Pirates: Invincible from the Start

Their dignity.

Now that someone had slapped them in the face, what would become of their reputation—and the World Government's authority—if they did nothing?

Of course, those were only the reasons they gave.

The deeper reason lay with the Poneglyph guarded by the Nefertari Family in Alabasta.

How had a pirate like Crocodile learned something so important? Did anyone really think he had stumbled upon it by chance?

Of course not.

The World Government had made sure he found out.

They wanted him to locate that Poneglyph so they could take it from Crocodile afterward with every justification.

If the World Government knew about it, why didn't they retrieve it themselves?

Did anyone seriously think the Nefertari Family was helpless?

Crocodile couldn't simply seize Nefertari Cobra and force him to reveal where the Poneglyph was.

The World Government couldn't use such methods either!

They had to pressure Nefertari Cobra into yielding by indirect means. And if dirty work needed doing, better to let pirates handle it than Cipher Pol Aigis Zero.

If the pirates succeeded, the government could take it from them with every justification. It would save time and effort. Why wouldn't they?

But now Crocodile was dead. Reports from their spies in Alabasta said Nico Robin was still in Rainbase—and had joined up with the Silver Hair Crew. That was what truly angered them.

The last thing they wanted was for the Silver Hair Crew to get hold of the Poneglyph and have Nico Robin translate its contents.

"I agree."

The bald, mustached member of the Five Elders glanced at the blond one and the long-bearded one. "Don't forget that Nefertari Vivi is with the Silver Hair Crew too. No one can guarantee she won't lead them to the Poneglyph."

"Fine!"

The blond elder shrugged helplessly. "It's not