"They were too weak to cause any trouble. Let them go." Crocodile stared at the patrol and made his judgment.
But someone in that patrol suddenly stopped and turned to look in Crocodile's direction.
"Hm? Who's there?" The patrolman's gaze was cold as he tightened his grip on his weapon. Together with the others, he formed up and faced this direction in full readiness. "Stop hiding! Come out! I'm a Zoan Devil Fruit ability user—my senses far surpass those of ordinary people!"
MR.1 silently turned to look at Crocodile. Though he said nothing, Crocodile could read the question in his eyes: Could someone who had detected them really be considered weak?
"I misjudged them." Crocodile was speechless for a moment. His dead-fish eyes gleamed coldly as he silently stepped out from behind the tree.
Seeing two people emerge from behind the tree, the patrolmen became even more vigilant. They raised their weapons at the two and cautiously closed in step by step.
"Hm?" But when they got closer and took a careful look, they were immediately shocked. Someone recognized Crocodile. "Y-you're Crocodile?! What are you doing here?"
Crocodile did not answer. He slowly raised his right hand and spread his fingers. A small Sandstorm whirlwind spun above his palm. "Let's start with these small fry!"
Dust Devil Slash!
The instant Crocodile made his move, MR.1's body had already flashed with light. His Devil Fruit ability transformed into sharp blades, and he charged forward at high speed, spreading his limbs and sending blade-like gusts sweeping out. With one strike, he sent several patrolmen flying.
"Damn it!" One patrolman with a Devil Fruit ability moved with astonishing speed. He flipped away, instantly transformed into his beast form, and soared upward with huge leathery wings like a giant bat, evading MR.1's attack. "Do