Pirate: My partner is too crooked

The movement of such a huge sandstorm was naturally unusual, and it quickly attracted the attention of all residents in the city.

At first, people thought this was an ordinary desert climate and hid in their homes to take defensive measures.

They have extremely rich experience in dealing with harsh desert weather. Now that the water source problem has been solved, there is nothing to fear.

After the raging sandstorm was intercepted by many city buildings, residents hiding in their homes only vaguely discovered the figure walking slowly in the center.

That is the hero of Alabasta who has repelled invading pirates countless times and protected all coastal cities from external aggression—Lord Crocodile!

At this moment, the residents did not know the danger hidden in Crocodile under the glory of the hero, and they were unable to detect anything wrong with the atmosphere.

Seeing that he was a hero of the kingdom, they opened their doors one after another and braved the stinging wind and sand to come to the street to greet him.

"Lord Crocodile, it's Lord Crocodile!"

"It is said that Lord Crocodile went to attend a meeting held by the World Government a few days ago. I didn't expect to come back so soon!"

Crocodile at the center of the storm looked at the crowd with smiles on their faces, pondered for a few seconds, and finally suppressed the anger in his heart, lifted the sandstorm, and put on a smile that made people feel more friendly.

Although he learned about the drastic changes in Barabastan from the phone bug, he still had a glimmer of hope in his heart and wanted to see it with his own eyes.

After all, Alabasta was the base he wanted to occupy even if he gave up his sailing career.

If there is still a possibility of fighting for it, he will not break his face.

"Yes, I heard that everyone's life has improved a lot during my absence?" Crocodile asked softly.

Due to his sensitive identity, Dazbonis, who came back with him, did not show up, but hid in the dark.

"Yes, yes! Master Crocodile, you don't know that Master Aqua is simply a god-like existence!"

Thinking of the endless well in the center of the city, the residents' faces were filled with bright smiles of great happiness.

"Thanks to Lady Aqua, the entire city no longer has to worry about drinking water."

"The opening of the canal has brought our compatriots across Alabasta closer together. Our hard days are finally over!"

"We are now Axis believers who believe in Lord Aqua. We believe that with Lord Aqua's blessing, the entire Alabasta will become more prosperous than ever before!"

The residents showed great enthusiasm for Crocodile, a national hero, and talked about their happy life there.

In their opinion, Lord Crocodile, who helped the country without asking for anything in return, would definitely be very pleased and happy after hearing the news.

Therefore, they can't wait to share the joy of escaping from the sea of ​​suffering with the heroes they trust and respect.

However, everyone who was immersed in joy did not notice that the face of Crocodile opposite him was covered by a thin layer of yellow sand, and his face quickly turned gloomy and cold!

"That's right. In other words, not just here, but all the citizens of Alabasta have become believers of others..."

Crocodile's voice sounded dull, with anger and murderous intent that could not be concealed.

The stupid residents were not aware of the seriousness of the problem until now. Even if a small number of sensitive soldiers vaguely caught something strange, they were quickly buried in the noisy sound.

"That's right! Everyone is very grateful to Aqua-sama now. You see, a goddess statue of Aqua-sama has been specially built in the center of the city!"

"Lord Crocodile, why don't you join us too? After becoming an Axis cultist, I feel that my whole body is full of power!"

I don't know which crazy cultist actually invited Crocodile to join the Axis Cult as soon as he opened his mouth.

And it was these words that were extremely lethal to the rebellious Crocodile that made his patience reach its limit.

"That's it, the whole of Alabasta has fallen..."

"I'm very unhappy now, so you can go and die."

The sword made of condensed gravel struck out without any warning and fell on the crazy-eyed cultist, sucking all the water out of him instantly and turning him into a withered corpse.

The chattering residents were stunned on the spot, and their expressions of joy were gradually replaced by panic.

Before they could react, why did the hero who had saved them from pirate attacks several times behave like this?

The erosive yellow sand is like the sickle of death, blooming in all directions with Crocodile as the center!

"If I didn't need to accumulate reputation and gain real power, how could I be so kind and help you useless ants living at the bottom of the world?"

"I am the King of the Shichibukai, the pirate Crocodile!!"

Whoosh whoosh!
  Wherever the yellow sand passed, the water from the civilians' bodies evaporated and they fell into pieces on the sand.

The ferocious and withered faces were filled with surprise and fear, and they looked at the kingdom hero with eyes full of despair. They did not even have the strength to struggle, and could only wait quietly for death to come in pain and despair.

As the commotion here completely broke out, more and more residents who didn't know the truth came from other streets.

Among them is Kosa, a boy who moved from the village and wants to see a wider world and become stronger.

