Whiskey Peak rise at the mouth of the sea, flanking the shore on both sides of the sea route.
At least 40,000 bounty hunters and members of various gangs, led by more than 1,000 men in black, were looking toward the enormous shadow that was gradually approaching in the distance.
At the same time, the men in black leading the group shouted at the crowd!
"Attention everyone, Saint Gawain is about to arrive!!!"
Everyone, take what you need to do and figure out what your job is!
If I see anyone shirking their duties, don't blame us for having no eyes when it comes to our guns!!!
The ribbon and champagne sets should move closer to the dock; we must make sure Gawain feels our enthusiasm as soon as possible!
The female cheerleaders waited at the very front of the pier, holding onto the bouquets of flowers in their hands!
Hey you, the one with the tattoo and green hair, damn it, your muscles are bigger than mine!
How did such a high-caliber guy end up in the cheerleading squad? He's way too good for me!
Get out of here, get out of here now!
The music group begins playing. The conductor should pay attention to maintaining the rhythm and make sure the music reaches its climax just as the adults disembark!
The video crew, hurry up and find a good spot to record the adults disembarking!
And all the other officers besides Lord Gawain should have close-ups!
Morgans doesn't value the adult at all; he only gave the adult the front page headline for three consecutive issues!
Our Baroque Work Newspaper must not lose its mind like that bird, Morgans!
Also, where is the catering team? Have the ingredients been prepared? If not, go out to sea to fish in the last few minutes, as quickly as possible!!!
The beverage team must shine! Whiskey Peak is the finest brewing ground in the entire Grand Line; let's showcase our glory to the adults!!!
Finally, all you bastards who weren't grouped, listen up!
Grab your colorful flags and banners, and with all your might and enthusiasm, shake them up!
You bunch of scoundrels, you usually hang out at Whiskey Peak, it's only because the elders at Baroque Works give you face!
"If any of you dare to make a mistake today, then the millions and Billions of our Baroque Works will first slaughter your entire families before you come before the adults to commit seppuku as an apology!!!"
As the black-clad man uttered those fierce words, the bounty hunters gathered on both sides of the dock trembled with fear.
They did know about Baroque Works, because Whiskey Peak was their headquarters outside of Alabasta.
In the past few years, although the executives of this organization have rarely appeared in public, the millions and Billions in this organization have long become the backbone of Whiskey Peak!
Crocodile's ambitions were not just empty words; he actually accomplished a great deal and controlled many places.
He not only turned Whiskey Peak into the exclusive domain of Baroque Works, but he even established Baroque Works' own newspaper on Whiskey Peak.
Although the newspaper couldn't circulate widely due to the lack of Seagull employees, Baroque Work Newspaper sold far more copies on Whiskey Peak than World Economic Journal.
The only business the World Economic Journal can do on Whiskey Peak is offering bounty subscriptions...
Meanwhile, aboard the Dark Bird Ship, as it gradually approached Whiskey Peak, the sky-covering hurricane slowly dissipated.
As was customary, people tidied up the ship's clutter; similar hurricane weather was all too common on the Grand Line.
The Black Ice Terrace members should have been very familiar with this procedure, but because Gawain had just unleashed his Conqueror's Haki, their work became a little more difficult.
That is, first wake up your companions...
As for Gawain, he was tidying up the nearby tables and chairs while looking up at the setting sun on the horizon.
On this sea of Grand Line, storms are ever-present, and all sorts of incredible weather can appear at any moment.
This kind of environment is incredibly helpful for Conqueror's Haki, a power that grows stronger based on mindset!
Challenging nature is the most heroic thing in the world!
On the Grand Line, such heroic feats can happen at any moment; how could they not be a great help to Conqueror's Haki?
Beside Gawain, Kalifa gazed at the scene for a moment, then smiled.
"My lord, it seems my judgment was correct; I can now vaguely see the outline of Whiskey Peak!"
"It should only take twenty or thirty minutes for us to find a place to dock."
As she finished speaking, Kalifa pursed her lips slightly. Being close to Whiskey Peak meant they were very close to the Red Line.
This also means they have already traveled halfway around the planet they are on.
Even she couldn't help but get slightly excited about this.
In addition, after crossing the Reverse Mountain of the Red Line, you will be very close to the Morati floating restaurant.
Even though she was a professional Secretary, she couldn't help but look forward to the food at Morati Restaurant.
Who wouldn't crave that exquisite delicacy that evokes a sense of connection and emotion?
Hearing Kalifa's words, Gawain nodded slightly.
"Navigate normally, then prepare to dock."
"Setting up Hydrological Observation Station as usual, I wonder if the hurricane surrounding Whiskey Peak will have too much impact on the Sea Train."
