One Piece: Transmigrated as Crocodile-Chapter 262 - CHAPTER 262 - Paradise, Purification

Since Rosen had just caused a major disturbance not long ago, and with his current mission being to assassinate Aberdeen, he would not recklessly expose himself without knowing the enemy's defenses.
This sea was full of hidden masters. Many had fallen because they overestimated their own strength.
Simply put, even Fujitora and Green Bull, who were later promoted directly to admiral, had once been unknown figures.
And during the World Military Draft, the Marines had recruited two new admirals outright. If the Marines had new admirals, then the number of powerful pirates unwilling to be bound by rules must be even greater.
Otherwise, why call it the Great Pirate Era? Not all strong men stayed in the New World. The power structure there was already set; many were waiting for another upheaval.
Like Doflamingo, who always feared the world might be too peaceful.
The Andia Kingdom was also a nation of over a million people, economically prosperous—though built on the blood of the lower classes. The elites at the top were far from ordinary.
Never underestimating an enemy was Rosen's creed, so he wore an unremarkable mask.
When the Xiya approached the giant ship-island, countless searchlights lit up, revealing her vessel. From the towering hull, rows of cannons and armed guards extended outward. One guard captain called out, "State your name."
"AKS Chamber of Commerce representative, Alexia!" Xiya stood calmly at the bow, clearly not new to places like this.
"Confirmed. Proceed." After a brief check, the captain allowed them through. This place did not welcome nobodies; whether noble, pirate, or Marine, anyone with a name—no matter how small—could enter. But without fame or connections, the door was closed.
The massive gates in the hull swung open, parting the sea. They looked solid and incredibly thick.
"The hull's made of metal?" Rosen was slightly surprised. If the entire outer hull of such a massive ship—what Xiya called the Paradise—was metal, it would be astonishing.
"Not entirely. It also uses Andia's latest hybrid stone slabs—extremely strong. Even high-grade battleship cannons might not break it. Paradise doesn't belong to any one person, but many big names have a stake in it."
Inside, it was reminiscent of Gecko Moria's island ship—except this was bustling and lavish instead of eerie.
Not far ahead was the port, packed with ships—pirate, noble, merchant, even Marine vessels.
This was unregulated waters. Even Marines wouldn't arrest pirates here. The shareholders of Paradise would never allow such trouble; the profits from this den of indulgence were enormous.
It was said even Gild Tesoro, the world's richest man and ruler of the largest entertainment empire, held a significant share and had high hopes for its future.
In Paradise's central district, inside a pristine white building, a bald, burly middle-aged man hung up a Den Den Mushi.
At his side were two pirates with bounties over 100 million and a hundred-man elite mercenary squad, all stationed to guard this castle-like building reserved for shareholders.
The structure was only five stories high, but each floor extended outward with balconies. Steel plates could be raised on all sides for defense, each fitted with gun ports, allowing a hundred men to hold off thousands.
"The ships sent to escort Xiya have all lost contact. She likely has powerful allies. She just passed through Paradise's gate—tonight's Grand Chamber of Commerce meeting won't be easy," said Denry, one of the four close guards—a pirate, a bounty hunter, and the captain of the mercenaries—Denry being the latter and a trusted aide to the Warlord of War.
"Don't worry. I have all her friends and family. Even if she's found outside help, they're no match for us. Once I take full control of the AKS Chamber, I'll aid the Warlord's infiltration. If there's one thing Andia has in abundance, it's people." Aberdeen spoke with full confidence.
"Should we invite Xiya privately first, see what she's hiding?" Denry, calm and composed despite being just over thirty, asked.
He had once been captain of a royal guard, betrayed by his king. After a failed regicide attempt, he fled and was saved by the Warlord of War. Whatever the Warlord commanded, he would execute flawlessly.
"No need. She can't stir up much trouble. We'll control her in the conference hall. The priority now is preparing for Lord Tesoro's welcome banquet in three days." Aberdeen's eyes gleamed with fanaticism.
A man of legend—wealth beyond imagination, king of the world's largest entertainment empire, a godlike figure.
"Understood."
"Tesoro will really come? The Warlord has worked with him before, but it didn't end well. I hope you choose your side wisely," Denry warned.
"Relax. It's just under the Chamber's arrangements." Aberdeen sobered slightly—though he worshipped Tesoro, the Warlord remained his strongest pillar.
At the port—
"Well, if it isn't the AKS heiress. No proper escort ships? That won't do. Paradise is dangerous—so long as the shareholders aren't harmed, there's no law here. Have you forgotten? Why not stay on our Torom merchant ship for a while?"
As the Xiya entered, a lavish merchant vessel, shielded by four escort ships, cut in and stole her docking spot.
On its deck stood a grotesquely fat man, over two meters tall and more than five hundred pounds, with abnormally long arms and two braided mustache strands. He looked like a massive catfish monster, flanked by beautiful women.
The dock officers didn't interfere. Berths here were first-come, first-served—or could be taken by force.
"Ignore them. Find another spot," Xiya said.
"No need to rush off, Miss AKS. I hear things aren't going well for you. If you become my woman, I can guarantee your safety. What do you say?" The catfish-man, Keel, clearly wasn't letting her go.
He moved his ship closer until it brushed against the Xiya—just a step away from boarding.
"What do you want?" Xiya asked, secretly using her power. Behind her, a dirty black light appeared on her hands. She began wiping it away, but could only clear a small portion.
"Uh… what was I… going to do?" Keel froze mid-thought.
"Didn't you say you wanted to make her your woman, Lord Keel? So fickle," one of his women teased.
"Nonsense! As vice president of the Torom Chamber, I'm not that kind of man…" Keel's lewd expression vanished, replaced with solemn dignity.
"This power can be used like that?" Rosen was surprised. He thought it was purely supportive, but it could actually purify evil thoughts—was this the legendary saintly power? His mind wandered.
Keel's women and men exchanged puzzled looks.
Keel himself didn't notice. He was about to leave when the white glow Xiya had revealed behind her suddenly vanished, and sweat beaded her forehead.
This man's filth and darkness were overwhelming—she had barely cleansed a fraction before it regenerated.
Trouble.
Keel suddenly spun around, fury in his eyes. "You filthy woman—did you use a Devil Fruit power on me?"
(End of chapter)