"And Crocodile is someone who refuses to submit easily; the Konoha Pirates know that using force won't make him yield. Rather, it's better to let Crocodile see reality and turn that Seven Warlords of the Sea into their pawn..."
Pawn.
The Konoha Pirates had already laid the groundwork.
In theory, Crocodile indeed needed some more time to initiate action, and he even needed to manipulate the Rebel Army to seize the country before officially starting his plan.
However, Mr. 1 Daz Bonez brought news to Baroque Works.
The Navy had learned about Crocodile's plan to overthrow Alabasta and already sent people to capture this Seven Warlords of the Sea; they even dispatched an Admiral of the Navy Headquarters!
This news...
Directly reached Crocodile's ears!
To save time, Crocodile quickly summoned the senior agents of Baroque Works to meet him, knowing he must start his combat plan promptly!
Coincidentally...
At this time...
Crocodile learned that the Logia-type Smoke-Smoke Fruit user Smoker appeared in the port city; he immediately suspected the Navy might have started their action, although the Admiral has not shown up yet, unknown whether he had arrived in Alabasta...
Although Crocodile intended to betray the World Government, the World Government and Navy seemed to want to betray him prematurely!
"I haven't flipped the table yet..."
Crocodile bit the cigar, took a hard puff, and then pressed the cigar forcefully into the glass ashtray: "They actually came to grab me first..."
This is also what Crocodile wanted from taking great pains to overthrow Alabasta; he needed to steal Alabasta's crown before alarming the World Government by obtaining Pluto!
But...
The situation changed slightly...
If the Navy were to break their face immediately, he wouldn't care much!
Crocodile openly revealed his identity as the boss of Baroque Works, ordering Mr. 1 Daz Bonez and Mr. 2 Bon Clay to quickly get to Rain Dinners, preparing to grab Alabasta's national treasure Pluto before the Navy acts!
Coincidentally, Mr. 3 Galdino, seeking the survival of Baroque Works' mission-failed companions, always secretly followed the agents and took this chance to infiltrate Crocodile's base...
"I am... here to plead for my life."
Mr. 3 Galdino cautiously negotiated with Crocodile.
"I can provide you with information about Clown Buggy..."
"The strength of Clown Buggy's crew isn't much; his bounty is only because he killed a Heavenly Celestial Dragon. Buggy came to Alabasta intending to seize the Golden Underground Palace left behind by the king who participated in founding the World Government 800 years ago..."
The man with a candle hat hoped desperately to exchange Buggy and the Golden Underground Palace's intelligence for Crocodile not pursuing him, Miss Golden Week, Mr. 5, and Miss Valentine for their mission failure...
"I am very interested in the intelligence you brought back."
Crocodile squinted at Mr. 3; he thought about whether to eliminate him or turn him into a pawn.
Currently, the situation in Alabasta is complex; an Admiral of the Navy Headquarters may come at any time, and the Straw Hat Pirates and Buggy Pirates are big headaches; he doesn't have enough pawns in hand...
"As long as you complete one more task, I can agree to your request."
A cruel smile appeared on Crocodile's face as he instantly decided what he should do: "Go infiltrate the Buggy Pirates, and before my ideal land combat plan succeeds, let that cocky clown draw the Navy's attention..."
"Good, good, good!"
A look of ecstasy flashed across Mr. 3 Galdino's face!
Now he finally saw hope for escaping death along with his companions!
Compared to the imminent Navy threat, Mr. 3 Galdino feared Baroque Works' hunting more because he had executed tasks to handle failed agents!
"If this task fails again..."
Crocodile picked up a cigar from the table, lightly sniffed at it, with his mouth still forming that cruel smile.
"It won't! It won't!"
Mr. 3 Galdino raised his hand nervously, repeatedly declaring: "I will definitely complete the task! The Buggy crew is all fools; they will do whatever I say!"
"Then go."
Crocodile nodded with satisfaction, waved at Mr. 3, skillfully drawing a big picture for his employee: "When our ideal land plan succeeds, standing above the World Government, you will still be part of it..."
"Yes!"
Mr. 3 Galdino ran out in high spirits.
For him, Crocodile was already a big figure!
This big figure is willing to promise to spare him and his companions, as long as he completes the task involving Clown Buggy, ensuring their survival!
However...
How to ensure Clown Buggy attracts the Navy's attention?
Just as Mr. 3 Galdino left the place, he received unpleasant news that the Buggy crew were captured by Navy Colonel Smoker in the port city...
After all, Smoker was a proper Logia-type Fruit Ability user; if he couldn't catch Straw Hat Luffy and Fire Fist Ace, he can definitely catch a Clown Buggy!