"Hammer, are you really sure you can fix her situation?"
Watching Hammer 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?
"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 mess. Not only did we not finalize the Warlord candidates, but we also messed up one of the top picks. If we don't fix this, I'm dead meat. And you won't be spared either."
Hammer'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, Hammer finally found a Den Den Mushi.
It was a private line between him and someone 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...
A cheerful male voice answered, and the Den Den Mushi transformed into the likeness of a man with a red fork-like tattoo on its left side.
"Yeah, Dragon, it's me."
"Hahaha! My dear friend! What a surprise. Have you finally decided to join me in overthrowing the World Government?"
"...Cut it out. I'm a Vice Admiral now. Stop trying to rope me in. I need your help with something. 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 me: 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 me why you need him. Otherwise, even for you, old friend, I won't arrange a meeting."
"Damn it, Dragon, since when did you become so paranoid? I've got a patient who needs his abilities. It's serious."
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.
"Hammer, you better explain."
Hammer sighed. How was he supposed to explain this?
"Look, it's not like God Valley is some big secret. Sure, the World Government 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, remember?"
"Look, Dragon, I won't ask for favors for free. If Ivankov helps me heal someone, I'll pay."
What did Dragon need most right now? Money.
Hammer knew this well. Forming a revolutionary army didn't come cheap.
And what did Hammer 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 home.
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 meet on Jaya Island in three days, okay?"
"Jaya Island? Why there?"
"Duh, it's full of pirates, no Marines or government spies. I still want a promotion, you know. You think I can afford to be seen with a wanted criminal like you?"
The line cut, and Hammer let out a long sigh of relief.
"Hammer, Crocodile's awake."
Lance led Crocodile into Hammer's forge.
Crocodile's face was thunderous. The moment she saw Hammer, the one responsible for everything, she looked ready to bite his head off.
"Whoa there, Crocodile. Don't give me that look, you're scaring me."
"Damn Marine dog. You're Hammer, right? I swear, I'm going to kill you and feed you to the crocodiles!"
"Uh, LADY Crocodile, calm down. Even if you beat me, if you're still gonna be a woman."
She was fuming, practically steaming.
"Exactly. You can't beat me, so why not sit down and talk?"
Hammer grabbed two iron stools, sat on one, and tossed the other toward her.
Crocodile didn't move. Hammer didn't push.
"I can fix your current condition. But you have to agree to become 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, Hammer 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 Government. In return for being summoned by the Government when needed and paying a cut of their loot, they're allowed to act freely, without interference from Marines or the Government."
"You can hunt pirates, loot them, but you can't harm allied nations, Marines, or the Government. Got it?"
Crocodile pondered in silence.
'So... a government lackey? A Marine attack dog?'
'Hmph. The World Government 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 become a Warlord if you turn me back. If not, forget the title, I'll quit piracy altogether and chase you to the ends of the world until I gut you!"
Hammer: 'Yikes. Harsh.'
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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