At those words, Crocodile's pupils contracted sharply, as if thunder had crashed through his mind. He stared ahead, stunned.
Seeing his expression shift, Daren sneered inwardly.
This guy had bulldozed through the first half of the Grand Line and stormed into the New World, probably without facing many real threats. After all, most of the big-name powerhouses had already been "offended" by Daren himself—who had the time to mess with a newcomer like Crocodile?
That was likely why Crocodile felt bold enough to demand help from the Marines.
But make no mistake—Crocodile was no weakling.
Based on what he'd just shown, even some of the elite Vice Admirals back at headquarters wouldn't stand a chance against him.
But that was it.
Out here on the open sea, countless factors could tilt the scales of battle. Below Admiral-level, it wasn't uncommon for the weaker to overcome the strong.
But Admiral-level combat power marked a line that was crystal clear—and absolutely crushing.
If you weren't an Admiral, you were an insect.
Aside from freaks of nature like Daren, Sakazuki, and Borsalino, everyone else facing Admiral-level power was bound to get flattened.
"Well then, farewell, Crocodile."
A glint of grim amusement flashed through Daren's eyes as he raised his foot, smirking.
Dark, hardened Armament Haki spiraled around his right boot like a vortex, hovering above Crocodile's head.
As he stared up at that pitch-black boot, a wave of deathly pressure washed over Crocodile. A chill crept up his spine.
"Damn it..."
He clenched his bloody teeth, his face young but battered, eyes brimming with unshed tears—not from fear, but from regret.
He hadn't even challenged Whitebeard yet... Was it really going to end here?
But his pride wouldn't let him beg—not even once.
Daren's lips curled slightly.
He stomped down.
Crocodile shut his eyes.
Tokikake and the surrounding Marines all turned away, unwilling to watch the brutal scene about to unfold.
Clang!!
Boom!!
But instead of the wet crunch of a skull being crushed like a watermelon, a sharp metallic clang rang out.
A blast of wind burst out, sending Crocodile's blood-matted hair flying wildly.
He opened his eyes on reflex.
And saw—a white leather shoe.
It had blocked the Vice Admiral's boot mid-stomp.
The clash of their strength and Haki sent shockwaves tearing through the air.
What...?
Crocodile's eyes widened as he looked up—only to see a pale-robed figure, draped in white silk, standing beside him... shielding him from Daren's killing blow!
"C... CP0!?"
The sandstorm whipped around them. The moment Tokikake saw the figure clearly, his expression shifted, and he couldn't stop himself from blurting out in shock.
The figure was thin as a specter, wearing a flowing white robe, face hidden behind a mask marked with strange, arcane patterns.
"I figured you'd stay in hiding and keep watching the show."
Daren didn't seem surprised by CP0's sudden appearance. He smirked coldly.
In truth, he'd sensed this guy the moment he stepped onto the island.
Whoever this was, they had some special technique to mask their presence, and they'd used it well. If not for Daren's Observation Haki having advanced drastically under Katakuri's "guidance"—especially with the added "magnetic field sensing" trait—he might not have noticed at all.
"Crocodile is the government's chosen candidate. I can't allow you to kill him."
A hoarse, stiff, and detached voice came from beneath the eerie mask, laced with arrogant superiority.
"Oh?"
Daren raised an eyebrow, and instinctively pressed down harder with his foot.
Feeling the growing pressure, the CP0 agent's brow furrowed behind the mask.
This guy's strength... was far beyond expectations.
However, he didn't seem the least bit concerned and replied coldly,
"The government is about to initiate a plan—selecting individuals with sufficient strength from among pirates and granting them the legal right to plunder."
"With official sanction, these empowered pirates will use their strength and reputation to suppress ordinary pirates. At designated times, they'll also be subject to mandatory conscription by the government."
As soon as those words landed, Tokikake and the surrounding Marines turned pale, their faces filled with disbelief.
Grant pirates legal authority to plunder!?
That was like throwing the Marines' honor on the ground and stomping all over it!
Everyone knew the Marines stood for justice and the eradication of piracy. Politically, they were diametrically opposed to pirates. If the government did this, it would be no different from slapping the Marines right across the face.
And loudly at that!
"So that's how it is..."
Daren looked at the CP0 agent with a faint smirk.
"So the government's lost faith in the combat capabilities of its own Marines? To the point it's ready to compromise with pirates and hand them legitimacy and status?"
The moment CP0 opened his mouth, Daren had already guessed the government's objective.
The Shichibukai plan!
In the original story, the Shichibukai were powerful pirates officially recognized by the World Government. Each one possessed devastating destructive power and the might of a nation.
Together with the Yonkō and Marine Headquarters, they formed the "Three Great Powers" of the Grand Line. Only pirates with overwhelming strength or massive notoriety could qualify to become one of them.
Since arriving in this world, Daren had always wondered when the Shichibukai plan would begin.
He didn't expect it to start this early.
CP0 replied coolly,
"That's none of your concern, Rogers Daren."
"I'm here on behalf of the government. As a Marine, all you need to do is follow orders."
"Crocodile has already been added to a special observation list. Until the higher-ups make their final decision, no one is permitted to kill him."
Hearing that, Daren's expression suddenly calmed.
"I see."
A mild, almost harmless smile spread across his face.
"So the government's been watching Crocodile all along. Even when he called for Marine reinforcements, you just stood by and did nothing... all to assess his strength?"
"You could say that," CP0 replied, failing to notice the chill behind Daren's smile—perhaps too self-important to care.
"Alright."
Daren nodded and slowly lowered his foot.
Seeing this, Crocodile couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
"If it's an order from the Five Elders, then I suppose I'll have to obey."
Daren sighed as if helpless.
"But then again..."
His smile twisted.
His fingers came together, black light tearing open as a three-pronged claw lashed out with brutal force!
Under the stunned gazes of Crocodile, Tokikake, and the gathered Marines, Daren's razor-sharp strike...
Drove straight through CP0's chest!
Shhhhkk!!
A warm clump of flesh pulsed violently in Daren's grasp.
Blood sprayed upward, splattering across his face.
CP0 froze, as if it had never occurred to him that this Marine would actually dare attack him. He stood motionless, the eyes behind his mask filled with disbelief and confusion.
"You think you can order me?"
Daren clenched his hand into a fist.
Crack!!
Blood burst in every direction.