Earlier, Don had mentioned four people in front of him.
Rayleigh, Shanks, Jabra, and Barrett.
The way he spoke, it felt as though the decision had already been made.
As for Crocus, he suspected he wasn't part of the man's plan.
Still, when Crocus thought of Don's age, he couldn't help but sigh.
"If it really comes to that, what else can I do? A little exercise wouldn't hurt."
Rayleigh's voice came from the mouth of the Den Den Mushi.
"Easy for you to say. But I think you'd better not underestimate him. That young man is no simple one."
"Who do you think I am?"
Rayleigh quipped before hanging up the line.
Crocus clicked his tongue, tucked the Den Den Mushi away, and muttered under his breath.
"Carelessness… that's how you suffer big losses."
…
Cactus Island.
Don and Robin disembarked from their ship.
Both could feel it—numerous eyes filled with malice falling upon them through their Observation Haki.
"So this is the island of pirate hunters you mentioned?"
Robin tugged her hood lower to cover half her face, uneasy at the hostile stares.
"The first island of the Grand Line. Pirates who come from the four seas often stop here," Don explained. "Once the Log Pose sets, we'll head straight to Alabasta."
He cast a quick glance at the pirate hunters disguised as dockworkers nearby, then shook his head slightly.
"You're going to Alabasta for something specific, aren't you?"
Robin noticed Don had mentioned the kingdom more than once—it clearly wasn't without reason.
"I told you before—I'm looking for someone who can work for me. Alabasta has a good candidate. But that man isn't the type to bow easily."
Don didn't bother to hide it.
"Who is it?" Robin's curiosity deepened. Don hadn't set foot in the Grand Line before, yet he already had his eyes on someone tied to a nation here.
"My original target was a pirate from the East Blue. But his whereabouts are uncertain, and I don't have time to waste searching the seas."
Don shook his head.
"I thought you'd just capture pirates for their bounties," Robin mused. The mention of East Blue piqued her interest.
"Depends on my mood—and their usefulness. If a bounty benefits me more, then of course I'll take it," Don said coolly.
"Then who's the one in Alabasta?"
"Crocodile."
Robin's eyes went wide in shock. "What? One of the Seven Warlords?"
"What's wrong? You think I can't handle him?" Don chuckled at her reaction.
"It's not that… but I've heard Crocodile once crossed blades with Whitebeard himself," Robin replied gravely.
"Men like him are never easy to tame, Don." Her tone carried a warning.
"I know. But it doesn't hurt to try. He's not exactly sane—but among dwarfs, he's still a giant worth recruiting."
Don draped an arm around Robin's shoulders as they walked into the small town at the heart of Cactus Island.
Cactus Island belonged to the Kingdom of Alabasta.
Most of its inhabitants were pirate hunters, alongside Alabastan citizens who ran the majority of its shops. With the kingdom's backing, the island thrived.
As they walked, Don noticed something—no wanted posters of him. The further they went, the fewer eyes lingered on them.
The town was lively. Pirates laughed boisterously, many already drunk beyond reason. Robin observed them with quiet curiosity.
"These fools are already being watched," she murmured.
"Of course. But that's part of the gamble. This island is the first trial of the Grand Line. If they can't pass, their journey ends here."
"You don't seem to think highly of these hunters," Robin noted.
"You guessed right." Don led her toward a tavern.
Even before entering, the sound of music and rowdy voices spilled out. Inside, most seats were filled with pirates, none of them remotely vigilant. Cactus Island was famous for its liquor and music, and they drank like there was no tomorrow.
"No wonder pirate hunters gather here. If these fools had sharper instincts, they wouldn't come anywhere near this place," Robin whispered as they sat at the counter.
"Juice," Don called.
"I'll have juice too," Robin added.
"Oi, brat," a drunken pirate sneered, catching their voices. "The sea ain't a place for kids who drink juice!"
The tavern erupted in laughter. To them, only rum and grog fit the spirit of the sea.
Don drank his juice calmly. Robin, however, folded her arms.
Crack!
The sound of bones breaking silenced the laughter instantly. Several men collapsed in pain.
The tavern froze. All eyes were on the fallen pirates. They had seen it—an ability user.
A ripple of unease spread. Some swallowed hard, their bodies tense.
"This is Cactus Island. Fighting is forbidden," the bartender warned, though his tone was rote. He'd seen this scene many times—brawls here were almost daily. Drunken pirates made for easy prey, and hunters often profited.
Robin leaned closer to Don and whispered, "The Marines haven't found this place?"
"Of course they have," Don replied with a shake of his head. "But tell me, Robin—what's better for the Marines? Pirates in the four seas? Or pirates pushed into the Grand Line?"
Robin blinked. "Naturally, it's better to drive them here."
"Exactly. If the Marines blocked this island, pirates would wise up and linger in the Blues longer. Better to herd them into the Grand Line. And besides—the Marines' hold over Paradise is no small thing."
Robin understood. "Then, if you're planning to form an association… wouldn't it be smarter to start in the New World?"
That was true. As Don had implied, such a power would inevitably challenge the Marines. The New World would give him more freedom to move.
END OF CHAPTER
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