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Chapter 1051: I Guarantee You'll See Their Tombstone! (Added Chapter for Patron Molotov Cocktail Brand)
"Huh?"
Crocodile was stunned, thinking for a moment that he had misheard.
"I said, eat me!" Shukaku repeated playfully.
Crocodile heard clearly this time, and a string of black lines immediately appeared on his head.
"Ya ah—hahahahaha————"
Shukaku couldn't help but hold his round belly and burst into laughter.
Crocodile's expression just now was simply too amusing.
"Alright,"
But unexpectedly, a cold smirk appeared on Crocodile's face.
"Then I'll have to invite an excellent chef to discuss how to prepare your meat. Part of it steamed, part grilled. I hope it tastes good!"
"Huh?"
Shukaku was dumbfounded, his laughter stopping abruptly. For a moment, he didn't know how to respond.
"Hmph!"
Crocodile glared at Shukaku with a cold face.
Of course, he wasn't truly angry.
His gaze was mostly directed towards the large and small buildings in the distance.
That was Shukaku's territory.
How to describe it? At first glance, it was a replica of Sunagakure.
However, the spherical sand fortress in the center was countless times larger than the one in Sunagakure that served as the Kazekage Building, appearing incredibly grand and spectacular.
And on the outermost edge of the territory, he had built a perimeter wall and city gates that looked nearly a hundred meters high.
Honestly, it looked quite decent.
But this also made Crocodile realize that in Shukaku's heart, he hadn't completely let go of everything from the ninja world.
Although ninety-nine percent of what Sunagakure brought Shukaku was suffering, anger, and hatred.
It was precisely because of this that the memory was deeply etched and unforgettable.
Just like when he built his territory this time.
Shukaku subconsciously still created the architectural style of Sunagakure.
"Alright, alright!"
Shukaku stopped laughing and immediately became serious, looking at Crocodile and explaining:
"When I said eat me, I wasn't entirely joking."
"As I just told you, we Tailed Beasts are inherently a hybrid of natural energy and chakra."
"So you just need to eat a piece of my 'meat', and you should temporarily gain the ability to perceive natural energy. As for whether you can successfully absorb and cultivate it, I don't know, but at least the first step is definitely not a problem."
The reason Shukaku said this was because he thought of Kinkaku and Ginkaku from Cloud Hidden Village back then.
At that time, while inside Bunpuku, he heard that those two gained Tailed Beast chakra by gnawing on the Nine-Tails' flesh and blood.
He was both surprised and happy that the Nine-Tails got the short end of the stick, and he was happy for a full three or four days.
So he thought this way might also help Crocodile.
"I don't want to learn chakra."
Crocodile remained silent for a long time before refusing.
Regarding the truth of chakra, Im had already informed the higher-ups internally before.
As an Army Headquarters Lieutenant General and an Admiral Candidate with the epithet 'Sand Crocodile', he naturally received a copy.
However, the requirement was to keep it confidential for now, so he couldn't tell Shukaku about it.
"Of course, aren't you Sea Star People unable to cultivate chakra?"
Shukaku looked at him as if it were obvious:
"So, my flesh and blood should only allow you to temporarily gain the ability to perceive natural energy."
"During this period, you need to familiarize yourself and learn to independently perceive and absorb the natural energy in the air, and finally expel the flesh and blood from your body and return it to me."
"But I must warn you, our Tailed Beasts' chakra is very violent, so if your will and body cannot withstand it, you might lose control and go mad."
Crocodile understood: "Have there been any successful examples in your ninja world?"
"Yes, Kinkaku and Ginkaku from Cloud Hidden Village..."
Shukaku briefly explained their situation.
Unexpectedly, after he finished, Crocodile sneered: "If that's the case, then there's definitely no problem."
Comparing their bodies' endurance, comparing the firmness of their will.
He didn't believe ninja world people could surpass Sea Star People.
Let alone an expert like himself, proficient in Haki.
If those Kinkaku and Ginkaku could do it, then he definitely could too!
Shukaku wasn't surprised by this; he understood how strong this man was.
"Alright then, after you eat the flesh and blood, I will gather a large amount of wind and sand around you."
"This should help you perceive the natural elements suitable for you, and this place happens to be a desert."
Crocodile was silent for a moment, then said: "Thanks!"
"Hey, we agreed we're partners! If I get bullied in the future, I'll still need your help!"
Shukaku waved his hands repeatedly, looking a bit embarrassed, and continued walking towards his territory.
"Oh right, I also left a small building for you! It's already prepared with the quilts, clean water, utensils, food, and other things you humans need. I asked the residents of Rainbase to help me think of them. I just told them I have a human friend, and you can stay here if you have time!"
Shukaku really enjoyed the feeling of hosting Crocodile in his own home.
Having a home that truly belonged to him, and a friend he truly made himself.
Thank the World Government!
Long live the World Government!
"But next time you come, you'd better tell me in advance, so I can catch a few Banana Crocodiles from the Sandora River. People say their meat quality is excellent..."
Shukaku was still rambling.
Just then, Crocodile stopped him: "Wait a moment."
"What is it?"
Shukaku stood in front of his city gate, looking down at his shoulder in doubt.
"This is a Den Den Mushi that can only contact me. If you encounter trouble in the future, call me directly."
Crocodile took out a custom-made Video Den Den Mushi.
The Den Den Mushi looked very much like him and was wearing a black Justice Coat.
"No matter what, at least on this world, the identity of an Admiral still has a certain deterrence. I also want to see if I can get you a Vivre Card."
Crocodile said thoughtfully.
"Admiral?"
Shukaku accurately caught the keywords, scratching the back of his head and asking in doubt: "Aren't you a Lieutenant General?"
"Yes, I am for now, but I've already received notification. I'm about to be promoted to Army Headquarters Admiral."
Crocodile said with a calm expression.
"Ya————"
Shukaku screamed again, opening his arms excitedly and laughing loudly: "Then I'll have an Admiral covering me from now on!"
"Yes, if you encounter someone you can't defeat in the future, remember their appearance and identity, then try your best to run, and call me."
"If you really can't escape, then find a way to open the Den Den Mushi and point it at them, so I'll know their appearance."
Crocodile gave Shukaku a very serious promise:
"I guarantee you'll see their tombstone after your rebirth!"
Shukaku nodded vigorously, moved. This feeling of being protected was truly good.
In the ninja world, no one had ever been so good to him.
Not even the Old Man Six Paths who created them.
Didn't he just watch them being imprisoned, humiliated, and harmed all these years, remaining indifferent?
"But I still hope I can become stronger myself, just how should I do it?"
Shukaku walked into the city gate, troubled.
Immediately, the art style strongly resembling Sunagakure greeted him.
"I'll help you look into it when I get back. Even if there's no way now, there definitely will be in the future, because this is the World Government..."
Crocodile exhaled a puff of cigar smoke and grinned.
"Alright, alright, then shall we start your matter tomorrow?"
"Okay."
(End of this chapter)
"Huh?"
Crocodile was stunned, thinking for a moment that he had misheard.
"I said, eat me!" Shukaku repeated playfully.
Crocodile heard clearly this time, and a string of black lines immediately appeared on his head.
"Ya ah—hahahahaha————"
Shukaku couldn't help but hold his round belly and burst into laughter.
Crocodile's expression just now was simply too amusing.
"Alright,"
But unexpectedly, a cold smirk appeared on Crocodile's face.
"Then I'll have to invite an excellent chef to discuss how to prepare your meat. Part of it steamed, part grilled. I hope it tastes good!"
"Huh?"
Shukaku was dumbfounded, his laughter stopping abruptly. For a moment, he didn't know how to respond.
"Hmph!"
Crocodile glared at Shukaku with a cold face.
Of course, he wasn't truly angry.
His gaze was mostly directed towards the large and small buildings in the distance.
That was Shukaku's territory.
How to describe it? At first glance, it was a replica of Sunagakure.
However, the spherical sand fortress in the center was countless times larger than the one in Sunagakure that served as the Kazekage Building, appearing incredibly grand and spectacular.
And on the outermost edge of the territory, he had built a perimeter wall and city gates that looked nearly a hundred meters high.
Honestly, it looked quite decent.
But this also made Crocodile realize that in Shukaku's heart, he hadn't completely let go of everything from the ninja world.
Although ninety-nine percent of what Sunagakure brought Shukaku was suffering, anger, and hatred.
It was precisely because of this that the memory was deeply etched and unforgettable.
Just like when he built his territory this time.
Shukaku subconsciously still created the architectural style of Sunagakure.
"Alright, alright!"
Shukaku stopped laughing and immediately became serious, looking at Crocodile and explaining:
"When I said eat me, I wasn't entirely joking."
"As I just told you, we Tailed Beasts are inherently a hybrid of natural energy and chakra."
"So you just need to eat a piece of my 'meat', and you should temporarily gain the ability to perceive natural energy. As for whether you can successfully absorb and cultivate it, I don't know, but at least the first step is definitely not a problem."
The reason Shukaku said this was because he thought of Kinkaku and Ginkaku from Cloud Hidden Village back then.