At this point, Gawain glanced at Franky in the distance.
Gawain was the jewel and banner of the Dark Bird Ship, Franky noticed him immediately when he turned around.
So Franky used the mechanical arm to support his chin.
"What you said is right, sir. We should indeed carefully consider the issue of hurricanes, add more embellishments to the train tracks, and also add more fixing devices to the connection between the train and the tracks."
Overall, the cost of building the Sea Train in this section will be higher, but it's not an insurmountable problem, so don't worry, sir!
"That's good."
After hearing Franky's words, Gawain felt relieved. As expected of one of the most advanced technologies in the Pirate World, the Sea Train was indeed reliable.
It's worth noting that while Sea Train were rare at the beginning of Pirate King One Piece manga, Sea Train became quite common two years after the Summit War.
I wonder if anyone has noticed this: since the Summit War, when Luffy entered the New World, many of the places they passed through have seen the completion of Sea Train.
Whether it's the Zephyr arc of The Z's Ambition or the Bullet arc of Stampede, Sea Train takes up a significant portion of the story.
In other words, even without Gawain's existence, the World Government's original plan for a transportation-enhancing project like the Sea Train had already been gradually implemented worldwide.
The major offensives that Akainu gradually launched in the later stages to deal with the pirates were a trend of the World Government gradually putting pressure on pirates and Affiliated Nation.
The World Government's confidence is likely related to the increasing convenience of transportation.
Comics can only show us the exciting scenes we want to see, but for the world as a whole, politics is always an indispensable part.
Politics has always been linked to many issues such as people's livelihood, and Gawain cannot rely entirely on the plot of the comic to judge how to act in the future.
If everything were that simple, he wouldn't be so exhausted now.
While Gawain and Franky were discussing things, Crocodile's mind had already wandered away from the ship.
He stood on the edge of the ship's railing, gazing intently in the direction of Whiskey Peak.
Noticing her former boss's unusual behavior, Robin deftly twirled her pen in her right hand and went to Crocodile's side.
"What, Mr. O, did you prepare something for the master at Whiskey Peak?"
"Robin..."
Hearing Robin's words, Crocodile took a deep breath.
"Don't call me Mr. O anymore. Just like I call you by your name, call me Crocodile."
Now, we are no longer in a subordinate relationship; we are all colleagues under that one.
As soon as he finished speaking, Crocodile leisurely looked at Gawain's retreating figure.
Before boarding the ship, this guy never expected that Gawain's ship would be so harmonious, to the point that he couldn't find anyone to incite if he wanted to cause trouble!
He knew, of course, that the ordinary soldiers of the Black Ice Terrace would be completely obedient to Gawain, a Celestial Dragon.
But he really didn't expect that even monster-level powerhouses like Rayleigh, Gion, and Zephyr, as well as other elites like himself from the Shichibukai, would become Gawain's absolute supporters!
Keep in mind that those people included members of the Navy, pirates, and the Shichibukai. They even learned about Kuma's identity as a member of the Revolutionary Army after he boarded the ship!
So many factions, so many powerful individuals—how the hell did they all come together like this?!
Crocodile still can't understand this!
Of course, what he least expected was Shirahoshi!
After gazing in the direction of Whiskey Peak, Crocodile, lost in thought, couldn't help but look towards Shirahoshi again.
Poseidon, the Poseidon the Sea!
Why does Poseidon look like this?!
Why is it that everyone on this ship genuinely treats the legendary weapon, Poseidon, like an innocent child?!
If it were him, he would definitely turn Shirahoshi into a complete tool, or at least...
"Crocodile!"
Suddenly, Robin coldly called out Crocodile's name.
"Um?"
Crocodile looked back in confusion and saw Robin frowning as she spoke to him.
"Although you are no longer my BOSS, I still want to advise you to tone down the way you look at the adult's fiancée."
Not just now, but also on the ship, you stared at her for quite a while!
"I had no ill intentions, nor any romantic thoughts; I was simply shocked."
"On this point, I think Lord Gawain understands me better than you do!"
Crocodile couldn't help but respond to Robin, but at the same time, Crocodile seemed to suddenly realize something.
He couldn't help but continue speaking.
"I think I understand something now. Even I feel deeply that Gawain can understand me."
I don't just feel it, I... trust his trust in me...
Does it mean "it nourishes things silently"...?
As he spoke, Crocodile looked away from Shirahoshi and instead glanced at Gawain.
Crocodile sighed softly as he watched Gawain talking to Kalifa and Franky.
"Even though I was unconsciously influenced, is this... the difference between me and a king?"
Conqueror's Haki... No, it's not just the effect of Conqueror's Haki!
