Everyone was startled.
If Hawk Eyes and the other two joined, the Cross Guild would have seven Shichibukai. One of the former Three Great Powers would take shape again, rather than remain in its current awkward position.
"Are you confident?"
"Of course."
Crocodile curled his lips.
The Shichibukai now existed in little more than name, and the World Government was looking for ways to abolish them.
As it happened, he had some inside information.
"Wait!"
Luo, who had barely made his presence felt, finally spoke up.
"There's one man I won't allow to join the Cross Guild!"
"Who?"
"Doflamingo!"
Luo's eyes were filled with murderous intent.
"He's my enemy!"
"..."
Crocodile frowned slightly.
He had already tested Luo's strength. His Haki was still immature, but his extremely unusual ability was enough to make up for that disadvantage.
In other words, he had acknowledged Luo.
As for Doflamingo, that fellow was just as ambitious as he was. They had already fought fiercely during the Paramount War.
He really disliked Doflamingo.
It was not just that their personalities clashed. More importantly, that fellow would never stay in line. He could not become his subordinate, nor could they stand as equals.
One ambitious man was enough: himself.
"Fine."
To everyone's surprise, Crocodile agreed to Luo's demand.
"I have a bit of a grudge against him too!"
"I see."
The others said nothing more.
Nothing had even begun to take shape yet, so it was too early to draw conclusions. After all their efforts, they might not recruit a single person.
Besides, even among the Shichibukai, Doflamingo was an oddity. Calling him a thug was a compliment. Someone who wanted nothing more than to see the world in chaos was a much more fitting description.
Anyone working with Doflamingo had to be on guard