"Earth Release Technique?!"
Jimbei, who had just arrived at the New Transvestite Paradise, stared at Meiser in shock, clearly not expecting him to possess such an ability.
Crocodile, on the other hand, wore an expression that said, "I knew it." When Ivankov had mentioned earlier that Meiser was a ninja, he had already suspected this might be the case. Now, his suspicions were confirmed.
"He doesn't just know Earth Release—he can also use Water Release," Ivankov added with a chuckle.
After speaking, Ivankov shot a meaningful glance at Crocodile, the implication obvious.
"He knows Water Release too?!" Jimbei gaped at Meiser, stunned that the man could wield two different elemental Release Techniques.
"Water Release?" Crocodile ignored Ivankov's look, instead frowning at Meiser. 'If that's true... then he's my natural enemy.'
As a Logia-type Sand-Sand Fruit user, Crocodile was well aware of his weakness. If an attack carried moisture, it could strike his true body even without Armament Haki. 'No wonder he reacted like that earlier. He's my perfect counter.'
At this realization, Crocodile's expression darkened.
Noticing Crocodile's gaze, Meiser flashed a "friendly" smile. "Lady Ivan is right. I do know Water Release. Not only that—I can manipulate seawater too."
The moment these words left his mouth, everyone present froze before erupting into shock. This was especially true for the Devil Fruit users among them—they knew exactly what such power meant. If they encountered Meiser at sea, he could easily drown them with his control over seawater.
"To manipulate seawater... what an impressive ninja boy," Ivankov remarked after calming down, his tone full of admiration. He then turned to Jimbei. "Jimbei, it seems the ocean won't just be your domain anymore."
If Meiser could freely control seawater, his naval combat abilities would surpass even Jimbei's.
"Ahahahaha! That's even better!" Jimbei laughed heartily after snapping out of his daze. "This only increases our chances of success."
Jimbei didn't see Meiser's ability as a threat—on the contrary, it was a tremendous advantage for their side.
"True enough."
"Shaba~!"
In stark contrast to the two cheerful men, Crocodile's face grew even grimmer. He truly felt he had met his natural enemy. Yet, despite this, he refused to show weakness. Even if Meiser's abilities countered his, Crocodile wouldn't back down.
Meiser, however, paid him no mind. As long as Crocodile didn't cause trouble, he couldn't be bothered with him.
"When do we set out?" Jimbei asked eagerly, already impatient to rescue Ace.
Ivankov didn't speak but instead glanced at Meiser.
The time of departure was his decision to make.
Jimbei understood Ivankov's intention and also turned his gaze toward Meiser.
"Let's wait a little longer."
"Wait?" Jimbei asked, puzzled. "Wait for what?"
"Yeah." Meiser nodded. "At least 18 hours."
"Why specifically 18 hours?"
Crocodile also stepped forward, frowning as he looked at Meiser.
"Luffy's been poisoned and is currently undergoing treatment. I need to know if he can recover within 18 hours," Meiser explained.
At these words, both Jimbei and Crocodile's expressions changed.
Jimbei was worried about Luffy, fearing something might happen to Ace's younger brother.
Crocodile, on the other hand, was shocked—shocked that the Straw Hat Boy was here!
However, after a brief moment of surprise, Crocodile burst into laughter.
"Ahahahaha, so that guy's here too," Crocodile said with a loud laugh.
This was... truly unexpected.
"What, are you planning to attack Luffy?!" Meiser stared at Crocodile. "Crocodile?!"
Crocodile had been defeated by Luffy before, so there was a chance he might seek revenge.
"And what if I do?"
"Then I'll have to kill you right here!" Meiser's eyes sharpened.
"Boom!!"
As soon as Meiser spoke, a pale golden skeletal structure emerged around him, encasing him completely.
The massive skeletal figure then slowly leaned forward, glaring intently at Crocodile.
"You little ninja brat, are you provoking me?" Crocodile's expression darkened.
Though the other's ability was a strong counter to his, if Meiser was the one picking a fight, he couldn't back down—otherwise, what kind of reputation would he have?
"You can take it that way," Meiser replied.
Hearing this, veins bulged on Crocodile's forehead.
In the next moment, sand began swirling around Crocodile, as if he was preparing to strike.
"Both of you, calm down," Jimbei quickly interjected. "Fighting here will only benefit the Marines."
Unfortunately, neither Crocodile nor Meiser paid him any attention.
"Are you two trying to tear this place apart?" Ivankov frowned. "Stop this right now!"
These two were both incredibly powerful—if they started fighting, the New Transvestite Kingdom would be destroyed!
"Hmph, I'll give Ivankov this one favor," Meiser snorted. "But if you dare lay a finger on Luffy, I'll kill you."
With that, he retracted his Susanoo and turned away from Crocodile.
Ivankov nodded in approval before shifting his gaze to Crocodile.
Crocodile scoffed and said, "I've got no interest in bullying someone who's half-dead anyway."
Then, the man turned and walked toward the banquet hall, intending to eat something to replenish his energy.
Eighteen hours was more than enough time for him to recover fully.
'Once we reach Marine Headquarters, I'll personally take Whitebeard's head!' Crocodile thought coldly.
"Whew—"
Seeing that both had backed down, Inazuma wiped the sweat from his forehead.
At least they hadn't come to blows...
Otherwise, this place wouldn't be safe anymore.
Fortunately, Ivan's reputation was substantial enough.
Glancing at the departing Crocodile, Ivankov turned to the two and said, "Eighteen hours is indeed the best timing."
"Why do you say that?" Jimbei asked, puzzled.
"Because going earlier means facing the full might of Marine Headquarters alone."
Although the Ninja possessed an Undying Body, rescuing Ace wouldn't be easy if they were swarmed by Marines.
So... it was best to act alongside the Whitebeard Pirates.
"I see," Jimbei nodded in understanding. "That makes sense."
In that case, waiting a little longer was necessary.
After all... they had no way to contact Whitebeard!
"Now it depends on whether Luffy can wake up early," Meiser said.
With that, Meiser silently walked away.
"Where are you going?" Ivankov asked.
"I'm heading to Luffy," Meiser replied. "While keeping an eye on him, I can also catch some sleep."
Because... soon, they'd be heading to Marine Headquarters for war!
No one knew how long the battle would last, so it was crucial to be in top condition.
"Keeping watch over the Straw Hat Boy..." Ivankov stroked his chin. "You're worried Crocodile might make a move on him, aren't you?"
Meiser didn't deny it, simply nodding.
At the end of the day, they were all pirates, weren't they?
If that guy seized the chance for revenge, Luffy wouldn't be able to resist at all—so precautions were necessary.
"Ninja Boy, I don't recommend doing that."
"Why not?"
"Because the Straw Hat Boy's screams will continue nonstop until he recovers or... dies," Ivankov said gravely. "Could you sleep soundly while listening to his agony?"
"Don't worry, I'll sleep just fine," Meiser replied. "After all... I haven't slept in seven days."
Ivankov: ???
Jimbei: ???
Seven days?
This man before them hadn't slept for seven days?
In that case, he was a monster too!
"Why haven't you rested in seven days?" Ivankov asked, shocked.
"Because there was never time," Meiser said helplessly. "First, I fought a Marine Admiral at Sabaody Archipelago, then spent three days and nights flying through the air, and after that..."
He paused before continuing, "Anyway, I really haven't had time to rest."
"So that's how it is," Ivankov nodded.
It seemed the man had gone through quite a lot after being sent flying by Kuma.
As for what exactly, Ivankov didn't press—everyone had their secrets, after all.
"You actually fought a Marine Admiral?!" Jimbei stared at Meiser in disbelief.
