When Kirishima brought the others back onto the deck of the Ark Maxim, the sky over Alabasta had already begun to pale with dawn.
The sounds of battle in the Royal Capital, Alubarna, had died down, and the chaos seemed to be coming under control.
Crocodile stood beside the golden railing and took one last look at the desert kingdom he had once tried to seize, now scarred by devastation.
Ambition? Pluton? It had all gone up in smoke.
He looked at the white-haired, black-clad figure ahead, whose back seemed at odds with the entire world, and the last trace of resentment in his heart crumbled to dust.
Drawing a deep breath of the desert morning's slightly cool air, he made his final decision.
Turning, Crocodile faced Kirishima's back and, mustering every ounce of strength, announced loudly in an unprecedentedly resolute tone, "Lord Demon King! From this day forward, I, Crocodile, formally resign from my position among the Seven Warlords of the Sea!"
His voice carried far through the quiet morning like a thunderclap, not merely addressing Kirishima, but sounding more like a declaration to the entire world.
"I will follow you! Wherever you may go!" He dropped to one knee and lowered his once-proud head. "Please allow me to join your... journey!"
Enel clutched his badly swollen face as he watched Crocodile kneel, his one eye filled with complicated emotions.
Damn it... this bastard reacted fast! Was my position going to be stolen again?!
Kirishima did not pause for even a step. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he merely replied indifferently, "Suit yourself."
The Ark Maxim's enormous golden sails swelled with wind, reflecting brilliant golden light beneath the rising sun.
Its engines gave a low rumble as the massive hull slowly rose into the air, turned, and flew