It wasn't until they witnessed the tragic scenes around them and Crocodile with murderous intent on his face that people suddenly woke up and saw clearly the true face of the so-called hero of the kingdom.

"Krokdal, what on earth are you doing, you bastard!"

The young Kosha rushed out of the sluggish crowd and roared bravely at Crocodile.

He couldn't accept that the man he once admired so much and even wanted to follow could have such a cruel and vicious face!
  "What?"

Crocodile twisted his lips and showed a cold smile, "Of course, completely destroy things that have lost their use value!"

The plan to steal Alabasta by bright means is completely useless, so there is no need to continue to pretend to be a so-called hero.

What he, Crocodile, can't get, no one else can get his hands on!
  Ignoring Kosa's impotent rage, the expressionless Crocodile's body gradually transformed into deadly yellow sand.

The residents who were shrouded in endless coldness dared to stay. They were so frightened that they fled in all directions, desperately trying to stay away from this devil.

However, how can ordinary people run faster than a sandstorm that can cover an entire city?

In an instant, the popularity disappeared and everything was silent.

The city that finally got rid of the drought and was heading towards prosperity was reduced to a lifeless dead city on the spot!
  This is the horror of the natural Shasha fruit in the desert!
  "Boss, what should we do next?"

A tough guy with bulging muscles walked out of the corner filled with yellow sand.

It's Daz Bonis, the user with the ability to kill the fruit.

"Of course we have to settle the score with those guys who ruined my good deeds. Moreover, since Kobra made his own choice, he should pay the price for it."

Crocodile exuded cold murderous intent.

When he went out, his hometown, which he had worked so hard to build, was stolen. At this moment, he was far more angry than before.

Hearing this, Daz Bonis frowned.

He wanted to remind them loudly that the other party was a group that even several admirals of the navy could not do anything about. If they fought like this, trouble would easily occur.

But considering the character and temper of his boss who dared to challenge even the strongest man in the world, Whitebeard, he thought for a few seconds and finally gave up on this impossible persuasion.

As the number one thug who firmly follows Lao Sha, all he can do is follow!
  "Let's go."

Crocodile raised his hand and lit the large cigar used to calm his mood, stepped on the withered humans on the ground, and walked towards the royal capital.

Just when the two of them had just walked out of the city gate, there was a rumble, and dull thunder sounded without warning in the clear sky with the scorching sun high in the sky.

A blue light followed, covering the entire city, and a light rain began to fall.

Crocodile and Daz noticed something and stopped at the same time.

Behind the two people, the bodies of the residents who had been replenished by the holy water swelled up at a speed visible to the naked eye, and gradually returned to their original shape.

"I, I'm not dead yet?"

"This rain, this deafening thunder, is Lady Aqua and Lady Lin Zhi!"

"Wait a minute, Crocodile, he, he, he, he hasn't left yet!!"

Recalling the despair and fear of being swallowed by the gravel, the residents who regained consciousness were frightened, screamed in panic, and ran away.

The dead city once again became noisy and chaotic.

Crocodile did not kill all the "surviving" residents, but silently spat out the big cigar soaked in rain on the ground.

There was a strong cold murderous aura under his face, which did not show much expression.

Directly ahead, thunder struck down, kicking up billowing dust.

The rain stopped and the dust dissipated, revealing Lin Zhi and Aqua standing side by side.

Even though the current Lin Zhi can cover the entire sky island like the original Enel, this unsolvable ability is not a passive skill.

It is necessary to keep the knowledge, color, domineering and fruit abilities continuously open, and they are limited by physical strength and mental will.

The reason why he was able to bring Aqua here in such a short period of time was because Lin Zhi learned from the rainland forces that Crocodile would arrive in Alabasta today, so he could use up his energy in advance and pay attention to several key coastal ports nearby. movement.

As for the other companions, they were brought over from the rainy land by Kang Na, and they haven't arrived so quickly yet.

"Seaside Restaurant Lin Zhi, I was just trying to settle a score with you, but I didn't expect you to take the initiative to deliver it to your door."

Crocodile recognized the two "culprits" who had stolen his hometown at a glance, and his whole body was filled with gravel.

Especially Lin Zhi, whom he wanted to take as his younger brother. He had seen this name and face countless times during the Shichibukai meeting in Marie Joa!

"I heard that Crocodile of the Shichibukai is a hero of the Kingdom of Alabasta, but I didn't expect that he is actually a wolf in sheep's clothing."

While making sarcasm, Lin Zhi was also looking at Lao Sha in front of him.

His figure and appearance are similar to those ten years later, but he lacks the shrewdness and maturity of a veteran.