That alone confirmed he was a genuine monster.
"Yeah, I've fought all three Admirals," Meiser said.
Jimbei: !!!
He never expected this man possessed the strength to face all three Admirals—how terrifyingly powerful!
"You've actually fought against Aokiji?" Ivankov looked at Meiser with surprise.
"Yes."
"What an unexpected man."
Not only has he fought against all three Marine Admirals, but he also managed to retreat unscathed... There are very few people like that in the entire sea.
After a moment of reflection, Ivankov said seriously, "Ninja boy, if you trust me, go and get some proper rest. I'll keep an eye on Crocodile for you."
Seeing Meiser frown, Ivankov explained, "Since you possess strength rivaling an Admiral, you should be the main force in this operation to rescue Ace."
"So I think you should get a good night's sleep here."
"Only with ample rest can you fight the Admirals at your best."
Only with sufficient energy can one fully unleash their strength!
"Mr. Ninja, I believe Ivankov is right," Jimbei said. "You should take this time to rest properly."
"As for Crocodile... I'll watch him together with Ivankov."
By the end, Jimbei's expression was resolute.
Meiser fell silent for a moment before nodding. "Alright, I'll leave it to you then."
Truth be told, the cave where Luffy was staying wasn't exactly the best place to sleep.
After all, this was below the fifth level, where the temperature was lower than usual.
Add to that Luffy's incessant screams...
Just thinking about Luffy's cries made Meiser sigh silently.
Luffy, you have to pull through!
"Don't worry. With the two of us, keeping an eye on Crocodile won't be a problem," Ivankov said with a laugh. "Besides, I know his secret—he wouldn't dare cause any trouble."
"Secret, huh?"
Meiser looked at Ivankov curiously. "What kind of leverage do you have on him?"
"Ninja boy, I can't tell you that," Ivankov said, spreading his hands. "After all... I promised him."
He could use it to threaten the man, but he couldn't actually reveal it.
Otherwise... Crocodile would definitely lose it!
"Fine."
Since Ivankov refused to elaborate, Meiser didn't press further.
In the end, he was just curious—it wasn't something he absolutely needed to know.
"Inazuma, take him to the resting area," Ivankov instructed.
"Understood."
"Mr. Ninja, please follow me," Inazuma said.
"Thank you."
Meiser nodded at Inazuma and followed him out.
"Not at all, you're too polite~"
"By the way, would you like another glass of red wine?" Inazuma suggested. "It helps with sleep."
"No, I don't need that."
"Alright."
Watching the two leave, Jimbei sighed. "I never expected Ace's brother to have such powerful allies."
Even the Marine Admirals couldn't kill him!
It seemed he truly was the key player in this operation.
"Not only is he strong, but he's also got quite the nerve."
"How so?"
"Do you know why they encountered the Marine Admirals at Sabaody Archipelago?" Ivankov chuckled.
"Why?"
"Because he killed three Celestial Dragons!"
"What did you say?!"
Upon hearing Ivankov's words, Jimbei's eyes immediately filled with shock.
This man... actually killed Celestial Dragons before?
"Is this true?"
"Of course it's true. Why would I lie to you?" Ivankov rolled his eyes. "If you don't believe me, you can check the newspapers in the surveillance room later."
"There's information about the ninja boy killing Celestial Dragons in them."
Jimbei fell silent for a moment before saying, "What an astonishing man."
A warrior daring enough to attack Celestial Dragons—this was truly a hero among heroes!
At that moment, Jimbei developed a strong admiration for Meiser.
"Alright, let's go." Ivankov turned and walked outside while saying, "Let's head to the banquet hall to eat and replenish our energy."
Fighting on an empty stomach is disadvantageous, so it's better to let this blue fatty eat his fill first.
"Agreed."
Jimbei nodded, then added seriously, "While eating, I'll keep a close eye on Crocodile!"
"Good~"
"Shaba!!"
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