One Piece: Transmigrated as Crocodile

Chapter 349 CHAPTER 345 - The Supernovas Stir

"Boss, he's back. This is annoying. Just finish him off," Valentine said as she joined Rosen at the hotel.

Two days passed without further trouble. Kid's defeat had been exaggerated in rumors; some even claimed Rosen had almost killed him with a single glare.

Regardless of the story's accuracy, the outcome was clear: Rosen had won, Kid had lost. Kid, until now, had been one of the most talked-about rookie pirates.

When Luffy attacked Enies Lobby, directly challenging the World Government, his bounty was only 300 million Berries.

Kid's danger partly came from massacring civilians or pirates, though often provoked. He had taken down strong foes before; otherwise, the World Government wouldn't have set a bounty higher than 300 million just for harming civilians.

Yet this highly regarded rookie had been defeated with a single punch. Not only did other pirates find it unbelievable, but Kid himself was furious and humiliated.

"Do not follow me, and do not plan anything," Rosen warned. The next day, Kid, fully healed, came to challenge him again.

Kid's physiology was similar to Luffy's; even heavily injured, his immense vitality allowed rapid recovery.

Kid wasn't foolish. He ordered his crew to stand down, acting out of personal pride. If Rosen didn't spare him, only Kid would die. If the entire crew attacked, his refusal to yield could doom them all.

Indeed, the second day, Kid was defeated with another punch. Rosen hadn't expected a second challenge.

A battle maniac? Perhaps. Or a pride too strong to accept such a clean defeat. Perhaps he saw Rosen as the ultimate target. Either way, Rosen rarely killed those who came openly to challenge him, provided there was no personal hatred.

After the second loss, Kid said nothing cruel, and Rosen saw not frustration, but a composed resolve and fighting spirit.

"Interesting," Rosen thought. If Kid had brought his crew to harass him, he would have dealt with them too. A solo challenge was no problem.

Though Kid wasn't overwhelmingly strong, he made a good sparring partner.

With Kid's third challenge, Rosen noticed something subtle: other supernovas seemed to be gathering nearby. Rosen hadn't left, and the Marines made no move.

Meanwhile, Urouge had arrived. Valentine informed Rosen, and he joined them.

"Kid came alone?" Rosen asked Valentine after a pause.

"Yes."

"Then ignore him for now. Let's finish our meal and warm up afterward."

"Eat together?" Rosen looked at Urouge. Adding a strong ally lifted his spirits; more powerful help was always welcome.

Urouge's bounty was only 108 million, but he was no weaker than Kid. He had even briefly clashed with the Pacifist, a notable feat.

"Fine." Urouge was straightforward and unpretentious. Having chosen to follow Rosen, he clearly understood that staying with this man meant seeing the true pinnacle of the world.

So Kid was left waiting at the door.

"Damn it." Kid had waited over an hour. If he hadn't been defeated twice before, he would have charged in. But Rosen had warned him yesterday: challenges were welcome, but interrupting his rest or meal would result in his crew's annihilation.

Rosen left Kid alive merely for entertainment, not to create trouble.

"Still not fighting?" Bonney, eating heartily across the street, complained, watching Kid stomp and pound on the door out of impatience.

"Hmph. Finally going to see the Dawn Pirates captain's power?" Bege's wound had healed, but he still harbored resentment over being repelled by a single officer before.

Kid's previous two challenges had gone unseen, but now the chance had come. Why the delay?

"Crocodile and Kid? According to the omens, Kid's chances are only one percent. Are the Shichibukai really that strong?" Hawkins said calmly from the fountain edge, observing the restless Kid while quietly calculating.

"Strange… the omens indicate misfortune for me today? That shouldn't happen; I have no plans against Crocodile… let's check again." Hawkins was puzzled.

"Boom, boom… where, where? Provoking a Shichibukai looks fun. Should we try too? After all, as pirates, defeating a renowned, powerful veteran is a shortcut to fame," long-armed Apo said rhythmically, approaching Kid with curiosity.

In the pirate world, morality was irrelevant. Pirates sought fame by targeting strong, famous heads, often needing no excuse. That's why pirates were labeled fierce and evil criminals.

Among supernovas, defeating fellow rookies proved little. Defeating a veteran—or escaping a Shichibukai—was highly enticing for fame-hungry pirates or bounty hunters.

Yes, Rosen and his allies had escaped from Akainu's encirclement, but reports wouldn't mention the troop numbers or losses that might undermine the World Government's credibility.

Hence, it was framed as Rosen being relentlessly pursued by the Marines, his success attributed to luck in a storm. Accurately gauging his strength was nearly impossible.

These rookies were individually strong, and strong people often had ambitions. For now, most were merely observing. With reckless Kid testing Rosen's strength, why not let him try?

"He's out," someone said. After finishing his meal, Rosen noticed the impatient Kid and smiled. Honestly, Rosen wasn't particularly fond of Kid as a person.

Yet, from Kid's Conqueror's Haki, it was clear he excelled in certain aspects. Even if volatile, arrogant, and haughty, these were basic pirate traits.

Now, Rosen saw Kid's other side: unyielding, resolute, and fearless before strong opponents. Compared to the observing supernovas, Kid was a more fitting sparring partner. Post-meal activity seemed appropriate.

"Since I just joined the Dawn Pirates, I'll step up," Urouge volunteered, eager to test Kid's strength. He felt his growth, especially after eating a Devil Fruit.

"Fine," Rosen said, unconcerned, noticing a familiar figure to ask about the situation.

"Step aside. You're not the one I'm after," Kid said coldly to Urouge. Though Urouge was a supernova with a bounty over 100 million, Kid disregarded him.

Kid's eyes were fixed solely on Crocodile, the veteran whose strength left him helpless. Defeating Urouge proved nothing; only Crocodile could validate his power.