After coming to Shark Island, Ryan took some time to rest with his gains.
Before long, Hawkeye and Crocodile woke up one after another.
From Pofitas and the others, they learned of everything that had happened after they lost consciousness, including how the aftershock of Ryan's sword had created a black hole that destroyed part of the island, and how all the treasure they had found had been taken by Ryan.
Hawkeye did not particularly care, but Crocodile was so furious he nearly coughed up blood. Still, he understood that he was in no position to negotiate terms with Ryan.
They were not on the same level. Unequal positions were bound to be tragic. Crocodile knew that he was alive only because of Ryan's mercy. Had it been anyone else, he would have died long ago.
As a result, his feelings toward Ryan became even more complicated.
When they left the camp, they were utterly stunned. One-third of Shark Island was gone!
It had not been cut apart, nor had it been blasted to pieces. It had simply turned into nothingness and vanished completely from this world without leaving behind the slightest trace.
"It seems Ryan's swordsmanship has surpassed the limits of our understanding!" Hawkeye sighed.
"Yeah! That man is too powerful!"
Crocodile lit a cigar and spoke gloomily.
His life had always gone smoothly. He had obtained a top-tier Logia Fruit, shocked the world as soon as he made his debut, and fought Bullet—the man known as the Heir of the Devil and a former crewmate of Pirate King Roger—to a draw. Even after failing to challenge Whitebeard, he had not been discouraged, because Crocodile knew he was still young.
After all, thirty years in the east, thirty years in the west—never look down on the poor youth, right?