The sand forming Crocodile's greatsword glowed black. Blood streaming from his head, he threw every last bit of his strength into the strike.
But he hadn't expected a trace of Haki to flare around Luffy's fist. It shattered the sand sword and slammed into Crocodile's face.
"Gomu Gomu no... Gum-Gum Giant Pistol!"
Even two kilometers away, Rubick and the others heard Luffy's roar shake the sky.
"I felt it."
Rubick closed his eyes slightly. Nami asked curiously, "Uncle, what did you feel?"
"The weather."
Rubick explained, "I made this rain with my Devil Fruit power, but now the air's gradually growing humid on its own. The weather's returning to normal. That means Crocodile, the one who caused the drought, has been defeated."
Vivi burst into tears of joy. "Is that true? That's wonderful! Thank you so much, Uncle!"
Vivi gave Rubick a huge hug. Sanji cried out jealously, "We helped too! I want a hug!"
Vivi generously hugged everyone else as well. Sanji fainted from happiness on the spot.
Nami, however, said there was no need for thanks. Vivi just needed to get that billion-berry fee ready.
Before long, Luffy arrived, shrunk down to a tiny figure with an oversized head. He was dragging the unconscious Crocodile behind him.
"Everyone, I beat Crocodile!"
The others were still staring in shock at what had happened to Luffy when he spotted Tashigi and ran toward her, eyes shining.
He dropped Crocodile in front of Tashigi and said excitedly, "You're a Marine, right? I beat Crocodile! Hurry and give me a bounty. Make sure it's higher than Uncle's!"
Zoro yelled, "Luffy, this isn't the time for that! We need to go!"
Rubick agreed. "The Shichibukai behind Alabasta's civil unrest has been defeated. Marines will be here in force any moment. We'd better leave