Aboard the Warhamr
"Hamr, are you really sure you can fix her situation?"
Watching Hamr rummaging through crates, Lance still couldn't believe it.
A man turning into a woman, what kind of fix could there possibly be for that?
He didn't buy it.
"Enough, go check if Crocodile has woken up. If she has, bring her over. We still haven't settled the Warlord issue. You don't want to go back and get yelled at by old man Sengoku, do you?"
"We've made a huge ss. Not only did we not finalize the Warlord candidates, but we also ssed up one of the top picks. If we don't fix this, I'm dead at. And you won't be spared either."
Hamr's words conjured the image of a golden, afro-haired Buddha in Lance's mind.
Just one slap from that big hand, and he might not even leave behind ashes.
He shuddered and rushed off to check on Crocodile.
Once Lance left, Hamr finally found a Den Den Mushi.
It was a private line between him and soone he used to fight alongside. Now, they were on opposite sides.
But right now, he had no other option.
With a helpless expression, he dialed.
Purururu... purururu...
"Hello, Hamr?"
A cheerful male voice answered, and the Den Den Mushi transford into the likeness of a man with a red fork-like tattoo on its left side.
"Yeah, Dragon, it's ."
"Hahaha! My dear friend! What a surprise. Have you finally decided to join in overthrowing the World Governnt?"
"...Cut it out. I'm a Vice Admiral now. Stop trying to rope in. I need your help with sothing. Do you know the whereabouts of Emporio Ivankov?"
"..."
Dragon went silent, or rather, he was stunned.
"How do you know about him?"
"Tch, I've got my ways. Just tell : do you know where he is? I need him. It's urgent."
"...He's a comrade of mine, a kindred spirit. We're currently gathering supplies in the South Blue. What do you need from him?"
"South Blue? Good. I'm heading there now."
On the other end, Dragon glanced at a very tall man beside him and fell deep into thought.
"You'll have to tell why you need him. Otherwise, even for you, old friend, I won't arrange a eting."
"Damn it, Dragon, since when did you beco so paranoid? I've got a patient who needs his abilities. It's serious."
"Patient?"
Even Emporio Ivankov, standing nearby, looked confused now.
Emporio Ivankov was a tall figure with an enormous face, a massive deep purple afro (big enough to hide a person), long thick lashes, light blue eyeshadow, and purple lipstick.
"Dragon, how does he know about my powers? That's suspicious~"
Dragon nodded. He found it strange too.
The only reason Dragon knew Ivankov was because of the God Valley Incident, a battle both had witnessed.
Ivankov had been there.
"Hamr, you better explain."
Hamr sighed. How was he supposed to explain this?
"Look, it's not like God Valley is so big secret. Sure, the World Governnt covered it up, but I've been in the Marines long enough to hear things."
"Besides, I'm the Celestial Dragons' darling blacksmith now, Master Ornn, rember?"
"Look, Dragon, I won't ask for favors for free. If Ivankov helps heal soone, I'll pay."
What did Dragon need most right now? Money.
Hamr knew this well. Forming a revolutionary army didn't co cheap.
And what did Hamr have in abundance? Money, he had just conned 9 billion berries out of the Celestial Dragons. He was loaded.
As expected, Dragon perked up. The words hit ho.
You never know the cost of running a household until you start one. Since founding his own faction, Dragon had been so stressed that his hairline was receding.
"For real? How much?"
"Tsk, tsk, Dragon. Let's not talk about exact numbers. Just bring Ivankov, and you'll get your money."
Dragon was speechless. Why was this guy acting like money grew on trees?
"Alright, I'll let Ivankov help you. But you better pay up."
"No problem. Easy. Let's et on Jaya Island in three days, okay?"
"Jaya Island? Why there?"
"Duh, it's full of pirates, no Marines or governnt spies. I still want a promotion, you know. You think I can afford to be seen with a wanted criminal like you?"
"...Fine."
Click.
The line cut, and Hamr let out a long sigh of relief.
"Hamr, Crocodile's awake."
"I'm coming in."
Lance led Crocodile into Hamr's forge.
Crocodile's face was thunderous. The mont she saw Hamr, the one responsible for everything, she looked ready to bite his head off.
"Whoa there, Crocodile. Don't give that look, you're scaring ."
"Damn Marine dog. You're Hamr, right? I swear, I'm going to kill you and feed you to the crocodiles!"
"Uh, LADY Crocodile, calm down. Even if you beat , if you're still gonna be a woman."
"...Bastard!!"
She was fuming, practically steaming.
"Exactly. You can't beat , so why not sit down and talk?"
Hamr grabbed two iron stools, sat on one, and tossed the other toward her.
Crocodile didn't move. Hamr didn't push.
"I can fix your current condition. But you have to agree to beco a Warlord of the Sea."
That surprised Crocodile. Was there a way to fix her current form?
She had turned into a woman, and this guy was saying it could be undone?
"Don't look so shocked. I said I can fix it. Yes or no?"
Crocodile went quiet. Being a Warlord didn't matter; turning back into a man did.
"What's this Warlord thing? Explain it properly."
Seeing her soften, Hamr gave Lance a look.
"I already explained it before, but you probably weren't listening. Here it is again:"
"The Warlords of the Sea are powerful pirates officially recognized by the World Governnt. In return for being summoned by the Governnt when needed and paying a cut of their loot, they're allowed to act freely, without interference from Marines or the Governnt."
"You can hunt pirates, loot them, but you can't harm allied nations, Marines, or the Governnt. Got it?"
Crocodile pondered in silence.
'So... a governnt lackey? A Marine attack dog?'
'Hmph. The World Governnt is really scheming.'
"Of course, in your case, there's an extra benefit: I'll help you return to your original male form."
In the end, Crocodile agreed to the deal and accepted the Warlord offer.
"I'll beco a Warlord if you turn back. If not, forget the title, I'll quit piracy altogether and chase you to the ends of the world until I gut you!"
Hamr: 'Yikes. Harsh.'
...
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu
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