Although Laden had tried to kill Crocodile without knowing who he was, one thing was certain: Crocodile had killed one of East Owl's men.
"What the hell is going on?"
Crocodile was furious that a woman had used him out of nowhere.
At Crocodile's demand for an explanation, Nacia drew herself up proudly. "I don't need to tell you. Now take me back. I have to report to the organization."
Nacia had the nerve to give Crocodile orders as though she were above him. That pushed him over the edge.
He closed the distance in a single stride and seized her by the throat. "You dare order me around? I could kill you right now."
Crocodile's fury was terrifying. His face darkened, and a murderous glint entered his eyes. Wind rose around them beneath the pressure of his presence, whipping his gray coat into a frenzy. At that moment, he looked like a warlord who could bring the world to its knees, his killing intent soaring skyward.
"You wouldn't dare kill me. I'm with Dragon Mansion. Try laying a finger on me, and the Celestial Dragons will never let you go. My sister-in-law is the Golden Cicada Assassins' number-two Heaven-rank killer, Nine-Tailed Fox Banjeya!"
Crocodile's presence frightened Nacia badly, but she did not believe he would actually attack her.
"You..."
Being threatened only made Crocodile angrier. He stared at Nacia, his expression growing colder as his grip tightened.
Nacia's face turned red, and she could barely breathe. Still, she refused to yield. She was ruthless enough to know that if she showed weakness, Crocodile might kill her to silence her.
Now it was a test of patience.
"Cough... Kill me, and you'll have the blood of two assassins on your hands. You may be a Shichibukai, Crocodile, but my master