Lightning Style: Serpent Lightning!
Bolts of lightning shot out from Meikyō's hand, striking the surrounding sand.
Under the intense heat of the Lightning, a large area of sand nearby instantly turned into glass.
Crocodile's terrain advantage in the desert was quickly neutralized, and even if he could turn the glass back into sand, it would take time.
"You probably don't have any other tricks up your sleeve."
Standing atop a Meikyō dune that had been turned to glass by electricity, with one hand gripping Crocodile's neck and lifting him up with one arm, Mingjing spoke.
Crocodile could only put his hands on his neck, trying to pull away the iron clamp-like hands of the Meikyō, while his two legs kept shaking, trying to touch the ground.
Watching this scene from afar, Gomil silently speculated about the Devil Fruit ability of the Meikyō.
The ability to manipulate Lightning... could it be the Rumble-Rumble Fruit?
If Tsugikuni Yoriichi were to add the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Logia Devil Fruit, to his current strength, even if he doesn't reach the level of the Three Admirals, his strength would still be extremely astonishing!
"Why... I haven't offended you, why are you targeting me... Tsugikuni Yoriichi..."
Crocodile's tone was filled with doubt and resentment.
"The Drought in Alabasta must be related to you, right?"
"Even if it's related to me, what does it have to do with you?"
"Ah, this? It's probably because I'm envious of your position as Shichibukai. After all, I've also unfortunately become a pirate. If I could also become Shichibukai, the Navy wouldn't bother me like they do today. After thinking it over, the simplest way to become Shichibukai is to find an existing Shichibukai and use him as a stepping stone, right?"
Meikyō casually rambled on to Crocodile.
A glint of light flashed in Gomil's eyes from afar.
With Tsugikuni Yoriichi's strength, it seems that among the current Shichibukai, apart from "Hawk Eyes" Mihawk, no one can surpass him. He is definitely strong enough to become Shichibukai.
Moreover, compared to other pirates, he hasn't done anything bad, making it easier for the Navy to accept him Shichibukai.
Especially Yumushiki.
This person is probably already planning how to Tsugikuni Yoriichi Shichibukai.
"There are so many Shichibukai, including weaker opponents like me, so why... is it me?"
Crocodile refused to accept this.
"Of course it's because you're the closest to me. You're so high-profile in Alabasta Tenten. You're probably the easiest of the Shichibukai to find, right?"
"Just because of this?"
Crocodile couldn't believe it.
"Not entirely. As you just said, your strength is actually quite good, which is perfect for training my crew."
Crocodile's eyes lost their luster.
So, that's all I am in your eyes?
Crocodile felt he had been dealt a blow.
But soon, Crocodile's eyes regained their light.
"I have another extremely important piece of information. Once you obtain what's in that information, you will possess the most powerful force on the high seas..."
"You want to use this information to buy your life?"
Meikyō released her grip.
He knew what Crocodile was referring to.
News about the legendary Ancient Weapon, Pluton.
It is said that this thing is powerful enough to destroy an island in one blow, but no one knows exactly how big the island is, so no one knows the exact power of Pluton.
If it were just a small, ordinary island, those Admiral Four Emperors could easily destroy it.
However, if it is a large island, such as the country of Alabasta, the land area of which exceeds 10 million square kilometers, which is larger than the area of Oceania, it is perfectly acceptable to call it a small continent.
If it truly possessed such power, even if the Sage of Six Paths were resurrected, taking a hit from it would likely be quite unpleasant.
"If you agree, I am willing to withdraw from the Shichibukai, thus creating a vacancy for one of the Shichibukai."
Crocodile said in a deep voice.
Hawk Eyes, Jinbe, Boa Hancock, Gecko Moria, plus Kuma and Doflamingo, make up the six spots for the Shichibukai.
Crocodile doesn't retire, the Shichibukai will be full.
Of course, after being defeated, the World Government would most likely strip Crocodile of his Shichibukai status, but this did not prevent Crocodile from using it as a negotiating condition.
"However, this message can only reach your ears, these navy..."
Crocodile glanced at Gomil and Yumushiki, as well as the large group of menacing marines around them.
If the Navy finds out that he knows about Pluton, then there will be a lot of trouble ahead.
Of course, that's assuming he can survive under Meikyō's control.
"Let's retreat!"
Gomil gave Meikyō and Crocodile a deep look and decisively gave the order to retreat.
Although they were also curious about what Crocodile wanted to say, he had no intention of letting them know.
Besides, they were no match for Tsugikuni Yoriichi at all.
Retreat is the only option at the moment. As for what happens next, let's just leave it to the Fleet Admiral Sengoku to worry about.
Under Gomil's command, the navy retreated like a tide.
In the presence of someone of this caliber, these ordinary navy personnel don't even qualify to be cannon fodder.
Only after the last Marine left Meikyō's perception range did Meikyō release her left hand and put Crocodile down.
"Are you trying to buy your life with information about Pluton?"
Meikyō chuckled and spoke to Crocodile.
The latter's expression immediately changed.
How did you know?
The news of Pluton is recorded on the Poneglyph in Alabasta.
According to Crocodile's knowledge, the royal family of Alabasta possesses a Poneglyph.
This is also an important reason why he sought to take over the country of Alabasta. It is also in order to decipher the contents of the Poneglyph that Crocodile was willing to protect Robin and make her the vice president of Baroque Works.
This scholar, who hailed from the destroyed Ohara, was the only one capable of deciphering Ancient Script.
"So your goal is the same as Crocodile's, the legendary Ancient Weapon Pluton. It seems that you spared me because of this."
Robin had somehow regained his original appearance, strode over to Meikyō's side with his long legs.
"Ancient Weapon... Pluton..."
Koala and Sabo exchanged a glance.
