For example, today, the Kingdom of Alabasta was under attack again.
Yet, facing the incoming pirates, the people of Alabasta showed no panic. Instead, they stood proudly, watching ahead with anticipation, as if waiting for something.
Seconds later, something appeared, and the people erupted in cheers.
"Crocodile-sama is here! Crocodile-sama has arrived!"
"Everyone, stay calm! Don't get too close, Crocodile-sama still has to deal with the pirates!"
"Ahh! Crocodile-sama, I want to marry you!"
"Get lost! I'm the one who's going to be Crocodile-sama's wife!"
Amidst waves of cheers, a tall, muscular man wearing a white fur coat and holding a cigar between his lips appeared before the crowd.
Without stopping, like a storm of sand, he charged toward the pirates who hadn't even reached the shore yet.
In just seconds, he wiped them all out.
That scene once again drew deafening cheers from the citizens.
When the sandstorm subsided and Crocodile appeared before them again, the cheers grew even louder, with everyone shouting his name.
But at this moment, Crocodile had no interest in playing the role of a hero anymore.
Ever since he had returned from the West Blue, he had lost interest in such theatrics.
Now, he was merely doing what needed to be done, and this land happened to be the perfect place for it.
At this time, Crocodile had already fallen into confusion.
The plan he once treated as both my trump card and goal was shattered by that bastard, leaving him at a complete loss as to what to do next.
Returning to the New World?
Even now, he doesn't have the strength to defeat that man; returning would be pointless.
Especially since he's still one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Not that he cares much about the title, but he's no fool.
If he were to abandon it during such a critical time, the Marine Headquarters would immediately come after him.
What's worse is... It seems like he doesn't have any crewmates left.
"Crews? I don't need such things!"
Staring down at the pirate ship that sank beneath the sea in the blink of an eye, Crocodile, who was previously silent, came back to his senses, snorted, flicked the ash from his cigar impatiently, and roared: "You're all so damn noisy! Quiet down already!"
Then, turning coldly to the nearby royal guard standing respectfully at the side, he barked loudly: "What are you waiting for? Go fish it up! There's still my treasure down there!"
"Yes, Crocodile-sama! We will send people immediately!"
The royal guard didn't dare hesitate for even a second, quickly nodding. Then, as if remembering something, he added respectfully: "Crocodile-sama, his majesty the king has requested your presence at the royal palace."
"The palace? What does that guy want me there for?"
Crocodile frowned, bit his cigar again, and spoke irritably: "Tell him I—"
Before he finished his sentence, he seemed to notice something. His eyes narrowed as he gazed into the distance.
After a brief silence, he said expressionlessly, "Tell the king I'm busy right now. Whatever it is, we will talk later."
Without waiting for the royal guard's reply, Crocodile's body turned into a gust of sand and disappeared toward a nearby tavern, leaving behind a chorus of cheers like, Crocodile-sama is so cool, even when he's rude, and a group of helpless royal guards.
But as the hero of Alabasta, the royal guards could only sigh in resignation before shouting to the other people still standing in shock: "What are you standing around for? Start retrieving Crocodile-sama's treasure!"
Meanwhile, the hero of Alabasta had already entered the tavern.
The moment he stepped inside, the whole place erupted in cheers, and everyone shouted his name.
But Crocodile ignored them all, frowning slightly as he scanned the room.
In an instant, he found the person he was looking for.
Amid the noise, sitting at the corner, was someone looking straight right back at him. The moment their eyes met, a faint flush crept up Crocodile's face.
That strange reaction made things even more awkward.
After taking a deep puff of his cigarette, he shouted to the crowd around him and strode straight toward the person he was looking at: "Quiet down, all of you!"
When he reached the corner, he flicked his cigar and glanced around, one wearing a cowboy hat, the other with orange hair, and sneered: "So, the guy who played house in the West Blue finally has time to show up here. Are you bringing your kid along this time?"
"I didn't expect to see you still playing hero here."
Ian replied with a light laugh, ignoring Crocodile's mockery. "Don't tell me you've given up on your old plans already?"
"Hmph! What does it matter to you if I did or didn't?"
Crocodile snorted and sat at the tavern.
After ordering a drink, he turned back to Ian. "So, what brings you here with these two brats?"
"These two are no pushovers."
Noticing Ace about to say something because of Crocodile's disdain, Ian introduced him directly, "This one is the son of the King of the Pirates…"
"My name is Ace!"
Upon hearing Ian's introduction, Ace, who was initially somewhat dissatisfied with Crocodile's disdain, quickly replied, "Just call me Ace, Mr. Crocodile."
However, Ace's self-introduction seemed too late. Upon hearing Ian's words, Crocodile froze on the spot, and even the hand holding the cigar stiffened.
His eyes widened in shock as he glanced at Ace, then looked at Ian, his voice turning sinister, "Are you serious?"
"My name is Ace, Mr. Crocodile."
"Looks like it is really true, how interesting!"
Crocodile completely ignored Ace, who was introducing himself with a dissatisfied tone, then he flicked his cigar, and couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"I thought getting the Devil Child pregnant was bad enough, but I didn't expect you to dare bring the bloodline of the most odious villain into your life. Hahaha, I can't wait to see what will happen to you after the World Government discovers your secret. It will definitely be very interesting."
After a short laugh, he took another puff of his cigarette and looked back at Ian. "Alright, since I'm in a good mood right now, what did you come to me for?"
"You mean you really don't know yet?"
Ian said calmly, unfazed by Crocodile's tone. "You should have received the message I sent by now. Didn't you get it?"