War and Profit

Nanohana, temporary conference room.

The people of Alabasta gathered together, analyzing the current situation.

"Your Majesty, the investigation is complete."

Bepo bowed slightly and reported to Cobra, "That Zoan Devil Fruit user's name is Dalton, and he is the captain of the Kingdom Guard of the Drum Kingdom."

"Mm."

Cobra nodded, confirming his thoughts.

He vaguely remembered that when he attended the World Conference a few years ago, Dalton had accompanied the old king of the Drum Kingdom. Therefore, his identity here was not in doubt.

But the crux of the problem was, why would a dignified captain of the Kingdom Guard be pursued by a warship from the Drum Kingdom?

It was heard that Dalton had many grievances regarding the policies of the current king, Wapol. He wondered if this was related.

"..."

Cobra pondered for a moment and signaled Bepo to continue.

"Yes."

Bepo nodded and turned the document in his hand to the next page.

"On the warship where Dalton was, we found thirty-two people from Drum Island. Ten of them were soldiers, and the remaining twenty-two were civilians."

"And near the wreckage in the shallow waters, we rescued and detained thirty pursuers, all of whom are Wapol's personal guards."

The above was the general battle report of this brief conflict.

Cobra stroked his chin, his gaze swept past not far away, landing on Ivan Lindsey, who was beside Crocodile.

If he hadn't intervened, this incident would likely have evolved into a battle of attrition along the coastline, and Alabasta would have definitely suffered some losses.

This was, of course, a good thing.

But the terrifying power that destroyed four warships in an instant had indeed left a deep impression on Cobra!

Being able to travel with Crocodile, his strength was likely no less than that of a Shichibukai.

Cobra couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Since the opening of the Great Pirate Era, there had been increasingly more extraordinary powers on this sea.

Alabasta was located on the Grand Line. Although it was a relatively peaceful first half, if some "power" were to harbor ill intentions, could he handle it?

In short, it was truly fortunate that that man was a friend and not an enemy.

"..."

Speaking of which...

Ivan Lindsey?

The name seemed vaguely familiar, but looking at that face, Cobra couldn't recall where he had seen him before.

Perhaps it was an illusion...

The immediate priority was still to figure out what had happened in the Drum Kingdom.

Half a day later.

Under the doctor's treatment, combined with the resilient physique of a Zoan Devil Fruit user, Dalton, who had suffered fatal injuries, was out of danger.

He slowly opened his eyes and saw the people of Alabasta who had come upon hearing the news.

"Mm..."

Dalton mumbled a few times and took a cup of water from Vivi.

After moistening his throat, he was finally able to speak.

"Thank you."

Dalton slowly sat up, leaning against the edge of the bed. His gaze swept over everyone, eventually landing on Ivan Lindsey as well.

He still remembered that before he lost consciousness, Ivan Lindsey had stood tall, effortlessly destroying four warships from a distance!

Alabasta actually possessed such terrifying power?

The more he pondered it, the more frightened Dalton felt.

To make an enemy of a superpower of this caliber, Wapol had truly been spoiled by the old king.

Meaningless wars would only bring more suffering, so he absolutely had to prevent the two countries from officially going to war!

"Are you... Your Majesty Cobra?"

Dalton's gaze shifted to the side, and he saw a familiar face. "I saw you when I accompanied the old king to the World Conference."

"Mm, it's good that you're alright."

Cobra smiled and nodded, then started chatting with Dalton.

Not far from the two, Lindsey and Crocodile were observing the situation.

Especially Lindsey.

He knew a lot of information, so he was even more interested in the unusual behavior of Dalton and the Drum Kingdom.

"Little Crocodile, what's the purpose of the Drum Kingdom's actions?"

"Profit."

Crocodile didn't hesitate, spitting out a single word. He chuckled sinisterly, "From the past to the present, haven't those who initiated wars always done so for profit?"

"No other purpose?"

"No."

"..."

Lindsey thought about it, but still felt something was off. "For example, political motives? Or historical disputes...?"

Crocodile noticed Lindsey's weakness and chuckled softly, explaining, "Those are just outward manifestations, shown to the citizens."

"The seas now are led by the World Government, not a time of warring states. Can't anything be resolved at the negotiating table?"

Crocodile, holding an unlit cigar, looked at Lindsey with interest and slowly said, "Only profit will cause intentional conflict."

Hearing this, Lindsey nodded seriously. "Okay, I understand now."

Crocodile: "..."

Crocodile: "?"

He was stunned for a moment before he realized.

What did you understand?

You primitive man, how could you possibly understand the meaning of conflict with just a few words from me?

But Lindsey lowered his head and muttered to himself, "Hmm, the essence of war is the outcome, not the beginning."

"..."

As his voice fell, Crocodile's pupils trembled.

After being shocked too many times, his scalp no longer tingled, but he still found it terrifying to think about.

Evan Lindsey's Evolution Speed was too fast, not just in his own strength, but even in his logical thinking!

Crocodile couldn't definitively say whether Lindsey's statement was right or wrong, but in any case, it was a "thought."

There was a vast chasm between those who "have thoughts" and those who "go with the flow"!

It was the crucial evidence that determined whether a person truly existed.

Not long after, Cobra and Dalton finished their conversation.

Everyone had a general understanding of what had recently happened in the Drum Kingdom.

Apparently, a warmonger from the underworld had approached Wapol. Using Wapol's arrogance and brutality, he provoked Wapol into launching a surprise attack on Alabasta's shipping routes.

Wapol's objective was also simple.

"Since the merchant ships going to Alabasta pass by the coast of Drum Island, then this king shall take a cut!"

--Such childish words made Dalton furious with laughter, and he couldn't hide his inner disappointment.

This was the Grand Line, with extremely dangerous sea conditions. Therefore, countries often helped each other regarding "territorial waters," and there was no such thing as a toll.

On this sea, one couldn't survive alone!

Cobra's brow furrowed. "So, who exactly is this warmonger from the underworld?"

"I don't know, he was wearing a mask, but I remember his attire."

Dalton described the man's appearance, and Cobra had someone draw it.

After comparing the drawing, Dalton nodded.

"It's him!"

Lindsey and Crocodile leaned closer and recognized the face.

Even though he was wearing a mask, both of them recognized him at the same time.

Or rather, from the beginning, the only thing that person wanted to hide was his face, while deliberately exposing his affiliation!

On the collar of his clothes, a circular smiley face with a diagonal line through it was clearly printed!

"Donquixote Family..."

Crocodile's pupils contracted, and a sinister grin spread across his face. "Hehehe, what, has the [JOKER] set his sights on my prey?"