I the King of bandits of the East Sea

Chapter 247 Knowing the Real Self

"You couldn't be saying that Crocodile used to be... a woman?"

Sig couldn't help but ask.

As soon as these words came out, Dragon, who had been listening quietly beside them, suddenly looked up, his gaze filled with astonishment.

Only Ivankov remained relatively calm. He looked at Sig and slowly nodded.

At this moment, Sig felt as if something had exploded in his head, leaving him completely stunned.

Regarding Crocodile's secret, there had been many speculations in his previous life.

The most believed and well-known speculation was that Crocodile's gender was actually female...

The basis included the camel Eyelashes, which only carried women but had been ridden by Crocodile; Crocodile's delicate appearance as a child; the earring worn only on the right ear; during Roger's execution, among the future Shichibukai onlookers, only Crocodile showed just his back; such a formidable figure didn't flinch even when facing Whitebeard, yet was threatened into submission by the Okama King...

But these were ultimately just speculations, without solid proof.

"Ivankov, are you serious?"

Dragon seemed to have heard this for the first time as well, and couldn't help but ask.

"Dragon, even you don't believe it?"

Ivankov sighed softly, his fingernails suddenly lengthening and piercing his own side.

"Female Hormones!"

Instantly, his body rapidly changed. His large, intimidating face gradually shrank to a normal size, his originally strong physique became slender, and his body curves became graceful.

The female version of Ivankov, apart from the slightly abrupt makeup and blue afro, looked much more pleasing to the eye than the male form.

Ivankov blinked:

"Dragon, we've known each other for more than a day or two. You know, although the female form is good, during battle, I mostly use the male form."

"For example, the power of Hell Wink can only be maximized in the male form."

As he spoke, Ivankov injected himself again, effortlessly changing back into his male form.

"Dragon, do you still remember the Koushirou father and daughter from the Isshin Dojo in Shimotsuki Village, East Blue?"

Ivankov asked again.

"Do you mean Crocodile's situation is similar to Kuina's?"

Sig asked from the side, recalling the little girl he had entrusted the chainsaw to.

Ivankov turned to look at Sig and continued:

"Mr. Sig, back then, to convince Kuina, you cited the pinnacle of pirates, one of the Yonko, Big Mom Charlotte Linlin, as an example, trying to prove that female swordsmen could also reach the top of the world."

"But...."

"Anyone who has dealt with Big Mom knows what kind of monster she is."

"She's not an ordinary person at all; she's a steel balloon born different from others. She can't even be considered a normal woman."

Ivankov said seriously.

"If Kuina-sweetie wants to become the world's strongest swordsman as a woman, it is extremely difficult."

Sig was still a bit dazed.

"So... Crocodile also sought you out in his early years for this reason, to be turned into a man?"

Ivankov nodded slowly and firmly.

"I am the user of the Horu Horu no Mi, capable of producing hormones that exist or do not exist in the human body."

"But the female hormones and male hormones I use most often actually exist in both men's and women's bodies."

"The existence of these two hormones not only affects a person's physical development but also has a subtle influence on their mental state."

Sig understood slightly and nodded.

The influence of hormones on human psychology was already established content in biological science.

"That guy, Croco-BOY, sought me out in his early years, asking me to use male hormones on her."

"Her reason was that the female body was a burden to her. She wanted to become stronger, to become... the Pirate King."

Speaking of this, a hint of wistfulness appeared in Ivankov's eyes.

"But Croco-BOY, who had such determination, ultimately lost to Whitebeard."

After hearing all this, Sig was silent.

Crocodile indeed possessed the demeanor of a formidable figure, never backing down from anyone.

But after losing to Whitebeard, he did indeed shift his focus to pursuing ancient weapons and establishing the so-called "Utopia."

Not long ago, Sig had even refuted Crocodile, saying that after losing to Whitebeard, he had become much weaker, no longer pursuing personal strength and instead seeking Pluton.

"So that's how it is..."

Sig sighed.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's quickly help Crocodile return to her original appearance."

Sig's breathing became slightly heavier, feeling a little excited just thinking about it.

A strong sense of mission suddenly arose in his heart.

Yes.

This was a lost lamb who had hesitated on the path of gender for many years... It was time to let Crocodile recognize her true self and face her inner heart.

Before long, the three arrived in front of Crocodile's cell.

However, as they were about to enter, Dragon stopped.

"Ivankov, I'll wait outside."

Dragon hesitated for a moment and said.

Ivankov and Sig nodded, and the two pushed the door open and entered.

"Crocodile."

"It's time for you to recognize your true self and face your inner heart."

The corners of Sig's mouth curled up slightly.

Crocodile, bound by Seastone shackles, suddenly looked up, his gaze incomparably sharp, unrestrained killing intent pouring onto Sig.

Hearing these words and seeing Ivankov's arrival, how could Crocodile not understand what was happening?

"Sig, Ivankov, you two bastards..."

"Do you want to destroy my pirate career?"

Crocodile let out a low, beast-like growl from his throat.

His breathing also became slightly heavier, but sweat gradually appeared on his forehead.

Ivankov, however, appeared very calm, walking over with a peaceful expression.

"Hmm? Is this your attitude?"

"No matter what, I'm the doctor who saved your life more than once."

Crocodile snorted coldly, his low panting accompanied by beast-like eyes glaring fiercely at Ivankov.

"It seems I shouldn't have agreed to your request back then."

Ivankov sighed softly.

"Your personality has become twisted countless times compared to back then...."

"Crocodile," Sig maintained a smile on his face, speaking in a calm tone:

"Collapsing after one defeat, thinking you can become stronger just by changing gender?"

"If your pirate career is destroyed so easily, it just proves that you're merely a man... woman of that level."