## One Piece Chapter 202: The Royal Crypt - Chapter: 202 - Pages: 0-18 - Characters: Hatchan, Crocodile, Monkey D. Luffy, Nico Robin, unidentified silhouette, Mr. 7, Usopp, Roronoa Zoro, Tony Tony Chopper, Nefertari Vivi, Sanji, Pell, Tashigi, Marines ### Summary Page 0: The title page displays "Chapter 202 'The Royal Crypt'". The illustration shows Hatchan, the octopus fish-man, falling spread-eagle from the sky towards the ocean surface. His six arms and two legs are outstretched as he plummets downward. A small fish pokes its head out of the water below, watching him fall. Text at the bottom reads: "HACHI'S OCEAN FLOOR STROLL VOL. 17 'IN SEARCH OF THE LEGENDARY TAKOYAKI RECIPE'". Page 1: Crocodile stands triumphantly over the desiccated, mummified body of Monkey D. Luffy. Crocodile holds Luffy by the collar, saying, "WHAT A PERFECT WAY FOR YOU TO DIE..." The scene shifts to the large clock tower in the city square, ticking ominously. Text boxes narrate: "This courtyard and the entire palace square will be engulfed by an explosion..." "And in just 6 minutes," Crocodile looks down from the high palace wall, a cruel smile on his face. "Celebrate the coming of the new king of this sandy country..." He releases his grip, letting Luffy's lifeless-looking body plummet over the edge. "And celebrate..." "Rest easy down here," Crocodile says as Luffy falls towards the ground far below. Page 2: Luffy's shriveled body tumbles down the side of the massive palace wall. Crocodile watches for a moment, saying, "Sorry, But I'm in a hurry..." He turns his back on the falling boy, his large coat billowing. "The royal crypt was West from here if I recall..." "...Now then, I should get going too." Crocodile grins, confident in his victory. Suddenly, a massive geyser of water shoots straight up from below, narrowly missing Crocodile as he leaps back with a shout of "DODGE!" The water splashes harmlessly onto the palace balcony, leaving Crocodile startled by the unexpected eruption. Page 3: A close-up shows Luffy's desiccated, wide-eyed face as he falls. A voice echoes, "YOU MISSED..." As Luffy plummets, two large, spherical bubbles of water fall alongside him, having been launched into the air by the geyser. The water bubbles descend towards the palace grounds. Luffy hits the sandy ground, bouncing slightly, and a loud gulping sound is heard as he seemingly swallows the falling water. A massive splash erupts over the palace entrance as the rest of the water crashes down, flooding the area. Page 4: Luffy suddenly sits up, his body completely rehydrated and back to normal. He yells with wide eyes and a huge open mouth, "GASP! I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA DIE FOR A SECOND THERE!" He looks up at the high palace balcony where he was dropped. "He's gone..." "Dammit!" Luffy sits cross-legged on the ground, panting heavily as he recovers from his near-death experience. His expression hardens into one of fierce determination. "I'M NOT GONNA LET HIM GET AWAY!" He jumps to his feet and turns to run. "But I saw him flying that way!" he says, sprinting off in pursuit of Crocodile. Page 5: A wide view shows the grand, ancient entrance to a temple. A text box reads: "West of the Palace: Royal Crypt". Inside, Nico Robin and Crocodile descend a long, dark stone staircase. Robin says, "The criminal world is far bigger than you might think. Even if you are the king of one alliance state in the World Government, Most aren't even aware of its existence." She glances back at him. "You're not the only one aware of such secrets." Crocodile follows her down the hidden staircase. Robin continues, "The poneglyph is housed deep down in an underground chamber." She looks over her shoulder with a knowing smile. "And why he cannot kill me... Yes... That is why Crocodile partnered up with me," Crocodile glares at her, asking pointedly, "Can you... Read the poneglyphs?" Page 6: Robin continues walking down the stairs, her back to Crocodile. "I'm sure you hadn't the faintest idea that there were still people on this world who could decipher those runes. You're not at fault, however." Crocodile looks serious and uncertain. "I do not know..." Robin asks, "Am I wrong?" She smiles confidently. "The poneglyph in this country most likely holds the location to Pluton," She then looks back sharply, her expression turning serious. "Don't make me laugh! Protect...?" She continues, "That is all it means to us. It has been the duty of the royal family of Alabasta for generations to protect this thing." Crocodile looks shocked, sweat forming on his face as he processes her words. Page 7: Robin and Crocodile reach the bottom of the stairs and enter a massive, cavernous underground chamber. The room is supported by enormous pillars covered in hieroglyphs, and large statues of creatures sit on either side of a grand doorway. Robin looks around, impressed. "What a grand tomb this is....It's further back inside behind the doors." She smiles, saying, "Ah, yes..." As they look towar...