Eleven People

Beside an island in the first half of the Grand Line.

Long lay on the grassy ground, basking in the sun.

At this time, the rest of the Hell Pirates had already gone to the center of the island.

Watch the battle between Crocodile and Enel.

Looking down from above, the sky above where Oboro lay, at the very edge of the horizon, was filled with swirling yellow sand and raging thunder, a terrifying spectacle that seemed poised to destroy the entire island.

On the warship, a battle between two top-tier Logia-type Devil Fruit users would be too confined, so they found a nearby spot to serve as their dueling arena. This contest was somewhat unfair to Crocodile, as his injuries hadn't fully healed; since being defeated by Luffy, he had been imprisoned and his stamina hadn't fully recovered. Even so, Crocodile, without hesitation, prepared to teach Enel a lesson.

They have complete self-confidence.

Boom! The leaves overhead trembled, dust fell, and just as it was about to cover Long's face, it was pushed away by a 'gentle' airflow.

Right now, a huge wave of sand suddenly erupted from the center of the island, sweeping outwards like a tsunami. Its range and momentum far surpassed Enel's lightning.

"As expected... he's awakened."

Long opened her eyes and smiled slightly.

During his battle with Luffy, Crocodile's awakened Devil Fruit powers were already beginning to emerge, but he was defeated before he could unleash his full strength.

Very well, let Enel see what it's like to be a powerhouse at the pinnacle of Devil Fruit power development.

With a sudden thought, Long closed her eyes again for a short rest.

Less than an hour later.

Two people emerged from the woods behind Long.

At the front is the current vice-captain of the Hell Pirates, followed by Daz Bones.

Old Crocodile's slicked-back hair looked somewhat messy and unkempt, and he also looked very tired... However, the fact that he was here meant that Enel had already lost.

He finished the fight even faster Ace.

The main reason is that the Crocodile is too experienced; old ginger is spicier.

However, his victory wasn't so easy.

Crocodile plopped down next to Oboro without saying a word.

Long opened her eyes and asked with a smile.

"The World Government anticipated my joining your One Piece crew... Which of the Yonko are you going to challenge?" Crocodile changed the subject, not wanting to comment further on Enel.

"Hehehe."

Long laughed.

Crocodile was also quite intelligent.

Judging from the Navy's mission to escort him, Doflamingo's actions, and the information he had received, he had clearly realized something.

"You're right. Offering you up is... to bolster our ability to challenge the Yonko. Once people gain strength, they'll challenge even stronger opponents—that's human nature, and it's ambition. One Piece crews are the same... If I hadn't hijacked the ship, you'd be sent to Impel Down, and they wouldn't have suffered any loss. Besides, they know your personality well. Someone like you joining the Hell Pirates might not be a good thing... because you'll never submit to anyone. If you joined, you might even dismantle the Hell Pirates from within..."

Oboro continued, "In their eyes, although I am very cunning, I am still a young man after all... Now that I have become One Piece and roam the seas, I will inevitably clash with them after entering the New World... Not to mention, Charlotte Linlin and Kaido already have a lot of opinions about me."

"So, in the short term, your joining the Hell Pirates will make you a bigger threat, but in the long run, it's actually a good thing."

"This shouldn't be Crane's idea. Although that old woman has foresight... she's always been steady in her actions. This kind of gambling-like approach, including sacrificing her naval colleagues, isn't her style."

"It's most likely one of the Five Elders."

Crocodile stared at Oboro, remaining silent.

This was his first contact with the God Slayer as a 'comrade', and he was not surprised by Oboro's calm analysis.

If a country couldn't even be considered as wary by the World Government, it would probably be doomed long ago.

"However... the Celestial Dragons overlooked one point..."

Finally, Long looked at Old Sha and said, "Although you are an extremely unstable factor and your personality may seem to clash with mine, you are smart enough... and I have enough confidence to tie you to my side and make you act for our common interests."

"Snort."

Crocodile chuckled. "You haven't been to the New World yet, have you? Once you get there, it'll be difficult to be as relaxed as you are now..."

While the two were talking, the rest of the Hell Pirates arrived late.

Enel fainted again and was carried on Yuri's shoulder.

Thus, the transformation plan of the Skypiea God was successfully completed.

On the warship, from some of Enel's words, Oboro had already sensed that... Enel was less resistant to the Hell Pirates, and had even unconsciously integrated into them, becoming more aware of the importance of his comrades and his own weakness... Although it hadn't been long, Enel's personality had already subtly changed.

At least, he's not as arrogant as he was when he first arrived in the Blue Sea.

Although, they still maintain a certain air of superiority...

The group did not leave the island, but rested there for the night.

One option is to wait for Enel to wake up, and the other is to bestow 'divine power' upon the new member.

Enel finally accepted the baptism of the Bloodline Card.

His first words after waking up were to ask Oboro to make him 'stronger'.

He... craved power.

This also means that he has become a full member of the Hell Pirates.

Crocodile and Daz Bones also gained new powers.

Everyone has been turned into a demon.

Changes in appearance and looks are something that Crocodile simply don't care about.

Because on this vast ocean, power is the only thing that matters.

"Oh? That's interesting indeed..."

In the darkness, by the campfire, black keratin sprouted on one side of Crocodile's cheek, as if a 'stone slab' had been placed on his face. The veins in his skin were also black and red, making him look frightening. He clenched his fist, feeling the 'thing' that had appeared in his mind and the new 'source of power' surging within him, and a rare, almost imperceptible smile appeared on his face.

The abilities that Oboro granted him were quite unique.

This Blood Demon Art is called 'Flesh Connection'.

The practitioner can manipulate objects simply by burying a part of their own body into an inanimate object.

For example, if hair, nails, etc., are mixed into the soil or under a tree trunk, then... that piece of land and trees will become part of Crocodile's body, causing it to change or gain sentience, etc.

It is a more auxiliary ability.

However, if used skillfully, its value... will be unimaginable.

"Where exactly did you come from, you monster?"

After the Crocodile finished his sigh, he stared at Oboro and said something.

This ability... is somewhat different from that of Devil Fruit.

Of course, Daz Bones, who followed him, was also blessed and became Demon Tribe.

With this, the number of members in the Hell Pirates was officially set at eleven.