One Piece: A Guide for Ordinary Players

Unless it's like Kaido annexing Whitebeard's territory, where Robert first provoked him, giving him an excuse, and then they pre-arranged to withdraw all their defenses, allowing Kaido to take over all the territory in a very short time, leaving Big Mom and Shanks no time to react.

Now Robert has put forward a very constructive suggestion: the two sides should make separate attempts to become the Four Emperors, seemingly unrelated, but in reality they have formed an alliance.

If both of them successfully become emperors, they can immediately join forces and take advantage of the other two families' unpreparedness to eliminate one of them.

When only three royal crews remain on the seas of the New World, and two of them are even in cahoots, unification becomes inevitable.

Crocodile's eyes lit up; the more he thought about it, the more interesting Robert's suggestion seemed, but in the end, he frowned and said:

"I...am not strong enough..."

Robert never expected to see Crocodile back down. Crocodile is indeed quite strong in terms of raw power. Although he has a dark history of being defeated by Luffy in Gear 1, he is, after all, a Logia-type Devil Fruit user, with both a high floor and a high ceiling.

As for intelligence, it goes without saying. Crocodile is a well-known old fox at sea. Unless the main characters have some kind of cheat code, he can basically outmaneuver anyone he wants with his schemes.

Robert comforted him, "Stop joking. You're one of the top members of the former Seven Warlords of the Sea. Who doesn't know Crocodile's name? If you're not strong enough, then there's no one in the world who is."

Crocodile looked at Robert with gratitude in his eyes; he truly hadn't expected Robert to acknowledge him so much.

"Your personal strength is more than enough; the only thing you lack is a powerful group of subordinates. But wouldn't Chief Buggy be just the one to make up for that?"

"What's the hottest organization on the high seas right now? It's definitely Pakistan Express!"

"If you and Buggy join forces, becoming one of the Four Emperors would be a piece of cake for you, wouldn't it?"

Crocodile was indeed persuaded by Robert. He was very confident in his strength and intelligence, and Buggy's Delivery Service was indeed a powerful asset. It was the largest mercenary organization in the New World, and its pirates borrowed money from others to train their troops, so they had plenty of war experience.

Seeing Crocodile's interest, Robert knew that success was just around the corner, and he returned to his old ways as a charlatan:

"I actually have a big plan in mind, but I've been struggling to find someone I know well who can help me."

Crocodile didn't respond, but Bucky, being quite sensible, chimed in, "I can help! Tell me your plan!"

Robert narrowed his eyes: "If you put all the Seven Warlords of the Sea together, would that be enough to take down the Four Emperors?"

Chapter 31 Bucky, please continue to live such a simple and happy life.

Crocodile and Bucky were both shocked when Robert said this.

One of them was a former member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and the other was a current member. They knew all too well what level of combat power the Seven Warlords of the Sea represented.

There are actually only four active Shichibukai left: the world's strongest swordsman, Hawkeye Mihawk, whose position is firmly established; Boa Hancock, the empress of the Kuja Pirates, who has been in power for generations; Buggy, who is present; and Law, whose whereabouts are unknown.

After being rescued by the Revolutionary Army, Kuma lost his title as a Shichibukai. Doflamingo was stripped of his title by the Navy after being defeated by Robert. Whitebeard Jr. died in the battle between Robert and Blackbeard.

Among the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Buggy is actually the weakest, followed by Gecko Moria, who completely lost his edge after being defeated by Kaido.

Apart from these two filler characters, every single one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea is a master, with the top-tier Hawkeye even capable of going toe-to-toe with a Yonko.

If they could really bring the Seven Warlords of the Sea together, they might be able to go toe-to-toe with the Four Emperors.

But Crocodile quickly shook his head: "The Seven Warlords are all prominent figures on the sea, and it's hard for them to accept teaming up with others. Besides, since they have received official recognition from the Navy, they naturally won't compete for the position of Yonko anymore."

Robert smiled mysteriously: "You said it yourself, the Seven Warlords are content with the status quo because they have the Navy's approval. What if the World Government decides to abolish the Seven Warlords system?"

Crocodile blurted out, "Impossible! The Seven Warlords of the Sea are the World Government's primary force for filling high-level combat positions; they can never be abolished!"

Robert said, "It's alright, no rush, we can wait and see!"

"The World Conference is about to begin, and someone will definitely propose abolishing the Seven Warlords system. I can guarantee you that this proposal will be passed!"

Crocodile stared intently at Robert, trying to glean something from his expression.

But Robert acted as if nothing was wrong. After taking another puff of his cigar, he seemed unsatisfied and threw it on the table. He then took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lit them, and put them in his mouth.

How confident are you that the Seven Warlords of the Sea system will be abolished?

Robert held out both hands, his index fingers interlaced: "Ten out of ten! If the Seven Warlords system is really abolished, how confident are you in recruiting people to join?"

Crocodile narrowed his eyes: "I've always had a good relationship with Mihawk, and I also have some connections with Jinbe. The Empress is a bit more difficult to deal with, and I'm not very confident."

Robert clapped his hands and said, "You stay in Dressrosa and help out in Pakistan. The World Conference will start in two months. Whether we should cooperate and how we should cooperate can be decided after the World Conference."

The more indifferent Robert appeared, the more Crocodile believed that Robert was absolutely certain of success.

"Alright! If, as you say, the World Government eventually passes a resolution to abolish the Seven Warlords of the Sea, then I'll join Ramihawk and fight for a spot among the Four Emperors!"

Robert clapped his hands with a laugh: "I wonder who you're planning to target?"

Crocodile glanced at Robert: "Shanks is definitely out of the question. If the two of us teamed up, I might agree to help you, but you know the relationship between Mihawk and Shanks..."

Robert laughed and said, "It seems that everyone knows about my conflict with Shanks, but it doesn't matter, we've made up."

Crocodile didn't believe Robert's claim of reconciliation at all, but he didn't ask any further questions: "Since you and Kaido are cooperating, then our only option is the Big Mom Pirates, isn't it?"

Robert thought for a moment and said, "It's me who's cooperating with Kaido, not you. Besides, our cooperation isn't the kind of deep, mutually beneficial partnership. You don't need to worry about my feelings."

"I asked who your chosen target is, just to advise you not to rush. The sea is turbulent and the situation is constantly changing. Sometimes, the more proactive you are, the more likely you are to backfire. The more patient you are, the more likely you are to emerge victorious."

Crocodile squinted at Robert, feeling completely unable to see through him. All the composure and confidence he had before meeting him earlier today had now been overturned.

"So, is that brat from Wano Country you're trying to capture to deal with Kaido?"

Robert quickly shook his head and said, "No, no, no, I already said that I am an ally of Kaido. Don't think that I am the kind of person who would scheme against my allies at any time."

"That was a small gift I gave to my partner. After all, who can predict what will happen on the high seas? He was happy when I handed over the territory to Kaido for safekeeping. What if he doesn't want to give it back to me when I want it back?"

"Of course I have to visit them with gifts and maintain good relationships."

Crocodile looked at Robert with a half-smile: "Didn't you just say we didn't need to consider your feelings? If we decide to take action against Kaido, can we use this brat from Wano Country?"

Robert's smile faded: "You know who he is?"

Crocodile frowned. He had only been in Dressrosa for a short time, and it wasn't until Bucky caught the kid and excitedly wanted to contact Robert that he learned about the mission Robert had assigned to Bucky.

Although Momonosuke and his crew's attire is very distinctive, anyone could easily recognize them as people from Wano Country, and as high-ranking samurai.

There are countless samurai in Wano Country, and many have been adrift on the seas for years.

Crocodile used all his intelligence channels but still couldn't figure out the identity of the brat named Momotaro. He really didn't know why Robert was so insistent on capturing him.

Now that Robert asked Crocodile if he knew the brat's identity, Crocodile could only honestly shake his head.

Robert laughed again: "See, you don't even know who he is, so how can you use him to deal with Kaido?"

Crocodile is a big shot in the underworld, so he's naturally too embarrassed to lower himself and say, "Just tell me."

Robert's smile was becoming increasingly irritating. He seemed to know that Crocodile was feeling uncomfortable, so he stood up on his own initiative.

“I really hope that today’s cooperation can be achieved. As long as the World Conference ends and your team is set up, I guarantee that I will do my best to help Pakistan Express become one of the four kings of the new world. After all, I also have shares in Pakistan Express.”

"My original plan was to first take control of the Riku family and help my good brother vent his anger. In the end, I still had to protect Dressrosa's economy and not let all my previous efforts go to waste."

"With you, Old Sha, in charge, I feel much more at ease here in Dressrosa."

Crocodile squinted: "Yes, now that I'm here, you don't need to send anyone back to take over. I'll manage this place well."

Robert and Crocodile were exchanging witty remarks, while Carina just sat to the side smiling and finding it amusing. Buggy, on the other hand, was completely oblivious, only feeling that he had a bright future ahead of him. He hadn't lost a single 10% of the shares, but it seemed like his position was going to be moved up from the Seven Warlords of the Sea to the Four Emperors!

If what Robert said is true, and the Seven Warlords system is about to be abolished, then Buggy the Clown can easily find a job in one of the Four Emperors' crews, which would truly make him a legend on the sea.

Buggy rubbed his hands together eagerly and said, "I'll prepare a boat for you. Should we put that Wano Country brat on board too?"

Robert answered Bucky's question, but his eyes remained fixed on Crocodile:

"No need, I've arranged for a fleet of ships to pick you up."

Chapter 32 Are you an idiot?!

The seaside in Dressrosa was calm and peaceful.

A little boy who had just climbed to the top of the cloud slide was about to jump onto the slide when he was suddenly attracted by a strange phenomenon on the sea in the distance and stared at it intently.

The child behind him said impatiently, "Are you going to slide or not? If not, I'll take your turn!"

The little boy quickly replied, "I'll skate! I'll skate!"

Two little boys slid down the cloud slide one after the other, but while still in mid-air, they discovered that the once peaceful Dressrosa had inexplicably become chaotic.

When they slid to the bottom, the surrounding area was in complete chaos. The children's parents picked up their children and quickly left the Cloud Park on the shore.

In the palace, Baki was somewhat resentful. He felt that Robert hadn't informed him of his arrival and hadn't allowed him to see him off when he left, which was a bit of a disrespect to him.

But Bucky was a flexible person and was just about to make a joke to ease the embarrassment of being rejected when the door to the reception room was suddenly pushed open.

Bucky finally found a scapegoat to vent his anger, and he roared at his uninvited subordinate, "Didn't I tell you that you're not allowed to disturb my reception of distinguished guests even if the sky falls?! Are you tired of living?!"

The one who pushed open the door was Mochi, the veteran beast tamer of the Buggy Pirates. Even though he knew that Buggy was unpredictable and that the other two big shots in the room were ruthless killers, he still chose to barge in.

"Boss..."

Bucky was furious when he saw it was Mochi. He was utterly ashamed that his loyal fan had acted so rashly.

"I already told you to call me 'Chief' from now on! What 'boss'? We're not the same makeshift team we used to be!"

Mochi, forcing himself to speak, reported: "Dozens of warships have arrived on the east coast!"

Buggy was stunned. Even in the world of One Piece, where individual combat strength is ridiculously high, ships are still very valuable means of transportation.

In particular, those that can be called warships would not be small or medium-sized vessels with less than three masts, and the forces that could possess such large warships could not be small bands of bandits.

What's more, dozens of warships arrived at once. Buggy thought about it and realized that only the Four Emperors' crews in the New World could muster such a prestigious force.

The Buster Call, which strikes fear into the hearts of many, consisted of only ten warships. Now, dozens of them have arrived at once. They might be able to flatten Dressrosa with artillery fire.

Bucky was still in a state of panic and helplessness, but Crocodile reacted quickly, staring intently at Robert.

Robert's smile remained unchanged: "Karina, go help Violet, the Indians have come to pick up the bride."

Karina, who always appeared as the Ice Witch Whiteybe, began to transform in front of everyone, quickly turning into Violet, the princess of the Riku royal family.

Robert's previous bombshell revelations hadn't shocked Crocodile, but when Karina transformed into someone else in front of him, Crocodile's expression changed.

Bon Clay was originally Crocodile's subordinate, and he had seen the effects of the Imitation Fruit before. But Crocodile was certain that if Bon Clay sat in front of him for that long using the Imitation Fruit, he would definitely be able to see through it.

Karina's transformation was completely different. Even when she transformed into Violet in front of Crocodile, Crocodile still couldn't tell the difference between the real and fake person in front of him.

This ability is terrifying. Robert was just chatting and laughing, seemingly not showing off his muscles at all, until the moment he was about to leave.

First, he quietly summoned a massive fleet of dozens of warships, and then he demonstrated that his people could freely disguise themselves and infiltrate the enemy.

With Karina's ability, all enemies will find it hard to sleep soundly, constantly on guard against the fact that the person they know best is actually Karina in disguise.

Crocodile's partnership with Robert was genuinely sincere, but although he didn't ask for a large percentage of the shares, he never gave up on vying for control.