Shiki clenched the cigar between his teeth, biting down in agitation. His mind was anything but calm. Ever since entering the New World, he had been relentlessly pursued by Rocks, the reigning overlord of these seas.
Even his Flying Pirates had been scattered, leaving him as nothing more than an empty title with no real power. Yet, the Marines seemed to acknowledge his ability to escape from Rocks, increasing his bounty multiple times. It had risen from 440 million to 500 million Belly, a significant leap.
But now, as he looked at the bounties of Brook's Hell Pirates, he couldn't help but feel mocked. His bounty was nothing compared to theirs—it was the same as some of Brook's new recruits. Could Brook really be that strong?
Back in Sabaody Archipelago, Brook had barely been able to withstand a few dozen moves from him. And now, even Brook's crew members were on his level?
"Captain Shiki, our reputation has fallen, and it's getting harder to recruit strong crew members. Why don't we join the Hell Pirates instead? You and Brook have some history, after all..."
Skaredo hesitated as he made the suggestion, bracing himself for a potential beating.
"Are you insane?! I'm a Conqueror's Haki user! A born king!"
Shiki's glare was like that of an enraged lion. If it weren't for Skaredo's unwavering loyalty, he would have already cut him down.
"But Captain, Brook's crew has two other Conqueror's Haki users now—Redfield, and Charlotte Linlin. They're monsters. And their ship can fly!"
Skaredo couldn't hide his admiration. Brook's crew was a gathering of powerhouses, their potential boundless. And Brook himself... he was a man full of wisdom and secrets.
"No! I will surpass them with my own strength and become the strongest!"
Shiki refused to accept the idea of serving under another. He desired powerful allies, yes, but not at the cost of his pride.
"Captain, our situation is dire. Have you ever heard the famous saying, 'If you can't beat them, join them'?
Centuries ago, Durant, the former wielder of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, was defeated by the Warrior Pirates—the strongest crew of that era. Rather than perish, he joined them. Eventually, he rose to become their leader, ruling the seas for years.
If we join the Hell Pirates, you could train and surpass Brook. When the time is right, you might even take over the crew and lead several Conqueror's Haki users yourself!
Or do you believe you're weaker than Durant?"
Skaredo's words wrapped around Shiki's mind like a curse. Join, grow stronger, and seize control...
As for why they wouldn't join Rocks instead? That was obvious. They refused to bow to the man who had shattered their dreams and destroyed their crew.
Brook, on the other hand, had some history with Shiki. If Shiki could surpass him, perhaps Brook, being the wise man he was, would step aside voluntarily. That would make taking control far easier.
The more he thought about it, the more tempting it became. Yet, there was still a shred of pride holding him back.
"This doesn't feel right... Wouldn't that make me a faithless pirate? I follow the code of the seas!"
Deep down, Shiki believed he could surpass Brook on his own. But if Brook refused to step down when the time came, things could get complicated.
"Captain Shiki, Brook is too smart for that. He wouldn't oppose us. Besides, by the time we've built our strength within the Hell Pirates, we'll have gathered enough followers to strike out on our own.
If we declare our independence, I doubt Brook would force us to stay. He values alliances over control."
Skaredo continued laying out his argument, always assuming Shiki would surpass Brook in the end. With enough strength, followers would flock to them naturally. And then, they could break away.
But if Shiki never became stronger than Brook, they'd remain under his flag.
Not a bad outcome, really.
Skaredo found himself considering the idea more seriously. A stable life within the Hell Pirates sounded far better than their current fate—endless running.
At least Rocks' destruction of the World Dark News meant they were no longer under constant surveillance by those damn bald eagles. The three major pirate powers had shifted their focus away from them, giving them breathing room.
Rocks had, in a twisted way, done them a small favor.
"This... actually isn't a bad idea. We can use the Hell Pirates to regain our foundation. When the time is right, I'm sure Brook won't stand in my way!"
Though the idea of serving under another left a bitter taste in his mouth, it was far better than joining one of the three ruling pirate crews, where escape would be impossible. With Brook, there was room to negotiate.
The perfect scenario? Brook himself recognizing Shiki's superiority and stepping down. With the Hell Pirates under his command, Shiki could challenge Rocks and finally take his rightful place as king of the seas.
He could already see it—Brook bowing before him, the Hell Pirates following his lead, and Rocks crushed beneath his might. The Flying Pirates, reborn!
"Shihahahaha!"
Shiki burst into laughter, completely lost in his grand vision.
Skaredo, watching him, felt a mix of amusement and dread.
'Captain... I really hope you can surpass Brook. If not, this could be a disaster.'
With Shiki's intelligence, things weren't looking promising. Had he just led his captain straight into a trap?
Well, at least joining the Hell Pirates guaranteed safety and opportunity. That was something, at least.
Hopefully, he hadn't just doomed his captain to spend a lifetime as Brook's subordinate.
'I was just making a suggestion... Yeah, just a suggestion. In the end, fate is in Captain Shiki's hands. Hopefully, he'll prove himself a true lion, not just a fool chasing a dream of kingship...'
Skaredo sighed, bracing himself for whatever came next.
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+122 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg