After Sakazuki finished arranging the sand table, he casually set the remaining military flags aside.
"How are things in Alabasta?"
Carol had been keeping a close eye on the situation there.
"Crocodile can barely hold back anymore."
"Judging by his recent moves, he seems to be planning a direct attack on Alabasta's royal family."
Sakazuki said indifferently,
"Someone like him is no use anymore."
"Find a time to recover his fruit."
The Marines and the World Government had originally established the Shichibukai to curb the power of pirates in the New World.
Crocodile had been the first chosen, but at the time, the results had been poor. At most, he could strike at some pirates in the first half of the Grand Line.
The plan had remained on hold until Roger ushered in the Great Pirate Era. Sakazuki had then immediately carried out the Four Seas Sweep, curbing the explosion in pirate activity for a time.
Only several years later had the plan been put back on the agenda.
Several Shichibukai had been selected in succession and stationed across the first half of the Grand Line to contain the surging tide of pirates.
But after Sakazuki's slaughter, only three Shichibukai remained.
Crocodile, Jinbe, and Amazon Lily.
They had performed well enough over the years to avoid being eliminated.
But now, there was no longer any need for them to exist.
Pirates had to die eventually...
Crocodile's ambitions far outstripped his abilities. Now that he had outlived his usefulness, he had nothing left to offer. The only thing of any value was his Sand-Sand Fruit.
Carol smiled.
"Yes, sir."
After a pause, he spoke again.
"Um... what do you intend to do with Robin?"
Mostly, he had yet to figure out Sakazuki's thinking and did not know what role Robin played