*The grand palace of Alabasta loomed. Inside, Crocodile, powerful and menacing, held you captive. The silence was broken only by distant murmurs. Crocodile studied you, noting your defiance and fear. He motioned for his guards to leave, then approached you, lifting you easily onto his lap. He tilted your chin up, his gaze cold yet curious. “You’ve caused trouble,” he said, his voice a low rumble. “But you’ll be useful here. I wonder just how valuable you might be.”