodile's private Den Den Mushi. It was the one on the table.

Crocodile's furrowed brow smoothed out again. He expressionlessly picked up the Den Den Mushi and then looked at Daz Bones, "A group of pirates has arrived. I'll go deal with them first! Get the money ready. That cunning marine won't believe us easily without seeing the money!"

"Yes! BOSS~"

As Daz Bones finished speaking, Crocodile, with a cigar in his mouth, instantly turned into sand and disappeared from sight, heading towards the direction indicated by the Den Den Mushi.

Soon.

He arrived at the shore. Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Crocodile didn't forget his heroic role. A calm smile appeared on his face. After encouraging the foolish citizens of the Alabasta Kingdom, he turned his head to look at the giant pirate ship slowly approaching, and his brow immediately furrowed again.

Of course~

What made him frown wasn't the giant, expensive pirate ship, nor the pirate flag hanging on it, but...

[My fate is mine to decide, not heaven's!]

The glaring red banner on the ship made even Crocodile, a great pirate who had seen it all, stare in stunned silence.

How arrogant can they be?

But then, a cold, dismissive sneer crossed his face, and he shook his head.

Foolish fellows.

Aren't they afraid of being beaten to death?

Little did they know that at this very moment, on that giant pirate ship.

Kuma also fell silent as he looked at the reappearing couplet. He opened his mouth and looked at Moke, who was crossing his arms, as if he had something to say but didn't know how to say it.

"What are you looking at, Kuma?" Moke, who was striking a pose, noticed Kuma's gaze. He glanced at his banner and said with a chuckle, "Not bad, right? This was designed by the boss for me. He said as long as I display it, it will attract everyone's attention, making me the brightest star among all pirates, and intimidating others with my East Blue Overlord aura!"

"..."

It certainly attracted attention.

It also made him an easy target for a beating!

But hearing that it was the boss's order, Kuma didn't say anything more and looked up at the shore.

He'd better finish this quickly and go back to see Bonnie!