@videcoeur
Continued from here.
This was merely one of many bouts the two had. Crocodile was a stubborn and persistent man. Still Ed never stopped trying to reach out to him in his own way. Crocodile would be a strong addition to his crew and many of this children started out this way. This man didn’t waver though, he wanted none of it, at least not yet.
Maybe one day, this rookie would see how important family was and come around. Today didn’t seem to be that day though as he gazed down at the furious and frustrated expression on his face. No, today wasn’t yet the day that Crocodile would become his Son. He wasn’t quite ready to give up on him just yet though.
“Gurararara! Maybe not, but I thought you were tougher than that, brat!” The Yonko replied with a smirk and laugh. The venom that the aspiring pirate spat at him not even reaching him. Rather Whitebeard took it in stride like a pro.
“I could have.” Ed agreed curtly. Leaving it at that and not elaborating more. To kill the man would be a waste. The lingering question of why was left on purpose. The Emperor wanted it to give Crocodile something to reflect on. A reason to stick around to find the answer and eventually grow into the idea of joining his family.