One Piece: King of the World

Chapter 126: Cunning Crocodile

Chapter 126: Chapter 126: Cunning Crocodile

After finishing his conversation with Doflamingo, which involved some lighthearted banter between brothers, Claudius hung up the Den Den Mushi and was just about to get up. He intended to check on Hancock and the others, to establish more familiarity and build connections. However, before he could take a step, the phone rang again.

"What's with today? It never ends," Claudius muttered, half-amused and half-exasperated.

A quick glance revealed that it was Crocodile on the line. Setting aside his plans, Claudius settled back down on the sun lounger, picked up the receiver, and said, "Well, well, if it isn't the illustrious Warlord of the Sea. What can I do for you?"

"What's up with your phone, Claudius? I've been trying to reach you forever, but it just kept going unanswered. You need a new one?" Crocodile's annoyed voice grumbled through the speaker.

Claudius chuckled. "Ahahaha, there's nothing wrong with the phone, my friend. I've just been tied up with calls. You're not the only one trying to reach me, you know."

"Is that so? Busy man, are you?" Crocodile's tone carried a touch of sarcasm.

"Naturally. When you're at my level, where hundreds of thousands of Berries change hands with every passing moment, life tends to stay busy," Claudius responded with a grin.

"Perhaps," Crocodile said dismissively, as if humoring him.

"So, to what do I owe this call?" Claudius inquired.

There was a pause before Crocodile spoke again. "It's been a year."

Claudius raised an eyebrow, then let out a laugh. "Oh? Are we talking about our little agreement? So, you're planning to challenge me again this year?"

Claudius and Crocodile had a standing arrangement: once a year, Crocodile could challenge Claudius to a duel. If he won, he would regain his freedom. He hadn't taken up the challenge the previous year, so Claudius found this sudden announcement intriguing.

"Of course. Unlike you, Claudius, I spend my time navigating the dangers of the sea, growing stronger with each passing day. By now, both my experience and my strength should surpass yours. What do you say? Are you willing to face me, or will you admit defeat? I promise not to gloat," Crocodile's voice carried a biting edge.

"Fair point. I may not be out there risking my life every day like you, but if you really think you've caught up to me, you're sorely mistaken," Claudius said with confidence.

"Come to Alabasta, then. I'll be waiting," Crocodile challenged.

Claudius paused, then let out a hearty laugh. "Ahahaha, so that's your game. You've gotten a bit more cunning, haven't you, Crocodile? You want to fight me on your turf, the deserts of Alabasta. Trying to use the environment to your advantage, are we? And all that talk before was that just to bait me into accepting?"

Crocodile remained silent for a moment, but when he spoke again, there was no trace of embarrassment. "Our agreement never specified neutral ground, did it? There was no clause saying we couldn't use any resources at our disposal. What's the matter, Claudius? Are you scared?"

"Scared? Hardly. If I beat you in Alabasta, I assume that'll make you feel even more defeated?" Claudius smirked.

Crocodile let out a dry laugh. "Exactly. Who knows, maybe in another year or two, I won't be calling to challenge you at all."

"Well, now that's a delightful thought," Claudius said, his tone amused. After a short pause, he continued, "So, was this the only reason you called?"

Crocodile glanced around the room of his new residence in Alabasta and replied, "Not quite. I wanted to inform you that the plan is already underway. Just today, I secured a noble title here in Alabasta."

"Ahahaha, is that so? Congratulations, Crocodile," Claudius said, genuinely pleased.

"But..." Crocodile hesitated, the mirth in his voice replaced by a serious tone.

"But what?" Claudius asked, curiosity piqued.

"I initially estimated it would take about five years to seize control of Alabasta. But now, after getting a better sense of the place, I've realized the influence of the Nefertari royal family is deeper than I anticipated. I'm revising my estimate, it might take ten years or even more to achieve full control," Crocodile admitted.

Claudius went silent for a moment, processing the new information. Then, he responded, "That's fine. As long as we achieve our objective before the 'big change' I've envisioned, I'm not worried. A decade is nothing to me; I have all the time in the world."

Crocodile was taken aback, though he didn't show it. Claudius' immediate acceptance of his new timeline, without a single question or reprimand, spoke volumes. It was trust, plain and simple. Crocodile realized that Claudius, with his ability to command loyalty and confidence, was indeed a master at managing people.

It was strange. In some ways, Crocodile felt almost proud to be associated with him. Not that he'd ever admit it out loud, of course. He composed himself and said, "I have a few strategies in mind, but I might need your input now and then. Make your way to Alabasta soon."

"Don't worry, I'll make sure to beat you soundly," Claudius said with a grin. "But first, I have to finish my little errand at Little Garden. I'm close by anyway, and there's a certain dinosaur I'd like to catch."

"One more thing," Crocodile interjected. "I need your assistance with acquiring certain... contraband. I could handle it myself, but why go through the trouble when I have you as a resource? I need a substantial amount of Dance Powder."

Dance Powder was banned for good reason; it was an artificial rain stimulant that could siphon precipitation from surrounding regions, leading to droughts and potentially catastrophic conflicts. While the World Government had officially outlawed it, the black market still thrived with the trade of such dangerous substances.

"Ah, for the sake of stirring up trouble in Alabasta, I see. I'll point you to Doflamingo. If it's illegal, he's your guy. I have a feeling you two will get along just fine," Claudius said with a chuckle.

"We'll see," Crocodile replied, his tone as cool as ever.

***

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