However, just like Moria, who was immersed in the training of the three terrifying abandoned sailing ships, Crocodile, who had just settled in Alabasta for a few years, exuded a much more domineering aura, with arrogance and sharpness flowing deep in his eyes. He was able to challenge Whitebeard countless times, fought to a draw with young Barrett, and was recruited by the World Government to become the Shichibukai. During this period, he was naturally able to use two-color Haki.

"Alabasta is what I like. You guys, these newbies who have just made a name for themselves on the sea, are really brave enough to do it."

Crocodile's eyes were fixed on Lin Zhi, and his tone suddenly became much calmer, with a hint of deepness.

The more this happened, the more solemn the expression of Daz next to him became.

Because this means that my boss's anger has accumulated to the extreme!

"Lin Zhi, is he the king of Alabasta?"

Aqua completely ignored Crocodile's murderous threats, raised her hand and pointed at him lightly with her white fingers.

"No, he is just a pirate." Lin Zhi smiled and shook his head.

To be honest, even if Crocodile's combat power at this stage far exceeds that of the decadent stage when he was defeated by Luffy, let alone him, even Kangna, who has mastered Armament Haki, can hang him up and beat him!
  "It turns out they are pirates. This goddess thought they were some kind of royal family."

Aqua looked at Crocodile with disdain, foaming at the mouth, "Then what nonsense are you talking about, tattered hook, why are you giving back what you like? Why don't you say that the whole world is yours?!"

Even more so than Crocodile, the arrogant and arrogant idiot goddess Bi Crocodile who is the bully of the gods.

The stupid goddess doesn't care about the Shichibukai, if you don't like it, she will just start complaining.

"Hahaha, no one has dared to speak to me like this for a long time. Are you the water goddess Aqua that those useless civilians talk about?"

Crocodile laughed angrily, and then his eyes gradually turned cold. He raised his right hand and used the fruit's ability to create a miniature sandstorm in the palm of his hand.

He stopped talking nonsense and directly attacked.

"It's a hundred years too early for you young brats like you to want to be on an equal footing with me!"

"Salan!"

Whoosh whoosh.

As Crocodile was thrown violently, the miniature sandstorm rotated at high speed in the air, growing larger and larger, forming a killing move that could easily crush even rocks.

The yellow sand raged, instantly crushing the buildings and streets it passed into pieces, and unleashed even more terrifying destructive power.

Lin Zhi's face was indifferent, and dazzling arcs of electricity danced on his fingertips.

Just when he was about to take action, Aqua changed from her usual laziness and stood in front of Lin Zhi.

"Lin Zhi, let me use this shabby hook. If you dare to attack a lovely believer who firmly believes in this goddess, I must make him pay the corresponding price!"

Lin Zhi was stunned for a moment, then retreated after a brief thought.

"Then leave it to you."

Although he didn't think that the stupid goddess's combat IQ could handle the cunning Crokadar, but it was rare that this guy was full of energy, and water was the biggest nemesis of the Shasha Fruit, so he should let her steal the spotlight a little bit.

It just so happened that Crocodile was very suitable as a battle target after his divine power was enhanced. He was not as crotch-stretching as ordinary bounty pirates, and he was not at the level of a Yonko general.

Aqua, whose opinion was accepted, waved the goddess staff, and divine power gathered at the tip to form a dark blue magic circle.

"Holy water summons!"

The water droplets were suspended, the blue light was flowing, and the clear and turbulent water spurted out, directly hitting the strengthened sandstorm enveloping the gravel.

then……

The water flow is absorbed by the gravity of the sandstorm, forming a more powerful flood vortex mixed with sand and gravel!

The violent air flow caused by this rushed towards her face. Aqua's movements on her hands froze, and she blinked her wise eyes cutely: "Ah, ah?"

Sure enough, the stupid goddess can only be handsome for three seconds.

Lin Zhi, who retreated to the back: "..."

He actually thought of using water to stop the increasingly powerful sandstorms. I really don’t know what kind of brain circuit this idiot has!
  When he was shocked, the flood and sandstorm more than ten meters high had completely swallowed the stunned Aqua and was involved in it.

Seeing that his position was about to be affected, Lin Zhi immediately turned into a flash of electricity and retreated to a safer position further away.

Although Aqua's combat IQ was almost zero and might even be weak, he didn't think that the stupid goddess would be defeated by an attack of this level after having been adventuring together for so long.

And it is.

After Aqua was involved in it, the breathtaking water flow and sandstorm suddenly stopped as if a freeze button was pressed, and stood still in place.

Whoa!

The next second, turbid floodwater mixed with sand and gravel poured down, flooding the entire street.

As long as water is involved in the attack, Aqua, as the goddess of water, can easily control it and change her form at will!
  'The moment I was covered by water, I completely lost my ability to control the sand...'

Crocodile clenched his right fist and looked at Aqua, who was standing in the sewage without any stain, his expression gradually became serious.

At the Shichibukai Conference, he learned a lot of intelligence information about Aqua, and he knew very well what kind of restraint this blue-haired girl, who was suspected of being a water fruit ability user, had on him!
  Even so, he was not false at all.

If he is still fearful on other islands or on the sea, but as long as he is still in this boundless desert area, he is invincible!

And this is the fundamental reason why Crocodile dared to take action against Lin Zhi and his gang!

"Desert Sword!"

Without too much nonsense, Crocodile raised his elemental right arm and swung the sand knife towards Aqua.

The sharp sand knife formed from the condensed high-density gravel cut the ground in its path and quickly struck Aqua who was standing in the sewage.

A red light flashed in Aqua's eyes, and her Hakiki activated at this moment, capturing the attack trajectory of the desert sword.

"Water jet."

The dark blue water gathered in front of her and was compressed by divine power into a powerful high-pressure water cannon.

boom!
  The water cannon and the sand knife collided violently on the ground, exploding into the sky with sprays of water and gravel.

The yellow sand was flying, and Crocodile, who was able to move quickly through elemental transformation, took advantage of Aqua's break to neutralize the attack and appeared behind him!
  The golden hook was dyed jet black by the armed haki, flashing with a dangerous aura of reflection, pointing directly at Aqua's head.

His attack methods and angles were very vicious, but there was no way to compare with Lin Zhi in terms of speed, and he was easily captured by Aqua, who had the spiritual awareness buff.

At the critical moment when the dark hook was about to cut open her neck, Aqua bent her legs and squatted down to avoid the attack.

Although her combat IQ is extremely low, she is a real goddess with talent that even Lin Zhi, who has a wishing fountain plug-in, is envious of.

Just through last night's duel, she understood the basic skills and reactions of fighting in close quarters!

"Hahaha, at your speed, you still want to imitate the idiot Lin Zhi in carrying out sneak attacks. What a fool without self-awareness!"

Aqua, who successfully dodged the attack, immediately revealed her true nature and kept crouching down, where she activated the taunting mode in a cowardly manner.

However, instead of feeling angry, Crocodile had a sinister smile on his lips.

"Really? I don't think so."

His left arm equipped with a curved hook was slowly raised, and Aqua, who kept squealing, suddenly froze in place.

She was actually hung up too!
  Lin Zhi, who was watching the battle from a distance, saw his eyes darkened. He raised his hand to his forehead and sighed: This idiot should just be called the Goddess of Funny...

Following his gaze, I saw that although Aqua reacted quickly to avoid the fatal attack, Crocodile's hook accidentally caught the strand of hair tied in a circle on her head. Goddess hairstyle!
  "Wait, wait, hooking your hair is a violation, it must be a violation."

Aqua, who was just lifted into the air, started to panic a little.

"I really don't know what those five old guys in the World Government are thinking. They would list a little girl like you who has no combat experience and no vigilance as a dangerous target."

Thinking that the title of Hero of the Kingdom that he had worked so hard to accumulate was taken away by this stupid-looking brat in front of him, and that he even received the support of the entire Kingdom of Alabasta, the anger accumulated in Crocodile's chest became even stronger.

At least in terms of winning people's hearts, he would be crushed by such a talent in all aspects!

"Stop joking, how could I lose to a fool like you!!!"

Crocodile broke through the defense and shouted, directly stretched out his right hand covered with armed domineering, and slapped Aqua on the abdomen.

He wanted to completely suck this ridiculous kid in front of him into a shriveled corpse to relieve the anger in his heart!
  "Erosion Reincarnation·Desert Prison!"

The moment the palm touched the soft belly, the corrosive power of the Shasha Fruit exploded, continuously devouring the water in Aqua's body.

Crocodile is very confident. In the face of an armed color that can touch the entity, even if the opponent is really a natural water system user, he will not be able to perform the most basic elementalization.

In this case, the erosion effect of Desert Prison can take effect!

This kind of judgment is actually quite accurate, and can achieve the effect of killing with one hit - provided that Aqua is really a natural water fruit ability user.

Unfortunately, this premise simply does not exist.

As a result, Crocodile's smile froze on the spot.

No effect, no effect at all? !
  no, no...

The shocked eyes turned a little bit and fell on the right hand that was in contact with Aqua.

The special gravel filled with water fell one after another, and soon after, the entire yellow sand arm was covered with endless water, becoming extremely heavy.

"You damn guy, where did you get so much water on your body!!"

Crocodile was completely in disarray. The cycle of erosion could even drain the entire capital of water, but...

Can't you suck a human?
  Is this thing really human? ! (End of chapter)