He has this ability to inspire trust... even among people from different camps and different groups, people who should be constantly at odds with each other!
Is Conqueror's Haki truly a quality of a king?
I don't know that point, but I do know that perhaps only someone with the same magnanimity as Gawain could possess such terrifying Conqueror's Haki...
As he spoke, Crocodile let out a heavy sigh.
His ultimate goal has always been someone on the same level as Gawain's fiancée.
Gawain had already grasped his long-cherished aspirations and dreams in his own hands.
Compared to him, my schemes and ambitions are like fireflies compared to the bright moon.
Since that's the case, perhaps...
If Gawain truly succeeds, then on the day he does, the power and status that my current position as a senior member will bring me might even surpass what I've always strived for...
With this thought in mind, Crocodile calmed himself down, and a cold smile appeared on his face.
"Let's not talk about that anymore, Robin. Let's get ready for the Whiskey Peak trip."
You and I should know that this is one of the bases of my Baroque Works.
Therefore, I certainly don't want the adults to feel any trouble at Whiskey Peak!
As soon as he finished speaking, Crocodile raised his head and walked to Gawain's side as always.
He stood some distance away from Gawain, next to Rayleigh and his group of lazy fellows, and together they began to tidy up the ship's belongings.
Crocodile thought to himself as he tidied up.
I wonder if the adults will like the gift I prepared...
About forty minutes later, on the Little Dark Bird, which was used to dock.
Gawain silently gazed at the approaching shore.
On that shore, countless flowers and banners fluttered in the wind, accompanied by cheers and welcoming cries from countless people.
Music rose from both sides of the shore, and Chopper, who was sitting happily on Gawain's shoulder, couldn't help but move his little hooves to the beat.
The cheerleaders' continuous dancing made Shirahoshi and Uta, who were standing nearby, unable to resist waving their hands towards the shore and swaying to the rhythm.
Beside Shirahoshi, Vivi stared blankly at everything. This... this... this...
Even when he traveled with his father in Alabasta, he had never received such a welcoming welcome!
Is this the influence of Gawain?!
Vivi couldn't help but clutch her heart and look at Gawain with excitement.
That's right, adults are the kind of people who make everyone happy!
Following such an adult, I'm sure I can achieve something even greater than inheriting the throne of Alabasta!
At that time, I will definitely use my own strength to make the people of Alabasta live a better life!
Vivi Weiwei's still immature thoughts.
The cadres beside Gawain all frowned.
Rayleigh and Zephyr exchanged a glance and then smiled at each other.
Rayleigh couldn't help but say something.
"Brother Crocodile, I spotted a familiar Baroque Works executive in the crowd."
So, this is your territory?
"Of course, Lord Rayleigh!"
Crocodile responded to Rayleigh with a calm expression.
"Before I followed Gawain, I always focused the Baroque Works' operations on this Whiskey Peak, which had just entered the Grand Line."
As for now, since I am accompanying the adults past Whiskey Peak.
"This land and its inhabitants, which I now hold in my hands, should naturally bear the name and symbol of Lord Gawain!"
As Crocodile finished speaking, on the distant coast, someone happened to raise more than one Dark Bird Flag!
The moment the Dark Bird on the banner fluttered in the wind, Crocodile stepped forward from the crowd, came to Gawain's side, and solemnly knelt down.
Crocodile touched his chest with his right hand and said to Gawain.
"My lord, Whiskey Peak has been under my control for the past five years."
Today, I am honored to offer this land to you, so that I may contribute to your and our shared ideals!
As soon as he finished speaking, Crocodile respectfully lowered his head.
Beside Gawain, a man smiled and nodded leisurely upon hearing this.
He smiled and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Gawain.
"Sir, your flag has attracted the wind again."
"Yes."
Gawain nodded and responded with a smile.
Then he went to Crocodile and solemnly helped Crocodile up.
You're so thoughtful.
He said to Crocodile with a smile.
Immediately afterwards, Gawain gently hugged Crocodile, who was looking on with surprise.
After releasing Crocodile, Gawain patted Crocodile on the shoulder.
"I will remember your contribution, believe me."
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain's gaze met Crocodile's.
At that moment, Crocodile's heart skipped a beat as he felt the sincerity in Gawain's eyes.
He clearly had his own plans, and everything he was doing was for his own benefit; even following Gawain was only for power and status.
But even at this moment, he couldn't help but be moved by Gawain's eyes!
Looking into Gawain's eyes, which held a mixture of approval and satisfaction, Crocodile swallowed hard.
The adult's perfectly timed gesture made even him feel a sense of pride and honor in his eyes...
How exactly did they train like that?