Golden Lion Shiki sailed through the sky aboard his floating pirate ship, accompanied by Scarlet. Their destination was Elan Island. Without a navigator, they had to navigate on the fly, constantly adjusting their course while keeping an eye out for extreme weather, which forced them to travel cautiously.
"Captain Shiki, did Brook really find Skypiea? They're planning to make it their first stronghold in the New World? That's perfect for your Float-Float Fruit!"
Blood Fist Scarlet was already looking forward to his new life as a pirate. Joining the Hell Pirates had proven to be a wise choice—now they had a base that perfectly complemented Shiki's abilities.
"An island in the sky... That's been my dream for ages. And to think Brook actually found it. Does that guy have some kind of special ability? He always seems to recruit the right people at the right time, and even the territory he takes over feels like it was preordained."
Shiki took a drag from his cigar, exhaling a cloud of smoke. Brook was becoming more and more of a mystery to him. That composed, strategic mind, the aura of a mastermind—it was truly admirable.
Back at the Sabaody Archipelago, if only he had recruited Brook onto his crew… how different things might have been. The Hell Pirates' formidable crew would have been his, and with Brook's intelligence guiding him, he wouldn't have recklessly challenged the Rocks Pirates. The Flying Pirates wouldn't have been scattered, and by now, they might have risen as one of the great pirate crews ruling the seas.
"Also, now that I've joined the Hell Pirates, don't call me Captain Shiki anymore. Switch it up—call me Shiki-san and Brook Captain."
Shiki was a veteran pirate who understood the importance of hierarchy and respect. Since he had temporarily joined the Hell Pirates, he needed to abide by the code of conduct.
"Understood, Shiki-san~"
Scarlet nodded with admiration, impressed by Shiki's consideration.
"I meant after we fully integrate with the Hell Pirates. For now, keep calling me Captain Shiki!"
Scarlet's admiration instantly vanished. His captain's EQ was as low as ever.
"Got it, Captain Shiki! Understood, Captain Shiki!~"
Scarlet, ever loyal, followed Shiki's every command. No matter what happened, to him, Shiki was always his true captain.
...
New World – Skypiea, Baron Island
After nearly two weeks of effort, the Hell Pirates, with the help of the Skypieans, had finally completed their grand base on the sky island. Under the pirates' overwhelming strength and intimidation, the Skypieans worked with surprising efficiency.
Thanks to the Hell Pirates' successful hunts, they feasted on sky beasts and fish, ensuring a steady supply of meat for the workers. As time went on, even the most reluctant of Skypieans found themselves embracing their new reality. Hard labor followed by a meal of fresh meat—some even started looking forward to it. But what truly won them over was the introduction of fresh vegetables, something they hadn't had access to before.
The concept of "vegetarianism" had never existed here. Yet now, eating vegetables had become a newfound faith among the Skypieans. All for a chance to receive ingredients from the crew's chef, Streusen, who used his Cook-Cook Fruit to create endless varieties of greens.
Even a branch of the News Agency was being established on Baron Island, thanks to the enthusiastic laborers. Brook hadn't expected the Skypieans to be swayed so easily, but Streusen's vegetables had done the trick.
Brook sent several Eternal Poses to Baron Island via the News Coo, ensuring that Mortomas would dispatch trusted subordinates to set up an economic division and intelligence network here.
Meanwhile, the Hell Pirates' three top fighters had already set their sights on the island beneath them—Elan Island. Their objective was clear: seize control and turn it into a logistics hub, supplying food and intelligence for their sky-bound operations.
"Redfield, how's the progress with the Den Den Mushi jamming ability I asked you to develop using Antonio's Devil Fruit?"
Brook turned to Redfield and Antonio, eager for an update.
"With your guidance, Captain, failing would be an insult to both your intellect and my talent. Rest assured, I've successfully developed the ability to disrupt Den Den Mushi signals using my Rumble-Rumble Fruit."
Redfield smirked arrogantly. Not only could he jam signals now, but with the assistance of the Gold Ark's abundant batteries, he could extend the interference across all of Baron Island.
"Excellent. Next, we'll jam the signals on Elan Island. We'll take the island before Teach Edward even realizes what's happening!"
Every extra day they could delay Teach Edward's response meant another day for the crew to grow stronger. And with Shiki arriving soon, their chances of holding the island increased significantly.
They didn't need to defeat Teach Edward outright—just holding Elan Island was enough. With the combined powers of the Quake-Quake Fruit, Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Soul-Soul Fruit, and Float-Float Fruit, any sea battle would be overwhelmingly in their favor. Brook was determined to ensure that even if Teach Edward himself arrived, he wouldn't be able to breach their defenses.
Defend the stronghold. Keep the enemy at bay. If even Rocks had to think twice before approaching their waters, then Teach Edward—no matter how powerful—would be no different.
Whitebeard's Quake-Quake Fruit could summon tsunamis, making him the ultimate island guardian. With further training, he would evolve into a true island-destroyer. As long as enemy forces were kept off the land, Redfield's long-range Rumble-Rumble attacks would devastate their ships.
Shiki's Float-Float Fruit would turn their defense into an aerial bombardment, raining destruction upon any who dared approach. In Brook's grand vision, their defensive strategy was nearly flawless.
"Perfect. I'm itching for a fight already."
Brook's plan ignited excitement among the crew. They had finally reached a level where they could challenge the so-called emperors of the sea. For now, they had to hold the line. But once their Haki was fully honed, they would be ready to strike out and carve their own legend.
...
Elan Island
Within Teach Edward's forces, Captain Goth scowled in frustration. He had been hunting that golden-haired woman for weeks, but she remained elusive. The thought of her defiant face, her slender waist, and her perfectly sculpted curves drove him mad with desire. Unable to wait any longer, he decided to personally take matters into his own hands.
The golden-haired woman, however, remained emotionless. She had been waiting for the Hell Pirates to arrive, but they were taking their time. Her patience was wearing thin. Constantly evading these lowly pirates only fueled her growing bloodlust.
Just as she was beginning to lose hope, she spotted it—the legendary Gold Ark. Hovering directly above the island's center.
Her heart leaped, but before she could react, an explosion of electricity erupted from the ship. Massive thunderbolts crackled through the air, forming an immense web of lightning that enveloped the entire island like a birdcage...
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+122 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg