Jinbe, the Knight of the Sea.
Jinbe looked at Crocodile in utter surprise.
Crocodile was a powerful ruler in his own right. No matter who he faced, he always carried himself with an arrogant, unyielding attitude.
Yet when standing before El, Crocodile behaved with such deference and respect.
This was something Jinbe had never expected.
El really is extraordinary, he thought to himself. He's even managed to win over a cunning and ambitious tyrant like Crocodile.
Crocodile spoke to El: "My Lord, I have brought you Jinbe, the Knight of the Sea, just as you wished."
El turned his gaze toward Jinbe.
Although Jinbe's appearance was rather plain and unremarkable, he naturally exuded an air of honor and chivalry.
That aura of a man loyal to his principles was something that could never be faked.
"Jinbe... would you be willing to become one of my subordinates?" El asked in a calm, unhurried tone.
His words left Jinbe's eyes wide with shock!
"I... do I truly have the honor... of joining your ranks?" Jinbe asked, unable to believe his own ears.
His voice trembled with sheer delight and disbelief.
He had never imagined for a moment... that a great figure like El would personally invite someone like him — a younger, lesser-known pirate — to join his crew.
It was a blessing as rare and wonderful as having a pie fall straight from the sky into one's lap.
One must remember: El's pirate crew was a legendary force, equal in fame and prestige to the Pirate King Roger's own crew.
Jinbe had grown up listening to stories and legends about El. Naturally, he wanted nothing more than to join him.
"I have just recently left Impel Down and have nowhere to go," Jinbe said earnestly. "To be accepted as a subordinate under Lord El... I am eternally grateful!"
As he spoke, he gathered a stream of water in the palm of his hand.
"Circumstances are humble, but let this serve as my Oath of Brotherhood!"
"I offer this in salute to Lord El!"
With that, Jinbe drank the water, performing the tradition with absolute sincerity and respect.
El nodded in approval. "Excellent! Once we return to our territory, I shall hold a grand celebration to welcome you properly and conduct the official ceremony!"
Hearing these words, Jinbe was overcome with emotion and excitement.
Standing nearby, Crocodile watched, filled with intense envy.
How is this fair?!
Why is this guy Jinbe so good at following proper customs and rituals?
And that 'Oath of Brotherhood'...
He couldn't help but compare it to his own entry into El's crew... which had been far less impressive and respectful.
Right now, Crocodile was filled with deep regret.
If only I had been as clever and thoughtful as Jinbe back then!
From now on, I must find an opportunity to learn from Jinbe about these matters of protocol and respect!
Regardless of what Crocodile was thinking...
El's crew had gained yet another mighty warrior.
By this time, among his subordinates, there were already three figures who possessed the strength of a Warlord of the Sea: Gecko Moria, Jinbe the Knight of the Sea, and Sir Crocodile.
These three — and especially Jinbe and Crocodile — represented the upper echelon of power among the Warlords.
Only the strongest among them, Dracule Mihawk, could be said to be stronger than them. All the other Warlords were inferior in strength.
El was quite pleased to have recruited yet another great pirate.
At the same time, he also understood one thing clearly...
I must accelerate my plans and movements.
He now held so many powerful cards in his hand.
For the longest time, he had kept a very low profile. Suddenly, he had stepped forward to intervene in a war that would decide the fate of the seas.
Every action he took now would draw the attention of those with sharp eyes and minds. People would assume that El was preparing to make a massive move.
And indeed, El himself intended to do exactly that.
However... there was still one crucial condition missing.
And that was Rocks D. Xebec!
Until he could find the user of the Revive-Revive Fruit and successfully resurrect Rocks...
El had no intention of stirring up great turmoil across the world.
With Rocks at his side, his power and influence would increase tremendously.
Just then...
A lone man approached from a distance.
He carried a massive black sword strapped to his back.
And his eyes were as cold and sharp as ice.
Mihawk!
The moment they saw him approaching, the expressions of Jinbe and Crocodile turned hostile and guarded.
Crocodile's body instantly turned into sand...
And he floated directly in Mihawk's path, blocking him.
"Hey, Mihawk... have you lost your way?" Crocodile asked, watching him warily.
Jinbe also moved to stand protectively in front of El.
This was exactly what subordinates were supposed to do.
Mihawk said nothing. He simply stared straight toward El.
"If you're looking for a fight... you'll have to get past me first!" Crocodile warned coldly.
Mihawk spoke calmly: "No. I have come... to propose an alliance."
His words caught both Crocodile and Jinbe completely off guard.
An alliance?
To say such a thing at this moment was more than a little strange.
Just moments ago, they had been on opposite sides, effectively enemies.
Now, he suddenly wished to form an alliance?
The change in stance was far too abrupt!
Mihawk acted as if Crocodile and Jinbe didn't even exist.
His gaze remained locked entirely on El's eyes, waiting to see how El would respond.
In truth, what Mihawk was doing was a very rational and calculated decision.
He knew perfectly well... that in this war, the Marines were the absolute and undeniable losers.
Furthermore... from this day onward, the Seven Warlords system would crumble and fall apart completely.
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