If this thing could be put into the hands of the Revolutionary Army, it should greatly enhance Revolutionary Army strength, right?
Could this be the real reason why Yuan Yi attacked Crocodile?
Koala felt she was gradually realizing everything.
"So, this is the real reason you attacked me..."
Crocodile also felt that he understood everything.
So all your previous statements were lies! Because you couldn't even mention Pluton in front of the Navy!
"Now that you know about Pluton, then make your move. After all, I'm of no use to you anymore."
Crocodile slowly pulled a cigar from his waist pocket and said as he smoked it.
"You certainly seem tough. Why don't you try running away again?"
Meikyō looked at Crocodile and asked.
"If I could run, I would have run away long ago."
Crocodile, smoking a cigarette, opened the collar of his coat to reveal a black Cursed Mark.
"I don't know what kind of tricks you're using, but I can feel my power being weakened. I wasn't your match before, and I'm afraid I'm even less of a match now."
This is the Five Elements Seal that Meikyō casually imprinted when he grabbed Crocodile by the neck.
Sealing Technique are an important branch of skills within the Chakra system. When mastered, they can even seal away powerful beings like Kaguya, who is at the Six Paths level, or seal away souls like the Reaper Death Seal.
The essence of Chakra is the combination of a person's Mental Energy and Physical Energy.
In other words, Sealing Technique can seal a person's ability to extract and use their own Mental Energy and Physical Energy, as well as some other forms of energy.
While the mainstream system in the Pirate World is Devil Fruit abilities and Haki, using Devil Fruit abilities and Haki still consumes stamina and requires focusing one's attention to use techniques.
Sealing Technique vary in effectiveness in this regard. Temporary Cursed Mark seals are relatively weak, only reducing a portion of the enemy's strength. However, physical seals such as Binding Cloth Seal and Desert Funeral, which use physical objects like sealing cloth or sand, can achieve complete sealing.
"I see. Do you have any last words?"
Meikyō placed the tip of the Ama-no-Ohabari sword against Crocodile's neck.
"If there's any regret, it's probably that I couldn't challenge Whitebeard one last time. Yoriichi Tsugikuni, I've never asked anyone else for a favor in my Tsugikuni Yoriichi, but now, I want to ask you to kill me and find Pluton before challenging Whitebeard in my place."
Crocodile tossed his cigarette butt to the ground, closed his eyes, and awaited death.
He was not afraid of death, but he regretted that his death was not spectacular enough.
Just then, Robin, who had been whispering something with Koala, strode over to Meikyō's side and looked at Meikyō, saying...
"Mr. Yoriichi, if possible, I hope to spare Mr. Crocodile's life."
Are you trying to negotiate with me?
Meikyō turned to look at Robin with great interest.
"You, and the people behind you, must need me a lot, or rather, they need my abilities. This should be of great help to what you want to do in the future."
"Oh? It seems you know something."
Meikyō looked at Koala.
The latter was nodding slightly at Meikyō.
"Sure, but what's the price?"
"The price is myself. I will work for you with all my might, and Crocodile will also help you attract attention by obtaining Pluton. Besides these, Crocodile also has great value."
Just as Robin was speaking, Koala walked up to Crocodile's side.
Just as Crocodile was pondering whether to capture the woman as a hostage, Koala said something that left Crocodile stunned.
"Crocodile, we have something on you, you know~ Oh, I forgot to tell you, we have a friend named Ivankov..."
"I see."
Crocodile couldn't help but interrupt.
"No wonder you came looking for me. So it turns out that besides Pluton, it was also for Robin... Even a master like you is one of their people. It seems the future is going to be very interesting. I want to survive now and see what kind of big things you guys will do."
Instead of just watching us do it, why don't you join in and do it too?
Meikyō walked to Crocodile's side and placed her hand on the spot where she had just set up the Five Elements Seal.
Crocodile felt his power gradually returning.
"Of course, you have an unruly personality, so I can't completely trust you. Therefore, I'll leave you with a small restriction: does anyone have a mirror? You can let Mr. Crocodile see his tongue."
Koala took out a mirror and placed it in front of Crocodile.
Crocodile opened his mouth and immediately saw several black lines appear on his tongue.
"What did you do to me?!"
Crocodile shouted.
"You can try to tell me anything that relates to me."
Meikyō clapped his hands and said with a smile.
Crocodile opened his mouth and found that his whole body was paralyzed, unable to speak or move.
"This bizarre ability... what kind of Devil Fruit user are you?!"
Robin watched this scene with some shock.
"This isn't some kind of Devil Fruit ability, so Crocodile, don't even think about trying to undo it with seawater or anything like that."
Meikyō shook his head, beckoned to Kuina and the other two, and left with Robin, leaving Crocodile staggering to his feet in the desert.
"Thanks to Mr. Yoriichi and all of Vivi's friends for their help in defeating Crocodile and saving the Alabasta Kingdom!"
King Cobra of Alabasta sat in the palace, smiling as he raised a wine glass to Meikyō and his party.
Accompanying him were Igaram, the captain of the Alabasta Kingdom's guard, and Chaka and Bellamy, the guard's adjutants.
Princess Vivi was also sitting below, with her two best friends, Kuina and Koala.
It's clear that Cobra father, is very happy that Vivi has found friends close to her age.
In particular, these friends helped him solve a big problem.
As for the pirate identities of Meikyō and the others—
They didn't commit evil deeds like other pirates, so Cobra was unmoved by it.
"Your Majesty, we have a request, and we hope you will grant it."
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Meikyō spoke to Cobra.
"You are friends of Alabasta, and I will grant you any request that is within my power as king."
Cobra said with a chuckle.
Both were kings whose kingdoms were seized by pirates, Cobra's level was clearly much higher than that of a hero.
He didn't make any definitive statements.