Kane turned his head and looked over.
"Mr.1, huh?"
"That trash's lackey?"
"And what—"
"A killer trying to tell me how to do things?"
Mr. 1's expression stiffened slightly.
"I wouldn't dare."
"I'm only referring to the agreement between the World Government and the Seven Warlords."
Kane's gaze turned indifferent.
"And you think I care?"
Mr. 1's face changed drastically.
Normally—
As soon as the World Government was mentioned—
Even if Marines were unhappy—
They would back off.
That—
Was the privilege of the Seven Warlords.
And more importantly—
Those who could become Warlords—
Were monsters in their own right.
But the man in front of him—
Was an even bigger monster.
And worse—
He didn't follow any rules.
"…As expected."
"Someone who fought Dracule Mihawk to a draw…"
"Isn't simple."
Mr. 1 took a deep breath.
"…What will it take…"
"For you to release our boss?"
He had no intention of attacking.
Because he knew—
Exactly how strong he was.
And he had just witnessed that battle.
Besides—
His boss was still under Kane's foot.
Kane spoke casually:
"That?"
"Simple."
He pressed down on Crocodile with his foot—
And stretched his waist lazily.
"That guy injured one of my soldiers."
"Looked pretty serious."
"So…"
"Just pay about 1–2 billion Beli for medical expenses."
He paused.
"And I've been fighting since just now…"
"Getting a bit tired."
"An old man's labor fee shouldn't be cheap either."
"Let's say… another 1 billion."
He waved his hand dismissively.
"Total—"
"2 billion Beli."
"Your Baroque Works is a big organization."
"This little amount—"
"Shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Silence.
Mr. 1 stood there—
Completely stunned.
Medical fees… that expensive?
And a "labor fee" too?!
This was more pirate than pirates!
Even the surrounding Marines—
Were shocked.
As for the civilians—
They didn't dare approach—
But watched from afar—
Full of curiosity.
Seeing Crocodile in such a miserable state—
They felt anger—
But didn't dare step forward.
Meanwhile—
The Marines…
Tears streamed down their faces.
Vice Admiral Kane—
Was doing this—
For them!
"Vice Admiral Kane!!"
They were deeply moved.
Especially the injured Marine—
His emotions surged.
Even if Kane told him to die right now—
He wouldn't hesitate.
Kane frowned.
"What are you crying for?"
"Where's your sense of justice?"
"And those pirates?"
The Marines immediately straightened—
Saluting.
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
"Captain Bogey is already interrogating them!"
Kane nodded in satisfaction.
Then looked back at Mr. 1—
Growing impatient.
"What?"
"You've been operating in this region for years."
"Looted so many pirates."
"Don't tell me—"
"You can't even afford this little money?"
Before Mr. 1 could answer—
Crocodile roared angrily:
"You damned Marine—!"
"How could I possibly pay—!"
BAM.
Kane's foot slammed down—
Crushing Crocodile's face back into the sand.
He struggled violently—
But Kane's foot remained unmoving.
"Trash shouldn't speak."
Then Kane looked at Mr. 1 again.
"Hurry up."
"My time is valuable."
"If you don't have the money—"
"I'll cripple him."
"Then sell him on the black market as a slave."
"A former Warlord like Crocodile—"
"Plenty of buyers would love that, right?"
Mr. 1's body trembled.
Even Crocodile froze.
If that really happened—
He'd rather die.
"Then kill me!"
"Don't humiliate me!"
Kane's eyes turned cold.
"I hate being threatened."
"Humiliate you?"
"I don't have that kind of free time."
His foot pressed down harder.
Crocodile's scream echoed.
It felt like his skull was about to shatter.
Mr. 1 clenched his fists.
At this moment—
He realized something clearly.
This man—
Wasn't a Marine.
He was a madman.
Only a madman—
Could be this ruthless
"…I agree."
"Good."
Kane nodded.
"Then hurry."
"I want to see the money within half an hour."
Mr. 1 didn't hesitate—
He immediately left.
2 billion Beli—
Even for Baroque Works—
Was no small amount.
And half an hour—
Was tight.
Kane finally lifted his foot.
Even he found it tiring to keep pressing like that.
"Bring Seastone cuffs."
"Lock him up."
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
Soon—
Crocodile was restrained.
His eyes burned with hatred—
But Kane ignored it completely.
A Warlord?
So what?
Especially one—
Destined to fall.
The Kingdom Army Arrives
A disturbance rose in the town.
The kingdom's army had arrived—
Currently speaking with Bogey.
Soon—
Their captain approached.
When he saw Crocodile's miserable state—
He was utterly shocked.
Such a powerful pirate—
Defeated like this?
But…
Aren't Marines and Warlords supposed to be on the same side?
Ever since Crocodile arrived in Alabasta—
Marines rarely came here.
Even if they did—
It was just for supplies.
"What do you want?"
Kane asked calmly.
"Vice Admiral…"
"It's like this…"
"The civilians believe Crocodile didn't mean it…"
"They think this punishment is enough…"
"So…
"So you want me to release him?"
The captain froze.
He was about to nod—
But Kane cut him off.
"Are you joking?"
"He almost killed me."
"And he attacked Marines."
"He already violated the rules of the Seven Warlords."
"Arresting him now—"
"Is completely justified."
Crocodile nearly choked on his own blood.
He almost killed this old monster?!
Was there even a scratch on him?!
Shameless!
Kane glanced at him coldly.
"What?"
"You have a problem with that?"
Crocodile's rage surged—
But his reason held him back.
If he spoke—
He'd only suffer more.
This old man—
Was completely different from any Marine he'd ever met.
Enduring humiliation?
He wasn't afraid.
But there was no point.
Mr. 1 was already gathering the money.
No need to provoke him further.
Crocodile turned his head away—
Refusing to speak.
Kane nodded in satisfaction.
This crocodile—
Had finally been tamed a little.
Then he turned to the kingdom captain—
And said lightly:
"See?"
"Crocodile has realized his mistake."
"He willingly submitted to our control."
"And generously agreed to compensation."
"Once the payment arrives—"
"He'll be released."
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