Rubick struck a deal with the two Shichibukai. Once they got out, they would join his temporary team and help rescue Ace.
Crocodile wasn't one to pass up an opportunity. He had Rubick go to the third level and bring out Daz Bonnis, the Dice-Dice Fruit user he'd had his eye on for years.
While he was at it, Rubick brought out Bon Clay too.
When Rubick opened a Portal to the Deserted Island, two groups that had once been enemies found themselves working together. Fate worked in strange ways.
Crocodile wore the expression of a man who thought the world revolved around him. He looked at Luffy and the others through half-lidded eyes, smug as ever. He seemed to have forgotten that Luffy had beaten him senseless.
Bonnis and Bon Clay stood behind him, striking poses. At least they hadn't forgotten their boss.
Luffy's side was far more relaxed. Zoro even yawned. Bonnis hadn't been a match for him back then, and Zoro was certain he could finish him in an instant now.
"Uncle, why did you bring Crocodile here?" Luffy asked.
Robin smiled. "Judging by the look on his face, you must have reached some kind of agreement. Otherwise, he'd have lost his temper by now."
A vein bulged on Crocodile's forehead. "You're as clever as ever. Clever enough to provoke me with a few words, time and again."
Robin walked over to Rubick and took his arm. "That's because I've found a shoulder to lean on. A man I can depend on for the rest of my life."
Jinbe stepped forward. "Straw Hat Luffy, Rubick and I have made a deal. We have the same goal now: rescuing Ace."
"Are you a Fish-Man?" Luffy asked curiously. "Are you Ace's friend too?"
"My name is Jinbe," he said.