After hearing Diger talk about the island division plan that the three captains had agreed upon, not only were the four major fighters furious, but even Brook felt this old bastard was black-hearted. His chest was burning with frustration and rage.
"The three captains are seriously stingy! I could tolerate just five islands, but all five are backwater dumps with no special resources? That's straight-up robbery."
Brook's tone showed obvious anger. They'd fought tooth and nail against David Kyons and took heavy hits. Just because the fight with Rocks looked brutal didn't mean they didn't risk their damn lives too!
"Weihaha~ What are you whining for? You didn't even take any real casualties! Ever consider our losses?"
Willank's loud, annoyed voice made the whole room tense. Brook noticed Xiaofeng sneering. That guy's Wind-Wind Fruit was a huge threat to Golden Island.
Brook's heart sank. Were these three pirate groups planning to turn on the Hell Pirates right after beating Rocks? No way. Diger wouldn't be that shortsighted… right?
Still, the danger was real. In the pirate world, anything could happen.
Brook looked at Willank and the others—acting like victims, begging for more rewards, pretending they were owed a few extra prosperous islands.
But Brook wasn't blind. Diger had already swayed Saracha and Willank. No point in arguing. If he kept pushing, they'd probably jump him right then and there.
Unless Brook wanted to go full rage mode and fight all three pirate crews solo, he had no choice but to eat dirt and play along.
But the Hell Pirates? Against all three of them? Hell, they couldn't even beat the Diger Pirates alone.
"Yohoho~ I get it. Fine, I'll accept your offer. Just make sure those islands are handed over soon,"
Brook said, forcing a smile.
Saracha and Willank immediately burst into laughter, praising Brook for being "so straightforward." Diger's eyes flickered coldly—clearly satisfied that Brook didn't even dare throw a few angry words.
Was this guy even a pirate anymore?
No. Diger saw Brook as nothing more than a scheming politician—deeply cunning. But regardless, the plan had worked: isolate Brook, suppress his development, and smear his name.
Fighters like Shiki and Redfield stood silently, their faces dark with suppressed fury. If Brook hadn't kept them in check, they might've already started throwing punches.
To them, it was betrayal. Land they nearly died for—given away like trash. And in return? Just five shabby, useless islands. Who the hell could accept that?
The banquet ended with fake-ass laughter. As soon as it was over, the Hell Pirates boarded the Golden Island and left Longwater Island. Behind them, laughter echoed from the banquet hall.
"The so-called new overlord tucked tail and ran!"
Jack Sparrow had wanted to talk to Brook about Teach Angel, but before he could open his mouth, the Hell Pirates were already gone.
Only when Longwater Island was far behind and safety was certain did Brook finally let out a deep sigh. He had feared that the other pirates might pull something reckless. In that moment, even he wasn't sure they'd all make it out alive.
But Brook burned the grudge into memory.
Back on Golden Island, the mood was ice-cold. The entire crew had stormy faces, seething with quiet fury.
The joy of obtaining the Devil Fruit was long gone. All that remained was bitterness and humiliation.
"Yohoho, why so salty, everyone? We'll take it all back soon enough. Let them keep those scraps for now!
You don't think we'll crush these bottom-feeders in a few years? That old geezer Diger can't protect them forever!
Besides, we've grown stronger and even snagged some Devil Fruits. Those islands weren't part of our plan to begin with. And we did rob their treasure anyway!"
Brook tried to lighten the mood, even if he was pissed off inside. It's one thing to let something go—but being forced to give it up? That stings deep.
"Brother Brook, let's drop this stupid alliance. Let's become a third force and go to war with the Overlord Alliance! We even fought Rocks—hell, I want every one of their islands leveled!!"
Shiki's eyes burned with fury. He was ready to raze island after island. If he couldn't have them, no one could.
"Shiki, we won't do anything that brings everyone's heat on us yet. But we will hunt them down one by one!
Right now, we focus on development. Get stronger."
Brook waved his hand, and the soul of David Kyons appeared—cold and powerful. Everyone felt a chill. They hadn't realized just how terrifying his soul was.
Having a spirit like that opened up a whole new realm for Brook. He'd even started planning new techniques. And now, Saracha and Diger were officially on his must-kill list.
"But, Brother Brook, I'm still mad as hell!!"
Shiki clutched his golden hair in rage, itching for revenge.
"If you're still mad, then get stronger. If we were strong enough to crush Diger today, this wouldn't have happened."
Brook said seriously. This kind of robbery wouldn't be tolerated again. Today's grudge would be repaid in blood.
"In the meantime, once we get back to Ballon Island, I'll send someone to claim those five trash islands.
This next half year to a year will be peaceful—let's use that time wisely. Our next move is heading to the West Blue to find the Castle-Castle Fruit and ancient text materials. We also need to recruit a few more elite crew members.
And—Shakky, it's on you to use our economic power to expand influence in Wano. It needs to be under our control, fast.
As for you four, master all three types of Haki. I want every one of you as strong as Diger and Saracha. For revenge, we'll need to work as one!"
Brook raised his hand high, rallying the crew to turn pain into power. They'd rise again—and crush the Overlord Alliance to avenge this insult.
"REVENGE! Wipe out the Overlord Alliance, then Rocks! The New World is OURS!!"
Shiki bellowed, his voice like thunder. They had been suppressed by Diger, Saracha, and Willank this time—but next time? They'd wipe the floor with them.
"Yohoho~ Hell Pirates are the strongest! This disgrace will be cleansed in their blood!!"
"HELL PIRATES ARE THE STRONGEST! REVENGE!!"
With that furious roar echoing, the Golden Island returned to their own territory, ready to dive into the next round of training, expansion, and all-out power growth.
----------------
On the New World Sky Island—Ballon Island.
The Hell Pirates had been resting for several days. Crews were sent to the islands compensated by Diger and Saracha to claim the rewards and raise the Hell Pirates' flag. Brook now had a large number of surrendered pirates from both the Ewald Pirates and the Siren Pirates under his command.
Most of these pirates were seasoned veterans, strong and experienced. After being screened by Redfield, Brook assigned them to guard various territories.
After a period of observation, two pirates from Ewald's remnants—Teach Angel and Bull, both with bounties exceeding 500 million berries—passed Redfield's test and earned the right to step foot on Sky Island and Golden Island.
Previously, the two had been stationed on Doragonzo Island. When Brook left on an expedition against David Kyons, they continued patrolling those familiar areas. After all, much of the current Hell Pirates' territory originally belonged to the Ewald Pirates.
The duo even crossed paths with the Roger Pirates, whom Brook had hired to protect the territory. They were stunned by the power of Roger and Rayleigh—this newly formed pirate group was stronger than Bull himself, a New World veteran!
It left both of them shaken, realizing how lacking their own strength was. They figured Brook still didn't fully trust them, which was why he'd brought in the Roger Pirates to help oversee things.
When Teach Angel and Bull arrived at Ballon Island and saw the World Economic News Agency's outpost, they were stunned. The infamous Dark News incident was still fresh in their minds.
Who would've thought Brook had the guts to secretly raise a massive intelligence organization like this? Wasn't he worried about being annihilated by the other Overlord? After all, none of the rulers wanted their secrets constantly tracked.
It would be one thing if the intelligence network were neutral—but if it were tied to an Overlord crew like the Hell Pirates, its fate would be the same as Dark News: wiped out by the Rocks Pirates.
Both of them silently agreed to keep what they'd seen on Sky Island a complete secret. There was no way they'd dare reveal it.
Seeing their expressions, Brook simply chuckled. If these two hadn't passed Redfield's mind-reading test, how could they even dream of stepping onto Sky Island?
"Angel, Jack Sparrow told me he wanted to buy you back—with a Devil Fruit and 500 million berries. What do you think?" Brook asked casually.
