Shichibukai Weigh the Pros and Cons

Time rewound to a few minutes earlier, aboard the World Government ship.

"Hey, hey, hey... are you kidding me?"

Crocodile stood by the railing, having even forgotten to puff on his cigar. Squinting at the terrifying giant on the island whose head reached into the clouds, his expression turned exceedingly grave as he said to Guernica beside him,

"I've never heard of Byrnndi World having an ability like this!"

He was not afraid. He simply realized in an instant that the position and privileges of a mere Shichibukai did not seem worth risking his life against such a monster that so clearly defied common sense. The risks and rewards were completely disproportionate.

Moria's expression was even uglier. Because of his special means of increasing his strength by collecting shadows, he had countless enemies across the sea.

Moreover, he could not easily kill those whose shadows he had taken, since their shadows would disappear if their original bodies died. That only made the resentment pile up further.

He was almost certain that even if he somehow defeated that giant monster, he would surely be severely weakened and his condition would plummet. By then, those enemies eyeing him like tigers would never let such a perfect chance to kick him while he was down slip away.

Thus, without the slightest hesitation, he directly made his stance clear to Guernica in his shrill voice:

"Heh heh heh... whoever wants to fight that monster can fight it! I'm not going along with this."

Lizard King Hanafusa expressed the same intention almost at the same time. What great pirate did not have enemies everywhere? No one dared provoke them while they were in perfect condition, but once they showed weakness or suffered serious injuries, the consequences would be unthinkable. Preserving themselves was the top priority.