In terms of physical defense capabilities alone, Gawain is already close to the level of Kaido and Big Mom.
Even if Kizaru wants to break through the defense, he has to use all his strength.
In addition, the animal type naturally has unparalleled advantages in melee combat, and this is especially true for the mythical beasts, which are the pinnacle of the animal type.
This can be proved by the fact that the wounds left by Kizaru himself on Gawain's body have basically stopped bleeding and healed.
But if this guy is determined to escape, I can't keep him.
Huang Yuan raised his hand to push up his glasses and said calmly:
“Ah~”
"I thought you were a great pirate who was good at scheming, but you turned out to be a battle maniac like Kaido?"
"I really can't help you. I agree to this request."
Between words.
Kizaru couldn't help but look at Gawain's face, and he felt relieved when he saw that the latter was obviously exhausted.
Even if it is a mythical beast, it does not mean that it can fight endlessly. After a long period of high-intensity fighting, it still needs sufficient rest time to restore physical strength.
Gawain is strong, even close to the top of pirates, but his animal type has not yet awakened, and his physical abilities have not yet reached the level that can be called abnormal.
I don't know why.
When he thought of this, Kizaru felt the wind and sand blowing across his body, bringing a distinct chill.
Suddenly.
Kizaru noticed that there seemed to be a hint of a successful smile in Gawain's eyes, but it completely disappeared in the next moment.
Hallucination?
Well~
It must be an illusion.
It's impossible that after such a serious injury, you can be full of energy the next day, right?
Kizaru shook his head and put aside the ridiculous thoughts in his mind.
"make a deal!"
Gawain grinned as he slowly put Guanze Masamune back into the scabbard.
A general-level Conqueror Haki sparring partner. Although the improvement of Conqueror Haki brought by training is far less than that of real battles, especially battles involving the clash of beliefs and wills, but after accumulating a little, it is also a considerable benefit.
It took Zephyr at least a month to travel from the Marine Headquarters to Alabasta.
Even if we count from the battle with Golden Lion, when the navy noticed the abnormality in Alabasta.
The time left for Gao Wen was more than a month.
The experience gained from the Conqueror's Haki during this period might be enough to raise Gawain's Conqueror's Haki to the fourth level, and it is even possible that he can further comprehend the Conqueror's Haki entanglement.
The temperature difference between day and night in the desert is huge.
It was already late at night, and the cold wind was blowing bitingly, blowing away the yellow sand all over the ground, and also blowing away the dust covering Crocodile.
“Ahem…!”
After a few violent coughs.
Crocodile slowly opened his eyes, feeling the threat approaching.
He tried to stand up, but his body, which had been severely injured twice and was almost dying, no longer had the strength to do so.
He could only fall down helplessly.
“Is this the end of me?”
“It’s so ugly!”
Crocodile barely raised his head and looked at Gawain, whose upper body was naked and covered with scars, and Kizaru who was lazing around beside him. He knew in his heart that there was no chance of him escaping today.
But at this moment, there was no anger in Crocodile's heart, only indescribable joy.
He suddenly remembered why he had hesitated before entering the temple and obtaining Pluto.
I am unwilling to do this!
Why are some people destined to stand at the top, while others are destined to be crushed in the dust?
Is this fair?
Of course not!
Think of this.
There seemed to be a fire burning in Crocodile's eyes. He turned to look at Gawain:
"I will take Whitebeard's head!"
"I will absolutely, absolutely, absolutely take off Whitebeard's head!"
“Hahahahahaha—!”
The dry, hoarse laughter echoed in the desert, even drowning out the whistling wind around.
Kizaru looked at the scene coldly.
The lenses on his nose reflected the moonlight and completely blocked his eyes, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking.
Only a murmur came out from Kizaru's mouth:
"ko~wa~i~ne~"
"Now I believe you can fight that monster Barrett to that extent."
"but."
"The only fate that awaits you is to be imprisoned in Impel Down. No one can escape from there."
"No!"
Crocodile stopped laughing and said firmly:
"Someone escaped from there."
"Golden Lion!"
"If he can be the first, why can't I be the second?!"
"You can certainly be the second one."
Gawain, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke. He lowered his eyes and looked at Crocodile, with a hint of admiration in his eyes.
To be honest, although Crocodile is a villain, he is one of Gawain's most admired villains.
The creation of the Cross Union and the reverse bounty on the Navy were a move that hit the nail on the head as unrest was just beginning to emerge in the New World, and it directly hit the weak spot of the Navy and the World Government.
From this point of view, Crocodile can almost be regarded as one of the top chess players of that era.
"If you can do it, show me!"
"snort!"
Crocodile closed his eyes, but the corners of his mouth gradually widened:
"I'm not going to prove anything to you, but if it's in my interest, I'm going to do it, simple as that."
"I'm really looking forward to what the blood of those overlords who stand at the top tastes like~"
“Hahahahaha~”
After a few laughs.
Crocodile lost consciousness. His body had already reached its limit. He was still alive, but he was only holding on to his last breath with his own will.
After a long silence, Kizaru picked up Crocodile with one hand and turned back to Alabasta.
Gawain looked in the direction where Kizaru disappeared, took out a Den Den Mushi from his arms, and conveyed his orders to Akin and Crow who were acting separately.
"Evacuate Alabasta!"
"Return to Rapeseed Port and wait!"
…
Hundreds of kilometers away.
Ajin and his group took shelter from the sandstorm in an oasis and replenished their scarce fresh water resources.
After being exposed to the high temperature for several consecutive days, the skin of the three people has become much darker, but their eyes still reveal a sharp and murderous intent.
"Captain, let's go back to Rapeseed Harbor."
Ajin sat on a piece of rubble, looking at the Den Den Mushi with its eyes closed in his hand, with confusion in his eyes.
The same thing happened to Sauron beside him:
"Did you encounter a strong enemy?"
"Golden Lion?"
Zoro quietly tightened his grip on the three long swords at his waist.
His teeth were clenched so tightly that his cheeks bulged high, and his eyes were filled with deep resentment.
This situation where the captain has to bear everything alone and face a strong enemy because his own strength is not enough is something he cannot bear both emotionally and personally.
How can you become the world's strongest swordsman if you are always protected?
But what he knew more clearly was that he really couldn't deal with such an opponent.
Previously, it took the combined strength of four people to defeat just one Fuzifu, the more powerful golden lion...
How to fight?
"Qi!"
"We are still too weak."
Zoro put down the sword in his hand dejectedly, but his eyes became hot at this moment:
"If we want to grow faster, we need stronger opponents, opponents so strong that I can't defeat them even if I put all my strength into it!"
"I don't want to be a burden to that man's progress."
"ah."
Lucci took off his hat, brushed off the dust, and showed the same look as Zoro:
"I feel the same way."
"Stop talking nonsense."
Ah said calmly:
"According to the captain's orders, act."
"Even if we really have to face an opponent like the Golden Lion, we are still pure to that man..."
"burden!"
Ah Jin pronounced these two words with great emphasis.
So much so that Lucci and Zoro both looked sideways, and they realized that this man was probably the most unwilling person in the entire Gawain Pirates.
The three of them said nothing. After covering their tracks with the yellow sand, they started their return journey.
Amidst the wind and sand, three figures were moving rapidly under the moon.
After counting the breaths.
bump!
Lu Qi stopped suddenly. He felt a little uneasy for some reason, as if he had overlooked something.
This feeling was very similar to the feeling he had before the CP ambush at Whiskey Peak.
It’s hard to explain, but it makes people’s scalp tingle.
"What's wrong?"
Ajin looked at Lucci in confusion.
"nothing."
After thinking about it for a while without any results, Lu Qi shook his head and said:
"Let's go."
"Follow the captain's instructions first."
"Um."
…
…
…
A few days later.
With the actions of Cobra, Vivi and Kosa, the unrest within Alabasta was quickly put down.
As piece of evidence after piece of evidence was presented to Kizaru, he also realized what Crocodile had done to this country.
Although Kizaru could see that Cobra was intentionally hiding something.
But the Kingdom of Alabasta is, after all, one of the twenty countries that established the World Government. It is too involved and it is easy to get into big trouble if you are not careful.
Based on the principle that less trouble is worse than more, Kizaru simply turned a blind eye.
After all, in the past few days, he has seen that Cobra may not be a wise and powerful king, but he can empathize with the suffering of the civilians.
This alone is enough to make him better than more than 99% of the kings of this era, and at least make the lives of the common people in this country a little better.
The navy's troops also entered various towns within Alabasta a few days ago to assist the local guards in completely uprooting Baroque Works.
Except for Dazbonis and his deputy Sasha who managed to escape, the rest of the Baroque Works cadres either died at the hands of Clo and others, or were captured by the navy and spent time in jail.
Everything is moving in a good direction.
Apart from……
"General Kizaru, today's battle is about to begin!"
The familiar voice appeared in Kizaru's ears again. He almost couldn't hold the pen steadily as he looked out the window at Gawain who was full of energy and vigor without any sign of fatigue at all.
He finally realized that he was not only wrong, but also extremely wrong.
This bastard was beaten so badly yesterday that he couldn't get up, but he recovered completely the next moment without even being affected at all.
Damn it!
No one told me that not only is his ability ridiculously strong, but his body recovery ability is definitely comparable to Big Mom and Kaido's level!
Think of this.
Kizaru couldn't help but rub his sore shoulder with his hand, his brows furrowed into an awkward shape:
"Please spare me. My old bones are different from those of you young people."
"Then I'll leave?"
“Is this true or false?”
"Of course it's true. I'm leaving Alabasta now."
"Don't!"
Yellow Monkey's brows were throbbing with veins, and he almost couldn't hold it in:
"I'll do it."
"Is it not okay for me to come?"
A few minutes later.
In the desert outside Alabasta, two red figures once again engaged in an extremely fierce battle.
The roar caused by the two even reached the royal palace in the center of Alupana.
now.
Inside a ward in the Alabasta Palace.
Robin, who had already woken up, slowly sat up and looked at the wind and sand outside the window. He was stunned for a long time before turning his head to look at Cobra in front of him again.
A slight blush appeared on her face:
"Gawain, did he really say that? He said I belong to him?"
"ah."
Cobra nodded.
When mentioning Gawain, he couldn't help showing a grateful expression:
"If it weren't for him this time, neither you nor I would have been able to escape Crocodile's hands."
"I have seen many pirates, including many like Crocodile, but this is the first time I have seen a pirate like him."
Between words.
Cobra's gaze fell on Robin.
He had already guessed Robin's identity, but had never revealed it.
He couldn't betray someone who was kind to him, but leaving Robin here was absolutely impossible.
Her identity is too sensitive. Once known by the navy or the world government, she will face endless hunting, and even the country of Alabasta will be implicated.
The best solution now is undoubtedly to find a home for Robin, and the Gawain Pirates are the ideal target.
"All...won't you think about it?"
Robin didn't say anything, but turned his head and looked out the window calmly.
From this angle, she could even barely see the sandstorm outside Alabasta, which was becoming increasingly violent due to the battle between Gawain and Kizaru.
After a long time.
Robin retracted his gaze and murmured:
"Mr. Cobra, do you think someone like me can find..."
"No."
“Is it worth having a home?”
Cobra's eyes tightened.
Thinking back to O'Hara's tragedy, I felt like there was something stuck in my throat for a moment, and I felt extremely guilty for the little thoughts I had just had.
"If you are willing to be my daughter, Alabasta will always be your home."
"but."
"The original name may no longer be usable."
Robin stared blankly at the old man in front of him.
How could she not see Cobra's previous little thoughts, and she also understood that as a king, he needed to be responsible for the people of a country, but as soon as these words came out her heart was filled with something at this moment.
Very warm and fulfilling.
"No."
"I don't want to put this country into that situation again because of my existence."
"After all, in a sense, I was also an accomplice, wasn't I?"
Cobra was silent for a moment.
Robin lowered her head to look at the book, but her inner restlessness made it impossible for her to read a single word.
Alabasta and Cobra are different, different from everyone I've ever met before.
That man... is also special.
The most righteous pirate?
