Chapter 192: Crocodile: I Have a Bad Feeling About This~
Ace remained silent for a full minute.
During that minute, his mind raced at lightning speed.
Observation Haki that could foresee the future?
It sounded utterly absurd. But... not entirely impossible.
Haki itself was a miraculous power, and the unique traits each person developed from it varied greatly.
If Ralph's Observation Haki truly could foresee the future...
"What did you foresee?"
Ace finally spoke.
"I foresaw," Ralph said slowly, "that after we resolve the crisis in Alabasta, halfway to the next island, we will encounter Blackbeard's pirate crew."
Ace's pupils contracted slightly.
"Alabasta?" he asked.
"Uncertain. I only know it's after we resolve the events in Alabasta," Ralph said.
"The location is in a specific stretch of sea."
"I can't give the exact coordinates now because the images in the precognitive dream weren't clear enough. I'll need to confirm it when the time comes."
A perfect explanation.
It provided the information while leaving room for himself.
Ace stared at Ralph, trying to find any trace of deception on his face, but ultimately failed.
"How do you prove what you're saying is true?"
Ace asked.
Ralph smiled: "Simple."
"You follow us, wait until we resolve the matters in Alabasta, then set sail together.
"If we truly encounter Blackbeard in that stretch of sea, then my prophecy is real. If we don't..."
He shrugged: "Then you can just assume I was boasting and continue chasing him your own way."
"After all, there's no loss for you, right?"
Ace fell silent.
Indeed, for him, this was the most convenient approach.
Rather than chasing blindly through the first half of the Grand Line like a headless fly, it was better to follow Ralph's prophecy for a while.
Moreover, after learning that his sister was leading her pirate crew against one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, he felt somewhat uneasy as her older brother.
Hah...
Ace suddenly felt like laughing.
From his observations, he knew Ralph was the brains of the Straw Hat Pirates, the de facto decision-maker.
And he was genuinely devoted to Lufia, so he likely wouldn't take advantage of his intelligence to bully her.
Similarly, he wouldn't let Lufia suffer at the hands of others.
Who would have thought this kid would even try to take advantage of me?
Clearly, he wants to use my combat strength to achieve their goals.
Dealing with Crocodile, saving Alabasta.
This shameless style... really has a bit of a pirate's flavor.
While Ace was still pondering what exactly Ralph was scheming, Lufia excitedly jumped up:
"Great! Ace! We can adventure together again!"
"We'll beat up that Crocodile together!"
"Then we'll set sail together and help you find that Blackbeard!"
"Someone who kills his own crewmate is absolutely unforgivable. I'll help you beat him up too!"
Ace looked at his sister's excited expression and shook his head helplessly.
"That won't do," he said.
"Capturing Blackbeard and bringing him back to the Whitebeard Pirates is my task. You can't interfere."
"Then I'll just watch you beat him up!"
Lufia's enthusiasm didn't wane in the slightest.
"Just like how you're with us but can't take action, and have to watch me beat up Crocodile!"
Ace was taken aback.
He looked at his sister, then at Ralph.
The latter was nodding with a smile, clearly meaning the same thing.
Not allowed to take action?
Ace was completely baffled.
Wasn't the whole point of him following the Straw Hat Crew to protect his sister at critical moments?
If he didn't intervene, what was the meaning of him tagging along?
But Ralph's expression was serious.
Ace fell silent.
He understood.
This was the battle of the Straw Hat Girl, Lufia.
If he intervened, it would be disrespecting his sister's dream.
And this Ralph, finding a way to make him stay, was adding an insurance policy for Lufia's safety.
Allowing Lufia to have a complete adventure experience while ensuring her safety.
How thoughtful!
"Alright."
Ace finally sighed, "I'll follow, but I won't intervene. Unless... unless Lufia is truly in mortal danger."
"Deal."
Ralph extended his hand.
Ace shook it.
This time, neither of them exerted force; it was just an ordinary handshake.
Lufia, overjoyed that she could continue her journey with her long-lost brother, danced with excitement:
"Great! Let's set off now! To beat up Crocodile!"
The addition of such formidable combat power, even if he couldn't intervene, his mere presence served as a deterrent, adding another layer of confidence to the plan to save Alabasta.
Princess Vivi also felt much more at ease.
The entire Straw Hat Pirates were filled with confidence for this adventure.
...
Meanwhile, far away at the Rain Dinners casino in Rainbase.
Crocodile sat behind a large desk, holding a cigar between his fingers.
Smoke curled upward, making his face appear somewhat blurred under the light.
Nico Robin stood before the desk, reporting on her work.
"According to Mr. 3's previous report, Princess Vivi has been confirmed dead."
Crocodile nodded:
"Well done."
"Additionally," Robin continued, "All senior agents have received the assembly order. They have gathered at the Spider's Café and are now heading to Rainbase."
"Good."
Crocodile exhaled a puff of smoke, "The Utopia plan... is finally entering its final stage."
Robin gave a slight bow and turned to leave.
But just as she reached the door, Crocodile suddenly spoke:
"Wait."
Robin stopped and looked back.
Crocodile looked at her, his gaze sharp:
"Mr. 3... still no news?"
"None."
Robin shook her head, "He lost contact after Little Garden. His partner and the agents cooperating with him have also disappeared."
Crocodile frowned slightly,
"Didn't I assign Mr. 2 to eliminate Mr. 3?"
Robin replied:
"According to Mr. 2's report, he found no trace of Mr. 3 at Little Garden... only the ruined Candle House. Considering the Alabasta operation is about to begin, I recalled him."
Crocodile was silent for a few seconds, "Forget it. A guy with little combat power is insignificant."
Robin, wearing her standard fake smile, left the office.
After the door closed, Crocodile leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.
Everything seemed to be going smoothly.
Vivi, who knew his identity, was dead; the rebel army and the royal army were about to go to war; senior agents were assembling; the secret of the Ancient Weapon Pluton was within reach...
Yet, he felt waves of unease.
This unease had started a few days ago.
Like a thorn in his heart—not painful, but irritating.
Where did the plan go wrong?
Or did someone discover my identity?
Or perhaps... there's a traitor among us?
Crocodile opened his eyes, his gaze falling on the spot where Robin had just been standing.
That woman... is she truly reliable?
Although she has always been obedient and efficient, Crocodile never trusted anyone.
Especially a woman like Robin, who has spent years navigating the underworld—how could she possibly be genuinely loyal?
Perhaps... I should be wary of her.
And not only that, there was another piece of information that had caught his attention earlier.
Crocodile thought for a moment, then reached out and picked up the Den Den Mushi on the table.
The Den Den Mushi connected quickly, and a respectful voice came from the other end:
"Boss."
"Look into something for me."
Crocodile said, "Fire Fist Ace of the Whitebeard Pirates, the Straw Hat Pirates... that Straw Hat Girl Lufia, and that nobody Ralph.
After causing chaos in Nanohana, where did they go?"
"Understood."
After hanging up, Crocodile stood up and walked to the window.
Outside, the streets of Rainbase bustled with activity. This was an oasis in the desert, his territory.
Everything was under his control.
But...
"Fire Fist Ace, Straw Hat Girl Lufia..."
Crocodile muttered to himself, "We have no grudges, no reason for them to come after me..."
"Still, they wouldn't have caused such a commotion for no reason and then just left.
"If it wasn't for plunder, they must have had another purpose."
He turned around, looking at the map of Alabasta hanging on the wall, his eyes gradually turning cold.
"I must be prepared."