Phoenix Reborn In One Piece

Outside the large lake near the Rainbase Casino, the crowd of onlookers grew bigger and bigger. They had gathered because they were worried about Crocodile. 

"Crocodile, are you going to come with me, or should I send you flying?" The old man Garp, expressionless, stood in front of the Rainbase Casino entrance, eating senbei. 

"Garp, don't forget, not only am I one of the Warlords of the Sea, but I'm also a hero in all of Alabasta. What reason do you have to arrest me?" Crocodile asked coldly. 

"That's right, Marines, why are you arresting Mr. Crocodile?" 

"Marines, Mr. Crocodile is a good person!" 

"Yes, Marines, we won't let you take Mr. Crocodile away!" 

"Crocodile is a hero here!" 

The crowd surrounding the Rainbase Casino started to shout support for Crocodile and question the Marines. 

Crocodile looked at this scene outside the Rainbase Casino, feeling pleased. 

Through his previous acts of charity and showmanship, he had gained a hero's reputation in this country. Now, it was finally time to use these commoners to his advantage. 

"Vice Admiral Garp, what should we do?" a nearby Marine asked. 

Other Marines looked to Garp, waiting for him to make a decision on how to handle the situation. 

"Crisp, crisp~~" 

Garp finished his last piece of senbei, some crumbs still on the corner of his mouth. He wiped it off with his hand, satisfied, and let out a contented burp. 

Then, he loudly said, "Crocodile, now that we're here, it means we've gathered enough evidence to send you flying! So, stop trying to argue, Mr. 0, president of Baroque Works!" 

Upon hearing Garp's words, the crowd around them was stunned. 

They looked at each other, expressions full of disbelief. 

"Hey~~ What do you mean, president of Baroque Works~~" 

"The Marines said Mr. Crocodile is the president of Baroque Works~~" 

"How is that possible~~~" 

"He has no connection to that notorious organization!" 

"That's right, Mr. Crocodile couldn't possibly be involved with Baroque Works!" 

"The Marines aren't just slandering Mr. Crocodile, are they?" 

When Garp revealed Crocodile's true identity, the crowd began to stir again. People started to question the Marines' accusations and showed support and trust for Crocodile. 

However, Garp remained unmoved despite the crowd's doubts. 

"Ha~ Ha~ Ha~ Ha~" 

"Vice Admiral Garp, you've seen it. This is just an unfounded accusation. You have no evidence connecting me to Baroque Works."

"You can't attack me, even if this is true! I'm still a Shicibukai!" Crocodile laughed triumphantly. 

But in his mind, he started to think. This must be connected to the group with Mr. 9—they must have been exposed. 

Crocodile guessed that they might already be in Marine custody. 

Still, it didn't matter. As long as he remained a Warlord of the Sea, the Marines couldn't touch him. He had the freedom to plunder without consequences! 

"The evidence is here! I have enough proof to show that you are the leader of Baroque Works and that the drought in Alabasta is your doing!" 

Suddenly, a clear female voice cut through the scene. 

The people around Rainbase Casino immediately turned toward the source of the voice, their eyes landing on a woman riding a Spot-Billed Duck. 

It was Princess Vivi of Alabasta! 

"That's a Spot-Billed Duck!" 

"The duck is here… is that Princess Vivi?" 

"What's going on?" 

Some in the crowd recognized Vivi's Ducks were well-known in Alabasta because the duck troop was led by Princess Vivi herself. 

"Princess Vivi, you're finally here!" 

"Princess Vivi, what does King Cobra say~~~" 

As soon as Vivi appeared, Mr. 9 and Captain Igaram of the royal guard ran out to greet her. 

When Crocodile saw Vivi, his face changed instantly. In that moment, he realized this woman was actually the princess of Alabasta! 

And Mr. 9… he had betrayed him too. 

"Vice Admiral Garp, I'm sorry I'm late," Vivi said, joining Garp alongside Igaram and Mr. 9. 

"Wa-hahaha~~~" 

"Crocodile, do you still want to deny it?" Garp said with a grin. He knew the situation was now under control. 

There was no longer any need to gather additional intel from the Marines. 

"I have direct evidence proving that the drought and unrest in Alabasta are all tied to Crocodile! 

He used Dance Powder to alter Alabasta's weather and framed the king for it. 

He planted Baroque Works agents, the 'Millions,' among the rebel army to stir up rebellion. 

Using his Devil Fruit powers, he even altered Alabasta's underground water system, causing multiple oases to dry up and creating the drought!" 

As Vivi spoke, she took out a stack of documents and photos, presenting them as proof of Crocodile's actions in Alabasta. 

The crowd around the Rainbase Casino erupted into a frenzy of discussions. 

"What? How is that possible?" 

"Isn't he the hero of our country?" 

"I don't believe it…" 

Faces in the crowd showed disbelief and confusion. They couldn't accept that the drought in Alabasta over the past two years was caused by Crocodile. 

What stung even more was the realization that they had once regarded the true culprit as a hero, even feeling deeply grateful to him. 

"Ha… ha… ha… ha…" 

"Even so, Garp, do you think this means you've won?" 

Crocodile suddenly burst into laughter, his voice filled with mockery and disdain. Since his plan had been exposed, he no longer bothered pretending. 

"Everyone, come out!" 

At Crocodile's command, countless figures rushed out from every corner of Rainbase Casino. 

These were members of Baroque Works, all with fierce expressions, armed with various weapons, and exuding intense killing intent. 

Beside Crocodile, the top officers and senior commanders of Baroque Works stood by his side, ready to fight. 

The only one missing was Miss All-Sunday—Nico Robin. 

Even so, their numbers gave them a clear advantage. Many of these top officers were also Devil Fruit users, and they didn't feel like victory was out of reach. 

The tension around the Rainbase Casino grew thick, and it seemed like a battle could break out at any moment. 

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