Chapter 31: Chapter 31: Bet Your Life
The moment those words left his mouth, Crocodile's gaze instantly turned murderous.
"You came all the way here to see me—what exactly do you want?"
Crocodile wasn't a fool. He naturally understood that Rikuya Kazama and his companion didn't travel all this way just for a few Berries.
And from his own analysis, Rikuya clearly knew this was his turf—so their motive was more than a little suspicious.
"Nothing much. I just took a liking to you, so I came all the way to Alabasta to place a bet with you. What do you say?"
"Haha, you want to bet with me? Fine. But what exactly do you want to take from me?"
Crocodile sneered coldly.
"Nothing complicated. I'm currently in need of a fighter. And considering you've got yourself a Logia-type Devil Fruit, why don't you come work for me?" Rikuya said with a perfectly straight face.
As soon as Rikuya finished speaking, Crocodile blinked in surprise—then burst out laughing.
"Is that funny?" Rikuya asked sharply.
"Rikuya Kazama, you want me to be your muscle? Based on what? Don't tell me it's just because you beat that so-called Red-Haired Pirates?"
Crocodile, as a Logia-type Devil Fruit user, didn't believe for a second that he would lose to some New World rookie.
Even though he had already heard that Rikuya had faced off against Shanks himself, beat him, and even seized his flagship—Crocodile still didn't feel a shred of fear.
"You don't want me to say out loud what dirty little things you've been up to in Alabasta, do you? Once I beat you, I'll expose how you and your Baroque Works have been framing the king of this country.
Then forget about getting information on the ancient weapon Pluton—your title as a Warlord of the Sea will be stripped by the World Government immediately.
At that point, if anyone wants to see you again, they'll have to pay a visit to Impel Down's Eternal Hell."
Rikuya said this slowly and clearly, each word like a nail driving home the threat.
By the time he finished speaking, sweat was already forming on Crocodile's forehead.
Even Douglas Bullet, standing next to Rikuya, looked at him in shock.
What surprised them wasn't just the threat—it was the fact that Rikuya had mentioned Pluton!
Pluton was one of the three Ancient Weapons in the pirate world, bearing the name of a "god."
It wasn't a "weapon" in the traditional sense, but rather known as the most dangerous battleship in shipbuilding history.
Built in the Water 7 shipyard, Pluton had devastating power—capable of destroying an entire island with a single shot.
At present, it lay dormant somewhere in the world, and its location could only be deciphered by someone who could read the Poneglyphs.
"Interesting... so you're after Pluton too?"
Crocodile asked seriously, his right hand already caressing the poisoned golden hook on his left.
Clearly, now that Rikuya had brought up Pluton, this wasn't going to end without a fight.
"I'm not interested in Pluton. In this day and age, you still rely on warships to get by? That's just embarrassing.
And I already told you—my goal this time is you. So are you in or out?"
"Then I guess I have no choice but to play your game. Honestly, I haven't met someone this interesting in a while.
And from what I've seen so far, you're not without ability. Otherwise, someone like Douglas Bullet wouldn't be willing to follow you."
Crocodile's words were clearly meant to provoke Bullet—mocking him for being Rikuya's lackey, trying to sow discord between them.
But Douglas Bullet wasn't fazed at all.
Ever since Rikuya had defeated Shanks right before his eyes, he had started to genuinely respect the man.
After all, Bullet had personally fought Shanks before—he knew better than anyone just how strong that red-haired bastard really was.
And if it hadn't been for Rikuya's intervention, facing the entire Red-Haired Pirates alone would have likely ended in his defeat.
"Alright, this bet's simple. I'll spin the wheel—you guess the number," Rikuya said casually.
"What's the wager?"
"If you lose, you come with me.
If you win, then I'll defeat you myself and let the whole world know about your petty little schemes. How's that sound?"
Hearing the terms, Crocodile's killing intent surged.
What baffled him the most was—how the hell did Rikuya know all that?
Crocodile was a meticulous planner. He had personally created Baroque Works, but no member used their real name. Everyone operated under codenames.
That meant it was extremely difficult for anyone to investigate or collaborate internally—let alone uncover his true plans.
So how did this guy, who had just gotten out of Impel Down, know so much about him?
It left him both confused and suspicious.
And more importantly, it was clear that Rikuya had come prepared today.
Crocodile had already been somewhat wary of Douglas Bullet—after all, they had clashed once in the past, even if it ended in a draw.
But now it seemed Rikuya might actually be stronger than Bullet—and with most of his own subordinates scattered across Alabasta, Crocodile would be fighting two-on-one.
"So? You in? You only get one chance!"
Rikuya pressed as Crocodile hesitated.
"Fine. I'll play your game. I bet on 7. Spin it!" Crocodile said seriously.
"Alright. Bets are locked, no takebacks. That's your rule here, right? Let's spin!"
With that, Rikuya suddenly exerted force with his right hand, sending the roulette wheel spinning at high speed.
As everyone turned their attention toward the spinning wheel, Crocodile suddenly lunged straight at Rikuya with a sharp burst of speed!
---
Access more chapters at patreon.com/dzeref887