When word reached Roger and Gaban that the Hell Pirates were on their way, the two didn't bat an eye. Tonight, they could drink without a care. After all, the Hell Pirates and Vesper Pirates were both top-tier crews, and for now, they were nominal allies.
A full-blown war was unlikely, especially with the mighty Rocks Pirates still lurking, eyeing control of the entire New World.
...
On the ship, Shirokiri surveyed his battered crew with a sigh. Three officers with bounties over 100 million Belly, plus thirty-some elite fighters with bounties ranging from 20 to 90 million—handpicked from the Vesper Pirates' best! How could they lose to Roger's ragtag band of twenty-odd pirates? Were Roger's crew that much stronger?
The truth stung. His elite fighters were bruised and beaten, and that was without the gold-rimmed glasses Conqueror's Haki wielder or the shades-wearing double-axe warrior joining the fray.
It was clear now: the Roger Pirates were a crew of all elites, bursting with talent. In terms of raw potential, they outshone even the Ice Demon Pirates and Butcher Pirates. If the Butcher Pirates ever fell, Roger's crew could easily claim the title of the New World's top contender.
Shirokiri yearned for a crew of such caliber, but as a mere officer under the Vesper Pirates, he was stuck. Pirates with 200-million-Belly bounties could be regular officers in the Vesper Pirates—why would they settle for being crewmates on his ship?
His three 100-million-plus officers were assigned by the father himself. At this rate, even if Brook and his crew returned, Shirokiri wouldn't stand a chance at catching Angelie!
Was fate dooming him to a life of solitude?
He'd finally gotten a shot at Angelie while the Hell Pirates were out of the New World, but even strong-arming her was impossible now, thanks to this Roger Pirates crew popping up out of nowhere!
As he mulled over calling for backup, his Den Den Mushi rang. It was Orion, and the news was golden: Orion and Brelco were speeding over to assist. All he had to do was share his location!
Shirokiri's heart leaped.
"The heavens are on my side! Angelie, you're mine!" With Orion and Brelco's help, they could take down both the Roger Pirates and the Edward Pirates.
He ordered the ship to dock at a nearby island for the night, resting up to await Orion's arrival. He just hoped Angelie and Roger's crew wouldn't slip away in the meantime.
But with Orion's Wind-Wind Fruit speeding up their ship—famous for its breakneck pace—they wouldn't escape for long.
Shirokiri grinned, already picturing tomorrow's victory: capturing Angelie and maybe even strong-arming the Roger Pirates into submission!
...
Meanwhile, the Golden Ark soared through the skies at full speed. In the strategy room, lit up like a festival by glowing Lamp Shells, Brook, Redfield, Shiki, and Linlin sat around a table, each clutching oversized gold-trimmed playing cards.
This wasn't just any card game—it was a battle of wits, where Observation Haki was fair game. The goal? Sharpen their focus, memory, and even glimpses of the future while countering Redfield's mind-reading Observation Haki.
Sniper Silva was off to the side, quietly coaching Kaido and Tiger in mind-reading and heart-probing techniques. The two youngsters, being the weakest and youngest, could practice without risking a beating if caught!
"Redfield, ever since I found out your Observation Haki can read minds, you've seen right through my ambitions. It's damn embarrassing!" Shiki growled, chomping his cigar. "So I've been training my own Observation Haki to block your snooping. Let's see you peek into my head now, huh?!"
Shiki's Observation Haki clashed with Redfield's, much like a duel of Conqueror's Haki. Observation Haki could interfere with itself, disrupting an opponent's focus. Red-haired Shanks' Conqueror's Haki could even nullify future-sight Observation Haki, rendering it useless.
Against a focused Shiki, who knew his tricks, Redfield struggled to read his thoughts clearly. If an enemy was unaware of Redfield's mind-reading, even Admirals or top-tier pirates could fall victim. But Shiki, a master of his own Haki, was a tough nut to crack.
"You think you can keep that Haki shield up forever, Shiki?" Redfield smirked. "I'm the one on offense. You're stuck defending. Sooner or later, I'll catch a glimpse of your little secrets."
Brook, in his state, was immune to Redfield's probing—his soul was unreadable. Redfield wouldn't dare spy on his revered captain anyway. Linlin's Soul-Soul Fruit was another headache; her countless soul fragments created a jumble of thoughts, impossible to parse.
This card game was the only time Redfield used his mind-reading on the crew, and even then, it was just for fun. Brook had set clear rules when Redfield joined: no casual mind-snooping on crewmates. New recruits were the exception—Redfield could peek into their secrets, but only on Brook's orders.
With all four players' Observation Haki clashing and interfering, no one could predict the others' moves. It came down to skill and luck in a fierce, honest showdown.
...
Outside, navigator Shakky was on night watch, keeping an eye on the New World's wild weather to ensure the Golden Ark's swift flight. Stussy shadowed her, picking up tips on using the high-tech gear from Weather Island. A little extra knowledge never hurt!
...
On Squid Island, Angelie and Bul joined the Roger Pirates' raucous celebration. Today, many of Roger's crew had taken down opponents with higher bounties than their own. Their bounties were sure to skyrocket soon!
After trailing Captain Roger for so long, this battle was their most thrilling yet. They could finally shed the "Supernova" label and claim their place as a true New World powerhouse.
It wasn't easy. Between all the adventuring and sightseeing, they'd almost forgotten they were pirates! What kind of pirate doesn't fight and chase higher bounties?
Angelie, meanwhile, was deep in thought. The Roger Pirates were strong—so why didn't Captain Brook try to recruit them? Why treat them as equals? Was it because of their two Conqueror's Haki wielders?
But the Hell Pirates had four Conqueror's Haki officers. No one should be untouchable.
Was there some secret about the Roger Pirates that made Brook value them so highly?
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+280 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg