One Piece: Start as a mythical beast, practice to become stronger.

It was noon.

A ray of lingering light filtered through the large windows of the Marine Headquarters office, dappling Steel Bones Kong.

He stood tall, seated in the chief's position behind the spacious desk.

When two figures stepped into the plainly decorated yet solemn office,

the conversation inside ceased.

"Jin An, have a seat over there."

Steel Bones Kong's voice was deep and gentle, directly instructing Jin An to find a seat in the meeting room.

Jin An found a spot nearby and sat down, looking towards Steel Bones Kong with a slightly solemn expression.

Steel Bones Kong's gaze, however, was fixed on the other figure—Crocodile.

After his battle with Barrett, Crocodile had become an object of observation for the World Government.

Following an evaluation, he was made a Shichibukai.

And now he appeared at Marine Headquarters.

Crocodile stood before Steel Bones Kong's desk, lowering his posture slightly.

However, facing the Marine Headquarters' Marshal, a hint of vigilance flashed in his eyes, unnoticed by others.

"Crocodile, if I remember correctly, the date you were supposed to come to Marine Headquarters is still some time away."

Steel Bones Kong's words were both a question and an inquiry, his gaze sharp and direct, as if piercing through Crocodile's disguise to his very core.

"Can you tell me what's going on?"

Though the words were understated, they subtly revealed an undeniable sharpness.

Crocodile didn't answer directly, instead surveying the office filled with the scent of books and the sea breeze, eventually returning his gaze to Steel Bones Kong, and smiling slightly:

"I simply wanted to join the Marines earlier."

"That way, I can choose a territory as my headquarters."

"The sooner I build my base, the sooner I can eliminate pirates."

His attitude was sincere as he expressed his thoughts.

Half-truths, coupled with his arriving at Marine Headquarters far in advance, were all part of his probing.

He was testing how the helmsman of Marine Headquarters viewed him, this unconventional 'visitor'.

The atmosphere became subtle in an instant.

Jin An silently observed the two, pondering to himself.

He didn't believe a word Crocodile said; would a pirate willingly work for the Marines?

It was obviously impossible.

"Hahahaha..."

When Garp heard Crocodile's proposal to 'contribute' to the Marines, a burst of laughter broke the indifferent expression he had been wearing.

His laughter seemed particularly abrupt in the quiet meeting room, as if ripples of laughter could be seen spreading through the air.

Instantly, all eyes were on him.

Garp, however, remained nonchalant, continuing to stuff his mouth with food, then waving his hand repeatedly, signaling the others not to pay attention to him.

"Sorry, I thought of something funny, don't mind me."

His words carried a leisurely charm, his actions no different from usual.

Crocodile, on the other hand, remained calm, as if he wasn't the one being laughed at.

He stood there expressionlessly, unmoved by Garp's laughter, showing no sign of wanting to explain.

Beneath his indifferent exterior, he understood that even if he took it to heart, it would be meaningless—he knew he was no match for Garp in terms of strength.

Steel Bones Kong sat upright in his stiff wooden chair, his eyes discerning everything below.

Garp's laughter still echoed in the office, but it failed to attract Steel Bones Kong's attention.

He deliberately ignored that brief interlude.

Instead, he turned his sharp gaze to Crocodile, his voice devoid of emotion.

"Coming early to ask for a territory is the most important thing for your visit, isn't it?"

Faced with Steel Bones Kong's direct question, Crocodile didn't deny it.

The corners of his lips curled into a meaningful smile, a hint of cunning flashing in his eyes as he nodded.

"That's right, I want to build a team as soon as possible."

"That way, I can protect myself and the interests of those civilians."

As he said this, Crocodile's eyes became slightly distant, as if a hint of unknown goodwill accompanied his stated purpose.

Steel Bones Kong was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded, his expression still calm and stern, but at this moment his brow seemed to relax slightly.

"Which island do you want to establish your base on as a Shichibukai?"

His voice echoed in the enclosed space, his eyes revealing inquiry.

Crocodile felt no pressure under Steel Bones Kong's scrutiny, maintaining his calm demeanor.

His pupils seemed to reflect the blueprint swirling in his mind, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, revealing a hint of anticipation.

"I want to establish a base on Saint Tin Island."

This was his goal, and he needed the status of Shichibukai to establish his power there.

Steel Bones Kong rested his elbow on the table, lightly tapping the edge of the solid wood with his fingertips, his eyes showing recollection and thought.

"Saint Tin Island?"

There was a hint of imperceptible surprise in Steel Bones Kong's voice.

He was no stranger to the name.

In his mind, the concept of Saint Tin Island was clear: that land was the territory of the Nefertari royal family, one of the 20 kingdoms that founded the World Government.

"Isn't that an island under the jurisdiction of the Alabasta Kingdom?"

His words floated out, and deep in his heart, he was filled with doubts about Crocodile's choice.

He added, "Although you won't be governed by the royal family after you go there, you will be subject to some restrictions."

"Are you sure you want to go there?"

Steel Bones Kong looked directly at Crocodile, his eyes solemn, intending to discern Crocodile's plan.

Crocodile's expression did not waver in the slightest due to Steel Bones Kong's question.

He quietly stared at the other party and nodded in confirmation.

"I am sure I want to establish a base there."

"You also know that I am a Sand-Sand Fruit user."

"Going to an island dominated by desert will be very beneficial to improving my strength."

After a little thought, Steel Bones Kong finally nodded slightly, his movement subtle, but it indicated that the situation had become clear.

"Since you have made a decision, we will be responsible for communicating with the Alabasta Kingdom."

Steel Bones Kong's attitude directly stamped the decision with an iron seal.

Faced with Steel Bones Kong's support, Crocodile's reaction was unusually calm, only a sharp light flashed in the depths of his eyes.

The arc of his mouth quietly rose, revealing an almost imperceptible evil smile.

His goal, his ambition, seemed within reach at this moment.

"..."

Sitting below, Jin An was not surprised by the development of events.

This development was all within his expectations, 'The Sand Crocodile should be very proud at this time.'

But what puzzled him was that Crocodile originally reached out to Alabasta after losing to Whitebeard.

Why does the other party now have the intention of going to Alabasta?

Shouldn't this little butterfly of his affect the other party?