Boom!
The sandstorm crashed down.
Eric had mastered Rokushiki to an extraordinary level. He was one of the few in the World Government's Surveillance Department who had trained in the strongest, most original version of Rokushiki.
The Rokushiki techniques used by Marine Headquarters were simplified and widely taught, making them easier to learn. However, the original and improved versions—the strongest Rokushiki, including its derived techniques—were kept in the hands of the World Government and a select few Marine elites.
Not only had Eric learned these advanced techniques, but he had also improved and innovated upon them. He had devoted his entire life to honing Rokushiki, never consuming a Devil Fruit. Under his mastery, Rokushiki had evolved into over 72 different techniques.
His most proficient move was Shigan (Finger Pistol). Whether targeting groups or striking a single point with precision, his Shigan was unparalleled.
So, when the sandstorm surged toward him, he unleashed a powerful Shigan—Torrent—punching straight through three layers of rolling sand. However, he did not see Crocodile, who was supposed to be behind the sand.
Damn it!
Eric instantly realized the danger, but it was too late. Within the sandstorm, a figure moved stealthily, faster than the storm itself. In front of Zodi, the sand suddenly condensed, forming the shape of Rosen.
Zodi glanced around, realizing there were few guards nearby. Those who had charged forward had already been knocked down by the sandstorm.
"Don't kill me! I… I don't need your apology anymore…"
"I understand your fear," Rosen said with a calm smile. "Perhaps in your life, you never learned this simple truth—but that's okay. Now you do. When you try to take someone else's life, yours is also placed on the gambling table. Next time, be prepared for the consequences..."
As he spoke, Rosen extended a finger and struck swiftly, aiming for a fatal blow.
However, the sand-formed finger did not hit its intended target—it landed on Zodi's shoulder instead.
Rosen was surprised. He had been completely confident that no one could rescue someone as weak as Zodi from such a sudden attack. Yet someone had moved fast enough to intervene?
Rosen looked up at the towering figure that had appeared behind Zodi in an instant. Even at Rosen's height, he had to tilt his head to see this person—at least six or seven meters tall, incredibly muscular, resembling a massive bear.
"Bartholomew Kuma, why are you stopping me?"
Rosen's expression remained calm, though he had always been wary of this Shichibukai—more precisely, this undercover revolutionary, the original model of the current Pacifista.
Bartholomew Kuma did indeed possess an ability similar to teleportation, which explained how he had managed to save Zodi in this situation.
"Apologies. If someone dies right in front of me, the Marine Headquarters and the World Government will hold me accountable. So, please, do not strike again."
Kuma's voice was calm, without excessive emotion, yet not entirely robotic.
"Crocodile," Eric muttered, his face dark.
The sandstorm settled, stopping short of engulfing the Marine base. Rosen had exercised control—if he had swept the entire base away, things would have become far more complicated.
The storm stopped in an open space within the Marine base, avoiding the buildings. Even with restraint, many Marines and most of Andia Kingdom's soldiers had already been knocked unconscious by the sand's force.
"Of course, I won't strike again. After all, I have no interest in attacking the dead," Rosen said with a sudden smirk. He indeed made no further moves, but his words made both Bartholomew Kuma and Eric frown.
In the next moment, they understood what he meant.
Sand was writhing within the wound on Zodi's body where Rosen's finger had pierced.
Zodi's expression suddenly twisted in agony. Then, seven or eight sand spikes burst from his body with a sickening noise.
"I… Am I dying?"
With those final words, his breath ceased.
"Crocodile, are you insane?! You actually killed Andia's only heir!"
Eric watched in fury as Zodi's body slipped from Bartholomew Kuma's grasp. Crocodile was completely out of control.
Killing the only heir of a World Government-affiliated kingdom—especially one of such importance—right in front of him? Even if Zodi had struck first, outright murdering him made it nearly impossible for Eric to explain this to his superiors.
As for Zodi himself, if he weren't the prince of Andia, he would have likely died countless times already. Even as an ally, Eric had often been tempted to slap him dead. But ultimately, Eric's loyalties leaned toward the aristocracy.
"Mr. Eric, I had hoped to get along peacefully with him, even letting go of past grievances. But when someone is determined to kill me, I can't help but react. My apologies."
Rosen spoke politely, though his objective had already been achieved.
"You…"
Eric was at a loss for words. What could he say? Excessive self-defense? That was laughable. This was clearly Crocodile seizing an opportunity to kill, with witnesses to confirm it.
Yet, technically, Rosen had acted within reason. All Eric could do now was report the incident to his superiors and wait for further orders. He couldn't yet determine how severe the consequences would be.
"Mr. Eric, I trust you will report the truth as it is. Another Shichibukai was watching the entire time. I hope you won't distort the facts and let people down."
Rosen deliberately emphasized his point, ignoring Eric's increasingly grim expression.
Rosen didn't care. Eric had already made it clear where his sympathies lay, even suggesting that Rosen should apologize earlier. There was no need for Rosen to consider his feelings.
"A troublesome matter," Bartholomew Kuma said flatly. He didn't glance at Zodi again, simply turning and leaving. He had no intention of further involvement—Eric would handle the rest.
"Damn Shichibukai," Eric muttered as he watched Crocodile walk away.
Several times, he considered making a move to capture him, to give the Andia Kingdom some form of justice.
But Bartholomew Kuma was still here. If he arrested Crocodile purely on the basis of this incident, what message would it send?
That a Shichibukai could be attacked by royalty but wasn't allowed to retaliate? That if they did, it was a crime?
If that idea spread, it could cause discontent among the other Shichibukai, leading to more unrest across the seas.
So, whether he liked it or not, Crocodile had put him in a dilemma. At least until he received direct orders, he couldn't act recklessly.
Even though Rosen's actions had essentially trampled on the prestige of the World Government's allied aristocrats—and insulted him personally—he had no choice but to endure.
"At least I'll get a good night's sleep tonight," Rosen said, relieved to have resolved a major issue. Though bigger problems might arise later, tonight should pass quietly.
"Just in case, hide the ships and be cautious. We'll plan our next move after I return from Lantis. Also, send a report to the World Government immediately—before anyone twists the story."
"Understood," Nico Robin nodded.
From the moment Zodi had treated that peculiar human girl as livestock, Robin had felt no sympathy for him. Her only concern was whether this incident would cost Rosen his Shichibukai title.
And so, before the Marines could report to the World Government, the Five Elders received a complaint from Crocodile himself—denouncing the Andia royal family for their unprovoked aggression.
Just as Rosen had planned, by making the first move, they could gain some control over the narrative.
(End of Chapter)
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