Sauro, I think I found a place to stay.
Even if Kizaru wants to break through the defense, he has to use all his strength.
In addition, the animal type naturally has unparalleled advantages in melee combat, and this is especially true for the mythical beasts, which are the pinnacle of the animal type.
This can be proved by the fact that the wounds left by Kizaru himself on Gawain's body have basically stopped bleeding and healed.
But if this guy is determined to escape, I can't keep him.
Huang Yuan raised his hand to push up his glasses and said calmly:
“Ah~”
"I thought you were a great pirate who was good at scheming, but you turned out to be a battle maniac like Kaido?"
"I really can't help you. I agree to this request."
Between words.
Kizaru couldn't help but look at Gawain's face, and he felt relieved when he saw that the latter was obviously exhausted.
Even if it is a mythical beast, it does not mean that it can fight endlessly. After a long period of high-intensity fighting, it still needs sufficient rest time to restore physical strength.
Gawain is strong, even close to the top of pirates, but his animal type has not yet awakened, and his physical abilities have not yet reached the level that can be called abnormal.
I don't know why.
When he thought of this, Kizaru felt the wind and sand blowing across his body, bringing a distinct chill.
Suddenly.
Kizaru noticed that there seemed to be a hint of a successful smile in Gawain's eyes, but it completely disappeared in the next moment.
Hallucination?
Well~
It must be an illusion.
It's impossible that after such a serious injury, you can be full of energy the next day, right?
Kizaru shook his head and put aside the ridiculous thoughts in his mind.
"make a deal!"
Gawain grinned as he slowly put Guanze Masamune back into the scabbard.
A general-level Conqueror Haki sparring partner. Although the improvement of Conqueror Haki brought by training is far less than that of real battles, especially battles involving the clash of beliefs and wills, but after accumulating a little, it is also a considerable benefit.
It took Zephyr at least a month to travel from the Marine Headquarters to Alabasta.
Even if we count from the battle with Golden Lion, when the navy noticed the abnormality in Alabasta.
The time left for Gao Wen was more than a month.
The experience gained from the Conqueror's Haki during this period might be enough to raise Gawain's Conqueror's Haki to the fourth level, and it is even possible that he can further comprehend the Conqueror's Haki entanglement.
The temperature difference between day and night in the desert is huge.
It was already late at night, and the cold wind was blowing bitingly, blowing away the yellow sand all over the ground, and also blowing away the dust covering Crocodile.
“Ahem…!”
After a few violent coughs.
Crocodile slowly opened his eyes, feeling the threat approaching.
He tried to stand up, but his body, which had been severely injured twice and was almost dying, no longer had the strength to do so.
He could only fall down helplessly.
“Is this the end of me?”
“It’s so ugly!”
Crocodile barely raised his head and looked at Gawain, whose upper body was naked and covered with scars, and Kizaru who was lazing around beside him. He knew in his heart that there was no chance of him escaping today.
But at this moment, there was no anger in Crocodile's heart, only indescribable joy.
He suddenly remembered why he had hesitated before entering the temple and obtaining Pluto.
I am unwilling to do this!
Why are some people destined to stand at the top, while others are destined to be crushed in the dust?
Is this fair?
Of course not!
Think of this.
There seemed to be a fire burning in Crocodile's eyes. He turned to look at Gawain:
"I will take Whitebeard's head!"
"I will absolutely, absolutely, absolutely take off Whitebeard's head!"
“Hahahahahaha—!”
The dry, hoarse laughter echoed in the desert, even drowning out the whistling wind around.
Kizaru looked at the scene coldly.
The lenses on his nose reflected the moonlight and completely blocked his eyes, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking.
Only a murmur came out from Kizaru's mouth:
"ko~wa~i~ne~"
"Now I believe you can fight that monster Barrett to that extent."
"but."
"The only fate that awaits you is to be imprisoned in Impel Down. No one can escape from there."
"No!"
Crocodile stopped laughing and said firmly:
"Someone escaped from there."
"Golden Lion!"
"If he can be the first, why can't I be the second?!"
"You can certainly be the second one."