At that time, while inside Bunpuku, he heard that those two gained Tailed Beast chakra by gnawing on the Nine-Tails' flesh and blood.
He was both surprised and happy that the Nine-Tails got the short end of the stick, and he was happy for a full three or four days.
So he thought this way might also help Crocodile.
"I don't want to learn chakra."
Crocodile remained silent for a long time before refusing.
Regarding the truth of chakra, Im had already informed the higher-ups internally before.
As an Army Headquarters Lieutenant General and an Admiral Candidate with the epithet 'Sand Crocodile', he naturally received a copy.
However, the requirement was to keep it confidential for now, so he couldn't tell Shukaku about it.
"Of course, aren't you Sea Star People unable to cultivate chakra?"
Shukaku looked at him as if it were obvious:
"So, my flesh and blood should only allow you to temporarily gain the ability to perceive natural energy."
"During this period, you need to familiarize yourself and learn to independently perceive and absorb the natural energy in the air, and finally expel the flesh and blood from your body and return it to me."
"But I must warn you, our Tailed Beasts' chakra is very violent, so if your will and body cannot withstand it, you might lose control and go mad."
Crocodile understood: "Have there been any successful examples in your ninja world?"
"Yes, Kinkaku and Ginkaku from Cloud Hidden Village..."
Shukaku briefly explained their situation.
Unexpectedly, after he finished, Crocodile sneered: "If that's the case, then there's definitely no problem."
Comparing their bodies' endurance, comparing the firmness of their will.
He didn't believe ninja world people could surpass Sea Star People.
Let alone an expert like himself, proficient in Haki.
If those Kinkaku and Ginkaku could do it, then he definitely could too!
Shukaku wasn't surprised by this; he understood how strong this man was.
"Alright then, after you eat the flesh and blood, I will gather a large amount of wind and sand around you."
"This should help you perceive the natural elements suitable for you, and this place happens to be a desert."
Crocodile was silent for a moment, then said: "Thanks!"
"Hey, we agreed we're partners! If I get bullied in the future, I'll still need your help!"
Shukaku waved his hands repeatedly, looking a bit embarrassed, and continued walking towards his territory.
"Oh right, I also left a small building for you! It's already prepared with the quilts, clean water, utensils, food, and other things you humans need. I asked the residents of Rainbase to help me think of them. I just told them I have a human friend, and you can stay here if you have time!"
Shukaku really enjoyed the feeling of hosting Crocodile in his own home.
Having a home that truly belonged to him, and a friend he truly made himself.
Thank the World Government!
Long live the World Government!
"But next time you come, you'd better tell me in advance, so I can catch a few Banana Crocodiles from the Sandora River. People say their meat quality is excellent..."
Shukaku was still rambling.
Just then, Crocodile stopped him: "Wait a moment."
"What is it?"
Shukaku stood in front of his city gate, looking down at his shoulder in doubt.
"This is a Den Den Mushi that can only contact me. If you encounter trouble in the future, call me directly."
Crocodile took out a custom-made Video Den Den Mushi.
The Den Den Mushi looked very much like him and was wearing a black Justice Coat.
"No matter what, at least on this world, the identity of an Admiral still has a certain deterrence. I also want to see if I can get you a Vivre Card."
Crocodile said thoughtfully.
"Admiral?"
Shukaku accurately caught the keywords, scratching the back of his head and asking in doubt: "Aren't you a Lieutenant General?"
"Yes, I am for now, but I've already received notification. I'm about to be promoted to Army Headquarters Admiral."
Crocodile said with a calm expression.
"Ya————"
Shukaku screamed again, opening his arms excitedly and laughing loudly: "Then I'll have an Admiral covering me from now on!"
"Yes, if you encounter someone you can't defeat in the future, remember their appearance and identity, then try your best to run, and call me."
"If you really can't escape, then find a way to open the Den Den Mushi and point it at them, so I'll know their appearance."
Crocodile gave Shukaku a very serious promise:
"I guarantee you'll see their tombstone after your rebirth!"
Shukaku nodded vigorously, moved. This feeling of being protected was truly good.
In the ninja world, no one had ever been so good to him.
Not even the Old Man Six Paths who created them.
Didn't he just watch them being imprisoned, humiliated, and harmed all these years, remaining indifferent?
"But I still hope I can become stronger myself, just how should I do it?"
Shukaku walked into the city gate, troubled.
Immediately, the art style strongly resembling Sunagakure greeted him.
"I'll help you look into it when I get back. Even if there's no way now, there definitely will be in the future, because this is the World Government..."
Crocodile exhaled a puff of cigar smoke and grinned.
"Alright, alright, then shall we start your matter tomorrow?"
"Okay."
(End of this chapter)
