#149 - Chapter 149 Crocodile: I Don't Want to Be the Pirate King Anymore
More than half a year is but a fleeting moment in the long river of history.
However, for the Alabasta Kingdom, it was a cataclysmic change.
Jin An remained in the Alabasta Kingdom throughout this process, carefully guiding every step of the country's transformation.
Under his mediation, the original conflicts of interest between Crocodile and Cobra dissipated like smoke, replaced by efficient and solid cooperation.
Their collaboration seemed to create a golden age for the kingdom.
Making this desert country completely different from what it was just half a year ago.
The national treasury was full, the people lived in peace, and the overall national strength of the Alabasta Kingdom steadily increased, reversing the previous decline and becoming stronger.
Crocodile's pirate crew also underwent a complete transformation during this period, becoming a behemoth on the sea.
But they were not expanding in terms of power, but gradually evolved into a group similar to the Revolutionary Army.
Under Jin An's supervision and planning, this transformation was no longer for personal greed and abuse, but became a force that truly fought for the welfare of the people and upheld justice.
During this change, Crocodile sometimes offered different opinions, but unfortunately, he couldn't convince Jin An at all, and instead, he was confused by the theories Jin An put forward.
From then on, he often stood on the terrace of the camp, looking out at the increasingly prosperous country and the growing pirate crew.
His eyes were no longer filled with the impetuosity and ambition of the past, but with deep contemplation and planning for the future.
Perhaps, under Jin An's influence, he had begun to realize the true value of power—not conquest and plunder, but protection and creation.
In this wild world, the Grand Line stretches across the sky like a spine, its transportation and communication ravaged by treacherous winds and merciless reefs, restricting the many islands and countries that rely on sea routes for prosperity.
However, for the Alabasta Kingdom, this became a rare isolation, an opportunity to rise silently.
The kingdom made full use of the special nature of this world, hiding its brilliance, like a treasure deep in the desert not fully revealed to the world.
They accumulated strength, developed in secret, until one day, their strength, like a lurking beast king, would leap out and shock the world.
And on that day, the whole world would be crazy about it.
Jin An's strategy and Crocodile's power, coupled with Cobra's kingdom resources, intertwined into a huge network, connecting every corner.
There will come a time when the sky will darken, and then the increasingly clear light of Alabasta will dawn, as dazzling as a new star.
Their fleet will break through the waves, trade routes will run through the ocean, and technology and strategy will be deployed throughout the Grand Line. The sky and the sea will echo with their voices.
Crocodile leaned back on the cushioned sofa in an elegant and comfortable posture, a cigar between his fingers, bringing a delicate puff of smoke from time to time.
His sharply defined face was filled with an unprecedented sense of satisfaction and complacency.
"Now I know what it feels like to have power and status in one's grasp."
He took a deep puff of his cigar, closing his eyes to revel in the almost tangible weight of power.
As the smoke rings rose, his pupils seemed to expand with the focus, extending from personal satisfaction to future ambitions.
"These days are much more comfortable than fighting and killing like before."
His tone revealed a contempt for his past chaotic life and a cherishing of his current peaceful days.
His gaze shifted to the balcony.
Jin An stood quietly in the intersection of sunlight and shadow, overlooking the prosperous scene in front of him.
Crocodile's voice passed through the swirling smoke, with a hint of probing: "It is enough for us to be limited to the Alabasta Kingdom for now. It's time for us to expand outwards."
He paused briefly, the red light and smoke of the cigar particularly conspicuous, "We should spread the new ideas to the whole world!"
On the balcony under direct sunlight, Jin An's figure cast a long shadow, and the corners of his mouth curled into a slight, almost imperceptible smile.
The smile seemed to contain ridicule for Crocodile's ignorant remarks.
"Do you think the World Government is just a bunch of freeloaders?"
Jin An's words were full of戏谑, amused by Crocodile's naivety.
Immediately afterwards, his tone rose slightly, staring directly at Crocodile,
"Do you believe that as long as you dare to publicize what we are doing, the World Government will directly strip you of your title as a Warlord of the Sea."
In the reception room, Crocodile's expression froze for a moment.
"Hahahaha!"
Then he laughed as if he had heard an insignificant joke.
His laughter traveled far, and the people working busily downstairs could hear it clearly.
He slowly stood up from the sofa and strode towards Jin An, a sense of self-importance gradually spreading.
"What can the World Government do to me?"
His voice was calm and arrogant, as if answering Jin An's question, or asking himself, each word like a challenge to the World Government.
He paused, a sneer appearing at the corner of his mouth holding the cigar, "If they really had the ability, would there still be so many pirates on the sea? Would they still have made me a Warlord of the Sea?"
Jin An's gaze was ethereal, as if piercing through layers of clouds, gazing at the high and blue sky.
"So, your pirates' horizons are still too narrow."
"The power the World Government possesses is far beyond your imagination."
Crocodile's expression revealed a hint of displeasure upon hearing this, and his deep eyes stared intently at Jin An.
After a moment of silence, his voice sounded in a low voice,
"Was a pirate, I'm not a pirate now."
He emphasized his identity, as if this would allow Jin An to re-evaluate his position.
"Maybe my knowledge is not as broad as yours."
Crocodile continued, slowing down his speech slightly,
"However, I believe that you are doing so many things in the Alabasta Kingdom not to support the rule of the World Government."
Jin An tilted his head slightly, his silence like giving Crocodile a silent response.
"......"
"So, if we cooperate, there is much to be done in this world."
Crocodile's words were full of expectation.
His ambition was not limited to the empty name of Pirate King. What he craved was a more far-reaching journey, a stage where he could exercise his ambitions and rewrite the world situation.
Jin An shook his head and smiled softly, "Aren't we already cooperating?"
"Now we just need to wait."
The South Sea has been completely under his control after half a year of development.
His power is also slowly developing on the Grand Line.
"Waiting for the perfect opportunity."
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