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Robin sank deeper into the quicksand, and Noir, in a panic, had no choice but to abandon Crocodile and rush towards her.
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Just as most of her body was buried, Noir managed to reach out and grab Robin''s hand.
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"Hold on tight, I''ll pull you up!" Noir shouted anxiously as he grabbed Robin.
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Crocodile sneered at the two and shot out, "Don''t even think about it!"
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A massive sand slash surged towards them, forcing Noir to release a burst of flames.
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The intense heat from his fiery fist scattered the sand, and in that moment, Noir lifted Robin out of the quicksand.
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After placing Robin safely away, Noir drew his sword and charged back at Crocodile.
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This time, he changed his strategy.
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He used his Devil Fruit abilities as a support and focused primarily on his swordsmanship and Haki, pressing the attack with his blade.
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As expected, Noir''s strategy of exploiting his strengths against Crocodile''s weaknesses soon paid off.
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With insufficient Haki and a weaker physique, Crocodile''s Devil Fruit abilities were also countered by Noir''s multiple powers. After several exchanges, Crocodile found himself with over a dozen wounds.
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Crocodile, now in a dire state, fought defensively and retreated, gritting his teeth in frustration.
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Transformed into a towering bear, Noir swung his flame-enhanced sword, with a blaze and a sandstorm surrounding him.
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Utilizing multiple abilities simultaneously, Noir appeared unstoppable, like a mysterious war god.
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Robin watched in awe from the sidelines.
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This defied all logic.
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How could one person possess so many Devil Fruit abilities simultaneously?
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Crocodile spat out a mouthful of blood, his eyes wary as he stared at Noir.
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This copied ability is truly troublesome!
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Crocodile cursed inwardly. Although each ability was not as strong as his own, when combined...
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How did it become so terrifying?!
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As Crocodile''s condition deteriorated, Noir only seemed to grow more energetic.
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Having not fully developed each ability meant that his stamina consumption was lower.
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So, even though Noir used multiple abilities at once, his monstrous stamina remained relatively unexhausted.
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After several more exchanges, Crocodile gained nothing and was instead kicked to the ground by Noir.
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His once immaculate attire was now tattered, and his stylish pompadour had several strands hanging down.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
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From a successful businessman, Crocodile had been reduced to the image of a bankrupt, middle-aged man.
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Filled with excitement, Noir taunted, "Keep acting tough! Why aren''t you fighting anymore?!"
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Crocodile''s face turned ashen as he began contemplating an escape plan.
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Since when did these newcomers become so terrifying?
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Not only were their Devil Fruit abilities monstrous, but their Haki was also incredibly strong.
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Don''t we Warlords have any dignity?!
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Just as Crocodile was about to swallow his pride and flee, shouts suddenly echoed from behind him.
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"Someone has infiltrated the palace!"
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"Over here! There''s someone here!"
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"Is Sir Crocodile here too?!"
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"Who''s that? How did they beat Sir Crocodile so badly?!"
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Crocodile couldn''t hold back and spat out a mouthful of old blood.
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If you can''t speak, just shut up!
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Noir frowned at the approaching crowd, quickly realizing they were from the palace.
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Suddenly, Noir felt a weight on his shoulder and turned to see Robin, pale, leaning against him.
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"That''s the palace''s army. They must have discovered my infiltration... Don''t get tangled with them..."
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Robin spoke intermittently before collapsing into Noir''s arms, unconscious.
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Noir was startled, looking down at Robin''s wound, where blood had already stained the area red.
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Glaring at Crocodile, then at the rapidly approaching palace soldiers, Noir hurriedly picked up Robin and fled into the distance.
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By the time Noir had disappeared, the royal army of Alabasta finally arrived.
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Crocodile''s true motives had not yet been revealed, so the people of Alabasta still regarded the Warlord with some respect.
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Even if they didn''t like this pirate, most kept their opinions to themselves without showing open hostility.
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The palace troops were led by the deputy commander of the royal guard, one of Alabasta''s strongest warriors, "Jackal" Chaka.
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Chaka, personally, didn''t like Crocodile very much.
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But since Crocodile was currently a hero of the kingdom, he couldn''t say anything openly.
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Chaka approached Crocodile and asked curiously, "Mr. Crocodile, who exactly was the enemy?"
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Crocodile, kneeling on one knee and breathing heavily, replied sharply, "Just some thieves invading the kingdom."
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"I chased them away, but they escaped too quickly to catch up..."
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Crocodile boasted without hesitation. Chaka, looking at his disheveled state, didn''t know what to say.
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"Your injuries..." Chaka hesitated, glancing at Crocodile.
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Crocodile slicked back his hair and said, "It''s nothing. Don''t worry."
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He looked up in the direction Noir had fled, a sinister smile forming on his face.
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Under the moonlight, the tip of his golden hook gleamed with a purple light, exuding a dangerous aura...
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Noir, you better run faster with her, don''t die on the way!
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After settling Crocodile, Chaka led his soldiers in a brief pursuit of Noir but found nothing.
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Left with no choice, Chaka returned to the palace with his men.
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Just as he was about to leave the palace grounds, a small figure ran out.
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"Chaka! What happened?"
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A young girl with a smooth blue ponytail and bright, curious eyes looked at Chaka.
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Chaka quickly knelt down, respectfully saying, "Princess Vivi, a group of thieves infiltrated the palace but have already fled."
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"Really?"
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Vivi furrowed her pretty brows and then asked, "Have you found out what I asked you to investigate?"
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Chaka nodded, "The Baroque Works is indeed a criminal organization, but there''s no evidence linking them to our kingdom''s strange incidents."
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Vivi pondered, "If that''s the case, I have an idea..."
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Chaka asked curiously, "What is it, Princess?"
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Princess Vivi smiled mischievously, "I will go undercover!"
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"I''ve been watching them for a long time. If I can infiltrate the organization, I''m sure I can find some clues!"
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Chaka was taken aback and quickly tried to dissuade her, "You mustn''t, Princess! That organization is too mysterious, and your noble status..."
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Princess Vivi shook her head, not listening to him, and ran off to seek her father''s permission.
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Chaka, with a pained expression, quickly followed her.
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Under the moonlit night, many significant events quietly unfolded in the vast desert of Alabasta.