Crocodile

The moment Jerome caught Buggy's eye, he felt a chill run down his spine, as if a needle were sticking out of his skin.

With just one hand, he easily killed [Charging Bear] Leonard, whose bounty was over 100 million. The entire battle lasted less than Buggy the Star Clown minutes. Even though Leonard was stabbed in the limbs by a black gun, the difference in strength between the two was still outrageous... This is truly a terrifyingly powerful monster!

Not only did this thought cross his mind, but the hot-blooded young pirates also calmed down considerably. If Leonard had attacked them instead, what were their chances of winning the battle?

Even if you're confident of winning, can you really do it this easily?

After receiving the answer, the pirates' restless desires subsided. After all, he was a great pirate recognized by the World Government and given the title of "Shichibukai," which was incomparable to the enemies they encountered on their voyage. Moreover, besides Buggy, there was another Shichibukai, Weevil, a ferocious god, who was also eyeing them covetously.

"Boss, what should we do now?"

"We need to leave this place. I don't want to end up like that black bear, dying for no reason."

Whispers like these echoed throughout the crowd. The pirates, filled with dread, wished they could leave as quickly as possible, fearing that this Shichibukai might suddenly turn on them.

"Captain Buggy"

At that moment, more than a dozen voices rang out, their tones filled with joy and excitement.

At a glance, the officers and all the captains of the Buggy Pirates strolled out from the center of the road formed by the King's Guard, followed by dozens of officers from various fleets, all of them burly and vicious bastards.

This massive and impressive lineup, comprised of the Buggy Pirates' top fighters, was laid bare before everyone's eyes. Only then did the pirates realize with alarm that almost every one of these guys was a villain with a bounty of over 100 million.

"Cabaji, Mohji, Shuma... everyone's here too."

Buggy glanced at the familiar figures, his eyebrows furrowing slightly, a faint joy appearing on his face. Compared to before he left, these companions now had more resolute and composed expressions.

However, they also bore several shocking wounds.

Not to mention others, even the agile and nimble Shuma was left with a hideous scar that ran almost from his left shoulder to his wrist, arranged like teeth marks on the surface of his skin.

Buggy had already learned about the events on the island when he Den Den Mushi with Lilina via Den Den Mushi, and naturally knew that in less than a year, they had clashed with the Big Mom Pirates no less than ten times, each battle being extremely fierce. Any pirate who had spent some time in the New World had more or less caught wind of the discord between Big Mom and the Shichibukai.

After witnessing the wounds left on his comrades in battle, Buggy's initial joy quickly faded, replaced by displeasure. "Charlotte Linlin, this is outrageous!"

The crowd rushed forward, surrounding Buggy. Although they were somewhat curious and puzzled by Weevil and Hawkins who were accompanying him, no one asked any further questions.

Buggy tried to calm himself down and said, "Let's go back to the palace first, then we can have a longer discussion."

The crowd immediately parted to make way for Buggy, and only after he walked out did they follow him from the side and behind.

Call...

A light gust of sand rose up, which then transformed into the figure of a man, standing in front of Buggy.

Crocodile, with his hair slicked back and a cigar dangling from his lips, stood with his hands in his pockets, staring at Buggy: "You should remember me, we met at Marineford War."

"Of course I know..."

Buggy stopped and looked up to meet Crocodile's gaze. "What, you want to cause me trouble too?"

"Is Crocodile about to make a move?"

"Isn't it possible that he's unwilling to remain silent and wants to defeat Buggy, the new Shichibukai, in order to embarrass the World Government?"

"But to step forward alone at this moment is truly astonishing courage. Didn't he foresee what happened to that black bear?!"

Whispers broke out again as the pirates hidden in the crowd looked at Crocodile with a mixture of surprise and schadenfreude.

Crocodile slowly reached his hand out of his pocket, took out a cigar, exhaled a long puff of smoke, and slowly uttered three words, "Let's cooperate."

"Cooperate..."

Buggy muttered something under his breath, then continued walking forward, casually instructing Louis Karl behind him, "Carl Carl, prepare a fine room for Mr. Crocodile."

"..."

Crocodile watched as Buggy walked past him as if no one else was there, and said with a slightly annoyed tone, "Red Nose... what do you mean by that?"

Buggy didn't stop or answer, but Louis Carl stood in front of Crocodile and said indifferently, "Please, Crocodile. Captain Buggy will come back to talk about 'cooperation' after he's finished with his business."

"Serious business? What do you take me for!"

Crocodile's expression turned somewhat angry, and he unconsciously conjured a small sandstorm in his hand. "Do I really have to greet you like this, Red Nose!"

"Don't do anything reckless, Crocodile."

Louis Carl, his hands imbued with Armament Haki, showed no fear. "A renowned pirate like you wouldn't do anything too stupid, would you? Or do you think you can leave this place after you make your move?"

"Hmph, are you threatening me?"

"No, this isn't a threat, it's a piece of advice."

Crocodile narrowed his eyes slightly, slowly crushed the small sandstorm in his hand, and said coldly, "Lead the way."

"What a pity... I thought I could finally face off against a great pirate who was already famous ten years ago..."

Louis Carl unleashed his Armament Haki and led the way, saying, "Follow me."

"That Crocodile guy actually came in cooperation with Buggy. He really knows how to take things in stride..."

"If their cooperation succeeds, it will be truly remarkable. The combined power of two current Shichibukai and one former Shichibukai is something even the World Government and the Navy wouldn't dare to tolerate, right?"

"Never mind that... let's leave now. This island is becoming increasingly unsettling."

Amidst the murmurs, one pirate crew after another stepped out of the crowd, preparing to set sail and leave the island. Meanwhile, the ordinary civilians who had come to catch a glimpse of Buggy walked outside the circle of the King's Guard, following Buggy's footsteps toward the center of the island, or dispersed after fulfilling their wishes.

Today, the island finally welcomed its king back, and at the same time, several people from different forces in the New World walked among the crowd, waiting to meet the Shichibukai.