Chapter 77 (2/2)

”Though those are only grunts which means the situation hasn't become too dire for the marines to do something... 'drastic'.” Crocodile grunted out while pulling a cigare out of his reclaimed clothes, lighting it with a juweled lighter. Taking a deep inhale of thick smoke and exhaling it with a groan of satisfaction Crocodile returned to the group that kept watching him, the strawhats especially who hadn't been happy to see the warlord join their group.

”Listen Croco, I didn't free you out of the goodness of my heart. You were one of the few down there with a smidge of sanity while not being too weak either. In the coming battle I'll be occupying the commander of the fleet while you'll have to take on the officers below the commander. You guys will grab Robin and get the hell out of this place, you got that?” Azul said while watching Crocodile with observing eyes, noting the slightest changes in the mans face that may speak of betrayal or other backstabbing plans, though found none after which he turned around to the strawhats and adressed the last point.

”No way! I'm not letting you fight all the enemies!” Luffy yelled, earning him a smack on the back of the head from Nami.

”God damnit Luffy! Please use your brain just this time, for once in your life!” Nami yelled at Luffy who started a yelling contest with his navigator that he was the captain and was making the decisions for the crew, bringing a slight tickmark to Azuls forhead.

Not giving in to his annoyance Azul turned to Sanji instead handing Robin over to him with the knowledge that he would do literally anything to keep her safe while telling Zoro to watch Sanji's back which he acknowledged with a grunt.

Chopper meanwhile had jumped down from Azuls shoulder now that he didn't have to endure the heat anymore which brought him back into a decent condition.

As he kept on telling Sanji on how to best carry the woman to not endanger her further, making said lovecook nod rapidly in understanding, Azul walked over to Crocodile after which the two began to head out first shortly after followed by the group of strawhats.

The farther the group headed towards the first level the fiercer the battle got. Soon the arrived at the top of the stairs that revealed the first level to their eyes which painted an impressive view to them.

Letting his gaze fall on the tunnel to the surface Azul cracked his neck left and right after which he turned towards Sanji, Zoro and Chopper telling them:

”Stay close behind me.” after which he rested his gaze one more time on the unconcious Robin and turned back around to face the battle that was about to commence the final confrontation that would end the revolt of Impel Down...