One Punch of Justice
Chapter 44: Crocodile

On the back of the majestic turtle, ‘Banchi’, the eclectic crew set off on their desert voyage, with their ultimate destination being the magnificent ‘Rain Dinners’.

During their travels, Robin made contact with Crocodile, reporting the assembly of the high-ranking Baroque Works members who were en route to the casino.

Furthermore, she divulged that she had successfully acquired a replacement for Mr. 5, a formidable asset for the syndicate.

As Crocodile listened on the other end of the Den Den Mushi, he momentarily faltered in his composure.

However, he quickly regained his signature smile, congratulated her with a curt “Well done,” and promptly ended the conversation.

In his lavish suite, Crocodile reclined while a photograph of Robin and Saitama conversing on a Marine vessel lay on the nearby table.

The picture had been obtained by the ‘Unluckies,‘ who had brought back the intelligence report.

“Miss All Sunday had betrayed the Baroque Works”, a revelation that elicited a wry chuckle from Crocodile as he raised the photo, expelling a smoke ring.

“Not surprising at all, Nico Robin… You have indeed betrayed me! But do you truly believe that the so-called ‘Bald Devil’, with his hollow reputation, can stand against me? Despite his apparent, why does she still possess such naivety? Gahaha…”

As he finished his sentence, Crocodile rose from his seat and strode purposefully towards his secret chamber.

In the colossal aquarium, the ‘Bananagator’ swam lazily, oblivious to the impending danger that awaited it.

Crocodile’s eyes glimmered with malice as he gazed at the trap he had cleverly laid out at the entrance. A vicious grin adorned his lips, betraying the wickedness of his plan.

During his youth, Crocodile had honed his hunting skills by targeting large beasts, utilizing his intelligence and trap-making abilities. As he grew older, he became increasingly self-assured in his abilities, convinced that the bald man, known as the “Bald Devil,” was no match for him in a fair fight.

As a pirate, Crocodile had come to understand that ruthlessness was a necessary trait. “Pirates don’t play fair! Dealing with fools demands a level of cruelty, and it’s a lesson I’m always willing to impart. Ha-Ha-Ha…” he remarked with a sinister chuckle.

His laughter echoed through the room, casting his shadow out behind him like that of a predatory wolf.

Unbeknownst to him, the trap he had set was not meant for a helpless victim, but for a hero of immense power and skill – the bald man, who had already defeated foes from all dimensions and planes.

Blinded by his arrogance, Mr. 0 didn’t recognize the danger that lay ahead. He was about to face an opponent unlike any he had ever encountered, one who would show him that true power was not measured by brawn alone, but also by the tenacity of one’s spirit and will.

—————————————————————–

The night had descended, blanketing the land in its enigmatic shroud.

Banchi, had embarked on a treacherous expedition to transport the esteemed leaders of Baroque Works to Rain Dinners, the splendid city that housed the grandest gambling den. However, an unforeseen addition had joined their ranks – Saitama, who had disguised himself and been recommended by Miss All Sunday as a new recruit.

As they entered the luxurious casino, a spectacle of dazzling grandeur unfurled before their very eyes.

Despite the nation being mired in rebellion, destitution, and drought, the casino glimmered with opulence, its corridors reverberating with the chink of coins and the mirthful laughter of gamblers.

A servant, entrusted with receiving the illustrious guests, emerged to escort the distinguished officials into a private chamber.

However, at a crossroads in the path, the servant suddenly came to a halt.

“Miss All Sunday and the newly appointed agent, please accompany me. The boss wishes to meet you personally,” the servant said with utmost deference, bowing deeply and gesturing towards the right path. “The rest of you, kindly proceed to the left, enter the private chamber, and take a brief respite. The boss shall join you shortly.”

“Aww, come on! Just joined and already getting the VIP treatment from the boss? How lucky!” Mr. 2 exclaimed cheerfully, waving his hand towards Saitama and Robin, before joining the others as they veered towards the opposite direction. “Until we meet again, dear Miss All Sunday, our Baldy-Cape… Haha… Quite a resounding title, indeed! Bald Cape Hero!”

To everyone else, everything seemed normal.

Robin was a former partner of Crocodile, renowned for her sharp wit and strategic mind. It was only natural for her to treat her recruits with special care.

However, having spent years navigating the treacherous world of pirates and evading the World Government, Robin had developed a keen sense of danger that most people lacked.

And today, that sense was tingling.

It was just a feeling, a faint hint of unease in the air.

But Robin had learned to trust her instincts, particularly when it came to matters of life and death.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

“Saitama-san,” Robin whispered Saitama’s name, her voice barely audible over the raucous sounds of the pirate crew.

Saitama turned to her, his blank, featureless face making it difficult to read his expression.

“I feel a bit suffocated… Can you help me get some fresh air?” she continued, hoping Saitama would understand her subtle hint.

To her relief, Saitama nodded, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly in understanding.

“Don’t worry,” he said calmly. “I’ll take care of everything.”

With purposeful strides, Saitama headed towards the door on the right, his massive frame making Robin’s slender figure seem even smaller. Robin held her breath, waiting to see what would happen next.

Suddenly, there was a deafening crash, and a cage dropped from the ceiling, trapping Saitama inside.

Robin gasped in shock and horror, her heart racing with fear. She had sensed danger, but she had never expected it to strike so quickly and viciously.

“Damn it,” she cursed, slapping herself on the forehead. “I knew something was wrong.”

Meanwhile, Saitama remained eerily calm, despite being trapped inside the cage like a helpless animal. He reached out and tapped the iron bars with his hand, a look of mild annoyance on his face.

“Well, this is inconvenient,” he muttered, his voice barely audible over the sound of Robin’s pounding heart. “Sea Stone prison, huh?” Saitama assessed his situation, seemingly unphased by the dangerous predicament he was in.

In an instant, the dimly lit room was bathed in a radiant glow.

Seated in an ornate armchair not far away, a cunning middle-aged mastermind cloaked in darkness, his slicked-back hair catching the light, ignited a snow-white cigar.

With a sly grin, he chuckled, “Impressive taste… This kind of treasure must be commonplace in your realm, but obtaining it was no easy feat, my friend. It took quite a bit of effort, haha…”

Observing the audacious grin adorning Crocodile’s face, Saitama was preoccupied with a crucial task – cleaning out his nose. He dug deep, and before he knew it, a booger was dangling precariously from his finger.

Without thinking, he flicked the booger he had just excavated from his nostril in Crocodile’s direction.

In a sudden twist of fate, the snot rocket found its way into Crocodile’s gaping mouth, much to his disgust and horror.

The slimy intruder triggered a violent fit of coughing and choking, leaving him gasping for air.

Crocodile writhed in agony for what felt like an eternity, his throat scorched and his dignity shattered.

With a mighty effort, he finally managed to expel the unwelcome visitor from his mouth, sending it flying across the room. As he wiped the sweat from his furrowed brow, Crocodile couldn’t shake off the lingering sense of unease.

Saitama scratched his head sheepishly and apologized, “Oops, my bad. I didn’t think my aim was that good.”

“Asshole!”

Crocodile growled, his voice dripping with venom. “I am the mighty and revered Shichibukai, and yet I was nearly defeated by a measly booger!” He shuddered at the thought of how close he had come to his demise, his mind racing with the realization of the absurdity of the situation.

“You insufferable wretch! Do you have any idea who I am?” he bellowed, seething with frustration.

Saitama shrugged. “Not really. But looks like my booger really knows how to make an entrance!”

Crocodile stood up, his anger boiling over as he closed in on Saitama.

“I was considering whether or not to kill you,, Saitama-kun,” he drawled, a smirk twisting his lips. “Or should I call you Rear Admiral Saitama?”

The words hung heavily in the air, sending a shiver down the spines of those present.

Robin felt her heart drop to the pit of her stomach.

Her plan had been exposed, and the consequences would be dire.

Crocodile turned to Robin, his gaze piercing her like a knife. “What’s the matter, cat got your tongue?” he sneered. “Did you really believe that a feeble scheme like this would bring me down? You are nothing but a puppet, and I control your every move!”

His laughter reverberated off the walls, a wicked sound that sent shivers down their spines.

“I am Crocodile,” he bellowed, his voice ringing with pride and arrogance.

“Nobody can manipulate me! I am the master puppeteer,” he boasted, his voice dripping with conceit. “I play with everyone – the kingdom, the rebels, the navy, and even you, my dear Miss All Sunday. Or should I say, my dear Nico Robin?” he sneered, turning his attention back to her. “Yes, I knew your real identity from the beginning. And now, you will suffer for betraying me!”

Crocodile’s gaze shifted to Saitama, his tone now laced with venomous intent. “And as for you,” he seethed, his eyes blazing with fury, “you have pushed me beyond my limit.”

“As a Rear Admiral, your disappearance on my territory could invite the wrath of the Navy. But I don’t give a damn! In fact, I’ll use it to my advantage. I’ll blame the rebels and the king for your death and use it as a pretext to take control of the whole kingdom!” Crocodile sneered, his eyes gleaming with malice. “You have completely enraged me, and I will make you pay!”

Saitama scratched his head in confusion. “Do I know you?”

Crocodile approached the cage, a sly grin creeping onto his face.

“Ah, the infamous Bald Devil of Loguetown. Your reputation certainly precedes you,” he taunted, eyeing Saitama with a mixture of amusement and malice. “I’ve heard stories about your strength and resilience. It will be a pleasure to put them to the test.”

He continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “I’ve heard tales of how you once obliterated fifty pirate ships with a single punch. Impressive, to be sure,” he remarked, “though I could accomplish the same feat effortlessly with the power of my Sand-Sand Fruit.” Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ Nʘvᴇl(F)ire.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

Crocodile’s sinister smile widened as he gazed down at Saitama, his eyes seeming to say, “I know all your secrets.” With a sneer, he continued, “But little did I know, you too possess the power of the enigmatic Devil Fruit! And as a member of the Marines, you should be well aware of the capabilities of the Seastone cage I have specially prepared for you. Right now, you’re nothing but a lamb being led to the slaughter.”

“Huh?” Saitama blinked in confusion. “What are you talking about? I’m not a Devil Fruit user.”

Turning to Robin, he added, “Is he always like this? He talks too much and is quite annoying.”

“Don’t try to deny it!” Crocodile snapped, summoning a swirling dust tornado with a flick of his wrist. “I’ll send you straight to hell!”

“I’ve already told you, I’m not a Devil Fruit user. Why don’t you understand?” Saitama’s impatience grew as he spoke.

Without hesitation, Saitama seized the Seastone prison and heaved it towards Crocodile, trapping him inside with a resounding thud.

As the sand tornado vanished into thin air, Crocodile sat bewildered in the cage, his expression one of complete disbelief.

He remained speechless for a time, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

Finally, he managed to ask,

“What just happened?”

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