Gawain, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke. He lowered his eyes and looked at Crocodile, with a hint of admiration in his eyes.
To be honest, although Crocodile is a villain, he is one of Gawain's most admired villains.
The creation of the Cross Union and the reverse bounty on the Navy were a move that hit the nail on the head as unrest was just beginning to emerge in the New World, and it directly hit the weak spot of the Navy and the World Government.
From this point of view, Crocodile can almost be regarded as one of the top chess players of that era.
"If you can do it, show me!"
"snort!"
Crocodile closed his eyes, but the corners of his mouth gradually widened:
"I'm not going to prove anything to you, but if it's in my interest, I'm going to do it, simple as that."
"I'm really looking forward to what the blood of those overlords who stand at the top tastes like~"
“Hahahahaha~”
After a few laughs.
Crocodile lost consciousness. His body had already reached its limit. He was still alive, but he was only holding on to his last breath with his own will.
After a long silence, Kizaru picked up Crocodile with one hand and turned back to Alabasta.
Gawain looked in the direction where Kizaru disappeared, took out a Den Den Mushi from his arms, and conveyed his orders to Akin and Crow who were acting separately.
"Evacuate Alabasta!"
"Return to Rapeseed Port and wait!"
…
Hundreds of kilometers away.
Ajin and his group took shelter from the sandstorm in an oasis and replenished their scarce fresh water resources.
After being exposed to the high temperature for several consecutive days, the skin of the three people has become much darker, but their eyes still reveal a sharp and murderous intent.
"Captain, let's go back to Rapeseed Harbor."
Ajin sat on a piece of rubble, looking at the Den Den Mushi with its eyes closed in his hand, with confusion in his eyes.
The same thing happened to Sauron beside him:
"Did you encounter a strong enemy?"
"Golden Lion?"
Zoro quietly tightened his grip on the three long swords at his waist.
His teeth were clenched so tightly that his cheeks bulged high, and his eyes were filled with deep resentment.
This situation where the captain has to bear everything alone and face a strong enemy because his own strength is not enough is something he cannot bear both emotionally and personally.
How can you become the world's strongest swordsman if you are always protected?
But what he knew more clearly was that he really couldn't deal with such an opponent.
Previously, it took the combined strength of four people to defeat just one Fuzifu, the more powerful golden lion...
How to fight?
"Qi!"
"We are still too weak."
Zoro put down the sword in his hand dejectedly, but his eyes became hot at this moment:
"If we want to grow faster, we need stronger opponents, opponents so strong that I can't defeat them even if I put all my strength into it!"
"I don't want to be a burden to that man's progress."
"ah."
Lucci took off his hat, brushed off the dust, and showed the same look as Zoro:
"I feel the same way."
"Stop talking nonsense."
Ah said calmly:
"According to the captain's orders, act."
"Even if we really have to face an opponent like the Golden Lion, we are still pure to that man..."
"burden!"
Ah Jin pronounced these two words with great emphasis.
So much so that Lucci and Zoro both looked sideways, and they realized that this man was probably the most unwilling person in the entire Gawain Pirates.
The three of them said nothing. After covering their tracks with the yellow sand, they started their return journey.
Amidst the wind and sand, three figures were moving rapidly under the moon.
After counting the breaths.
bump!
Lu Qi stopped suddenly. He felt a little uneasy for some reason, as if he had overlooked something.
This feeling was very similar to the feeling he had before the CP ambush at Whiskey Peak.
It’s hard to explain, but it makes people’s scalp tingle.
"What's wrong?"
Ajin looked at Lucci in confusion.
"nothing."
After thinking about it for a while without any results, Lu Qi shook his head and said:
"Let's go."
"Follow the captain's instructions first."
"Um."
…
…
…
A few days later.
With the actions of Cobra, Vivi and Kosa, the unrest within Alabasta was quickly put down.
As piece of evidence after piece of evidence was presented to Kizaru, he also realized what Crocodile had done to this country.
Although Kizaru could see that Cobra was intentionally hiding something.
But the Kingdom of Alabasta is, after all, one of the twenty countries that established the World Government. It is too involved and it is easy to get into big trouble if you are not careful.
Based on the principle that less trouble is worse than more, Kizaru simply turned a blind eye.
After all, in the past few days, he has seen that Cobra may not be a wise and powerful king, but he can empathize with the suffering of the civilians.
This alone is enough to make him better than more than 99% of the kings of this era, and at least make the lives of the common people in this country a little better.
The navy's troops also entered various towns within Alabasta a few days ago to assist the local guards in completely uprooting Baroque Works.
Except for Dazbonis and his deputy Sasha who managed to escape, the rest of the Baroque Works cadres either died at the hands of Clo and others, or were captured by the navy and spent time in jail.
Everything is moving in a good direction.
Apart from……
"General Kizaru, today's battle is about to begin!"
The familiar voice appeared in Kizaru's ears again. He almost couldn't hold the pen steadily as he looked out the window at Gawain who was full of energy and vigor without any sign of fatigue at all.
He finally realized that he was not only wrong, but also extremely wrong.
This bastard was beaten so badly yesterday that he couldn't get up, but he recovered completely the next moment without even being affected at all.
Damn it!
No one told me that not only is his ability ridiculously strong, but his body recovery ability is definitely comparable to Big Mom and Kaido's level!
Think of this.
Kizaru couldn't help but rub his sore shoulder with his hand, his brows furrowed into an awkward shape:
"Please spare me. My old bones are different from those of you young people."
"Then I'll leave?"
“Is this true or false?”
"Of course it's true. I'm leaving Alabasta now."
"Don't!"
Yellow Monkey's brows were throbbing with veins, and he almost couldn't hold it in:
"I'll do it."
"Is it not okay for me to come?"
A few minutes later.
In the desert outside Alabasta, two red figures once again engaged in an extremely fierce battle.
The roar caused by the two even reached the royal palace in the center of Alupana.
now.
Inside a ward in the Alabasta Palace.
Robin, who had already woken up, slowly sat up and looked at the wind and sand outside the window. He was stunned for a long time before turning his head to look at Cobra in front of him again.
A slight blush appeared on her face:
"Gawain, did he really say that? He said I belong to him?"
"ah."
Cobra nodded.
When mentioning Gawain, he couldn't help showing a grateful expression:
"If it weren't for him this time, neither you nor I would have been able to escape Crocodile's hands."
"I have seen many pirates, including many like Crocodile, but this is the first time I have seen a pirate like him."
Between words.
Cobra's gaze fell on Robin.
He had already guessed Robin's identity, but had never revealed it.
He couldn't betray someone who was kind to him, but leaving Robin here was absolutely impossible.
Her identity is too sensitive. Once known by the navy or the world government, she will face endless hunting, and even the country of Alabasta will be implicated.
The best solution now is undoubtedly to find a home for Robin, and the Gawain Pirates are the ideal target.
"All...won't you think about it?"
Robin didn't say anything, but turned his head and looked out the window calmly.
From this angle, she could even barely see the sandstorm outside Alabasta, which was becoming increasingly violent due to the battle between Gawain and Kizaru.
After a long time.
Robin retracted his gaze and murmured:
"Mr. Cobra, do you think someone like me can find..."
"No."
“Is it worth having a home?”
Cobra's eyes tightened.
Thinking back to O'Hara's tragedy, I felt like there was something stuck in my throat for a moment, and I felt extremely guilty for the little thoughts I had just had.
"If you are willing to be my daughter, Alabasta will always be your home."
"but."
"The original name may no longer be usable."
Robin stared blankly at the old man in front of him.
How could she not see Cobra's previous little thoughts, and she also understood that as a king, he needed to be responsible for the people of a country, but as soon as these words came out her heart was filled with something at this moment.
Very warm and fulfilling.
"No."
"I don't want to put this country into that situation again because of my existence."
"After all, in a sense, I was also an accomplice, wasn't I?"
Cobra was silent for a moment.
Robin lowered her head to look at the book, but her inner restlessness made it impossible for her to read a single word.
Alabasta and Cobra are different, different from everyone I've ever met before.
That man... is also special.
The most righteous pirate?
Sauro, I think I found a place to stay.
