After the meeting, everyone went their separate ways to prepare.
Crocodile returned to his room and stood by the window, lost in thought.
Was joining the Roy Pirates the right or wrong decision?
His original plan was to build up his strength in Alabasta.
Then challenge Whitebeard and reach the pinnacle of piracy.
But now...
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
The door opened, and standing outside was Roy.
Crocodile didn't know why Roy had come to see him, but he still stepped aside to let Roy in.
However, Roy did not respond to Crocodile's invitation to enter.
He only came here to teach Crocodile some Haki training methods and physical techniques.
To keep an ambitious person like Crocodile in the Roy Pirates, you have to offer him some benefits; otherwise, how could you possibly retain him?
Roy didn't go into the room; he just stood in the doorway, extending his right index finger.
"Don't move, relax."
Roy's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.
Crocodile's internal alarm bells rang, and he instinctively wanted to retreat.
But his body suddenly froze—not because he didn't want to move, but because he couldn't.
He felt an invisible force binding him firmly in place, preventing him from even blinking.
"What... what kind of ability is this?!"
Crocodile was horrified and tried to escape by transforming into his elemental form, but he couldn't even activate his Devil Fruit power.
Roy gently tapped his forehead with his index finger.
A cool sensation came over me, followed by...
A massive flow of information surged into Crocodile's brain like a flood bursting its banks.
The four stages of Armament Haki:
Flow, hardening, entanglement, internal destruction.
The cultivation methods, precautions, and practical application techniques for each level.
There are even special training guidelines for Logia Fruit users...
Different levels of Observation Haki:
Basic perception of breath and emotions,
Advanced predictive actions and attack trajectories,
The profound Voice of All Things, and even the legendary ability to briefly Future Sight...
All the techniques of the Six Powers:
The principles of speed bursts from a shave, the aerial movement techniques of Geppo,
The power generation method of the Rankyaku, the method of concentrating the penetrating power of the Shigan,
The secrets of force deflection and evasion through Kami-e, and the defensive enhancement techniques of Tekkai.
There's even introductory knowledge of the Rokushiki Ogi, " Life Return "...
Countless pieces of knowledge, skills, and insights were directly imprinted deep within Crocodile's memory.
It was as if these were skills he had mastered through decades of hard work.
But this process only lasted for a mere three seconds.
When Roy withdrew his finger, Crocodile staggered backward.
He managed to steady himself by holding onto the wall, and his head felt throbbing.
It felt like too much stuff had been forced into my body, and I felt dizzy for a moment.
"What... what did you do?"
Crocodile stared at Roy in shock, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"The transmission of some basic knowledge."
Roy said calmly,
"It saves you the time of figuring it out yourself."
The information in your mind right now is enough for you to cultivate to an advanced stage of Haki.
As for how much you can master, that depends on your talent and effort.
Crocodile closed his eyes, trying to process the massive amount of information in his mind.
The more he analyzed it, the more shocked he became.
These descriptions of Haki are so systematic and detailed, with specific training steps and precautions for each technique.
He also had perfect clarity on the full meaning of the Six Powers, and he could even "see" virtual training images in his mind, as if someone were personally demonstrating them.
This method... was completely beyond his comprehension.
Direct knowledge transfer?
Is this really something a human can do?
Why go to this extent?
Crocodile opened his eyes and looked at Roy with a complicated expression.
"I'm only joining temporarily, and I might even leave in three months."
Aren't you afraid I'll take this knowledge with me and use it against you?
Roy smiled slightly.
"If you can truly digest all this knowledge within three months and use it to deal with us, then your talent far exceeds my expectations."
I'd rather someone like that stay on the ship.
Roy paused, then continued,
Crocodile, I know your ambitions.
You want to become the Pirate King, surpass Roger, and reach the top of this world.
But you should understand how far this dream is from your goal if you rely on yourself alone.
Crocodile remained silent.
After witnessing the strength of the Roy Pirates, he did begin to doubt his original plan.
Whitebeard, Kaido, Big Mom, Golden Lion...
These monsters standing at the pinnacle of the New World are all far stronger than you.
Roy continued,
"Not to mention the admirals and Fleet Admiral of the Marine Admiral, as well as the hidden forces of the World Government."
Do you want to challenge them all by yourself?
"I have the Sand-Sand Fruit..."
Crocodile tried to refute, but his voice grew fainter and fainter.
Having witnessed the power of Bullet and Hawk Eyes, he understood that Logia were not invincible.
"Devil Fruit abilities are only one part of strength."
Roy shook his head.
"A true strongman is a combination of physical skills, Haki, Devil Fruit abilities, and combat wisdom."
What you lack now is not Devil Fruit power, but systematic guidance and the right direction.
Roy looked directly into Crocodile's eyes.
"I'm giving you this knowledge not as charity, but as an investment."
I see your potential and believe you can become an important asset to our team.
As for whether you leave after three months... that's your choice.
But I believe that once you truly experience the feeling of rapidly becoming stronger and fighting alongside like-minded partners,
You will make the right choice.
Crocodile fell silent.
Roy's words struck a chord with him.
That kind of direct knowledge transmission method, that kind of clear planning for the future,
That inclusive yet confident attitude... all of this showed him the demeanor of a true king.
More importantly, Roy didn't force him to stay.
Instead, it gave him choices and freedom.
This kind of respect was something he had never felt from anyone else.
"I see."
Crocodile finally nodded.
"During these three months, I will diligently cultivate myself and fulfill my duties as a crew member."
As for what happens next... we'll see.
That's enough.
Roy nodded in satisfaction.
"Take good care of that information."
"Starting tomorrow, Bullet and Hawk Eyes will guide you in real combat."
Remember, knowledge is just the foundation; true strength is honed in battle.
After saying that, Roy turned and left, leaving Crocodile alone in the room.
Crocodile closed the door, leaned against it, and let out a long breath.
He walked to the table, sat down, closed his eyes, and began to carefully sort through the massive amount of information in his mind.
Armament Haki flowed... He tried to mobilize the Haki within his body, following the method in his mind.
It was very awkward at first, but gradually...
He felt a faint but real flow, like a warm stream flowing through his meridians.
"I see..."
Crocodile opened his eyes, a flash of understanding in them.
"I used to just use Haki as a layer of armor to cover the surface."
But true Armament Haki should be alive, fluid, and an extension of one's will...
He then tried Observation Haki.
Calm your mind and expand your senses. At first, you can only sense the atmosphere within the room.
But gradually, his senses spread to the corridor, the next room, and even the courtyard downstairs.
He "saw" Hawk Eyes wiping Black Blade Yoru in the next room, his movements gentle and focused.
He "heard" Savi and Enel arguing in the courtyard downstairs, their voices rising and falling.
He could even vaguely perceive the movements of pedestrians on the Rainbase streets further away.
This feeling is amazing.
It was like opening the door to a New World.