He looked at the stunning Teach Angel, the user of the Charm Fruit, and found her more enchanting than ever. With her elegant beauty and naturally seductive aura, she was nearly a match for the mature Stussy. But with the Charm Fruit's bonus? She outshone even her.
"Hah~, Captain Brook, I'm already a member of the Hell Pirates. Would you really sell me off like that?" Teach Angel smirked, though there was a trace of disdain in her eyes.
Her bounty was originally 500 million berries. As a Charm Fruit user, she was worth far more. Jack Sparrow was clearly underestimating her—did he really think she was worth only that much? Or did he think his Devil Fruit could compare to her power? Or maybe he believed even if she had fully awakened her abilities, she still wouldn't be on par with his so-called treasure?
Was it like the legendary Op-Op Fruit, valued at 5 billion berries, while the person wielding it was only worth a few hundred million?
"Oh, I'd hate to part with you. You're beautiful and powerful—what more could I ask for?" Brook smiled slyly. "Besides, we're short on money right now."
He pointed toward the Golden Island and the golden spaceship. His next plan was to return to the Grand Line, find someone, and move the treasure from Sky Island Shandora to Golden Island. That meant relocating the massive golden bell tower and the historical Poneglyphs.
Then he'd head to Fishman Island to retrieve two more Poneglyphs, and finally set off for the West Blue to search for the Castle Fruit and the lost O'Hara Island.
And of course, Wano Country still had a red Poneglyph, and maybe even the ancient weapon Pluton. That alone was enough reason to take over the country. Not to mention, it held an invaluable Sea Stone mine!
Of the four Road Poneglyphs, one was on Fishman Island, one on Zou (resting on Zunesha's back), one in Wano, and the last one… Well, in the original story, it was in Big Mom Charlotte Linlin's hands. That one likely came from Rocks' inheritance. It might be on Rocks' Beehive Island now—but Brook still needed to confirm that.
"Captain Brook…" Angel suddenly stepped forward and gently placed her hand on Brook's shoulder, her tone flirtatious but laced with some bitterness. "I wonder… can we still keep the name of the Ewald Pirates?"
Now that Redfield had scattered Ewald's remaining forces, most had joined the Hell Pirates and were guarding different islands. The Ewald Pirates were barely more than a name now—with only her and Uncle Bull hanging on.
She was torn—should she stick with her father's pirate name? Or should she let history fade and fully integrate into the Hell Pirates?
"That depends on your conviction," Brook replied. "The Hell Pirates are indeed short on manpower, which is why we recruited your old comrades. But I hope you'll truly become one of us."
Without hesitation, he pulled the beautiful, sultry woman into a firm hug—feeling for once what it was like to embrace someone his own size.
"Hey, Captain Brook, that's so mean! If Lady Linlin found out, she'd fry me with lightning and flames!" Teach Angel tried to wriggle free, startled. Brook had been seriously enjoying the moment, and her Charm ability didn't seem to help.
Brook's other hand slipped around her waist, and Bull, watching from nearby, took the chance to quietly disappear. If Angel could tame the 'new overlord' Brook, that was probably a win-win.
"Yohoho~ Linlin, Shakky, and the others are busy training combo techniques right now. They don't have time for us!"
Brook gave Teach Angel's rear a playful squeeze before releasing her. He didn't go overboard.
She had, after all, used her charm ability first. That's what he told himself, at least. He was just… charmed. Couldn't be helped!
"We've already joined the Hell Pirates," Teach Angel said after a deep breath, her usual calm returning quickly. "But I still want to honor my father's legacy."
"As you wish. You may keep the name Ewald. I permit you to start recruiting your own crew again."
Brook patted her gently on the head and walked off with a grin.
Teach Angel clenched her fists tightly at first… but then let go. Watching Brook's back, her expression grew complicated.
This guy pretended to be gentle, but his hands and body were as cold as ice. And yet… this feeling wasn't so bad.
She quickly ran to catch up with Uncle Bull, her steps lighter.
They would rebuild under the name of the Ewald Pirates—becoming the first official affiliated pirate crew under the banner of the Hell Pirates!
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